Off Da Radar

Blu Colla Workers - Blu & Exile

2008-04-13T01:04:00.000-04:00

I'll be the first admit that when Blu & Exile's album Below The Heavens first came out last summer, I really didn't see what the big fuss was about. At the time it seemed like every blog that followed underground hip hop was giving these guys what seemed like the ultimate praise, and to be honest I really wasn't feeling them like that. It's hard to critique a album after just one listen, but unfortunately that's the treatment that Below The Heavens got from me. It was a one and done situation for me.

After the new year I decided to give Blu & Exile another try. While I'm still not completely sold on the album as a whole, this album definitely was a good, solid effort. The album has grown on me and now I listen to the album almost daily. What I dig the most about this album is the frankness and honesty expressed in Blu's lyrics.

Above is the video of one of my favorite songs from their album. Enjoy!

To Whom It May Concern...

2008-03-24T15:57:00.001-04:00

First off I want to say thanks for all the emails that I received expressing concerns over my whereabouts, lack of posts, etc. Also a special thanks goes out to those bloggers that kept checking out the page for updates that were nonexistent. An extra special shout out goes out to those who don't give a shit; I feel yall, sometimes I don't give a shit either.

I've been keeping very busy these days. Besides being a single mother and full time employee of the gub'ment, I've decided to take my black ass back to school. As if life wasn't already stressful enough, I've gone back to thesis statements for APA style papers and math equations that stump the hell out of me. Oh, did I mention that I've been out of school for like ten years? Terms like citations, APA, order of operations and the like were like speaking Russian to me. I definitely needed to study hard to bring me back up to the college level.

So that's basically what I have been doing, sharpening my writing and math skills while also taking classes to fulfill my degree. So excuse me if this blog isn't a first, second, or third priority anymore. It will be a priority again, maybe when I feel like I'm on top of my study game. There may be some post here and there, please bare with me. As it is now I barely have enough time to visit the many wonderful blogs on my blog roll, let alone the blogs that I've bookmarked.

I also want to say that I'm sorry it took me so long to post this, but this really has been on my mind for the longest (I had the intention to post this months ago).

P.S. I know I'm trifling, so what!

On the look out : Soon to be released

2008-02-07T12:29:00.000-05:00

9th Wonder & Buckshot ~ The Formula

Release date : 4/15/08

Label: Duck Down Records

Tracklisting and credits for The Formula (all songs produced by 9^th Wonder):

1.) Intro-The Formula ft/ The Formula Crew

2.) Ready (Brand New Day)

3.) Be Cool ft/Swan

4.) Go All Out ft/Carlitta Durand

5.) No Future

6.) Hold It Down ft/Talib Kweli and Tyler Woods

7.) Whassup with U ft/Keisha Shontelle

8.) Only For You (Lou)

9.) Just Display

10.) Here We Go

11.) Throwing' Shade

12.) Shinin' Yall ft/Arafat Yates and Big Chops of M1 Platoon

13.) Man Listen

Check out the first single from 9th Wonder & Buckshot's second collaborative effort The Formula.

Go All Out ~ Buckshot & 9th Wonder ft/Carlitta Durand

Kidz In The Hall ~ The In Crowd

Release Date: 4/29/08

Label:Duck Down Records/Major League Entertainment

THE IN CROWD FEATURES APPEARANCES BY THE CLIPSE, COOL KIDS, GYM CLASS HEROES, PHONTE, SEAN PRICE, BLACK MILK, BUCKSHOT, MASTA ACE, CAMP LO

Tracklisting and credits for The In Crowd (all songs produced by Double-O):

1.) Intro

2.) Blackout ft/ DJ GI Joe

3.) Paper Trail ft/Phonte

4.) Driving Down The Block (Low End Theory) ft /Masta Ace

5.) Lucifer's Joyride ft /Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes

6.) Snob-Hop ft /Camp Lo

7.) The In Crowd ft/Tim William

8.) Let Your Hair Down ft/Skyzoo and Lil Eddie

9.) Midwest Thang Pt's 1 &2 ft/Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and Fooch (co-produced by Black Milk)

10.) Mr. Alladatshit

11.) Sean,Na, & Buck ft/Sean Price and Buckshot

12.) Life I Know

13.) Driving Down The Block Remix ft/The Clipse and The Cool Kids (Bonus Track)

Here's the first single from Kidz In The Halls' sophomore effort The In Crowd

Driving Down The Block (Low End Theory) ~ Kidz In The Hall

Nikz Says: Hip Hop IS NOT DEAD!!! Quit complaining and look for real music!

Off Da Radar Spotlight : Hero

2008-01-29T22:45:00.001-05:00

Artist: Hero

Craft:Hip Hop/Soul

Album: Hero

MC: E-Dot

Producer/Vocalist: Darp Malone

Label:Thirsty Music

Hailing From:Canada

HERO gives us two such legendary figures. Introducing artist/producer extraordinaire Darp Malone and the incredible word-smith E-Dot (who has previously worked with Mr. Complex, The Chapter, Loer Velocity and released singles on Ill Bill's Uncle Howie Records). These two long time collaborators have finally combined their efforts on a full-fledged scale to create a sound that is nothing short of amazing. HERO's music is honest and passionate, so wonderfully sincere and effortless.

