Happy Holidays Detroit Style.

Mayer Hawthorne was back in the D., singing to a substantial legion of fans.

Obie Trice's album 'Special Reserve' drops today.  It is like you died and woke up in... Heaven.  Well, Detroit,  in the early 2000s-which could be viewed as Heaven or Hell, depending upon who you are talking to.

When I heard this album I felt like I had been thrown back to the days of driving around Fenkell and Woodmont- shouted at by lookouts, chased by prostitutes, dealers surrounding my car, cops  threatening me with the dogs. 

Why are all the fond memories surfacing? Because  Cheers was the soundtrack that accompanied me throughout these photographic journeys. And Special Reserve is a prequel to Cheers.

Although Special Reserve was released today, it is actually from a decade ago. It was a collab between Obie & MoSS that was created between 1997 and 2000.  Regardless as to when this was recorded, cop this album. [if you can find it] Music is manufactured for the masses, labels think they know what's up,  and musicians pussyfoot around what they are actually thinking. [in regard to lyrics]  

This album does not do that.  It combines vivid storytelling mixed with the stark realism of the streets.  The production is stellar, and adds a symphonic element in contrast with the raw nature of Obie's  grimy truth. 

MoSS used beats that some producers would shy away from. I heard a Beastie Boys sample break through On and On, and a cameo appearance on Roughnecks by  Deuce Wonder lends a haunting Peter Garbiel-esque sound to the song. 

And since this was created well before the newlyweds Mr.Rap and Ms. Rock got into bed with eachother on the Top 40, I have to give props to both MoSS and Obie for having the foresight to combine the two before it was deemed 'acceptable.' 

Dear John- 
I was under the impression that you had left the Chili Peppers years ago.  I guess it's just 'official' now.  Not really much to say about this one.  The band announced that it had found a replacement for John Frusciante.  

This news comes months after Chad Smith mentioned that they were in the midst of recording a new album. So John will be MIA on the latest release, but maybe you can catch him on his next musical endeavor.

Snoop's Malice N WonderLand drops today. Do you really want to know about some gangsta shhhhhh? Then wait until Track Nine. Nice cameo, Terrace!