Center Edge Territory

MTV Shows

Jay Electronica, Mos Def, and Curren$y coming together in a collective? I think so. Hip Hop is lookin good right about now...Peep the article.

The Kid Cudi album.

Man on the Moon: The End of the Day.
August 25th, 2009.

The Roots annonce a new album...!!!

n speaking with XXL Magazine the other day, The Roots revealed plans for their ninth studio album to be released this summer. The Legendary just don't stop! Black Thought tells XXL that the new album will be called How I Got Over, a celebratory album which will reflect the story of triumph that is The Roots. The title is a direct reference to the gospel song by Mahalia Jackson that shares the same name, and was the initial inspiration for the record. For more on The Roots, their newest move to late night TV, and their weekly jam session in NYC, read the full article here.

Hip Hop and ya don't stop!

Nas + Damian Marley = ??

So apparently Nasir Jones and Damian "Jr Gong" Marley are supposed to be doing a collabo album together called "Distant Relatives". Its due to drop June 23rd...should turn out pretty promising...

The album features the signature instrumentation and musicianship of Marley with the hard hitting beats and lyrics of Nas. Throughout the course of their musical careers, the duo has taught each other and always admired each other’s style. Since first meeting in 1996 the two artists have shared a mutual respect and camaraderie that was most recently showcased on “Road to Zion,” a standout track from Damian’s critically acclaimed album, Welcome to Jamrock. After having such a positive experience working together, they have now joined forces again for Distant Relatives.

The album title refers not only to the bond of Nas and Damian, but the bond to their African ancestry, which inspired the album both musically and lyrically. “Africa is the backbone of the world and the foundation of everything and Africans are in a situation where they need help more than anywhere else,” notes Damian Marley. “We know there are dire situations here in America but when you look at America—with public libraries and free education—these are not opportunities most Africans have. It’s a completely different scale of trying to help people. As humans beings, we’re part of a human family.”

Nas agrees, “As an American, we have so much even in a so-called recession that a neighborhood like Queensbridge or Red Hook is Beverly Hills compared to the way people are living in Nigeria, Sierre Leone, and Ghana,” says the emcee. “So obviously if we making records with that theme, there’s gonna be things I want to build on. I think Africa has a lot to teach us.”

While You Were Sleeping Review

Okayplayer gives Canto I's second album an 89 out of 100 possible points. I told you this duo is doing big things! Oh and look out for a Canto I exclusive right here at The Trolley Stop later on in the next day or so...

Click the picture to read the full review.

"8 is enough"

I'm not very into politics...I can barely stay awake during my American Government/Economics class in school, but never the less, here's a little piece of history. Barrack Obama is the face of the new America. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, our next president of the United States.

P.S. - I don't even think Rock the Bells got this much of a turn out.

A P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. Interview

What's up guys, this is Jay from Morning Tilts

I recently caught up with P.H.I.L.T.H.Y., an artist out of Michigan, and got an interview. Here's a snippet:

So let's start off with a little introduction. A lot of people may not know who you are, can you inform them?

My names P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. Just a young artist from Lansing Michigan Trying to make powerful music and have fun with it.

That's one thing that listeners really take note of when they hear your tracks, you seem to always have a message, yet you make it in a fun, and uplifting way. What's inspired you to make music that way?

First and for most God This talent is a Gift and I just want to use it the right way but I mean its not even needing inspiration to make the tracks fun I just truly encompass my personality on the track I'm way pass caring what people think of me I'm like if you aint trying to have some f-u-n f-u then lol

So you're currently working on an EP with Jansport J, how's that going?

I've got about 80 % of it written just gotta finsish a couple songs and start recording its looking real nice should be out late08 or real early 09 Its gonna be crazy

Check out the rest of the interview here


-Jay "Shogun" Santos
The Morning Tilts

Leave It All Behind....well most of it.

I had always had Foreign Exchange's first album (Connected) hidden somewhere in the vaults, and just recently I found it and finally started to really listen to it. The only way to describe it is by direct quotation from my brother: "The album of the century." Now that might be a little overboard since hes a major Little Brother fan, but Connected is a very well done album; lyrics and production. Phonte, and Nicolay make a masterful overseas (Nicolay resides in The Netherlands) duo. Ill be putting up my review and download for Connected soon.

Anyway, here is the trailer for their second collaboration Leave It All Behind. Check it out.

The Game disses a legend.

Vs.

So I think that The Game is starting to let stuff get to his head. How can you diss someone like Jay-Z...unless your like Nas haha. But seriously, The Game needs to calm down. Personally I don't like The Game too much...he doesn't really appeal to me, so you can guess who's side I'm on for this one.

