Interview with Mike Shinoda
posted by Jas, 12/23/04
Soundslam has posted their interview with Mike Shinoda

SoundSlam: Were you nervous at all as an emcee performing with Jay-Z? Did you feel you had to step your game up and come correct?
Mike: Oh yeah! I would have loved to go back into all my lyrics and make them more complex and really step it up, but I thought that would ruin what we were trying to accomplish with the mash-up, so I didn't. I know what I do with LP is more simple, in order for it to work with the rock element. But I think in the future, I will have to show people that I'm capable of more…I guess we'll have to see later! I'm working on some things in the studio right now, in fact. But I won't talk about that yet! Full interview

Images from LP book
posted by Jas, 12/23/04
Those who haven't gotten a copy yet, I share your pain :-(, looks like LP's "From The Inside" book is still not available in many countries, but some images from the book have been posted on the LP Message Board. Go here and here

'Collision Course': Its Success Is No Accident
posted by Jas, 12/23/04
A review of Collision Course from Washington Post

It was billed as a boxing match -- Jay-Z vs. Linkin Park -- and that was just about right. In this corner of Hollywood's Roxy club, the mightiest rapper of them all. In that corner, those scrawny headbangers who like their power chords loud and their angst louder. Full review

LPU 4.0 Referral Program is here
posted by Jas, 12/23/04
Posted at LPUnderground.com

The moment everyone has been waiting for has arrived...the unveiling of the prizes for this year's LPU Referral Program. We are making this year's Referral Program even better by lowering prize levels and adding in even more prizes. So if you haven't already start referring your friends and family members to join the Linkin Park Underground, now's the time! When they sign up online, make sure they include your username when filling out the profile form during checkout. When you are promoting offline, be sure to write in your username on your LPU 4.0 flyers so that you can get the credit you deserve. And to check on how many people you have referred to the LPU, check the MY LPU section of the site under YOUR ACCOUNT.

Here are some of the prizes you can expect to earn:
+ Exclusive LPU 4 Sticker
+ From the Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora book signed by the band
+ Lifetime membership to the Linkin Park Underground
+ Personalized LP Plaque
+ Trip for 2 to Los Angeles, weekend in a 4 star hotel in Hollywood, and dinner with Linkin Park. Trip to be videotaped for a special LPU piece.

To see the complete list of prizes and official rules, check out the CONTESTS section of the site. For hints on how to get started, get on the boards. Good luck and have fun!

Review of Depeche Mode's "Remixes 81-04"
posted by Jas, 12/23/04
Las Vegas Mercury has posted a review of Depeche Mode's "Remixes 81-04".

Sure to catch the band's fans off-guard is Mike Shinoda's rendering of "Enjoy the Silence." The guilty pleasure track is tweaked so well that it sounds like D-Mode singer Dave Gahan is fronting Linkin Park, which is Shinoda's band. Some might cry foul at the idea, but it just goes to prove the flexibility Depeche Mode's music allows remixers, as well as how its influence can come full circle. -- Mike Prevatt. Full review

December 22, 2004

Chali 2na: Fishing For Success
posted by Jas, 12/22/04
Ballerstatus has an interview with Chali2na where he mentions working with Mike

BallerStatus.net: Your mixtape's tracklisting almost reads like a DJ's mixtape instead of your own, because you have so many different artists. How'd you hook up with so many different people over time?
Chali 2NA: Well, I'm a workaholic first and foremost, and I think that shows as far as my J5 work. I just step outside of that, and try to do as much stuff as I possibly can. People just call and ask, or I'll find some cats, or I'll be friends with cats. I'm friends with Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park), I'm friends with Kardinal Offishall. Mike called me, and he was like, "I want to do this tune on the REANIMATION project." That's how it got with everybody, I just linked with everybody and tried to do as much as I possibly could.

BallerStatus.net: What are some collaborations on this mixtape that stick out to you, as far as the actual process of making it?
Chali 2NA: The Kardinal song was pretty dope how it came about. We were in Toronto, and we had an off-day, so I'm like, "let's get up with Kardi, see what he's up to." When I called him, he was making a beat, and he's like, "you like this?," and I'm like "yeah, What you doing today? Come through and do some sh-t." So I came over to his crib, and he was just putting things on the beat. We just played around and did the song. It was cool man, he's got a studio in his house. With Mike Shinoda, it was cool, because he was in a little apartment. Linkin Park is blowing up, and he's in an apartment. He had all his Pro Tools stuff in his bedroom, and he said to come through to record the tune. I just came through, sat there and wrote it, and it came out. I was just amazed at how a lot of this stuff happened, as far as how fast it happened. A lot of these cats work really fast, and I appreciate that, I can learn from that. Full interview

Audio Download: Mike on Fox FM
posted by Jas, 12/22/04
Aaron sent in this short interview with Mike on Australian radio station, Fox FM. He talked about Collision Course and his DC shoes. File is in wma format, Click here to download (right click and save target as...)

LP Book in Singapore update
posted by Jas, 12/22/04
This is for Singapore fans, Andrea went to Borders (Orchard) and they told her that the LP coffee table book "From The Inside" will be in stores in 3-4 weeks time and it'll cost around $49. Start saving!

'Breaking the Habit' song parody
posted by Jas, 12/22/04
Heather found a Harry Potter themed parody based off 'Breaking the Habit' at mugglenet.com

'Numb/Encore' on Malaysian chart
posted by Jas, 12/22/04
XecuTioNers muSKAte reports that Linkin Park & Jay-Z's 'Numb/Encore' single is at #1 on Malaysia's Hitz FM.

December 20, 2004

'Numb/Encore' on Australia Charts
posted by Jas, 12/20/04
Sydney Morning Herald reports that Linkin Park and Jay-Z's 'Numb/Encore' single has debuted on the Australian singles chart at #8

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/20/04
A review of Collision Course from Costa Contra Times

It was billed as a boxing match -- Jay-Z vs. Linkin Park -- and that was just about right. In this corner of Hollywood's Roxy club, the mightiest rapper of them all. In that corner, those scrawny headbangers who like their power chords loud and their angst louder. The opening bass line sounded, and the strange musical bedfellows started playing strong, live -- and at the same time. He delivered the swaggering boasts of his hit "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," they unleashed the jackhammer guitars of their metal-edged "Lying From You," and the crowd, a mixed bag of surly suburban youth and nodding hip-hop heads, lost its collective nut.

