Day 306: Back to 90s hip-hop with Joey BadA$$ & friends (Music Video)

Dear Joey BadA$$ and everybody you roll with,

I fux with you. #TakingMeBackTo90sHop

If you grew up listening to 90's Hip-Hop then you're gonna like what Joey's been doing since he came onto the scene. I'm definitely looking forward to his upcoming project The Pro Era Mixtape; a free mixtape scheduled to come out on Dec 21st.

Day 305: I love Hip-Hop, I got a f**kin problem (Music Video)

Dope collabo: A$AP Rocky x Drake x Kendrick Lamar x 2 Chainz

Looking forward to Pretty Flacko's new album LongLiveA$AP scheduled to be released on 1/15/13. Mark your calendars.

Day 304: A new mixtape "A Loose Quarter" by Joe Budden. Str8 Fire.

As soon as I heard the first few tracks on Joe Budden's new mixtape "A Loose Quarter", I was hoooked. The production on each song is pretty much to the T and has so many amazing melodies & sounds. I wouldn't be surprised if he was at the next Coachella 2013; Shoot, I would be shocked if he wasn't!

Download the mixtape here: datpiff.com #ALooseQuarter


Some of my fav tracks from the mixtape after the jump...

Day 303: Missed collabo between Lady Gaga & Kendrick Lamar (Music Video)

"b*tch, don't kill my vibe" (Lady Gaga version).

It should have been on Kendrick's album good kid, mAAd city but things just didn't work out.

More info here: TheFader.com

Day 302: Obama over Romney in the 2012 Elections - Celebratory Songs (Video)

I had no doubt that Obama would get re-elected over 'the Mitt'. Now, if Obama's victory speech was a rap video, it'd sound something like this ^^

And oh yea don't forget, our President is still...



#OBAMANATION

Day 301: Today's Mood - I Be Over Sh*t by Casey Veggies

i be over sh*t.

(sounds like a Fly Lo beat but actually it's a Hit-Boy produced track; still fresh tho. shame on me for hearing about this track so late; my bad Casey..)

Day 300: Uncle Drew, he's baaaaaack! Kyrie Irving x Kevin Love (Video)

Kyrie Irving is back with his hilarious elderly alter-ego, Uncle Drew, and in this episode he brings out a "former teammate", Wes (aka Kevin Love), to school these youngbloods in Crenshaw, CA. Bill Russel makes a cameo too.

At the end of the day, it's all about fundamentals.. all about buckets.

If you missed the first episode, check it out after the jump...

Day 299: Get familiar with Joey Bada$$ & watch out for that "Pro Era" (Video)

Amongst a lot of young hip-hop artists emerging onto the scene lately, Joey Bada$$ is on my radar as being the next one on the list to break out. He already has a growing fan base in the NY scene and continues to gain fans in other parts of the world (his music's reached me all the way west in LA).

Btw, this is one of my top tracks from his mixtape that came out in early Summer of this year called "1999". Take a listen to the whole mixtape and you'll see how each track brings back that 90's feel. I like how he's acclimating this in his rap persona and what makes him sick is his creative wordplay. I grew up as a 90's hip-hop head, so his style definitely appeals to my ears. Artists like this is what keeps me believing that hip-hop will reign supreme again like the golden times back in the 80s-90s.

Watch out for his new mixtape called "Pro Era" scheduled to drop on Dec. 21st. Looking forward to that one for sure.

Day 298: I'm calling it the album of the year.. DONE - "good kid, m.A.A.d city"

Kendrick Lamar killed it with his new album that just came out. Get it on iTunes here and listen for yourself.

#GKMC #RESPECTTHEWEST #HIPHOPBACK #REPEAAAT #AOTY

Day 297: Kanye West - White Dress (Cool Visuals)

"Let's make a move from these herds, go somewhere in private;
I'm talking just me and you and the plane and the pilot."
-Kanye West

Day 296: Jeremy Lin being recognized in a Volvo commercial (Video)

Nice to see J.Lin off that couch life and into the good life #VolvoFTW #AsiansRepresent

Day 295: The Aftermath reign lives on - Dr. Dre presents... (Video)

Eminem >>> 50 Cent (& G-Unit) >>> The Game >>> Kendrick Lamar

good kid, m.a.a.d city >>> Oct. 22nd

Day 294: Say no to 'Bath Salt'.. just watch & listen to it - A$VP Mob (Video)

Took me a few listens but this song grew on me. Probably one of my favorite tracks on the A$AP Mob mixtape called Lord Never Worry.

