Superbizzee Chronicles

::Ancestry.In.Progress::

2011-09-29T17:00:00.002-04:00

03.06.1936 – 09.29.2011

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant

::Ancestry.In.Progress::

2011-09-23T10:14:00.001-04:00

03:18:1963 – 09:22:2011

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant.

The Anti-Mixtape.

2011-09-12T17:50:00.002-04:00

New York Is Red Hot: The Anti-Mixtape by Superbizzee on Mixcloud

Summertime still smokin'.

Free Wax Poetics/ Skull Candy event featuring Erykah Badu TONITE (NYC)

2011-09-01T19:07:00.003-04:00

Don't beef with the door man if you can't get in...knowing you didn't show up 'till aroun' 1AM. Get there early. That's all I gotta say.

The Evolution of Tanyayette Willoughby

2011-08-31T17:39:00.017-04:00

Question: How many folks can put on their resume that they've written two top 10 R&B singles, one of which was also a top 40 pop single...

a top 40 R&B single featuring the vocal prowess of a young Luther Vandross...

contributed vocals and lyrics to an album by a jazz luminary...

AND was part of a major label group with lauded jazz fusion drummer/ percussionist Lenny White at the helm...

...all by the age of 20? To quote Carl Carlton, It's safe to say that singer-songwriter-violinist Tanyayette Willoughby is a bad mama jama. You may not know her name, but you definitely know her hits:

...and

...and

But now, under the moniker TanyaBe, she's turning a new page in her illustrious career with the release of her new album Elz Ancillary Accessory!

Nearly a decade in the making, the album is a fine-tuned double disc collection of 30 dynamic songs. “I did that because we’re living in a mixtape world,” says the New York City native. “You can have any number of songs on a mixtape.” The album finds Willoughby bravely defining her newly minted signature sound: millennium soul. “I call it millennium soul because it encompasses all people, places, and things,” she explains. “It starts off with gospel, goes into jazz, R&B, fused with hip-hop. Everything is tasteful.” Check out the lead single "Mistakes," featuring 15-year-old New Jersey native Lara Begg:

Download your copy of Elz Ancillary Accessory at Digistation today!

::Ancestry.In.Progress::

2011-08-28T16:19:00.003-04:00

05.04.41 – 08.22.11

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant.

New York Is Red Hot: The Un-Mixtape

2011-08-11T11:32:00.007-04:00

Beat the heat with some funky treats.

::Ancestry.In.Progress::

2011-07-31T15:14:00.001-04:00

02.12.35-07.29.11

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant

2011-07-14T06:42:00.003-04:00

01.15.43-07.05.11

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant

Watch.
Listen.
Groove.

::Ancestry.In.Progress::

2011-06-22T11:08:00.002-04:00

01.11.42 – 06.18.11

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant.

Art Nouveau Magazine: King

2011-06-22T10:50:00.004-04:00

I've been working on a lot of interesting projects and making some dope alliances lately. One of which is a dope magazine out of the ATL called Art Nouveau. Check out my latest literary contribution to their site on the sensational new vocal trio King!

Wax Poetics - Issue 47: Roy C.

2011-06-22T10:38:00.004-04:00

Check out my latest piece in Wax Poetics magazine on unsung soul legend Roy C! On newsstands NOW!

::Ancestry In Progress::

2011-05-29T16:10:00.001-04:00

04.01.49 – 05.27.11

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant.

OKP X SUPERBIZZEE

2011-04-29T15:33:00.004-04:00

You know my steez. Go here and here to get familiar.

SUPERBIZZEE BLAST-OFF!!

2011-02-21T09:55:00.003-05:00

After dragging my arse for many a year, I've finally decided to build a virtual shrine to myself. Well...almost. Go to www.superbizzee.com and visit my new website! You can check out some of my journalism and get a taste of what I've been up to professionally. Enjoy!

Don't forget to VOTE!

2011-01-12T09:49:00.002-05:00

Vote EVERY DAY until January 31st to help us win a $5,000 grant from Pepsi!

Go to http://pep.si/gqSdYE or text 104919 to Pepsi (73774)

2010 List (drumroll please)

2011-01-12T08:47:00.016-05:00

I hate to be the Debbie Downer here, but let's face it...there was definitely a famine of mainstream musical greatness last year. I'm not sure of the cause, but it seems like major label artists were less inspired to produce groundbreaking, sonically pleasing art. There were a few gems in the ocean, but mostly plundered treasures and sunken ships. That probably explains my increasing propensity towards unearthing forgotten treasures from decades past. Looking at the my iPhone, more than 60% of the music on it was created before 2000.

2010 also saw me delving further into the beat scene. There's such a wealth of refreshing talent hidden right under the noses of the general public. The beat scene seems to be one of the few sub genres of music that has managed to not only skillfully sustain a balance of ingenuity and innovation but also a strong sense of promise, self containment, and integrity. These factors alone are usually the breeding grounds for the "next big thing." Check the pop culture resume. Hopefully the integrity will remain intact should that scene ever be tossed into the mainstream where the only rule is sink or swim.

So in a time where big name mags (online & digital) and blogs tailor their year end lists to the "influence" of their sponsors, I present to you my list of what floated MY boat last year. There...I said it.

Singles:

1. H.O.P.E. - "Me & Her"

2. Consequence - "Got Me Trippin' (The Amerie Joint)"

3. Ne-Yo "Champagne Life"

4. Andreya Triana "Lost Where I Belong (Flying Lotus Remix)"

5. OK GO "White Knuckles"

6. Theophilus London "Calypso Blues"

7. Saigon "The Greatest Story Never Told"

8. Onra "Long Distance"

9. Nas & Damian Marley "As We Enter"

10. Aloe Blacc "I Need A Dollar"

11. Usher "Little Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj)"

12. Kelis "4th Of July (Fireworks)"

Albums & EPs:

1. Esperanza Spalding - Chamber Music Society

2. Space Invadas - Done It Again EP

3. Janelle Monae - The Archandroid

4. Pursuit Grooves - Fox Trot Mannerisms

5. Gonjasufi - A Sufi & A Killer

6. Flying Lotus - Pattern + Grid World EP

7. Mark Ronson & The Business INTL - Record Collection

8. H.I.S.D. - The Weakend

9. Diddy Dirty Money - Last Train To Paris

10. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma

11. Black Keys - Brothers

Help We The People win $5,000 (Pepsi Refresh Everything)!!

2011-01-03T09:45:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who helped my photojournalism/ book project We The People: The Citizens of NYCHA in Pictures + Words get to the World Festival of Black Arts & Cultures (also known as Fesman 2010) in Senegal last month! We're still reeling from the experience. But on the cusp of this new year, we call upon you for yet another favor. As of today, We The People is competing for a $5,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh competition! Spread this link to all your family and friends and vote every day until January 31st!

http://pep.si/gqSdYE

Don't forget to visit our website!

GuSHee is the Future.

2010-10-24T16:31:00.003-04:00

Whenever I hear about fearless Black folks stretching out in the full range of their creative genius, I'm immediately interested. Whether I actually like the art or not is irrelevant. The fact that the some Black folk have the gumption to buck trend and push the envelope always inspires my higher self and gives hope for the future generations. Black artists have always been in a purgatory state, smacked from the right with the pressure to perpetuate the mainstream stereotypes and sucker punched from the left to "stay in your lane" and "get money." Black folks are a diverse and dynamic people. To be beholden to a monolithic consciousness and aesthetic is ludicrous. We express ourselves in a myriad of ways. None of them any less "Black" than the other.

Which brings me to GuSHee. When I first heard about the early sketchings of this duo last year, my ears involuntarily perked up. Comprised of the otherworldly beatsmith and Red Bull Music Academy alumni Pursuit Grooves and Toronto-based soundscape artist Pro-EF, GuSHee is definitely on some other ship! And even though they're a dope musical collaboration, that's only one aspect of it. They're also making inroads into the curatorial world. From the Western hemisphere and beyond. Their understanding and manipulation of electronic music production is unparalleled. So all you museums, art galleries, and festivals, GET AT EM!!! Check their music on the link above. And remember...GuSHee is the future.

Contact: gusheefly@gmail.com

We The People: The Citizens of NYCHA in Pictures + Words (a photojournalism project)

2010-10-21T18:21:00.006-04:00

We The People: The Citizens of NYCHA in Pictures + Words (trailer) from Rico a.k.a. Superbizzee on Vimeo.

My good people! After a year of hard work, I give you We The People: The Citizens of NYCHA in Pictures + Words! An unprecedented photojournalism project!! I don't think I've worked on anything in my life! Photographer Shino Yanagawa and myself have been working diligently over the past year putting the nuts and bolts of this project together. The goal of the project was to investigate the myths and stigmas often applied to housing projects and the residents who live in them. Especially the Black and Latino population. And from the 50 + people we interviewed, we discovered some very interesting things. it brings us great joy and pleasure to finally cut the ribbon on such a breathtaking collection of photographs and interviews. Our goal is to exhibit this project as many times as the universe will allow, including internationally.

We've already been selected to exhibit the project at the Fesman 2010 festival of world Black arts being held in Senegal this December. In addition, one of the photographs from the exhibition has been selected to be a part of Danny Simmons & Brian Tate's Curate NYC exhibition project running October 21st through October 31st in New York City. We're also looking at expanding on the exhibition aspect of the project with a prospective book project. Yeah. Pretty ambitious. But hey, Putting this together has definitely been a labor of love, but it needs your support. In order for us to actualize this exhibition and the trip to Senegal, we're relying on the generous contributions of compassionate individuals, philanthropic organizations, foundations, and corporations. So do me a favor, if you will. Post our Kickstarter, Facebook, and webpage links to your respective social networking pages, websites, and favorite forums.

Spread the word to your friends, families, and associates! Help us debunk the myth!!

