Infinite Thoughts

2007-10-17T14:48:00.000-04:00

"100 Guns, 100 clips"
-by Boogie Down Productions.

The first amendment of the United States guarantees the right to bear arms....of course with a few loop holes. I was compelled to write 'cause in this climate its a touchy situation for hip-hop in general especially for "the King" aka T.i. or was it Tip. (I am confused who got caught.)

If one lives in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Chicago, Compton, Detroit City, Atlanta,New Orleans, St. Louis or even Baltimore there is a street understanding that there are folks that are just jealous and hate to see other folk come up and be successful. Those "haters" are upset that they were not a part of that success and cannot share from it. Instead of being self-sufficient the "haters" enjoy creating a negative situation that end up evening the odds for both parties. This isn't exclusive to the US, its true over seas in the Caribbean, in Africa and South America too. The Police already have a hard time controlling d'evils that men do in the urban minority communities so there is no urgency to protect them neither. In that case one must protect themselves often by any means necessary. That means one must carry the piece, the nina, the oo-op, the burner, the ratchet, the toast, the tool, the grips, the heater, the gat, the strap, the chopper, the hammer or whatever name is appropriate. (Funny that I used a Malcolm X quote 'cause some folk respect the man only for image of him carrying a rifle looking out the window and not for his views. Better yet don't know a thing he taught.)

There is a severe punishment in the US involving getting caught with a pistol which can lead you to many years in prison. (Just ask Tony Yayo or Prodigy from Mobb Deep.) That doesn't apply to folks with good lawyers i.e. Queen Latifah. I know a dude that has missed all the details of his daughter's life for being in the car with a guy and a gun.

In the hood, its a bit of a prerequisite to walk around with something especially if you neighborhood is not necessarily safe. Ask Beanie Siegel or Fabolous who got shot in their own neighborhood. Me....I carried a solid metal pipe in my book bag to high school every day hoping I don't get mobbed on the train by Decepticons or other gangs in BK or Queens. I am not a artist or anyone with anything. I was a loner and I had to do what I felt would even the odds if things went wrong.

As an artist you can get the attention because people see you on TV or hear your music but you have to live up to the hype of the fame. Drug dealers, pimps, gang members or thieves wanted that same notoriety and even would test or disrespect the artist by throwing insults or wads of money at them or even robbing them. That means the artist have to step their game up [compete]. Wear more jewelry. Walk with more goons. Carry more equalizers. Thus the reason for Shyne getting locked up for a ten year stretch. (Diddy had a good lawyer too.)

There are have been many cases of folks getting shot or carrying weapons: i.e. Gravy, Maino, 2pac. Too many to mention. If only outsiders (I mean folks who don't live in the hood) could get a glimpse of the reality that some folks must live with daily.

I am for the protection of self and family but there is always some fool that must take it to the next level and do something stupid like in the case of the murder of Busta Rhymes bodyguard, robbing Fabolous or even Virginia Tech.

TI hold your head up. (pause) I don't know you but for all I know that you may have been a collector of rare artillery. Silencers take it to the next level. I personally believe it is entrapment. But who am I? ( just the girls them suga!! lol. Only Beenie Man fan would understand.) If he gets locked up it will be a travesty for Hip-Hop and a win for everyone else against it.
Shyne comes out. TI goes in. Again.

2007-10-17T14:27:00.000-04:00

"Start the Show"
by Common

After the Hip-Hop Honors on Thursday night I went to the Common concert at the Nokia Theater that Sunday. Opening up for the artist from Chi-City was none other that Q-Tip from a Tribe Called Quest. Now I have been a fan of Tip from the first time I heard his voice on the Jungle Brothers' song "Black is Black" and "The Promo". I have every song Tribe or Q-Tip has ever recorded on my Ipod. Common on the other hand was a slow favorite of mine. Meaning it took me a while to admire him as an artist. I knew folk that worked for Relativity Records, the label which debut Fat Joe and Common as artists. Time and time again they would hand me samplers and the only one I enjoyed was "Soul by the Pound" then "Take it Easy"- tunes that you will never hear Common perform. As a shorty I always wanted to see Tribe perform but to no avail. The first time I have ever seen Tribe or Q-tip perform in all my years of concert going was at the Hip-Hop Honors. Well at least that is what I can remember.

I was excited because I had confidence that Common would put a good show cause he always does from the time I see him at SOB's, the Hammerstein, Central Park, wherever. Peep my blog last year. The Q-tip show was off the hook. Tip had a live band consisting of a bass player, a pianist (snicker..I am so immature. pause.) and a DJ. But not any DJ....Super DJ....DJ Scratch from EPMD fame. It was great. Tip (not TI) did classic tribe stuff. He let his band catch wreck and let Scratch show his awesome skills. As a matter of fact, Tip did some scratching of his very own. (I hear he is a good DJ. He did his thing.) Q-Tip did some covers of other classic hip-hop tunes which brought fellow comrades KRS-ONE and even Dres from Black Sheep onstage. Although Q-tip's new material has a lot of singing (which is just decent) it still came off great.

Common was up next. I can feel the Kanye influence becuase he added an element to his show that he never used to do......the infamous wardrobe change. It added a little flavor to the performance of the songs... I guess. Finding Forever tunes banged all night and a freestyle session with Q-Tip and KRS. If you never heard Common freestyle its sick!!! He adds that to the routine to show the crowd he is that dope. He could easily record classics off freestyles like no other. I won't elaborate any more. It was a great night for Hip-Hop.

When Com is your town you should "GO!!!"

2007-10-17T13:28:00.000-04:00

"Don't Let it get to your head" by Brand Nubian

The other night I got to work backstage for the 4th installment of the Hip-Hop Honors. I was really excited 'cause although I missed the preparatory meetings, I learned that I would be working with one of my favorite groups of all time....... a Tribe called Quest. But on show date, I was given the task of working with one of the artists that would honor them....(Damn. ) I think is name is.......... Busta Rhymes. Nah, it was him and I was excited and not so excited. Busta is one of my favorite artists too. From the very first night I heard his verse on the "Case of PTA" way back in 91. I have supported all his material. Starting from his stint with Leaders of the New School to his solo career. I even supported all the work he has done as an actor. His best work was "Finding Forrester" with Sean Connery. so I consider myself a true fan of his....well, from a distance.

Now in person would be a new challenge due to the number of run-ins with the law in and out of court ie. the slapping a woman, beating a kid for spitting on his car, a number of traffic violations and the murder of his bodyguard. I knew it was gonna be a repeat of my 50 cent incident at the VMAs. (check my last year blog.) I am 6'1 and about 255 lbs. I am beginning to understand that folks give me the guys that would/could be a problem. I knew a dude that used to do security for Busta present at the event. I thought he could put in the good word to make this smooth but didn't help a bit.

As Busta comes in to rehearsal (3 hours late) in his Maybach he steam-rolls his way into the Hammerstein totally ignoring my introduction. Cool, cause I don't get upset. At least he didn't just play me only. Security couldn't maintain him either all night. (Well not all night but a majority of it.) I figured that since this will be some work I should get in good with the entourage. I made connections with the manager and Spliff Star, his sidekick. They were cool. Good thing Busta had other things to do. He was in and out of rehearsal until later in the evening.

Everything worked out kinda. It got better as the night progressed. As long as I didn't have to communicate with him. Busta was rude to fans but nice to some artists and especially women. So the next time I will make the request to be paired with a woman.

To get right down to the point, there are some artists that we all love and we are dying to meet. It doesn't matter whether the setting is most of them are just @$$holes. It sad to lose fans that way but fans make artist feel like deity...where you can't look them in the eye (Lauryn Hill) or they don't want folks to take pictures from the left side (Mariah), walking with an entourage of 40 people, (J-Lo, Fifty Cent, Jim Jones.) , throwing tantrums or some other foolishness. Some poor sap carried Kerry Washington's dog... B$#^& is you smoking reefer!!! (that couldn't be me. even if she fine and all that. sigh.)

It's gotta be the money that makes them act a fool where they can make requests to remove the yellow M&Ms or disrespect all their lady fans, show up late where ever they are needed and other selfish acts. While the smaller artists like Mims or Red Cafe are really cool to the point that you could be friends. Man, I hate it. I met a lot of folk thought out my life especially in the rap community. Its a far search to find humble people. Sad.

2007-10-17T13:24:00.000-04:00

"You Must Learn" by Boogie Down Productions

The other night I watched the film "Higher Learning" with the Mrs. starring: Tyra Banks, Omar Epps, Micheal Rappaport, Ice Cube and others. The 1995 drama film dealt with the classicism, racism and sexism found on a fictitious college campus, Columbus University. I recall going out to support the film in my junior year of "high learning" and relating to a lot of the goings-on at Queens College campus in Flushing, NY. John Singleton's perspective of realism on film mimicked that of my favorite director at the time Spike Lee ( I still got love for you Spike. pause) evident in Singleton's debut film "Boyz in the Hood". Each of The characters, have a personal issue that develop the climax of the story which ties them all together at the end of the film.

Racism was the more predominant theme in the film. As an African-American student I could relate to some of the issues the Malik (played by Omar Epps) went through. In those days Queens College was a racially charged environment with students strongly voicing their opinions on issues like Tawanna Brawley, etc.

The perspective I had then and now digress a bit. The one thing that I really regret was not networking with my peers. I had many "friends" but failed to step out of my comfort. As did Malik.

Today I look at students as sheep-mindless creatures that follow the herd. Laurence Fishburne who portrayed a professor on campus emphasized that he wanted his students to be thinkers. Create original thought and the ability to express that thought intelligently to others. A skill that I have not mastered and took many years to learn. I admire the fact that John Singleton showed that the students reacting out of anger and frustration, often in scenes with them yelling or shouting. This anger probably synthesize from our ignorance, stereotypes and disapproval of any assimilation.

If only Singleton could put out a superior film like that today.

2007-10-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

"Don't Curse" - by Heavy D.

The other night BET aired the news special "Hip-Hop vs. America". I didn't get to see it but I made sure I got it on my DVR. I did get to hear about on the radio on my way to work. Free, the guest on the show was on air with Ed Lover. I missed most of the conversation but I did catch the concern of language in Hip-Hop. Ed mentioned that Chamillionaire and Master P have made the decision to exclude offensive language in their music. Another proposal was to censor the music too.

My thoughts- I am not a big fan of the profanity in music. Don't get it twisted either, I will curse the #$%& out of you if I must. (My wife says I have a potty mouth.) My concerns are really for the people who don't understand i.e. people who are not fans and mostly children. I cringe when my favorite artists (i.e. DMX, Kanye, Jay, etc) drop the N-bomb on TV or at concert. It is a moment of ignorance. This moment re-enforces folks to think it is OK. Actually......It's not cool.

Excluding profanity is not new idea in fact, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Heavy D, LL Cool J, Jungle Brothers, Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and slew of artist have all dabbled in the concept in the past. Keep in my mind the only promotion fro music was radio and an artist needed a clean record to drive sales. There were underground stations that played the uncut version of our favorite tunes too. I remember recording the original uncut version of "La-di-da-di"with the verse about Vanessa Williams. I eventually had to delete it because if my parents heard it they would destroy all my tapes. (I really regret deleting it. I am a pack rat because of my new point of view.)

Placing stickers or censoring songs have an adverse affect to consumer. Instead of detering consumers, the package is more attractive. I know I was giddy the first time I heard the debut albums of NWA or Eminem. The material is offensive but, material that goes over the edge is what people are looking for. "The Departed", "Reservoir Dogs", "Kill Bill", "Scarface", "The Godfather" although were a good films attract folks to purchase DVDs in mass consumption. More and more television is crossing those boundaries too. I won't get into the double standards but I will say that no artist in any genre/art form should appreciate any form of censorship. Anyone of them can easily fall victim.

There are folks that rely on the "shock" entertainment to maintain their careers: i.e. Madonna, Luke Campbell, Too Short, NWA, Eminem, Marilyn Manson, Richard Pryor, Howard Stern, even Don Imus. Lets imagine America where the government shut down these folks before they spoke. Then the list would add Kanye West, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Martin Luther King, etc.

I do recall the days when there were more radio friendly music. Songs that you wouldn't cringe when your children singing it like "Hot Wuk" by Mr. Vegas or "Shawty is the SH--" by The Dream or worse "My Girl Got a Girlfriend" by Ray Lavender. These catchy jingles spread faster than butter on hot toast.

Personally, I make the choice to go to Wal-mart or FYE for clean versions of new discs. This is my effort to try to clean up my act. Not just for myself but to allow me to share with my peers without any embarrassment.

-Social Responsibility.

2007-10-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

"I Got a Story to Tell" by Notorious BIG

I have a serious affinity for my hometown: Brooklyn, Bucktown, BK, Brook-nam, the Planet, whatever you wanna call it. although I left there about half my total existence but I have a hard time telling folks of where I am situated now. Don't let the DJ say "Is Brooklyn in the house!!!" You bound to hear a lot of noise from my side of the room. I love everything Brooklyn: the look, the sound, the women. My wife is definitely from BK. I couldn't have it any other way. Many of my favorite emcees came from Brooklyn: Jay, Big, Kane, Mos, Tek, Steele, SP, Fab, Buckshot, Masta Ace, Lyte, etc. The latest cover of XXL Magazine host the new cats that are on the come-up. a few dudes that are good some that I'm not feelin at all. One dude which I been warning cats for yeears was Red Cafe.
Its been many years in the making. Hot singles that never took off. Bad deals with labels, etc. He has the skills, the punchlines, the hooks, the voice, the drops, the appeal to the ladies and having recently signed a deal under Akon's label "Konvict" can place the chips in the right direction -considering the success of T-Pain. Lasltly he is from Brooklyn!!! The precursor album that mack 10's imprint on capital Records never was relased but leaked on the internet. A very decent attempt but not strong enough to create a buzz as leaks from artists like Kanye or TI.
My connections landed me an opportunity to sit in on an interview for his latest project the Co-op with DJ Envy. The boy can spit. The same hook-up allowed me to go to the listening party for the album set to drop on Oct. 8th on Koch Records. All I can say is Damn!!! With productions from Rockwilder the beats are on another level. I wasn't a big fan of the skits but the album is fire. My prediciton is Cafe is that dude. My personal feelings -it should have been releases on a major. Konvict Records release soon to follow. "What else!!"

2007-09-21T12:20:00.000-04:00

"Blue Magic"- song By Jay-Z

Hmmm.... where is the Jay that was so lyrical that you could compare him to no other. Now as an aspiring DJ, I don't see this moving the crowd but I only listened to it twice and I was distracted while it was on. Jay can be an "American Gangster" (title of the new CD supposedly dropping November this year) but only the aspect of business. The strategy is to create some momentum...Kanye was the catalyst (Congrats to him creating the biggest Hip-Hop CD in two years.)

Back to Jay...the flow is different. The production is sub-par/decent. Pharell’s singing kind of distracting/annoying… I only listened to it twice what can I say so far. I was looking for some lyrics and they seem to fall short as he did on the “I get Money” remix. But Jay is a clever dude and with all the rumors flying over the world.. it seems it is called Blue Magic for a reason. Jay is about to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Be prepared because things are going to change for the Roc-a-fella movement. Beans has a single out. Freeway had a single but it lost its thunder to Fabolous. Bleek is promoting a single.

My prediction is that there will be a big Def Jam movement which will be associated with Roc-a-fella this coming winter season. A big concert will be connected to this movement which will possibly be taped and televised. Quite possibly reuniting old rivals. Possibly Dame and Biggs returning. We will see. Jay likes the “Oh #$%&!!!!” factor.

This is just the first single….November things will get heated up.

2007-09-21T12:06:00.000-04:00

"GUESS WHO'S BACK" - song by Scarface feat. Jay-Z produced by Kanye West

I have sequestered myself from really getting busy in my blogs 'cause I wanted to tight-lipped about events in my life. I always kept my blogs about things in my life and my opinion of stuff. Now I am back. It won't be daily but very frequent.

Lets start with the good news. I moved out my parents house and into my own. That was a lot of work on every level. Secondly, I retired my player card and got married to my girl of many years. That is work too. Whew! A lot has gone down but I want to move forward and I may speak about it in my future blogs.

Hip-Hop is my thing. A lot of stuff has gone down since my last post. Jena 6, OJ, 50 vs. Kanye, Mobb vs. Saigon, Cam vs. 50, Cam vs. Jimmy, CDs dropped, CDs flopped., I won't get into the past stuff but I will make a reference here and there. I may talk about some stuff ' casue they often come up again. Speak to y'all soon now ya heard!!! 1.

2007-01-12T16:06:00.001-05:00

Ballin' for Christmas

Well Christmas was real mellow. I could not splurge as I usally do. got big plans for 07. If you don't know you will find out if you are consistent with my posts. I got my gifts early. I went to see Nas perform at Webster Hall on Monday Dec 18th. Nas is the man!! I say that because he took a few words like "Hip-Hop is Dead" and created a revolution. Folks are complaining every where. I say, "Go see Nas live and you will understand what he is talking about."

Well back to the show. It was official. True fans where there. They knew all the lyrics as Nas went through his classics. It was major cause I haven't seen Nas perform since the Central Park. There where no guests. Just Nas and DJ Les. No hype man. Just the essence- the basics. He did songs that I have never heard him perform like "I want to talk to", "rewind", "No idea" he even did the first one line from "Ether" as the fans asked for it. He basically went thought his entire discography and did at least two tunes from each including the lost tapes. The only song I thought he should have done but he didn't was Got Yourself a gun. He went through 90% of Illmatic. He did "live at the BBQ." He could have been there all night. Great show!! thanks to wifey. She got the message that day and I was in that night. Its good to have connects. Later that night we went to 40/40. A really nice spot. a bit cramped. Apparently Jay and B where in the room next door. I was tempted to crash.

Friday, Dec. 23 was the Nas show at Nokia Theater. This one I had planned for at least a month. I anticipated the that Jay would show up. "Black Republicans" was the first song Nas performed. I knew that Jay would be a No-show. The Friday show was much like the Monday show with. He didn't do any requests this time around. He did reunite the Firm. Cormega and Foxy jumped on stage. Other than Qu'an that united with Nas to tribute to Sean Bell to perform "Just a Moment" no other guests showed up. It too was a great show.

I later went to Macy's at 1 AM because they were open 24 hours to join the zombies and ghouls that shop in those hours rather than be in the club or in bed. Nice weekend indeed.

2006-11-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

"Sucka N****"
by A Tribe Called Quest

These older tunes are so relavent. go download.

