SOUND GARDEN EXCURSION

I WAS A TAD BIT DISAPPOINTED WHEN I HOBBLED MY TIRED, SICK, AND SORE FRAME OVER TO SOUND GARDEN IN FELLS POINT, AND ANTICIPATED GUEST LUPE FIASCO WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.  WHEN I WALKED INSIDE THE EXPANSIVE AND ECLECTIC FELLS POINT MUSIC FIXTURE, I EXPECTED A THRONG OF FANS AND THE AHEAD OF THE CURVE ARTIST.  INSTEAD, WHAT I FOUND WAS A QUASI-PEACEFUL BUILDING WITH NO BUDDING SUPERSTARS INSIDE (UNLESS YOU CONSIDER THE VAST AMOUNT OF POSTERS ON THE WALLS).   SINCE I WAS AT SOUND GARDEN, I MIGHT AS WELL ENJOY WHAT I NORMALLY DO WHEN I WALK INSIDE ONE OF MY FAVORITE MUSIC VENUES.  I WALKED THROUGH THE VARIOUS AISLES, LOOKING AT POP, ROCK, JAZZ, AND HIP HOP JOINTS AT EVERY TURN. 

ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT SOUND GARDEN IS THE ACCESSIBILITY TO THE ECLECTIC MUSIC SELECTIONS THROUGHOUT.  YOU CAN NOT ONLY FIND MUSIC THAT CAN'T NORMALLY BE ACCESSED, BUT YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC IN-STORE.  A PLACE LIKE SOUND GARDEN IS A THROWBACK TO BYGONE DAYS WHEN SHOPPING FOR MUSIC WAS A VERY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE INDEED.  I KNOW FOR ME IT'S A PERSONAL, ALMOST RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE.  THERE HAVE BEEN MANY, MANY DAYS AND NIGHTS OF ME LISTENING TO MUSIC FOR TWO, THREE, FOUR HOURS AT A TIME, LOSING MYSELF IN THE LYRICS AND INSTRUMENTATION.  MUSIC CAN TAKE ME TO A PEACEFUL PLACE IN MY LIFE, SO OF COURSE I GRAVITATE TOWARDS THAT PEACE. 

ON MY PEACEFUL JOURNEY AT SOUND GARDEN, I CAME ACROSS A FEW INTERESTING MUSICAL NUGGETS THAT BRIGHTENED MY TUESDAY.  FIRST ON MY RADAR WAS A BONEY JAMES ALBUM FROM 1997, SWEET THING.  I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING AND SEARCHING FOR THIS SPECIFIC BONEY JAMES ALBUM THAT INCLUDED THE GEM "AFTER THE RAIN".  I SAY GEM BECAUSE THIS JAZZY, HORN-LADEN, MADE-FOR-CRUISING CUT WAS THE MUSIC I HEARD REPEATEDLY DURING MY CLOSE TO SIX-YEAR STINT AT COMCAST, AS THE HOLD MUSIC UPSET, DISGRUNTLED CABLE CUSTOMERS LISTENED TO ON A CONSTANT BASIS.  I FELL IN LOVE WITH THAT SONG IN '98, AND THAT LOVE HAS CARRIED ME THROUGH A DECADE AND SOME CHANGE!

LOU RAWLS, FOR ALL OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING AN INCREDIBLE SIX DECADE CAREER, STILL DOESN'T GARNER ENOUGH ACCOLADES OR RESPECT.  I SAY THIS BECAUSE MR. RAWLS DISPLAYED CLASS, DIGNITY, AND IMPECCABLE SINGING CHOPS THAT STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.  HIS CAPITOL RECORDS YEARS ARE SOME OF THE BEST RECORDINGS, BECAUSE HIS VOICE BLENDED WITH MUSIC PRESENTED BY H.B. BARNUM AND THE INCOMPARABLE DAVID AXELROD.  THE BEST OF LOU RAWLS:  THE CAPITOL JAZZ & BLUES RECORDING IS A TESTAMENT TO THE STAYING POWER RAWLS HAD, EVEN DURING THOSE SEMINAL YEARS AT CAPITOL RECORDS.  I FOUND MYSELF DRAWN TO THE JAZZY, ATMOSPHERIC, BLUES-LADEN SONGS ON THIS COLLECTION OF CAPITOL RECORDINGS.  "YOU'LL NEVER FIND" IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND IN THIS COLLECTION, OF COURSE, SO A LISTENER GETS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE AN ARTIST AT WORK AND IN GROWTH.  LOU RAWLS WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN MY BOOK AS A DYNAMIC PERSONALITY AND MUSICIAN.



NEXT ON MY SOUND GARDEN EXCURSION WAS ANOTHER UNDERAPPRECIATED ARTIST.  FREDDIE HUBBARD RELEASED A FAR-REACHING, EXPANSIVE ALBUM ENTITLED SING ME A SONG OF SONGMY.  UPON LISTENING TO THIS COLLECTION OF VERY DIFFERENT SONGS STRUCTURED MORE AS A COLLECTIVE PERFORMANCE PIECE, I COULD SEE THIS 1971 ALBUM FITTING VERY NICELY WITH DAVID AXELROD, CANNONBALL ADDERLY, MILES DAVIS, AND OTHER LIKE-MINDED ARTISTS OF THE DAY.  SO MANY DIFFERENT ELEMENTS WERE COOKED IN THIS GUMBO TO COME UP WITH A VERY TASTY AND SATISFYING MUSICAL MEAL.  I WILL ADVISE THAT A KEEN EAR AND OPEN MIND IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT HUBBARD WAS SEEKING WITH THIS SONIC MASTERPIECE. 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST ON MY SOMEWHAT BRIEF STINT AT SOUND GARDEN WAS THE JAY-Z CLASSIC STREETS IS WATCHING SOUNDTRACK.  THIS ALBUM INCLUDED VERY HOT CUTS, INCLUDING "LOVE FOR FREE", WHICH INTRODUCED THE WORLD TO ROC-A-FELLA RECORDS RELL, WHOSE CAREER DIDN'T QUITE MEET EXPECTATIONS.  "LOVE FOR FREE" WAS THE PERFECT STORM IN TERMS OF SMOOTH JIGGA LYRICISM AND EVEN-SMOOTHER VOCAL STYLINGS FROM RELL, AND TO THIS DAY THAT SONG WILL HAVE DANCE FLOORS PACKED AND ARMS RAISED.  "IT'S ALRIGHT", FEATURING MEMPHIS BLEEK,  AND OTHER JOINTS ROUND OUT THIS STELLAR ROC-A-FELLA ALBUM (AS WELL AS STRAIGHT-TO-DVD MOVIE).

