Album Review: Saigon - "The Greatest Story Never Told"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After being released from prison, Saigon returned to the streets of New York. Before going to prison, he was one of the major street thugs. Once he returned to the streets, however, Saigon shifted his focus to being a positive influence.

Saigon rose to become one of the top mixtape rappers in the New York area. Along with 50 Cent, he was one of the most-hyped underground rappers in the game. Saigon and 50 Cent formed a friendship that almost landed him with G-Unit.

One year later, Saigon seemingly got his big break when Just Blaze signed him. Soon, Just Blaze helped him land a deal with Atlantic Records. At the time, it appeared to be a blessing, but it ended up being years of torture. His debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told, was due for release in 2005.

Following six years of frustration, Saigon and Just Blaze were able to leave the label. Soon, Saigon had another deal on the table with Suburban Noize Records. Back on the independent scene, Saigon had no trouble landing a secure release date. Six years of anticipation boiled down to days and, last month, Saigon finally released his album. Unlike most hardcore hip hop albums, Saigon is actually sending out a positive message.

On The Greatest Story Never Told, Saigon raps as a man who has actually been a gangbanger. He was one of the toughest of them all. However, Sai learned his lesson when he ended up behind bars. Now, his aim is to educate young men, and women for that matter. Saigon wants to show them there is so much more to life than living the street life. During his younger years, Saigon lived the street life and it got him nowhere, he tells his story without preaching, which makes it all the more better.

While giving a positive message, Saigon also has one of the wittiest flows hip hop has seen in years. Saigon is easily one of the best rappers in the game on a lyrical level. For years, he has been telling his story and it is finally official. The Greatest Story Never Told is the first album of its kind and will definitely go down in history as a classic. Most rappers are afraid to go out and do what Saigon has done, go out and rap about something positive.

Such songs as "The Color Purple" and "Better Way" are songs to check out from the album.

Hip Hop Vibe's Review: 9/10

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Saigon discusses "Soulja Boy-like" Album Sales

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Saigon can no longer complain about his album release date being delayed. Now, he can complain with the other artists about album sales. Over the past few years, hip hop sales have been down and the stars have not been pleased. Recently, Saigon released his The Greatest Story Never Told and it sold 12,000 copies in its first week.

Glad to finally release his album, Saigon was not even upset about the album sales. As far as he is concerned, he did well after waiting six years to put the album out. Saigon is now building an online following. With only 6,000 Twitter followers, Saigon has done very well with album sales. Saigon is very pleased with his sales, given his low online presence.

Saigon said he has done Soulja Boy numbers in only a week despite having 6,000 followers. Through his Twitter, Saigon boasted about his sales and asked the people to continue supporting his album. With little to no promotion, The Greatest Story Never Told still managed to sell over 10,000 copies in one week. Meanwhile, Soulja Boy had the backing of an entire major label and he only managed to sell 13,000 copies in one week. Saigon has been met with critical acclaim following the release of his debut album.

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Saigon talks Tru Life prison sentence

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Saigon was able to breathe a sigh of relief, as his long-awaited The Greatest Story Never Told was released. Saigon is currently on top of the world. The album has been hailed by many as an instant classic. But, things are not going so well for Tru Life, one the closest friends Saigon has.

Tru Life is currently facing a ten year prison sentence. The former protege of both Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg was tied to a 2009 murder. In recent years, it seems as if many rappers are being targeted by the police. Despite the way things look, Saigon is staying close to his friend.

Defending Tru Life, Saigon said he believes his friend is innocent. A lot of people have been sent to prison for crimes they did not commit and have served hard time. Saigon does not want Tru Life to end up being one of those people. Harlem rapper, Max B, turned heads when he was sentenced to 75 years in prison and Saigon does not want something similar to happen to Tru.

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Saigon finally releases "The Greatest Story Never Told"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

One of the longest-delayed albums in hip hop history was released today. Saigon has been waiting for six years to release his debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told. After dominating the mixtape game, Saigon is officially ready to play in the major leagues.

There has been plenty of frustration over the past six years, due to release dates. Saigon partnered with Just Blaze and they took their project to Atlantic Records. For unknown reasons, Atlantic refused to release the album. Saigon and Just Blaze fought to be released from the label with the rights to the album.

Upon winning the war with Atlantic Records, the two reworked the album. Many who had heard the album, previously, said it was a true hip hop classic. Saigon had given his reasons on why the album was not released during his Atlantic Records' days. But, when he landed with E1 Music, Saigon was no longer focusing on the past.

Years of waiting had boiled down to hours and now the release of The Greatest Story Never Told is finally here. The album is available for purchase in stores nationwide.

