Apple to sign Jay-Z...

-It seems Apple, creator of the way the majority of the American public now listens to music, is going to enter the record industry. According to various sources, they are signing former Def Jam president, Jay-Z, to run their label. Now many have been talking about Apple Corps' deal with Apple in 1990, however, according to a 2003 settlement, Apple has rights to all of the logos, etc. It will be interesting to see how this move by Apple will affect the major labels as in they may be the first to solely distribute music digitally, almost overnight revolutionizing the music industry. For good or for bad, who knows? My personal opinion, if done right this can be good, in that if you eliminate the pressing of albums, the potential is there for artists to make more royalties on their music.

-In related news, Chuck D of Public Enemy has publicly expressed interest in being Def Jam president. More on this at a later date, but I personally feel Chuck D wouldn't be a good match for Def Jam.

-Everyone's favorite ghostwriter, Skillz released his 2007 rap up video, but needless to say he should just kill this gimmick as it gets worse every year. This year's song in my opinion was boring and not as original as the previous rap ups. Anyways, here's the video for you to decide.


-Anyways with that I leave with a list of albums I'm excited for this year.

-The New D12 Album
Reported to have features from three 6 mafia, Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, and Trick Trick with production from Dr. Dre, Hi-Tek, Eminem, Mr. Porter and others this album should definitely be fire even with the death of Eminem's right-hand man, Proof. Bizarre, of D12, has stated that the album is tentatively titled "The Ambition" and will be released in April.

-The New Eminem Album
This long-rumored album is said to be completed already by the likes of Obie Trice. Not much is known about the album, but expect it to be some of his best work yet as he has a lot of topics to cover such as the death of Proof, the second divorce from Kim, and more problems with his mother. Also, expect production from himself as well as Dr. Dre and collaborations with Shady Records members and T.I.

-The New Obie Trice Album
Seems like it's going to be Shady Record's year this year as they have yet another huge release coming with Obie Trice's junior effort, Bottom's Up supposedly being released this year. Obie has said to expect it after Eminem's album. Also expect beats by Eminem on this as well.

-50 Cent's New Album
The album is said to be titled Before I Self Destruct and should feature the likes of Justin Timberlake and Akon and is expected to be released in April or May of this year. 50 Cent has said this is to set up a whole new concept of albums for him. Looks like 50 Cent isn't sticking to his word when he said if Kanye West outsold him, he'd retire.

-Tech N9ne's New Album
Expect nothing but heat from the tentatively titled "Killer" that is expected to drop this year. In my opinion, Tech N9ne is one of the most underrated rappers out there and this is probably the album I'm most excited for this year. Expect features from the Strange Music family and possibly the likes of Krayzie Bone.

-The Game's New Album
Said to be titled "LAX" and rumored to be his final album, expect nothing but heat on this album as The Game is supposedly reuniting with Dr. Dre on his junior release. While at Nas' New Year's Eve Concert, The Game also stated the album is to be released in June.

-Now I may have missed some albums on this list, but off the top of my head, those are the album's I'm excited for. The albums that I'm not excited for are the one's from whoever the next flavor of the month or whatever is. Who knows what ridiculous song/dance will be coming this year. Hopefully none.

Up And Coming Rappers

-As a present for the new year, I have compiled a list of unsigned/independent rappers that I think you need to listen to. A couple of these guys are fairly well known while the majority of them are not. So if you enjoy mainstream hip hop, you should like this group of artists.

-Wrythm - Hailing from Texas you would expect this emcee to be talking about vogues, swangers, screw, and lean but upon first listen you realize this is not the case. Wrythm has more of an east coast style and it serves him well. I have been a fan of his for a long time and even when does songs over traditional southern beats, he's more along the lines of Chamillionaire content-wise. He makes you think. He makes you listen. With a little more drive, he probably could have made it somewhere quite easily. Sadly, however, Wrythm has retired his microphone to pursue other adventures. However, you can still find his music at his myspace site http://www.myspace.com/wrythm
His must hear song: "My Favorite Song"

-Koffee Blakk - Another emcee/singer that can fall into the category of lacking drive to push himself to the full potential marketing wise is Koffee Blakk. Hailing from the Virgin Isles, this artist has been producing great songs for a few years now. I really don't want to spoil anything, but this man can sing as well as rap and he does both very well. You can find his music at http://www.soundclick.com/d2productions and http://www.myspace.com/blakkvi
His must hear song: "What Do I Do"

-Eddie Mayne - Now, I shouldn't really put this man up here because he's a personal friend of mine, but his talent and drive are undeniable. This rapper has the style of Bone Thugs mixed with T.I. and sounds extremely polished on the microphone. If you like hip hop, you had better like this rapper. You can check his music out at http://www.mystpace.com/eddiemayne
His must hear song: "Dance With The Devil"

-DZK - Controversial. I would say that's the best way to describe DZK. Hailing from Virginia, it seems like this mans goal is to just spit heat and not worry about a deal. He appeals mainly to the Juggalo-type listener, however, this man can straight up rip the microphone. Also, don't dare think about starting a beef with this man because like another white emcee, eminem, he will verbally end your career before it even starts. You can find his music at http://www.soundclick.com/dzk
His must hear song: Listen to them all, they're all good.

-Fokissed - This emcee makes me almost have to take back my previous comment about DZK killing careers because this man beefed with DZK and survived it. At one time, Fokissed was the next big emcee on the net, winning a contest sponsored by some car company or something (can't really remember the details). Anyways, not much has been released from Fokissed in the past year, but you can find his music at http://www.soundclick.com/fokissed
His must hear song: "You Must Be Mistaken"

-B.Lazey - Like Kia Shine this next artist both produces and raps. So to sum him up he's Kia Shine but with the swagger of Lil Wayne and the style of Pretty Ricky (in that he makes bedroom music). However, even he will admit he's too Lazey to self-promote like many emcees have done, so his career is pretty much a standstill despite his immense talent. Check his music out here.
His must hear song: "Video Game" (Remake of a Bow Wow song)

-Jon Young - It seems Florida is blowing up the music scene this year with the likes of Flo-Rida, T-Pain, Grind Mode, and Pretty Ricky and this man should be included on this list. From Orlando, Florida, Jon Young is a mix of T-Pain and Flo-Rida in that he raps and sings. He also produces and makes some fire beats. If you enjoy what T-Pain and Flo-rida have been doing you will enjoy his music. Check him out at http://www.myspace.com/jonyoungmusic
Must hear song: "Just Chill"

-John Brown - Almost killed his career himself by being ridiculous on egoTrip's The (white) rapper show, this man has skill and an education to back it up. A graduate from University of California, this rapper is the self-proclaimed "King of Da Burbz" and needless to say he may be good enough to claim that. His music almost reminds me of Dipset mixed with the Beastie Boys frat rap style, and even if you hate his music you have to respect his grind. Along with a couple other people, John Brown has created a successful brand "Ghetto Revival" and blew it up on national television. You can find his music at http://www.myspace.com/johnbrownghettorevival
Must hear song: "Keg Party"

Honorable Mentions:
Promise - http://www.myspace.com/promisenyc
Nokas - http://www.myspace.com/nokas
Cap Kontio - http://www.myspace.com/capkontio

Well, that's it. Watch out for more freshness tomorrow 'til then you just stay mad cuz' I'm styling on you.

Any problems with this list, you can either kiss my behind or post a comment.