HHAL PRESENTS: THE 1ST ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY

The whole team has been grinding hard to put this event together for yall. It will be something to remember. Now to get some rest so I can actually enjoy the fruit of all the labor this week required.

Old School Kanye

Kanye West In The Studio! from Rob Yung on Vimeo.

Kanye in the studio with Jay-z back when he was a nobody. You gotta respect his hustle. We didn't get yall with the Throwback Thursday but it was for good reason. Look Up!

Ryan Leslie is Fake?? Don't Knock It 'Til You Watch It

I hope y'all didn't forget me. I know I've been ghost for the longest, but trust me, it's been all for you guys. We have the illest event to hit campus in a hot minute (as I'm sure you already know) this Friday (and next!) so I've been hustling for that plus school...

Anyway, a while back a friend of mine was like "Hey have you heard the rumor that Ryan Leslie is just a really deep Sasha Baron Cohen character?" and I was like NO WAY is that even possible. Then we argued for a bit before he showed me this video. I still don't believe it, but....well, gosh, see for yourself.


Ryan Leslie is Borat??

My Two Cents: Oprah gets the Gas Face

Feel free to disagree, but I'm a little upset with Oprah Winfrey right now. Somehow someway I got the chance to see the April 14th episode of her show, which was dedicated to Country Music.


I repeat: OPRAH WINFREY DEDICATED AN ENTIRE EPISODE TO COUNTRY MUSIC.

Now I'm not gonna knock country music. I don't really listen to it but respect it as a genre and have friends who listen to it. But come the fuck on Oprah (c)Jamie Foxx. All the smack she talks about Hip Hop, despite it being the reigning King of American Culture, despite the thousands of viable topics it brings up, despite the Good and Real that it brings into the world, and she has the nerve to do a whole episode dedicated to country music?!?!

Now don't get me wrong. Any other day I'm a fan of Ms. Winfrey. She gets paid, she does good for the community, she brings awareness to important issues. But the way she attacks Hip Hop while promoting country music really disappoints me. My two cents.

King Geedorah...

So, some of you might already know about him but for those of you that don't, Daniel Dumile aka King Geedorah, MF Doom,Viktor Vaughn, Metal Fingers, Zev Love X and Supervillain is a hip hop mastermind. Hearing his music was refreshing, it legit made my day, and even though he's been out for awhile he's not mainstream... (as most really good rappers). His album "Take Me to your Leader" under his stage name (one of many) King Geedorah, put out in '03 is the issh. He says of his own album, "You should listen to the album for what it is and not expect it to be like the average "rap" stuff you’re probably used to. Geedorah is a space monster. He's not from the Earth. I made it different on purpose. A blend of ill lyrics and instrumentals. To me its way iller than any of the wack shit out now... This whole album is Geedorah's alien perspective on humans. This is done intentionally to show the listener a mirror image of his/herself and the way we see each other". Check his stuff out, I promise you won't be disappointed. 

P.S If you like what you hear check out his other stuff as MF Doom and Supervillain. Also, I have both these songs lol so if you want them contact me and I can send them to you.

Ryan Leslie in the studio with Keri Hilson and Fabolous

If you haven't seen this dude make a beat u need to hit his youtube page immediately...

Here he is making Addiction:


Technology maaaaaan. Stuff like this makes you appreciate all that goes into making a good song, I wish more producers got on that flip cam status and showed themselves cookin up the stuff that we hear on the radio.

Throwback Thursday

Since Blackbox is 80's themed tonight, I'ma hit y'all with some 80's vids for TT. Let's Go:

One of the most important songs ever Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - The Message

The Message - Grandmaster Flash
Uploaded by Discodandan

Hall of Famers Run-DMC - Rock Box

Run DMC - Rock Box
Uploaded by jpdc11

Slick Rick - A Teenage Love

Slick Rick - A Teenage Love
Uploaded by klmbaby

That illness, Kool G Rap, Master Ace, Big Daddy Kane, Craig G, Marley Marl - The Symphony

*~Symphony~*~¤~Kool'G'Rap~¤
Uploaded by DonyGiobany

This beat is on some other shit. Eric B. and Rakim - I Ain't no Joke

Eric B. & Rakim - I Ain't No Joke
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup

Maino buys Jada

Maino hits Best Buy in Phoenix to cop the new Jadakiss album. I like seeing stuff like this but it's kind of bittersweet. The Recession has hit, and its just harder and harder to sell a record in this day and age. We were all excited when Wayne sold a milli but only a few years ago rappers sold a few times that with weaker records ex. Nellyville got 5 times platinum in 02. Jada aint touchin that even if the artistic quality is better. His first album went platinum - what does that say about the state of the music buisness.

