More than 85,000 acres and 134 square miles of land around the hills and mountains of the Los Angeles area have been burned in 5 days. 2 courageous firemen have lost their lives. It's been reported that only 5% of the fires have been contained and it's still hot at hell! If there was ever a time for rain, that time is now! About 20 or so houses have been burned, but there are well over 12,000 that are at risk. All of the pollution in the air is a health risk for everyone out here as well. I give madd props to those firefighters putting in work. I addition, I feel really bad about those helpless animals yo! Hopefully this nightmare for many will be over soon!
The homies Bp & Odds are some of the most talented cats I know! Following in the mold of Gang Starr, Eric B. & Rakim, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth, this 2 man crew is making moves! They've got a hot new album coming out, The Medium, set to release October 27! It includes guest features by El Da Sensei and Insight. In the meantime, they have just put out a mixtape entitled The Premium. Click the link below for the free download. Also, check out the adventures of BP & Odds in the videos below. Peace! Download/Stream Here: Bp & Odds-The Medium Mixtape
This morning Guerilla Union released the official lineup for the Cypress Hill Smokeout Festival. Click the flyer to enlarge! Being that I work with them from time to time, I kind of knew a few of the confirmed names for the event, but this is doper than I expected! I'm not a big fan of Slipknot, but I know they have a huge following and will bring the masses out.
All of these bands were appropriately chosen. I am super hyped about Bad Brains and Goodie Mob! I had the pleasure of seeing Goodie Mob about 11 years ago when they were killin it! That's just so dope that even with all of the success that Cee-Lo has had, he's still down to take it back! Bad Brains has always been on my list yo! Geto Boys reunion! What??? That's just insane! Wow!!
I knew that Cheech & Chong were hosting. That's gonna be quite a treat. And you can't front on Sublime. I'm not sure who's taking over lead though, since Brad's been gone forever. With this being a 2 day festival, I'd imagine some more names being added, but if not this will be just fine with all of the other activities going on. Man..get your pre-sale tickets starting September 4!
Madd props to Bdottm for capturing and posting the videos below of Run DMC being honored in their hometown of Hollis, Queens. The block of Hollis and 205th was renamed Run DMC JMJ Way and it was a great ceremony. Check out the videos below featuring the unveiling of the street sign, and Rev. Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay's mom speaking on the honor.
Big L was one of the illest to ever pick up a mic, hands down! Unfortunately he was murdered when he was just coming into his own. Check the trailer below for the upcoming documentary. This looks like it's gonna be dope!
Check the latest video from AWOL One & Factor for the song "Celebrate." It's a pretty simple joint. The video was well done though! AWOL ONE and FACTOR "CELEBRATE"
This kid is my new favorite video blogger. He's very funny and entertaining. It's funny reading the comments because a million people always ask him how old he is. He's 13, and has over 5,000 subscribers. Check him out!
Earlier today DJ AM was found dead in his New York apartment. It's such a shocker to hear, especially after him and Travis Barker survived that plane crash late last year. I had the pleasure of meeting DJ AM on several different occasions and he came off as a very cool and humble person. He was one dope DJ that could cross genres like nothing. Stay up homey!
It was just announced today that the next Felt album, which is a collaborative project between Murs and Slug, will be a tribute to Rosie Perez. The previous releases, Felt 1 was dedicated to Christina Ricci and Felt 2 was a dedication to Lisa Bonet. It was previously announced that Aesop Rock is the producer for this latest project. The first Felt was backed by The Grouch of Living Legends and Felt 2 was crafted by Ant of Atmosphere. I look forward to this being a dope release. Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez will be dropping on November 17, 2009 on Rhymesayers Entertainment.
I love the NBA 2K games. So I'm excited to see this trailer for NBA 2K10, especially since it features Kobe in it. I can't wait to get my hands on this game and whoop the homies up in it!
