Pet Rock: The Pop Culture Blog

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A few years ago, at JazzFest in New Orleans, my friends mocked me when I said I had no interest in joining them for the Elvis Costello show. Not when Ike Turner was playing at the same time in a tent across the field.

They thought I was a bit insane for that decision. My defense: "Dude, Ike ain't gonna be around all that much longer. When will I ever get another chance to see the rhythm and blues legend on stage again?"

And so began my Concert Bucket List, way before I had ever heard of the Jack Nicholson-Morgan Freeman movie, much less the notion of bucket lists.

This past Saturday night, thanks in large part to Journalista friend Lauren, I saw Madonna open the U.S. leg of her "Sticky & Sweet" tour at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

Madonna may indeed be 50, and you may have already had your fill of this multigenerational pop icon. But, see, when boys first begin to understand what life as an XY means, within a few hours, there's at least one poster of a famous woman hanging in his room.

For me, that poster was of Madonna. As were the photos on the wall, the scheduled VCR recordings of Madonna-rama and Madonna-thon on MTV and the cassette tapes in my boom box. Man, I even watched all the Kurt Loder-Madonna interviews multiple times. (I know, I know. I have problems.)

She was my first star crush (just beating out Alyssa Milano by a few months). I always wanted to see her in concert but never could get tickets, be it financial or parental in nature. Now I can check Madonna off my concert bucket list.

(Oh, by the way, she rocked the house, performing nine songs of her new "Hard Candy" album and nine old-school songs. They were played harder and faster than their original version, but if you've never seen Madonna perform in concert, who the hell cares about the originality. Go listen to that at home. In the arena, just sit back and enjoy the show. Actually, stand up and rock out!)

P.S. Madonna has four shows at Madison Square Garden this week. Tickets are sold out, but that doesn't mean anything these days. Try some online ticket sites here. And see the entire tour schedule here.

When it comes to concert bucket lists, I'm not talking about artists you like to listen to. I'm talking about legendary musical acts that, if you don't see live before they quit performing or just lose the ability to perform at a high level or actually kick the bucket,
you'll regret at some point down the road in your life having not seen them in concert.

For example, the Notorious B.I.G. came to college to perform and I didn't go. Went to my girl's formal instead. At the time, I didn't regret it. Now, not so much.

And we can look at it from the other side of the glass: I'm not a big U2 fan, but I know I need to see them in concert before Bono can no longer hit those high notes.

My Concert Bucket List is listed below (in alphabetical order). Read it, then share yours.

• Billy Joel
• Bruce Springsteen
• Guns 'n Roses
• Motley Crue
• Prince
• Rakim
• U2

Already checked off

• A Tribe Called Quest
• B.B. King
• Ike Turner
• Janet Jackson
• KRS-One
• Madonna
• Ray Charles
• Poison
• Van Halen

Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls was one of the most prominent rappers in the game until he was shot to death on March 9, 1997. His murder remains unsolved. Fox Searchlight Pictures is going to tell Wallace's story on the big screen with the debut of "Notorious" on January 19, 2009.

Here's your first look at the movie trailer. Will it be a fitting tribute to the rap legend? Vote in our poll.

Rumors are swirling all over the blogosphere that Danity Kane is breaking up.

The girlicious music group rose to fame on the reality TV show "Making the Band" and have been plagued by talk of a romance between sexy frontwoman Aubrey O'Day and hip-hop impresario Sean Combs aka P.Diddy.

We don't know if Aubrey and Diddy are fooling around, but we do know that Aubrey is very confident about her career and taste in men.

In an interview with Complex magazine, she addresses the Diddy rumors. "I just don’t feel the need to respond to it at all. People are usually sensitive to things when they’re true, and they feel like people are exposing them. It’s ridiculous. And trust me, of all the things that I’m attracted to in a man, Diddy is none of those things. I run my career, I don’t depend on anyone else to make me hot."

She also flat out denied any breakup of Danity Kane: "I am very dedicated to Danity Kane, and nothing I can ever do will conflict with my respect, love and dedication to that project. So, on my end, there will never be any issues. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can speak for myself."

Want more Aubrey? Check out her in-depth interview on the Wendy Williams show, where she dishes on her personal life, fashion and love for porn star Jenna Jameson.

Hey kids, Madonna is directing a new movie!

I guess being married to director Guy Ritchie makes her qualified to take a stab at it. Ha! Those wacky celebrities crack me up!

To her credit, Madonna has dabbled in film with acting roles in "Desperately Seeking Susan," "Evita" and "Swept Away." Too bad they were all bad movies.

Her latest doomed flick, "Filth and Wisdom," is about three roommates -- a ballerina who strips, a rocker who moonlights as a dominatrix, and a pill-popping pharmacy assistant who wants to save starving children in Africa -- that delve into the seedy side of life to attain their dreams. Hmm, let's see ... a dominatrix, a stripper and African children ... not much of a stretch here!

