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Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
7:00 AM
nintendo
I don't watch award shows and I don't care about the Grammys (i.e., I care about music), but I love this footage of Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq rehearsing for this year's Grammy show. It swings like crazy, and Jagger is so hot in his street clothes and sneakers. I wish there was more straight-on footage and fewer effects.
Seeing Mick look so down-to-earth reminded me of a wonderful bit I read about how he is described in few different books - by Keith, Christopher Isherwood and Werner Herzog.
Seeing Mick look so down-to-earth reminded me of a wonderful bit I read about how he is described in few different books - by Keith, Christopher Isherwood and Werner Herzog.
As everyone knows by now, Mick Jagger's foibles and flaws are on display in Keith Richards's autobiography, "Life." (Mick's harp playing receives the highest marks from Keith, but that's pretty much it as far as unqualified praise goes.) Jagger comes off considerably better in "The Sixties," the second volume of Christopher Isherwood's diaries. Isherwood describes meeting Jagger in the Australian outback, where he was filming "Ned Kelly": "Mick Jagger, very pale, quiet, good-tempered, full of fun, ugly-beautiful, a bit like Beatrix Lehmann; he has the air of a castaway, someone saved from a wreck, but not in the least dismayed by it."
That's exactly the way Jagger was portrayed in "Conquest of the Useless," Werner Herzog's journals about the making of "Fitzcarraldo," which initially starred Jagger and Jason Robards. In the midst of that notoriously lunatic shoot in the Peruvian jungle, Jagger remained imperturbable and seemed to find humor in anything and everything, even the monkey that bit him.
Isherwood continues:Mick seems almost entirely without vanity. . . . He hardly ever refers to his career or himself as a famous and successful person and you might be with him for hours and not know what it is he does. Also, he seems equally capable of group fun, clowning, entertaining, getting along with other people, and of entering into a serious one-to-one dialogue with anybody who wants to. He talked seriously but not at all pretentiously about Jung, and about India (he has a brother who has become a monk in the Himalayas), and about religion in general. He also seems tolerant and not bitchy. He told me with amusement that the real reason why the Beatles left the Maharishi was that he made a pass at one of them: "They're simple north-country lads; they're terribly uptight about all that." Am still not sure if I believe this story.In the usual telling of that gossipy anecdote, the Maharishi made a pass at a young woman — sometimes it's Mia Farrow, sometimes not — infuriating the Fabs. True or not, Jagger's version is more appealing. As Christopher Hitchens says in his foreword to "The Sixties," regarding this attempted seduction of an unspecified Beatle, "I wonder which one, don't you?" Indeed I do, and I wouldn't put my money on Ringo.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
5:30 AM
nintendo
"The Profit," by Mr. Fish, used with his kind permission.Friend of wmtc Joe Grav sent me the official Fuck Christmas rant, taunting me with the notion that my annual "i hate christmas" post cannot compete. He's right, of course, so I won't even try.*
Instead, enjoy this excellent video, finally available online for Canadians.
I'm actually expecting a brilliant December 25 and 26 this year, involving humour from The Larry Sanders Show, food from President's Choice, beverages from grapes, and company from my favourite person. Plus - an extreme rarity in our home - paid time off. And if that particular magic can only be conjured through an ahistorical mashup of ancient pagan rites and hollow Christianity and out-of-control capitalism, then so be it.
* Although I still need the mall for one thank-you gift. I reserve the right to rant if necessary.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
9:30 AM
nintendo
Up for some bar hopping? From east to west, Toronto is fundraising for Iraq War resisters. On Thursday, December 2, join us for one - or both! - of these events. Bring your friends, hear some music, have a drink and help raise much needed funds for the ongoing fight to keep Iraq War resisters in Canada.
In the west end, Canadian singer-songwriter Jon Brooks performs a benefit for the War Resisters Support Campaign, with special guest, goddess of the blogosphere, Facebook and Twitter, Antonia Zerbisias. Iraq War resister Jeremy Hinzman will also speak.
When: Thursday, December 2, 8 pm
Where: Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Suggested donation: $20 or pay what you can
Dinner reservation guarantees seating: call 416.588.0307
On the east End, join the "Support Don't Deport Benefit Jam" in support of war resisters Phil McDowell and Jamine Aponte, featuring special musical guests Mr. Rick & the Biscuits and Darren Eedens, and comedian Robin Crossman.
When: Thursday, December 2, 8:30 - 11:30 pm
Where: The Prohibition Gastrohouse, 696 Queen Street East
Donation: $25 in advance or $30 at the door (includes first drink and appetizer)
For more info, see The Jam Blog.
In the west end, Canadian singer-songwriter Jon Brooks performs a benefit for the War Resisters Support Campaign, with special guest, goddess of the blogosphere, Facebook and Twitter, Antonia Zerbisias. Iraq War resister Jeremy Hinzman will also speak.
When: Thursday, December 2, 8 pm
Where: Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Suggested donation: $20 or pay what you can
Dinner reservation guarantees seating: call 416.588.0307
On the east End, join the "Support Don't Deport Benefit Jam" in support of war resisters Phil McDowell and Jamine Aponte, featuring special musical guests Mr. Rick & the Biscuits and Darren Eedens, and comedian Robin Crossman.
When: Thursday, December 2, 8:30 - 11:30 pm
Where: The Prohibition Gastrohouse, 696 Queen Street East
Donation: $25 in advance or $30 at the door (includes first drink and appetizer)
For more info, see The Jam Blog.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
5:00 AM
nintendo
Tonight, I put aside peace activism and get back to rock and roll.