No matter how you disect it, Micheal "Kramer" Richards wilded out. There are things that you have to be sensitive about and he crossed the line. The N bomb has been a topic of discussion at work and at home. At work I am the only "Bro". I think folks are misinformed about the word. One individual said its unexceptable for anyone other than black folks to say it. Another said it means "ignorant" so we should not be offended. ALL WRONG!!!

I can't be entirely upset when Mr. Cosby rants about things that we have taught folks to understand about our people. Lets face facts. A portion of folks are curious about our culture but have no real interest to understand us. However the same does not apply for us and their world. If we wish to get ahead we have to learn as much as possible. That's right we have to correct our posture, raise our pants and correct our diction to fit in. No one has to make these sacrifices to fit with us. We have more to prove regardless of how long ago the civil rights era has passed. Things are so covert these days. The dark skinned man has to maintain a strong view of self at all times where others races may not relate.

The "N" bomb is unacceptable no mattter who you are. So many folks have used it so loosely that it desensitizes folks when Kramer calls a "black" man that without any recourse. It hurts to go to concerts and here rappers spewing the word while their audience of all race follow suit. I hate walking in my hood and hearing teenagers of all colors dropping it in middle of sentences as if it was punctuation. I know I am guilty as well but its time we all make some effort.

2006-11-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

"What's Beef"
by Notorius B.I.G.

I ain't back I just never left. BIG said,"Real, bad boys move in silence." That's why I took so long. ;-) and thats what some folks should learn.

I know I act like I am a Jay hater, when actually a real huge fan. I got a sneak peek of the album prior to the releases and its a decent comeback for the dude that claimed he "retired" but has been spittin' during his "hiatus". Jay would got a bigger reaction if he didn't release a bar in the past three years than leak the remixes now as a mixtape.

I am however thoroughly disappointed that he responded to Dipset comments/rhymes by Killa [Cam'rom] and Jim [Jones]. I heard the subliminals on "Hustlin'" remix and on "Dig a Hole" on Jay's latest LP. But Jim [Jones] really ruffled his feathers to release that "Brooklyn" track. It was as lame as "Super Ugly" freestyle back when Nas bodied him with the "Ether" track. Jay must take a page from his own rhymes cause he "Lost One".

Battling is at all time low. "It's all fun and games until you poke your eye out." Egos are more sensitive than ........... [Figure it out] I know that's cold and crass but its the brute honest truth. Attention all rappers: quit complaining and make money, you big baby.(sic) And on that note I'll take the time to list the top 10 dis songs that could have escalated to some ish..

1) "Ether" by Nas
2) "Hit 'Em Up" by 2Pac (his vocals only)
3) "4,3,2,1" by LL Cool J (his vocals only)
4) "Second Round Knockout" by Canibus
5) "The B#tch in You" by Common
6) "No Vaseline" by Ice Cube
7) "The Bridge is Over" by Boogie Down Productions.
8) "10% Dis" by MC Lyte
9) "Piggy Bank" by 50 Cent
10) "Roxanne's Revenge" by Roxanne Shante

2006-11-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

"Walk in New York"
by Onyx

You know I am a bit of a pessimist. I often look at the glass half empty. I have so much to be proud of but I often don't see it or even afraid to admit it. I want so many things to happen for me but I want it now. I feel a lot of pressure to succeed.

Funny thing, I got a huge life lesson from a someone that can't even talk. My fiance's niece stood up by herself. Now it may not seem like anything to some folks but it was the cutest thing. It was also the first time I have seen her do somthing that remarkable other than holding her bottle. She used the pillow to support herself up. I was floored when she let go. Even she was excited. She smiled (showing off her two bottom teeth), laughed and clapped. Then fell down into the bed only to do it again and again.

My lesson is your have to crawl before you walk. If you fall you got brush it off and start all over. You got be proud of your accomplishments then you have to set new goals. I think I have said this before in an older blog but it was really special to have my almost niece give me that lesson again. She is precious and an inspiration.

2006-10-12T17:36:00.000-04:00

"Don't Let it Go to Your Head"
By Brand Nubian

The past Saturday I attended the third installment of the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors. Like last year I worked backstage for the rehearsals and taping, escorting artists throughout the venue. This year I had the priviledge to escort the almighty Wu-tang Clan. This escort job is not meant for dudes unless your talent is a chick. Not necessarily true but whatever. I enjoy doing it because you meet all your favorite artists and attend the a show that most likely wouldn't have access to.

First off, mother @#$%&* artists are TOO GASSED!! I am getting sick of it. Serious! I know the hood says stop snitching but its hard to do your job if folks have a superiority complex. I hate them folks. You get respect if you give respect. Give me the opportunity to tell folks I met 50 cent and he was real cool. Secondly BE ON TIME!!! Its hilarious to hear on the walkie talkie Fabolous will not get on stage if Q-Tip and Diddy have not arrived. I personally had difficulty with Rae and Meth the others are cool. Rae was cool the day of taping. I got no tolerence for their BS. So I backed off. Mother @#$%&* you getting honored! not me! I gives a flying @#$%&* if you miss the show. End of the day I will not lose any sleep. I think he liked the attention. Lastly some folks in the staff need to get some @$$ or somthing cause they are too high strung. (excuse me kiddies but the show can be stressful) BTW Ghost was a no show. GZA was mad cool!! Shout to Rae's Brother. Sorry don't know your name. peace Remedy.

Enough of my tirade. I had a good time regardless. met some cool folks. The show was reallly good. I didn't care for the folks that honored the Beastie Boys but Mixmaster Mike's performance was more tame than in rehearsal. Beasties still wrecked it. MC Lyte wrecked it too along with the Kim, Remy and B-R-A-T. The Sound man messed up a few times but the show went well. Russell's tribute fell short. He has done so much I wished they did better. The tribute to Rakim was dope. Rae stepped in for the incarcerated Jadakiss. (keep your head up.) Wu-Tang did there thing. I hope to be there next year.

2006-10-04T17:31:00.000-04:00

"Stakes is High"
by De la Soul

Back like I never left. Long time no write. Well, I haven't been busy but got a case of writer's block. I have mad ideas but none completed. Hopefully I can post them soon. I think I'll soon change my name from infinite to Scatterbrain cause my thoughts are infinitely all over the place.

I was listening to the opening skit on the De la Soul's "Stakes is High" LP. It featured responses by a number of artists that remenisced on the first time they heard hip-hop. I vaguely remember the first time it was over 2 decades ago. I know it was the Sugar hill Gang but I can't recall where I hear it. But I do remember the effect of folks in the hood when "Critical Breakdown" by Ultramagnaetic MCs or "My Melody" by Rakim resonnated over the large radios that folks caried over their shoulders a long while prior to the ipod generation.

The truth is the stakes is high!!! The lyrics are so relevant to our present day.
"Yo, it's about love for cars, love for funds
Loving to love mad sex, loving to love guns
Love for opposite, love for fame and wealth
Love for the fact of no longer loving yourself, kid"

So many listeners are making comments that Hip-hop is dead. Yes and no. Some folks want to be challenged with better material. The ability to make the millions is not happening as quickly because the industry is overly saturated with DJs, MCs, VJs, Singers, photographers, producers, CDs, Mixtapes, DVDs, etc. So don't go blaming 50 Cent, Lil' Jon or Jay-Z for f***in up the game. They partially responsible but its time to open doors or part the seas like Moses for the true artists i.e. Lupe Fiasco. I wasn't a fan until I analyzed the lyrcics on Food and Liqour. Whew!! That boy got heat!! Until next time.

2006-09-13T17:16:00.000-04:00

"Keep You Head Up!!!"

Its been 10 years since Pac's death and next to Elvis I have not seen/heard anyone dead still making so many moves. I thought Puff was grindin' put Pac got this game on lock. Clothing lines, music releasing every year with enough material to release a few more, poetry, etc. Today I heard on radio, based on the book Tupac Shakur Legacy, Pac intended to develop a camp for children and a Restuarant alongside his career as a musician/actor. (WOW!!)

When it comes to Tupac I am a bit of a fair-weather fan. I liked his verse in "Same Ole Song" by Digital Underground but I didn't think his career would amount to anything based on the first single, "Trapped". (boy was I wrong!) "Trapped" didn't move me as "Brenda Got a Baby". Of course, I only knew of that song by watching it repeatedly on "The Box", a pay-per-view channel for music video in early 1990s.

Pac rode the thin line between gangster and conscious rap. One could never predict this man. Not too far away was trouble, tailing him at every town he entered.

In my opinion, his career made a huge turn for the better after the release of my favorite film, "Juice". Bishop will forever be that crazy @$$ Nuh that you don't want in your circle. The images of Pac as Bishop were dark and demented quite similar but less covert as his role as Bird in "Above the Rim". Very good portrayal for the first time actor. Pac went on to do a few more films i.e. "Poetic Justice" and "Gang Related".

As a hip-hop artist, "I Get Around" was fun to listen. "Get Yours" by MC Breed and 2Pac was fierce. He was a beast of a writer from songs to poetry and even stories. I could only imagine the countless sheets of paper that must have had been in his cell after being imprisonmed for "rape" or the number of tapes used after each daily recording ritual.

The fued with Biggie was intense enough to get escalate the East vs. West beef. "Hit 'em up" is the hardest dis track more so than Nas' "Ether". Pac's passion was evident in his tunes like Bone Thugs n' Harmony's "Thug Luv" (sick!!) His verse on Scarface's "Smile" was spooky. I always wondered why would anyone do videos or write songs about afterlife, i.e. "Not Mad at You".

"Thugs Mansion", "Letter to My Unborn Child", "Dear Momma", "Baby Don't Cry", "A N_ggaz Nature", "Ambition az a Ridah", "Changes", "Keep Ya Head Up", "Against All Odds", "Me And MY Girlfriend" and "Pain" were all my favorites. You may think I like I lot of songs than how am I a fair-weather fan? Well, I say Quality vs. Quantity. This dude has written over 150 songs and I liked only a few. A small percentage of top quality material. Also folks put him in their top 5 list only to mention some west coast artist. (BTW he was born on the east and dismissed the entire coast based on the "betrayal" of his people after his shooting as result of a robbery and the lack of support when imprissoned for the "rape" charge.) Don't get me wrong he could spit but there is something that is missing that would not place him on my top 10 or 20 for that matter. I know too many subpar cats that would toast him in 3 rounds. He did have one-liners that were ferocious.

He shared all his pain: abandoned as a child, his mom was a former drug addict and Black Panther member, raised by the streets, and the stressful life as a celebrity/artist. He expressed his pain in his tats. Thug Life written across the belly.

"I live the thug life baby I'm hopeless smoking on that endo trying to keep my focus."

The impression he made on fans are remarkable. His material still sells and resonates. Pac was the blueprint for artists like Zane, Drama, Ja Rule, DMX, and 50 Cent. His death is still a mystery and very unnecessary. He was very young and at the peak of his career. It was said he was an example of art imitating life and life imitating art. Pac said it himself, before he wrote "Trapped" he never was never arrested but afterwards it was routine for him to be harassed by other thugs, police and obseessed fans. As the fame grew so did the drama.

RIP Tupac Amaru Shakur.
"True to the game till they bury me."

2006-09-12T17:44:00.000-04:00

"Some one please call 911"
-Wyclef Jean featuring Mary J. Blige.

The title is not befitting of the topic but I want to stay true to my theme. I apologize to anyone offended.

Yesterday marked the 5th anniversary of 9/11. The damage caused by the tragedy of these events are far greater than folks are willing to admit. On my part I am tramautized. I get an eerie feeling when watching re-runs of Will and Grace (no brokeback!!) or Friends especially when the show fades in with a glimpse of how New York City used to look.

Five years ago at first glance, I was shocked to see the hole and flames in the first building I thought it was an accident but I saw the second one strike the second and I was floored. I called the very small few that I knew that worked in that building. Luckily they all survived but the six degrees of seperation weren't. As the buildings collapsed so did my spirit. We lost thousands of lives that day and even today as a result of the poor conditions in the area or just misery.

RIP to all those lost and God bless those affected by physically, mentally and spiritually.

2006-09-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

"Last Night a DJ Saved My Life"
- Indeep

"There's not a problem that I can't fix, Cause I can do it in the mix..."

The other night I got to spin at my Boy Onion's BBQ. Actually I wasn't even supposed to play but I promised I would back him up. He was asked me to DJ months prior to the event but I declined because I felt I wasn't ready. The plan for the BBQ was a night with kareoke, a band and the DJ. If not for the encouragement from Onion I wouldn't have got on but I eventually did. The band monopolized the whole event so when we got to play the crowd was light.

I am like Diddy," I just wanna make you to dance!!" So I came up with a playlist in mind which required audience participation. It worked!! Some "Lean With It..." by Dem Franchise Boyz, "Snap Your Fingers" by Lil' Jon, and "Chicken Noodle Soup" by DJ Webstar and Young B. My intention was to play only a few songs but I once got in the groove and didn't feel like stopping. It wasn't an older crowd but I wore them youngins out.

I got compliments about my selection but I am not good at taking them but I really had a blast. This experience was better than my last. I made a few mistakes: I didn't bring the tunes I wanted to play, my mixes were weak, the music cut off a few times. We still made it through. Now I can't wait for the next one. In the meantime I am going to practice and try to get some gigs.

Thanks Onion!!!!

2006-09-06T10:39:00.000-04:00

"Just Another Case of The PTA"
by Leaders of the New School

It's September and by now all students in the US are back at school. I am back fresh off the VMA's where all the major players in hip-hop attended. A friend asked me how it was? I thought about it for a second and came to conclusion: the Hip-Hop scene music is like attending High School.

Most of us have gone through that experience can relate to walking down the halls or the cafteria of the local High School. You are anxious to see what high school is like. Your hormones are racing because you are teenager ready to let loose. As you are walking down the corridors you notice all the different cliques. In Front of the school is gangster rap: 50 Cent, G-Unit and Dipset standing on the sidelines talkin ish starting trouble they all have criminal records and they aren't afraid to explain how they got that way. They are not inside unless they have business to attend. School means nothing to them. These "Trap" stars or however you wish to call them. They get a lot of love from the ladies. There goes Kim trying to roll with the bad boys. She had a reputation for being very loose. If you see Latifah PLEASE don't call her a B$#%!!! Missy won't mind.

Inside is Hip-Pop. You know the kind that everyone aspires to be because they are "in" or "cool" i.e. T.I., Diddy and Jay-Z. These guys have game and style are usually with the hot shorties like the Pussycat Dolls, J.Lo, Beyonce, Ciara or Kelis. They have so much game that their main shorty and side piece are standing right next to each other. hint Beyonce and Rihanna.

As you walk further along you see the dudes that dress really well. Almost too well or just plain akward. straight out of the show "queer eye for the straight guy." Kanye West, Common, Andre 3000, Ceelo Greene. very suspect.

Then we pass the skateboarders. There sense of style is having a lot of tatoos to cover all the scars from falling and wearing shorts in the winter i.e. Pharrell.

Nas, Snoop, Ludacris and Timbaland would be the hustle cats that knows everyone from each circle but "cool" in their own right. Their are also cats that no one even remembers attended school there: Clipse, E-40 amd Slim Thug.

Then we pass the apprenti. The freshmen. The cats that are trying to find their identity in the crazy mixed up school: Young Dro, Young Joc and Chamillionaire. Some of them start off in backpack scene (usually geeks) and evolve to the other scenes but everyone remembers them on the come up (Jay-Z is a perfect example.)

Wyclef and Lil' Jon would be the pranksters or class clowns.

Where is Busta and Spliff?? probably in staircase smoking a big fatty!!

The school is diverse: Paul Wall, Black Eyed Peas and Daddy Yankee all attend.

One last thing. Don't disrespect Coco, Ice-T's girl, if so you will have to meet him after school.

Now usually the cliques stick within their own circles: Collaborations on singles, touring together. They hardly ever intermingle outside their group unless they are in a class-like environment like the Award shows, video sets, concerts because they are xenophobic. Outside the class they dis each other, spread rumors about each other, mess with the same girls and fight each other. The teachers would be old school cats like Ice-T, Rev. Run and LL Cool J. But they really may not care about schooling the new jacks because the pursuit of the mighty dollar is far more important. There are some cats there to learn and graduate to better things (Kanye, Common, Timbaland) but face it some of them will drop out before commencement.

Life is what you make it.

BTW: Coco, Ice-T's "wife", is sick!!! (positive comment.)

Note:
This is just a satire based strictly on the cats I saw at the VMAs and how they interacted with each other. Don't take it personal if I mentioned you favorite artist.

2006-09-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

"Oh What a Night"
Diamond Shell f/ Biz Markie off the Grand Imperial album.

I recently had a gig the other night that landed me backstage to the MTV Video Music Awards. I was responsible for escorting "Talent". Pretty much a babysitter gig. I had to learn the venue floor plan and basically navigate "talent" around. But also I had to keep an eye out for the "talent" as well. Now "talent" could be escorting the dancers, a choir, a magician or even an artist. Originally I had Ludachris' dancers. (It was nice to have an attractive harem of women depending on me to take them around.) At the last miute I was pulled from that assignment and given another artist. I wasn't as excited when I heard the name. 50 Cent.

I am a fan of his music but I an idea on how much trouble it would be and boy was it. I think I was picked because of my size (6 feet tall over 250 lbs., I call it mass profiling. lol). Being backstage was hectic. I mean, camera crews, stage hands, artists, and dancers shuffling around. 50 was late for the show and he never showed up for rehearsal. So I had to take him immediately to talent holdings to learn his lines and then to his seat.

As I greeted him. He respectfully says "Hello" and belts "Yo, I got to take a $#$@ piss!" I take him to the nearest one that I know but its a public bathroom. I navigate G-Unit Members (Banks and Young Buck. I have no sight on Yayo), Chris Lighty (President of Violator Management and Jive Records), and 4 enourmous bodyguards down the narrow halls of Radio City. G-Unit members were talking ish to intimidate folks. I must admit 50 didn't seem intimidated by anyone either. He usually walked ahead of his security but it was very unlikely that it would "pop off" either so I retract that.

After 50 is done, he asks me to direct him to a dressing room. I had no knowledge of such and inform him so. He decides to change in the restroom. I turn my back again and overheard a large clank sound hit the floor. I can't confirm the noise but it sounded like some sneaked a piece in the venue. Its not like it wouldn't be possible with all the armed policemen present in the arena. As we left, I was really shocked that Common gave 50 a pound (handshake for your lame cats) and told him to keep his head up for folks in the venue that may wish him harm. It was a picture moment that folks would been baffled to see. Ganster rap meets whatever Common is refered to.