ALL IN ALL, MY INITIAL DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE LUPE NO-SHOW WAS SOMEWHAT PACIFIED BY MY SOUND GARDEN EXCURSION.  I ONLY SPENT A LITTLE MORE THAN AN HOUR IN THE MUSIC SPOT, BUT IT WAS WELL WORTH THE TIME.  I HAD THE GRAND OPPORTUNITY TO DECOMPRESS, RELAX, RELEASE, AND LISTEN TO SOME WORTHWHILE MUSIC, AND TO ME, THAT IS INDEED A GOOD THING.  SOUND GARDEN, I WILL SEE YOU SOON!

ONE LOVE!

WISDOM



"HOLD UP!!!"----R.I.P. NATE DOGG

WE LOST A HIP HOP ICON IN NATE DOGG, A UNIQUE, DISTINCT VOICE FROM THE LEFT COAST.  FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE HAD SUFFERED TWO DEBILITATING STROKES THAT LEFT HIM PARTIALLY PARALYZED.  THE MUSIC WORLD, BEING AS SELFISH AS IT IS (INCLUDING MYSELF), MISSED HIS HIP HOP-FLAVORED R&B CROONING THAT SET THE STAGE FOR DEATH ROW AND COMPANY TO RULE THE AIRWAVES FOR A DECADE OR SO.  AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 41, HIS GOLDEN VOICE HAS BEEN SILENCED, BUT WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE NUMEROUS GUEST APPEARANCES AND RECORDINGS TO REMIND US OF WHO NATHANIEL HALE WAS AS AN ARTIST.  ONE OF MY FAVORITES IS BELOW, "OH NO", FEATURING PHAROAHE MONCH AND MOS DEF.  THIS RAWKUS RECORDS JOINT WAS ON THE LYRICIST LOUNGE 2 ALBUM. 



THE APPEARANCE THAT EVERYBODY AND THEIR MOMMA KNOWS IS THE INFAMOUS "NEXT EPISODE", THE SEMINAL CUT FROM DR. DRE'S 2000 ALBUM CHRONIC 2001.  ENJOY THIS CLASSIC, AND GOD BLESS THE ENTIRE HALE FAMILY.  NATE DOGG WILL BE MISSED!

I KNOW MY VALUE

Written by:  WISDOM



My value is so much more than what you see,
More than dollar signs or ungrateful demands

I’m a man who has endured pain and strain with little gain,
In this game of life filled with strife

Filled with prices tagged and laughed at, ridiculed, mocked, downplayed, dismayed,
Misplaced in this place of existence no longer resistant will I be

I see clearly the picture developing for years in front of blinded vision,
My mind has risen to a higher plane where the wiser reign

I write my pain on paper with indelible ink flowing like boiling blood,
Flowing through capillaries and veins maintain sanity even when faced with your vanity

Facing calamity of the highest degree,
Trying to be a master, or looking for a bachelor, while dealing with the wrong associates

I’m over it because I finally noticed it,
The foolishness that has been ruling this house that is no longer a home

Even though home is where the heart is just consider me heartless,
One of the smartest made a stupid move

But I’m in this game of chess with a checkered past,
Past brought back to present trying to overwhelm a bright future

For I to eradicate animosity have to eliminate tendencies not conducive for growth,
It’s been a long road traveled with passengers that no longer are wanting to journey

Remaining in same spot with same plot filled with shame,
But no letter of scarlet is needed to designate indiscretions and transgressions

My guilt resides with aggression and anger, depression and danger,
Dodging daggers thrown my direction by those who point fingers and have no idea

No idea at what I’ve endured for the duration, not innocent by any means,
But a means to an end doesn’t mean being mean to the end

The end is actually the beginning of a new day,
Instead of worrying about what’s happening at night

Me working like slave on life’s plantation,
While others can go as they please with no rhyme or reason

No crime of passion in this season of rebirth where my worth is being reevaluated,
Not needing someone that should be in my corner for validating

Exaggerating I’m not, for the tears have dried from years of lies and deceit,
Tried to defeat me and beat me down with verbal blows and punches

Would rather blow herbal from the essence instead of acknowledging my presence,
Because it’s painfully obvious that this all part of God’s life lesson

Take nothing for granted and enjoy each moment that has been given,
For we will never know when we may no longer be living

I’m living proof that living a lie is so much worse that delivering the truth,
I have resolved within self that whatever it may be I still refuse to lose

Lose myself, my character, my mind, my love, my heart, my soul,
My hope, my dreams, my time, more valuable than you will ever know

But it will be too late…too late…too late,
Too late to turn back the hands on the clock still ticking

Still kicking self because too late should have registered,
Yet it didn’t because of disrespect on the regular

On both sides of the fence it is not just me suffering,
But living with no love yet still encounter lusting

Frustrating existence so I must face resistance,
And trust as well as listen for the signs that a new day is on horizon

Sun rising in the east over blue oceans that reflect my dreams and aspirations,
Come clean with realizations that I’ve seen the declarations

Not just decorations because that covers up the true,
Ovations and cheers for loving what I can do

So to those that don’t believe or think I can’t achieve,
Moving forward in life if you stay or you leave

VIDEO-------ODDISSEE AND TOINE: "DIFFERENT NOW"

CHECK OUT THIS NEW VIDEO FROM  DC REPRESENTATIVES ODDISEE AND TOINE ENTITLED "DIFFERENT NOW".  FROM THE MELLOW MUSIC GROUP ALBUM HELPLESS DREAMER, THIS CUT IS A DOPE VIEW INTO THE ARTIST THAT ODDISEE IS BECOMING, AND INTRODUCES INDIVIDUALS NOT IN THE KNOW TO TOINE.  ANYTHING ODDISEE TOUCHES TURNS INTO HIP HOP GOLD, IN MY HUMBLE WORDS.  IF YOU HAVEN'T CHECKED OUT THIS DYNAMIC ARTIST/PRODUCER, GO TO HIS WEBSITE.


Oddisee feat. Toine of DTMD - Different Now from Oddisee Music on Vimeo.

LINKS:

http://oddiseemusic.blogspot.com/
http://www.mellomusicgroup.com/
http://www.okayplayer.com/news/video-oddisee-toine-different-now.html
http://vimeo.com/oddiseemusic

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST DOCUMENTARY----TRAILER

EVEN WITH CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE VIEWING AND RELEASE FOR THE DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASING THE MOST DYNAMIC HIP HOP GROUP EVER, A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, I AM STILL ANXIOUSLY AWAITING ITS RELEASE.  HERE IS THE TRAILER FOR THE MICHAEL RAPPAPORT-DIRECTED DOC, WHICH, ACCORDING TO REPORTS, WAS INITIATED BY QUEENS LEGEND NAS.  WHEN THIS DOCUMENTARY HITS THE BIG SCREEN, PLEASE SUPPORT, AS IT WILL GIVE A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIVES AND MUSIC OF ATCQ MEMBERS Q-TIP, PHIFE DAWG, ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD, AND EXTENDED FAM JAROBI.  CHEERS!