"I’m too disrespectful for Jay-Z, I go to hard. His beef is mediocre beef, it’s more swag and less hardcore. Me, I go in on your grandma, your kids and your girl….it will get ugly and I don’t mind. I have a whole coast to back me. My coast will turn their backs on whoever I beef with. So basically, let me commit suicide because I’m the only cat to commit suicide and resurrect every time. So for Jay to say that about me, that’s cool man because that’s Jay-Z and I’m just lil ol Game. But if you fuck with me I’ll turn to a beast, and ill rip ya head off..bust ya lips…turn the Roc-A-Fella sign, into a pee stain… I can be a fan of Jay and still rip him limb from limb and still be a fan. After I finish him off, I’m still going to listen to Reasonable Doubt afterwards. I’ll kiss Jay goodbye with his own lips. I’m going to make him mad enough to where he has to say something."

I think that Jay-Z should be the bigger man and not even pay attention to that, don't even sweat it, but that's just my opinion. I am curious as to what he would say though...

The Find.

Alright guys, here's a little treat for you. The folks over at Musical Schizophrenia have been working on this magazine for quite a while. They also asked me to be apart of it, and I agreed. I submitted my interview with Son of Ran. The magazine came out really well, props to Heaps and the MS crew. Check me out, my interview starts on the 4th page. The magazine is in PDF format, and you can also request a printed copy if you want, but for that you have to email the MS team at thefindmagazine@gmail.com. Get to it!

The Find Magazine: Issue Zero

Transformers dos

So everyone knows how amazing Transformers the movie was. Well here's the latest on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen...

"We're going to explore the background of The Fallen — the main villain of the movie — as well as expand on the 'Reign of Starscream' story that we're doing and tie everything in to what this next movie is going to be the next movie starts out with just tons of action and there's obviously going to be a lot of questions, so we're hoping to answer some of those beforehand."

I'm excited to see what the second installment has in store for us! Can't wait!

Props to JayJay from The Morning Tilts for the heads up!

"Arriving straight with gentlemens game"

So one thing that The Trolley Stop is trying to do is bring actual interviews with the artists that are being reviewed and supported on the site. I've been working on this for the past couple days, and I think now it's the right time to share it with you all. I'm pretty excited about this. I've been communicating with one of the most intellectual and motivated emcees out there today. I am proud to present to you, Trolley Stop Entertainment's very first interview with the one and only Son of Ran.

Awesome, okay first I'd like to thank you for this opportunity, and that you've definitely been one of my favorite artist's for a while now, so this is a big thing for me haha.

To start off the interview, for those who are unfortunate, can you explain who you are and what you do?

- Whattup world? My name is Randy Tolentino and many people know me as the Son of Ran. I aim to set an example of a strong believer in God, a faithful husband to my beautiful wife Khristine, a good son, a loving brother, a kuya, a cousin... In my spare time I'm an emcee. I rep Sky City, Messanger Music fams, PnoyApparel, along with Orisue and Acrylick clothing. Basically I get an instrumental from any one of my many producers, I sit there, black out... and wake up with an album. I write and record all songs out of my crib, based on the life and experiences we go through.

So I read that you were brought up in Japan, how was that? Do you feel that it was a positive experience in your life?

- Oh yes, definitely. Being raised in Japan was such a benefit for myself and my family as well. It took me out of San Diego during my adolescence, a time when SD was going through a lot of chaos and gang violence. And living in a smaller community meant developing a healthier relationship with my immediate family. I was there for 7 years total... It was a great experience.

How long have you been into Hip Hop? And how long have you been writing rhymes?

- Hip hop was in us since the early 80's. I was born in the same year the Gorilla put a fist up (1980). Beginning at the age of 4, I spent long afternoons trying to memorize artists like LL Cool J, RUN DMC, Beastie Boys - later turning to NWA, Eazy E, House of Pain, Souls of Mischief, Bone, and Pac... any sorta 'rap'. Like most artists, I ran the gauntlet of elements going from 'breakdancing' in middle school, to graffiti in high school. It wasn't until I moved back to the states for college in 1999 that I officially began writing rhymes. Seeing my cousin John and his crew at the time (Young Guns/Dope Poets Society) really sparked the passion in me. Things haven't been the same, since.

What was your first bought Hip Hop album as a kid?

- The first album I bought? Haha well I didn't have money until my later years in elementary... it must've been Beastie Boys' License to Ill... with the sketching of a plane's tail on the front. "Here's a little story/ I got to tell about three bad brothers/ you know so well..."