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Saigon says "The Greatest Story Never Told" is Just Blaze's coming out party

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Six years of anticipation has boiled down to only a few hours as the official release of The Greatest Story Never Told happens tomorrow. In less than 24 hours, the moment Saigon has waited on for so long will finally be here. Through it all, he has been able to count on Fort Knocks Entertainment to hold things together.

Recently, Saigon has been making his rounds in promotion for the new album. The rapper has discussed the makings of his album with several websites. Saigon has also done a few promotional interviews for The Greatest Story Never Told. The album is said to be among the best in the past few years.

Most recently, Saigon spoke with SOHH.com about the album, giving five reasons why the people should buy it. Saigon said the album is his honest story about life. When asked about production, Saigon explained how Just Blaze put the album together. For years, Just Blaze has been producing tracks and is known as one of the top hip hop producers in the game.

Despite already holding the status of a legend, Saigon said Just Blaze's true coming out party was on his album. The beats from Just made the album just as much as Saigon's lyrics. Just Blaze was considered one of the top producers before he teamed up with Saigon. Even before he had become famous, Saigon was considered one of the best street rappers in the game. When the two joined forces, many people dubbed the two as the modern-day version of Eric B. & Rakim.

While the two are likely to become legendary, it will be in their own right.

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Saigon gives props to Just Blaze

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Just Blaze, one of the hottest producers in hip hop, began working with Saigon, one of New York's hottest underground rappers, many predicted they would dominate the game. Things took off quickly for the duo, landing a deal with Atlantic Records. But, things stalled from that point on.

For unknown reasons, Atlantic Records continued to delay their first project, Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told. The album was initially supposed to be released in 2005. However, it was delayed until 2006, later 2007, and then 2008. Tired of waiting, Saigon and Just Blaze left Atlantic Records.

After three years of releasing several mixtapes, Just Blaze has established a deal with e1 Music. Throughout his career, the only person Saigon could count on was Just Blaze. Of course, they have had their ups and downs, but they have remained together throughout the ordeal. Now, six years later, they are preparing for the release of The Greatest Story Never Told.

Saigon has reworked the album plenty of times and it is predicted to be one of the best albums released in a long time. With everything finally falling into place, Saigon is giving credit to the man who helped make all of this possible for him. Recently, Saigon discussed Just Blaze's place in hip hop. Saigon said he is on the same level as the likes of Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. Throughout his career, Just Blaze has created hits for several artists. Eminem's hit single with Lil Wayne, "No Love," was produced by Just Blaze.

While Just Blaze has made plenty of accomplishments in the game, Saigon said he is very humble about all he has done for so many artists.

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Can Just Blaze still become a Record Executive?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2003, Roc-A-Fella producer, Just Blaze heard Brooklyn rapper, Saigon, rap for the first time. He was immediately impressed and wanted to work with him. Because of his style, he knew Saigon would not fit as a Roc-A-Fella artist. Instead, Just wanted to start his own label for Saigon.

Roc-A-Fella boss, Jay-Z, had just taken over at Def Jam and he denied Just Blaze's request to launch a new label. Blaze instead went to Atlantic Records and they helped him establish his own label. Named Fort Knocks Entertainment, Just Blaze wanted to take over the rap game.

The executives at Atlantic Records promised Just Blaze they would release Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told. But, for five years, they delayed his album. The frustration was so much that Saigon considered leaving his deal with Just Blaze just to release his album. Last year, Just Blaze was able to leave the label, taking Saigon and the album with him.

Now, with a distribution deal with E1 Music, Just Blaze and Saigon are ready to release the album. At the time, many people felt Just Blaze would have quickly released the album and establish a new powerhouse in the rap game. But, to the shock of many, not even his name could get the album released. By this time, many assumed Just Blaze would have also been one of the top record executives in the game. Now, Blaze has lost most of his credibility.

But, with The Greatest Story Never Told finally coming, Just Blaze hopes to gain a lot of this hope and promise back. After the release of Saigon's album, Just Blaze will likely want to sign more artists to his imprint. But, with the Saigon debaccle, what artist would even be interested in signing with Just Blaze's label if it will take them six years just to release their first album?

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Saigon discusses "The Greatest Story Never Told"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After years of waiting and false hope, Saigon is finally getting ready to release his debut album. Just Blaze is still by his side after rumors of beef and blog rants. Saigon is still headlining his label, Fort Knocks Entertainment.

Six years have passed since the initial release date for the album, but Saigon feels the timing is right. Regardless of when the album actually comes out, Saigon knows it will be classic. When he first announced the album, Sai said it would be classic.