I like the way they mix the lyrical wordplay with the on-n-off drum beats. It's goes from smooth to bumpin to smooth again & repeat; pretty fvckin creative.

Day 293: Relax to some 'Cherry Wine' - Nas x Amy Winehouse (Video)

"I want someone who like the champagne I like,
My A-alike;
Someone to talk me off the bridge any day or night,
She teach me how to live, she ain’t afraid of life."
- Nas

One of my favorite good-felt tracks from Nas' recent album, Life is Good.

#RipAmyWinehouse

Day 292: A Day in the Life of Flying Lotus (Video)

#UntilTheQuietComes

Buy his new album out today, right here.

Day 291: Adidas Basketball presents 'The Return' feat. D.Rose (Videos) **Updated**

Episode 1: Belief


Check out this awesome webiseries about Derrick Rose and his road to recovery after he went down during the NBA playoff in Game 1 vs. the 76ers.

This is why I respect D.Rose not only as an NBA player but also as an athletic individual & true competitor who never gives up. Drive, motivation, and passion is all you need to get anywhere in this world.

Check out the two three other webiseries episodes after the jump... **Updated**

Day 290: Flying Lotus vs Kendrick Lamar - What's the deal?

Some footage I took during Fly-Lo's set at the Hollywood Bowl this past Sunday.

Heads up to all LA peeps, if you missed Fly-Lo then you're in luck. He will be performing during the same date (Oct. 26) A$AP Rocky's coming to town. Who will you go see? I'm going to have to lean towards Fly-Lo since I need to hear more of his sick beats. Didn't hear enough at the Hollywood Bowl.

Fly-Lo: "Until the Quiet Comes" - Oct. 2nd - get it on itunes here.

Wait, how does Kendrick Lamar fit in the picture? Check the jump...

Day 289: DJ/Producer Drewbyrd - Quick Interview @ JBC.tv (Video)

Cool seeing a homie making it happen in the hip-hop world as a DJ/Producer. I can still remember kicking it with his older bro way back when and watching Drew learn how to scratch in a tiny corner of the garage. Fast forward to now and look where he is. Mad props Drewbyrd!

#HARDWORKPAYSOFF #NeverFadeApproved

Day 288: An inspirational commercial - Patrick Willis x Duracell collab

"Trust in yourself. Trust that you can get back up, and not give in... ever."
- Patrick Willis

#INSPIRED #MOTIVATED #STAYFOCUSED #NINERSBACK #WHOGOTITBETTERTHANUS

Day 287: The Art of Rap - Ice-T's Hip-Hop Documentary (Video)

If you missed this movie when it premiered in select theaters 3 months ago then you can check it out right here. The documentary was so DOPE, VH1 premiered it on their channel Thursday night. Watch it then hit replay, and watch it again.

Saw it here first: missinfo.tv

Day 286: Funny ESPN Commercial ft. ESPN Analyst John Clayton

"HEY MOM, I'M DONE WITH MY SEGMENT!"

Every time I see an NFL update segment with John Clayton, I'm going to have this scene replay in my head when he's finished talking, haha. This cracks me up! =P

#NFLBACK

Day 285: Find Inspiration - A.Wang's Ready-to-Wear video ft. A$AP Rocky x Diplo x Penn Badgley

Be yourself. Forward thinking. Nothing's perfect. #inspired

Day 284: Made in America Festival Day 1 - Jay-Z, G.O.O.D. Music, MMG (Videos)

- Jay-Z

For those who were too busy partying this Labor Day weekend and forgot about the Made in America Festival in Philly, well I got a hold some videos of the top performances from Day 1: Jay-Z, G.O.O.D. Music, and Maybach Music Group (MMG).

Might as well watch these videos since I know everybody's hungover today. Sit back, relax, recover, & enjoy.

