JUST A THOUGHT…

As I sat in my room in vegas I watched lil wayne on “the view” and I gotta say
what I see is somebody who knows exactly what their doing. I asked the lifers on
twitter a few days ago if they thought somebody that didn’t work as hard could
knock him off his block interestingly enuff the responses were 5050. The
producer, ceo in me won’t allow me to except a split decision. As far as I’m
concerned wayne is the bar. He’s got the streets, the pop shit, a image, a look and
a sound. From this interview I can tell he knows this and to me that’s when a
artist is most dangerous. I bring this up because people constantly wanna give me demos that are nowhere near his level so I wonder. Do yall view rap like boxing? Cause I’m starting too…it doesn’t feel like everybody is fighting for the same belt or title.

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  1. I THINK LIL WAYNE IS OK…..I DONT THINK HE WILL DO AS WELL AS HIS LAST ALBUM!!!! IT’S MY OPINION, I DON’T C THE HYPE…T.I. IS BETTER!!!! WANYE LOST THAT EDGE THAT HE HAD, HE’S 2 POP 4 ME!!!!!!

  2. you see but the thing is.. wayne has been in this game since he was like 11 years old.. you cant expect a nigga with a brand new demo to sound like wayne.. because they dont have the connects, THE YEARS.. the people to inform them or TEACH THEM.. some people are put in situations where they can gain and learn and be better and wayne wanted to be better so he did all he ccould to be better.. a nigga with a demo dont have that same opportunity as wayne.. sure he can get his lyrics up but with cash money wayne was learning how to make hits.. almost like artist development.. in a way.. shid most rappers are content with the money and they really dont care about being the best.. wayne done got advice from niggas like bun b.. what regular nigga you know gone be able to get advice from a nigga like bun b.. come on now.. some niggas want to be the greatest.. and those type of niggas are wayne.. and some just wanna make money off of being a rapper and those are the niggas that are the niggas that aint on waynes level.. i dont agree with comparing a demo artist to wayne because thats like comparing a high school basketball player to an NBA player who won the championship.. yeah i do see rap as a form of boxing cause everybody want to be looked at differently.. if someone wanted to knock lil wayne off his block i think that they could if they are given the same chances he is.. but he has knowledge that no unsigned artist can get.. he can go back and think to days and times him and other cashmoney records artist hustled.. most unsigned niggas dont know about.. so yeah i think if a nigga had the same opportunity as wayne he could be just as could if not better.. most of the artist who are in the “greatest” or “top 5” they are artist who can be all around a lil wayne found a way to be all around.. he wanted it.. he had passion for it.. if anybody else had that same desire i believe anyone can do what he did.. IF AND ONLY IF THEY had the same opportunity.. wayne might not have been officially an “artist development” artist but threw years he is an developed artist..

  3. this is a great point you bring up…i do feel that he has lost a slight edge since his last album…but i do give him this..he is a smart dude who does know what hes doing…that is also a good point about the boxing thing…never thatught of it that way but now that i do think about…it makes sense lol…

  4. ***and i wasnt really feeling prom queen…but he will get it together

  5. I get why you say that rap is like boxing. There is allot of good talent out their, but there is too many lazy minds. I don’t think people are willing to work to become what they want to become. People need to realize that Lil Wayne was not always as big as he was, but we knew who he was. It wasn’t like Lil Wayne was a “Labron James” type who came in ready to smash. He got to where he did with hard work. Its like rappers today think that if they have a video and a chain there going to be famous. When all the greats we have, became famous by working there ass to the bone. Im an inspiring producer myself and I would give previews of my work to people I have met, but I know its not ready. It makes no sense to try to move or push a product on someone, when it’s not up to par. I’m saying this because I feel that there are artist trying to come out with halfway finished craft. They should completely understand what they want before trying to pro sue it.

  6. I think Lll Wayne is a lyrical genius, no other rapper out there raps like he does. He is capturing all audiences which is what it is all about. He knows exactly what he is doing, what other rappers have been on the view so he just targeted a whole new audience. I agree Lil Wayne is the bar and not many other people are even attempting to reach his level.

  7. – think this song proves your point just a little.

  8. I believe that he is one of the best in the game. As an artist in todays industry, you have to evolve or you’re going to get left behind. He did the right thing by branching out, appealing to different crowds. Not many hip hop artist do that.

  9. I think the only person that will knock Lil Wayne off his block is himself. I think the same thing that happened to 50 Cent will happen to Wayne. 50 Cent dropped his first Cd and everybody was feelin it and then when the second two dropped it was different but it just wasn’t the same as his first one. When Wayne dropped the Carter more people started feelin him…I think the Carter 2 was his best Cd after he dropped that and did a couple of mixtapes and other records he had everybody listening…..Since then his whole swagg changed and his music is nowhere like the two cds….I’m not really feelin the material that he dropped now…. 50 Cent built a fanbase as to where he became a household name thats how Lil Wayne is now with Lil Wayne doin a rock album he may lose some fans who aren’t into that type of music and he may gain some who are….But he will knock himself of the block if he doesn’t learns how to cater to both audiences

  10. I DON’T FEEL LIL WAYNE… I DON’T THINK HE SAYS ANYTHING…HIS LYRICS SAD, BAD, & GLAD JUST AINT IT. HE’S A SMOOTHER SOULJA BOY TO ME. THAT’S THE STATE OF MUSIC NOW A DAYS. I THINK EVERYBODY WANT TO BE RAPPERS SO THE EASIER IT IS THE MORE THEY LIKE IT.

    IM OLDER SO I LIKE SUBSTANCE ( STORIES ) IN MY MUSIC.

