Go DJ! Yeah That's My DJ!

Whenever I think of DJs I imagine sweaty guys, usually a little portly, who scream indecipherable what nots into the microphone as they spin the latest hits. STADJ is trying their hardest to change that perception.

Part private DJ academy and part DJ agency, the core principle of STADJ is to produce flawless music and flawless female DJs. By training and mentoring each DJ individually followed by management of the best talents, STADJ has built a unique entertainment niche, one that features the best looking and the best sounding DJ’s to be found anywhere. STADJ’s mission is to ensure that both clientele and guests are treated to a complete DJ experience, both musical and aesthetic.

Sounds pretty cool huh? What can be better than hot women and music? I'll tell you. Hot women who actually know what the Hell they're doing. These aren't just pretty faces who hit "play" then smile at the crowd. There is a 3-4 month boot camp, which is followed by an apprenticeship where they learn "a variety of DJ techniques, music styles, equipment and performance, as well as, the DJ lifestyle." So yeah, they're on their j-o. Check back with us in the future as we hope to bring you show reviews and DJ interviews.


Read more!

Trying To Find Some Common Ground

"If she could take that constructively and let me work with her. I'd make her a beast...on some real shit."

James Wade cracks me up, yo. Yesterday our interviewer extroadinaire, Waldini, gave you a peek into the psyche of one of hip hop's rising stars. Today I let you know if the fuss is worth it, as I review "The Common Ground." And the answer is...

Could Do Without

OK, we're going to start off with bad news. There are no perfect albums, although any Led Zeppelin release is close, so there are going to be tracks that sink like a two week old brownie. "Tippin" is one of those tracks. The chorus is irritating ["Tip tipping I'm tipping. Tip tipping I'm tipping.] and the beat is generic. As Mark Jackson would say, "You're better than that." On "Midnight Train," James samples "Don't Stop Believing." While the song isn't horrible, all I could think of was onion rings and Member's Only jackets. Good hip hop shouldn't make you think of greasy food. I'm just saying.

Pretty Cool

Now that we got that little bit of business out of the way, we can delve into more positive aspects. The next group of songs are pleasant enough. "6 In The Morning" is a real cool track. Wade rides the beat perfectly, and gets my head nodding. The only flaw is the chorus, which falls into generic territory. Conversely, "Good Times" succeeds due to the hook. "Smile" has a nice piano intro that slowly draws you into the beat. Wade once again rides the track nicely.

Yeah Boy

Now we've come to the meat and potatoes portion of this meal. These are the tracks that I can ride out to with no hesitation at all. "Man In My City" is that quintessential "south shit" for lack of a better term. Put the top down, crank the volume to 12, and ride out to this one.

"Man In My City"


In some ways "Just A Little" is a breath of fresh air, even though it sounds like something Kanye would have done a couple years ago. I kind of miss the "sped up sample/soul groove." Because, you know it's soulful as opposed to robotic. "Hit Record" has that slow, easy, and soulful [get the picture] groove that makes your neck do that metronome thing.

"Hit Record"


More Awesome Than The Law Allows

"...and that's how you start a record." Yes sir, you are correct. The album starts off perfectly with Wade going off the dome a capella for a solid minute plus, all while rhyming everything in threes. "I Got Somethin' To Say" is that track. Beat? Dope. Flow? Dope. Groove? Dope. This is the song that makes me think that Wade has a definite future in this game.

"I Got Somethin' To Say"


I love "Weatherman" because the hook is infectious. Seriously, I had to take some Thera-Flu the first time I listened to it.

"Weatherman"


I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the hilarious interludes, "She Wack" and "Ain't Saying Much." The quote at the beginning of the review is from "She Wack." Wade then hits us with this on "Ain't Saying Much:" I'd fuck her. That ain't really saying much. I fuck a lot of hoes for no reason." Like I said, James Wade cracks me up.

So what do I think of "The Common Ground?" I like it. I like it a lot. There is some serious potential brewing up inside of J. Wade and I can't wait to see/hear his progression. One of the aspects of this record that I really respect is the amount of attention he gives to writing lyrics. You can tell that he actually puts some thought into what he raps about. That's a facet of the game that is sorely lacking at the moment. Also, I'd love for him to incorporate a few more "soulful" beats on his following albums. I think he's got something going there. So there you have it, "The Common Ground" gets The Commission Stamp Of Approval.

You can purchase the album here.

1) Intro
2) The Greatest (Iambic)
3) Tippin (featuring Dofat and J Sic)
4) Weatherman (featuring Ced Natti and TVs Devon Wade)
5) 6 In The Morning (featuring Eazy)
6) Smile
7) Good Times (featuring AG) (Background Vocals: Emily Cooper)
8) She Wack (Interlude)
9) Famous (featuring TVs Devon Wade and Dofat)
10) Got Somethin’ To Say
11) Man Of My City (featuring Kid Vicious, AP, and S-Dot)
12) Nothins Gonna Stop Me (featuring JUS DEEP)
13) Ain’t Sayin’ Much (Interlude)
14) Jus A Little (featuring Maxx Pain)
15) Midnight Train (Vocals by Michael Brooks)
16) Hit Record (featurin TVs Devon Wade) (Background Vocals: Keyaira Hill)
17) Next 2 Me (Vocals by Courtney Beasley)
18) On My Way (featuring Dofat)

Read more!

