What's upper? 

RAP ATTACK will be back in full effect, January 16th 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...

I want to give props to JIN & Kevin Cooper for being our last guest on last weeks RAP ATTACK CONFERENCE CALL for 2005...

Congratulations to Seattle's J-Tyme who is now X-104's new Music Director!...

HIGHLIGHTS IN 2005:

50 Cent & Game has beef. A shootout occurs in front of NY's Hot 97. Ma$e gets signed to G-Unit. The Game is officially "G -U NOT"

Nas & Jay-Z settles their beef & Jay-Z becomes Def Jam's new President

Rev Run debuts his new reality show on MTV with "Runs House" & it's a HIT!

Lil Kim gets locked up

Hurrican Katrina. Artist David Banner takes time off in the middle of his tour & donates water & money to the Hurricane Katrina victims & throws a huge concert to benefit the victims

Kanye West announces live on CNN, "Bush doesn't care about black people."

Big Boi opens up his new record label, Purple Ribbon

Who is Mike Jones & Paul Wall? They know now!

Prince gets signed to Universal Records

Sidekick II & the Blackberry

Eminem & his ex, Kim gets back together

Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey files for divorce

Daz, Kurupt, Nate & Snoop "The Dogg Pound" are back!

Foxy Brown suffers hearing loss

Suge Knight & Cam' ron get shot

Chicago White Sox wins the World Series

JIN wins the title at this years Power Summit MC Battle

Jamie Fox wins his first Grammy

A gallon of gas reaches a sky high $3.00 plus a gallon

R.I.P. this year to: Just-O, Eddie Guerrero (WWE), Richard Pryor, Tookie Williams & Pat Morita

Irv & Chris Gotti of Murder Inc. found "NOT GUILTY"

Michael Jackson found "NOT GUILTY"

Nasty-Nes & Jen gets engaged on top of Seattle's Space Needle on September 27, 2005!

MP3 vs VINYL vs SERATO:

Nasty-Nes (RapAttackLives.com): "Back in my days on radio, I was well known for being one of the few who broke new Hip-Hop on the radio. I didn't have MP3's back then. BUT, if I got something new & not on vinyl but was on a cassette, I'd play it so I'd be the first.

I did that with Ice Cube's "No Vaseline," MC Hammer "U Can't Touch This," Mix-A-Lot "Baby Got Back," Run DMC "Here We Go (Live At FunHouse)," Public Enemy "Bring The Noise" & more.

 So if I still was doing the same now, I'd support an exclusive off a MP3, burn it to CD & be the first in my hood or in the nation to play it. Trust me, if the MP3 makes noise, label won't hesitate & will press it on vinyl. THAT'S MY OPINION!!!!

DJ 3rd Rail (WNUR-Chicago): "AS A DJ WHO STILL USES WAX I CAN'T CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MP3. WE HAVE GOTTEN AWAY FROM THE TRUE ESSENCE OF HIP HOP. WE'VE TAKEN THE EASY WAY OUT. IT'S SO EASY TO SEND AN MP3 AND THEN SEND AND EMAIL TO FOLLOW UP ON IT. HOW MUCH DOES THAT COST? AT A TIME WHEN RECORD COMPANY'S ARE LOSING MONEY ON DOWNLOADS YOU CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE WHOLE MP3 FORMAT. YOU SEND EXCLUSIVES AND THEN GET AIR PLAY AND THEN WHAT? DO YOU THINK THE PEOPLE WHO GET THESE MP3 OR PLAY THEM EVEN GO OUT AND BUY MUSIC? EVENTUALLY ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL BE OUT OF JOBS EX: DIST, PROMOTERS, MOM AND POP VINYL SHOPS. HOW MANY MC'S HAVE A DJ NOW A DAYS THAT PLAYS WAX?

BACK IN THE DAY THE PROMO WOULD COME IN THE MAIL AND THEN THE RETAIL COPY WOULD COME OUT WITH A B SIDE NOT ON THE LP AND PEOPLE WOULD BE FORCED TO BUY IT. HIP HOP WAS STARTED BY THE DJ AND NOW IT SEEMS WE HAVE REMOVED HIM OR HER FROM THE EQUATION. I KNOW MANY PEOPLE MIGHT ARGUE ABOUT THE TABLES AND THE CRATES ETC.... CARRING THEM AND ALL. YET IT SEEMS BANDS LIKE THE ROLLING STONES AND OTHERS STILL KEEP THE DRUM IN THE BAND WHEN THE TECHNOLOGY IS THERE WHERE THE DRUMMER COULD BE REPLACED. SO WHY CARRY ALL THE DRUMS AND SYMBOLS? SO I TELL YOU, WHEN YOU ASK WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIP HOP? ARE YOU PART OF THE PROBLEM OR ARE YOU GONNA HOLD TRUE TO WHAT WAS CREATED FOR EVERYONE? LOVE IS LOVE"...

Ernesto Acosta (WODU-VA): "Now this is going to be a heated subject. I am a vinyl head, but I can't front on the power of mp3s when it comes to getting the music out to the people. There has been no other format that has allowed labels, promoters, bedroom DJs, etc. to get their music out to the masses in a very low cost, if any real cost, and effective way as MP3 have.

