What's upper? Rap Attack will be back in full effect, January 10th with an all new NASTY NEWS plus new Rap Attack Radio, Internet & Mixtape DJ reporters... First off I want to give thanks & praise to Jesus Christ my Saviour. Next,  I want to thank my entire Rap Attack panel for all their love, support & dedication not only to me but to Hip-Hop music. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the record labels for showing me their love & support by servicing me with the dopest Hip-Hop music dating back to when I first turned both my turntables & mic ON back in 1980. A lot of you have became lifelong friends & fam of mine & this is why I love what I do so much. To ALL the djs that I've met since 1985 to the present, I want to thank you for helping me break a ton of new Hip-Hop music I've introduced to you especially all the ish on NastyMix Records which put me on the Hip-Hop promotions map & gave me goals to accomplish in many aspects of my life. Have a very Merry X'mas, Happy Holidays & I'll see you in the New Year...

Here is our new address for 2005! Same address, just a new Ste. number:

RapAttackLives.com

4750 Kester Avenue, Ste. 11

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Attn: Nasty-Nes

YEAR END SHOUTS: My mom & dad (R.I.P.), my sister Ann, my kids Chrstopher & KristiAnne (I miss & love you very much), Ashley (I miss & love you very much too), Niko Madoyan (You are a true blessing from above. I love you), Snugs & Mugs, Sifu Taky Kimura, Andy Kimura, Bruce Lee (R.I.P.), Jun Fan Gung-Fu Institute in Seattle, Muhammad Ali, Baby-C, Sheila & Carson Locke, Steve Mitchell & Veronica Weikle, GrandMaster Flash, Cameron Paul, Mr Magic, Don Yates, ShockMaster Glen Boyd, Brett "Cold Rock Records" Carlson, Kazzeo, Addition, Pastor Butch Johnson, Pastor Joel Osteen, Pastor Dudley Rutherford, Dr Stephan Fleisher, Packman, Chris Camilon (R.I.P.), Tom Craven (R.I.P.), Eazy-E (R.I.P.), Ihab Guindi, Philip Lavizzo, Jai & Daniella Adviento, Satanas, Pinoy Real, Bahala Na, Willie Higgs, Chuck Rush, DJ Creativity, Latin Prince & the entire Bum Squad Djz, HITS, Ken Wilson (J Records), Gene & Jamie Dexter, KUBE 93, EQ & David Muhammad "H.U.S.T.L.E. 2004," Jammin' John, L.A. Nevins, Jo Jo Roberto, Joanne Ticsay, Icy Ice, Lucky Lou, Roslynn Cobarrubias, Pete Cavinta Jr., Mark Bagason, Nico Camilon, the entire Buhay family, Patrick Almonia & family, Michael Jack Kirby (Jammin 95), Ray Lum, Brian Samson, DJ R-Sin & family, Y.S.L., Skee, Mix-A-Lot, Rodney-O, Raymond & Aron Records, Beat Junkies, Baby Bon Bon (143), Donnice Wilson (Duck Lit Productions), Marv Mack, Mike Clark, B-Mello, Mike "Pahk Da Cah" Franco, Mii Mii & Suspens, 3rd Rail, Curtis Sliwa (Guardian Angels), Harris Francis, Ahsan "The Golden Child," Victoria Glavin, Glen Ford, & reality TV!

SHOUT OUT TIZIME: Happy Birthday this week to Joanne Ticsay from Universal  & Mii Mii from Suspens Recordings (December 13), DJ Five in Las Vegas (December 15), M Smooth from KZSC in the yay (December 17), DJ Haze from WMSC in NJ (December 21), Meddafore reppin' Philly (December 21), Chill Will outta WCBN in Ann Arbor, MI (December 24), Toast from WRPI in NY (December 27), Resident outta NC's WKNC (December 30) & to my sister Ann Regis (January 3, 2005)...

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon

PEACE, LOVE & HIP-HOP UNITY (God Bless & Isa Mahal),

Nasty-Nes

(Pinoy Pride4Life / John 3:16)

DJ KAZZEO "2004 RAP ATTACK RAP UP"

Well it's that time of the year again. Year end wrap up comin' at ya! So let's begin...

The year began with one big boob. No not George Bush. I'm talking about Janet Jackson. Her Superbowl stunt sent the FCC into attack mode. And attack they did, fining anyone for anything whenever they felt like it. So much for the "public" airwaves. This is just more proof the government is out of control. Big props to Howard Stern leading the way to the future of radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio!