  11. This is an amazing concept you have here JD. Whether you like his music or not I think the point that you were getting at is he is in his OWN zone and he doesn’t let anyone define the rules for him. He has started a trend that has been heavily accepted and his songs are catchy and contagious. Besides Kayne West, Jay Z, T.I. and a few underground rappers I have seen no one freestyle the way that he does truly off the top of his head. So in boxing terms then, Lil Wayne must be the CURRENT undisputed heavy weight champion of the world. The only other heavy weight opponents currently are Kayne, T.I., and Young Jeezy. It seems as if the rest are trying to salvage their careers or make a comeback after being on hiatus. These would fall into the Light Heavy Weight division. With Rick Ross, Jada Kiss, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones, 50 Cent, Eminem(only reason he is not in the heavy weights is because of the time he took off), Ludacris, and others. Finally the feather weight class of the rookies or sophomores in the game, dance rhymers/gimmick rhymers, and ringtone rappers. No disrespect to this class they just have their own lane and own medium that they target. These would include GS Boyz, Young La, Soulja Boy, and others. I dont see many trying to advance to the next weight class it seems to me that everyone respects their division and is only trying to move to the top of that specific class.

  12. dis is why i still fight for the title if you knw what i mean! lil wayne iz what he says all what jd iz sayin is so so true dats why im still a lifers cuz wen its time to be serious he gets serious but stay dat way boss cuz dat works for you making of a mogul jermaine dupri

  13. Good Point JD! Everybody is complaining about sales being down but the QUALITY of music is down!!! Wayne puts out quality music so people respect and support him. When are rappers going to stop LL Cool Jing the ladies??? We need some FRESH ideas in the game. When times are hard people want to hear music that make them feel better.

  14. IT SEEMS LIKE RAPPERS WANT 2 B POP STARS NOW, AND HAVE THAT CROSS OVER APPEAL!!!! IT DOESN’T WORK 4 EVERYONE….I UNDERSTAND THAT WE ALL HAVE 2 EVOLVE BUT, LOSEN YOURSELF JUST 2 SELL RECORDS…IN THE WORDS OF INTYNATIONAL “THAT ANIT IT”

  15. It think that lil wayne has the IT factor which can take him a long way as long as he has the right people around him and make the right decision. I think that he def has room to grow as a artist and I think he sees that! I think 4 my generation he is up there! Do I think he is the BAR? I dont know but he defintely is showing people how to get it in! Holla back jd cant wait 4 the oceans mixtape! T

  16. HE ONLY HAD THIS ONE ALBUM THAT SOLD WELL, EVERYBODY ACTING LIKE HE ALWAYS SELL 1 MILLION COPIES FRIST WEEK!!! GIVE ME A BREAK PEOPLE!!!!!! LETS LEAVE THAT 2 KANYE WEST…. WHEN LIL WAYNE HAS CONSISTENT ALBUM SELLS THAT R GREAT THEN WE SHOULD HAVE THIS CONVERSATION!!!!!

  17. Like joe budden said, “hip hop died when niggas started trynna be the best rapper alive and not the best rapper ever”.

  18. Lil Wayne is great because he is stillllllllllll hungry!! Thats the key..some artists get hungry when they get in the game and they dont stay on the grind..Wayne stays on the grind and u can tell music is his life ..that he lives, loves and breathes it…That kind of hustle is missing in most ppl these days..Say what u want but i believe that Lil Wayne is the rap icon of his time!

  19. I think he said it best, his music is him. He is being himself and when you know who you are the shit is pure and genuine and people cant really hate on you. Well they can but it doesnt phase you. I think Kanye is JUST NOW getting that. Its sad that a cartoon had to show him that but all you can do is be yourself and thats when you are the best. If you tryin to make the newest hottest shit then you will NEVER succeed. The newest hottest shit changes every other day so you will be chasing forever. When you are the one CHANGING the newest hottest shit thats when you succeed.

  20. It not just about his first week sales….LIL WAYNE IS A MOVEMENT… period… Everything that he stands for is what is adding to his legend. He is a hustler, an executive, a trendsetter, and an an icon.

  21. I have to agree Lil Wayne is the shit right now, he knows how to appeal to a different audience. This dude is a trendsetter and in my opinion no one can touch him right now.

  22. First, it’s interesting to see “dem oceans boys” living the life in my home time of Vegas. Definitely a different perspective. lol.

    Now, on to the question. When you are preparing for a fight, you have to train. You have to prepare for battle and be ready to go the distance. You can’t just go in thinking you are going to knock folks out in the first round because that typically doesn’t happen. Lil Wayne has been preparing for 12 rounds not just round 1. You have to fight smart and each contender brings something different to the table that you have to be prepared for. Lil Wayne is multi-faceted. If you look at his appearances on different shows, you see he knows how to code switch when having a conversation based on the audience. The View really showed his maturation and that he was fully aware of the exposure the View would offer. Lil Wayne and Dewayne Carter Jr one in the same but different. Don’t let his outward appearance fool you. Just like you diversify your stock options the same can be said for Lil Wayne. You have to recognize he has been in this for over a decade. This did not happen overnight. This was a process. He has set the bar high for himself and others. The purse would appear to represent more than money for Lil Wayne and more than just a title. Everybody doesn’t know how to fight because they never had to but Lil Wayne knows every move is strategic not random.

  23. your right on the dot w/
    that bowing comment!!
    every1 jus wnts $..
    & Lil Wayne actually
    impressed me when i
    seen the interview..

  24. With Wayne, I think you are seeing the first of a new breed of rap artists where substance & skill is second to brand. Jigga, for example, was true artist first and brand second. It’s my opinion that Wayne doesn’t match up to rap greats, he just knows how to brand himself.

  25. JD!

    I must disagree with you on some of these points you lined up concerning Wayne. Starting to make nationally distributed albums before the age of 15 gave Wayne a huge advantage in becoming who and what he is today. He was blessed with opportunities that people who are handing you demos aren’t, so I would like for you to keep that in mind. Wayne also had years and years of growth, struggle, and change. He didn’t pop up like this overnight. The “bar” Wayne has set is a high one, but it is definitely attainable due to the fact that he hasn’t explored every avenue or doesn’t even possess the where-with-all to do so.
    Its not fair to want everyone to fight for the belt that Wayne is fighting for or even “won” as you are implying. Some are fighting to create the best (subjective) music, most album sells, most influence, most popular….

