Metropolitan Segue

Certain Fads, Stripes and Plaids; Single's Ads

2009-07-23T10:57:00.003-04:00

Trying to stretch my wings a bit (but always holding on to the almighty pun).

rock the spot like basquiat, minus the heroin

2009-04-15T12:58:00.003-04:00

You'd swear they were brothers...just sayin

On Finding The Perfect Blogger

2009-02-10T10:39:00.007-05:00

I've been a bit "angsty" about relationships of late.That's not fair- I've been more angsty than usual- which means I'm not sleeping. Questions on how one maintains them, or even starts one, and on the different kinds that keep us afloat (or the ones we sever to keep us from sinking); these are the musings of a post-teen adult in flux.

While playing "how much time can I waste on the intertubes," I stumbled upon a site cultivated by an LA designer, called Kitsune Noir. The site is populated by images and music that he thinks are worthy of some form of commentary. Which is how these blog dealies work, as I'm sure you know.

ANYWAY- hiss tastes are fantastic- his site is visually awesome (there is one page dedicated to new, interesting wallpapers)- he has two favorite pies (peach & pumpkin)- and he has a mixtape component that, aside from a mis-title on a SpankRock song (he said "Backyard Better", but we all know it's "Backyard Betty") is pretty much in line with anything else being touted as "cool" on the intersphere. It's actually everything I want for my site...so...i guess this is my last post, since he's totally doin it big.

I just made myself feel bad...

Mr. President...Knotts?

2009-01-27T13:53:00.005-05:00

After watching a Jimmy Carter interview discussing his new book & plan for peace in the Holy Land, I came across a comforting thought. Jimmy Carter & Don Knotts; twin brothers or a man living a mysterious double life? It makes sense. One man overlooked & "policed" the quaint town of Mayberry, the other, tried to protect the quaint village of, "The World."

It's comforting...even tho, there are other theories about Don...

They Send Kisses

2009-01-13T10:29:00.004-05:00

Welcome 2009, because you bring news from my favorite band in life: The Wrens.

You bring a new song.

And also, this pleasant note from their newly launched homepage:

With our apologies, no shows scheduled since the end of '07. But, between you and me, we're eyeballin' SxSW this year (2009 as I type this).

I believe this shall be a great year.

Don't Mis(dub)step

2008-12-13T17:20:00.003-05:00

The dub is the cornerstone of hip-hop & reggae and any black music you tote today. Hype up the drums, drop the vocals, and swill the contents of your brain into a fine mush substance; this is your brain on dub.

I went to club love in the early half of fall, for an all night dub party which started my obsession. Then I picked up a copy of I love Dub Step, and the usage of low dwelling sonics, pulsing yet mechanic basslines, and pure electronic energy got me hooked.

Then came my most recent discovery, Rusko's Essential mix- all the dub you could want. It's a safe sampling for those not yet sure of their allegiance to dub, and possibly one of the best introductions I've seen.

A little Release

2008-12-04T19:20:00.002-05:00

Tackling the idea of jumping from hype to hero is tough in and of itself. Hell, getting signed off a demo is pretty damn hard. Still, as unfathomable as it may seem, that's the new lane rappers are using to build their stock, re-(pro)tool their tracks, and live in the light as long as possible, without even dropping a full length. Wale & The Cool Kids are the progenitors of this idea, but Kid Cudi, Izza Kizza & Kid Sister seem to be picking up on the play without too much lag. It's dumbfounding, mostly because rap is about wordplay, and units, but now, it's about downloads and page hits.

We're growing a legion of rappers who don't sell records, and roll modes who don't crank out hits, just crank "dat," what dat is, may be seen when an album is actually dropped. Enjoy you're free download ep's until then!

This is dedicated to Lil'Wanye, without whom, this platform wouldn't be possible.

Una luz que nunca se apaga

2008-10-23T12:50:00.003-04:00

I dislike the winter months. Not solely because they are cold, but because that cold makes me want to stay in longer, and that reminds me how lonely the world can be. (this is not a post on the new Charlie Kaufman move, Synecdoche, I promise.)

That this melancholy bile that rises in my heart, makes me listen to my entire Smiths collection. But, Morrissey and his crew, ain't just for the emo, dark haired plain-clothes of "alternative" America, but oddly enough, also for the Chicano community of east LA. What connection do they share that makes him so meaningful?

Peep the OC Weekly article

And Take a gander at this great video below!

Toronto Fire?

2008-10-16T10:55:00.004-04:00

I started looking into this rapper from Toronto called Kardinal Offishall, not because of who he is, but because of who he'd like to be. Michaelangelo Matos's 33 1/3 book on Prince's Sign 'O' The Times, speaks on the Prince clones that started to appear at the peake of his career. Kardinal seems to be one of those clones- for a rapper who i can't speak on just yet- cuz I hope to use it in a review. So- peep this video, think on it some- and we'll revisit the issue.

"Dangerous" From Kardinal Offishall's NOT 4 SALE

Joeseph Coombe Mixes Parody with Social Commentary Creating "Comm-ody"

2008-10-02T12:04:00.003-04:00

If you run over to Know Yr Product, you'll see a hilarious piece on the band/ Arcade game, Crystal Castles. This post is genius because not only does it jab at the fabricated reality that the band is a genuine creative entity ( their name, music, and Madonna artwork were all grifted from other original (and better) creative sources), but it also doubles a lite hipster humor through the vehicle of bar owner/ promoter Hary J:

When asked if he would get rid of the game to allow more interest in the bands, leaving the rat traps exposed, the owner said, “Not with the Rat Traps, a local band, playing next Friday. It’s too risky. The kids today they love their irony. If I book a band like the Rat Traps, they may rather drink my cheap beer and stare at real rat traps all night.”

While Mr. Coombe has presented his astute commentary most often in the form of factual music and pop culture writing, his ablity to throw satire into the mix promises at least one other funny blog post, but hopefully several ( no more than three).

Rip Nagi Noda

2008-09-10T18:02:00.004-04:00

I watch a lot of music videos. You may not realize how egregious of an understatement that is, but its the truth. Anyway, today, a great music video director, Nagi Noda passed away, leaving a legacy of greatness to the expansive history books we know of as the internets. In celebration of her passing, I leave you her reel, to enjoy and celebrate.

Tiga- "(Far From)Home"

Some Random Eyeball's Jamin'

Coca-Cola Commercial

2004 Olympic Games Silliness

Cut Copy- "Hears On Fire"

Some Japanese Video You Won't Understand, but Will Laugh At

Ummm.........

Scissor Sisters- "She's My Man"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1s2zNtKuSI

(embeds disabled)

Money, Power, Respect; In the Key of Life

2008-09-04T12:09:00.004-04:00

I'm reading Real Punks Don't Wear Black (Frank Kogan) , trying to strain from it the key to being both a good writer, and discover what writers look for in good music- the ever important essence of music. The reason I'm enjoying it so much, is that Kogan has no better idea than I do, and cites Lester Bangs & Richard Meltzer in trying to clarify his points on "authenticity" and the real in music. I've been toying with the idea, that is supported by Kogan's musings that music is authentic as long as it speaks emphatically about power (emphatically not necessarily meaning genuinely).

"Great rock thrives on insecurity." Or so Kogan paraphrases, but it's really about one's insecurity about where one stands contextually to power. Do you have it? Do you want it? Do you hate it? Do you love it? James Brown was amazing in that he both conducted it, and directed us all to fight it, yet had the power to disguise struggle with funk. Likewise, punk music is powerful in its admittance to lack of power, and it refusal to acknowledge power's existence, yet is made up structurally of mostly power chords and jaring lyrics.

L'ultimo bacio

2008-08-10T10:00:00.006-04:00

It's often the work of Know Yr Produc t to discuss the sub-textual value of film and its reach in society, and I never want to attemp to play fiddle, chair two, in that regard. However, in this particular instance, I feel its only right for me to bring this film to the virtual table for his, and more importantly your consideration.

L'ultimo bacio is the original, and Italian version of Zach Braff's Last Kiss. It tackles infidelity, and the cause of such an act, fear. The fear of monotony, and the discomfort with which some, most, many, or all of us may feel when in an intense and serious relationship. I will now attempt a KYP-esque analysis:

Carlo, and all of his friends, are challenged with the threat of settling for the known, instead of the adventure and uncertainty, and most important, lack of responsibility that couples with the unknown. They claim they need to feel alive again, until they are then faced with two compounding extremes (Carlos with a young affair that is also in the search of love- which solidifies that regardless of age, that commitment is a constant value & the death of a close friends father, suggesting the lasting quality of death, but the devotion of loved ones), which makes the players realize that the real, has already been attained, but the renewal of such is a task they must work towards.

Exclusive Wale Interview with Metropolitan Segue:

2008-08-03T11:33:00.003-04:00

So, way back in November, when Wale was just blowing up, I stareted writing this interview. I went through all the strain of writing the interview, setting it up, and writing it up, but vibe ultimately passed on it. So, here it is for you, cuz somebody might as well read it (If you make it to the end, there is a prize!):

D.C. native Wale is quickly becoming a major voice for the Mid-Atlantic region. Take an emcee with deep ties to his community, and add Mark Ronson’s diligent hand and tutelage, to develop a unique voice the likes of which has yet to be heard in hip-hop. Wale has been building a career that is fueled off of determination. He’s one of the few rappers that can boast touring Europe before acclaim and you can bank that it’s based more on talent than connections. He has yet to drop a full length, but has mix tapes that draw as much attention as his Nike boots and tighter than status quo jeans, and least hood-wise. Throw in verses over Justice’s D.A.N.C.E remix, and it seems pretty certain that this voice won’t remain encapsulated in the eastern seaboard for long. Rightfully so, and with a lot to say on D.C. Go-go music, the industry as a whole, and the labels that support the industry he’s dedicated to taking over, he manages to work both willingly with the system and keep his guns drawn.

MS/ VM: What unique aspect do you feel you add to hip-hop?

Wale: Being from a different region; the mid-atlantic, or DC to be exact, ain’t nothing really come out of there with a lot of commercial appeal. It would be pretentious of me to say that I’m marketable, but I guess they call me marketable. I understand the concept of lyrics and song making. Lyricism and song making is rare in hip-hop, period, right now.

VM/ MS: Being a DC emcee, you have a large go-go element as a background. Do you and Mark and who ever else is responsible for your beat production, plan on drawing that into your beats, or do you have something else in consideration?
Wale: Oh yea, we’re gonna do it. Like I’ve said in every interview, the greatest advice Jay-z ever told me was to just make the best possible song you can make. So I’m just going to make the best possible music. If that happens to be something with Go-Go music, then we’re going to attempt it, but if I don’t feel like, in my heart of hearts its justifiable good- something that the people where im from can relate to, or it sounds watered down at all, then no one is going to hear it. But We’re going to try. We’ve been successful thus far, but the album is going to be a whole body of work, and its gotta flow together; one whole consistent picture with several colors.

MS/ VM: On the track "the People", from your A Hundred Miles And Running mixtape, you paint a vivid localized image of you being the liaison to the rest of industry- how do you see yourself connecting people?

Wale: This is how the ‘ambassador’ title came. I do a lot to help other artists. I help out producers; I have producers that did one of my first singles, and then we get to work with Rhymefest, Talib Kweli, Clipse, and the Entourage thing is a good look. My manager understands how important this is to my, and he takes producers that he likes and he tries to get them placement. That’s the type of stuff that I do. Me being the liaison, or ambassador, or whatever you want to say, that’s the thing that I’m trying to do. I can’t say that I’m going to kick down the door and everybody is going to get in, but I’m going to make it my duty to try and help other people out. Because there is money in this music business, and why not give out the opportunity?