G.O.O.D. Music & MMG sets after the jump...

Day 283: The Hundreds bringing back the Nerf Turbos

It looks like The Hundreds is bringing back the Nerf Turbo football; one of my favorite toys from back in the days since my hands were too small to grip a real football and my arms were too feeble to throw one, haha.

Release date TBD. Check on The Hundreds website for updates on that.

Check out their retro-style commercial for this after the jump.

Day 282: Remembering Coachella through 'The Recipe' (Music Video)

#CoachellaNostalgia #TheSummerJam #WomenWeednWeather #WelcomeToLA

Day 281: The Bay Area reppin Coast-2-Coast (Music Video)

The ambassador of the bay aka E-40 putting the Bay Area back on the map with this banger. All they do in the bay is they tryin to FUNCTION, and now everybody is tryin to FUNCTION.

Glad people are taking notice though.. that's my hometown yo #BayAreaRespect

Day 280: Sneaker Pimps 10-yr anniversary celebration in LA recap

Check out the Sneaker Pimps event recap I wrote on uncvr right here.

TGIF!

Day 279: Trippy beat - "Purple Kisses" by A$AP Rocky (Music Video)

>>>NSFW<<<

Stuck on this one already #PURPLEKISSES

"Purple Kisses" will be featured in the upcoming album called Lord$ Never Worry by the A$AP Mob. The album will be available to download for free on August 28th on LiveMixtapes.com.

Day 278: Hit-Boy making his mark in HITstory (Mixtape)

One of my favorite tracks from Hit-Boy's recent mixtape that just came out a few days ago. You can download it for free right here.

Check out the 'Mixtape on Blast' section to the right for a quick listen.

#Hitstory in the making.

Day 277: Just Copped - Futura x Hennessy Limited Edition Bottle

Last week, I heard Futura was going to be at a signing event with his limited edition Futura x Hennessy bottle in LA, so I went to check it out. I did a quick write-up and posted more pics from the event on my friend's blog right here.

On a similar note, check out this amazing interactive experience set up by Hennessy. It's very cool and inspiring:

Neverstopneversettle.com

Day 276: Swimming Pools (Drank) by Kendrick Lamar (Music Video)

Pour up #drank
Head shot #drank
Sit down #drank
Stand up #drank
Pass out #drank
Wake up #drank
Faded #drank

Faded #drank

Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city (album) >>> October 2nd 22nd (updated) #TDE

Day 275: The missing Jabbawockee - Jo Koy's untold story (Video)

Check out this funny video about the original America's Best Dance Crew, The Jabbawockeez, and the untold truth about the missing Jabbawockee Jo Koy.

Saw it here first: Crooksncastles.com

Day 274: Kuratas - A giant robot you can buy (Video)

Japanese people and their infatuation for futuristic robots, but can you blame them? This stuff is kind of cool to me, haha.

At a cost of $1.35MM dollars, you can own your own with customize color schemes and accessories (Carbon shields, variety of guns, rocket lauchers!).

I wonder who's gonna be the first to purchase this robot beast... Whoever does, please play responsibly.

More info here: Mashable.com

Day 273: What people think about Hip-Hop stereotypes (Video)

Video by  i am OTHER

Some good (some irrelevant) points discussed by the different types of people interviewed to say the least, but everybody is entitled to their opinion and experiences with Hip-Hop.

Day 272: Frank Ocean performing 'Pyramids' Live (Video)

Frank Ocean - Pyramids (Live)

Here's a video I took from the Frank Ocean show at the Wiltern in LA this past Tuesday.

I just have one word for his performance: mind-changing. He really puts it all out there on the stage, so if you have an opportunity to check him out live then I'd advise to go see him before he gets too popular.

Check out this recap my partner in crime (Twinksy) wrote up along with the pictures I took:

uncvr - Frank Ocean Recap

Check out another video of Frank Ocean performing 'Strawberry Swing' after the jump...

Day 271: Frank Ocean's album 'Channel Orange' in stores today (Album Stream)

Frank Ocean released his debut album, Channel Orange, last week via itunes, but if you don't want a digital copy then go pick up an actual CD copy which is out in stores today.