    Its hard to view the music in these terms (boxing) when so much is based on the opinions of others, especially in a culture where people interests, likes and dislikes change like the wind.

    a look, an image, a sound, to have the streets, and this pop shit (which means popular) is cool, but legacy is the real battle for me. These things will be attributed to my legacy and that much more.

  26. I’ve been a Wayne fan since he was a hot boy, & I don’t see anybody touchin’ him right now. He definately goes hard everytime he flows.Its not about the flashing lights & money. This is someone who loves his craft. Some artist let their egos effect their growth. From what I’ve seen Wayne is willing to put in the work & if anyone wants his spot, then they have to come correct or not at all

  27. Wayne has set A bar within this generation, I don’t know if he has set THE bar, because he’s unique. I’d much rather hear a rapper with solid talent and a consistent style rather than one who is mediocre and trying for Wayne’s crossover appeal, because Wayne’s style isn’t for everyone. I would seem disingenous to me, if it happens naturally then so be it.

  28. Rappers today have to cross over but not necessarily in pop but, I feel that they should appeal to everyone including African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Indains etc..

  29. thats some real shit JD…yeah people out don’t won’t it….thats why the people who made it, are where they at.!.!

  30. “WE AS CONSUMERS MUST EXPECT MORE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY…BRING BACK THE ALBUM and not the ONE HIT WONDER”.
    …JD I went back to YOUTUBE to find the episode watched his interview and performance in it’s entirety and well you MADE A DIRECT AND COMPLETELY OBSERVED POINT. I feel many so-called rappers were bred on watching what they are supposed to do so they “SWAGGER JACK” their idols and what is produced from this situation is what we have now which is crowded airwaves with nursery rhymes and hooks and NO SUBSTANCE. Rappers don’t really have bios to articulate where they come from they just have “OVERLY GLAMORIZED” videos and songs that depict half truths (BENZES< GIRLS< DRUGS<MANSIONS). In Lil Wayne’s case he seems “GROOMED, PREPARED,HUNGRY” and he’s a VETERAN but WAYNE has that “IT FACTOR” he has DETERMINATION you could tell where he’s been and you anticipate where he’s going. I loved watching how he handled the hosts and even the audience I am sure that this interview brought conversations to some middle amercian homes because,”MOM SAW THIS WAYNE GUY ON THE VIEW” I mean did you see the audience participation when asked them to “PUT YOUR HANDS UP?” WHAAAAT!. I think there are a handful of well groomed artist that will be here for the long haul WAYNE is in that roster he may be the TITLE HOLDER “DING DING” Who’s ready to RUMBLE?
    Love and Light,
    Jette

  31. Like 50 said after “get rich or die trying” he could have dropped a blank CD and it would have sold millions. This is the situation Wayne finds himself in and like a true soldier he’s using that opportunity to bring his click “young money” on like you yourself did for countless artists. Wayne is not your average MC tho cos he’s been doing this practically his whole life and finally mastered it to a point where the masses relate to him. His followers cover a wide spectrum from people who have watched him grow up from “hot boys” , different ages , race and all walks of life thus making him ‘dangerous’. He got the potential to get even bigger than he already his, a testament to fact if work hard on your grind it can happen for you.

    hit me on. http://twitter.com/sohood

  32. I belive sprite said it best… “Image is nuthn.. Thirst is everythng”…

    He’s still thirsty and very much so incharge of what he’s doin. I’ve neva been like a huge fan of his but I like sum of his stuff frm time to time. I really enjoyed his last album. He shows versitility and very true to hisself. U can’t be mad at sumone for that. He’ll be just fine. The fact that he was on the view and also intervied by Katie Kurrik speaks very highly of him. I have nuthn but love and respect for him…

  33. Hey JD I wanted some info on having you play one of my parties here in Atlanta, Im actually in Gwinnett County but I wanted to know if I can get your Ryder and costs as to have you play.

  34. Lil Wayne is taking his fame and using it to the utmost of his abilities, you got to get it in while your hot cus if you wait too long and hang on your fame and not use it then your going to end up a relic or someone left in the past

  35. Welcome back JD..Now I got to cut you a new one..LOL Nigga you are caught up on the hype again. Wayne is so good because there is nobody out. Who to compare him too? I think all the people in the music business are just followers and there are only a few leaders in this game. Your boy Pyrnce on Def Jam is just as nice Wanye.

    How many people had tattoes BEFORE 2pac got his? Now 14 years later yall look like he did in 1996. I’m sitting back laughing. That’s the main reason I refuse to get any tattoos. If I remember correcly JD, you had Kriss Kross dressed up in Dickies and Riding around in 64’s in the middle of Atlanta for a video when the west coast was hot?????? Da Brat was the female version of Snoop…..So funkdifide……huh???? Xscape the female version of Jodacee.. I can go on and on…..Once a person gets hot now HE is the bar? I don’t think so. Rakim is the bar, BIG, NAS, or 3000 is the bar. I am starting to like Wayne more and more, but I think he he needs to chill out and let the public mess him a little. I don’t think it was so long ago that Master P ran everything.. NOW he couldn’t sell out the old 559.

    Our leaders in the music because are really creative followers.. Lil John started using that Novation sound now everybody uses it.. Lil John with them claps now every song got claps… Can a nigga get a hard snare every now and then?????

    SPOCK

  36. Wayne is talented but that didnt happen over night. He has been around for many years and has had time to grow up in the industry and learn first hand from legends. I dont think you can expect someone giving you a mixtape to be on the same level as wayne. Thats like expecting a college rookie to be as talented as Kobe before you draft him. You have to look for that potential and hungry and then you work with the person to develop them into the greatest.