Vinyl vs MP3, it's a double edged sword. As DJs we want to stay true to the vinyl, but at the same time for people to take us seriously we have to be willing and acceptable to rocking the MP3s. I would rather have vinyl like 3rd Rail, but lets be honest we are competing with the mixshows, major radio stations and if they got the newest music on mp3 to rock and we are still waiting for vinyl then we may lose the people listening, but that's on a more mainstream scale. I think we'll always keep the "heads" and the kids that are looking for the dope shit that they know only college radio will play, but even with the accessibility to the net and MP3 players (a la iPods, and every other MP3 player out there) a lot of cats looking for the next shit are going online to find these unheard of jewels. I'm not gonna front, but I do find out about a lot of music by going "digital digging". It may not be as easy as it sounds to come up on some dope stuff, but if you know what you're doing and have a few hook ups you'll find that next shit, by the way hip hop is not dead!!

So Vinyl vs MP3... I hate to say it, but bottom line we have to be adaptable and hip hop is adaptable, always has been, and always will be. Why you think it's been around so long? I just wish that with all these MP3s we had the technology like Serato readily available to use to be able to put the mp3s we get to use in the typical fashion we would with vinyl. Serato is not cheap and a lot of us just can't afford to cop that gear right now. It's one thing being able to burn a song to cd and playing it on the show as an exclusive (but now-a-days are there really that many "exclusives", when you have the net at your disposal exclusives have maybe a 2 hour shelf life), but being able to cut that same song up like it was on a piece of wax with the help of Serato is like messing with the real thing.

I'm all for getting the music out to the masses and hitting the people in the head with the dope music and I'm willing to use technology to help me do that, but at the same time I don't want to get lost in the breakneck speed of technology and get kicked to the side by technology. Vinyl will NEVER be replaced in my eyes, and nothing beats being able to pull a mind condition or even old dusty record out of the sleeve and looking at the grooves, and feeling the grooves. Vinyl is warm, it's inviting, and it's precious. Yeah you can replace vinyl with CDs, but to me that's replacing a part of history that shouldn't be replaced. I know this is sounding crazy, but having vinyl, and record sleeves and the smell of vinyl takes me places that CDs never have, and never will. Anyone can rock a CD or MP3, but not anyone can
rock vinyl, and not everyone should. Maybe it's the old school in me, but give me my vinyl over CDs or MP3s any day because I don't get the same vibe from CDs or MP3s that I get from vinyl, and if you want to be real about it today an exclusive to me is having the song on vinyl. Everybody and their mom can and does get the MP3, but not everyone gets the vinyl.

So to wrap this already long ass reply up on Vinyl vs MP3. I love my vinyl and will not get rid of it, but in this day and age I have to be open to new technology or I'll be replaced for the new kid on the block that just coped Serato and has the MP3 of the new shit and I'm still waiting for the vinyl. I could go on and on about this debate, but I'll leave it at this point for now"...

Chill Will (WCBN-MI): "Well for me I love vinyl but I think mp3's can be a good tool. Sometimes labels put out mp3's as a test to see if they should press it up on vinyl. Also we strive to be the first to break new music and lead the pack when it comes to new ish. So maybe we can state to the labels that we will chart there mp3's. But if they don't follow it up with the vinyl then we won't on future projects because of the lack of trust. Oh and there are some cats who use Serato/CD's so you can't hate on how they do there thing. Peace happy holiday's and my b-day is Christmas Eve so send gifts"...

Edgie Kokoski (WUNH-NH): "The Rap Attack Conference Call panel is composed of vinyl lovers. There is not a person who participates in the call who does not buy, collect, and seek out vinyl for their show and their station. MP3s are here to stay, and they have become a conduit that easily allows for quick and free sharing of music. I would always prefer to be serviced with a piece of printed music, but if getting an MP3 means the difference between getting the song sooner, getting the clean version, or getting the song at all, I would rather have the MP3.

Almost weekly, I burn MP3 songs and drops on to CDs and use them on the air during my show. I still spin 90 percent vinyl; and within a few weeks when the serviced version of the song shows up on wax, the CD-R with the MP3s goes in the trash.

The point of the Conference Call panel is to forecast hot records that are presently invisible to most people in the industry. The format of the song is inconsequential. If a song is hot, it's hot; period. I feel sorry for people who limit the scope of their broadcast based on a staunch commitment to vinyl. I find that my show is doper when I use all resources at my disposal, not just one source.

In addition, due to the varying shipping speeds of vinyl throughout the industry, there is a very disjointed feel to the weekly calls. If 5 out of 15 panel members have a record, does the decision to add or ignore that record really represent the true opinions of all on the panel? MP3s can be shared to the entire panel instantaneously. In some instances, I may not even receive a vinyl servicing from the West Coast until after the Top 30 add date.

In closing, I don't believe that the inclusion of MP3s in our picks will cost us vinyl servicing. The cut backs in college radio servicing happened many years ago. We are living in a post-file sharing world where printed music has budged a share of its prevalence to the electronic data. The people who always look out for us with vinyl and CDs will continue to do so. The labels that fronted on us will probably continue to do so. In 7+ years in this business, there have always been people fronting, even back in the "glory" days before MP3s and Email servicing. This fact remains constant. So does my commitment to bring my listeners the newest, dopest, and freshest tracks in any method I can accomplish"...

