LiL B's "I'm Gay" Album Receives Death Threats and Praise from Lupe

Lupe Fiasco was spotted on Twitter giving praise to LiL B's "I'm Gay" album. Meanwhile, The Young Turks Network reported that upon announcing the title of the new album, he received death threats from his fans!

Here's the deal- Lupe stated in a tweet (today), "I actually think callin his album "I'm Gay" is GENIUS & Revolutionary, the cover is Genius, some brave sh@t...AND he spittin REAL sh@t...I actually think callin his album "I'm Gay" is GENIUS & Revolutionary, the cover is Genius, some brave sh@t...AND he spittin REAL sh@t."

Well, to put it all in perspective, the California native might just be expressing his liberal views on life and hip-hop. And what has it done? Yup, you guessed it: controversy to 3rd degree.


MTV reports that the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defemation criticized LiL B's album title. Maybe, just maybe they did that because- you guessed it- he's not gay! Via MTV, LiL B clears the record:
 "I'm very gay but I love women. I'm not attracted to men in anyway. I've never been attracted to a man in my life. But yes, I am gay. I'm so happy. I'm a gay heterosexual male."

This has to be our most eyebrow raising blog of the month! Okay, the death threats were inappropriate, but it's reasonable to see why gays would find this offensive.  In other words, it's easy to perceive that LiL B is simply using a alternative sexual orientation as a means to bring attention to himself.  So if you hate Kanye because of his class clown tactics, you probably won't like LiL B- same thing, different approach.

If you want to say it's revolutionary, I would have to say in what way, especially considering that gays leading defamation organization opposed this expression. Oh, don't forget Lupe has a new album out too and just recently made the national press for calling Obama a terrorist. With that said, the only sense I can make out of any of this is: controversy sells.

Jill Scott Tops the Billboard Charts

 What can we say here at ABL- Jill Scott is simply on fire and we're not ashamed to do three blogs on her in one month!

 Jill Scott's fourth studio LP has placed her in what was previously uncharted territory: The Light of the Sun is number one on the Billboard charts. In her first week, consumers purchased 135,000 copies. Without question, Scott is deserving of this kind of reward- after all, she's a hard worker and nothing short of a trend setter.

While we're speaking of accomplishments, the single So in Love made Time Magazine's 2011 best of summer music list. So in Love also has the number one spot on Urban Adult Radio. Is this what it takes to finally have a performance at the BET Awards (Pun intended BET)? At anyrate, it's good to see Jilly from Philly shine and throw another award next to the three Grammys she has.

Mixtape Friday: Rapsody- Thank H.E.R. Now

North Carolina's brightest female emcee, Rapsody is back with a new street album.With production from 9th Wonder and Khrysis, you'd be a fool not to download this one.

Then again, if you feel Nicki Menaj is the best female emcee out, this one may not be for you.  You know the deal-click on the album cover to listen or download.

DMX: The Dog is Back?

Here's the deal- DMX, according to several sources, will be released from incarceration on July 13th. Moreover, he's already discussing a new reality show named "X-tended Family." The 40 year old emcee, hopefully, will stay out of trouble this time around- after all, he has 10 children to feed. Meanwhile his Ex is about to cash in on a upcoming "tell all" book.

Did I mention he doesn't like Drake or Jay-Z?

As you can imagine, many are wondering will his new album, "Redemption of the Beast," (release date TBA) resurrect X back to the days where he was considered one of the greatest emcees of his era. Only time will tell. In the jail house interview with Vibe Magazine, X was asked about the state of hip-hop. Here was his answer and I think he hit the bulls eye:

The name of the game is ‘Get In Where You Fit In, BUT Fit In.’ And for some people fitting in is blending in and doing what everyone else’s doing. For others, fitting in is just knocking niggas out the way. And that’s me. That’s how I’m going be at it. I’ve got my fanbase. -Vibe Magazine

Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton land the 10 Spot on Billboard's R&B Charts

 Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton slid into Billboard's Hip-Hop and R&B's top ten (landing at number 10, up one from last week) with her new single, So in Love.  This is a good sign for Scott- her album was just released two days ago. And don't forget  Scott is the headliner at the Budweiser Superfest.  Who's opening up for her? How about Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, Doug E. Fresh, and Jazzy Jeff on the turntables.  The tour kicks off July 26th and all you have to do is click here to check the locations.

LoKey Throwback: X Clan- Return From Mecca

With one Google search of the keyword "X Clan," one can discover a revelation: X Clan dropped an album in 2007.  Return from Mecca dropped on the independent label, Suburban Noize Records. Do we have to explain why it got no publicity? Of course not. But let it be known that so called "conscious" rap music is still being manufactured.

The hard cold facts is that major labels are very reluctant, at best, to financially support these types of emcees. Thus, many of these acts are forced to go independent. The unfortunate kick back is it limits the number of  people that will hear what they have to offer to the hip-hop genre. Thats why this blog is here- to shine light not only on hip-hop in general, but to give respect and admiration for artists who strive to be different and communicate a well rounded message as opposed to what is "popular" in today's hip-hop market. Enjoy the track Voodoo from X Clan and reminisce on the Golden Age of hip-hop where groups like X Clan could be heard on radio stations all across America.

New Leak: KooL Keith's Single for New Album

 

Kool Keith is back with a new single entitled "The Game is Free." We've always loved Kool Keith- after all he's independent and original.  But he clearly lost us on this single for his upcoming "Love and Danger" album featuring Keith Murray, Mr. Sche, Megabone, The I.M.O & more. We hope this isn't an indicator of what the album will be like.