Saturday, January 31, 2009
Video: Officer Ricky Episode 1
Listen, I think this beef sh-t is wild corny and I hate to help inflame it by posting the back-n-forth shenanigans, but this sh-t was mad funny. Frankly, 50 would be better off focusing on trying to make good music again but sometimes he manages to elevate his ig'nance to something almost artistic! [via RealTalk NY]
Related:
50 Cent talking on Rick Ross: "I'm deciding To f-ck your life up... for fun!" [YouTube video]
Rick Ross on Shade45 with Angela Yee. [miss info TV]
Labels: 50 cent, Coon Picnic, Humor, Rick Ross, WTF
Medicine for Melancholy - the movie for Black hipsters?
"Not a coveted demo, the young African-American hipster gets his movie" - click here for the full Village Voice article.
This story really never (ever?) gets told - I might have to go check this out. Damn the lead actress Tracey Heggins is beautiful!
Online:
Medicine for Melancholy - official website
New artist: Vertical Jones - "Freestyle (The Hybrid Theory)"
New artist who hit me up on email with this video and track from his forthcoming mixtape, The Hybrid Theory:
Vertical Jones - "Freestyle (The Hybrid Theory)" [mediafire mp3 download link]
Hot or not?
Online
Vertical Jones - MySpace | YouTube
Labels: Unsigned Hype, Vertical Jones
New music: Q Da Kid - "Problems"
I said I was feeling this kid after ignoring him for so long. I can can also really identify with this song right now:
Q Da Kid - "Why You Drink (Problems)" [yousendit mp3 download link]
From his forthcoming mixtape, I Am Him, Part II. This one goes out to Roberta, Alexis, Rod, Chad, Dave, Toi, Joanne, Wendy and the rest of my crew. Keep ya heads up, people - things can only get better!
Labels: Q Da Kid
TONIGHT: Lyricist Lounge @ 92ytribeca in NYC
Hosted by General Steele of Smif-N-Wessun and featuring performances by Blitz The Ambassador, Homeboy Sandman and more.
Labels: Blitz The Ambassador, Sandman, Smif N Wessun, Steele
DJ Semtex interview with Kardinal Offishall
Talks on his long-coming, well-deserved new stardom, Dr. Dre jumping on the remix of "Set it Off", the Detox album and possibly working with fellow T.dot up-and-comer Drake. Congrats Kardi (and Morgan), happy to see y'all blowing up....
Labels: DJ Semtex, Kardinal Offishall, Semtex TV
Friday, January 30, 2009
New music: Maino - "All the Above" feat. T-Pain
Maino pretty much embodies what's wrong with NYC hip hop to me (no distinct musical identity or vision, mediocre or local/regional-only hit records). That being said though, this record ain't actually too bad (for a "Live Your Life" knock-off, that is). Will people give a f-ck though?
Maino feat. T-Pain - "All the Above" [yousendit mp3 download links via Bumsquad]
New video: Mavado - "So Special" (Director's Cut)
My reggae game is HORRIBLE right now but I know enough to be aware that this record is big currently (as is that joint, "No Games" by Serani - life is good for Bounty Killer right now!). From Mavado’s sophomore album Mr. Brooks… A Better Tomorrow set to be released March 3rd.
Related:
TOMORROW: Mavado live for the first time in NYC (allegedly) at So Fly Sundays at Club Prime with Funkmaster Flex hosting (but not spinning??). Click here for more details.
Labels: Bounty Killer, Mavado, Reggae, Serani
TONIGHT: Illa J Release Party in the Bay!
New music: Raekwon feat. Ghostface & Crooked I - "Yes Sir"
Apparently not from Cuban Linx 2 but from a project called The Live & Direct Show by Stenge-O-Matic of Anotha Level:
Raekwon feat. Ghostface & Crooked I - "Yes Sir" [zshare stream/download mp3 link via Alex at Killer Beez]
The Live & Direct Show drops Feb. 19th. BTW: that would be this Anotha Level from the early 90's! [YouTube video]
Labels: Anotha Level, Crooked I, Ghostface, Raekwon
50 cent x Rick Ross: Rap's Fake Beef Continues! *
50 Cent responds to Rick Ross with "Officer Ricky" track dissing Rick Ross & DJ Khaled (?). [MTV]
50 Cent - "Officer Ricky (Go Head, Try Me)" [2DopeBoyz]
Like Miss Info said last night, don't both of these guys have albums coming out soon? Yeah, that's what I thought. What's beef?!
Related:
Rick Ross feat. John Legend - "Magnificent" [NahRight.com]
(* Blogger sicced their DMCA takedown Nazis on me for the mp3 links I put in the original version of this post and took it down so I'm reposting it without the offending links instead.)