They have no capes or pantyhose, just soulful ballads and aggressive compositions. Somehow HERO manages to easily combine substance and intricate wordplay with moving melodies and catchy refrains.
Together as HERO, E-Dot and Darp Malone's music utterly transcends time without the abuse of trends and propaganda. Upon first listen one comes to realize that the future is upon us. The time is now, and they are here. Embrace them, witness the conquest; and don't take them for granted. Album release date is February 26th.

Tracklisting and credits for HERO (all songs produced by Darp Malone):

1.) Mogadishu (co-produced by Donnan Linkz)
2.) Be Aware
3.) Trust ft/Loer Velocity
4.) Feel Good ft/Loer Velocity & Verbal E

5.) What We Gonna Do ft/Sage
6.) Breaker
7.) They Don't Care ft/Wordsworth

8.) On My Side

9.) Denial

10.) Lonely Sunday
11.) All About

12.) Walk On

13.) Take Me Away

14.) Take Me Away (Reprise)

15.) Blame Me

Check out the videos both directed by Javier Goin.

Mogadishu

Be Aware

Rhymefest & Just Blaze in the studio

2008-01-20T16:02:00.001-05:00

Rhymefest left this treat over on the OKPlayer boards. Btw, what the hell happened to Just's blog?

Easy Listening

2008-01-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

pic from myspace

Whatever You Want ~ Little Brother (Get Back Bonus Track)

What else is there to say, but I heart Little Brother!!! Even though he raps about not getting his props, Big Pooh's rhymes are always on point to me. As far as Phonte goes, he's one of the best lyricists of all time (imho), plus he sings and is funny as all get out.

pic from fnfradio.mypodcast.com

Gold Watch ~ Lupe Fiasco (The Cool)

Lupe is so on point in his second & third choruses (so much that I swear he was a fly sitting on the wall) -"With my ghetto broad and she's so plain/ gotta couple scars and one of those long names/ she'll fight a nigga and cusses with no shame/and her ex-man had her bagging up cocaine." Yep, this was me in the early to mid 90's (minus the visible scars and the long name), running wild and reckless.

pic from jivemagazine.com

Love Thirst ~ Jean Grae & 9th Wonder (Jeanius)

This track right here is one of the main reasons why I say Jean Grae is one of the most underrated MC's of our time. I love this track, so sexy without being overly explicit. I be awaiting her new album with 9th Wonder.

Assata aka Joanne Chesimard

2008-01-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

Trailer for the movie Assata aka Joanne Chesimard

There is no doubt about me seeing this flick, as Assata Shakur is on the top of my favorite heroine list. The TRUE story definitely needs to be told. I'm just so upset that more money couldn't be raised to make this film, or that Will Smith or Angela Bassett or at least Gabrielle Union (lol) was not called upon. I know they've at least heard of her plight. They didn't have to give up any money, they could have just donated a line or two,lol. The actors in this movie are horrible at best!

Website here.

In A Sharing Mood

2007-12-24T13:20:00.000-05:00

Boondocks Season 2, Episode 2. Enjoy! See you in 2008!

Link

Work To Do ~ Kidz In The Hall

2007-12-11T20:04:00.000-05:00

Here's the official video for the Obama '08 anthem "Work To Do" by Kidz In The Hall. To hear the song in it's entirety or to download go to their MySpace.

The Hardest ~ AZ / Styles P

2007-12-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

Produced by Large Professor. I almost didn't recognize AZ in the video. He doesn't look the same as I remembered, got all round in the face.

Making of 9th Wonder & Buckshot's "No Doubt"/ Duck Down Makes 'History'

2007-12-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

Behind the scenes of the video shoot for "No Doubt", the lead single from the upcoming 9th Wonder & Buckshot album The Formula. The video stars Charlie Murphy in a series of short skits. In related news, Buckshot & his long time partner Dru Ha (the co-owners of Duck Down Records) have inked a deal with The History Channel, creating original theme and promo music for the History Channel’s popular show “Gangland.” Duck Down Records are doing big things lately, partnering with YouTube and also signing a deal with ESPN. Not to mention the recent additions to their roster.

Novel ~ Hit Em With The Shottie ft/ Joell Ortiz

2007-12-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

I was wondering what happened to this guy. For all those who don't know who he is don't feel bad, you are not alone. He one of those dudes who fell through the cracks. His name is Novel and probably the only reason I remember him was because of this song, Peach. He said he can eat them for hours. That song definitely had my attention, but then I didn't hear anything from him again. I happen to work with a relative of his, one of his aunts to be exact (also the sister of soul/country singer Solomon Burke) and she told me that he does a lot of producing for other well established artists. She also told me to be on the look out for something new, I suppose this is it. At first I wasn't feeling the beat to much, but the message is on point.