Book signing event/ Trespass: A History of Uncommissioned Urban Art (9/29 @ Taschen SoHo, NYC)

2010-09-22T11:49:00.014-04:00

Taschen has always been the odd man out in the art book world. In recent years, they've been very liberal in their pursuit of the erotica genre. Let's see...there was the Big Penis Book, the Big Butt Book, the Big Book of Legs, oh...and the Big Book of Breasts. And that's just to name a few. Well, what can you say? Those Germans sure do know how to be controversial and artsy at the same time! Being that they're the new kids on the block (established in 1980), they have a lot less to loose in the archaic sense of rigid legacy.

At any rate...on Wednesday, September 29th from 7-9PM, they're having a book signing/ discussion event at their SoHo location for the book Trespass: A History of Uncommissioned Urban Art.

The title should clue you in on the subject matter. They go beyond the pedestrian definition of street art in the major metropolises of the world. Sure, by the nature of the subject it's investigating means it will feature examples of works by the proverbial Banksy and Shepard Fairey. But hey...as "mainstream" as they are, you can't take away from the fact that they're pioneers. Still, the book is worth a gander.

Anyway, the book signing and discussion should be interesting. The book's author Carlo McCormick (Paper Magazine) and editor Ethel Seno will be there along with some of the featured artists. Wooster Collective's Marc & Sarah Schiller had a prominent hand in the creation of the book, so I'm sure they'll be there. Being that Shepard Fairey has been in and around NYC lately, I'm putting my chips on him showing up.

The only catch is I'm sure the event will get slammed with folks from all ends of the five boroughs trying their damnedest to stuff themselves into Taschen's aesthetically intriguing, yet small space. So it's best to RSVP. Like, now.

RSVP: store-ny@taschen.com

Nixon's Art Mosh: Friday, September 17th (NYC) - RSVP NOW!!!

2010-09-16T00:31:00.006-04:00

HAW RITE NOW! Here's another corporate sponsored attempt to beat a subculture in the head with a brand name. Usually, I'm appalled at such blatant displays of f*ckery. But in certain instances, it can be a perfect fit. This is one such instance. Nixon's watches are ill. Hands down. I'm still lusting for their woodgrain Rotolog model. Timepieces have never looked so sweet in these modern times.

This Friday, Nixon, in tandem with Mountain Dew and Vice Magazine, are putting on an art show to snuff out all other art shows. The second annual one night only Art Mosh is a art exhibition featuring photography, film, visual art, and live music performances by the likes of Ninjasonik and 2 Mandy DJs. I'm looking foward to checking out this concept in person to see how the space functions with the event. RSVP at the URL on the flyer above. See you in Chelsea...

548 W. 22nd St.
Friday, September 17th
8-11pm

Jneiro Jarel Strikes Again!

2010-09-15T23:26:00.009-04:00

Let me start off by saying that I'm a self-professed Jneiro Jarel fan. Nah. Scratch that. I'm a Jneiro Jarel groupie. I go hard, homie. Seriously. I think his sound is dope as all hell. So suffice it to say that I'm a little disappointed that this dude's output isn't nearly as prolific as I'd like it to be. He's right behind Flying Lotus and Madlib on my list of the coldest beat junkies of the first stretch of the 21st century. Various alter egos and side projects withstanding, his solo catalog could use a little creatine. But I know Fauna will whet the appetites of those like me who have been anxiously awaiting his formal return.

Now Kindred Spirits is on the cusp of releasing the first official follow up to Jneiro Jarel's 2005 gem Three Piece Puzzle. Fauna is a 12-track journey through Jneiro's splendiferous and long-standing Brazil fetish.

Not only that, but a little birdie told me that Kindred Spirits is selling the album in two different packages:

1. Vinyl album + 7" single ("Amazonica" b/w "See Them Cry") + poster.

or...

2. CD + 7" single (same) + poster.

I'm going for the all vinyl package. With the closing of Fat Beats here in NYC, Hip-Hop vinyl shops are becoming more and more extinct. Anyway, I'm amped about this new record. Anyone who enjoys this man's work should definitely go out and cop. The indie scene needs our support the most.

Puma's Downtown Upright Bicycle Ride: Saturday, September 18th (NYC)!!!

2010-09-13T18:38:00.006-04:00

Puma is cool. In conjunction with Hudson Urban Bicycles, they're sponsoring the first annual Downtown Upright Bicycle Ride this Saturday, September 18th! Beginning at 4PM, push you pedals in downtown Manhattan with other cyclists from across the 5 boroughs.

The past few years have been landmark for cyclists in the NYC area. According to legend, we've got more bicycle lanes than any other city in this country. In 2008, Mayor Bloomberg set a new goal to stretch our current stock to 1,800 miles within a 20 year span. That's...cool! Since I'm an avid cyclist in the spring and summer months, this is great for me. Hopefully he'll also pass legislation to fix all the sinkholes on the bike path along the FDR.

Yet and still, the past three years have been pretty good for us. In that time frame, to the delight of many cyclists, new and extended bike lanes have been popping up all over the city. Boomberg even gave the Department of Transportation the green light to sanction the Summer Streets program. And with the introduction of pedestrian plazas in Times Square, E. 23rd Street, and other spots in the city, I'm guessing - in the words of Howard Jones - things can only get better.

Come out and ride with me this Saturday. Should be fun. BTW...there's a free barbecue afterwards for the first 125 cyclists to RSVP!!!

Upscale Magazine: October 2010 Issue - Bilal CD Review

2010-09-09T16:17:00.002-04:00

Dash over to your nearest newsstand and pick up the latest issue of Upscale Magazine to peep my review of Bilal's new album, Airtight's Revenge (Plug Research)! Flip to page 20.

My Mellow, My Man: Flying Lotus

2010-09-07T22:12:00.005-04:00

This kat is definitely tapped into an exclusive celestial wavelength. I truly believe he's a chosen messenger. Not like Moses or anything sacrilegious. Just one of the Most High's special carrier pigeons that are entrusted with something delicate and ethereal that has the potential to have a grand and glorious affect on mankind. Yeah, he's a bit of a weed head. Ok...so he's a full fledged stoner. But I'm 99.9% sure this dude has snuck some healing tones in his tracks that we've yet to uncover. Maybe.

I do think that we've yet to really comprehend the full dynamic of his true genius. Maybe he'll be fully understood in retrospect. Hopefully while he's still here. I've heard some folks describe Flying Lotus as the new Jimi Hendrix. Hmmm. I think FlyLo is the future. Skip the retro reference points, please. Why do we always have the incessant need to draw historic parallels, especially with contemporary art? Geez. But seriously...for some reason, I feel like watching Space Is The Place...

Shout outs to anybody who shelled out $122 to see him at this past weekend's Electric Zoo festival. Recession, my arse.

Hebru Brantley @ Lyons Wier Gallery

2010-09-07T17:32:00.005-04:00

I ♥ art. Especially art that gives us reason for pause, with the intention of making us both marvel at the skill entailed while contemplating larger society and the world around us. Hebru Brantley is definitely a creator of such art. If you caught one of his exhibitions around the country over the past couple years, you'll understand where I'm coming from when I say there's a method to his madness. He'll be exhibiting his new collection entitled Wait A Cotton Pick'n Minute from September 10th through October 10th @ the Lyons Wier Gallery in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood. From the title, I'm sure you can already guess what time it is. Yeah. Exactly. Don't sleep. This kat was just at Lyons Wier last summer as part of The Fak'try, a prolific collaborative exhibition and ode to Warhol's renowned creative artspace with ATLien artist Fahamu Pecou. Go.

Film: The Warriors @ Landmark Sunshine (NYC) August 27 & 28

2010-08-26T13:16:00.004-04:00

Anyone who knows me understands how fanatical I am about this flick. It ranks in the top 5 on my list of all-time favorite films. The Warriors. One of the best cinematic illustrations of the New York City of yesteryear. Crime was rampant, the Bronx was burning, SAMO channeled Confucius on building walls, 42nd street was a Disneyland of sex shops, Thompkins Square Park was a sprawling outdoor squatter camp, and Koch was the king of it all. Gang culture was also at an all-time high. The Warriors is a gripping document of the wasteland of a bygone era that many transplants still try to evoke.

The New York City of today is a far cry from the token turnstiles and economic meltdown of the late 70s. But something about the nexus of Sol Yurick, Walter Hill, and David Shaber makes us yearn for the dystopia of those dismal days. At any rate, Landmark Sunshine in tandem with WNYU and the Village Voice are putting on their yearly screening of The Warriors as part of their ongoing Sunshine At Midnight series this Friday and Saturday night. Click here for more info...

CAN YOU DIG IT!!!!

Digger's Delight & Mochilla's Timeless series...August 24: RIGHT NOW!!

2010-08-24T18:02:00.008-04:00

Yeah, I know. I'm the king of last minute sh*t. But hey, better late than never. Anyway, if you're in NYC and don't feel like indulging in after work cocktails (or worse), you should make the trek uptown to St. Nicholas Park. From 5-9PM, Tools Of War is putting on an edition of Digger's Delight featuring Bobbito, Jazzy Jay, J. Rocc, and Lean Rock (no relation). After the maelstrom of funk and dusty gems, stay for Maysles Cinema's mega mix of the Mochilla DVD boxed set Timeless. These are three concert films that you DON'T want to miss, featuring orchestral arrangement tributes to Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke, Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai, and the incomparable genius of J Dilla. Need I say more? Hustle your bustle up to St. Nicholas Park..not now, but RIGHT NOW!!

::Ancestry.In.Progress::

2010-08-14T21:24:00.003-04:00

08.06.1930 – 08.14.2010

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant

By Design: Mags I Like.

2010-08-07T05:03:00.009-04:00

So I'm on a new kick. Not sure if this one is here to stay or if it's a fleeting fancy, but I'll entertain it nonetheless. Sometimes I feel like Beneatha from Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun, toggling back and forth between a myriad of hobbies and creative interests. Jack of all trades, master of none. But then I stand back and look at the bigger picture: there's definitely a method to my madness. The master definitely has a plan.

