* The Nappy Roots and Slum Village. Sometime within the last year or so, country became cool. Slum Village is the urban counterpart to Nappy Roots' down-home, southern flavor, but both groups are bringing hip-hop back to its origin - storytelling over bangin' beats. Contrary to most of today's hip-hop neither rap about their bling, bling, or ching, ching and let's face it, do we really care about someone else's bling if we can't have a taste?
* If you purchased Jay-Z's blueprint then you heard his bonus track, which alludes to release of the Blueprint 2 in November '02. Well his new single, Bonnie and Clyde, featuring Beyonce confirms two things - he really may be dropping something on us in a month and he and Ms. Destiny's Child are a couple. Hmmm? Anyway, the single is classic Jay-Z..in other words, Jiggaman done did it again!
* Guess who's coming back? Blackstreet. I know, I know - that whole aborted Guy reunion is still a little too fresh in our minds to know what may come of this. But it's a go and by all accounts all parties are willing to make it work. I spoke directly with Dave Hollister who indicates they've worked out their issues and are ready to get things going come early '03. Stay tuned to the Suite for an interview with the R&B group that was likely the model for the 112s and Jagged Edges of the '00s.
* Kelly Rowland, of Destiny's Child, is doing her solo thing. Her debut single, "Stole," made the playlist, so you can hear her there and in Nelly's joint, "Dilemma." So that leaves Michelle, who I understand is doing gospel, a la Woody from Dru Hill.
* Have you heard Heather Headley's new track, "He is." It's an Angie Stone-esque tribute to the strong males in our lives. The rest of the CD is tight as well. Ignore this new soul sis at your own risk.
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