"Ladies and Gentlemen ... The Rolling Stones," the legendary concert film of the Stones' 1972 US Tour is coming to your town. And more importantly, it's coming to my town!
This film, a document of the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World (TM) touring the Greatest Rock Album of All Time, has long been bootlegged. Most Stones fans have seen bits and pieces over the years, but not the whole thing, and not in good condition. On October 12, the movie finally will be officially released on DVD. And in advance of that, there is a one-night-only screening in theatres throughout North America - tonight.
We are going and we are psyched!
In a fitting coincidence, the last time Allan and I were in a movie theatre - other than for activism - was to see another Stones movie, Martin Scorcese's "Shine A Light," in IMAX.
This is a real Laura-and-Allan moment. We share many things, but "Exile On Main Street" just may be the basis of our entire relationship.
A bit more about "Ladies and Gentlemen..." and how excited we are here on JoS.
"Ladies and Gentlemen ... The Rolling Stones," the legendary concert film of the Stones' 1972 US Tour is coming to your town. And more importantly, it's coming to my town!
This film, a document of the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World (TM) touring the Greatest Rock Album of All Time, has long been bootlegged. Most Stones fans have seen bits and pieces over the years, but not the whole thing, and not in good condition. On October 12, the movie finally will be officially released on DVD. And in advance of that, there is a one-night-only screening in theatres throughout North America - tonight.
We are going and we are psyched!
In a fitting coincidence, the last time Allan and I were in a movie theatre - other than for activism - was to see another Stones movie, Martin Scorcese's "Shine A Light," in IMAX.
This is a real Laura-and-Allan moment. We share many things, but "Exile On Main Street" just may be the basis of our entire relationship.
A bit more about "Ladies and Gentlemen..." and how excited we are here on JoS.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
7:00 AM
nintendo
Keith Richards - rock icon, guitar legend, wizened senior spirit of rock, soul survivor, hero to millions and the first interest Allan and I discovered we had in common - wanted to be a librarian.
I didn't think it was possible to revere Keith Richards any more than I already did. I was wrong!
And now I learn that Keith will be appearing at the New York Public Library, speaking in the Celeste Bartos auditorium on Fifth Avenue, as part of the promotion for his memoir Life. Remind me why I left New York again? While you think of an answer, I'll check my October calendar.
It’s only books ’n’ shelves but I like it
SHHH! Keith Richards, the grizzled veteran of rock’n’roll excess, has confessed to a secret longing: to be a librarian. After decades spent partying in a haze of alcohol and drugs, Richards will tell in his forthcoming autobiography that he has been quietly nurturing his inner bookworm.
He has even considered “professional training” to manage thousands of books at his homes in Sussex and Connecticut, according to publishing sources familiar with the outline of Richards’s autobiography, which is due out this autumn. He has received a reported advance of $7.3m (£4.8m) for it.
The guitarist started to arrange the volumes, including rare histories of early American rock music and the second world war, by the librarian’s standard Dewey Decimal classification system but gave up on that as “too much hassle.” He has opted instead for keeping favoured volumes close to hand and the rest languishing on dusty shelves.
. . .
In his autobiography, Life, due to be published in October, Richards will reveal how, as a child growing up in the post-war-austerity of 1950s London, he found refuge in books before he discovered the blues.
He has declared: “When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equaliser.”
I didn't think it was possible to revere Keith Richards any more than I already did. I was wrong!
And now I learn that Keith will be appearing at the New York Public Library, speaking in the Celeste Bartos auditorium on Fifth Avenue, as part of the promotion for his memoir Life. Remind me why I left New York again? While you think of an answer, I'll check my October calendar.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
11:00 AM
nintendo
Abbey Lincoln - singer, writer, composer, actor, visual artist, activist - has died. She was 80 years old and lived on New York City's Upper West Side.
Abbey Lincoln was a unique force in music, and she used her music in the cause of freedom and justice.
At work, I often listen to music on Wolfgang's Vault, an archive of live music with both free and pay downloads, that pays royalties to artists. I often use the site as a way to check out music I don't own and otherwise would not hear.
Not long ago, I listened to the Max Roach quartet performing Roach's and Lincoln's "We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite" at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival. Lincoln and Roach, who is considered perhaps the greatest jazz drummer of all time, were married at the time. To use a cliche, the music gave me chills. I mean that literally.
(Wolfgang's Vault has tons of music from Newport - jazz, blues, folk and rock.)
Lincoln was a singer of extraordinary power and range. She was also a composer and songwriter, she painted and drew, and she starred in several movies, including "For the Love of Ivy," opposite Sidney Poitier. She was an amazing talent.
New York Times:
Abbey Lincoln was a unique force in music, and she used her music in the cause of freedom and justice.
At work, I often listen to music on Wolfgang's Vault, an archive of live music with both free and pay downloads, that pays royalties to artists. I often use the site as a way to check out music I don't own and otherwise would not hear.
Not long ago, I listened to the Max Roach quartet performing Roach's and Lincoln's "We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite" at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival. Lincoln and Roach, who is considered perhaps the greatest jazz drummer of all time, were married at the time. To use a cliche, the music gave me chills. I mean that literally.
(Wolfgang's Vault has tons of music from Newport - jazz, blues, folk and rock.)