This genre-crashing slugfest between Jay-Z and LP, recorded in July, can be seen and heard on "Collision Course," the first major-label release of a high-profile "mash-up" -- that is, the suddenly red-hot art of taking two existing songs and making them one. "Collision Course," which includes an EP of studio-recorded mashes between the rapper and the rockers plus a DVD of the live Roxy battle, debuted at No. 1.

Review of "White People"
posted by Jas, 12/20/04
Kelly reports that About.com has a short review of Handsome Boy Modelling School's "White People" album which has guest appearance by Mike and Chester.

December 19, 2004

At last, the mash-up has gone mainstream
posted by Jas, 12/19/04
Newsday and Palm Beach Post have an article about mash-up which mentions Linkin Park/Jay-Z's "Collision Course".

Best Fest of 2004
posted by Jas, 12/19/04
Reuters reports that the Download Festival is one of the best festival of 2004. The festival, played in June 5-6 in Castle Donington, England, grossed $7.4 million. Linkin Park, Metallica, Korn, Sum 41 and Iggy Pop were among the many acts that performed.

December 18, 2004

Linkin Park Rocks the Year-End Chart
posted by Jas, 12/18/04
Report from Reuters on Linkin Park's performance on the chart this year.

Linkin Park has proved itself impervious to critics, genres and the rest of the competition on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, as the juggernaut of its "Meteora" album (Warner Bros.) continues its momentum from last year. Four songs from the band's sophomore album charted on the year-end Modern Rock Tracks recap, with three finishing in the top 10. This earns the act the No. 1 spot on the year-end Hot Modern Rock Artists chart.

"Numb" was the year's second-most-spun song in modern rock, while "Breaking the Habit" and "Lying From You" came in at Nos. 8 and 9, respectively. "Faint" also garnered airplay, while the band's collaboration with Jay-Z, the just-released "Collision Course," ensures that the group will have a presence on next year's chart as well.

What's more impressive is that the five singles released from the quadruple-platinum "Meteora" all have logged at least three weeks at No. 1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart for a total of 30 weeks atop that list. Despite Linkin Park's strong showing, Epic, not Warner Bros., tops the Modern Rock Labels chart. Epic act Incubus takes the No. 1 spot on the year-end Modern Rock Tracks chart with "Megalomaniac."

The song was on the chart for the first half of 2004, peaking at No. 1 for a total of six weeks. The band also had a solid follow-up with "Talk Shows on Mute," which ranks at No. 19 on the year-end recap. The song charted for 26 weeks and peaked at No. 3 on Modern Rock Tracks.

An interview with Brad in Lime
posted by Jas, 12/18/04
Jo has scanned a new interview with Brad and a Collision Course review from the January 2005 issue of LIME (Singapore) magazine. And for Singapore fans who's looking for the LP book, Jo has emailed Kinokuniya and they said that they don't have it because the publisher is out of print, guess we just have to wait.

click here for larger scans

The Lustgarten Foundation's Holiday Greeting Card Auction
posted by Jas, 12/18/04
Sherz sends in a link to a hand made card by Mike being auctioned on Ebay for charity. More info here.

Audio Download: Mike on Skyrock
posted by Jas, 12/18/04
Luder sent in an audio interview with Mike on French hip-hop radio, Skyrock. Mike was asked how the Collision Course project came about, his thoughts on Jay-Z and his trip to France and Mike said something in French, sounds so sexy! :-) File is 2.5 mb and I'm putting it online for a couple of days before switching to yousendit. Click here to download.

Linkin Park makes history
posted by Jas, 12/18/04
Reuters' report on Linkin Park making chart history on Billboard's Hot Modern Rock Tracks

On the Hot Modern Rock Tracks recap, Linkin Park makes chart history by becoming the first act to place three songs in a year-end top 10. Leading the list is "Numb" at No. 2, tying the band's previous best year-end ranking. ("In the End" was the No. 2 song of 2002.) This is the fourth consecutive year that Linkin Park has appeared in the year-end modern top 10 -- that's every year of the group's chart career. No other act has appeared in the modern summary for every one of the last four years.

December 17, 2004

Linkin Park in no hurry to make new studio album
posted by Jas, 12/17/04
Blabbermouth reports that LP is no hurry to make a new album, Mike is doing "a lot of hip-hop production," and Joe is working on film projects, probably the King Rat movie.

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda recently told Launch Radio Networks it might be a while before the group gets around to making their next studio album. After more than a year's worth of touring to promote 2003's "Meteora" and their other recent projects, "We are trying to change up the pace a little bit," he said. "We'll probably be working on a lot of other projects before we get started on the next Linkin park album. We want to give our fans some different stuff, so as not to be redundant. Everyone is looking for great creative avenues to explore. It's no secret that we like to keep working, so it's safe to say that you can expect a number of things from us in the coming months." Shinoda said he's doing "a lot of hip-hop production," while DJ Joseph Hahn is working on commercials and film projects. Linkin Park have just published "From The Inside", a coffee table-sized book of photos and stories from the "Meteora" tour.

More NY book signing photos
posted by Jas, 12/17/04
You guys ready for more? I've replaced some of the thumbnails with a larger version and added 8 new ones. These are similar to the ones from Isifa but bigger! Huge thanks to Jan for all the pics. Thanks Jan *kisses Jan's feet*

click for more

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/17/04
Newsday's review crew give their review on Collision Course. Read review

December 16, 2004

Holiday gift ideas
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
MTV.com has listed some holiday gift ideas for this festive season

Linkin Park belly barbells $15.95, LinkinParkMerch.com
Are you a girl? Between the ages of, say, 13-18? And do you like Linkin Park? Then this is the perfect gift for you. Accessorize your navel with the band's album, available in three cool colors: red to symbolize the anger of Mike Shinoda's rhymes, blue to symbolize the melancholy of Chester Bennington's lyrics, and silver, to symbolize ... um, something about Joseph Hahn.

More NY book signing photos
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
Added more photos from the "From The Inside" book signing in New York. Thanks to my friend Jan for the hi-res lime-light photos. I have to move the pics from the Miscellaneous page to the Public Appearances page 'coz there are 94 pics altogether, you heard me.

more pics

Audio Download: K-Rock Interview
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
I grabbed the interview with Mike, Brad and Jay-Z posted on K-Rock yesterday, if anyone wants the file click here to send me your email address, file is 24 mb. Please type your email address in the body of your email or in the subject line, if you don't you will be put last on the list. Click here to listen to the streaming audio

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas pic
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
Added another pic of Chester at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas concert on December 12

LP article in Kerrang
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
Synthesthesia has posted on the LP board, scans of Linkin Park article from this week's issue of Kerrang! magazine (UK).