Labels: 50 cent, Coon Picnic, DJ Khaled, John Legend, Rick Ross
AP video: Obama Slams Wall Street for $18 Billion Bonuses
Related:
Wall St. is shameful? Traders blast Obama. [Metro]
More:
Disgraced (and super flagrant) former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain's Top 10 Greatest Moments. [CNBC | TPM Muckraker]
Bernard Maddoff 2.0! New York Man, Nicholas Cosmo ran a $370M Ponzi Scheme. I feel for these people but how did they think they could get 80% returns?? [AP video]
At least Citigroup kind of gets it, although they may have to do some more back-peddling before they're done. [BusinessWeek | Newsday]
Anyway you slice it, the economy is REALLY f-cked up right now! [Washington Post | NY Times | Metro NY]
Labels: Barack Obama, Economy, WTF
Thursday, January 29, 2009
TOMORROW: Bobbito DJ-ing the Friends We Love Arts + Music Festival in NYC
Video: DJ Rockin' Rob at Academy Records NYC (snippet)
Rockin doubles of "Funky Drummer" on 45. Now THAT's hip hop! [via my dude Hua]
Online:
Dj Rockin' Rob - MySpace
Labels: Crate Diggin', Hua Hsu, James Brown, Rockin' Rob
Q-Tip feat. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne - "Renaissance Rap (Remix)"
Eh yo!
Heard this on Flex last night - was surprised it didn't surface anywhere online until today. I guess radio still sets the pace for breaking new music despite what some New Media evangelists would have you believe:
Q-Tip feat. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne - "Renaissance Rap (Remix)" [yousendit mp3 download link via Eskay]
Q-tip's ad-libs at the top of the track inspired by (possibly) the greatest posse cut of all time, "The Symphony." Will this all-star remix help Tip's cause though? Somehow I doubt it....
More:
Watch Q-Tip's "Renaissance Rap" video here.
Labels: Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Q-Tip, Raekwon
Video: Notorious B.I.G. Backstage in Chicago (snippet)
From the Biggie Smalls: Rap Phenomenon DVD that dropped this week. Click here for more details.
The Kitchen previously on the Rap Phenomenon DVD: here and here.
Labels: Notorious B.I.G.
New music: Raekwon feat. Ghostface - "Criminology 2"
Check it:
Raekwon feat. Ghostface - "Criminology 2" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
I'ma ask again: 14 years later does anyone care that Cuban Linx 2 is finally dropping on April 7th (allegedly)?? And not that it's wack but "Criminology 2" is all they could up with after all this time??!! Wow...
[h/t: Alex at Killer Beez Promotions]
New video: Damm D - "Love Me"
New music from 810!
810 - "Bill Gates" Prod. by Mydus [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
The Kitchen on 810 previously here and here.
Labels: 810, Mydus, Unsigned Hype
New music: Yancey Boys - The Instrumentals
DJ King Most - "Yancey Boys - The Instrumentals (Mega Mix)" [direct mp3, right click and save as]
Buy the Yancey Boys - The Instrumentals album here on itunes.
Online:
Illa J - MySpace | DJ King Most - MySpace
Labels: DJ King Most, Illa J, J. Dilla
New music: Rick Ross - "Mafia Music"
I'm not even really much of an [Officer] Ross fan to be honest, but this record is type HEAT!
Rick Ross - "Mafia Music" [Sendspace mp3 audio links: Clean | Dirty]
I know this has been posted everywhere already but what the f-ck that gotta do with me?? From his upcoming album Deeper Than Rap.
[via FL Hustlers]
Labels: Rick Ross
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Biggie's Daughter Reviews the Notorious Movie
Tyanna Wallace is no Pauline Kael but this is still cute - she's really sharing random thoughts, rather than reviewing it per se. I respect the Chris Brown posters in the background though!
My thoughts on Notorious? I actually ended up kind of liking the movie - frankly, the trailers didn't really do it justice which is kind of rare nowadays. There were parts where I thought I was watching BIG for real and other parts not so much. Derek Luke as Puff and the dude playing Cease were kind of semi to me too but everyone else was for the most part pretty good although Angela Bassett's in-and-out Jafakin' accent was kind of off-putting. The biggest flaw in the movie to me though was that, if you didn't know BIG or his story, the movie didn't really do a great job of explaining why BIG had such a huge impact on hip hop or why he's considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or maybe that's just me?
Labels: Humor, Movies, Notorious B.I.G., WTF
New Video: Oscar Grant Was Punched In Face By Police Just Before Being Shot!
WTF?! I wonder what that d-ckhead from Columbia Law School who was defending the cops over at 2DopeBoyz has to say about that? [via the homie, Raymond]
Labels: F-ck the Police, Oscar Grant, US race relations
Video: Jazmine Sullivan - "Lions, Tigers & Bears" (preview trailer)
UNDFTD x Converse Poorman’s Weapon Sneaker
D-Nice presents True Hip-Hop Stories: Monie Love
Great as usual. I told Derrick that Monie is like the sister in hip hop I never had with her mangled-ass England-by-way-of-NYC accent - no disrespect to my real sister of course! "Ladies First" is still a helluva song and I guess, "Monie in the Middle" was a lot bigger than I remember it being 'cos it always getting referenced in songs and being talked about nowadays.