Lincoln was a singer of extraordinary power and range. She was also a composer and songwriter, she painted and drew, and she starred in several movies, including "For the Love of Ivy," opposite Sidney Poitier. She was an amazing talent.
New York Times:
Ms. Lincoln’s career encompassed outspoken civil rights advocacy in the 1960s and fearless introspection in more recent years, and for a time in the 1960s she acted in films with Sidney Poitier.
Long recognized as one of jazz’s most arresting and uncompromising singers, Ms. Lincoln gained similar stature as a songwriter only over the last two decades. Her songs, rich in metaphor and philosophical reflection, provide the substance of “Abbey Sings Abbey,” an album released on Verve in 2007. As a body of work, the songs formed the basis of a three-concert retrospective presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2002.
Her singing style was unique, a combined result of bold projection and expressive restraint. Because of her ability to inhabit the emotional dimensions of a song, she was often likened to Billie Holiday, her chief influence. But Ms. Lincoln had a deeper register and a darker tone, and her way with phrasing was more declarative.
“Her utter individuality and intensely passionate delivery can leave an audience breathless with the tension of real drama,” Peter Watrous wrote in The New York Times in 1989. “A slight, curling phrase is laden with significance, and the tone of her voice can signify hidden welts of emotion.”
She had a profound influence on other jazz vocalists, not only as a singer and composer but also as a role model. “I learned a lot about taking a different path from Abbey,” the singer Cassandra Wilson said. “Investing your lyrics with what your life is about in the moment.”
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
7:47 AM
nintendo
Ever since I got this BB Bold, which I've dubbed the BB Anthony since it's all customized now, I've been testing the hell out of it. Besides the BB being a very fickle and picky, call it 'ficky', the battery life isn't that great when you're using it constantly. The last time I was out it did well but yesterday I was out for a few hours and the battery was basically dead. The difference was my usage. Before I wasn't really texting and emailing. I was just running the mp3 player. However yesterday I fielded calls and was heavy on emails, texting, and the messenger.
Also, I ordered an 8GB memory card for 37 ($29.99 + 6.99 s+h) from tigerdirect.com. That's my favorite site for computer stuff. When I was building computers, I'd get everything from there - aluminum case, motherboards, processors, memory, and so on. I thought I'd share that since many of us are broke and that's the lowest price I could find. I still plan to get the Sansa View 32GB mp3 player. I'll probably use the 8GB card in that player. Yup, 40GB. Plenty of room for my mp3s and even a lil video *wink wink*
Speaking of mp3s, I read in the news that the RIAA is not going to continue pursuing individuals for downloading music. Instead, they'll ID people by their IP address and send a note to the ISP who may have the option to just disconnect you. I remember my friend saying, people will just get another service and do it again. Unfortunately, there aren't that many highspeed or broadband carriers in a specific area. For example, in NYC there's Verizon and AceDSL. Verizon owns all of the specific wiring in NYC. So, AceDSL basically leases service from them. In other words, you may see options but don't assume there are that many.
Aside from that, I've basically ID'd two problems. First of all, many people who share music, like myself at one point, don't do it online. You gotta go to friends. My friend and I shared GBs of music doubling both of our collections in minutes. We did this in person, external hard drive to laptop. That's really where folks get their music. And, no one can stop it nor track it.
The second problem is an issue of personal security. No, I don't mean people stealing your music, which I'm sure we've experienced from thieving friends and family. I am specifically referring to people jacking you WIFI connection. I could come into your neighborhood and if I see an open connection, connect to it and download as I please. I especially look for Linksys users because I know the password for the device is always "admin" and never has a username. Once in Boston, I found such a connection. I was there for a week. I used this person's connection as I pleased and then put a password on it and changed security settings. I think I named the connection "nosecurity" or something. And, I did this to teach a lesson. It could be worse. I could have been downloading music and movies making that person a target for RIAA not unlike my other friend.
Learn to use your WIFI security settings. My own WIFI is a Linksys as well and my security is tight, down to the WEP security and MAC address filtering which is set to PERMIT only certain MAC addresses. You'd have to be way more 1337 than little ol' me to get through that. LOL
And this concludes my first blog post from my BB Anthony.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Friday, October 17, 2008
5:00 AM
nintendo
Check as the camera focuses on her footwork. Instantly, I thought of Fonzworth Bentley dancing in the Outkast video of The Way You Move (which couldn't be embedded) at around 1:35. At any rate, I'd like to see them, Janelle Monae and Fonzworth Bentley, do a video together. I wouldn't exactly know what song they'd sing nor do I actually care. Then again, a bad song would really suck. I am more interested in what the performance would look like if they both put together some wicked dance routine, unchoreographed of course.
What do you think?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
9:00 AM
nintendo
Normally, I am not big on gossip. In fact, I hate it. Fun to read, but I am not the one to write about it. But, I have to show some appreciation to Usher for telling us before we "heard" it. See, the thing about Usher's music is that he's probably one of the few artists that actually uses his own life's experiences in his music. And, he doesn't hold back. You've just got to listen.
Let's think about the past. Before his breakup with Chili, his album's songs were Burn and Confessions. Burn (chorus)
I don't understand why.. See it's burning me to hold onto this.. I know this is something I gotta do.. But that don't mean I want to.. What I'm trying to say is that I-love-you I just.. I feel like this is coming to an end.. And its better for me to let it go now than hold on and hurt you.. I gotta let it burn.
See right there, he's telling Chili he don't feel like it's going good in the relationship and it bothers him.
