Lan Song Xanh music video showcases most requested songs in 2003. The video features live performances by rising stars such as: Dam Vinh Hung, My Tam, Tuan Hung, Thanh Thao, Lam Truong, Dan Truong, Cam Ly, Phuong Thanh and many more. The video also acknowledges songwriters, Le Quang, Hoai An, Quoc An, Ngoc Chau, and Tuong Van, who contributed these magnificent works to the Vietnamese music.

While the Vietnamese entertainment productions in the US including Asia, Thuy Nga, Van Son and Tinh reuse same old songs over and over again, the music industry in Viet Nam is booming with hits after hits. Lan Song Xanh music video alone displays more than 25 new top hits in 2003. Now that is impressive comparing to the productions in US, which I can’t even recall a good song made in 2003; therefore, the productions in the US are loosing the market shares to those in Viet Nam.

The best part about Lan Song Xanh video is the actual live performances, no lip-syncing. Of course, Dam Vinh Hung and My Tam are as fine as always. I actually like Dam Vinh Hung’s Neu Co Yeu Toi live version much better than the recorded version. His powerful voice makes a big different when he sings live. My Tam is simply sexy. This girl has everything: the voice, the look, and the loot (She has recently signed a contract with Pepsi for 70 thousand US dollars). Her performance on Hoa Mi Toc Nau and Uoc Gi is just breathtaking. Beside those two, Tuan Hung also rocks the mic. He gives a mesmerizing performance on Tinh Yeu Lung Linh and Dot Chut La Kho with his strong and smoky tone.

Along with solo performances, the “ho`” part is entertaining as well. For those who don’t know, “ho`” is an interaction back and forth playing on poetry. Similar to Hip Hop battle, one starts off with “ho` ho ho ho’… ” then spits a couple lines. Immediately, the other would “ho`” back with a reply. In this case, there are five guys (Dam Vinh Hung, Lam Truong, Dan Truong, Tuan Hung, and Quang Dung) verses five girls (Phuong Thanh, My Tam, Hong Ngoc, Thanh Thao and Cam Ly). What cracks me the most is Dam Vinh Hung’s smart mouth. He just says whatever on his mind especially when he busts on Tuan Hung, “No o ngoai vo.” Phuong Thanh on the other side is funny as hell too. She pokes at Hong Ngoc with the North Vietnamese accent, “Ben em, con nho ao do no ‘soc’ lam day.” You have to know Vietnamese slang to get it.

Asia video 42, Am Nhac Vong Quanh The Gioi, proves their musical arrangements are still topnotch comparing to other Vietnamese entertainment productions in America. With high definition sound qualities, the beats and the instruments are crystal clear. Although this video features aged songs, Asia music producers give them brand new vibes with their innovative remixes. The best one is “Bang Bang” with the smooth guitar sound and the unique upbeat flavor.

Beside the fantastic sound, custome and set designs are worth noticing in this video. To show music around the world, each scene and every custome must be done correctly in order to take the audience to different countries. Thankfully, Asia had done their homework. They must have invested a tremendous amount of time and money to provide all the sceneries and clothes design for the show. As a result, the set design is aesthetically exquisite and the customes are eloquently gorgeous. On top of that, the special effects in the background are splendor.

The singers’ performances are good but the dancers’ performances are extraordinary. Another highlight of the show is the choreographers. The dances are highly enjoyable. Specially the Italian’s God Father act, they step with stylish and power. The choreographers put up a great show even though it is hard to look at Kenny Thai’s baby face as a mobster. Not sure why Phillip Huy’s Cup of Life performance filled with Victoria’s Secret Angels but it is all good. Hot chicks shake their asses in panties and bras, what more can you ask for?

My only complain is Trish‘s interview. Don’t understand why the audience applauded when she asked if she could speak English instead of Vietnamese. If I were there, I would have booed the hell out of her. I would not encourage her to speak English. If Truong Vu can speak Vietnamese even though he is Chinese, Trish better learns to speak her native language.