Watch Monie Love - "Monie In Middle" here. My peoples who know about this stuff, is that LeShaun at the end of the video with Monie??! [YouTube video]
Labels: D-Nice, Monie Love
AP Video: Deadly Bombing and Israeli Attack Shake Gaza Truce
What truce?? [The Independent (UK)]
Bonus:
Invincible - "The Emperor's Clothes" - this Jewish female MC's song protesting the Isareli invasion of Gaza. Check it:
Labels: Invincible, The Israeli-Palestine Conflict, WTF
Jay-Z - "When the Money Goes"
I know you already heard this like twenty years ago (in internet time) but how am I not gonna post it?
Jay-Z - "When the Money Goes" [zshare stream/download mp3 link via DC to BC]
Sh-t is f-ckin' fiya by the way - Hov ain't giving up without a fight! I respect it....
Labels: Jay-Z
New video: Chipmunk - "Chip Diddy Chip "
I guess someone already took that in-the-schoolyard Brit vibe, polished it up and made a real music video from it! This kid is a f-cking star - I bet him and Master Shortie must go at it like the Little Lord Fauntleroy version of 50 & Yeezy battling, LOL! Double LOL at the Tim Westwood cameo in the middle of the video!
I dunno what it is 'cos I used to clown UK rappers (except London Posse and Merlin MC and a few songs by others here and there), but I've been feeling a lot of these UK MC's recently. I think it's 'cos their voices go better with a lot of this electro/hipster type production that's starting to infiltrate hip hop... maybe?
[h/t: A Tribe Called Next]
Labels: Chipmunk, Tim Westwood
Video: Obama's first interview as President with Al-Arabiya
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: John Legend's Behind-the Scenes Inauguration Footage
This is about as close to the action as you can get - fast forward to the 6-minute mark to see what I mean. [via Honey Soul]
Labels: Barack Obama, Beyonce, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Shonie - "Can't Let Go" feat. Fabolous
New R&B flavor from Ted Lucas and the Slip N Slide crew (Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Trina etc.). I like it - to my ears, she sounds like Brandy with a little Shareefa (remember her?) and Keyshia thrown in for good measure....
Shonie feat. Fabolous - "Can't Let Go" [zshare stream/download link]
Online:
Shonie - MySpace
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Darkest Light: The Best Of Lafayette Afro-Rock Band
If you're not familiar with these dudes, they are responsible for the sax riff ("Darkest Light") on Public Enemy's "Show 'Em What'cha Got", Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got" and Wreckx-N-Effect's "Rump Shaker" and the main breakbeat on Biz Markie's "Nobody Beats the Biz" ("Hihache") amongst many samples from their music. Here's a primer on the re-release of their Best Of album:
"The Darkest Light: The Best Of Lafayette Afro-Rock Band compilation album was originally released on Strut 10 years ago and tells the story of the band from their early days as Ice including the key tracks from their two landmark albums Malik and Soul Makossa/Voodounon. The album also features tracks recorded under one-off pseudonyms for the Japanese market, Crispy & Co. and Captain Dax.
This updated edition of the compilation features two tracks previously unavailable on CD and features a 12-page booklet including the original compilation sleeve notes by James Maycock along with rare photos of the band at Parisound studios."
Lafayette Afro-Rock Band's Darkest Light: The Best Of Lafayette Afro-Rock Band will be re-released on February 17th. Here's a free download:
Ice - "Time Will Tell" [zshare stream/download mp3]
Online:
The Lafayette Afro Rock Band | Strut Records
Labels: Biz Markie, Crate Diggin', Lafayette Afro-Rock Band, Public Enemy, Wreckx-N-Effect
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Tia Thomas - "C'est La Vie" (video)
Saw this video while checking Del's site - the video is kind of mediocre to be honest but the production on the track is banoodles!
Tdot represent!
Online:
Thirsty Music | Tia Thomas - MySpace
Tweet
Tdot represent!
Online:
Thirsty Music | Tia Thomas - MySpace
Labels: Tia Thomas
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Introducing Sterling Simms
If you know this guy at all, it's probably from his vocal turn on Jay-Z's "Dig a Hole" from the Kingdom Come album. Dude's own debut album, Yours, Mine, & the Truth dropped right before Christmas supposedly (WTF? Seriously: how ya gonna drop a basically unknown artist at the most competitive time of the year?? I eman, did anyone see a video? Any Ads? What was his single?? Damn...). Preview it here:
Yours, Mine & The Truth
If you like what you're hearing, here's some free zshare downloads from the album for y'all to f-ck with (courtesy ICED Media):
"Dui (80 On The Freeway)" | "Doin' Dat Dere" | "She Should Be Thanking You"
Online:
Sterling Simms - Def Jam site
Labels: Sterling Simms
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Anthony Hamilton - The Point of it All
Don't sleep on this album - if you're a fan of his, Anthony Hamilton's latest album, The Point of it All does not fail to deliver. Preview snippets from it via this Amazon download store widget:
Previously:
Site check: Anthony Hamilton's Playin' It Cool Tour Blog.