As we returned backstage someone from Lil' Kim's camp says something to 50. It didn't really escalate but Chris Lighty was livid. At first Chris thought I said it but was reaffirmed by security that I had no part of it. It really was a close call because they were literally 8 feet away from each other as Kim left the building. "50 was about to set it off." said Lighty to the secuirty. As 50 and LL presented and I walked around the venue rubbing shoulders with Diddy, Hulk Hogan, Beyonce, Kelis, Timberland, Luda, Lala, Cipher Sounds, Rev. Run and Family, OK Go, pretty much everone there including cats I had no idea who they were. I watched the show, my time with 50 was done.

I later watched the tivo-ed show and saw myself and on the Overdrive section of the show. I really am a big dude. (time to hit the gym!!)

It was a cool night but I doubt I will do it again at least the MTV music awards. I have another blog which will sum up my attitude of the artist coming soon.

2006-08-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

"It's Your Birthday"
Luke

I want to start this off by giving a shout to "Uncle Luke" aka Luther Campbell formerly Luke Skywalker, the original bad boy from the dirty south's 2 Live Crew. His Miami bass music was the only sound that could pierce the bubble that NY hip-hop scene created to prevent other markets from infiltration. His dirty lyrics were topic of conversation in the late 90's which eventually ended up in the US Supreme court. Luke was victorius in that fight making the America aware of his first ammendment rights: freedom of speech. as usual I digress.

Today marks the born day of the kid and twin. Also the born day of SuperStar MiJac. I have a lot to be grateful for: my health, my family, Jojo, my friends, my job, etc. but I can't really express joy in a world of pain. Today also marks the year anniversary of the devastation of Katrina. I have difficulty celebrating when I see images of bodies floating in the dirty water younger than me. The damage in New Orleans is how folks from my parents hometown of Haiti live everyday with no power and little opportunity for employment. I won't even talk about the continent of Africa or the Middle East. Next two weeks will be 9/11.

I have survived these cold streets where the African-American male hardly passes the age of 24. I am at the age of Jesus' death yet I feel like I have accomplished little. I think about a lot of stuff which makes me not such an happy person at times but I thank God for his blessings especially for my neices and nephew. They motivate me to do my best to help make this world a better place especially for them and hopefully my little ones.

I will pour out some liquior for all the folks that aren't here.

2006-08-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

How High!!!

-Method Man & Redman.

"Excuse me as I kiss the sky!!" Any fan one who knows how Red-n-Mef get down knows they get high. I know a lot of folks have there vice. Things that cross the threshold speed of life or just take them to another world. I won't hate on anyone until they begin to abuse it. (Well not true. I won't let my peep hop on the white horse.)

This weekend my twin crossed the line. He really shocked me. He was really high. Then he took a step that almost had him plunging almost to his death. Yup! He went sky diving. Just like Redman did on the cover of XXL almost 5 years ago.

I wish I went although fam thinks I wouldn't do it. I am over the weight limit (200 lbs.) to do but hopefully one day. I also have a fear of heights. Well not really just a fear of falling from it. As he mentioned to me it was the most thrilling moments in his life. Very surreal. I won't overkill with details but the last minute before the jump was crazy. Two miles from the ground, as he approached the door the instructor gave him final instructions , "Put one foot outside." (First time jumpers must jump with the instructor.)

He did and felt no floor. The instructor said the word and he was off. Plunging faster than a roller coaster ride. As he passed the clouds, He could see the ground approaching really fast. The instructor pulled the ripcord and momentarily the parachute opened up and the two drifted to safety. Exhilerating!!

One day it will be my story. and I will use Style P's song as my title "I Get High". Until then, peace.

2006-08-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

"Have you've ever worn the mask?"
Fugees -THe Mask off The Score

I got into a discussion with a co-worker about the attitude of a specific co-worker. He mentioned something that inspired me to write. "Sometimes you wear the mask so long you become that person."

I can't front put my mask on e'eyday when I am with my co-workers. "Alrighty, no problem." Is my favorite line. I put on the fake @$$ smile and make sure my diction is on point. There are times I just want let loose and relax but I can't. I feel that perception is everything (especially for the man with the permenent tan). Therefore I struggle with what is really me and what is not.

Once upon a time I was really nice to women I was fond of but I didn't get their respect. When I convert into an @$$hole my world changed. And now I am at a point where I hate the person I became with my mask. But I need it to protect myself from the wolves out looking for their next fiest. With that said am I being selfish?

Deception, delusions, lies or protection. We all have walked that thin line attempting to disguise the truth of our demeanor, thoughts and feelings.

I caught my neice once as she took off her mask. The family girl and the rebel when she is with her peers. Could it be we all suffer from multiple personality disorder because of the demands of society's perception of individuals. We all want to rebel a bit but we conform to give the image of being normal. And those that rebel too often are considered scum of the earth. That is my everday struggle.

"M to A to S to the K, put the mask on the face just to make next day... everybody wears the mask but how long does it last."

2006-08-17T16:32:00.000-04:00

"Put his heart in every track for real!"

Method Man featuring Lauryn Hill "Say"

The game is about EXPOSURE. I am not talking about the absolutely wonderful cover of Janet on Vibe magazine or calling out the # 1 artist of the next 15 seconds (a-la-50). I am talking about exposing yourself emotionally, about putting your heart and soul in your recordings/art. We [the fans] want the anger, the sadness, the joy, and the pain. It must be felt otherwise you [the artist] are just a flash in the pan. How else can you connect with your fans? Artists like 50 Cent's "Many Men", Jay-Z's "Song Cry", DMX's "Fallen" and Common's "I Used to Love Her" are popular examples of what I mean.

I'm a fan of what's classified as conscious rap or some cases "dirty backpack" rap. (I hate both names latter especially because of the derogatory connotation.) Artists like The Roots, Common, Talib, Lupe Fiasco, KRS-ONE bring balance to the game. Don't get it twisted I also dig that "Shoot 'em up Bang! Bang! Die N____ Slow" ish too. (Pablo created that title so I figure I use it to make my point.)

I felt robbed when Kanye released "All Falls Down" without Lauryn Hill. Her voice gave the song more dimension (no offense to Syleena Johnson). However, the combination of the new "Best of Both Worlds", Lauryn "Ms." Hill and M-E-T-H-O-D Man is dope. "Say" is one of the most profound [hip-hop] songs of this year. Both artists are very lyrically talented and known for bringing the pain!! Meth's pain is hardcore dirty street reality and Hill's grass roots thought-provoking style. As Lauryn sings it feels like tears drip down her face as she tears into the chorus, "They got so much to say right now." (It almost brings a tear to my eye.)

Method Man, a popular emcee, but not in comparison to records sales. Many have slept on Mef (Rip Van winkle effect). But this [song] is the rude awakeneing of a sleeping GIANT. An ode of the misery, trials and tribulation about making music for the masses.

"They all programmed and they lost they feel", Meth says basically setting the record straight on how the listeners have been manipulated to like specific tunes.

"Defacatin' on the name Wu-Tang, if this is where the hip-hop is, Radio lyin' then, that ain't where hip-hop live. It lives in the streets, we eat to live, they livin' to eat."

"Jerk my vibe more than media lies, cried when Dirt Dog died n_____
The last album wasn't feeling my style, This time my foot up they a__ bet they feelin' me now!"

This is Pain!! Only how Mef can give it. If you dig deep in his lyrics you can find the retaliation shots to radio stations and publications like Hot 97 and Vibe magazine. And his last verse is the nail in the coffin. Regardless, the powers that be will swoop this song below the radar. My peoples!!! Don't let these stations and magazines program you into thinking the "Laffy Taffy" or "Chicken Noodle Soup" is hot!! [no pun intended]

Support this song!!!
"Say" by Method Man featuring Lauryn Hill

Last Words:
"Keep that in mind when you find yourself reciting mine."

Wu-Tang Clan Forever!! RIP Dirty!

2006-08-11T11:55:00.000-04:00

"Everday I'm Hustling......"
Excerpt from Rick Ross

The other day, I went to my boy Reality's Birthday and Graduation festivities. Real nice and intimate lounge located in SOHO, NYC called the Naked Lunch. DJ Brainchild was the sound provider. His selection was hot, exclusive stuff. His set up is similar to mine Serato and the Denon 3500. I stood behind so I can gather some notes cause I had some serious trouble at the BBQ I played at a few weeks ago. I must say watching someone work is inspiring and insightful. I noticed a lot of things that he did which will definitely help me the next time. I met Reality's girl. she's real nice. THe velvet cake was the bomb. I met some of his peoples one I have met before at the Scratch Academy. It's a small world. Sometimes.

I remember meeting "Reality" the first time almost over 10 years ago at QC campus. I must say this isn't the same awkward, clumsy, timid dude from back in the days. (well he's still clumsy, lol) These days he's more confident. even with the ladies. (I had doubts he could pull a girl cause he had no game.) Dude is ed-ja-ma-kated!! (Master's Degree!! Wupee!! U ain't my Masta!!!) The most shocking thing was I noticed was his uptown's. What!! since when did he have fashion sense. I think his girl is responsible for that. People change. thank G its for the good.

We became cool because we both had a passion for music. He treated me like his older brother and I as my younger brother tormenting him each time I could. I did get on him alot. Why? I can!! No really, He's a strange kid. He does things the hard way cause he's brick-headed. I got to step in and straighten him out. Well not all the time cause his stubborness.

I owe him a lot. He helped me to launch Burn Online, an online hip-hop magazine I was working on with a crew of dudes, a very long time ago. (I still regret it got disbanded.) He usually was the first dude to put me on to some events and exclusive music info. He is partly responsible for me hooking up with wifey.

I got to say I am proud of my homeboy. This kid has been grinding for a long time. He is a true hustler. He's doing big things. Working on films, his writing, and his photography. And he is one of them dudes that does it for the love and not the fame or money. (Not like me. lol. Now, I got to get on my grind.)

We've come a long way. Big up punk @$$ Rich!!
Thank J for coming up with that name it.

2006-08-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

"We Be Clubbin"
-Ice Cube

Here is a shot from the club Marquees, NYC in celebration of Best Week Ever's 100th Episode sponsored by Old Navy. If you look in the top right hand corner of the picture you will find me no where in sight, that's because I am not in the picture.

The two story club was jam packed to capacity. Very difficult roaming around. A non-urban-felt atmosphere. (Where dawgs at?!?) Drinks were free and folks were letting out their wild side. Hip-Hop and Old School was the delicacy from the DJ that was pumpin songs from his PowerBook using Serato and two turntables.

I rubbed elbows with most of the staff on and off screen of the weekly show. A few comedians were there and quite friendly. The people there were pretty cool. We have to do this again!

Janet was MIA and I am not talking where the Heat play at. JD did show up but that was after I left. It was an interesting look for the kid. The music was good and I had an enjoyable night. I even got a gift bag on my way out. How nice. Some chauncletas from Old Navy. Now I can get my Jay-Z on!!

Hopefully one day it will be me in the booth.

2006-08-02T17:06:00.000-04:00

"What?!?....What!?!...OKAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!"

This week I have been invited to an industry party for VH1's Best Week Ever 100th episode. (thanks to the Mrs.) So I got to be fresh!! Word is, Jermaine Dupri may show up. And I hoping to meet Janet 20YO. Hopefully "Penny" will re-evaluate her situation and holla at a true playa (wink,wink). (I hope the Mrs. ain't reading this.)

I went to get a haircut but my barber was out of town and the other dude I trust was off too. I can't trust a new barber especially not now. So I went back to my old barbershop on Merrick Blvd., Celebrity Cuts. I stopped going there 'cause the wait was way too long. It was like 100 degrees outisde so I hoped that it was empty and it was. There are two barbers that I think have the most skills, Mike and Johnny C. Both are from Yard. (That means Jamaica.) Now before you get this twisted I just want to emphasize: me love ev'y ting 'bout Yard. (My attempt of Jamaican patois.) I love patties, the resorts, jerk chicken, music, dancing (especially whining), ganja (just kidding I don't smoke) and the fine woman dem. Well..those with the least amount of gold and outragesouly colored hair. (FYI. my parents are from Haiti. So No disrespect to Haiti. Big up Wyclef!! We'll soon be family.) I even got a couple of Jamaican friends. (I hate when people say that substituting Jamaican for Black.)

The only problem I have is with the communication, that's right the language barrier is "WICKED MON!!" Sometimes I feel like Radio Raheem in Do the Right Thing in the Korean store. "SPEAK ENGLISH!!!" That is so ignorant. They do speak English but very broken with an accent so thick that I can understand nothing but the fifth word in a sentence. Mike sits me down and asks a question and I slipped into a Lil' Jon moment. "What?! What!?! Okay!!" I realized he may be asking me what I want. I tell him and he gets started.

While he is working I get frustrated and ask him. "Mike, why is it when Jamaicans talk they drop the 'H' in the words. Like instead of him you say im, happy u say appy or hear you say ere." He stopped thought about it for a second and said. "cause we hignorant!!" (LMAO!!! get it!! the spelling was intentional. If you don't get it you are corny.)

Okay that was a joke a bad I might add. The conversation never happened but my cut is "so fresh and so clean". I gave him a tip and I was on my way.

To all Jamaican Massive all Haitian crew!! Nuff respek!! Pull up!!!! Wheel da tune dem!!! "Blow!! Blow!!"
"Riiiiiight", "Blood fiya!!!"

That's all I know.

Oh yeah Pablo taught me, "Whattagwan mi yute!!"

2006-08-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

"Keep Rising to the Top"
-Doug E. Fresh

Although I have been blessed through out my years, there are two things that I have been guilty of for a portion of my life. I can sum it up in analogy without being too vague. Complacency is like the small crack in your windshield. Along with procrastination they both form a team that is detrimental to the prosperity of a being. It's best demonstrated to anyone that owns or leases a vehicle. You're driving down the highway and you hear a noise right against your windsheild. Sometimes the music could be so loud you don't hear it. Regardless the crack created by the tiny pebble could be non-existent from your point of view. As the climate changes the crack just gets bigger and bigger. Damn! Now your first thought could be to buy a product to prevent spreading, but the bottom line is it needs to be replaced. Some folks drive around with the crack not caring until they get a ticket or can't pass their vehicle inspection.

We all set goals for our future. For some folks that path is a long road and some folks its quite short. Those who have made most of their accomplishments need to recognize that is time to make new goals your objective. Complacency is a disease that spreads amoung minorities. (Actually no one is excluded but available noticed in the "hood") We all have to strive for the next level of success. Bill Gate, Steve Jobs, Oprah didn't say okay I made a couple millions now I can relax. NO!!! They pushed themselves to where they are today. We all have projects that we need to complete. Whether it be to fix the leaky faucet, clean the garage, get your degree. Once we have completed it, move on to the next task. Don't put off what can be done today because there may be no tomorrow. It can't always happen overnight but it can be done with dedication and planning.

To all my street cats, "GET ON YOUR GRIND!!!"

2006-07-31T07:36:00.000-04:00

"Coming Straight from the Boon Docks"
-EPMD

I heard this term the first time "Boondocks" from an old EPMD album. Origination was unknown to me but it's used to basically describe the displacement with the center of Hip-hop which was generally: Bronx, Uptown, Queens and Brooklyn. Both Erick and Parish came from a middle class family in Brentwood,Long Island. Almost similar to the two brothers, Riley and Huey, removed from the urban life (in Detroit) to stay with their grandfather in a rural Maryland.

A friend of mine recommended that I peep the DVD collection of the Boondocks Season 1. I have read a couple of strips here and there. I found it somewhat amusing but I was never a huge fan. I had no idea what to expect from the show nonetheless the uncensored version. I must say that the show walks a very fine line between educational and just plain [n]igorance. Yup! I added the "N" intentionally. I will not get in a long drawn conversation about the "N" word but if I had a dime for each time I heard it on that or even The Chapelle Show. I can quote "I'M RICH B$$*#!!!"

Really I hate that word. I cringe when I go to concerts with a very mixed crowd and to hear the artist say "Where all my n...... at??!?!" Or even to hear the audience sing a song flooded with it. (Pardon my Oprah moment. Let me focus on the DVD)

I do think Aaron McGruder is a genius of sort. He used the vehicle of comedy to address socio-economic and politcal issues that plague the African-American culture. McGruder is fearless in that he dabbles in all the taboos while including different points of view represented by the different characters in the show. The exception is there isn't a permanent female perspective. (Click here to get more information about the characters.) Basically this show draws A LOT of controversy. More so than comedies like the Jeffersons, Good Times, In Living Color or The Chappelle Show combined. [my personal opinion] Bill Cosby must be tight!!!

I guess my fear is the exposure of ignorance will be extracted and not the real message that he intended on giving. I like the fact that the show demonstrates a behavior and provides a solution. It may not be the best but one nonetheless. The audience MUST have an open mind to gather all the messages. The message is never outrightly (is that a word?) obvious and requires vision through a needle's eye. Best results use the third eye. (the nogin)

DEFINITELY NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN!!!! They may find somethings hilarious but those same things that make us crack a smile are the things that should make us sad or upset.

2006-07-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

"Live at the Barbeque"
-Main Source

This weekend was a my first gig/outing being a [music] selector for my homeboy's barbeque. I am not a DJ!! Not yet. More like a DJ in training. Daniel-san tryin' to snatch the pebble from Mr. Miyagi or did he wash his car? (Whatever!). Man, what a learning experience. I got what I put in. I didn't get to practice much. Especially with equipment that I used. Since my class (Scratch Academy) I've been using vinyl. Big transition from CD turntables!! (I prefer vinyl now!!) I worked for days to get my music together but I neglected to work on the playlist.(muy importante) I figured I would just remember it. Well a lot went wrong. It rained for a portion of the day so I figured that I could get out of it but it cleared up when I got there. I set up my equipment a day early except I wanted to use Serato Scratch Live since I had a plethora of music on my laptop. The day of the BBQ I spent most of the day looking for CD that would allow me to play the music from the computer. I never found it so I had to head over to Guitar Center before the BBQ to buy another one. I showed up so late. I should have hooked up the laptop a day earlier too. I interupted the sounds by trying to hook up Serato while the music was
playing. Lot of feedback and pauses. Not good. After I got it working the software was buggin out. Well its possible I didn't know how to use it properly with the CD turntables. Worst, I couldn't remember my playlist. I blacked out! Thank God for the Ipod 'cause that saved most of the day. The amp for the speakers kept going out once the volume exceeded the max too. At least that wasn't my fault cause that wasn't my amp. I did get to play but it was so sucky!! I was getting some heckling from a guest. I got a lot of people making requests. I was sweating buckets. VERY OVERWHELMING!! The host helped me out for most of the night. He was pretty #$%@ good considering he had little experience too.