The album is very tasteful with a lot of soothing melodies and live instrument sounds. Each track has it's own mood-setting vibe as Frank Ocean puts forth amazing vocals over deep lyrics backed with so much emotion. I'm really impressed with the album though; a true piece of musical art none-the-less..

Check out the album stream after the jump...

Day 270: Gymkhana Five - Drifting in the streets of San Francisco

#BayAreaRiding #FriscoDrifting #iHeartTheBay #GymkhanaFive

Driver: Ken Block (Co-Founder of DC Shoes)
Car: 2012 Ford Fiesta HFHV (650 HPs; 0-60 in 1.8 seconds)

More info via: Hypebeast.com

Day 269: New Generation of Hip-Hop in one track - Mac Miller x Casey Veggies x Joey Bada$$

- Off the Macadelic mixtape which can be downloaded here

A new generation of rappers are breaking into the hip-hop scene, and I'm quiete impressed with the sounds they are bringing to the table (especially these 3). Everybody should be familiar with Mac Miller by now, but the two others on the track should be recognized as well:

Originally a part of Odd Future, Casey Veggies is making his mark with his Customize Greatly mixtapes that he started since the age of 14. His recent mixtape, Customized Greatly 3, is full of quality beats and I highly recommend everybody go download it.

Only just 17 years old, Joey Bada$$ is starting to gain more notice with his underground rap style and creative lyrical flows. His popularity is quickly spreading amongst hip-hop heads, and coming from Brooklyn always helps too (people love rappers from NY f'reals). Complex did a really good write-up about him right here.

Back to Mac, go get his Macadelic mixtape (it's free) if you haven't already. If you're too lazy to download it then hit the jump for an album stream.

Day 268: Gotta get it - J Dilla Vinyl Figurine

For all you J Dilla fans and fans of hip-hop beats, this collectible figurine is a must buy as soon as it goes on sale later this year. Keep on the lookout for that and support the J Dilla Foundation.

Designed by Phil Young Song.

More pics and info here: thesource.com

Day 267: Crooks & Castles x Hennessy capsule event recap (Pics)

Last Saturday, I attended the Crooks & Castles x Hennessy capsule collaboration event held at the Siren Studios in Hollywood, CA.

It was such a fun time as the event showcased a picture gallery of the late Chris "Lewds" Natalio, introduced a new Crooks x Hennessy T-shirt design, served free Hennessy all night, and played loud Hip-Hop music all for a good cause: the Chris Natalio Foundation. I took the liberty of creating a quick write-up and posted pictures I took, which is all on my homie's blog: uncvr. Check it out!

R.I.P. "Lewds". You will always be remembered through the successes of this brand.

Slideshow of all my pictures of the event after the jump..

Day 266: Fresh Beats for the Summer - 'Yellow Album' by Dom Kennedy

"Twenty b*tches in the lobby, there's plenty of b*tches in the lobby, and they all drinkin they smokin... this MY TYPE OF PARTY.." - Dom Kennedy

The much anticipated Yellow Album by Dom Kennedy finally came out earlier today, and I'm listening to it as I write this :)

Day 265: In my radar - Curren$y's 'The Stoned Immaculate' album

- Proof I got my copy right here.

I was able to check out Curren$y's listening session back in early May at the Diamond Supply shop on Fairfax, which helped me gain a new perspective on his 'JetLife' style of music. After that point, I set my radar to purchase this album legally, doing my duty to support good music & new artists that will take hip-hop/rap in the right direction.

Since copping it this past weekend, I've been listening to each song everyday getting a better sense of the beats/melodies/instruments used as well as familiarizing myself with Curren$y's subtle-sounding rap style. I think this album is going to do wonders for his career and help make his mark in the rap game. Before this, I can only think of two recent songs I recognize him in:

Wiz Khalifa ft. Curren$y - Rooftops & Snoop & Wiz ft. Curren$y - OG <--- (dope track!)

