Monday, November 30, 2009
New Jersey Nets tie worst start to an NBA season ever with 17th straight loss!
Apologies for the lack of updates but I'm on a mini vacay in NYC and am not gonna spend all of it blogging! Expect a few updates here and there but regular posting will resume next Tuesday or so....
Friday, November 27, 2009
NEW Feature: The Kitchen Interview with new artist, Poe Picasso
Now this is something new for The Kitchen - our first artist interview! Over the six years I've run this blog, I've studiously avoided doing interviews for a variety of reasons but after I got into a conversation with up-and-coming rapper, Poe Picasso about his recently-released Exhibit B: Manifest Destiny album, a project you should definitely check out, I thought what he had to say might be worth sharing with you, The Kitchen readers. I asked him if he'd consent to answer a few more questions to flesh it out a little and the following was the end-result:
So this conversation originally sparked off when I asked you if Exhibit B was a stealth Christian Hip-Hop Album because of some interesting biblical and overtly Christian ideas expressed throughout the record. So is it?
No it isn't. In actuality its a concept album and the underlying concept of the album is me feeling superior and having some form of God Complex, hence the title Manifest Destiny. I purposely wrote the album that way because I wanted to take a darker introspective route.
I think I asked you originally if you were a "full-on Christian or just deeply fascinated with the Christian/Bible"?
Nah, I'm not fully Christian, but being that I am from the Caribbean most of us were raised in the Church whether Catholic, Christian, Protestant, etc one way or another you were influenced and indoctrinated whether we knew it or not. I'm not fascinated with the Bible per se but more so fascinated with the idea of the unknown. Being that we are Human their are a lot of blinds pots in our existence and I wanted to explore that on this record. The "Human" record wasn't a defense to Creationism.
Nah, I'm not fully Christian, but being that I am from the Caribbean most of us were raised in the Church whether Catholic, Christian, Protestant, etc one way or another you were influenced and indoctrinated whether we knew it or not. I'm not fascinated with the Bible per se but more so fascinated with the idea of the unknown. Being that we are Human their are a lot of blinds pots in our existence and I wanted to explore that on this record. The "Human" record wasn't a defense to Creationism.
When I listened to the record it really sounded like you were defending Creationism to me though:
If you're referring to line where I said, "Tried to change my limbs to fins to reverse evolution to prove we never came from them, no big bang and random chain of events." What I was trying to do was illustrate the many different views of "humanity" whether scientific or religious I wasn't taking sides. But since you asked, no I don't believe in Creationism but I do believe evolution and the 7 day theory of the bible worked together in unison to bring us where we at today. The overall theme of the record "Human" was meant to shed light on imperfection. In the hook I said: "See I'm human and I make mistakes you can pierce my flesh and my bones can break" meaning we're not perfect.
Being that we live in a very self-conscious, materialistic, celebrity glorified vain society we are forced to put up a wall and cover our faults by over compensating them with clothes, cars, money, sex, drugs, etc. So what I was basically saying was no matter what you possess or lack you human and we all eat, shit, breathe, bleed, f-ck and sometimes feel the same way emotionally. I'm no better nor lesser than anyone rather were one in the same.
Being that we live in a very self-conscious, materialistic, celebrity glorified vain society we are forced to put up a wall and cover our faults by over compensating them with clothes, cars, money, sex, drugs, etc. So what I was basically saying was no matter what you possess or lack you human and we all eat, shit, breathe, bleed, f-ck and sometimes feel the same way emotionally. I'm no better nor lesser than anyone rather were one in the same.
Do you mind if I ask how old you are because you make frequent references to 'younger' and 'new generation' rappers but your influences are kind of 'Old Man' rap references?
You hit the nail on the head. I'm actually 21. I made references to the younger generation because being an artist and a fan of music, I hear and see a lot of criticism towards seasoned artist. This mainly applies to hip-hop music and to me it seems very complacent and corny. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are because your talent and has little to do with your age. Granted age does bring a higher level of consciousness and praise if you're younger & talented, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. It seems like hip-hop is in a place where the older artist are trying to remain relevant and preserve their legacies while the younger artist are shunning them. If you were to look at other genres of music: for example, I don't think a group like Coldplay feels threatened nor bothered by U2.
Also its not that I'm influenced by "Old Man Rap", but it just so happens that the "Old Man Rappers", weren't as cookie cutter with their style of music and they brought a sense of realism to their music that is rarely seen now. At one point hip-hop artist had a voice worth hearing beyond having a hot song. Now everything seems catered so as not to step on any toes and doesn't invoke honesty, nor any substance. So yeah, I'm not influenced by older artist but rather the ones who aren't inhibited regardless of your age.
You hit the nail on the head. I'm actually 21. I made references to the younger generation because being an artist and a fan of music, I hear and see a lot of criticism towards seasoned artist. This mainly applies to hip-hop music and to me it seems very complacent and corny. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are because your talent and has little to do with your age. Granted age does bring a higher level of consciousness and praise if you're younger & talented, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. It seems like hip-hop is in a place where the older artist are trying to remain relevant and preserve their legacies while the younger artist are shunning them. If you were to look at other genres of music: for example, I don't think a group like Coldplay feels threatened nor bothered by U2.
Also its not that I'm influenced by "Old Man Rap", but it just so happens that the "Old Man Rappers", weren't as cookie cutter with their style of music and they brought a sense of realism to their music that is rarely seen now. At one point hip-hop artist had a voice worth hearing beyond having a hot song. Now everything seems catered so as not to step on any toes and doesn't invoke honesty, nor any substance. So yeah, I'm not influenced by older artist but rather the ones who aren't inhibited regardless of your age.