All in all I learned a lot. Hopefully I can be better for the next party. I still had a good time. The food was MMMMM good. The ribs were phenominal and the jerk chicken was hotter than a groupie in the artist's bedroom. My boy, Pablo, got twisted again!! You can't take him anywhere they serve liquor. (umm AAA!! lol) I just know that there was a cup in his hand the whole night. His tolerance must be getting up there.

2006-07-21T14:19:00.000-04:00

"Me and Kweli Close like Bethlehem and Nazareth"
quote from "Definition" by Mos Def and Kweli is Black Starr

I wanted to focus on duos in my blog because often we focus on the talent of only one individual but it was the combination that makes them awesome. (sorry could think of another word.) I orginally wanted to create a list but I hate prioritizing cause its often too debatable.

Field Mob: I slept on these two cats for years. I only liked "Sick of being lonely" but I figured that since they were down with Ludacris' Disturbing the Peace (and I think Luda is dopest) I should give these guys a chance. Now I am wondering what else have I missed. Lyrically its sharp as a Ginsu (really deadly sharp knife). The word play is sick. Production should have more fire. The Jazze Pha tunes are getting played to me.

The Clipse: I wasn't crazy about the beat on the first single but it grew on me hard. The album was much better although the content was pretty much the same. Lyrically it is so nuts. "Call me subwoofer cause I pump bass like that jack". WHEW WEE!! (sounds on a DJ Clue tape.) I hope they can keep the momentum on the next LP.

Nice & Smooth: Two opposites based on flow but they were the ish in the 90's. Template for all other duos. The entire catalog is classic. I can rap it up in one word. DWYCK!!. Those of you who don't know that's why ITunes exists. Step your game up. Too bad they went solo and was never heard again. Word is Smooth B is a Janitor in the Bronx.

EPMD: Erick and Parrish Made Dollars for many years. I can write a book on these dudes. They are pioneers beyond limits. Erick Sermon is one of the greatest music minds in hip-hop era right next to Premier and Dre. They are trend setters and and the mold for groups like Mobb Deep, Gangstarr.

Mobb Deep: Queen's Finest. (no brokeback!). "Been in the game for years made me an animal." The second album is classic beyond classic. "Shook Ones" is an anthem. "Survival of the Fittest"....an anthem as well. Although they have not been as successful as Jay-Z but they should. Havoc on production and Prodigy on the mic something got to give. Years in this industry does wear one down but these dudes kept their heads afloat though they could have easily and quickly disappeared. 50 [Cent] smart move [signing them to G-Unit records] but put some promotions so they can see some paper.

M.O.P.: I was never a fan of the first single, "How About Some Hardcore". But "Rugged Never Smooth" was my ish. Although they have never seen a gold or platinum plaque. they have platinum respect from all artists and fans. even enough for 50 to steal them from Roc-a-fella. Ante up, B#$%#!!

Smif-n-Wessun: aka Cocoa Brovas (wack name btw) I like Tek and Steele a lot because they flow tighter than Jay-z's lips droppin dime on his coke connects. I especially liked the fact that they would go back in forth in cuts like "Let's Get it On". First album is classic.

Capone-n-Noreaga: I was never a fan of "War Report" (I know I will get some hate for that.) I think lyrically they are not as superior as any of these I mentioned but they have a cult fan-base similar to Dip-Set. They have some success as solo artists but together they are the ish. I became a fan when [Ca]pone came home. "Blood Money part 3" sealed the deal for me. "Reunion" the album was the nail in the coffin.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth: Unlike his rhymes Pete's beats where off the chain. They were a new version of GangStarrr. CL held the group down lyrically. As a duo it was a force to be reckon. too bad they could not resolve their issues. CL's new single is fire.

Salt-n-Pepa: Fresh from getting a VH1 Hip-hop honnors award last year, these ladies paved the way for all ladies in Hip-hop. THey have sold more records then most of their male counterparts. Lyrically they may not be the illest but often the subject matter had more range than Jay-z could ever have if he repeated his career three times. They almost got excluded because the Spinderella picked up the mic a few times. Shout Herbie!!

Kid-n-Play: There party songs were hot during 90's. Although its as if they never existed but they sold millions of records with the assistance of genius Herbie "lovebug" Azor. They had it all: cartoons, comic books, and movie deals. I guess when the hightop fades got played out so did they.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince: During the early 90's Will Smith and Jeffery Townsend had a stage show like no other. It was basically as if Will was Jeff's hype man. Nonetheless they worked hard on their craft and have the album to prove it, "He's the DJ, I'm the rapper."

Meth and Red: THey are not a real duo but How High and the Rockwilda is the ish. The collaborations on were sick on each others repective solo albums but came a little short on their debut release. Although it is very unlikely that another album will spawn up. I still look forward to hear them go back and forth.

Ghostface Killah and Raekwon: Another non-tradional duo but "Iron man" and "Built for Cuban links" were classics LPs. their colaborrations went well. Although I thought in the beginning Tony Starks(ghost) rhymes skills was as impressive as U-god's it really stepped up thus getting the Phife Award, most improved emceee out of no where.

Black Starr: Fate brought them together but although it was an experiment gone right -its a gift and a curse. They each have well-respected solo careers Mos def and Talib Kweli but everyone is still waiting for another album. Each of them are cast in the shadow of black Starr and are expectd to perform together every where.

Run-DMC: Pioneers to the end. Sold millions. Broke all kinds of records. DMC's voice was the craziest before the loss. They have made themselves Kings forever. RIP JMJ. I like the show Run's House too.

Outkast- My favorite group. They have pushed the envelope each release and get better each time. Lyrically they are the most respected in the south. them boyz is ICE COLD!!!

BeatNuts: I was not a fan of them but I had friends that worked at Relativitly Records that used to be me over the head with that and Fat Joe. They are on my list because when Al-Tariq left it was the produciton that kept them in the spotlight. They have a lot of underground classics and they repped the Latinos hard.

Dogg Pound: Daz and Kurupt are the illest from the west!! I am extra excited that they have reunited because on the days on Death Row they were killing ish. I know age and separation did play its toll. However we still have the early releases to show how wicked they were. Despite their weak debut album.

Gangstarr: Refreshing to the utmost. Their contributions can and will never be compared to any other. I was not a fan about GURU's monotone style but it was clear and precise just like DJ Premier's skills on the 1 & 2. Production wise awesome.

I wanted to name a few more but the crossed the line some how of duos: Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slum Village, A tribe called quest, Jungle Brothers, BDP, 3rd Bass, Brand Nubians, Kool G. Rap & Polo .

OOOO!!! I almost forgot!!
Black Sheep: This was my favorite album on the planet "Wolf in sheeps Clothing" the skits, the orginality, the flow and on that note,"I'll dig you later"

"I said later, man!!"

2006-07-21T14:15:00.000-04:00

"I need a Beat!!"
by LL Cool J

Kanye gets much love for producing banging songs. Well, back in the days that was your job, to produce a song that would bring the label money. So many people produced and don't get credit for their work: Fat Joe, Nas, Busta, Big Daddy Kane, Tribe called Quest, just to name a few. There's so much hype around production now that its become a very lucrative business. I have listed my top 15 in order so hate all you want my list is the real deal.

1) Marley Marl: He is the father of it all. Pure Genius. He is the Kool Herc of production. I think any of the people below will atest that Marley was their influence growing up. Rakim Allah mentioned it in a verse "Marley Marl synthesized, I memorized". Marley was the producer for all the Juice Crew and some for Uptown Records before Andre Harrel was Pres and before Puff could wipe his own nose.
Heavy D, Biz Markie, Kool G Rap. Big Daddy Kane, Shante, MC Shan just to name a few. Regardless of his beef with MC Shan, LL Cool J recognized Marley's talent and recruited him to do the entire allbum of Mama Said Knock You Out.
Peep "the Bridge" by MC Shan, "Dropping Science" by Craig G, "The Symphony"

2) Teddy Riley: I am not sure about all his history but he fathered the era called the "New Jack Swing" which crossed over into the R&B world. There are rumors that he jacked Marley. Regardless he worked with Guy, Today, Heavy D, Big Daddy Kane, Aaron Hall, Wrecks-n- Effect, Al B Sure, Bobby Brown and Father MC. His style incoroporated a lot of keyboard work. He eventually mentored Pharrell who also is on my list.
Peep "Just Got Paid" by Johny Kemp or "My Perogative" by Bobby Brown.

3) DJ Premier: I know some are freaking out by my order. Primo is back! He produced for almost every hip-hop artist in the industry BIG, Nas, Jay, Kane, Gangstarr, M.O.P, AZ. Mainstream, Underground, or R&B he has done it all. He is pure unadulterated genius. If cats copy your style then you are the master. Primo mastered the art of chopping samples to recreate new music. He is #3 because no one would know who M.O.P. and Group Home were if not for his classic beats, he used beats on a basic nobodies (no offense). I would love to see his record collection.
Peep "Living Proof" by Group Home or "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguillera

4) Dr. Dre: Dre's drum patterns are sick. Track that you bump in the truck. Althought there are so many rumors that he has ghost producers such as Yella, Scott Storch, Melman. Regardless they may or may not been around for his entire discography. Doggystyle, the Chronic and 2000. All of them are the ultimately produced albums. Dre is a real perfectionist so technically he should be #3 but takes so long to put out material it limits the world to see his genius at work. With that said Busta's "The Big Bang" album is so tight because of Dre's productuion.
Peep "The Next Episode" by Dre, "Fast Lane" by Bilal, "The Set-Up" by Obie Trice "Heat", "In the Club" by 50 Cent, "Deep Cover" by Snoop Dogg

5) Jay Dee: My friends will be shocked that I gave Dilla his just due. But I have been a been a fan since the Pharcyde "Running" and "Drop" on Labcabincalifornia. He is the only one that does not have a distinct sound. Pete Rock is horns. Dre is drums. You can't spot a Dilla beat cause he pushes the envelope further than anyone in production. He is by far the most creative and innovative. He produced to his last days in the hospital bed. DEDICATION!!! He was a serious crate digger for samples. I remember hearing "Get Dis Money" on Slum Village and was open. The energy that he brings to Common, The Roots, A tribe Called Quest and Slum Village will be forever missed.

6) Timbaland: Originally he tried to produce for Jodeci but was rejected. over the past 10 years, Tim has made mega superstars out of Ginuwine, Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Bubba Sparxx, Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, Magoo and Petey Pablo. Although there are some hot stuff that slipped the cracks like Kiley Dean and Ms. Jade, Brandy. He laced all of them including big name acts with some real fire without really having to do any sampling. Tim's is very keyboard heavy in his work which makes it a bit distinctive. He is so talented that he has retired from Hip-hop to produce for Nelly Furtado. He is the master for all the clones out there.
Peep "Dirt off your shoulder" by Jay-Z "Deliverance" by Bubba Sparxx

7) RZA: Well I let the god have the god number. The architect for everything Wu.(Well in the past) The abbott of Wu-Tang empire. He has produced for almost all 60 different artist that were seeds of this mighty empire before the ROC changed the game. His sampling selections is just sick. He must go thru at least 30 records a day. There is no way to describe his style but eclectic. He can flip any sample to somethign ill. All the debut album's of Wu-Tang, Raekwon, Ghostface, Method Man, RZa, GZa, was mostly single handedly produced by Bobby Digital aka Prince Rakeem aka RZA. Meth said it best "RZA,Razor sharp!!!
Peep "Daytona 500" by Ghostface or "La Rhumba" by RZA.

8) Erick Sermon: Next to Marley Marl, no one else has put in the amount of time in the industry focused on making music. His production can be found on Redman, Keith Murray, EPMD, DasEfx, Illegal and numerous projects. Very much like RZA, Erick handled most of the production for all the artists mentioned. He too was creative with sample manpulation.
Peep "The Most Beatifullest Thing" by Keith Murray, "Like Music" AND "Hot" by Erick Sermon.

9) Pete Rock: In the 90's he was the Kanye of our time. His production was sick. However my only beef is that his style was too similar to his mentor/protege Large Professor of Main Source. The difference was Pete used horn-based samples. LP used piano-based samples. PR's beats became more popular probably because of his relation to Heavy D. He was the sounds for the new cats in the early 90's. Grand Puba, Public Enemy, AZ, Nas have reached out for his production.
Peep "The World is Yours" by Nas or "Mecca and the Soul Brother" by Pete Rock and CL Smooth.

10) Neptunes: They have have come a long way from producing R&B songs for SWV to top singles for Busta or Jay-Z. Its hard to determine what sparked their success. I do know that Nore's "SuperThug" was a recylced track off MC Lyte's 7 and 7 album. Superthug did open the doors to produce for him to work with artist like ODB, Jay-Z and many more. A sign of their success is the ability to make new artsits. Clipse and Kelis would not exist without their production. I like the fact that he collaborated some of his production with Kanye and Timbaland on Pharrell's debut album. (at least the stuff that I perceive will be on it.)

10) D-Dot: I would've played him by not mentioning him. But when the "new jack swing" era collapesd at Uptown/MCA, Derick and Puff Daddy took their sound and style and created Bad Boy Records. Derick along with Ron Lawrence and Stevie J formed the Hitmen which is responsible for a huge portion of the hip-hop dance records of he late 90's and early 2000. "Benjamins" by Diddy, "Hypnotized" by Big, "Money Power Respect" by the LOX. Technically this goes to all the cats involved although D-Dot gets credit for the singles with major rotation. Personally I am not a huge fan but without him, Kanye West the ghost producer, may not have gone had a start.

11) Swizz Beatz: The guy is a problem!!! I mean lately since his returned he's been on fire. Swizz is a one man team that originally didn't sample to make music but now dabbles a bit to complete the song. His drum patterns are really sharp and heavy. Bass is priority on his sound. I think he strives on making music that damaging the speakers. But he uses a lot of keyboards and different sounds to enhance the production on a tune. Whether gritty and grimey or just soulful Swizz is that dude. ask X! ask Angie Stone! I am a HUGE fan.
Peep "Party Up" or "Get it on the Floor" by DMX "Touch it" by Busta Rhymes. "I'm a Hustla" by Cassidy.

12) Track Masters: Poke and Tone are the biggest producers of today, well the most expensive. TM worked with all the major players in Hip-hop and R&B from Nas to Micheal Jackson to Jay-Z to R. Kelly. But I think the most success was with Jay-Z. They may not be the most respected, possibly because they sampled really heavy with no manipulation. I can't really compare them to any of the producers mentioned above but they picked the right/popular records to sample. They have worked on both Jay-Z and R. Kelly's collaboration record. Worked with Dr. Dre for the Firm album. Those projects didn't do as well as they projected. 50 Cent was one of the artists that they intended to release but that project was plagued with drama. Although its said they have retired, I don't believe it.
Peep "Juicy" by Notorius BIG or "Best of me Remix" by Mya.

13) Just Blaze: He is young cat that even Erick Sermon wanted for his production skills. Just has produced some of the hottest songs for Jay-Z, Usher and many others. I think this dude has potential to be the Dr. Dre of the near future. His vision and range is sick. He samples, uses keyboards. he is the Man!!! He is like Dre, Premier, Kanye West and Neptunes rolled in one dude.
Peep "Safe 2 Say (incredible)" by Fat Joe, "Throwback" by Usher , "I Really Mean it" by Cam'ron, "React" by Erick Sermon. "Fire" Joe Budden, "Dear Summer" by Jay-Z

14) Kanye West: 'Ye is actually my favorite producer. "the new edition of Pete Rock." He is the most soulful producer right next to Just Blaze but not everything he has done is gold. He walks that thin line of success. Although his solo albums are the bomb but he is highly overated at times. A lot of the things he has done has been done already like the speeded samples were done by Alchemist. He does have a soulful sound which makes "You Don't Know My Name" feel like an old tune. He is heavily into using old soul samples but not restricted to it like "Lucifer" on Jay's the Black Album or "We are the Champions" on the Paid in Full Soundtrack. Kanye is over confident about his sound but the trouble is it doesn't work for all artists. which is why he is overated. I do like the fact that his confidence makes him an over achiever which was evident in Common's BE, West's Late Registeration, and John Legends' Get Lifted. His major competitor is himself trying to out do what he did the last time. His weakness is his selection of artists in his team other than Common the other cats don't hold a candle next to even 'Ye. Bunch of nobodies if you ask me.
Peep "Get by" Talib Kweli, "They Say" by Common "Brown Sugar" by Mos Def. "Selfish" by Slum Vilalge. "slow Jams" and "Overnight celebrity" for Twista, "Stand Up" by Ludacris

15) Alchemist: This was a hard decision. I originally had Scott Storch because he had that sound that kinda forced DJ's to play his song ever since "Lean Back". ALC should not be on this list for the amount of times he overbooked music to more than one artist. Regardless his sound is worth fighting for. What I like about him is he creates music for all cats across the board from headliners (50 cent) to underground come-up nuckas (AZ,Dilate Peoples, no offense). Now he's the official DJ for Eminem replacing Green Lantern. (dumb move on their part Green is sick too). There is more access to learn from Em, Dre, Denaun Porter or Sha Money XL. However he's in a bind to produce for cats 50 [cent] has beef with. Sad. His sample selection is nutso. He is a true talent with an ear that will give Kanye the run for his money.
Peep "Bangers"- the Alchemist, "Back Again" by Dilated Peoples, "We Gone Make it"by Jadakiss, "Book of Rhymes" and " MasterMind" by Nas, "Keep it Thoro" by Prodigy, "wet Wipes" by Cam'ron.

Honorable mention to the runner ups: Scott Storch, Clinton Sparks, Green Lantern, Mannie Fresh, Rockwilder (where've u been?), Cool & Dre (heating up), Havok, Lil Jon, BeatMinerz, Heat Makers,Jazze pha, Eminem, Wyclef and Jerry Wonder, Rodney Jerkins, Needlz, and boys on the come-up Bridge, BlackJay and Paul Onion.

2006-07-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

"Don't worry if I write rhymes I write checks"
-P. Diddy in "Bad Boy 4 Life"

Ghostwriting is such an epidemic in the [hip-hop] game these days. I can't believe that Gillie da Kid is the Ghost Writer for Lil'Wayne. Well apparently, that is what he is telling any media that is willing to expose it (or him). That's sad, Wayne is supposed to be the "truth", a "beast" quoted by B.G. This is embarrassing to say the least. I hope this is a publicity stunt to give Gillie his "10 minutes" [of fame].