MS/ VM: It's said that you have had a career prior to being signed that was almost as intense, in comparison to those with label deals. This is in terms of touring. What effects will that have on you as an artist? Do you think that it could potentially take away from some of the edge that comes with being a newcomer?
Wale: I could be bougie a little bit, in a sense, because I’ve done a lot before my deal, but its just going to make me work harder. Right now, I don’t have any resources. I have a couple of friends, and a manager, and collectively we sleep about 5 hours a day all put together. Basically, all we’re going to do is use our resources and go crazy on ‘em, you know? We have this person or that person’s phone book, we looking at more money, more opportunities, more Wale, more Mark Ronson, more Daniel Weisman, more Rich Kleiman.

VM/ MS: What can we look forward to on your album? Who are you working with?

Wale: Ronson is going to do most of the album, but JustBlaze is going to do some stuff. Young Guru is going to step away from the mixing boards and do a couple of things on the album. Kanye said…, me and Kanye talked and said we would do a couple of things together. I also want to do some things with Justice, and Calvin Harris, and Adam London. Calvin Harris’ got some things that I think could fit well with me and Mark’s sound.

MS/VM:
You seem to approach hip-hop in a way that isn't all hood-rap, but aware of all sides of the street- so to speak, if you had your way, how would you want listeners to classify you?

Wale: The thing is that I feel that the most successful people in this business are the people that is most comfortable in their skin. Like Jeezy is 100% a motivator, He lives what he’s talking about, while he lived it. I don’t go around glorifying it, but I understand it enough. I understand it from a narrative, because I have a lot of friends who grew up in that, and I grew up in that, and I just want to tell their story because they can’t rap, or just tell it a little better because I have more people listening.

And I’m comfortable; I live in the Washington D.C. suburbs at this particular time in my life, and I’m comfortable. I’ll go on TV, cuz its not like I’m out there flippin’ birds or nothing, but more or less, to define me in one sense: I’m not out there doin’ it, but if you need it, I can make it happen. I’ll call my man, you know what I’m saying? It’s a narrative. I feel like I’m the one that everybody wants to know, but my hands are clean. That way I don’t feel like im contradiction, in any sense. I’m not trying to poison the kids, or anything like that, but at the same time I’m not trying to save the world either. That’s not my fight. My fight is to make great music, and to motivate people, and for people to understand my story and my train of thought. If in the process, I write a record, and at that point in my life I feel like somethins’ really on my heart, then I’m going to express it, and hope that people relate to it, as they have to all the rest of my records.

MS/ VM: What albums have defined your youth; hip-hop or otherwise?

Wale: Most of the go-go music that came from 92’- 99’, that’s been the soundtrack of my whole growing up. Also Doggystyle, Bob Marley & The Wailer’s Greatest Hits, the first or second Jodicie album, Kris- Kross’ first album. Just anything I could my hand’s on; Tribe, [Camp lo’s] Uptown Saturday Night, albums like that.

MS/ VM: Are there other, non-musical aspects of your life that you pull on for creativity? Family, politics, cultural (ie fashion, art, etc).

Wale: I’m around positive people, like chilling with my manager and my friends, Zay, Dan, my girl, my family, people like that. They re-inspire me to be the person that I am, the person that I write. Being around a whole bunch of people that need favors is not the life I want to live. That’s kind of the life that a lot of musicians choose. They surround themselves with a lot of people that need stuff, and I surround myself with a lot of people that I need. I need my people, my friends, and my family.

VM/ MS: Black thought has had a big influence on you as well-what is it about his style that you like?

Wale: His flow, man. It’s just his flow is so confident, so amp’d, and I hear he’s got a memory like an elephant. He just memorizes everybody’s lyrics verbatim, and his style is so cut and dry and straight to the point. It’s just his whole aura when he raps, like Jay got it. I don’t like saying Jay anymore because I know him pretty good, now. I don’t like saying “Oh Jay is such an influence on me”, even though I told him last time we were together, I was like “Man, I really look up to you”, but I was drunk. So I don’t really know Black Thought, I ain’t even met him, so I can say that, til I meet him, then I’ll have to say somebody else.

MS/ VM: How did you develop your flow?

Wale: It derived from a lot of different things. Like, Jay, both the members of Camp Lo, Lil’ Wayne, Lupe; I take from everything. I feel like that’s how you get good at what you do. Kobe takes from Jordan; Jordan was still playing when Kobe was playing.
Everybody takes from everybody. Like when I played football, I modeled my game after Berry Sanders and Warrick Dunn, those are the people I look up to, so I took from both of them.

VM/ MS: Being a native of the D.C. area, what do you think on the popularity of the 930 club?

Wale: You ready, for this? I’ve never been to the 930 club, I probably dove past it, or maybe I was there on a drunken night or something like that. They have “go-go” there, but I’ve never been to a go-go at the 930 club. Only clubs that I know for- real, for- real is that Mark Bonds got it on smash and Abdul got it on smash. That’s where I go when I go out, but go-go could really be anywhere.

MS/ VM: With some of the music that you use as a beats, you move outside of traditional hip-hop, and this has been said to cross over into your fashion as well. How would you respond to being categorized as a “blipster”/ “hipster”?

Wale: I don’t even know what a hipster is. You ain’t gonna find no hipster in D.C. or Maryland, period. I feel like I embody; for the most part maybe I might dress differently than a lot of people, but the way I dress is the way a lot of people my age is dressing now back home. Secondly, I don’t even understand what a hipster is, like I can’t wait till I get an opportunity to see what that person in Complex Magazine meant, cuz I kinda took that personal.
Just cuz I’m working with a white producer, does that mean I’m a “blipster”, or whatever that is? It’s like, are you serious? I like MUSIC. That’s the first thing you should hear when you hear about me. You should be like “He’s eclectic.” I wanna rap on everything, anything that sounds good. There isn’t anybody you can hear the beat to that “D.A.N.C.E” and say it’s not a great beat. Just because I ain’t tryin to rap on snap music, what does that mean? Hip-hop beats just don’t inspire me that much anymore. If you ask any of the top producers, candidly, what they think about the production going on in Hip-hop music, they’re going to tell you that it’s uninspiring. So when you hear something fresh, which is like our music, or you hear somebody rap on some Euro-dance music, then you’re like “Yea!” If that makes me a hipster then you know, give me some bellbottoms or whatever they wear.

Download his smash mixtape for freeeee, here!

Welcome Today, to The World of Tomorrow

2008-07-30T17:11:00.001-04:00

Short post on futurism. If you don't watch the morning news, like me, or the rest of America not working on Wall Street or in a teacher's union, you missed the story on one of the first successful, possibly consumable, jetpacks.

The BBC reported that inventor Glenn Martin, and his guinea pig of a 16 year old son, tested out the flying machine for all of 45 seconds. Orville Wright took his Flyer for a 12-second, joyride. So yea, Martin family in effect. Orville...yr a half-assing chump.

I say all of this because, all I really want, is for the 16 year old son of a mega nerd to grow up to be the Rocketeer. As of right now, the jet packs, with their dork-protected shock absorbers are of course in their most infantile stages, and can only fly for 30 minutes, and a mile a minute. Also the Government wont let you fly the thing over congested areas, which totally shanks its super hero assisting capabilities. Hopefully by the time the kid is 21 he can fly these things for hours, and maybe the pack will have a beer holder.

The Real Hip-Hop

2008-06-16T15:53:00.005-04:00

For some reason, everyone wants to cater to children. I never had no indie band singing to me from the pancake mountain on high. What gives?!? Kangaroo Alliance/ The Buddy System/ Kindercore of Athens, Georgia is new to the kiddy indie scene, and comes with a hilarious amount of cartoons with excessively immature aspects and sometimes guns!!!! Which is what motivated me to post these for you to enjoy and pass on to your children.

As a cool little tidbit of info, Kevin Barnes is involved (since kindercore is the label that used to exist and put out Of Montreal albums from 1998- 2001) and if this is the manifestation of his humor, animated, that makes these even better!

[And yes, that is Of Montreal's Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games]

Don't Hate Cuz its 2008

2008-06-05T18:00:00.003-04:00

I messed up, ok? I fucked around, got involved in some covert, Viet-ching chang-cong bullshit which in my minds eye is the equivalent of job hunting. "My B." In the time I've been gone, pop songs have jumped off, road trips have taken place, and full out jack moves have gone into full effect, but you prolly don't care none too much 'bout that, right? All you're concerned with is the content that was, and the content that was not, and how we can get back to the good old days. Well let's try to work something out.

I'm not promising anything- because i'll inevitably get busy and jump ship, and then you'll start with the "why big don't call me no more" references and things will get awkward AGAIN. So lets say this for starters. I'm sorry, but I'll try to take this back to the "weekend" roots it once had, so you can get yr info, yr jollies, and yr freshly squozen piece of whatever makes this blog interesting. If it was ever even remotely interesting. I'm gonna try to recommit.

and why say anything if someone has already said it better:

Bizack with Beef

2007-12-07T09:29:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time, I shouldnt'a left you, but I did...so lets please try to move past that. I promise that there are some things in the works that should regain your precious favor. For now, let us speak of beef, shall we?

The Clipse, my favorite VA beach coke rap duo seems to be at odds with Lil' Wayne. Wayne gave an interview with complex magazine and was all "The Clipse is tryin to be me, yada, yada, yada- beef- beef- beef". So the Clipse, in pun like fashion responded via a youtube clip. Check it out:

I'm Not A Thug

2007-11-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

We know that goes without sayin...I mean....I do have a blog, it's rather obvious that I'm more so the inverse of thug. Plastic Little, from Philadelphia aren't thugs either. Bullies maybe, but thugs they are not. They have just released their third single tittled what else but "I'm Not A Thug" in celebration of this fact, or mourning. Either way, they currently went to the UK to promote this new jam, so they wont be around the US too soon. To see if you enjoy this brand of brash and idiotic party music, viddy these two songs, to see how you fancy them (note the brit speak cuz their in the UK-holla):

Club Banger-

Dopeness-

Plastic Little myspace

A Huge Cry From Whoville

2007-11-20T12:52:00.000-05:00

Dang-flabit!

I was all set to go see The Grinch! Musical with my Christmastime friend, when a threat of a strike put those plans to an end.

Luckily for me, and my fellow Who's

the actors had a choice, and to not strike they did choose!

James Sanna, the producer of said adventure,

said he would keep the show open, to spread joy, merriment, and holiday splendor.

But all of a sudden, the producers' league silenced such jubilation,

and threatened the Grinch with a mild stipulation.

Those jerks and those monsters, those bastards abound,

are dedicated to the idea, of keeping The Grinch! on lock down.

The cast of the show, prevented from serving their function,

then slapped that damn league with a legal injunction!

But unfair and unjust as this fiscal malarkey still is,

those jerks and those suits have forgotten the kids.

So now we must wait, most likely past Christmas day,

much to the chagrin, tears ,and feverent dismay of not just of the audience, but those in the play.

So now that you know, perhaps change your plans? It's sad; not even Christmas can escape the grasp of "the man"....

Tis The Season Pt. 2

2007-11-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

Back to hints!

This group, is from the UK and will soon embark on a US tour. The band is said to have a very punk rock feel, and has been written up in Drowned In Sound Magazine.