A Tribe Called Quest Documentary (Trailer) by PayeTaChatte

Album Review: Lupe Fiasco------LASERS

"To every man, woman & child... We want an end to the glamorization of negativity in the media. We want an end to status symbols dictating our worth as individuals. We want a meaningful and universal education system. We want substance in the place of popularity. We will not compromise who we are to be accepted by the crowd. We want the invisible walls that separate by wealth, race & class to be torn down. We want to think our own thoughts. We will be responsible for our environment. We want clarity & truth from our elected officials or they should move aside. We want love not lies. We want an end to all wars foreign & domestic violence. We want an end to the processed culture of exploitation, over-consumption & waste. We want knowledge, understanding & peace. We will not lose because we are not losers, we are lasers! Lasers are revolutionary. Lasers are the future."

And so goes the story of one Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, known to the musical universe as Lupe Fiasco.  It has been a long time coming for the lyricist supreme from the Windy City.  Languishing with label woes for the better part of the past few years due to Atlantic Records refusal to release the album, Lupe finally managed to garner petitioned support for L.A.S.E.R.S. to hit stores March 8th.  Of course, I had to pick up this album to see if Lupe allowed label politics to shift his lyrical views and lean towards that pop lane that other artists have been travelling recently.  L.A.S.E.R.S., an acronym meaning "Love Always Shines Everytime Remember To Smile", has been highly anticipated since Lupe announced that he would be retiring after releasing Grammy nominated The Cool in 2007.  Does this album live up to all of the advanced hype?

Starting off this album you have "Letting Go", featuring Sarah Green.  With Lupe's voice being altered just a tad bit to give more effect to his lyrical performance, you would think this song would set the mood for the album.  In a way, it does, giving L.A.S.E.R.S. an anthemic, stadium feel remininscent of recent Kanye.  However, the musical soundscape doesn't quite fit the powerful lyrics from Lupe Fiasco.  Truthfully, this is a running theme throughout the album.  Standout cuts on this musically uneven album include "Words I Never Said", featuring vocals from Skylar Grey, "Coming Up" (featuring MDMA), and "All Black Everything".  I  was surprised that I didn't find more redeeming qualities with most of the album, because I believed in my heart of hearts that Lupe would be able to effectively bridge that gap between underground and commercial without compromising sound or lyricism.  Lyricism doesn't take a back seat on the album; however, the musical selections leave much to be desired.  Because the tracks don't fit within the lyrical landscape that Lupe has created, the album overall feels uneven.  I'm spoiled, because the only conceptual song on the entire album that feels like something from Food And Liquor or The Cool would be "All Black Everything".  Produced by The Buchanans, this track serves Fiasco very well by driving home the message of  race from an inverted viewpoint.  Now this is the Lupe we all know and love!  Too bad the rest of this album doesn't reach this level lyrically or sonically.

Twelve songs, three winners.  I am definitely not someone to down or negate contributions within hip hop, but I'm disappointed at this point with the album.  I'm spoiled because Lupe has been the one to carry that lyrical torch, in my mind, for the better part of the past five years or so.  I do hope that Lupe Fiasco finds that balance that he is seeking, because L.A.S.E.R.S. doesn't quite hit the mark.  I will allow the album to marinate for about a week or two and revisit it to see if my impression changes. 

ONE LOVE!

WISDOM

SAMPLE SUNDAY----SPRING FORWARD EDITION

I love Sample Sunday, because it covers territory I hold near and dear to my hip hop sensibilities.  Sampling has been a part of my hip hop DNA since the 80's, and I don't see that notion changing at all, especially since I will be back on my production grind very soon (once I cop the incredible Maschine, manufactured by Native Instruments).  Along with my partner in beats and rhymes Awethentic, sampling-based music has been a staple that has provided sonic beds for some of the best in the game, in my opinion.  Going back quite a few years, a song that has always stuck with me, both lyrically and sonically, is from a Bay Area crew that brought lyricism to forefront on the West Coast.  Truthfully, before this dynamic crew, lyricism took a back seat to gangsterism, not necessarily a bad thing.  However, once these young men showed beyond years microphone finesse and maturity, it was only a matter of time before those outside the Bay Area took notice.  I know I did!  Tajai, Opio, A-Plus, and Phesto formed the lyrically advanced Souls Of Mischief, hailing from Oakland, California. 

Their debut opus, 93'til Infinity, is also the title of today's Sample Sunday selection.  A dense, atmospheric production, constructed by in-house production wiz Domino, it sounded more East Coast than California dreamin'.  From first listen, it was evident that something special was in store with this song.  Don't believe me, just take a look and listen.



"Heather", a song from relatively unknown artist Billy Cobham, is a 1974 treat from his Atlantic Records album Crosswinds.  Upon listening to "Heather" for the first few minutes, you don't get the impression that it will serve as the backdrop for a dope song, until you reach approximately 2:03 of the very sparse, jazzy production.  These are the type of songs that you have to have a keen ear and patience for, because if you only search the very beginning of it, you will miss a gem.  Truthfully, I've never heard this over nine minute piece, but it is a gem nevertheless, reminiscent of Bob James creations during the same era.  Listening to this song will give me the impetus to listen to other songs by Billy Cobham, and I hopefully will detect more hidden gems within his catalog.  This is the type of song that will work perfectly on a breezy Sunday afternoon, house windows open and dinner cooking on the stove.  Cobham fits the jazz fusion mold perfectly, having worked with the legendary Miles Davis.  He has carved out a relatively successful career by creating percussive undertones with some of the best in the business, both as drummer and bandleader.  Cobham has eight studio albums to his credit, and hopefully there is more to come from this ahead of his time visionary.  You can visit the official Billy Cobham website at http://www.billycobham.com/.

Spring is almost upon us, and with the changing seasons comes bloom.  I envision bloom in everything I do from this point forward, and I am going to apply this positive perspective on hip hop production and writing that will expand horizons, similar to the horizons that stretched during that very creative 1970's period, when musical boundaries almost didn't exist.  Sample means portion, but I'm going to give my all!  Keep sampling, keep loving, keep listening!

ONE LOVE...