Collision Course on the charts
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
Reuters reports that Collision Course drops to #9 this week on the Billboard charts selling 186,000 copies.

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
A review of Collision Course from the Daily News Transcript

Who says rap-metal is dead? It's alive and kicking on this hit MTV-driven mash-up of six tracks from the two genres' hottest stars. Retirement be damned, Jay-Z is on fire, spitting some of his dopest rhymes over Linkin Park-provided beats. But it's more than just high-tech karaoke. These are carefully constructed, seamless blends of Linkin Park/Jay-Z tracks, the best of which are "Jigga What/Faint" and "Izzo/In the End." Both acts shine as their shared knack for killer hooks brings each collaboration to smashing new levels. A DVD of the recording sessions and live MTV performance also is included. Download pick: "Numb/Encore." B -- Dave Wedge

Top 40 videos of 2004
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
Linkin Park's 'Breaking The Habit' is at #15 in VH1 Top 40 Videos of 2004 countdown. The show will premiere on VH1 on December 18 at 2 pm ET. Repeat telecast on the same day at 8 pm and 11 pm and on December 20 at 1 am. All times eastern.

Most-Searched Term for 2004
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
The Lycos 50 announces the Most Popular Internet Search Terms of 2004 and Linkin Park is at #2 in the Top 10 Bands of 2004 list behind Evanescence.

MTV Best Rock Video Of 2004
posted by Jas, 12/16/04
Krissy reports that Linkin Park is on the top of the list for Best Animated Video of 2004 at MTV.com. 'Breaking The Habit' And 'Lying From You' are on the list for Best MTV2 Rock Video Of 2004. Click here to vote for LP.

December 15, 2004

Mike and Brad on K-Rock
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
An Audio clip of Mike, Brad and Jay-Z on K-Rock radio station is now up. Click here to listen

Jay-Z Speaks Out About Def Jam Job, Linkin Park And Nas
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
An interview with Jay-Z at MTV.com, where he talked about his new job at Def Jam and Linkin Park among other things.

They looked like the Three Amigos yesterday: Jay-Z and Linkin Park's Brad Delson and Mike Shinoda sitting up, chopping it up, in a lounge in the studios of New York radio station K-Rock. They spoke about how Jay was blown away as soon as he heard Shinoda's idea to mash it up and how they made hulking biker dudes stand on their chairs and gleefully high-five each other during their second performance together.

His Collision Course project with Linkin Park went gold in just two weeks. Jay said recording that album wasn't too different from putting together another #1 LP he had just a couple of months ago: Unfinished Business, the second Best of Both Worlds LP with R. Kelly.

"Both in the beginning were done on a professional level, even with Best of Both Worlds," Jay said. "I just like to get in with talented people who're professional and work fast. At least [Linkin Park] worked fast with me — I don't know how they usually work. They're cool guys."

"It's still time for drama between us," laughed Delson, alluding to Jay's well-publicized fallout with Kelly. "The record just came out. Something might go down, you never know. Just don't close the door on that possibility."

Later, a more serious Delson said of his squad's work with the Jigga Man, "I think as artists we're really just inspired to push the envelope and do something different. That's what's exciting about great art or great music, when you combine something in a new way or do something people said couldn't be done. I think Collision Course is that kind of project. When you hear it, it just sounds right." -- Shaheem Reid & Sway Calloway. Full article

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
A review of Collision Course from Hip Hop DX

All six songs are genius. This is a project that will open a passageway for artists who want to dare to be different as well as those who want to work hard to maintain that difference. The track listing reads like a you know what song it is, so it's already fly, kind of fashion. "Dirt Off Ya Shoulders" is mixed with raw taste and is blended with "Lying From You" for the intro to the disc. "Big Pimpin'/Papercut" follows and keeps the stride in full flow. "Jigga What/Faint" is the weakest blend on the disc but still holds your attention enough that you don't have to fast forward the disc. "Izzo/In The End" and "Points Of Authority/99Problems/OneStep Closer" Closes the disc and the rest is history. Jay-Z & Linkin Park made this one look easy. Don't close yourself off to good music and miss this disc, history has been made. -- K.B. Tindal. Full review

NY book signing photos
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
Here are the guys at the "From The Inside" book signing in New York

more pics

LPU 4 Random Prizes
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
From the LPU Headquarters: Collectible LP/Jay-Z vinyle single of "Numb/Encore." Breaking the Habit CD/DVD. Collision Course poster. LP Underground sticker. These are just some of the items that are being added to our first shipment of LPU 4 membership packages. The first 100 of you that signed up for the new fan club year can expect to find the "Numb/Encore" vinyl in your package. 2000+ members will also receive an additional LPU sticker (upped from 1,500!), and 75 random members can expect to find an extra item such as those listed above. Good luck.

Much Music Awards
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
Jac reports that Linkin Park are on the list for the Much Music Awards for the Best Video of 2004. Click here to vote for LP

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/15/04
Victoria typed up a short review of Collision Course from the December issue of TV Hits (Australia) magazine.

Who'd have thought this lot could create such beautiful music together? It's a live recording of a cool night of hip-hop meets edgy rock. And, you get a DVD documentary about the show as well? Fab!

December 14, 2004

Mike and Brad on K-Rock
posted by Jas, 12/14/04
Mike, Brad and Jay-Z drop by K-Rock's Booker's show today, click here to see the photos. And voting is now opened for the 2004 K-Rock Awards, Click here to vote for LP.

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/14/04
Collision Course review from NME

For all their faux-gangsta wiggatude, Linkin Park look like the kids from School Of Rock 15 years on – chess club geeks with earplugs and expensive tats. This means that the in-the-studio footage is hilarious: at one point there's a sequence featuring nervy Linkin singer Chester Bennington attempting to bond with Jay-Z, all the while looking like he expects the rapper to suddenly rob him at gunpoint. The real drawback, though, is that 'Collision Course' never really adds anything to the original songs. Closer 'Points Of Authority/99 Problems' is pretty bombastic, but then so were the unadulterated versions. 'Numb/Encore', meanwhile, is just two tracks clumsily spotwelded together in the middle like halves of second-hand cars. Like trying to cross, say, a shoe with a satsuma or a lump of Edam with a house brick, 'Collision Course' is ultimately a pointless, unfathomable exercise. -- Pat Long. Full review

Towel fight video
posted by Jas, 12/14/04
Some of you probably have seen the picture of Chester and Phoenix having a towel fight from the "From The Inside" book, now watch a video clip of it in the episode #72 of LP Newscaster at LinkinPark.com... Ouch!