Krazy Race has been doing his thang for a long time on the LA Hiphop scene. This video is dope and was directed by Charles Bronson. Krazy Race has got a hot new LP out, "Chronicles of a Krazy Race" which was produced by The Ringleader DJ Ace. The album features Sick Jacken, Chino XL, Immortal Technique, Kam, Kahlee, and more. You can cop the album at CDBaby.
A few years ago I attended a KRS-One lecture in which he discussed Hiphop becoming an actual religion. The people in attendance were 50/50 on the words that KRS spoke. Well, now he has taken a huge step in processing this quest. KRS-One has written The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument, which is a 600 page bible which touches on the spirituality of Hiphop. The book is the first release for KRS’ I AM HIP HOP imprint, which is a joint venture with publishing company PowerHouse Books. The Gospel of Hip Hop is set in the format of the Christian Bible and offers readers a “life-guide manual for members of Hip Hop Kulture.”
“It’s definitely controversial because I’m also saying I’m willing to give up my African-American-ness to become Hip-Hop, KRS revealed to AllHipHop.com. “A lot of people don’t like that. They’re like, what the hell are you talking about? I’m saying, well, you know, Black people like to say, or Africans like to say, we are the pioneers of civilization, until we get to America and somehow we stop creating civilization. You got Jamaicans, Nigerian’s, Cubans, Brazilians, everybody claiming Africa but Cuba is different from Nigeria. Nigeria is different from African-Americans but African-Americans are different from Jamaicans etc. Asian’s got their own thing going on so why can’t Hip-Hop rise?"
I don't think I'll actually convert to Hiphop as an actual religion, but I definitely plan on checking the book out to see what it contains. Upon reading a good amount, I will write a review on it in the future. Check the video below!
The Foreign Exchange is such a dope project that I'm glad is continuing between Little Brother's Phonte and Holland bred producer Nicolay. Peep the video for the joint "House of Cards" from their latest album Leave It All Behind.
Ted Kennedy passed away last night at the age of 77 due to complications of brain cancer. He was the youngest Kennedy brother and was known as the "liberal lion of the Senate." Kennedy championed health care reform, working wages and equal rights in his storied career. In August, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the nation's highest civilian honor -- by President Obama. His daughter, Kara Kennedy, accepted the award on his behalf. Senator Kennedy will be greatly missed.
The last few years Ghostface's first single off his upcoming album is on the R&B tip. There is no exception with this one. One thing that's for sure about Ghost is that once the album is released it's gonna be hardcore nonetheless. Check the latest video for "Baby" below.
Bigups to 310 Music for the post of this ill edible artwork! I mean, these a freaking cakes! When I see a cake like these, it's so beautiful that I don't even want to cut it and mess it up! I've yet to actually try one of these, but I think I'll have to order one next time I have a big party. They come in french vanilla, double chocolate, and red velvet. Check out I Believe It's Cake for info on getting your hands on one of these masterpieces!
So Janelle Riopel of St. Paul, Minnesota was so hyped up over the Minnesota Vikings' acquisition of Brett Favre that she obtained a goat with the intentions of sacrificing it in the name of Brett Favre. Now that is funny! It was painted Vikings purple and gold, and had Favre's #4 shaved on its head. Apparently the Riopel had taken her car to get serviced with the goat still in the trunk. After telling the mechanic of her intentions, he decided to call the local animal control. The goat was seized and put into a shelter. Appropriately enough, the goat was renamed Brett. Riopel and Sonny Yang of LaCrosse, WI have been charged with two misdemeanor counts related to mistreatment to animals.
Major Lazer has been tearing up the dance circuit this Summer. Peep the latest video for the dancehall inspired song, "Pon De Floor." This video is madd silly. It was directed by Eric Wareheim, from Adult Swim’s Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job. He also directed Flying Lotus' "Parisian Goldfish" video, which featured some of the same characters in this video. Just to let you know, this is not exactly safe for work!
Bigups to Paper Chaser for uploading the brand new Raekwon video for "House of Flying Daggers." It is all animated and very graphic! Gotta love that grimy Wu-Tang ish! Peep it!
