Monday, November 29, 2010

Erotic Queen: Madonna

From trend setter to Pop Queen, musically Madonna has done it all. From giving birth to the styles of your modern day pop artists to composing the rhythm, voicing techniques and stylistic concerns all on musical staff paper.

Name a female music artist that she hasn't influenced? The list ranges from the vulgarly sexual Lil Kim to the "Dirty" Christina Aguilera. Her provocative content and her daring personality is what set her apart from everybody else.

This is the first video I ever saw of Madonna's. I can remember it because I was in Albania and I was about 10 years old and I immediately fell in love with her music.

Keep in mind that I wasn't able to speak or understand English but was touched enough to feel the groove and incredible sound of her music and her ability to own any instrumental she ever laid vocals on.

Do your research and believe me, whoever you find relevant now will soon become irrelevant and replaced by the Erotic Queen, Madonna.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Rocksmith 60 Seconds: Nitty Scott MC

Thanks to an anonymous comment on my Nitty Scott MC post, I was able to find a video of her running an acapella freestyle for Rocksmith Tokyo, clothing company. She's also their official model for their Holiday Delivery. This will serve as proof to prove to you that my comparisons weren't foolish.

Rocksmith 60 Seconds: Nitty Scott MC from Rocksmith on Vimeo.


Still not convinced yet? Don't worry, there's more to come.

Friday, November 26, 2010

If you're better off alone just say yeah you modern day hippie !



Alice DeeJay, a Dutch electronic music group, released this single in 1999. It reached great commercial success. The song is titled "Better Off Alone".



Wiz Khalifa sampled "Better Off Alone" in his 2008 single, "Say Yeah". Wiz, who of late is receiving overwhelming attention from people, started his commercial career with this song. The song feels more like a mashup between Eurotrance and Hip Hop which gives it an authentic feel. This is where it all started at.



Later on Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y, the New Orleans veteran, released a collaborative mixtape in 2009 titled, "How Fly". But before that, Curren$y, released a mixtape titled, "Fast Times at Ridgemont Fly" which featured a remixed "Say Yeah" and "Modern Day Hippie" was born.

I wish that somebody would blend in all three to create a dope mash up.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

1982: The Diamond Collection

1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) Ft. Bun B & Masspike Miles "You Should Go Home" from John Colombo on Vimeo.

1982 Ft. Cassidy & Xzibit "Goin Back" from john colombo on Vimeo.


1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) "Still Waiting" from Clockwork Music on Vimeo.

1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) Boston Listening Party from Clockwork Music on Vimeo.


Termanology has a lyrical arsenal that would equal a battalion of the United States Army. This is one gifted young lyricist. Statik Selektah is a East Coast-based DJ and Producer with soulful instrumentals that feature authentic boom boom bap patterns.

These two artists are 1982. They recently released a album under the same title that is well received by critics and fans. Definitely worth a listen.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Time of Origin: Jay-Z



The now 40 year old Shawn Carter is only a shadow of his former self. This post takes a look at the non-commercial cuts on previous albums that have solidified Jay-Z as one of the present day Kings of this culture to Hip Hop Heads.


This song serves a letter Hov has mentally written to hip hop and saying his goodbyes by reminiscing the path of his career. "Dear summer, I know you're going to miss me, for we've been together like Nike Airs and crisp tees."


Perhaps my favourite song by Hov. The lyrics speak for themselves. Verbally painting on a canvas of the glitter-gold mind state of fame seekers. Claiming that money and fame isn't what it seems. Definitely a overlooked classic.


A reflection concerning the craving for money, lust and power that infects the mind of ghetto tenants which leads to betrayal, bloodshed and death.


Two sentimental verses that craft and capture the emotions on Jay's previous love, plus a final verse deciphering the shame he's brought to his mother.


Name a artist who has recorded a autobiography as dope as this? It's okay, I'll wait.


Hustler's anthem. "Plead the fifth when it comes to the fam, I'm like a dog, I never speak, but I understand." "I never change, this is always me. From the womb to the tomb, from now until my doom."


Honestly, the production makes this song 10 times better.

I know, I'm missing a few but don't worry they'll make their way into this blog, I promise.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Jay, 50, and Weezy




David Augustine aka Dee-1 is a graduate from Louisiana State with a Bachelors in marketing, he began teaching middle school as a way of funding his passion for music. The strong bond he built with his students, even as his notoriety as a local artist began to grow, made him realize that being Dee-1 gave him a much larger platform to enlighten than being Mr. Augustine and so, his career choice was made.

