“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” – Michael Jackson
After the lost of the late/great Michael Jackson, this past weekend has been an amazing weekend to reflect and celebrate music. Life is always the perfect place to embrace inspirational art. Let’s celebrate cultural music. You know, the type of music that covers all races, creeds and genders. What’s the culture? The progressive. Let’s go. Let’s inspire.
#1: Lupe Fiasco & L.A.S.E.R.S. Manifesto
#2: Jay-Z & “D.O.A.”
#3: Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs & “Heads Will Roll”
*Remember N.E.R.D. (Nobody Ever Really Dies). Embrace your talents.
“As I’ve said before, 7even is so compelling because he is uber-creative and original, while still piloting his spaceship close to the Jacktown streets.”- David D, The Smoking Session
Peace! Want to know more about this guy? OK, I met him at an Open Mic Night in college. We’ve spit together, we’ve had sessions together and stayed up all night talking about hip hop on the “yard”. Is he dope? Of course. In search of something good, I stumbled into 7even:Thirty and his latest video. Check out it out:
To find out more about 7even Thirty click HERE. Click on the cover art below to download his latest effort, Late Night Sessions.
“Here is the actual video from Bacardi B-LIVE 2009′s stop in Kansas City, where Jazzy Jeff was forced offstage by the venue for playing hip hop. We don’t want to jump to any conclusions here, but everyone in America has seen The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, right? Maybe not. Regardless, Z-Trip was bummed, Jeff was bummed, Skillz got totally thrown out of the club–it was enough melodrama for the Huffington Post!”- Linda Lee, TheFader.com
In these “last” days, hip hop is still receiving tons of backlash and criticism. This isn’t unheard of, but it is unfortunate and kind of ignorant. Please, continue to be a positive representation of the culture and the art form. In the meantime, support DJ Jazzy Jeff and his genius construction. B-LIVE hits Milwaukee tonight with Q-TIP. If you’re in the area, come out and enjoy the show.
“Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive — the risk to be alive and express what we really are.”- Don Miguel Ruiz
This kid was only five-years-old. I think its a great way to keep the positivity flowing in your circle. Enjoy!
“According to Ross, the sunglasses worn on the cover of the May 2009 issue of XXL Magazine were customized with solid gold accents by Jacob Bernstein, AKA ‘The Sunglasses Pimp.’ ‘It’s the same thing as buying a Rolls Royce and having it tricked out; just because the product has been customized by me doesn’t take away from the fact that the frames are authentic Louis Vuitton Millionaires,’ Bernstein told AllHipHop.com”” – Realhiphopsoul.com
Peace. Once again people… Hip Hop outlets and so-called “artists” find themselves in a situation that makes the culture look foolish. This isn’t the first time artists have been “checked” by large luxury brands, nor is it the first time people involved in the Hip Hop Industry have been called out on their promotional campaigns by brands that don’t care. I find it disturbing that people (of all colors and creeds) find their self-worth in designer names and tags. It hurts even more to see young black and brown people consuming and worshiping brands that don’t either (a) support them and their pursuits (b) look down upon their culture or (c) don’t acknowledge that millions of dollars of their profit are made in their support. It is very saddening. At this point, beyond this isolated issue (because LV supports acts like Kanye West and Pharrell, but they attempted to sue Britney Spears) I just think people should re-evaluate being free promotional tools. I believe musicians and average everyday people should stop being walking billboards for people who don’t even acknowledge their existence. At the same time, I’m not against buying luxury items, I’m just against being spokespersons for $0.00 and having massive influence on the lives of children who grow up dying to get a hold of some of these possessions. Continue reading “Lessons Learned: Rick Ross + Louis Vuitton = Shameful Promo” »
“The Totally Stylin’ package actually gives you a choice of two dolls – Barbie or Nikki. And no matter which doll you select, each comes with 40 fun tattoo stickers, a stamper applicator and a few fun fashions. The no-fuss, no-mess tattoos, which are temporary, aren’t too risque either. You can use them on the doll, her clothing, or even a friend. And if Barbie can get a new tat, it’s only fair that Ken can too, right?” – inventorspot.com
Congrats, Barbie is 50-years-old and she’s been listening to Jay-Z. She too agrees that “30 is the new 20…” Did you see her latest tats? Wow, I guess poet Rafael Casal was right when he wrote, “Barbie and Ken 101″ years back. What does Barbie and her recent approach to life say about our society? What type of an example is she for our children? Is Mattel simply following society or is society following Mattel? Let us know what you think.
