We’ve just knocked out a couple of songs for all things A.M. related.  If you take a look to the video segment of our main page, you will see a new live performance up of us.  We’re performing a song called “Mr. Nice Guy.”  It’s less than two minutes, so just press play. 

We also now have a video section, so you can peep all of our upcoming broadcasts of A.M. in the studio, and our everyday BS for those that give a fuck. 

Expect to hear a lot of new material from us very soon.  Although we will not be releasing “Living A Nightmare…” until Fall, we will be giving listeners some free ear candy soon to tide everyone over until our official third release.  We’re very proud of the music that we’ve been making:  honest, genuine, and heartfelt.  A.M. has always been a ‘look at the bright side’ sort of group, and this album is no different.  We’ve just taken everything to the next level.  Ironically, “Living A Nightmare…” is an album that lets you know shit could be worse.  Let’s just live how we want. 

Hope 2008 is treating everyone okay.  Keep it moving and do what you do.

Tony has a PS3 finally, and is no longer wanting to murder everyone he sees.

So, here is my first shot at wrapping up my personal best of ‘07 list of music.  I’m 100% sure I’ve left something off that I really shouldn’t have, but what can you do?  I also might mislabel a song, or call it “Track 4″ because I cop my fair share of shit, but that’s how I justify my bootlegging.   By all means comment and let me know if my taste is that of fecal….Here’s my top 25 favorite shit of 2007.  In no particular order:

Kanye West-Graduation
Let’s get the obvious over first.  Even if Kanye is an arrogant piece of Bush-hating shit, he makes some great music and even better beats.  Some think this is his worst, but I think it’s his best lyrically and production wise.  Also, he beat 50 that first week which is huge for good music in general (No pun intended).

Favorite shit:  “Flashing Lights” & “Big Brother”

Guilty Simpson-Stray Bullets Mixtape
In my top 3 in Detroit, and the only artist to drop a mixtape this year I really like from the Mitten.  Almighty Dreadnaughtz front runner Guilty is most known for his J.Dilla & Mr. Porter affiliation, but earns quality beats through realistic and entertaining wordplay.  Guilty’s been in my top 5 in MI for three years, and is now one of my favorite in the U.S.  Earned everything he’s gotten, and this mixtape is a beast of new shit, and a classic 15 minute mix of Guilty’s classic shit that put him on. 

Favorite shit:  “For The D” “Getting Riches” & “Rhetmatic Guilty Mix”

Atmosphere-Sad Clown, Bad Summer/Fall
Only five songs a piece per EP, but two releases makes this is a great in-between album for Atmosphere before their official sixth album is released.  Slug is one of the best and most underrated rappers mainstream or underground.  Found this online, so I don’t know how well it was distributed, but it makes due for my anticipation of their new album.  They also dropped a Sad Clown, Bad Winter (I just found out) and a free album Strickly Leakage as well.  Atmosphere putting in work in 2007 and blowing in 2008.

Favorite shit:  “Peyote” “Number One” & “Don’t Forget”

Aesop Rock-None Shall Pass
This is Tony’s number one album of the year.  He lost it and had a minor breakdown without his ears on it.  This to me is Ace’s best album since “Labor Days” and sounds great.  Joey Raia engineered and mixed the project;  it’s also amazing to actually understand what Aesop is literally saying which was hard for me before this release.

Favorite shit:  “None Shall Pass” & “Track 14″

Pharoahe Monch-Desire
This album is so overdue it’s ridiculous, (I think 7 years?) but is worth the wait.  Executive produced by Mr. Porter, he gives good direction as Pharaohe raps and sings his ass off throughout this whole piece.  Black Milk, Alchemist, Mr. Porter, and Monch handle most of the production and knock this bitch out.  Unfortunately, I heard it has cleared less than 30,000 soundscan.  What.  The.  Fuck?  Didn’t “Simon Says” go gold?

Favorite shit:  “Welcome To The Terrordome” “Desire” & “Let’s Go”

Seal-System
Seal is a flat-out player.  Period.  My man has an early born disease that affected his face to look burned, dresses to a T on some classy shit, took on his wife’s child of another father while she was still pregnant with the child, and his wife is Heidi Klum.  That’s not even music related.  Seal has been dropping quality albums since the early 90’s, and his three year hiatus was worth it.  Stuart Price, (who helped produced Madonna’s last album) keeps the tracks upbeat for “SYSTEM.”  This is a dance album for the most part, but isn’t gay in any way.  Seal is knocking out the music and has one of the best voices in the world to me.  I’m convinced if Seal was 20 years younger, rappers would be begging him to be on their hooks.  If Seal’s in the D, you can catch me at the show, no lie.

