That's right, the man that is Mr. BrainSlice Jones, The Birdman, The Pale Rider, The 4th Horseman, Cephas, John Connor. . . is movin' on up like the Jefferson's! I am pleased to announce that my boys over at AllYouCanEatHipHop have blessed me with the opportunity to write with them. I am honored. Come over there and see what time it is!
www.allyoucaneathiphop.blogspot.com
In honor of the occasion, please enjoy some Fat Boys (featuring stupid def vocals by Chubby Checker). Somebody PLEASE find me one of those chains!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Beastie Boys tonight!
Tonight on Jimmy Fallon. Watch.
Listen to all 36 tracks... including 16 b-sides and rarities
at checkyourhead.beastieboys.com
Listen to all 36 tracks... including 16 b-sides and rarities
at checkyourhead.beastieboys.com
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I wish I was Cool.
As usual I have to give credit to Benny and Catch over at Allyoucaneathiphop for tellin' me what time it is. I have been diggin' on this "gone fishing" mixtape (go find it if you really want it hahaha) for a while now (thanks of course to "the Cannon"). The Cool Kids bring back the comfortable feeling of some of that old school Hip Hop, while still creating the excitement of something new and hot. Shit doesn't have to be flashy and complicated to stand out. Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish are for real. I can tell how these two feed off each others' creativity. Take a look around and you will see them everywhere. Look out, 'cuz these boys are gonna come out of their shells and start tearin' shit up.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
All up in ya fridge eating leftover SHEEIIT !
I have been waiting on my boy to write up Asher Roth for weeks now, but I can't wait any longer. Dru, I am about to hop on a plane in a minute and put my foot up your ass, but for now I'll do this. I have had "Asleep In the Bread Aisle" on repeat since it's very fitting release date: 4/20. Not since Black Sunday has an album generated within me so much desire to burn one down. Let's back up though. Benny B over at All You Can Eat Hip Hop pointed me to a free download of his Greenhouse Effect mixtape from TheDailyKush.com. While I was waiting for my goods to download, I watched this:
It made me feel old, but I also realized that his introduction to Hip Hop by Jay-Z was a lot like my introduction by Run DMC. I saw the video for "Walk This Way" and was instantly entranced......but that is to be discussed another day. I loved the mixtape, and waited with baited breath for the album. In the meantime, I got to listen to the hype and the talk about Ash sounding too much like Eminem. One convo I had went something like this:
-Have you heard that new song by Eminem?
You mean "We Made You" ?
-Naw, that one about lovin' college.
That's not Eminem, that's Ash Roth.
-Who?
Lemme get you the mixtape.
I watched the vids for "I Love College" and "Lark On My Go-Kart" which only added to my anticipation. I have to agree, back in the "Saved By the Bell" days I always liked Lark Voorhies better than Tiffany Amber Thiesen.
"kind of like a blond Bob Saget, Ash can get nasty" His lyrics kill me, his flow is so nice, and the production is tight. I don't know what else to say. just on my own I generated a lot of Hype for this dude, and everyone that bought the album on my recommendation has not been disappointed. In fact they have all thanked me for the tip. On that note I was at a party last night conversatin' and one of my boys said this: "that album isn't rap, it's Hip Hop." I don't think he even knew exactly what he was trying to say, but I knew.
In the immortal words of the mighty KRS-ONE:
"rap is something you DO, HIP HOP is something you LIVE!"
Thanks to Asher and his boys for keeping Hip Hop alive.
It made me feel old, but I also realized that his introduction to Hip Hop by Jay-Z was a lot like my introduction by Run DMC. I saw the video for "Walk This Way" and was instantly entranced......but that is to be discussed another day. I loved the mixtape, and waited with baited breath for the album. In the meantime, I got to listen to the hype and the talk about Ash sounding too much like Eminem. One convo I had went something like this:
-Have you heard that new song by Eminem?
You mean "We Made You" ?
-Naw, that one about lovin' college.
That's not Eminem, that's Ash Roth.
-Who?
Lemme get you the mixtape.