“It’s only pure caprice luck that the neighborhood that I actually lived in [in Montego Bay] is called Paradise. And there’s Paradise Crescent on one side that I lived on and then there’s Paradise Acres, which was the wealthy side. And I spent so many years wanting to belong to the other side of Paradise. Actually, when I left my aunt’s house, I actually moved to the other side of Paradise and discovered that it had its advantages — there were freedoms and safties there that I hadn’t thought possible — but it was still not as green [as] I imagined it. And I guess the true meaning of that is that both sides are maybe necessary — that a life fully lived has its traumas, its sorrows and its triumphs, and its moments of grand laughter.” – Staceyann Chin, The Chicago Tribune
One of my first interviews was with Staceyann Chin- a poet, speaker, author and Human Rights Activist. I’d seen her live in Chicago and fell in love with her passion and determination. In retrospect, it was probably one of my most colorful and interesting stories I’ve ever done. I’d become familiar with her work through HBO’s “Def Poetry” and BETJ’s “My Two Cents.” She’s a very strong, interesting and accomplished woman, who spent a lot of her time in Brooklyn while working on her latest project, “The Other Side of Paradise.” The memoir has gotten rave reviews and you can find out more about her book by visiting her website (www.staceyannchin.com). She’s an awesome example of liberation and freedom. Check her out.
The title of this post is not to be confused with sister Sallome Hralima & Jamel Shabbazz’s photo-documentary event last year, June 8th, 2008 (see: AGreatDayInBroolyn.org). I am referring to NYC experiencing Summertime in April. For those of you who may not know- there is no place like Brooklyn in the Summer. We were able to capture some of our outtings to share with YOU (our blog followers), which included hanging out with the Fam – CDTBK/Sunshowah, Renae of InHerShoesBlog, & Alice Smith; A roof-top BBQ; Hard Hitting Harry & The Earthman Experience performing at the Earth Day Festival; and more!
“Acoustic Graffiti performances and art works, created by Oleg Lapidus signify the spread of graffiti culture into music world. While classic graffiti usually stands for painting on a prohibited surface, «acoustic graffiti» is a music performance in a prohibited place at a prohibited time. The difference between the two would be that visual graffiti is a form of street art while “acoustic graffiti” can happen indoors, including the most high profile venues, where classic graffiti would equal vandalism. The moment of truth comes when security appear on the scene. It is the symbol of prohibition imposed on an individual by public order regulations.” – pianocrasher.com
Its been a long time since the days of “Wild Style,” but yet and still, graffiti art has become a huge asset in the transitions in pop culture. From THEN to KAWS, urban fashion to album covers- the element is everywhere! I found something interesting while browsing the net… its called: Acoustic Graffiti, a form of art created by a musician by the name of Oleg Lapidus. Watch the video and let us know what you think. Is this “art at its best” or an artist turned classic comedian? Ha. You decide. Paz!
Honestly, I haven’t heard this project, but I do know the creator and I appreciate his contributions to The Culture. Albert “Al Be Back” Daniels is best known for his work on HBO’s Def Poetry and T.I.’s “ATL” (the movie). Primarily, he’s a Bronx born emcee full of passion, intensity and honest to God, skill. He’s also the cousin of the late, great Big Pun… and he’s a Puerto Rican who resembles a “TELLATUBY.” In case you wanted to be exposed to new music, I’ve provided it. Click HERE to download the album.
To find out more about Al Be Back, you can visit his website: ALBEBACK.com or use your Google search engine.
Randomness, Videos | AHLOT June 29, 2009 | 
Comments (2) 
Peace and love.
