Initial reports claim that Mr. West is on track to outsell 50 Cent in CD Sales. On the first day of sales, West's "Graduation" sold approximately 437,000 copies to 50 Cent's "Curtis'" 310,000.Amidst all of this, I thought it'd be a little fun to see West's hissy fit after the MTV Music Awards alongside 50 Cent's candid interview on the day of his album's release. Ironically, 50 Cent comes across as way more "human" than Kanye. I almost feel sorry for the "Gangsta"!Kanye's MTV VMA Hissy Fit50 Cent's Tired

The day has arrived: 50 Cent Vs. Kanye West! The Gangsta Vs. The College Dropout. The guy who got shot 9 times Vs. the guy who survived a near fatal car crash. The guy who brags about all the money he's got Vs. the guy who brags about all the money he's got. Who will win?! Who will lose?!No matter what happens I'm sure both of these guys will be alright financially. It would have been awesome if 50 Cent stayed true to his original promise (50 claimed that he'd retire from doing albums if K.West's "Graduation" album outsold his "Curtis" album)...but 50 Cent has long since backed off from his threat/promise.Through the advancements of modern technology, I had the benefit of listening to both albums before purchase. The verdict?I was initially disappointed with "Graduation". It was far mellower than I expected. After hearing "Stronger" I thought that Kanye was going to do some crazy Timbaland/El-P futurist beats on this album. And despite plenty of references to "Back To The Future", sonically this album was closer to "Back To The Future" Part 1 instead of Part 2 (bummer...). Fortunately, now that I've had some time to let my preconceptions go, I'm starting to really get into it.50 Cent's "Curtis" is, sadly, what I expected: mediocre on all levels. 50 Cent's delivery has become monotone and repetitive. Production is awkward and forgettable (Justin Timberlake DOES NOT go well with 50 Cent). The only track I enjoy is "Get Money" (seen below).So during lunch today, I placed my vote by purchasing some Kanye (it helps that the beautiful package design was done by Takashi Murakami!). Kanye, if you want to make a Murakami Bear Vinyl, give us a holler!:Kanye West "Can't Tell Me Nothing":50 Cent "Get Money":

Amidst all this Hip Hop hoopla about Kanye West and 50 Cent albums, I thought it was due time light was shed on the Pharoahe. Pharoahe Monch's "Desire" debuted at the end of June 2007 and has been criminally overlooked critically and financially.Pharoahe is the MC's MC. His deliveries are rhythmically complex, audibly unique, and lyrically rich. Skill wise he's leagues above mainstream successes like Kanye West and 50 Cent. "Desire" shows that even though he's been rapping for over ten years, he continues to grow as an artist both technically and artistically.Below you'll find the first single from "Desire": "When The Gun Draws"...a clever track that has Pharoahe Monch taking the perspective of a bullet. The beginning's a little slow but once the song begins it really takes it to a whole new level. I also included the Hip-Hop classic from 2000 called "Oh No!" that featured the Mighty Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, and Nate Dogg.Pharoahe's that rare breed of MC that can be politically poignant and still rock the crowd with a party anthem. Check it out:When The Gun DrawsOh No!

I'm looking forward to the new Kanye West album coming out on September 11th. Kanye seems super annoying and arrogant in his interviews...but as long as he's making good music, I can't complain. I first opened my eyes to Kanye's talent when he produced Talib Kweli's "Get By". Never in a million years would I have imagined that he'd become the "superstar" artist that he now is.His first major single, "Stronger" samples some Daft Punk. I dig the song and love the video's references to the 80s interpretation of sci-fi and Katsuhiro Otomo's "Akira". I also included Daft Punks original song so you can see how "Stronger" compares to what it sampled.Kanye West's "Stronger"Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"Edwin Birdsong's "Cola Bottle Baby" (Thank's to BONGO for the "education"!)

El-P (a.k.a. El Producto) used to be an M.C. and producer for Rawkus Records Company Flow. Since then, he's found success in the underground music scene as a rapper, producer, and record label owner of Definitive Jux Music.I'm a firm admirer of El-P's determination to audibly push the envelope of Hip-Hop music. His rhymes are super dense both rhythmically and lyrically. His productions create fascinating worlds of sound that capture life and emotion as few Hip-Hop Producers can (ones that come to mind are Timbaland and DJ Shadow).I love the atmosphere El-P creates. He's a self professed "Blade Runner" geek...which is fitting because his stuff sounds like Hip-Hop from a future cyborg-infested reality.Did I mention he could easily pass for my buddy Adrian Cruz's twin?Check out these two videos from his latest album "I'll Sleep When You're Dead" (which is awesome!):SmithereensFlyentology Featuring Trent Reznor

Man, COMMON's latest album is awesome! Common is as poetic and poignant as ever. The production (mostly by Kanye West) is excellent.Anyone who has even a remote interest in Hip-Hop should check it out! I forgot what good Hip-Hop is supposed to be like. This album did a great job of reminding me.Here are videos for the first two singles. I prefer just listening to the music, but this is the quickest way to give you a taste of what it's like.Enjoy.