The video appeared as a surprise at the end of the BET Awards, which is also where the performance is from. My Two Cents = Jay-Z is the King of Hip Hop
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
What the World Lost Today...
My favorite album is "Dangerous". My favorite song is "Human Nature". Let's get the facts out the way: He's the best entertainer in the history of music. He is the King of Pop. He was a musical genius. His impact will never be forgotten.
Yes, this is a Michael Jackson tribute. But this is also very personal.
I'm not over it right now. I've watched the same headlines on MSNBC since it was confirmed at 6:27 PM. First it was TMZ, then LA Times, finally all the major networks. I'm still crying so forgive me if I'm not as coherent as I should be.
My first memories in life are of Michael. I know he was a part of my life before 1990, but my first concrete memories started when I would hear "Human Nature" before I went to sleep at the age of two. I first watched "Thriller" on MTV when I was four with my Grandma (yeah, I was scared) and that same year (1992) I watched The Jacksons: An American Dream on TV. In the morning before preschool, I would watch Jackson5 reruns on the CBS morning lineup. I spent play dates watching tapes of him in concert (no lie, we played Ninja Turtles and watched Michael, I swear). And the only reason I went to see Free Willy in 1993 was because Michael did the song for it (turned out to be a great movie though). "We Are the World" was our finale piece for dance class in 1994. Michael Jackson ruled the world when I just started to understand what the world was, so if you take him away, the world just doesn't make sense to me anymore.
To me, MJ embodied the ultimate human being. He rose to the top of the world, and when he got there, he gave back. Sure, I know Oprah and Bill Gates and countless others give back, but rather than just give back with money, Michael gave his career to his causes. He reached people using the outlet that mattered most to him: with his music. It just seems to me that the world was a better place in the early 90s. It was a better place because people cared about each other. And people cared about each other because of Michael Jackson. I listened to the Jackson 5 and his older music when I was younger, but you have to understand, that when I came into consciousness, Michael Jackson ruled the world. Thus it wasn't the "Rockin' Robins" and "ABCs" that shaped my life....it was the "They Don't Really Care About Us"'s and "Black and White"'s that became my childhood soundtrack. What separated him from the super-celebrities we know today is that he didn't rule with what runs TMZ today, or what he has been recently known for...there were no club fights, no weapons charges, and certainly no stepping out of cars without underwear. Ok, maybe there were hyperbaric sleeping chambers and a chimp named Bubbles, but that's not what I think of at first. I just have images in my mind of tens of thousands of people crowding around for what seemed like miles in front of one stage. Nobody was angry, hysterical maybe, and it seemed that if only for a moment, we could all get along.
That's the Michael I'll always have in my head. One icon, amidst a sea of people.
While his controversy has overshadowed his gifts in recent years, the 4 year old in me always understood Michael Jackson. He never wanted his childhood to end and he never wanted anyone to feel left out. At the root of it all, that was the essence of Michael: everyone in the world is important. Race, religion, gender, sexual orientation--I don't think any of those things mattered to MJ, and though this may be an unusual interpretation, that's always what I understood his physical body to represent. Sure you can make whatever jokes you'd like about aesthetics and behavior, but I think at the root of it all, everyone could relate to Michael because he represented everyone.
I don't want to summarize his life and importance to culture, music and the world. And I realize that he's been many things to many people. That's why I hope you take this time in the wake of his death to remember just what he's done for you. I haven't said all I'd like to say, and maybe this is where I'll stop and take the time to personally sort out music's role in my life from this point on. Today has been hard for me. I've lost the man that made music matter to me. The one person who made me realize that music is the most powerful vehicle for change in the world. If you know me, you know I'm very cynical, sarcastic and self-centered, but I didn't start out that way. I used to feel much more optimistic about the world and its inhabitants. And I can tell you that just from thinking back over my life with Michael Jackson's influence, I'm remembering and appreciating everything and everyone he stood for.
An icon is defined as a thing or person regarded as a representative symbol of something. To some, Michael Jackson is a representative symbol of music, but when I think of him, I see an endless sea of people. And today, they are missing their icon.
The music lives on.
Yes, this is a Michael Jackson tribute. But this is also very personal.
I'm not over it right now. I've watched the same headlines on MSNBC since it was confirmed at 6:27 PM. First it was TMZ, then LA Times, finally all the major networks. I'm still crying so forgive me if I'm not as coherent as I should be.