Kidz In The Hall ~ Driving Down The Block Trailer

2007-11-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

Feeling the Masta Ace sample. The first single from Double O & Naledge's upcoming sophomore album The In Crowd. BTW they are the newest members of Duck Down Records (Black Moon, Smif~N~Wessun) per the following post:

Duck Down Records, in an effort to continue to expand its roster, is proud to announce the signing of Kidz In The Hall. Double-0, the Producer/DJ and Naledge, the Lyricist/MC, Kidz In The Hall are looking to become one of hip-hop's most admired acts, destined to leave a legacy of artistic brilliance and after recently finishing their latest mixtape, Detention, and tour dates with Redman and their forthcoming sophomore LP, The In Crowd, they are well on their way to doing so.

Catch The Vapors

2007-11-24T17:26:00.000-05:00

Biz Markie & Roxanne Shanté ~ Def Fresh Crew Live in NYC circa 1986

Finally, the movie I've been waiting on! According to AHH ,The Vapors is a movie about the true story of the legendary Juice Crew, and it's coming to the big screen (hard to believe that,but we'll see).

The Juice Crew has got to be my favorite collective of all time boasting the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shanté, Kool G Rap, DJ Marley Marl, Biz Markie, Masta Ace, & MC Shan. According to the article the movie will focus on their rise to fame. The crew is known for singles that sparked beef on wax including "The Roxanne Wars" (Shanté Vs. UTFO & Roxanne knock offs) & "The Bridge Wars" (KRS-ONE Vs. MC Shan).

I will be interested in seeing how Roxanne Shanté's character is going to be portrayed. I'd love to finally see her get her due as a pioneer of hip hop music. Shanté was one of the first female mc's to really blow up on the radio and have record sales. I loved how she was always coming at peoples neck too, and she had both male and female mc's hating her. KeKe Palmer is supposed to play the role and personally I can see her doing great as the young and sassy Lolita Shanté Gooden aka Roxanne Shanté. Shanté is definitely one of my idols, getting the record label to fund her college education. She got a PHD out of the deal, and I ain't mad at her at all. Now THATS some gangsta shit! Below is clip from the Beef 3 dvd where she talks about how she pimped the game. Go on girl!

Estelle ~ Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)

2007-11-23T23:06:00.000-05:00

Estelle - Wait a Minute (Just a Touch) [NEW]
Uploaded by Yannicklord

I'm feeling this girl. This is a song from her album The 18th Day. If you don't know her, get to know her. After that go check out her blog.

Getback ~ The Tour

2007-11-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

Footage from weeks 1 & 2 of Little Brother's Getback tour. Their album Getback is the hottest hip hop album out right now in my opinion, way hotter than American Gangster (yes I said it,what?!). I even bought two copies after I downloaded it. Support good independent music and go buy a copy, you will not be disappointed.

Deep Thoughts With Phonte

2007-11-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

Talib Kweli ~ Everything Man

2007-11-08T20:04:00.000-05:00

His album Eardrum is one of the best hip hop albums of the year, trust me on this.

Lupe Fiasco He Gets The Girl

2007-11-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

It's not the official video, but it's still pretty good. Jacked from Kanye West's blog.

NaS ~ Surviving The Times

2007-11-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

I like how this starts off with the Nipsy Russell (R.I.P.) song from The Wiz. This song is from his greatest hits album.

New Joints

2007-10-25T21:52:00.000-04:00

Guru ~ I'm Jazzy ft Slum Village

Common ~ I Want You ft Will.i.am

Public Enemy ~ Black Is Back

Blasts From The Past

2007-10-09T19:13:00.000-04:00

Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs ~ I Gotta Have It

Loved these dudes. Well Ed O.G. anyway, can't recall any of Da Bulldogs spitting rhymes.

The Family Stand ~ Ghetto Heaven

I was watching VH.1 Soul and saw this video for the first time in about ten years! This was my jam. My husband Lonnie (better known to you guys as Common) has a sample of The Family Stand in his song Geto Heaven Part Two off the album Like Water For Chocolate.

A Tribe Called Quest ~ Jazz(We've Got)/Buggin' Out

Peace goes out to Phife Dawg, "The Funky Diabetic". I'm was so elated that he was able to make it the Hip Hop Honors. I'm praying that he gets better. The world is in dire need of ATCQ.

Common ~ I Used To Love H.E.R.

Look how young my baby looks! I think this is when he still had the "Common Sense" moniker. He ages like fine wine. One of my favorite odes to Hip Hop.

The Fab 5 ~ Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka

This was a feel good song, and The Fab 5 look like they were having fun making this video. Love the Temptation set-up and moves. Glad to see the Boot Camp Clik is still out there holding down the underground.