Asia has produced two successful products back to back. Asia 41’s Mua He Ruc Ro was a big hit and this one is highly enjoyable as well. Asia had been refocused themselves to create meaningful and entertaining works. With this video, they must have spent big bucks to create a masterpiece like that. I usually don’t care about bootlegging but please buy Asia’s original products so they can push the limits and bring us more good videos. They have the visions and the talents and I would hate to see them go away.

Producer Kanye West demonstrates his rap skills on The College Dropout. I am not too crazy about the way he flows but he has some nice lyrics and dozens of blazin’ beats. Glad to hear West raps about his personal experiences such as: college life, work at the Gap, and a car accident instead of the typical gangster life, bitches, and cars. With his consistently good lyrics and dope beats, the album is enjoyable from start to finish.

“Get Em High” is the best track on the album. The beat is mad wicked and I like the way West flows on this one. Specially the first two lines where he spits out fast and clear. Talib Kweli and Common also drops their ill verses on this track. In “All Falls Down”, it’s funny how he tells the story of a girl who drops out of college to become a hair designer, “The concept of school seems insecurrr. Sophomore three yurrrs ain’t picked a carurrrs The beat is hot and Syleena Johnson’s voice is beautiful. “Never Let Me Down” featuring Jay-Z is pretty hot too. West talks about the car accident, “But I can’t complain what the accident did to my left eye… Cause look at what the accident did to Left Eye. First Aaliyah… now Romeo Must Die.” In “Spaceship”, he talks about how he quits working at the Gap and starts making his own beats. The “New Workout Plan” is pretty funny too. I like the hip hop/club beat and how the girl said, “6pac Shakur.” I like the fresh and new vibe in “We Don’t Care.” The lyrics in “Two Words” is decent and the beat is mad kool, especially the violin at the end. Mos Def and Freeway also give a wonderful performance on their part. “Jesus Walks” has a nice tune with a positive message. “Slow Jamz” featuring Twista is nice for a little bump amd grind. The beat on “Through The Wire” sounds familiar but pretty catchy. Finally, West tells the story of how he got hooked up with Jay-Z on “Last Call.”

With the solid list above, The College Dropout is a pretty damn good album. It’s unique, entertaining, and well produced. It would have been a perfect album if Kanye West flows stronger and clearer (or I am not just digging his style). Still, go grab yourself a copy, definitely worth it.

What do you like the most about Hip Hop? Is it the dope beats, the ill rhymes, the bootilicious, the hot rides or the gangster lifestyle? For me, the lyrical content interests me the most. Like any other music genre, Hip Hop artists come and go just like that except for the one with the lyrical skills. That’s how artists like 2pac, Nas, Eminem, Rakim and Jay-Z still holding on to the belts. Not only these artists have the lyrical skills, their unique styles allow them to stay strong in the game. If you ask me to rank these artists from 1-5, I can’t do it but I can break down what I have learned from listening to their music.

Let’s start off with 2pac. He has always been my inspiration. 2pac probably has the biggest mouth in Hip Hop. He speaks from the heart and spits out whatever is on his mind. You can just pick out any lines from his song and understand clearly what he talks about. For example, “I ain’t a killer but don’t push me. Revenge is like the sweetest joy next to getting pussy.” -Hail Mary. You can play 2Pac’s music in any random order and still appreciate the power of his words.

In contrast to 2pac, Nas carefully crafts his songs into stories. It’s a like book of rhymes where you flip through page by page. Whenever Nas drops his knowledge there is always a message behind it. You can always learn something from him. In I Can, Nas lays down some Black History:

Before we came to this country
We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys
It was empires in Africa called Kush
Timbuktu, where every race came to get books
To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans
Asian Arabs and gave them gold when
Gold was converted to money it all changed
Money then became empowerment for Europeans
The Persian military invaded
They learned about the gold, the teachings and everything sacred
Africa was almost robbed naked
Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships
Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went
He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces
Shot up they nose to impose what basically still goes on today.

Listening to Eminem is like watching a movie. His attention to details is amazing. With his descriptive words and wicked rhymes, you can visualize the motion picture in your head. In Loose Yourself, Em gives you an open shot of a nervous white boy before he picks up the mic:

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti
He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready
to drops bombs, but he keeps on forgetting
what he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud
He opens his mouth but the words won’t come out.