Check out the movie trailer for Madonna's "Filth and Wisdom" and Guy Ritchie's "Rock N Rolla" and let me know if you'd give up a few of your hard-earned bucks to see either. I think I'll skip both and catch whatever is on HBO.

While scanning the Web for free music to download at work (I know, don't judge me!), I discovered this cool Wu-Tang mixtape, "14 Deadly Secrets" by Germany's DJ Derezon. It's free to download! Hear some of your favorite Wu-Tang Clan songs along with commentary from RZA about how the group got put on the map, why they use acronyms like C.R.E.A.M., his thoughts on Biggie and more. It's pretty hilarious and interesting if you're into the Wu. Stop what you're doing and click here to download this now!

And while you're waiting, check out "Ice Cream," one of my favorite Wu-Tang songs and the first time the Wu ever put girls in their video. Enjoy!

It's official: VH1 loves hip hop. VH1 is offering up two shows bound to keep hip hop fans happily entertained and noddin' their heads, too. (See past debate on top 5 MCs of all time.)

First up, VH1 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs tonight at 10 p.m. This is genius! We all love those TV shows that count down everything, such as worst celebrity mug shots, hottest celebrity moms, etc. And now, a countdown show paying tribute to hip hop's finest and the songs that illustrated their urban, sometimes gritty lifestyle. I can't wait to tune in!

Here's my beef: "Rapper's Delight" by Sugar Hill gang is No. 2 on the list. What gives? I understand the song popularized the genre, but they didn't write all their own rhymes and are not true hip hop pioneers in my opinion. However, I'm very pleased that female rap duo Salt 'N Pepa cracked the top 10 with their hit "Push It." I guess there is some justice in the world.

My TiVo will be kickin' into overdrive when VH1 Hip Hop Honors airs on Monday, October 6 at 10 p.m. This year's awards ceremony honors rap artists Slick Rick, Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Naughty By Nature, and Too Short. I'm hoping to see the honorees perform some hip hop classics like "Children's Story" by Slick Rick or the hook of "O.P.P." by Naughty By Nature.

In the meantime, let's enjoy these old school videos ...

Late last week during a post-midnight blog session, I received an e-mail from Artist-in-Italy-but-not-anymore friend Jenny.

It was one of those "remember this song" e-mails, quite possibly one of the best types of e-mails to send and/or receive. And yes, I do recall this 1990 smooth R&B jam. And yes, I immediately had to make it this week's edition of Old School Tuesday.

So smooth it out with a little Tony Toni Tone and "It Never Rains in Southern California."

As we promised a few hours ago in our Top 5 Thursday post, here's the video of Pet Rock interviewing LL Cool J about his new clothing line.

LL is a down-to-earth fella who just so happened to drop a little freestyle rap about his line at the end of this video. That's right, folks, Pet Rock scored the exclusive LL Cool J freestyle. You just know that no one else would ever even think about asking LL to rap about his new clothing line. Smoke that, iTunes!

In between questions about his new clothing line being sold at Sears, I managed to slip in a few questions for LL Cool J about his new album "Exit 13." Peep the vid.

We're still not sure how these things keep happening to us, but Pet Rock scored an interview Wednesday night with LL Cool J. He was promoting his new line of clothing and we just happened to show up with a video camera and microphone.

I'll post the video later on Thursday, just as soon as I can finish up the edit and soundtrack. I've interviewed LL Cool J before and nothing I'll ever write will top that "report." It was quite rich. So sad to have peaked so early in life.

But at least this time around, you'll be able to listen to the Pet Rock exclusive LL Cool J freestyle!

During our 8-minute chat, I asked LL about his favorite song to perform. "Rock the Bells!" he said. Hard to dispute that. But is it his best song?

This week's edition of Top 5 Thursday looks at what we believe to be LL Cool J's five songs that will stand the test of time. With more than 20 years and 13 albums (his latest effort, "Exit 13," dropped on Sept. 9), it's no easy task. Here goes:

5) "I Can't Live Without My Radio"

If they still existed, his JVC would no doubt vibrate the concrete.

4) "Around the Way Girl"

The first cassingle I ever bought. Still have it. No word on the whereabouts of my Fendi bag and a bad attitude.

3) "Mama Said Knock You Out"

Back in my college DJ days, I broke this one out on vinyl for the first time in years and the party erupted.

2) "Rock the Bells"

Such a strong song in every regard, and when you're starvin' like Marvin for a Cool J song, you can't go wrong with letting your ears eat this.

1) "I'm Bad"

No rapper can rap quite like he can. He'll take a muscle bound jerk and put his face in the sand.

This song is going to blow up on American radio quite soon. It's called "Passion" and the artist is Kreesha Turner.

It's the title track off her new album "Passion" which will be released in January 2009.

I heard her perform it live in between the Dash Smooch and Ultimo lingerie fashion shows at Style 360's Fashion Week events on Tuesday morning. She rocked the runway with this one. (P.S. Mel B hosted the Ultimo show, and for the love of Pete, she's hot!)