Lupe Fiasco ~ Dumb It Down

2007-10-02T23:02:00.000-04:00

I love Lupe!

Murs & 9th Wonder ~ Murray's Revenge

2007-09-26T23:32:00.001-04:00

I love 9th Wonder on production! I hear there is this big debate in the hip hop production/DJ world about people using simple computer software to make beats. Who cares if he uses Fruity Loops? His music be dat fiyah!

Technorati Tags: 9th Wonder, Murs

Alicia Keys ~ No One

2007-09-25T21:53:00.001-04:00

Yay, my girl Alicia Keys is finally back. More real music coming soon!

Technorati Tags: Alicia Keys, real music, new video

Termanology ~ So Amazing

2007-09-22T21:10:00.000-04:00

Another brilliant DJ Premier production. The kid is nice too.

I Rock!!! Yay!!!

2007-09-14T00:55:00.000-04:00

Yay, I got an award of sorts from my girl Invisible Woman! I am very excited about this, I feel like I'm moving up just a little in the blogging world. I'm very new to this and I appreciate the fact that people take time out of their day to check in on me. Believe it or not this has inspired me to take this blogging thing a little more serious. I'm supposed to name other girl bloggers that I think rock so here goes:

Thembi

JustMeWriting

Sista Toldja

The Beatniks

CapCity

I'm too tired right now to inform my nominees tonight, I'll tell them tomorrow. Good night all.

Hurricane Katrina Tribunals

2007-09-09T10:48:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if everybody knows this but the Hurricane Katrina & Rita Tribunals are taking place. Davy D from Davy D's Hip Hop Corner has the coverage. He has the testimony broken up in podcasts on his website.You can also go Odeo.com and look for Breakdown FM/Davy D. I've had the chance to listen to part 1 & 2 of the tribunal, and trust me there was some riveting testimony from a brother of one of the victims. There is also testimony from Malik Rahim who claims that white vigilante mobs killed over 200 black people during the aftermath of Katrina.

The most interesting testimony I've heard has to do with the Danziger Bridge incident. There were 7 armed police officers that shot and unarmed family that were on the bridge. The mother, daughter, & father was shot, and the brother was killed. Then the man testifying, Romel Madison says that because his family witnessed this murder, the police started hunting his family down like Duck Hunt. The cops wind up killing his unarmed mentally handicapped brother. There are pictures and everything! Romel says that CNN was there taping! The seven cops were indited by a grand jury, but were let out on bail and allowed to continue working.

Also this man had to go get star medical examiner Michael Baden (from HBO's series Autopsy) to examine his brothers body and declare that a murder indeed took place. It is MURDER when you shoot someone in the back and kill them, especially when they are unarmed, whether you are a cop or not. I had a friend that was murdered the same way, but because the cops shot him they don't have the cause of death listed as a murder.

There is so much I am learning from these recordings from this International Tribunal. I didn't realize all this was going on. I know there were cover-ups by the media, they only wanted to show us looting and shit, but this testimony is deep. I can't go on anymore about this because I'll be here typing all day. I still have more to listen to. Please, you have to go listen for yourself. Also checkout Signal 26, the NOPD's forum. You may be able to catch some of the NOPD's real reaction to the tribunals.

DJ Jazzy Jeff ft/ Peedi Peedi ~ Brand New Funk 2K7

2007-09-08T17:08:00.000-04:00

Remember the original? It's one of the three songs I like from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The other two is Summertime & A Touch Of Jazz. The rest pretty much suck. This remake is OK I guess. Gotta rep for the 2-1-5!

Blog Love

2007-09-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

How has everyone's holiday weekend been? I have been blessed to have a very relaxing and laid back weekend and I hope everybody is enjoying their holiday. I've been taking a little break from posting on my blogs, but I have been lurking around on other blogs. With the Black Weblog Awards winners about to be announced this week I'd like to say congrats to all the winners. I did nominate and vote for some of the blogs I visit, and wish you all could win. Some of the bloggers that I nominated didn't make the cut, but to them I say there is always next year. Keep doing what your doing, you are an inspiration to me.

Here are some that I nominated and some of the finalist that I voted on. Don't ask what category because I don't remember them all. If you haven't already, check them out.Also go vote, you have until 4pm today.

Invisible Woman(Maybe they will create a movie category)
Blind I Is For The Kids(Hip Hop Blog on the come up)
Humanity Critic(Get your throat-chopped)
BlogXilla(My Blog crush,blogging like the rock star he is)
AfroBella (Always a fav)
RhymesWithSnitch(That Bitch! has an underrated gossip blog, very humorous,& she tells it like she sees it)
The Field Negro(Political Blog from a fellow Philly blogger, so you know I had to represent)
Babes,Bling & Booze(I like RichBoi for his collection of celebrity pictures & his wit.
What Would Thembi Do?( Another Philly blogger, very funny girl)
The Smoking Section(hip hop blog)
The Brutha Code(read between the lines)
Me,Myself An Eye (Sista Toldja, fellow comrade)
The D-Nice Journal(I had a big crush on him as a teen, & he has beautiful pictures)
NerdwithSwag.com (Love nerds)
illDoctrine(hip hop blog)
Ghetto Economics(Paula D,she rocks!)
UltravioletUnderground(subcultural alternative soul)
Shavar Ross(from Diff'rent Strokes)

Be good and see you after the holiday!