LP Book signing
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
Reminder that members of Linkin Park will be in New York at Borders Books & Music at 100 Broadway New York, NY 10005 for the "From The Inside" book signing at 5:30 pm

Top 40 videos of 2004
posted by Jas, 12/14/04
Linkin Park is one of the artists featured in VH1 Top 40 Videos of 2004 countdown. The show will air on December 18 at 2 pm ET. Repeat telecast on the same day at 8 pm and 11 pm and on December 20 at 1 am. All times eastern.

Cut-and-paste collaborations have created a beast in music industry
posted by Jas, 12/14/04
North Jersey Media Group has an article on Mash-up where LP/Jay-Z collaboration is mentioned.

December 13, 2004

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
Chester and Samantha were at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas concert last night.

more pics

Audio Download: LP interview from Malaysian press
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
SJ sent in audio interview with members of LP from Malaysian radio station, Hitz FM and MTV. There are altogether 5 files, some of them are not in full, if anyone has the full interview please email me. Below is a brief description of each interview.

I've zipped them all into one file (19 mb), click here to send me your email address if you want to download it. Please type your email address in the body of your email or in the subject line, if you don't you will be put last on the list

Jay-Z/Linkin Park's 'Mash-Up' Man - Mike Shinoda
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
An article on Mike and LP/Jay-Z mash-up collaboration from SOHH.com

Mash of the titans
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
A review of Collision Course from NY Daily News

With MTV in the picture, the phenom has clearly lost its outlaw status, not to mention its attendant legal problems. In fact, Jay and Linkin Park chose to mash their songs themselves, rather than be manipulated by a renegade producer working independently. First, they did so at a live show in L.A. in July. Then they rerecorded their work in the studio. Now, they've put out the concert on a DVD and bundled it with a six-song CD version. If that's hardly pure, underground mash, the results are still a marvel. Jay tracks like "Big Pimpin'" and "Jigga What" never sounded better than when whomped by Linkin Park's metal. Jay's inflections deepen and his beats intensify, while the band's rhythms send super-catchy Jay cuts like "Izzo" and "99 Problems" over the top.

Though most rap-rock amalgams offer little to either genre, this one makes the most of both. It's the best blending of the two forms since the last album from Rage Against the Machine. Linkin Park's melodies and riffs play a crucial role in the collaboration, but they mainly serve to support Jay's hooks and flow. If that makes Linkin Park essentially Jay's backing band, that's as it should be, given the disparity in their talents. Together, they've made a monster of a mash. Full story

Review of "White People"
posted by Jas, 12/13/04
Stuff's review of "White People" by Handsome Boy Modelling School which has a guest appearance by Mike and Chester

December 11, 2004

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/11/04
Jocelyn has typed up a Collision Course review from Singapore newspaper, The New Paper.

Despite the endless live releases, it's a surprise to find that Linkin Park still manages to hatch something new out of something old. Conceived over four days, this recording covers a live, almost-impromptu gig with rapper Jay-Z at Los Angeles' Roxy Theatre in July. It is a tricky rock-rap collaboration not quite in the league of the Aerosmith-Run DMC breakthrough. But it's still undeniably refreshing and extremely catchy. Hit singles (such as Big Pimpin', 99 Problems, In The End and Faint) from both artistes are sewn together seamlessly in a raw yet complementary fusion. The best part is watching Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda (who role here clearly outshines lead singer Chester Bennington's) and Jay-Z freestyle with their raps, especially on Jigga What/Faint where they switch roles. -- Seto Nu-Wen

Brad chat transcript
posted by Jas, 12/11/04
LPUnderground.com has posted the transcript of Brad's chat on LPU chat room on November 29

Linkin Park stays close to fan base
posted by Jas, 12/11/04
An article on Linkin Park and an interview with Mike during the book signing in Dublin, CA.

December 10, 2004

Phoenix tattoos
posted by Jas, 12/10/04
Ally sent in a picture of Phoenix's tattoos, wicked! I didn't know he has tattoos. No info on when or where this is taken from. Update: Many of you have emailed me about the pic, it's actually taken from the LP coffee table book, "From The Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora". Book is out now! You can buy it at the LP Bandmerch. Non US fans can order it at Amazon US, UK, Germany, and Japan.

Interview with Rob
posted by Jas, 12/10/04
Luder sent in a scan of an interview with Rob from a Swiss French newspaper, "Le Matin", dated December 7. There's nothing new about Collision Course of LP that we don't already know and Rob probably said the same thing he said in The Star interview. Thanks Luder.

Linkin Park fans flood Dublin store
posted by Jas, 12/10/04
Costa Contra reports on the LP book signing at Best Buy in Dublin, CA

Collision Course reviews
posted by Jas, 12/10/04
Collision Course reviews from Billboard and Boston Herald

From Boston Herald
Who says rap-metal is dead? It's alive and kicking on this hit MTV-driven mash-up of six tracks from the two genres' hottest stars. Retirement be damned, Jay-Z is on fire, spitting some of his dopest rhymes over Linkin Park provided beats. But it's more than just high-tech karaoke. These are carefully constructed, seamless blends of Linkin Park/Jay-Z tracks, the best of which are ``Jigga What/Faint'' and ``Izzo/In the End.'' Both acts shine as their shared knack for killer hooks brings each collaboration to smashing new levels. A DVD of the recording sessions and live MTV performance also is included. Download: ``Numb/ Encore.'' -- David Wedge

From Billboard
While the mash-up phenomenon has existed for several years now, it is unprecedented for artists to actually team up for the songs being combined, especially those at the top of their respective genres. That is what makes Jay-Z and Linkin Park's mash-up collaboration, the two-disc "Collision Course," special. The rapper and band convened in a studio to rework six tracks (on CD), as well as at Los Angeles' Roxy nightclub for a live show (DVD). The CD, produced by Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, has more hits than misses. Some tracks, like "Numb/ Encore" and "Big Pimpin'/ Papercut," flow together seamlessly. "Izzo/In the End," however, sounds forced. And although the music generally works together, the lyrics don't always: Linkin Park's angst-filled words about relationships and Z's boasting sometimes sound incongruous. But the DVD negates any slight misgivings. The two acts are obviously enjoying themselves, both in the studio and onstage. And there's a palpable energy flowing between the band and the rapper, as if they both know that they're part of something groundbreaking. -- BT

Grammy nominations & Billboard Awards
posted by Jas, 12/10/04
The nominations for the 47th Annual Grammy Awards were announced on Wednesday, no nomination for Linkin Park this time.. Boo..... LP also did not win the two Billboard Awards they were nominated in and none of the members attended the event.