Ghostwriting is the biggest taboo in hip-hop. Right next to "down-low" rappers.(but that's for another day). There are teams of people that just write for folks like Shaquille O' Neal, Trina, [Lil'] Kim, Foxy [Brown], LL [Cool J], Will Smith, Diddy, Ja [Rule], Charlie Baltimore, [Dr.] Dre and the list is crazy long.

I can't knock anyone's hustle (the writer). If that is the way you make a living. By all means, Get that gwap!!! But be intelligent. Get credit!! If you own your publishing you are one step ahead of the game. If you get credit for it you're two steps ahead. I usually read the inserts on the CD to get an idea of sample sources, publishing, engineers, studios, producers, and writers. Unfortunately only a select few get credit. The rest get hush money. But what draws the line of value. What if your verse is on the hottest song out. Bottom line: get credit.

For example, Diamond (of Diggin in the Crates aka DITC) produced a song for The Fugees Score and was credited for it. He continues to recieve royalty checks for each CD sold till this day. Anyone credited for writing or producing on that CD gets royalties Rah Digga, Young Zee including unknowns like Omega. Jay-Z wrote the last song on the Space Jam CD which sold well over 9 million copies. Cee-lo Green cakes off on Santana's Supernatural.

What does Styles P, Skillz or Sauce Money get for writing for Diddy? The Shaft!! (no brokeback!!) (BTW Black Thought of the Roots is writing for Diddy's next release.) Eventally they got paid but no royalties. (Diddy, the Paper gangsta.)
Smitty got paid for writing for Will Smith. Rhymefest shared a Grammy award for "Jesus Walks" but no info on the "moula". At the same time both don't receive the noriety as their check writers.

It is infuriating when there are artist/ghost writers that have 10 times more skills, end up selling 10 times less than the artists that they wrote for. I once heard a version of "Queen B#$$#" with Notorious BIG spitting the entire song with all the tones and variations. Apparently he wanted Lil' Kim to repeat all of rhymes exactly as he did it. Best believe that is the exact song on Kim's 1st release,

Honestly, I'm disgusted by the idea of ghost writing only because hip-hop is supposed to be about authenticity. I am listening to YOUR interpretation of street life, YOUR accounts or stories. I want to hear YOUR talent. Delivery and presentation does maka a huge difference in sales but #$#@@.

"Keep it Real" they all say however most the artists in the industry wear cubic zirconia-laced jewlery. Its all about the Benjamin, baby. With that said. all Ghost writers all over the world get your paper, right. Get your credit that way u receive residual income and not that one time $50K that you spent on a watch.

Peace to all real writers those mentioned and those that will never get credit ever in this lifetime.
Shawn Pen, Skillz, Blake C, BT, Cam'ron, 50 cent, Common, Killa Mike, Ice Cube, Big L, Trick Daddy, Chamillionaire, Peter Gunz & Lord Tariq.

2006-07-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

"It's all about the Benjamins, baby"
-except from Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Diddy whatever his name is.

It's like Dr. Dre leaving Death Row all over again. A man creates a company from the nothing but the sweat on his brow and walks away?!?! Dre was considered crazy back then. He must have lost $300 million but as resourceful as he is, he created AfterMath and left Suge Knight high and dry. AfterMath grossed so much with the success of Eminem and 50 Cent that Dre doesn't have to record for another decade. (Dre, just finish one more.)

However, this right here is absolute madness.... chaos.....Anarchy. Busta Rhymes was right. The last days must be coming. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet must have gotten the memo that only billionaires get. (Sorry Oprah. You're up there but not close enough.) Something fishy is going down. All the floods in NYC area is getting me petro. If he walked away from half his wealth it would still be admirable but $33 billion to charity. and another donation of the same amount by Warren Buffet. Come one?!? "Where is the Love??", BEP singing the background. If I were to get .0001% of that I can get a nice................ down payment for a BMW 745. okay I think I need a little more.

I got to do something new.
"Trying to make a dollar out of what makes sense," said by Mos Def.

2006-07-07T15:33:00.000-04:00

"Friends. How many of us have them? THe ones you can depend on."
Quoted from Whodini's Friends

I'm not talking 'bout the long list of strangers on your hi-5 or myspace page. I'm talkin' 'bout the ones that got your back when the ish goes down. The ones that are happy for you when good things happen for you. I've been struggling with this word for years lately. In school, I knew a lot of people. I always introduced folks as, "this is my friend,......"

What's wrong with that, huh? Jesus addressed people as "brother", "friend" or "neighbor".

Apparently whomever I was dating had a problem because I called everyone my friend. I never took it as literal as they did but now I find myself questioning myself lately. Was she right? She would complain, "You call them your friend but are they really looking out for you?" For the most part there was some truth in what she said. My family is not excluded.

Sometimes women's intuition is on point. (I said SOMETIMES!!)

Friendships to me is like a train ride. Some people get onboard. Some people leave cause its their stop. Sometimes its just your top. Friends lie, cheat, steal and create a whole lot of pain. we wouldn't address them as friend but they can be doing all this behind your back. some friends are honest, helpful and giving and bring great deal good. Those are the ones we should keep in our company. shameful thing is we keep those triflin @$$ people in our lives regardless.

Unfortunately things can never be the same forever. We all evolve. I have problems with understanding that sometimes. I don't want my friend to move or get married because it will change the dynamics of our friendship. My ignorance makes it a slow process for me to understand that it strengthens our friendship or even easier to find the snakes in the grass.

This is the most difficult blog to write. I am a complex individaul. I ride between the thin line of friend and @$$hole. Neither of us will be here forever. Death has hit me a couple times this year. I would hate that I never tell my folks/peeps how I feel.

To all the ladies that have been in my life I thank you for helping me to be the man I am today, regardless of what sent us different directions.

I love all my REAL friends. They know who they are. They better know who they are. I make it obvious. :-)

THIS SHOULD BE MY LAST PERSONAL BLOG!! Back to the regularly schedule programming.

2006-06-30T13:26:00.000-04:00

"I Just Wanna Make You Dance"
-except from the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy.

I have peoples that are commitment-phobic, swingers, cheaters or just plain hoes. Excuse my French, but I got to call it as I see it. Not all of them are, but they know who I am talking about. I can't front it is hard finding that partner or your "soul-mate". I have been in many relationships which most of them didn't last. I can't front I was in that group at a time. By no means am I an expert but I have shared ideas with folks who seem to have their stuff together. I can't give away all the secrets because some folks need to figure it out on their own. However I can best describe it in an analogy.

The relationship between two intimate people is like a dancing. You know like the ABC television show "Dancing with the Stars". First thing first, some you got it some of you don't. Those of you non-rhythmic people get off the dance floor so that others can have a good time. You messing it up for all the good or aspiring dancers. If you want to "mosh" there is a scene for that, so kick rocks. (Get it "Mosh", "rocks", whatever.) Beginners don't be shy. You two step and work your way to the samba in time.

Seriously, relationships are like a well prepared dance routine. There must be some chemistry between the two, first. Communication is definitely needed. Dating is like practicing for the routine. Of course you have to learn the routine together. Stepping on some toes will happen for sure. The point is to learn to understand your partners movements. Learn to read their expressions which tell you, “Oops! I did something wrong.” Learn the approach on helping your partner to improve on their weaknesses.

The movement in the routine can represent the direction or pace of your relationship. It can be fast or slow, technical or relaxed. It may require some jumps, flips, turns and bending in positions that are often very uncomfortable. It may also require some strength for lifting and carrying. There can be times when you are joined at the hip and times where you have solo performances. Regardless it is the unit that audience observes. The routine is give and take. In an eye to eye position, when you move forward your partner goes backward and vice versa. Same as your left is not their left. This is part of the understanding that point of view is different. After some time, things just happen naturally and easily without any hesitations/reservations.

Now you have learned the lambada but don't get too comfortable yet because you
have only mastered the one routine. there are many other steps like the waltz, samba, calypso, hip-hop, ballet which we can say are the life journeys equivalent to marriage, children, work, etc. You can't be great at all but you and your partner can handle them because of the awareness developed on the previous routines.

To all you hot-steppers, shake a leg.

2006-06-28T12:42:00.000-04:00

"All I need is one mic, one beat, one stage" -Nas, "One Mic" on Stillmatic.

Ten years ago, I recall picking up this album called "Reasonable Doubt." I recognized Jay-Z from the days of "Originators" on Big Jaz's From the Soul and the "Can I get Open" performed Orinigal Flavor (O.F.'s Ski produced 2 tracks on Reasobable Doubt). I was a fan because he was from my hometown BROOKLYN!!!! plus his flow was crazy- fast, slow, on and off tempo. Although there was a lot of material that was released earlier by Jay, Dead Presidents was the song which changed the direction of lyrical content. You see when Jay turned it to a pimpish, drug slinging, materialistic style and everyone followed. hold up!! Jay took it ot the next level and the masses went along for the ride.

In that era, I measured talent by the b-side and remixes on the single. If an artist had new verses on single and killed the remix version, that was it. "Can't Knock the Hustle" is dope the remix is fire. "In My Lifetime" the original version was dope but the second version is sick. All I could wonder as I listened to the album was how a new artist was able to get Mary or B.I.G. to guest on a first album. I thought it was real good but not classic. No hate. 1996 would mark the debut albums for many artist like Lil Kim, Foxy but the later releases would determine the level of sucess of the artist. I do recall "Ain't No ......" was a success because cats were fiendin' for more Foxy Brown material. No hate. Truth!! Cats felt Jay-Z cause B.I.G. supported him. If B.I.G. was with it, it got to be good. (conversation for another time.)

Last night, Jay drove a Mercedes into Radio City stage after the infamous Pain-in-da-@$$ revisited the intro on the album. Jay stepped out dressed in an white suit armed with the sounds of ?uestLove (from the Roots) and the Illdelphonics to play all the material from the Reasonable Doubt album. The music played by the band was great, blending classics like Brooklyn Zoo and other songs into the performances. Surprises, not as many as in other shows. It was basically a celebration of the birth of an artist, Shawn "Jay-z" Carter. Among appearances were Sauce Money (he so heavy, he looks like Big Pun now.), Bleek, Foxy (still off beat), Pain-in-da-@$$ and Fiance er.. I mean Beyonce who took over for Mary while she was out on tour. (BTW Beyonce held it down. WOW!! almost better than Mary. True Story.) I was surprised that he didn't have any additional guests like Kanye, Ghostface, Nas. Somebody. I really was under the impression that Dame would jump out at some point. but no show. (Peace is not the word to play.) At some point the fans in the orchestra seating was shouting "Jaz-O". Jay laughed that off. Oh yeah, Jay did his best to omit Cristal from his lines since the owner's aren't thrilled with rappers endorsing their product. He slipped at least once. (Sorry I was paying attention.)

The true S Dot fans were out. I saw all kinds of nationalities and religions reciting word for word Jay lyrics. I laughed when I saw a rastafarian putting up the rock sign "<>". No lie. Well everybody was excited. The highlight was when he performed "22 two's." He intro-ed a new song/freestyle "44 fours." It was hot!! I can't deny anymore that Jigga (I hate that name) is an icon. Before the show even started fans were singing along to the Jay's verse on the remix of Rick Ross' "Hustin'". The song is only a few weeks old. When Jay was done with "Reasonable Doubt" there was a brief intermission and he came back to rock for over 30 mintues. He must have done like 15 songs. I liked the show but it was not as exciting as "BlackOut" in MSG or "I Declare War" in Jersey.

Well those that missed it, he filmed the event. So expect another DVD coming out soon.

Sidebar:
Although Nas didn't do the same deal for Illmatic's 10th year anniversary it would have been well received as well. The central Park show was somewhat along the lines of Jay's show. I hope Nas can do it for the 15th or 20th anniversary. I will be there.
By no means am I a Jay hater. I just want his equals to share the same accolades.

2006-06-20T10:08:00.000-04:00

People's Instinctive Travels to the Path of Funk and Rhythm.

In the late 80s during the exit of disco and the short stay of House music, I was introduced to the Jungles Brothers, creators of classic tune called "I'll House you." DJ Red Alert, NYC local DJ for the Weekend evening hiphop show on 98.7 Kiss FM at the time, would play as many songs on the classic album "Straight Out the Jungle" as possible. The JBeez's sound was eclectic with mixtures of funk, jazz, house, disco and of course hip-hop in its purest form. [Hard white for you trap boyz.] The content was very creative, braggadocious, afro-centric, jovial and spiritual from songs like "Jim Brown-ski" to "Black is Black." to the last tune on the record [no CD at the time] called "the Promo", I felt the most. It was the single that gave light to a young teenager called Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. As Jungles Brothers later released the classic "Done by the Forces of Nature," A Tribe Called Quest later released the LP (still no CD at the time) which is the title of my blog. (In the credits Leaders of the New School was shouted on the LP as well.) Tribe later released classics like "the Low End Theory" and "Midnight Maurauders" but before these releases a connection was made with a trio in Long Island called De la Soul. De la Soul's disography is bananas. but the song which bridged the bands together was an integral hip-hop single called "Buddy". "Buddy" was the origination of Native Tongues which then
consisted of Jungle Brothes, De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Prince Paul of StetsaSonic, Monie Love and Queen Latifah. The band later grew with the addition of official and unofficial members of the likes of: Common (sense, at the time), Leaders of the New School, Chi-Ali, the Beatnuts, Black Sheep, Bush Babees, Slum Village. I became big fans of the Native Tongue movement which was somewhat orchestrated or managed by "Baby" Chris Lighty creator of Violator Management which is responsible for the success of LL COool J, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot just to name a few.

As a youngin' I wanted to go to a show that would bring some of favorites that had a soulful, eclectic vibe some what like members of the Native Tongues. I almost had a chance when I went to Howard Homecoming in the early 90's but we got lost and never made it to the stadium.

The people have changed but years later comedian David Chappelle created the concert of the century in "the streets of New York" (shameless plug for Kool G. Rap who also attended.) my friend Reality sent me the email which guaranteed my admission. But my dear friend Tresa was getting married the same day. Needless to say, I missed the show.

Dave made history by creating a line-up that no concert could ever top. schedule to perforem was Kanye West, the Roots, John Legend, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and dead prez. Lauryn Hill was schedule to appear but instead the Fugees were reunited.
Big day for hip-hop. I did wish I was there but I got to see my dear friend walk down the path of love.

Dave created a documentary of the event and released it to the Theater and on DVD. I went to the theater opening night to see the night I missed. It would have be more lively if there were more in attendance. but it was an ok experiece. I got goose bumps when Lauryn performed. She was finally back. The film was very simlar to Jay-Z's Fade to Black, detailing all that took place to get to the final product. The biggest hip-hop concert/block party on the east coast ever.

This week I bought the DVD hoping to catch extra performances when I came to realization about themes that we miss when reading a story or watching a film. His film was about a journey. Dave wanted to create a concert similar to that on the west coast (Watts, Los angelos to be precise) many year ago. He went to his hometown and invited "friend" to come along. A marching Band, Shop owners, barbers, random people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. He caught all of this on film. He gave the youngsters the opportunity to meet and greet artists that they would probably never met. He hooked up with a couple which provided access to their home which would be front stage of the concert. They told a phonomneal story about the grounds which already was historic in its own right. He hooked up with a teacher of a nearby school and connected with the children to talk about the importance of school in the urban areas. Lil Cease made an appearance to talk about all the rappers that were connected to the neigborhood.

They all had a story and a journey. Even though it rained for a good portion of the time they all had fun with the comedy and the music as the connection/conduit/path.

We all have journey's or quests. For some of us it could be to get marrried, have children, buy a house, start a career, graduate from high schhool/college/grad school or to do it all. There are many obstacles but none the less we get through by sure will or with the assistance of a friend/family member. Follow your dreams. Make your journery. Look back to remember and not to regret.

I am glad that even if I could not do it but some created a concert of my dreams. Dave you got to do it again. You a genius in your own right keep doing what you do.

sidebar:
I missed that one but the Roots at Radio City was a mini-reunion and I had a blast both nights. Peace.

2006-06-15T13:17:00.000-04:00

Jay-Z Makes Me Sick!!!

Just the other day I was working on a blog basically. Here is how it went down:

"I had a discussion with some kid in my music production class at the Scratch Academy. He works for Atlantic/Warner in the royalties department. He mentioned that Cam'ron is not moving as many units at Asylum as the label anticipated. I am not sure how he came to this conclusion but he said that so Jay-Z is the reason that Cam is getting no love at the radio stations. He is insinuating that Jay is trying to blackball Cam.
WHAT!?!?!
Well, he is right about the fact Cam lost his run on the Billboard charts. I don't think
that the lame excuse for a dis record could totally ruin his attempt to make some legal hustle. It's the content or the material (lack their of) that he has which is preventing him to do big numbers. There is really no argument that the most popular mc today is Jay-Z. I have the utmost respect for his success as an artist and as an entrprenuer. but I think that the "Hova" complex is way overdrawn. At a
point, I thought it was blasphemous for Rakim to be called the "God MC". It took a lot for me to grasp the concept. But for Jay to self-proclaim as "Jay-Hova" made me think, "where he is going will be hotter than the sands he talks about in his rhymes." Secondly the name "Jigga" is to close to N_gga and a lot like Jiggaboo. Could there be a corelation of his praise because he promotes ignorance of our own culture. These days if you didn't hustle you can't get signed. 50 Cent, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, T.I.
I admit he can draw crowds. I admit he is a mega star. I give him credit for signing Nas and the Roots. But doesn't he know that folks are using him and ridiculing him behind his back. "

Then this fool jumps on Hot 97 radio station to talk about an exclusive concert to celebrate the 10th Year anniversary of the album "Reason Doubt". I went to Madison Square Garden for the concert which ended up on the Fade to Black DVD. I thought that it would be the last time in NYC. I went to Best of Both Worlds concert in Nassau Coliseum before the incident in the Garden. My impression was this retard retired.

Well if you heard "Reasonable Doubt" Jay spits, "I know I contradicted myself but I don't need that now." -Feeling It. I was one of the thirsty fiends on the interenet fighting to cop some tickets. Lucky me. I got my ticket. Watch out for my blog after June 25th. God willing. Sorry I am not going to E-bay my ticket for $3000. But my brother might. Hit me up.

2006-06-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

When it Rains, it pours.....

