KEEP ON LOOKIN UP (TGIF!!)

Happy Friday, people! I just wanted to bless you all with some positivity.

If you are not familiar with the artist Hezekiah, educate yourselves. He's an amazing artist from Philadelphia.

This songs message is my daily mantra. Enjoy the video, listen to the lyrics and don't forget...

KEEP ON LOOKIN UP!!

MIND ON YOUR MONEY: METHOD MAN ARRESTED FOR TAX EVASION

I know I'm a few days late on posting this information. You may or may not have heard...but Method Man was taken into police custody earlier this week awaiting arraignment on Tax Evasion charges. His Lincoln Navigator was repossessed by the department of taxation, after he failed to pay $52,503 in arrears.

This fact yielded a "damn...c'mon now, my dude" from me. We know you're making paper, Meth. How else would you be able to support your infamous marijuana habit? Is the bud SO crazy that you forgot the fact that you need to have an accountant AND pay your taxes?

I hate to see situations like this. It's messy as hell and something that you may expect from a less seasoned artist or celebrity, although it happens to the most successful, established artists around.

smh.

WELCOME HOME, SHYNE...?

Hip Hop artist, Shyne (Jamal Barrow) is expect to be released from prison today. Barrow was originally sentenced in June of 2001, in connection with the infamous 1999 shooting that involved Jennifer Lopez and Sean "P Diddy" Combs.

I just wanted to send some positive thoughts out today in anticipation of this talented brothers release from prison. I'm sure he has endless amounts of new material and I'm looking forward to hearing what's next for him.

Below are the videos for 2 of my Shyne songs. Enjoy & hopefully I can update this post later today with news of his official return home.

UPDATE (10/6/09 -11:21pm)

I've been off line for most of the day and just sat down the computer. Appearently, Shynes release is currently under review. Representatives for the rapper informed MTV News that the Brooklyn MC is being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at an unspecified facility in Western New York State. Officials are determining whether or not to deport the rapper, who was born in Belize, a rep explained.

“Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined,” the rep said in a message to MTV News. Shyne attorney Oscar Michelen emphasized to MTV News on Tuesday afternoon that Shyne has not been released, contrary to media reports.

As if serving 8 years of his life wasn't enough...smfh

R.I.P MR. MAGIC

The fact that hip hop as a culture is losing so many icons that serve as the foundation so frequently is alarming. The news of Mr. Magic's passing truly surprised me. Maybe its because we look at many of the artists and DJ's who have shaped the culture as "super-hero-esque"; untouchable elements that will be here forever. We know that they will live on through their music and contributions, long after their physical lives have ended, but that doesn't make their passing any easier to take.

I hope that everyone takes the time to appreciate those who have paved the way. Without them, many of us would have no path to walk.


Check the link for a rare video & a letter re: Mr. Magic's passing from DJ Premier courtesy of 2dopeboys.com - RIP Mr. Magic

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "KNOW THE LEDGE" - ERIC B. & RAKIM

The songs / videos that I selected for today's Throwback Thursday are the epitome of hip hop classics. You can not go wrong with Rakim, Gangstarr or Black Moon. Each duo / group reminds me of what hip hop is missing right now and I had to show them some love.

Feel free to leave comments or suggestions for Throwback Thursday selections.

Enjoy!!!

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "CODE OF THE STREETS" - GANG STARR

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "WHO'S GOT THE PROPS" - BLACK MOON