Anthony Hamilton feat. Dave Banner - "Cool" video
Online:
Anthony Hamilton - Website
Labels: Anthony Hamilton
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Bilal Live at SOB's in NYC this Thursday!
All-R&B/Soul Tuesday: Melanie Fiona - "Somebody Come Get Me (Freestyle)"
Backyarding it in the Tdot - that's looking a lot like Scarborough or Markham right there! She's definitely got a Jazmine Sullivan thing goin' on with the hip hop/reggae/soul vibes on this one (actually a cover of the song by Syren, not a freestyle per se). Why not though with Lauryn (way) out of commission nowadays, right?
More:
"Ready For Love (India Arie cover)" [YouTube video]
Online:
Melanie Fiona - Blog
Labels: India Arie, Melanie Fiona, Syren
Monday, January 26, 2009
New unreleased Kanye West!!!
Back when 'Ye still vaguely looked like a B-boy. I guess he's left that lane to Wale & Rhymefest in light of this f-ckery....
I mean I appreciate that him, Pharrell and Jay expanded the fashion and style boundaries for B-boys but can we get back to the Kanye that was doing music like this....
Kanye West - "I Need To Know (unreleased)" [zshare stream/download mp3 link via Swagged Up]
Online:
Kanye West blog
Labels: Kanye West
New video: K'naan - "ABC's" feat. Chubb Rock
Dude reminds me of K-os a bit. I don't love his music too tough but this is posted on the strength of a solid cameo from the mighty & long-lost (?) Chubb Rock. Track is from his album, Troubador in stores February 24th.
Tomorrow: all R&B/Soul music-related posts - just to change things up a bit....
Labels: Chubb Rock, K'naan
Entertainment Weekly on Barack Obama: President Rock Star
Probably hyperbole and a stretch on their part (after all, every magazine is trying to figure out how to get him or his wife on their cover if they haven't been there already) but here's EW on how 'Obama is changing pop culture forever.'
Labels: Barack Obama, WTF
Jeffrey Sachs on how Big Government can save America
AP video: Tim Geithner Is Sworn In As Treasury Secretary
Apparently dude is agreed by most to be the best person to help figure out this economic mess but it is funny that the man who will be in charge of the IRS and the Treasury didn't file his own taxes!
Labels: Economy
Trailer for Next Day Air
Directed by Benny Boom and starring Mos Def, Donald Faison, Wood Harris, Lauren London and Mike Epps. It's about time for real Black caper comedy. This is like the American version of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Movie drops in May.
[h/t: Simran]
Labels: Benny Boom, Humor, Mos Def, Movies
New video: Cool Kids - "Pennies"
Charles Hamilton Live at SOB's in NYC TOMORROW!
At the Hot 97-sponsored "Who's Next" showcase hosted by Pete Rosenberg:
I actually might try to go and see this and see if this guy can meet the hype he has (or at least had before he f-cked off his initial blog champions).
Click here for more details.
Tweet
I actually might try to go and see this and see if this guy can meet the hype he has (or at least had before he f-cked off his initial blog champions).
Click here for more details.
Labels: Charles Hamilton, Hot 97, Pete Rosenberg
Afrikan Boy - "Lagos Town (Konrad Old Money Remix)"
You may know this dude from his cameo on M.I.A.'s "Hussel" track on her Kala album. Now check out this remix of his own single by Konrad Old Money:
Afrikan Boy - "Lagos Town (remix)" [mp3 audio download links: mediafire | zshare stream via Pigeons and Planes]
BUY the original version on itunes here (although the remix is pretty much killing it, to be honest). The Can of Whoopass Vol. 1: The Rise of Captain Africa mixtape also coming soon (possibly?) featuring this remix.
All my Accra and Teshie-Nungua peoples, STAND UP!
Online:
Afrikan Boy - MySpace
Labels: Afrikan Boy, Konrad, M.I.A., Old Money
Trailer: Crips and Bloods: Made In America
I missed the Q&A with director Stacy Peralta this past weekend but this might still be worth checking out:
"Directed by critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker Stacy Peralta (the director of Dogtown & Z Boys and Riding Giants) and Executive Produced by NBA star Baron Davis and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Stephen Luczo, Crips and Bloods: Made in America tells the story of the Crips and Bloods, South Los Angeles' two most infamous African-American gangs of LA. Crips and Bloods: Made In America is narrated by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker."
I'm far removed from this world (although I know there are Bloods and Crip everywhere now including my 'hood, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn) but doesn't it feel like gangbanging is a relic from the 90's? Evidently not however....
Crips and Bloods: Made In America is playing at the IFC Center in NYC until Jan. 29.
Online:
Crips and Bloods: Made In America
Labels: Movies, US race relations
UK Grime Scene: the next generation!