The Commission Interviews James Wade

The Commission recently interviewed one of the up and coming rappers in the game today... Mr James Wade. Dude brings a refreshing approach to hip hop and he gave me the pleasure of seeing Hip Hop through his eyes. He touches on everything from where he started to being to in college and his thought process for making songs. Pure Fiyah I tell ya!

If you want to know more about James, peep our album review, which is coming in a few days. For now, enjoy the interview! [Ed. note - The album review is live]


How did you get into Hip Hop? Who or What inspired you to be an emcee?

Bone Thugs N Harmony. I remember being a little kid and hearing them for the first time. My mom was big into R&B music but one day I was watching TV, and saw 1st of the month. It was something I never heard before, something different but all I know I was soon after I was trying to mimic everything they did. Even though I couldn’t sing a lick, I eventually started writing music.

What area do you represent?

Actually complex. I was born in Midwest, but I’ve been all over. I’ve spent time in the South because my family is from South. Technically I’ve lived in Georgia as long as I’ve been in Illinois and Ohio which is kinda crazy. I represent everywhere I guess

How does it influence your music?

Honestly I try to embody everything. I’ve always been one to soak in everything that an area gives, the people, the vibe, I tried to soak it up. I try to embrace the music I’m around, even if it’s different from what I normally am around. I like a variety of different artist, so I get exposed to so much, just a fan of everything. My music purposely reflects that.

What are the main themes/topics for your songs?

I try to build my music around a theme. I’m big into projects that have a theme. For example, I have always been a fan of Illmatic, Chronic albums like that where it was a central theme that ran whole album. No matter what song you picked, you knew it was part of a theme. Right now Hip Hop has lost that. I want to give fans what made me love hip hop. I want to take people through a whole experience. I put pieces into the project that will help strengthen the overall theme. I want fans to know I understand what they need as a Hip Hop artist and what I need to get across as a hip hop artist myself. Each song has a touch o f you getting me and you getting what you want: good song structure and good lyrics.

What do you hope to expound on going further?

My overall goal is to reach as many people as possible. I definitely feel that I have the type of music that can appeal to even wider audiences. I try to make music that reflects my life. I hang out with friends from various places, overseas, rich, poor, black, white, everyone I knew in college. It was hard to party without crossing cultural boundaries. Those people have influenced my life, so my music can reach everybody. I want everyone to get a chance to like songs, this is important. Music can bring so many different types of people together.


Could you briefly describe your music making process?

I will sit down over a period of 2 months, talk with different producers, and send them stuff I’ve done. I make songs that are completely different than original versions. I give them an overall view of what I’m looking for, then they send me certain projects. I give them creative freedom, then they can send me what they think works for me. They send me beats, I’ll listen, think to myself, and then usually the chorus pops in my head first. I’ll write it down, and then think of an artist that would make the hook or collabo work. I’ll listen to the beat over and over again, start having random thoughts, and think on the overall direction I’m trying to go.

For example Hit Record, first thing I thought about was strictly a track to let artists know my range as an artist. Talking specifically to females, I wanted to do it in a poetic way, and I kept up with a theme all surrounded around 1961. Everything in verse is centered around that. I first thought of Raisin in the Sun, it was written in 1961. Michael J Fox was born in 1961, so I used the Back to future catch line. So all those lines are 1961 references, and I know folks may or many not catch that. Within songs, I pick different themes to keep songs fresh

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

The business. Learning how to reach a wider audience. Getting people to pay attention to you. I remember being younger and saying I’m a rapper or musician. But there are too many critics but not enough fans, not enough folks giving them a chance. People get on MySpace, post songs out there but a lot of it is trash. Trying to get that initial listen is difficult in today’s market.

How do you get your music out then?

It’s been a different process for me. I started making records because no one was making music I wanted to hear anymore. I also started making records for fun to see if I could do it. My DJ helped me put it in more of a business perspective, got me saying you gotta do this, this, and this to get your music out. The brand has to be so distinctive and professional off the top so people will pay attention. The presentation is the most important thing now. If I have a great presentation and draws people to the music, the music will do the rest. It’s being in magazines and promoting you. It’s the branding to get you to where you want to be.

You seem like a confident guy. Hit Record, The Greatest, I can make you famous, I got something to say, nothing gonna stop me, don't scream I'm nervous and scared :-). What's your motivation?

I’m a fan of the craft in general. My motivation is to keep making music, #1, feel like music is cyclical. I kinda take a sociology perspective: take the game for what it is, don’t get mad at whose popular now. I look at the bigger picture. When I made my first record, if you told me I was going to be interviewed, I would not have believed you. I got into it for the craft. Music goes in cycle, people that got into it for fame and money, when they realize sales are going down, and then those people start to drop off due to lack of fame and money. Only people left are those that enjoy the craft.