WISDOM


LINKS:
http://www.hieroglyphics.com/
http://www.billycobham.com/

VIDEO: PHAROAHE MONCH----CLAP (ONE DAY)

PHAROAHE MONCH HAS DONE IT AGAIN WITH THE UPCOMING ALBUM W.A.R. (WE ARE RENEGADES).  "CLAP (ONE DAY)" IS THE FIRST RELEASE, AND IT HAS THE ACCOMPANYING SHORT FILM TO COMPLIMENT THE DENSE, INTELLLIGENT  LYRICS.  THE VIDEO IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, AS IT SHOWS INTENSE IMAGERY.  WATCH WITH AN OPEN MIND AND ARTISTIC SCOPE.

 

SAMPLE SUNDAY-----COLD MONDAY EDITION

WE'RE ONLY A FEW WEEKS AWAY FROM SPRING, BUT I'M ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER 2011.  I AM SURE THIS IS GOING TO BE A SUMMER TO REMEMBER, BOTH MUSICALLY AND OTHERWISE.  TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER OF ANTICIPATION, I HAVE A VERY DOPE SONG, SOMETIMES OVERLOOKED, WITHIN THE UNMATCHED CATALOG OF THE ONE AND ONLY SHAWN COREY CARTER.  LAST NIGHT, WHILE ATTENDING A DOPE SHOWCASE AT 5 SEASONS, MY EARS PIQUED WHEN DJ TNT DROPPED THIS GEM ON THE CROWD, A SONG I HAVEN'T HEARD IN A GOOD WHILE, BUT A SONG THAT WILL HAVE ME LOOKING FORWARD TO "JAY-Z SEASON", SO TO SPEAK!

PRODUCED BY JUST BLAZE, "DEAR SUMMER" ACTUALLY WAS RECORDED FOR MEMPHIS BLEEK'S 2005 ALBUM 534.  THE DOPE, JAZZY SAMPLE THAT SERVES AS THE BACKDROP FOR THE SONG IS A WELDON IRVINE CREATION, "MORNING SUNRISE". 



"MORNING SUNRISE", FROM THE WELDON IRVINE ALBUM THE SISTERS (SAUCERMAN, 1979), IS A SURE-FIRE BANGER EVEN NOW IN 2011.  I LOVE THAT JAZZY, ATMOSPHERIC SOUND FROM 1970'S MUSIC.  IT DEFINITELY HAS SERVED AS THE SOUNDSCAPE FOR MANY A HIP HOP SONG.  WELDON IRVINE IS A SOMEWHAT OVERLOOKED  ARTIST DURING THAT HOTBED PERIOD OF THE 1970'S.  TRACE HIS DISCOGRAPHY AND WRITING CREDITS TO SEE HOW INFLUENTIAL OF AN ARTIST HE WAS, AND STILL IS, ALMOST NINE YEARS AFTER HIS UNTIMELY DEATH AT AGE 58.  MUCH LOVE GOES TO THIS INFLUENTIAL BROTHER WHOSE TOUCH GRACES THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, FROM JAZZ, TO FUNK, TO R&B, TO HIP HOP, AND BEYOND.

IT MAY BE MARCH 7TH, BUT "DEAR SUMMER" IS MY ODE TO WARM TIMES AND HOT RHYMES.  BEFORE I GO, I CAN'T FORGET TO SEND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO THE ONE AND ONLY SPEECH, MY RHYME PARTNER FOR THE BETTER PART OF THREE DECADES! 

ONE LOVE! ONE BEAT!

2011 DMV AWARDS RECAP

HELLO BLOGOSPHERE!  AS PROMISED, I WANTED TO PRESENT THE ENTIRE 2011 DMV AWARDS RESULTS TO THE ENTIRE MARYLAND/DC/NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGION AND BEYOND.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT IN MY BOOK TO RECOGNIZE THOSE THAT HAVE PUT THEIR LIVES AND SOULS INTO A MUSIC THEY LOVE, NO MATTER GENRE.  EVEN THOUGH THE AWARDS PROGRAM DIDN'T END ON A BRIGHT NOTE, THERE CAN STILL BE SOLACE SOUGHT IN THE FACT THAT THE DMV AWARDS IS A MEANS TO UNIFY A COMMUNITY, NOT SEPARATE IT.  THIS NOTION WAS VERY EVIDENT WITH THE PRESENCE OF THE SOMETIMES UNRECOGNIZED SISTER CITY TO THE NORTHEAST OF DC KNOWN AS BALTIMORE.  WITH NO FURTHER ADIEU, HERE ARE THE FULL RESULTS FROM THE 2011 DMV AWARDS!

2011 DMV AWARD WINNERS

BEST DC FEMALE RAP = RA THE MC


BEST DC MALE RAP = TABI BONNEY


BEST DC FEMALE R&B = ALISON CARNEY


BEST DC MALE R&B = KYONTE


BEST MD FEMALE RAP = KEYS


BEST MD MALE RAP = PHIL ADE'


BEST MD FEMALE R&B = PAULA CAMPBELL


BEST MD MALE R&B = KEVIN ROSS


BEST VA FEMALE RAP = AUDRA THE RAPPER


BEST VA MALE RAP = K-BETA


BEST VA MALE R&B = CHRIS LEE


BEST VA FEMALE R&B = MIDIAN


BEST LIVE SHOW = BLACK ALLEY


BEST RAP GROUP = GODS’ILLA


BEST LYRICIST = PRO VERB


BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR = FAT TREL


SONG OF THE YEAR = TOAST 2 LIFE – PHIL ADE' FEATURING KEVIN ROSS


BEST CLUB/DANCE TRACK = STEP ASIDE DOO-DEW KIDZ FEATURING MULLYMAN


BEST POET/SPOKEN WORD ARTIST = ARCHIE THE MESSENGER AND JO’RELL


BEST GOSPEL RAP = OUTSPOKEN


BEST GOSPEL SINGER = Y’ANNA CRAWLEY


BEST BAND DUE OR GROUP = UCB


BEST GO-GO BAND = WHAT BAND


MOST SUPPORTIVE MEDIA PERSON = PERMISS & DJ HEAT


MOST SUPPORTIVE MEDIA OUTLET = 1650 DA BEAT


LIVING LEGEND = DJ CELO, BIG G, BLACK INDIAN, SONNY BROWN, KOKAYI, SECTION 8 MOB, BUBU PRODUCER


BEST PHOTOGRAPHER = ANWAA KONG


BEST FEMALE MODEL = SHENNEKIA G


BEST BLOG/WEBSITE = DCMUMBOSAUCE + FORTHEDMVONLY


BEST OPEN MIC = UAU


BEST MIXTAPE DJ = DJ MOMO


BEST RADIO DJ = DJ QUICKSILVA


BEST CLUB DJ = DJ MONEY


MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR = THE LETTERMAN – PHIL ADE