Speaking of out of control, gas prices continued to rise in 2004. This was not a good thing for me especially since I found myself commuting between LA and the Bay Area more in the past 6 months than I have in the past 10 years...

The Beatnuts brought back that classic early 90's "underground yet bumps in the club" vibe with the single "Hot" featuring Greg Nice. This was a definite throwback head nod record...And on the topic of taking it back. How dope was it to hear Guru rockin' over the classic "White Lines" beat on his solo joint "Cave In"? While nothing has been announced, I eagerly anticipate another Gangstarr album as Guru and Premier have stood the test of time for 15 years...

Two movies were released this past year that proved to be masterpieces. Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911" and Morgan Spurlock's "Super Size Me". Talk about waking you up. If you haven't seen either one yet, you are missing out big time...

The volume of independent releases reached an all time high as majors continue to waste money on subpar projects. Now, more than ever, artists are taking things into their own hands and realizing that even though having a successful record is a big task, it's not impossible to do without major label support...

One of the resources which has become more and more popular with independent artists is the use of networking websites to promote your music. Case in point, www.myspace.com . 2004 saw Myspace become immensly popular among those wishing to get the word out about their projects. Everyone from dj's to label reps to artists / producers to models can be found on this site. I see this resource only growing in 2005...

Everyone's favorite hillbilly trainwreck Anna Nicole Smith continued to lower the level of coherentness while Paris Hilton became a movie star. Not in the theaters but atleast on dvd...

Black Rob proved himself a bad boy for life when he got caught, on camera, stealing some stuff from a hotel room. Not to be out done, G Unit's Young Buck also got caught on tape stabbing someone at the Vibe Awards. It might be time to change the name from Young Buck to Dumb F*ck...

In mid Spetember / early October two powerhouses from back in the day united and re-emerged on the scene. Nervous Records, former home of Black Moon and Smif & Wessun, released two slamming tracks from legendary duo EPMD. "Danger Zone" and "Serious" feat. Redman and Das EFX prove that Erick and Parrish still have business to handle...

Britney Spears got married twice in the 2004. Let's see if she can do it 3 times in 2005...

VH-1 suddenly discovered Hip Hop in 2004. The channel's 5 part documentary on the culture started off good and turned into a bunch of rehashed, well known stories and topics. Then they held their first annual "Hip Hop Honors" show. This show was so full of holes, it looked like a piece of swiss cheese. Where was Afrika Bambaataa? Where was Whodini? And why was Vivica Fox the host? Sure she looks good but just because she dated 50 Cent doesn't mean she knows a thing about Hip Hop...

Then came Flavor Flav and Brigitte Neilsen. What a mess...With rumors running rampant of the apparent reunion of A Tribe Called Quest, founding member Ali Shaheed Muhammed relesead a solo album to keep the buzz going while the Tribe plans it next move...

To Brooklyns surprise, Dave Chapelle was able to re-unite the Fugees for his block Party earlier this Summer...

After building a rep as one the undergrounds hottest producers, Alchemist stepped out into the foreground and released his debut album to critical acclaimed. Accompanied by a who's who of mc's, Alchemist scored on his first chapter...Oddball supreme Kool Keith paired up with Kutmasta Kurt once again to form the "Deisel Truckers". With the release of an album by the same name, you can only wonder how this can not be a dope album with song titles like "I Love You Nancy", "Mane", "I Drop Money", and "Kenworths With Wings"...

Coming out of the Carolina / Virginia region of the country, Frankie Riptide made a strong debut with "Best Around". Using a sample from the soundtrack of the "Karate Kid", Frankie rocks strong lyrics over the KRS-One inspired track...

From promoting the records to making them, Atlantic's Cleavon "Ice" Shuler stepped up to the mic with not one but two heaters entitled "This Is Serious" and "The White Song". I expect a plaque bro when you hit a mill...

Fat Joe and the Terror Squad ruled the clubs this year with the monster "Lean Back". While this was the anthem of the year, could it also be the laziest dance ever invented? I'm perfecting its successor as we speak. I'm calling it the "Stand Up". Look for it in the Spring of 2005...

Immortal Technique proved that conscious lyrics can still have a place in todays blinged out industry. His "Point Of No Return" track on Uncle Howie Records had dj's looking for extra copies. In addition, his labelmate Q Unique had the same affect on dj's with his heater "One Shot"...

Teflon Muzik came on super strong towards the end of the year with two hot releases from Jinx Da Juvy and Slash / Jinx / Ike Dirty. "In My Lifetime" and "Nothin's Gonna Change Me" are making big noise at college radio right now. Don't sleep on them. Hey Angie, can you please take the batteries out of that megaphone next time?...