I am Hip Hop, if 100 people buy the record, I’m still representing hip hop. We’re not all in it for the same thing. Some want a hit record. Some want to get heard on the radio. Me, I want to reach as many people as I can and hope they enjoy the music. I enjoy the fact the people enjoy it more than I enjoy it. And I want to enjoy it more than they enjoy it. I’m a fan of myself. You cannot be a great artist without being a fan of what you do. I was not a fan of myself until I started making records now. It was continuation process to get to that point. Motivation is I can get better.

Is it true you do your own production? Why is that?

I definitely don’t do it on my own. I doesn’t think it limits me. It allows me to be as versatile. So when I get a beat, I put my own spin on it. That producer may think of something I may never have thought of. I have people that don’t listen to rap primarily come into studio with me and have them hopefully say “I like that”. That means those folks represent a wider audience and help me make better records. I don’t compromise my music. I’m a fan of the music. For example, I listen to Soulja Boy and try to understand his process for making records b/c obviously he’s been successful at what he’s done

Did you really sample Perfect Strangers and Journey LOL? You are truly an 80s babies

I went to University of Dayton. I would go into bars and they would always play the Journey song. Like I said, I’m observant, being a sponge, was sent the beat, and said I will base my song around the original version but I put my spin on it so it doesn’t come off corny. I saw the opportunity to do something unique and said let me see what I can do with it.

Autotune - Hate it or Love it?

Neutral. One I don’t agree with everyone doing it. I’ve worked with a lot of independent artists, including one that used Autotune and sung the whole record. I enjoy it to a degree but it may be a crutch to some artists. I’m a fan of the craft itself, more observer than critic. It happens and it’s happening for a reason, all it is meant is to setup something else. Think of how in different time periods, hip hop is criticized. Not necessarily like what it’s doing to the game but also know for some artists, it’s a place for that. Oversaturation of anything can be harmful. For example, Clipse talking about nothing but pushing drugs.

Any Last Words?

One I appreciate the opportunity to take time out. This is great for me. It is definitely a pleasure. To my fans, I appreciate your support and standing by me. I promise to continue to strive and do whatever to get my music out there. It means more than anything to me. They are my motivation to me, will be a reason why I do music. My projects are self funded but this is my passion and I do it for them.
Read more!

Don't Confuse This With Just Rap Music

"Ya boy is back."

The long awaited, much anticipated, hyperbolicaly hyped Blueprint 3 is ready to be dropped on us like a care package sent from above. Hov has already hit us up with a video for D.O.A., and now he's back at it again. This time he brought a couple friends with him.

Deep in the New York City boroughs of Queens, it is not often you will find loads of heavy camera equipment and crews setting for what seems like preparation of a monumental event. It was, in fact, the area of choice for the filming of Run This Town, a single off of Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 featuring Kanye West and Rihanna.

The iconic three met to shoot the video in Queens Thursday morning (August 6) - the filming, however, did not take place in familiar neighborhoods such as Hollis or Queens Bridge. Instead, history filled the air as cameras rolled in the Civil War site of Fort Totten Park.


The theme for Run This Town seemed to be of rebellious or even militant sorts. As photos of the shoot quickly leak all over the internet, the trio of artists can be seen in black-clad attire; with Rihanna sporting sleek leather shorts and boots - Kanye and Jay beside her disguised behind bandanas and sunglasses.

A setting of warfare - with overturned vehicles and enraged fires - was only complimented by the mass amounts of extras Jay requested to have included in the scenes. It was said over 80 people (also dressed in black) were filmed "rallying the troops," all to support the likes of Hov, Rihanna, and Yeezy. The vision and direction of the video was led by Anthony Mandler.

Blueprint 3 drops on September 11. Read more!

Let's Have Church

When I was a kid, I loved going to church just so I could hear the choir sing. I would sit behind the drummer pantomiming every drum beat, while soaking up the harmonies coming from the choir. I even loved going to choir practice with my mom. How nerdy is that? At any rate, that was a long time ago but i still have a certain soft spot in my cold heart for a good gospel choir. Which, in turn, brings me to Verizon Wireless' "How Sweet The Sound" church choir competition.

The 2009 How Sweet the Sound competition brings together choirs to perform and compete for a chance to earn the title of best church choir in their hometowns, a cash prize of up to $15,000, and the opportunity to represent their city in the grand finale concert later this year. How Sweet the Sound floor seats are $7 and lower- and upper-tier seats are available for $5. Performances will take place at the following venues this fall:

Houston – Sept. 19, Toyota Center
St. Louis – Sept. 21, Scottrade Center
Washington, D.C. – Sept. 24, Verizon Center
Newark, N.J. – Sept. 25, Prudential Center
Philadelphia – Sept. 26, Wachovia Center
Detroit – Sept. 28, Joe Louis Arena
Chicago – Sept. 30, United Center
Atlanta – Oct. 2, Philips Arena
Memphis, Tenn. – Oct. 5, FedExForum
Los Angeles – Oct. 8, The Forum
Oakland, Calif. – Oct. 10, ORACLE Arena

Read more!

"Putting Up Will Smith Numbers"

Da Realist:

Brooklyn OG discredits Jay-Z.

He [Jay] has built this image of being a hustler, which a lot of people respect that. How can you negate that?