Consequence ~ Uncle Raheim

2007-08-27T04:32:00.000-04:00

Cameos from D.M.C. (Run D.M.C.) & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest). I have one question: Is Consequence's 'grill' the consequence of that same car accident that had Kanye West coppin' new grills? Inquiring minds...

Where Your Dogs At?

2007-08-26T11:18:00.000-04:00

Another one bites the dust. This song is dedicated to DMX. He hasn't been charged yet with animal cruelty for the 12 'distressed' pit bulls the cops found at his Cave Creek, AZ home, but you better believe that they are coming. According to The Arizona Republic, the police also found three dead dogs buried on the property and about a 1/2 pound of alleged narcotics in the master bedroom. Oh, and of course they found a cache of assault-type weapons. Yep, you best believe the charges are coming.

I really don't like animals and I am actually frightened by most, so that's why I don't own any. I mean had a cat before, but only because where I lived at the time had major mice infestation issues. My boyfriend at the time took care of that cat, and good thing too. I have a lot of things going on and having a pet is like having another child. Feeding him, changing litter boxes, grooming, trips to the vet, and the attention that you have to give, all that comes with owing a cat. Sorry but there is just not enough time in the day, I am a hard working single mother. I know I'm a lousy pet owner, so that's why when I got rid of my man, I made him take the cat with him. No need to make the cat suffer.

That being said, I am in no way feeling the cruelty to animals thing. Just because I'm not a fan of pets does not mean that I would want any harm to come their way. But he should have made arrangements to have his dogs taken care of in his absence by someone that was responsible. Especially since we all know about Mike Vick's issues. Black men wake up! You know that everything you do is looked at through a microscope, and sifted through with a fine tooth comb. DMX should not be in this mess right now, he's been in this situation previously back in 2002, way before Mick Vick ever was. Do we even learn from our mistakes?

Talib Kweli ~ Hot Thing/In The Mood

2007-08-24T00:52:00.000-04:00

From his new album Eardrum in stores now. I haven't had time to listen to the entire album yet but I've heard good things.

Tracks From Kanye West's Graduation

2007-08-20T23:55:00.000-04:00

iPhone Bill

2007-08-15T23:19:00.000-04:00

300 pages of Madness!!!

Nat Turner's Punchout?

2007-08-15T11:33:00.000-04:00

I feel some kind of way about this cartoon, but I'm not exactly sure what it is that I feel. One one hand it seems to be racist, but then again I'm not sure. View the video and leave a comment if you have one.

Jena 6 Update

2007-08-13T00:11:00.000-04:00

I think it's messed up that they cut down the tree because they are worried about what black students will do and not because of what the tree represents.

Dres(from Black Sheep) ~ Novakane Groove

2007-08-12T01:08:00.000-04:00

*NSFW*

Rza Talks about Bill O'Reilly, Obama , & new album

2007-08-09T23:33:00.000-04:00

This post is for you, IW & PZ.

New Jill Scott ~ Hate On Me

2007-08-09T21:31:00.000-04:00

MC Jilly from Philly!

A Loud/Wu Resurrection

2007-08-09T20:43:00.000-04:00

According to SOHH.com, the new Wu Tang Clan album 8 Diagrams is set to release on November 13 on Loud Records. Steve Rifkind brought the dead to life again by relaunching the defunct imprint, and Wu Tang Clan has been reassembled.

From SOHH.com:

"We're rekindling flames," RZA said. "There's a strong potential this could be a long campaign, so this will keep us on the road together, on TV together, and keep us working together."

I can't wait for the new single to drop, I need to see if they still have the cohesion they had in the past.

Here's a blast from the past.

Wu Tang Clan ~ Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'

R.I.P. Old Dirty Bastard

Common Freestyle Live!

2007-08-05T16:32:00.000-04:00

My baby Common doing his thing. Please go cop his album "Finding Forever", it's the best hip hop album so far this year in my opinion.

Common_Freestyling_Long
Uploaded by skaybn

P. E. - Harder Than You Think

2007-08-05T16:19:00.000-04:00

The new Public Enemy album "HOW YOU SELL SOUL TO A SOULLESS PEOPLE WHO SOLD THEIR SOUL???" is due out August 7th. I have a big thing for Chuck D. He is not all that cute, but he can stimulate me with his mind any day. I commend brother Chuck D. for sticking by Flavor Flav, even after he is still going through with Flavor Of Love III. SMH. Look at me talking shit when I know I'll probably be right there glued to the TV to check out FOL III myself,lol. It's like a car accident or train wreck or something, you can't help but look.

