I just received my copy of the MVI version of "Hustlenomics". It features 2 CDs - the CD for the album and then the MVI CD. Let's talk about what's on the MVI disc.

You are able to listen to all of the songs on the album and export them in a digital format. It includes a section for lyrics for all of the songs. Interestingly, the lyrics it provides for "Hell Yeah" are different than what is actually on the song. They include an intro from Diddy. Here it is:


And then the chorus starts. The lyrics also place Diddy's verse in the middle of the song as the 2nd verse, rather than at the end as the 3rd verse, as is the case in the song. He also introduces them differently as they have him saying:


I like the song OK now and all, but if the intro, etc. had been included, I definitely would have liked it more. Yeah, I know, just an intro. But, that's me.

In the special MVI console, you are also able to download IM icons and computer wallpapers and view scans of the album booklet. There is a photo gallery with larger versions of the photos in the booklet (including sections of the photos that you are not able to see in the booklet).

Once you register the disc, you are told that "you will be able to receive bonus content periodically when you insert your MVI into your computer." The immediate thing that you get access to is the ability to create a mix of "Coffee Shop" using software called NU-MYX. Basically, it gives you the ability to move and alter elements currently present in the song. They've set up a mini-site for it. It's a neat little thing to play around with and (for some) more.

These are nice little extras, but the best part of the package is the 3 videos that are included. The first video is called "The Hustle". This video consists of behind the scenes footage of Joc, Block, Boyz N Da Hood and Gorilla Zoe, including promotion events and Joc working out. Most of it is dedicated to an interview portion with Joc. He talks about various subjects. Among them: What he does in the studio. He doesn't write, he listens to the beat and vibes. I guess he's similar to Biggie in this regard - I didn't realize.

What he changed from the last album. What producers he worked with. He actually named two that didn't show up on the album: DJ Toomp and Rodney Jerkins. What artists he'd like to work with. He named Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Slick Rick, Jay-Z, Monica, Lil' Mo and Rick Ross. The chain. He explained that the chain was a marketing idea. He wanted something new, refreshing and ignorant. He talked about "Hip Hop is Dead" where he applauded Nas for coming up with such a clever marketing strategy. He says that when you think "Hip Hop is Dead", you think Nas. It drew attention to Nas and it made people want to prove him wrong. He also talked about the success of the south, the future of hip hop and why he named his album "Hustlenomics". He says that he saw artists that had a big single, a big label and the right push. They have everything right, yet the artist doesn't have the hustle, so they are not successful. He continues that he knows he's may not be the best rapper, but he works hard and he gives people what they want. And that's "Hustlenomics".

The second video is a cool making "Coffee Shop video". It has what you'd expect of a making of, including Joc putting on and taking off all of the make up required for his characters. And, finally, we have the "Coffee Shop" video itself.