2 new joints from the upcoming Rocknrolla mixtape. "Hard" and "Zone Out". Really pushing the boundaries on these joints.
EXCLUSIVES!!! by Maf aka Carlitobaby
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Leisure Walk Mix By Santiago
Enjoy.
The Leisure Walk Mix
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Projects Mix By Santiago
Enjoy.
The Projects Mix By Santiago
1. The Artifacts - Wrong Side Of The Tracks
2. KRS One - Rappers Are In Danga
3. Jeru Da Damaga - Ain't The Devil Happy
4. Onyx - Last Days
5. Gangstar - Moment Of Truth
6. Gangstar - You Know My Steez
7. Ghostface - One
8. Murs - Yesterday
9. OC - Times Up
10. Das Efx - Microphone Checka
11. Camp Lo - Black Nostaljack
12. Mos Def Ft. Slick Rick - Auditorium
13. KRS One - Rapper's Delighte
14. Method Man Ft. Mary J Blige - You're All I Need
15. Brand Nubians - Love Me Or Leave Me Alone
16. Brand Nubians - Punks Jump Up
17. The Beatnuts - Watch Out Now
18. Gangstar Ft. Nice & Smooth - DWYCK
19. Positive K - Step Up Front
20. Gangstar - Just To Get A Rep
21. Kraftwerks - Trans Europe Express
22. Strafe - Set It Off
23. Slick Rick - Mona Lisa
Thursday, September 23, 2010
KO - Business As Usual
Monday, August 30, 2010
Santiago - Food For Thought; Mixtape
The name of this project is called "Food For Thought" but as you look at the cover you may say to yourself, "but there's no food in the fridge." Exactly, I don't think there is much that would interest my appetite in Hip Hop these days. With that said these are a few joints that are always a great digestion; from old to new and back.
Enjoy.
Santiago - Food For Thought; Mixtape
Friday, August 27, 2010
Spitfire Youth Poetry Group Project
Enjoy.
Spitfire Youth Poetry Group Project
Friday, August 6, 2010
New Wale Mixtape: "More About Nothing."
This is the latest Mixtape from Wale. Haven't heard it myself but my partner Maf says it is great so that is good enough for me.
Playlist:
Wale: More About Nothing
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Old School Throwback
Peep the play list:
1. Slick Rick - Mona Lisa
2. Biz Markie - Something For The Radio
3. Nice & Smooth - Sometimes I Rhyme Slow
4. Eric B & Rakim - I Know You Got Soul
5. Gang Starr - Mass Appeal
6. Channel Live Ft. KRS One - Mad Izm
7. Black Moon - Buck Em Down
8. A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation
9. Black Moon - How Many MCs
10. Biggie Smalls - One More Chance
11. Gang Starr - You Know My Steez
12. O.C. - Time's Up
13. A Tribe Called Quest Ft. L.O.N.S. - Scenario
14. Slick Rick - Children's Story
15. Souls Of Mischief - 93 Til' Infinity
16. Wu Tang Clan - Protect Ya Neck
Enjoy.
The Old School Throwback
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Santiago - A Quest For The Tribe / A Tribe Called Quest Experience
Enjoy and love...
A Tribe Called Quest Experience
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Circa '78 finally at last!!!
This album is definitely a treat as well as a journey for me. I really put my heart and soul into it and held it close for a while and I will finally be releasing it at midnight tonight. This is really a hip hop album in my opinion and I put together all of the elements of music that I have grown to love over the years. The artwork was crafted by Brandon Collins and Alex Goose(also a super producer). Unfortunately all that remains is the logo that you see. When most of my equipment was stolen they also took the hard drive that contained the rest of the artwork. Oh well, music still intact. In this project you will also see all of my many facets that make me who I am as an artist. Everything was carefully crafted and planned out to a tee. The features are perfect, of course my team (Nom, Ology, Rashnl, Ko, Smooth)Britney Bosco, Chelsea Zan, and Lady Dex blessed me with the best vocals ever. Enough, just listen for yourself and hit me up and let me know what you think. But in the meantime catchup...
