In the new issue of XXL, Hov tells scribe Bonsu Thompson, that he, Nas, and Eminem are in a class all by themselves. 

 …Speaking of Jim Jones, he and cats like The Game stay throwing shots at you, referring to you as old and washed-up. But you’ve always thrived off that type of competition. So, currently in the most comfortable position of your career, how competitive are you?

Not really that competitive, because the competition isn’t based on real competition.  I mean, Game, I’m his fuckin idol. If you ask him and he’s being truthfully honest with you…it’s just based off his insecurities and, for the most part, pretension. That type of competition doesn’t do anything for me. It’s almost like someone trying to set you up, and everyone knows they’re to set you up. It’s just dumb. It’s not in the spirit of competition, because he’s not competition for me. He’s not. Not then, not ever—he’d have to improve considerably. Competition for me is Nas, Eminem. Like Jim Jones? That’s ridiculous to me.  So how do I respond to that? I can’t win. If I win, then they’ll be like, “See. Now chill. You’re a fuckin’ bully.” And if manages to throw a haymaker from the West Coast, then it’s like “Oooooh.” It’s not even fun. Like, before I did it, because I would diss anybody. Now who has time to do this shit everyday? But before, when I was running after the little fat nigga from Ma$e’s camp, I was doing anybody. Anybody said anything. If I thought you said something. When I was running in the streets, I wanted all that type of activity. Nobody wanted nothing. Now everybody’s a tough guy.

Guess Meeno wasn’t that nigga after all. Get cha mind right, XXL’s October issue drops nationwide September 15th.

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Here’s BET’s new concert series featuring, Wale. Shouts to Debra Lee’s employees for providing a platform—literally.

Got It: NR via Yardie

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Analyzing MTV’s Hottest MC’s list with This50, Maino gets peeved when his name isn’t mentioned in the top ten. Surely, everyone wants to be recognized, but like that Monica song suggests: don’t take it personal. As I see it, Maino had one of the best albums this year. Listen to that.

Props: YK2

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Last night at the Canal Room in NYC, Drake went out on a limb and said Trey Songz was the greatest R&B singer of the generation. Bold statement there, Aubrey. Unfortunately, I’d have to disagree. I think that honor goes to Robert S. Kelly. Say what you want about the Pied Piper, (Lord knows, I have) but Kellz has been running Generation Y for a minute. Sigh. Insolence is bliss.

Props: Miss Info

Moment of Clarity: Yuuup, I was wrong. While Kellz maybe the greatest male R&B artist ever, he isn’t a memeber of Trey and Drake’s generation. So in that regard, perhaps Drizzy has a point. But on the flipside, who’s the comp?   

Man, I wish there was footage of this. Take yourself to London, September 2006. With Coldplay’s Chris Martin on keys, Hov and Nasir perform, “Dead Presidents” and “The World Is Yours” at the Royal Albert Hall. So mean and vicious, man.

{mp3}jay-z nas dead presidents live with chris martin{/mp3} 

Props: Green Lantern

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Willie rounds up the reservoir dogs, for his latest visual. This beat knocks—and so does shorty’s assets in the video. The Fly Mixtape drops 09/09/09, you bastards!

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Earlier at the “Answer The Call” press conference, Hov finally put a face to the name of yours truly. Jesus, I was being facetious about being ether’d. You weak bastards ought to know, I breathe acid. 

Shouts: Marvelous Mo

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Here’s Christopher Reid of Kid-N-Play fame hawking suits for a California retailer. Now, there’s nothing better than rocking tailored duds. But, to hear Kid say “It’s not about that hip-hop house party stuff” and then suggest folks wear suits when their homeboy gets shot is just downright embarrassing, if not tacky. I’m sure Men’s Warehouse would frown at such a thing. Iron out your act, and get it together. Better yet, let your man Dave hook you up.