Favorite shit:  “Amazing” & “System”

D’Allie-The Cooperative
Local cat from Ferndale, D’Allie of Cooperative Opposites drops his official debut and is a great premier to his talents.  D’Allie is a hip-hop purist, but not in the preachy, boring type;  there’s a lot this album has to offer in terms of both lyrics and music.  I credit most of this to his solid ear for production enlisting Eddie Logix (Midcoast Most), Chad Wilner (Who I’ve never heard of, but has solid shit), and Detroit legend D.L. Jones doing most of the work.  Guests are minimal,  although “Let It Knock” featuring P.L. is a knocker D’Allie holds his own throught the album.  D’Allie’s not the best lyricist, but his vibe is worth every penny.

Favorite shit:  “The Co-Op” “Let It Knock (F/P.L.)” “Remedy” & “Bang”

Jimmy Eat World:  “Chase This Light”
J.E.W. is one of my favorite bands in general.  I think they’ve been in my top 5 since I’ve heard “Clarity” which was back in 1999.  If you’re into the punk/emo sound they’re great.  I hate even categorizing them because they just make good shit.  Great songs with harmonies and good hooks, while being just heavy enough.

Favorite shit:  “Let It Happen” “Electable (Give It Up)” & “Chase This Light”

Freeway-Free At Last
It took four long years for Free to finally drop this and it’s almost as good as “PHILADELPHIA FREEWAY” without the help of Kanye or Just Blaze.  Free’s emotion, lyrics, & original flow put him to the forefront of my commercial rapper favorites.  Production is similar to what you’re used to hearing from Freeway, but he knows his pocket and expands on it.  Only bad thing is the J.R. Rotem song with 50 Cent on the hook.  Yuck Free, you’re too hood for that.  The only bad thing is that “FREE AT LAST” is lacking a song with Skillz that I’ve heard, and saw a video on MTV but is a no show on the release.

Favorite shit:  “Can’t Be Real” “Still Got Love” & “Walk With Me (F/Busta Rhymes & Jadakiss)”

Saves The Day:  Under The Boards
Saves The Day stepped Emo’s game up with their 2001 release “STAY WHAT YOU ARE.”  This album is front to back good.  A little more down-tempo than I expected, as well as a few more listens than I planned to enjoy “UNDER THE BOARDS” but now I’m hooked.  The album is great because it’s catchy and quick.

Favorite shit:  “Radio” “Get Fucked Up” & “Stay”

Consequence:  Don’t Quit Your Day Job
He’s most known for his multiple appearances on A Tribe Called Quest’s “Beats, Rhymes, & Life” but Consequence is the original Kanye West let’s keep it real.  Hailing from Chi-Town just like Ye’ and his flow and content couldn’t be more similar to him except for his humble attitude and blue collar lyrics.  “Grammy Family” is also on this album.  Even though it’s old, it’s the shit.  You can bump this album (for the most part) front to back and relate to the entire thing.  Do you hate your job?  If so, this record is for you.

Favorite shit:  “Job Song” “Uptown” & “Uncle Raheem”

J Dilla:  Ruff Draft
Detroit legend.  Best ever?  Debateable for real.  Dilla is the shit and he’s keeping it raw and grimey on this release.  “The $” is one of my favorite songs on this album, and it’s nice to hear Dilla rapping over his own shit for an entire album.  I love his style and delivery when he’s on the mic.  His production is amazing;  he’s one of the few producers where I can listen to instrumentals of his work for the music.  With that being said, Ruff Draft comes with an instrumental cd also.  If you like Dilla and raw hip-hop, this is your jam.  It’s quick (less than 30 min) but that to me is why it’s so fly.  This is a re-release I believe it was originally released Overseas only in 2002.

Favorite shit:  “Reckless Driving” “The $” & “Wild”

Beanie Sigel:  The Solution
Is this his best release?  No.  Is Beanie one of the best in the game?  Yes.  It’s like Beanie had a coming of age on this album, and realized that jail fucking sucks so he’s keeping it popping the whole album.  For some reason, I enjoy his single “All Of The Above” featuring R.Kelly of all pedophiles is more enjoyable then one would expect.  There’s also a version of a track that samples Sabbath’s “War Pigs” that is dope.  Beanie isn’t as gutter on this album, but is still one of the best lyricists in the game and still makes introspective tracks too;  it’s just that you have to skip through a lot of shit.  This is in my top 25 purely because he’s that awesome of an emcee.

Favorite Shit:  “All Of The Above” “Rain (Bridge)” & Track 12

D.L. Jones:  Wasted Talent
Hip hop underdog D.L. Jones drops a great debut that embraces Detroit and all genres of music.  This is a producer record (ie: J.Dilla, Hi-Tek, Etc.) with a 50/50 mix of instrumentals and artist collaborations.  The first track, “In These Streets” sets the tone for the whole album, and lets you know this project is special.  D.L. and One Be Lo (Of Binary Star) create a classic with “Gray.”  The track is also on One Be Lo’s solo release R.E.B.I.R.T.H.  You can play the song rain or shine and feel good.  “As Good As It Gets” featuring Midcoast Most is a song that stands out of the album as well.  “Lonely” featuring Amp Fiddler shows the versatility of D.L. as a producer and Amp drives the track with a great vocal performance.  You can get this locally, but it drops officially in 08.