December 9, 2004

I'm back!! anyone wants to download any videos from the Media Page can email me your request now. If you had emailed me while I was away (on December 7 and 8) please send in your request again. Please remember to type your email address in the body of your email or on the subject line.

Nü Metal may be dangerous to your health
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
Silver Chips Online's staff writer thinks that Nü Metal may be dangerous to your health, here's what he says about Linkin Park

Most Nü Metal contains disembodied melancholy, a vague but preeminent despair that exists for its own sake. Take, for example, Linkin Park's "Somewhere I Belong." The song wails about "the pain I've held so long" and "the nothingness inside of me" with no rationale for the singer's sadness. The words contain no action or specific motivation for the singer's depression, only his painful cries. "What do I have but negativity?" the song asks. Who knows?

To be fair, Nü Metal isn't all bad. Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory had a new two-vocalist sound and set the bar for the level of modern production. -- Jeremy Goodman. Full story

Linkin logs a new genre
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
Billboard's report on Linkin Park's 'Numb/Encore' single entering the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart last week, a first in their career.

A No. 94 entry with "Numb/Encore" on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart gave modern rock darling Linkin Park the first such hit of its career last week. Though the Los Angles-based group's fusion of old-school rap beats and alternative rock has earned six No. 1 songs on the Modern Rock Tracks list so far, the quintet stretches further outside the rock realm with the first single from its CD/DVD collaboration with Jay-Z, "Collision Course" (Warner Bros./Roc-A-Fella).

Produced by Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, the album features studio recordings of songs mixed together at a July 18 Linkin Park/Jay-Z concert at L.A.'s Roxy, while the DVD covers the live show and a behind-the-scenes look at the process of blending songs like "Points of Authority" and "One Step Closer" with Jay-Z's "99 Problems." While the mash-up approach to song-making is mainly underground -- the most notorious being Danger Mouse's bootleg "Grey Album," an unauthorized splicing of Jay-Z's "Black Album" with the Beatles' "White Album" -- "Collision Course" marks the first of MTV's commercialization of the practice as the first installment of "MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups."

The album -- which debuted atop The Billboard 200 this week -- also includes the blends "IZZO/In the End" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You." Linkin Park recently completed a 157 show tour behind its latest Warner Bros. studio set, "Meteora," and is currently working on the follow-up. -- Barry A. Jeckell

From The Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
Press release from Market Wire about the LP coffee table book, "From The Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora" which is out today! go grab a copy! The book is available for purchase at the official store, LP Bandmerch. Non US fans can order it at Amazon US, UK, Germany, and Japan.

Dublin store draws headline band
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
Linkin Park will be in San Francisco at Best Buy in Dublin, CA for the book signing at 5 pm. Here's a report from Contra Costa Times

The Best Buy store in Dublin will be the first of only three stops on a national book-signing tour by alternative rock band Linkin Park. The six band members will be on hand to sign "From the Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora," which was released by the band in conjunction with Hal Leonard/Brandson Press.

While the band won't be bringing out the turntables and screaming vocals, all six members will be there to sign, said Hal Leonard publicist Staci Shands. The Los Angeles-based band wanted stops in Los Angeles and New York City, Shands said, and a stop in the Bay Area. Best Buy, which has a working relationship with the band, picked the Bay Area location.

The manager of the Dublin store said they are expecting thousands of fans, but have alerted Dublin police and have provided for extra security. A 5 p.m. appearance at the shopping center, located next to Interstate 580, could mean some congestion for commuters headed east. But that doesn't seem to faze Mayor Janet Lockhart, who is excited about the band arriving in her town. "I just might be at Best Buy," she said. -- Sophia Kazmi.

Linkin Park and Jay Z team-up a curious success
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
A new interview with Rob from The Star where he talked about the LP and Jay-Z collaboration and Collision Course.

Mike Shinoda: The Mash-Up
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
A new interview with Mike from Ballerstatus.

Linkin Park and Jay-Z's "Collision Course" crashes into the Billboard Top 200 at #1
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
E! Online reports that Linkin Park and Jay-Z's "Collision Course" debuts at #1 this week on the Billboard charts, selling more than 370,000 copies in its first week. Similar reports from USA Today, Reuters, Market Wire, New York Post, FMQB and Rolling Stone

On the same day the hip-hopster was officially named president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings (he starts Jan. 3), his latest CD topped the charts--the second time in just over a month that he's debuted at number one. The supposedly retired rapper teamed with alt-rockers Linkin Park on Collision Course, which outsold all comers last week. The Jigga's last high-profile collaboration, the litigious disaster Best of Both Worlds: Unfinished Business with R. Kelly, hit the top spot in early November. Now, five weeks later, Jay-Z repeated the feat with Linkin Park.

The mash-up disc Collision Course moved 368,000 copies for the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures released Wednesday. This is the third time this year that Jay-Z has been mashed-up to make headlines. The trend, which mixes together songs from different artists, went mainstream when DJ Danger Mouse mashed Jay-Z's farewell solo release, The Black Album, with the Beatles' White Album to create the Grey Album. Soon after, Cheap Cologne mixed Jay-Z's The Black Album with Metallica's own Black Album for--you guessed it--the Double Black Album. Upon hearing these bootlegs, Jay-Z contacted Linkin Park about doing an official mash-up.

Originally planning just one song, Jay-Z and Linkin Park wound up creating six new tracks, including mash-ups of "Papercut" with "Big Pimpin'," "Faint" with "Jigga What?" and the radio smash mix of "Numb" with "Encore."

Collision Course reviews
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
Collision Course reviews from The Free Lance-Star, Springfield State Journal Register, Las Vegas Mercury, North Jersey Media Group and Stuff

From The Free Lance-Star
Could there possibly be an album that inspires an it! writer (who procrastinates more than most lazy high school seniors) to go out and write a review the same day he hears it? There is now, in fact, an album to do just this.