  37. life without music is nothin…if you don’t feel the music in you, you can’t create…no matter how an artist created his image or no matter how he is livin it, you gotte respect every artist how is succesfull and is making that money…and there is no better way gettin money by doin what you love and constantly wanne do all day and night —> music…so live for your dream lifers and JD is obviously doin that too..no dream, no succes…shout out to you JD, I appreciate the “living the life”- video blogs…Oceans baby…shout out to trey, brian, jontha etc…you are great…yuuuuuup

    Kerst

  38. JD,

    why you pole jockin lil wayne?? wayne is just lucky jim jonsin saved his ass because he has 0 lyrical skills. He rhymes the dumbest statements together over and over but no one seems to notice because he has reasonable beat selection. as a producer i’m surprised you did not notice this.

    now he’s going into a “rock album” when he can’t even play the fucking guitar. why kind of rock fans will actually give him respect? nobodyyyyy.

    he will soon reduce his “streets”/hiphop fanbase to a buncha white girls, who only care about a good beat to dance to. no one in the “streets” can respect a person who has songs like “tha heat” and then to tell them to lick their lollipop. he picked a few good beats and people label him as a star. this is the main flaw in hip hop today.

    alex

  39. @ SPOCK
    LET’S NOT 4GET T.I….I THINK T.I, IS THE BET RAPPER OUT AND HAS BEEN 4 SOME YEARS. HE’S CONSISTENT AND ALWAYS DELIVERS!!!!!

  40. Here’s the thing…

    Lil Wayne is an example of hard work, dedication, and determination. I have been a Wayne fan since Guerrila warfare came out of the Hot Boys. From there I brought every CD and mixtape he made (SQUD UP etc..) and you can see the progress he made over time. For anyone to stay that you can be great without putting in work has life fucked up…

    Think of all the greatest athletes of our time and in history….they put in HELLA work. You have to be disciplined and consistent in your work ethic. You can’t just walk up to mic and start rhyming like Biggie without doing something.

    Passion drives people. You see anyone successful you that they have passion. Lil Wayne, JD, Ush, etc have a passion for what they do and that’s why they are good at it. And like Heath Ledger (RIP) said in The Dark Knight “If you are good at something don’t do it for free…”.

    Respect the grind ppl.

  41. OH AND HOW IS LIL WANYE THE BAR WHEN HE “SWAGGER JACKS” THE MACHINE FROM T-PAIN!!!!! HE NOT ORIGINAL….

  42. @I’M OCEANS 6 (POSH) ….Good point about TI..

  43. good point JD, although I think Tip is right there with Wayne in terms of pop radio, the image, a sound etc… they both have their faults though (Wayne- Codeine, drugs, etc.. Tip-Legal)… and I believe Jeezy is almost there as well, although he does not have the pop shit that tip and wayne have….

  44. J.D. NOW YOUR MY NIGGA I FUCKS WITH YOU HEAVY BUT SHIT LIKE THIS IS WHEN YOU START FUCKING UP AS AN A&R AND YOU START ACTING LIKE ONE OF THESE INDUSTRY NIGGAS YOU HATE SO MUCH. WE ALREADY GOT A LIL WAYNE!!! wE DON’T NEED ANOTHER LIL WAYNE. SO DON’T USE HIM AS THE BAR CAUSE YOU WILL FAIL EVERY TIME. EXAMPLE WHEN NELLY WAS THE QUOTE “BAR” UNIVERSAL WENT TO GO GET THIS NIGGA NAMED PRETTY WILLY OR SOME SHIT LIKE THAT WHO’S SINGLE SOUNDED LIKE SOME NELLY SHIT! tHAT NIGGA WAS NEVER HEARD OF AGAIN. WHEN ALICIA KEYS WAS SMOKIN HOT WHICH SHE STILL IS, SOME ASS HOLE WENT AND GOT THAT LATIN GIRL WITH CORN ROWS AND PUT HER INFRONT OF A PIANO. ARE U FUCKING KIDDING ME??
    WHAT YOU DO IS THIS ……FIND THAT NIGGA WHO GOT THE SAME DRIVE AS WAYNE.
    GET THAT NIGGA WHO’S SOUND IS NOTHING LIKE YOUR HEARING. ITS ON SOME OTHER SHIT!!!
    wE ALREADY GOT A WAYNE, WE ALREADY GOT A BOW WOW , WE ALREADY GOT A J.D.
    WE NEED A NEW NIGGA IN THE GAME THAT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT
    I.E
    REMEMBER WHEN EMINIEM CAME OUT? NOBODY SOUNDED LIKE HIM
    REMEMBER WHEN JAY-Z FIRST CAME OUT? nOBODY SOUNDED LIKE JAY!!!
    FIND THE NIGGA THA’T HUNGRY LIKE THOSE ARTIST NOT AS FAR AS IMAGE AND ALL THAT CRAZTYSHIT CAUSE NOBODY IS DRESSING LIKE WAYNE BESIDES THE NIGGAS THAT GOT IDENTITY PROBLEMS!!!!!! GO 2 BANKHEAD AND SEE WHO IS DRESSING LIKE WAYNE?
    IMAGE IS BULLSHIT CAUSE WHEN NIGGAS WAS WEARING BAGGY PANTS 4 YEARS AGO NIGGAS COULDN’T GET CAUGHT DEAD WITH NO TIGHT ASS PANTS YOU NIGGAS WEARING NOW.
    SO FUCK IMAGE!!!! gET A SMOKIN HOT ASS RECORD AND AN EVEN HOTTER RECORD 2 BACK IT UP AND ITS NOT GONNA MATTER IF THIS NIGGA IS ONSTAGE WEARING A PLAID SKIRT!

    mr. r. fRANKLIN

  45. Wayne grind like he tryna get in the game not like he the top dog in the game and that’s why he at where he’s at….point…..blank…period!!!!