You may have already heard of her as her song "Bounce With Me" has been played in the background on "The Hills," "Gossip Girl," "Entourage" and other shows. Give this song a listen below (the "video" is just a photo, so you'll have to listen to the actual song.) It's going to blow up in the clubs and on radio, and when someone drops the remix, that's going to be just as hot.

Well, the MTV Video Music awards are under way and Britney Spears did perform during the show's opening, but it was a non-funny comedy skit instead of last year's dismal, yet memorable song and dance. Oh well!

Brit Brit did score the award for best video of the year for “Piece of Me.” You go girl! Is anyone else rooting for her? She's been through so much this past year. Watch the video clip above to see her take home a few Moonmen.

Rihanna came on stage sporting long bluish-black hair extensions and leather outfit looking a lot like an extra from 80s flick "Mad Max." I'm not digging the look at all! Ugh gross! However, her performance was on point! She totally rules R&B right now.

Katy Perry sang Madonna's "Like a Virgin" wearing a vintage unitard that features what looks like a bedazzled banana peel over her cleavage and yellow fingerless gloves. Who the heck dressed her? Unfortunately, she didn't sound very good and they thankfully cut to commercial.

Lindsay Lohan and Ciara awarded the best dance in a video award to the Pussycat Dolls and I must say, LiLo was looking very healthy and beautiful with her sideswept bangs. She was also spotted at Fashion Week and of course, caused a photo frenzy. This girl gets around!

"American Idol" alum Jordin Sparks walks on stage and is blabbering on about "promise rings" and not being a slut! She's so immature ... is she even relevant?

OK, finally another impressive performance by Rihanna. She's wearing a cute cropped leather jacket singing a duet with T.I. for "Livin' My Life." Oh, I love this song!

Christina Aguilera looked fabulous (she shed all the baby weight) and did a medley of songs from her career and her new song "Keeps Getting Better." Did I mention she looked great?!

Britney wins again! Keep track with our scorecard of award winners.

Weirdest duet award goes to Kid Rock and Lil' Wayne! This was definitely an unexpected performance and, for once, I didn't detest Weezie.

Kanye West's performance was low key, but top notch all the same. Glad to see him back on the show, especially after he threw a tantrum last year and vowed never to do another VMA show. Such drama ... I love it!

Still hungry for more? Check out photos of celebrities at the MTV VMAs.

Here's a quote from Pet Rock cell mate/pod sharer Bean Dennehy that will help you understand how good the new "Live Through This" Fuse TV episode on Guns 'n Roses bassist Duff McKagen could be:

"Jesus, he's still alive?"

Here's a quote from the show narrarator that will help you understand how good the new "Live Through This" Fuse TV episode on Guns 'n Roses bassist Duff McKagen could be:

". . . and a gallon-a-day vodka habit . . ."

Whoa, nelly. Now that's a double-CD set right there, folks. Guns 'n Roses may just be the best hard rock band to come along since 1980, even if "Chinese Democracy" is more myth than actual music album these days.

The new episode of "Live Through This" debuts Aug. 23 on Fuse TV (Ch. 56 on Cablevision) at 11 p.m. Peep it then (or during a later airing), but get a sneak peek right now.

Q: What do Ludacris and Barack Obama have in common?

A: They're both coming for that No. 1 spot.

While Obama challenges John McCain for the title of next U.S. president, Ludacris is throwing down some rhymes to support The Barack. Of course, the shrewd politico that Obama is, his campaign has denounced the lyrics to "Politics (Obama is here!)."

You be the judge. Peep this video, but don't pay too much attention to visuals. We found it on YouTube, so just listen to the words.

(P.S. Pet Rock is betting that deep down in places he doesn't talk about at parties, Obama is loving this song. Pet Rock is parlaying that bet with future TMZ video of Obama pumping that song in downtown Chicago.)

(P.P.S. Pet Rock fully supports Obama Girl and Ludacris doing a video together. Of course, we don't care what the topic is about either, just so long as we get to see Obama Girl.)

If you haven't yet seen any of the first three episodes of "Live Through This" on Fuse TV, dude, you're missing out on some good stuff.

It fills the void left when VH1 ran out of rock stars who were rich and famous then lost it all to heroin, cocaine or alcohol only to get rich and famous again to document on "Behind the Music." Although this show is slightly different in its approach, if you were hooked on "Behind the Music," you'll get just as hooked with "Live Through This."

The first three episodes were on Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse and my personal fave, Nikki Sixx. "Live Through This: Kanye West" premieres Aug. 9 at 11 p.m. of Fuse TV (Ch. 56 on Cablevision). Definitely check it out, or at least set your DVR now. (Besides, you never know what Kanye West is going to say on camera.)

Here's a little snippet from the show, thanks to our good friends over there at Fuse.