Jay-Z and Linkin Park's "Collision Course" CD is one of the greatest pieces of musical art you will ever hear. Few artists, other than these two, could take six songs--with entirely different appeals to entirely different people--and make such a masterpiece out of it. This album features "mash-ups" of such songs as "Numb/Encore", "99 Problems/Points of Authority/One Step Closer" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulders/Lying From You." Not only were each of the six songs amazing before being "mashed," but the production qualities and flawless timing make this CD as amazing as the hyperbolic claims in this review. As if all of this weren't good enough, a DVD is also included with this purchase. The DVD contains studio footage of this historic collaboration--and of course the live MTV concert that was aired back in November. As stated on the back of the CD case, this is music history, and any true music lover should become party to greatness by purchasing the CD. This is not one to be cheated out by downloading or burning. This CD-DVD must be purchased. So if you please, go do so now! -- Zack Zorn

From Springfield State Journal Register
The album begins with the perfect transition of the synthesizer intro to Jay-Z's "Dirt Off My Shoulder" melting into the synthlike intro of Linkin Park's "Lying From You." The next track, "Big Pimpin'/Papercut," along with "Izzo/In the End," are the only songs that break form and have a Jay-Z background beat running throughout.

Lyrically, Linkin Park's songs are generally dark and angry, making for an interesting contrast the few times they are placed on top of Jay-Z's party beats. While Shinoda succeeds in adjusting the tense feel of "Papercut" to mesh with "Big Pimpin's" bouncy tropical rhythm, the lyrics of "In the End" sound sorely out of place when teamed with the upbeat "Izzo." That song is the exception, however, and luckily the album doesn't end on that poor note.

The finale, "Points of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer," blends Jay-Z's proclaimed final single with Linkin Park's first. The outcome is easily the liveliest and most enjoyable track on the album. Disappointingly short at only six songs, "Collision Course" is much more than just placing one artist's lyrics on top of another's melody. Almost all the songs feature interaction between both emcees with duets and lyrical switches occurring often. While the title suggests an unavoidable catastrophe, the result skids by without a scratch. -- Chris Hassen. Full review

From Las Vegas Mercury
It was 1986 when Aerosmith and Run DMC teamed up to create what most would consider to be the first rap-and-rock collaboration, a ground-breaking remake of "Walk This Way." In the nearly 20 years since, rap-rock slowly developed into a full-fledged and semi-respectable genre (see Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers), threatened to take over pop music (see Limp Bizkit, Korn), and then suddenly choked on its own hybrid vomit and died (see unavoidable-in-1999 Crazytown single "Butterfly," which, ironically, sampled the Chili Peppers).

Back then, "Walk This Way" helped legitimize hip-hop and by bringing the music of the urban streets to the suburban masses, but today the tables have turned. It's rap that dominates the charts while rock struggles for its piece of the pie. The influence of one genre on the other is most evident in today's most commercially successful rock act, Linkin Park, which has perfected a formula of cheese-metal guitars, hip-hop beats, screaming and rapping. Go figure. Thus it's hard to find a motive in the band's recent partnership with the supposed-to-be retired Jay-Z. Outside of cash, there's nothing for either party to gain by further commercial bastardization of their respective sounds.

But oh, is the downside severe. There are six songs on the Collision Course EP, each more obnoxious than the one before it. The record is billed as the first commercially released mash-up, and yet it seems both band and emcee work as hard as they can to keep their music from melding. Linkin Park's raging guitars and frantic keyboard bleats expose Jay-Z's weakness--lack of charisma--but his ever-tight rhymes tower over the flowless, sputtering-ass lyrical shit of the band's rapper, Mike Shinoda. -- Brock Radke

From North Jersey Media Group
Rapper Jay-Z has shown he can rock some, and Linkin Park raps as credibly as most any rock band out there, but are those enough reasons for these two masters of their domains to pool their talents? Maybe not, but when you add MTV to the formula, things get into motion. The cable channel's series "MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups" put together the L.A. band and the Brooklyn rapper for a performance at the Roxy in West Hollywood last summer, and now it's out as a two-disc package: a DVD with that show and footage of their preparations, and a CD of the same songs in studio versions.

This is more a free-flowing interchange than the classic definition of a mash-up - a record formed from mixing two records together. Some of these tracks involved new instrumental and vocal recording, and sometimes one artist's song follows the other's rather than, well, mashing up. It's all more fun on the DVD side of the package, especially the Roxy performance, which rides the energy and personality of the players into a loud and undemanding blowout.

The six-cut, 21-minute CD is more problematic, marked by some questionable trade-offs and a sense of struggle to transcend the gimmicky and find common ground between Jay-Z's cagey narratives and Linkin Park's introspective angst. -- Richard Cromelin, L.A. Times

From Stuff
CD: ***
DVD: ****
Does Jay-Z know the meaning of retirement? Instead of kicking back after releasing his supposed swansong, The Black Album, the prolific rapper appears to be working harder than ever before. Beyonce's beau has followed his ill-fated joint album and tour with R. Kelly with Collision Course, a mash-up collaboration with nu-metallers Linkin Park.

It's not a bad idea, but the result - six songs recorded in four days - sounds suspiciously rushed. There's nothing wrong with the production, but most tracks sound like they could have been mashed together by any half-decent DJ in their bedroom. While the swirling mix of Jay-Z's Big Pimpin' and LP's Papercut sounds inspired, it's the exception rather than the rule. Six songs also seems a little stingy. Surely fans deserve at least one new track by what many would consider a dream pairing? Much better is the additional DVD featuring an informative making-of documentary and energetic live performance of the entire project. There seems to be more vitality to the pairing onstage, especially the mash-up of Jay-Z's 99 Problems with LP's Pts Of Authority and One Step Closer. Fans wanting to hear more should track down The Grey Album by DJ Dangermouse, the controversial and illegal mash-up of The Beatles White Album and Jay-Z's The Black Album that was probably the inspiration for Collision Course. -- Chris Schulz

Collision Course articles
posted by Jas, 12/09/04
Collision Course articles from Skiddle and AZ Central. NY Daily News reports that MTV will keep on mashing, adding five installments of "Ultimate Mash-ups," which debuted last month with Jay-Z matching musical wits with Linkin Park. The concert series challenges artists in differing genres to perform together for a live audience. Jay-Z and Linkin Park's joint album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this week. MTV has lined up Kanye West, Little John, Green Day and U2 for future matchups.

December 6, 2004

There will be no update in the next couple of days, I'm going to KL, Malaysia for a short vacation (actually to go shopping! lol!) I will be back on Thursday. Please DO NOT email me any video download request, I don't want my mailbox to be flooded, wait till I get back. Once you see this message it means that I've stopped taking request, any email received about this will be deleted, I won't even open it. Those who emailed me yesterday, I will send you the links to the videos you want when I get back.