I watched the vids for "I Love College" and "Lark On My Go-Kart" which only added to my anticipation. I have to agree, back in the "Saved By the Bell" days I always liked Lark Voorhies better than Tiffany Amber Thiesen.
"kind of like a blond Bob Saget, Ash can get nasty" His lyrics kill me, his flow is so nice, and the production is tight. I don't know what else to say. just on my own I generated a lot of Hype for this dude, and everyone that bought the album on my recommendation has not been disappointed. In fact they have all thanked me for the tip. On that note I was at a party last night conversatin' and one of my boys said this: "that album isn't rap, it's Hip Hop." I don't think he even knew exactly what he was trying to say, but I knew.
In the immortal words of the mighty KRS-ONE:
"rap is something you DO, HIP HOP is something you LIVE!"
Thanks to Asher and his boys for keeping Hip Hop alive.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I thought Bad Brains was the only black Punk Rock group!
This just blew my mind. Thanks to Sage Francis for posting it on Facebook.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/arts/music/15rubi.html?_r=2
Death seems to be the "missing link" in the evolution of Punk Rock. The tracks kick ass, and it sucks that I can't find any live footage of these guys. I will post some shit from YouTube (thanks whoever you are for putting this up).
I wish I had known about these guys when I was writing this paper about The Stooges and the beginning of Punk Rock that won me a solid "A" in English 1010 (yeah go ahead and laugh, but it's a pretty big deal for a dude out of school for 12 years to just jump right back in).
Punk Rock is a mysterious thing. The origins can be debated endlessly, even by those who were there in the beginning. The few that have lived to tell the story might describe it as a fiery phoenix, rising from the ashes of the dead and burned body of what was once considered Rock and Roll. Its’ infancy began as more of a general attitude in the late 60’s and early 70’s, rather than a specific musical style. The defining characteristics include musical as well as attitudinal distinctions. In the mid to late 1970’s punk music began its’ adolescent stage, spreading all over the world. Unlike human children, Punk did not get its name until long after it had been born. In the beginning, there were Iggy Pop and his band The Stooges. Iggy is often referred to as the “Godfather of Punk” by musicians and fans of the genre. The book Punk 365 states: “[The Stooges] made two albums that preceded the fury of Punk by more than half a decade: The Stooges in 1969, and Funhouse in 1970. Then, in true punk style, the group imploded – only to reform two years later” (George-Warren, 6). The band can be squeezed into a category referred to as protopunk, considered a forebear of actual punk music. Many unique musical styles are called protopunk, as the only requirement is to be named by later punk musicians as influential. Musically, punk rock has many distinct characteristics. It is a very raw form of music, typifying a “do it yourself” attitude and featuring a minimal amount of instruments. Typically this would entail one or two guitars, a bass guitar, and a basic drum kit. Singing tends to be very direct and unrefined, with no vocal talent or range required. It was once written “This is a chord, this is another, this is a third. Now form a band” (Wikipedia). It seems as though the movement began as a form of protest against the grandiose state of typical rock music during the period. The basic nature of the music allowed a wide range of people to express themselves, regardless of their talent or experience. In addition, Punk music often tends to be political in nature, and includes anarchist and anti authoritarian messages. With the Stooges as a shining standard, the reckless nature of Punk continually grew at a feverish pace on and off stage. Dee Dee Ramone, a member of early punk band The Ramones, recalls of The Stooges: “They went on and played the same song over and over. It only had three chords. And the words were ‘I want your name, I want your number.’ Then Iggy just looked at everybody and said, ‘You people make me sick!’ Then he threw up” (McNeil and McCain, 36). Indeed The Stooges were known more for the outrageous stage presence of Iggy rather than their musical talent, and their shows were often met with indifference by their audiences. Iggy sometimes had to be held up to the microphone due to his heroin use, and even delayed a show for hours by locking himself in a bathroom stall because he could not find a vein for his needle. He sometimes went so far as to cut his chest with broken glass, or urinate on the audience. He is also widely accepted as the originator of stage diving. The one component that became typical of Punk music The Stooges do not seem to fulfill would be a political agenda. Their songs and lyrics tend to be about nothing in particular. Although they do not completely fit the criteria for the Punk genre, there is no doubt they are deeply connected to it. Danny Fields, who originally signed the band to Elektra Records says it well: “The Stooges were wonderful. ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ became the standard song of a new generation. Bands would audition a new member and they would say they were going to do ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’. They would assume that everybody knew it. The song had just one hypnotic melodic riff that is repeated over and over, and the lyrics are just wonderful. I think when the Sex Pistols started, it was the only song they knew how to play” (Colgrave and Sullivan, 21). Many musicians past and present have named The Stooges as influential to them, and even recorded covers of their songs. They have been praised by Henry Rollins of the hardcore Punk band Black Flag, Kurt Cobain, and Jack White of The White Stripes, among many others. The Stooges have been covered by The Sex Pistols, The Damned, Sonic Youth, Rage Against The Machine, and even bands such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N’ Roses. Despite their lack of commercial success and relatively short life as a band, The Stooges will always be considered an undisputable musical corner stone to the genre that eventually came to be known as Punk Rock.