As of late, the world of graphic art has had a strong gravitational pull on me. I think it was precipitated by my frustration in the search for a graphic designer for a project I'm currently working on (stay tuned). But mostly, I think it has to do with the fact that I'm a creative spirit in general. Also, the evolution of typefaces, fonts, and art in advertising and marketing has always intrigued me. So to feed my jones, I've hunkered down in my local Barnes & Noble (while they're still around) and thumbed through some rags. Three of them in particular have piqued my interest and will be on my ones to watch for list.

For the most part, the content of American magazines has been on the decline for the past decade. Utterly craptastic. Though I write for several publications, I'm rarely moved to venture to a newsstand to pick up current issues solely on the principle of thumbing through and keeping abreast. Very few are able to hold my interest for more than an issue or two (props to Surface and Adbusters). Most are geared towards prescribing you a new personality, making you feel insecure about your "lack" of possessions, and giving you beauty "tips." But my jaded indifference may change with the following three. Two of them are centered on the love for the discipline of graphic art in some form. The other is a theme based mag, which seems to be a burgeoning trend for mags trying to stay afloat in an inhospitable climate for print media. Check my selection:

Eye: The International Review of Graphic Design

T-World: The Journal Of T-Shirt Culture

Theme Magazine (pictured: Spring 2007 issue)

Regrets In Retrospect: Album Covers

2010-08-07T03:21:00.011-04:00

I wonder if people ever look back at their careers and lament over certain decisions that either they made themselves or were made on their behalf. Well if not, I'm sure this new series of posts will reluctantly jog their memories. Regrets In Retrospect aims to take inventory of perceivable blunders and missteps in the public lives of those we hate to love, love to hate, and all variations in between. I'll try to keep it pc...but you know how I do.

Today's subject is album covers. Album artwork has always been an integral part of the record buying experience. I mean, be honest, how album purchases over the course of your life were made solely on the basis of the artwork? A little extreme? Ok. How about this: how many times did the album artwork seal the deal when you were standing in the record store (remember those?) on the fence on whether you should buy an entire album for one hot song? Thought so.

I've chosen two groups to "pick on" for the first edition in this series: Double Exposure and Imagination. Before you dismissively relegate these guys to one-hit-wonder purgatory, understand and know that they've each had big hits.

Imagination Scandalous (1983)

Formed in 1981, the UK-based trio Imagination had already charted high on the charts in their native England before showing up on the Stateside charts the following year with their modest hit single "Just An Illusion":

Even though the U.S. never gave them much love, that same single was a top 10 hit in 8 countries around the world. Soon after, their success began to wane. And while their image was always on the provocative side (not unusual for the early to mid 80s), they jumped the shark with the cover art for their third album Scandalous. It's hard to tell what the art department at their label was thinking when they conceived this one. Maybe a more fitting album title would have been that of Brooklyn Hip-Hop trio Whodini's hit "Freaks Come Out At Night," which was released the following year.

I think even Rick James would have sobered up at the sight of these dude's outfits. The hamburger meat on the torso and the crotch area is a bit...frightening. The only thing that saved them from massive public ridicule was the fact that it was very much an under the radar release. But other than Cameo's front man Larry Blackmon possibly gleaning inspiration for his infamous codpiece, I don't think this cover inspired anyone to do much of anything...except cringe and vomit. C'est la vie.

Double Exposure Locker Room (1979)

Now I know what you're thinking: why pick on a group that seems to have a perfectly acceptable, themed album cover? Well, we'll get to that in a minute. Trust me. First, let's talk about Double Exposure's background. Based in the soul-drenched metropolis of Philadelphia, these guys have a history dating back to the mid 60s when they went by the god-awful name United Image. By the time they inked their deal with disco giant Salsoul Records in 1975, their harmonies were tighter and their name was a lot more attractive. The following year, they scored two consecutive gold singles with the hits "Ten Percent":

...and "My Love Is Free":

These were undeniable dancefloor burners that had a mainline to the remarkable Philly soul sound, taking them from Soul Train all the way to the top of the charts. Unfortunately, the gravy train began to run out of steam the following year. And in 1979...they, too, jumped the shark. Which brings us back to the aforementioned question I was sure you were asking yourself. And here's the answer:

Sometimes the "gem" is on the back cover or the inner sleeve. Here is a prime example of why using a second (or third, or fourth) set of ears and eyes is essential before making final decisions on releasing material. The jock straps are not a good look, fellas. Read: not. It looks more like an alternate cover for the Village People's mega hit single "Y.M.C.A." released the previous year. I mean...there's a side profile of an entire booty here. I get that artists typically have to exude a certain amount of sex appeal for the sake of sales, but this is taking it too far. Do we really need to see their junk hanging out and a side shot of dude's ass cheek to understand that they're great vocalists? I think not.

The Life & Times of Sailor Jerry: Frank 151 X Rooftop Films present a FREE movie screening, August 7th (NYC)!!

2010-08-04T10:57:00.006-04:00

Frank 151 has definitely been diversifying their brand over the past 5 years. Their theme-oriented mini mags have become collector's items in their own right. Now with a series of limited run fitted caps and a full-fledged barber salon, they've really redefined what it means to step your game up. This Saturday, They're hosting a screening of a documentary on the life of the sea-faring, spiced rum making, tattoo legend Norman K. Collins...a.k.a. Sailor Jerry. Even though his supposed political views were a little questionable...hell...one of his proteges is Ed Hardy. While Ed's Christian Audigier incarnations have become more than a bore to me, his pop culture influence is undeniable. Besides, it's always interesting to see the progenitor of a pop icon's style.

I've been passing by the Fine Line Tattoo parlor for years now. It's right in my neighborhood in the East Village, one block from the F train. Those guys have been there since before I was born. Literally: they opened in 1976. Being that most of them are old enough to be my dad, the tattooists all seem to always have some sort of war story or anecdote to share from decades of inking. I'm sure there's a tale about how Keith Richards stumbled in drunk one night in the late 70s and asked for his mom's likeness to be branded on his left ass cheek. Or maybe how they got their practice as newbies on unassuming, nodding addicts staggering on their way to Thompkins Square Park. Hmm. That would make for a great story.

But I digress. This Saturday, Frank 151, in tandem with Rooftop Films, will screen Erich Weiss' documentary flim Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry for $FREE.99!! Apparently, it was screened for the good folks at SXSW this year and got rave reviews (whatever that means). The screening is supposed to be followed by a live performance by a "special guest." Whoever that is. Wouldn't hurt to RSVP. You just might get in. Check out the trailer for yourself:

More info here.

New Brian Eno

2010-08-02T23:58:00.004-04:00

So I opened up my email box and the folks over at Warp left me this nice little message. Can't say I'm not intrigued. Hell, it's Brian f%@king Eno! And although I wasn't a fan of the reunion album that he and David Byrne put out last year, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing this one. Stay tuned...

Daily affirmation #1

2010-07-27T17:44:00.004-04:00

Every so often, the most high will send you one of his messengers to let you know if you're on the right track or not. But it is up to us to recognize them and properly interpret their purpose for crossing our paths, irrespective of how long they stay. Today, the most high sent one across my own path. I was chillin' on the block with one of the elders having a casual conversation when this woman of wonder and surprise happened upon us. After her anecdote of miraculous fortitude rooted in an unshakable belief in her strengths and the will of the universe, she commenced to telling me about myself. She was direct and concise. She was also 100% on the mark. I was flabbergasted. I now know that I am treading firmly on my intended path and understand what I need to do to fortify my efforts. We exchanged information and like a flash, she was gone. Almost like an apparition. But what she said will forever resonate with my spirit. I thank the heavens and the universe for sending her. I am open, I am receptive, and I am listening. ASHE!!!

I LOVE MONSTERS X FreeCreditScore.com

2010-07-27T17:06:00.007-04:00

I love my folks. And whenever my peoples are in a position to shine, I do my best to further illuminate them in any capacity that I can. In this instance, I'm asking you all to help me do the same. My buddy Jeff is in a NYC-based rock outfit called I Love Monsters. Here's Jeff:

In an opportunity that could be viewed as the culmination of three long years of paying dues and lugging around amps and other assorted gear to a sh*tload of gigs, I Love Monsters recently happened upon somewhat of a big break. They're in a contest sponsored by FreeCreditScore.com. In attempts to broaden the awareness of their services to a younger, hip crowd, FreeCreditScore.com invited bands from across the country to submit demos for consideration in their band search. With a mountain of entries and a daunting task at their helm, they whittled the hundreds of hopefuls down to a final four (one from Chicago, one from Los Angeles, one from Detroit, and one from New York City), of which I Love Monsters has the honor of being one of!

Many of you may have seen the television commercials over the past month, each featuring one of the four finalist bands.

But the real ticket is the online component. On the site, you're given the opportunity to vote for one of the four bands. Up until August 9th, you can vote once every 24 hours for your favorite band. If you're in NYC, show some love for I Love Monsters!! Go to the site and vote here!! The three runners up get $7,500 each. The winning band gets $10,000, a full line of Gibson instruments, a Pearl drum kit ($12,000 value), a studio session with music industry veterans, plus a swanky stroll down the red carpet at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards! You're still reading this?!? GO VOTE NOW!!!!

For more info on I Love Monsters, hit up their website here.

Superbizzee collabo #1

2010-07-26T20:15:00.003-04:00

This past year has been one of collaborations with folks who are equally, if not more, talented than the kid. At this point, I've got several projects on the table that I'm juggling. I'm really excited about this one. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm being vague for a reason. Let's just say I like to keep thangs under wraps until the time is right. Until then...

...stay tuned.

Umm...Dru Hill

2010-07-25T12:21:00.008-04:00

Yeah. They're back. And they've got a reality show too (thanks a lot, Centric). Big surprise. I miss the days when artists got by on talent alone. All these gimmicks are starting to wear thin on me. Especially when everyone seems to have subscribed to the idiom of mimic the gimmick.