Since Kanye West, Chi-town emcess are repping their city hard body. Common, Bump J, Lupe Fiasco, Mickey, Shawnna and Twista all rep Chicago including and R&B pervert who's trial is still pending. Luda is from Windy city but he reps the "A" (Atlanta,GA). Among them is an emcee by the name of Rhymefest. He is the freshest act to step on the (mainstream) scene . His album is not out yet but he was already credited with a Grammy Award for writing "Jesus Walks" featured on Kanye's album "College Dropout". Rumor has it that he beat Eminem in a freestyle battle. Usually I am slow to jump aboard when an emcee comes out. I heard "Brand New" and I wasn't really impressed (although I am a BIG kanye fan). I read he was signed to J Records and my feeling was CLive Davis must be riding the fact that he wrote "Jesus Walks" for Kanye. I finally heard a song produced by Just Blaze called "Dynamite (Going Postal)" The title alone lets you understand the track is Hiroshima on waxx. Now I am a fan. His other songs are funny and witty but this one made you ignore the heavy lisp in his speech. Lucky me I found an early release of the album. WHAT?!?!? I know it will get slept on like the "Gravity" LP by the Bush Babees but it's crack. Production-wise it is on point. No I.D. laces this sick track "Fever" (pun intended.) I can't wait for it to drop. That was my main motive for going to this concert. Oh yeah! and Lupe.

Back to reality, I was supposed to go to the Marc Ecko 2nd Annual "Save the Rhino" concert among the acts were DJ Z-trip, Kid Capri, Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest, Rakim and Common. Remeber I said when it rains it pours well I meant that literally. The show was schedule in the Amphitheater on the grounds in Central Park. and it was a rainy day Just like it was last year for the Roots. I went to work early to get out at 5 PM to hopefully make it for 6 ish. But there was a crisis which required me to stay until 7 PM. I still had no form of protection from the weather so I trekked to Target first to grab a poncho. As I reach the register all my cards were getting declined. (I did anticipate that to happen.) Traffic was not bad but everyone drove at a careful pace because it was a bit slippery. (not me, I was late) It took about an hour to get there. Lucky me I found a supreme parking on the east side and dashed over to show. (okay walked quickly) I knew I missed most the show. things are looking up, no rain in sight, I found a sweet spot in front and Rakim is next on stage.

Rakim deserves a blog on his own but I will keep it brief. He has shot up to number 1 on my top five. I was totally oblivious to all the classics that he has but more surprise at how articulate and sharp it was incomparison to the wack BS on the radio. He rocked hard and the fans knew all the lyrics to songs that were about twenty years old. I mean some of them shouldn't even know who he was based on thier age. I was amazed at the differenct nationalities and women spitting line for line Rakim lyrics. Rakim let Styles P get on stage with him and Styles spent a large portion of time sweating the "R". Ra it was well deserved.

I know I just got there but I was kind of ready to leave. I like common a lot but I just saw him weeks ago at the Roots show. I waited to get some flicks to add to the blog but I ended staying. Besides I had to wait for Pablo. Com performed his $%# off. It was way better than I have ever seen him and I have gone to a lot of Common shows. He performed a new song and it was bananas. He freestyled with Rakim and it was crazy. I think he is the only cat that I have seen that can really spit some wicked line off the top. His band was very good and his DJ is disgusting!! He did some routine with "It takes two" by Rob Base and DJ EZ rock that was completely incredible. Com is the last of dudes that can bring all the elements of hip-hop to his show. he was plain, great! Godd thing I stayed.

Another great show in Central Park and no rain. At least I have a poncho in reserve. I did miss the artists I wanted to see Lupe and Rhymefest but they will be in Brooklyn on June 25th. I have no excuse for that one its on a Saturday. With all the mishaps I had a good day.

2006-06-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

On June 12th, Hot 97 will broadcast the a listening party for one of my favorite artists, Bust Rhymes, whose album drops 6/13 entitled "the BIG BANG". I got a hook-up thru the Mrs. to attend the taping for the broadcast. I arrived a bit late but just in time to grab a few snacks before the taping commenced. All-in-all I had a good time. I met Angie Martinez the host for the afternoon show. Kool Herc, the founding father of hip-hop, was there and few others but namedropping can get corny. I also met my club favorite DJ, Mr. Cee. He was the DJ for my idol when I was as teen, Big Daddy Kane. Now he hosts the Old School at noon for Hot 97 and the house DJ for Club Speed. Mr. Cee aka "the Finisher" is part of the elite DJ crew "Big Dawg Pitbulls" along with Funkmaster Flex, Cypher Sounds (now a host on MTV), Jazzy Joyce (she is wicked!!), DJ Khaled in MIA (album in stores "Listenn"), Big Kap, Bobby Trends and Tim Westwood out in the UK. Mr. Cee was intergral in the success of the late great Notorious B.I.G.

As you may have read already in my past blogs the album is TIGHT with productions from Dr. Dre, Green Lantern J. Dilla, DJ Scratch, Timbaland and Swizz Beats. It is the best album Busa Bus has created in a long time. Its a must have. The interview was pretty interesting he showed a side of intelligence considering the ignorant things he may say in the [recording] booth. He basically explained to inspiring artists the difficulty to bring fresh, new acts to the spotlight and that one has to be honest with themselves and your craft but first and foremost be orignal. He discussed the gaining of custody to all his children. He discuss the venuture with Papoose. There was more but then you wouldn't check it out yourself now would you?

The highlight for me was the performance. He has the greatest stage performance in the game. I was under the impression that he would do two songs and split but he gave crowd a little more than expected. He started with "Ghetto" my favorite cut on the new album and he followed with "Touch it." I was especially happy because I opted not to go to Summer Jam this year. It wasn't his best performance but even when the sound went off he still rocked until it got corrected. The crowd was not disappointed, myself included. He pulled some classic cuts from the stash like "Ante up", "Where My Eyes Can See" and a few others.

At the end of the show he took pictures with fans. I had a good night.

2006-06-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

The Dungeon Dragon still spits fire!!

Before Jay-Z and BIG dropped their classic LPs "In My Lifetime vol.1", and "Ready To Die", repectively Before Cypress Hill Could killa man. Before he mentioned he was a trap star like Young Jeezy. [not a mistake he sold rocks too.] Before he mentioned he was a Brooklyn native. There was a cat that was part of a legendary rap group in Long Island that changed the Hip-hop game forever. (legendary is debateable) I remember the era real well like it was tattooed in my brain.

In NYC, Long Island was always the sixth man on the team. The five boroughs were the starting line up with of favorites from each town. Too many to mention however Strong Island was the place where Rakim, De la Soul and Public Enemy reigned. Although Strong Island was coming up their latest rookie was going to shake things up. It was a Sunday Night almost at the closing credits of an episode the second season of "In Living Color." (available now on DVD) Keenan Wayans introduced them to the world to the rookies. He introduced "The Leaders of the New School." I looked at my twin like "who the #%$^ is that?" The name of the group alone would constitute a great weight for them to carry. Their first single popped off, "Just a Case of the PTA". Three young cats ran and jumped on stage like kids on a playground. They were REALLY animated just like the song, doing some dance which became the signature dance of the era "the EastCoast Stomp." The stage presense was wild, the style was very different as opposed to the laid back style of most hip-hop greats. The way they rhymed was very loud, with a touch of ocassional interjections, outburts and screams, whatever to keep the audience hype. At first it looked as if there was one MC and the other two were the hype-men. The routine was like a call and response song. They got my attention. Then the second MC growled and shouted said his lyrics "Busta Rhymes the Mighty infamous. Always misbehaving and mischievous." It was a wrap. The voice, the flow and the passion was the talk in hallways and locker rooms of Brooklyn Tech High school the next day. We couldn't wait for the album. All we could remember was his intro. Later their video jumped off demonstrating four cats: DJ Milo, Dinco D, C. Brown and Busta Rhymes having loads of fun on the school grounds. Hip-Hop changed. The Leaders of the New School made their mark. Everyone wanted to be a "Leader." Wild colorful baggy jump suits became the uniform. Our hightop fades transformed to dreadlocks. (well not mine pop duke would have kicked my tail.) This new generation of MCs were embraced beginning of the 90's with high impact. The generation all related to "Tranformers" and "Sobb Story." We pranced around to "Trains, Planes and Automobiles." When "Scenario" by a Tribe Called Quest featuring L.O.N.S dropped I was a late listener. I recall going to a day party in Queens College watching all the dudes going beserk. "As I combine from the Juice from my mind. heal up reel up bring it back, come back rewind, powerful impack. Boom!! from the cannon" and "Uh! Pardon me. Uh! As I come back!!"
If you think "Scenario" was wicked, "Scenario" remix ever crazier. "Whats going on my man! g_d d_mn!! my brain is hurting!!" and "Roaw!! Roaw!! like a dungeon dragon" (I know it doesn't crazy but at the time it stood out like a sore thumb and everyone knew that part.)

The Leaders invaded television and radio and thier style was admired and wanted for all venues. Just seeing them bumrush spring break on MTV was exciting along with acts like Naughty by Nature, Cypress Hills, Nice and Smooth, Tribe called Quest. Breaking the barriers which prevented playing hip-hop on MTV regualarly.

Leaders produced as well. They produce a significant part of the thier own sound and Def Jam's first female artist, Nikki D. Leaders were the unofficial members of the Native Tongues. Rhyming alongside of De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and the Jungle Brothers. "Baby" Chris Lighty (president of Violator Mangement) who once managed most of the Native Tongue artists, knew he had a goldmine in his hands.
I wasn't really surpised to hear a solo album in the works. It was the best move of his life. "Woo Ha" was hot and the remix with Dirty was insane. "Everything remains Raw" was my anthem. When "Put your hands where Eyes Could See" was released his popularity grew off the chain. I remember chilling at my friends barbeque and the crowd bumrushed the yard just to dance to this song. People give Jay-Z too much credit although lyrically Jay is a beast. Busa-Bus is the ultimate package. He could write hit records. He is he best hip-hop performer ever. Point Blank.

Don't beleive me ask anyone that has seen him perform "Break Your Neck".

There is no hip-hop artist today that can duplicate the chemistry between Busta, Spiff Starr and DJ Scratchator. The only group to come close was Proof & Eminem and Chuck D and Flovor Flav. Busta has an infinte amount of hits too many to mention. As my twin mentioned to me the first Hip-hop artist to record with Janet jackson something that we never thought would happen. Made R&B artist rap like Erykah Badu and Mary J.Blige. Recorded with the most famous rock stars and pop stars. Ozzy Osborne, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Boys II Men, and Stephen Marley. Busta is the undisputed King of the Remix. If the first version was hot the remix with Bus on was even better. I will not even go there and create a list. He was the anchor man on the Posse Cut. Heavy D's "A Bunch of N_ggas" or "Flavor in your Ear". He put a lot of energy in his videos as well. Of coures he hired the best directors. Which also led him to get into film: Shaft, Higher Learning and Finding Forestor just to name a few. He has worked with almost every producer you can think of. Violator made him the face for Sprite cola. B.R. recored about 11 albums, 2 with Leaders of the New School, 1 with his crew Flipmode squad and 6 solo lps with each going either gold or platinum. Jay could sell multiplatinum quicker but his stage presense is weak. Jay relies on guest stars. Busta needs no one but spliff. But the aritsts come anyway.

June 12 marks the date of his 7th solo release, 1st on AfterMath Records under Dr. Dre's careful eye. He has had more recording contract negotaitions than anyone in his genre. But he manages to reign on top. Modern technology has given me the priviledge to get a listen before the release. This is his best album over past few years. AfterMath/Interscope allowed him to express his art with the guest stars like Rick James and Stevie Wonder.

2006-06-01T14:35:00.000-04:00

"Oohhh!! Ladies first."

In a genre of misogynistic material female lyricist are a dime a dozen. A good 95% of songs don't portray women in a positive light. Mostly referring them as B_ and Ho's. Black Sheep's first Album Wolf in Sheep's clothing made fun by saying "Ho is short for Honey. We just got lazy and dropped the 'neys' like when you drop to your knees" (wink, wink)
Even Kanye West's goody-two-shoes image takes a stab at the "gold-diggers". Queen Latifah tried to denounce it and bring "U-N-I-T-Y". BWP (B_ with Problems) took it to left extreme level by creating songs like "Two minute Brother". Artists like Trina, Jacki-o, Khia, Lil Kim and Foxy Brown put the sexuality to mask the actual talent. Missy and Remy Ma just calls themselves B_tch outright. Even Eve's title "pitbull in a skirt" sugar coats it.

It is quite possible that efforts are made to control or prevent but the powers that be have my people acting like fools. It is heard and said so often that it is added to the venacular. Other women calling their friends names that a dude would get slapped for. My peoples "Fight the Power!!" said by Public enemy. (BTW I was in the march for the video. I help a Marcus Garvey sign.) I would talk about the N-bomb but that's a topic for another day.

Whew !! I digress. A few ladies got in the game, made some paper and bounced. Longevity is very unlikely. Salt-n-Pepa held the longest reign and sold more records than Big Daddy Kane's entire discography. The secret was to create music to empower women and also create good tunes that made you dance. That's how Eve captivated her audience with the tune "Love is Blind" featuring faith Evans but had clubs Harlem Shaking to "Who's that Girl".

There were a lot of Women that had skills. My all-time favorite is L-Boogie aka Ms. Hill of the Fugees (pre-breakdown). MC Lyte who had the prowess to crush most male artists in her era. Lady of Rage who was a beast on the "Doggystyle" album. Not much of a fan of Bahamedia but Jean Grae is the truth. I think Rah Digga was phenomenal until she stopped releasing material. As a matter of fact, she is the best artist in her crew Flipmode, including her mentor Busta Rhymes. I was never feeling Remy Ma until I saw her lyrically disintegrate Lady luck and her career. Monie Love and Queen Latifah were the AfroCentric goddesses."Ladies First" (Monie Love lives across the street from me. I just found out.)

I think it is nice to see these ladies do big things like get movie deals, television shows and endorsements but you can't abandon the vehicle that brought you there. And I am not saying to ride it to the wheels fall off but at least show some respect.

Ladies in the industry show your skill. You have to go hard and be as good or better than your male counterparts.
Look out for Jean Grae-last of a dying breed.
Shout to Flo-Brown u had me at the Black Lily at Wetlands. but you have been MIA since you left the Okayplayers.

2006-05-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

"If I were president.."

I've been reminiscing about a Pharcyde track on their first album "Bizarre ride II the Pharcyde" This country has problems that can't be resolved in a simple 4-year term. I'd rather be president of a major company, make some serious changes. A company like...... Def Jam.

My first act as president would be to fire LA Reid. He had more success on his own imprint LaFace than at Def Jam. He is just a name with very little pull these days. (my opinion) Where is the wizard who worked magic with Outkast, Usher, TLC, etc. Okay....he can go to Motown if Sylvia Rhone isn't doing anything. For real.

Buffie da body would be my Condelecia Rice.

Next task would be to drop the following acts: Memphis Bleek. Rihanna, Tiearra Marie, Foxy Brown, Musiq, NO.R.E., Shyne, Young Gunz, Redman, Cory Gunz. No explanation required. Most are dead weight. No imagination, no creativity, no identity, no skill. No hits. If Jay....I mean Shawn can't see that he should be fired too. I don't care how many records you sold in the past. Desire to record should be the proof in the pudding. Buzz creates incentive to invest in the artist's careers.

Any artist that got his album leaked will not get a budget increase to change the album. If you can't control your team that's your bad. Kanye's had major leaks but did well so can you.

Bootlegging will never end so I would lower the price on CD's or force the artist to do Dual Discs.

I would shelve the Freeway album. The first CD was classic. All we need now is 50 cent to add to the sophomore jinx.

I would abandon any efforts to support Def Jam Clothing. Point blank- its wack.

I would try to sign the following artists: Common, Mos, Face, Lil Wayne, The LOX, dead prez, Killa Mike, Saigon. With Def Jam support these artists can make some bigger moves and bring money to the table. It would open the possibility for some interesting collaborations.

Imagine the video game. Common slapping Jay-Z in "Def Jam Fight for the Crown" by EA

Expand Def Jamaica by signing: Sizzla koulangi, Vybez Kartel.

If the following artists are still struggling with their label I would have a contract available for Maxwell and D'angelo. "Where you at?!?" That's a Boost commercial for real!!!

I would add Skillz, Lil Brother and Slum Village to Def Jam Left. Okayplayer!!!

I would back up the following projects: Joe Budden, Juelz Santana, Aztek and Tru-Life.

I would give Jay an ultimatum to record two more albums or lose his job to Damon Dash. And I want a song with Nas. And I need a response to Cam.

oh yeah and one more song with Black Thought.

I would kill Roc La familia. I think Reggaeton is really popping but there is no guarantee that there is any REAL profit the new Hector "el Father" project or the N.O.R.E project. Besides Def Jam should be the first to put out artists like Daddy Yankee or Don Omar, unless I sign Tego Caldron.

I would kill any idea of creating imprints. That phase is over. Signing your next door neighbor who has mediocre skills will not happen on my label. Hint... GLC, Consequence.

I would fire all the A&R's in the following cities Atlanta, Houston, NYC. Okay I wouldn't want them to lose there jobs but there is talent all over the globe. I want to see Nevada, Boston, Alabama, etc blow the heck up. Then next big thing is out there. And its not in NYC.

I would hire Kool Moe Dee to be VP just to piss off LL Cool J. LL is paid elsewhere why would he be interested in adding such a job to his resume. selfish. $%#^#

I would hire DJ Premier, Just Blaze, Amir "Questlove" to handle production on most projects. Sorry Kanye you've been demoted till u drop the hot ish.

Oh yeah. I would drop DJ Clue and give Green Lantern and Clinton Sparks some burn on a major deal.

Lastly I would get Siegel back in the studio. This time I would make his lazy butt really work. He has so much heart but he's been M.I.A. and not where the Heat play at.

2006-05-22T17:38:00.000-04:00

Back to the Roots again....

I didn't want to repeat what happened yesterday so I left work and went straight to the city. I figured that the traffic would be crazy considering it was a Friday night and the rainy weather woudld impede traffic flow. But it was disgusting. I mean the Grand Central was shut down which helped none. the expressway was backed up for over 20 exits. It took me double the time to travel from Suffolk county to NYC. Lucky me I got there on time. I even Found a sweet spot that had no time retrictions. I can't afford another ticket.

