Sunday, May 31, 2009
Fell In Love With H.E.R.. Again
Nope, I'm not talkin' about a PYT in my life. Don't fret ladies, I'm still single :-D
I'm talking one of my original loves, "Hip-Hop in its Essence is Real" as Common eloquently put it on his '94 classic song. I hit up the Black Star reunited show at Nokia Times Square and it reminded me how much I really do love hip-hop despite all the hate and negativity permeating the art form nowadays.
Mos & Kweli possessed an on-stage vibe that conjurs hip-hop's glory days as they rocked tracks from the Black Star LP in addition to solo joints from their respective careers. I was one of 2000-something rhyming along with the duo during what's sure to be one of 2009's best concerts, period.
The good folks at OGHipHop posted the video up top, while YN flip-cam'd the later show to post on Rap Radar.
I'll leave y'all with the footage and suggestions of new music that's carrying on tradition. If you need help finding these projects, hit me up. Enjoy!
Check the CBox for all songs -->
J Dilla - Jay Stay Paid [Posthumous Dilla album compiled by Pete Rock]
Sneak Peak:
Fire Wood Drumstix ft. MF Doom
Marco Polo & Torae - Double Barrel [Coming out Tuesday, cop that]
Sneak Peak:
Party Crashers
Tiye Phoenix - Half Woman, Half Amazin' [Dropped last week, I love this LP !!]
Sneak Peak:
Master Plan
Mixtape of the Day:
Download T.I & MLK - A Year & A Day
Random Hits:
Check the CBox-->
Jaspects ft. Senor Kaos - Fallin'
T.I. ft. Kanye West & B.o.B - On Top of the World (Unreleased Version)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
We The Lions, You The Cheetahs
Lupe Fiasco - Fire
Mos Def - The Ecstatic (Snippets)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Birth of the Cool
Today would've been jazz legend Miles Davis' 83rd birthday.
Let's celebrate with one of my favorite songs from the bebop trumpeter's extensive collection, "Godchild" from his early days, Enjoy!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Still Kickin'.. And Groovin'
In between flippin' from the Mets dramatic win over the Red Sox to the first half of this Lakers/Nuggets, I spotted some fly kicks throughout the 'net that dropping within the next couple months. Check out the various Nike releases below, thanks to SneakerFiles and Extra Butter for the info.
I've also been digging up some old goodies throughout the night. One disc from my digital vaults that I revisited is The New Groove - The Blue Note Remix Project. This 1996 compilation features reinterpretations of jazz classics from Cannonball Adderley, Grant Green, & Horace Silver among others by some of hip-hop's greatest producers like Easy Mo Bee, Large Professor, and Diamond D.
Now I'm not gonna offer up the entire CD (that'd be TOO easy), but what I will do is post a couple of my favorite picks. If you're really interested in this project, I'll help you find it.
Time to get watching the 4th quarter of the Lakers/Nuggets, Enjoy!
The New Groove - The Blue Note Remix Project (1996)
Track List:
01 - Donald Byrd & The Angel - Kofi
02 - Cannonball Adderley & Large Professor - Hummin'
03 - Noel Pointer & DJ Smash - Living For The City
04 - Gene Harris & Guru - Listen Here
05 - Ronnie Laws & The L.G. Experience - Friends & Strangers
06 - Grant Green & The Ummah - Down Here On The Ground
07 - Ronnie Foster & Diamond D - Summer Song
08 - Lonnie Smith & Spearhead - Move Your Hand
09 - Horace Silver & Easy Mo Bee - The Sophisticated Hippie
10 - Bobby Hutcherson & The Roots - Montara
11 - Jacky Terrasson & The Angel - Mixed Feelings (The New Groove)
Mixtape of the Day:
Cassidy, DJ Thoro & Big Mike - Apply Pressure (Mixtape)
Can I Kick It?
Nike Air Force 1 '07 White/Team Red-Black
Nike Air Max Light - White / Dark Red
Nike SB Dunk Low Premium White Gum Soles
Nike Air Max 1 - White / Red - Grey June 2009 Quickstrike
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday Night Lights (Out)
The internets were all sorts of buzzin' today about this clip of blog-whore Charles Hamilton gettin a knuckle sandwich from his ex-girl/jumpoff/manager/whatever she may be. Sonic got a lil' too personal for shorty's liking, so she jabbed his jaw pretty heathily. I don't blame her - I'd wanna punch anyone wearing a stuffed Pink Panther on his forearm, too.
