2006 Top 10 Major Moves
by Andrea M. White
1/1/2007AMW i.e.2006 did not fail to meet the expectations of the hip-hop and R&B communities; it was a year of surprise, intrigue AND “what tha hells.” Rappers, actors and entertainers alike kept the media buzzing, and with so much going on, there were a few stories that were major moves made in 2006. Some topics were monumental achievements; others had us wanting to hold our heads in shame. Either way, 2006 kept fans entertained and left us with something to talk about around the water cooler. Below is a list of what I consider the top ten events for 2006 in the world of R&B and Hip-Hop.
10) Grand Hustle
T.I. makes this top 10 list because he has had both an impressive and a trying year. His album “King” sold 520,000 copies in the first week, and he recently received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album of 2006. Though Jay Z surpassed him in his first week album sales, KING is still considered to be the best-selling hip-hop/rap album of 2006. T.I. and his album “King” reigns on the Top Rap Albums Sales chart, and is No. 3 behind Blige and Foxx on the chart. On the Billboard 200, however, T.I. comes in at No. 21 -- the first rapper after Eminem to appear on that recap. He also starred in the movie ATL and is scheduled to release a sequel under his company Grand Hustle Films in 2007. T.I. also produced the soundtrack to the film Hustle and Flow. Amidst all of his accomplishments, he also suffered the loss of his best friend and assistant Philant Johnson. Despite the loss of his best friends and rumors of leaving his baby-momma for Flavor Female - Hoops, T.I. has held strong and has had a successful year.
9) Year of the dance
I know this may be strange, but I had to include the battle of the dance moves in hip-hop music this year. After years of watching dudes grimace in the club and nod their heads to the beat, over the past two years there seems to be some sort of revolution taking place that’s putting a little step in even the hardest thug in the club. We have to recognize these artists for keeping us sweaty at our local night spots this year: Dem Franchise Boyz--Lean wit It, Rock wit it, Young Dro--Shoulda Lean, UNK--Walk it Out, Lil John--Snap ya Fingas, Do a Step, DJ Webstar and Young B--Chicken Noodle Soup. Despite the hard time they may get from other rappers and artists, sometimes it nice to just go out and have fun.
8) Jay Z and Barbara Walters
2006 was good to your boy Hov. The incomparable Jay-Z achieved continued success as CEO of Def Jam, he then came out of retirement and released the 2006 debut album “Kingdom Come”, all the while living his great life along side his wifey – B. This rap mogul’s modest interview with Barbara Walters was a true testament to his life and his story. Hip-hop fans have always understood Jay-Z and know his story, WE have always held the star in high regard, but its due time that those outside of OUR community understand what hip-hop is and who it is. Walters and Jay had a candid talk and it was a proud moment not only in hip-hop, but in entertainment and media to see Sean Carter recognized not only for his music and talents, but for his lifetime achievements and personal qualities. The interview was intelligent, clever and memorable and the CEO represented to hip-hop community to the fullest.
7) Whitney and Bobby
What tha hell? The couple notoriously known for having each others back officially split in 2006. More controversial than Bonnie and Clyde, no one thought that Whitney and Bobby would ever separate. But they showed us; Houston filed for legal separation in September, which is a prerequisite for a divorce. The couple was married in 1992 and with allegations of drug use and abuse, the couple were tagged for disaster from the beginning. Despite the rumors and various run-ins with the law, it seemed as if these two were stuck like glue, but after allegations that Bobby got a big head with his reality TV show and the fact that we was living with video vixen Karrine Steffans, Whitney said, “hell to tha no” and put her lawyers to work. We look forward to see what these to have in store for us in 2007.
6) Flavor
What da hell? Just when we thought Flavor couldn’t outdo himself, Flavor of Love II premiered in 2006. As we struggle to improve the African-American presence and reputation in national television and media, Flavor managed to push us back approximately another 20 years, along with his ever so flamboyant confidant, Ms. New York. Though I was ashamed, I couldn’t help but watch as Flavor Flave and the damsels in distress shucked and jived for the fans of the show. And as if things couldn’t get any weirder, Ms. New York will premiere with her own television reality show in 2007. Flavor made the list because he set a cable television ratings record drawing 7.5 million viewers and was the top-rated non-sports show in Cable television history. Flavor Flaaave!
5) Big Year for the Queen of Hip-hop Soul
What do you get the Queen of Hip-hop soul for Christmas? How about eight Grammy Award nominations for her 2006 release of “The Breakthrough”. Blige ranks No. 5 on the year-end Top Billboard 200 Albums chart, and joins Eminem as the only two R&B/hip-hop artists appearing in the top 10 of the year-end Billboard 200 album tally. After doubts from naysayers stating that they did not believe she would be able to make a strong comeback. “The Breakthrough” album was regarded as one of Blige’s best works. Not only did Blige release “The Breakthrough”, but she also released two additional albums this year, including Reflections, which is a best-of that includes four new songs. Blige also released a duets album earlier this year. We all know the story of Mary’s heartache and hard life, so now we are celebrating her Breakthrough and we look forward to watching her win all eight nominations at the awards scheduled to air on CBS February 11.
4) Hip-hop is Dead
The Minstrel also known as Hip-hop’s favorite son has sparked somewhat of a revolution that has chat rooms, magazines and other artists struggling to understand why there have been recent claims that Hip-Hop is Dead. Nasir’s newly released album titled “Hip-hop is Dead” is not only an album filled with lyrical delight, but it has become an official forum for the Hip-Hop community putting North and South and Old heads and young heads against each other. The title alone has the entire Hip-Hop community reflecting on the days of old when music had a different purpose. Oh yes, and his new buddy Hova makes an appearance on the album as well, making the buzz even hotter. Hip-hop is definitely going to enjoy the fire Nas is bound to bring in 2007 – and hopefully this year we will decide if hip-hop is dead or not.
3) Jay Z & Nas MTV appearance
Jay Z and Nas’ first television appearance officially squashing their beef after years of battling and lyrical disses like, “You Tae-bo Ho” and “You made it a hot line, I made it a hot song was a major move in hip-hop history. These two icons of our era made a national appearance on MTV, their first appearance ever together, to talk about their new partnership and their renewed relationship. This was a key development in hip-hop this year and Jay described their new-found partnership as “bigger than both of us.” The two have also collaborated on a few hot tracks that are sure to shine in 2007.
2) Three Six Mafia
Looks like things are getting better for a pimp. At the 78th Annual Academy Awards held February 2006, Three Six Mafia became the first rap group to be nominated and win an Oscar for their song “Its Hard out Here for a Pimp” from the movie Hustle and Flow. This was a major achievement in rap history and came as a surprise to everyone watching including Three Six themselves. Never thinking that they had a chance in hell of winning, it was fun to watch as they reacted unlike anyone who had ever won an Oscar, which gave some color to the typically bland awards show.
1) God Father of Soul
There was a quote heard on BET recently when a fan stated that on Christmas Day 2006, Hip-Hop officially died, and for the first time in a long time, I agreed with something said on BET. James Brown, The Godfather of Soul, Pioneer of catchy lyrics, Innovator of Dance and probably the most imitated artist ever to grace any stage died at the age of 73 Christmas morning. Even at his tender age, Brown was scheduled to appear in Canada this January and holds the official title as the busiest man in Showbiz. Even in death, Brown did not disappoint with a funeral that had to be the most entertaining event in CNN history. Not even the passing of a U.S. president could take away from Brown’s final performance. With music that stood the test of time, sampled repeatedly by the entire Hip-hop community, we pay homage to the late James Brown; Hip-hop, R&B, Soul, Jazz, music and dance will miss you and will always love you.
AMW i.e.