Public Enemy ~ Harder Than You Think

Boondocks Season 2 Trailer

2007-08-05T16:00:00.001-04:00

The new season of the Boondocks is coming out his fall, yay!!! Well, it's about time! I got tired of watching season one. Some people seem to think Aaron McGruder is a sellout, but I think he tells it like he sees it and the truth hurts sometimes. What's your thoughts on the Boondocks? Are you a fan like me?

Boondocks Season 2 Trailer

Meet "Amy"

2007-08-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

OK, I'm about about to switch the flow up a little and show a different side of Nik. I love music of all types, and my MP3 player is proof of that. I love Queen, which I'll admit is a little weird coming from a chick hailing from out some of the grimiest hoods in South Philly. Coming up my friends thought it was crazy to listen to "36 Chambers" and then switch up to "Queen's Greatest Hits". They said that I had a inner white girl inside me named Amy and made jokes and stuff. I explained that a lot of hip hop is influenced by groups like Queen, and they were sampled heavily. Then I let them listen to songs like "Under Pressure","We Are The Champions", and "We Will Rock You" and they thought they were cool once they realized that that recognized their work.
Here is my favorite Queen song. This song is one of the greatest rock songs ever written.

Queen ~ Bohemian Rhapsody

R.I.P. Freddie Mercury

This is a hip hop version of the song done by a group called The Braids. The song was featured on the soundtrack for that terrible movie "High School High" with Mekhi Phifer and Melinda Williams.I guess The Braids was a "one-hit-wonder" because I never heard from them again. I liked this version though.

The Braids ~ Bohemian Rhapsody

Little Brother's Get Back In Stores 9/25

2007-07-29T16:21:00.000-04:00

Yay!!! It's about time! Little Brother are coming back with their new release "Get Back" on 9/25/07. I've been bumping their last classic effort "The Minstrel Show" & their last mixtape "And Justice For All" for the longest.

The first single off the new album is "Good Clothes". I visited their MySpace page and they have their track listing up. The new single is also available for download but I'll post it here as well.

For all those who have never heard of them, Little Brother is one of the most conscious groups coming out of the south. They are from North Carolina (big ups to all my fam in North Cacalaky), which was shocking to me when I first heard them. You kind of expect the heavy southern drawl in their rhymes, like their other southern counterparts. Their last album "The Minstrel Show", was slept on by the mainstream, in my opinion mostly because of the way they poked fun at the mainstream rappers. They couldn't get BET (no surprise there) to play their video because the sell outs over at BET think that we are dummies.

It is very unfortunate that BET, MTV and mainstream radio feel like we can't appreciate good music that doesn't involve violence, drug selling, video hoe's parading around, making it rain in the strip clubs, and bling rap.

I can't express to you how tired I am of "Wipe Me Down" & "Ay Bay Bay"! All these so-called grown azz men calling themselves "Young" this & "Lil" that. Sick of it! So I will be visiting the music store on 9/25 to purchase real music. Hope that you will join me.

You can download their new single here:
Little Brother "Good Clothes"
http://www.mediafire.com/?0jgtcyjtrjs

Here is the video that you were too dumb to watch. It was "too intelligent" for you to view, lol.

Little Brother ~ Lovin' It

I threw this one in for good measure.
Little Brother ~ Speed

Schooling Dillema

2007-07-25T14:54:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking of transferring my son to a new school. I am sooo fed up with my city's public school system. It really is the pits. I was blessed to have gone to a private school for the first half of my K-12 education and if I could afford to send my son I would have. So I spent this past school year narrowing down my choices of charter schools and picked a few. All my charter school choices have lotteries that they do and it's really the luck of the draw on who gets in. So I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Originally in my quest to find a good school I looked into both public and charter schools. In the Philadelphia School District, you are placed into schools usually based on your neighborhood. There are some that get to transfer out of their neighborhood school into better ones by applying for a transfer, but trust and believe all the "better" public schools have waiting list days long.

When Bush came out with this "No Child Left Behind" nonsense, and at first I thought it was a great idea. The school district had a list of schools that were failing based on nationwide testing. They presented the parents of these children who attend these failing schools a few options. One option was busing their children to other schools that weren't on the list. They could let their child stay at the present school and the district would pay for a tutor. There was also charter schools and cyberschool.

I'm from the hood, and all the schools in my vicinity are tore up, so I thought that this was a way out for my son. He could go out to another school and meet new people, and be exposed to a less distracting and safer environment, so that he can focus on learning. There just was a shooting near the school around that time that scared me shitless. So removed my son from the school around the corner from me and sent him to another school not too far away that was considered at that time to be a good school. It was in a neighborhood that was more racially diverse than mines. (My neighborhood USED to be like this, but that's another post.)