Hip Hop's kind of boring right now so I'm kind of open to checking sh-t like this out. This is just some kids spitting straight bars, UK Grime-style in the schoolyard. Even wearing their school uniforms, you can tell their swag game is crazy!
First up, Starz feat. DFX:
Shifter, Starz, Reddy & DFX:
[via Semtex]
More at Mr. TV's YouTube channel.
Tweet
First up, Starz feat. DFX:
Shifter, Starz, Reddy & DFX:
[via Semtex]
More at Mr. TV's YouTube channel.
Labels: DJ Semtex, Merkage Recordings, Mr. TV, UK Grime
Video of Barack Obama flying aboard Air Force One for the first time!
National Geographic happened to be shooting a documentary on Air Force One (which aired last night - d'oh!) when Obama arrived to take his first trip on it back to DC for the Inauguration last week:
This video is apropos of nothing really but f-ck it, I had to post it anyway. Peep him ordering a burger (with fries), LOL....
Tweet
This video is apropos of nothing really but f-ck it, I had to post it anyway. Peep him ordering a burger (with fries), LOL....
Labels: Barack Obama, Humor
Lil Wayne - "Prom Queen" [No Tags Version]
I just couldn't listen to that wack quality, tagged-the-f-ck-up version the New Music Cartel dropped this weekend. Luckily Ozone magazine has a better quality version:
Lil Wayne - "Prom Queen" [stream via Ozone]
No direct download though, cop it via Amazon if your google search game ain't tight:
Labels: Lil Wayne, Ozone Magazine
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Barack Obama’s First Weekly Address as President
Semi-related:
Ozone's blog has more Barack Obama Sneakers.
Online:
White House - YouTube channel | Recovery.gov | MiBlox Sneakers
Labels: Barack Obama, Economy
New music: Fat Joe feat Lil Wayne & Ron Browz - "Winding On Me"
Fat Joe, still making it rain?
As usual, Joey Crack jumps on whatever the latest trend in hip hop is, in this case Ron Browz's uptown style, autotune bangers:
Fat Joe feat Lil Wayne & Ron Browz - "Winding On Me" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
That being said, this track is starting to blow up in New York.
[via Yezzir!]
New music: Stat Quo, Royce Da 5'9 & Phonte - "Homage To Premier"
Tell 'em why you mad, Phonte! LOL...
Stat Quo, Royce Da 5'9 & Phonte - "Homage To Premier" (prod. Focus) [zshare stream/download mp3 download link]
From the Checks & Balances mixtape coming Feb. 4th.
Labels: DJ Premier, Little Brother, Phonte, Royce the 5'9, Stat Quo
Mims in hot new music shocker??!!
Admit it, you thought you'd never hear from this
Mims - "Move" [zshare stream/downlaod mp3 link]
[via The Ahem Rap Series]
Labels: MIMS
New artist: Master Shortie
Who said Wayne was the only rap cat getting his rock swag on? Check this young gunner from the UK getting down over some beats laced with some decidedly indie/alt. rock type rhythms:
Master Shortie - "Dead End" [zshare stream/download mp3 link] | "Dance Like A White Boy" [link to the A Tribe Called Next blog]
Online:
Master Shortie - MySpace
Labels: Hipsters, Master Shortie
New music: Keri Hilson feat T.I. - "Turnin' Me On (remix)"
Above: Keri Hilson Zune commmercial...
Keri Hilson feat T.I. - "Turnin' Me On (remix)" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
I slept on this song but it grew on me crazy! [TV spot video and mp3 both via Vicki again]
Labels: Keri Hilson, T.I.
New video: The Killers - "Spaceman"
Obsessed: the urban 2009 verison of Fatal Attraction?
Saw this trailer featuring Beyonce before Notorious on Friday night. Why do film companies literally give away the entire movie in trailers nowadays? Same thing with the new Michael Bay remake (?) of Friday the 13th - they basically showed every murder in that trailer - WTF?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Run DMC Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Alongside Metallica, Jeff Beck, Bobby Womack and Little Anthony and the Imperials in the Class of 2009. I know this news is a week-plus old, I just wanted to acknowledge it!
Labels: Run DMC
Unkut on 'The 10 Twitter Commandments'
Hilarious! Click here to read it (although this is begging for an audio treatment or an Illdoctrine style video).
I still don't get the Twitter movement (don't y'all spend enough time communicating with one another via blogs and social networks?? Personally, I like to y'know, disconnect sometimes and actually have a life!) but this was way too funny to pass up on posting.... [via Robbie]
Labels: Humor, Technology
N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo Documentary Trailer
N.A.S.A. stands for North America, South America and is a production crew blending hip hop, baile funk and other club beats & sounds together with some cool animation. Kanye West, Santogold, Cool Kids, Ghostface, Scarface, M.I.A., RZA, George Clinton, Sizzla, Chuck D, KRS-One, Tom Waits, David Bynre and E-40 are all down with the movement.
Documentary release parties are going down in LA and NYC next Tuesday and Thursday. Click those links for flyers with RSVP details and click here for more on the N.A.S.A. madness.
