YOU BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND...(Video*)

Happy Monday, everyone! It's a new week, the sun is shining and I'm feeling G-O-O-D!

This is kind of a random post, but this song is a classic. Stevie Wonder is the truth and this performance took place on Sesame Street so it's only right that I show it some love, hahaha.

The kids chillin in the background, the band smoothly killing it and Stevie going IN on the keys...c'mon man. You don't see performances like this anymore (unless you search through Youtube.com)

Enjoy!!

C'MON SON #4 ....(LOL)

I know I'm late posting this...but I couldn't let it go without sharing with those who may have missed it.

Ed Lover is a mess...hahahaha

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "FIND a WAY" - A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

"forever or however you want it...word word"

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "POOR GEORGIE" - MC LYTE

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "A TEENAGE LOVE" - SLICK RICK

R.I.P ROC RAIDA

RIP ROC RAIDA

A few days ago I had gotten the news of Roc Raida being in an accident. After the recent death of DJ AM, my first thought was "what is going on!? why are so many talented people being hurt or losing their lives".

Receiving the news that Roc Raider has past, as a result of that accident breaks my heart.

Below is a screen shot of a recent "tweet" from Busta Rhymes regarding Roc's passing.

There is also a link to allhiphop.com where you can read more information on this tragic situation, as well as Roc Raida's history.

Respect & Appreciate every day that you have on this earth. Tomorrow is promise to not one of us.

Blessings!



Allhiphop.com Article on Roc Raida's Passing here

MOS DEF x TALIB KWELI x JAY ELECTRONICA x BOSTON ( Show Review*)

I know that the show was a few weeks ago, but better late than never...right? lol

Anyhow...

On September 8th, 2009 The Ecstatic Tour touched down at Boston's House of Blues and was welcomed by a sold out crowd.

Jay Electronica hit the stage first and brought it alive with the type of humours personality one may not have expected from such a serious lyricist. I was pleasantly surprised to witness the repour he built up with the crowd between songs, as he welcomed several people to join him during his set.

Next up, Talib Kweli who took off where Jay left off and KILLED it. At this point...the tone was set...everyone was eagerly awaiting the Mighty Mos. What followed was a little unexpected, but still enjoyable, in my opinion (various people would beg to differ, I know, but hey...this is my blog and this is my damn opinion...lol)

The lights dimmed...then slowly came back up, with a spotlight on an orange drum set to the right. Over walked Mos Def who then stood behind the drums and proceeded to rap & play simotaneously, with his two DJ's cutting and scratching, center stage. At this point, it was pretty clear that we were in for something "different". Me, personally...I'm all for different. There's nothing exciting or entertaining about standard things. Hip Hop shows are no exception and appearently Mos Def feels the same way.

As his set continued, with his birdcage microphone tightly grasped, he performed the songs that many of us love the most and as a tribute to Michael Jackson (leather loafer shoes and all), he fused many of MJ's classics with his own. The show was a healthy mix of new and old and was full of soul and artistc expression. He wasn't doing what he was "supposed to do", he rocked that show as he saw fit and those who were open-minded enough to enjoy it, did so.

Talib Kweli eventually joined Mos onstage for a Blackstar reunion of sorts, which brought back the feel hop classic 90's hip hop that we all miss and love so much. The chemestry that these two posess isn't often matched and their set left me longing for a second Blackstar album.

This show was an living example of musical progression, to me. It brought out the new (Jay Electronica), paid respect to the foundation (Michael Jackson tribute), revisted what we love (Blackstar) and brought us up to speed with where your creativity will take you if you aren't held back by commercial restraints.

Below are some flicks from the show.

Enjoy!

TIMBERLAND ABINGTON 09 FALL COLLECTION @ CONCEPTS

My good friends at Concepts invited me the launch event for the Timberland Abington boot Fall collection (Abington is Timberland’s original company name and features classically styled high end footwear).

This event also featured photography by 13th Witness, who's work can been seen in the Timberland Abington look book. Sounds were provided by Bobbito Garcia and Futura.

Greedy Person Sidenote: This party also featured some of THEE best hors d'oeuvres & strongest cocktails that I have ever eaten in my life. I left, totally satisfied on all levels : )

Fall 09 Abington boot collection is currently available at Concepts.

Shout to Deon @ Concepts for the invite. I had a great time!!

iStandard Showcase Comes To Boston

well, Quincy, really...but close enough.

If you are a producer & would like to be considered for participation in this event, check the links below and tell em I sent cha! Good Luck & I'll see you there!!


Boston @iStandard Producer Showcase Oct 20/21

http://tinyurl.com/ispboston Info http://twitpic.com

Shout to J. Hatch & Don Di Napoli

GOLDEN (Happy Saturday Post!!)