Now, let's see some songs after he got that old lady (yeah I said it) pregnant and the made the mistake of marrying her. I am going to use Love in this Club and Moving Mountains.
Now, what you don't understand about that? Who the hell wants to make love in the club? Didn't Chris Rock already remind us that there is no sex in the champagne room. NONE. Usher isn't even in the strip club. He's talking about making love in the regular club. We've already established you make songs about how you're feeling and your EXPERIENCES. I'm telling you, Usher is making, or want to make, love somewhere in the club. That's why his baby momma is strapped to his ass when he goes out. She knows the deal. That's how her old ass got him. She was one of the hoes in the club. He tripped up is all.
Now there's a lot going on here. We'll break this all down. In the first part, he's talking to Chili. He's reminiscing how it used to be with her. Then he fucked up with the old lady and now his "stock is down"! He's sleeping with a ghost because Chili is NOT there anymore. It's like she's died in the sense that he can't even communicate with her right now. He's depressed and calling the whole situation a hurricane. Let's call it Hurricane Tameka.
(check the Usher side-eye as she tries to snatch a drink OUT of his hand)
In the second part, he's still relating to Chili in the first few lines and then goes into how he's feeling about the aftermath of Hurricane Tameka. It's like moving mountains. Think about Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. Three years later and it's still a major disaster. If getting America to help Black folk isn't like moving mountains, I don't know what is.. well.. maybe dealing with an old lady that pussy-trapped you. Anyway, the last few lines are telling us exactly what he wants to happen. Usher wants his life back. He wants Tameka just leave him the hell alone. Go on. Get gone. Git!!
On another note, this is what makes Usher one of the best R&B singers of this era. He's too damn real.
Confessions (chorus)He's confessing. He doing Chili dirty this whole time. Did she know? Did she not know? Eh, who cares!
Everything that I've been doing is all bad.. I got a chick on the side with a crib and a ride.. I've been telling you so many lies.. Aint no good it's all bad.. I just wanna confess.. Its been going on so long.. Girl I been doing you so wrong.. And I want u to know that.
Now, let's see some songs after he got that old lady (yeah I said it) pregnant and the made the mistake of marrying her. I am going to use Love in this Club and Moving Mountains.
Love in this Club (you know all I need is the chorus)
I wanna make love in this club.. In this club.. In this club.. In this club
I wanna make love in this club.. In this club.. In this club.. In this club
Now, what you don't understand about that? Who the hell wants to make love in the club? Didn't Chris Rock already remind us that there is no sex in the champagne room. NONE. Usher isn't even in the strip club. He's talking about making love in the regular club. We've already established you make songs about how you're feeling and your EXPERIENCES. I'm telling you, Usher is making, or want to make, love somewhere in the club. That's why his baby momma is strapped to his ass when he goes out. She knows the deal. That's how her old ass got him. She was one of the hoes in the club. He tripped up is all.Moving Mountains (I'm going strong here)
Now, now she loved me, shawty I loved her.. Used to jump up in the maybach and roll out.. Used to care, she used to share.. The love that she used to give me can't be found.. I lost my way, she said she'd stay.. And lately I've been sleeping with a ghost.. My stock is down and out, I used to be worth my weight in gold.. That was before the great depression kicked in and rocked us.. And that was before the hurricane came in and stopped us.. I told you to leave, but you lied to me.. When you said that, baby no worries I promise to get us back
I know sorries, just wouldn't do it.. Her heart is obliterated, I'm trying to travel through.. But it's like moving mountains.. It's like moving mountains... hey.. But I keep climbing and hoping things would change.. And the sky turns grey, and the water from the rain washes progress away.. It's like moving mountains... It's like .. moving mountains... Why just leave me, just leave me, be.. Just leave me, just leave me, be.. Why you just leave me, just leave me, Be.. Why you just leave me, just leave me be ooh
Now there's a lot going on here. We'll break this all down. In the first part, he's talking to Chili. He's reminiscing how it used to be with her. Then he fucked up with the old lady and now his "stock is down"! He's sleeping with a ghost because Chili is NOT there anymore. It's like she's died in the sense that he can't even communicate with her right now. He's depressed and calling the whole situation a hurricane. Let's call it Hurricane Tameka.(check the Usher side-eye as she tries to snatch a drink OUT of his hand)
In the second part, he's still relating to Chili in the first few lines and then goes into how he's feeling about the aftermath of Hurricane Tameka. It's like moving mountains. Think about Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. Three years later and it's still a major disaster. If getting America to help Black folk isn't like moving mountains, I don't know what is.. well.. maybe dealing with an old lady that pussy-trapped you. Anyway, the last few lines are telling us exactly what he wants to happen. Usher wants his life back. He wants Tameka just leave him the hell alone. Go on. Get gone. Git!!
On another note, this is what makes Usher one of the best R&B singers of this era. He's too damn real.Friday, March 7, 2008
10:08 PM
nintendo
My friends and I had a somewhat hot discussion about Hip Hop artists who continue to rap beyond 35. My friends were the ones who were against artists who rap beyond this arbitrary cutoff age. Personally, it doesn't matter to me how old an individual is in regards to Hip Hop. What gets to me is the number of people who actually believe that if one is over 35, he should put down the microphone. But mostly, it's the fact that no one can voice a valid reason as to why a Hip Hop artist should sign up for early retirement.