Labels: Cool Kids, Hipsters, Kanye West, N.A.S.A., Santogold
New mixtape: Lil Wayne - Tha Carter 4 Album Leak
Not sure how official this is as far as Wayne mixtapes go but I'm posting anyway, it's muh'f-cking WEEZY, peoples!!!!
Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com
Larry King’s 8 Year Old Son Now Wants To Be Black!
I think I'm more shocked that Larry King has an 8 year old son, how old is that dude anyway??
[via Real Talk NY]
Labels: Larry King, US race relations, WTF
5th Grader Banned From Wearing Obama T-Shirt To School
Not quite what the haedline claims but still f-cked up when you watch it.
[via Thisis50.com]
Labels: Barack Obama, US race relations, WTF
Friday, January 23, 2009
Kanye West Live at the MTV Inaugural Ball
Rob Swift Dust to Dust sampler
Free download of a 21 minute mix by DJ Rob Swift from his forthcoming album release Dust to Dust paying homage to the B-Boy movement of the 1970's. Downlaod it here. [sharebee download link]
Labels: DJ Rob Swift
Bob Marley Day with Mad Professor & 77 Klash
on Feb. 6th at the Blender Theater in NYC for all my reggae heads:
Click here for tickets.
Tweet
Click here for tickets.
Labels: Bob Marley, Mad Professor, Reggae
Video: "We B-Girlz" European Tour 2008 Footage
Featuring Invincible, Roxanne Shante, Bahamadia, Eternia & DJ Shortee as they crosss 6 European countries over 4 weeks in 1 tour van! [h/t: DJ Sav*One]
Labels: Roxanne Shante
Video: Young Jeezy x Jay-Z - "My President is Black" (Live)
Another angle on the already infamous Jay-Z x Emphysema live performance of "My President is Black (remix)." [via Aaron at Chunnel TV]
Labels: Humor, Jay-Z, Young Jeezy
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Barack Obama x USAservice.org PSA
While we're on the volunteer/community service tip....
It really is a new day in America.
Online:
USAservice.org
Tweet
It really is a new day in America.
Online:
USAservice.org
Labels: Barack Obama, charity
MC Yogi x Starbucks - "Grassroots Movement"
I saw this on MSNBC earlier this evening and was sure it was by the same dude whose very Shepard Fairey-looking pro-Obama video I had posted right before the election. Turns out I was right - not only that: this joint is on the homepage of YouTube today and has had over 800,000 views in 2 days!
Bonus:
Donwload the MC Yogi "Grassroots Movement" mp3 here. [direct mp3 link, right click and save as]
Online:
MC Yogi | Starbucks 'Pledge 5' Movement site
Foreign Policy magazine: the Obama issue
Too many stories to link so just click here to check out the issue online.
Labels: Barack Obama
Jay-Z ♥'s Barack Obama!
Jay-Z performing "History" live at the Neighborhood Ball (in HQ):
[via Miss Info & Real Talk NY]
Bonus:
Jay-Z - "My President is Black" [various versions c/o Eskay]
Tweet
[via Miss Info & Real Talk NY]
Bonus:
Jay-Z - "My President is Black" [various versions c/o Eskay]
Labels: Barack Obama, Jay-Z
Video: Ryan Leslie - "I Know What You Like!"
A nice Making Of clip - really well done. Ryan Leslie: making being Ivy League & bougie black, funky in 2009! [via 'Ye's blog]
Labels: Ryan Leslie
Stevie Wonder - "Higher Ground" feat. Usher & Shakira
Live at the Inauguration concert in Washington DC on Sunday.
Labels: Shakira, Stevie wonder, Usher
New music: Diamond (of Crime Mob) - "Sicknan"
Produced by by Zaytoven:
Diamond - "Sicknan" [zshare stream/download mp3 audio links: Clean | Original]
This is kind of semi to me but may appeal to Southern hip hop fans. Seriously, homegirl needs to just get back with Crime Mob.
New music: OJ Da Juiceman - "Washing Powder Money"
This Gucci Mane affiliate is apparently the hottest dude in the streets down South according to my sources:
OJ Da Juiceman - "Washing Powder Money" [zshare stream/download mp3 link via Rap Star Promo]
So, is his buzz warranted based on this track?
Labels: Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman
New mixtape: DJ Graffiti - Astronote - Bigger & Better (The Notorious Remixes)
Hosted by Talib Kweli is finally here. Downlaod it here (reg. req'd) or listen to it here at Hiphopdx.com.
Labels: DJ Graffiti, Notorious B.I.G., Talib Kweli
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Was Kanye West Responsible for George Bush's Lowest Point in Office?
So claims Bush (indirectly) on his 'exit interview' with CNN's Larry King last week - WTF??!! (And LOL!)
Remember when....
Kanye West said: George Bush doesn't care about Black People? [YouTube video]
Ah, the memories....