Happy Hunting!

My First Anti-Def Jam Rant

2007-11-17T00:20:00.000-05:00

I love-love-love Def Jam for what they've done for hip-hops, so don't take this as hatin'. It's just that, they just released a rarities album that firstly, only contains 13 tracks, and secondly is limited to Nas, Ne-yo, Redman, Bobby Valentino (He's still releasing albums?), Rihanna, Fabolous, and one song from Method Man.

Oh, Ghostface doesn't have any outakes? Bullfunky! Jay-Z can release 5000000 underground tracks that I can search the internet for days to find, but if I buy an outakes album, I can't get one? I can't help but feel cheated. Maybe I've just come to expect more, or perhaps [more likely] I just haven't fully realized how corporate Def Jam has become. Weak.

The Cool- Revisited

2007-11-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

So its just snowballin from here. After the five post from yesterday alone on Lupe, now we have a tracklist. So you can make up raps in your head to pretend you can perceive what's going on to be this album. I'm hoping "Free Chilli" is about mexican penguins (it makes sense- don't judge), and that "Hello Goodbye" is not a Bealtes cover- because that could ruin Lupe for me...

Here yo go kids:
The Cool:

01 Iesha Poem
02 Free Chilly
03 Go Go Gadget Flow
04 The Coolest
05 Superstar [ft. Mathew Santos]
06 Paris Tokyo
07 High Definition [ft. Snoop Dogg and Pooh Bear]
08 Little Weapons
09 Hip-Hop Saved My Life [ft. Nikki Jean]
10 Gold Watch
11 Street on Fire [ft. Matthew Santos]
12 Hello Goodbye
13 Gotta Eat ["Perhaps the oddest song is 'Gotta Eat', which is apparently written from the perspective of a cheeseburger and is rife with food/life metaphors."]
14 Dumb It Down [ft. Gemini and Graham Burris]
15 The Die [ft. Gemini]
16 Put You on Game
17 Fighters [ft. Matthew Santos]
18 Go Baby Go

Mo things to mention-
The album is officially slated to come out December 18th, and boast production from Fall Out Boy singer Patrick Stump(GAH!), UNKLE, Chris & Drop, and Soundtrakk.

Also- word is that The Cool suggests that after this album, there will be one more release titled L.U.P.N., then Lupe's done with the game. But no more on that till an interview drops or the album is analyzed.

Mo' Magic

2007-11-15T15:54:00.000-05:00

It's been a post heavy day, and I hope that this will be the last one, so I can spend the rest of my day trying to find a job. So Mos Def- remember that dude? He released a record last year on Geffen, that only sold 86,000 copies, called Tru3 Magic. Well he's switchin gears, and jumpin ship, and is working on a new album on Downtown Recordings.

I was just talking shop with my boy Buzzed Recall about how Mos has had creative inconsistencies and fall's short of grace because of his dedication to his own craft rather than popular tastes. He is supposed to work with Kanye on this album, so I'm hopping that 'Ye can help tap into some solid expression, so that he can get the acclaim that he deserves. I just hope the sound doesn't get to glossy. Mos doesn't rock chains, or bust caps, or move weight, but he does spit hot fire. Here's to hopin!

I Did It My Way

2007-11-15T14:34:00.000-05:00

Jay-z speaks on his growing popularity at the open of "I Did It My Way"(the Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse) with "They have people, waitin at the airport like five days like I'm a Beatle or somethin" before he launches into a contemplative banger about his climb to fame. The track, backed by Paul Anka didn't warrant much thought at the time, and was dismissed as Hip-hop chauvinism. A week after the release of American Gangster, it seems that perhaps, Jay is a little more like a new age Beatle(looking past the Grey Album) than we could have ever imagined.

Jay just claimed the number one spot on the Billboard 200 list, for the 10th time in his career, ting him in second place with Elvis. Number one, with 19 number ones- Da Beatles. Now, don't get all guff, and think that I'm saying Jay is going to overshadow our beloved band, but I am saying he may quickly parallel their accomplishments. It's a dizzying thought , to consider one of our own, as in our lifetime, reaching such a historic and meaningful tier. Consider how we all muse and question how there will never be another group like the Beatles, and that their talent combined with their impact and marketability have changed how music is approached today. Lofty thoughts, ya dig? I just thought, for those who, like myself, want badly for hip-hop to have a significant and huge impact on culture globally, that this could be an exciting, as well as sobering thought. Hip-hop ain't just for the block anymore, its for the ages.

Nigga

2007-11-15T13:50:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Nas (and albums I forget to mention), the controversially titled Nigga is due out December 11th. I'm just going to stop saying "the list of albums you need to cop" because I keep sticking my blogger foot in my intermouth. I'm still lookin for word on the Fixer's album too, to add to that stupid list.

Anyway, Nas has proven to be at the helm of hip-hop consciousness, and this album will definitely help accent that. This clip is awesome because this poor white girl doesn't realize that regardless of what Nas may say, if she was talking about Nigga with any nigga, she would get those polka-dots stomped. Sorry sweetheart, those words ain't fo play-play, its really real.

It's a pretty charged debate surrounding the album, the word, and those polka-dots, but I'm gonna hold my opinion till after the 11th. Yay for social commentary!

Yes... He Was Still Fresh To Death

2007-11-15T12:55:00.000-05:00

After reading up more on Lupe's The Cool, I has ascertained that if you don't know what you're getting yourself into, this is gonna crack any mental processing you may have once been proud of. So you need some back story to properly prep you, and to prevent any brain from oozing from your cranial orifices.

On 2006's Food & Liquor, there was a track called "The Cool", which was a metaphoric tale of ghetto ills. The main character was essentially a hip-hop zombie that refused to die. Peep lyrics to catch up some.

Flash-forward to the album of the same name, and you have this image fleshed out, with complete metaphoric characters personifying unique aspects of our beloved hood. I've said in confidence what I feel confident of saying now- Lupe may be our new Nas, more evolved, and with a distance from the appeal of involvement in underhanded dealing. I'll include an explanation of each character on the album, provided by child rebel solider.

Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool - Cast of Characters

Lupe Fiasco (star/narrator/writer/director)
Born: 1982
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

Biography: Born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, Lupe Fiasco is a rarity in today’s record industry – an artist more concerned with creating timeless, not timely, music. After years of false-starting label deals and mixtape dominance, Fiasco broke through the mainstream’s shield in early 2006 with “Kick Push,” a breezy skateboarder’s ballad that only hinted at his lyrical wizardry. Such verbal gifts became crystal clear on his critically lauded debut, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor. Having brushed with fame while admirably maintaining his integrity, Fiasco is now taking his substance-over-style approach to new, conceptual levels on his sophomore effort, Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool.

Cool Points
- In 2005, Fiasco delivered a scene-stealing verse on Kanye West’s hit single, “Touch The Sky.”
- Fiasco was nominated for three Grammy Awards—Best Rap Solo Performance (“Kick Push”); Best Rap Song (“Kick Push”); and Best Rap Album (Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor).
- In addition to the Grammys, Fiasco was also honored at the 2007 BET Awards (Best New Artist nomination) and 2007 Soul Train Awards (Best New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist nomination for “I Gotcha”).
- His most nominations came at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards: Hip Hop CD of the Year (Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor); Hip Hop Video of the Year (“Kick Push”); Rookie of the Year; and Element Award – Lyricist of the Year.
- Through Atlantic Records, his homebase, Fiasco launched his own company, 1st & 15th Entertainment. His first artist (outside of his own projects) will be Gemini.
- In January 2006, Fiasco signed a deal with Reebok. As part of the footwear/apparel company’s “O.G.” campaign, he designed his own sneaker.
- GQ Magazine named Fiasco as the “Breakout Man of the Year” for 2006.

Michael Young History
Born: March 2006
Birthplace: Every Hood, USA

Biography: Since his early childhood days, Michael Young History was conflicted. Raised by a single, hard-working mother, History never really knew his father, a man who abandoned both History and his baby sister. This lack of paternal guidance turned an otherwise intelligent, promising boy into a drug-selling, money-grubbing Scarface-wannabe. Starting off as merely a petty crook, History’s torrid affair with his mentor’s (Game) wife, The Streets, sent him on a downward spiral of greed, deception, and, ultimately, death.

Cool Point
- An unabashed atheist, History anointed his own “holy trinity”—himself, Streets and The Cool.

The Cool
Resurrected: Amongst the undead since September 2006
Birthplace: Six feet under the Earth’s surface

Biography: The Cool is the physical manifestation of History’s debt to humanity. Payback for every user abused and every family torn apart by History, The Cool walks amongst the living as a zombie. “He” – that term used lightly, considering The Cool isn’t human – reeks of death, an ironic contrast to his polished three-piece-suit appearance. Searching for his purpose, The Cool haunts The Streets.

Cool Points
- His only possessions—two diamond earrings, a gold chain, and a letter from History’s eight-year-old sister.
- Despite the long-finished settling of rigor mortis, the sharp sensation of three bullets constantly causes aching in The Cool.
- Only one thought plays in his head like a broken record – “Hustler for death, no heaven for a gangster.”

The Game
Born: Given life the moment the snake suckered Adam and Eve
Birthplace: The Garden of Eden

Biography: An immortal, soulless entity, The Game scours city blocks and country landscapes with equal menace. Scheming from morning until night, he changes targets like the wind – hustlers, politicians, celebrities, and impressionable youth have all succumbed to his charms. His most valued accomplice is his wife, The Streets. Together, this “Bonnie and Clyde” duo have affected the lives of every man, woman, and child. The victim closest to their affections, however, was Michael Young History, a tortured man seeking acceptance through fame and fortune. Of course, nothing from The Game comes without a price.

Cool Points
- Quite convincing, his foolproof method of touching minds is through blunt fingertips.
- Through his wire-tapped ears, he’s able to hear the approaching of any enemy.
- When not hovering over common society, he lives behind bars, plotting ways to see his son, Heroine, and secretly conversing with his marital lover, The Streets.
- Despite carrying out such heartless actions, The Game does have a blood-pumping system – an amplified system pumping beats through woofer-like veins.

The Streets
Born: Conceived thousands of years ago, when the first paths and roads were paved.
Birthplace: Unknown

Biography: A temptress like none other, The Streets possesses an uncanny knack for seduction and betrayal. An equal opportunity heartbreaker, she exudes an allure irresistible to both men and women. Some have accused her of pedophilia, having lured people into her tangled web at ages as immature as eight years old. The word “love” isn’t in her vocabulary –although The Game is her admitted soulmate. Yet, The Streets has always felt a peculiarly strong connection with Michael Young History.

Cool Points
- Often referred to by her condemners as a “demon in a dress.”
- No stranger to loss, she’s tattooed the names of her murdered ex-boyfriends across her breasts.
- Her ambitions are clear upon eye contact, with dollar signs in the place of her pupils.
- Witnesses to History’s slaying reported seeing brown, almost Hennessy-colored tears roll down The Streets.

Philly Hip Hopness

2007-11-15T01:51:00.001-05:00

I lied. My mind slipped, and completely forgot to mention that Philly is comin back with such fervor that it hurts my spleen. So lets do a quick Illie Illadelph recap, to give love to the city that gives so much. Add these to the "Hot Releases of '07" list:

Freeway- Free At Last:
Freeway hasn't dropped a record since 2003's Philadelphia Freeway. This album, which comes out November 20th, 2007, will hopefully solidify Free in the annals of the Hip-hop's. It's been a long time comin for him, so in the very least, he's got something to say.