Check the video below for Felix da Housecat's ode to the Purple one, "We All Wanna Be Prince." This is a very entertaining video. The only problem I have with it is that Perez Hilton's wack ass is in it. But word, peep it!
The latest joint off Raekwon's upcoming LP, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II just dropped! Check out the Dilla produced "10 Bricks" featuring Cappadonna and Ghostface Killah. This is some straight fire ya'll! Bigups to 2dopeboyz for the upload. The album drops on September 8. Download/Stream Here: Raekwon- 10 Bricks feat. Cappadonna & Ghostface (prod. J Dilla)
This one is for all my Star Wars geeks out there! Star Wars in Concert is currently on tour. They will be in Anaheim on October 1st and 2nd and in Los Angeles on October 7th and 8th. For other cities, please check the website. The concert will feature a symphony orchestra and choir performing composer John Williams' music from the six "Star Wars" films. The performances will be narrated live by C-3P0 actor Anthony Daniels and accompanied by a three-story-tall high-definition screen displaying movie footage synchronized to the live music. There will also be an exhibit of Star Wars costumes, props, artifacts, production artwork and specifically created behind-the-scenes videos from the Lucasfilm Archives. Many of these pieces are leaving Skywalker Ranch for the the first time.
Now I definitely find this interesting, however, I wouldn't pay for something like this. If I had the hookup though, I would definiely go for the heck of it. But word, I'd imagine that this will most likely sell-out. Peep the video below!
I'm a huge fan of kung fu movies! Ninja Assassin looks to be a pretty dope one! Check out the trailer below. Also, visit the official website. The movie comes out November 25.
The homegirl was just sporting this shirt a couple of days ago yo. I found it very funny, and I'm sure it has been selling well. It was designed by the good folks at Freshjive. They've got lots of dope fits. Check em out! Kanye is an amazing artist, but he definitely does do too much damn whining!
These are my favorite commercials on tv right now. Nike presents The Hyperizers, which is a spoof of a Hiphop group consisting of NBA ballers going by the names "Fog Raw"(Mo Williams),"Ice-O"(Rashard Lewis),"Chief Blocka"(Andre Iguodala) and "Velvet Hoop"(Kevin Durant). DJ Quik made the dope track and appears in the video as well. They take it back with the jheri curls, brick sized cell phones, and shiny clothes. Peep the complete video below, which was cut up into several different commercials.
So before DJ Hero and Scratch hit major video game platforms, I-Play will be releasing Hiphop All-Star for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. It is a DJing game that features new music from the likes of Kool G Rap, Slim Thug, and Busta Rhymes, among others. There will even be an option to go head up with other people who have the application on their devices. Check the promo video and the tracklisting below. Props to Examiner for posting this.
Green Lantern & Busta Rhymes “Where’s My Money” Mya “Let’s Go to War” Slim Thug “Smile” Kool G Rap “”G’d Up” Unk “She’s Freaky” Kid Cudi “Any Love” Ray J “She’s Freaky” Jason Nevins “Bring it On Back” DJ KO “Hip Hop All Star” Greg Nice “Hip Hop All Star” DJ Eclipse “Cut The Record” DJ Serafin “When the Party Started” DJ Eddie James “Turn it Up,” “Real Hot” Ike Lees “Turn It Up” Alana “Turn it Up” Scarchild “Bring it on Back”
Canadian Hiphop crew Swollen Members are back on the scene after several years of inactivity. They've got a new album coming out on October 13, 2009. It's entitled Armed To The Teeth. It's to be distributed through Battle Axe Records and Suburban Noize. Tech N9ne, La Coka Nostra, Talib Kweli, Moka Only, Saafir, and Krondon guest appear on the LP.
Apparently group member Madchild was battling a very serious drug addiction and was put under heavy government surveillance for his Hell's Angels association.
