The Boss, Elvis & Grohl are...The Clash

"Quit Holding Out And Draw Another Breath"

A few weeks back we sorta watched the Grammys. And by sorta I mean, we bitched about the Grammys sucking, blah, blah, etc. Chuck was especially beefed after UGK and Outkast didn't win for Best Rap Collaboration. Understandable. (R.I.P PIMP C)

Somehow, in the midst of all this angst, someone, not me, pulled up this Youtube video of an absolutely balls to the wall moment in Grammy history. In this four-guitar tribute to Joe Strummer (R.I.P), Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Little Steven Van Zandy (Sylvio!) and Dave Grohl trade verses on one of the greatest, most anthemic rock and roll songs of all time, period. The four axeman are joined by No Doubt's Tony Kanal on bass, and Pete Thomas, Costello's longtime drummer, on the kit. The clip is so great that we're really hoping these guys quit their day jobs and go out on the road as a Clash cover band.

Pimp C (1973-2007)

Details are sparse, but as of early this afternoon tmz.com reports that Houston hip-hop legend Pimp C was found dead in his hotel bed in Los Angeles. Pimp C is best known as one half of UGK, a group he founded with best friend Bun B in 1987.

Pimp C was released from prison less than two years ago after serving 4 years for failing to complete community service after being convicted of aggravated assault. Following his release, Pimp C hit the studio and crafted 2007's Underground Kings, a remarkable 2-CD album that stays surprisingly fresh despite it's length; one of my top ten favorite albums of 2007 and a visceral part of our inaugural Hip-Hop Review.

UGK enjoyed significant success at this year's BET Hip-Hop Awards where their single "International Players Anthem" (feat Outkast) won Best Collaboration as well as Video of the Year (click here for the video).

Those who think they're unfamiliar with Pimp C have undoubtedly heard him on tracks like Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'", T.I.'s "Front Back", Three 6 Mafia's "Sippin' On Some Syrup" and countless other tracks by artists including Chamilionaire, Too-$hort, Project Pat, Ludacris, Masta-P, and Dizzee Rascal.

Check out some more somber tunes from 2007's Underground Kings below:
UGK - Gravy
UGK - Swisha and Dosha

Hip-Hop Review

"Baby girl, you and me / need to go to your teepee"

Timbaland - Hello (feat Keri Hilson & Attitude)
As Graduation and Curtis go head to head next Tuesday, Timbaland, for once, is flying under the radar. Timbo wil release a 2-CD Deluxe Edition of Shock Value. The second disc featrures three "Way I Are" remixes, a remix of "Give it To Me" (feat Jay-Z), and the addictive Mia track "Come Around". Disc one features the Bonus track "Hello" feat Keri Hilson & Attitude. Why this track was left off Shock Value, I do not know.

Talib Kweli - Country Cousins (feat UGK & Raheem DeVaughn)
If you enjoy listening to hip-hop while sipping lemonade outside, download this track.

Aesop Rock - The Harbor is Yours
For any fan of Definitive Jux, or eccentric lyricism, Aesop's newest release None Shall Pass is pure Aesop start to finish. On "The Harbor is Yours" Aesop drops his usual philosophical lyrics above a tight sounding space-jazz afro-beat.

Chamilionaire - Hip-Hop Police (feat Slick Rick)
Fun fact: Like Will Smith, Chamillionaire doesn't cuss on his tracks.
Unlike Will Smith, Chamillionaire raps, and on this track, raps hard. When I saw this track on Sirius a few weeks back, I tuned in for one reason: Slick Rick the Ruler. And the Ruler doesn't disapoint. Perhaps a Nate Dogg / Dr. Dre. rip-off, "Hip-Hop Police" is fresh, catchy, and, of course, features Slick Rick crushing it. If Eminem wants to stage a legitmate come-back, this would be a great remix to drop a sick verse. Perhaps that's just wishful thinking.

UGK - Next Up / Stop-n-Go / Candy / Quit Hatin' The South
Fresh out the slammer, UGK's Pimp C and Bun B have delivered hard. This album is too damn good to pick a favorite. Plus there's like 30 something tracks. If you haven't bought this album yet, stop reading. Go buy it.

Percee P - 2 Brothers From the Gutter (feat Diamond D)
As Stones Throw continues their marathon year, Percee P releases his first album, almost 20 years after his first single. "2 Brothers From the Gutter" features, above all, a Contra sample. Nuff said.

Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothing
If you were planning on purchasing Graduation for the sole purpose of ending 50 Cent's solo career, I'm afraid it's not gonna happen. 50 retracted his comments about retiring if he were outsold. That aside, you can purchase Graduation for the sole purpose that it is awesome.

Timbaland - Hello (feat Keri Hilson & Attitude)
Percee P - 2 Brothers From the Gutter (feat Diamond D)PROMO VERSION