My first memories in life are of Michael. I know he was a part of my life before 1990, but my first concrete memories started when I would hear "Human Nature" before I went to sleep at the age of two. I first watched "Thriller" on MTV when I was four with my Grandma (yeah, I was scared) and that same year (1992) I watched The Jacksons: An American Dream on TV. In the morning before preschool, I would watch Jackson5 reruns on the CBS morning lineup. I spent play dates watching tapes of him in concert (no lie, we played Ninja Turtles and watched Michael, I swear). And the only reason I went to see Free Willy in 1993 was because Michael did the song for it (turned out to be a great movie though). "We Are the World" was our finale piece for dance class in 1994. Michael Jackson ruled the world when I just started to understand what the world was, so if you take him away, the world just doesn't make sense to me anymore.
To me, MJ embodied the ultimate human being. He rose to the top of the world, and when he got there, he gave back. Sure, I know Oprah and Bill Gates and countless others give back, but rather than just give back with money, Michael gave his career to his causes. He reached people using the outlet that mattered most to him: with his music. It just seems to me that the world was a better place in the early 90s. It was a better place because people cared about each other. And people cared about each other because of Michael Jackson. I listened to the Jackson 5 and his older music when I was younger, but you have to understand, that when I came into consciousness, Michael Jackson ruled the world. Thus it wasn't the "Rockin' Robins" and "ABCs" that shaped my life....it was the "They Don't Really Care About Us"'s and "Black and White"'s that became my childhood soundtrack. What separated him from the super-celebrities we know today is that he didn't rule with what runs TMZ today, or what he has been recently known for...there were no club fights, no weapons charges, and certainly no stepping out of cars without underwear. Ok, maybe there were hyperbaric sleeping chambers and a chimp named Bubbles, but that's not what I think of at first. I just have images in my mind of tens of thousands of people crowding around for what seemed like miles in front of one stage. Nobody was angry, hysterical maybe, and it seemed that if only for a moment, we could all get along.
That's the Michael I'll always have in my head. One icon, amidst a sea of people.
While his controversy has overshadowed his gifts in recent years, the 4 year old in me always understood Michael Jackson. He never wanted his childhood to end and he never wanted anyone to feel left out. At the root of it all, that was the essence of Michael: everyone in the world is important. Race, religion, gender, sexual orientation--I don't think any of those things mattered to MJ, and though this may be an unusual interpretation, that's always what I understood his physical body to represent. Sure you can make whatever jokes you'd like about aesthetics and behavior, but I think at the root of it all, everyone could relate to Michael because he represented everyone.
I don't want to summarize his life and importance to culture, music and the world. And I realize that he's been many things to many people. That's why I hope you take this time in the wake of his death to remember just what he's done for you. I haven't said all I'd like to say, and maybe this is where I'll stop and take the time to personally sort out music's role in my life from this point on. Today has been hard for me. I've lost the man that made music matter to me. The one person who made me realize that music is the most powerful vehicle for change in the world. If you know me, you know I'm very cynical, sarcastic and self-centered, but I didn't start out that way. I used to feel much more optimistic about the world and its inhabitants. And I can tell you that just from thinking back over my life with Michael Jackson's influence, I'm remembering and appreciating everything and everyone he stood for.
An icon is defined as a thing or person regarded as a representative symbol of something. To some, Michael Jackson is a representative symbol of music, but when I think of him, I see an endless sea of people. And today, they are missing their icon.
The music lives on.
Michael Jackson (1958-2009) - King of Pop - R.I.P.
The world was dealt a tragic blow today as a man who has influenced us for the past 4 decades and will continue to influence us into the future passed away. Michael Jackson has meant a lot to me personally. My parents went to see him in concert in Germany while my mom was pregnant with me. I've sang the songs and done the dance moves, as we all have. I used to watch Moonwalker and Thriller on VHS until one of the tapes broke...
I grew up on his videos and songs, and as I got older I explored his music and dancing on a deeper level. I place his catalogue of music in a spot with few others. His music has been there when I was happy, as it has when I was feeling down, and anywhere in between; true mood music. People need to understand that without him there would be no "MTV". Black music would not be as accepted as it is now. He sold over 750 million records worldwide. He's had incalculable impact on people of all races, ages, nationalities and ethnicities. He opened so many doors....
It's hard to verbalize how I feel now. Ashley Dre was going to do this but couldn't for the same reasons I'm having trouble now. You were, and are an inspiration and I speak for all of your fans when I say we appreciate you. We will continue to celebrate your life and to uphold your legacy.