This shows vibe would be different because the night before was strictly Hip-hop this one would have a more R&B feel. Same deal balck Thought, Hub, Kamal, Rahzel, Quest, Kirk and DJ Jazzy Jeff played the sounds inclucing the horns whom I have no idea the members are. The Roots changed the itinerary from the night before. switching up the order of songs. Angeligue Kidjo performance was okay I am unfamiliar with her work. Another performance which was a bit strange was R&B duo J. Davey. the lead singer was a tall slinky long legged woman with a native american head dress. She had legs for days. It was very alternative a mixture of Lauryn, Gwen Stefanni and Kelis. She sang and rapped. The tempo was very fast but I my foot tapped to the beat. Guess I liked it. This time the sound man was on point. Skillz could be heard this time. I still cant tell who was the other artist that joined them. The show was a continuation of the tribute to J. Dilla. Mos Def took the stage. He was very mellow but he killed. Mos got a lot of love. It felt like the crowd was louder for Mos than when Common came out the night before. I guess since he is big Movie star (italian Job,Hitchhikers guide.., 16 blocks). He also ran through the aisles which the fans reallu appreciated. what I find interesting of Mos is that althought he has a lot of positive things working for him you will never tell by his appearance. Mos joined Slum Village the group of the late J. Dilla to sing the hook for Selfish. Bilal made an appearance as well. He did is strange cat that belts sounds to the rythm but makes it sound official. He then did sometimes and then kicked rocks. The first big suprise was to see Dave Chappelle. He did about ten minutes of Stand up. He was hillarious. He explained why he left his own show in a joke, but If I tell it will lose its comdedic edge. it started to feel like Dave's Block Party part two. later Eryah Badu did her thing. It was refreshing to see how versatile the Roots were... backing up all the artist that apearred both nights. Erykah has a presense about her feels regal. She is one of my favorite R&B artists. As the show was winding down. THe roots began to play a medley of instrumentals. Then they played the Intro for "Public Annoucement" then Jay-Z sneaks on stage with a hoody tryin to disguise his appearane. The roots pulled a rabbit out the hat. All in all it was a great two night. I would have regret if i didn't buy my ticket. I witnessed history in the making. The Roots have planted themselves deep into the ground and they florish from this point forward. if You were not a fan you will be now.

Once again Rest in Peace to J. Dilla.

2006-05-22T17:36:00.000-04:00

Back to my roots...

It was Thursday night show. There I was rushing into the city, a my long trek from Suffolk county. I made it in the city on time but finding a parking spot was an absolute mess. Mayor Bloomberg is really trying to lock ish down. I mean I could not find a "free" parking spot for 40 minutes. Everyplace I turned it was Munipal Parking and I only had enough quarters to last me an hour and a half. All the spots where I used to park had new signs that wouldn't allow me to park. I found and empty spot and I dashed to get to Radio City. (Keep it real man!!) Okay I am not physically fit enough to make that 12 block sprint so I hailed a cab. I got there at 8:20. Ah man, Nas is on stage already. The crowd was amped I only heard 3 songs and he was ghost. THe Roots performed a bit and they are live an on point as usual but I was disappointed about missing some of the festivities. Rahzel played the role of hype man. Malik B was missing as usual. and the rest of the band was there including my favorite DJ ever, DJ Jazzy Jeff on the one and two.(minus the fresh prince). I am hipped to the game I must have seen the roots perform like 12 times in the past 7 years. I knew they would pull a rabbit out the hat. As Black thought went into "Boom" Big daddy kane comes out and kills his verse. It looked like they fumbled cause Kool G. Rap should have came out next. Kan looked over to stage right and no G. Rap. He continued to perform. Set off kane, Wrath of Kane. for an old schooler he had all the fans jumping. Kane steps off and The roots continue to Rock. They go into a new tune where Skillz ( he's not mad anymore) and someone else get on stage. Unfortunately the sound man was sleep. No volume. It looked like he was letting loose some serious stuff too. Jazzy Jeff did a DJ few tricks some which I recently learned. It was crazy.

Minutes later Common jumped out like he was on "speed". I mean he had a serious amount of energy. as he did "Go", "Testify", "I Used to love her". He freestyled and all he had a great response too.

Talib Kweli was not as medicore. I think they should have had Common close to last. Talib's show was good but I think its not the same doing "Definiton" with Mos. It was still early and most of the schedule acts had finished. Rahzel took the mic and did the most impossible performance ever without any electronic enhancements. It was bananas. Over all it was a decent show but not exactly what I expected. I thought I would see more suprises. I have to mention Kirk the newest member and guitar player was sick he did some Jimmy Hendruix ish that just surpised the fans including myself.

At end of the show Dave Chapelle and Eryka Badu came out to give hugs to the band. The show was dedicated to J. Dilla aka Jay Dee, super producer. He would have been pleased regardless of the obvious no shows.

My night was highlighted with a orange sheet on my windshield courtesty of NYPD, a ticket for $115.

Part two tomorrow.

2006-05-18T15:50:00.000-04:00

No Killa Season just Suicide Season....

Decades ago there were a few hip-hop crews like the Native Tongues and the Juice Crew. These days we have: Wu-Tang, Boot Camp Click, Heiroglyphics, Terror Squad, Cash Money and No Limit(well what's left of them), Flipmode, and G-Unit. Among them comes Dipset representing Harlem, USA. Diplomats aka Dipset has filled the void of Harlem's misrepresentation. Cam'ron spearheaded that evolution of Uptown, NYC hip-hop. Dipset's fan-base is like no other. The Dips consist of Killa aka Cam'ron, Juelz Santana (Human Crack), Jim Jones (Capo), JR Writer, Hell Rell (Hell Raiser), Jha Jha, Duke (God), Shiest Bub, of Purple City and many more. Nothing like the Juice Crew of old which had Roxanne Shante, Kool G. Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace and Craig G. or even the Wu-Tang movement from Shaolin [Staten Island]. Personally it seems to be a crew of trap boys that laundered the drug money into hip-hop. "Bird Game all day!!!" shouted by Jim Jones. Bird game is the code word for drug trafficking. Sometimes I feel like its stinking up the [hip-hop] game up for the future artists that don't live that lifestyle and have real talent. Regardless I have every CD or mixtape. Why?? Guilty pleasure. Although the not all the members are lyrically talented they select good music, have some catchy hooks and have vision to expand their business whether the liquor (sizzurp), possibly a clothing line and film i.e. "Killa Season". They have created a lot of visibility to spark interest. aka BUZZ or HYPE.

I am losing focus, back to the killa season album. Cam'ron is a multi-talented artist. He did a decent job in the film Paid in Full. Has over 4 albums. Ghost-wrote songs for Diddy and others. He wrote the mixtape blueprint for artist like 50 Cent to blow up. Cam is respected and feared by many in the industry and on the street. But my first problem for me is him getting at Jay-Z. Not a good marketing strategy. We all know that he would get scrambled and ate for breakfast.
I understand the need to expose the shady side of Jay but it gives the semblence of a challenge to battle. In that case Cam is not ready. Cam has all that an A&R wants confidence, swagger, appeal, etc. However I am not impressed with this album because truly Cam is lazy. In interviews he says he knows he's nice but he is in it for the money. At his prime, he was a wolf in sheeps clothing. Now that he is Killa president of Diplomat Records, his best song lyrically was on "Down and out" on the Purple Haze album. (my opinion of course.) I listed to Killa Season twice it has some heat but only enough to start a small barbeque for a party of 12. It lacks passion and drive. That is the missing ingredient for most artist these days. They tend to lose it after the money rakes in. I really like the "Love My Life" featuring a very talented Nicole Wray. But it does not have enough to help him sell the amount of units as his Roca-fella debut. I think too many songs were leaked too early to public which could be a reason for the lack of momentum. "Get 'Em Daddy" , "Girls, Cash, Cars" and "Something New" feel like its months old.

I even watched Killa Season movie as well. It was not great but had potential. I can say it was better than State Property or Bout it but that is not much of a compliment either. Somethings felt like he just ripped the idea from Belly. (I got a friend who was part of the cast. Movin' that hand-to-hand. lol.)

Cam'ron left Def Jam to join Asylum. I wanted to see the next level. I expected more and I was thoroughly disappointed. Cam's longevity is questionable now. Cam get the wet wipes and clean up the mess you made. I prefered Purple Haze but its up to the fans if they want to touch it or not.

until tomorrow. I will give the run down of the Roots in Radio City in NY.

2006-05-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

"Just another day livin in the hood....." -Queen Latifah.

Saturday was cool. I met the DJ Alamo from Brand Nubian fame at the Scratch Academy. The class was cool too. I learned the Transformer Scratch, the Millitary scratch and more. it was pretty intense. The instructor DJ Trife is real talented. I just want to reach half his skill.

I celebrated Momma day with Ma Dukes on Sunday. Shout out to her cause without her there would be no me. shout out to my Twin. His DVD Xtra Clips got mentioned in the latest Vibe magazine page 160 with Busta Rhymes on the cover.

two more days til the Roots at Radio City Hall in NYC.

2006-05-12T10:46:00.000-04:00

And the beat goes on....

Tuesday was the first day of many at the Scratch Academy. This time I was taking a new class Beat Making 101 with my homey Pablo. I can't front I was a bit hesitant because I feel so unoriginal. NYC is the place where people want to make some quick cash whether in the trap, to act, to perform whether in sports or entertainment. In my hood everybody wants to either rap or make beats..I mean produce. (LOL! Jojo hates when folks say, "Make beats.")

To keep it hundred, I am not in the it bag women or for the money but because my inquisitive nature brought me there. (not there is something wrong with women and money.) I have always been fascinated by music but my connection is with the hip-hop and some dancehall. My peoples will be shocked I mentioned dancehall but I feel like they are both fraternal twins just like I am. The two genres were the theme music of Brooklyn life in 80's & 90's. And I wanted to find out the ins and outs of creating and playing music. I was inspired by Reality (he is going to leave a comment I am sure.)

About the class the instructor is not really structured. He is a bit all over the place but I did learn from one class how I could make a track using the software technology provided today. Now I have to practice. I'll make sure the first song I produce will be on my blog no matter how corny it sounds.

Back to the grind....

2006-05-10T13:07:00.000-04:00

Summer in Miami.....

Fresh from Florida, where its already 90 degrees compared to the 50 degrees in NYC. Well my travel to was foiled due to poor communications with my ride to the airport. I missed most of the festivities of Cinqo de Mayo in Miami Beach. I heard it was poppin. When I got in I was pretty tired since my flight was around 6 AM and I was out all night. I slept half the day but I did got to visit my family and friends out in Ft. Lauderdale and Kendell. Then I headed out to West Palm to join my family for a Graduation party. Congrats to the Biju.(aka Drama Queen) then back to Ft. Lauderdale.

Next course of business was to attend the wedding to a promising producer/artist from an upcoming Haitian band, RNZouk. His brother is also an aspiring musician/producer/artist from Mona Liisa Productions (www.monaliisa.com). I became the unofficial photojournalistic photographer for the evening. It would be my second opportunity to get my practice on. The wedding and ceremony was by the beach at the Crown Plaza Hotel. It was beautiful. So I got some really hot shots. I must have taken like 500 shots. I did realize that although I had the right equipment it is the skill of the person holding it is that makes it happen. Just like my DJ class timing is everything. Hopefully one day I can take a class to build my skill. It was an enjoyable weekend. Met a lot of folks including a young dude that is on an internship with Salaam Remi. Sorry I forgot your name. Shout out anyways. Wow. I know a handful of folks in the music industry but still trying my best to get my self involved and staying away at the same time.

Back to my grind in NYC.

2006-05-05T15:43:00.000-04:00

What was I thinking.....

The other day I made my 4th appearance at my DJ class at the Scratch Academy. I feel like I am going way over my head. DJ-ing was my passion as a yute.(many moons ago) but this #$%! is harder than I thought. It is so cerebral. I mean you brain has to be sharp as a Ginsu knife. Props to all DJs big time or local. So much memory, timing, poise, speed is involved that no one knows about. sort of like martial arts. It's remarkable. I have a new found respect for the unseen person sweating in the booth for 4-6 hours. no love to all you who think its just putting records on.

Last week the instructor taught us about BPMs (beats per minute) and dropping on the one (translation cueing the song at point where the mixture/blend between both channels don't sound like a mess.) He showed us some tricks to adjust the speed of the turntable to help accuracy. but yesterday he showed us beat-matching (playing two songs as if they are one song) and I am just lost. I mean there are like 20 students doing their thing. I am trying to listen to my monitors and my headphones. My head was about to explode from the confusion. But I got some comfort when the instructor mentioned that all of us would not get it in a day. so now I am off to find some vinyl for the next session. I also took another class for the to learn the more of the scratching aspect. the class I am taking is only teaching the fundamentals. My only dilemma is parking in the city on a Saturday afternoon. I think I will add another day in my schedule to go practice or man up and by some real turntables instead of the CD ones I got. Ahhhh!!! more debt.

2006-04-25T11:43:00.000-04:00

Put The "Killah" back on...

I have been out of the scene for a minute. I had to get back in but I needed a fix that would bring me back to the essence. Sept.22, in the pouring rain me and a few friends set out to the Nokia Theater to see M1 (one half of dead prez), DJ Premier (one-half of GangStarr),Papoose, Slick Rick and Ghostface Killah from the mighty Wu-Tang Clan. That line-up alone is pure hip-hop minus 1 that I am having trouble dealing with. I will get into it later. I got there in time considering we left late. BTW Nokia Theater is official if U ever in NYC, much better than SOBs (no offense but that club is too small)

On the way to I was debating with a friend. DJ Premier is wack now cause he hadn't made a good tune in a minute. I did eat my words cause as he played his greatest hits I was reminded why he could afford to chill. He has done it all. Worked with all the greats from BIG,Jay to Nas. Creating classic songs for virtual unknowns like Group Home, Big Shug and M.O.P. (No disrespect to M.o.P. but without Premier they would low on everyones radar.) I can't front for a minute I missed Gang Starr. Premier hats off!!! (No brokeback.)

M1 was real good. go cop the album. much better than I anticipated. Everyone must listen to the movement that his crew is bringing. RBG'z!!!

I really came to see the Ruler, Slick Rick. Why? He is the true ruler. I waited almost 7 years to see him perform due to the unfair incarceration. If there ever was a crown he wore it first and handed it down to as he would say "bums". If you were around in the late 80's and early 90's you wanted to be him or around him. His sharpness was evident from the flow, witiness, lyrics, delivery and even style. Just FRESH!!! Even down to the socks he made sure that presentation was on point. If you don't know La-di-da-di go under a rock. Today's greats emulated their style off of him. Think of Jay's "The ruler's back" on the Blueprint or Nas' "Build and Destroy" on Stillmatic. Nonetheless his performance was great. (I may be biased)

I almost forgot Papoose performed. I think that he is a talent. he is a bit creative but definitely overated. NYC needs new talent but I think Saigon or Tru-Life have more to offer. Kay Slay did his thing to make him known he is now signed to Violator Mangament with prospective to sign a really good deal. BTW lyrically the single "get right" is weak. As he got on stage, intentionally I went to handle some business and I could hear Papoose all the way to the restroom. In the lobby by the bar there was a huge Screen television with him performing I couldn't escape. That would have been nice if I didn't want to miss anything. But I DID!!!

Getting back, A week earlier, I had to reaquaint myself with Ghost so I flooded my ears with all of his material on my Ipod. I gotta say that I played myself by saying the Pretty Tony was his best album. But Iron Man, Supreme Clientel was dope too. I am buggin. Anyway's it was great preparation cause he must have performed 40 songs that night. most of his classics minus the guest-stars: CherChez La Ghost, Shimmy Shimmy Ya(Tribute to ODB), Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing to F__ with, Ice Cream, Rmix forFreakin by Jodeci, Run, Be Easy. His line up was nonending. I have new respect for dude. I thought he would have to bring out special guests to liven his set but he and Theodore Unit held the crowd down. The Wu fans were in the building and if they aren't they are now. A very mixed crowd too. I am glad he put the "Killah" back on his name cause he murdered it.

Lastly Shout out to Wifey's Grandma that passed away. RIP

2006-04-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time. I know... I know. Well a lot has happened since I blogged last year. I have been going through it with work, family, friends, my finances (yes money not the wifey), planning the wedding, but trying to have some fun somewhere in my busy schedule. I added a long post which somehow never made the site. I lost a dear friend who was part of the DVD experience my twin brother was involved in. Xtra Clips DVD. RIP Will. This was the hardest death to hit me because he was close to my age and have been friends for a while.

So now I have to change my life style a bit. I will be more aggressive about living life to the fullest. Worry less about money cause I can't take it with me but be smart with all my purchases. That's why I am taking my DJ class. I up to class #2 at the Scratch Academy. Its the bomb!! I am learning a lot but I need a lot of practice. I thought I had an edge but nope! The first class I got to meet with Grand Wizard Theodore, the inventor of the scratch. It was awesome. I have some video I will post later. I promise I will have more posts. peace.

2005-12-27T12:34:00.000-05:00

The Night G-UNit stole Christmas.....
It was the night after christmas and no traffic in site....
I got Nassau Coliseum on time and ev'thing was all right...
got frisked and metal detectors cause security was tight...
Had a good seat and refreshments so nothing could eff up my night....
WRONG!!!!
Hot 97 presented Nassau Coliseum and it was the worst show I have gone to in all my concert going history. 7 years I have gone to almost every show to hit NY/NJ. Security was so heavy, no suprise. it 50 cent!!! The show was supposed to start at 8. Security still didn't let any one in the building until that time. Shout out to Sosa from Xtra Clips DVD for getting me inside quick. It was supposed to have Keyshia Cole, Bobby valentino, Juelz Santana and G-Unit. At first I was not interested in going. 50 cent-mania has wore off since the last time he stepped in to Nassau Coliseum (That was a great show!!) But I was curious to see how Hot 97 would pull off Dipset and G-Unit in the same building with the apparent beef with "Rev" Mase and Dipset. (I use the term Rev. real loosely.)

The official show started at 11:15 PM. Between that time we listened to new acts that will never see the light of day. Paula Berry (excuse me if I misspelled) from the early Master Ace's Inc. crew (way before Irv and Ja removed Murder) Showed up with all of Bed-Stuy to do a show that was not interesting at all.
NOTICE to all you artists: Find REAL talent!! Your homeboy from childhood may excuse me... will not never be the next Jay-Z or Nas. Face the facts.

Almost three hours and it feel like was at Amatuer Night at the Apollo or Club Speed. Out of 13 amateurs/no name acts, two that was somewhat decent like Lil Mama and some other Kid redoing a Biggie track. But We won't remember ANY of you tomorrow. Red Cafe came out and had a lackluster response. (He has real talent but not a hit yet.) Ne-Yo was not impressing the dudes there but the ladies loved it. Keyshia Cole did her thing but she reminds me of Mary J Blige in her early years... Needs a lot of work!! Finally G-Unit showed up at 12:30 AM I guess. Rev. Ma$e, M.O.P., Spider loc, Mobb Deep, Olivia, Banks and Yayo showed up except for Young Buck (guess he is serving some kind of sentence for forking the dude at the Vibe awards.) They did their hits but I expected more. The dreadlockless Busta Rhymes showed up and did his new single "Touch It" but there were so many no-shows that it took away from the vibe of the evening. The promotor and 50 had some choice words for Juelz and Bobby Valentino for not performing. 50 didn't do "Piggy Bank" or take shots at as many folks as he usually did but Game and Kim got some stabs. They went threw money and Minks out the crowd. (darn right for making us wait.) The show ended at 2 AM.

