All My Tri-State Heads..

I just got word of a couple upcoming shows y'all might be interested in.

The homie Phonte of Little Brother tweeted about two events coming up. The first is for all my tri-state jazz and hip-hop heads. February 27th, Le Poisson Rouge on Bleecker St will be transformed into a multi-genre party, featuring an array of artists led by Phonte himself and guest DJ Geology. Check out the flyer above for more info.

The other is a set of concerts featuring Foreign Exchange (Phontigallo & producer Nicolay), Yahzahrah, Darien Brockington, Zo!, and the Els. The crew will be starting in Baltimore on March 5th then making their way up to New York at the Highland Ballroom on March 8th and Philly on March 9th. Peep the Foreign Exchange website for the schedule and ticket details.

..And remember what I said about Phonte - he's the most under-rated of all under-rated MCs. Ever.

Thanks to the man Tigallo himself for the info, Enjoy if you go!!

One More Chance

This here video just surfaced of Frank White performing "One More Chance" in 1995, off Biggie Smalls: Rap Phenomenon DVD dropping January 27 from Gold Dust Media.

Thanks to Meka for the link, Enjoy!

We Just Don't Stop

.. I felt a certain type of way when I heard the news over at illRoots that organic hip-hop jazz pioneers The Roots are halting touring (temporarily I hope!) since they landed a gig as Jimmy Fallon's in-house band when he steps in for Conan this upcoming spring on NBC.

Now, I've seen the innovative, entertaining hip-hop band three times now but I wish Powerhouse 105.1's concert wasn't the same night back in Oct when the Roots crew rocked with Gym Class Heroes, I would've loved to go. Hopefully they'll do a few more shows around the tri-state so I can catch ?uestlove, Tariq and the fellas before their stint on Late Night.

In light of the news, I've compiled my a list of some random gems from The Roots' deep 15-year catalog that they'll return to performing if Fallon flops, Enjoy!

The Seed (2.0) / Melting Pot / Web [Live]
Album: Home Grown! The Beginners Guide To Understanding The Roots Volume 2

The Seed (2.0)
Album: Phrenology

No Alibi
Album: Illadelph Halflife

Proceed
Album: Do You Want More?!!!??!

Rising Down (ft. Mos Def & Styles P)
Album: Rising Down

Long Time
Album: Game Theory

No More Wastin' Time..

..We can't wait for life
We're just racin' time
Where's the finish line?

I've yet to form my full opinion on Kanye's newest song, which he debuted last night to close out the MTV VMA's. I'm definitely feelin' how it's different different - the R&B sing-song feel with no apparent rapping is growing on me. But, I'll wait until the studio quality joint drops to finalize my comments. For now, all we've got to go with is the live version courtesy of Atari Cool Kids, Enjoy!