+ DOWNLOAD: Melanie Fiona “It Kills Me” +
Download via Blind I. Melanie Fiona is my pick for #musicmonday. What’s yours?
In an interesting turn of events (*gasp* another coincidence?!), the Rhapsody advertisement for Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 (released today) recreates past iconic Jay-Z album covers. To quote tastemaker Steve Pristin, “Blueprint 3 Commercial > Blueprint 3 Album”. It’s an impressive feat to put out a one minute advertisement that eclipses an entire album. Record breaking, indeed. While I agree the concept and execution of the ad is a good look, I find it amusing that the only album cover not recreated is in fact BP3 – after all, how would that logistically work? Actually, it could have been an opportunity for redemption if they had hired a talented tech savvy designer to excavate and expose the multiple layers of history and music contributing to the BP3 schema. However, it’s clear by now that Jay-Z’s marketing camp is invested only in keeping up appearances so there’s no point in speaking hypothetically about what will never happen. I apologize for the impenetrable sarcasm and haterade — the next entries will come from a loving place, I promise. This highly unanticipated album has already leaked two weeks before it’s scheduled release date and the reviews are far from surprising. Save a few tracks here and there, even Jay-Z’s most loyal ride or die fans are waving the white flag in surrender…but let’s not beat a dead horse, hip hop marches forth largely unaffected. Download here.
The devastatingly premature loss of DJ AM or Adam Goldstein has left an already heartbroken music community speechless and perplexed at the fragility and temporality of life itself. After reading through a number of reactions from DJs, emcees, artists and loyal fans inspired by and indebted to DJ AM’s career, I sense a quiet rage swelling as 2009 continues to claim the lives of many of our musical heroes (and beyond) from Michael Jackson to Titus Baatin Glover. How do we keep finding ourselves here? A place of perpetual mourning and disbelief. The slow and deeply personal process of grieving hardly allows for one to fully grasp (if that’s even possible) the death of one person let alone four or five or six within a short span of nine months. For those of us with no intimate relationships with these artists to remember (beyond moments their music and/or art somehow influenced or affected our lives), we might use these critical times to celebrate their individual and collective contributions to the world both as committed artists and loving people. Some of us find ourselves struggling to come to terms with the complex causes of death (which are many and I don’t pretend to have an understanding of the proper contexts or personal histories that inform them). From mental health to drug addiction, there are aspects of fame and celebrity (and life in general) that we push to the furthest corners of conversation or flippantly dismiss as bourgeois problems to ignore or laugh at. In the end, we (as society) are our own punchline when death is the only catalyst for our deeper reflections (and gestures of love and concern). We should not wait for the worst of circumstances to take hold before expressing interest in each other’s health, well being, and livelihood. Like many others, I found DJ AM’s parting tweet haunting in it’s truth: “New York, New York. Big city of dreams, but everything in New York aint always what it seems” – if anything, let us reflect on the circumstances of the untimely deaths of MJ, Baatin, and DJ AM and move forward with fire and urgency to take care of one another before it’s too late. My thoughts and blessings are with the families and loved ones. I leave you with Michigan hip hop emcee Invincible echoing a similar sentiment in the wake of the tragic passing of Baatin. Lastly, please take the time to read DJ Atrak’s thoughtful words on the life, career and legacy of DJ AM HERE. Rest in peace and power, DJ AM — Baatin — Michael Jackson.