Lee L'Heureux (Shortsack-ME): "I personally think mp3s are great. It's an effective way to get music early or get music that may have not have the budget to press vinyl. Mp3s are also the landscape of the world these days from ipods to music on cell phones, the point is listeners have access to the same mp3s you do. By the time the mp3s go out it's a matter of days (and sometimes minutes) before your listeners get it (and sometimes they get first!). It really boils down to the focus of your show in my opinion. My show is straight playing new & exclusive music - I rarely play older records. There was a niche for that in my market and there is with our new Shorstack venture so it benefits us to be up on the mp3 game. Don't misconstrue, I still like my vinyl (and in fact, like it so much I spent days moving the collection), but I think it's wrong to look at mp3s as inferior, it still has the potential to be dope music, it's just in a different form"...

Dan Shores (WHRW-NY): "For the DJ , vinyl is king. scratches sound warmer, with more depth and not tinny as the MP3 on a CDJ. Personally, I am a record collector. I enjoy just listening to a good LP and sitting back, opening a gate fold and just reading the liner notes. MP3's are the future, there is no debating that. For a label this is the cost effective way to reach thousands of DJ's,websites, magazine writers and other tastemakers. They can do this instantly over IM or email . There are DJ's i know that use Serato and send tracks across the country while simultaneously rocking clubs.This MP3 sending method can put a lot of record promoters out of jobs, and retail DJ and vinyl stores will suffer. I feel that charting Mp3's with no vinyl is cool to an extent. If the vinyl is on the way, then this is cool. If we never receive the vinyl I would say not chart it on the conf.call"...

Rich "DJ Imperial" Lawson (KSMU-MO): "This is a tough issue. Personally, I utilize both formats. I prefer wax over digital format when spinning. However, digital format is more convinient in regards to organization and weight (try carrying over 15,000 songs in vinyl format).
There are disc jockeys that only use vinyl. And this is NOT by choice. For some this is economic reality. This goes back to the essence of hip hop. In the 70's when hip hop was in its infancy, the turntable was an intregal part of making the music that we know today. Spinning a break on wax was how hip hop was born. In my opinion, this would not have happened if financial income was not a factor. Two turntables and a mixer is more of a feasible purchase then a drumset and other musical instruments. With this in mind, I feel it is our duty to unionize and support those that do not have access to the digital equipment. We do this by demanding vinyl from promoters. When we communicate to promoters, we should keep those without CDJ/Serato/Final Scratch in mind. Breaking new and exclusive music.

I agree with Nes. It does not matter what format the music is presented to me, I will break the music. But, this also depends on the promoter/label's track record. Does this company follow up with wax? If so, then I will continue to bless my audience to new and great music regardless of format. If the company does not follow up with vinyl, then the digital format will be severed. However, there is something that strikes my psyche when I get an exlusive joint on vinyl. Whether its a test pressing/white label or pre-retail release wax, that music will take precedent over MP3 anyday.Aside from the quality of music, wax is the definite statement from indie labels that states they are taking their business serious. Anyone and their mom can make a rap record. Anyone and their grandma can make an MP3 and send you an email.

ANYONE AND EVERYONE IS SENDING YOU MP3's AND CD'S. Vinyl format segregates those people from the real deal"...

 
DJ Commando (KBOL-Iowa): "I am gonna ALWAYS love my vinyl, I don't care if Serato is takin over. Just what if something happens while you are in the middle of a set. Everything is not set in stone or concrete. Anything can fail or crash. Plus mp3s have to be in great quality for you to play and sound good. I love the feel of a record on my hands and havin the collections. Technology has really f..ked us up royally and I don't think we can recover from that. I just really prefer vinyl over mp3s all day. If I could have a picket sign sayin "Save Vinyl" and walk in front of something that was endangerin my wax choices, I would. I know if I have to convert I will but I really don't want to. Think about the independent labels, they depend on vinyl as well to help market some of their joints too. Overall I don't want vinyl to evaporate cause I will NEVER sell my vinyl to NO ONE! I was raised vinyl, I will die vinyl!!"...

Brian "DJ Bri-G" Gaffey (RPM/Mixtapes-NY): "In order to be on top of the newest music, it is imperative for DJs to scour the internet for mp3s. Although many of these mp3s are simply throw-away tracks that have been leaked by the labels, producers, and promoters, many of them are actually #1 singles in their initial launch to the world. With the state of the music industry the way it is, labels are always trying to cut corners on cost and one of the easiest ways is to send out an mp3 of a track to get an initial reaction on a record before they press up vinyl on it. If the reception is lukewarm or worse, why waste thousands of dollars pressing up wax on a record that might not ever get played.

 While I know we don’t chart a lot of major label stuff, we all need service from the Interscopes and Atlantics of the world so we can keep current with our club gigs. Luckily, I own Serato, so vinyl isn’t an issue for me, however, that’s not that case with everybody else and vinyl is essential for your shows and gigs. However, it’s possible that by embracing mp3s and understanding why the labels send them out this way, we might actually be doing ourselves a favor by creating better relationships with the promotion staff at these labels. If we start to chart mp3s that the labels desperately need feedback on, it will help to give Rapattacklives.com and its panel members greater credibility within the labels. It would help to make the chart something that labels would look to as a gauge of what is new and hot, forcing them to deal with us on an individual basis when it comes to service. 