Whats it gonna take to get people to go out and buy records again. What's the last record you bought for real?

South Park Goes In On Kanye

Kanye on SP
by yardie4lifever2

lollers.

Officer Ricky ft. Weezy, Yeezy, T-Pain - Maybach Music 2

Been waitin on this joint and it doesn't disappoint at all. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League is supplying Ricky with classic beats, and may be the only reason his career is still viable after all of 50 Cent's attempts to drown him. Ross has the background music of a classic.


http://www.zshare.net/audio/58375700abb68a0f/

Pics from Dimples7UK

Our very own Dr. Cornel West was at Calvin College in Michigan for their Festival of Faith and Music 2009 on April 3rd. He interviwed Mr. Lupe Fiasco.

Audio Courtesy of LupEND and Nahright of course.
It's 60 minutes long so pop some popcorn:
http://sharebee.com/247cf4dc

Eminem - We Made You Song + Video

BRAND NEW EMINEM. His first single off Relapse Props to YN. The Video is Here...

Eminem - New Music - More Music Videos

Dre in the Star Trek uniform = hilarity, as well as the rest of the video

We Made You
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58299774d5d521a7/

Busta Rhymes and T-Pain - Hustler's Anthem

Check Busta Back on his Bullshit lol.



Anyone else miss the fun lovin Busta from the 90's?

WOO HAH!!!

Busta Rhymes - Woo-Hah
Uploaded by Galaxy_rangers

Who you got?

Mos is talkin some friendly trash out in Detroit, seeming pretty damn confident I might add. He freestyles at the end. Who would win in a battle between Mos, Jay-z, and Weezy tho?


Mos is insane, lol Iono. I think I'd take Weezy out the equation...

Young Money - Every Girl

Get The Song Here:
http://www.badongo.com/file/13132754

Apparently...

...Lil Kim is a beast at dancing. Who knew? peep her on dancing with the stars.

Poker Face

The Boys from Good Music, Kanye,KiD CuDi, and Common get nasty over a Lady Gaga Sample Props to Nahright (via KanYe himself):

I Poker Face
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58231757db53f015/

BONUS:

KiD CuDi ft. Wale - Look Up In Da Stars
http://www.zshare.net/audio/55871025123b1d14/

KiD CuDi - Switchin Lanes
http://www.zshare.net/audio/569608206b2d478c/

Run-DMC inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Eminem inducts Run DMC into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:


Run-DMC accepts:


Simply beautiful. Hip Hop keeps on moving forward.

*Goes and listens to Rock Box*

Jay-Z + The Roots - Renegade

Top 3 Jay-Z albums (as far as I'm concerned):
1. Reasonable doubt
2. The Blueprint
3. Black Album


The growth between and throughout the bodies of work above is probably the best in Hip Hop. Who has been around long enough, been relevant long enough to make something as amazing as the three above albums. Consistency and Growth. Any way shouts to Rapradar.com for the exclusive footage. I love the internet.

EDIT: The embed code isn't working but even better is this youtube video I found, Jay and Em on stage performing Renegade live. The Roots performance is here

Throwback Thursday - Marvin Gaye Edition

Marvin Gaye's Birthday is today, and the anniversary of his death was yesterday. In his honor, for throwback thursday, here are a few Hip Hop Songs that sampled him, plus the songs they came from.