Since then he has released three successful mixtapes, Still We Rise, I Am Who I Am and I Hope They Hear Me, and one independent album, David & Goliath, which was nominated for Hip Hop Album of the Year by Offbeat magazine. He's also performed alongside high status hip-hop artists, Lil Wayne, Drake, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz, Akon, Talib Kweli and many more. Show your support by checking out his YouTube and his Blog

What I like about this artist is that he's not trying to fit in and place himself in a sub-category under hip Hop. He's actually penning lyrics about his thoughts.

This song is essentially innovative, truthful and deep. I make those claims because upon reading the title of the song, I thought that it would most likely be a song with a screwed up hook and another artist taking a shot to fame. Upon listening to it, Dee-1 brilliantly rhymes questions and statements to these big artist about their choices and claims.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Locals Only: The Bay Area

Now this a new segment I'm starting, Locals Only and it's only going to feature local undiscovered artists that are on their way to a bright future.

Aris Jerome
I've had the pleasure of following this young local director on Tumblr and even communicated a few times and shared my thoughts on his work. He's a video director with a mean knack of creating some dope visuals for music. The reason why he's mentioned in this post is because each one of the videos that will be included with this post have been directed by Aris.

You can show your support by following him on his Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo, Official Website and Tumblr.


Ya Boy

Ya Boy - Cali from Aris Jerome on Vimeo.

This MC has been doing his thing for a while now. I remember listening to his "100 Bars" series which are executed with lyrical precision. He's currently signed to Akon's Konvict Music record label. Follow him on Twitter.

Los Rakas

Los Rakas feat. Faviola - Abrazame (Uproot Andy Hold Yuh) from Aris Jerome on Vimeo.

I don't have the slightest idea about the lyrical content of this song because it's in Spanish but musically this song is undeniably great and irresistible. These young artists will get the recognition they deserve, they are unbelievably talented. Check out their official website.

Roach Gigz

Roach Gigz - Magic Gas from Aris Jerome on Vimeo.

Roach Gigz - Pop Off from Aris Jerome on Vimeo.

I find this individual entertaining whether it's lyrics wise and sound wise. His style is something I find different. Make sure to check his official website, and Twitter

Friday, November 19, 2010

Grey Crow

Eligh is a MC, producer, and a song writer. He's also a member of Living Legends, a rap group composed of eight hip hop artists from California. Grey Crow is his latest album.

One of my favourite hip hop websites is HipHopDX because of their incredible segments like "DX Next" and their album reviews. What does that have do to with this post? Well, that's where I found this little gem of an album.

His fast flow and his content are what steals the show. Can you imagine a more complex Kid Cudi? No need to, that's what Eligh sounds like. My favourite songs on Grey Crow are:
  1. Angel Of Death
  2. Soul On The Road
  3. Love Ov My Life
  4. Miss Busdriver (Rachel)
I've only posted the previews of this album just so you can get an idea of what it's like. Enjoy!

    Thursday, November 18, 2010

    Child Rebel Soldier: Backpack Dream Team

    A backpack rapper is an artist whose lyrics are rich and deep in dictating life experiences, often their own, or those of a social group to which they feel they are a part of. They are artists who don’t often boast about their materialistic possessions but capture the inner thoughts and feelings of the masses.

    Child Rebel Soldier will probably never have an official release but just the idea of this super group is eargasmic to hip hop heads. With each artist in the group having the type of impact that they’ve had in the hip hop community, it is unimaginable what all three of them together would be able to conjure and influence.

    Kanye West:
    14 Grammy Award wins out of 36 nominations. 

    That’s an impressive resume.  Not only is Mr. West an outstanding rapper but he’s also a witty producer, sampling soul music and incorporating lethal drum patterns into his instrumentals that have won the hearts of many music lovers. His albums have always been well received some even crowning Kanye as a musical genius.

    Lupe Fiasco:       
    1 Grammy Award win out of 8 nominations. 

    Lupe Fiasco is a deep psychological lyrical machine that doesn’t let his complex metaphors deduct or ruin the great sound of his music. Lupe is an artist that is humble and intelligent with a knack of releasing flawless albums that have the ability to attract a range of demographics.