Even the groups with proven vocal chops have resorted to said gimmicks. Damn shame. Nokio...you a grown ass man, dog. Do better.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if the new Dru Hill album is any good and I'll most likely take my sweet time finding out. I'll probably tune in to the premier episode of their reality show for a few good laughs, but I'm sure it won't lead to me checking for their album any sooner. It must be terribly disconcerting being a moderately successful late 90s R&B group having to contend with all these whiney young R&B thugs. But hell, I guess if the radio station break-up viral vid didn't create a buzz...their next logical step would have been to secure a reality show. Bills come faster than checks do.

(embedded YouTube video)

Good luck, fellas. I wish you all the success in your quest to relive your youth and recapture your fame. But I can guarantee you, the fuschia mohawk will not be a craze. Yeah...will not.

BTW...they'll be at J&R Music World on Tuesday, July 27th for an in-store appearance and autograph session if you feel the need to laugh at them in person:

TUESDAY, JULY 27TH
J&R MUSIC STORE @ 12:30PM
23 Park Row
New York, NY 10038

::More.To.Come::

2010-07-19T22:50:00.002-04:00

::Soon.Come::

2010-07-19T22:35:00.004-04:00

Stay tuned...

::Ancestry In Progress::

2010-07-19T04:55:00.001-04:00

01.14.45-07.09.10

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant

Serge Gainsbourg is a biter.

2010-07-19T03:18:00.024-04:00

(1997)

I've always been moved to point out the various examples of how pop culture is in a perpetual state of recycle. Unabashedly tearing a page from my comrade in critical cultural analysis Tahir Hemphill's stolen creative series, I have found a mode in which to do so. Today's example is that of the cover art from legendary trumpeter and music educator Donald Byrd's 1963 hard bop opus, A New Perspective.

(1963)

Blue Note Records is renowned not only for their incomparable contribution to the genre of jazz, but also their groundbreaking graphic design featured on their many album covers. The covers from the crucial first few decades were helmed entirely by graphic artist Reid Miles and label co-founder/ photographer Francis Wolf. As we all know, anything that is deemed legendary is typically bound to influence and be replicated. In this case, it is Wolf & Miles' iconic style. Their collaborative creations succinctly capture a specific moment in time with great panache and unmistakable precision. Here, the art department at Island/ Mercury Records overtly attempted to recreate such a moment with the cover art for Comic Strip.

To be fair, we can't fault the ever-charming, eccentric, and legendary French composer Serge Gainsbourge for this obvious bite. Comic Strip, a compilation album, was released six years after his death. And to be honest, because Gainsbourg was a recording artist that was active during the 1960s, the label could be forgiven for trying to recreate an "authentic" nostalgic visual (an aesthetic approach that saw a sharp rise in the 1990s). But in attempts to cultivate a "series" of posthumous Gainsbourg compilations that year, the label was one release short of beating a dead horse:

Yes, I know many of you may simply rationalize this as the label's right to utilize the ubiquitous helvetica font as they please. But there are obvious parallels to Byrd's cover that cannot be disputed. For all non-believers, I'll clue you in on one: typeface color scheme and spacing. Need another? Ok: record company logo placement.

In retrospect, the Gainsbourg releases aren't the first to try to duplicate A New Perspective. Amiright.com has taken the time to compile a short list of releases that have copied Byrd's now iconic 1963 cover. And don't be surprised when you scroll to the bottom of that list to see that Blue Note has taken the liberty of biting itself!! Check out Graham Marsh's tomes in ode to Wolf & Miles' creations here and here!

Harlem Week 2010

2010-07-16T22:28:00.001-04:00

July 21st - August 29th.

Don't forget.

Mary J. Blige X HSN

2010-07-15T15:43:00.006-04:00

(embedded YouTube video)

Wow. I love it when I see growth in an artist who has shown longevity. Especially when that particular artist's downfall was predicted almost immediately after they made their debut. Over the past 18 years, MJB has gallantly slain all the haters and naysayers. She's defied the odds and the biters alike. She has triumphantly walked down the long and winding road to glory, sidestepping the pitfalls and traps that have ensnared many of her peers. But I've always wondered what was next for her. As the music industry has increasingly been pushing its artists into diversifying and commodifying themselves at all costs, MJB has largely remained...a singer. And remarkably so. She's never had a clothing line, reality show, sitcom or situation drama, or feature film (save for the ill-fated 2001 stinker Prison Song and her cameo role in this past Spring's Tyler Perry film).

But now, the Yonkers native seems like she's ready to brand herself with the introduction of her fragrance My Life. Though HSN will probably do the groundbreaking honors for the initial release of the perfume, I'm sure it will be available in many local retailers and chains very soon. After almost two decades in the game, this was a subtle way of branding the MJB name. She's truly walking the path of an icon. I'm just glad she's still here and still making good records.

Chuck Brown X Chips Ahoy

2010-07-15T14:50:00.010-04:00

(embedded YouTube video)

When I saw this commercial last night, I couldn't say or do anything for about 5 minutes afterwards. I was utterly in shock. Seeing a suburban soccer mom throwing her school-aged kids and all their multi-culti friends a Chips Ahoy party with a funky, late 1970s jam as the backdrop was kind of...weird. At the same time, it warmed my heart and filled me with hometown pride to know that a genre of music from my native city was getting some play from Madison Ave. Thirty-two years after its initial release, the first official nationally-released Go-Go song has been immortalized in a television commercial. While "Bustin' Loose" doesn't embody the archetype Go-Go sound that came to fruition in the 1980s, it held the DNA of the nascent genre within the components of its groove. If Chuck Brown still holds the copyrights to this grizzly jawn, I'm sure he'll be smiling from ear to ear when that check comes in the mail. Huh, man!

If you scratch your noggin every time I mention the word "Go-Go," as people from outside of the DMV (D.C./ Maryland/ Virginia) area often do, I'm not in the mood for a history lesson just now. Sorry. Not trying to be crabby, but I'd rather give you a Vimeo lesson instead. Though I've been told that the Mike Cahill and Nicholas Shumaker's 2002 Go-Go documentary The Pocket was a more rounded depiction of the scene, it has virtually disappeared from cyberspace altogether. In addition, it has been said that Charles "Shorty Corleone" Garris, lead singer of venerable go-go band Rare Essence, is putting together his own documentary on Go-Go entitled Go-Go: One City. One Sound. One Movement. If all else fails, and you're somewhat of a bibliophile, you could always check out the superb book by Kip Lornell and Charles C. Stephenson entitled The Beat: Go-Go's Fusion of Funk and Hip-Hop. It's pretty comprehensive.

Check out the original video from 1979:

(embedded YouTube video)

PBS & POV present...Good Fortune (Tuesday, July 13th)

2010-07-13T02:11:00.004-04:00

It looks like POV is on fire this season. Brooklyn-based filmmaker Landon Van Zoest's latest offering Good Fortune takes a look into the latent downside of the myriad of humanitarian economic sustainability projects being undertaken in Africa. I won't tell you too much about the film, so you'll just have to tune in to PBS tonight and see what's really real for yourself. If you miss the broadcast, don't fret...you can watch the entire documentary on the PBS site from July 14th through October 12th. More info here. Stay informed. Stay woke.

Favela On Blast: FREE ONLINE SCREENING!! One week only! (July 9-15)

2010-07-12T13:18:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to watch Favela On Blast!

Okayplayer presents...Okay Africa! Tomorrow (Sunday, July 11th) - FREE in NYC

2010-07-10T18:34:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow at Prospect Park in mighty, mighty BKLYN, an event of epic African diasporic proportions will take place. Questo & crew (nee The Roots) will be headlining yet another installation of their Afro-diasporic showcase series Okay Africa! This is further testament to the fact that over the past 5 years, the Celebrate Brooklyn summer concert series in Brooklyn's Prospect Park has definitely given Central Park Summerstage a run for its money! Also on the line up are, Talib Kweli, Blitz The Ambassador, Dragons Of Zynth, and Zakee Kuduro (shout out to my man Marcus Price)!! The festivities will be hosted by the star of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical FELA!, Sahr Ngaujah! And the best part is...IT'S FREE!!! Gotta love NYC in the summertime!! More info here!

FREE screening of Jean Michel Basquiat film: The Radiant Child (NYC)

2010-07-09T14:33:00.003-04:00

Basquiat is definitely one of my cultural icons. So much to say about this cat. Definitely an enigma. Director Tamara Davis is releasing her Basquiat documentary film The Radiant Child this summer. If I'm not mistaken, it has already made the rounds at the film festival circuit and is winding down to a theatrical/ DVD release at this point.

(embedded YouTube video)

(embedded YouTube video)

DJ Spooky, in tandem with Salt Space, is hosting a FREE screening of the film on Monday, July 12th @ 8PM. RSVP now at the following email address:

rsvp@djspooky.com

The Death Of Photography: Hipstamatic iPhone app

2010-07-08T12:50:00.005-04:00

(embedded YouTube video)

At this point in the 21st century, it feels like we're witnessing the devaluation of art. In the music industry, as technology significantly became cheaper, home studios began to supplant the big budget recording studios. Auto Tune has been the preferred effect of the day, dumbing down the art of true vocal prowess. Some would even argue that computer pro apps like Photoshop and Illustrator killed a certain aspect of graphic art. However all of the above variables have produced some very innovative, inspiring art. The problem is that it has been more of an exception and less of a rule.

And now, as if the fact that everyone and their grandmothers are now conspicuously brandishing their shiny, new Canon and Nikon digital SLRs and calling themselves "photographers," Hipstamatic has developed an app for the new iPhone! Staying true to it's name, the Hipstamatic app creates those trendy, retro, Polaroid-esque over exposed, washed out photos utilizing different colored "flash gels" and "lenses." Including a host of filter effects to give you that authentic late 70s, early 80s look, Hipstamatic will make you the life of the open bar! And if that's not hipster enough for you, just download the Williamsburg Hipstapack! And to make sure that you're sucked into such a great deal, the Hipstamatic app is priced to go at $1.99!! That's right, $1.99!! You heard me, $1.99!! Sometimes I feel like technology has incrementally contributed to the dismembering of the tactile human experience. Real talk.