Turn Da Lights Off - Tweet ft. Missy

Tweet - Turn Da Lights Off
Uploaded by lachula

The sample is right there in the beginning. It comes from

If This World Were Mine - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell


Next Up, The Pen & The Needlz - Lupe blacks out on the track, listen to the lyrics


It's sampled from the Marvin track Mercy, Mercy Me (go to 2:40 to hear the sampled part)


We get a 2 for one on this one. 50 Cent - Ghetto Qu'ran


and Smilez and Southstar's one hit wonder Tell Me

Tell Me
by ice1906

both sample Stop, Look, Listen to your heart by Marvin and Diana Ross (this is a remix, but you owe it to your self to download the original)


Shaggy - Mr. Bombastic


Sampled from Let's Get it On (duh!)


Finally, The best Marvin Gaye Sample of all time goes to Kanye West - Spaceship (starts at :33)

OFFICIAL SPACESHIP BY KANYE WEST
by HAZELWOOD

That sample is from Distant Lover:


I could listen to those last two songs on repeat forever.

Just a reminder that the BAC show is bout to go down next weekend. Tickets on sale now. Gotta represent for those groups on campus that uplift Hip Hop.

B A.....................C!!!

POETRY MONTH: Bonafide Rojas- In Front Of The Class

In light of poetry month, I thought I'd hit y'all up with some hot spoken word artists.

This piece is one of my favorites because it shows you the strength of art and love. It shows how inspiring and moving art can be, changing circumstances, changing lives, changing yourself. I think many times people forget how you can actually teach people through other ways besides standing In Front Of A Classroom barking orders and giving busy work. People don't understand that the love of the money is nowhere as immense as the love of the people. Art is amazing. It sees all things, shows all things, and experiences all things. Enjoy: Bonafide Rojas =D

After Midnight

Dope LA based painter and former grafitti artist, Steven Lopez recently added Amerykahn Promise to his collection of the After Midnight Series featuring Erykah Badu (who just had a baby and is still looking flyer than ever). The After Midnight Series, which includes pieces featuring India.Arie, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan and more, the amazing women of soul will be available at midnight on April 15, 2009.



Lopez has been working as an artist for over 10 years and is constantly inspired by his interactions with people, culture, and music. And of course, that's my favorite thing about the piece. This piece exemplifies art recognizing art, paying tribute to a genre apart from your own.

UPDATE: VIDEO OF Ms. Badu signing these amazing prints

Ginuwine- Last Chance

Ginuwine's been gone for a good minute, and I'm so ready for him to get back on the scene. His new album, A Man's Thoughts is supposed to drop later this summer.

Ginuwine - Last Chance / NEW
Uploaded by PeteRock

I gotta admit, I'm not head over heels about the video, but Ginuwine did his thing on this track. Unlike all the other 90's artists trying to relive their glory years but adding auto-tune to their tracks and commercializing everything, Ginuwine stayed true to his art and style. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on auto-tune, I'm just saying it's about time we had a variety of R&B cats on the scene besides Neyo, who don't care what's "hot" or "not" in music.

Where tha ladies @?

Here are some!! Queen Latifah, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot (WHERE U BEEN MISSY?!?!?!?), YoYo, Lady of Rage, MC Lyte. Damn.

Whenever Mos is on...

...it's interesting to say the least. Check him out on Real Time with Bill Maher:

CORRECTION: TI was only sentenced today.

Apparently he can turn himself in for his sentence within the next few weeks.

We'll miss you homie. hold your head up.



Here's video of his press conference:


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gG8GdxWZ2jInuMWmid9GgBdgCJ5AD976F4SG0

Redman and Method Man ft. UGK - City Lights

Post number 50! We keep it movin at HHAL. Here's a new track I saw on Nahright. Red & Meth AND UGK on the same track?!?!?!?



Here's the link:
http://www.zshare.net/download/575639521ecf260e/

Hip Hop and the Republican Party?

Michael Steele vs. Steven Colbert "Rap Battle"

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Conservative Rap Battle - Michael Steele's Response
comedycentral.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

A few weeks ago GOP leader Michael Steele made headlines when he became the first African American head of the Republican Party. He also caused a bit of controversy by saying he was "planning an 'off the hook' public-relations offensive to attract younger voters, especially blacks and Hispanics, by applying the party's principles to urban-suburban hip-hop settings".

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/19/steele-gop-needs-hip-hop-makeover/

Can Hip Hop and the Republican Party break bread?