  46. @ c dawson…I agree with you 100%. my sentiments exactly.

    @ spock…master P could indeed sell out 559. i was a no limit soldier to the def (in my mind) 🙂 and i know there’s plenty of old heads (well…not so old) that would get BOUT IT at a reunion show. lol

  47. Nobody just starting out is going to sound like Wayne or be on that level unless they are TRYING to sound like Wayne (ie. Asher Roth being influenced heavily by Eminem). Lil Wayne took years in the making and perfect timing. I’m from Philly so we knew Gillie Da Kid rubbed off on Wayne and that was before Gillie even came out with that a couple years ago.
    But Wayne is making the natural superstar rapper progression instead of doing movies he’s doing rock music. He’s not doing anything new but its new to the people that enjoy his music and it gives his fans something to be excited about which is definitely needed.

    But ANYBODY can lose their spot because there is always someone new, someone hotter or someone the industry or the media says is hotter or why the person on top has all of sudden fallen off. Being the age I am now I’ve come to learn that its all bullshit, so I don’t feed into it. Some of the songs that come out these days I don’t see myself listening to 10 years from now.

  48. YEAH WAYNE GOT THAT SHIT DOWN PACKED JD LOL. PLUS HE DON’T STOP HE IS CONSTANTLY GOING. THAT IS WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE LOSING ARTIST TODAY THEY ARE STOPPING AND JUST JUMPING ON THE BAND WAGON WITH WHATEVER SOUND THAT IS CURRENTLY WORKING. WAYNE DON’T STOP FOR NOTHING. I TALK TO HIS MANAGER CORTEZ ALL THE TIME AND ALL HE GOT TO SAY IS THAT WAYNE IS A WORK AHOLIC LMAO.

    OTHER ARTIST OUT HERE HAVE ONE HIT SINGLE AND THEY QUIT FOR A WHILE AFTER THE MONEY GETS LOW. WAYNE HITTING NIGGAS WITH REMIXES, R&B, RAP, ROCK. POP ETC…. LOL NOW I COMPARE HIM TO ALI, MAYWEATHER, TYSON, ALL MIXED IN RIGHT NOW BECAUSE U DON’T KNOW WHAT IS NEXT WITH WAYNE AND CASH MONEY LOL

    I BET YALL DIDN’T KNOW THEM NIGGAS SOLD A OIL COMPANY OVERSEAS FOR OVER $300 MILLION DOLLARS. MAN THEY SMARTER THAN THEY LOOK I’M OUT/.

    SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE LIFERS, THE OCEANS, EVERYONE!

    FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER http://WWW.TWITTER.COM/ANRCHRIS

  49. Hey JD, just noticed that you mentioned people handing you demos. Did you ever listen to any of those demos you received from the ASCAP song writing panel a couple months ago in L.A.?

  50. @spock Your interesting I have noticed tht alot of your comments R almost right on the money! I have no need to comment cause its already been said by you 2 sum it up”

  51. @jduv123…Thanks bro!!! I try to keep it 100 on here!!
    SPOCK

  52. As a consumer and long time listener of Hip Hop music I would have to say Wayne holds up the title right now for most active and marketable artist in the rap game.His image is a brand in itself and his work ethic is far past the majority of other artist in this game.He deserves to be number one.

    As far as lyricism goes most of the general public that judge it don’t even have a wide perspective of the music they hate and love.When you speak of word smiths you think of people like Jay Z, Nas, BIG,BIG L,
    Black Thought,Common and even Ras Kass (who most of the world has slept on) as Mcs who set the bar.

    Wayne is a strong talent but has a ways to go before his name goes down in the history book as the greatest and that’s why he is working so hard.I’m proud to see that brother getting money and hope the best of success to him.

    Jd…….Now as far as the people giving you demos,you have to remember that 99 percent of these young hopefuls really are not ready to be in the spot light and they need artist development like all the other popular artist of our time have received.
    I think half the problem is that some of the better artist that are super talented don’t have the capital behind them to be in the same spots as you are to hand you a demo.
    I listen to unsigned artist everyday that are so good at what they do and have such a great story to share with the world that the only way I see them not going anywhere is because they do not know anyone in the music industry. The artist are out there waiting in the wing.Its now time for the game to find them because at the end of the day the industry is in the business of selling music and sometimes that means not waiting for a independent record to gain spins in a small market where a label rep can say he found someone new but actually beating the pavement looking for the next Rakim or the next Jay Z and trust me he or she is out there and ready to go round for round with the big boys.

  53. In response to your youtube vid….

    Heavyweights:
    TI
    Jay
    Lil Wayne
    Nas
    Kanye

    Middleweight:
    Common (Training to change weight class)
    Lube
    Andre 3000 (To be honest, he’s in his own class)
    Pharrell

    “I Got Next Crew”:
    Drake
    LiL Brother

  54. *Lupe for the middleweights

  55. I have not historically been a Lil Wayne fan, I did not purchase any of his material (since the Hot Boyz)until the Dedication Mix”tapes” came out… The Cater III is tight work though. As much as I hate to say it Weezy and UGK are the only ones in the superheavyweight class right now. (UGK did drop an album in the last 12 months so they still count.)

    In the Heavy Weight class I would have to go with: T.I., Jeezy, T-Pain(like him or not he is hot right now), Luda, Rick Ross, Kanye

    Middle Weight class might be….hell its too many to name but Project Pat has to be near the top of this class… dude has skills even though he gets no play outside the south.

    LightWeights… anybody with a song that we only know of because it is also a Dance… If the shoe fits..