Here you go folks. This is a collection of all of the mixtapes that I have done thus far. In this pack you get:
Eye Of The Tiger mixtape
Eye Of The Tiger 2: Life Through Lenses (hosted by Santiago)
Death Of The Arcade (hosted by Dj Swisher)
Unreleased Material
Enjoy!!
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=56YDST5A
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ghetto Edutainment September 9th, 2006 WHCJ 90.3 FM
A few years ago I was living in Savannah GA. While there I met some great people dedicated to the love of good music. One thing led to another and I got a chance to host my own radio show out of Savannah State University, WHCJ 90.3 FM. Here at the show is where I met my dude, my brother, my partner in crime and head of this blog spot M.A.F.A.M.A.D.I.X.
My homeboy Ren who I was originally hosting my radio show with brought in MAF while I was in Iraq. I got back and MAF and I were introduced... and the rest, as they say, is history. The name of the show was "Ghetto Edutainment" and it aired two times a week. Saturday nights from 1-4 AM which we called "Suped Up Saturdays" and Monday evenings from 6-8 PM which we called "Maniac Monday." The Monday show was live as opposed to the Staurday night show which was pre-recorded on Friday nights.
Let me just say this, and I know I speak for everyone involved with the show, WE LOOKED FORWARD TO FRIDAY NIGHTS ALL WEEK LONG. It was our escape from the real world, that show was our real world where we were able to spend the most valuable moments with our first true love "Hip Hop." The times we had in that small soundproofed studio will forever be some of the greatest times of my life.
This entry into the blog will showcase the radio show. Big-up to my peoples who had an integral part of the show. Of course my brother M.A.F.A.M.A.D.I.X. One of the greatest Hip Hop loving, incredibly talented MCs I know Figero Baunchi. And of course I cannot forget the coolest brother in the SAV Doc Oct. Doc Oct was one of the last members of the Sound Squad. He is a great DJ, not to mention a vinyl expert. He is the only other brother I know that I can truly say may love Hip Hop as much as I do and I love him for that. I cannot forget my dude Rashnl, he stepped off to the ATL to do bigger and better things. Rashnl had an incredible appreciation for the lyrical aspect of Hip Hop, something that has absolutely no part in about 80 percent of todays Hip Hop, I miss ya Rashnl, hope all is well.
Theses were all and still are my brothers. There's no more GHETTO EDUTAINMENT, no more radio station and no more gatherings, but we will always have our memories... and I now share them with you.
Enjoy.
Organized Konfusion - Stress (The Extinction Agenda)
Enjoy.
Organized Konfusion - Stress (The Extinction Agenda)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
"Why I Love Hip Hop" Written By Blogspot Contributor, Alvin A.M. Northern
In all honesty, I’ve tried to write this piece for a few weeks now. The only thing that has remained the same is the title, Why I Love Hip Hop.
I thought about telling how Hip Hop is the modern-day equivalent to the Bacchanalian or Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece and Rome
I love Hip Hop because no matter what I’m feeling, no matter how good or bad things are going, there is a Hip Hop song that relates to me. It is my music. It is a part of my culture.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, I can remember in the mid-80s when the teenagers and young adults would gather for block parties, splicing wires from the power lines outside to power these insanely huge and powerful speakers, blasting LL Cool J “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” (which happens to be the first TAPE I ever bought with my own money), or Run DMC “Peter Piper,” and although we might laugh at it now, “Let’s Get it Started” and “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer used to have everyone dancing. Be honest: You had a pair of “Hammer pants!”
Even though I was young I could feel the energy emanating from the swarming masses in the street, looking at them from my Living Room window (I couldn’t go outside after the street lights came on. As a side note, maybe parents need to get back to parenting their kids and not blaming the music their kids are listening to for the problems at home. But that’s just me…). Guys with fake Dookie ropes, girls shaving off half their hair on one side to get the new Salt-N-Pepa hair style just right, all just having a good time. It all seemed surreal to me.
As I got older, the block parties went away, but the energy was constant. Instead of splicing power lines, there were basement parties and Empire Skating Rink. We had the emergence of the West Coast and, contrary to popular opinion, everybody liked Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg when they came out. Yes, even us do-or-die New Yorkers. We could still party, hang out, and do all of that stuff, but Hip Hop added another dimension: Gangsta Rap.