    Pharrell Williams:                
    The production duo, The Neptunes, which features Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo have collected 3 Grammy Awards out of 11 nominations.   

    Pharrell = Super Producer + Musician + Fashion Designer 

    Lyrically, he isn’t up to par with the other two members of the trio but his resume is more impressive than both artists put together. Pharrell is innovative and will always be relevant in anything he does. You don’t believe me? Check his whole N.E.R.D catalogue. I’ve never heard of anybody in hip hop as experimental and as daring musically as him. He adds a great balance to this group whether it will be lyrically, production wise and sound wise.

    The group initially released one song together which was titled, "Us Placers". The song uses a Thom Yorke chorus and sample from the song titled, "The Eraser".



    In recent news Kanye West has been putting out new music every Friday, to further promote his upcoming album, "My Dark Twisted Fantasy". He decided to call the music frenzy, "G.O.O.D Friday" in honour of his record label, "G.O.O.D Music" which is an acronym that stand for Getting Out Our Dreams. The newest song that CRS has released is titled, "Don't Stop", and it is one mighty song.



    Time will tell if these musically talented heavyweights will collaborate and release a full album.

    Wednesday, November 10, 2010

    From The West Side, With Love


    DOM KENNEDY - Watermelon Sundae

    DOM KENNEDY - "PAYING DUES"

    Dom Kennedy is the one to blame for the idea behind my blog title. I found out about Dom when I heard a brand new song with these artists I had never heard before. The artists had recorded over, NERD's "Everybody Nose" instrumental and created their own version, "Everybody Knows Us".

    The remake features Dom Kennedy, Carter, and trio, Pac Div. Carter is a southern artist but yet he gave the song a very creative balance. The members of Pac Div, Mibbs, his brother Like and long time friend BeYoung, hail from Southern California.

    Enough about the features and more about Mr. Kennedy. I'm going to skip all of the introductions because I feel like once you hear his music, his humble style will win you over.


    Dom’s got a really silky and kind spirited style to the way that he records music that makes him effortlessly noticeable even after a couple of listens. His flow is comforting but far from lazy. He doesn’t really claim or glorify the thug lifestyle and he’s doesn’t necessarily fit the description of these new hipster rappers either but the music gives you the sense that he’s just a person who enjoys regular things we all like to do and that is why I adore his music. His content is never aggressive and never inappropriate. It's just feel good music.


    Click here to download a free copy of Dom Kennedy's latest mixtape found on his blog.

    Sunday, November 7, 2010

    She's a lady rapper complex like origami

    I was doing my usual music browsing and I came across this 1990 hip hop baby by the name of Nitty Scott MC.

    There's nothing I love more than listening to new and upcoming artists. I love watching them blossom. Thus far, I've heard three songs and listened to one interview.

    Her charismatic aura plus her critical yet soothing delivery of words and rhymes reminds me so much of Lauryn Hill. Not only that, but this particular female is like the wittiness of Jean Grae fused with the rawness of Foxy Brown.

    I know comparing a new comer to Lauryn Hill may sound ludicrous but believe me once you listen to her, you'll love it. Yes, just like every entertainer there is bound to be a flock of haters that are going to make their irrelevant comparisons and irrelevant opinions instead of enjoying what this young lady offers. 

    She is one artist to definitely look out for.

     
    Nitty Scott MC - Here I Am

     
    Nitty Scott MC - I Luv My Life

     
    Nitty Scott MC - Monster Freestyle

    Friday, November 5, 2010

    INFLUENCERS



    I found this video on Vimeo while I was searching for a video for my "The Body: Beauty, Sex, and Consumerism" course. I really enjoyed it. It is very informative and innovative short documentary that will lead to viewer satisfaction if they are a avid follower of urban trends, fashion and music. Since I am a marketing student, I found this beneficial on many aspects.

    This short documentary attempts to comprehend the soul of influence, what makes a person influential without taking a statistical or metric approach. INFLUENCERS explores what it means to be an influencer and how trends and creativity become contagious today in music, fashion and entertainment. The film was written and directed by Paul Rojanathara and Davis Johnson. The embedded video description categorized INFLUENCERS as a "Polaroid snapshot of New York influential creatives (advertising, design, fashion and entertainment) who are shaping today's pop culture."