What has happened to the art of mix tapes / mix cd's? During my last two trips to NYC, I must have came up on at least 65 mix cd's and only 6 or 7 were actually what they claimed to be. Mix cd's. DJ's have become really lazy in my book relying on computer editing and "slamming" songs rather than actually mixing them. The lack of skills on these cd's makes me long for the days when my man DJ Rob One (R.I.P.) was alive to show kids what it was really about. Speaking of Rob, he would have celebrated his 33rd birthday on December 19. All of us at Rap Attack miss you brother. Rest In Peace...

This year had it's share of passings.

Rodney Dangerfield, Rick James, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Christopher Reeves, Mac Dre, Marlon Brando, Ray Charles, Johnny Ramone, Ronald Reagan, Marge Schott, Isabel Sanford, and Bob "Capt. Kangaroo" Keeshan...

DJ Kazzeo's Top 10 Singles for 2004

1. Mobb Deep "Win Or Lose"

2. Q Unique "One Shot"

3. Coley Cole feat. Aesop "Patience Now Children"

4. Beatnuts feat. Greg Nice "Hot"

5. Talib Kweli "Peace Of Mind"

6. B Real "Bang Out"

7. Lloyd Banks "If You So Gangsta"

8. Filthee Immigrants "Liberta"

9. Masta Killa "Silver Backs"

10. Outer Space "Fire & Ice"

Not incredible would clearly describe Ashlee Simpson's attempt to sing on Saturday Night Live. Quit the excuses, you got caught faking it. Just admit it...

Another independent label made strong noise this year as Babygrande solidified itself in the Hip Hop market with releases by Brand Nubian, Jean Grae, and 7L & Esoteric to name a few...

Rap Attack Lives first ever "H.U.S.T.L.E. 2004" convention hit NYC in mid October and proved to be a very positive event for college radio, mixtape dj's, and internet shows. Thanks to all of those who attended as well as to all of the artists who performed at the showcases including Jeru The Damaja & Lil Dap, Guru, Black Sheep, Dirty Rat & Tash, and Jean Grae to name a few. And who could forget the incredible set from the Duck Down Crew including Black Moon, Smif & Wessun, and Sean Price. If you were there, you know what I'm talking about. That, along with seeing Grandmaster Caz rock the mic while Jazzy Jay rocked the wheels of steel, was the highlight of my trip to the Big Apple...

Method Man & Redman attempted to take the magic of "How High" to the small screen with the Fox show "Method & Red". I don't think I am stating anything unknown when I say this show was a disaster...

Xzibit not only helped to "Pimp My Ride" on MTV, but he definitely "Pimped" his career...It was announced this year that the upcoming album by LA heavyweights Tha Liks (Alkaholiks) will be their last as a group. Having known these guys since 93, this came as a huge disappointment. Long live the Likwit Crew...

If you're looking for that perfect stocking stuffer, don't sleep. The one and only William Hung just released his Christmas album. Make sure and cop it. Edgie Soprano from WNUR in New Hampshire already did...

This year seemed to be the best for LA's own Black Eyed Peas. After paying dues for years, the Peas blew up and were everywhere this year. Good to see hard work pay off...

9th Wonder used his production skills on the Jay Z remix album to prove his talents. As a result, he has become one 2004's most sought after producers...

Lastly, this year was, by far, the most politically conscious one I can recall in my 33 years. The country was divided evenly in relates to numerous issues including Stem Cell Research, Gay Marriage, Censorship, and the War On Iraq. Whether you are for something or against it, this year we proved that we wanted our voices heard as the voter turnout was record breaking for the youth and first time voters. Change only happens when we make it happen. Don't be a spectator. Be heard...

DJ Kazzeo's Top 5 Albums Of 2004

1. Kool Keith & Kutmasta Kurt - Diesel Truckers

2. Keith Sweat - Best Of...

3. Nas - Streets Disciple

4. Xzibit - Weapons Of Mass Destruction

5. Alchemist LP

I'm sure there were a few things that happened this year that I didn't cover but hopefully you enjoyed my recap. Before I bounce, I need to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday especially to my "crew" Jason D, Nasty Nes, Baby C, Niko, Latif, Angel and my entire family. See ya in 2005. Peace...
 

DJ Kazzeo (Rap Attack Asst. Rap Editor)
90.9FM KHDC
Weds. & Thurs. 6pm - 8pm
djkazzeo2@yahoo.com