But seriously, I'm at a loss for words. My sentiments can be best summed up by Colcum, who left this comment in response to Hipstamatic's YouTube video two weeks ago:

"This is another step towards the death of photography. Every asshole suddenly becomes an artist."

Note: I refuse to hyperlink this crap. By hating on them in this blog post, I've given them more than enough publicity. Go Google them yourself.

Throwback Thursdays: Amazulu "Montego Bay"

2010-07-08T07:48:00.015-04:00

Remember the days when BET made an altruistic attempt to represent the breadth of the collective U.S. Black community? Well, if you were born in the last 20 years, you probably don't. I grew up in the 80s, when the DC-based station was just a fledgling. Still holding fast to the upwardly mobile yet culturally rich ethos of Black America's 80s social paradigm. Amidst the battlefield of crack and AIDS, there were several shining pillars exemplifying everything from Black bourgeoisie to Afrocentricity. With Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey storming the Nielsen ratings, a new dimension of social and economic currency had been affixed to the Black image. And now we had a network to go with it.

I remember watching BET when I was a kid. When Donnie Simpson was the king of the network with his nightly music video program, Video Soul. Not only did Donnie facilitate the most insightful, personable interviews, he also played a broad variety of videos from the African diaspora. As strange as it may seem, I became politically aware because of BET. Whether it was the informative reports from Sabrina Dames on BET News (later Ed Gordon) or the selections that Donnie Simpson placed into rotation on Video Soul, BET helped me to form the basis of my knowledge of the Black diaspora. On Video Soul, I learned about apartheid in South Africa through music videos such as "Sun City" by Artists United Against Apartheid and "Free Nelson Mandela" by The Special AKA. I went to school, made a plaster Paris model of the continent of Africa, and started asking more questions in class. I was becoming a regular little Michael Evans at the age of 10.

Amazulu's "Montego Bay" was also one of the videos played on Video Soul. I knew little about Jamaica outside of the Kaya album cover my friend's ganja-smoking older brother used to roll his daily herbal supplements on. I remembered Bob Marley's face from the "Could You Be Loved" video BET often played, so I made the connection. However, Bob's video didn't allow me to conceptualize Jamaica, the country itself (I only remember the multi-culti kiddie version of this video, not the alternate version). The culture. The people. It wasn't until Amazulu shot this video for their 1986 song about the capital of St. James Parish that I fully understood. There were Blacks in other places around the world other than Africa and the United States?! Getouttahere!!! Anyway, enjoy this little piece of nostalgia from my youth. It brings back memories that I'll cherish forever.

Queens Museum of Art's Target FREE Fridays presents South Africa! Friday, July 9th!

2010-07-07T13:57:00.006-04:00

I have to be completely honest with you. Although I have grown to embrace and respect (somewhat) museum culture in New York City over the past decade, I had absolutely no idea that the Queens Museum of Art even existed. Real talk. So because of that, I can't say whether they're trying to follow in Brooklyn Museum's footsteps by signing on with Target to offer residents of the city a free day to explore their digs and frolic.

However, I have taken notice of their free Fridays program, being that they're screening a film that I've been wanting to see for some time: Streetball. If you remember my post about the Paley Center's World Cup centered events in tandem with the ADFF from last month, Streetball was one of their featured films that I'd missed. Well, if you were in the same boat...have no fear. This Friday, in addition to a host of other activities centered around South Africa, the museum will be screening Streetball! I'll definitely be there! More info here!

Soul Summit @ Ft. Greene Park: Sunday, July 11th!!!

2010-07-06T21:13:00.004-04:00

What more needs to be said? At this point, Soul Summit Sundays in Ft. Greene Park during the summer have become legendary soul shakedown parties. He who knows it, feels it. This will be my 5th summer attending the festivities and, I must say, I can't wait! Get ready for a non-stop barrage of deep house, tribal house, Paradise Garage classics, and more! Additional info here!

PBS presents Promised Land: TELEVISION PREMIER TONIGHT!

2010-07-06T08:59:00.008-04:00

I know I should have told you about this last month when I first got word of it. I know this makes me look extremely negligent and out of the loop. I know you're probably thinking why I don't just tell you about it already instead of throwing out all these sentences prefaced with "I know." Tonight, as part of PBS' POV series, documentarian Yoruba Richen tells the story of land reversion rights in post-Apartheid South Africa through the lives of two Black communities in the country with her film Promised Land.

If any of you remember the 2008 documentary Banished, you'll know that this story is but a strand in the fabric of the plight of displaced peoples across the African diaspora and indigenous peoples around the world. I urge everyone to tune in to PBS tonight and continue this discussion amongst your respective circles. Being that the world is focused on the 2010 Fifa World Cup being held in South Africa at the moment, it has the potential to give the impression that all is well in the host country. But there are still many wounds that have yet to be healed. Promised Land is but a mere example of one of those wounds. Check your local listings for air times for Promised Land here.

The Ballad of the Black Stars

2010-07-02T22:19:00.002-04:00

So the story ends...

39th Annual International African Arts Festival in NYC: July 2-5

2010-07-02T14:07:00.003-04:00

Don't forget.

The Return of Cody ChestnuTT: Saturday, July 3rd.

2010-07-02T13:39:00.010-04:00

The ever eccentric, peculiar, and talented Cody ChesnuTT. It seemed like this quirky brotha was poised to be our next Black rock savior of sorts. But he came in and largely bowed out of our musical world in 2002 like a flash of light. Almost eight years later, he reemerged this past Spring with a new single and is now set to take to the stage in NYC tomorrow as part of the Weeksville Heritage Center's Garden Party event, commemorating Emancipation Day! I'm sure Cody will have copies of his new EP Black Skin/ No Value on hand to vend. In addition, the event features a film screening and a lecture on the history of Haiti.

More info here. Have a happy Emancipation Day! Have fun, y'all!!

Note: if you don't know about Weeksville or Emancipation Day (as it pertains to Blacks in New York City), do your homework.

Directions:
Weeksville Heritage Center
1698 Bergen Street
(between Buffalo and Rochester Aves.)
Brooklyn, NY 11213

House Music @ Coney Island Boardwalk: Saturday, July 3rd!!

2010-07-02T13:22:00.009-04:00

For the longest time, I could never tell whether these guys were a biker gang or a forgotten gaggle of rumblers that defected from the set of the cult classic 1979 film The Warriors. But I must say, the Coney Island Dancers LOVE House music and they damn sure know how to party! This weekend, they're kicking off the summer (albeit a little late) with their first house party on the Coney Island Boardwalk. Soul Summit has been known to rip it up during the summer months with their Ft. Greene Park Sunday soirees. But over the past year and change, they've been expanding to different venues throughout Brooklyn. And while I'm not certain if this is in conjunction with the popular Sandcastles event thrown by Preston & Friends, that shouldn't keep you from coming out to catch some seaside house vibes this weekend with the gang from Coney! I'm sure it will be a Saturday to remember!

Directions:
West 10th Street @ the boardwalk behind The Cyclone.
B, F, N, Q to Stillwell Avenue
or
F, Q to West 8th Street.

Favela On Blast documentary: FREE ONLINE SCREENING!!

2010-07-02T12:47:00.006-04:00

Yeah, I know. Baile Funk is so...2004. But apparently, no one has done a documentary on it yet. So leave it to the folks who "discovered" it and repackaged it as a North American sub-culture novelty to give us a fly on the wall perspective of this Brazilian ghetto sensation of a genre. Since 2002's breakthrough film City Of God, we have been titillated by Brazil's favelas and its unique brand of third world gangster. For myself, Brazil has always been a point of fascination. And no, it has absolutely nothing to do with sex tourism or the outlaw lifestyle. As a country, it's culturally rich, racially complex, and socioeconomically disparate. At the intersection of that lies a cornucopia of social phenomena. One of which is Baile Funk. Upon my first listen, it sounded like a key group of favelados got a hold of some Miami bass and Baltimore club music and wrought them into a 21st century booty shakin' pressure cooker of tropical heat and D.I.Y. moxie.

Favela On Blast - Official Trailer from Mad Decent on Vimeo.

Mad Descent is finally releasing their documentary Favela On Blast (the namesake of Mad Decent founder Diplo's 2004 Baile Funk mixtape) this month on DVD. To celebrate the completion of their cinematic debut, they are offering a free week of online screening for the film on Pitchfork's website starting July 9th! If you miss it, too bad. Just cop the DVD when it comes out on the 20th. More info here.

Blitz The Ambassador "Ye Da Mo Ase": Ghana Black Stars Anthem

2010-07-02T11:07:00.009-04:00

If you're in the know, I don't need to tell you that Blitz has been grinding hardcore for the past 5 years. He's has definitely been an "up-and-coming" cat to watch for on the underground NYC Hip-Hop scene for a minute. Now the native Ghanaian turns his sights to his home country's ascension to the quarter finals at the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Download his tribute to those rough & tumble footballers known as the Black Stars here. Also, some of you guys might be familiar with the documentary Bronx Princess that started making the rounds at film festivals a few years ago. Check out this clip where Blitz gives some insight on how he went about scoring the film here:

Blitz the Ambassador on scoring PBS Documentary from MVMT on Vimeo.

Check the website here for more information and future PBS broadcasts.

Ghana Black Stars! • yɛ da mo ase (Thank you) from MVMT on Vimeo.

Being that the Black Stars are the last hope of the entire continent, I'm sure that their level of stress is at its zenith. But they're quite tenacious, so I'm sure they can take the weight.

With all that being said...don't forget to watch their game against Uruguay today @ 2:30!!!! GO BLACK STARS!!!!

Gonjasufi

2010-06-28T18:47:00.010-04:00

(embedded YouTube video)

Although I've had this one for about 4 months now, I'm a little late on bringing it to your attention. Please don't pull my tastemaker card. Being that it's a project that's still just getting to folks, it should actually redeem me. It's a collaboration between the wizardry of beat maker Gaslamp Killer and the sage-like scowling of vocalist/ emcee Sumach a.k.a. Gonjasufi. You may know Gonjasufi from the track "Testament" off of Flying Lotus' breakthrough Los Angeles album. If not, shame on you. At any rate, he's been rhyming for a minute now with roughly five indie EPs and full-lengths under his belt. Apparently this dude has had quite a few careers, including yoga instructor and DJ. But the one you should be focused on right now is that of his partnership with Gaslamp Killer and Flying Lotus. And though the visage of Gaslamp Killer and Gonjasufi looks as odd of a juxtaposition as any: a thugged-out East Indian San-Diego native with dreadlocs that also happens to practice sufism next to a particularly peculiar Zappa-esque white dude with a knack for abrasive psychedelic beats. Go figure. But and all reservations should be obliterated once you take a listen.

The fruit of their collective labor is evidenced in the spectacular, mystical Warp Records full-length, A Sufi and A Killer. It's so hard to explain, but you have to take my word for it: this sh*t is bananas! It's probably what you would find at the crossroads of existentialism, spiritualism, and the carnal, accented with road signs pointing towards Middle Eastern and Indian horizons. So dope. Seriously. This record has been in heavy rotation with me for the past two months and counting. Do yourself a favor and cop. More info here.

Pursuit Grooves on Gilles Peterson!

2010-06-27T17:37:00.012-04:00

One of the warmest, most brilliant, personable, most genuine spirits I know. Hailing from the nation's capital, emcee/ producer/ graphic-visual artist Pursuit Grooves has had quite a journey from point A to point B. She was one of the participants in the 2008 Barcelona edition of the lauded migrating institution of higher sonic learning, Red Bull Music Academy.

Amidst her travels, she's racked up dates around the globe spinning and performing along side the likes of Onra, Ras G, and the otherworldly electronic golden child Flying Lotus. With her special recipe of bleeps and rhymes, she's managed to make quite a name for herself in the ethereal sonic wonderland of soultronica.

And now, fresh on the heels of her debut full length album Fox Trot Mannerisms on the U.K.-based Tectonic Records, Pursuit Grooves takes a minute from her crazy schedule to sit in with Gilles Peterson on his weekly award-winning BBC-Radio One radio show Worldwide.

Listen here!

For all my international pleasure seekers, listen to and cop Fox Trot Mannerisms here! If you're in the U.S., you can cop here! Available on CD, digital, & vinyl!

(embedded YouTube video)

Afro-Punk Festival 2010: Last Day!!

2010-06-27T11:57:00.006-04:00

Last day to punk it out!! The festivities today include the monster line up show featuring the likes of J*Davey, Martin Luther, The Cool Kids, K-OS, and the incomparable Mos Def!!!

All kinds of fun junk throughout the day include a Nike SB skate clinic, a BMX battle contest, and an XGames/ ESPN contest featuring $5,000 in cash prizes and a FREE one-week stay at Camp Woodward!! More info here!

All events held at:

Commodore Barry Park
@ Flushing & Park Aves,
Navy & North Elliot St.
BKLYN, NY 11205

GO, GHANA!!!!!

2010-06-26T19:32:00.004-04:00

No words can express my elation and joy!!!

The boys were in rare form today!!! Though they definitely committed more than their share of fouls, they came out victorious! Despite the fact that some of the rules of the game were bent (perceivably in the other team's favor), Ghana represented to the fullest!!! BIG TINGS A G'WAN!!!

Africa Plays On: The Films

2010-06-26T13:23:00.021-04:00

Here are three films from the African continent that exemplify just how much football (soccer) means to the younger generations. The African Diaspora Film Festival screened each of these films in tandem with the Paley Center for Media this past month.

Le Ballon d'or (dir. Cheik Doukouré)
Country: Republic of Guinea

(Note: I have a few beefs with the opening of this clip. Take a wild guess)

Streetball (dir: Demetrius Wren)
Country: South Africa

The Ball (dir: Orlando Mesquita)
Country: Mozambique

You can still catch Le Ballon d'or at the Paley Center for Media from July 2nd through the 4th. All screenings @ 4PM. More info here. If you're in the midtown area and need a FREE place to catch the World Cup games, the Paley Center (in tandem with Coca-Cola) is screening the games through July 11th. More info here. In addition, don't miss Joseph Peter's collection of collages, photographs, and multimedia installations entitled Africa Celebrates! The World Cup at the Paley Center through September 12th.

K'naan "Wavin' Flag": Celebration Mix

2010-06-26T12:45:00.007-04:00

K'NAAN "Waving Flag" -Celebration mix- Dir: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Here we have yet another mix of the K'naan song "Wavin' Flag." This one is sponsored by Coca-Cola. And you can totally tell by looking at the video. There's a very multi-culti, United Nations, commercial appeal to it. Being that "Wavin' Flag" is the official selection of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, I'm sure there's plenty more mixes out there. This has the potential to do wonders for K'naan's career. Let's see what happens with his sophomore album.

Quadron @ Southpaw: recap.

2010-06-25T15:18:00.012-04:00

So being that their album has been in heavy rotation with me for the past 2 months, I ventured out to the Quadron show last night in Park Slope, BKLYN. For some Danes, Coco & company definitely exhibited some funky chops. She was on point, vocally. They ran through essentially the lion's share of their 12-track debut. I'm glad they performed my favorites, like "Day," "Slippin'," "Simili Life," and of course "Average Fruit." I'm glad they decided to forego the sobbing featured on the album version of "Far Cry" when they performed it live. My only beefs were that:

A. Robin was not on stage. I mean, to me that's part of the intrigue and allure of Quadron: a Scandinavian duo comprised solely of a soulful white chick singing leads and a multi instrumentalist cat handling production. They should have at least been on stage together. Coco up there with a hodge podge of musicians where one guy looked like a karate master, the other dude looked like a Doogie Howser doppelganger made for a motley crew. But I don't think many folks in the crowd really noticed and/or gave a sh*t. But I, on the on the other hand, notice everything.

B. Coco seems to be having difficulty asserting some semblance of a stage presence. Sorry to be the Debbie Downer, but it's true. Me and my homegirl were thinking it may have been nerves, being that this is the group's first time playing in the US, because she gave off a strange nervous energy. But they had already performed 12 of the 16 dates on their US tour by the time they got to NYC, so any butterflies and stage fright should have been shaken off by then. But at any rate, she could use a good stylist and hurr-dresser. And the slo-mo tango choreography she was doing...wasn't working.

But don't let that deter you from coping the album.

It's a really strong first outing for the pair, chocked full of ambient sounds and funky undercurrents. If you enjoyed Robin's 2006 Ubiquity Records collaboration album with singer/ instrumentalist Philip Owusu, Living With Owusu & Hannibal, you'll definitely get a kick out of this one. Thank the mighty, mighty L.A. indie Plug Research for having the gumption to release the Quadron record in the States. By the way, Robin told me that he and Philip have been working on more music together for a second album. Stay tuned.

Check the videos for:

Pressure by Quadron from Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen on Vimeo.

Buster Keaton from Plug Research on Vimeo.

Catch their last few dates in the States at a venue near you:

Get Down With The Philly Sound: Dimitri From Paris X BBE X PHILA

2010-06-25T14:06:00.009-04:00

Dimitri from Paris presents "Get Down With The Philly Sound" from BBE Music on Vimeo.

About 9 months ago, I had the honor of sitting down with one of the iconic architects of what is commonly known as the Philadelphia sound: Kenny Gamble. When he took me on a walking tour of their offices (they've remained in the same digs since 1970), I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe that I was in the very same vocal booth that Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, and countless other legends who made so many classic recordings and influential music. The energy in that studio was still there. Dormant, but definitely perceptible to the spiritually discerning. Being a huge audiophile and incessant critic of the collective Black community's influence on pop culture, that day will forever resonate with me.

This mini doc was produced as a pre-release teaser for the Dimitri From Paris double-disc compilation Get Down With The Philly Sound released on BBE Records last month. But if you're thinking this is just another garden variety, blue light special K-Mart compilation, think again. Dimitri, as always (check his Respect Is Burning - Playboy Mansion comps), has done his homework. He did re-edits to five of the tracks...straight for the original multitrack masters! At any rate, this mini doc is packed with knowledge from the masters of the game. Featuring interviews from Joe Tarsia, Earl Young, Vincent Montana, Bobby Eli, and Weldon McDougal. What's the matter? Those names don't sound familiar? Go do your homework. Then, go cop Get Down With The Philly Sound.

Ghana...let's make it happen!!

2010-06-25T12:42:00.003-04:00

The least expected always manage to take us by surprise. Ghana owns the distinction of being the sole African nation to make it to the final 16. Tomorrow, they battle the USA. Who will you be rooting for?

Côte d'Ivoire Gets It In!

2010-06-25T12:32:00.006-04:00

Talk about going out with a bang!

Even though they won't be making it to the final 16, this match against North Korea showed their tenacity. Too bad. I'm going to say a few Hail Marys and pray to the ancestors that Les Éléphants do the damn thing in 2014!!!

Remembering The Time: MJJ

2010-06-25T10:57:00.002-04:00

08.29.58-06.25.09

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant

Africa Sound Power: Football Music

2010-06-24T09:21:00.014-04:00

So the Vuvuzela is getting hated on something serious, journalists and visiting players are being robbed left and right at their hotels and on the streets, and it looks like none of the continent's teams will stand a chance in hell at the first World Cup hosted in their own backyard. Life's great for Africa right about now, isn't it? Here's some sounds from the continent to help ease the pain:

Africa Plays On from the 2006 Fifa World Cup.

Not exactly from the continent, but funky football music nonetheless. The Football EP featuring Soulpatrol (2006) from Compost Records.