In August of 1991, there was a riot in my area of Brooklyn, Crown Heights Baltimore Baltimore
Here’s a quick synopsis of what happened: (this is not to be historically accurate, but to give you an idea of what was going on. If you want to know the real specifics, look up the Crown Heights Riots.) A caravan of cars carrying some Hasidic Jewish leaders accidentally struck a young Black boy. The privately-owned Jewish ambulance came to check on the Jewish members of the caravan and refused to take the boy to the hospital. Originally, the driver that struck the boy was not arrested by the police that were already on the scene, and the boy died waiting for the public ambulance. As a ten-year-old boy, this was a shocking introduction to race relations. The Jewish ambulance wouldn’t take the boy because he wasn’t Jewish. As I type this I can remember all the confusion and anger I felt when this was happening. I was mad at the ambulance company. I was mad that the cold peace in my neighborhood was disintegrating. I was mad at the police for not taking any action, and I couldn’t understand why. Enter NWA, “F*ck the Police,” Ice-T “Cop Killah,” and other rap songs that seemed to describe – in a way my young mind could not fully articulate – the anger one has when the society that is supposed to help and protect him or her fails. The early 90s were also the “Pax Romano” of the crack era, and Wu Tang Clan “C.R.E.A.M.,” and Notorious BIG “Things Done Changed,” described what I saw on a regular basis just walking to and from the Bodega.
Some people say that Gangsta Rap is nothing but violent, misogynistic and evil. They say that it glorifies some of the greatest indignities of society and it is just another way to increase a sexist bravado. To some extent, they may be right, but that’s not all it is. Spiritual beliefs aside, when I’m angry I don’t feel like saying, “Oh, rats!” I want to use a few four-letter words in streaming fashion. When I haven’t eaten for two days, I understand why someone would be willing to do almost anything for a sandwich. When you feel you are part of a forgotten community, it’s natural to be furious and to scream for people to listen. I’m not saying that I agree with some – or even most – of what these artists say, but I take my criticism with a grain of salt. For those that don’t understand, all I can say is, “You had to be there.”
Around that same time I started listening to Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest. Their subtle and overt overtones of Black Nationalism seemed to hit home with me. To this day, The Low End Theory is one of my favorite albums.
Today, I must admit that I listen to more “old” stuff than new. Life After Death is, in my opinion, the greatest Hip Hop album ever recorded, and I remember waiting in line at Beat Street to buy it like it was yesterday – then I remember that was over 13 years ago. But that’s not to say I don’t appreciate a lot of things that are played now. I am not a big fan of Dirty South Hip Hop, but I appreciate that it’s brought back a lot of the party and dance flavor that has been absent for years. I still love Jay-Z, OutKast, T.I., and even Lil’ Wayne
So why do I love Hip Hop? Because Hip Hop grew with me. When I was a child and all I could think about is having fun, it partied with me. When I thought my parents were crazy, it told me “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” As I got older it told me to “Protect Ya Neck,” and to “Fight the Power.” When I started noticing that girls had breasts and booty it told me “I Need a Freak” CamRon and to find an “Around the Way Girl” to have “Mind Sex” and, that ultimately, “I Need Love.” When friends of mine passed away it let them know that “I’ll Be Missing You.” When I started working and didn’t have as much time to hang out with my friends, I was able to tell them you “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” When the Mississippi Mass Choir wasn’t doing it for me at the moment it gave me “Dear Holy Hip Hop” and “Revolutionary Theme Muzik.” When I look back and realize that I should have had my college degree years ago and how different my life could have been, Hip Hop told me “You gotta learn to live with regrets” Jay Z. As I get older and still feel young at heart, Hip Hop let me know that “30’s the new 20.”
When I’m angry, Hip Hop fights and screams for me. When I’m sad it consoles me. When I feel misunderstood, Hip Hop tells my story. When I’m happy, Hip Hop energizes me… And it’s been doing so for the past 28 years. All in all, I love Hip Hop because I couldn’t see my life without it.
