Are Diamonds Forever...

I give props to Kanye for introducing the masses to the casualties of what’s going on in Africa, especially Sierra Leone. After a great song like this one I really wonder if everyone got the right message from it or did they just take a piece of it. It touches the subject of conflict or “blood” diamonds. Sierra Leone is obviously a subject close to my heart because that is where my family is from. In my opinion, most individuals think as long as they verify that their diamond pieces have no “conflict” or no one died from them then everything is all good. Unfortunately because diamonds are forever and people across the world will pay serious dough for these items, no one touches on the even bigger problem of the companies and countries that continue to try to corner the natural resources of Africa…a country very rich in natural resources. What should be addressed is how do we get these African countries to not be manipulated by these foreign countries, who cause “conflict” by manipulating the people and the government into getting them diamonds at any cost. Which in turn causes the different groups within these tiny countries to continue to fight each other over power to be able to sit down at the table at the end of the day with these foreign countries and companies and negotiate how to make a quick buck by selling away our valuable natural resources at any cost…including human lives. Kayne did touch on the fact that many people have lost limbs, lives, and families members due to the many civil wars over power in these small countries. My question is when will we demand a fair and equitable process to take place when dealing with natural resources like diamonds. We often have taken great measures with the sweatshops around the world, why not the manipulative forces behind the diamond game.



Thanks for listening and here is a summary of the Kanye West "Late Registration" album that I feel is fairly accurate after listening to it over and over (courtesy of Amazon reviewer, Constant):

Kayne West returns with his second solo album "Late Registration" (2005). To say Kayne West has made an impact on the music and entertainment world is an understatement, simply read the latest copy of Time magazine and you will see what I mean. Kayne West's production skills are definitely on point as beats throughout this album are excellent. The albums single's "Gold Digger" feat. Jamie Foxx and "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" are both distinct tracks, I prefer the latter. My favorite collaboration on this album is the first track "Heard Em Say", Kayne West and Maroon 5's Adam Levine team up for a memorable cut. Some production help comes from Just Blaze who sampled Curtis Mayfield "Move On Up" for "Touch The Sky" an uplifting track, which has West and Lupe Fiasco shining. The next couple of tracks are good, though in all honesty I find myself listening to the beats/samples more the lyrics. The Hank Crawford sample used on "Drive Slow" reminds me of the one used on a track off 2Pac's All Eyes on Me. Kayne West helped Game out on "Dreams" so it makes sense that he return the favor on "Crack Music". Brandy laces "Bring Me Down" with some smooth vocals, while Kayne West talks about the haters. The remix of "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" feat. Jay-Z follows. Hov's former rival Nas drops in and provides some substance on "We Major". Kayne West praises and shows his love for his mom on the dedication "Hey Mama". Consquence and Cam'Ron hook up with Kayne for "Gone" another standout, which samples Otis Redding's "It's To Late". Production wise this album is impressive, West samples and innovates well. Lyrically I find Kayne West to be hit or miss, shining on some tracks while barely leaving an impression on others. That said he remains the same rapper, and I respect him for not trying to take on another persona as some do. I recommend picking up "Late Registration" its an album that vibes well, one which fans of many different musical genres will enjoy. he finally did.

I do disagree with the review slightly...my favorite collaboration is Gone with Cam'ron and Consequences.

Here is the ranking of tracks of this album:
1. Diamonds are from Sierra Leone including the (Remix) - Kanye's flow is finally on point and Jay Z rips the remix
2. Gold Digger - nuff said, he's educating folks, club jam, and females are out there telling on themselves...thanks Kanye
3. Crack Music - Hard beat, and he keeps it real about the hiphop game and the influence on America
4. Gone - features Cam'ron, a really nice infectious sample
5. Touch The Sky
Hey Mama - There is a tie b/c both of the are happy and uplifting tracks

Heard Em Say is just okay, but with Adam Levine he should get mad MTV airplay