Switching gears a little, what's it like being an indie artist: what are the challenges or the benefits of being indie from your viewpoint when the major label system seems to be collapsing?
Being an indie artist is extremely challenging but rewarding in its own right. I have full creative control of my musical works and anything related to my music but not the resources to properly execute and fully promote my work. Beyond that I feel the pros and cons of being independent eventually balances itself out depending on the amount of work and effort you as an artist are willing to puts into whatever you're trying to accomplish.
Being an indie artist is extremely challenging but rewarding in its own right. I have full creative control of my musical works and anything related to my music but not the resources to properly execute and fully promote my work. Beyond that I feel the pros and cons of being independent eventually balances itself out depending on the amount of work and effort you as an artist are willing to puts into whatever you're trying to accomplish.
What are you listening to nowadays (when you're not working on your own music, that is) - hip hop or otherwise?
At this point its blend of everything, but I'll forever listen to hip-hop due to the fact that its made and geared immediately to me and people who share similar upbringings to me. But aside from hip-hop I have a lot of different genres in heavy rotation. From Pink Floyd's The Wall to Rage Against The Machine and Radiohead. It mainly depends on how I'm feeling at the moment; what I listen to depends on my mood.
At this point its blend of everything, but I'll forever listen to hip-hop due to the fact that its made and geared immediately to me and people who share similar upbringings to me. But aside from hip-hop I have a lot of different genres in heavy rotation. From Pink Floyd's The Wall to Rage Against The Machine and Radiohead. It mainly depends on how I'm feeling at the moment; what I listen to depends on my mood.
Really, huh? Let's do a most-played songs ipod check then!
The most-played songs on my iPod at the moment? Let me see: 2 pac - Nothing To Lose, The Beatles - A Day In the Life, Jonny Go Figure - Jamba Juice, Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head, Wale - Shades, Nipsey Hussle - Closer Than Close, Chromeo - Opening Up and Drake - Fear.
That's a pretty eclectic mix. As an artist who appreciates the work of different genres of artists then, is there a hip hop (or any other kind of) record you wished you'd written?
Yeah, absolutely! I wish I'd written: "Concrete Jungle" by Bob Marley, "Can I Live" by Jay-Z, "Street Dreams Remix" By Nas, "Imagine" by John Lennon, "Tomorrow" by Avril Lavigne, "Dope Man" by N.W.A, "Return Of The G" and "Crumblin Erb" by Outkast, "Tear Drops & Closed Caskets & Pain" By 2pac, "You Know How We Do It" by Ice Cube, "Straight Up Menace" by MC Eiht and "Brain Damage" By Pink Floyd.
OK. Focusing back just on hip hop than, where do you see the music going in the next couple years? A couple writers have recently piled on and officially declared it dead after Nas' controversial pronouncement a couple years ago.
OK. Focusing back just on hip hop than, where do you see the music going in the next couple years? A couple writers have recently piled on and officially declared it dead after Nas' controversial pronouncement a couple years ago.
I see hip-hop going wherever society goes. The more society advances the more we'll lose the organic aspect of doing things due to such high volumes demand and production. Hip-hop and music as a whole will grow depending on the social conditions surrounding it. The best music tends to blossom under extreme social conditions when things are at their worst time and right now "things are looking f-ckin bad", so maybe that could be a foreshadow of an impending Renaissance in music. Hopefully!
The Kitchen occasionally dabbles in political content: what do you think of how President Obama is doing so far and if you could give him one piece of advice, what would it be?
I think President Obama is doing a wonderful job; and everything in his power to bring about change. Now whether its for the better or worse we'll just have to wait and see what happens. In regards to giving him advice I wouldn't give him any advice!
Plug time! I definitely enjoyed listening to the Exhibit B album. Do you have any plans for touring or shooting some videos to help promote it that we should be looking out for or are you already working on your next release?
Lord willing I'm alive I'd love to setup a college tour for Exhibit B: Manifest Destiny and I'd love for Exhibit B to be publicly recognized by the wider hip-hop community. Also in regards to other releases, I'm working on a few projects and experimenting with different styles trying to push the line a bit. For the near future be on the look for videos from Exhibit B, new music and lot more of Poe, "get used to me bitches". Stay posted and stay real.
Alright, good lookin', Poe. Thanks for taking the time out to speak with us.
Plug time! I definitely enjoyed listening to the Exhibit B album. Do you have any plans for touring or shooting some videos to help promote it that we should be looking out for or are you already working on your next release?
Lord willing I'm alive I'd love to setup a college tour for Exhibit B: Manifest Destiny and I'd love for Exhibit B to be publicly recognized by the wider hip-hop community. Also in regards to other releases, I'm working on a few projects and experimenting with different styles trying to push the line a bit. For the near future be on the look for videos from Exhibit B, new music and lot more of Poe, "get used to me bitches". Stay posted and stay real.
Alright, good lookin', Poe. Thanks for taking the time out to speak with us.
Labels: Interviews, Poe Picasso
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Party in the T.dot Tomorrow: I ♥ REGGAE
At Dazzling Lounge with selectors, Fire Kid Steenie, DJ Crossover and DJ Kiddtempo, hosted by King Jermaine.
I have no idea if this is gonna really be hot or not but I'm always down for a good reggae party and the poster designed by HustleGRL is FIYA....
