It's Almost Here..

.. Christmas, the best day ever, that is. And just for my loyal readers, I'll be running thru these holiday albums and others here at the office to bring you the first annual HFTB Christmas Mix: Feelin' The Spirit tomorrow..

So stay tuned!

Ready For A Christmas Eve Storm

.. Not the snowstorm that's predicted for Jersey on Christmas Eve, but my new BlackBerry Storm that's on order to be shipped by Wednesday.

Due to some, err, alcohol-induced events on Saturday, my BBerry Curve is, for lack of a better phrase, out of commission. An since Verizon planned well for the high-demand holiday season (sense the sarcasm?), I have to wait for them to ship the Storm.

I don't think I've gone more than one day without a phone since I was about 16, not to mention it's probably the worst possible timing to not have a phone. But alas, salvation will come a day before the good Lord is born and hopefully I'll be celebrating a Storm on Christmas Day.

Currently, I'm working on putting together a compilation of my favorite holiday songs for your listening pleasure. I'll have that out before the 25th just in time to get into the spirit.

For those that don't celebrate Christmas, I'm wishing you a Happy Hanukkuh or Kwanzaa or whatever you choose to observe. As far as my phone, I'm gonna say a couple prayers and hope for the best.

For now, Peace!

Feelin' The Spirit

.. The Christmas spirit, that is. Before I get my ass in gear to finish up my holiday shopping, I wanted to spread some musical cheer.

When you think of hip-hop holiday music, the lackluster Dipset tapes and ridiculous Ying Yang Twins debauchery usually come to mind - but not today, my friends. I spotted a worthwhile project over at Kevin Nottingham's blog by producers Danimal & L.a.k.i.m. where they properly flip some Christmas classics to make some really cool beats.

Simply titled the "Christmas Beat Tape," you'll hear interpretations of "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland" & "Greensleeves" and the like. I really dig some of these instrumentals and I hope y'all do too.

I've posted the track listing and download link below. Once again, thanks to K Nottingham, Enjoy!

Danimal & L.a.k.i.m. - Christmas Beat Tape

1. Christmas Greetings from Biggie
2. The Joy of Christmas
3. Special Gifts
4. Deez Chestnuts Roasting
5. Let It Snow
6. Yellow Snow
7. How The Warriors Stole Christmas
8. Christmas Glitch
9. Christmas Vacation (Just Relax)
10. Xmas in the Tropics
11. Holiday Decorations
12. Chopping Down The Tree
13. Rest On
14. Winter Wonderland
15. The Grinch (aka Greensleeves)
16. Driving Home
17. The Greedy Kid
18. Dilla's Christmas Upstairs
19. Rapper Big Pooh Is Santa Claus
20. X Equals
21. Return of the Grinch (Boom)
22. Santa's Other Helpers
23. At Christmas Time
24. Christmas Eve
25. The Fresh Princemas

Jay-Z Resigns from Def Jam, R.I.P. Oscar Peterson

First things first - Merry Christmas to all

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Now, the Daily Swarm reports that Jay-Z will step down from his presidential position at Def Jam when his contract is finished this year. The Jigga man said he wanted to pursue some new challenges.. more power to him!

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In other news, famed Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson passed away at the age of 82 this weekend according to AP and the NY Times. Peterson, who recorded with Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, was called a "virtuoso" and a "technical and creative master." His career spanned over five decades, with Duke Ellington referring to him as the ''Maharajah of the keyboard" and Count Basie once said ''Oscar Peterson plays the best ivory box I've ever heard.'' Check out the video to hear one of his performances with Nat King Cole.

Hope everyone has a blessed holiday season, I'll be back with my Best and Worst of '07 picks before the new year starts... Peace!

[love life]