I am not sure how long it will take I but I predict 50's reign to take a turn. His antics is getting tired and the lyrics are proof. I want the dude that Spit Power of a Dollar or Get Rich.. Not this pop-artist-fake-Jay-Z-trying-to-do-club-songs. Yeah, he got a lot going on but only because the top artist are retired or missing in action. the other artists are just wack making him sound as wack as the competition. Lyrically 50 can't hang with lyricist like Common, Jay, Nas or even your protege Llyod Banks. 50 Step your Game up. (no pun intended.)

2005-12-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Top five dead or alive.
I was influenced by a great emcee Jin the Emcee, on his latest project to give my list. I said Big was my all-time favorite but I this best describes who was the best during there time. I would explain but I will open the floor to debate. Maybe I will change my mind.

My top five is split up by decades.
80's
1.) Rakim Allah
2.) Big Daddy Kane
3.) KRS-ONE
4.) Slick Rick
5.) Grand Puba
Honorable mentionKool G Rap/LL Cool J
90's
1.) BIG
2.) Jay-Z
3.) Nas
4.) Scarface
5.) Ms. HillHonrable Mention to UGK, Black Thought, Redman, Ice Cube,Kurupt, Rah Digga, Big Pun
2000's
1.) Jadakiss
2.) Eminem
3.) Common
4.) Ludacris
5.) Freeway
Honorable mention: Canibus, Cassidy, Skillz, Llyod Banks, FabolousThese dudes will pass the torch for the next decade.

There are a lot of people I think should be up there but Its MY top FIVE. This is based on delivery, skill (including lyrics, timing, creativity) and popularity. Let me hear your picks.

2005-12-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

Where Brooklyn at??

Today the Biggie Duets CD dropped. It got me thinking about who is my top five greatest emcess. ( read my other post to see my top five) You can argue with me to your face turns blue Biggie aka Notorious BIG was, is and always will be the all time greatest hiphop icon, period. No if ands or buts. You can name anyone you want I won't budge. I know he had only two official albums but it still won't convince me. The secret weapon is one of the greatest mixtapes EVER Mr. Cee's Best of Biggie mixtape (Yup I said tape the CD was not even available. I will set another blog about greatest mixtapes next week.). Best of Biggie was a best seller in the hood and it dropped before the album Ready to Die hit the streets. Pound for pound his lyrics were the best in the business and that is not a small order from the 300 something pound guy from bed stuy.
BIG had hunger, passion, the pain and humilty and put it in every line. Now I may be bias cause the kid was born in BK "where the playas stay all day every day." But at the time where NY emcess was not moving units the way a Snoop or NWA could BIG was king (hence Frank White, King of New York). He snatched the crown (well deserved) that was ever so vacant. He soley made Bad Boy the label it was by dropping 16 for every artists there, virtually carrying the label on his back. Think about this: would Total, 112, Ma$e, Faith, the Lox and Diddy have the fame they had if not for this man. I am missing so many others like D.Dot, the HitMen, Jermaine Durpi, Cease, Jr. Mafia, Lil Kim, Charlie Baltimore, Volleta Wallace, Lance "Un" Rivera, Cam'ron and yes I said it Jay-Z. He has made many people rich in spite of his death. (For the record, Jay is my second.) BIG also memorized and never wrote any lyrics on paper. He won the favor of backpackers by traveling through Lyricist Lounge and "ghost wrote" for many artists. He showed no predjudice in the genisis of his career by recording with everyone from Heavy D, da Brat, Method Man (despite beef with other Wu-tang members), Crustified Dibbs, Tracey Lee and names you may never hear from again.

I always say the sign of success is when some samples your voice on a song, you have made it. I heard BIG on a posse cut with Heavy D on the great album Blue Funk on a track called a Bunch of Ni**s. I knew that dude was going to make it. I heard Party and Bull***t. I was open. When I heard Little Shawn sample his voice for Don Perignon, I said he made it.

I am not a ryder but a fan helping to immortalize his generosity and skill. Go buy the Duets the Final Chapter. If not go buy Ready to Die

For those in the spirit of the giving. Happy Holidays!!!
All you haters, "Bah humbug" but still Happy Holidays!!!

2005-12-05T17:16:00.000-05:00

Holla!! Holla!!! .....It's Murrrddddeeerrrr!!

Well the judgement is finally out Irv Gotti and his brother Chris is are finally free of money laundry. Only in America, the land of the free. I am happy that they were acquitted but its bittersweet. The battle is won but Hip-Hop will have to continue to defend itself from war wage against it. Society never favors street dudes becoming millionaires. In due time there will be another charge considering there are some employees still imprisoned for charges similar. My guess either tax evasion or something ridiculous. For some folks you are guilty until proven innocent.

Irv Gotti is a talented dude. I hope that he can get his company back on its feet considering the 3 year hiatus. Ja Rule's career is dman near over regardless of the sucesss of "New York". 50 Cent, Curtis "interscope" Jackson, has pretty much put the nail in the coffin for the entire label. Ashanti needs to dig deep to ressurect the label on its new home on Atlantic provide it happens. Irv found DMX, Jay-Z, Ja Rule for Def Jam if he can do it again he will be considered the next Dr. Dre of the east coast (bringin back a label that was under the radar back to the top.)

2005-11-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

Free the Locks!!!Let the Locks Go!!

First off, Happy turkey day for those of you out there. No, this is not a rant for the former Bad Boys and now reppin D-Block. This is about the "World Greatest Hip-Hop Entertainer" including actor, Mr. Busta Rhymes . I was recently informed that Busta cut his infamous dreadlocks. Man that's like Whoa!!

Why do I care?? Well if you were there in the early days of Hip-Hop, the hairdo was an intergral form of expression. To simply not cut your hair was the ultimate expression of rebellion. Mild versions where the colors found on Afrika Bambataa, Kane or Kid from Kid-n-Play and their high Flat-top fades(I had mine), De la Soul's crazy parts and cuts (remember the staircase haircut), Bobby Brown's Gumby style cut, Treach's braids, Flavor Flav's wild hair. Ice Cube's jherri curls. These people set the trends of the hair-style of the time. If you saw someone in the Hip-Hop world with that style it had to be done to your hair too. Don't believe me think?!? Well Puff brought the Hawky (mohawk) when he ran the NYC marathon. Look at all the fools out their with the same hair style.

Besides, conversations about who was best emcee or the hottest show at which club were discussed in the Barbershop. No accident that Ice Cube did a film about it. It was also the place you can strut your verbal skill. Matter fact, many of these stars began their enterprise at the shop. Busta, De la Soul, Scoop Lova had history as barbers.

It is sad to see those that tried to hold on to tradition finally cave in to maturity. That include's Black Thought, Erykah Badu, Dead Prez, etc. If Jay-Z can switch his street gear to fashionable suits. It was bound to happen to Busta after 17 years of growth. I mean he is creepin on 40 years old. Hopefully it won't zap his skill.

My man Rush predicted it a long time ago. He always said that Busta's hairline was receeding.

2005-11-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

Still No Money, No Power, No Respect

Part 2 of the issues between the LOX and Diddy. I have been real lazy the last couple of days to so pardon my tardiness. Diddy came on Hot 97 the following day to defend himself. He made his point clear that The LOX did not examine the contract thoroughly because he owns only 20% of their publishing. Diddy added that the LOX didn’t take the necessary steps to renegotiate the contract either.

Mr. Combs is shrewd businessman which makes you want to hate him but still have respect. He really wanted the world to know that the contract given to the LOX was the typical contract given to any artist old or new. He said that their approach was wrong because they could not have pulled a stunt like that to a major label as say: Warner, Universal or Sony. (very true. You can easily get dropped and blackballed.) He also made sure the listeners were aware that he did not was not the sole owner of Notorious BIG’s publishing by accepting BIG’s mom, Volletta Wallace, call on air to speak on the matter. Although she didn’t divulge actual figures however she made it clear that all those that had questions, especially Lil’ Cease, “Mind your business.”

I am still riding for LOX. To have a ten-year career in this industry is amazing. Some folks are done by their second album. I can list a few: Tone-Loc, Young MC, Skee-Lo, Black Sheep. Everyone goes through financial issues. Mariah, MJ, TLC, Hammer it takes smart decision making to make it through the storm. Bottom line "Its all about the Benjamins , baby."

2005-11-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

No money, No Power, No Respect!!!

On my way home from work and I turn on to Hot 97 to listen to my dude, DJ Enuff kill it like he does every “Rush Hour”. Suddenly Angie (Martinez) interrupts to allow the hip-hop group, L.O.X. (Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch), to express their grievances. They all have agreed to stop recording indefinitely to address issues with the label and publishing. The label isn’t marketing both Jada and Styles as they would 50 Cent. (Understandable he makes the label more money). On the other hand, Diddy (the Notorious Paper Gangster) “tricked” the group into signing a deal to pay him 50% of publishing of all material recorded for the rest of their career in exchange releasing from contractual obligations on Bad Boy Records to sign with Ruff Ryders. Puff had an exchange of words with them over the radio. (Check out Allhiphop.com for details.) Even Jermaine Dupri called perplexed at the type of deal the LOX are stuck in. I was truly surprised to hear even the female fans rallying a petition to help them regain their publishing.

I have a lot of respect for Puff as a businessman. He managed and produced for many artists all over the world. He launched his own imprint Bad Boy records. (Please recognize there is a huge difference from a label and an imprint.) He has a number of clothing lines (Sean John, Bad Boy and Sean for ladies), footwear with a store in Madison Ave in NYC. He has an active acting career including Monster’s Ball, Carlito’ Way Rise to Power. He started his Bad Boy’s of Comedy and executive Producer for Making the Band and Run’s House. I can go on but I won’t.

I have been saying this for years think of every artist in the late 90’s that was on his roster, their career would be nothing without the influence of the late great Notorious BIG. Biggie put money in a lot of people’s pockets even today. The person that benefits the most is Sean “Diddy” Combs a.k.a. Puff Daddy. Before BIG was taken a way from us he sold his publishing to Puff. Puff gets a check for every time Jay-Z or any other artists repeats or uses BIG’s voice for even a sample. Not Faith Evans (BIG’s wife), not Voletta Wallace (BIG’s mom), not even BIG’s children. Puff then has the obligation to donate as he wishes to any of the parties. Even in the opening of his Bad Boy’s of Comedy he had to mention his “friend” to get the approval of the audience. With all that money that he makes he could afford to lose a little by releasing the publishing to rightful owners. I am not saying BIG’s cause he would lose everything if he lost that. You are messing with peoples families. I was happy to see Puff and LOX together at the "I Declare War" concert featuring Jay-Z. Diddy it is your responsibility to save NY Hip-Hop

Puff, in you own adlibs, “Come on”, “Let’s Go!”, “Let’s Work it!!!”

Oh well here I am again joining the picket lines to say “Let the LOX Go!! Again!!!”
Q-tip said it perfect “Record company people are shady!!!”

2005-11-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

IPod, UPod, WePod together!!!

I hate Apple. No, I am not talking about Gwyneth Paltrow's baby girl. The makers of the mosted wanted item for Christmas three years in a row.

It all started when Twin brought the first of its kind four years ago. I looked at like "What the hell is that?!" He told me what it was. I thought it was cool but it only exclusive to Apple PCs. I'm a PC person so I was not ready for that transition. I waited a while when they made it PC compatible.

I bought a 30G at the time that was a lot. My peeps always notice it with the crazy white head phones or those that passed my cube at work. It became an epidemic. No a plague!!! All my homies got one: Paige, Young, Grind, even my Fifi wanted one. Hers was better than mine the new 40G. When people saw hers it encougaged her buddies to get one. I loaded every song I had in my collection into that thing. During the blackout, I used it to light my way around the house.

It was getting so serious that when my battery died after the warranty expired I took Fifi's. She was REALLY unhappy about that move cause she used it on ALL DAY at work. I stepped up to the plate and got a 60G with color and photo. My addiction to it was crazy. I reached a point where I lost my 60G. (I almost cried.) I went weeks without it but low and behold Best Buy had a used one for cheap. I had to get it. Three weeks later, I found it in my room. I had to give it to Fifi. She gave hers to her cousin and now she is hooked. Her father is getting one. Dang!! In our immediate circle about 30 people have gotten one. They almost had me when the Nano came out. Lucky Fifi held me down. Whew!!

The last straw came when my boy Escobarz showed me his IPod with video. Now I am fiending to get an all black. My advise: Stay away!!!! You gonna get hooked.

P.S. by the time you read this I will be rocking my new all black Ipod. Happy shopping. :-)

2005-11-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

Wu-Tang is still for the children!!!

I was listening to Hot 97 this afternoon and I heard one my favorite DJ's Mr. Cee say it was ODB's birthday. Unfortunately Unique Ason, a.k.a. Big Baby Jesus, a.k.a. Dirt McGirt a.k.a. Osirus a.k.a. Old Dirty Bastard is gone but not forgotten. A lot of thoughts came up and I figured I'd write about it. You got to give props to this man. He and the rest of the crew Wu-Tang Clan are pivotal members in the evolvement of Hip-Hop. (Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothing to #$% with!!). They started as a group on Loud Records with solo deals for each member on different labels. That’s gangsta. They have sold many many, many millions collectively and in solo ventures. Check the discography

Each had their own personality but none like Ol' Dirty. Who else can take MTV with him to collect his food stamps? Who else can escape from rehab to go to perform at the Hammerstein Ballroom? Who else can interrupt the Grammy’s to explain, "Puffy is good but Wu-Tang is for the children"? Who else can re-invent himself so many times and the crowd just loved him each time? He was known for a lot of things, including the father of over eleven children. But many will remember him as an artist with heart. Whether he was saving a child from a car accident of just putting that same passion in a verse.

Here are my favorites “Brooklyn Zoo”, “Shimmy Shimmy Yam”, “Fantasy (remix)” featuring Mariah, “Gimme my Money”, “Woo Ha (remix) featuring Busta Rhymes and not to forget “Protect your neck”, “Shame On A” “Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'” on the Wu-tang Clan albums. Last but not least a classic lost gem “Show and Prove” featuring ODB, Big Daddy Kane, Shyhiem, and Jay-Z. Sometimes his rhymes made no sense but he was funny, serious, spontaneous, live and wild. My fiance met him in Sony Studios sprawled on the floor writing rhymes like a child with his first coloring book.

I remember and interview from Pras of the Fugees, during the making of “Ghetto Superstar” ODB flew to Florida to enter the wrong studio on the wrong date to record for the upcoming then Wu-Tang Clan album. He jumped on the record and the rest was history. (Sidebar: that was Pras’ biggest record ever as a solo artist.)

I met Dirty at GreekFest in NY in the 90's. He was so out of control. We all stood there like WTF. But he had everyone's attention wheter intentionanl or unintentional.

He was a diamond in the rough. No wonder Dame signed him to Roc-a-fella Records. He was never squeaky clean but regardless Dirty, me and many countless others will miss you. If you have not already cop the Enter The Wu-Tang 36 Chambers and Return To The 36 Chambers. You NEED this in your life otherwise you fakin'.

RIP. Dirty.

I also want to say Big up (no Pun intended. Dang I did it again.) to Big Punisher protégé of Fat Joe and member of the Terror Squad. Last week was his birthday too. He was first Latino solo hip-hop artist to go platinum. I still think that Fat Joe must've found Pun’s rhyme book. He too was on the now defunct Loud Records. He died over two years ago due to complications related to his weight. His first album Capital Punishment is classic. You NEED that too!!

2005-11-11T15:56:00.000-05:00

Collect Checks or Die Tryin'

Wednesday, I took the time to go see the new "Fiddy" cent Movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. It was real "Gangsta" as we say in the hood (translation: Decent.) It was better than I expected. He really had to show his #%% figuratively and literally. (Yup he's nude in a scene not to my enjoyment.) He had to dig "deep" to express love, fear and pain. Thugs cry. Considering 50 is playing himself somewhat (his character is called Marcus and not Curtis) that was not a real stretch for him as a first time actor. All in all, if you took away the fact that the story based on his life it was an interesting story to portray in film. "Fiddy" as his rich white folk friends love to call him stated on Jimmy Kimmel Live that 75% of the movie is based on this life.

The "snitch" aspect is the film troubles me into thinking that 50 can be the next Tupac. Not in the sense of greatness but a thug getting killed because of the people he associated himself with and possibly offended. I went to the hood to see it. Of course that theater has metal detectors all because of a death during the showing of Godfather in the early 90's. The reaction was real peaceful. Not an outburst. No G-g-g-g-U-not!!!! Nothing. The film had some negaitve references to Supreme, a Queens, NY drug kinpin and Ja Rule. The movie supports the rumor on the street that Supreme is responsible for the death of 50's mom as seen in the film.

In the course of three years 50 has been nominated GQ man of the Year, a musician with multi-platinum success, a label , G-Unit records, with artists with multi-platinum success (the Game, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, G-Unit along with the signing Mase, Mobb Deep, Spider Loc, Olivia and M.O.P.), a watch collection, a video game on the way Bulletproof, a Vitamin water with Glaceau, a sneaker deal with Reebok, a Clothing Line with Mark Echo, an autobiography From Piece to Weight, owns former-Heavy Weight Championship Mike Tyson's $4 million mansion and dated Nia Long and Vivica A. Fox. Dang. I am hating. Besides all of the money that falls into his lap, he still finds time to offend most hip-hop industry artists: The Game, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Benzino, Jadakiss and Nas.

I give the movie 7 out of 10. I found it as good as Paid in Full if not better.

2005-11-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

First Day of School

I have now joined the ranks of my fellow thespians Reality, Mad Robot and Da Wifey. Why did I do it? I am follower. I mean to lead you have to be a good follower. A good listener. A good student.

"I got so much trouble on my mind, refuse to lose," said Chuck D. on Welcome to the Terrordome

What am I doing?

Answer is simple. Long time ago I had a site, a crew and a dream to show love to my passion, Hip-Hop music. It went well. I met a lot of people from Def Squad to Common but I pursued the mighty dollar. Had I stuck to it, we could have been as big as AllHipHop or Sohh . I don't regret my decision at all. I have exposed myself to a lot of change and get ready to take a walk with me.

I am back to my roots. Call me Infinite and this is Hip-Hop 101. I am the student. Class is in session.