Spank Rock's Bangers & Cash:
This album came out early October, but it warrants mention because its just soo nasty. It's a Spank Rock meets 2liveCrew EP, and it's everything you love about dirtty Baltimore influenced club music with Philly's- "I'm the most ugly city and I don't care attitude". Plus- any man who can have fisticuffs with Jared Leto is okay in my book.

Beanie Sigle- The Solution:
I mentioned this earlier, but due out in December is the 4th effort from the Broad St. Bully. Beans has continued to progress, with each effort outshining his previous achievement. It's to be released close to a month after Freeway's album, and should anchor Philadelphia rappers return to supremacy at years end.

Peedi Peedi- Prince of The Roc: Roc Star
So this is just a rumor, but State Property prince Peedie Crakk is supposed to release a project in the winter of 2007. I'll put up more of this once I get the chance, but since there isn't much info on this, I'm obviously not gonna do it now. This is a "wait and seee" kinda deal.

Daytona 500

2007-11-14T04:39:00.000-05:00

To help prove that Ghostface is illie, and to add to my random 4:40 am post list, check how fantastic this video is. It just compounds amazing music with cartoon love. Isn't that what it's all about?

The Cool

2007-11-14T04:11:00.000-05:00

I've talked at length about 8 Diagrams, and now I'm speaking tons about the Big Doe Rehab. To complete the "must cop" list for 2007, I must add Lupe Fiasco's sophomore effort, The Cool. If you hit up the web page for Mr. FnF (First n' Fifteenth for those not "down") you'll be greeted by:

"Demon in a dress, dollar signs in her eyes's. They say the Game has the belly of the beast, blunts for fingers and hollow tips for teeth. Hustler for death, No heaven for a gangster..."

Then all that follows is that the album may or may not be released on November 20th. After a little fact checking, it seems December 18th is the true date, so I suppose its cool to keep us beloved fans in the dark. If you head to the website you can get a listen of the single "Superstar", which I'm sure you've all heard by now anyway. Other than that, Lupe's web presence is a little lacking.

Whether the end of November or early December, this release shall end out the drool worthy albums of '07. I mean we're still waiting on a Localized Phenomenon album, but that's a completely different league. So keep tight, eyes peeled, and your grip in hand. The end of 2007 is gonna be worth tossin down a stack for.

Respect Yo'Self!

2007-11-13T00:16:00.000-05:00

Holy-Bliz-blam, its Tuesday! So, with each dawn (or clock rotation past 12 am) comes a new post, ya dig?
And for you all, funk loving blog readers, I give you, Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story.

So we all love funk, but few know the detailed past. Or, if you do, then fine, shut up and let me finish posting! Any way, this hour and 54 minute retrospective shows the back history and development of the Memphis sound. Stax is responsible for a linage of hits you may not even be aware of, and I quote:

Stax quickly became a hit-making machine, producing a massive catalog of Top 100 records that defined the "Memphis Sound;" such as "Soul Man," "(Sittin On) The Dock Of The Bay," "Green Onions," "Midnight Hour," "I'll Take You There," "Respect Yourself," "Theme from Shaft" and many more. Stax also launched the careers of a who's-who of soul music greats: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, The Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd, Carla and Rufus Thomas, Albert King and Booker T. and the MGs, to name just a few.

While we all can most likely break these songs out on a whim at some dank karaoke bar, knowing the past will prove helpful during rousing games of trivial pursuit, or indie trivia at Soundfix. So check out the DVD, learn about shaft, and then make smooth love, or something. Right on.

Check Out The Check In

2007-11-12T23:38:00.000-05:00

With the last few minutes of Monday rapidly spilling into Tuesday morning, I need to throw this post up to regain some of that "post a day" steam that I was building. So, I figure what better way then to rope that up with one of those old fashion recap posts? So lets have at it.

First, with all the Kanye criticism I drop on this page, I must send out my deepest condolences to Kanye with the loss of his mother. Mom Dukes are important, and Dr. Momma West is of course no exception. So Kanye- I'm sorry about your moment of mourning.

Also- Norman Mailer, I'm sorry to see you go too dude. You have helped me in this past year develop ideas, and I appreciate your contribution to journalism.

So- enough morose news. Last night, I had the opportunity to see MC Frontalot, a nerdcore rapper, at the Knitting Factory. Nerdcore is so awesome and disarming. I kind of felt at home, but also like I was in middle school. Also, I stood behind the sexually active band kids...so that was weird. Regardless of the excess of wide hipped gyrating, and foggy glasses (one of those pairs were mine), the lyrics were actually pretty decent, and beats quite slammin. Of course there was lots of reference to computers, good grammar, and video games, some of which were over my head (thank goodness), but there were also songs that dealt with homosexuality and acceptance, which is an aspect that mainstream hip-hop completely ignores. I suggest checking out the music before just showing up, to mentally prep yourself, but if you're looking for a change....this is definitely a change.

Last piece of news- Big Doe Rehab, remember (scroll down)? Well, it seems like Ghostface, da god, has taken over the Brooklyn Bodega, and will be blogging on a regular basis. Ghost- who's lyrics are tightly connected, and imagery is so vivid, you need to check your ears for shrapnel - will be chronicling his day to day in the Big Doe Rehab, up until the album drops on December 4th. The stories are already hilarious, so if you have the time to check on it each day, it should prove more than entertaining. Plus, I mean, its Ghostface, what more do you want?

That's it for today- Hope I'm back in your good graces!

The Big Doe Rehab

2007-11-09T02:09:00.000-05:00

So Ghostface kicked it with Amy Winehouse, and now he's speaking on rehab. This album, The Big Doe Rehab, which pushed back the release of the Wu-tangs album 8 Diagrams, looks pretty tough from album art alone, but we all know the old adage about judging an album by the amount of franklins on the cover...or something like that. Stacks aside- I hope its worth pushing back the Wu-album, and dare i say better than Fishscale & Mo' Fish, which may be asking a lot.

In other Wu related news- Raekwon is cookin up some beef with Rza, Sohh.com reports. Apparently, a little disgruntled over the structures of 8 Diagram's beats, and how they are too guitar based, which isn't what the Wu is about. "So much so that they will come out with a follow-up album if changes aren't made to this one, or of it's not permanently shelved" (SOHH).

I just need this album to drop. Wu needs to handle the whatever in house, because after all this press, if the album doen't make every laptop and cd player explode simultaneously, someone is going to "put a hanger on a fuckin stove and let that shit sit there for like a half hour and take it off and stick it in their collective careers slow like -Tssssssss"

Born In The North, And Sworn To Entertain Ya, Cuz I'm Down With The State Of Pennsylvania

2007-11-08T17:05:00.000-05:00

If I had to pick a state that I love other than NJ- it would be Pennsylvania. Pa, in trying to give its people more opportunities for careers has come out with a new, innovative campaign, hailing the health care industry as the most happenin industry to get dizz-own with.

Seriously, its a matter of pure genious, although it's considered "one of the strangest uses of $4,157 in taxpayer money in Pennsylvania history". I wonder why....

Check out the full story at philly.com.

Hip-Hop That Warms The Soul

2007-11-08T14:23:00.001-05:00

There's no post to go along with this pic- it just makes me smile...

Mo Money, Mo Problems

2007-11-08T12:49:00.000-05:00

It's tough being a hipster, or so I hear. There just aren't enough dive bars and American
Apparel's to spend your freelance cash on. Not to mention, you can only have soo many tri-colored pairs of sunglasses. Luckily, for the hipster planning for the future, there is now a mutual fund for you to dump your bonus cash into. The fund, run by hipsters, for hipsters, is called The GendeX™ Thrasher Funds.

The minimum investment is $100 with $50/month minimum "Automatic Investment Plan (AIP)." If you're one of those ballin hipsters, a $2,500 initial investment, there is no need for an AIP. So if yr real hood, but yr duckets ain't, check it out. Or at least friend them on myspace.

Tis the Season?

2007-11-01T17:26:00.000-04:00

With Halloween's wake washing up on November's shores, I'm more than ready to flash forward to the end of the month, and get down with the holiday get down. So, I wanted to start the festivities early by putting ya'lls hip to the NYC surprise that's going on in the first few days of December. Hizzah for seasonal scavenger hunts!

I'll try to do a hit every week up until the day, but no promises.And although this blog can be excessively lame at times, I promise you, this wont be.

First hint: The event has to do with music, and said music comes from a group. Sorry, but this is not the official location of Tupac, living amongst us. Keep your peepers peeled.

Exit Music (For A Film)

2007-11-01T16:17:00.000-04:00

While perusing the internets during a "mental break" at work, I stumbled across a film exhibition that will soon be ending at the MoMa. By soon, I mean in December, but we all know how quickly months can get away from us. As the mercury lowers in your thermometers, now is the time to find ideal indoor activities, and this one is pretty clutch. The deal, is essentially this, MoMa will close its Disney-esk video vault for some period of time, which makes this window of opportunity all that more valuable. I snagged a brief summary of how dope this is from going.com:

Founded in 1935 as the Film Library, this department's collection now includes more than 22,000 films and four million film stills; the strongest international film collection in the United States, it incorporates all periods and genres. Among the holdings are original negatives of the Biograph and Edison companies, and the world's largest collection of D. W. Griffith films. The film collection is stored in the Museum's Celeste Bartos Film Preservation Center, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in June 1996. The Department's video collection, begun in 1970, includes some 1,000 works dating from the 1960s to the present, ranging from educational pieces and broadcast documentaries to works by video artists.

All you do is pay the admission cost, scuttle your butt in there, and get your film pimp hand strong. Check out the MoMa page for specifics on the films and screening dates & times, but be prepared to be blown away by the expansive collect. Blockbuster, Netfix, and Hollywood Video, you have been shamed.

Wake Up, Mr. West!

2007-10-29T12:41:00.000-04:00

I swear, that Kanye blog provides so much Kanye news its, Kanye-tastic! But, still I feel, its never enough (just like with my sarcasm, there is just never enough). So, to soothe the baited Kan-atics, Mr. West is hittin us with tomes of pontification. Well, maybe not tomes, but he is releasing a book. Giz-gasp you say? Verily.

Thank You And You're Welcome, co-authored by J. Sakiya Sandifer will be gracing shelves just in time for Christmas( I'm asking for two copies!), and provides us "an entertaining volume of 'Kanye-isms'—the creative, humorous and insightful philosophies and anecdotes used in creating my path to success." (LOLZ)

As emotive as his music is, we can only expect grandiloquence with a liberal dash of megalomania (zam!), but in text form. Hopefully, there will be descriptions of his time in college, then his historic dropout, then rise to critical acclaim. Although, if its a drawn out transcription of his song "Last Call", I'll be hella pissed, fo realla.

The Solution

2007-10-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

Beanie Sigel has held me down since grade school. He is probably one of my favourite things about Philly, and today I learned he's to release a new album on December 11th on State Property/ Roc-a-Fella Records called The Solution. I have been pitching a story around about Philly (sorry, but I'm not giving away details), so this only adds fuel to my desire. Too add on to the awesomeness of Beanie, he has auditioned for the role of the Notorious one in his upcoming biopic. So gully!

Word from pitchspork is that he brings the same feeling and energy to B.I.G., that Jamie Foxx brought to Ray, so I'm keeping my fingers locked in "eastside" position in hopes that Beans does his duty and kills that movie!

Oink- Whats The Beef?