  56. LIL WAYNE–HEAVY WEIGHT
    JAY-Z–HEAVY WEIGHT
    KANYE WEST–HEAVY WEIGHT
    T.I.–HEAVY WEIGHT
    NAS–HEAVY WEIGHT
    EMINEM–HEAVY WEIGHT
    T-PAIN–HEAVY MIDDLE WEIGHT
    DIDDY-HEAVY MIDDLE WIEGHT
    SNOOP DOGG–HEAVY MIDDLE WIEGHT
    LUDACRIS–HEAVY MIDDLE WEIGHT
    FAT JOE–HEAVY MIDDLE WIEGHT
    BUSTA RHYMES–HEAVY MIDDLE WIEGHT
    COMMON–HEAVY MIDDLE WEIGHT
    YOUNG JEEZY–HEAVY MIDDLE WEIGHT
    NELLY–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    RICK ROSS–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    AKON–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    FABOLOUS–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    TWISTA–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    LUPE FIASCO–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    BUN B–MIDDLE WEIGHT
    JADAKISS–LIGHT MIDDLE WEIGHT
    BOW WOW–LIGHT MIDDLE WEIGHT
    SOULJA BOY–LIGHT MIDDLE WEIGHT
    JIM JONES–LIGHT MIDDLE WEIGHT
    SWIZZ BEATS–LIGHT MIDDLE WEIGHT
    RON BROWZ–HEAVY LIGHT WEIGHT
    YOUNG DRO–HEAVY LIGHT WEIGHT
    YOUNG JOC–HEAVY LIGHT WEIGHT
    PLIES–HEAVY LIGHT WEIGHT
    MIKE JONES–HEAVY LIGHT WEIGHT
    THE GAME–HEAVY LIGHT WEIGHT
    SLIM THUG–LIGHT WEIGHT
    YUNG BERG–LIGHT WEIGHT
    TYGA–LIGHT WEIGHT
    SHAWTY LO–LIGHT WEIGHT
    BiRDMAN–LIGHT WEIGHT
    GUCCI MANE–LIGHT WEIGHT
    OJ DA JUICEMAN–LIGHT WEIGHT
    E-40–LIGHT WEIGHT
    MIMS–LIGHT WEIGHT
    LIL BOOSIE–LIGHT WIEGHT
    FLO RIDA–WEAK LIGHT WEIGHT

    This list wasn’t about how much I like the person but it was on LYRICS, SELLS, IMAGE, & PROGRESS.

  57. I know two brothers that will knock lil Wayne out and take the title and then have a go at each other because they both are solo and both are as we say in the ATL the LONG WAY! The mix tape they gave me was so hot I can’t take it out my car and then I burned it to have one at home. Some artist just need guidance and a chance. They are out all the time sellling or just giving away mix tapes just to get the music out. The names are if you see them on the street SLIM AND CARTIER HERB . YOU HEARD ME!

  58. I think the ATL has a lot of Artist that just need the exposure. Lil Wayne is good but I was not feeling the last CD he dropped. It was just a lot of free styling with hooks and good beats if you ask me. Not to take anything away from him but the last one NAH!

  59. Are we basing heavyweights on talent or income earned ?

  60. NOW JD COME ON MY DUDE!!!!!!! wanye is not setting the bar lyrically some of the shit he says is just like a BIG WTF, i think people like wanye because he has alot of swagger and style. but lyrically i dont think wanye could fuck with kanye or jay. Wanyes songs sound hot because he has some dope ass beats but the problem with wanye in my opinion is that he comes out with so many songs he dilutes himself. To me The Carter III was ight, it was a disapointment for me especially since he had been dropping all these hot songs on mixtapes and shit and the album was just okay, he shoulda took all those hot songs he had ready for the mixtapes and put them on the album. also i wouldnt consider him a person that sets the bar because of what he talks about if u listen to wanyes songs they all talk about the same shit, just on a different beat. kanye and jay talk about life and the struggles they go through thats why so many people respect them and shit its just not some nigga talkin bout how he will shoot you and how many bitches he fucks and all that shit other shit. Jay talked about losing his nephew in his lyrics and reminiscing on the times where he didnt have a pot to piss in, not alone all the truth jay has in his lyrics about niggas being fake and just the shit you through in life period. i just cant imagine myself listenin to any of wanyes songs five years down the line and still thinking its hot. WANYE DOES NOT MAKE CLASSICS PERIOD!!!!!!!!!

    AND FOR NIGGAS SAYING DRAKE IS A HIP HOP HEAVY WEIGHT HE AINT THE NIGGA JUST GOT IN THE GAME YOU GOTTA ATLEAST BE IN THE GAME FOR A GOOD FIVE YEARS TO BE A HEAVY WEIGHT( not to mention sell out concerts as the main act and have a couple of platnium and gold albums), YOU JUST CANT HAVE SOME HOT MIXTAPES AND THINK ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU AT THE TOP!!!!!

    IN ADDITION I WISH NIGGAS WOULD STOP WEARING ALL THESE TIGHT ASS JEANS AND SCARFS AND ALL THAT GAY SHIT YOU NIGGAS LOOK LIKE BITCHES!!!!!! RAP AND HIP HOP HAS LOST ITS SENSE OF INDIVIDUALITY AND STYLE, TOO MANY DUDES IS BITING!!!!!!!!

    AND AS FOR NIGGAS WITH THE WACK DEMOS YOU GOTTA REMBER JD NOW DAYS ITS REALLY EASY TO MAKE A SONG ITS NOT LIKE BACK IN THE DAY WHEN U HAD TO FIND SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY HAD ACCESS TO A STUDIO AND SHIT CUZ EQUIPMENT WAS SO EXPENSIVE, AND TO GET IN THE STUDIO AND MAKE MUSIC YOU HAD TO HAVE TALENT AND SKILL!!!! THESE DAYS TOO MANY NIGGAS TRYNA ROCK THE MIC FOR THE FAME, MONEY AND BITCHES INSTEAD OF MAKING GOOD MUSIC AND LOVE FOR THE GAME