“To me Jay‘s a white boy on the inside, no offense to any white boys. But to me he’s a white boy on the inside and I’m only waiting for time to tell what he’s gonna do with the outside of himself … I’m surprised he should have done himself a favor by pulling me into his his team. How you gon let Akon pull me in, official Konvict … Akon provided the chance and an opportunity for guys like myself, to be in the position I’m in. Jay could have done that out the gate but he didn’t.”

Waldini:

Do you think Jigga really cares at this point? His inner whiteness has got his net worth the supposed cats in the streets would kill for....

Gangsta D:

Jay is so above and beyond that street shit, that it's ridiculous. Ten years ago, maybe he would've cared. Now? He's worth almost half a billion and he's banging Beyonce. Some dude that just got out of prison sending veiled threats isn't gonna get his dander up. Read more!

Back In Business

"Never sweatin' ya girl. [Why P?] Cause she's a skeezoid."

In 1988, a group from the "Boondocks" thrusted themselves into rap consciousness with the seminal release "Strictly Business." That group is EPMD. Well twenty years later, the fellas are back with a new album and a new movement. Check it out:

"Los Angeles, CA. (November, 2008) — Los Angeles based A.K.L.A Productions announced today the unveiling of "The EPMD Project", a collection of premiere international artists creating works inspired by EPMD. Works from each artist will be presented on canvases and prints and auctioned off at a record release event and a listening party. In Los Angeles, EPMD will team with Zune at their Zune L.A. space, offering guests the first opportunity to hear the new album and bid on the exclusive artwork."

"Proceeds earned from each event will go to benefit Brooklyn New York-based charity Groundswell Community Mural Project. This is a unique opportunity for renowned urban artists to pay homage to, and collaborate with, one of the most legendary Hip Hop Recording groups of all time. "

""This is a celebration of hard work and an amazing new record. We feel blessed to have the support of all this talent and are happy to be able to use our good fortune to give back to the Groundswell organization and the kids they support," states Parish Smith of EPMD. "The feedback has been incredible, this record reflects how far we have and come. To be able to collaborate with our fans to give back to a charity makes it even more special," says Erick Sermon. EPMD's new album "We Mean Business" will be in stores on December 9th."

If you're of a certain age, you fully understand the power that Erick and Parish wield on the mic. If you're not of a certain age, just watch the video below.

Read more!

Katz Kradle

Everyone knows I'm always on the lookout for new music. And most know I usually don't follow the commercial stuff 'cuz most of it's garbage to me. I'm not gonna front when I first was reading about this group and saw the associated words, "Irv Gotti" my eyes rolled. Don't get it twisted, I loved Irv's work from the mid-90s (see production on the classic Reasonable Doubt). In this decade though, let's just say I'm not on the Murder Inc. Fan Club mail. But I'm open minded so I gave this group a shot.

Who is this group you say? T!Katz, that's who. It says here "With an energetic combination of rock, hip-hop, R&B and pop, the Atlanta-based *T!Katz* are primed to set the music scene ablaze. "

It's a positive sign when you are repping the A. I listened to the track "3am" and it's refreshing. The above statement is very accurate. They do a phenomenal job of blending all these sounds and it makes for a catchy record. I imagined myself in a hip lounge, sipping on the playa's drink aka a white russian, and spittin' game to a shawty while this track was being blasted over the club speakers. Definitely a great start and I'm eager to hear more from these cats.

Watch for the group’s debut, 19hundred80something, which is set to drop in the fourth quarter of this year.

Irv says of the group, “I don’t know of any band that looks like them (musically), they rap, they sing, they play instruments, they’re a real live band. There’s no comparing them.”

You got me Irv, there is no comparison and I'm definitely watching for them.

You can check out these guys on Facebook and MySpace. And remember you heard about these guys here FIRST. Read more!

My Mojo Is Heavier Than Yours

A couple years ago, my boy introduced me to some crazy cats that played a little rock and roll. Well, they also rapped and sang. You could say they busted genres like Miami used to bust speakers. I know what you're saying. "Rap-rock is so '99." Nah, these cats are the real deal. These cats go by the name of Heavy Mojo.

Heavy Mojo is primed to hit the big time. Why is that?


"Heavy Mojo has been compared to Gym Class Heroes and was discovered by Steve Rifkind, the mastermind behind such groundbreaking artists as Akon, Wu-Tang Clan and Big Pun. Following their win at the Global Battle of the Bands in 2006, they signed with SRC.

Their upcoming LP release, Blow Out The Sound, produced by Billy Hume ("Party Like A Rock Star") is set to be released in late 2008, but you can grab their Choice Cuts EP now from iTunes which contains 3 songs for .99$."


Heavy Mojo definitely has the goods. I shot a concert film for them in '05 and they did some major damage. At the end of the night, I could definitely say that the sound was blown out. Check out their upcoming concert dates. They're currently on tour with Rehab.