2007-10-25T22:59:00.000-04:00

If you are in the very smallest capacity aware of the existence of the internets, you should then be mildly aware of downloading music, however pesky it may be. On Tuesday, news broke from every blogger, writer, and tech geek, that Oink, the international files sharing p2p site, was shutdown by interpol and a whole slew of gangbusting international...pigs( please just enjoy the subtle irony). Some argue that it was completely legal, mostly those who are pooping themselves over jail time, while those on the other side of the interrogation table suggest this was the biggest international bust in the history of the interwebs downloading fiasco.

Regardless of which team you're on, certain concessions should be made. Yes, this was a sharing site, between a large network of friends, with one of the largest musical libraries know to man (no offence library of congress), but with it's leaking of 60 albums just in this year, and with potential donations being made, money was changing hands and record companies we're getting got. Then, stereogum, with all of the nerd power of at least 4 MIT students, dropped a post today, that I feel warrants circulation. They have provided an interesting blueprint for a musical library that gives a breakdown of music format by bit (FLAC toward mp3), which could be an excellent compromise.

Hows I sees it, we can't let these international bodies bully us around, but we can't expect to just get music for free. Sorry. But while those who download and steal tons of music would like to suggest that the people on the production side of music are ripping us off, they also rip off the engineers and the singers, so not paying for music, wont directly affect those already rich, but it will cripple the people actually creating our beloved medium. So take a look at that breakdown on stereogum. Talk about it at work, in the car, online, and at your local music emporium. Meanwhile, I'm going to try and find somewhere to download the new Jay-z album. Later!

Robots Look Sick In The Turning Lane

2007-10-25T14:59:00.000-04:00

While the homework dedicated robo is still in the works, the "Drivin Ms. Daisy" robot just dropped into 3rd gear and blew past you, while you sat in your VW contemplating yr navel. Wired just posted the funky fresh- mad science on the Pentagon sponsored Urban Challenge race. I kind of feel like this is a front, because when was the last time the Pentagon cared about the hood? Essentially, this is the next step in a ghetto invasion, and the only fools they could get to go into dilapidated housing projects were those with artificial intelligence (AI). Those poor robo-bastards.

The Urban Challenge on November 3, offers a $3.5 million purse, and goes toward the development of robotic cars for driving in urban situations. Robots that prevent jack-moves. Darp, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is the acronym-ed geek squad responsible, and clearly they have be swirllied enough to fight back, with the power of Voltron!

Robot jokes aside, tho I do love them, this is an interesting development in AI, but I can't help but feel a tad cautious of this scheme. Did we not learn anything from that Will Smith movie (not the one about being poor- the other one)?

If you'd fancy to keep updated on this, wired news will be live blogging the event from October 26 until its end on November 3rd. The future is now!

Urban Boogie

2007-10-23T23:08:00.000-04:00

It's not quite Dr. O'Boogie, but it might as well be, because this Kanye West mixtape I came across makes me giddy with glossy beat joy. And to think, Kanye would actually use his blog to give me free music. Golly, he's generous! Check it out for awesome stuff-fo free. And while in the Roc-a Fella music vibe, and just transferring info from Stereogum, check out the Blue Magic* video. Its...er.. magical.

*Note- Blue Magic is not a Roc affiliated cereal.

Happy Feet

2007-10-22T13:08:00.000-04:00

After posting those last viddies on dances from the south, I feel like continuing to introduce you all to new dancing is my duty to help yalls shake your collective booties. So this next clip is from Houston, I think. I doubt I'll ever be able to dance like this, but in hopes that you will, I bring you da feets:

Sufjan Stevens Is The New Nas

2007-10-19T11:44:00.000-04:00

Mid-day post & topic for yalls to consider:

Sufjan Stevens, in a recent interview with Stereogum, says that Rock ' n' roll done straight up, kicked off. I'm not going to support this nor tramp this comment till I let it simmer, but sense you lovely readers out there are music aware, what do you think? I realize that I'm kind of "borrowing" this conversation from Stereogum, but I doubt Scott will mind. Plus- we don;t talk as much as we used to, yous and I, so lets have at it. Here's an excerpt from Stevens rock diss:

"Rock and roll is dead,” he says, voluble again. “Rock and roll is a museum piece. It has no viability anymore. There are great rock bands today—I love the White Stripes, I love the Raconteurs. But it’s a museum piece. You’re watching the History Channel when you go to these clubs. They’re just reenacting an old sentiment. They’re channeling the ghosts of that era—the Who, punk rock, the Sex Pistols, whatever. It’s been done. The rebellion’s over.

Discuss!

Friday- CMJ!

2007-10-19T09:17:00.000-04:00

The end is in sight! This has been a tough week for me, but hopefully, I'll make it out alive. This is just a quick post before I jump into the Friday fray. Things to go to today are:
Planetary Group Showcase @ Piano's 1-6 (Badge or guestlist needed)
Def Jux Showcase @ The Williamsburg Music Hall (same deal)- starts at 8ish
Hollywood Holt and Chicago Night @ Arlene's Grocery (ditto) Starts at 7ish
*Mystery Bonus....

Have a good day!

No Man Is The Islands, But Natalie Portman Is Forever

2007-10-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

Last night has added to the awesomeness of this week. I was invited to the Rotter and Friends Clothing line party, where I told some Natalie Portman looking woman how much she looked like Natalie Portman. Come to find out, it was Natalie (we're so on a first name basis now), and that I'm just horrid with noticing what "real" (hyper-real) celebrities look like. Zoinks!

After that embarrassment- I fled to the Highline Ballroom to see Islands play. The band is always evolving, and it's really becoming more musically intricate as they mature. They played mostly new songs with a few old hits peppered into the lineup. Two more picks of Nick T., Island's frontman, for you guys, then I'm off to get this train wreck started again!

The Teeth @ White Rabbit

2007-10-18T17:15:00.000-04:00

Yay verily for leaving work to go see bands! Instead lunch today, I stepped out to go see one of my favorite Philly bands, the Teeth at the White Rabbit bar located at 145 Houston, which was sponsored by the Gothamist. Drinks were drank, songs were sang and lamps ...were broken.

Brian Ashby, played one of the best shows I've ever seen him play, and peter is growing a pretty wicked mustache. To check this out for yourself, if you're in the NYC area, you can see them on Saturday at Piano's at the Park The Van Showcase. 9 o'clock fools!

I would have taken my own pics, but in my haste to peace from work, I left it in my bag. Oh Wellz. More photo CMJ update fun to come! Whoooooo

I'll See You At The Show

2007-10-17T09:16:00.000-04:00

Last summer I saw Lifetime at the Bowery, and it was awesome. Last night, I saw Lifetime, AND the Bouncing Souls at Webster Hall. That was even mo better. Lifetime's set was not as good as it was last year, although the pit was better, but I'm really glad I got a chance to see them. With Lifetime, there are always rumours that each newly announced tour will be their last, so each time I go to see them (or these past two times) I feel like the experience is quantified by sentimentality. More still, the Bouncing Souls first tour was with Lifetime, in '93, I believe, and if Lifetime's last tour is with the Bouncing Souls, that seems to make this Jersey love thing that much sweeter. Also- I am getting so much better at taking show pictures (The one to the right is Ari Katz, Lifetime lead)!

I have no clue what shows I have in queue for today, but Last night definitely started this week off on the best foot. Check out Buzzed Recollection for other show postings and CMJ info.

Brooklyn Bodega

2007-10-16T10:18:00.000-04:00

Before we go any further into this semana de CMJ I wanted to introduce you all to another musical outlet of the hip-hop persuasion. "But Eavvon, all you do is talk about hip-hop" Meh, get over it. I do enough work in other genres to give me a point of reference, but we all know where the love be at. So, I bring you the Brooklyn Bodgea. I promise I'll try to get some non-hip-hop content up here soon, I mean- it is CMJ week. So Check out this video from BET on the Bodega, and I'm going to go try and attack with week with full force. Posts tonight, I'm sure.

Cosby Is The New Cosby

2007-10-15T14:10:00.000-04:00

Bill Cosby is passionately telling anyone willing to listen about how Hip-Hop is destroying America. He is undoubtedly supported by a portion of academia, the church, and several political leaders, and my parents. While I respect Cosby for his attempts towards correcting the ills of our society, I feel that his target of my beloved hip-hop is unfair, and poorly researched.

Bill talks about how the lyrics of "urban music" propagates violence and self hate to the masses. And yes, to an extent, this is true. However, those artists who are at the root of hip-hop (Jay-z, Nas, Lupe, Rakim, Tupac) are not trying to sell a story, but tell a reality they have experienced. Cosby says that record execs are trying to sell this violent lifestyle, and that, I completely agree with. There is not a large assortment of truly prolific emcees, and in order to make a profit on such a relatable art form, phonies have to materialize to appease the demand. So, Dr. Huxtable, re-target your rage toward a bigger beast- consumerism. I'm sure its a huge feat, but that's really what keeps ghetto youths impoverished and angry. And that anger sometimes can be expressed non-violently, and needs a creative outlet, and that outlet is what hip-hop is rooted in.

Check out these clips from Meet The Press:

Listen to some Hip-hop Bill, then get back to us.

CMJ

2007-10-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

Is it CMJ time already?!

Yes-obviously, or I wouldn't be posting this. There are tons-o-showcases and events happing in any and every available space in NYC. I, in classic procrastination fashion, have yet to figure out which I'm going to, and have only now started to compile my guest spots. I'll try my darndest to post re-caps of everything I attend, and we'll just have to leave it at that. I'll link up the CMJ show list so you can try to get to your favorite chuck wearing heartthrob, and I guess I'll sees ya when I sees ya!

And My Weekends Are So Blue Without You

2007-10-12T17:24:00.000-04:00

Ah the weekend. I can honestly say that I don't really that it will exist for me this go around. All this pre-CMJ hubbub has got me teetering on the clogged artery side of a conniption. But that's no reason for you kids not to have a good time!

On Saturday, there is a pretty jumpin jamboree going on at Royal Oak. RSVP through going.com for free admission. And on Sunday, for those looking to breathe in those oh so familar fall-tastic sentiments, there is some knitting factory festivities that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The CMJ holiday, of course. See you on the other side of the weekend!

Crank Dat "___________" Hoe!

2007-10-11T23:55:00.000-04:00

As I grow older, I realize that I'm probably no longer a part of "youth culture" like I once was. Le Sigh. When I was younger, my sister and I used to practice the latest two-step till we got yelled at for blasting "Bam-a-lam" music, instead of learndin them books. We were north east kids, so the steps were a lot different than those that my cousins in the south were learning. Now that my sister goes to school in North Carolina, she is reporting back on how crazy some of those steps are. Since I fear that you readers may at some point find yourselves in a situation where two-stepping may be done, I don't want yall to look like fools (even though, if you pull off these dance, it will be inevitable). That's why I'm bringing you the "Crank Dat Tutorial".

All of these dances are pretty simple, and get more outlandish as you add your own personal flair to them. Thanks to the power of youtube, and the "hip-hops" evolving marketability, MC's now only need to package a dance, to a simple, straight to ringtone beat, and you're a star. Ask Soulja Boy.

So first, The Lion King:

The Superman:

The Spiderman:

And Finally, The Batman:

I hope this was informative, if not just hilarious. I'm so practicing as we speak.

It's A God Awful, Small Affair

2007-10-11T19:36:00.000-04:00

Well, the date is set, and I'm currently in the early stages of trying to lock down a TV set for me to watch David Bowie's appearance on Spongebob Square Pants! November 11th is the date, and I will be eagerly awaiting it. I don't care how lame this post is, its the little things that keep you going. Bowie is so awesome.