Don't forget the 2004 Billboard Awards which will be shown live on Fox on Wednesday, December 8 at 8:00-10:00 PM ET live/tape-delayed PT. Linkin Park is nominated for Duo/Group Artist of the Year and Modern Rock Artist of the Year. If any of the guys attend the event or if LP win, I will post a clip when I get back. Please do not send me pictures from the event, I will collect them all and post them later.

Interview with Chester in One
posted by Jas, 12/06/04
Sophie has translated the interview with Chester from December/January 2005 issue of One magazine (France). Thanks Sophie

Linkin Park planning to rest Projekt Revolution in 2005
posted by Jas, 12/06/04
105.7 The Point reports that Linkin Park plans to rest the Projekt Revolution tour in 2005. Thanks Elaine

Linkin Park has pleased its fans for the past few years with its Projekt Revolution tours, but don't expect to see one in 2005. Linkin Park MC Mike Shinoda told us that another edition of the tour is not in the group's plans for the coming year: "We love doing Projekt Revolution, but we've looked into doing it next year and don't think it's feasible. The next time we're out touring, we'll do the tour (alone)."

The 2004 Projekt Revolution tour featured Korn, Snoop Dogg, the Used, Less Than Jake, and several other bands. Linkin Park has just released a new album, a "mash-up" collaboration with rapper Jay-Z called Collision Course.

Linkin Park will sign copies of their new book, From the Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora, on Tuesday, December 14th, at Borders Books in downtown New York City. The entire band will be present at the signing, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 P.M. The 144-page book contains photographs and handwritten notes that document the band's two-year Meteora world tour.

The six members of Linkin Park are currently spending some time apart pursuing their own creative ventures, but plan to start work on a new group album in 2005.

Collision Course on Australian Charts
posted by Jas, 12/06/04
Mersey reports that Collision Course debuts at #12 on the Australian ARIA charts. The album has gone gold (35,000 units sold)

December 5, 2004

"New Music?" by Brad Delson
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
Some LPUnderground members have received the LPU 3.0 newsletter (haven't received mine yet) and Ally has posted on the LPMB an entry from Brad from the newsletter regarding Linkin Park's next album.

Collision Course commercial
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
LPJZ.com has posted the last clip on the preview page, it's an ad for Collision Course

Collision Course on UK charts
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
Collision Course debuts at #38 on the UK charts this week

Collision Course article
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
There's a Collision Course article at Soundgenerator.com, nothing new there and the The Wichita Eagle has an article about mash up that mentions LP and Jay-Z collaboration.

Zoic helps create "Sidewalks" with Joe Hahn for Story Of The Year music video
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
An article on Story of the Year's new music video, 'Sidewalks', which is directed by Joe Hahn.

Collision Course reviews
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
A review of Collision Course from The Observer and Chicago Sun-Times

From The Observer
The craze for bootlegs - DJs cut-and-shutting two radically different tracks - has been over for at least a year. The final word on the subject was The Grey Album , Dan germouse's fusion of Jay-Z's Black Album and the Beatles's White Album . So this label-approved and MTV-aided union of tracks by Jay-Z and Linkin Park feels like too little, too corporate and too late. It lacks danger, crucial to the whole enterprise, and it's not a fair fight either - Jay outclasses the guitar kids hands down. That said, the muscular production does hark back to the Judgment Night soundtrack from 1993, the start of the whole rap/alt rock dalliance. The DVD that documents the recording of Collision Course and their joint gig is hilarious, too, if you like sniggering at Linkin Park. -- Kitty Empire

From Chicago Sun-Times
This past spring, DJ Danger Mouse turned the sampling world on its ear with "The Grey Album," a brilliant and organic blend of the Beatles' "White Album" with Jay-Z's "Black Album." It worked in the way the best mash-ups do, because it was a brilliant concept and it was entirely, desperately original. It was also, whaddyacallit, illegal.

"Collision Course," by contrast, is not only legal, it's "presented" by MTV, which thoroughly sucks every last vestige of fun out of the concept. Mash-ups blossomed in the unruly hinterlands of the Internet and were fun in the way they pasted two things together (such as DJ Gauffie's remix of "The Real Slim Shady" and "Oops ... I Did It Again," a boppy number that dramatically improves both tracks). Having MTV stage this union of both acts -- the first "official" mash-up release ever -- is like hiring a hacker to work security at a software firm; it's probably a good idea and it'll yield solid, professional results, but, boy, it's just about half as much fun.

Not to say this 20-minute CD/DVD combo doesn't work up a decent lather; a blend of Jigga's "99 Problems" and LP's "Points of Authority" and "One Step Closer" rocks appreciably hard. But where there should be the thrill of hunt and discovery, there's just the shiny professionalism that's often the bane of both acts. And twice as much of it. -- Jeff Vrabel

Chester in Hoobastank DVD
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
Posted by BLinkinParkDDR on the LPUMB

I don't know if anyone posted this up already, but yes, Chester was in the "Same Direction" music video, but there is a half hour making of the video where Chester was in it, they have a few "tryouts" of him rocking out and bossing the guys from Hoobastank around. Best line he said was "I don't think they'll pick me, I'm already the best in the world!" or something like that. He also said that Joel from GC ran away after the video shoot.

MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups on MTV Australia and Sweden
posted by Jas, 12/05/04
Ally reports that the MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups of LP and Jay-Z was on MTV Australia last night, there will be a repeat telecast on December 6 at 8:30 pm, Perth time. And Betty reports that fans can catch the show on MTV Sweden today at 12:30 am CET.

December 4, 2004

Linkin Park's sudden impact
posted by Jas, 12/04/04
A new interview with Mike from The Courier-Mail

DC Remix Shoes expected released in Australia
posted by Jas, 12/04/04
Good news for Australian fans, Aaron reports that according to the Australian DC Shoes website, Mike Shinoda's DC Shoes Remix Series wll be released next year but Warner Music have included the shoe on all their marketing and promotions for Collision Course in Australia.

Grammy nomination preview
posted by Jas, 12/04/04
It ain't 2005 yet but STL Today have made their own Grammy nomination preview and predicts Linkin Park's 'Breaking the Habit' to get a nod in the Record of the Year/Song of the Year category. It's a great song, hey! why not.

AMA, RMA and BMA on Channel V
posted by Jas, 12/04/04
This is for Indonesian fans and those who have Channel V, you can catch the American Music Awards, the Radio Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards on these dates and times on Channel V, all times Indonesia. Thanks Yolana.