I woke up this morning, to the sun in my eyes and this song popped into my mind.

The last few weeks have been kinda hectic for the kid. I've been moving and such. But I'm settled in and very excited about things.

The blog entries will be back to normal very soon.I hope that EVERYONE reading this is out there, living their life like its GOLDEN. You only get one...enjoy it to the fullest and don't let ANYONE steal your sunshine!!

Peace.

THAT'S WORD. I'M NOT THE HERB. UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M SAYIN!?

I just had to run this track back, for no other reason that to emphasize the songs greatness. Ghostface is timeless. I dare someone ... anyone to disagree.

Download "Mighty Healthy" Here (if you didn't already have it, you should put yourself on a time out for 5 minutes before you listen to it)

RELATIONSHIP THERAPY W/ MURS (Boston Show Review*)

Being the insatiable hip hop fan that I am, I wasn't about to allow complete physical and emotional exhaustion keep me from attending a show. After all, I'd worked hard to come up with the proper response to the Paradise Rock Club's tweet: Tell us why you LOVE the Murs and best answer will win a pair of tickets to their concert on Wednesday!!!

The person running The Paradise's twitter account may not have know that Murs was a solo artist, but it didn't matter to me...I was curious and I wanted those damn tickets. The fact that John Forte was also performing was a bonus.

I'd seen Murs on various Mtv Jams commercials, heard a few of his songs and always wondered exactly what his deal was.

I responded to the Paradise Rock Club's "tweet" and the next day I received a DM (direct message) informing me that I'd won tickets to the show (my response to their question was: @ParadiseRockClb : "I LOVE Murs b/c he has continued 2 remain true 2 HIMSELF creatively throughout his entire career, instead of conforming")

Fast forward to the night of the show...

I was tired. The evening before, I was sceaming at the top of my lungs at the House of Blues for the Ecstatic Tour (feat. Most Def, Talib Kweli & Jay Electronica)...and found myself expelling what was left of my energy well into the early hours of the morning with my "significant other"(let your imaginations run wild...)

I slept a total of 4 hours before waking up, only to have what was left of my positive energy pulled from my body before I'd even had time to welcome the new day.

By the time 6pm had rolled around, not just my body, but my soul ached. All day I'd been questioning whether or not I truly felt up to attend the show. The majority of my friends had gone to the Mos Def event the night before and were completely exhausted and the ones that hadn't gone to the show just didn't seem enthusiastic about checking for Murs.

As 7pm neared, I started to convince myself that it wouldn't be that big of a deal if I missed the show. But the fact that I'd gotten the tickets for free and had never seen Murs rock echoed in the back of my mind.

Around 7:50PM I jumped on the MBTA (Bostons train system) and made my way over to the Paradise, on some lonely only type sh*t...except I wasn't all that lonely.

I figured that I would either see someone I knew there or enjoy the show on my own and be free to appreciate it fully without having someone chit chatting in my ear about random things unrelated to the show.

I walked up to the ticket booth, gave the girl behind the glass my I.D and got my tickets. As soon as I turned around I was greeted by my good friend and fellow promoter, Edgard of So Good Entertainment. We talked for a moment and then walked into the club together. As we entered the main room John Forte was still on stage...acoustic guitar in hand, locks and lyrics flowing (ladies: he is even MORE beautiful in person that you can imagine and his voice is as soothing as the most warm bath water). I was happy to see that I hadn't missed him completely. He performed one more song and talked about how happy he was to be free again. The crowd cheered as he closed his set and welcomed Murs to the stage.

For those of you who may not have ever seen Murs live...it is truly an experience. He is full of energy, personality and LIFE.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but from the second he hit the stage it was ON.
His set included the songs "Silly Girl" (feat Joe Scudda), "Break Up (the OJ Song)", "The Pain", "Me & This Jawn", "Love and Appreciate II" and "A Part of Me". Each song detailed a vivid description of relationships and situations that Murs had experienced in the name of love and I truly found myself connecting to the songs, thinking "WORD!! I feel you on that, 110%".

Although I'd questioned even going to the show, at this point, I was really happy that'd I'd made it there... as a fan of music and as a person dealing with the ups and downs of relationships. It's interesting where you will find solice & insight...the sources are not always conventional. I never would have thought that I'd leave a Murs show feeling emotionally uplifted...but I did. And in addition to that, the show served a purpose that all shows should...it made me want to hear more of his music and learn more about him as an artist.

My bottom line is this: Murs is THAT dude. Who needs Dr. Phil or Dr. Drew...Murs is FAR more effective, less annoying and totally on point. Think I'm lying? Check the song below...lol


DOWNLOAD - The Break Up (Murs) here

DON'T FORGET...