BEST VIDEO DIRECTOR = SIX SHOOTA


VIDEO OF THE YEAR = NUTHIN BUT A HERO = TABI BONNEY


BEST MANAGER = UNRULY MANAGMENT


BEST PROMOTER = BILLY LYVE


BEST COMEDIAN = LARRY LANCASTER


BEST PRODUCER = MARK HENRY


BEST / ALTERNATIVE = KOKAYI


BEST GRAPHIC DESIGNER = CREATE DC


ALBUM OF THE YEAR = UP AND UP PRESENTS = GODS'ILLA

I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE EACH AND EVERY NOMINEE ON PRESENTING HIS AND HER ARTISTRY TO THE DMV REGION!  YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS DO NOT GO UNNOTICED.  PEACE AND LOVE IS A MUST IN THIS DAY AND TIME, AND I HAVE NO RESERVATIONS THAT THE DMV MOVEMENT WILL NOT BECOME STAGNANT, BUT FORWARD-MOVING AND PROGRESSIVE.  AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINATED FOR THE DMV AWARDS.  YOU'RE ALL WINNERS!

LINKS:

http://dmvawards.wordpress.com/

2011 DMV AWARDS----THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY

WITHIN A 60 MILE RADIUS OR SO THERE IS A WEALTH OF TALENT IN THE HIP HOP REALM AND BEYOND.  LAST NIGHT, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE IF THIS MUSIC COMMUNITY WOULD BE A UNIFIED FRONT OR A FRONT PERIOD.  I'VE BEEN ANTICIPATING FOR MONTHS THIS EVENT THAT HAS GROWN OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, BECOMING SOMETHING THAT IS NOW BEING RECOGNIZED OUTSIDE OF OUR GENERAL AREA.  THE 2011 DMV AWARDS HAD THE POTENTIAL TO SHINE A POSITIVE LIGHT ON NOT ONLY HIP HOP IN THE REGION, BUT GO-GO, GOSPEL, CLUB, AS WELL AS MEDIA AND OTHER OUTLETS FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.  BECAUSE THE HYATT REGENCY CRYSTAL CITY WAS THE VENUE, I WAS HOPING THAT MY HIP HOP BRETHREN WOULD BE MINDFUL OF PERCEPTION AND RECEPTION BY A COMMUNITY THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY SUBSCRIBE TO HIP HOP CULTURE.  SO WHAT HAPPENED?

ONCE I ARRIVED AT THE VENUE, I COULD IMMEDIATELY FEEL THE ELECTRICITY IN THE AIR OUTSIDE THE BEAUTIFUL AND STATELY HYATT REGENCY LOCATED IN CRYSTAL CITY.  I DEFINITELY PUT IN MY GRIND TO ATTEND THIS HIGH-POWERED LOCAL EVENT, SO IT WAS GOOD TO SEE SUCH A STRONG PRESENCE.  I STOOD OUTSIDE FOR A FEW MINUTES, JUST TO ABSORB WHAT I IMAGINED WOULD BE THE SCENE INSIDE.  I ENTERED THE REVOLVING DOORS FOR THE LUXURY HOTEL, AND NOTICED MANY, MANY MEN AND WOMEN, MOSTLY OF COLOR, FRESH-DRESSED LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!  IT TOOK A GOOD WHILE TO WAIT AT THE ESCALATOR TO GO DOWNSTAIRS, WHERE THE EVENT WAS TAKING PLACE INSIDE THE BALLROOM.

AFTER SECURING A WRISTBAND AND PROGRAM, I MADE MY WAY THROUGH THE TIGHT SECURITY CHECK BEFORE MAKING MY WAY TO THE RED CARPET AREA.  ARTISTS FROM THE ENTIRE DMV AREA, INCLUDING BALTIMORE, WERE MAKING THEIR INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE PRESENCE FELT AT THE LIVELY RED CARPET AREA.  YOU NAME IT, THERE WAS SOMEONE OF IMPORTANCE DOING IMPROMPTU INTERVIEWS AND TAKING FABULOUS PICTURES, ALL IN THE NAME OF SUPPORTING THIS REGION'S MUSICAL HERITAGE THAT IS BEING BUILT.  COMP, SONNY BROWN, JAY MILLS, SI-NOTES, U.C.B., JEANNIE JONES, DIRT PLATOON.  YOU NAME IT, THEY WERE MOST LIKELY IN THE HOUSE AND REPPIN' THE DMV MOVEMENT.  I WAS VERY HAPPY TO SEE THE B-MORE CONTINGENCY MAKING THAT HOUR-LONG TREK TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA.  THAT SHOWED A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND UNITY AND MADE A BROTHER PROUD!

DRINKS WERE FLOWING, AND ENERGY WAS GROWING BY THE MINUTE, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE EVENING'S EVENTS.  THE DMV AWARDS STARTED WITHOUT ANY HITCH, WITH DRE ALLDAYINTHEPAINT HOSTING THE FESTIVITIES.  A GOOD SIGN WAS REVERAND TONY LEE STARTING OFF ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE, BLESSING THE EVENING THROUGH PRAYER.  THE FIRST MUSICAL OFFERING HAD A GO-GO AND HIP HOP FLAIR, WITH A GOSPEL INTERPOLATION OF DIDDY-DIRTY MONEY'S "LOVING YOU NO MORE".  AFTER NOTICING QUITE A FEW MORE DC-BASED ARTISTS IN THE PLACE, IT WAS TIME FOR THE FIRST SET OF AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED.  THE FIRST CATEGORY TO GET THINGS STARTED WAS BEST GOSPEL RAP ARTIST, AND THIS CATEGORY WAS WON BY OUTSPOKEN.  NEXT ON THE AGENDA WAS BEST GOSPEL SINGER, WON BY Y'ANNA CRAWLEY, SEASON TWO WINNER OF "SUNDAY BEST" ON BET.  BEST PROMOTOR CATEGORY WAS WON BY BALTIMORE'S BILLY LYVE.  AT THIS POINT TV 21, A DC-BASED ROCK-HYBRID BAND, HIT THE LIVELY AUDIENCE WITH MUSIC THAT WAS BOTH FITTING AND AGAINST THE GRAIN FOR THE EVENING.  THIS PRETTY MUCH SERVED AS THE BLUEPRINT FOR THE SHOW. 