The '80s and '90s All-Star Summer continues this Saturday when Rick Springfield plugs in his guitar and goes to work at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.

That's right, folks. It's a big ol' open space surrounded by trees and funky plants and Rick Springfield is going to be loving it with that body, I just know it.

Contrary to popular opinion, Springfield's greatest hits include more than "Jessie's Girl." However, "Jessie's Girl" is still "Jessie's Girl." And everytime I listen to it, I find another hilarious lyric. This week, it's "I've been funny, I've been cool with the lines."

For those of you not willing to fork over the $35 for a ticket or if you're not around the Island, Old School Tuesday proudly presents "Jessie's Girl" in full 1980s mono.

Hard to believe there was a time when only girls could admire and respect Justin Timberlake.

Since the NSync thing ended and he went solo, JT has done no wrong.

• He's making hit records, ones that are actually good, not just that sell/download well.

• He's been linked to nearly every hot Hollywood chick there is, and most of them are older.

• He's the only guy we know of to be with Britney Spears in her prime.

• He's getting into the acting thing and he's pretty good at it.

• He's awesome as a host on "Saturday Night Live." (Bring it on in to Omeletville!)

• He impersonated Prince at the Golden Globes when accepting an award on his behalf.

• He introduced Madonna at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

• He killed as host of the ESPYs on Sunday night.

And now, on Monday morning, comes word that a federal appeals court overturned the $550,000 fine the FCC dropped on CBS for Janet Jackson's famous "wardrobe malfunction."

What does this mean for JT? Well, it means he can rip a girl's clothing off, expose her breasts to the world on national television -- in primetime, no less! -- and all parties walk away scotfree. That is magic powers, my friends.

I have absolutely no idea why I even thought to look for this on YouTube. But I did it, so I shall own up to it.

This could be the pivotal selection that either ends Old School Tuesday or catapults it into mainstream Blog America.

Enjoy a little "Stop That Train" from Vanilla Ice.

For anyone at all interested in music, pop culture or celebrity, it's impossible not to be well acquainted with Amy Winehouse. Her high points catapulted her to the top of her craft: She won five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year, sold more than 3 million 'Back to Black' albums and brought soul music back on the map.

And then there have been her low points, equally as extreme. Her very public and very excessive drug abuse, on camera racist rants, domestic abuse between her and jailed husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, near naked public appearances showing an emaciated body a covered in scabs, scratches and bruises... and the list goes on.

Most recently her father has come out with news that the troubled pop star has emphysema from smoking cigarettes and crack... and she's only 24. And pictures (above) from her show at the Glatsonbury Music Festival, just yesterday, tell the story of all the tabloids. While performing she spit her gum at the crowd, yelled at them and then jumped into the pit for a scuffle with a fan.

So what's the story with Winehouse? Claire Hoffman wrote a telling piece for Rolling Stone after spending the night at her North London pad, which shows a sad, lonely, deeply troubled Winehouse missing her husband, openly discussing her drug abuse and agonizing over her looks while remaining rather uninterested in discussing her music.

It's worth a read HERE. Plus more Amy Winehouse photos.

AP Photos

I've been to all kinds of concerts.

Classic rock concerts, modern rock concerts, hip-hop concerts, Dave Matthews concerts and country concerts.

One of the best shows I've been to? Toby Keith.

And I feel like my opinion is vilified with the recent news that Keith's country genre brethren Tim McGraw took matters into his own hands at a recent show.

McGraw pulled a man out of the crowd after he says he saw the man assault a woman. Once the man was on stage, security stepped in, but the video shows McGraw was ready to trade blows.

Best part about it? Classic song, and personal favorite, "Indian Outlaw" is playing in the background and McGraw steps back up to the mic after the altercation to the line "I ain't lookin' for trouble."

Rock 'n roll, Tim.

Last night's BET Awards showcased some of the best performers in the industry. I must say, it was a pretty good show! (See photos)

Nelly came out and wowed the crowd with a new song; EnVogue, my favorite girl group of all time, reunited and sang with super songstress Alicia Keys; and there was a tribute to the legendary Al Green.

I almost lost my mind when Kanye West invited Lil Wayne on stage and thanked him for saving hip hop. "Congratulations on selling over a million records. And they say hip hop is dead." What gives? Kanye is a talented force to be reckoned with, but he must've forgotten to take his meds when he said that.

Of course, there were the losers ... Lil Mama lost the award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist to Missy, and then Lil Mama had the nerve to say she should have won! Is she out of her mind too? I mean, "Lipgloss" is catchy and so are the others, but there's no way she could go up against Missy and win.

Am I wrong? Did Lil Mama get robbed at the BET awards? Watch Lil Mama explain why she should've been awarded the honor.

Photo credit: AP Photo

I've been Pet Rock MIA for a few days. Stopped in to see boss man McCarthy ask the above question?

I, too, pose that question. Can more than 1 million people be wrong?

Are more than 1 million people wrong for buying Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" the first week?