Rest In Peace Michael Jackson
In honor of the King of Pop, a video tribute, for anyone who studied these videos, embraced his music:
The Roots-How I Got Over (Live)
The Roots Shuttin shit down on the Jimmy Fallon Show with "How I Got Over" from their new album of the same name coming soon.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Music Video: Rick Ross feat. Triple C’s & Magazeen - Yacht Club (Remix)
From Bawse's Deeper Than Rap, a breezy record with a breezy video. Hope Summer's going well. Peep Game:
Monday, June 22, 2009
KINDA LIKE A BIG DEAL- The Clipse feat. Kanye West
Clipse feat Kanye West - Kinda Like A Big Deal from Malice of the Clipse on Vimeo.
Video directed by Bernard Gourley. The Clipse is set to drop Till The Casket Drops later on this year.
NEWS: Chris Brown Pleads Guilty
Today Chris Brown pleaded guilty to once count of felony assault against ex-girlfriend, Rihanna in February. He entered the plea bargain at his preliminary hearing earlier this afternoon in L.A. The sentence included five years of probation and six months of community service. California law requires a check-in every three months to show progress.
In addition, Chris Brown was sentenced to a 50 yard "stay away" order from Rihanna since he has yet to begin his domestic violence classes. On August 5th, Brown will receive his formal sentence. Moments later, Rihanna was escorted into the courtroom to have the "stay away" order explained to her. However, the order will be shorter for professional events such as award shows, concerts, etc.
In addition, Chris Brown was sentenced to a 50 yard "stay away" order from Rihanna since he has yet to begin his domestic violence classes. On August 5th, Brown will receive his formal sentence. Moments later, Rihanna was escorted into the courtroom to have the "stay away" order explained to her. However, the order will be shorter for professional events such as award shows, concerts, etc.
B.o.B. Mixtapes - "B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray"and "Who the Fuck is B.o.B.?"
Two mixtapes from the ATLien B.o.B. "B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray" is new and highly anticipated. "Who the Fuck is B.o.B.?" has been rerealeased with no DJ's shouting over the tracks, so you can get a refresher course on the man if you've been under a rock:
"B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray"
Download Here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/61703787b0fcac77
"Who the Fuck is B.o.B.?"
Download here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/61634044043a667c/
"B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray"
Download Here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/61703787b0fcac77
"Who the Fuck is B.o.B.?"
Download here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/61634044043a667c/
Saturday, June 20, 2009
LRG Presents Wale & 9th Wonder - Back To The Feature (Mixtape)
Wale has a new beast of a mixtape out. Check it out here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/61605401574105cb/
http://www.zshare.net/download/61605401574105cb/
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9) go in over D.O.A.
Duck. Slaughterhouse is throwing everything they got at the mic on Green Lantern's show.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61431899d7be9c61/
"Thugs is somewhere doin what it is that thugs do, rappers is rappin and ya'll aint doin that, what the fuck is you?"
-Joell Ortiz
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61431899d7be9c61/
"Thugs is somewhere doin what it is that thugs do, rappers is rappin and ya'll aint doin that, what the fuck is you?"
-Joell Ortiz
Young Jeezy - 24-23
Jeezy beats his chest over a raaawwww beat and lashes out out Gucci Mane and OJ da Juice man. Turbulence ahead.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61433133c06525f6/
Props to Nahright.com for the pic and song
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61433133c06525f6/
Props to Nahright.com for the pic and song
Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos - Shining Down
NEW LUPE JOINT OFF WE ARE LASERS!!! Peep Below, its hot:
Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos - Shining Down (CDQ)
http://sharebee.com/5c429d59
props to nahright via fakeshoredrive
Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos - Shining Down (CDQ)
http://sharebee.com/5c429d59
props to nahright via fakeshoredrive
Saturday, June 13, 2009
CLASSIC: KRS-ONE, KANYE, NAS, RAKIM
This isn't exactly a new joint, but I heard it today and thought it was amazing. Hip Hop at its finest. 'nuff said.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Clipse Featuring Pharrell - I'm Good
The Clipse return with Pharrell in tow for their first single off the new album Til The Casket Drops called "I'm Good":
The Clipse Featuring Pharrell - I'm Good
http://sharebee.com/5f6d97f0
The Clipse Featuring Pharrell - I'm Good
http://sharebee.com/5f6d97f0
T.I. Featuring Red Cafe - The Way You Want it
A version of this leaked a couple days ago without Mr. Cafe. The beat is ill and TI gets his old Trap Muzik flow on on this one even though the lyrics are recent and witty if I say so myself.