Download the first couple of releases, "Warrior" and "Red Dragon" below. Also, read the quotes from Madchild about his struggles. It's good to see Swollen Members back on it! Check the album cover and tracklisting below as well!Download/Stream Here: Swollen Members- "Warrior" Swollen Members- "Red Dragon" Madchild's Story: "It's been a crazy few years for not only me, but also Swollen. I was in a very bad state for the last three years; drugs and an abusive lifestyle had gotten the best of me. I was severely addicted to Oxycontin, doing just over twenty 80mg pills a day, which equals the strength of about 320 Percocet pills. I became public enemy #1 with the cops due to my association with Hell's Angels and other clubs and was under constant surveillance with wire taps, etc. There was a time when I couldn't leave my house without being confronted by the cops. At least 3 or 4 police vehicles would show up every time I left the house," says Mad Child. "And with a diet of two quarts of ice cream a night, I gained a lot of weight and slipped into a very dark place. I was basically living in my theater room for the last two years and spent over half a million dollars on pills. I wasn't paying attention to my business affairs either so I lost two million dollars over the course of my addiction. I went from living the high life with girls, money and parties to watching movies in my theatre and being a zombie with only my dogs to keep me company. What I now realize is that I put the lives of many people on hold during my addiction. There are a lot of people that count on me and I know I let them down. Thank God I have a studio in my house and an amazing group who never abandoned me. The only good thing that came out of the last three years is the album we are about to drop."
Here We Come
Warrior (feat. Tre Nyce & Young Kazh)
Kyla
Bang Bang (feat. Tre Nyce & Young Kazh)
Reclaim the Throne (feat. Tre Nyce & Young Kazh)
Meltdown
My Life
Certified Dope
Bollywood Chick (feat. Tech N9NE & Tre Nyce)
Posse Cut (feat. Krondon, Talib Kweli, Phil Da Agony & Tre Nyce)
The Cypress Hill Smokeout Festival is back in effect as several years of hiatus! Acts have been confirmed, but are yet to be released. Enjoy the teaser flyer.
Usain is insane! After just breaking the 100 meter world record, now today Usain Bolt of Jamaica broke the world record for the 200 meters with a time of 19.19! He broke his previous record of 19.30. Man..this dude just slaughtered the competition. Check out the video of the race below
Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress has pled guilty to illegal possession of a weapon and agreed to serve time in prison. Burress pleaded guilty to one count of attempted criminal possession of a weapon, a lesser charge than he initially faced. Under a plea agreement, he agreed to a two-year prison sentence and two years of supervised release.
Last year Burress stupidly carried the handgun into the Latin Quarter nightclub in New York, and inadvertently shot himself in the leg. The gun was unregistered in New York. After this situation occured, his former teammate Antonio Pierce drove him to the hospital for treatment. Plaxico made an attempt to disguise his identification as someone else, but obviously that didn't work.
So, after several months of negotiations, Plaxico will indeed be doing some hard time. Whether or not he'll ever play again in the NFL will definitely be up in the air upon his release. The Super Bowl winning receiver will more than likely get some calls. He will probably do about 14-16 months of his term. I wish him the best. Peace
Check the video for The Returners, which is a group consisting of 2mex, Die The Hunter, and Stacey Dee. Their album, Break Up Your Make Up, will be released soon on Strange Famous Records. It features guest appearances from P.O.S., Busdriver, Grayskul, Awol One and many more. All production is handled by Deeskee. This video came out a while ago, but I forgot to post it. It was directed by the homey Daniel Anthony. Well done!
Radiohead is back with a dope new joint, "These Are My Twisted Words." That's one band that I still need to see live. I love their style. Stream the video below, and also click the link for download below. Download Here: Radiohead-These Are My Twisted Words
The mighty Brother Ali just uploaded this track, "Fresh Air." It's the first official single off his upcoming LP, Us. Brother Ali just keeps coming with that heat. The album drops on September 22. Pre-orders are be taken here.
Mid-City Arts Gallery is a dope spot in LA where you can get your graff fix on! I've yet to go, but I've been meaning to hit it up. Below is a short video, which highlights their 1 year anniversary show that recently took place.
