by Ela Matter 
 
     I was back home in New York a couple weeks ago and I like to flip on Hot 97 to get a feel for what everyone back home is listening to.  My ears had the misfortune to hear “Cookies and Apple Juice.”  What in the hell was that?  I was mad as hell to actually hear that song spewed from Cam’Ron’s lips.  I actually found myself trying to make excuses for him…maybe cookies and apple juice equate to some sort of inside joke that only Cam and three other people know about (it’s not as if Cam is known for being mainstream by any measure).  Maybe it was the past couple years he spent in South Florida that influenced this insufferable tune…only Cam knows.  I looked up the video and it was so incredibly budget, I was ready to write him off completely.  I had high hopes for you Cam, we knew you well.
 
     As soon as I started to prepare my lashing in black and white, the song “Silky” hit at the tail end of the video.  I stopped.  I listened.  Now this is the Cam we know and love.  Why didn’t you just tell me that in the first place, Cam?  Why did I have to go and dig?  Why was I not even aware that you were coming out with an album this year?  Why is there no promotion?  Why Cookies and Apple Juice, Cam, why?  
 
     I know we were to expect a follow-up to “Killa Season,

      Lets me be the first to toot my own horn on this one.... THE FIRST TIME I SEEN J SKILLZ PERFORM THIS SONG I LOOKED AT DJ EMPTY BEATS AND SAID " DUDE CAN MAKE IT OFF THIS SONG " .  J Skillz has officially signed to JIVE RECORDS! I must be psychic. I really like this song and I will tell you why. Its a fun song that all ages can enjoy. Its not cheesy it's entertaining. Its catchy and makes people WANT to participate when they hear it. That's what the music BUSINESS is about.

This brings me to my real message here.

     I go through my phases of watchin' the local news...........mainly for sports and weather, but I'll tell you why. It seems like every time I pick up the routine of watching it in my daily life, it just makes me sad or angry. I mean seriously.........it feels like about 95% of what is reported is HORRIBLE. Either somebody is gettin' shot, blown up, robbed, murdered, actin' stupid, gettin' laid off, battering their spouse or kid(s), teachers havin' affairs with their student(s), kids carryin' guns and knives to school, vehicles crashing, or SOMETHIN' horrible and/or terrifying.