I think not.

No one is really sure where I pulled this one out of, or more importantly, how. But seeing how school ends for all the kiddies this week, the song title fits.

So enjoy a little "School Days" from The Runaways, circa the late 1970s. And yes, that is indeed Joan Jett on lead vocals and Lita Ford banging away on the guitar. Do a little research and maybe even downloading and you'll learn that The Runaways were a very talented and influential band. It paved the way for Jett to start the Blackhearts, sell records out of her car in Long Beach and force the police to close down the streets outside the Malibu Beach Club when they played there once.

(Newsday Photo / Ana P. Gutierrez)

Quite a number of folks balked/vehemently objected when Jay-Z was not mentioned in All-Time Rap MCs installment of Top 5 Thursday.

That's all well and good, and nothing will change my opinion on his noninclusion on that list. However, I give props when props are due and Jay-Z's verse on the Amy Winehouse "Rehab" remix is outstanding. Granted, it's a year old but it's getting nice play on New York radio the past few weeks and something caught my ear this time around.

Jay-Z flows nice on the track, aided in part by the hot beat that is "Rehab," highlighted by this lyric that had me doing some equations on my props calculator:

"Six pairs of kicks is my definition of 12 steps."

Hot lyric, Hova. Dare I say, it may be his best work since his first big hit "Ain't No *****."
Here's the track below, with Jay-Z's verse coming in at the 2:13 mark.

- La Monica

Have you ever heard of Dschinghis Khan? Neither have I. But thanks to a Twitter post (thanks Jeff) I was prompted to check out what was the 'best video ever.'

So I did. I'm not sure if it is the best video ever, but it is pretty awesome. Dschinghis Khan is a German disco band formed in 1979 to a competition. The good news is that they are currently on tour with other Mongolian acts.

Lil' Wayne dropped his new album "Tha Carter III" this week and it set off some alarms in the Pet Rock office. Adam "Weezie" Abramson professed his adoration for the rapper and all things dirty dirty.

While I acknowledge the effect the Dirty South has had on the rap game, I feel it's my job to educate the junior Pet Rocker and all those out there who believe Weezie is the best rapper of all time.

He's not even close. That's not a dig at him at all, so don't misunderstand. He's got skills (I still recite his verse on "Bling Bling" when need be -- usually once a week), but the five seminal voices of rap came when rocking the bling was called flossing and when there were only old R&B and soul albums to sample from.

In what I believe to be the most entertaining conversation among those raised in the hip -hop generations, I will proudly list my top 5 rap MCs of all time. What the heck, it is Top 5 Thursday anyway, so it makes even more sense.

I stand firmly behind all five, in the order listed, but fully respect everyone's opinion on the matter. Comment instructions are below the list, as are my honorable mentions and a video playlist. Understand that on Top 5 Thursday, we only have room for five (hence the name, so don't overreact to those missing. Rather, make your case in the comments. This is not about who made the biggest-selling songs or the best club-bangers. This isn't voting for the all-star game. This is voting for the Hall of Fame.

5) Guru

Do we begin with "Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is, I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis?" Or should we start with "Don't wanna play the field because I got lovin' at home base?" Or maybe "Furthermore, I implore, that as a soldier of war, I go in only to win, and be the holder of more . . . trophies and titles and triumphs." Backed by DJ Premier, the greatest beat creator ever, Guru was authoritative on the mic and owns a somewhat raspy voice that no one can come close to replicating. Perhaps not the biggest name in terms of mass appeal, true rap heads take it personal when Guru gets slighted by so many.

4) Tupac

Joke all you want about how he put out more albums after his death almost 12 years ago than while he was alive: Tupac controlled the microphone as good as anyone on this list. He was controversial, but I believe that was more of a state of the times in the early 1990s and the public's backlash toward gangsta rap. Tupac had more range in his raps than he gets credit for. In the Biggie vs. Tupac battle -- musically speaking, that is -- Tupac wins.

3) KRS-One

The teacher. The philosopher. The rapper. The freestyler. KRS-One had the bravado and the presence to back it up. On Funkmaster Flex's 1995 CD "60 Minutes of Funk, Vol. I," KRS-One closed it out with a freestyle.

He proclaimed:

"I bet they'll mention me
In the next century
'KRS-One innovator in early rap poetry'
Simultaneously, you will be forgotten
In the year 2000, 'Criminal Minded' will still be rockin'."

Well, in the year 2008 and every year afterward, "Criminal Minded" will still be rockin'. The song was released in 1987.

2) Chuck D

Arguably the most powerful voice to ever rock the mic, Chuck D can still shake the foundation. Not many rappers can produce socially conscious music and classic hits in the same song. Chuck D could. Every time I hear him on "Welcome to the Terrordome," "Fight the Power," "You're Gonna Get Yours" and "Brothers Gonna Work It Out," I wish I had seen Public Enemy in concert during its heyday.