Oct 9 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel (18+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 10 – Cookeville, TN @ Depot (18+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 11 – Lawsonville, NC @ Hollywood Hollow – 7:30 p.m.
Oct 15 – Charleston, SC @ Music Farm (16+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 16 – Augusta, GA @ The Country Club (21+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 17 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle (all ages) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 21 – New Orleans, LA @ The Parish – House of Blues (18+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 22 – Baton Rouge, LA @ The Varsity Theatre (18+) w/ Saving Abel – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 24 – Prattville, AL @ The Blue Iguana Bar (21+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 25 – Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco (18+) – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 29 – Louisville, KY @ City Block (all ages) w/ Villebillies – 8:00 p.m.
Oct 30 – Knoxville, TN @ Valarium (16+) – 8:00 p.m.

If you have a chance to check them out, you need to do that.

Read more!

Leaders Of The New School - Black Kids

Today is the final part of our Leaders Of The New School feature, where we profile one of Paste Magazine's 25 Next Best Artists. Who is in the cross hairs today? Black Kids, of course.

Black Kids

"They make super-fun dance rock with an endearingly nostalgic edge...and as far as we know, they're not doing it all for the nookie."

Coming straight out of Jacksonville aka Da 'Ville aka Da Bang 'Em aka DUUUUVAAAAAL, is the Black Kids. I really like these cats, and that's not because they're from right down the road from me. These kids really have the goods. There's a bounce in their music. It's hard to describe, but their tracks make me bob my head and tap the beat out with my fingers. When a band has me doing that, I get very happy. Bravo Black Kids!

Read more!

Leaders Of The New School - Janelle Monae

Today is Part IV of our Leaders Of The New School feature, where we profile one of Paste Magazine's 25 Next Best Artists. Who goes under the lights today? Janelle Monae, of course.

Janelle Monae

Her influences include James Brown, Elvis, Judy Garland, Fiona Apple, Bjork and Rodgers and Hammerstein, and her music flows naturally from that stew. "I wouldn't know rock was rock, or R&B was R&B, until someone said that's what it is..."

Janelle Monae is The Matrix. I don't mean that she's some type of sentient computer program. I'm speaking of the actual movie, which didn't give a drop of piss in a bucket about conforming to genres. I don't know that Ms. Monae would describe her situation so colorfully, but she isn't conforming to any genres either. Good music is good music, no matter what label you slap on it. In this instance, you can't slap any label on it.

Read more!

Leaders Of The New School - White Rabbits

Today is Part III of our Leaders Of The New School feature, where we profile one of Paste Magazine's 25 Next Best Artists. Who goes under the lights today? White Rabbits, of course.

White Rabbits

"Two drummers give this six piece of erstwhile Missourians more frenetic bounce than their namesake, and though they play with the studied synchronicity you'd expect from a band with concert garb that incolces sweaters and button downs, Greg Roberts and Stephen Patterson's double team choruses routinely unfold into impassioned, full-band shout-alongs."

Two drummers and three guitarists? Are you serious? Umm...yeah. And you know what? It works. It happens to work really well. A few seconds into each song I listened to, I realized that I couldn't stop my head from bobbing. In my book, that gets you the seal of approval. Unfortunately I don't have an actual seal, because that would've been kind of cool.

Read more!

Leaders Of The New School - Wale

Today is Part II of our Leaders Of The New School feature, where we profile one of Paste Magazine's 25 Next Best Artists. Who's up for the scrutiny today? Wale, of course.

Wale

"This young MC has rapped over justice (on W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.), created a mixtape inspired by Seinfeld (called The Mixtape About Nothing, natch) sold out shows in multiple cities and signed a production deal with Mark Ronson's Allido Records."

Wale (pronounced wah-lay) Folarin, born in Nigeria but currently hailing from DC, is definitely a cat I'm going to keep an eye on henceforth. He's been compared to Kanye, but then again any rapper that's not on a thug tip appears to be compared to 'Ye. I'd rather not go that route, because it takes the focus off of Wale and this cat deserves his shine. Clever lyrics, unique flow, nice beats, and "Larry Merchant" references will put you in my good book every time. Plus, you have to love a rapper who gathers inspiration from Seinfeld. That's pretty gangsta.

Read more!

Leaders Of The New School - Bon Iver

What's up class? As most of you know I am an old school junkie. I honestly haven't listened to the radio for longer than five minutes in about two years. Consequently, I think I'm slipping into "Out of touch-30 year old-bitter" guy. I really don't want to be that guy. That guy sucks. Therefore, I've decided to expand my horizons. With the help of Paste Magazine, I'm going to take a look at a few of the cats they picked as emerging artists in music. Here we go.

Bon Iver

"There wasn’t any distraction. There wasn’t anybody for me to run to and say, ‘Hey look what I’m doing!’ As soon as you say something, as soon as you get excited about it and go tell someone, your ego is involved. Even the smallest fraction of that and you can kill some of the magic."

First things first. This cat's name isn't Bon Iver. Bon iver is a French phrase that means "good winter." Justin Vernon experienced a good winter when creating his album, "For Emma Forever Ago." He's from Eau Claire Wisconsin, so what else is he going to do besides spend 14-15 hours a day recording an album. At any rate, I have to admit that I'm liking this dude. I don't usually get into the "acoustic genre," if you will. But Bon has some serious soul, and he can definitely carry a tune. Check out "Lump Sum" below.

