I Did It My Way

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.

Hip-Hop That Warms The Soul

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

Urban Boogie

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.

Back to the Block

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.

Blue Magic

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.