Favorite Shit:  “In These Streets” “Gray” & “As Good As It Gets”

Prodigy:  Return Of The Mac
About to go to jail for three and a half years, Prodigy is already promoting for his upcoming release “H.N.I.C. 2″ but his stand out release is the Alchemist-produced “Return Of The Mac.”  This is supposed to be a mixtape, but the original beats and classic P make this way more than that.  “Stuck On You” is a creative way of breaking down money, bitches, & guns in three verses putting a spin on a played out topic.  There are barely any collabos (except for Havoc) and G-Unit is nowhere to be found which is lovely.  If you like classic Mobb Deep New York Shit, this is your rider music.

Favorite Shit:  “Stuck On You” & “Mac 10 Handle”

Phat Kat:  Carte Blanche
Great follow up to “The Undeniable LP” on a new label, LOOK Records.  Production from only Detroit including J.Dilla, Young RJ, Black Milk, and Nick Speed.  Ronnie Cash is a great representation of Detroit on the underground level.  He hasn’t crossed over, and odds are won’t, but he’s making a name for himself overseas.  Always consistent even though he’s not the best lyricist.  “Cold Steel” featuring Elzhi is so crazy I can’t even explain it.  “Lovely” featuring Melanie Rutherford is dope to chill to and get your girl in the right mood.  He can make songs for the ladies and not sound soft, and songs for the guys that girls can enjoy as well.  Phat Kat is a great mixture of vibe, voice, and production to introduce fans to Detroit hip hop.

Favorite Shit:  “Cold Steel (F/Elzhi)”  “Lovely (F/Melanie Rutherford)” & “Survival Kit”

Styles P:  The Ghost Sessions,  AND Super Gangster, Extraordinary Gentleman
The Ghost has been on the Indie tip since Interscope made his follow up to the classic “A Gangster And A Gentleman” over four years later, thus making his “Time Is Money” album in the red.  Although dope, there was never any promotion for the album once it actually dropped.  “The Ghost Sessions” is a D-Block released album of all original material including “The Hardest” featuring AZ produced by Large Professor.  It’s classic SP without any of the commercial filler, but what’s with the rock remixes?  WTF?  “Super Gangster, Extraordinary Gentleman” is Styles third official release, and is better than most mainstream shit.  Unfortunately, there’s some commercial follies all over the album, and you have to sift to find the classics;  even though “Blow My Mind” is a great single.

Favorite Shit:  “The Hardest” “Pain” “Green Piece Of Paper” & “Gangster Gangster”

El-P:  I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead
This is the most abstract and alternative album on my list.  El Producto is a pioneer of underground hip hop and breaks new ground with his second vocal album.  This record is for people in love with RJD2, DJ Shadow, Mars Volta, and El’s Def Jux fam.  There’s even a collaboration with Trent Reznor on the single “Flyentology” although you wouldn’t know unless they told you.  Mainstream isn’t going to touch it, and that’s why the underground loves it.  The quality of the production is consistantly high, and it’s no wonder it took 5 years to follow up “Fantastic Damage.”  El-P is stacking the loot with his label Definitive Jux, and is doing it on his own terms.  By the way, he makes great shit.

Favorite Shit:  “Tasmanian Pain Coaster” “The Overly Dramatic Truth” & “Smithereens (Stop Cryin’)”

Black Milk:  Popular Demand/Pressure
One of the next out of Detroit.  Best known for his production work in BR Gunna for Slum Village and J.Dilla, Black is on his own with the beats and rhymes on “Popular Demand.”  Quality production helps Black’s rhymes ease in and is more than tolerable on the mic.  “Sound The Alarm” featuring Guilty Simpson is a banger and already a Detroit Classic.  “Shut It Down” is another great song with the swag on high throughout the whole album, but deserves to be cocky because of his dopeness.  “Pressure” is a best-of mix of Black’s best tracks he’s produced throughout his career, as well as some songs from upcoming and previous releases.  “Do Ya Thing” by Dilla might be one of my favorite tracks ever, and “The Reunion” by SV is touching and unfuckwithable.  Although most of these tracks have been released, there was some music I didn’t even know happen like his track with Canibus.