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Old School Friday - Random Randomness

I've been shooting matches at the Bausch & Lomb Tennis Tournament all week, so I haven't had time to think up a good post, or do a lot of searching. So....you get the randomness. And you'll like it, damn it. BTW, Sharapova is every bit of 6'2" and grunts like a badger being stabbed and electrocuted at the same time. Holla. Go Wild!!


Showbiz AG - Next Level

Dope beat. Slept on group. Can I get a soul clap for these dudes? Come on!




Tupac feat Scarface - Smile
"Bustin' shots blindly trying to find Jehova." This is one of those quintessential Pac tracks where it seems like he's talking directly to you. That was always Pac's strength. You just felt that dude.

Ice-T - High Rollers

Darlene or Coco? Coco's got mucho ass, but I gotta go with Darlene. She was that original exotic chick that made dudes stammer. And she's still dope!




Mariah Carey feat Bone - Breakdown

I was kind of concerned when I first heard this song. Bone had worked with giants of the game in previous years: Eazy-E, Biggie, and Pac. In '95 E died. In '96 Pac died. In '97 Biggie died. When this joint hit, I was like "Well nice knowing ya Mimi." Alas, my fears were squelched. Mariah's gone on to have more hit songs, boob jobs, and quasi-psychotics episodes on live tv.

OutKast feat Slick Rick - Da Art Of Storytelling

"Let's hit the parking lot so I can sick yo duck." Why can't I meet a chick like that...that won't charge me?




Nas - Hard To Tell

"I leave 'em froze like heroin in ya nose." Heroin freezes in your nose? That's kind of fucked up, no?



As a little bonus, check out this "remix" I did for "Ain't Hard To Tell."




AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff

"If my day keeps going this way I might break your fucking face tonight!" I always bust this song out when I'm in the doldrums. Usually perks me up on the quickfast.

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Old School Friday - East Coast Randomness

I'm sending some love out to all my duns on the east coast. So today make sure you put a razor under your tongue, roll up a pants leg, and end every sentence with "yo." I kid my east coasters. I kid. Go Brewers!!


Redman - Can't Wait

"I set it off like Boba Fett." Apparently, there is a colorized version of this video for some reason. I'm definitely feeling this one more. I think more videos should be shot in black & white. It just lends a certain atmosphere to the production. Feel me?

Junior Mafia - Playa's Anthem

The funny thing about Junior Mafia's album is, all the good tracks featured Biggie. I guess that's all you need to know about their staying power. After a while, I think Biggie even washed his hands of them. Ouch. Oh well. We'll always have the summer of '95, won't we?

Crooklyn Dodgers '95 - Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers

"So die nigga. Die nigga. You too black, you can't handle, you too strong. Get high." This is probably my favorite Chubb Rock verse. He DESTROYS it. I never heard someone go at Barbara Walters so hard. Anyway, I can't believe I totally forgot about this track, and I have the "Clockers" soundtrack around here somewhere.

LL feat Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe, & Foxxy Brown - I Shot Ya

"What's the deal?" SML already posted this video when he pinch hit for me last year. I don't care, though. The song is dope, and every performance is on point. Even if a couple may have been ghostwritten. I'm looking at you Joseph and Inga!

Das Efx - Real Hip Hop

So the fellas decide to leave "iggedy" in their briefcase, for the most part, and a nation immediately ignores them. That kind of sucks. As an artist, you're thinking "Damn I'm not some one trick pony. I can do other shit too!" Meanwhile, the public is like "Hmmm...nah I'll pass." Fickle fuckers.

DMX - How's It Goin' Down

"Try to creep me? WHAT?!? Leave that nigga sleepy." Favorite. DMX line. Ever. It's kind of hard to believe that this dude was relevant just 10 years ago. Not only was he relevant, he was a superstar. Now he's...not.

Fu Schnickens - True Fu Schnick

I still don't understand a damn thing Chip-Fu is saying. The song is tight though.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Michael Fobes - Rock Around The Clock

"This kid is gonna go places." Yeah, he's gonna walk off the fucking stage. That's about as far as he's gonna go. By the way, I didn't know Javier Bardiem had a white son in the 80's. Cuckoo.

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Old School Friday - Newfangled Soul

Class, we're gonna set the dial to "Laid Back Groove" today. I got a little neo-soul in the on deck circle to take you into the weekend. So sit back and relax, light some incense, and chill out with some good music. Holla. Go Lakers!!!!!


D'Angelo - Brown Sugar

I seriously considered putting "Untitled" in this spot, because it's such a dope song. Then I remembered the homoeroticism of the video. So Brown Sugar it is. D'Angelo is one of those classic cases of wasted potential. Dude only released two albums. Two albums! I don't know what happened. I do know that those "Untitled" days are long gone. Oh well. Thanks for the memories.

Jaheim - Could It Be

This was my shit! That beat has the bird flu. I don't smoke, but I imagine this is the kind of track you'd twist one up to with the top down, and a bomb ass shawty in the passenger seat.