But along with this "No Child Left Behind" crap comes the drama. First off the curriculum sucks ass. No phonics anymore, they do memory based learning. WTF! So I went and got him phonics books so that I can teach him the way I learned. Also this new way they teach kids math is crazy too. How am I supposed to help him with his homework with all these dumb methods? I asked my son's teacher at every parent teacher meeting I ever had what was up this new way of teaching children. Almost all said the same thing. What they are doing is basically teaching the kids the nationwide test. Teaching the test. Marinate on that for a bit. Wow!

Then after about two years in this new school and now this school is on the shitty school list. So not only are they teaching kids the test, but now teaching the test isn't quite working. One of his former teachers said that the reason for the school poor performance on the test was that the neighborhood surrounding the school was starting to change. White people crack me up thinking that as long as they don't use slurs in their reference to us that it's all good. He said that now the school had so many English As Second Language (ESOL) students move in the neighborhood that it has messed up the schools average. (I case you missed it he was he was talking about my latino brothers & sisters.) This infuriated me to say the least.

So I'm going with the charter school system. I feel it's the safest choice with less kids in the classrooms and a better student/faculty ratio. The violence in Philadelphia's schools and in Philadelphia period has made me think about home schooling. Home schooling or Cyberschool isn't an option for me right now, maybe it would be if I worked from home or was a stay at home mother. Besides, he's an only child, and he likes being around others his age.

Your thoughts?

New music preview~ Kanye West ~ Bittersweet

2007-07-22T00:57:00.000-04:00

"Bittersweet" featuring John Mayer, from the upcoming album Graduation. I'm feeling this one, and I'm sure we all can relate to this song. I know exactly how it feels to love and hate a person at the same time!

To preview new Kanye West "Bittersweet" ft/ John Mayer click on link below.

http://www.mediafire.com/?fxx5xywdt5n

Skillz - Don't Act Like You Don't Know ft/ Freeway

2007-07-21T20:55:00.000-04:00

(I ain't Mad no more) Skillz and Philadelphia Freeway. This is a match up I didn't expect to see. I guess Skillz really is trying to shed the backpacker image, judging from this video. I'm am not feeling the leather blazer though. Nothing wrong with being a backpacker, as long as your not wearing a dirty one. As for Freeway... he should be grateful I don't talk ill of people on this blog. I leave that mess next door. So I'll be nice and just say, Philly...stand up?

A Rose Is Still A Rose (Preach!)

2007-07-18T19:52:00.000-04:00

I was thinking today about Lauryn Hill and how truly gifted she is. She seems to be going through a rough patch in her life right now, and my prayers are with her. I ran across this video, and of course I immediately thought of Lauryn. Her words are so uplifting. I thought she could use a dose of her own healing medicine. So Ms. Hill, this one is for you. Hope you feel better! I don't know how long this video will be up so enjoy it before the record label disables it.
Oh, and why does she look like Oprah in this pic?

We Didn't Forget You Stepha Henry

2007-07-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to write something about this but it slipped my mind, even though I though about it everyday. I read something on the internet about a black woman missing in Florida that touched my soul, and I wondered if she was ever found. I forgot her name, but didn't forget her struggle.

I think it's a damned shame that the media hasn't really covered Stepha Henry, the missing John Jay graduate from New York. She is an aspiring Law student that has been missing since May 29th, and as you guessed there hasn't been a massive search like they did for that white woman, Jessie Davis. She was basically denied coverage all because poor Paris Hilton was on her way to jail, boo hoo, hoo. But eff the media, my REAL BEEF is with Al Sharpton and the local police.

Investigators said a male friend who was driving the car picked Henry up from her aunt's apartment in North Miami earlier that evening. But they said that at the end of the evening the friend left without the car and without Henry.

"The car is still missing. He tells us that he borrowed the car. So we're still trying to check the origin of the car, find out where it originally came from, who originally had the car, where the car is registered and, of course, we're still trying to find the car," said Linda O'Brien of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

See the whole article here. Also, click this posts' title for link to her profile at America's Most Wanted. They aired her profile on June 30th, 2007.

I'm not a genius by any means, but Boo Boo the Fool can see that the police are not doing a good job. How do you borrow a car from somebody, but now you don't know where it's at? Ok... so who did you borrow it from? That alone should have been enough to detain him. Until somebody can produce a car, a least. I hope that I'm wrong and these police know what they are doing, but really what are the chances?

Historically, we as a people have always had to "see after our own" (as my Na-Na would say). Sharpton and the rest of Black America made a big stink about about Don Imus, and it made headlines. Imus even got fired. His latest rants are about this "Roboho" thing that Beyonce' was called by the a member of the media. Again the media pounces. So hello, Rev.Sharpton, what's up? I mean you make a stink about sticks & stones (not saying that he shouldn't have), so lets "see after" Stepha Henry and jump on the medias' and the polices' asses, maybe we can see some progress in this case.
The latest article is here.

Please don't forget about Stepha Henry, and spread the word about her. Blog about her. I'm going to place her pic & description on my sidebar and will update as I hear new developments.

