Monday, January 12, 2004
The New York Times goes very hip-hop
Image courtesy: XXLmag.com
I can't believe I missed what looked like an incredible Eagles-Packers playoff game while out watching The United States of Leland, a well-acted, although unlrelentingly downbeat, film. The movie calls to mind American Beauty with its examination of what lies beneath the seemingly-happy veneer of upper-middle class subarban life and Kevin Spacey in the cast, but without the glossy, heavily art-directed feel of Sam Mendes' film.
XXL mag lights a fire under Vibe's feet with their new Hip-Hop Soul magazine on stands now.
Emily Nussbaum explores the world of teen blogging in "My So-Called Blog." (New York Times)
Like you really need this, but here's even more on Russell Simmons, P. Diddy & Dame Dash: Hip-hop power trio drives new beat for New York. The article is pretty on the money except, what the f-ck is "acid rap?" (Crains NY)
And even more Diddy as hip hop invades the New York Times "Arts" section today. Lola Oggunaike looks at how hip hop is going philanthropic in "Sweeten the Image, Hold the Bling-Bling."
And now even The Times is reviewing street mixtapes? Kelefa Sanneh's "Hip-Hop's Grab Bags Get a Moment of Glory" in today's Critic's Choice column reviews recent discs by DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Vlad and the Action Pac (note: link may be dead).
Via Devin at NorthernStarMedia: The Smacks Records nationwide tour will be coming to a city near you starting Thursday, January 15th featuring Mr. Lens Class-X set (a tribute to Company Flow) along with Roosevelt Franklin and Kice of Course and, on certain dates, Prince Paul. For more details, click here.
Might be worth checking out this new book. Love Saves the Day: A History of American Dance Music Culture, 1970-1979 by Tim Lawrence. Opening with David Mancuso's seminal "Love Saves the Day" Valentine's party, Tim Lawrence tells the definitive story of American dance music culture in the 1970s-from its subterranean roots in NoHo and Hell's Kitchen to its gaudy blossoming in midtown Manhattan to its wildfire transmission through America's suburbs and urban hotspots. For more details click here.
And finally, coming this Wednesday: Justo's 8th Annual Mixtape Awards.