Adrianna Evans - Seein' Is Believin'

Adrianna had the misfortune of coming out at the exact same time as Erykah Badu. Now I like Badu's first album, but Adrianna's was massively slept on. I guess the world only had time for one soulful sista on the mic. It's too bad, because this album is a classic. No two ways about it.

Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight

I don't understand why this group didn't make it. I thought it was a great combination, exemplified by this track. Too bad they couldn't keep it together. They could have made some serious waves. Oh yeah, can we agree that Dawn was the baddest En Vogue chick? Can you say total package? My God.

Carl Thomas - I Wish

Just a great song. It's almost too good to have been released on Bad Boy. Ok, it was too good to be released on Bad Boy. Sorry Puff.

Amel Larrieux - Get Up

Follow me now. Amel is Waldini's Spelman sister's cousin. We're supposed to be best friends, but the dude never even tried to hook me up. Yeah, she's totally out of my league. And even though she'd rather I serve her dinner than take her out to dinner, I would've liked the chance. BTW, great song, great video, cute chick.

Maxwell - Get To Know Ya

Here is the legend. Maxwell, The Fugees, and The Roots perform at Morehouse College in early '96. During Maxwell's set he is booed for being a D'Angelo clone. What people didn't know is that Maxwell's album was done in '94, so he could've come out before D'Angelo. Crazy, huh? Anyway, this dude has the goods. The guitar lick on this track is pretty ridiculous. Maybe Black Summers' Night will come out some time this decade. We can only hope.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


The Cardigans[sort of] - Iron Man

OK, this isn't an official video but the song is so dope I had to include it. It's kind of crazy how they took a metal classic and funked it up.

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Old School Friday - Brothers On A Quest

Inspiration can come in many forms. This week, it came from the story of the sample Tribe used for Bonita Applebaum. After reading that post, I was like "Yeah. Tribe. Need to do that." So here we go, yo. I tried to hit every album, so a couple nice joints got left out. Sorry, but thems the breaks. For all you cats that are "sick" today, enjoy the festivities. Go Hoyas!! Holla...


Bonita Applebaum

"36-24-37?" Dayum! Bonita was packing it in like a moving company wasn't she? This was the first Tribe song I really liked. The style was completely different, which made it coo. Plus the groove is unmistakable. But whatever happened to Jarobi?

Check The Rhime

"And before I get the butt, the jim must be erect." Pretty much says it all. I have nothing else to add.

Jazz (We've Got)/Buggin Out

God I get all nostalgic when i think of this song. I remember playing football in the neighborhood on cool fall evenings, then coming inside to watch Rap City, and this video would be on. There was just something about that time. I've been chasing that same feeling for the last 16 years. Haven't quite found it yet.

Award Tour

"Do dat do dat doo doo dat dat dat." So is "Midnight Marauders" better than "Low-End Theory?" Hmm...I'm gonna have to say no. This was a big topic of conversation in 12th grade. While "Midnight" is dope, I think the edge goes to "Low-End," primarily for the nostalgic reasons above. But Tribe did come correct on this track.

Oh My God

"I like my beats hard like two day old shit." I don't know if I like my beats quite that hard phife, but I feel you. I'm also feeling this bassline. If that doesn't make your head nod, you're either a quadriplegic or you have no soul. Also, if Busta ever drank coffee, the world would be in trouble. Dude is kind of animated, no?

1nce Again

"I'll have this mic up in your mid-section." Some cats weren't feeling this album. I didn't think it was as good as the previous joints, but it was still a cool album. Unfortunately, it was the beginning of the end.

Find My Way

I wanted to marry the chick with the blond curls. She could've taken all my money...easily. Anyhoo, this was the actual end. The last Tribe video. Thanks for the memories fellas.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


Led Zeppelin - The Ocean

Greatest. Band. Ever. Yeah I said it.

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Old School Friday - The Remix

Contrary to popular belief, Bad Boy did NOT invent the remix. Nice try Puff. But I'm not completely dissing Sean, cause I posted a couple of his joints. This week was kind of hard cause I had the damnedest time thinking of remixes. If you got any suggestions, give me a shout in the comments. Holla. Go Hoyas!!!



Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It (Remix)

"You can't fade the r-e-m-i-x." Me and my roommate used to bump the shit out of this, freshman year. Even though I love the original, this beat still gives me the warm and fuzzies. Too bad, Cube is known more making shitty family films than classic tracks. Thank God for memories.




LL - Loungin (Remix)

Forget about the song. I could never get over how "decent" Total was looking...I mean for their standards. Kisha, Kima, and Pam were not looking half bad. It didn't help their singing career, as they were soon dropped from Bad Boy, but at least they looked good...for once. Oh yeah, nice party jam. Definitely a good track to cut a rug to.




Janet Jackson featuring BLACKstreet - I Get Lonely (Remix)

"Remember him from Blackstreet? He was black as this street was." Of course we remember Chauncey, Kanye. I also remember how damn good Janet's cleavage looked. Any way, I'm torn between this version and the original. I think I like the original more. It's a little more melancholy, which really fit my mood at the time. The first semester of my senior year was HORRIBLE. Tough classes, no sleep, the Cowboys sucked. What did I have to smile about, damn it?!?