The best and yet most invalid reason that I find being regurgitated shamelessly is that Hip Hop is for young people! Maybe when I didn't have hair on my nuts, I would have agreed. Today, I am a 28 year old MAN goin on 29! I love Hip Hop and I can't imagine it being slated for only "young" people. How should my listening habits be defined these days? Should I start listening to something other than rap? Perhaps, I ought to embrace a bunch of kids who rap about nothing? Or, I could just turn everything off and die? Is it because I am nearing 30 that something should click in my brain making me hate Hip Hop? Or, do I wait for 35 to have that imaginary click occur? WHAT THE FUCK ARE PEOPLE MY AGE AND OLDER SUPPOSED TO DO WITHOUT QUALITY GENUINE HIP HOP?
Here are my arguments as to why I support a mature Hip Hop scene.
1) Quality
Look at the Hip Hop that we have from these so-called artists today. The south is making a major impact on the scene but in the form of what? Stripper music and kiddy dance songs. I am not a stripper and I could care less about a bitch throwing her clothes off in front of me. If this woman and myself are about to engage in some physical activity then that's a different story. But, I am a grown ass man. Watching naked women doesn't do as much as most would think.
On the other hand, there's the good stuff that still comes out. Common has been in the game for a long time, long enough to be considered over-the-hill as he'll be 36 on March 13th according to Wikipedia. Snoop Dogg is still doing it and he'll be 37 in October. LL Cool J is already pushing 40. Jay-Z should be seeing 39 at the end of this year. And Nas will be 35 in September.
Now be honest. As far as QUALITY is an issue, who would be getting serious play time in your (non-Apple) mp3 player?
But how can today's Hip Hop artist show his/her quality? It's in the rhymes. Compare the poetry of a 5 year old child to that of a developed poet such as Langston Hughes. We all know the difference. The child doesn't know how to string along complex thoughts, develop story plots in rhyme, and make you think about things with references, metaphors and similes. It's that ability to put words together and tell a tale. At one point in Hip Hop, rappers were considered the storytellers who weaved together ideas that made people take a look at themselves and their situation. But today, the niggers are cooning and bafooning and the bitches are getting low!
2) Subject Matter
Sorry, but I don't crank a fucking thing! Doing the Batman reminds of Adam West and two fingers. The point is, myself along with many others can't relate to the dumb shit that's going on in Hip Hop today. Don't get me wrong. Hip Hop has and will always have that great dance element. But, once again a quality issue, we have children engaging in displays of stupidity as opposed to groups who actually come together to give the people something they can appreciate. When we were growing up, we were trying some difficult maneuvers like busting our kneecaps on some Kid 'N' Play shit.
This goes back to the issue of what am I supposed to listen to? I love Hip Hop and I exist in a market that's looking for the quality and substance that existed 10+ years ago. I already have the music that existed then but it only serves as a point of nostalgia for me. There are new problems that we tackle these days. Where is the talent that is supposed to speak to me on that level? Or, am I supposed to be content in hearing some kid with no hair on his nuts talk about fucking bitches? HELL NO! And, if I am going to hear stripper music, let it be in a strip club. I don't need hear that shit on the radio or watch it on TV. As I usually say, if she ain't naked in front of me, READY TO DO SOMETHING, it don't mean shit to me. Where's the support Obama lyrics? Where's the rap about Sean Bell? These are things that I am thinking about and people are too scared to RHYME about it!
3) Marketing
You all know marketing is my thing. I see the industry in a certain light that I don't think many people can see. But, one thing I am sure we are aware of is the control over what gets produced and what doesn't. Why should the cooning antics of a Souljah Boy get more airtime over a nearing-40 Jay-Z? Why is that cornball "selling" more than a lot of other people? I absolutely know it is not because of a quality issue.
The truth of the matter is that niggers and bitches sell albums. But, who is buying the garbage that is being produced. 70% of Hip Hop is purchased by white people. The rest are of course black, asian, hispanic and so on. Damn near 100% of those producing and selling Hip Hop are in the game for the money, not the love. Many of them see it as a way out of some dismal situation. Many others see it as a way to simply collect a lot of money, another business venture. The market of the music industry can be defined as a "sex and stupidity" demand married to a "money hungry" supply willing to do whatever they can to ensure their own income.
Conclusion
The market of Hip Hop needs to change. We can't continue to arbitrarily keep it young. It's the youth, who only care about excess and opulence, that are destroying Hip Hop. We have to get back to the love of it all where young and old have a place not because they are appealing to ignorance and stupidity but because they are keeping it real. That love still exists in those "old" guys which is why they can't stay away or stay retired. Hip Hop is not just a hustle for them. Hip Hop is a way of life. They are the leaders and, as fans, we are the followers. How are we supposed to maintain some level of integrity in Hip Hop when the followers are alienating their own leaders due to age? How is Hip Hop supposed to stay alive when we would rather embrace youth over quality?
As a REAL Hip Hop fan, I would never disrespect myself or those rappers because of age alone. These people have given a lot over the years and we've responded with so much love over those years. What happen? Why should it stop now? Why should it stop when those rappers still have a lot to offer and there's a market for it? I know I am not the only one buying it! Even if it's only 500,000 other people purchasing with me, those are the rappers who still command a sizeable market WITHOUT marketing capital like an Ice Cube who will be 40 next year. He's doing other things but LOVE keeps him in the studio! If that ain't the kind of real we want in society, then Hip Hop is truly on it's way out.