When you pick up a pad and pen, what influences your writing?

- I truly get all of my inspiration from several components. My God, my Life, love, my future, and the collective human experience. When I examine these particular aspects, my approach is endless and my writing uncovers its own destiny. It's something I almost have no control over

I just have to give it time and a beat to get me goin. Most of the time, the music will hollar at you. The streets call you out. That's why when I met the Messangers and heard their sound for the very first time, it was over. I told their business manager Brandon - call it an album, consider it cake.

If you were able to collaborate with anyone in the music industry, who would it be?

- I always felt like I wanted a real shot with Genelec and Memphis Reigns. A real album. Other than that, shoot... I'd humbly ask Planet Asia to cut a gem with me (his voice is the illest), also Pep Love because his flow is impeccable. I'd also wanna get down with John Legend for soulful purposes. Who else... Typical Cats!

What is currently in heavy rotation in your iPod/computer?

- Damn, I recently bought an MP3 player and started uploading several albums to it, including: Jason Mraz, Colby Caillat, Flo Rida, Maroon 5. I always have Aesop Rock in the ride, as well as Nas...

In addition to the Street Runners album, do you have any other projects you are working on that you want to announce? Any new solo stuff for craving fans?

- I'm currently finishing the Incoming Message album with the mighty Messangers Music fam. That album is due to drop at the very end of summer or early fall for all the back-to-school cats dying for ill music. I also have a couple of shirts coming out from PnoyApparel.com, with some super-fresh designs... They're gonna be sick, I'm excited for that.

Aside from this album, I don't plan on doing a lot of writing/recording in 2008. I'm getting married in December so I'm focusing my attention on our planning. In addition to the wedding, I'm applying for HomeLand Security...

I’ve always wondered, what made you choose the name Son of Ran?

- Haha back when I used to write (graff, tag) I used the name R-son... or Arson. When I began emceeing in my freshman year of college, I manipulated it Ranson. Finally, switching it to Son of Ran. To me, it meant that if I were to take this music career seriously, I had to treat it as if it were my own seed; my own son. I'd have to teach it to be righteous, progressive, and clean music. And from there I developed my approach in hip hop.

And with that I would like to say, once again, thank you for the opportunity, it means a lot to me and your fans. Any last thoughts or shout outs?

- Aye man, thank YOU. I never take this for granted and I appreciate the cats who reach out and try to grasp what I do via music and artistry. I'd like to give special thanks to God, my parents, my siblings Fred and Arrin, Mel and Glenn, Linds and Marlon, my SD cousins and the extended fams. The Greatest of my love goes out to my beautiful and understanding wife. Thanks to the Dancel family, Leary family, Lonzons, Carinos... Rossi and Dixie my babies, the Messangers (Brandon, Mark and Jojo), F. Joachim, Evade beats, Genome, Cypher Ops and DJ Virus forever, Stat King Cole, the Maestronaut, PnoyApparel fams, Orisue Crew, Acrylick Clothing...

Special shout goes out to Electric Shockers, Ryo, IllWill, Ed, Phil, Mark, Jeff, Dean... Genelec and Memphis Reigns, Rob Grimes, Yung Lyricist, Sky City Familia, Full Clips DJ's... Manny Pac! Jah Congo, Limachips.com, HeavyRotation with Marlino, my boy Von, and last but not least, my boy Gil for making the best damn clam chowder I'll ever have in this life.

If I forgot you, no I didn't... Get the album ya'll! Incoming Message 2008.... and I'm out.


That was some brief soul with Son of Ran, I would like to thank him one more time for giving me the chance to get an interview with him. Make sure to cop Incoming Message end of summer/early fall. Check out Ran's Myspace for the updates.

Coming back with the newness!

So People Under The Stairs has announced that they are coming out with a new album soon, around early fall (septermber). The album is called Fun DMC, I personally cant wait for the drop, so i check up on their site to a get a little more info...and here's what I found:

The Fun DMC tracklisting

1. The Swan Fever
2. Step Bacc
3. Up Yo Spine (Live At The Fishbucket pt. 3)
4. Ste. For Peter Pt.1 “The Fun”
5. Ste. For Peter Pt.2 “The Grind”
6. Anotha’ (BBQ)
7. The Ultimate 144
8. Letter 2 c/o Bronx
9. Party Enemy #1
11. Enjoy
12. Gamin’ On Ya
13. Critical Condition
14. The Wiz
15. People Riddum
16. California
17. Love’s Theme #1
18. A Baby
19. Same Beat (The Wesley Rap)
20. D
21. The Mike & Chris Story

I'm genuinely excited for this...I haven't been this excited for an album since Giant Panda's Electric Laser, and Raashan Ahmads The Push. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on this.