Labels: Its a T.dot Thing, Reggae
247HH.com video: Tom Silverman on how he met Afrika Bambaataa and made "Planet Rock"
Noisettes featuring Wale & Estelle – Don’t Upset The Rhythm (Tricky Remix)
More music from one of my favorite new music discoveries:
Noisettes feat. Wale & Estelle – "Don’t Upset The Rhythm (Tricky Remix)" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download via PDS]
Click the Noisettes label below for more on them previously on The Kitchen....
Who can stop the Nicki Minaj Movement??
Photo shoot for Right On! magazine above. [via Nah Right]
Bonus:
Chase & Status - "Saxon" feat Nicki Minaj [usershare mp3 links: stream | download via Semtex]
This chick and her 'Harajuku' Black Barbie movement are a joke to me but you can't deny the Google!
Labels: Nicki Minaj, Young Money
Throwback video: Dr. Dre feat. Lady of Rage & Tha Dogg Pound - Puffin’ on Blunts and Dranking Tanqueray
HOLY F-CK!!! Where did this surface from?? Steady Bloggin' has the answer. Wow, what a find. Who says G's can't get lyrical?? F-ckouttahere with that bullsh-t...
Labels: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound
T.dot Heads: Make Your Vote Count To Increase Art Funding In Toronto!!!
Here’s the jist of it: If you feel like there are too many billboards in the city and and not enough art then you can actually do something to help change that. Help pass a new tax on billboard advertisers to fund enforcement and arts initiatives across the city. Shouts to Che from The Manifesto family for always keeping us in the loop of important initiatives in the community. The time to make your vote and presence felt is now! All the info is below and pop the hood for some more visuals supporting the initiative:
Background
After seven years of work, the tax on billboards for art is close to becoming a reality! Toronto City Council will be voting on the new billboard enforcement bylaw and tax for art on November 30th OR December 1st, 2009. We don’t have much time – and we need your help!
Advertising is increasingly infringing on our public spaces, and the privilege of leveraging our city for commercial ends should come with a responsibility to keep them healthy. Almost all other forms of advertising subsidize content in exchange for your attention. The billboard tax is a fair and just means for private advertisers to take responsibility for their impact on the city.
What it will mean?
What’s at stake is a revolutionary new approach that will help bring balance in our communities. The billboard tax will provide the funds for proper enforcement of the new billboard bylaw as well as generate new funds for art in the public sphere – including murals, sculptures, festivals, accessible arts programming, outdoor performances and more.
This is not just about increasing funding to arts in Toronto (which lags behind most other cities in cultural spending) this is an opportunity to start building the beautiful and creative city we all know is possible: to nourish communities; to reclaim and rehabilitate our public spaces, and to build our city’s economic potential. For every dollar of public arts funding in a regional economy, eight dollars are generated (McKinsey Co.) Investment in arts and culture is proven to be effective in cultivating healthy and prosperous communities — don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of transforming our city!
Implementation of the bylaw and tax would dramatically increase arts funding in Toronto while democratizing access to expression public space. At the target of 18 million in revenue it would create the opportunity for:
- An historic increase to Toronto’s arts and culture budget, potentially doubling the number of artists and projects receiving grants.
- Providing approx. $100,000 annually to each Toronto ward for urban beautification, streetscape improvement, and green initiatives
- Provide approx. $300,000 annually to each of Toronto’s 13 priority neighbourhoods to support accessible youth arts programming.
- Creation of a well-supported bylaw enforcement team to keep pervasive illegal advertising in check and an arms-length variance system.
Toronto! Take Action Today:
1. Call and write your councillor. Let them know that the revenue should not be hijacked or pushed down to nothing. Click HERE for info and key asks.
2. Show your support at City Hall on Nov 30th / Dec 1st RSVP HERE.
3. Spread the word.
Go to www.beautifulcity.ca to find your councillor, scripts, updates, links and facts.
[via Cityonmyback.com]
Labels: Art, Its a T.dot Thing
Music video: Snoop Dogg - "I Wanna Rock"
Via Semtex who asks:
"Do you really want to hear another Snoop album?
He’s a legend, etc, but…….i’m just sayin."
For me, the answer is hell yeah!!! His spitgame is more relevant than Hov's right now IMHO. Just sayin'....
Previously:
Download the Snoop Dogg - I Wanna Rock mixtape HERE.
Labels: Snoop Dogg
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Music video: Wiley feat. Chew Fu - "Take That"
New mixtape: Terry Urban x Mick Boogie Presents - Le Da Soul: 20 Years of De La Soul
Terry Urban x Mick Boogie Presents 20 Years - Le Da Soul. Download it HERE. [usershare link]
You should just download this on the strength, but if you're not 100% convinced, preview the second track on the mixtape featuring my dude, Kardi here:
Kardinal Offishall & Mick Boogie - "Me Myself & I" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
Labels: De La Soul, Fashion, Kardinal Offishall, Mick Boogie, mixtapes, Streetwear, Terry Urban
Sade - Soldier of Love
2.10.09
I don't normally do the, "Check out Artist X's album cover" thing but this is Sade!!! She's 50 but look at her, people!
[via Soul Culutre]
Labels: Sade
Snoop Dogg - I Wanna Rock mixtape
Download the DJ Skee x DJ Whoo Kid x DJ Scream Snoop Dogg - I Wanna Rock mixtape HERE. [megaupload]
Click HERE for mixtape track listing and more details. [RadioPlanet.TV]
New Snoop album, Malice in Wonderland in stores 12.8.09.
Labels: DJ Scream, DJ Skee, DJ Whoo Kid, mixtapes, Snoop Dogg
Hey Champ - Winners Circle remix album
Check it out above or download it HERE. I liked their Cool Kids refix which is the first track on this collection so this should be pretty good!