Peace, Luv and Respect to All,
~Alvin A.M. Northern
A Hip Hop Head
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Bobbito & Stretch Armstrong Show. November 17, 1995
In order to turn these into MP3 files I have to record from cassette to laptop at real time. So the length you hear is exactly how long each show took me to record. Not bragging, just hoping you understand how much respect I feel these guys warrant. Here's another selection from my personal cassette collection.
Enjoy.
November 17, 1995 Part 1
http://www.mediafire.com/?yxedqnniaml
November 17, 1995 Part 2
http://www.mediafire.com/?03kzczmehuv
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Bobbito & Stretch Armstrong Show. New York City. WKCR 89.9 FM.
The Bobbito & Stretch Armstrong Show aired on WKCR 89.9 FM from Columbia University, New York, from 1990 through 1998. It was an absolute integral part of New York Hip Hop in the most important era of Hip Hop, the 1990s. Below is each of their bios. I upload one show from my personal cassette collection. Many a late night did I fight sleep to make sure I would catch when the tape would pop so I could turn it over. I hope you enjoy. I will definitely be posting more of Bobbito & Stretch shows not to mention some of my own shows I have while I was at WHCJ 90.3 FM from Savannah State University in Savannah Georgia ofcourse. But for now just peep this joint. Enjoy.
November 2, 1995 Part 1
November 2, 1995 Part 2
A hip-hop fixture since the dawn of the '90s, DJ Stretch Armstrong (born Adrian Bartos) has been instrumental in presenting up-and-coming MCs through his media barrage of radio programs, mixtapes, and even video games. The New York native's first notoriety came as one-half of the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, which quickly became one of the premier forums for the city's emerging hip-hop talent to be heard. Several of the '90s' biggest names in rap received early notice on the Columbia University radio program, including the debut of the Notorious B.I.G., or just Biggie Smalls as he was known in 1991. His appearance on the show was widely circulated, as were many of the show's legendary freestyle sessions, and led to Biggie's mention in a magazine column, which led to his introduction to Sean "Puffy" Combs. Biggie wasn't the only artist to freestyle on the show and subsequently blow up: Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and countless others all appeared on the show. By 1998, the show had run its course, but not before the Village Voice declared the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show "the best hip-hop show in New York" and Source magazine voted it "the best hip-hop show of all time." The demise of the show was not the end of Armstrong's radio career, however, and it was on Hot 97 -- the only commercial radio station in New York dedicated to hip-hop at the time -- that he continued with XL Radio. The mid-'90s also saw the first of Armstrong's forays into record production with Dolo, which released singles from MF Grimm, the Korp, Dutchmin, and Powerule. Dolo was also the outlet for Stretch's Lesson mixtapes that always featured exclusive tracks and freestyles. Dolo was retired at the end of the '90s while Armstrong worked briefly with Game Records. The short association lasted long enough for the busy DJ to make it into over seven million homes as one of the radio personalities on Game Radio, one of the fictitious stations featured in the popular Grand Theft Auto III video game. Spit Inc., a new label helmed by the enterprising DJ, appeared in 2001 with a compilation featuring 50 Cent and Royce da 5'9". For the next few years, Stretch took a break from hip-hop and making records, though he still continued to play for live audiences. In 2006, he joined forces with musician and label-owner Dominique Keegan at his Plant Music (named after NYC's Plant Bar he had run before it was shut down in 2003) and worked on releases from artists like Kap10Kurt and Kasper Bjorke. ~ Wade Kergan, All Music Guide.