Labels: George Bush, GOP incompetence, Humor, Hurricane Katrina, Kanye West, US race relations, WTF
New music: Soulja Boy - "Pow (Datpiff.com Freestyle)"
Up early getting my Mom to Penn Station:
Bonus audio:
Soulja Boy - "Pow (Datpiff.com Freestyle)" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
[via Noz]
I'll get to the Jay and all the other stuff I've missed tonight or tomorrow or you can just go cop it elsewhere....
Tweet
Bonus audio:
Soulja Boy - "Pow (Datpiff.com Freestyle)" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
[via Noz]
I'll get to the Jay and all the other stuff I've missed tonight or tomorrow or you can just go cop it elsewhere....
Labels: Soulja Boy
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Oath and Address
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Just got back from DC. My toes almost got frostbit standing on the Mall since before 7am when it was still dark and I'm sleep deprived from being on a bus all Monday night & tonight but it was TOTALLY worth it just to say I was there to experience history. Change has finally arrived, Hope is back and Progress starts today - let's do this!
Labels: Barack Obama, US race relations
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Official Barack Obama Inauguration Music Post
Any and all other Obama-related tracks I get before I jet down to DC will be posted here unless they're crazy exceptional or I'm just plain diggin' them - then they'll get their own post:
Barack Obama Video: "Change Gonna Come" feat B.o.B, Charles Hamilton & Asher Roth. [vimeo video link] Download the mp3 here. [sendspace download link]
Sonix & Wordsmith - "Reach Back For Me" [Hiphopdx streaming link, purchase the track here]
Urban Mystic - "Obama: A Change Has Come" [audio: imeem link | Yousendit download link] Uh oh, I'm starting to sense a trend here....
Fidel Cashflow - "Innaugaration Day" feat. Stix Da Foreigna & Kino Sharp [direct mp3, right click and save as via East Coast Digital Radio]
Labels: Asher Roth, B.O.B., Barack Obama, Charles Hamilton, Wordsmith
Inauguration Party with Rashad Smith at Santos Party House TOMORROW!
I'm leaving from there TONIGHT for the Big Day tomorrow and saw this advertised while getting my directions together. Looks cool. Click here for more details.
Labels: Barack Obama, Rashad Smith
The Kobie Chronicles: "An American Dream"
Regular readers know I'm not much for writing extensive pieces on this site with a few exceptions. The inauguration of our first Black president would probably be inspiration enough to become the next exception, but time is not on my side right now plus my dude Kobie blasted out the following piece earlier today that pretty much captured much of what I might have come up with myself. So rather than just end up repeating many of his sentiments and points, let me share his thoughts on Barack's inauguration as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday today:
"I couldn't help but notice the drizzle that fell as I stood in my yard processing what had just happened. I'm actually experiencing this!!! It was Tuesday, November 4, 2008 and America's 44th President-elect, Barack Obama, had just delivered his victory speech. Always one to ponder the symbolism of any moment, I wondered, "could these be tears from heaven?" If so, they likely belonged to throngs of forefathers, men and women, who watched as a nation defied all conventional socio-political wisdom; electing its first African-American president. Next stop, January 20, 2009. The location: Washington, D.C.
The other day, I spoke with a friend that teaches at the same middle school I attended as a child. He explained how some of the teachers at the school started a petition protesting the screening of Tuesday's Inauguration. This prompted me to remove my music industry hat and share with him a bit of history that is often overlooked.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was America's first Capitol, but a major outbreak of yellow fever and political pressure from the nation's southern states were key factors in the Capitol's relocation. Most Southerners took issue with Northern Quakers who proposed the abolition of the slave trade and eventual end of American slavery. Southern leaders were disturbed because America's power seat existed in a slavery-free state. Pennsylvania allowed Blacks to assemble, attend church, and become educated on their own. All of these activities were prohibited in the South, where slavery built Southern cities, culture and most of America's commerce.
George Washington, our nation's father, spearheaded the southward journey from Philadelphia to D.C. In a move that predates and upstages most of the allegations lodged against Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, the President and Thomas Jefferson formed the Patowmack Navigation Company. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the American government then contracted Patowmack – the President and Secretary of State's company- to handle the mountainous task of turning acres of land and swamp into what is now the nation's capital. They didn't do the work alone. Patowmack purchased and "leased" crews of black people to dig up tree stumps, haul lumber, chisel stone, clear land and stir mortar that was then used to bond bricks. Ruthless overseers, as well as the black's strange appearance averted any flight risks. This is because Patowmack made sure to remove all of the slaves' hair and eyebrows, making it easy to identify and recapture those "employees" seeking a day off, let alone freedom. Their stolen labor built the Washington, the Capitol Building and yes... even the White House. Did these men and women every dream that people who looked like them would ever be free, let alone lead this nation? I'd imagine that theirs were among the eyes that shed tears from heaven on that early November night; shocked by a dramatic change in America's social paradigm. From Martin to Malcolm, Harriet, Coretta and Rosa, American history is full of men and women whose efforts, sacrifice and blood, not only built America, but also made this day possible.