Video: “The Wu-Massacre” Trailer Part III
Directed by Rik Cordero. Album with Ghost, Rae & Meth now due February 9 instead of Christmas.
Previously: Part 1 | Part 2
[via Three21 Media]
Labels: Ghostface, Method Man, Raekwon, Wu-Tang Clan
NJ Nets Now 0-14!
Three away from tying the record for the worst opening record in NBA history. No shots at Hov of course! But can't believe Brooklyn is getting rolled over to accomodate these losers!
Happy Thanksgiving from PETA!
4 NBC affiliates ban PETA's Thanksgiving Day ad. [AP]
Related:
PETA asks University of Georgia to replace their Uga mascot with a bulldog robot - WTF?
No offense but those people at PETA are f-cking nutjobs! Remember when they went in on President Obama.
Labels: Happy Holidays, WTF
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
President Obama Says He Intends to ‘Finish the Job’ in Afghanistan
More via The New York Times HERE.
Is there really a way this ends as anything more than just a catastrophe or failed mission?
Labels: Afghanistan, Barack Obama, War on Terror
New music: Smoke DZA - Bucktown (Freestyle)
Smoke DZA - "Bucktown (Freestyle)" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
From the Substance Abuse project (mixtape?) coming Dec. 1st.
Bonus:
"I'm Good (Freestyle)" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
"Living Proof (Freestyle)" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
"Remember Those Days" feat. Nipsey Hussle, The Kid Daytona, Nephew [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
Thanks to GFC New York.
Famous - Goddess Girl: The Movie [Scene 7 : "Intermission"]
I'm getting WORSE! This is the second-to-last scene from this viral movie project from last week but the final clip should be dropping TODAY! D'oh!
Famous - "Intermission" feat. Luu Breeze & Oh! (Prod. by Burd & Keyz) [zshare mp3 download link <-- still?? really?]
Previously:
Famous - Goddess Girl: The Movie [SceScene 6: "Fresh Cut"]
Online:
Goddess Girl - website
Labels: Burd and Keyz, Famous, Its a T.dot Thing, Luu Breeze, Movies
New music: Kidz In The Hall - "The Grizzly Man"
First leak from Kidz in the Hall's forthcoming Professional Leisure Tour FREE EP, dropping December 8th, sponsored by LRG. Land Of Make Believe album scheduled to drop March 2010 sampling indi rock critical darlings, Grizzly Bears' "Two Weeks":
Kidz In The Hall - "The Grizzly Man" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
The Professional Leisure Tour EP is a prelude to the third album by Kidz in the Hall, Land Of Make Believe album scheduled to drop March 2010.
Online:
Kidz in the Hall - website | myspace
[via Stadium Dan]
Labels: Kidz in the Hall
Maiko Watson - Sweet Vibration Album Release Live Performance TONIGHT
Starting at 7pm at The Rivoli on Queen St. W. in Toronto. I don't really know much about homegirl but my dude, Kevin is doing PR for this event and invited me down. Cop tickets at Soundscapes or Rotate This.
Online:
Maiko Watson - myspace | twitter | BUY Maiko's Sweet Vibration Album on itunes HERE
Labels: Its a T.dot Thing
Monday, November 23, 2009
New music: Shaun Boothe - "Poor Boy"
This record, sampling Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is f-cking BANOODLES! Check out the video trailer above and the track below:
Shaun Boothe - "Poor Boy" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
From his forthcoming Hip-Hop in 3D project.
Online:
Shaun Boothe - facebook | myspace | twitter
[h/t Lo]
Labels: Its a T.dot Thing, Shaun Boothe
Video: BLAKROC webisode 10 feat. Nicole Wray
Related:
The Black Apple Memoirs video entry #1: Mickey Factz & Stalley visit Dame Dash's DD172 Space.
Watch more Damon Dash videos HERE and HERE.
Previously on The Kitchen:
Download Blakroc - "Hope You're Happy" feat. Black Keys, Billy Danz, Q-tip & Nicole Wray HERE.
BUY the Blakroc album on 'Black Friday' (this Friday 11/27). I'm gonna support: are YOU?
Online:
BlakRoc - wesbite
Labels: Black Keys, Blak Roc, Damon Dash
Video: Joya Bravo - "A Milli (Remix)"
Latest (?) clip from the excellent Dollar Van Demos series featuring Joya Bravo - shout to Flatbush, Brooklyn!!!
Y'know: I saw Joya Bravo KILL IT at one of The Roots' residency shows earlier this year and hit her on her myspace asking for music so I could feature her on the site. I got zero response. :/ Didn't stop me though!
Online:
Joya Bravo - myspace | afro-punk | twitter
Dollar Van Demos - myspace | youtube | twitter
[via Oh Word]
Labels: Afro-Punk, Joya Bravo
Video: 8 Billion Lives with Young Chris
Synopsis:
"Destined for success after hooking up with Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records at 15 as a member of the duo, Young Gunz, Christopher “Young Chris” Ries saw his chance almost disappear with the dissolution of the label. Unwilling to pass on his own potential and return to the hard Philly streets, Chris is now working on his own to assume his rightful place alongside the rap greats he came into the game with."
Shot by Eric Swiecinski for the 8 Billion Lives series:
"Everyone has a story. Watch a day in the life of people from all over the world.
About Us
8BL is a platform for short documentary films. Each film features a day in the life of a real person.
Why?
To celebrate our diversity – we want to share stories of people from all walks of life, with the mission of fostering global citizenship.
To satisfy our curiosity – you can use our site as an educational tool to take a closer look at the daily habits, lifestyles, and dreams of others.