 If you don’t’ grow with technology, it will grow without you and you’ll be left behind"...

JayForce (WRFG-Atlanta): " I've had many debates with people regarding the subject of MP3's vs Vinyl usage. I've also been apart of heated arguments with DJs debating over whether or not someone is a "real DJ" if they use Serato or CDjs instead of vinyl.

The bottom line is it doesnt matter, but if you don't adjust to new technology you will become a dinosaur. It's like saying just because you use a computer over a typewriter that you'll instantly become a better writer. It may take you less time in finishing your script or composition using the computer, but it will not make you a better writer if you have no imagination. I think a lot of DJs feel threatened thinking that new technology will make it easier for others to become better Djs because they use Serato or MP3s, but I disagree. For example, in the past most DJs used belt drive turntables, but that's not the case today. Are you going to say anyone using a direct drive turntable isn't a real dj? Today I don't know of anyone rocking a party or the radio with belt drive turntables. It was a simple case of the turntable technology getting better over the years.

The reality is that vinyl is very much on the way out & I'd bet that in less than 5 years most record labels won't even put out vinyl because it simply isn't cost effective to do so. The only vinyl I can see being used in the future is the vinyl that comes with the Serato or Final Scratch programs.
This whole debate is nothing more than looking at the relationship between talent & technology. Talent is talent & a wack DJ on vinyl is still going to be a wack DJ with Serato or CDJ's. Just because someone uses Mp3's or Serato doesnt mean they'll instantly have the skills of DJ Jazzy Jeff or DJ Revolution. I've witnessed both of these talented DJ's using Serato which utilizes the Mp3 format. I know many so-called Djs with "DJ" in front of their name, but they even suck on vinyl. Many call themselves DJs, but don't even have the basics down pat. As this argument relates to me, I personally prefer MP3's or CD's on my radio show when it comes to playing exclusives or brand new joints that were just released. We all have an ego, but I recognize that it's not all about me on the radio. It's about my
audience hearing the new shit as fast as I can get it to them. Overall people just want to hear the music. I've been doing hip hop radio for over 15 years & and if I had a new hot song I didn't care what format it was on as long as it was audible & playable over the air. As far as the technology goes, change is here so you can either adjust or become a dusty dinosaur while the game passes you by. Vinyl is going out like an 8 track tape"...

PrizMatik (WFTU-NY): " As I was sayin on the call, I do support mp3s. I totally embrace technology and all the extras that come along with it. I am not one to play mp3s on mixshows, however I def do put mp3s into rotation on the jukebox segment of the online radio station. Mp3s def have their place. Here;'s my beef... Anyone can make a mp3s. Anyone can send out a mp3. Seems like the labels that are genuinely trying to put out good music with little money will put together watever scratch they can to get some vinyl (even if just promo vinyl for us) together to get out there. Thats dedication. That shows they are willing to go all out.    Alot major labels on the other hand, press up a certain amount of promo vinyl and then just send mp3s out to whomever else needs it. They care mostly about what looks good on paper (ex. rap attack conferance call panel top 5 list) and not what is actually getting played. This is because many of these "reps" from major labels are all out for themselves trying to advance to a higher position. They do not care about the music, the culture. 

Unfortunately, a lot of the music that becomes "the next big thing" is bullshit. This is how it will always be regardless of genre. The mainstream public has been dumbed down so much from the years and years of corporate america spoonfeeding the same recycled shit.

 You might ask yourself, what the fuck he talking about? What this have to do with mp3 vs vinyl? It has alot to do with it. The culture in essence originated from vinyl. This is fact. However, I do not feel that if you do not spin vinyl that you are not a real dj (regardless of who i may taunt). Fact is ya gotta have the skillz to pay the billz. If you can rock on whatever setup you are comfortable with, then its dope regardless of format. However, the majority of Hip Hop djs that broadcast on independent radio (college, internet, etc.) still use vinyl. Yeh sure now that Serato is around alot of kats are crossing over. But if you ask most of them what they prefer, they will still say the real thing. On top of that, some of us do not wanna crossover.

 I say embrace technology. I say def use what u have to ur advantage. I say you wanna spin the newest shit rock on. I myself love to break quality music. But when I do a radio mixshow I like to rock the tables, not just play songs. There is exceptions and when I do pick up Serato I plan on utilyzing alot more mp3s. In fact, I think there is a plus side to broadening the spectrum of what joints a mixshow dj that is not handcuffed can play. Now instead of picking thru the 50 or so records that are new and fresh that month, I can pick thru thousands. But ya gotta ask yourself, for the sake of a panel or chart..... Do u want to have shit scattered like that? I mean i think chaos is good and will help us get back to where we came. Like Nas said, destroy and rebuild. So shit, maybe we should go all mp3s. Just dont cram that top this and top that crap down my throat about how ur wax needs to be charted. Cuz I tell u this, I chart what the mixshows on my radio station play. Plain and simple. I do this for the love, otherwise I would of stopped a long time ago. You want some order to the chaos fine, just know where and what you doing.