Filed under: Good Looks, Hip Hop | Tags: google eyes, jay electronica, live, the ecstatic tour, vermont
Among my close circle of friends, I’m known for doing a mean (as in accurate but highly exaggerated) impression of Cassie’s monotone/generic singing style and forced bedroom eyes “exotic” sex appeal. Apparently, the joke is on me because after all I’m dedicating an entire post to the release of her latest clothing line. To steal a quotation from an old professor’s facebook profile (*fml*), “half of life is figuring out which contradictions you’re willing to live with” so let’s consider Cassie one of those irreconcilable paradoxes. Earlier this week, I browsed some preliminary shots from the Dime Piece x Cassie Autumn/Winter 2009 colleciton via Diddy’s twitpic archive and today I visited the official look book via boopiece Jillian (check her out!). While I’m not sold on the “upscale” facelift of punk rock/grunge nostalgia (that includes a strange sampling of flannel prints, clear plastic mini-skirts and knee-high white patent leather dr. marten’s), I fancy the well ventilated mixed-material sweatshirts equipped with hoods deep and wide enough to hide when necessary. I’m a sucker for the mesh lining and flattering cut. The accents (blinged out clear frames, acrylic nails and chunky bracelets) don’t hurt either. I’m interested in the placement of chains on the shoulder draping down both arms although the pose and parachute pants invoke a faux-Egyptian “exotic” aesthetic that warrants concern. I can dig an oversized black scarf matched with a neutral sleek blazer. While I would agree that some of the other pieces work on Cassie, I think they’d look awkward and contrived on other women who don’t have teams of stylists at their disposal. What are your thoughts? Would you cop any (dime) pieces? Visit the website and have a hearty laugh at the “About” description. First line: “DimePiece is a lifestyle and brand aimed at catering to all the boss bitches dipped in sauce.” Sigh, don’t get me started on the watered down “pussy power” feminism of this brand. Oh and cover your ears, her joint “Let’s Get Crazy” may cause irreversible damage. Peep:
+ Browse the official Dime Piece x Cassie Autumn / Winter 2009 Collection +
Filed under: Hip Hop | Tags: kanye west, lil wayne, rap radar, drake, forever, nah right, eminem
+ DOWNLOAD: Drake feat. Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Eminem “Forever” (prod. Boi-1da) +
We might be breaking records this week for the number of leaks! I kept my expectations fairly low for this “all star” collaboration precisely because their names alone generate enough hype to get by on mediocrity. However, Eminem’s superior performance and Drake’s hard hitting hook is giving me a run for my money. Can we agree that Drake’s wordplay “like a sprained ankle / I’m nothing to play with” is particularly hilarious in light of recent events? Meanwhile, Ye continues to recycle the same old tired “stuck my dick in this life until the bitch came” tricks. Wow, Yeezy, never heard that one before (add healthy serving of sarcasm). With no end in sight to his megalomania, we can expect nothing less than boring “big fame / big chain” American dream stories until we’re blue in the face. Nothing interesting to say about Weezy’s contribution — qualifies as a throwaway verse if you ask me. According to Rap Radar and Nah Right, this is the wrong master of the song (a remastered version will be available tomorrow) so you can expect updated reactions when the next iteration drops and I’ve marinated in the music. Leak via Rap Radar. Photos via ThisIs50.com and Nah Right.
Filed under: Friends'n'Fam, Good Looks | Tags: c+ jewelry, chris mueller, dj brainchild, gordon gartrell radio, house of cards, matt koza, muhsinah, phonte, the foreign exchange
In addition to Gordon Gartrell Radio “Phonte states the facts, Brainchild spins the tracks” airing Episode 15 of their on-going podcast series, Phonte tweet-released the video for The Foreign Exchange’s “House of Cards” directed by Matt Koza featuring Muhsinah. Unlike the majority of popular hip hop music videos (whose themes and dissonant storylines never seem to be in dialogue with the music itself), Koza manages to artfully enhance and compliment the lyrics and mood of the song by crafting a hauntingly beautiful narrative that brings new meaning to the “house of cards” motif. I should also note that Muhsinah is showcasing the super fresh 2×2 neon yellow lego earrings from my SUPER homie Chris Mueller’s jewelry line C+ (who loyal Buggin’ Out readers should already be familiar with but click HERE if you’re still in the dark). Peep:
Listen to Foreign Exchange and Muhsinah. Support C+ Jewelry. Tweet props to Matt Koza.