Jay-Z is a clever MC. He makes sure every word counts. So when he drops a verse, it cuts straight to the heart without needless words. That’s his weapon and no one can do it like he does. He always come correct even when battling with other rappers, “I am all about the dollar, what the fuck is 50 Cent?” In Moment of Clarity, he spits some tight ass rhymes,

If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be lyrically, Talib Kweli
Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense
But I did five mill’ – I ain’t been rhyming like Common since
When your cents got that much in common
And you been hustling since, your inception
Fuck perception, go with what makes sense
Since I know what I’m up against
We as rappers must decide what’s most impor-tant

Rakim is the poet of Hip Hop. The way he drops his lyrics is aesthetically beautiful. For instance, in Lyrics of Fury, you can hear the sounds from his verbs.

Strike like lightning, It’s quite frightening!
But don’t be afraid in the dark, in a park,
Not a scream or a cry, or a bark, more like a spark;
Ya tremble like an alcoholic, muscles tighten up,
What’s that, lighten up! You see a sight but,
Suddenly you feel like you’re in a horror flick,
You grab your heart then wish for tomorrow quick!

So what do you think? Who else would you consider a lyricist MC? I know there are many more but I enjoy these five top dawgs the most.

Nguyen Nhat Huy’s Van No Cuoc Doi is rather successful because of Dam Vinh Hung and My Tam performances. It was a smart decision for Nguyen Nhat Huy to choose these two extraordinary artists to perform his music. His lyric is more for older (40s) folks but Dam Vinh Hung and My Tam attract the younger crowds. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.

Dam Vinh Hung starts off the album with Hay Song That Long. His strong and smoky voice is perfect for the slow rock beat. Follows by My Tam’s striking voice in Loi Hua Chong Phai. Dam Vinh Hung once again brings out his uniqueness in performing Nhac Tru Tinh (Vietnamese Love Melody) in Tren Nhung Tan Phai. It’s the perfect mix between a beautiful melody and a handsome voice. My Tam gives a radiance touch on Xin Doi Cho Co Do while Dam Vinh Hung gives all his soul in Thu Tha Mot Lan. With Hat Ben Troi Lang Quen, My Tam lets her sweet voice ring through without hitting a high note. Uoc Mo Xa Tam Tay is another track fits Dam Vinh Hung nicely. He is good at starting out soft and gradually screams on top of his lung at the end. Specially the emphasis on the line, “Ai da mang em sang ben kia Dai Duong?” Nguyen Nhat Huy probably dedicated this song to his lover who left him for someone oversea, a Viet Kieu (Vietnamese American) maybe. Speaking of dedication, Tinh Me (Mother’s Love) is an inspiration and My Tam gives a mesmerizing performance. I just love the lyrics, “Khi tho au con nao dau co biet, me lang le trong ngan noi muon phien. Du bao gio mua, tinh me van thiet that em dem.” This song hits straight home for me and my mother, in particular the line, “Me da co phut giau nuoc mat cho con tho ngay nu cuoi.” Which literally means, “There are moments when mother hid her tears in order to give her innocent child a smile.” I am so glad Nguyen Nhat Huy wrote this song. In contrast to Tinh Me, his dedication to his father in Nghi Ve Cha (Thinking of My Father) fails miserably. Although Dam Vinh Hung gives all he can, he still can’t pull off this song. Finally, Van No Cuoc Doi wraps up the album. This is another beautiful lyric that touches on life. Nguyen Nhat Huy acknowledges people, places, and things he owes in life.

This is the first time I get to know Nguyen Nhat Huy’s music. I have listened to this album several times and each time it brings me closer to the lyrics. Not only I like the music, I also like the packing design of the album. It puts together like a book where you can flip to read the lyrics and look at the photos of Nguyen Nhat Huy, Dam Vinh Hung, and My Tam. Because of the well-designed format, Van No Cuoc Doi is a perfect gift for a friend who appreciates Vietnamese music.