Bobbito aka DJ Cumberslice is (we are pretty sure) could be the No.1. The quintessential all round B-Boy. His enthusiasm for every aspect of Hip-Hop culture sets him apart from so many other in this game. An accomplished DJ, writer, dancer, editor, presenter & ball player he is the kinda guy you'd love to hate if he wasn't so damn down to earth & friendly!He is the Editor In Chief of Bounce: From the Playground b-ball magazine, an accomplished Vibe magazine music columnist, and the critically acclaimed author of “Where’d You Get Those? NYC’s Sneaker Culture 1960-1987” (Testify Books).DJing is what he is known for and his passion for the music he plays is so infectious that he is bound to have the place rocking all night wherever he plays. His musical knowledge and selection on the decks are equally influenced by his years representing underground Hip-Hop as it is his membership of New York's Rock Steady crew.When he plays you can always expect to hear the underground bangers, the kind he represented through his legendary radio show (voted the best radio show ever by Source magazine) where he introduced the world to the like of Wu Tang, Nas, Fat Joe and so many more at the time unsigned artists, alongside funk & soul classics all of which are guaranteed to get ya booty shaking. Excerpt from britishhiphop.co.uk
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Santiago - The 4506 Mix (This & That)
I just hit record on the Scratch Live software and the rest is history... good times... good times. Went from old to new and back. Just sharing the wealth of good hip hop. Check it out, leave comments. Thanks.Check out the playlist:
1. Brand Nubians – All For One
2. Beatnuts - Off The Books (Instrumental)
3. Beatnuts – Watch Out now
4. Eric B & Rakim – I Ain’t No Joke
5. Gang Starr – Just To Get A Rep
6. Outkast Feat. Raekwon – Royal Flush
7. Snoop Dogg Feat. Jay Z – I Wanna Rock (Remix)
8. Crooklyn Dodgers – Crooklyn
9. Mobb Deep – Quiet Storm
10. Jay Electronica – Exhibit C
11. Jay Z, Kanye West & Rihana – Run This Town
12. Onyx – Last Days
13. Statik Selektah – Come Around
The art work for the cover was done by cousin Jay Ess. He did not do the art work specifcally for the mixtape but I used it for that purpose. He is an incredibly talented individual who has worked for multiple major urban clothing lines such as Ecko and Sean John. You can peep some of his work through his MySpace account @ http://www.myspace.com/103789635
Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?milmzxymm2z
"A little help from my friends..."
So as some of you may notice almost all of the files we upload for your downloading pleasure are in a compressed file called a ZIP file. I just wanted to give those less format familiar people a little help on how to download our files. First you must click on the link which directs you to where the file is being held. Click the bottom and simply download the file. Now once the file is downloaded you have to uncompress it. You can do that with 2 different programs.The more familiar one is WINZIP and you can download that right here:
It is a trial version.
Or you can download another program by the name of PEAZIP which does the exact same but is totally free. You can get that program right here.
I know this all sounds a little complicated but I promise the whole process takes minutes after you download the correct program to uncompress. Hope this helps a little. Until next time.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Santiago's Pick - EPMD Greatest Hits
Went through the 6 EPMD albums and nabbed those joints that touched me. Hope you feel the same.Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?w1itfno0wwz
Monday, March 15, 2010
Maf - Sexy Beast
New song from upcoming "Rocknrolla/Death Of Charles" mixtape. Enjoy!!!
p.s. - don't hate on my Guy intro (I'm doin' it baby!!!)
Download link
http://limelinx.com/files/d6804c0fad21cb23e5c41fb0b3a91478
p.s. - don't hate on my Guy intro (I'm doin' it baby!!!)
Download link
http://limelinx.com/files/d6804c0fad21cb23e5c41fb0b3a91478
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ski Beatz - S.T.A.L.L.E.Y. (Video)
I just really like this joint. Peep the first girl in the video, look familiar?
Friday, March 12, 2010
KRS One - Return Of The Boom Bap
KRS One's first solo album. 14 dope cuts, 7 of which were produced by the incomparable DJ Premier. There is also production work by Kid Capri, Norty Coto, Showbiz and KRS One himself. This is arguably the best album KRS One has ever recorded.
Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?ymyzcm0l2wm
Soul Sonic Force - Planet Rock (Video)
This one goes out to my home girl from way back, JHS 113 in the Bronx to be exact. This one's for you Venus. Timeless, really watch the video yall and you will see all 4 original elements of Hip Hop; MC, break dancing, graffitti and DJ.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
New Years freestyle (Maf, Santiago, & Doc)
Video of us fooling around in the lab early New Years Eve. Just the basics djing and freestyling. Nothing more nothing less. Enjoy...