SONG OF THE YEAR CATEGORY WAS WON BY UPSTART EMCEE PHIL ADE' FEATURING KEVIN ROSS, FOR "TOAST 2 LIFE".  NEXT ON THE AGENDA WAS BEST CLUB/DANCE TRACK, AND B-MORE REPRESENTATIVES DOO-DEW KIDZ (FEATURING MULLYMAN) BROUGHT HOME THE TROPHY FOR "STEP ASIDE".  I LIKED THE FACT THAT DIFFERENT GENRES WERE REPRESENTED FOR THE EVENING.  BEST POET/SPOKEN WORD AWARD WAS WON BY ARCHIE THE MESSENGER AND JO'RELL.  UCB WAS NEXT TO WALK THE STAGE TO ACCEPT AN AWARD, AS THE RECIPIENTS OF THE BEST BAND/DUO/GROUP AWARD.  BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR WENT TO FAT TREL, A DMV FAVORITE ON EVERYONE'S RADAR.

DEMONT PEEKASO WAS IN THE VENUE, SHOWCASING HIS DOPE ARTISTIC FLAIR ON THE CEREMONY STAGE.  JEANNIE JONES, KNOWN TO THE DMV RADIO COMMUNITY AS "KITTY OF THE CITY", HELPED TO PRESENT THE NEXT WAVES OF AWARDS.  BEST GO-GO BAND WAS WON BY W.H.A.T. BAND, WHO HAS BEEN HOT ON THE GO-GO CIRCUIT.  MOST SUPPORTIVE MEDIA PERSONALITY AWARD WENT TO PERMISS.  THE NEXT CATEGORY, MOST SUPPORTIVE MEDIA OUTLET WAS WON BY 1650AM DA BEAT.  THINGS WERE DEFINITELY LOOKING VERY POSITIVE AT THAT POINT, BECAUSE MANY MORE AWARDS WERE ON DECK.  BEST BLOG/WEBSITE WAS SHARED BY DCMUMBOSAUCE.COM AND FORTHEDMVONLY.COM.  FOR BEST OPEN MIC HIP HOP NIGHT, DMV FAVORITES GODS'ILLA BROUGHT HOME THE TROPHY FOR THEIR UAU SERIES AT LIV.

BLACK ALLEY WAS NEXT TO HIT THE STAGE WITH THEIR POWERFUL GARAGE BAND BRAND.  I HAD THE CHANCE TO CONGRATULATE PERMISS, DOO-DEW KIDZ, AND ONE OF THE GODS'ILLA BRETHEN ON DESERVING VICTORIES THROUGOUT THE EVENING.  JAY MCGRAW, A BUDDING B-MORE ARTIST/CEO, WAS ALSO IN THE HOUSE, SPREADING HIP HOP LOVE.  NEXT CATEGORY THAT I WITNESSED WAS BEST PHOTOGRAPHER, AND THAT SLOT WAS WON BY ANWAA KONG.  ALBUM OF THE YEAR HONORS WENT TO THE VERY DOPE AND DESERVING GODS'ILLA, MAKING TWO WINS THUS FAR ON THE EVENING FOR THESE THREE POSITIVE BROTHERS.  DC FAVORITE SON TABI BONNEY WON FOR VIDEO OF THE YEAR FOR "NUTHIN BUT A HERO".  THE VIBE WAS VERY POSITIVE, AT LEAST FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER, AND I HAD THE HUMBLING CHANCE TO SPEAK WITH SOME OF THE ARTISTS IN ATTENDANCE, SUCH AS THE AFOREMENTIONED GODS'ILLA, PHIL ADE', SKARR AKBAR, AND OTHERS.  AT THAT POINT, I NOTICED THE ENERGIES IN THE LOBBY AREA CHANGING, AND CHANGING FOR THE WORSE.  I HEARD QUITE A FEW INDIVIDUALS TALKING ABOUT A SKIRMISH THAT TOOK PLACE DURING AN INTERMISSION.  I MADE MY WAS BACK INSIDE THE BALLROOM AREA AFTER SPEAKING WITH JAY MCGRAW, AND I NOTICED THAT CHAOS WAS THE NAME OF THE GAME AT THAT POINT.  WHAT HAPPENED?  I'M STILL NOT SURE, BUT I MADE MY WAS OVER TO THE AREA WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE ALTERCATION TOOK PLACE.  PRAYERS GO OUT TO THOSE THAT WERE INJURED DURING THE NEGATIVE TURN, BECAUSE IT WAS OBVIOUS BY THE BROKEN CHAMPAGNE BOTTLES AND PLATES THAT SOMETHING WENT TERRIBLY WRONG.  AFTER A FEW MINUTES TO ATTEMPT TO RESTORE ORDER, IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT THE SHOW WOULDN'T CONTINUE, AS POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED TO THE EVENT.  AT FIRST, ATTENDEES WERE STANDING IN PLACE OR TALKING ABOUT WHAT OCCURRED, BUT ONCE THE BOYS IN BLUE EXERTED THEIR POLICE AUTHORITY, EVERYONE NOT APART OF THE HYATT STAFF WAS ESCORTED FROM NOT ONLY THE BALLROOM AND LOBBY AREAS, BUT THE ENTIRE HYATT.  I MADE MY WAY TO THE OUTSIDE, TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF WHAT OCCURRED WITHIN A FEW MINUTES SPAN.  WHAT OCCURRED WAS A GOOD EVENT BEING TAINTED FOR WHATEVER IMMATURE REASONS.  I DON'T KNOW WHAT SPARKED THE MELEE, BUT I DO KNOW THAT THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR CAN'T CONTINUE IF ANY SEMBLANCE OF RESPECT IS GIVEN TO GENRES TYPICALLY USED AS TARGET PRACTICE BY THE MEDIA.  THIS POTENTIALLY GREAT EVENT NOW HAS A BLACK EYE, AND IT IS GOING TO TAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT BY ALL THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE ARTISTS, MEDIA, AND FANS ALIKE TO CHANGE THIS NEGATIVE TRAIT.  I'M NOT TRYING TO BE ON ANY TYPE OF SOAPBOX, BUT LOOK AT THE FACTS.  A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY HAS NOW BEEN SQUANDERED, AND NOW WE HAVE TO WONDER, WILL THE DMV AWARDS MOVEMENT CONTINUE? 

A PRESS STATEMENT WAS ISSUED BY THOSE IN CHARGE OF THE 2011 DMV AWARDS:

"The DMV Music Awards Committee would like to thank everyone who supported the program this year in the efforts to unite various communities for a night of celebration and recognition. The committee is truly saddened by the unfortunate events that took place, and most importantly, we send prayers and apologies to those who were injured last night. This program was designed to be a positive effort on behalf of various people in the local entertainment industry who were planners, judges, power player voters, artists, and fans.

