Ludacris-Theater of the Mind Review

Ludacris-Theater of the Mind
Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam
Rating: 3 out of 4
By Preach Jacobs

Not many artists have the duality of Ludacris in hip-hop. The ability to have commercial appeal while being aware of the roots for so-called backpackers, Luda has the potential to impress both. At times he swayed more towards commercial acclaim, but there’s brilliant moments on his newest release “Theater of the Mind” that proves that he does in fact keeps his ears to the street.

“MVP,” the DJ Premier produced track, is arguably the best record on the album. Claiming that he’s “the first southern-rapper on a Primo track,” ‘Cris conquers the track with ease (even though Scarface and Devin the Dude have blessed Premier songs prior to the ‘Mouth of the South’). Also, the 9th Wonder produced “Do the Right Thing,” featuring Common and Spike Lee, is the perfect way to end the album. Uplifting and with boom-bap production providing proof that Luda hasn’t lost his roots. READ MORE…

Nicolay interview in The Find Magazine

sup yall? this is preach. wanted to hip you all to another publication that i'm working with out of the netherlands called the find magazine.

you can download the second issue for free (including my nicolay q&a): The Find Magazine issue 2 download. or you can go read it online. biggups.

Common Interview

Words by: Preach Jacobs

There hasn’t been an emcee that has grown in the eyes of the public as much as Common. Since his debut in 1992, Common (formerly Common Sense) has transformed into an icon, becoming a poster-child for authentic hip-hop. Now with his eighth album, Common maintains a calm demeanor about his music and other career paths. Acting is his next undertaking. The Chicago emcee has starred in blockbusters like ‘Smoking Aces,’ ‘American Gangster’ and will appear in this summer’s ‘Wanted.” It’s apparent that Common’s focus is shifting but he assures us that music is still in play.

“Right now, I want to do movies more than music. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not planning on retiring or anything from music; I just feel as an artist I want to challenge myself. Movies are just more exciting to me right now, and I’m having fun doing them.”

Even though film is taking the front seat in his career, he is confident that his new album will offer a side the public hasn’t seen with him before. After Common’s “Like Water For Chocolate” album, featuring the Grammy-Winning “The Light” produced by Jay Dee, I wondered if there was going to be more Dilla production on this new project or any other Dilla related efforts in the making. READ MORE…

Common Review 'U.M.C'

Common-Universal Mind Control
G.O.O.D. Music /Geffen Records
Rating: 3 out of 4
By: Preach Jacobs

There’s something in the water for the alternative-hip-hop artists. Everyone that’s been instrumental in the jazz-inspired-neo-soul movement is running as fast as they can in the opposite direction musically. The Roots’ sound has become more rock inspired, rappers like Mos Def would rather be in front of a camera than rap and D’Angelo hasn’t put out a record in almost nine years. Chicago based emcee Common seems to be no different as his newest project takes him furthest away from his musical comfort zone with ‘UMC’ (Universal Mind Control). READ MORE…