Final thoughts: Curren$y's 8th studio album, The Stoned Immaculate, is filled with spacey beats, smooth sounds, and fresh raps. If you like that mellow & laid back type of music.. that 'Jameson-on-the-rocks sippin' type music.. that 'grab a blunt & smoke all-day' type of music then.. well, I highly recommend you go get this album.

#JetLife #TheStonedImmaculate

Streams of my top 5 tracks from the album + "Capitol" music video after the jump...

Day 264: "Uncapped" Performance hosted by Fader x Vitamin Water recap (Pics & Vids)

- Event Date: June 7th

Big shout out to MissInfo and my homie at Uncvr for providing the RSVP hook up and raising my attention to this awesome surprise show held at the American Legion Hall in Hollywood, CA.

While the performing acts were not announced until the live event, the mystery of not knowing made this "Uncapped" performance hosted by Fader and Vitamin Water that much more exciting to check out. Before the event, I thought I had an idea of who was coming but was completely wrong as things came to when I got to the location. The surprise performers included an Zola Jesus, The Dream, and Rick Ross with special appearances by Omarion & French Montana.

More of my ranting, pictures, and a video of Rick Ross & French Montana's performance after the jump...

Day 263: Everything is a Remix of a Remix

Everything is a Remix Part 1 (Music)


I was browsing around the web and landed on an interesting post on TheHundred.com blog, talking about the topic: original ideas vs copying, and that's how I came across these videos. From centuries past to the modern world today, I do see that everything we've ever done in history is a "remix" of something that was already done beforehand. I guess this is a part of human nature and evolution, but don't get caught remixing too much in today's age or you might get sued! F'reals though, tone down the remixing, especially in music, por favor.

Check out the other 3 parts of the series after the jump...

Day 262: Bringing back "The Dream Team" - 20th Anniversary Special Documentary

For all you sports fans and basketball enthusiasts, tune in your televisions to NBA TV on June 13th at 9PM EST / 6PM PST as this is going to be an epic documentary about the 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball team aka "The Dream Team." There will be a lot of never before seen footage and interviews which I'm sure will catch everybody's attention.

As you know, The Dream Team consisted of an unstoppable roster during the most competitive ages of NBA basketball. You have Magic Johnson and John Stockton at the point, the pure shooting of Larry Bird and Chris Mullin, the paint covered by the two towers: David Robinson and Patrick Ewing, and Michael Jordan lighting everybody up with Scottie Pippin and Charles Barkley to muscle anyone getting in his way. Can't forget the contributions Clyde Drexler and Christian Laettner made too.

Anyways, check it out June 13th. Should be #epic #legendary

Day 261: Skateistan - A cool and moving short video

Quoted from the source of the video:

"Skateistan: To Live And Skate Kabul is a beautiful and moving short film that follows the lives of two young skateboarders from Afghanistan who attend the Skateistan project. Juxtaposing the harsh reality of life in Kabul with the hopes and ambitions of the country’s children, the film is a touching ray of light from a country only ever in the news for all the wrong reasons."

This video is very heart-felt, and it really gave me some perspective on life in other parts of the world. However bad we think we got it or whatever stress we're currently dealing with, we gotta realize there are whole other worlds out there going through even tougher times. But hey, it looks like these kids are making the most of their situation and using Stakeistan as a way to stay positive. Good for them, freals.

Just want to spread the word about this compelling video and hope to spread the positive vibes. If you're ever feeling down then watch this video again #itsallaboutperspective

Day 260: On the Rise - A$AP Rocky with "Goldie" (Prod. by Hit-Boy) **NSFW**

A$AP Rocky - Goldie

- NSFW sorta.. I warned you

"And I'm so bout it bout it I might roll up in a tank..." - A$AP Rocky #MakeEmSayUhhh

Ever since I saw A$AP Rocky and his crew perform at Coachella, my ears have been tuning more & more to his style of rap music. With that in mind, I've kept tabs on his recent activity and found he came out with this  Hit-boy produced tracked. Of course you're gonna get a banger when you team up one of the hottest beat-makers right now with a rising star reppin Harlem.

More after the jump...