To recognize our interconnectedness – our world is becoming more global, but we don’t always understand how others live. We believe that video is a great tool to connect people who might not otherwise interact.
How?
Showcasing the work of independent and amateur filmmakers is an important part of our mission. We invite filmmakers to be our storytellers, and to use our platform to share their art.
Where, and Who?
Our team is based out of New York City. Our filmmakers are from around the world.
In the past, filmmaking has been accessible only to a few of us, but making movies today is easier and less expensive than it has ever been. We hope that a growing number of people globally (including you) will contribute to our collection – our site is open to anyone who has a camera and a story to share.
If you would like to get involved as a filmmaker or supporter, suggest a subject, or simply learn more, please contact us at Info@8BillionLives.com"
Labels: Young Chris
Music video: Wyclef Jean - "Born a Shotta"
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Promo spot: Blackberry shoots Apple
This is old but apparently never aired on TV and obviously made enough noise to generate a couple of funny response ads.
[via HustleGRL]
Labels: Humor, Technology, TV Spots
Video preview of Ali Shaheed Muhammad x The Luv Bugz - "Be Like Luv Bugz"
Preview of a collab track-in-progress with Texas' The Luv Bugz from Ali's forthcoming second solo album. Do I have to clarify for any of you who Ali Shaheed Muhammad is??
See more on The Luv Bugz HERE.
Online:
Ali Shaheed Muhammad - website | myspace | twitter
The Luv Bugz - myspace
[via Miss Info]
Labels: A Tribe Called Quest, Ali Shaheed Muhammad
Video: Bobby Ray aka B.o.B. Performing "Monster" and "Generation Lost" Live
I've said it before: this kid is the truth!
Online:
B.o.B. - website | myspace | twitter
[via PDS]
Labels: B.O.B.
"Get To Know Me": Introducing new artist, Mateo...
From my dude, Stone at The Couch Sessions:
" Los Angeles based artist Mateo might have slipped under my radar, but he’s already on the lips of fans from Chris Brown, Mario, and Trey Songz, whom he has already opened for recently. The artist, who tours with an 8 piece backing band combines his obvious R&B influences and infuses them with a dose of alt rock. The Morehouse graduate, who once worked in the corprate world at American Express, has already signed a deal with MySpace Music and dropped this dope little video for his single “Get To Know Me” from his Get To Know Me: Live at Swing House EP."
I dig what I've heard from this dude so far. He could be a contender!
Online:
Mateo - myspace | BUY the Get To Know Me: Live at Swing House EP on itunes HERE
Main Source – Breaking Atoms: The Original Elements
From Steady Bloggin':
"Hooray for bootlegs. The cover is self explanatory – this is a compilation collecting the original sources used by Large Pro in creating Breaking Atoms. Naturally the main target demographic here are the sample nerds. However this also works as a good mix of assorted classic rock/funk/soul/jazz jams so you can enjoy it even if you don’t give two shits about what the original for "Vamos A Rapiar" was.
Tracklist (the individual file names in the zip note the corresponding Main Source tracks):
01. Jesse Anderson – Mighty Mighty
02. Ike Turner – Getting Nasty
03. Melvin Van Peebles – Sweetback’s Theme
04. Johnnie Taylor – Watermelon Man
05. Gwen McCrae – 90% Of Me Is You
06. Skull Snaps – I Turn My Back On Love
07. Ike & Tina Turner – Bold Soul Sister
08. Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper & Stephen Stills – Season Of The Witch
09. Sister Nancy – “Bam Bam”
10. The Detroit Emeralds – You’re Getting A Little Too Smart
11. Pazant Bros – Chick A Boom
12. Donald Byrd – Think Twice
13. Third Guitar – Baby Don’t Cry
14. The Mohawks – The Champ
15. 9th Creation – Rule Of Mind
16. Ruby Andrews – Didn’t I Fool You
17. Melvin Van Peebles – Love That’s America
18. Lou Donaldson – Pot Belly
19. Elephant’s Memory – Mongoose
20. Kool & The Gang – NT
21. MFSB – TLC (Tender Lovin’ Care)
22. The Meters – Britches
23. Milly & Silly – Getting Down For Xmas
24. The Three Sounds – Repeat After Me
25. Vicki Anderson – Message From The Soul Sisters
26. Lou Courtney – “Hey Joyce”
27. Vicki Anderson – I Want To Be In The Land Of Milk & Honey
28. Bob James – Nautilus
29. Melvin Van Peebles – Won’t Bleed Me
30. Funkadelic – You’ll Like It Too
Download Main Source – Breaking Atoms: The Original Elements HERE. [megaupload link]
Labels: Beatmaking, Crate Diggin', Large Professor, Main Source, Rare Groove/Soul Music
New mixtape: Sparkle Motion - Flight School Vol. 2
Following up from the excellent Flight School Vol. 1:
"On the return flight from Vol. 1, the duo [DJ Yoda and Tobe$] is back with another hour 80’s R&B breaks, from uptempo boogies to slow drag joints you used to straight groove to, hip-to-hip with a honeydip who smelled just like TCB and watermelon Jolly Ranchers. I asked TOBE$ for a tracklisting and real brilliant-like, he told me “No tracklist; trust us.” And with that, I’m decided to let the pilot fly the plane and do the damn thang."
I ain't even gonna be mad that Tobes sent me the artwork a few weeks back but then never sent me the actual link to the tape so I only found out it had dropped when I was on The Smoking Section! OK, maybe a little mad. :/
Download Sparkle Motion - Flight School Vol. 2 HERE. [sharebee link]
[via TSS]
Online:
DJ Yoda - twitter | DJ Tobe$ - twitter
Labels: DJ Yoda, Rare Groove/Soul Music, Tobes
Parliament/Funkadelic artist, Pedro Bell looking to sell his originals!