1) Rakim

Anyone who argues against Rakim as the greatest microphone fiend of all-time should be forced to have his or her jaw wired for 12 years. Need proof? "Paid in Full" is one freakin' verse, and it's a gold standard for rap music.

Need more proof? OK, here goes:

• "It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you with a dope beat to step to."
• "Thought I was a donut, you tried to glaze me."
• "Thinkin' of a master plan, there ain't nothin but sweat inside my hand."
• "I'll take 7 emcees, put 'em in a line. And add 7 more brothers who think they can rhyme. Well, it'll take another 7 before I go for mine, now that's 21 emcees ate up at the same time."

Below is a video playlist of some of these rappers' work. (Note: I scoured YouTube late into the night to find as many clean edits as possible. In some cases, the original version is used because the song is integral to the artist, so this is our parental-advisory warning sticker.)

Pet Rock also welcomes your comments on this list, as well as your top 5 lists. Let's hear your case for them, too. I always love this conversation, so let's get it going and no hating allowed.

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically): Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, MC Lyte, Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Q-Tip.

- La Monica

It's Christmas in June for this Lil' Wayne disciple.

"Tha Carter III" hit the racks today, and in exactly 45 minutes, I'll be leaving Newsday to go purchase my copy.

After thoroughly enjoying "The Leak," I'm cised to hear what lies under the greatest album cover I've ever seen.

I just want to say a few words before I go snag my copy.

It's so easy to hate on the South in the modern hip-hop war. And while many beats and lyrics that come from the South are loaded with gimmicks and cop-out rhymes, the South is winning. In this war, Weezy is the undeniable general that's leading the charge.

Sure, "Lollipop" doesn't carry the depth of Carter's predecessors, but you've been hearing it every time you turn on the radio or TV. His latest single, "A Milli," is among the most gimmicky beats around, but like the song says, "My name ain't Bic, but I keep that flame."

If you're not from the South and don't like it, put out something better. If you can't, then you have no argument.

And just one more note to the Carter haters out there: How can you not be entertained by his raps? I'll leave you with something that should put a smile on your face, as it always does for me:

Don't snooze, been handling the game so long my thumbs bruise.
Ya new girlfriend is old news.
You ain't got enough green and she so blue yeah.
Cash Money Records -- where dreams come true.
Everything is easy baby, leave it up to Weezy Baby.
Put it in the pot, let it steam, let it brew,
Now watch it melt, don't burn ya self.

P.S. -- No, the tats aren't real...but they should be.

P.S.S. -- Sorry, La Monica, who certainly winced as he read this whole thing. I know the purist inside of him is dying. To cope, he should listen to "Dying" by Weezy.

A few weeks ago, for some unknown reason, I sat through a viewing of the entire "Lollipop" video from Lil Wayne. At the time, I proclaimed the official end of rap music being good or ever returning to being good again.

Oh look, another rap video with cars, iced-out wrists, mouths, hands and necks, and of course, scantily clad girls. Can't have a rap video without those.

Ever since MTV debuted Aug. 1, 1981, with "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, music became a powerful visual medium. So many times in the past 26-plus years, you would engage in or overhear conversations such as this:

"Hey, did you hear that new song by [insert artist name here]?"
"Yeah, it's OK, but nothing special."
"Yeah, but you gotta see the video, it's crazy."

And so an artist gets paid on a marginal song with a extraordinary video. Indeed, music is as much visual now as it is aural.

With Weezie's "Lollipop" we have the exact opposite. A week ago, I heard the song on the radio and said, "Hey, this song is pretty good. The hook is definitely catchy."

It's weird to think that in 2008, a time when you can read the Internet on a phone, watch TV on a computer, and exercise by playing video games, actually listening to music can still be more effective than watching music.

The video, which I just wrote signified the end of the world, is embedded below. Why? Because it's the easiest way for you to hear the song, so please close your eyes for the next 4:56 minutes and just listen to the song.

Wu-Tang Clan's Rza (aka Robert Diggs) has come out with WuChess.com, a new Web site devoted to chess for the hip-hop crowd.

If you've ever heard a Wu-Tang album, you know the lyrics are heavy on chess moves, so this Web site is a natural fit for the Wu. WuChess.com may even entice young kids and hip hop heads who are unfamiliar with chess to learn this game of strategy.

Here's more about their Web site: "At Wuchess.com you can log-on to watch chess clans do battle and check out exhibition matches with Rza, other Wu-Tang members and stars from across the planet."

Wu-Tang loves the kids and so a portion of the site's revenue will be donated to the Hip Hop Chess Federation's scholarship fund, according to WuChess.com.

Depending on who you are, a juicy tidbit about "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken fathering a child will either break your heart (sorry Claymates) or incite roaring laughter. It is believed he donated his little swimmers to a producer friend in her late 40s. Ugh! Read all about it here.

Here's your chance to see Usher live!