Never a dull moment in the music world! Unless of course you are listening to the radio. Just in case you didn't know, Iggy Pop is a fucking psycho. Check it out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/arts/music/15rubi.html?_r=2
Death seems to be the "missing link" in the evolution of Punk Rock. The tracks kick ass, and it sucks that I can't find any live footage of these guys. I will post some shit from YouTube (thanks whoever you are for putting this up).
I wish I had known about these guys when I was writing this paper about The Stooges and the beginning of Punk Rock that won me a solid "A" in English 1010 (yeah go ahead and laugh, but it's a pretty big deal for a dude out of school for 12 years to just jump right back in).
Punk Rock is a mysterious thing. The origins can be debated endlessly, even by those who were there in the beginning. The few that have lived to tell the story might describe it as a fiery phoenix, rising from the ashes of the dead and burned body of what was once considered Rock and Roll. Its’ infancy began as more of a general attitude in the late 60’s and early 70’s, rather than a specific musical style. The defining characteristics include musical as well as attitudinal distinctions. In the mid to late 1970’s punk music began its’ adolescent stage, spreading all over the world. Unlike human children, Punk did not get its name until long after it had been born. In the beginning, there were Iggy Pop and his band The Stooges. Iggy is often referred to as the “Godfather of Punk” by musicians and fans of the genre. The book Punk 365 states: “[The Stooges] made two albums that preceded the fury of Punk by more than half a decade: The Stooges in 1969, and Funhouse in 1970. Then, in true punk style, the group imploded – only to reform two years later” (George-Warren, 6). The band can be squeezed into a category referred to as protopunk, considered a forebear of actual punk music. Many unique musical styles are called protopunk, as the only requirement is to be named by later punk musicians as influential. Musically, punk rock has many distinct characteristics. It is a very raw form of music, typifying a “do it yourself” attitude and featuring a minimal amount of instruments. Typically this would entail one or two guitars, a bass guitar, and a basic drum kit. Singing tends to be very direct and unrefined, with no vocal talent or range required. It was once written “This is a chord, this is another, this is a third. Now form a band” (Wikipedia). It seems as though the movement began as a form of protest against the grandiose state of typical rock music during the period. The basic nature of the music allowed a wide range of people to express themselves, regardless of their talent or experience. In addition, Punk music often tends to be political in nature, and includes anarchist and anti authoritarian messages. With the Stooges as a shining standard, the reckless nature of Punk continually grew at a feverish pace on and off stage. Dee Dee Ramone, a member of early punk band The Ramones, recalls of The Stooges: “They went on and played the same song over and over. It only had three chords. And the words were ‘I want your name, I want your number.’ Then Iggy just looked at everybody and said, ‘You people make me sick!’ Then he threw up” (McNeil and McCain, 36). Indeed The Stooges were known more for the outrageous stage presence of Iggy rather than their musical talent, and their shows were often met with indifference by their audiences. Iggy sometimes had to be held up to the microphone due to his heroin use, and even delayed a show for hours by locking himself in a bathroom stall because he could not find a vein for his needle. He sometimes went so far as to cut his chest with broken glass, or urinate on the audience. He is also widely accepted as the originator of stage diving. The one component that became typical of Punk music The Stooges do not seem to fulfill would be a political agenda. Their songs and lyrics tend to be about nothing in particular. Although they do not completely fit the criteria for the Punk genre, there is no doubt they are deeply connected to it. Danny Fields, who originally signed the band to Elektra Records says it well: “The Stooges were wonderful. ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ became the standard song of a new generation. Bands would audition a new member and they would say they were going to do ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’. They would assume that everybody knew it. The song had just one hypnotic melodic riff that is repeated over and over, and the lyrics are just wonderful. I think when the Sex Pistols started, it was the only song they knew how to play” (Colgrave and Sullivan, 21). Many musicians past and present have named The Stooges as influential to them, and even recorded covers of their songs. They have been praised by Henry Rollins of the hardcore Punk band Black Flag, Kurt Cobain, and Jack White of The White Stripes, among many others. The Stooges have been covered by The Sex Pistols, The Damned, Sonic Youth, Rage Against The Machine, and even bands such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N’ Roses. Despite their lack of commercial success and relatively short life as a band, The Stooges will always be considered an undisputable musical corner stone to the genre that eventually came to be known as Punk Rock.
Never a dull moment in the music world! Unless of course you are listening to the radio. Just in case you didn't know, Iggy Pop is a fucking psycho. Check it out:
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Slug, you find him in the "A's" on your Ipod.
I have been thinking about all the things I wanna say about this cat since I started this blog. If there was ever an artist that could speak my own feelings through his lyrics, it would be Sean "it's what you get for tryin' to make your little sister eat the kitty-litter" Daley. This guy fucking kills me. On "Watch Out" he says exactly what I would say about LL Cool J - "when I was younger I wanted to be LL Cool J, 'til he started makin' records for the girls and shit, so I ripped up the Kangol and threw it away". What?! Did he just say that?! You know you were thinkin' it! This dude knows how to articulate so many things that I feel but don't say. A lot of his stuff is real deep, too. The latest album is "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold" - which could be my life motto. Check out this track - I've been feeling it since the record came out and it never gets old.
This guy takes shit for using a live band--- "You ain't the Roots!" More artists should follow that example though. I have yet to see Atmosphere live, but I will as soon as I get a chance. Look at this performance of another of my favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNSqs3xvvUE
Slug is one of the most relentless, hard-working dudes in Hip Hop. Every time I turn around there's more music. They tour non-stop, which makes me feel like a fuckin' dick for not catching a show yet. Check 'em out when they come around your way.
P.S. I almost forgot to add this: Slug and Faheem (son of Brother Ali) in the Ultimate Rap Battle!
This guy takes shit for using a live band--- "You ain't the Roots!" More artists should follow that example though. I have yet to see Atmosphere live, but I will as soon as I get a chance. Look at this performance of another of my favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNSqs3xvvUE
Slug is one of the most relentless, hard-working dudes in Hip Hop. Every time I turn around there's more music. They tour non-stop, which makes me feel like a fuckin' dick for not catching a show yet. Check 'em out when they come around your way.
P.S. I almost forgot to add this: Slug and Faheem (son of Brother Ali) in the Ultimate Rap Battle!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
On the same tip.....
Check this new track from MF Doom and Ghostface, produced by Oh No. I love it when Doom and Tony Stark team up......"I ...just wanna celebrate!". They have worked together before. Doom produced a couple tracks off Ghost's album Fishscale, and there is some unreleased shit out there.........These two should do an album together.
Here's the track:
http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2009/03/ghostface-doom-produced-by-ohno
Here's the "unreleased?" shit:
P.S. 2 posts in 1 month, Benny B kiss my ass!
Here's the track:
http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2009/03/ghostface-doom-produced-by-ohno
Here's the "unreleased?" shit:
P.S. 2 posts in 1 month, Benny B kiss my ass!
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