I know this is prob a lil lengthy but u got me on a rampage, in fact I think I am gonna blast this shit out in my next newsletter for all to see. Props to that homey.        So in conclusion, I would say that I def like where the technology is taking us. Things need to change. Its boring otherwise. However, you have to keep shit in perspective. The only way the whole mp3 thing will really work as far as leaving shit free reign is if the core tastemakers truly give up on all the bullshit politiks in the industry and play what is dope! Otherwise, we just makin it easier and more affordable for record companies to rape and pillage our listeners ears"...

MOST MEMORABLE HIP-HOP MOMENT IN 2005:

Nasty-Nes (RapAttackLives.com): "A lot of you know about my personal struggles I went through over the past few years & because of my faith in the MAN up above I've overcome those struggles. So I am thankful for that & much more which include this year:

1. I got engaged this year to the sweetest & to a very beautiful lady inside & out, Jen.

 2. I reunited with my daughter Kristi who will be 13 this Jan 2006 & she knows just about every lyric to all the new Hip-Hop music that's out now!

 3. I reunited with my former mother-in-law & very close to doing the same with my former father-in-law.

4. My son just turned 10 years old & loves Hip-Hop & into Hip-Hop dancing!

 5. It's been 1 year & 8 months since I quit smoking & drinking & I feel GREAT!

I can go on & on & on on how thankful I am for 2005. But I have to reach out to my extended family at RAP ATTACK & say, "THANK YOU!"

You have made this year a great year for me & for Hip-Hop music. I couldn't have done this without you. You've been by my side all these years & I appreciate that. I'm a very humble guy & I don't need the limelight or media to prove to anyone anything. Those that know me well know that everything I do comes from my heart unconditionally"...

Edgie Kokoski (WUNH-NH): "My Best Hip Hop Moment of the Year: I don't recall the exact date, but it was definitely when I received a package from my friend The Double J in early October that contained a shiny promo copy of the Doujah Raze album. Double J and Doujah are people who I met originally as colleauges in the music industry. Over the years they have become my friends and I watched as they slowly and meticulously built their label (Trilogy Records) one 12" at a time. The work ethic of these two individuals is almost indescribable, and I was absolutely flattered when they invited me to participate in a skit for the album in late 2004. Knowing that the LP had been completed for almost a year, I was very proud of my friends for finally realizing their vision and releasing the album on Nov. 1st. Easily one of the best 2005 independent LPs of 2005, the first listen gave me a sense of euphoria that comes with any big accomplishment. It was thrilling knowing that these two have taken the first major step to a long and fruitful career in our  business.

Nes, thanks again for your wisdom and for a great conference call year. These last few months have easily been the best that I have experienced since joining the panel, and I thank you for your relentless hard work"...

Solo (WECI-IN): "One of the greatest things that has happened, is Bush being exposed. Kayne West blasted his rich ass on TV and I was happy to see that air. I am no dummy, his popular vote when down, so gas went down. They say it has went back up, so has gas again. Does the gov't think we are dumbasses or something. Anyone who lives in a cold climate has to make a decision, put food on the table or pay some outrageous price for electric and natural gas. All of this is bad news for the most part. But something that is good, I can see through it all"...

Witnes (KPFT-Houston): "I have to say this was a good year for Houston to finally get it's props. Granted we have alot of artist that have got their shine on in the past, it seems like it never extended outside of Texas with the media. Artist like The Geto Boys, O.G Style, Odd Squad, U.G.K., Black Monks, Gansta Nip, E.S.G and Big Mello laid the foundation for Houston in the late 80's to early 90's. Here we are at the end of 2005 and Houston was on blast all year. From people just now discovering the mix tape culture of the late DJ Screw to Pharell linking up with Slim Thug. Pimp C released an album while incarcerated and granted parole.

Rap-A-Lot put out bangers this year with artist Bun-B and Z-Ro. Asylum Records put out Mike Jones and Paul Wall's album. Chamillionaire signed with Universal Records and released his album. The Lengendary K.O. made heads turn with their video "George Bush Doesn't Like Black People." My man Matt a.k.a Pushermania of HoustonSoReal has done alot for Houston with his radio show, blog, and promotions, bringing down artist like Diplo, Rapid Ric, A-Trak, Josh Martinez, Sleep and Oxycotton Tail and fusing diverse crowds. Im honored that my radio show "LateNiteSnax" follows the best one in town "Damage Control." LateNiteSnax continues to bring heat as well as exlusive interviews this year with artist Count Bass D, Big Pooh of Little Brother, Kool Kieth, Opio and Defari. I got the oppurtunity to work on the Slim Thug video "Diamonds rmx" with one of Houston top video directors Dr. Teeth. I recently got to meet and open up for Devin The Dude who I am a huge fan of. Alot of significant things took place this year in the dirty 3rd. The entire year of 2005 will never be forgotten. The internet is awready talking about whose gonna be the Houston for 2006, they just don't know!"...