Furthermore what kind of relationship does Hip Hop culture have with Politics?

Discuss below.

Random: Pharell Dancin in McDonald's

Saw this on rapradar.com. LOL where you been @ homie?

Jack of Spade - Pose Too

Here's a song that was burnin up the radio in VA over Spring Break. VA's own Jack of Spade with "Pose Too"
You Know I had to represent for my 7 Cities!!!



Pose Too - DJ Jack of Spade


Download here:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/57569831d3c7dcf3/

Q-Tip - We Fight/We Love Remix Featuring KanYe West and Consequence

My favorite song on The Renaissance gets a remix with dope verses from Yeezy and Consequence



http://www.zshare.net/audio/5756955773aea981/


BONUS: Peep the sample - Old school Michael Jackson "Heartbreak Hotel"

Where You Been?

Just saw this new joint from Lil Zane. Damn homie, in high school you was the man homie. WTF happened to you? LOL

Fresh Joints: Alchemist is Back!!!!

I don't know about ya'll but I'm so excited! Smile is on his upcoming album Chemical Warfare. I heard this song today and I loved it. I hope you guys do too.

Throwback Thursdays

Late is betta than never lol. Let's Go:

Chubb Rock: Treat Em Right

Chubb Rock - Treat' em right
Uploaded by homhom

Monie Love - Monie in the Middle



Leaders of the New School - Case of the P.T.A.:

Leader of the New School Case of the pta
Uploaded by sobaze

GANGSTARR - DWYCK




Nice & Smooth - Sometimes I Rhyme Slow

Nice and Smooth Sometimes I Rhyme Slow
Uploaded by oublierleracismeskyblog

Charles Hamilton: Loser Music Video

From xxlmag.com, Charles Hamilton's Loser Music Video from the mixtape The Pink Lavalamp. Don't sleep on the mixtape.

Hope Your enjoying your break, we'll be back operating full speed on Monday!!!

Fresh Joints: Slaughterhouse - Wack

"From ringtoners to backpackers I smack rappers"



Real Spitters Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, and Royce Da 59 go in on these wack MC's over a KRS sample.

props to 2dopeboys for the link

http://www.zshare.net/audio/571222146279a33a/

Artist Spotlight: Far Out

What comes to mind when you think of FAR OUT? Maybe some hippy-type isht, Cee-lo, Andre and them, or just crazy weird in general. Anyway I thought I'd put on for my city and rep for the East Side of the A. Glenn S. & Bias make up Far Out, a crazy upcoming act y'all def need to keep a look out for. Their mixtape just dropped last week and they got alot more to come. Bias on the ATL BLUES and Glenn S. on LONG DAYS, LONG NIGHTS.



In the mean time, hit up the group's MYSPACE and stay posted. More mixtapes 'bout to drop, performances to show out, and haters to be talkin'. Watch out, Far Out's coming down yo block.

New Joint: I <3 College

New video by Asher Roth. Check it out.

I Love College - Asher Roth

Throwback Thursdays (X-TRA SMOOTH edition!)

I know we're late with it, but you gotta forgive us during midterms week.

For some of you, this Thursday is stressful. Everyone else is running around without a care in the world while you have two papers and a Japanese test for tomorrow (no, I'm not bitter). I mean, what's it all for?? Why are we doing this to ourselves?? I know you feel like you want to get away, so here's a joint to make you feel better.



Also, I know some of you are having a day like this:


Kris Kross - I Missed The Bus (Official Music Video) - Funny blooper videos are here

Now, I know I have to give something to the rest of y'all who are happily preparing for spring break or have already departed for this joyous of weeks. Since the people above will eventually make it to the promise land with you, this Thursday is all about relaxing with some smooth jams. Poolside, beachside, bedside? Hey, I'm just saying...I bet you come back feeling completely chilled out.

Al B.Sure! - Nite and day
Uploaded by welcomeback

Xscape - Just Kickin' It
Uploaded by lachula

Go easy on that last one. Happy Thursday!