Craig Mack - Flavor In Your Ear (Remix)

"The ski mask way." Was this the first instance of "The Puffy Dance." Thirteen years later and I still don't know what the Hell he was doing. And why was Rampage on this joint? Never understood that either. Anyhoo, people forget that Craig Mack was way larger than Biggie at this point. That would change in about six months.




Biggie - One More Chance

"I got the good love, girl. You didn't know?" Yep, it was at this point that Biggie became a megastar, and Craig Mack became a has-been rapper with really bad skin. This track may have been the summer jam to end all summer jams. I think they even played it in Wal Mart. By the time fall rolled around, they released another remix. At that point, I was one more chanced out. But I can't blame Puff for milking it, when there's so much more to blame for.

Snoop - Murder Was The Case (Remix)

"Mad dogging niggas like I don't care. Red jump suit with two braids in my hair." Pretty much my favorite Snoop line. I think I'm feeling this over the original.

Jay-Z - Dead Presidents

"I know who I paid, dog. Searchlight Publishing." OK, this is technically not a remix, but it does differ from the album version. I think the album version is better, but that's just cause I'm used to it. Jay still has some killer lines. BTW, if you wanna know how Ski Beats made the beat. Seems pretty easy. Why does it take me weeks to do a beat sometimes?

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


Journey - Don't Stop believing

Steve Perry may have looked like a ferret and wore jeans five sizes too small, but dude could sing. No doubt about it. You know? I could go for some onion rings right about now.

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Old School Friday - 7th Grade

1988. $.90 gas. Alf. "A Fish Called Wanda." Puberty. "Kids In The Hall." And...oh yeah the Golden Age of Hip Hop. It was a glorious time. Like WC said, "When only those with mic control made a profit." Boy, I feel like Ben Kenobi telling Luke about the Clone Wars. But, don't take my word for it. Take a gander.

p.s. Yes, I know I left out Rakim, PE, Biz Markie, and a host of others. The internet isn't going anywhere. There will be more posts. Chill. Also, no that's not me in the 7th grade. That's me at Montessori School. Couldn't find my yearbook.


Tone Loc - Wild Thing

"Hasta la vista baby." Ahnuld owes this dude some money. Seriously. Any way, I forgot how hilarious this video was. From Tone's dancing and facial expressions, to the poor production quality, this joint is primo comedy. Too bad that cats hated on Tone for being too commercial. "Loc'd After Dark" is a classic that I will still bump to this day, no hesitations at all. "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" are the weakest tracks, and they're still tight. The album is clean all the way through.

Big Daddy Kane - Ain't No Half Steppin

"The B-I-G, the D-A-Double D-Y K-A-N-E. Dramatic, asiatic, not like many." What you know about four-finger rings?!? That's pimpin'.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - Brand New Funk

"With special assistance from my homeboy Ready Rock." People like to clown Will's skills, but this album is classic. Is Jeff on the all time underrated list? His name is never mentioned among the great DJs, but their early stuff is dope. That's like perpetually getting kicked out of the house by Uncle Phil.




Stop The Violence Movement - Self-Destruction

"Heaven's at the door so there'll be no bum rushing."SML and Waldini clowned on me for not including this on the Posse post. Are you happy now?!? But seriously, this track is classic squared. Almost all of the dope cats from the era get to spit a verse, and all for a good cause. What could be better? Swing.

MC Lyte - Paper Thin

"Sucka you missed." I want to make this beat my first ex-wife. Then once we're divorced, I wanna marry it again. I can't help it. This beat is more intoxicating than 10 jager bombs and Jager bombs make me do dumb shit. So there you go.Swing.

BDP - My Philosophy

"A lot of MC's like to use the word drammatical." Since he's a legend, I'm gonna cut him some slack on drammatical and unrational not being words. When you're an all time great, you can get away with some shit. Just look at Magic [I kid]. But the great thing about KRS is, he can perform this song right now and elicit the same reactions he got 20 years ago. Dude is just timeless.

NWA - Express Yourself

I remember the first time I heard "Straight Outta Compton." I got off the bus and my boy showed me the cassette case. When I saw "____ Tha Police," I knew had to listen to it immediately. So I went to my room, popped the tape, turned it down low, and put my ear to the speaker. I really haven't been the same since. God bless you Eric Wright, Andre Young, and O'Shea Jackson.

School Daze - Good Or Bad Hair

I have so-called "good hair." There is nothing inherently good about it, but in high school it was a nice conversation starter with white kids. I'd get questions like "How do you get your hair like that?" I always wanted to answer "Well your great-great-great grandfather raped my great-great-great grandmother, 200 years passed, and here I am." Unfortunately I never ginned up the requisite balls to respond accordingly. Anyway, black people are funny. My maternal great-grandmother didn't want any "dark" babies in the family. So of course her youngest daughter married a dark skinned man. Thanks for being hard headed grandma. Otherwise my ass wouldn't be here.




AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


U2 - Angel Of Harlem

Once upon a time, I hated on U2 because "Joshua Tree" destroyed "Bad" at the '88 Grammys. But started to thaw when "Desire" came out. Then I heard this joint and I was sold. Done and done. These Irish boys have some soul.

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