Chill Will (WCBN-MI): "Hangin out with my homie Icy Ice of the World Famous Beatjunkies and his bride at there wedding reception. I also had the pleasure of djing for one of my favorite groups of all time Brand Nubian. The show was dope and they were cool as hell. Big shout to them for showing cats how to rock a stage. Another memmorable moment was this summer when I got to dj for another one of my favorite groups X-Clan. The crowd of a couple thousand was feeling it and me:). Brother J and the crew were cool as hell and the other groups that I had a pleasure of hangin out with the whole weekend. Krs1, Mc Lyte, Whodini and Dj mutha *uckin Quik. Oh and Big shout to KK from Second 2 None. Lookout for a new X-Clan album and some new ish from KK. 2005 was a good year and I look for more good things in 2006"...

Aaron Wade (WMSE-WI): " As far as rap music and our show goes, our most memorable moments were having the pleasure of interviewing two legends on the show LIVE this year - Ed OG and OC. Insightful, fun, and interesting. I can't stress enough how important it is that we continue to give these artists respect and shine, as they have been an integral part of shaping rap music (not to mention the fact that the music they continue to put out today kills all the music by most new artists).

Another highlight was participating in 3 songs on the new White Shadow of Norway lp - "Renegades." White Shadow is a good friend who has just released this full length featuring collabos with the likes of Supastition, Celph Titled, Majik Most, Maylay Sparks, the Longshots, Grand Agents, Mic Stylz and US (Pizdamen & Strange Brew - my crews). I'm happy to be on the lp... it's out now... www.sandboxautomatic.com for more.... White Shadow is a talented producer and AMAZING turntablist.
Some of my favorite albums from '05 include:
minstel show - little brother
supernatural - spit
sleepers - rapper big pooh
art of one mind project
doujah raze
ghostface - pretty toney
j. rawls - essence of soul
kev brown - i do what i do
chitlin circuit - little brother
oc - starchild
white shadow of norway - renegades
sean price - monkey bars
new slum village lp
supastition - chain letters
Thanks to all promoters for great service in '05. All my best in '06"...

Ernesto Acosta (WODU-VA): "Its been a slow year in that department Nes, but the most memorable one for me would probably be seeing Kane still wreck shop on the VH1 Hip Hop Honors show. Kane is still a smooth operator and still has that charisma on the stage. Hopefully this new year will bring more"...

Jim Tess (WUML-MA): "Nes my man! How could I pick one most memorable moment? So many!!!! I had a great time in the mud at Warped Tour in Northampton and also met some great acts, Hangar 18 & Radix"...

Brian "DJ Wicked" Coulombe (WBRS-MA): "I gotta say (and this is on the super nerdy tip) my most memorable hiphop moment in 2005 is Mikah 9's verse on "Mike, Aaron and Eddie". Dude is ridiculous..."kibbles and bits of my hits, dribbles and drips from your lips"!"...

DJ Statc (CKUT-Canada): "My most memorable moment was probably attending the NYU conference on the making of Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back." We got to hear first hand from all the people who worked on that classic album, from Hank Shocklee and Chuck D to the old Def Jam staff, studio engineers, Rush Artist Management folks, etc. That same weekend I gotta check PE perform live at the Jam Master Jay Foundation fundraiser. Still hella raw!!"...

Wonder Twinz (SIRIUS): "I would say our most memorable moment of 2005 was when Kool DJ Red Alert came down and DJ'd at one of our Monthly Networking Parties here in NYC. We sent out emails claiming that we would have a Legendary Guest DJ perform at our party.... We didn't let anybody know who the DJ was until that night... When the night came , Red Alert was the first one to arrive and he stayed on the decks all night. It was like listening to the radio from back in the 80's & early 90's... Everybody at the party was having the time of their life. Red Alert is a legend because of his skills and because of his personality. The music business can very easily make you bitter. Red Alert has been through it all, but has never lost his kind heart. Thank You Uncle Red"...

Ahk (WEAA-MD): "This is Ahk from Strictly Hip Hop @ Morgan State. My most memorable moment was recent. It was the publishing arguement between Diddy and the Lox. "This is worth killin ova, This is my life"-just the way Jadakiss kept saying was hilarious , but it was a serious situation overall. I'm glad that they came to an agreement and the Lox are finally get their publishing back"...

Nate Abney (WKDU-PA): "My most memorable moment in 2005 has to be the Little Brother show at BB Kings in September. Just seeing all the hoopla outside and how Me and Mike Jax stumbled our way in without paying is funny in itself. The actual show was something I never expected. I got one of the best shows I've ever seen. I had a new found respect for Pooh and Phonte( I've always loved 9th on production). It really made want the album. When the album met expectations I was even happier because during a roadtrip to Penn State, I put my 16 year old cousin on to it and now he's a bigger Little Brother fan than me. It just goes to show that good hip hop is still out there"...

EarthQuake (Live365.com): "DJ EarthQuake’s most memorable moment of 2005 is the love and support I get from my family and friends. All the people I deal with in the music business my family and friends too. I have met a lot of great people in the music business and I am glad to be a part. On a personal level finding out I will be a dad in May of 2006 is pretty incredible and I know 2006 will bring lots of great memories"...