This is the saddest thing I've read in a while. Click HERE for the story.
[via Grandgood]
Labels: Art, George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic
Unreleased Michael Jackson music: Jackson 5 - “Buttercup”
From Rap Radar:
"We’re still celebratin’ the King. This is the best tune off his finest posthumous release that I’ve heard thus far. Stevie Wonder wrote the following and how it didn’t end up being on an Michael Jackson album before is beyond me. If you don’t like this one, get the f-ck off my site and don’t you ever come back."
You know me: I co-sign that 1000% - GET AT THIS!!!!
Jackson 5 - “Buttercup” (written by Stevie Wonder) [yousendit mp3 download link]
From the Jackson 5 - I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters album.
[via Rap Radar]
Labels: Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Stevie wonder
New music: Small Eyez - "Sidney Poitier (Statik Selektah Freestyle)"
AMAZING!!! This sh-t is so soulful, I always play it multiple times in a row whenever I listen to it. Don't skip by this 'cos you never heard of dude (who's from the A!) before, PLAY IT:
Small Eyez - "Sidney Poitier (Statik Selektah Freestyle)" [yousendit mp3 download link]
Off the From the Sol mixtape dropping 12.1.09.
Online:
Small Eyez - website | myspace | twitter
[via Nah Right / 2dbz]
Labels: mixtapes, Statik Selektah
Video: Jimmy Cliff - "Many Rivers To Cross" Live at Glastonbury 2003
One of the greatest songs of all time. Go ahead: try to debate me on this point....
[via TSS]
Labels: Jimmy Cliff, Reggae
Video: Junior Murvin - "Police and Thieves" Live on Later with Jools Holland
New Music: Theophilus London - "Humdrum Town"
"Brooklyn's own Theophilus London is a pioneer in today's electro-fueled urban pop movement. His self-released mixtapes, JAM! and This Charming Mixtape had blogs ablaze last year as he expertly rhymed on everything from Kraftwerk, Amadou & Mariam and a classic Whitney Houston torch song to his own unexpectedly clubby jams. Recently London has toured the US and UK with A-Trak and Jack Peñate and turned heads at Rolling Stone, NME, The FADER and The New York Times. It's on now: Theophilus London’s debut single “Humdrum Town” is available on Green Label Sound."
Click HERE for more info.
I f-cks with this kid if only because he's from Brooklyn and obviously really digs 70's and 80's-era UK indie & new wave music, as do I.
Online:
Green Label Sound - website | myspace | twitter
Theophilus London - myspace | blog | twitter
Labels: Theophilus London
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Music Video: Janet Jackson - "Make Me"
I've got a few Janet 12"s in the crates but I've never been a fanatic of her music the way I was for her brother [pause]. That being said, I ain't gonna front: I really like this track which I presume is the new song tagged onto her Number Ones Best Of collection?
[via the.LIFE files]
Labels: Janet Jackson
New music: Nikki NTU - "Get It Up" (Prod. by MeLo-X)
This is some cool sounding sh-t. Who says there's no good female hip hop nowadays?? Doesn't sound finished though as there's seems to be a LOT of instrumental space on the track although it just might be the way the song is arranged?
Alt. audio link:
Nikki NTU - "Get It Up" (Prod By MeLo-X) [usershare mp3 download links: stream | direct download]
Online:
Nikki NTU - myspace | blog | twitter
MeLo-X - myspace | blog | twitter
[via Semtex / MeLo-X]
New Music: Game feat. Slyhook - “American Dream”
New J.R. Rotem-produceed track sampling Justice's "Genesis" (is this becoming a trend?). Supposedly the final version will have Keyshia Cole on the hook and a verse from Diddy. Don't sound too bad to my ears just like this though!
Game feat. Slyhook - “American Dream” [yousendit mp3 download link]
What y'all think though?
Sidebar: is that (above) the offical R.E.D. Album cover? Or is this? Seeing that second image on google search and the references to 'Angels all around me' in the lyrics to this track just made me wonder....
Online:
Game - website | twitter
[via Rap Radar]
New music: Drake - "Best I Ever Had (Drum n Bass Bootleg)" [radio rip]
Speaking of drum n bass, this is a radio rip from Fabio and Grooverider's BBC Radio 1 show last Sunday of Drake's big breakthrough hit this year:
Drake - "Best I Ever Had (DnB Bootleg)" [mp3 download links: yousendit | mediafire via Rock the Dub]
This is surprisingly pretty good, but I remain amazed that there is still new drum n bass music actually being made and its still a genre relevant enough to warrant having a show on Radio 1, proper!
Labels: Drake, Electronic/Dance
Wale - Attention Deficit: The Original Samples
Get the lowdown at Kevin Notthingham's HERE.
I really don't give a f-ck what other bloggers have to say about it - Attention Deficit is gonna end up being one of my Top 5 hip hop albums this year....
Bonus:
Here's a track, produced by 9th Wonder, that didn't make the album:
Wale - "Beast" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download] <-- COT DAMN - tell me that ain't HOT!!!
[via Semtex / Rap Radar]
Labels: Beatmaking, Crate Diggin', Wale
New music: The Pharcyde - "Passin' Me By (Heppy J Remix)"
The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By (Heppy J Remix) by heppyj
More left-field hip hop-related sh-t.... [via Rock the Dub]
Labels: Electronic/Dance, Pharcyde
Video: Dipset Producer araabMUZIK on the MPC
This is kind of sick - dude could be a drum n bass producer the way he got those drums programmed.