Now, the world is only months away from finally finding out. The rapper boasted, saying he thinks The Source has given him a 4.5 mic rating. Such albums as Dr. Dre's The Chronic received that high rating.

Saigon's debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told, will be released in February.

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Saigon wants to work with Joe Budden

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Two years ago, Saigon and Joe Budden were stuck in the same position. Both rappers were waiting to release their albums and frustration was building. The rappers had worked together once, but they soon began feuding with each other.

For months, Saigon and Joe Budden traded disses with each other. In the midst of their high-profile feud, the rappers came close to calling truces. Despite the truces, they still managed to re-ignite their feud.

But, their latest truce is real as the two have recorded for the same record label. Now, Saigon is finally getting to release his long-awaited debut album. Currently, he is looking for collaborators on the album.

Among the top of his list is his former rival, Joe Budden.

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Saigon and Joe Budden team up for New Track

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

A few years ago, Saigon and Joe Budden managed to keep themselves relevant while waiting to release their albums. The rappers engaged in a feud that was highly publicized. Along the way, there were multiple truces that were broken. Followers of the rappers assumed their latest would not be any different.

But, Saigon has decided to make their truce official by recording with his former enemy. With his album, The Greatest Story Never Told, finally coming, Saigon is finally happy. He is so happy that he has invited Joe Budden to record on the album with him. Budden quickly agreed.

The former rap rivals have teamed up for a track entitled "Bring it Down." Saigon admitted he was always a fan of Joe Budden even while they were feuding. He said it is great to work with hot rappers and it is good for hip hop for former rivals to come together and make music. Saigon later compared rap to sports.

Saigon compared their collaboration to LeBron James joining Dwyane Wade in Miami. He said he knows it feels a lot better for these guys to pass the ball to each other than it does to battle each other. Sai said he sure knows it feels better to share a mic with Joe than it did battling him. In the time since their truce, Saigon has worked with Ransom, Joe Budden's other rival. After working with him, Saigon said "fuck Joe Budden," but later came out and shouted out Slaughterhouse. Now the truce is official.

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Album Preview: Saigon - "The Greatest Story Never Told"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Since Dr. Dre is finally making arrangements to release Detox, Saigon feels he has to finally give the fans what he promised them. Saigon wanted to redefine the game with his album. That was one reason he named the album The Greatest Story Never Told.

After years and years of delays, it appeared as if the name was fitting. Because the album was continuously pushed back, Saigon considered retiring. Tired of the lies, Saigon gained his freedom back when he decided to leave Atlantic Records. It was the executives who continued to delay the album.

Finally free, Saigon has teamed up with Just Blaze, Kanye West, Buckwild, and many more major names for production work. For the actual guest appearances, Saigon has called upon Jay-Z, Q-Tip, Fatman Scoop, Swizz Beatz, Devin The Dude, Layzie Bone, Raheem DeVaughn, and Marsha Ambrosius. The album is currently slated for a February 15, 2011 release date.

  1. "Station Identification (Intro)" feat. Fatman Scoop
  2. "The Invita Saigon" feat. Q-Tip and Fatman Scoop
  3. "Come On Baby" feat. Swizz Beatz and Jay-Z
  4. "War"
  5. "Enemies"
  6. "Friends"
  7. "The Greatest Story Never Told"
  8. "Clap" feat. Faith Evans
  9. "Preacher"
10. "It's Alright" feat. Marsha Ambrosius
11. "Believe It"
12. "Give It To Me" feat. Raheem DeVaughn
13. "What The Lovers Do" feat. Devin The Dude
14. "Better Way" feat. Layzie Bone
15. "Oh Yeah (Our Babies)"
16. "Bring Me Down"

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Saigon prepares EP and plans "The Greatest Story Never Told" for 2011 release

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Finally free from Atlantic Records, Saigon is trying to get his career back on track. The former protege of Just Blaze has been shopping himself to a few record labels. Currently, he has a deal with Amaglam Digital and he is working on a new release. Feeling he has to put out a classic debut album, Saigon is preparing an EP first.

Earlier this year, Saigon signed another deal with Suburban Noize Records, the label that will be handing his newer projects. With his album, The Greatest Story Never Told, set for a February release date, Saigon had to give the people something ahead of time. Because of this, he decided to do a preluding EP.

The tentative title is The Yardfather's Prologue, the new working should be released sometime next week. In order to make up for the lost time, Saigon plans to release multiple albums following the release of the long-awaited Greatest Story Never Told. Bits and pieces of the album have been leaked and it is said to be a instant classic.

Despite the album being on hold for over six years, most of the material has remained intact and the Jay-Z collaboration will still be on the album.

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