  61. i know im late as fuck on this i just saw the video on da tube and i had to come comment about wayne and i think the only way wayne is really setting the bar is with album sells to me thats what makes him a heavyweight right now in my opinion and jd please keep it all the way fuckin really LYRICALLY what the fuck wayne be talkin about? the only carter that was hot was the first carter i give him that i congrat wayne for sellin a mill in first week or whatever the sells were but i dont see what the hype is bout either i think LYRICALLY ROSS is killin with dat deeper than rap shit, LYRICALLY TI is da shit even tho i think jada could have went a lil harder on his new shit he still rockin, i aint really fuckin wit nobody else like that i mean i hear some hot songs dat i be rockin to but as far as those artist dat just has the hot songs they dont go hard lyrically to me, i fucks wit jeezy and luda too

  62. What u think about DRAKE jd…i think that drake is on a whole another level lyrically speakin…im surprised that alot of people havent taken to DRAKE..he speaks on inner thoughts and not jus material an dances those things like most up comin rappers do…”Say Whats Real” is my favorit track from Drake listen to it and tell me what you this ~Danzel

  63. Is this based on sales/commercial appeal or talent?
    Talent…..Busta is the heavy weight….. one of the only few who is versatile and DOES NOT use auto tune……
    If Wayne is setting the bar, then I’m sorry sales will never return to the 90’s peeks…. I Will change this….really….people really need to think about music differently…..what’s hot right now won’t even be played in 10 years…..

  64. Are we talking mainstream or all of Hip Hop Music ?

    This is really just a matter of (taste and like) at the end of the day.
    If the discussion is based on lyricism then anyone could argue who there favorite is _based on personal preference.
    You say Nas I say Jay Z,you say Lupe I say Kanye West.
    There has not been a true contest of skill where Wayne was actually in a rap battle against other mcs and declared a winner.This is more a case of who the political rap machine has decided to make the poster boy for the time passing. I think Wayne is a hot artist but with ten million rappers per state I’m sure there is someone out there who would surprise you.

  65. Heavy Weights-
    Wayne
    Jay
    TI
    Nas
    Jean GRAE (had to put a Layla in the list!)
    Eminem
    Method Man
    Ras Kas
    Kanye
    Snoop Dogg (LONGEVITY)

    MiddleWeights-
    Busta
    The Game
    Jada Kiss (If he were more consistent would be in the HEAVY’s For Sure)
    Black Thought
    Lupe
    Bow Wow
    Common
    Jim Jones
    Qtip
    Rick Ross
    50
    Ghostface
    Lil Brother
    E40
    Too Short
    Twista
    Nelly

    Lightweights-
    Souljah Boy
    Camron
    Juelz
    Jim Jones
    FLO RIDAH

  66. Heavy Weights: To me based on consistency, quality, image etc…
    T.I.
    Wayne
    50
    Jay Z
    Kanye
    Luda
    Jeezy

    Middle Weight: Close to being heavy, but lack annual release consistency
    Nas
    Twista
    Common
    Busta
    Shady
    Jadakiss
    The Game

    Light Weight: and most underrated
    Royce Da 5’9″
    Joe Budden
    Wale
    Black Thought
    Lil’ Brother
    Sheek Louch
    Juelz Santana
    Joell Ortiz
    Talib
    Mos Def
    Ghostface Killa
    Fab
    Elzhi
    Redman
    Cassidy
    B Sigel

    Feather Weight: nice, but need just a bit more
    Rich Boy
    Jim Jones
    Rick Ross
    Rhyme Fest
    Freeway

    Feather Weight undercard: respected but M.I.A.
    Nelly
    Lupe
    Ja Rule
    Lloyd Banks
    Mike Jones
    The Clipse
    Paul Wall
    Lil’ Scrappy
    Method Man
    Da Brat
    M. Bleek
    Obie Trice
    Rah Digga
    Young Dro
    I-20
    Slim Thug

  67. Heavyweights: (artist who can make a “great ALBUM”!)
    Jay-Z (from the image to the music – impact)
    Nas (quality lyrics)
    Kanye West (creative quality)
    T.I. (hit maker)
    Lil Wayne (markets himself very well)

    Light Heavyweights: (artist who makes “great ALBUMS” but don’t have the “POPULAR image” impact)
    Common (why do we forget his lyricism)
    Ludacris (great ability to make songs)
    Rick Ross
    Young Jeezy (an animated artist w/ lyrics
    Lupe Fiasco (another amazing lyricist)

    Middleweights: (Great Artist with “good” albums aka Mixtape Kings)
    Jadakiss
    Fabolous
    Cassidy

    Lightweights: (Artists Who Can Rap All Day, but have great albums “yet”)
    Drake
    Kid Cudi
    Wale
    Charles Hamilton

    Training:
    Busta Rhymes – is making his comeback
    Eminem – making a come back

  68. @ JD & SWAT 2812

    WHAT HAPPEN 2 COOL BREEZE? HE IS STILL AROUND??????

  69. On reading the comments a lot agree Wayne got the hot beats but lyrics are ok. The heavy weights in the game are Jay Z, and Kanye these two set the bar because beats, lyrics and individualism are all set by them not what they thing the radio will play. They do their own thang and that is what music is about. Honestly I’m not feeling a lot of the rap thats out. All this dance shit rap so called music is crazy man. On the comment I read about these two niggas Slim and Cartier Herb my boy was playing that mixed CD and man I tell you we did not change that shit the whole day. The one Slim got some crunk shit and his brother Cartier Herb is the new lyricist straight up. My boy said their other brother E Lewis does all the beats. Man its so much talent out here its crazy. Niggas just need a chance man. By the way they aint trying sound like no body. The are just straight real and the beats are the shit man. Man I tell you I thought that was a CD that was out. Them niggas are the next heavy weights. Real Talk For Real. And if you did not know that shit is hittin in the ATL niggas!