Even though I do enjoy some of his music, this goes beyond that - I don't condone airing people's personal business out like that. I think she has every right to rock his grill, dude seems like a straight asshole to shorty when he thinks he's funny, but he ain't. Plus, it makes for some of the best Twitter chatter in a minute.
Got some new music, course. Three new Eminem freestyles with Tim Westwood showin' he still has some skills, two new Wale tracks (one with a host of MCs and the other an unfinished album track) and the official "All The Above" reeeemix equipped with a revamped Just Blaze instrumental.
Throw in the full demo to Madonna & Weezy's collabo (that's growing on me, listen by listen), and tracks from T.I., Donny Goines, Nore featuring DJ Webstar, Torae & Marco Polo, & U-N-I and we've got ourselves a full Friday night.
Shouts to LowKey, Shake & Mike for the heads up on the Em frees, Necole Bitchie for the hilarious Sonic footage, and a gang of others for the random tracks, Enjoy!
Donny Goines ft. Che Grand & Izza Kizza - She Likes
Eminem - Alchemist Freestyle
Eminem - Chonkyfire Freestyle ft. Mr. Porter
Eminem - Respect My Conglomerate Freestyle ft. Mr. Porter
Madonna - Revolver ft. Lil' Wayne [Demo Version]
Maino ft. Young Jeezy & T-Pain - All The Above (Remix) prod. Just Blaze
NORE ft. DJ Webstar - So Hot
Torae & Marco Polo ft. Sean P & Masta Ace - Hold Up
T.I. - Hell Of A Night (DJ)
U-N-I - Land of the King
Wale ft. Peedi Crakk, Young Chris, Black Thought & Tuphace - Hot Shyt
Wale - Magic (Unfinished) prod. Best Kept Secret
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I Loved College (2004 Edition)
.. So even tho I received my undergrad diploma from Rutgers University back in the winter, I'm finally walking today for the actual ceremony.
Of course, I'm rushing out the door. Well, my family is rushing me, but I had to post somethin' real quick for my loyal readers.
This here is a collection of tracks that I was into my freshman year, so these represent the start of the beast four years of my life. I tried to include a lil' something for everyone, from the club bangers I used to play while DJing to some more sentimental, nostalgic deep tracks.
Congrats to all my fellow Rutgers grads and best of luck to all my readers grinding hard to get their degrees, you can do it.
I'm off to the ceremony, Enjoy!
Download (In one .rar file)
I Loved College (2004)
Brother Ali - Self Taught [Champion EP]
De La Soul ft. MF Doom - Rock Co.Kane Flow [The Grind Date]
The Diplomats - Crunk Muzik [Diplomatic Immunity 2]
Eminem - Mosh [Encore]
Fabolous - Breathe [Real Talk]
Foreign Exchange - Be Alright [Connected]
Ghostface ft. Jadakiss - Run [Pretty Toney Album]
Ill Bill - What's Wrong With Bill [What's Wrong With Bill]
J-Kwon - Hood Hop [Hood Hop]
Jadakiss ft. Nas, Common & Styles - Why (Remix) [Kiss of Death]
Jay-Z - The Threat (DangerMouse Remix) [The Grey Album]
Jedi Mind Tricks - Before The Great Collapse [Legacy of Blood]
Jim Jones ft. Cam'ron & Jay Bezel - Certified Gangstas [On My Way To Church]
John Legend - Ordinary People [Get Lifted]
Kanye West - School Spirit [College Dropout]
Lil' Jon ft. Lil' Scrappy - What U Gon' Do [Crunk Juice]
Lil' Wayne - Go DJ [Tha Carter]
Lloyd Banks - On Fire [The Hunger For More]
Ludacris - Blueberry Yum Yum [Red Light District]
Madvillain - Strange Ways [Madvillainy]
Mos Def - Sex, Love & Money [The New Danger]
Masta Ace - Revelations [A Long Hot Summer] Murs - Freak These Tales [3:16 The Nine Edition]
Nas - You Know My Style [Streets Disciple]
Outerspace ft. Chief Kamachi - Divine Evil [Outerspace]
Postaboy - God By My Side [DJ Kay Slay - The King Iz Back]
Talib Kweli - Going Hard [Beautiful Struggle]
T.I. - Bring 'Em Out [Urban Legend]
R.A. the Rugged Man - Lessons [Die, Rugged Man, Die]
Redman ft. R. Kelly & Jay Z - Da Banger [Gillahouse BC 4]
The Roots - Don't Say Nothin' [The Tipping Point]
Saigon - Come Again [Warning Shots]
Sean Price ft. Joe Budden & Buckshot - Hot 97 Freestyle [Donkey Sean Jr.]
Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell - Drop It Like It's Hot [R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece]
Terror Squad - Lonely [True Story: Bonus Tracks]
Twista ft. Bun B & Mike Jones - In 'Yo Cadillac [DJ Smallz - Southern Smoke 12]
Twista - Slow Jamz [Kamikaze]
Young Buck - Shorty Wanna Ride [Straight Outta Cashville]
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Breakfast Club
12) Closer Prod. by Dame Grease
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Still Got It.. Kinda
I had to address it after my various rants.. Relapse.
To sum up my thoughts on: It's aiiight. Em seems to be even crazier sober, but definitely not as consistent as he's been. There are some gems on it, namely "Old Times Sake" with Dre, "Beautiful" and "Hello." But there's too many songs that lack replay value like "We Made You" and "My Mom" and I really can't get passed that accent, I'm sorry.
However, between the Nick Cannon and Mariah reference and insest-filled, drug-coated stories, Em does show signs of his Shady self. I think "Deja Vu" is one of his realest - resembling a 2009 "The Way I Am" - and he's at his most murderous on "Underground."
I surely didn't have high expectations, so I was pleasantly surprised overall.
Thing is, if Em keeps rapping like in this video on Tim Westwood's show, Relapse 2 could be a problem.
Thanks to RR for the "freestyle" video, Enjoy!
Covering the Classics
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Move to Brooklynati Today..
Monday, May 11, 2009
iPod Classics: 2nd Letter
I mentioned it before, but in case you forgot or you're new (sup y'all?!), I've been going through my iTunes playlist in my spare time to load up the best tracks on my new 120GB iPod classic.
It's turning out to be quite a damn task, mostly due to working full time and studying for this test. It's all good, though. I can squeeze in a second for some good music and to say what's up to everyone.
I thought I'd share with my readers some of what I've got so far. I'm going alphabetically, so I'm only on "B," Enjoy!
Check the CBox--->
B.o.B. - Ghost In The Machine
Barrington Levy - Here I Come
Beanie Sigel - Feel It In The Air
The Beatles - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Ben E. King - Stand By Me
Big Boi ft. Sleepy Brown - The Way You Move
Big Daddy Kane - Any Type Of Way
Big L - Put It On
Big Punisher ft. Fat Joe - Twinz (Deep Cover '98)
Black Milk - Bounce
Black Sheep - The Choice Is Yours (Remix)
Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way
Black Star - Thieves In The Night
Blu - Get It Now
Bob Marley - Trenchtown Rock
Bone Thugs & Harmony - Days Of Our Livez
Boyz II Men - Water Runs Dry
Brother Ali - Self Taught
Bruce Springsteen - Atlantic City [Hey, I grew up on Bruce.. C'mon, I was white and living in Jersey LOL]
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A Blog For Mama
I'll keep this concise 'cause you want to spend as much time with Mom as possible today.
I know that without the love and support of my mother, I wouldn't be who I am today. Sometimes I take for granted what she's sacrificed for me and my siblings, but I really have been trying lately to let her know that I'm thankful for all she's done.
To those whose mother's have passed, I will say a prayer because I know she's somewhere smiling. Be strong.
HFTB would like to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day. To celebrate, here are five tracks paying tribute to all the women that have given the gift of life.
Now go tell Moms you love her, Enjoy!