The Foreign Exchange - Connected
The first time I heard this album I was a little speechless. I mean it was crazy musical, almost zero samples. Then I understood who produced it, NICOLAY. Do your research and learn about this producer. The lyricists are Little Brother. Just listen yall, listen to the words that are coming out of their mouths.Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?mz2mhmzdm0m
Santiago - The Old School Mixer (Sandbox Chronicles)
A little something I put together a few years ago. Like I said good music never gets old, it gets better. Old school mix tape with artists like Black Sheep, A Tribe Called Quest, MC Lyte, Nas, Double Trouble and Eric B & Rakim just to name a few.Check out the playlist:
1. MC Lyte – Paper Thin
2. Chubb Rock – Treat ‘Em Right
3. Eric B & Rakim - Paid In Full
4. Nas – It Aint Hard To Tell
5. A Tribe Called Quest & Leaders Of The New School – Scenario
6. Grand Puba – 360% (What Goes Around)
7. Black Sheep – This Or That
8. Sugar Hill Gang – Rapper’s Delight
9. Kurtis Blow – The Brakes
10. Double Trouble – Unknown
11. Whodini – Freaks Come Out At Night
12. Slick Rick – Children’s Story
13. Eric B & Rakim – I Aint No Joke
14. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth – They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)
15. A Tribe Called Quest – Check The Rhyme
16. Big Daddy Kane – Aint No Half Steppin’
17. Biz Markie – No Body Beats The Biz
18. Special Ed – I Got It Made
19. KRS One – Love’s Gonna Getcha
Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?ednw5amfozy
Statik Selektah - 100 Proof (The Hangover)
Let's go from the old to the new. I actually legally purchased this joint off Itunes after hearing a black market copy of it. Gotta support the good stuff. Talk about features... This joint right here has features from such artists as Bun B, Freeway, Lil Fame, Termanology, Consequence, Styles P, Talib Kweli and Rapper Pooh just to name a few. My fav joints on this project are "Come Around," "The Thrill Is Gone," "Fake Love" and "Eighty-Two." This gem is a BANGER!!!Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?yzj3mumm2tl
Bob Marley - Live At The Lyceum (London)
What is there to say about Bob Marley that has not been said a thousand times? This is live in London, England in 1975. Timeless, great music doesn't age, it just gets better.Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5nnndl3233t
The Very Best Of Big Daddy Kane
I can't write about MCing without sharing this little gem right here. The greatest rapper of all time, before Biggie. When Big Daddy Kane did it, you knew it was done, over, finished. An innovator, braggadocios with a capital B with the lyrics to back it up.Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?m3neuqtt2ly
Down To The Roots
I was watching a You Tube video the other day. The question was posed; "Define Hip Hop." Some of the answers were truthfully a crock of shit, while others where agreeable. If there was one thing I did agree on it was the fact that Hip Hop can be something different to each one of us. Now with that said there still has to be those 4 main elements that we must all agree embody Hip Hop such as the MC, the DJ, graffiti and break dancing. If you do not respect, at the very least, these 4 aspects then you really need to watch such ground breaking films as “Beat Street” and “Wild Style.” These films where some of the catalysts for such films as “Brown Sugar,” T.I.’s “ATL” and “Notorious” just to mention a few, but anyway, I digress. The point I am trying to make here is if you analyze most of today’s mainstream Hip Hop you will notice that we have distance ourselves from the 4 aforementioned elements, especially the MC. Although I have and continue to deal with the DJ and production aspects of Hip Hop I must say the MC to me is the most vital part of this creation we call Hip Hop. I know this; most true Hip Hop Heads know this. But it seems the only one who forgot is the MC himself. I say that to say this; MCing is about the words that come from your heart, travel to your mind and exit your mouth. Somewhere along that path there seems to have been a disconnect of sorts. The MC forgot what MCing is about. To me it is not just about bragging how good you are or how many women you have or will have sex with. It’s not just about how much jewelry you can wear at one time in your videos. And it is definitely not about how many times you can utter the word “BITCH.” MCing is about how you can convey an image or an idea to others so they can relate, or how you can make someone at least wonder about something if they can not relate.
My 19 year old came home from school one day and shared with me a conversation that her and some of her classmates where having. The conversation went a little something like this;
Daughter: Who do you think is the best rapper right now?
Classmate: Gucci Mane. Who do you think is the best rapper out, wait let me guess, Jay Z right?