Barack Obama's election doesn't mark the end of racism, but its brilliance shakes prejudice at its core. His election subverts the prevailing image of black men as pimps, hustlers and hypersexual beasts. It presents the image of an incisively intelligent and supportive black woman, mother and wife, in place of the many modern day plantation bed wenches paraded on TV. It validates the efforts of countless - famous and not so famous - men and women who sacrificed everything with the hope that generations of people they'd never meet would eventually experience a much better life. This moment signifies our nation's spiritual and intellectual growth; reminding us that education and preparation are powerful tools. Most of all, this moment proves that anything is possible through God's will and our determination. I'm not sure if the teachers at my old middle school understand this, but I hope that the kids do.
I consider myself and everyone that I know beyond blessed to be a part of this moment, and I look forward to being a part of those that will follow. Even greater is the fact that I am here in Washington, D.C. In the event that Tuesday, January 20, 2009 is not filled with tears from heaven, I can assure you that mine will be among those that fall on earth.
-K"
© 2009 Kobie Brown. All rights reserved
Read more from The Kobie Chronicles here.
The Kitchen previously on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s holiday: 2006 | 2005
Labels: Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, The Kobie Chronicles
Shaun Boothe presents The Unauthorized Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. & Barack Obama
Part 4 of 12. Click the Shaun Boothe tag below for previous editions.
Related:
A King and The Illest: Remembering Dr. King and The Notorious B.I.G. [Real Talk NY]
Labels: Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Shaun Boothe
Jay-Z - "My President is Black" Live
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Throwback video: Diddy interviewing Barack Obama back in 2004
When he was still an Illinois state senator:
Wonder if he ever called Diddy once he declared his candidacy to run for President? Read more here.
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Wonder if he ever called Diddy once he declared his candidacy to run for President? Read more here.
Labels: Barack Obama, Diddy
Village Voice: "Breaking Bread With Kurtis Blow"
Contest: Win tickets to the SNY Invitational
The good folks at Cornerstone have offered The Kitchen an opportunity give away a pair of tickets to the SNY Invitational happening January 23rd (games scheduled for 6 & 8pm) at NYU's Coles Sports Center in Manhattan. The winner will also receive goodie bags with some other SNY promo swag.
I have had mixed response on contests in the past and this is little off the beaten path theme-wise for this site, so I'ma keep it relatively simple: send an email with the title of this post as the subject line with your name, mailing address and a message saying who you think the greatest high school basketball player of all time is. The winner will be picked at random from all entries received. The contest will close at 9:00PM EST on Monday (January 19) and the winner be notified by email on Tuesday morning. Note: you must be able to make your own way to the tournament - no transportation will be provided.
Previously on The Kitchen:
Buckshot - "I'm All Business" (SNY Invitational Promo Video)
Click the logo for more information on the SNY Invitational
Labels: Contests, SNY Invitational, Sports
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Pete Rock: The Amoeba Records interview
Pete Rock's NY's Finest
album was one of my favorite albums from last year. Don't sleep on it![via Crate Kings]
Labels: Crate Diggin', Pete Rock
Video: Q-Tip feat. Amanda Diva "ManWomanBoogie"
I think this must have prematurely leaked 'cos they only just blasted out the Coming Soon flyer yesterday and this isn't on any of the official Three/21 Media websites or channels (as of writing this post). How many videos has Tip made from this album though - it's feels like 5 or 6, maybe?? It doesn't seem to be helping though. Did you know The Renaissance has barely cracked 100,000 in sales?? That's a crying shame considering this is one of the best albums of the year in hip hop or otherwise. Damn!
Labels: Amanda Diva, Q-Tip
Young Jeezy x Belvedere Vodka EPK
EPK for Young Jeezy's TV spot for Belvedere vodka. You didn't think Jeezy was gonna get too conscious, did ya?
Labels: Belvedere Vodka, Young Jeezy
Video: Young Jeezy - "My President Is Black (feat. Nas)"
You knew I HAD to post this, right? I'm going to DC! I am genuinely excited for Tuesday!!! Mom, see ya tomorrow - we're going to experience HISTORY!!!
Labels: Barack Obama, Nas, Young Jeezy
Raheem DeVaughn - "Four Letter Word" (video)
Rah goes viral for a track off this last album, Love Behind The Melody
:
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:Labels: Raheem DeVaughn
New music: Melanie Fiona - "Give it To Me Right"
Duffy + Christina Aguilera = Melanie Fiona? I'm definitely not first on this as evidenced by the 7000+ downloads/spins via the zshare link below but is this hot? I'm diggin' the 60's retro feel of the track courtesy of the big fat Zombies “Time Of The Season” sample it's based on but her Aguilera style vocals are little too pop-sounding for me. Agree? Homegirl is apparently Guyanese-Canadian though - I think I've just discovered my future wife!
Alt. download link: Zshare
[via Thisis50.com]
Labels: Melanie Fiona, The Zombies