Jay-Z: 'HIP-HOP HAS IMPROVED RACE RELATIONS'

From Contactmusic.com:

JAY-Z has credited hip-hop with improving race relations across America - because white kids who idolise him and SNOOP DOGG don't become racists.
The rapper insists there's too much negativity about the musical genre and its related culture - and few dwell on the good it's done.
He explains, "It has changed America immensely... Hip-hop has done more than any leader, politician, or anyone to improve race relations.
"Racism is taught in the home... and it's very hard to teach racism to a teenager who idolises, say, Snoop Dogg. It's hard to say, 'That guy is less than you.' The kid is like, 'I like that guy, he's cool. How is he less than me?'
"That's why this generation is the least racist generation ever. You see it all the time. Go to any club. People are intermingling, hanging out, enjoying the same music."

How ya'll feelin bout this little quote. I think Jay hit the nail on the head. There's still racism out there, but Hip-Hop is a bridge builder between cultures. It defines cool in America and the world over, so everyone wants to be involved. I wonder what O'Reilly would have to say about this...

Prolly something negative... SOUND OFF BELOW....

Cory Gunz - One

BX's own, Cory Gunz takes Fat Joe's wack ass "One" with Akon and makes a banga.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/56829854e16e561f/

Props to YN btdubs. His site, rapradar.com just went up two days ago and I already got it bookmarked. Respect him in this bitch!

I'm Goin In - Weezy and Drake

Weezy and Drake's partnership is ill. Peep game:


Download Here:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/567772555e1ed22c/

Has Lil' Kim Gone Crazy?

So I’m gonna need Ms. Kimberley Denise Jones to calm down. Does she not realize that we’re trying to remember B.I.G. today? In an interview with Rapradar.com, she claims and I quote, “I’m a very spiritual person and he’s come to me many of times in my dreams. But, I don’t think he’s happy at all, at all! Because Ms. Wallace doesn’t know Biggie at all and she barley knows Christopher, if you know what I mean. At all! And I was around. Even before he blew up so crazy, so I know how he felt about his mom”. Kim, girl, as much respect as you say you have for Biggie, why are you ruining his memory by saying things like this?

She continued on to complain about Naturi, from 3LW playing her role in the movie, and how Biggie would be disappointed to see himself portrayed the way he was in the movie. (Conveniently, she never explains what that portrayal was) She says, “I’m going to tell you what my spiritual connection from Biggie is telling me, “Don’t look back, just do you” and that’s why my success is right here for me. I’m moving in a very positive direction, I don’t care what nobody say. They can have all the negativity and all the bull. Biggie said “Don’t look back. Forget Cease, forget all of them because they going to be sorry. Cause what they did was wrong” and he knows it.”. SMH.

Let Biggie Rest in Piece Kim and leave all this mess alone!

(P.S has anybody else noticed how she’s gotten increasingly lighter over the years…. that fading cream is not a good look for you girl! And you were so pretty too!)

J. Cole- School Daze

So I know it's midterms week here at Princeton. For a lot of people that means studying their asses off. For me, it means sitting in my room wishing I was back in high school...or better yet, middle school. Luckily, this cat felt like reminiscing too.



J. Cole - School Daze

Btw, I'm really feeling his mixtape. I'll get the whole thing up for y'all soon.

Oprah Adds Her Two Cents To Chris Brown/Rihanna Dilemma

So, it may come as no surprise to you that the leader of the free world (Oprah Winfrey) would eventually weigh in on one of the hottest issues of the year. Oprah is asking for Chris Brown and Rihanna to reconsider staying together or at least take a break. She's also planning to have a show about domestic violence in the near future.

None of these things surprised me. However, I was alarmed by the number of comments calling for Oprah to "mind her own business" in this article.

I am not going to give you my personal opinion on this issue, rather I want you guys to answer this: Does Oprah's opinion matter here?

This question is tricky, in that, Rihanna's decision to stay with Chris Brown (regardless of the facts of the incident) goes against most of our "modern day domestic violence training". As a public figure, her actions essentially demonstrate it is okay to stay with a man after an abusive incident (that is a very loaded and complex statement and there are MANY reasons people stay with their abusers. I know someone will have something to say about it, but bear with me for now). Oprah's job as THE public figure, is to "counsel" the public through issues to make the right decisions based on a set of generally accepted, modern day values, eventually leading us to some form of spiritual happiness. With that said, shouldn't someone with the proper platform engage these two in discourse (figuratively speaking) to explain their decision to the public? Or is an intimate relationship, no matter how publicized, such a deeply personal and intricate subject that Oprah (and the rest of us) should just leave it alone?