His awesomeness was only upped by the fact that he just recently gave $10,000 to the Jena 6 legal defense fund. He just keeps giving, yay verily.

I don't know how I feel about this Bowie animation though. Its name is Lord Royal Highness, from the episode "SpongeBob’s Atlantis SquarePantis." Bowie would never wear that shade of lipstick, honestly.

Just Another Reason For You To Become Famous

2007-10-11T17:32:00.000-04:00

I'm a pretty big fan of Taco Bell. Their cheap-0 taco menu is partially the reason I haven't kicked off, yet. Apparently, if your a famous musician, Taco Bell may approach you, ask you why you love Taco Bell, and if your response is good enough, you get $500 dollars worth of Taco Bell food. I could live for years off of that! So, to my budding starlet friends, get famous fast, so we can celebrate your rocketing album sales over seven layer burritos. [Source]

To help with this, please check out Jenell & the Yets & Hello Tokyo

Album Teaser:

A Fear Of CBS Robots

2007-10-11T15:45:00.000-04:00

I used to be a huge fan of last.fm. It made me feel closer to my already close friends, because it reaffirmed our musical similarities, while also showing the minor difference in tastes that help relationships grown. Last.fm not only showed us what we listened to, but what other artists we may be interested in. Then, oddly enough, we all slowly started flaking from the page, and while some are still consistent users, we're not fawning over it like we once were. My pal, who knows his products, has never participated, because of this suggestive capability.

"I'm scared of robots, Sir. I'm afraid they will take over the world, but also I harbor a secret longing for a robot of my very own. I would name him Roy and let him do my homework. I would teach him to play catch with me.
Likewise, I'm very skeptical of sites like Pandora and Last.fm. Its one thing to try and say guess what people might like, but to make a science out of it, it goes against what i believe my connection to music is. I want hearing a great song to be magical not mathematical. I'm not very good at math though. Maybe if I was, this would be less frightening."

Well, this fear just became legitimized, and maths a lot more intimidating. In May of this year ('07), CBS purchased Last.fm for 280 Million bucks, yet let it exist as its own entity whist the educated round table of chair-people tried to figure out what exactly to do with it. I assume the conversation went something like :
"Hey, err Moonves.....what's a scrobbler?" "Da...no clue, Redstone, a badly drawn internets picture?" It was either that or some trite joke about no one knowing what a Mana-mana is.

In either case, now CBS Broadcasting, Inc. can pump your itunes full of CBS friendly music (Will Dailey), which means if you value your sanity, you should probably just bow out now. Sorry kids.

Wes' Hip Hop Posts Save My Life (And Possibly Yours)

2007-10-11T13:45:00.000-04:00

I won't try to hide my love for the urban genres. Rap grew me, so to speak, so It's only right that I love it back. Apparently. Wes- the dude from Brooklyn Vegan, who I've ganked content from before, is sitting on the same beat brazened stoop. On that day I drank fancy, $ 40 water with Masta Killa, Wes was there. When I was wedged between 50 billion hot, sweaty Wu-Tang fans at Rock the Bells...Wes was back stage. He clearly has the upper hand on me, but I'm not mad, cuz I just downloaded a new Styles P mix tape thanks to that dude, and I couldn't be happier. So yes- I'm essentially telling you to check out Wes, if you don't already- because he may have more street cred than any other person from the Netherlands that know.

Rembrandt Is So Much More Than Just A Toothpaste

2007-10-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

It's true, there was actually an artist from the 1600's who is pretty popular for his work. He's having a showing of some of his work at the MET, so he must have some clout! I've been meaning to get to the met for a while, but apparently, the music industry is uber busy during these fall months which means I'll be lucky to get a decent 4 hours squared of sleep during the week. I wish that was an exaggeration. To any of you blokes with spare time, and a little spare change, hit up the Met and culture yourselves enough to compensate for us chumps who's social life isn't as lasting as Rembrandt's popularity.

Back to the Block

2007-10-10T02:37:00.000-04:00

So Jay's back to the block, posted up like a Dough Boy, and he's all about the Roc, and the rock, and those C's, boys. And we all have American Gangster (the movie) to thank for American Gangster (the album) from the foremost authority on American Gangsters (J-Hov).

After coming in from almost getting jumped by my very own Crown Heights gangster, and FINALLY setting up internet access in my place, I sat down and read the AllHipHop.com article on the listening party for the album. It blew my mind. The movie, which is to be released November third, inspired Mr. Carter, and reminded him of the good old days of slangin weight. How sentimental! The album will drop three days later (the 6th for those keeping track) and if AHH's ability to convey excitement is worth anything, and the rumours are true, and that mythical creek don't rise, then this could very well (deep breath) be Jay'z best album. Of course it's best to reserve judgement, but I'm just keepin my fingers crossed. Here is a trailer for the "Blue Magic" release, which I posted on last week. And just as a friendly reminder- get the new Radiohead album today! Laters.

K-Fed's The New Bill Cosby

2007-10-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

Since, much like Matt, I don't really feel the need to watch TV. I catch up on the weekend's "highlights" by checking out the internets the next day or whenever I actually have internet access. SNL used to be pretty crappy for a while, but now they seem to be back in rare form. This weekend's K-fed monologue was pretty on point, so while you all work on the Windsor Knot, or starch blouses...or check blogs in your pajamas, gander at this:

First I'm Gonna Getcha, Once I Gotcha, I Gat-Cha

2007-10-05T16:25:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, I get bored. Hardcore. And need some form of adventure in my life. For this weekend, I've been plotting some funtivities to help uproot me from my funk. Tomorrow in Dumbo, I'm going to go checkout the Hip-Hop Honors panels at the Powerhouse Arena. If you're as big of a Hip-hop nerd as I, then this is surely something you'll be interested in. It's a two dayer and the talks cover the transition of Hip-Hop from the 80's to now, as well as a special talk on A Tribe Called Quest.

Later Saturday, Hello Tokyo will be playing a show at Crash Mansion. If you click on this you will be able to rsvp and go for free! Power Pop to the rescue of an otherwise, potentially boring Saturday evening. Hizzahs abound!

There are some other plots I'm...err...plotting, but until I'm sure I'll keep them under wraps. See you kids on the other side of the weekend!

Powerhouse Hip-Hop Honors line up
Hello Tokyo Myspace
Hello Tokyo Homepage

Flux

2007-10-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

I heart bloc party. Matt Tong is sick on the drums, and Kele Okereke has some pretty mind blowing vocals. I listen to Silent Alarm on a regular basis, and even though A Weekend In The City was not at all what I wanted, it was still a pretty decent release. These blokes have just released a new single "Flux" and played it on Conan. Pretty sweet, I say. Pretty sweet.

The RIAA Is NOT Your Friend....

2007-10-05T10:54:00.000-04:00

So, peep game. Brooklyn Vegan and the AP broke the story that the first court case in relation to downloading music resulted in Jammie Thomas, 30, being ordered to pay RIAA $220,000! DAMNS. Everyone is pushing the single mother bit, that its unfair that a single income-single mom is now going to have to pay off the RIAA for the rest of her life. I think its just ridiculous that anyone would have to pay this period, let alone a single mommy.

Thomas turned down a several thousand dollar settlement, because she wasn't gonna let the man keep her down...which, in hindsight, looks like a bad career decision. Keep your head up Jammie!

Im A Gigolo?

2007-10-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to try and hide my dislike for Nick Cannon. You can say I'm a hater, or whatever, but I don't think he's funny (neither does Dave Chappelle), and his TV show's make daytime television respectable. His rapping career is laughable, and his acting career...oh, -what? Huh? You didn't know he was an actor?

Exactly.

The one thing that did win my respect, was that his wife, Selita Ebanks is one of the most beautiful women on earth, and grounded, and any man that could have her love, can't be all bad. And now that they just got divorced, and Alica Keys doesn't seem to be interested in me- I'm back in the game! WOOOOO!

So, Nick, thanks for being equally horrid at everything. [source]

"Phillies" Where I'm From

2007-10-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

I was born in Philadelphia.
I love that town.
I was raised, much to the chagrin of my chums, on Atlanta Braves baseball. None of that front running nonsense. The first time I was hit with a baseball, it was in the ATL. When I got my first batter's helmet to protect my still soft skull, there was an white A on the front, with navy blue backing and a red bill. When the Braves were awesome, and Philly was stinktown, I never flaunted it, because that just wrong. And now, when the Philles make it further than my beloved Braves, I ain't bitter. I just hope that all the violence and anger of the city of brotherly love is bottled up, then beat against the brow of phillies opponents. Much like in this clip:

Good Luck today v Colorado.

You're The One For Me, Fatty

2007-10-02T15:54:00.000-04:00

So Moz, Morrissey, the Don-Dadda of of the pompadour, is releasing another album in 2008. But hold that swoon, lest we forget when he canceled on us north easterners because he was "sick". I love Morrisseey a much as the next insecure, emotional young adult, but I'm not going to let some shinny suited jerk win back my adoration just by releasing an album! No, sir! We shall wait til September 2008 to see what's what. Waited with baited breath, and a slight forlorn sigh.

Rainbows!

2007-10-02T15:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, news broke about Radioheads new album being relased on the 10th [of October]. I'm a big Radiohead fan- but for some reason, the excitement didn't hit me at all yesterday. I talked about it some when I got home, with my roommate, but I still wasn't excited. Then Bayyyah!, all of a sudden, its christmas eve in my head, and all i want is for me to wake up so I can get my hands on this album. A little part of me is all "what if it sucks, what if it sucks?!!" but upon refrencing the Radiohead catalogue- that just isn't possible. So let me provide you with the spec for our potential orders, and trust that my christmast list got $80 more expensive.

Da Breakdown-

"THIS CONSISTS OF THE NEW ALBUM, IN RAINBOWS, ON CD AND ON 2 X 12 INCH HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL RECORDS.A SECOND, ENHANCED CD CONTAINS MORE NEW SONGS, ALONG WITH DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND ARTWORK.THE DISCBOX ALSO INCLUDES ARTWORK AND LYRIC BOOKLETS.ALL ARE ENCASED IN A HARDBACK BOOK AND SLIPCASE.THE ALBUM DOWNLOAD AUTOMATICALLY COMES WITH THIS PACK."

for the more furgal, non-christmas celebrating consumer:

Download only copies can be purchased for a suggested price. So its like the Brooklyn Museum on a Sunday!

Here's the tracklist:

CD one and vinyl:

01 15 STEP

02 BODYSNATCHERS

03 NUDE

04 WEIRD FISHES/Arprggi

05 All I Need

06 FAUST ARP

07 RECKONER

08 HOUSE OF CARDS

09 JIGSAW FALLING INTO PLACE

10 VIDEOTAPE

CD two and vinyl:

01 MK 1

02 DOWN IS THE NEW UP

03 GO SLOWLY

04 MK 2

05 LAST FLOWERS

06 UP ON THE LADDER

07 BANGERS AND MASH

08 4 MINUTE WARNING

Heat Is On -Good Morning, Saigon

2007-10-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

Back when I had cable- or when Uptown and I would watch TVD's, we were big fans of Entourage. If you're at all familiar with the show, then you'd probably be D' to the character/ real-life rapper, Saigon. He was introduced forever ago, and just now has set an album release date. From what I've heard, I'm not expecting a smash, but I do hope there is a resulting component on the show from when da bombs of Saigon are reveled to be duds. And he's releasing it on Jay-Z's birthday (December 4), of all days!!

