The Round Table

Up next for TRT’s bold predictions for “makin’ it” in 2010 is Brooklyn’s own OTiS. I first caught wind of OTiS a few weeks back thanks to one of our most reliable tipsters, Jake, who sent me the band’s cover of Pharcyde’s “Passing Me By.”

Did I fail to mention, OTiS is not a rap group, by any means, but lead singer Craig Schoenbaum sure had me fooled, which points to the band’s versatility. OTiS defines themselves with three words: Rock, Soul, and Groove.

We can confirm after snagging OTiS‘ self-titled album in advance that those 3 words are certainly apparent from the album opener “All Over Again” to its closer in “Under the Gun.” But, for me the album’s stand out song has to be “American Dream,” the politically driven song that examines today’s world. Soap box not included.
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It’s not about who’s Jockin’ Jay-Z anymore, it’s about who Jay’s jockin’ for his hotly anticipated album, Blueprint 3. Mr. Carter has recruited fellow Brooklyn natives MGMT to appear on the new album, which hits streets on September 11th.

Hova’s just giving the hipsters another reason to love him by pairing up with the psych-pop duo. He’s not stopping there, according to reports, Jay-Z is also recording with Rihanna (hope it’s a C.Breezy hate track) and the rap game’s latest flavors of the month in Kid Cudi and Drake. What would a Jay-Z album be without a Kanye appearance? Well, the world may never know as he’s as slated to produce the album along with No I.D. and Timbaland.

According to Spin, so far there no collaborations in the works with Mrs. Carter aka Beyonce, but considering he’s been on several of her tracks, I’m sure she’ll return the favor.

Blueprint 3’s first single, “D.O.A.,” entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 24 when it dropped June 5. Listen to the song here. It’s pretty clear, Jay is looking for a chart-topper this go around by enlisting in everyone who’s hot right now.