COP THIS TOMORROW!!!!

(and by "cop" I mean PURCHASE!!)
Check the OB4CL2 Site here

that is all.

TOP PRIORITY: THE ECSTATIC TOUR HITS BOSTON

Mos Def's "The Ecstatic" tour touches down in Boston tomorrow evening (9.8.09) @ The House of Blues. This tour celebrates the release of Mighty Mos' album, "The Ecstatic" which was released on Downtown Records on June 9th, 2009. Jay Electronica joins Mos on the tour, along with Talib Kweli and Erykah Badu on select dates.

Check up coming tour dates below & if you're in Boston tomorrow keep an eye open for the kid
; )

9/8 | Boston, MA | House of Blues
Get Tickets

9/16- Baltimore, MD- Sonar
Get Tickets

9/17 | Philadelphia, PA | The Electric Factory
Get Tickets

For complete tour dates, check out:
www.gardengrown.com
www.guerillaunion.com
www.myspace.com/mosdef

DRAKE FACES HIS FEARS (DOWNLOAD)

Word on the street is that this track is the only new one that will be found on Drake's "So Far Gone" EP (scheduled to drop on September 15th*). I'm not sure how I feel about that fact, but I do know that I love this song.

"I think I'm scared of what the future holds, I was wishing for some things and now I'm used to those, every girl I met thinks I'm fucking groupie hoes, the honesty in my music has left me too exposed"

Download: "Fear" by Drake, produced by DJ Khalil HERE

JAY-Z's "D.O.A" FOR DUMMIES

The good people of FUSE have taken it upon themselves to break down the lyrics of "Death of Autotune" for those of you who may have missed the point on the first go 'round. Consider this a one on one tutorial for the lyrically impaired...no disrespect intended...


JAY-Z, "D.O.A" from 'The Blueprint 3'

Only rapper to rewrite history without a pen
No I.D. on the track let the story begin...
begin... begin

I (JAY-Z) am known as one of the few MCs that can create intricate rhymes without jotting anything down. This is a reminder of how impressive that feat is...

No I.D. is the producer for this song. He is also known as the man who helped mentor multiplatinum selling phenom Kanye West. He's good, and that's why I am bragging about having him on my album.


This is anti-autotune, death of the ringtone
This ain't for iTunes, this ain't for sing-alongs

Auto-tune is a product that alters your voice to make it sound in-pitch with the song. I don't like it! It's too popular! This is a song is dedicated to the streets. Gangsters care not about digital sales!


This is Sinatra at the opera, bring a blonde
Preferably with a fat ass who can sing a song

Kanye West has said that I am a modern day Frank Sinatra, and the idea of me at the opera is a metaphor for me versus my competitors. I am super tough and tower above the competition!


Wrong, this ain't politically correct
This might offend my political connects

Henceforth, I shall recklessly abandon subtlety.


My raps don't have melodies
This sh*t make jackers wanna go n commit felonies
Ah, get your chain tooken
I may do it myself, I'm so Brooklyn

My music provides the soundtrack for crime, yet as a resident of Brooklyn, I am no stranger to crime. This is not unlike the seedier elements of my fanbase.

I know we facin a recession
But the music yall makin gonna make it the great depression

Your music gives me sadface.


Ah, or your lack of aggression
Pull your skirt back down, grow a set man

Please stop being a girl and grow a pair already.


Ah, ah... this is just violent
This is death of autotune, ah moment of silence
la da da da... hey hey hey goodbye

Please take a moment to mourn the current state of hip hop and R&B. I plan on ushering in a new era of music.


Only rapper to rewrite history without a pen
No I.D. on the track let the story begin...
begin... begin

Holdup, this ain't a number 1 record
This is practically assault with a deadly weapon

I will, again, firmly assert my street cred. My music caters to ruffians.


I made this just for Flex and Mr. Cee...

I created this track for the streets. Funkmaster Flex and Mr Cee are two famous mixtape DJs that would enjoy this type of song.


I want n*ggas to feel threatened
Stop your blood clot crying
The kid the dog everybody dying

Violent imagery! My Jamaican side tells you to stop being a wuss.


No lyin, you n*ggas' jeans too tight
Your colors too bright, your voice too light
I might wear black for years straight,
I might bring back Versace shades,

You are so wimpy! Where is the threatening/dangerous element? I don't care for your fashion sense and intend to wear an opposing outfit in protest!


This ain't for Z100
'Ye told me to kill yall to keep it 100

Z100 is dedicated to pop radio in the New York area. I do not wish to be associated with the station or its music. Kanye told me to give you 100% of my "edgier" side.


This is for Hot 9-7
This here's for Clue, for Khaled, for we the best in

This is strictly for hip hop radio! In addition to the previously mentioned Funkmaster Flex and Mr Cee, this is a song also caters to DJ Clue and DJ Khaled. I will repeat my assertion of superiority.