I Stay G'd Up, Like the First Day Of School

2007-10-02T12:12:00.000-04:00

It's a little brisk in my multi-boroughed city. And I'm without a coat. When I moved up here in the summer, I figured I would have a full time job, mininal salary, and significant closet space. Well, none of those dreams came true, but I wont let it get me blue-because the wind chill will undoubtedly take care of any bluing of both my temperament and body temp. But to my coatless brethren of the 215/718, don't fear! Robert Graham is having a sample sale. Let a chorus of "Heey, hey, heyyys" raise to the heavens, because those still dressed for summer (or a global warming induced fall) can be clothed in fine linens and kerchiefs.

From today until the 4th of October, at 264 West 40th St., 14th fl. (btw. 7th and 8th Ave we can all shuffle in, and move right out without too much guilt, but tons of instant gratification, or in the very least, a coat. Prices will be dropped 70%- mens shirts are rumored to be taken from $200 to $40 (Diz-Damn!) and even the ladies can cop coats for 70 woolongs.

It is a very good day.

Books Ahoy! (Libraries-the New Book Store)

2007-10-01T18:07:00.000-04:00

Joey Coombe, my West Coast correspondent, has just informed me that libraries are now lending books free of charge. Libraries "have turned the literary world upside down. For no monthly fee you can have up to 10 books out a time and as you return them you will be allowed to check out more. choose from new releases, bestsellers even classics." The amount of books allowed per check out, varies from library to library, but it is relatively consistent that these places do in fact exist, and have done so with little public attention.

Upon further investigation, Joey has uncovered, what many had believed to be urban legends, and the rules that bind such institutions. Albeit an ingenious concept, there are still slight kinks in this fence of learning. "We know that libraries have limited shelf space and must be sure that the books they carry are going to get borrowed, so rare or older titles may not be included in their collections. In addition, everyone knows how difficult it can be to borrow a bestseller or new release from the library based on limited availability and long waiting lists. Why put your patrons through that?"

These discouraging inconveniences still may prove better than the alternatives presented by internet-schemesters attempting to make us pay for our beloved bound ladles, which we use to drink from the fountains of knowledge. Book Swim.com offers a netflix like program where patrons who could be wasting time at libraries, can instead waste money renting books online. These hamburgerler-esk thieves claim to provide a haven for the book worm, but are undoubtedly capitalizing on the irony which plagues casual readers. The inability to read the fine print.

We will be monitoring the rapid pace at which these libraries continue to eat up real estate faster than McDonalds and the Catholic Church combined, to bring knowledge to any and all who wish to expand their vocabularies and imaginations, but refuse to pay for it.

Like We Always Do At This Time

2007-10-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

Clearly I'm tryin to get in, as I proverbially, fit in. And that means I'm posting like I'm not sure when the next time I'll see consent bandwidth will be. Mostly, because I don't. So, I wanted to update yalls disconnected with the awesomely absurd, and wildly wack world of Kanye-0. Apparently, after reading Whatever the Fuck for a consistent amount of time, Mr. West mused, "why is Jamie's blog more popular than the blog I haven't started yet?" So he started a blog. Check it out, it's pretty decent journalism (giggle).

Also check out Kanye on SNL below:

Blue Magic

2007-10-01T17:28:00.000-04:00

I'm not really a big fan of magic. I do, however, like blue things. And I most certainly like Jay-Z. So that trumps the whole magic deal. I also like gangsters. "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster... "

America is cool.

What I'm trying to say is that the new track "Blue Magic" from Jay-z's concept album, which will also act as the soundtrack to the move American Gangsters, is the most awesome song ever. The singles from Kingdom Come were ok, but this track is re-donkulious! It's better than cupcake cones, or so I've heard. Fo Shizzle.

I'd embed the track but the "man" (read: Jay-z) doesn't want us kind folks getting free music, so here is a link to prefix who have it streaming. Enjoy.

Moving Pictures

2007-09-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

Last night, I was invited to MOMAR's (The Museum of Modern Arthur) opening, in Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), at 25 Jay St. I haven't actually been "out" in Dumbo, and it was a nice change from my usual haunts. There was free booze, itunes dj'd, and also, there was art. I'm not going to pretend that I can rattle of different periods of structuralism, or pinpoint influences, and ascertain certain elements of form, but there was some interesting attachment between artist and expression, and it was well received. I'll just try to stick to music.

The event was sponsored by CMJ (the College Music Journal) and when I talked to Matt, CMJ's VP of Artists & Events he said they would def be throwing more events such as this, throughout the year. The tie in, is that Arthur is also a musician, and has been playing around NYC and dropping crazy videos. Its, dare I say, a big scene round these parts. Thanks for tryin to class us music snobs up a bit, I suppose. The next time I know of such events, ahead of time, I'll try to shout it out a little earlier. You crazy kids, and your art...and also ice cream.

Remember to Feel Real

2007-09-26T20:35:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to live in London. Not for any real reason- It's regularly cloudy, damp, and I hear that I would magically get bad teeth- but I feel like it may be a neat place to live, despite the hearsay. So I've started reading (and now writing for) this website called Gigwise.com . This isn't so much a shameless plug, because that's obvious, but more of a call to check out how our [only] mates in the war against terror look at music. Just as a heads up, their really gassed off of the Canadian band, Holy F*ck. So check it out and see how you fancy what I consider American music from Her majesty's point of view.

Do You Remember, the 21st Night of September?

2007-09-21T11:11:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth, Wind, & Fire Day! No- its not Captain Planet Day, its for the band-silly. I know it’s been almost a month since I've posted, and this post isn’t to get your hopes up (its just that no one's at work so I have free reign of both my time, and the internets!). This is just to say I miss you all, and that I'm currently in the process of working on a hood internet solution. So sit tight, blast your EWF in remembrance, poor out a little from your 40oz., and I'll try to get at you with the quickness.

kisses n shit,

Von (I work with French people now)

Do You Remember The Time?

2007-09-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hello all. Its been ages, years...well, weeks since I last posted, and its mostly the internets fault. Or more specifically, my lack of access to the internets while in my apartment. More specifically still, its my computers old age and inability to stay connected to the internet for more that 5 minutes. So- I'm sorry! Even as i write this, im getting kicked off and on and off, only to return long enough for me to post a tearfully goodbye till i can get either my interweb or computer fixed. later homies n hometts.

We Don't Care

2007-08-11T04:38:00.000-04:00

Now, adding to the dumbest feud in Hip-hop history, the man who can't possible continue his career without beef (no, not the Game), 50 cent is promising to retire his solo ambitions if Kanye sells more albums than he does. Please let Kanye out sell him! Think of the fantastic world that could be, sans 50. I just hope this works in Kanye's favour, and I'm glad he isn't giving any recognition to 50, because this is seriously a cry for attention. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

We Major?

2007-08-09T02:30:00.001-04:00

I really enjoy when rappers take themselves too seriously. Especially when they think that they are showing how multi-dimensional they are, when they are in fact just showing that no matter how many sides they think they have, each one is as dumb, if not dumber, than the next. Thus, I bring to you, the Kanye VS. 50 cent debates!
Apparently, there is some discussion over who's album will gross more once released. I am rooting for Kanye, but 50 swears he's more "conscious" of his surroundings. On 106 & Park, 50 extended the invitation to debate who's album would be better. Debate what, pray tell, fiddy? Compare marketing campaigns, or previous sound scans, or how their support of the sneaker industry has further entrenched the fight against child labour in under developed countries, or is it just which one of you Jacob the Jeweller likes best?

“I accept the challenge,” 50 Cent said. “Kanye, he’s not going to want to show up. Just don’t be asking me if I am a conscious rapper. I know exactly what I am saying — so I am conscious.”

So, does this seem stupid to anyone else, but me?

“I don’t have beef with anyone,” West said on MTV’s TRL today, in response to a question by a reporter from the Associated Press. “What am I going to debate about? I’m going to go in the studio and make music. When I heard the thing about the debate, I thought that was the stupidest thing.”

Well thats good to hear, no wonder your album is called The Graduation, and 50's is just him writing his name. Guess who's scorin more points on their SAT's?
[Source]

Gym Class's Status

2007-08-09T01:14:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted anything about GCH since march, maybe, mostly because they have become so popular that I've been going through separation anxiety. And I know posting about this band shoots my credibility to shit, but I clearly don't care, so if you do, you can bugger off. Anyhow, these kids are doing rather well for themselves, and if you have yet to hear, have been nominated for two VMA's. Best Group, and Best New Artist. So there's that, I guess.

Closer to my heart, Gym Class's Downingtown, PA residing keyboardist, Tyler, and his side project Ladybirds, are releasing their début album Regional Community Theater in 13 days, and can be pre-ordered on their myspace/ website, or via any online music distributor. It has a really awesome dream pop/ postal service feel. I haven't heard all of the tracks yet, but from what I have sampled, and their viddy, its all really fantastic. So there's that too, I guess.

Ladybirds Viddy:

MM...Food

2007-08-09T00:49:00.000-04:00

It goes without saying that my blog is unfortunately back to weekly postings. Meh, times are tough, monies is tight, and most of my time is dedicated to some form of freelance work that leaves my brain congealed and oozing out of my left ear. Hopefully we'll all come out on the other side of august with steady gigs, saner temperaments, and maybe even healthcare! But lets not get our hopes up just yet.
MF Doom, a rapper/ producer who has been doing pretty well for himself, and appears to be a stranger to poverty induced hunger and also sanity, is re-releasing his album MM...Food. Its a deluxe album, much like many of his meals (zing!) but its also an album that gives back. Spectre Music, his promo folks, are running this contest where if you submit a recipe that the big guy finds mouthwatering, you could win a bag-0-prizes. Prizes?: a copy of MM...Food featuring the limited edition packaging, a MF Doom Hoodie, a MF Doom T-Shirt, a limited edition copy of the color reprint of MM...Food Tour poster and a Rhymesayers T-Shirt!

[there is also a bonus surprise on the page]

So if your curious, confident, and culinarily talented, boogie on over.

Black Republicans

2007-08-04T22:40:00.000-04:00

3 days, a score, and 6 years ago, MTV aired its first music videos. Since then, the approach to videos has birthed a unique industry that has become a component as influential as the music. It is now at the point where an artist cant even fathom releasing a single without an attaché video to complement.
The mix tape is also a key component, unique to the hip-hop industry. It allows emcees to preview they're talent, or freestyle (in both the meaning of unwritten ad lib, or reciting written material that has yet to be heard) but uses beats or instrumental tracks of popularized songs; a low budget remix. The mix tape industry is relatively underground, and major labels don't usually (or legally) reap the profits. The monies usually go to the DJ credited with chopping or dubbing the samples and recording the vocals.
These two parts of the music industry never really considered mutually exclusive, but it is hard to reason that you would spend money to shoot a video to promote illegal sampling. The attention isn't really necessary and the net loss is even more of a reason against the video. Until now.
Lil' Wayne or the young JR or whatever other name he has, and Juelz Santana have redubbed the Nas and Jay-z cut "Black Republicans" for their upcoming album I Can't Feel My Face, and have released a low budget, youtube-esk video in conjunction with that. Thanks to the low cost of filming a low quality -mix tape version music video, now we can all visualize how Wezzy and Juelz see this song. Thank you internets for giving rappers one more reason to show us their cars! I think its a cool idea to connect viddy and mix tape, and i especially enjoy the gritty feel that's transferred from mix tape culture to the video. Check it out

Love and Happiness

2007-08-01T22:49:00.000-04:00

I'm not really one for baby making, but if the desire to spawn my own militia of super derelicts ever arose, I'd need two things. A super foxy lady (I'd settle for mediocre) who could tolerate my sub par attempts at love making, and the new super sounds of Al Green and The Roots in tandem. The Duet Album, due out late this year, or early 2008, may be the fire (or the cool) to get you through another environmentally bizarre winter. Guest appreances include Anthony Hamilton, D'Angelo and possibly Alicia Keys and/or Joss Stone. K-BILLY's is gonna be pumped!