Want to hear 2pac pours out his heart? Want to enjoy some real lyrical contents? Check out R U Still Down double CD from the one and only 2pac Shakur. I am still feeling his words ever since the album came out in 1997. This double album had raised my expectations for Hip Hop. Until this day, I still can’t find an album that could match 2pac’s R U Still Down. Every track leaves me something in my mind to remember by. Whether he screams at his enemy, encourages us to Hold On Be Strong, or tells the stories of 16 on Death Row, his words are so powerful and he expresses them clear and loud.

Take away the hardcore and the gangster life, you will find 2pac expresses himself as a troublesome brother. In Open Fire, he said, “I’m sick inside my mind, why you sweating me? It’s gonna take an army full of crooked ass cops to come and get me.” In R U Still Down, Pac spoke out his inner feelings, “Living life as a Thug. Time to face the truth. What’s going on with the wasted youth? Please God come and save me, had to work with what you gave me.” In Hellrazor, Pac went on, “I’m starting to think all the rich in the world is safe while the poor babies resting in the early graves. God come save the youth. Ain’t nothing else to do but have faith in you.” Although every song hits the spot, Hellrazor is one of the wicked lyrics along side with 16 on Death Row where Pac tells three different stories in three verses. You just have to experience 16 on Death Row. Listen carefully every word he said. The song will bring tears to your eyes. Words such as: “My uncle used to touch me, I never told you that. Scared what you might do, I couldn’t hold you back. I kept it deep inside, I done let it fuel my anger. I’m down for all my hommies, no mercy for a stranger? They tell me the preacher’s there for me. He’s a crook with a book, that motherfucker never cared for me? I wish I would’ve known while I was out there. Now I’m straight heading for the chair.”

There are so much more stuff on the album such as: Hold On Be Strong, I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto, Nuthin But Love, Fake Ass Bitches, Lie to Kick It, When I Get Free 2, and so on. I could easily go through and review every songs but that is not necessary. I?ll let the work speaks for itself. Go ahead and get the album. Even if you’re not Hip Hop fan, you will appreciate the lyrical content of a mastermind.

The show starts off with a mesmerizing performance from Lac Hong group recapturing the life of the Vietnamese fled by boat seeking freedom. The powerful video clips in the background add tremendous drama to the live performance. It is a great way to start off the video; unfortunately the theme does not carry on throughout the show. I was all excited to see more dramatic content but disappointment comes in as the video gets off that direction. Actually the “Luu Vong” performance introduces the play “Nang Ha” featuring Van Son, Bao Liem, Hong Dao, Le Huynh, Minh Tri, Viet Thi, Charlie, and Vicky (It’s funny how this little girl keeps waving to the audience during the play). Unfortunately, the play does not live up to the introduction performance. It is a big mistake to start the show with excitement then gradually drifts off. The play is not bad but it is definitely not powerful either. There are several additional comedies in this show but the only funny one is “Toi Khong Thay” by Quang Minh, Sunny and Bich Thi. That new kid Sunny is pretty amusing.

There are a few good music performances. Minh Tri and Viet Thi give a tight performance of “Vietnamese Boy.” The beat is nice and the outfits are pretty cool. Next to that is the “Lien Khuc Nho Nguoi Yeu” by Che Linh and Tuan Ngoc. When you put two well-known artists together, you get a beautiful combination of the two. The rest of the performances are pretty ordinary. I am simply tired of Truong Vu. He sings the same kind of music over and over again and he also puts me to sleep.

Overall, Van Son 26 is not too bad. It’s not highly recommended but somewhat enjoyable. There is also a bonus video in the end where Viet Thao highlights some of the accomplishments by the Vietnamese community in San Jose. It’s nice to see how we come this far in our second homeland.