Day 259: Sad day for Hip-Hop - Rest in Peace MCA... Beastie Boys still live on

Beastie Boys - Intergalactic

- from the album Hello Nasty (1998)

Now, I was too young to get into the Beastie Boys when they exploded in the hip-hop scene during the 1980s, but I've always been a fan since I first heard their music back in junior high. When I was starting to get into hip-hop music, I was drawn to tracks like "Brass Monkey" and who can't forget "Sabotage"(soo ill!).

On a real note though, I heard earlier today about the news of Adam Yauch's (aka MCA) passing due to cancer. A very, very sad day for hip-hop and their fans, which is why I wanted to dedicate this post to him and the Beastie Boys crew.

If you're a fan of real hip-hop then you gotta know the history of the Beastie Boys as they were true pioneers of the genre helping put hip-hop on the map. Let's bow our heads for a moment of LOUDNESS, embrace their music, and let it live on forever. Music will always bring him back with us...

#RIPMCA

Day 258: Taking off in the states - The Airplane Boys (Music Video)

The Airplane Boys - Beau Monde

beau monde: Fashionable society.


Since establishing themselves in their hometown of Toronto, Canada, The Airplane Boys have been gaining more recognition in the states lately -- with their growing presence making it all the way here to Los Angeles, CA.

More info and some pics of ABP at Coachella after the jump...

Day 257: Don't sleep on Casey Veggies - Customized Greatly 3 (#CG3)

Casey Veggies - Verified


I just copped the new Casey Veggies mixtape, Customized Greatly 3, which you can download for free from his website right here: caseyveggies.com #CG3

More after the jump...

Day 256: For the women, weed, and weather... welcome to LA - Kendrick Lamar x Dr. Dre (Audio)

 Kendrick Lamar - The Recipe ft. Dr. Dre

- On itunes right here

The West has been catching fire lately with all these dope tracks coming out from various WestCoast artists, and this one definitely raised the bar... Kendrick and Dre reppin for Los Angeles on this smooth-sounding beat.

Perfect timing with this track as LA is literally starting to warm up with the Cali sunshine blazin, and everybody's starting to rock their springtime gear & bringing out their finest shades. I would say this song brought the heat back to LA.. finally.

You gotta be asking yourself, how come I can't find a download link to get this HOT track? Well, I've noticed a lot of those file sharing sites are getting shut down 1 by 1 or really limiting their usage since the whole Megaupload incident... All good tho, you can buy it like the rest of us #Isupportgoodmusic

I can't wait to see them both perform at Coachella coming up in a few weeks. I really hope they blow this song up at Coachella.. #CANTWAIT

Day 255: One of those "I don't giva f#ck" type songs - Schoolboy Q x A$VP Rocky (Music Video)

Schoolboy Q - Hands on the Wheel ft. A$VP Rocky


"Crush a bit, little bit, roll it up, take a hit.."

Not sure how I let this one pass me by, but I'm glad I was able to find this track when I did. It's Schoolboy Q reppin TDE with the quickly-growing Harlem native, A$VP Rocky.

The instrumental on the track is mad sik, and I like how it's mixed all together with the uptempo drums, different/unique blend of instrument sounds, and the background vocals/chorus is really what did it for me.

Now, don't let the literal aspect of the lyrics influence you to go out and rage your brains out like them, but I'm sure what they're trying to tell us is to go let loose once in a while and have a good time however you choose to. Sometimes you just need to get your mind off of sh*t, ya kno.. press that reset button.

Day 254: In a WestCoast State of Mind - Game x Kendrick Lamar (Music Video)

The Game - The City ft. Kendrick Lamar


"I'm sick of mo--f--ers talking about the West died..."
- The Game

One of my recent favorite tracks from The Game which features the rising & super-talented artist, Kendrick Lamar.

I feel like the West is slowly starting to creep back into the mainstream Hip-Hop/Rap scene with so many new artists holding it down for Cali: Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, Terrace Martin, Jay Rock, and so many others. While I'm still trying to expand my ear for different styles of music, I'll always keep it true to WestCoast Hip-Hop.

If you like this song then go grab a copy of The Game's recent album, The R.E.D. Album.

Watch out for the #RespectTheWest movement.. it's only the beginning...