Tickets recently went on sale for R&B star Usher's one-night-only concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem scheduled for June 6. If you can't afford to buy tickets, he'll be performing live at Bryant Park on Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series this Friday to promote his new album "Here I Stand." GMA's outdoor concert is free and open to the public, but you can also watch it on ABC / 7 Friday morning.

According to Newsday's Glenn Gamboa, Usher is "apparently trying to reconcile his R&B playa-with-a-heart past with his married-and-grown present and it's not totally working out." I happen to disagree, but I'll let you get the CD and decide for yourself!

Last year, the sexy singer/actor married celebrity stylist Tameka (Foster) Raymond, 38, and the two are now the parents of a 6-month-old son, also named Usher. His romance with Tameka, who is eight years older, prompted criticsm from celebrity bloggers and fans based on rumors that their relationship was causing a rift between Usher and his mom/former manager. Tameka also was accused of being pregnant with her ex-husband's child, which turned out to be false. There was so much speculation, Tameka had to address the rumors in an interview with Essence magazine.

Despite all the chatter, Usher refuses to let it get in the way of what really matters to him. "Anytime somebody says something negative, I pull my family [together] and know we're strong together," he said. "I never let that affect me ... I just continue to do positive things," he said in an interview with GMA.

Check out Usher joking about his love of older women in this skit on Saturday Night Live ...

AP Photo

Long Island native Flavor Flav has come home to roost and he's brought People magazine to chill with him at his mom's house...check it out on the Real LI blog.

By Mark La Monica

On May 14, 1998, America lost two great icons of pop culture: "Seinfeld" and Frank Sinatra.

For me, the bigger loss was Sinatra.

Sure, "Seinfeld" was a classic American sitcom that will live forever in syndication and DVD box sets, but Sinatra was so cool, you had to call him "cat." That, my friends, is true transformation.

There's a reason they play Sinatra's version of "New York, New York" at Yankee Stadium when the Yankees win and Liza Minelli's version when they lose.

From Hoboken to Hollywood, Sinatra redefined cool. Actually, you could argue that he actually defined it since no one before him did what he could do. Bogart was legendary, but he didn't have the pizzazz to transcend generations upon generations.

Sinatra, or simply just "Frank," was the original king of cool, a man capable of capturing the fluttering hearts of women or appealing to the style of the everyman of any generation. Name another person, regardless of era, who could -- and did! -- get away with referring to women as "dames" or "broads" and be loved for it. In more than one book, you'll find a chapter titled "Broads." I'm just saying.

Even now, we look to Frank as the icon of cool (Just watch "Swingers" again if you need proof). See a man in a fedora, think Frank. See a man carrying drink after drink around at a party yet never getting drunk, that's Frank. (Read "The Way You Wear Your Hat" for that tip.)

Go to Vegas and try not to reference the Rat Pack at least once. In fact, the rule among my group of people is that "That's Life" must be played in the cab ride from the hotel to McCarran Airport after a Vegas weekend. I suggest you adopt the same rule.

We'll never see another like Frank Sinatra (the closest we have in this time frame are George Clooney and Johnny Depp, and neither of them have recording contracts). And that's just fine with me. There's only one Frank.

So help us celebrate the spirit of Frank Sinatra with this photo essay on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Flashback: The life of Frank Sinatra

It's impossible to delve deep into the legend of Frank Sinatra in a single blog post, so Pet Rock recommends the following items if you want to learn more about the man and his music:

Books
• "Why Sinatra Matters" by Pete Hamill
• "The Way You Wear Your Hat" by Bill Zehme

Movies
• "From Here to Eternity"
• "The Man With the Golden Arm"
• "Ocean's Eleven"
• "Guys and Dolls"

Songs
• "Summer Wind"
• "That's Life"
• "Fly Me to the Moon"
• "New York, New York"
• "I've Got You Under my Skin"
• "The Way You Look Tonight"
• And pretty much everything else he sang.

Ever wondered what happened to the "rump shaker heroes" of the 1990s?

The earliest stars I remember were Wreckx-N-Effect and their multi-platinum hit single "Rump Shaker," which was produced by Teddy Riley way back in '92. I can still hear 'em: "All I wanna do is zooma-zoom-zoom-zoom in the boom-boom... just shake ya rump!" It's been rumored that Pharrell Williams wrote that verse instead of Teddy. Either way, it's one catchy song! And yes, I still shake my rump when I hear it!

The group was made up of Aqil Davidson, Brandon Mitchell, Markell Riley and Keith "K.C." Hanns. Sadly, Brandon was killed in a shooting, according to reports. The group came out with a record called "Rap's New Generation" in 1996, but Wreckx-N-Effect never achieved the success it once had with its first booty-shakin' single. What a tragedy!

Wanna shake ya rump? Check out this video by Wreckx-N-Effect ...