For the last few years, Peanut Butter Wolf has made a tour of different LA area clubs. He's really been setting it off the last couple of years with his video mixes. This year is the 999 tour in which Peanut Butter Wolf will go on a 9-night tour of the 9 area codes stretching from Los Angeles, Orange County to the Inland Empire. Each night PB Wolf will do rock different genres of music from the 90's. Below is a press clipping from the Stones Throw website, what PBW will be playing, tour dates and location, how to dress 90's as well as a very entertaining promo video! This is gonna be fresh. I'm definitely gonna have to hit up at least a couple of these spots. If you haven't seen Peanut Butter Wolf rock a video set yet, then you've got to check it out! The first night, at Pomona's Glass House, Sep. 1, will be a Stones Throw showcase with Mayer Hawthorne, Dam-Funk, Rhettmatic and Pase Rock. The final night, Sep, 9th, is a party we'll be announcing in early September.
"999" follows in the tradition of Wolf's 888 and 777 events in the past two years, and an all heavy metal DJ set for 6/6/6 in 2006. (909)Tue 1st: Stones Throw Showcase at Glasshouse, 200 W 2nd St, Pomona CA. ALL AGES. (323)Wed 2nd: Low End Theory at Airliner, 2419 N Broadway, Los Angeles. 18+ $5 (562)Thu 3rd: Party Weirdo at Club 149, 149 Linden, Long Beach. 21+ $5 (626)Fri 4th: Footwork at The Terrace, 443 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 21+ $9.99 (213) Sat 5th: FYF Fest at Los Angeles Historic State, 1245 N. Spring, L.A. ALL AGES $15 A/$20D (949) Sun 6th: Lovemade at Detroit Bar, 843 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA. 21+ $5A/$10D (951) Mon 7th: More Fire Mondays at Sevilla, 3252 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA. $10 (714) Tue 8th: The Continental Room, 115 W Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA. 21+ FREE (310) Wed 9th: Private Party with special guest DJs to be announced. PLAYING: Acid Jazz, Backpack hip hop, Big beat, Brit pop, Cheesy R & B, Commercial rock, Country rock, Dancehall reggae, Death metal, Drum and bass, Freestyle, Gangsta rap, G Funk, Goth industrial, Golden age hip hop, Grunge, Hip house, Indie rock, jiggy, Jock Jams, Keep it real hip hop, Miami Bass, Neo soul, New jack swing, Rave, Sexy house, Shoegaze, Southern rap, Speed metal, Skater punk, Ska revival, Swing revival, Techno, Teen pop, Trance, Trip hop, Turntablism, UK Garage.
WHAT TO WEAR: How about airbrushed overalls with one side down. Cross Colors. Boy London metal hats. a rayon suit with a turtleneck sweater. Tommy Hilfiger. Phillies Blunt t-shirt. a colorful rugby shirt. Rayon pants. polka dots. a denim button up shirt with a flower print tie and White Sox and X baseball cap. All shirts MUST BE tucked into those stonewashed jeans and show off those belt buckles and high top fades and gumbys. No backwards jeans allowed. There's only one Kris Kross.
Jamaican born sprinter Usain Bolt just keeps is pushing! At today's track and field world championships he set the world record for the 100 meters at 9.58 seconds! At last year's Beijing Olympics, he had previously set the record with 9.72 seconds. The runner up, Tyson Gay wasn't too shabby himself, setting the American record with a clocking of 9.71 seconds. Bolt is just on a planet of his own right now though. And he's only 22, which means he can get even faster! Peep the video below.
This video for Modest Mouse's joint, "King Rat," was directed by now deceased actor Heath Ledger. Ledger actually died before the video was actually put together, but he came up with the idea and drew up the storyboard for it. The Masses, a film and music company that Ledger was a partner in completed his vision. It's a trippy song and an even trippier and graphic video, but it does have a message. The song is from Modest Mouse's latest EP, No One’s First, And You’re Next. Check it out!
Yesterday Cory Miller aka C-Murder was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for his 2002 beating and fatal shooting of a 16 year old fan. This was a retrial from a previous guilty conviction in '03. I believe that life without parole is excessive. 25 years would be feasible. This is definitely unfortunate for C-Murder and his family, however, you've got to think about the family of the victim.
