Great pieces both. I especially like the bit about Mike Jones as the 21st century Biz Markie. While I'm not exactly his biggest fan, it is nice to see a successful MC who doesn't mind being something of a clown. That Nas-patented scowl is getting a little tired.

Though I hasten to add -- why no love for Ghostface? Lupe Fiasco? The Jigga Man? They all had some fantastic stuff come out within the last few months.

And while we're on the subject, here's a modest little hip-hop manifesto I wrote a few weeks ago that might be of some interest to...I don't know, someone:
http://superblast.typepad.com/superblast/2008/01/co.html

Here's the thing about the next President.

I always liked Bill Clinton. I still like hearing him talk about various issues and subjects on TV. For that reason, I was going to vote for Hillary, which is not necessarily a good reason, but that was my reasoning.

BUT, then, when Clinton fell asleep at that one event, I decided to check out the candidate's ages. Bill is 62, Hillary is 61, and Obama is 47. You know how old Clinton was when he became President in 1993? 47.
You know what? We need a younger, more energetic guy, like Clinton was in 1993.

Hey, Bill - I voted for Obama, but careful what you say about Clinton's age and energy! 60 is the new 30. I know - I'm 63, and I .... zzzzzzzz

Don't get me wrong, Dan. Jimmy Carter is still rockin!

I love Bill. But I voted for Obama. We can vote in the primary now in Paris. Obama is the only candidate that really represents change, and lord, do we need change.

Liked your manifesto, Milton. And, yeah, of course there's love for Ghostface ... jury's still out on Lupe Fiasco ... as for Jigga, that completely goes without saying. If we're talking about other artists currently doing good stuff, I'll also mention the always underrated Fat Joe, Cam, Juelz, Jim Jones, Slim Thug, Young Jeezy, Kanye and even still the scowling Nas ...