“Chung ta nhut dinh la khong phai nhung nguoi ti nan an bam.” Said Duong Ngoc Anh, Director of the US Weapon Department. Her statement simply means, “As refugees, we are not living in the US just to eat off the government.”Asia 41’s Mua He Ruc Ro showcases successful Vietnamese Americans who have great contributions to the US. Mad props go out to: Duong Ngoc Anh (creator of many powerful bombs), Mina Nguyen (serving in the Senior Executive Service for the Bush Administration), Tran Dinh Truong, the first Vietnamese American millionaire who donated 2 million dollars for the tragedy of 9.11. and many others. If you would like to learn more about these fine individuals, check out Mikki’s entry.

Unlike other beauty pageant competitions, Asia takes a different route by showing off sixteen young and beautiful Miss Vietnamese in the US and around the world. On top of that, the performances aren’t that bad either. Trish and Cardin gave a wonderful duet. I am not a fan of either two but they pulled this one of nicely with slick dance and fine lyrics. My most favorite performance is from Da Nhat Yen in “Lang Thang Duoi Mua.” She surely knows how to shake that thang. Man, she is freaking fabulous. Glad to see Kenny Thai came back. Hope he will continue with Asia in the forth-coming videos.

With Mua He Ruc Ro, Asia has raised the bar for its competitors. The video is meaningful and well thought out. This is the type of product I expect from other productions. It?s creative, inspired, and simply entertaining. I don?t mind spend couple hours enjoy something I am proud of, my Vietnamese community. Please keep up the good work, Asia.

Yet another big disappointment from the latest Paris By Night 71, they are way too proud of themselves. Always bragging about their “incredible show” yet eighty percent of the performances are tedious and listening to Nguyen Ngoc Ngan and Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen blabbing about nothing is simply tiresome. It’s amusing how they both stepping into each other’s line many times during the show. Thuy Nga claims to be the most innovative production in entertainment yet they still reuses old songs over and over again.

Performances worth watching. Luong Tung Quang’s “Tu Khi Em Den” featured the hot twin dancers. I am not a big fan of Bao Han but she gave an incredible dance performance with the dancers. The smooth integration between video and live performance in Don Ho’s “Bai Tinh Ca Cua Em” is quite a creative concept. The Matrix style from Henry Chuc and Tommy Ngo is nicely pulled off.

Nice songs to enjoy. Quang Le’s “Ke O Mien Xa” and Phi Nhung and Manh Quynh’s “Tan Co Hon Anh Gian Em.” Pay attention to Manh Quynh’s second verse. His voice is quite strong.

Highlights of the show. Thuy Nga’s big fake titties. Now I know where my money goes. They were bitching about how bootlegging DVDs hurt their business; therefore, they are unable to push their products further than what they have. Ironically, the owner of Paris By Night productions invested the viewers’ money on her boob not the show. Sike! I am just kidding. The second highlight of the show is the American guy who speaks Vietnamese. Frankly, his Vietnamese is way better than most of the young Vietnamese singers in the US. He picks up the dialect quite well. Such a smart guy. He even made up some funny Vietnamese poems. Have to give that white man some props.

Overall, Paris By Night 71 is not worth buying. I would not recommend it all. Don’t waste your money. The preview looks good but it is not.

Father, who are you? Mother, who are you? Why brought me into this world but don’t give me your love? Why am I on my own? I did not do anything wrong. As a child, I have no home. As a child, I can’t go to school. As a child, I am alone on the street begging for each and every left over piece of rice. Father, where are you? Mother, where are you?

The lyric above is a portion that is loosely translated from “Dau Cham Hoi” (The Question Mark) written by The Hien. As I was watching My Tam performed this song, I was deeply affected. It took me back to my trip in Viet Nam where I had witnessed the poverty the author described in this song. It’s simply heart wrecking. I could remember the exact scene that day, as I was finishing up my bowl of “hu tieu” noodle soup. Once I put the bowl down, three kids were fighting for the left over. I couldn’t believe what I just saw. I had no idea they were waiting for me to finish. I stopped them and treated each one of them. They thanked me repeatedly and offered to shine my sandal. Yeah! Like I really need my sandal to be shine. See, these kids would work but they had no opportunity. It’s such a shame. They made me realize how fortunate I am and how much shit I take for granted. Donny, stop bitching about your life and be happy with what you have. Stop being greedy and give to the needy.