In 1996, Ginuwine teamed up with beatmaster Timbaland for "Pony," his first single from the album "Ginuwine ... The Bachelor." Ginuwine's smooth lyrics, sexy dance moves and swagger sent throngs of screaming women over the edge. I should know, my girlfriends and I were among the throngs screaming! Remember these risque lyrics? "I'm horny, let's do it ... ride it, my pony ..." Ahh, the memories ...

Ginuwine put out a few more albums, but none were as good as the first one. In 2002, it looked like his luck was turning around when P. Diddy/Sean Combs tapped him to sing on "I Need a Girl (Part II)," which is one of my personal faves. Shortly after, Ginuwine started his own label called Bag Entertainment and released the album "Back II Da Basics" in 2005, according to Wikipedia. Word is Ginuwine is working on a new album, called "The New Beginning," slated for release this year. Keep it sexy baby!

Watch Ginuwine move in this video clip ...

Sisqo came out with "Thong Song" off the "Unleash the Dragon" LP after leaving Dru Hill to go solo in '99. This single became a mega-hit and was the booty-shakin' anthem for Spring Breakers that year -- anyone remember MTV's Spring Break? -- and it was definitely the jam of the summer. Comedian Will Ferrell even gave a nod to the song's popularity by singing part of the lyrics to the "Thong Song" as Robert Goulet in a skit on "Saturday Night Live."

Sisqo's success has waned over the years, but he's tried to remain in the spotlight by appearing alongside the unpredictable Bobby Brown in "Gone Country," a reality show on the Country Music Televison channel.

Wanna relive the memories up close? Both Sisqo and Ginuwine can be seen live at the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn on May 17. You can enter to win tickets on Hot97's Web site or get more information on the Millennium Theater's Myspace page.

Watch Sisqo unleash the "Thong Song" remix ...

Leave it to 7-Eleven to drum up some sweet emotion with its new Full Throttle Frozen Blast Slurpees.

The 24-hour convenience store chain is hooking up with Activision to promote the latest installment of the "Guitar Hero" video game -- "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith" -- which hits stores June 29.

But you can get your rock off now in 7-Eleven parking lots across the Island through May 13 as WBLI (106.1 on your FM dial) hosts Guitar Hero jams, complete with a 6 x 12-foot screen to watch your own mini rock concert.

Bring your rock star talents (heck, even dress up in tight leather pants and put in some hair extensions if you want) and compete to win a copy of the "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" video game. Oh yeah, free slurpees, too! And they come in a Guitar Hero cup. Ah, the joys of cross-promotional marketing. We are such suckers for souvenir cups, aren't we?

Here's the WBLI schedule:

Friday, May 9: 7-Eleven at 602 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown
Noon - 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 11: 115 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho
Noon - 2 p.m.

Monday, May 12: 2397 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow
6 - 8 p.m.

And here's the schedule for 7-Eleven appearances without WBLI:

Friday, May 9
3 - 5 p.m.: 616 Union Blvd., West Islip
6 - 8 p.m.: 403 Broadway, Amitville

Saturday, May 10
11 a,m. - 3 p.m.: 101-04 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills (WKTU in the house!)
6 - 8 p.m.: 72-01 Eliot Ave, Middle Village

Sunday, May 11
3 - 5 p.m.: 901 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station
6 - 8 p.m.: 247 Broadway, Huntington

Monday, May 12
Noon - 2 p.m.: 251 Montauk Hwy, Lindenhurst
3 - 5 p.m.: 4350 Merrick Road, Massapequa

Tuesday, May 13
2 - 5 p.m.: 850 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

If you can't make it to one of these events or if you don't live on Long Island, find a 7-Eleven near you, buy a Slurpee and enter the code at slurpee.com to see if you won a copy of "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith."

- La Monica

Woo hoo! Now we can all celebrate the original king of cool by licking Frank's back and affixing him to envelopes. Seriously, sign me up. Where can I get these things?

The Post Office has three ceremonies planned for the new 42-cent stamp (up from 41 cents, effective May 12), the first of which is at 10 a.m. at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. Expect to see Sinatra's children Nancy and Frank Sinatra Jr., along with the obligatory local politicos.

Of course, no Sinatra party is complete without a Las Vegas reference, so at noon Vegas time, 3 p.m. EDT, Tina Sinatra will be at the Bellagio Fountains to celebrate the Frank stamp. Frank Jr. will also be at the Hoboken ceremony at Pier A Park at First Street and Frank Sinatra Drive.

- La Monica

I still can't believe that Nick Cannon bagged Mariah Carey! How did he pull it off? I really want to know ...

In case you've been living under a rock, Nick and Mariah reportedly ran off and got married in a private ceremony on an island, suprising family and fans. It's believed that they first met on the set of her new video for the single "Bye, Bye" off Mariah's "E=MC2" album.

I mean, Mariah is definitely hotter than Nick, and she's achieved way more success in her career. After watching Mariah's new video, it's pretty clear there was some chemistry between them and, dare I say, sexual heat!

Take a look and judge for yourself ...