Vid: Pettidee / FLAME on Albert Mohler show

Pettidee's got a semi-recent vid out with some nice on-location footage from Africa. It's also nice to hear him tackle some of these global social issues.

"All Alone"


Also, FLAME was interviewed on Albert Mohler's show late last week. Actually, Dr. Russell Moore was sitting in for the Southern Baptist talk host, but it's a pretty good discussion about hip hop's role in the faith from a source you wouldn't normally associate with this topic/genre.

Play or download the show here.

(PRE)view: S.O.M. - The Journey Revisited

NOTE: This album isn't available nationally yet (I think the official release is set for 2008) but I got a copy a while back and wanted to offer my opinion. Enjoy the "pre"-view.

The cliché says you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

However, Soldiers On a Mission (S.O.M.) is hoping you’ll bypass triteness for tightness with a freshened “revisit” of their Journey LP you might have missed a few years ago.

While the first run was purely independent, this version has the backing and budget of the larger Much Luvv Records label and adds high-profile guest spots to reworked tracks from Journey 1.0. Thankfully, for fans who feel they are being asked to make an unnecessary repurchase, there are also new heat treats added to it.

Here again, the four-man Houston collective continues their purpose-driven hustla music* There are lots of chants and soulfully sung hooks that no doubt lend themselves to energy-packed, crowd-participatory live performance versions.

Fans of self-feuding rappers from the A-T-L will become S.O.M. enthusiasts after a minimal amount of spins.

The newness includes “Certified Grinders” with underground mainstream legend Lil Keke, then “Real,” and “U Don’t Know Me Like Dat” that both feature Much Luvv’s strategic lyricist Icece. All of them can be considered blazers (with polished production from the likes of Bruce Bang) that could easily find a home on any modern rap playlist. (Take notes radio DJs!)

Other songs are updated versions of solid tracks from the first Journey. The beat backgrounds are occasionally tweaked, but most of the changes come in the addition of a guest verse.

Harmonizing thug Bizzy Bone drops a spiritual bomb on “Jump Back Remix”and Pettidee gets gully on “We Ain’t Leavin’.”

But like any voyage, there are a few minor missteps along the path. The radio skits with D-Solo are more informative than entertaining and don’t add much overall value. And the rap/rock attempted remake of P.O.D.’s “Youth of a Nation” is simply a limped biscuit that shouldn’t have made the final cut.

Soldier fans that enjoyed the first Journey will love this. To feel ripped off by purchasing this re-vision is preposterous. And anyone who missed out on the first expedition should secure a ticket and enjoy this new ride.

* AUTHOR’S NOTE: I had considered calling it “intellicrunk” but that fad seems to have passed. I also realized it was more of an attempt by this writer to employ some cutesy wordplay instead of providing an accurate description of the sound. In the end my intellect overpowered my ego. I’m sure you (and S.O.M.) are grateful.

[ FULL DISCLOSURE: Yep, that’s me playing the role of a court reporter (a stretch for Sketch, I know) in S.O.M.’s video for “U Don’t Know Me Like Dat” and yes, I do consider the fellas friends.

Nonetheless, I reviewed the first Journey before that relationship gained its present depth and it seems only fitting for me to provide an opinion on the album’s “rerelease.”

I’ve attempted to be as fair and impartial as possible. If your interpretation of my words above leads you to believe this is a hot project it’s because that’s the plain truth and not any sort of preferential bias.]

Find S.O.M. online at: http://www.myspace.com/soldiersonamission

Tha video:

Scene: Ras & Pettidee show / The Embassy Club / July 20

I'm late getting these up but wanted to share.

Pettidee was in town a few weeks ago and grabbed a show at The Embassy Club in Porter with Ras, Bless't, and Gangsta Loc.


Gangsta Loc, 007 (formerly of the 5th Ward Boyz), and Bless't

Bless't hit it hard

GLoc on backup

Bless't gettin vocal


After a few screamy rock bands, Ras took the stage for a solo set.

Ras rockin' his new King of the Block tee from his Eli Wear clothing line.


And Pettidee made a hype-man appearance.



The Embassy showed Ras' video for "Bank On That" on the wall as he performed the song.



Petti listens to Ras spit.


Petti's hype-man PreachaBoy (who you heard on Best of the Submissions) was there too.


He's from that Sunshine State and will "show you how to get down on the freeway" (Peep that fly track on his page.)


Then the Black Lion hit the stage for his speaker crushin' set.


The Unified Outlaws

Show 'em your tats P-Zilla



Petti signs autographs for fans after the show.