Remembering Biggie

Canibus said the greatest rapper of all time died on March 9th. While that may be debatable, this prolific rapper's impact and influence on the game is undeniable. In memory of Biggie:

Freestylin on the corner:


Biggie and Jay-Z performing:


Juicy:


Warning:


One More Chance Remix:

The Notorious B.I.G. - One More Chance (Stay With Me Remix)
Uploaded by foxysoul

Hypnotize:

Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize
Uploaded by BeSBeLLi

Sky's The Limit:

Sky's The Limit - Notorious B.I.G & 112
Uploaded by kaz1988

Artist Spotlight: Erika Jay aka Sneaker Vixen

So in the honor of women's history month, there's this chick, Erika Jay aka Sneaker Vixen who is about to make it. Not only is she a fly female, but she's bout to bring the industry to their knees. She got a different attittude and style that's different from the other chicks in the game now...that is if there is anymore.I can't compare her to anyone else right now, but I can tell you she holding doewn her own. Just like the Queen, MC Lyte, and Salt-N-Pepa back in the day. It's about time for some variety! Anyway she resides in Southside Chi-Town, so if you chillin over there check her out. Check out her stuff:

MYSPACE.COM/SNEAKERVIXENMUSIC

Ludacris Goes In

On Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, backed by The Roots, Mr. Bridges gives a great performance of “Last of a Dying Breed” and “I Do It For Hip-Hop”.

HIP HOP HOORAY! IT'S J DUBS DAY!

JUST WANTED TO WISH THE FLYEST HIP HOP HEAD A HAPPY BIRTHDAY! LOTS OF LOVE FROM THE HHAL CREW!!!

C. Breezy's Life Ain't Easy

Sorry to put a damper on my favorite day of the week (Throwback Thursday) AND Double J's day of birth, but here's some breaking news: Chris Brown has been charged with aggravated assault and making criminal threats.


Read the article here.

This is some pretty serious stuff. In case you didn't know, assault is usually a misdemeanor unless it involves attacking a police officer. It can become aggravated (or felony) assault essentially when the behavior is not negligent or there seems to be a strong motive to commit battery (like getting annoyed about Rihanna getting annoyed about a text message and then biting her while in a headlock).

All this after rumors are circulating about them staying together?! Oh those crazy kids.

Throwback Thursdays

Eventually I'ma put this throwback thursday joint on rotation but today being my born day and all, I'ma post some of my favorite old school songs.

First up, Life's A Bitch - Nas feat. AZ. The mood of this song is somber yet optimistic, exactly how I'm feelin this March 5th. The beginning of the second verse is my life, and that first verse is one of the best in Hip Hop period. Take notice.



Next to Bat, Can I Live - Jay-Z. One of the first rap songs I knew every word to. Still gives me chills to this day.



This next one was hard as I could make several posts dedicated to songs from this group, but one of my favorites: Youthful Expression - A Tribe Called Quest. Hip Hop slams through the 90's, no fad




Finally, My favorite Biggie Song - Everyday Struggle


The Notorious B.I.G. - Everyday Struggle - MyVideo

Fresh Joint: Nas - If I Ruled the World '09 ft. Marsha Ambrosius

One of my favorite songs from back in the day gets remixed as part of the Smirnoff Signature Mix Series.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/565368681e850ad2/

Cypher: The Paxtons x Chester French x DMV

Just thought y'all would like to check out this hot cypher featuring Harvard's own Chester French. I'm also recognizing Eamon Mahone's voice in this cypher though I can't see his face, it sounds like him. Anyway check it out. 

Is It Urban? Word!

So I know I'm a month too early for poetry month, but the 11TH ANNUAL TEEN POETRY SLAM is going down, starting this Friday, March 6th at THE POINT in the Bronx. The finals are going down next month, April 4th at the APOLLO THEATRE. For more information you can go to www.urbanwordnyc.org. 