And maybe he'll need to be now that Dipset is a wrap.
[via Nah Right]
Labels: Beatmaking, Dipset
Music video: Tinchy Stryder feat. Ruff Sqwad - “Tryna Be Me”
Music video: N.A.S.A. - "Spacious Thoughts" feat. Tom Waits & Kool Keith
This is truly some bugged out sh-t!!!! Directed by Fluorescent Hill out of Montreal!
From the The Spirit of Apollo album in stores now and available on itunes HERE.
Online:
N.A.S.A. - myspace
Labels: N.A.S.A.
Music video: Jasiri X - "Afghanistan (HerStory)"
Yes, guilty as charged - another one of my 'random posts' about the Afghan elections and such! :/
"Episode 26 is tells the story of the connection between Afghanistan and war, leading to her intimate yet volatile relationship with the United States. "Afghanistan (HerStory)" is produced by Kai Roberts and directed by Paradise the Arkitech of X-Clan."
Click HERE for the lyrics.
Online:
Real Talk Xpress
Labels: Afghanistan, Jasiri X, Politics
New music: 50 cent - "Do You Think About Me"
New video:
And Live on Jimmy Kimmel:
As I mused on twitter, 50 delivers arguably the second best album of his major label career and it bricks. And Wale bricks with what I think is a tremendous debut album for him? WTF is going on?
I could try to make an argument about label marketing might triumphing over artistic merit nowadays but both these dudes are signed to Interscope, the record label that has come to epitomize the modern major label 'machine' and all the promotion & marketing resources that implies. Besides, they both had really solid marketing pushes for their album launches from what I could tell so either I'm off in my judgment of the music (and I don't think I am), Interscope fell off or there's something else going on here. Rizoh has some theories on what happened to Wale and Eskaygloats about comments on the 50 situation here.
So here comes 50's new single. I love this song, its R&B/hip hop done right to my ears, but momentum seems to be going against 50 at this point and I don't see this song turning it around for him. Disagree?
[video links via PDS]
Tweet
And Live on Jimmy Kimmel:
As I mused on twitter, 50 delivers arguably the second best album of his major label career and it bricks. And Wale bricks with what I think is a tremendous debut album for him? WTF is going on?
I could try to make an argument about label marketing might triumphing over artistic merit nowadays but both these dudes are signed to Interscope, the record label that has come to epitomize the modern major label 'machine' and all the promotion & marketing resources that implies. Besides, they both had really solid marketing pushes for their album launches from what I could tell so either I'm off in my judgment of the music (and I don't think I am), Interscope fell off or there's something else going on here. Rizoh has some theories on what happened to Wale and Eskay
So here comes 50's new single. I love this song, its R&B/hip hop done right to my ears, but momentum seems to be going against 50 at this point and I don't see this song turning it around for him. Disagree?
[video links via PDS]
Friday, November 20, 2009
New music: Snoop Dogg - "I Wanna Rock"
I asked on twitter what this was to crickets but I forgot, google is your friend:
Snoop Dogg - "I Wanna Rock" [usershare mp3 links: stream | download]
Word to Rob Base, I f-cks with this. Y'all dig though? From the album, Malice in Wonderland: in stores 12.8.09.
Online:
Snoop Dogg - website | myspace | twitter
Labels: Snoop Dogg
New mixtape: The Empire x DJ Skee pres. Pill - 4075: The Refill
I ain't gonna blow it up but if things go the way they look like they might, cats is gonna be REAL surprised at what label Pill eventually signs to. I might not be known for gossip but I've called some major stories correctly and EARLY in the past and not gotten the credit, so pay attention!
Try it before you buy it:
Pill - 4075: The Refill
Like what you heard? Download The Empire x DJ Skee pres. Pill - 4075: The Refill: DJ Version | No DJ Verison [mediafire links via TSS / Pill4180.com]
Back-up links: DJ | No DJ [Rapidshare links]
Thanks also, Dom Corleone.
Online:
Pill - website | twitter | myspace | imeem
Labels: DJ Skee, mixtapes, Pill, The Empire
New music: Keys N Krates – Live Re-Mixing 101
KEYS N KRATES - Re-Mixing 101 by Keys N Krates
I wish this trailer was more music and less 'tastemaker' DJ & media cosigns but I get it: who wouldn't want to show blog idols like Nick, DJ Eleven and Terry Urban talking about how fly they sh-t was? Between this and Dame Dash's BlakRoc project, I think we're seeing the future of music. But maybe that's just me....
Still not clear on what Keys N Krates is after watching the trailer and playing the mix above though? Check this plug:
"Urb Magazine Presents Keys N Krates // Live Re-Mixing 101
Live Re-Mixing 101 is the the history of hip-hop and dance music getting ripped apart and rebuilt in real time, resulting in one of the most exciting, connective and participatory experiences in live music today.
Comprised of an award-winning DJ, Jr Flo, Matisse on keys and Adam Tune on drums, Keys N Krates have a communal arrangement that allows a manipulative diversity unprecedented in DJ culture.
Showcasing KNK's party-rock performances, Live Re-Mixing 101 includes their signature deconstructed compositions of: Mos Def's "Ms. Fat Booty," Tribe Called Quest favorites, The Fugees' "Fu-Gee-La," Talib Kweli's "Get By," Dr. Dre's "Next Episode," Simian Mobile Disco's "We Are Your Friends" and more."