We also extend a deep apology to the Hyatt Crystal City for the events that took place. These acts, by no means, represent the positive nature of the “DMV” music scene as a whole. This community is comprised of thousands from Baltimore to northern Virginia who love to make music and support the artists who do so. It was in this spirit that the DMV Music Awards were created five years ago, and in this spirit, the “DMV” will continue to move forward in the efforts to share great work with the worldwide community of music fans.

Again, thank you to supporters, fans, sponsors, vendors, voters, judges, media and artists. With a theme of “Time to Build,” The 5th Annual DMV Music Awards received support this year from various people and companies in all genres and walks of life. We hope that your faith and appreciation for talent in this region does not waiver.

A complete list of award winners will be posted shortly.

Sincerely,
2011 DMV Music Awards Committee"

I WILL POST THE FULL LISTING OF WINNERS FOR THE DMV AWARDS SHOW.  I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE WINNERS WILL STILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO A MOVEMENT EXTENDING FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA TO DC AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES, AND NOW INCLUDING CHARM CITY AS WELL.  SALUTE TO THE WINNERS AND NOMINEES!  NOW LET'S DO BETTER DMV...

GEMSTONE SERIES-----JAZZYFATNASTEES

GEMSTONE----a precious or semiprecious stone that can be cut and polished for use as a gem

When discussing the Jazzyfatnastees, terms like "precious" and "gems" are more than apt.  These two soul sisters have been on my radar since the middle of the last decade in the 20th Century.  Tracey Moore and Mercedes Martinez are the vocal instruments, creative beings, and alluring figures that comprise a group that moves me more than almost anyone else in the realm of music.  That speaks volumes, because music is a medium that is near and dear to my heart that beats like a Roland 808.  Saying that the Jazzyfatnastees duo is a direct, and indirect, influence on my musical tastes is akin to stating that Barack Hussein Obama is the unequivocal leader of the Free World. 

Where do I begin?  The Jazzyfatnastees actually started as a quartet of harmonizing ladies, dating back to 1993 or so.  When going back through my hip hop archives, I recognized the Jazzyfatnastees nomenclature on The Pharcyde album.  Of course a little detective work revealed that J Swift, the seminal producer for The Pharcyde sound during their unveiling period, was the brother of Mercedes, so the union was a very natural one between the units.  An obscure appearance by the entire four lady outfit was for Left Coast artist Quinton, part of the J Swift camp (along with The Wascals).  Here's one to grow on Jazzy fans!



Their signature harmony was already present when their blended harmonies made an impression on Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde, at least from a studio perspective.  J Swift actually penned their name, according to an article on http://www.jazzyfatnastees.com/.  "The jazzy lyrics, the fat harmonies, and the nastee tracks, it's all about the music", is the way Ms. Moore put it when describing the Jazzyfatnastees potent concoction.  Originally signed to once thriving Tommy Boy Records in 1993, the quartet, who blended their jazzy vocals with hip hop breakbeats to create a unique sound, became a duo at some point during the middle of the decade.  Before this occurred, however, their patented blend made its way to the home of the "ATLiens", Atlanta.  OutKast was blessed to have these sisters in the vocal spirit on another favorite of yours truly:

Outkast - Jazzy Belle (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: OutKast

  
"Jazzy Belle" showcased the haunting, yet jazzy, for lack of a better term, backing vocals for a song uplifting our Nubian women.  Very fitting indeed to have The Jazzyfatnastees on this ATLiens track.  Afterwards, the duo of Mercedes and Tracey relocated from the West Coast to The City Of Brotherly Love, befriending a like-minded group of artists in The Legendary Roots Crew.  The Roots would sign the now-duo to their MCA imprint Motive Records, allowing The Jazzyfatnastees creative room to develop their signature sound.  The resulting first album from the duo was the very classic in my book The Once And Future.  The video and song that stands out on the excellent debut was "The Wound", a tale depicting artificial as reality for women.  Even though I have testosterone flowing through my system, I could (and still can) identify with the images and words within the video and song.
 
 

 

 
 
Even though the album didn't garner platinum record sales, Mercedes and Tracey developed a very faithful following.  I've had the distinct pleasure of witnessing their personal and creative performances on numerous occasions.  Devoid of pomp and circumstance, the Jazzyfatnastees allow God-given abilities to take the forefront when performing live.  Their live performances, in my humble opinion, are second to none, because you feel at home and extremely comfortable with this duo singing, harmonizing, vocalizing in front of a musically hungry audience.  I had the pleasure of meeting them after a performance at The Garage in DC years ago, with a then-unknown Kindred opening for the Jazzy ladies.  Both were humble and personable, especially Mercedes, and I was fortunate enough to develop an e-mail communication of sorts with beautiful and talented Ms. Martinez, often discussing MCA as the "Musical Cemetary Of America". The next offering from these singing divas (and I use the term "divas" in the best possible light) was The Tortoise And The Hare, which was a continuation and expansion on the signature sound.  Songs of empowerment, sensuality, and strength were found throughout this second offering from the Jazzyfatnastees, and to great effect.  "All Up In My Face", "El Medio", "Let It Go", as well as seven other neo-soul/funk/hip hop influenced songs rounded out this very slept-on album. 
 

 
 

Around this time, Tracey and Mercedes developed a very popular music performance series New York at The Wetlands that soon made its way to Philly called Black Lily, taking hints from Lilith Fair.  Designed as a peformance showcase for artists to be themselves, it attracted many artists that influenced the burgeoning neo-soul movement.  On any given Tuesday, you could find artists such Jill Scott (hey Jilly from Philly), Erykah Badu, Bilal, Musiq Soundchild, Kindred, Jaguar Wright, a very young Jasmine Sullivan, and many more.  Typically backed by The Roots, this signature Illadelph event lasted for a number of years at The Five Spot, eventually ending its run (I'm hoping temporarily) in 2005.  From those close to my inner circle, Black Lily, at least in that six-year run, is sorely missed.  Looking at a Philly-based female hip hop documentary, "Scene Not Heard", my Jazzyfatnastee sisters made a point to state that even though Black Lily is no longer a weekly series at The Five Spot, it still lives on in spirit, and hopefully in the future the brand can be expanded.  They were already spreading their creative wings in other arenas such as independent film, so I am anticipating, with fingers crossed, the next reincarnation of Black Lily.  I can safely say that I am a faithful fan who will wait for as long as need be for the creative juices to flow from the Jazzyfatnastees, in whatever form or fashion.
 