I know, I know. This has absolutely nothing to do with football, but I just had to throw this one in there. I mean, come on...he's a young cat from South Africa doing his thing on the electronic scene! Joburg's own Spoek Mathambo! His debut album Mshini Wam is due out on BBE Records this Fall! Check out his first single, "Gwababa (Don't Be Scared)":

SPOEK MATHAMBO & MSHINI WAM - GWABABA (DON'T BE SCARED) from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

Download some of his mixtapes here.

And of course, there's Somalian born K'naan's "Waving Flag," the official theme of the 2010 World Cup games. The World Cup version features Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram:

Dead Prez: Turn Off The Radio, Volume 4.

2010-06-23T11:38:00.004-04:00

In anticipation of their upcoming 3rd studio album Information Age, M-1 and Stic Man (a.k.a. Sticky Icky) give you Revolutionary But Gangsta Grillz. The 4th mixtape installment in their Turn Off The Radio series, Dead Prez tap Philly's own DJ Drama to do the honors. I always support these dudes. They remind me that all Hip-Hop is not, as Aloe Blacc so succinctly noted, "a young man's tool for magnifying his ego." Hip-Hop is still a tool for empowerment. Hard to believe these dudes have been at it for a decade now. Crossfading the bounce of Southern Hip-Hop with the legacy of Public Enemy and X-Clan. But it's even harder to believe that there aren't more young cats following their lead. Hip-Hop needs balance desperately. Other than A-Alikes and Immortal Technique, what Hip-Hop acts can you name that are still freedom riders? I'm waiting...

More info about Revolutionary But Gangsta Grillz here.

When SNL Was The Joint: 1981.

2010-06-23T01:41:00.018-04:00

Who knew that when the Funky 4 + 1 appeared on this episode of Saturday Night Live in February of 1981 that Hip-Hop would soon be a regular fixture on network television. This episode was the harbinger of things to come. Sha Rock, Jazzy Jeff & crew were the first Hip-Hop act to appear on SNL. Invited by Blondie's own Debbie Harry, who was riding high on the shock waves of their own Hip-Hop inflected #1 hit single "Rapture" released a month prior to the airing of this episode, Funky 4 + 1 were definitely seen as a privileged brood to catapult from New Jersey-based seminal Hip-Hop indie label Sugar Hill Records to being the first Hip-Hop act (or "street rappers," as Harry puts it) to appear on a nationally televised program. Even their label mates the Sugar Hill Gang didn't get to Soul Train to perform their wildly successful and pivotal 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" until May of that year...two full years after its release:

Unfortunately, the Funky 4 + 1's high would be short lived. Funky 4 would be no more less than two years later, leaving "That's The Joint" and this SNL appearance as their main claim to fame. Though their showmanship here is a bit lackluster, it exemplifies arguably the most freewheeling, earnest, effervescent period in Hip-Hop music. A fertile crescent, if you will. Two months after this performance, Rock Steady Crew alumnus Frosty Freeze (R.I.P.) would become the first B-Boy to appear on the cover of a periodical (the Village Voice). Hell, even ABC got in on the action that year, marking the first national coverage of this new "rap phenomenon":

(embedded YouTube video)

What instigated this fertile crescent, you ask? In my opinion, it was the crossbreeding of sounds and styles with the artsy downtown punk/ new wave/ no wave crowd. The unyielding support (in a theoretical matter of speaking) of indie labels. The accessible, yet dangerous performance venues like Disco Fever that were available to artists. The cautious, yet burgeoning interest from mainstream acts. A great city in the throes of decay, its denizens searching for new modes of self expression. All these variables lead to the advent of the "ghetto superstar" as it pertained to this new thing called Hip-Hop. These same variables set the template for artists to follow in the decades to come. And 29 years later, with recent noteworthy performances from the likes of Lil' Wayne & Jay-Z, SNL hasn't lost any steam on the Hip-Hop train in its 35 seasons to date. Where is Hip-Hop going in terms of mainstream appeal, you ask? Good question. But just looking back at this clip give a point of reference to the genesis of that appeal. Just think. It all started with this one performance.

::Dear Yakubu Aiyegbeni::

2010-06-23T00:23:00.003-04:00

(YouTube video embedded)

You have officially disgraced not only Nigeria, but the entire African diaspora with this epic fail. My disappointment is beyond words. I'm sure your sabotaging of the Super Eagles' victory has put you in high regard amongst your fellow teammates. Do better in 2014.

::What's Happnin' This Week::

2010-06-22T20:53:00.008-04:00

Forever, Michael.

Quadron.

Ryan Leslie.

Robotique featuring King Britt (Philly only)

::Video Of The Day::

2010-06-18T15:24:00.005-04:00

Downtown Manhattan in the late 70s and early 80s was a fertile period chocked full of mixed media art experimentation, musical genre bending, and overall artistic cross pollination. Not Quite Love is but a mere example of what was going on at the time. It's 5 minutes of urban noir that plays out in several haunts in the downtown scene like the iconic Mudd Club. It's almost as if one of the regular kids from the Sesame Street soundstage in Queens played hooky and started hanging out with John Cassavetes, Gus Van Zant, and Jim Jarmusch. It's reported that this was the genesis of the seminal downtown scene film Downtown 81 starring Jean Michel Basquiat. Pretty interesting stuff.

::Joint Of The Day::

2010-06-18T14:42:00.002-04:00

One of the baddest skaters on guitar...and vibes...and drums. Simultaneously, even.

::TEAM AMERICA!! F&*K YEAH!!::

2010-06-18T14:31:00.003-04:00

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' 'bout!! Even though it got a little tense for a minute, we came through!! Here's one for you:

Note to national team: the song was selected simply on the basis of the song title fitting today's match with Slovenia. However, please do not heed the enclosed lyrics that advise you to do the following:

1. Pick up your guns.
2. Refuse to play ball.

Thank you.

::Alife Rivington Club ♥'s FIFA 2010::

2010-06-18T14:01:00.004-04:00

Not one to miss out on yet another way to cash in on FIFA-monium and pander to their hype beast contingent, Alife presents the A.R.C. Umbro World Champions Space. This is actually the second week of this venture and I'm sure their little courtyard is filled to the brim with more hipsters than you can shake a stick at. But hey, if you love to knock back a few cold brewskis while watching the game, I'm sure this will appeal to you and your ilk for one specific reason: Red Stripe is a co-sponsor.

Not sure if Umbro will be giving away any free swag, but that's kind of irrelevant. Because in a dense metropolitan city where there are droves of jobless twenty and thritysomethings roaming the city suffering the throes of a floundering job market and a recession, a free spot to watch football matches is...a free space to watch football matches. Period. Besides, you might run into the second "hottest" rapper in the game while you're there.

::Fela X MJ::

2010-06-17T19:46:00.006-04:00

Pop your funk to this new mash-up mixtape. Yes. I just used two pop culture terms that have worn out their welcome over the past few years. But hey, this is a special occasion. When two majestic icons like Fela Kuti and Michael Jackson meet (albeit posthumously) there is bound to be some fire. Do yourself a favor and download the free The King Meets The President In Africa mixtape. Not now...RIGHT now. Rich Medina & The Marksmen get it in on this one. Seriously.

And if you're in NYC, catch Rich Medina at a special edition of Jump N' Funk featuring Fela's legendary drummer, Tony Allen...TONIGHT at LE POISSON ROUGE!!!

BTW, congrats to Bill T. Jones and the entire cast and crew of the Broadway musical FELA! for winning 3 Tony Awards on June 13th!! ASHE!!!

::Puma City NYC ♥'s FIFA 2010::

2010-06-17T18:58:00.007-04:00

Ok, I admit it. I've only been an entry level football fan (that's soccer to all you Americans out there) since my voyage to Brasil a few years ago. But alas, I'm a football fan without cable. Being that the entire world is in the midst of the 2010 World Cup, I've suddenly found myself in dire need of a place to watch the games on a pretty consistent basis. Most of my friends with cable would probably whup my arse should I even think about trying to invade their space at 7AM to scream and holler at a football match on TV.

The only other alternative would be the various bars that have started opening early in the morning for the month of FIFA to cater to the international football crowd. Since I didn't want to feel obligated to nurse on beer for 5 or 6 hours while watching the games on widescreen LCDs (definitely not a big drinker), I was forced to miss a few crucial games this week.

However, I received further proof that there is in fact a god. Puma's concept space Puma City is the latest manifestation of his/ her glory. Located at South Street Seaport, Puma City is a funky little spot utilizing converted intermodal shipping containers (emblazoned with Puma's logo) that is showing all the games throughout the duration of FIFA 2010. In addition, there's all kinds of other stuff to get into between games and at the end of the night.

For more info, hit up the Puma City site. Needless to say, I'll be there bright and early tomorrow morning for the USA vs Slovenia game! KeNako!!

::Lyrical Lampoon: Drake::

2010-06-17T01:23:00.016-04:00

Never in a million years would I have thought that I, a college graduate and self described intellectual, would hear a pop record that referenced Bob Marley, Dead Prez, and Rosetta Stone...and come away feeling like I only had a 5th grade education by the end of the song. And by the way, that's not a compliment to the author.

Excerpts from Drake's single, "Over."

I shouldn’t’ve drove, tell me how I’m gettin’ home.
You too fine to be layin’ down in bed alone.
I could teach you how to speak my language, Rosetta Stone.
I swear this life is like the sweetest thing I’ve ever known.

One thing ’bout music, when it hits you feel no pain.
And I swear I got that shit that make these bitches go insane.
So they tell me that they love me, I know better than that, it’s just game.
It’s just what comes with the fame, and I’m ready for that, I’m just sayin’.

Drake, you hereby receive the penalty of the gas face by decree of the Superbizzee Chronicles board of directors. There is absolutely no excuse for lazy metaphors. Do better next time.

::Diggin' The Scene::

2010-06-16T18:25:00.014-04:00

(embedded YouTube video)

I can't tell you how many times this clip has brightened my day. With all the not-quite-right Jheri curls and JC Penny rayon outfits on set, I'm sure the fire marshall would have been all too happy to shut this mutha-sucka down. Wedged somewhere between Soul Train and James Brown's Future Shock was The Scene: a Detroit TV dance party that ran from 1975 to 1987 on Detroit network affiliate stations. So far, I've only seen excerpts from a few of the 80s episodes. I'm guessing that the earlier episodes weren't taped (as was the case with Soul Train's earlier episodes). But at least we have some documentation of this locally influential dance show, in all its awkward glory. A bit awkward even for Andre Cymone:

(embedded YouTube video)

But to be honest, The Scene is the jawn. I mean, seriously: where else can you go and boogie down a bootleg Soul Train line with an unplugged electric guitar as a prop? Exactly!! Get up on The Scene here and here.

::FIFA: Urugray VS South Africa::

2010-06-16T17:48:00.004-04:00

Somebody got spanked today.

Question: How do you get your arse beat in your own back yard?
Answer: Ask Bafana Bafana.

Pure Hell = Sirius Schidt.

2010-06-16T02:15:00.004-04:00

I'm literally kicking myself in the ass right now. Can't believe I just passed this up on vinyl less than 24 hrs ago in Philly. Pure Hell ain't nuthin' to f%*k wit. Real talk.

::Gervinho...why?::

2010-06-16T01:50:00.012-04:00

I'm just sayin'. I was all ready and willing to forgive you for this Kenny Blank/ Tevin Campbell-esque hurr-do...had you scored at least one goal against Portugal yesterday:

But you done gone and muff'd it up. Even the hair braiders on 125th got beef with you now. Sad state of affairs, homie. Just...sad.

::The.Dirty.Digg::

2010-06-15T22:46:00.004-04:00

::2010 FIFA WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA::

2010-06-11T09:06:00.004-04:00

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!

The games will run from today, June 11th through July 11th. For more information, visit the FIFA website!

::R.I.P. Cousin Benny::

2010-06-09T12:55:00.013-04:00

(embedded YouTube video)
09.26.1963 – 05.30.2010
Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.

Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.

May your journey be peaceful and radiant

Note: To a cousin who so unselfishly gave his great talents to a world that he left too soon.
There is solace in knowing that you did not leave with your music still inside you.
I know Footz is up there lacing your effervescent, glorious trumpet solo with the tightest socket beat ever heard. Until we meet again, keep them Cabbage-Patching in heaven. Ashe.

::Ultimate Breaks & Beats...on USB?!::

2010-06-08T18:20:00.013-04:00

Ok. How in the HELL did I miss this one?!

Looks like the folks over at Street Beat Records gallantly glided into the 21st century two years ago with this nifty USB thumb drive jam packed with the entire 25 volume set of the seminal crate digger's we dream: Ultimate Breaks & Beats. The year prior, they released a CD/ DVD version of this. At the risk of soiling my digger's dossier, I must admit I was never educated on these lauded volumes. I learned the art of trainspotting samples through the extensive and eclectic collections of my parents, relatives, and friends as a shortie.

Upon discovering the re-pressings at the now sadly defunct Beat Street, I made it a point to purchase one and slowly begin to collect the entire lot. Unfortunately, Beat Street shut down before I could complete the mission.

But this new ("new" to me, that is) USB configuration just might make me abort that mission. Initially priced between $75-$105, this joint is kind of hard to find at the moment. The initial production is surely sold out and I'm almost positive that they haven't produced any new ones in the past year. If you can find it, and you're an anal collector like me, snag it! But I'm so super late on this one, I'm not even going to post a link. Google it.

Ultimate Breaks & Beats
1986-1991

::Ancestry.In.Progress::R.I.P. Gary Coleman::

2010-06-02T14:40:00.012-04:00

02.08.1968-05.28.2010

Your legacy has left an indelible impression on the world-at-large.
Thank you for the precious gifts you bore.
May your journey be peaceful and radiant.

Note: When I chose Gary as the mascot for my blog, it was largely due to the good cheer he inspired in me as a child. It was also partially attributed to the fact that Gary's lovable character Arnold Jackson was the first television character that I, as a young Black kid, could identify with on many levels. At the juncture of Gary Coleman and Arnold Jackson, I saw the possibility of transcending my own socioeconomic circumstances and actualizing my potential. Whether rushing to the television upon hearing the first line of the theme song or doubled over in laughter at Gary's antics, Diff'rent Strokes was one of my many weekly highlights for several years. When I started this blog, it never occurred to me that he would be departing this world so soon. But I am certain that his spirit is at infinite peace in a realm where the pain, ridicule, neglect and transgressions he incurred are distant, incidental memories. Thank you, Gary Coleman, for giving a little Black boy like me an inkling of an idea of what it means to be young, gifted, and Black. Ashe.

(embedded YouTube video)

::Joint of the day:: Kelis "4th Of July (Fireworks)"::

2010-06-02T13:44:00.016-04:00

Yes. Kelis is weird. We know. But, hell, she's been that way since she made her debut 11 years ago. And you can't front on the fact that her special brand of Black girl weird adds to her appeal and makes her unique (Black girls ROCK, btw). I personally champion it. Can't say I'm a fan of her entire catalog. But her self expression as an artist never ceases to intrigue me. Her fifth album Flesh Tone is due out early next month on Will.i.Am's Interscope-distributed label. The lead single "Acapella" reached the top spot on Billboard's dance chart and her latest fashion and creative visual concepts have made an, um, "impression" on blogs all over the net:

Artwork from the Flesh Tone CD booklet.

And apparently, she doesn't give a good goddamn:

Kelis - MTV Shows

(Props to Parlour.)

Yet while "Acapella" did little in the way of whetting my appetite for the new record, the second single "4th Of July (Fireworks)" was definitely a pleasant surprise. It's a dope little Euro-dance romp retrofitted with a funky French house strut. Kinda dope, actually. Take a listen. You make the call.

:::FREE DOWNLOAD::The Stuyvesants:::

2010-06-02T12:44:00.013-04:00

From the title of this post, I'm sure your clever little minds have already drawn the craziest of conclusions as to what gem I'm about to serendipitously drop on you. The long lost Biggie Smalls - Jay Z collabo album? The musical tour-de-force of the 4th generation funky hipster progeny of 17th century NYC big wig Peter Stuyvesant? Hmm. Maybe not. Maybe I should let Darien Victor Birks of FWRPT.COM explain the design/ music joint venture:

The Stuyvesants is a project created, developed, and executed by myself, Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt), and Allan Cole (Algorythm). We brought our talents together to produce 25 instrumentals, t-shirts, logos and graphics which capture the sound and visuals of the 60's and 70's, an era that inspires so much of the music and design that we've grown to love. We've done this under the moniker "The Stuyvesants", paying homage to our current place of residence, which is the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. It's been a year of putting this project together, and now it's ready for the world to experience.

The tracks are aurally scrump-diddly-umptious and the design is visually supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! I suggest you head over to The Stuyvesants site to get the full experience. Download the album for FREE. Cop a t-shirt. Or simply show your appreciation and kick the fellas a lil sum'n sum'n on Paypal. But by all means, show 'em some love! Overall: dope conceptual project. They wholeheartedly get my stamp of approval!

::Upscale Magazine. May 2010::

2010-05-27T02:43:00.007-04:00

Yes. I know it's almost June. All I can say is...better late than never. Crack open the new issue of Upscale and check out my latest pieces on Erykah Badu and Saycon Sengbloh of the Broadway sensation FELA!

:::Janelle.Monae::A-NUTHA.FREE.DOWNLOAD:::

2010-02-16T17:20:00.007-05:00

Apparently, the party's just begun. Here's "Cold War," the second appetizer from Janelle's forthcoming sophomore album, The ArchAndroid!

:::Janelle.Monae::New.Single::FREE.DOWNLOAD:::

2010-02-16T17:07:00.005-05:00

Just when you thought Janelle Monae got sucked into the black hole that is Diddyland a.k.a. Bad Boy Records. Janelle is undisputedly one of the most bedazzling artists of contemporary times. Her stage show is teeming with energy and her eclectic lyricism and concepts are nothing short of a marvel. Ladies and gentlemen, BEHOLD! The new single from the belle of the South: "Tightrope," featuring Big Boi! From the upcoming full-length album, The ArchAndroid! Download and listen here!

::XLR8R.Magazine::Issue.131::

2010-02-08T19:13:00.004-05:00

In the latest issue of XLR8R, read my perspective on the newest album by left coast sonic visionary Georgia Anne Muldrow, King's Ballad!! ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!!

:::944.Magazine::SUPERBIZZEE X ERYKAH.BADU::+FREE.DOWNLOAD:::

2010-02-08T19:02:00.006-05:00

In the latest ATL issue of 944 Magazine, On The Verge, Superbizzee chops it up with the high priestess of Neo-Soul (at the risk of sounding cliché) - Erykah Badu!! ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!!

BTW, check the latest leak (official n' FREE) - "Window Seat" - from Erykah's upcoming album, New Amerykah, Part Two: Return Of The Ankh!! Coming this spring!!

::Dam-Funk::FREE.UNRELEASED.TRACK::

2010-01-26T23:32:00.009-05:00

Dear Stones Throw...

Thanks for heeding my call.
I knew you wouldn't let me down.
Can't explain how excited I am that the vinyl boxed set of
Dam-Funk's album is finally shipping today.
It's like Christmas.
Only a month delayed.
Further proof that Santa does actually read letters
sent from naughty kids.
Or maybe he knocked back one too many rum-laced egg nogs
and forgot to double check his omniscient list.
In any case, I'm grateful for this Linn Drum-laced
throwback G-funk opus in five installments.
This will get much burn on my TT200.
In fact, for several months,
my neighbors may begin to complain
about the smell of melting wax
wafting from my apartment.

Oh, yeah.
Thanks for the free unreleased track "Speak The Truth."
It's way 2 fonky.