I'm Losin It

2007-07-31T01:24:00.000-04:00

Dave Chappelle is a hero of mine. When he started a show that was a tad "racy", I stuck by him. When he broke my heart, and went to Africa, I threw up a middle finger and cried "¡Ya basta!" Even still, when news brakes that David has passed out due to "dehydration", I'm here asking "where the grape drink at?"
That's right, Dave, I got your back dun. Even when people say the reason you have been showin up to comedy clubs with unrehearsed material, droolin on yourself, is do to drug use, I say "I drool on myself all the time, and that's just when I sit still. Imagine how exhausted he must be running all over the country trying to be funny without rest. You would drool too!"
So Dave, If you're reading this while recuperating in the hospital, or back at home with your Llamas, just know I support you, and that the papers wouldn't have said shit about this if your name was Pete Doherty. And thats just "keepin it real."

Can't Tell Me Nothin...again

2007-07-27T23:08:00.000-04:00

By now, everyone has posted something about this video, with just reason. I'm extremely pleased to see a hip-hop video that is outside of boring rap cliché, that is just funny. Kanye, I know you and I have had our disagreements, but my multicoloured throwback fitted goes off to you on this viddy sir. Well done.

Still Clown With The Underground, When We Come Around

2007-07-27T22:48:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of taking a brief road trip to Philadelphia, to see the fillet of the South Jersey indie music scene, JeNell. I don't know what the deal is with all that crazy capitalization in her name, but it was still an entertaining and intimate show. Just good music. To get there, I was whisked down the turnpike in a ZipCar (again, crazy capitalization). Lord, those things are great (praise him)! It the most awesome car rental system this side of the Mason-Dixon, hot damn. I say all of this to say, go see JeNell where ever she may be playing next, and do so in a ZipCar.

Remember to Feel Real

2007-07-27T22:27:00.000-04:00

So, today has been rather busy. I started an ancillary blog, that will hopefully grow into something decent, or in the very least, be mildly entertaining to read. It's name is pretty clutch, and I'll mail you a nickel if you can tell me what its from. And if you can't work google well enough to find out...for shame. Anywhoo, this post is mostly housekeeping work. I plan on trying to bring back that whole "shows coming up with month" deal that I had going for a while, but I plan on posting them in the middle of the month, so you can have a heads up on those things. If you're a local band or solo act, each month feel free to put your show info in the comments section. I doubt that this will actually happen, but feel free to self promote. Hell, if I'm in the area, perhaps I'll come to your show and we can talk about how you're one of the three people who reads my posts.

The Broken Strings

2007-07-24T16:22:00.000-04:00

Do you remember when this blog first started? Way back, a little over a year ago? My first interview/ post was with a lil ole band named Bishop Allen. Now they have grown up to release their first full length album since Charm School and from what I've heard, its pretty glorious. They're big time now, with lablel Dead Oceans backing these fellow Brooklynites. It's nice to see a band grow up.I tried to link the interview, but due to the crap that is blogger's new format, it wont let me link it. But, it did exist, I swear!

Congrats boys, and thanks for being my first!

Here's a review of the album

Here's a myspace link

Gold and A Pager

2007-07-24T00:23:00.000-04:00

Let me put you D' to a group from "Illville", Illinois. The name is Cool Kids, and they're on C.A.K.E. Recordings. I promise you their are the next big deal in indie hoodness. Pitchfork claims they herald a renaissance in hip-hop. I just think they're hype. Here's a clip for you to viddy, and also their myspace for you to bump while you're on the internets. I'll let you know when there is an update on album stuff.

She Wants It

2007-07-23T23:57:00.000-04:00

What do you do, when your second album's sales dwarf in comparison to your debut's, and you're about to release your third album in a highly volatile music industry? You get golden child Justin Timberlake, and huggable producer, Timbaland to help you produce a track that throws street cred to the wind! WEEE! This is exactly what 50 (pronounced Fiddy) Cent has done, and wow are the ladies swoonin (please see picture). "Girl, he can bust a cap in my ass any day", the ladies have been heard to scream, and with good reason. "She Wants It", which was going to be titled "Ayo Pornography" is the summer smash guaranteed to get drawers in a bunch. It is essentially about getting ...err....frustrated when watching porno. You can't say 50 isn't pushing limits. He has taken us out of the club, and onto the couch, where we can imagine him, JT and Timbaland all getting frustrated together. YAY for male bonding! Perez Hilton's page has the mp3 embed, and since I cant snag it from there, just mosey on over to check it out.

So like Justin says in the song, "I'm tired of technology", so, later!

Rockers To Swallow

2007-07-23T23:36:00.000-04:00

I know that I've been doing a piss poor job of updating. So yeah, my bad? Forgive me, please? What if I told you there was a new Yeah Yeah Yeahs Ep being released tomorrow? Would that make our relationship "a little mo' better"? No? What if I told you it was called IS IS, and that it is to be accompanied by the release of a live film that is recorded in night vision of the show at the Glassland Gallery? You say you already read that on wikipedia, and that I'm too late to catch your interest? Well then...I guess I have nothing else to say.

The Only One U Wanna C

2007-07-18T02:57:00.000-04:00

Earlier today, my beloved moms sent me an email checking to see my thoughts on the new Prince album, Planet Earth. Bless her heart. I regretted to inform her that I have yet to grab the album, and was instantly ashamed of myself. The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) wants Prince to be ashamed of himself for releasing his album in the Mail on Sunday in London. Prince clearly ain't scurred. Still, the ERA is calling for an investigation of Prince due to the money that Sony BMG is losing over his release of the album in the paper. Poor guys, all uppity over the loss of a big tickets artists. Oh well! [Source]

Can It Be All So Simple

2007-07-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

Protect your neck. Word is, from a reliable source, that the Wu-Tang Clans newest album, 8 Diagram, shall be released on November 9th, 2007. There's a lot of sentimental value tied up in that date. For those of you kids not up on your wu-history, the very first Clan album dropped 14 years ago on that very day. Ah, sentimentality at its best. Those from the slums of Shaolin are doing a good job on keeping the album from leaking by only releasing demo cuts to promoters and the like. If you check out spins article in its August 2007 issue, you shall be able to calculate which period we are in, in relation to when the album should be leaked. November is only a few months away, how patient do they expect us to be?

Just as a little added info, the album takes its name from a movie titled 8 Diagram Pole Fighter.

Some Like it Hot

2007-07-05T22:55:00.000-04:00

Sex & The City Update:
Yahoo's main page has an update on the Sex & The City movie. Thank God! New Line Cinema is shouldering the production of this, and Michael Patrick is still going to direct. I feel like it's just worthy of updating you on this, because I plan on going to seeing this sooo badly. Still no word on an opening date, but I'll keep you posted.

Doo Wop (That Thing)

2007-07-04T13:14:00.000-04:00

Sometime around New Years I listed a bunch of albums that were rumoured to drop at some point this year. The BBC music page has confirmed that Lauryn Hill is at work on a new record. Sorry Fugees fans, but it still Lauryn on the solo tip. There is no release date and no name, but Lauryn wouldn't lie to us...right?

Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night

2007-07-04T02:10:00.000-04:00

For those still interested, and crying that they don't have New Pornographers tickets, the folks at river to river had this to say:

4th of July Ticket Update
One Last Chance!

All reserved tickets to the July 4th concert featuring The New Pornographers with Midlake at Battery Park that have not already been picked up have been released.

The good news is there is a second chance to get tickets: any remaining tickets (and supply is limited) will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 am on July 4th in Battery Park near Castle Clinton. Click HERE for a map with the exact location.

Looking forward to a fun-filled 4th - see you there!

If you want them, get ready to wake up. It's not that serious to me. I plan on sleeping in on my day off.

However, if you still want a free show, Nathan's hot dog's will be holding their annual "see which skinny Asian person can eat more than 50 times their own weight in hot dogs" contest. It's at 12pm on Coney island, which frankly, is still too early for me on a day off. Hope you enjoy some of the 4th fun!

Can You Tell?

2007-07-03T01:56:00.000-04:00

I'm not much of a reader. While in Barnes & Nobel on my lunch break, killing time, I came across a book that kinda yelled to me. Normally, I leave the book learning up to the intellects, but the book cover spoke to me, so therefore, I must share it with you.

After flipping to the first chapter, I felt this book would definitely be worth the 13 dollars and 95 cents. Check it out at amazon. I had to pass, because I need to pay rent first, but once rent is all taken care of, best believe I'ma mosey on over and pick myself up a copy!

Everyone's Leaving For The Weekend

2007-07-03T01:15:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was pretty packed in comparison to the weekend prior when I did absolutely nothing. What did I do, you ask?
Friday was Ra Ra Riot at the South Street Seaport (NYC, not Philly). They really put on a good show, and played the tracks from their self titled Ep. The show was excellent, despite the looming air of remorse over the recent loss of their drummer.

Then on Saturday, I "enjoyed" the Canada Day celebration in Brooklyn. I staid for Malajube, but rolled before The Stills went on. I had aparty to attend, and Canada was kind of a drag. No offence, Canada! Now that the weekend is behind us, and the 4th is in a day, I suggest you check out these fun-time events if you're in any of these areas:

Philly Fun Guide
July 4th Planner (NYC)
Washington DC Fun
LA Planner
Boston Events
North Carolina Events

I am going to try and get some left over tickets to see the New Pornographers in part of the River To River series. So if that works outs, I'll give you some info on that. If not, it could just be sitting on my roof watching the fireworks they set off in Prospect Park. Either way, its not a bad way to spend a day off. Have a good tomorrah!

A Hard Day's Night

2007-06-28T23:53:00.000-04:00

During the day, when I was plotting my post for today, I had this elaborate post in mind. I don't remember what it was going to be on, but it was gonna be slammed with awesome thangs. BUT somewhere around 2ish, I learned I may have an interview tomorrow, so I'm going to stay up tonight trying to come up with questions. So whilst I'm up till the wee hours of the morning, watching gumby on youtube instead of writing, I'd like for you to take note of another interesting cartoon. Class of 3000, a cartoon staring Outkast's Andre 3000, has its theme song up for grabs. It is the most slammin theme song since Chip n' Dale we're droppin beats. I have yet to actually watch the show, due to my lack of cable, but from what I hear, which is pretty much nothing, it's decent at best. Still there is the theme song to enjoy, and that often is more memorable than the show itself. The link to the song is provided by my friend exitfare. Good night, and Good luck.

The End Has No End

2007-06-28T22:59:00.000-04:00

Hey! I'm trying to decided what I'm doing with my header. So-It's up to all of yous who read this blog. If you like the new one, let me know. If you prefer the old one, throw a fit. If you don't care, continue doing what you've been doing...which is sucking at life. I'm just lookin for a little help. Thanks