Check the CBox--->
1. Boyz II Men - A Song For Mama
There were so many times
Lookin back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me and tell me
I can face anything
2. Kanye West - Hey Mama
I know I act a fool,3. Nas - Dance
But I promise you I'm going back to school
I appreciate what you allowed for me
I just want you to be proud of me
Thinking of how amazing she was
A angel gave me love
I'm thankful, to ever know a women so real
4. Talib Kweli - Momma Can You Hear Me?
The rain is gone, now I can see you clearly
Momma, I love you dearly
Momma, I need you near me
'Cause the sun goes down every night
And your son don't go down without a fight
5. Tupac - Dear Mama
There's no way I could pay you back
But my plan
Is to show you that I understand
Friday, May 8, 2009
Give It To Me Right..
.. Or don't give it to me at all!
Okay, it's safe to say I'm obsessed with Melanie Fiona's sound - and you should be, too. Girl can SANG! Plus, she gave me a kiss on Twitter once so I'm forever in love.
I've heard the Toronto native's lead single "Give It To Me Right" all over and my iPod has been giving heavy play to the sampler to her upcoming debut The Bridge, due out this summer on SRC/Universal Motown.
Above is the official video for "Give It To Me Right" and below is taste of a new track, "Island Boy."
Thanks to Honey Soul for the heads up and the good homie Nick for the DL link, Enjoy!
Check the CBox --->
Melanie Fiona - Island Boy
Mos Definitely Excited
I mean, how can you not be? It's Friday, the sun is shining, and we've got some new Mos Def for y'all to check out.. I know I'm excited.
Up top is a video of Might Mos' performance from the Cape Town Jazz Fest, running through some classic jazz numbers by John Coltrane and David Axelrod.
We've also got a brand new track from the talented Brooklyn MC, "Casa Bey" off that upcoming LP The Ecstatic.
Shouts to the good homie Ian at Notes from a Different Kitchen for the vid and Broken Cool for the audio, Enjoy!
Mos Def - Casa Bey
Thursday, May 7, 2009
10 Blogs That Vibe Missed
I'm not saying my blog should be anywhere near the Top 50, I just do this in my spare time as a hobby and don't shoot for accolades. But, there are some well-deserving blogs that should be recognized on such a list.
So here they are, 10 Blogs that I read regularly that got the shaft by Vibe.. In no specific order:
Dart Adams'
digial pen game is better than 99% of the bloggers out there, let alone on this mediocre list. So what he doesn't post "exclusive" MP3's or mixtapes? Does that make him any less of a rap blog? Fuck outta here.Okay, so it's not your typical "rap blog" but can you exclude it because it posts different stuff than the 75% of New Music Cartel-copy cats out there? I think not. Plus, a blog called "Twankle & Glisten" made the cut.. At least AG could slide in at #50.
The JTTS crew doesn't just post and bounce, they take the time to write about their opinions and the 100 Greatest Rappers of all Time countdown they have is going to be a great topic of discussion. Plus, contributing writer Sleezy Trees is F'in hilarious.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A Thousand Words..
Random Hits
AZ - Get Money
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Mr. President
Kardinal Offishal ft. Akon - Teaser
Mixtape of the Day
Download:
Monday, May 4, 2009
Song For The Moment: The Roots
Is anybody listening, without a pot to piss in?
Friday, May 1, 2009
Rutgersfestivities
+
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Even though I graduated back in October, I still haven't walked for graduation so I can still technically consider myself a student.
Okay, maybe not but let me use that logic to party like one.
Today is the biggest celebration of the year for Rutgers alum's and students, and pretty much anyone in the state who wants to party. I went 3 of my 4 years in school, it's pretty damn cool - they set up shop in a huge field by our football stadium and I'd say around 25-30,000 people show up at any given moment IF not more.
This year we've got performances by Ryan Leslie, Motion City Soundtrack, and N.E.R.D. but that's just an excuse for an all-day, city-wide party.
Before I head out, I had to share in the celebration by posting some tunes from R Les and N.E.R.D.
For anyone in Jersey today, you'll know where to find me - roaming the streets throughout Rutgers and looking for some PYT's and good times. No Asher Roth, Enjoy!
Check out the CBox --->
N.E.R.D. ft. Lee Harvey & Vita - Lapdance
Ryan Leslie - Gibberish
N.E.R.D. - Time For Some Action
Ryan Leslie ft. Jadakiss - How It Was Supposed To Be
N.E.R.D. - Rock Star