Resident (WKNC-NC): "Aside from the standard moment almost everyone will give for 2005, namely Hurricane Katrina and the events following, not much happened in 2005 aside from the War and $5 gasoline. While not most memorable, in my personal opinion, this is becoming more evident: the era of "step and fetch it" music is well under way. Rampant ignorance and foolishness is effervescent in the land of Hip Hop. If I had to parallel this to any moment in history, I'd venture to say the Hip Hop landscape of the past few years has been analogous to the time of the Plague. Social and educational conditions are deteriorating within the same communities that support this "hollywood-esque/hollyhood-esque" mockery of life, much like the sanitary conditions directly under the control of the population helped to spread the Plague. I see this monthly within a group of kids, some of which totally lack motivation to do anything with their lives, but look to world to hand them everything. They expect without effort or exercise and portray the ignorance and foolishness so many 'hustlahs" in this sickened entertainment culture we have perpetuated. Now don't get me wrong, I love this music and the ideals on which it's founded. I've keep a steady torch ablaze in the back street for those to escape the ensuing madness the Plague is bringing, knowing that the true will seek it out and will bring forth health and vitality from the sickness of ignorance and laziness. Many men are getting rich from this exploitation, this total lack of creativity and soul. But the price paid is that the sickness will overtake itself, a virus can't carry on without a host, Darwin will take over. Sickness is weakness and far too much of the music is weak. Foolishness music, lack of originality music, ignorance music, "set and fetch it" music...the system will cleanse itself in time, better take you profits now, real Hip Hop is on the mend"...

D Lorand (WCSB-OH): "Although there are many memorable hip hop moments from 2005, the most significant in my eyes HAS to be the truce between the god emcee and the god son. jay-z and nas coming together in that way, and performing live together as well, is something so momumental in hip hop history and completely unexpected. its good to see them handle their entire beef, from start to finish, like men and like professionals - and not have it get out of control the way many other hip hop "beefs" have. respect due to both of them for a great and exciting rivalry, and even bigger props for the class to be able to let by gones be by gones and move on from it to make history"...

Dan Shores (WHRW-NY): "I was fortunate enough to be (last minute of course) a DJ on Toyota / Scion's Scion Slam basketball tour with Dj Syl. Syl , Jive Alive , Elan and Altruistic all do this Hiphop thing full time and all are related in some way shape or form to WICB FM. A station in which I had a show w/ Jive Alive that focused on soul and funk.

 I started my own company with a good friend . That company is beginning to do event coordination , brand marketing and so much more. It's called CPP for College promotions and people. You'll definately hear more about it as the year progresses.

 Rapattack conf. calls . - these are top notch either way you slice it. From old school vets from the east side of things to the west. Even new school cats like Neyo and Chris Brown have joined ourcalls. Def Jam really looked out this year, as we've talked to Ghostface killa, Papoose, Nore, Freeway, Kanye West, Juelz Santana and more. Nasty Nes keep doing your thing, Addition I can't thank you enough for coordinating. Splif and Bluesteel at DefJam let's keep working to make DefJam that classic Hiphop label that everyone knows and loves.

 Lee and Double J brought us a lot of heat. Keep doing your thing guys. Foundation media ! Lee helped me air a Shyne interview from jail, and set me up with M.I.A. to host an upcoming mixtape. Double J globe trots w/ Doujah Raze and has his own label Trilogy so you gotta give him props for all he does. That man eat sleeps shits and breathes Hiphop and his love for college DJ's for real.

 ALL of the promoters work hard and I appreciate what you do. Alma, Jess, Papa D, Gusmo,DJ Riq,Sean from Koch (Youre the fuckin man remember that and don't let no one get u down) Episode and the CEO I've seen come up promoting really great records and doing it really well. Ep even started his own label Madeline Soul so check for that. Urban Network came out working some really nice NeoSoul music in Donnie Edwards , David Hernandez and more.

I got a chance to build with a lot of Europeans too during 2005, and I will continue to do that in 06. Bigups to my guys DJ Kitsune, Phat Phillie and also DJ Osk. 2006 will see a surge in NY/ Europe collaborations . I feel Hiphop needs this . Once you go global, the world is yours. Thats the plan - Stay tuned and Godbless each and everyone of yall"...

DJ Yoshi (Mixtapes-NJ): "The happiest moments that I've seen in 2005 relate to the DJ. In the past DJ's were pushed to the background of entertainment behind the bands, artists, etc. In 2005, we became a more powerful entity. From sporting events to TV shows, DJ's became recognized by face as opposed to just their voices and mixing styles. I've seen more DJ's on the cover of magazines this year than the previous 2 years combined...We've seen DJ's do TV ads, billboard ads, and, we have a greater market value than before. I'd definitely want to see this continue in 2006. Our voices have been heard, and the response is phenominal!"...

Matt Chan (CJSF-Canada): "I think my most memorable moment of 2005 is probably going to the SXSW music festival. i met a lot of nice people, saw some really good bands, and i finally met some of the radio folks that i've been talking with for years. i finally got a chance to eat real southern bar-b-q as well as breakfast tacos! on top of all that cigarettes in texas are cheap! only $2.50 a pack at the CVS Pharmacy! who knew?!"...