Daughter: Actually, yeah I do.
Classmate: Why just because he is from NYC and that is where you are from right?
Daughter: No it’s because Jay Z spits some real hot stuff. (Ok, I know she probably did not use the word “Stuff”) Why do you think Gucci Mane is the hottest?
Classmate: Because he spits shit that I can relate to.
Let me stop right here. This made me a little sick; I think I threw up in my mouth… for real.
This is what the classmate says he relates to:
“niggas riding foreign
Daughter: Who do you think is the best rapper right now?
Classmate: Gucci Mane. Who do you think is the best rapper out, wait let me guess, Jay Z right?
Daughter: Actually, yeah I do.
Classmate: Why just because he is from NYC and that is where you are from right?
Daughter: No it’s because Jay Z spits some real hot stuff. (Ok, I know she probably did not use the word “Stuff”) Why do you think Gucci Mane is the hottest?
Classmate: Because he spits shit that I can relate to.
Let me stop right here. This made me a little sick; I think I threw up in my mouth… for real.
This is what the classmate says he relates to:
“niggas riding foreign
rims burnt orange
ridin down town white folks just starin
not carin
im just talkin
car standin still but the wheels still goin.
im flexin
08 lexis…”
Lyrics by Gucci Mane, Song title “Cocaine Money.”
Now needless to say my daughter’s classmate does not own a foreign car, and even if he did the rims on it are not burnt orange. The rims are not spinning and he is not sitting in a 2008 Lexus automobile. Nevertheless this is what the classmate feels he can relate to. This is the problem in Hip Hop; we are inspiring to be and do the wrong things. Money has come before the art form. The art form is starving while the so-called artist is eating, and quite well I might add.
Now please do not get it twisted, I am not an anti-south rap person… ok well maybe a little. But this is not the point; the point is I am an anti-wack music person. Bad music is bad music, regardless of the region where the artist resides. I understand there are plenty of MCs who perform this type of Hip Hop, which is not the problem. What I have a problem with is the versatility of the artist. Where is the creativeness, the uniqueness, the special something that sets them apart from other artists? Nowadays most artists sound identical for the most part. I can turn on the radio, listen for one hour and it will sound like one album, one artist with the same 4 bullshit elements that have replaced the original 4 elements; drinking, fucking, jewelry and hoes. This is what has replaced the rich and potent elements of Hip Hop. There are sub-elements of course such as the number of woman the rapper is currently having sex with, how wasted a rapper can get and of course there is the ever popular bragging on how this rapper can fuck your wife or girlfriend.
I could care less what others think about my opinion. I could care less about others trying to convince me that this somehow, some way is acceptable. And I will never accept the excuse that it has to be good since that album sold 10 million copies. This my friends simply means that somewhere on this planet there are 10 million lost souls that have no fucking clue what good music is. They have taken Hip Hop and reshaped it to fit their needs. Listen people, we don’t change the roots of a music genre, the music changes us and in turn we continue to cultivate it.
Everyone likes to think they know what good music is but this is just not true. Just because you happen to like a great song that everyone else likes does not mean you have a great ear for music. I believe having a good ear for good music is a process, a long process of years of listening to music. I can confidently say that Maf and I have trained ears for unmistakable, quality music. We tune our ears; we train our ears, hearts and minds to know what good music sounds like. I am from the birth place of Hip Hop and was alive during its earliest roots. I was there when Marley Marl, Red Alert, Teddy Ted, Mr. Magic and Funk Master Flex were at their pinnacle. I was living in Bronx, New York City when the whole incredible movement was taking its first steps.
“It originated in the African American, and Puerto Rican communities of New York City (with the South Bronx as the center) in the late 1970s.” Wikipedia contributors. "Hip hop." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
I ALWAYS give props where props are due, you should do the same.
Lyrics by Gucci Mane, Song title “Cocaine Money.”
Now needless to say my daughter’s classmate does not own a foreign car, and even if he did the rims on it are not burnt orange. The rims are not spinning and he is not sitting in a 2008 Lexus automobile. Nevertheless this is what the classmate feels he can relate to. This is the problem in Hip Hop; we are inspiring to be and do the wrong things. Money has come before the art form. The art form is starving while the so-called artist is eating, and quite well I might add.