Online:
Keys N Krates - website | blog | myspace | youtube
[via COMB / Urb.com / I Love TO]
Labels: Its a T.dot Thing
Video: BlakRoc Episode #9 feat. Pharoahe Monch
I featured this before HERE but here's a bonus download of the track they're working on in the video:
BlakRoc - "Dollaz and Sense" feat. Pharoahe Monch & RZA [usershare mp3 links: stream | download via 2dbz]
Shout to my dude, Guy who manages Monch.
The BlakRoc Project drops "Black Friday" (11.27)
Online:
BlakRoc - website
Labels: Black Keys, Blak Roc, Damon Dash, Pharoahe Monch
Video: Creative Control: Edan & Mos Def
More BlakRoc/Dame Dash-related sh-t. Here's the plug:
"Moments cannot be manufactured and once passed cannot be recreated. The DD172 space is an artistic epicenter where every passing instant becomes one of consequence and Creative Control is the lens that brings those glaring moments into focus. Creative Control, the brainchild of Directors Coodie and Chike and media mogul Dame Dash is an online media network bringing you original web series and music shot by the artists themselves. The series Sessions at DD172 will be an exhibition of talent caught candidly as they pass through the space curated by Dame Dash. Spotlighting artists like Mos Def, The Black Keys, Zoe Kravitz, and commencing with the release of the Black Roc Project, Creative Control will view the cross section of talent of all genres from every angle. See the full project as it launches Nov 27th on CreativeControl.tv"
[via 2dopeboyz]
Bonus:
BlakRoc – "On The Vista" feat. Mos Def [mp3 download links: yousendit | direct mp3]
Related:
Dame Dash Is Saving Hip-Hop. [via TSS]
Online:
Creative Control | BlakRoc
Labels: Black Keys, Blak Roc, Damon Dash, Edan, Mos Def
Video: BlakRoc – "Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)" feat. Mos Def & Jim Jones
Video: BLAKROC webisode week 8
With Billy Danze of MOP, Nicole Wray and Damon Dash.
"BlakRoc is album featuring the Black Keys and some of the biggest names in hip-hop will be released Nov. 27 2009 (the so-called "Black Friday" day after Thanksgiving.
The project was spearheaded by rapper Jim Jones [ed note: really??] and also sports contributions from Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, NOE, Nicole Wray, Billy Danze and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard."
Bonus:
BlakRoc - "Hope You're Happy" feat. Black Keys, Billy Danz, Q-tip & Nicole Wray [usershare mp3 download links: stream | download via OKP]
Online:
Blak Roc - website
Labels: Billy Danze, Black Keys, Blak Roc, Damon Dash, M.O.P.
New music: Blak Roc – "Stay Off The F-ckin’ Flowers" feat. Raekwon
This ain't that new but I'm gonna do a bunch of Blak Roc posts in a row of the stuff I've missed over the past three weeks 'cos I'm feeling this project.
Direct download for Blak Roc – "Stay Off the F-ckin’ Flowers" feat. Raekwon HERE. [direct mp3 download link - right click and save as]
[via Steady Bloggin']
Labels: Blak Roc, Damon Dash, Raekwon
Thursday, November 19, 2009
New music: JD Era – "Friday The 13th"
“The world thought that Jason Voorhees aka “Jason” was dead. Little did they know that he would be reincarnated in the form of a lyrical assassin in Toronto’s next up JD Era. This exclusive “Friday The 13th” single is from the JD Era & DJ Dax TH1RT3EN mixtape slated for release TOMORROW.” - CEO FA$E
JD Era – "Friday The 13th" (Prod. Beat Merchant) [usershare mp3 download link via TRF]
Online:
JD Era - myspace | twitter
Labels: Its a T.dot Thing
DJ Law – Northern Exposure Vol. 1 (Hosted By DJ Mastermind)
As described by Quackass (!) at TRF:
"This mixtape right here is one of the illest collaboration mixtapes to ever come out of Canada in a long time. DJ Law brings one ill concept with this mixtape, gets Canada’s most recent emcees to drop a ill 16 over Canadian classics. If you haven’t heard this gem download this bad boy now! Shouts to the homie DJ Law on this one and be on the lookout for volume 2 in the future."
Tracklist:
Intro
9th Uno/Maestro – Let Your Backbone Slide
AnonymousTwist/Michee Mee - On This Mic
BUNITALL/Nas T Howie - Attic
Tona – Ultimate MC Rush
Mayhem Morearty/Concrete Mob – Boiling Point
Theology 3/Citizen Kane – Black Rain
Felony/Frankenstein – Pain
Nefarius – Toe 2 Toe 2007
Staalin/Kardinal Offishal – On Wit da Show 2007
Eternia – Northside 2007
Point Blank/Main Source – Just Hangin Out
DL Incognito/Dan e-o – Dear Hiphop 2007
Jugganot/Rascalz – Really Living
Bunz – Ghetto Concept Tribute
Shantal - Gotta Get Mine
Puzzle/Maestro – Fine Tune Da Mic
Jett Black/Saukrates - Father Time
Eddie Mayhem/Choclair – Flagrant
G Squad/Redlife – Who’s Talking Weight
Cause da Product/Kardinal – Husslin’
Nem-s-iss/Black I – Where I’m From
Mason Payne/Infinite – 360
Gee Wunder/Kardinal – Ol’ Time Killin
Jaykin/Ghetto Concept – EZ On Da Motion
Friday/Saukrates – Hate Runs Deep
Sporadic/Saukrates/Common - Play Dis
Outro
Download the DJ Law – Northern Exposure Vol. 1 mixtape HERE. [zshare via The Real Frequency]
Online:
DJ Law - twitter | myspace
Labels: Its a T.dot Thing, mixtapes