Here's Kayan James, a finalist from last year's poetry slam. Check her.

Artist Spotlight: 3XL Crew (Three Times a Lady Crew)

So at the Yale's Black Solidarity Conference, Chichi and I got the chance to meet a very intelligent and passionate young woman named Menda Franchise Francois. Impressed by her comments on the media, its portrayal of Black people, and her opinion about creating a dichotomy between "Niggers" and Black Folks, Chichi and I knew we needed to switch contact info with her.

With her group, 3XL, Menda takes on a wide variety of topics, basing it all from a feminist viewpoint.



From L to R: Shayna Israel, Nikki Lopez, Menda Franchise Francois

Can They Spit? Hell Yeah they can, check the lyrics on Real Hip-Hop which pays homage to their influences:




Here's an article about the trio. Peep the group's myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/3xaladycrew. Menda and her trio mates Shayna Israel and Nikki Lopez have a tremendous amount of talent and potential, and you may see them here for a conference in the future.

Joell Ortiz Covers the Classics Sampler

I know my mentor Dwight fux with Joell Ortiz, and I dig him too. He has nasty bars and lots of them. Here is a sampler for a mixtape he's putting out where he just goes in on a bunch of old school beats like Rapper's Delight, I Ain't No Joke, Treat Em Right and others.

The Classics: Sampler
http://www.zshare.net/audio/565195038c710474/

When the actual mixtape drops we got you, but in the mean time, in between time, props to Nah Right.

White Rappers: Asher Roth & Yelawolf

So,lately, I've been trying to broaden my horizons and I was pleasantly surprised. I've discovered that there are caucasian rappers (other than Eminem… who is one of the greatest rappers of all time) who are pretty damn decent.

Yelawolf, has that southern flavor, dude's flow is on point!

Check out his song "Kickin'"! (You will not be disappointed, I promise)

Next, is Asher Roth, a comedic rapper who adds a political spin in his lyrics, from Pennsylvania and if you haven't heard his "A Milli (Remix)", you’re missing out! I’m also posting one of his freestyles.

Teen Girl Gets Assaulted By Police

So a friend showed me this clip earlier today and I was astounded.



This is just ridiculous. First a guy gets shot to death in a Bay-area subway, and now this...the whole shoe-issue reminded me of the attorney who called a member of the Jena 6's tennis shoe a murder weapon. Young minorities really seem to have good reason to fear law-enforcement these days. Sound off below.

Rihanna-Whipping my hair

Okay, so when I first saw this title I started thinking of a few possible C. Breezy jokes, but sorry folks, this song is not about domestic violence (I'm sadistic in case you didn't know). I'm not the biggest Rihanna fan but I'm sure this will catch on for a little bit and I wanted HHAL to be the first to bring it to you. Let me know what you think.



Whipping My Hair- Rihanna

KiD CuDi - Sky Might Fall (Produced by Kanye West)

This is the new joint Cudi performed at the Black Solidarity Conference. Brand spankin new and CDQ. Props to Nahright and the NMC, the best places to get new music.

KiD CuDi - Sky Might Fall (Produced by Kanye West)


http://sharebee.com/7a473dde

btw, it goes EXTREMELY hard, so get on that. HHAL baby!

Prom Queen?

So apparently Weezy is serious about this rock album:



Personally I ain't feelin this Prom queen joint, but who knows how the world will respond

Thoughts? Will this be dope or a failure?

KiD CuDi and The Cool Kids

This weekend some Princeton folk went to the Black Solidarity Conference, including Hip Hop: Art & Life's very own Chichi and your's truly. The main event was Friday night's concert, which featured KiD CuDi and The Cool Kids, who both had dope performances. Mikewaxxx from illroots was there and recorded CuDi doin two exclusives:

Sky is Fallin (Produced By KanYe West):


Mr. Solo Dolo Acapella:


If videos of the Cool Kids pop up we got you, but for now, enjoy the free mixtapes from CuDi and The Cool Kids

A KiD named CuDi:
http://www.zshare.net/download/1549107772aa93ea/

Totally Flossed Out - The Cool Kids:
http://www.zshare.net/download/397946040d32c2/