"Rap"

Now I'm not black, but this is the truth. Today "rap" isn't what it used to be, or more over, what it SHOULD be. I feel that what I listen to, and what I am promoting on this blog, is not "rap" it is Hip Hop, a totally different genre; a genre with meaning. This video explains what today's world thinks all Hip Hop is. Lupe Fiasco, a guest on this segment, explains that "Rap" is not Hip Hop. "Rap" is the executive version of Hip Hop, the version that speaks only of money, cars, rims, women, sex, and drugs. That is what sells, and that is why Hip Hop is deplored by so many. Watch this video and you'll see what I am talking about.

This post is for those who are so closed minded, and think that Hip Hop is Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, Jim Jones, etc. THAT my friends, is not Hip Hop. If you have any thoughts on this, I'd like to her them, just drop a comment on this post, or drop them in the chat box.

"Where you at? c'mon where you at? This is the different between emceeing and rap, Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal, Emcees spit rhymes to uplift their people, peace, love, unity, having fun, these are the lyrics of KRS-One!"

-KRS-One

Lupes Thoughts on Nas' Untitled

Well, we've all heard other peoples theories and opinions about Nas' new album, but let's see what a seasoned artist such as Lupe the Fiasco thinks of it. He should know what hes talking about since he's part of the industry and all. Its a bit of a read...and I think Lupe needs to go back to school for some writing lessons, but its all good.

Full Article

Finally!

Finally some one has knocked Lil Wayne out of his number 1 spot on the billboards. Personally I cant stand Wayne, he swears hes the greatest rapper alive; haha definitely not. Finally some one who knows how to rhyme, and deserves the spot gets it. I love Nas, hes one of my favorite artists, and I consider him a legend, the pioneer of Hip Hop. Nas' album Untitled sold 187,000 copies the first week in the United States alone. His prior album Hip Hop Is Dead, sold 354,000 over the Christmas week. In my opinion Hip Hop Is Dead was better than Untitled, but I'm just glad Nas has the throne.

Full Article

A few more tweaks

So I added a couple more tweaks to the site. I added a navigation bar that will take you to the main categories of my posts, such as albums, videos, mp3s, fuckary, and gear. You can still view all of the categories on the sidebar towards the bottom of the page. I also added a new "back to top" feature that's located in the bottom right corner of the page, it's an easy way to navigate to the top of the page. I'm just trying to make the site a little more user friendly.

Keep Rockin Fresh
-Optimus

A couple new changes

So today was pretty interesting with my friend deleting all my widgets and stuff on my blog...*cough* Shogun *cough*...I'm still trying to put back everything that was in the Best of section. I made a couple little changes, like taking away the header border, and taking away the Nav-Bar, and adding a Google search bar...I hope you guys like it. Oh and now my other stops section is organized in the order of which blog has updated most recently so you can stay updated all the time. Have fun on the site, ill be posting some grade A fuego soon.

Keep rockin fresh
-Optimus Prime

A very interesting article

What The F@#K!?!?

This article shows all the W-T-F issues and concerns in hip hop today. Check it out, it gives quite a laugh.

Check out HipHopDX.com for daily hip hop news and whatnot.

Canto I!

So i was looking through my itunes, and came across Canto I, i love these guys, so sick. Anyway i went to their myspace to see how theyr doing on their new album, and its pretty much finished. They have the album artwork, AND the tracklisting. check it:

1.) 6:00 am
Produced by Chadlee
2.) Think They Know
Produced by Marco Polo
3.) One Two
Produced by Jape
4.) Pardon The Dust
Produced by Jape
5.) The Flats
Produced by Jape
6.) Same Ole' Thing
Produced by Galley
7.) To The Sky! (ft. Has-Lo)
Produced by Galley
8.) I Do Still Love H.E.R.
Produced by Marco Polo
9.) Death Connection
Produced by Chadlee & OH JEEZ!
10.) Current Status (ft. Lacy Redhead)
Produced by Chadlee
11.) While You Were Sleeping
Produced by Jape
12.) Progress
Produced by Chadlee
13.) Lets Get Up (ft. Tree Woodz)
Produced by Galley
14.) P.S. (Note To Self)
Produced by Chadlee

This album drops on july 18th and will be avalible on iTunes, Outboxrecords.com, or CDbaby.com. Support these guys! I know i will! Check out two of the songs on the album on their myspace.