Now please do not get it twisted, I am not an anti-south rap person… ok well maybe a little. But this is not the point; the point is I am an anti-wack music person. Bad music is bad music, regardless of the region where the artist resides. I understand there are plenty of MCs who perform this type of Hip Hop, which is not the problem. What I have a problem with is the versatility of the artist. Where is the creativeness, the uniqueness, the special something that sets them apart from other artists? Nowadays most artists sound identical for the most part. I can turn on the radio, listen for one hour and it will sound like one album, one artist with the same 4 bullshit elements that have replaced the original 4 elements; drinking, fucking, jewelry and hoes. This is what has replaced the rich and potent elements of Hip Hop. There are sub-elements of course such as the number of woman the rapper is currently having sex with, how wasted a rapper can get and of course there is the ever popular bragging on how this rapper can fuck your wife or girlfriend.
I could care less what others think about my opinion. I could care less about others trying to convince me that this somehow, some way is acceptable. And I will never accept the excuse that it has to be good since that album sold 10 million copies. This my friends simply means that somewhere on this planet there are 10 million lost souls that have no fucking clue what good music is. They have taken Hip Hop and reshaped it to fit their needs. Listen people, we don’t change the roots of a music genre, the music changes us and in turn we continue to cultivate it.
Everyone likes to think they know what good music is but this is just not true. Just because you happen to like a great song that everyone else likes does not mean you have a great ear for music. I believe having a good ear for good music is a process, a long process of years of listening to music. I can confidently say that Maf and I have trained ears for unmistakable, quality music. We tune our ears; we train our ears, hearts and minds to know what good music sounds like. I am from the birth place of Hip Hop and was alive during its earliest roots. I was there when Marley Marl, Red Alert, Teddy Ted, Mr. Magic and Funk Master Flex were at their pinnacle. I was living in Bronx, New York City when the whole incredible movement was taking its first steps.
“It originated in the African American, and Puerto Rican communities of New York City (with the South Bronx as the center) in the late 1970s.” Wikipedia contributors. "Hip hop." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
I ALWAYS give props where props are due, you should do the same.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Kid Syc
While we are on the subject of dope MC's from the south. You definitely have to check out the city's own Kid Syc. If you don't already know he's killing it down here right now. Check him out.
Kid Syc - THE K-I-D
http://www.divshare.com/download/10610012-f0d
Kid Syc - THE K-I-D
http://www.divshare.com/download/10610012-f0d
Classic Southern Hip Hop
Alright being that I am from the south (Savannah, Ga.) I gotta first pay homage to hip hop in the south. Here are a few classics that you should have in your collection. Big up to my boy Joe for reminding me about these gems.
UGK - Supertight
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V9UKQFZ5
Eightball & MJG - Comin' Out Hard
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XBOIF1WN
Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzic
http://www.mediafire.com/?xbmlxmn3nfe
UGK - Supertight
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V9UKQFZ5
Eightball & MJG - Comin' Out Hard
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XBOIF1WN
Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzic
http://www.mediafire.com/?xbmlxmn3nfe
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tongues video
Just a little something I put together for "Tongues" produced by Santiago.
Be on the lookout for that Pulse album. It's coming together marvelous so far. Oh yeah, Santiago is doing over half of the production for the album.
Be on the lookout for that Pulse album. It's coming together marvelous so far. Oh yeah, Santiago is doing over half of the production for the album.
Maf - "Get Acquainted - mixtape collection"
Here you go folks. This is a collection of all of the mixtapes that I have done thus far. In this pack you get:
Eye Of The Tiger mixtape
Eye Of The Tiger 2: Life Through Lenses (hosted by Santiago)
Death Of The Arcade (hosted by Dj Swisher)
Unreleased Material
Enjoy!!
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=56YDST5A
Eye Of The Tiger mixtape
Eye Of The Tiger 2: Life Through Lenses (hosted by Santiago)
Death Of The Arcade (hosted by Dj Swisher)
Unreleased Material
Enjoy!!
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=56YDST5A
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