The best and yet most invalid reason that I find being regurgitated shamelessly is that Hip Hop is for young people! Maybe when I didn't have hair on my nuts, I would have agreed. Today, I am a 28 year old MAN goin on 29! I love Hip Hop and I can't imagine it being slated for only "young" people. How should my listening habits be defined these days? Should I start listening to something other than rap? Perhaps, I ought to embrace a bunch of kids who rap about nothing? Or, I could just turn everything off and die? Is it because I am nearing 30 that something should click in my brain making me hate Hip Hop? Or, do I wait for 35 to have that imaginary click occur? WHAT THE FUCK ARE PEOPLE MY AGE AND OLDER SUPPOSED TO DO WITHOUT QUALITY GENUINE HIP HOP?
Here are my arguments as to why I support a mature Hip Hop scene.
1) Quality
Look at the Hip Hop that we have from these so-called artists today. The south is making a major impact on the scene but in the form of what? Stripper music and kiddy dance songs. I am not a stripper and I could care less about a bitch throwing her clothes off in front of me. If this woman and myself are about to engage in some physical activity then that's a different story. But, I am a grown ass man. Watching naked women doesn't do as much as most would think.
On the other hand, there's the good stuff that still comes out. Common has been in the game for a long time, long enough to be considered over-the-hill as he'll be 36 on March 13th according to Wikipedia. Snoop Dogg is still doing it and he'll be 37 in October. LL Cool J is already pushing 40. Jay-Z should be seeing 39 at the end of this year. And Nas will be 35 in September.
Now be honest. As far as QUALITY is an issue, who would be getting serious play time in your (non-Apple) mp3 player?
But how can today's Hip Hop artist show his/her quality? It's in the rhymes. Compare the poetry of a 5 year old child to that of a developed poet such as Langston Hughes. We all know the difference. The child doesn't know how to string along complex thoughts, develop story plots in rhyme, and make you think about things with references, metaphors and similes. It's that ability to put words together and tell a tale. At one point in Hip Hop, rappers were considered the storytellers who weaved together ideas that made people take a look at themselves and their situation. But today, the niggers are cooning and bafooning and the bitches are getting low!
2) Subject Matter
Sorry, but I don't crank a fucking thing! Doing the Batman reminds of Adam West and two fingers. The point is, myself along with many others can't relate to the dumb shit that's going on in Hip Hop today. Don't get me wrong. Hip Hop has and will always have that great dance element. But, once again a quality issue, we have children engaging in displays of stupidity as opposed to groups who actually come together to give the people something they can appreciate. When we were growing up, we were trying some difficult maneuvers like busting our kneecaps on some Kid 'N' Play shit.
This goes back to the issue of what am I supposed to listen to? I love Hip Hop and I exist in a market that's looking for the quality and substance that existed 10+ years ago. I already have the music that existed then but it only serves as a point of nostalgia for me. There are new problems that we tackle these days. Where is the talent that is supposed to speak to me on that level? Or, am I supposed to be content in hearing some kid with no hair on his nuts talk about fucking bitches? HELL NO! And, if I am going to hear stripper music, let it be in a strip club. I don't need hear that shit on the radio or watch it on TV. As I usually say, if she ain't naked in front of me, READY TO DO SOMETHING, it don't mean shit to me. Where's the support Obama lyrics? Where's the rap about Sean Bell? These are things that I am thinking about and people are too scared to RHYME about it!
3) Marketing
You all know marketing is my thing. I see the industry in a certain light that I don't think many people can see. But, one thing I am sure we are aware of is the control over what gets produced and what doesn't. Why should the cooning antics of a Souljah Boy get more airtime over a nearing-40 Jay-Z? Why is that cornball "selling" more than a lot of other people? I absolutely know it is not because of a quality issue.
The truth of the matter is that niggers and bitches sell albums. But, who is buying the garbage that is being produced. 70% of Hip Hop is purchased by white people. The rest are of course black, asian, hispanic and so on. Damn near 100% of those producing and selling Hip Hop are in the game for the money, not the love. Many of them see it as a way out of some dismal situation. Many others see it as a way to simply collect a lot of money, another business venture. The market of the music industry can be defined as a "sex and stupidity" demand married to a "money hungry" supply willing to do whatever they can to ensure their own income.
Conclusion
The market of Hip Hop needs to change. We can't continue to arbitrarily keep it young. It's the youth, who only care about excess and opulence, that are destroying Hip Hop. We have to get back to the love of it all where young and old have a place not because they are appealing to ignorance and stupidity but because they are keeping it real. That love still exists in those "old" guys which is why they can't stay away or stay retired. Hip Hop is not just a hustle for them. Hip Hop is a way of life. They are the leaders and, as fans, we are the followers. How are we supposed to maintain some level of integrity in Hip Hop when the followers are alienating their own leaders due to age? How is Hip Hop supposed to stay alive when we would rather embrace youth over quality?
As a REAL Hip Hop fan, I would never disrespect myself or those rappers because of age alone. These people have given a lot over the years and we've responded with so much love over those years. What happen? Why should it stop now? Why should it stop when those rappers still have a lot to offer and there's a market for it? I know I am not the only one buying it! Even if it's only 500,000 other people purchasing with me, those are the rappers who still command a sizeable market WITHOUT marketing capital like an Ice Cube who will be 40 next year. He's doing other things but LOVE keeps him in the studio! If that ain't the kind of real we want in society, then Hip Hop is truly on it's way out.
Friday, November 23, 2007
5:01 AM
nintendo
Yes, I apologize to Vanilla Ice for the years of disrespect and jokes to his contribution to hip hop.