  70. Just got online and saw someone else heard that Slim and Cartier Herb CD. Jermain I know you said you keep getting these demos that are not hittin check them brothers out. I tell you and the people out there reading you wont be dissapointed. The ATL has so much talent its a shame that the real talent don’t have the conects or the money and have to hope someone will hear their shit. Meal while we are being fed garbage like Stanky Leg and shit like that because the industry think we all are just about shaking a stanky leg and buying shit. Whats up with hip hop? May be the AR people need to be just as hungry as the talent out here and get back to work in the streets and stop feeding into You Tube. Shit the lady in Great Britain got more hits than Soilder Boy does that mean she the next great female hip hop heavy weight. Real Talk.

  71. It’s me again on Jay A and Kanye they are the HEAVY WEIGHTS. Kanye was wearing tight jeans while every one else was showing their boxers and his beats and lyrics are the shit and Jay Z man he is in a class all his own. And they don’t give a damn if you like it or not they just keeping it real to them selves. One more thing the female on the mix CD from Slim and Cartier Herb is hittin too.

  72. From my p.o.v. Its hard for some people to get their demos heard now because everyone is starting to sound the same. Its like if person A makes a song with a catchy pharse then persons b-f think they can too. Case in poin the term swagg thats all u hear in songs these past couple of months where is originality? Then if you can tell a mofo how to dance in your song then dammit you got a hit now, yall rememeber a few years ago that song the Dip was out but it was’nt on the damn radio every hour. Wayne is like any other entertainer in the bizz today that has talent. He knows what he is good masters it and then trys to challange himself outside of his relm. look at J. Foxx what if he only limited himself to comedy yeah he funny as hell as Wanda, but if he didn’t try we would have missed him as Ray. So why not do a rock album even if its not hard rock thats the category it falls in dammit you got market it someway! But i will say this i have have a song that I have yet to hear another rapper do its a song off a local rap artist that goes by 607 from his album Devils Violin, he raps the same song fowards and then backwards and it all make sense and he his from Little Rock Arkansas.

  73. I’d have to say you’re right JD, Lil Wayne is the top heavyweight. he is hittin all areas which is makin him richer by the sec. BUT hes on every song on the radio tho so its almost as if we are being forced to label him as king when there r other artists like and KANYE & Q-TIP who i believe should be heavyweight also but you dont see them gettin much promotion all over radio as much as wayne. KANYE & Q-tip deserve to be heavyweights because first of all Ye is constantly pushing the envelope and Q-Tip always brings that quality music but just isnt promoted or marketed right like wayne. Insure if they wanted to be featured on a bunch of songs like wayne they could yknow?. T.I could be king due to his last album paper trail but still, even his songs are constantly on the radio like wayne and plus he had a mtv show that im sure helped him get more exposure. Bottom line, Lil wayne and T.I are heavyweights due to their promotion and marketing right now cause of the radio, but i believe Ye and Q-TIp equally should also be considered heavyweight because of their quality of music. The battle should actually be whose making quality music and pushing the boundaries of music right now as to whose just puttin words together and force feeding us. There are tons of artists out there that could easliy snatch the titles but the industry is so fucked up right now that they’ll never get the proper exposure. nah mean? its like, if your gonna feed me something, feed me something actually ” good”. radio is killin careers i tell ya.

  74. I think the most hardworking, underrated rapper in the whole country right now is Mitchy Slick. From San Diego California, there isn’t a mixtape or album he puts out that doesn’t sound good. I always say if he got the same push as a Jeezy, he would be on the same level. And I can vouch for everything he spits is 100% true. So he is my pick for forvarite rapper.

  75. Jd, I am and avid Living the life fan, and I had 2 leave a comment about the April 28th post about lil Wayne . U had someone write u and read aloud about them saying image is nothing. That is flat out bullshit!!! In the 80’s when run dmc came out with addidas sweats, shoes wit no laces, and kangols everyone wanted that style. In my book that’s image. Same wit the 90’s wit baggy jeans and lumber jack shirts or the oversized leather wit the combat boots. Lil Wayne is the total package. And if a nigga don’t like it then obviously its them that need 2 step they game up. If u think about it every legend that we discuss nowadays has possesed a certain image and swag, from rakim, run dmc, biggie, even Mary j blige. They r all icons. Obviously he’s not an avid follower of music or entertainment period, cause if he knew anything, he would know that even people like these artist have molded and shaped the game, and bottom line right now Wayne is the heavy weight and that’s all it is 2 it, shit hit got niggas wanting 2 rock wit they cocks out LOL !!!!!

  76. Hey JD,

    I Agree.. I’m Not Trying To Send You A Demo.. I’m Just Asking For You To Try To Hear Me Out And See Where I’m Trying To Go With Music In The Industry.. I Feel Partnering Up With You And Learning From You Will Put Me In The Position To Make History And Excel Like Wayne.. I See And Get The Same Feeling When Studying And Watching Wayne.. He’s Set His Focus On His Talent And I’ve Learned To Grasp My Gift Also.. I Have A Vision And A Plan.. I Just Need The Right People Supporting And Motivation This Movement.. My Manager Wants To Sign Me To His Label And Once My Name Gets More Publicity In Order For My Contract To Cancel A Label Would Have To Buy Me Out.. You Think It’s Worth It?

    -Infinity Da Silva

  77. Hey JD,

    I Agree.. I’m Not Trying To Send You A Demo.. I’m Just Asking For You To Try To Hear Me Out And See Where I’m Trying To Go With Music In The Industry.. I Feel Partnering Up With You And Learning From You Will Put Me In The Position To Make History And Excel Like Wayne.. I See And Get The Same Feeling When Studying And Watching Wayne.. He’s Set His Focus On His Talent And I’ve Learned To Grasp My Gift Also.. I Have A Vision And A Plan.. I Just Need The Right People Supporting And Motivation This Movement.. My Manager Wants To Sign Me To His Label And Once My Name Gets More Publicity In Order For My Contract To Cancel A Label Would Have To Buy Me Out.. You Think It’s Worth It?

    http://www.myspace.com/infinitydasilva

    -Infinity Da Silva

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