Day 253: Rewind It Back - A Dope Hip-Hop Duo: Eric B & Rakim (Music Video)

Eric B & Rakim - Paid In Full


I was just reading over some 1980's Hip-Hop history and came across a segment about Eric B and Rakim, which motivated me to showcase this classic jam on my blog.

I forgot how dope Rakim's rhymes were and how energetic their beats sounded until I started re-listening to some old-school hits from their first debut album called Paid In Full (1987). Crazy how I was only 4 years old when this album came out and I probably didn't know much about what Hip-Hop was. I honestly didn't start listening to Hip-Hop until jr. high, so I have a lot to catch up on...

During the time I began expanding my Hip-Hop library, one of the first Eric B. and Rakim songs I can remember adding was Don't Sweat The Technique. There was one Rakim song though that I heard when I was growing up and kept on repeat for daysss:

Rakim - Guess Who's Back


There's so much Hip-Hop music I missed out on from back in the days, so I'm going to make more of an effort in re-listening to and finding those old school beats. Gotta go back to where it all started from... the roots...

Day 252: At the end of the day.. "Nobody's Perfect" - J.Cole x Missy Elliot (Music Video)

J. Cole - Nobody's Perfect ft. Missy Elliot

- Alt Audio Link

"This is for all the fans that waited, the bitch n*ggas that hated; 
Old hoes we dated, look mama, we made it.."
- J. Cole


J. Cole is among one of my favorite artists from the new generation of raps these days, and adding Missy Elliot to this track makes it such a hit. I'm really diggin the drum beat and guitar melody too.. a hard yet smooth sound. I can level with this.. #nobodysperfect

Btw, this is featured on The Sideline Story so go get a copy if you haven't by now.

#COLEWORLD

Day 251: Raising Awareness - Make Kony Famous (Video)

Just wanted to spread the news in case you haven't seen this video, or heard about it all over Facebook/Twitter already. This is a pretty compelling story and movement.. I applaud this guy for his passion in capturing Joseph Kony and raising support for this initiative #MAKEKONYFAMOUS

Day 250: Stay Creative - 29 ways to free your mind (Video)

Some good practices to stay creative and keep your mind fresh #29ways

Stay motivated.. Stay focused.. and just go DO it!

Saw it here first: konstantsurprises

Day 249: Rewind It Back - Dead Presidents II (Classic)

Jay-Z - Dead Presidents II


Lately, I've been digging through my library of old Hip-Hop tracks (as you can probably tell) trying to  find what artists/songs inspired me to become so engulfed with this type of music. I came across Dead Presidents by Jay-Z, and was like dam... this is one of them. As I was listening to the track over & over again, it reminded me of a nicer & simpler time. The beat and rhymes put me in such a calm/relaxed state of mind that I didn't even need to smoke to get there.

Along with finding what inspires me, I've been doing research on the type of samples artists used from back in the day and trying to understand how they mixed it into such a nice Hip-Hop beat. Just a heads up, the sample Jay-Z used for this track was taken from the song below:

Lonnie Liston Smith - Garden of Peace


Such an awesome melody btw.. I can listen to this instrumental forever.

Slowly but surely, one of my music goals is to eventually learn how to sample and cut up music, and be good at it.. #StayingMotivated

Day 248: Nike "Flight Night" Event at the Montalban Rooftop (Events)

- Dunk of the night by a d00d name "TRUE"

2-25-12 (Hollywood, CA) - I had nothing better to do Saturday evening, so I went to check out this Nike "Flight Night" event with my homie Rex4000. It was a chill event full of shoe displays, a live 3pt shooting and dunk contest (in light of NBA All-Star Weekend), and a performance with some LA natives, Casey Veggies and Dom Kennedy.

It was a cool performance but it didn't seem like a performance at the same time. Felt more like an audition because it was just Casey & Dom up there with their DJ (Drewbyrd), but all n all it was still dope.

More coverage and a video of Dom & Casey performing "CDC" right here >>> UNCVR

Day 247: Happy bday to J Dilla, a Hip-Hop genius (Tribute)

- Stussy Documentary: Part 2
- Stussy Documentary: Part 3

Happy bday to J Dilla. He was a musical genius, a Hip-Hop architect, and one of the greatest beat-makers there ever lived. He was so insanely-talented at making hip-hop beats and cutting/mixing samples that people considered him "alien." Like he was from another planet or something to come up with the beats he created.