Filed under: Good Looks, Hip Hop | Tags: dam-funk, guru, hvw8, red, stones throw records, the man without the machine
When this video first hit YouTube in December of 2008, it spread like wild fire across the interwebs. I vividly recall being sent the link to this curious parking lot G-Funk beat boxer (we now know as Red “The Man Without The Machine”) countless times by folks who were equally impressed with the rather casual and understated display of his immense talent. Aside from anonymous YouTube haters, Red “The Man Without The Machine” has rightfully won over the hearts (and savvy, discriminating ears) of Stones Throw Records who released the original version of the joint “I Should Tell Ya Momma on You” (showcased in his YouTube debut behind the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery) alongside Dam-Funk’s supreme remix. Here is a description of the track taken from Stones Throw’s site: “Equal parts G-funk, California Soul and Hobo Street, the song features full musical accompaniment created only by Red. The natural funk and flow struck a chord with an international audience representing a true Cali sound. In this era of T-Pain and excess studio production, the video showcased an almost forgotten musical form with no auto-tune or talk-box, only the beating of his chest and the hum of his throat as a bass kick and snare, and highlighted by signature vocals and original rhymes, this was Red – The Man Without The Machine. Stones Throw’s resident funk maestro Dam-Funk remixed the track into a West Coast funk classic.” Shout out to FWMJ for re-igniting the Red flame via Twitter this week. It would be a mistake not to support a heavyweight talent in an era of lightweight auto-tuned poorly-produced emcees who struggle to sustain one note. In the words of Guru, respect the architect:
Filed under: Friends'n'Fam, Good Looks | Tags: aaliyah, aaliyah revisited, afta-1, black einstein, dj caps, jesse boykins iii, marsha ambrosius, nikko gray, soul culture, vula
Today marks the eighth anniversary of the tragic passing of R&B ’s leading lady, Aaliyah Dana Haughton. As a tried and true Aaliyah fan, I want to recognize and celebrate the impressive body of work she shared with the world — a necessary ritual of healing and remembrance. While nothing can compare to the listening experience of Aaliyah’s original music, I am excited by SoulCulture’s 2009 tribute EP Aaliyah Revisited that compiles “ten of today’s progressively soulful artists’ recorded interpretations of their favorite Aaliyah songs”. “Available immediately as a free download package, Aaliyah Revisited contains eight songs featuring indie soul artist and occasional Brand New Heavies vocalist Sy Smith (currently providing backing vocals for American Idol), Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius, rising London soul talents Tawiah and Baby Sol, NYC-based beauty creator Jesse Boykins III, Danish R&B/Soul sensation Jonas, saccharine Basement Jaxx vocalist Vula, London-based producer Black Einstein, plus international future starlet Nikko Gray with California’s ‘cosmic conductor’ AFTA-1.” Overall, I dig the project but specifically the tracks contributed by Jesse Boykins, Marsha Ambrosius, Vula, and Nikko Gray/AFTA-1. I appreciate the joints that reinvent the original sound while staying true to it’s essence (ugh, I never succumb to vague buzz words like “essence” but I can’t think of a synonym that works here). Download it and let me know what you think. For those of you who are still in need of solid and comprehensive Aaliyah mixes, check out DJ Caps’ Aaliyah Tribute Mix that features all the classics in a smooth and soulful medley. Enjoy:
Rest in peace, Aaliyah. We miss you.
Filed under: Hip Hop | Tags: 10 bricks, 9th wonder, cappadonna, catalina, dr. dre, ghostface, house of flying daggers, lyfe jennings, method man, only built 4 cuban linx ii, raekwon
In celebration of #musicmondays (yes, twitter hash tags have infiltrated my everyday vocabulary), it’s mandatory that I re-post the abundant Raekwon leaks that have restored balance in hip hop cyberspace. From the “House of Flying Daggers” video drop featuring Inspectah Deck, Ghostface, and Method Man laced with J Dilla production to the raw “10 Bricks” track featuring Ghostface and Cappadonna to “Catalina” featuring Lyfe Jennings with bulletproof Dr. Dre production — who isn’t counting down the days until the HIGHLY anticipated release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II on September 8th?! For those of you who aren’t sold yet, get your ears checked. Excuse my hostile tone but as @9thwondermusic argued earlier, “if hip hop doesn’t stand up for this album then I just don’t know!” I’ve been listening to these snippets all day on repeat and I will continue to do so until September 8th rolls around. Download the goods and enjoy:
+ DOWNLOAD: Raekwon “10 Bricks (prod. J Dilla)” feat. Ghostface & Cappadonna
+ DOWNLOAD: Raekwon “Catalina (prod. Dr Dre)” feat. Lyfe jennings