2007-07-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

VH1 “HIP HOP HONORS TOUR” FEATURING THE ROOTS
WITH MC LYTE AND BIG DADDY KANE

9/13/07	San Francisco, CA	The Fillmore
9/14/07	Anaheim, CA	House of Blues
9/15/07	Los Angeles, CA	House of Blues
9/17/07	Denver, CO	Paramount Theater
9/19/07	Dallas, TX	House of Blues
9/20/07	New Orleans, LA	House of Blues
9/23/07	Chicago, IL	House of Blues
9/24/07	Cleveland, OH	House of Blues
9/27/07	Norfolk, VA	The Norva
9/29/07	Washington, DC	930 Club -11pm Start
9/30/07	Baltimore, MD	Rams Head Live!
10/2/07	Worcester, MA	Palladium
10/3/07	Philadelphia, PA	Electric Factory
10/5/07	New York, NY	Nokia Theater

Classic

2007-07-11T20:44:00.000-04:00

I got flashback joints today. First up, I gotta rep the 2-1-5, and this was my jawn! I swear this song needs to be re-released for the youngbucks of today, because they are off the hook. I guess that's why I'm always reminiscing, we had some QUALITY music back in the days. Not all music had a message, but when they did have one we soaked it up like a sponge. Young ladies, this one is for you. Respect yourselves!

True Honey Buns ~ Bahamadia

This next joint is a classic. I think I was graduating high school around the time this came out. One of the best songs Kool Moe Dee ever made in my opinion. He had the help of "The Blastmaster" KRS-ONE & Chuck D on this one. Video has French captions, sorry only copy I could find.

Rise~N~Shine Kool Moe Dee, KRS-ONE, & Chuck D

Last but definitely not least is my favorite hip-hop group of all time, A Tribe Called Quest (well...they are a tie with Public Enemy!). I am soooooo embarrassed to say that I don't remember this video, being as I'm the biggest fan that I know. I am so in love with Q-Tip, have been since I first laid eyes on him. This is from the album "Midnight Marauders", one of my top ten favorite albums.

A Tribe Called Quest ft/ Busta Rhymes ~ Oh My God!

Enjoy!

Sad News

2007-07-10T21:13:00.000-04:00

This post is dedicated to Tha Blastmaster KRS-ONE and his family. I am so sorry to hear about his lost. I can't even begin to imagine the pain he must be going through. Earlier at work I was listening to a Davy D podcast featuring KRS-ONE, and he was talking about his family life. I was planning on posting about his new project. Then I come home to hear this tragic news. That's really deep to me. I'll keep you and yours in my prayers, my brother.

Marco Polo ft/ Masta Ace - Nostalgia

2007-07-10T21:01:00.000-04:00

Masta Ace has been one of my favs for a while. We talkin' about like 20 years in the game, and his flow is still tight! That Roxanne Shante sample is hot too.

The Police & Kanye West Live Earth Performance

2007-07-09T22:16:00.000-04:00

"Message in a Bottle" remix. Oh, and I think I saw John Mayer in there too. Loved it, what a combo!

The Police & Kanye West Live Earth NYC 2007
Uploaded by kevinb1984

Keith Murray ft/ Tyrese & Junior - "Nobody Do It Better"

2007-07-09T16:33:00.000-04:00

Keith Murray is back with his new album "Rap-Murr-Phobia (Fear of Real Hip Hop)", and it's due out July 31st if nothing pushes it back. Wow, the last time I remember him with a song it was "Phatty Girl" off of that FUBU album. Wow, remember FUBU? I'm getting old. Anyway I don't know about this song, maybe it'll grow on me. I sure the ladies understand why this video was posted. Tyrese...need I say more?

Strange Fruit Project ft/ Erykah Badu - "Get Live"

2007-07-09T14:56:00.000-04:00

I miss you Erykah!!!

Polyrhythm Addicts ft/ Pharoahe Monch - "Reachin'"

2007-07-09T14:11:00.000-04:00

This video was shot at the album release party for their new album "Break Glass". I officially have a new favorite female emcee now (well at least another one). Tiye Phoenix is the truth, please believe.

Pharoahe Monch - "Body Baby"

2007-07-09T13:38:00.000-04:00

This song off Pharoahe Monch's new album "Desire" is my shit! Kind of reminds you a little of Andre 3000 & "Hey Ya". The whole album is a good buy, please go and purchase it, I promise you wont be disappointed.

Lauryn Explains

2007-07-09T09:35:00.000-04:00

Lauryn Hill explaining where she's been all this time. I love this woman, and hope the Lauryn Hill we used to know comes back to bless us. I want her to explain this recent report.

Welcome

2007-07-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new blog. This blog is more about underground & conscious Hip Hop and "neo-soul". I felt a need to give props to the music I listen to the most. I'm still new at this blogging thing so please bear with me. I have no html skills, so if my blog appears to be ugly right now, just hold your horses, I'll get it together. Peace.