Why? With the effort of so many people in the REAL hip hop community to keep Hip Hop fresh and real, we targeted fake rappers and sought out to execute em from the scene. Among the casualties was Vanilla Ice, one of the top selling sell outs at the time. Hip Hop recovered from the likes of Vanilla Ice and others who were used by record companies to water down and whitewash Hip Hop. But, did it really recover at all?
Instead of record companies trying to whitewash Hip Hop they instead turned to NIGGERWASH it with snap music and other corny ass styles and dances that have our people walking the streets with pride looking like cracked out and coked up Ronald McDonalds and shit! This isn't the Hip Hop we know and love. This trash rap is what we were trying to prevent when 3rd Bass made fun of Vanilla Ice in the video, Pop Goes The Weasel.
So who's the new set of weasels to replace Vanilla Ice.. who are the ones being used to niggerwash Hip Hop.. here's just a few to begin with!
Instead of record companies trying to whitewash Hip Hop they instead turned to NIGGERWASH it with snap music and other corny ass styles and dances that have our people walking the streets with pride looking like cracked out and coked up Ronald McDonalds and shit! This isn't the Hip Hop we know and love. This trash rap is what we were trying to prevent when 3rd Bass made fun of Vanilla Ice in the video, Pop Goes The Weasel.
So who's the new set of weasels to replace Vanilla Ice.. who are the ones being used to niggerwash Hip Hop.. here's just a few to begin with!
So, why am I apologizing to Vanilla Ice? Because, we, as a Hip Hop people, demonized Vanilla Ice only to end up allowing pure unadulterated NIGGERS take over the Hip Hop game. I realize, today, we would have been better off with Vanilla Ice as a top rap artist than have clowns like this terrorize the ears, eyes, and minds of America.
I wonder if MC Serch ever started R.A.P.E., that is, Rappers Against Phony Entertainers. I'd like to join that movement. Yes, with another white guy! At least, he was GOODl!
Images: Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris, and D4L aka Tools of the Niggerwash of Hip Hop Agenda (and there are others)!
I wonder if MC Serch ever started R.A.P.E., that is, Rappers Against Phony Entertainers. I'd like to join that movement. Yes, with another white guy! At least, he was GOODl!
Images: Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris, and D4L aka Tools of the Niggerwash of Hip Hop Agenda (and there are others)!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
5:01 AM
nintendo
Ok people, let's get our heads out of the clouds on this reggaeton phenomenon. I am going take it back to when I first heard about "reggaeton" when it was referred to as "Spanish Reggae." I was back in high school and my boy Rob, a Dominican cat with a mean jump shot, was telling me about Spanish reggae. He was down with some guys and it's going to blow up. He offered to actually bring me in on it. He also gave me an open invite to join the Latin Kings.
But, I am not the type to go all crazy about joining anyone else's movement, gang, group, cause, etc etc etc. I am more about leading my own causes. If I believe in your cause, I'll lend you a hand.
Anyway, this was back in like 1995. Spanish reggae, at the time, was simply Spanish lyrics over a reggae beat. Who the hell knows how long that's really been going on. I am sure someone decided to speak Spanish over a reggae beat long before someone else thought it was their idea.
But, today, reggaeton is some sort of explosion or something. I guess I missed out! It's as if this is a new thing and something special. I am sorry to say, reggaeton bears little resemblance to the stuff I was hearing back in HS. People don't even recognize that today, reggaeton isn't even Spanish over a reggae beat anymore. This is because most people haven't heard the real stuff yet so they don't even know what they're hearing and gett confused.
Spanish Reggae is not reggaeton.
Reggaeton is fake, corporate packaged bullshit fronted by some Hispanic folks who were too hungry to stay true to the art form. Spanish Reggae, today, consists of Spanish lyrics over a heavy Hispanic-influenced Reggae beat. It's very distinct and you can tell the difference between Spanish Reggae vs original Reggae.
Spanish Reggae is NOT an up-tempo Hip Hop beat sprinkled with some spanish people. In other words, reggaeton is nothing more than Spanish over a Hip Hop or R&B sound. That's Hip Hop, translated. Nothing more, nothing less, NOTHING NEW.
Another thing that sort of bothers me is this rift that's developing between Hispanics and blacks over this bullshit music. I would hope both groups take my advice on this issue and stop acting like a bunch of damn fools.
Spanish people need to quit acting as if the bullshit played on the radio or in the clubs is real Spanish Reggae. Or rather, Hispanic folks need to stop equating reggaeton with real Spanish Reggae. This confuses people. You need to deny that fake shit that you hear and pop off with the real shit. Don't give it credit when it discredits the real thing.
And, Black people need to open their minds up to new things. Hip Hop culture is great but it doesn't mean it's the only music you should be hearing. Do more than listen to what they feed you on the radio.
BTW. Spanish Reggae didn't really catch on. I guess I didn't miss out.
But, I am not the type to go all crazy about joining anyone else's movement, gang, group, cause, etc etc etc. I am more about leading my own causes. If I believe in your cause, I'll lend you a hand.
Anyway, this was back in like 1995. Spanish reggae, at the time, was simply Spanish lyrics over a reggae beat. Who the hell knows how long that's really been going on. I am sure someone decided to speak Spanish over a reggae beat long before someone else thought it was their idea.
