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.