December 9 - American Music Awards 2004, 6 pm
December 10 - American Music Awards 2004, 1 pm
December 16 - Radio Music Awards 2004, 6 pm
December 17 - Radio Music Awards 2004, 1 pm
December 23 - Billboard Music Awards 2004, 6 pm
December 24 - Billboard Music Awards 2004, 1 pm

MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups on MTV France
posted by Jas, 12/04/04
Nathalie reports that you can catch the MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups of LP and Jay-Z on MTV France on December 4 at 6 pm and on December 5 at 8 pm and a Linkin Park concert at 8:30 pm, no info on which concert though.

Linkin Park, Jay-Z on 'Course' together
posted by Jas, 12/04/04
Reuters has an article on Collision Course and predict that it could debut at # 1 on the Billboard charts next week.

December 3, 2004

Rap/metal mash-up seeks gravy train
posted by Jas, 12/03/04
The Globe And Mail posted a long review of Collision Course, giving it one and half star

'Collision' could crash No. 1 spot on U.S. Charts
posted by Jas, 12/03/04
Reuters reports on the first day sales of Linkin Park/Jay-Z's Collision Course

The first authorized mash-up album by major recording artists could be the monster on the next U.S. pop charts. First-day sales cited by retailers have chart hawks predicting that Linkin Park's collaboration with Jay-Z, "MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups Presents Jay-Z/Linkin Park: Collision Course" (Warner Bros.), could sell 330,000-350,000 copies when data for the week ended Dec. 5 are issued Wednesday. Depending on the erosion that U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" sees in its second week, that start could be large enough to mount a No. 1 debut for the set. Rock and rap albums that start with large numbers -- like the 840,000 copies that placed U2's new Interscope release atop the current chart -- usually see second-week declines of 50%-60%. "Bomb" will also lose the Thanksgiving-week traffic that aided the band's best-yet Nielsen SoundScan week.

Interview with Chester in One
posted by Jas, 12/03/04
My friend Mina sent me scans of LP picture and an interview with Chester from the December/January 2005 issue of One magazine (France). Will try to get a translation.

BMA performers, presenters announced
posted by Jas, 12/03/04
Billboard has announced some of the performers and presenters at the Billboard Music Awards, no LP on the list. Linkin Park has been nominated for 2 awards, the show will be held at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8 and broadcast live on Fox.

December 2, 2004

Book signing for LPU members
posted by Jas, 12/02/04
LPU members head over to LPUnderground.com for details on how to sign up for your first-in-line passes for the LP book signing event in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Message from Brad
posted by Jas, 12/02/04
Brad posted a short message on the LPMB, so sweet :-) love the sig, LOL!!

Collision Course on the charts
posted by Jas, 12/02/04
It's not on the charts yet but USA Today reports that "Collision Course" is expected to challenge U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" for the # 1 spot next week. U2's latest release debuts at # 1 on the Billboard charts this week.

MTV Mash-Ups and Europe Music Awards
posted by Jas, 12/02/04
This is for Singapore fans and the South-East Asian region who have MTV Asia channel, the MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups of Jay-Z and Linkin Park will be shown tomorrow night Dec 3 at 9 pm. The 2004 Europe Video Music Awards will be shown this Saturday, Dec 4 at 2 pm, pre-show starts at 1 pm. There will be EMA specials later at night which starts at 10 pm. Check the LP TV/Events on the left frame for repeat telecast of these shows. Those in the South-East Asian region please check local listings for time and confirmation.

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/02/04
A review of Collision Course from Eye Weekly

Collision Course DVD/CD ***
Jay-Z's career teaches us that to beat the industry at their own game, you have to treat it like a bank robbery: come out swinging, grab as much as you can and get out. Unlike banks, though, record companies don't have insurance to compensate customers when they get robbed. Most of the tracks on Unfinished Business, the second and assuredly final Jay-Z/R. Kelly collaboration, are like cameos recorded while waiting for the headliner to show up. Even with flops like "Big Chips," Business is almost worth rescuing from the delete bin for the bloopers, including Kelly's degrading turn on "Don't Let Me Die" or Jay's listless threats on "Stop" that he hasn't unpacked his suitcase yet. Stop, please. You've done enough.

As a parting gesture Jay one-ups Run-D.M.C./Aerosmith with Collision Course, a DVD featuring Linkin Park bowing and scraping to Hov like Wayne and Garth backstage with Alice Cooper. Linkin MC Mike Shinoda studio-mixes his band's confessional nü-metal with Jay-Z's braggadocio, then recreates the results live. Watching the band swoon with hearts a-flutter when Jay-Z walks into the rehearsal studio is entertaining, though the music mostly isn't: Shinoda's self-flagellation is embarrassing next to Jay's baller fables, while the concert buries them all under raging guitars. The Jay-Z songs suffer most, with the swagger of an "Izzo" or "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" undermined by the teen angst poetics of LP's "Numb" and "In the End." It's little more than a hip-hop karaoke session for the band and their fans, but who needs quality control when you've given two weeks notice? Best of luck, Jay. Don't let the door hit your ass on your way out.

Encore/Numb on MTV all things rock
posted by Jas, 12/02/04
Zack reports that 'Numb/Encore' was #1 on the MTV All Things Rock Countdown on Monday

December 1, 2004

Extra large caps
posted by Jas, 12/01/04
Some have asked for a bigger caps from the CC DVD so here are the extra large, oh my god size of some of the caps, enjoy!

Collision Course review
posted by Jas, 12/01/04
Collision Course review from Rolling Stone

When DJ mash-ups appeared a few years back, they were all about linking strange bedfellows -- Nirvana and Destiny's Child, the Strokes and Christina. The best ones made you hear something new in both songs involved -- which Collision Course does only in snatches. Billed as the first commercially released mash-up record, this six-song EP is well-constructed: The mix of brassy rhymes and heavy electro-rock on "Big Pimpin'/Papercut" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You" -- featuring new verses and music from the band and Jay -- is way more interesting than most rap metal. But too often Jay's world-class flow leaves Linkin Park in the dust, and the juxtapositions are pure novelties and less fun than they should be. If Jay really needed another batch of out-there beats, he only had to hit up Timbaland again.

Happy Birthday Brad
posted by Jas, 12/01/04
*plays happy birthday tune using Chester's mucocky roach instrument* Happy Birthday Brad.

An interview with Mike
posted by Jas, 12/01/04
DCShoes.com as an article about ESPN magazine editors meeting Mike in LA for a feature in the upcoming issue of the magazine. Thanks to Kristen for the link.