But, today, reggaeton is some sort of explosion or something. I guess I missed out! It's as if this is a new thing and something special. I am sorry to say, reggaeton bears little resemblance to the stuff I was hearing back in HS. People don't even recognize that today, reggaeton isn't even Spanish over a reggae beat anymore. This is because most people haven't heard the real stuff yet so they don't even know what they're hearing and gett confused.
Spanish Reggae is not reggaeton.
Reggaeton is fake, corporate packaged bullshit fronted by some Hispanic folks who were too hungry to stay true to the art form. Spanish Reggae, today, consists of Spanish lyrics over a heavy Hispanic-influenced Reggae beat. It's very distinct and you can tell the difference between Spanish Reggae vs original Reggae.
Spanish Reggae is NOT an up-tempo Hip Hop beat sprinkled with some spanish people. In other words, reggaeton is nothing more than Spanish over a Hip Hop or R&B sound. That's Hip Hop, translated. Nothing more, nothing less, NOTHING NEW.
Another thing that sort of bothers me is this rift that's developing between Hispanics and blacks over this bullshit music. I would hope both groups take my advice on this issue and stop acting like a bunch of damn fools.
Spanish people need to quit acting as if the bullshit played on the radio or in the clubs is real Spanish Reggae. Or rather, Hispanic folks need to stop equating reggaeton with real Spanish Reggae. This confuses people. You need to deny that fake shit that you hear and pop off with the real shit. Don't give it credit when it discredits the real thing.
And, Black people need to open their minds up to new things. Hip Hop culture is great but it doesn't mean it's the only music you should be hearing. Do more than listen to what they feed you on the radio.
BTW. Spanish Reggae didn't really catch on. I guess I didn't miss out.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
2:41 AM
nintendo
I should have been in 1959 instead of 1979. That way I could have at least grown up in the 60s and 70s, relish in the 80s and enjoyed the 90s. So many reasons why I think this. Wanna hear it, here it go:
Music
Music today for the most part sucks red baboon ass. Hip Hop is steadily going down the tubes. Actually Hip Hop has been down the tubes for some time. The best pop star we have is Britney Spears. There isn't one viable R&B act out there at all. Rock & Roll is either too old or dead. Where are the good stories in country? Jazz isn't even jazzy anymore. Blues are somewhere with Rock & Roll. Back then you had the real music. R&B made you feel things soon as it came on. Hip Hop had you thinkin and movin ya feet. Micheal Jackson was the pop star and he was still black; he even had a jheri curl. What else is there to say?
People
Men were still men back in the day. Today we have these sissies running around getting their hair and nails done, going to spas, and getting the crack of their ass waxed. They even changed the Brawny man! Whatever happen to the Chuck Norris lumberjack guy? Now they got some sissy with too-tight jeans caressing a tabletop! SOMEONE STOP THE INSANITY! It's ok if you have to keep up your appearances if you're a male model or something. But, there are regular normal guys out there gettin all prissy. It don't make sense. Go get your damn hair CUT at the BARBERSHOP and clip your fuckin nails like the rest of us - NO POLISH!
Women just get on my nerves nowadays. Feminist movement destroyed chivalry. I can't even open the door for a woman anymore. I offer my hand to help a woman out of a car and they say, "No, I don't need you!" I know you don't need me. I AM OFFERING MY HELP! If your behind isn't out of the car by the time I get around to the other side, ACCEPT MY OFFER! Or at least, can you appreciate something, you bitch!? Damn, your attitudes suck these days!
I've come to the conclusion that "God" stopped making good women decades ago. The "Good Woman" series has been discontinued. I don't mind it so much but someone needs to recall all "Bitch" series of women because the programs are written poorly, they crash too often, and are in need of serious debugging.
Thank you! Please come again!
Music
Music today for the most part sucks red baboon ass. Hip Hop is steadily going down the tubes. Actually Hip Hop has been down the tubes for some time. The best pop star we have is Britney Spears. There isn't one viable R&B act out there at all. Rock & Roll is either too old or dead. Where are the good stories in country? Jazz isn't even jazzy anymore. Blues are somewhere with Rock & Roll. Back then you had the real music. R&B made you feel things soon as it came on. Hip Hop had you thinkin and movin ya feet. Micheal Jackson was the pop star and he was still black; he even had a jheri curl. What else is there to say?
People
Men were still men back in the day. Today we have these sissies running around getting their hair and nails done, going to spas, and getting the crack of their ass waxed. They even changed the Brawny man! Whatever happen to the Chuck Norris lumberjack guy? Now they got some sissy with too-tight jeans caressing a tabletop! SOMEONE STOP THE INSANITY! It's ok if you have to keep up your appearances if you're a male model or something. But, there are regular normal guys out there gettin all prissy. It don't make sense. Go get your damn hair CUT at the BARBERSHOP and clip your fuckin nails like the rest of us - NO POLISH!
Women just get on my nerves nowadays. Feminist movement destroyed chivalry. I can't even open the door for a woman anymore. I offer my hand to help a woman out of a car and they say, "No, I don't need you!" I know you don't need me. I AM OFFERING MY HELP! If your behind isn't out of the car by the time I get around to the other side, ACCEPT MY OFFER! Or at least, can you appreciate something, you bitch!? Damn, your attitudes suck these days!
I've come to the conclusion that "God" stopped making good women decades ago. The "Good Woman" series has been discontinued. I don't mind it so much but someone needs to recall all "Bitch" series of women because the programs are written poorly, they crash too often, and are in need of serious debugging.
Thank you! Please come again!
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