There is an unreleased album that may see the light of day at some point, "The World Is Coming".  If, and when, they release this third Jazzy project, I will be front and center on that fateful Tuesday.  Until then, I am content with two musical offerings that are better in vocal quality and creativity than ANYTHING being played twenty times per day on radio.  One thing that does linger in my mind is their hip hop brethren, The Roots, not using the Jazzyfatnastees for their opening cut on How I Got Over, "A Piece Of Light", featuring Dirty Projectors singers Angel Deradoorian, Amber Coffman, and Haley Dekle.  Is it me, or does the atmospheric vocals of Dirty Projectors sound very similar to the signature harmonizing of the Jazzyfatnastees?  If you read this Ahmir, let the Jazzy fans know why this is so.  Coming from a professed Jazzyfatnastees fan of the highest degree, inquiring minds want to know.  In any event, it has been good to see Mercedes listed on album credits for various albums over the years for her Illadelph family The Roots (How I Got Over, Rising Down).  When the time is right, the world shall see and hear the group that was ahead of the neo-soul curve and very influential.  Until then, do the knowledge, and experience this gem known as the JAZZYFATNASTEES!

THE JAZZYFATNASTEES DISCOGRAPHY:

The Once And Future                                MCA/Motive Records (1999)

The Tortoise And The Hare                       CoolHunter Music (2003)

The World Is Coming (Unreleased)*          CoolHunter Music (2005)

*The World Is Coming----there was a limited download release, but no formal album release

SITES:

http://www.jazzyfatnastees.com/

http://www.myspace.com/jazzyfatnastees

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jazzyfatnastees/29923347031?v=info

ARTICLE SOURCES:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jazzyfatnastees/29923347031?v=info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazzyfatnastees

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pharcyde

http://www.okayplayer.com/

http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/scene_not_heard/



"POWERFUL IMPACT..."

  

  "POWERFUL IMPACT, BOOM, FROM THE CANNON..." IS SUCH A FAMILIAR PHRASE AND VERSE FROM THE ONE, THE ONLY, THE INCOMPARABLE BUSTA RHYMES.  IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO DISCUSS THIS HIP HOP ICON, WITH OVER TWENTY YEARS (AND COUNTING) IN THIS MUSICAL GAME WE HAVE ON OUR HANDS.  BUSTA HAS BEEN A FIXTURE SINCE GEORGE BUSH (THE FATHER, NOT THE BUMBLING SON) WAS IN OFFICE, IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.  IN THAT TIME, WE HAVE SEEN SO MUCH THAT I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR PATIENCE TO LIST THE RELEVANT POINTS.  LET'S JUST SAY THAT HIS "INFLUENCE IS STILL SHININ'', QUOTE UNQUOTE. 

     WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN WHEN DISCUSSING ONE TREVOR TAHEIM SMITH, JR.?  IT WOULD BE EASY ENOUGH TO TALK ABOUT HIS LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL REGIME, SO I DON'T THINK I WILL EVEN START AT THAT POINT.  IT SEEMS THAT THE BUZZ FOR MR. RHYMES HAS BEEN IN THE AIR, FROM A LIKE-MINDED AFFIRMATION FROM B-MORE EMCEE/POET/ARTIST LAST BORN CHILD, TO A SIMPLE, YET WELL-NEEDED FACEBOOK POST ABOUT SAID ARTIST.  HE'S BEEN BLAZING TRAILS ON THE FEATURE FRONT FOREVER.  EVEN NOW, CATCH HIS SCENE-STEALING SONG WITH CHRIS BROWN AND LI'L WAYNE, "LOOK AT ME NOW".



HAS BUSTA RHYMES EVER REALLY FELL OFF?  IN MY EYES, ABSOLUTELY NOT!  HE HAS ARGUABLY BEEN THE MOST CONSISTENT ARTIST IN HIP HOP (JAY-Z NOTWITHSTANDING).  I CAN'T PINPOINT A TIME OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF DECADES WHERE THIS DYNAMIC ARTIST HAS RELEASED OR DROPPED WACKNESS, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.  IT JUST HASN'T OCCURRED.  NOW BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS, RECORD SALES HAVE DROPPED ACROSS THE BOARD WITH MOST ARTISTS, INCLUDING BUSTA.  FROM '96 TO THE PRESENT BUSTA HAS BEEN EVER-PRESENT IN THE HIP HOP SPHERE, AND PRIOR TO HIS SOLO DEBUT, HE WAS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AND AN ARTIST THAT WOULD STEAL THE SHOW.  IN FACT, HE STILL IS!  TIME AND TIME AGAIN HE HAS PROVEN HIS WORTH AND METTLE, BY DROPPING OUT OF THIS WORLD LYRICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.  "TOUCH IT".  "NEW YORK SH-T".  "MAKE IT CLAP".  "BREAK YA NECK".  HIS HEAT ON THE DJ KHALED-PRODUCED "ALL I DO IS WIN (REMIX)".

 

     THERE ARE SO MANY EXAMPLES OF HIS LYRICAL PROWESS,BUT I'M GOING TO LEAVE THE FLOOR AND BLOG OPEN FOR POSITIVE DIALOGUE AND DEBATE WHEN IT COMES TO ONE OF HIP HOP'S GIANTS, AN ARTIST WHOSE ALMOST-MIDAS TOUCH IN THE GAME IS SOMETHING TO TRULY BEHOLD.  SO WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN IT COMES TO BUSTA RHYMES?  IS HE INDEED MR. "POWERFUL IMPACT"?  DOES HE HAVE A TRACK-RECORD THAT IS BAR-NONE?  I THINK THAT 2011 IS GOING TO BE A SPECIAL YEAR FOR BUSTA RHYMES.  FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, THE FOLLOW-UP TO HIS 1998 CLASSIC ALBUM EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT (FINAL WORLD FRONT) WILL BE RELEASED.  EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT 2 IS SURE TO OFFER THAT NECK-SNAPPING, ENERGETIC,   ALMOST APOCALYPTIC HIP HOP WE HAVE ALL COME TO EXPECT FROM BUSTA. 

WE SHALL SEE...

CHARLIE SMARTS-----"THE SKIN"

CHARLIE SMARTS, OF KOOLEY HIGH FAME, IS POISED TO DROP HIS NEXT SOLO OFFERING, TRIDENT, THIS MONTH.  HERE IS "THE SKIN", A NICE, JAZZY JOINT THAT FITS IN NICELY WITH THE CAROLINA BLUE SOUND, AS I LIKE TO CALL IT.  PEEP THIS BROTHER, AS WELL AS THE REST OF HIS KOOLEY HIGH COHORTS (ESPECIALLY RAPSODY).  YOU CAN HIT CHARLIE SMARTS AND THE KOOLEY HIGH CREW UP AT http://www.kooleyhigh.com/.  NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM...