Conversation Starter – Share Your Passion Vol. 2

No matter what your ethnicity, religious background, or location, one common ground we, as humans beings (hopefully) all share, is an individual music taste that can be appreciated. Whether I’m hanging out with my friends or meeting new people, one thing I commonly find being a topic of conversation is music; but rightfully so, that’s usually the most unbiased form of getting music suggestions and insight. So, by creating the weekly “Conversation Starter – Share Your Passion” playlist, we hope to compile the most interesting, and sometimes controversial, songs, videos, and music news that can be a great conversation starters to whomever you find yourself talking. So talk! And don’t stop, and feel free to use the comment section below as the fire starter! If you can’t contain yourself, Smokey the bear won’t be stopping you.

1. Chris Brown & Game – “I Don’t Like” (Remix) [Drake Diss]

After the Drake and Chris Brown incident at New York City’s WIP, the feud continues. Jumping on the remix bandwagon of Chief Keef’s “I Don’t Like,” Chirs Brown takes lyrical blows at YCMB’s Drake alongside west coast native The Game. Drake, having taken the high road in his prior beefs with Common and Pusha-T, we now face the big question: Will Drake fire back? Not to say I’m a die-hard Drake fan, but there’s no denying his innate skill to produce above-par music. While Drake might have a rolodex of personal and past career-decisions rappers can easily throw shots at him for, Chris Brown is no angel– being the root of this beef in the first place. Not to mention, when did Chris Brown become a rapper? With a line dissing Drakes eyebrows, I think Chris Brown should stick to dancing, singing, and making bad life decisions. With that said though, whose side of the ring are you on?

2. Kathy Griffin Responds to A$AP Rocky & Danny Brown Comments

Noisey’s GENIUS “Back and Forth” interview series that featured A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown (Part 1,2,3,4,5) had the viral world crying in laughter. From drugs to taste in women, Danny Brown and A$AP Rocky are quite the characters. When talking about “older b***h’s they would f**k,” Kathy Griffin, or as Brown explains her, “the silly, goofy b***h,” came into the conversation of desire. Well, word eventually got back to her, and Griffin decided it was worthy subject material for her talk show. While Anderson Cooper’s interest level and humor towards the clip is as lackluster as paint drying on the wall, Kathy Griffin loves it. After watching the clips, is it safe to say A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown deserve their own talk show? Let’s just hope Anne Curry doesn’t try to sabotage it.

3. Lauryn Hill Pleads Guilty in Tax Case

Anyone want to start printing “FREE LAURYN” shirts with me? After hearing rumors in regard to Hill facing charges over failed taxes, TMZ reported the former Fugee’s songstress has pleaded guilty. TMZ reported:

“Hill pled guilty today to three counts of failure to file tax returns for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007 — when she earned more than $1.8 million. When the judge asked if Hill “intentionally and willingly” failed to file the returns, she replied, “Yes.” In addition to the 3 years behind bars, Hill could be smacked with $75,000 in fines. Hill was released on $150,000 bail. Her sentencing hearing is set for November.”

It has been a while since Hill has released any new material; but if she had anything in mind, this will surely set her back. Maybe she can take tips from Max B’s Toothy Wavy project? Either way, it should be interesting to see how this court proceeding will unravel.

4.RZA Directs The Man With The Iron Fists

If founding the Wu-Tang Clan wasn’t enough, RZA now finds himself directing motion pictures with the upcoming release of The Man With Iron Fists. Writing the film alongside Eli Roth, the film features Russell Crowe, Jamie Chung, and Lucy Liu. Taking us back to 19th century China where a blacksmith (RZA) is forced to defend his fellow villagers; by watching the trailer above, the movie looks pretty action packed. While I’m not surprised by the story line /setting considering RZA’s fascination with Chinese culture, directing a film is quite the responsibility. Knowing Eli Roth, we can definitely expect some pretty gruesome scenes,; lets just hope it’s not Hostel gruesome. After watching the trailer, do you think this movie will succeed in the box office? Or should RZA just stick to music? For now, though, we can hope good acting and solid writing will provide Kung Pow goodness for all.

5. Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y Announce New Mixtape

In 2009, Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y came together and released How Fly, the collaborative mixtape that till this day fans consider some of the emcee’s greatest work. While news and gossip were being thrown left and right amidst the BET Awards, Wiz took to twitter to announce the release of Live in Concert, the new mixtape the duo plan on releasing Aug 9th. Despite many people throwing Bud in the air in excitement, I have my trepidations. Being a long time listener of Wiz, in three years A LOT has changed. From his rap style to his commercial appeal (“Telephone” with Maroon 5, being the face of a BING commercial). As his bank account has changed dramatically, so has Wiz. While I’m not tarnishing Wiz’s business ethics, Curren$y has remained the emcee we’ve known for the past years; he has just elaborated on his own style of music. Not really enjoying the duos recent link-up on “No Squares” from Curren$y’s The Stoned Immaculate, I’m hoping for the best. Do you think the Wiz in 2012 will match the quality of Wiz in 2009? Or maybe I’m just speculating too much. Let me know in the comments section below!