T.I. Featuring Red Cafe - The Way You Want it
http://limelinx.com/files/652bae9e3b36db27a16450f2d948a677
T.I. Featuring Red Cafe - The Way You Want it
http://limelinx.com/files/652bae9e3b36db27a16450f2d948a677
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Mos Def- The Ecstatic
If you have yet to check it out, you should hit up Mos Def's new album THE ECSTATIC which dropped Tuesday. The album is no surprise, considering Mos Def's lyricisim, delivery, and creativity as he colloborates with producers such as the Chad Hugo, Madlib, and the late J Dilla. Some of his artist collaborations include Slick Rick, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and the timeless Talib Kweli. And Mos Def does prove his work to be timeless in this age of hip-hop where some people try entirely too hard to be different. Mos Def never tries to be anything he's not, and is always proud to stand behind the art he represents.
The album opens up with a clip from Malcolm X's renowned speech at Oxford University in 1964 on Mos Def's "Supermagic" track which serves as a lyrically fun and fresh introduction to the album. The Ecstatic is an artistically advanced album, maybe too advanced for some, but definitely utter DOPENESS. Check out the album on IMEEM.
ALBUM FAVORITES:
Roses (feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow)
Priority
Life In Marvelous Times
The album opens up with a clip from Malcolm X's renowned speech at Oxford University in 1964 on Mos Def's "Supermagic" track which serves as a lyrically fun and fresh introduction to the album. The Ecstatic is an artistically advanced album, maybe too advanced for some, but definitely utter DOPENESS. Check out the album on IMEEM.
Roses (feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow)
Priority
Life In Marvelous Times
Monday, June 8, 2009
NEW JOINT: Wale- Family Affair
Deep and fly video by Wale which is serves as the soundtrack for a feature film by Rik Cordero called "Inside A Change," who is also the director of this video. The premiere of "Inside A Change" will take place at this year's New York International Latino Film Festival.
Rik Cordero is also nominated for this year's BET Award's Video Director of the Year, alongside Hype Williams, Benny Boom, and more. Some of his credits include Q-Tip's ManWomanBoogie, The Roots' Rising Up, and Jay-Z's trailer to Blue Magic.
MYSPACE.COM/RIKCORDERO
Rik Cordero is also nominated for this year's BET Award's Video Director of the Year, alongside Hype Williams, Benny Boom, and more. Some of his credits include Q-Tip's ManWomanBoogie, The Roots' Rising Up, and Jay-Z's trailer to Blue Magic.
MYSPACE.COM/RIKCORDERO
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Kobe Bryant
If you've been keeping up with the NBA Finals, you would've witnessed the Magic's pitiful 25-point defeat last night. Anyway, I'm not the biggest NBA expert, but I keep up with what I can when the playoffs start-up. But what has amazed me most is the sports history that I'm witnessing and even it's connection with the hip-hop culture in regards to the [false notion] that you could only make it out of the hood is if you were ballin' or spittin'. But this Weezy joint pays homage to Lakers' star Kobe Bryant expressing that connection but praising it nonetheless. Of course, the two greatest in their profession come from entirely different backgrounds, but I love how hip-hop transcends it all, acknowledging the greatness that is our people.
Check out Weezy's new joint: Kobe Bryant
Check out Weezy's new joint: Kobe Bryant
Friday, June 5, 2009
Jay-Z - Death Of AutoTune
Hov comes through BIG with the new single. BP3 on the way. Props to Nahright.com for this:
Jay-Z - Death of Autotune
Mastered courtesy of Elliot Wilson of Rapradar.com
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61033237d7dbb870/
Jay-Z - Death of Autotune
Mastered courtesy of Elliot Wilson of Rapradar.com
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61033237d7dbb870/
Mary J. Blige Ft. Drake - The One
Mary gets the autotune treatment and Drake does his biggest feature yet (yet, because word on the street is that Mr. Graham will be featured on Jay-Z's first official single called "Off That").
Mary J. Blige Featuring Drake - The One (produced by Dark Child)
http://www.mediafire.com/?mujz2jhni3h
Mary J. Blige Featuring Drake - The One (produced by Dark Child)
http://www.mediafire.com/?mujz2jhni3h
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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