N*gga this sh*t violent
This is death of autotune, moment of silence...

la da da da... hey hey hey goodbye

Only rapper to rewrite history without a pen
No I.D. on the track let the story begin...
begin... begin

Holdup, this sh*t need a verse from Jeezy... ay!

I might send this to the mixtape Weezy

Young Jeezy needs to rhyme on this! I will repeat his calling card, "ay!", to prove how well I know his music. I am also debating on giving the instrumental to Lil Wayne for use on his very popular mixtape series.


Get somebody from BMF to talk on this
Give this to a Blood, let a Crip walk on it

These lines denote my understanding of gang culture.


Get me foul to style on this
I just don't need nobody to smile on this
You n*ggas singin too much,
Get back to rap you T-Pain'n too much

To reiterate: You, wimps. Jigga, tough. Please start rapping and quit emulating T-Pain. It bothers me.


Ah, I'm a multi-millionaire
So how is it I'm still the hardest n*gga here?
I don't be in the project hallway
Talkin' bout how I be in the project all day
That sounds stupid to me,
If you a gangsta, this is how you prove it to me

How can I be so loaded, yet I am still harder than all of you street toughs? What gives? Please make better, edgier music. This is how you can earn my respect.


Yeah, just get violent
This is death of autotune, moment of silence

la da da da... hey hey hey goodbye

Only rapper to rewrite history without a pen
No I.D. on the track let the story begin…
begin... begin

A BREATH OF "FRESH AIR" (TOUR DATES)

The Folks of Rhymesayers are sending their home team on the road. Check the 2009 "FRESH AIR" tour dates featuring Brother Ali, Evidence, Toki Wright & BK-One.

See you @ The Paradise!!

09.22 – Duluth, MN – Pizza Luce
09.23 – Mankato, MN – What’s Up Lounge
09.24 – Iowa City, IA – The Industry
09.25 – Sioux Falls, SD – Nutty’s North (Outside)
09.26 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
09.27 – Lawrence, KS – Granada
09.29 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
09.30 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
10.01 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
10.02 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
10.03 – Boise, ID – The Venue
10.04 – Missoula, MT – The Badlander
10.06 – Spokane, WA – The Boulevard
10.07 – Seattle, WA – Neumo’s
10.08 – Victoria, BC – Element
10.09 – Vancouver, BC – Venue
10.10 – Bellingham, WA – The Nightlight
10.11 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
10.12 – Eugene, OR – WOW Hall
10.14 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt State University
10.15 – Reno, NV – The New Oasis
10.16 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
10.17 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
10.18 – Santa Clara, CA – Avalon Nightclub
10.20 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
10.21 – San Diego, CA – Cane’s
10.22 – Tempe, AZ – Club Red
10.23 – Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
10.24 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
10.26 – Lubbock, TX – The Foundation
10.27 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
10.28 – Austin, TX – Emo’s Alternative Lounging
10.29 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
11.01 – Orlando, FL – The Social
11.04 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
11.05 – Baltimore, MD – The Ottobar
11.06 – Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church
11.07 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
11.08 – Boston, MA – The Paradise
11.09 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
11.10 – Portland, ME – The Asylum
11.11 – Northampton, MA – Pearl Street
11.13 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
11.14 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s Music Diner
11.15 – Louisville, KY – Uncle Pleasants
11.17 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig
11.18 – Chicago, IL – Metro
11.19 – Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre
11.20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

BACK TO SCHOOL W/ GHOSTFACE KILLAH (GFK'S WIZDOM of the WEEK #3)

Ghostface's 'Wizdom of the Week' #3 from 2dopeboyz.com on Vimeo.

I have a special place in my heart for Ghostface. I can't tell you how many of his songs express EXACTLY what I feel in relation to a good number of situations, especially relationships...which is interesting simply because I'm a woman.

If there is ANY member of Wu that seems to "get it" when it comes to the opposite sex, its Ghost (take that statement however you wish...lol).

In this vlog entry, he schools the men on ways to keep your woman happy. I find it to be sound advice...and Lord knows some of yall need that in your life, like ASAP. LOL

THROWBACK THURSDAY: JAY-Z EDITION

In anticipation of BP3| Blue Print 3 (although I know the majority of you thieves have already downloaded it...LOL), I wanted to show some of my favorite Hov songs some blog love. I'm truly excited about the release of the album and this is the first time in ages that I've held off on downloading an album until the actual release date. Talk about an act of self control...

Anyhow, enjoy my Throwback Thursday offerings and feel free to toss a diamond up...


Can't Knock The Hustle


Feelin It


Dead Presidents