For those in New York, there will be a tribute party for J Dilla called Donuts are Forever happening on Feb 19th. It looks like this has been happening for a while as this will be the 6th year they've held this tribute for J Dilla. I encourage everyone in NY to go, especially if you love hip-hop or just music in general.

More info here: hiphopwired.com

RIP J Dilla.

Day 246: Rewind It Back - Cash Rules Everything Around Me... C.R.E.A.M. (Music Video)

Wu-Tang - C.R.E.A.M.


A CLASSIC hit from one of the most influential hip-hop groups in history, Wu-Tang. I'm sure everybody who's anybody has heard this track already.

Take notes and do your research on these guys man as they have a lot of history with their upbringing. If you get a chance, go check out the Rock The Bells concerts because that's where you'll be able to experience true hip-hop at its finest, from the old & new. Some member of the Wu-Tang clan still show up for this show so check it out before they stop coming.

I remember from last year's RTB concert I went to, I got to see Lauryn Hill and Nas perform all their old hits. Such a dope show to be at for real hip-hop fans and just music fans in general, and an awesome atmosphere of hip-hop heads united.

**2/28 update - Sample used for this track:

The Charmells - I'll Never Grow Old

Day 245: Reminding people of my 'Golden Age' of Hip-Hop/Rap - "Tried by 12" (Music Video)

East Flatbush Project - Tried by 12

- Turn up the volume!

Bringing back the old school Hip-Hop/Rap is one of my goals for this blog in 2012 to remind people how good hip-hop/rap music was when it was still considered fresh in my head. This is one of my favorite songs I used to bump back in high school, and has one of the sickest instrumentals.

I wish I could re-live the 90s, don't you? I remember it being a quiet simpler and less-stressful time... granted I was young and just worried about going to school =P

I'm going to start labeling these as "Rewind It Back" posts moving forward so be on the lookout.

Day 244: Nipsey Hussle is "Forever On Some Fly Sh*t" (Music Video)

Nipsey Hussle - Forever On Some Fly Shit

- Alt Audio Link

Nipsey Hussle has been catching more & more buzz these days, holding it down for the New WestCoast. This is one of my favorite tracks from his recent mixtape The Marathon Continues #TMC

After watching this video, it makes me want to go back and visit Japan. Such a dope culture over there, especially for hip-hop.

Day 243: What's all this hype about the "Kobe System" ?? (New Commercial)

"Kobe system is truth" - Kanye West

I gotta hand it to Nike & Kobe, and how they were able to gather all these celebs, pro athletes, and musicians in one commercial and make it work. I guess you can't expect anything less from Kobe though. There are a lot of funny one-liners from each person too, and at the end of the commercial it gets you wondering.. how do I get on the Kobe System?

If you still don't have a clue then check this out:



#KOBESYSTEM

Saw it here first: missinfo.tv

Day 242: Rick Ross x Drake x French Montana goin hard on this track (Music Video)

Rick Ross - Stay Schemin ft. Drake & French Montana

- Alt Audio Link

Listen to Drake's verse.. it sound like he's making jabs at someone specific... Common maybe? =P

Alot of buzz has been going around about Rick Ross's new free mixtape that just came out this past Friday called Rich Forever. I haven't heard the whole thing yet but here's a mixtape player if you want to check it out:



French Montana on the rise too...

Day 241: In a "Mac Miller" state of mind - "Of the Soul" (Music Video)

Mac Miller - Of the Soul

- Alt Audio Link

Really feeling this chill Mac Miller track, which is featured on his recent album that came out called Blue Slide Park. Overall, a decent album worth buying so go get a copy if you can.

I hope everybody's year is off to a good start so far (even though it's only the 6th, haha). For me, new year = new priorities. I won't be posting stuff on my blog as much (as you can see I haven't been updating this that often), but I'll try to post up whatever is interesting and catches my attention when I have a free moment.

Until next then.. keep it fresh, think up, and stay motivated.