Favorite Shit:  “Sound The Alarm (F/Guilty Simpson)” “Take It There (F/One Be Lo)” “Do Ya Thing” “The Reunion” & “Eternal”

Jay-Z:  American Gangster
Best rapper alive.  Yeah, the album is kinda on some bullshit with the promotion with the movie though there is no official affiliation;  but the music is good and grows on you.  Jay is Mike Jordan of rap and knows what to do.  On “American Gangster” he goes back to his “Reasonable Doubt” slanging roots of hustling and making cash on the low.  He hasn’t missed a beat, although some of the tracks do.  Most people have heard this so no need to dive any further.  TEENAGERS:  As long as Jay is rapping, Wayne isn’t #1.  Respect his gangster.

Favorite Shit:  “Pray”  “Ignorant Shit (F/Beanie Sigel)” & “American Dreamin’”

Buff 1:  Pure
Athletic Mic League’s Buff 1 has been in the Michigan scene for years, and I’ve only been slightly familiar with him.  With the Wu-Tang esque crew that is AML, and his mediocre “The One & Only” mixtape I wasn’t even looking for this album.  I kept hearing Buff’s name about about this album, and got a copy.  One Be Lo better look out because Buff 1 is on his heels and could take the Mitten underground title away from him.  Most of the production is done by the Lab Techs (AML’s production team) with some assistance from Mr. Porter on the banging “I Go” and Wajeed on “Supreme” featuring Invincible and Guilty Simpson.  This release is a good listen from head to toe without sounding too backpacky by any means.  Buff is for fans of Mos Def, Tribe, and De La with an updated style and sound.  His lyrics are out cold.

Favorite Shit:  “For U” “The Kingdom (F/Miz Korona & Elzhi)” & “I Go”

Young Buck:  Buck The World
I can’t believe I’m even writing this.  I have always thought Buck was the weakest link in G-Unit, but is holding the label together with “Buck The World.”  Buck stays versatile, and has a good mixture of hood to commercial appeal.  “Get Buck” is anthemic and makes me hype whenever I hear it at the bar.  While “Slow Your Roll” is an introspective track where Buck talks about the people he has lost in his life.  “Fuck The World” featuring Lyfe Jennings is another great joint that lets listeners into Buck’s world.  The production is on point to say the least with only a few flubs like the weed smoke collabo with Young Jeezy, and a couple others.  Even if you hate G-Unit, Young Buck dropped one of the best releases in the south and commercial rap this year.

Favorite Shit:  “Push ‘Em Back” “Slow Your Roll” & “Fuck The World”

Chevelle:  Vena Sera
One of the best bands in modern rock today.  Chevelle constantly releases quality product with great singles for radio, while not sacrificing their sound and heaviness.  I’ve been down since “Point #1″ and continue to see the growth in this trio of brothers that keeps me copping their albums every time they drop.  “Well Enough Alone” was all over the radio and a great introduction to those who have not heard the band, while not alienating their fans.  Good, melodic, and heavy.  That’s what I’m into.

Favorite Shit:  “Antisaint” “Safer Waters” “Well Enough Alone” & “Humanoid” 

The Used:  Lies For The Liars
The third release from Screamo group The Used is less scream, and more sing.  That isn’t necessarily a bad thing and isn’t of this album.  The heavy shit is still there, it’s just between songs that have a more brighter feel.  The Used definately have not sold out, but they have developed their sound.  Songs are heavy, but have a slight pop appeal which is something The Used have always done, it’s just their hooks have gotten better.  The production aspect of the record is dope and The Used experiment with caution and come up winners on that flip of the coin.  If you never like The Used, you might start to.  If you’ve always liked The Used, you might not anymore.  I think this release is quality, though not their best.

Favorite Shit:  “Pretty Handsome Awkward” “Paralyzed” & “The Bird And The Worm”

Lil’ Wayne:  This guy must not sleep
He thinks he’s the best rapper out.  A quote I read was “I’m not hot, I’m great.”  Who even knows?  He’s only been on his J.O. since ‘04 and he’s been putting out records since ‘98.  Maybe I’m just a hater, although I enjoy newer Weezy.  He’s witty and catchy.  I really put him on my list in anticipation of “Tha Carter 3.”  If you’re looking to get a rapper on your single, Lil’ Wayne is “The One” right now, but can change right now to years.  Yes, Weezy is all over the radio, but he’s the closest thing hip hop has to an emcee who’s really doing it in the mainstream.

Favorite Shit:  “Duffle Bag Boy” “We Takin’ Over” “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)”

The past six weeks of holiday “joy” are finally over and i couldn’t be more excited.  Planning on a lot more music from A.M. as we still record/prepare songs for our upcoming album, and more beats from me on that end.  That’s really all I’ve thought about in terms of the future right now.  I’m not making any resolutions because whatever happens, happens.  Fuck it, no point in looking at myself like a hypocrite only one week into 2008.  Happy New Years to those reading this;  I’m glad you’re not dead.