L Precise (CJSF #2-Canada): "For me the most memorable moment was getting down to the bahamas for the Power Summit and finally putting names to the faces of many radio and label friends that I hadn't yet met in person. The trip was amazing, the people were great, and overall the trip was a success. And to top it off I stayed an extra day to roam around and ended up doing the swimming with the dolphins experience. It was surreal. Definitely a trip of a lifetime"...

Nick Huff (KPFA #2-CA): "My most memorable personal Hip Hop moment of 2005 would be signing both Ise Lyfe and Rico Pabon to my record label Hard Knock Records. As you know I left Sony and have decided to fulfill my life long dream of developing a record label, which I have been working on for the last four years. Expect big things from us in 2006, as both Ise and Rico will be putting out albums at the beginning of the year.
The most memorable Hip Hop moment of 2005 would be Nas and Jay-Z overcoming their personal beefs to join forces. I only hope that the rest of the world waspaying attention and talking notes cause we need to come together as a Hip Hop Community and really start flexing our power. Hip Hop is international, what we say and do is affecting millions of lives!"...

J-Tyme (X104-Seattle): "I don’t know how to evaluate 2005. It had its up and downs. Its funny how most people are quick to point out when things go wrong or when something bad happens, but I choose to focus on some bright spots for me from 2005 including - meeting KRS-1 and seeing such legendary artists such as DJ Premier, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Masta Ace perform. Yes, I am a DJ, but I am also first and foremost a fan of Hip-Hop so being able to see them perform was a real privilege. I was also honored to represent college radio on a panel that Nes moderated for the Urban Netowrk/Out of the Ashes conference here in Seattle. Another bright spot for me was also witnessing local groups such as The Blue Scholars and The Boom Bap Project make a lot of noise locally and nationally by touring (check for their albums and cop’em). With that, I don’t know what else to say about the 05. I look forward to 2006 and hope that more quality and timeless Hip-Hop music will return to the airwaves. God knows we need it"...

Kevin Sakoda (KSPC-CA): "I remember that it was a Thursday in September, and the Living Legends http://www.legendarymusic.net  had 2 shows…a daytime set at Cal State Northridge, and an evening concert at Vault 350 in Long Beach. I had just started working with them, so I wanted to make sure that everything went as smoothly as possible. For being the f.n.g. working with 8 dudes, everything went pretty cool. My dad even came and had dinner with me in Long Beach before the show, which was dope. Anyway, the show in Long Beach was with Swollen Members, OC, and the Hieroglyphics. Everyone rocked it, which was dope in itself (I hadn’t seen OC perform “Time’s Up” in about 7 or 8 years…if not more). Toward the end of the night, my man AC The Program Director blessed me with a t-shirt from his line http://hiphopphilosophy.com  - it was the one which features the line “I’d rather be broke and have a whole lotta respect…it’s the principle of it.” I hadn’t asked for an autograph in at least 5 years, but when I saw OC backstage,I had the shirt hanging on my shoulder, and he was kind enough to sign it for me…I felt like a little kid, which doesn’t happen much these days. Good times"...

DJ Scene (KUBE-Seattle): "2005 has been a great year! One of the things I distinctively think about is Kanye West's comments on national television. that took some serious balls and really woke some people up"...

Brian "DJ Bri-G" Gaffey (RPM/Mixtapes-NY): "My most memorable moment of 2005 was definitely last February when I got to go to the party at 50 Cent’s mansion in Connecticut. It was by far the biggest and best party I’ve ever been to in my life. Everybody there was a rapper, a dj, an athlete, an actress, or a model. It was incredible…and there was an open bar. 50’s crib was like something out of a movie. When you walked in, there was a runway with strippers on each side and a stipper on a big swing in the middle. Funkmaster Flex was djing. They did a live performance with all of G-Unit. Plus, we rolled up to the party in a BMW X5 which made it a little nicer"...

Jon?Doe (KCPR-CA): "Nes, although it's not hip hop related, i will have to list my most memorable moment of 2005 as November 15th. i was biking home (on a bicycle) on the highway when a 79-year old man hit me from behind in his car going 65mph. although i was thrown up onto the hood of the car and then back onto the asphalt, and my bike was demolished, i survived with only lacerations and bruises and a major concussion. i say "only" because, by all rights, i should be dead, or at least have some broken bones. God reached down and saved my life, knowing that I had three boys and a wife to take care of, as well as a college graduation to walk through. living is my most memorable moment. God bless you!"...

Nick Nack (Mixtapes-Austin): "My most memorable 2005 moment was opening up for Grandmaster Flash and Biz Markie in Austin, TX with over 1300 people in attendance. Shit was off the meter!"...

Brian "Z" Zisook (WZND-IL): "Without a doubt, the most memorable moment for me in the year twenty-oh-five would be the way that the hip-hop community came together to help out the victims of the horrible Hurricane Katrina tragedy. In times of devastation we as a community need to forget about the bull ish that ruins relationships, doesn't allow for open communication lines, and severs ties. Instead we need to drop the beef and unite as a family. Without hesitation so many within the extended hip-hop family came together and raised funds to help. Kanye West was our spokesmen and I hope that the man's words will not effect the outcome of the 2006 Grammy awards. One Love"...

Semp Rok (FL):