I'm sure the fact that Miller was a successful black rapper played a role, as well as the victim being a minor. Also, he had a previous conviction in which he pleaded no contest to two counts of attempted murder in a separate altercation at a nightclub in Baton Rouge in 2001.
Well, the producer for Felt 3 has been revealed. It's none other than Aesop Rock! I definitely didn't see that coming, but it's dope nonetheless! Now who the album is dedicated to has yet to be determined, although Murs makes a reference to Pam Grier in the joint. So we'll see if that's a clue or not. Peep "The Protagonists", below. Word Download/Stream Here:Felt-Protagonists
Acrylick has got some of the freshest gear around. If you're in or around the LA area, go on down to their store in Glendora and get some fresh fits for 40% off. It started today and goes until August 22nd. Word!
Today is Earvin "Magic" Johnson's 50th birthday! Magic has been highly successful on and off the basketball court. He is one hell of a businessman with his own TGI Friday's franchises, Fatburgers, clothing line, movie theater and many other business ventures. He has also overcome the challenges of living with HIV. Keep it up Magic man!
Wow, nobody saw this coming! Michael Vick is now an Eagle and the backup QB to Donovan McNabb. It's gonna be interesting to see how he is used. The first year of the deal is for $1.6 million with an option for the second year at $5.2 million. Andy Reid is a great coach to deal with this situation. I wish Vick the best of luck with his new team.
This is a short clip of an MTV interview with Ghostface. He confirmed rumors of a collaborative album between him, Method Man, and Raekwon. Ghost says that they're hoping to release the album by the end of the year, but don't count on it. We all know that Wu albums never come out when they say they will, but hopefully it does go down.
Congratulations to Mysonne for winning the loud.com record deal contest. Check the video below for the joint that got him the most votes entitled "Hmmm." Kid is definitely nice on the mic. The song is coo and rather funny. He gets a few digs in on Kanye, Rick Ross, and Lil' Wayne. My vote went to Fashawn, but I get it. Mysonne has more commercial appeal.
Daz is back with a video for his newest track, "Life Stagez." It's one of those cruising around the block type of joints. Peep it! Also, there is a link below to download the track. Download/Stream Here: Daz Dillenger- Life Stagez
So last Saturday night was the Hard Summer Fest. It's a huge rave with lots of big names. Well, it got chaotic and was shut down early by the cops and fire department due what they said was overcrowding and several other issues. SWAT team arrive in full riot gear and cleared everyone out by midnight. The show was scheduled to go until 4am. Check the videos below. Bigups to URB for the dope interviews of the attendees.
Former Laker and assistant coach Kurt Rambis has agreed to a 4 year, $8 million deal to become head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many thought that he'd eventually take over for Phil Jackson upon his retirement, however he'd been getting much considerastion for several openings. I wish Kurt much success with the T-Wolves. They've got a long road to go before they can get it together again.
Bigups to Emcee Maka for uploading this dope video of Nas & Damian at Rock the Bells this past weekend. He also uploaded many of the previous videos I posted. Peep it!
Coming soon will be Felt 3, which is the collaboration between Murs of Living Legends and Slug of Atmosphere. The first Felt album was a tribute to Christina Ricci and Felt 2 was a tribute to Lisa Bonet. They were both produced by Ant of Atmosphere. It is a mystery who will be the producer and who this LP will be dedicated to. There will be clues coming this week on the Felt Facebook page.
Peep the brand new video for Ann Arbor, Michigan native Mayer Hawthorne, entitled "Maybe So, Maybe No." In this video, Hawthorne hits up different hot spots around LA such as the Venice Beach boardwalk, Fat Beats LA, and The Do-Over. Mayer Hawthorne is the hottest artist coming out of the Stones Throw camp right now, and has a really dope soulful vibe. Be on the lookout for his upcoming LP, A Strange Arrangement , which will be released this fall.
