Time Warp... 1997 :: I'll Do Anything/I'm Sorry | Ginuwine

Circa 1997.

This has been my mood for days.  Not so much the lyrics of the song... but that of the 'vibe'.
One of Ginuwine's best' ... and it's no denying the smoothness of that Stevie loop... 

Chance the Rapper releases Hiatus (Broadcast) + "SURF" album for free on iTunes

***UPDATE from 5/26/15 post::
Unexpectedly, Chance announced on his Instagram last night (depending on your time zone) that Surf was available now on iTunes.  To sweeten the surprise, the album is free :-)  Here's the link


I have no quarrel with God
I keep my eye on the sparrow...
  

Fans have been antsy w/ Chance (peep his mentions) awaiting the release of his new project SURF, with the Social Experiment.  To surprise w/out notice or promotion, he released a new song uploaded on his SoundCloud- in which folks who were on the page just happen to see/locate.  Listen to the brief 'Hiatus (Broadcast)' track below::  

"What Ye' is It?? " ... A Kanye West Album infused Calendar

Kanye's all over the place!  He's been in a couple of my posts lately.  Here's another to add to collection.  Portland based inspired Nick Stokes and Eric Swanson have turned Ye's album catalog into a virtual calendar.  

WhatYeIsIt.com

On the site, it features a new video for each day of the week.  Yesterday's was 'Touch the Sky'.  I checked again today and it is 'Stronger'.  The site is, also, said to keep folks posted on the upcoming release of his highly anticipated 7th studio album, newly titled- 'Swish'.  

If this was a physical calendar, I'd def cop.  

More Ye' news to come, I'm sure...

S.o. to SaintHeron  

Previous Post ::  Bound 2Gether:: Kanye's 'Bound 2' recreated into a Children's Book

Azealia Banks to star in RZA directed film, "Coco".

Controversial vibrant rapper, Azealia Banks, who just premiered her first album  "Broke With Expensive Taste" last year, is now dipping her hands into film.  Awesomely, Banks has snagged a lead role in a feature Lionsgate and Codeblack Film(s) directed by the legendary RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.  "CoCo", in which she will play the title character, is a Brooklyn-set drama about an aspiring rapper in her twenties who wants a career in hip-hop but is stuck between fulfilling her parents wishes to finish college.  According to Deadline, the film has a bit of an 8 Mile edge to it. 

The film is said to feature Common, Jill Scott, Lucien Laviscount, Lorraine Toussaint, and Hana Maw Lee, with a script by Nicole Jefferson Asher and production by Paul Hall.  I'll keep you all posted as more information becomes available.      

 

 

s.o. to DEADLINE.

Drinks and Tacos :: Taco Bell to Start serving Booze?

Meanwhile in Chicago... plans have been discussed of serving frozen drinks at Taco Bell made with rum and/or vodka alongside Corona's or a choice of draft beer.  According to Thrillist, this will take place at the Wicker Park location @ 1439 N. Milwaukee, set to open this summer.  

Apparently, a liquor license application was submitted on May 6th to the city of Chicago- not for full bar service but rather only counter service.  Thrillist reports the application included descriptions for happy hour friendly frozen drinks called 'Twisted Freezes'.  For those who do not partake in libations, I'm sure the non-alcoholic version of the frozen drinks will remain.  

Let's wait and see if the app gets approved.

via Google (random location)

If this is successful... it may spread across the U.S.  I still have my fingers crossed on the 24hour breakfast test run @ McDonald's being successful.  We could really use one around these parts of the nations' capital...

Related Post :: Double shot of ?? .. :: Starbucks to start serving Alcohol 

Related Post :: Creative Culinary :: National Flags Recreated using only Food

Vivid Innovation:: Check Out Black Heron's hand-printed Socks

”The creator/artist comes from a place of all things weird and creative. The idea for undergarment design was birthed from her wife's love of unique socks and stockings. A woman of few words, the artist often had trouble describing her ideas and vision to others. She decided to collage her concepts into personalized items for her love. After gaining praise and acceptance from family and friends, she was encouraged to launch that which we call Black Heron.”

Egyptian Queen

Thanks to SaintHeron... I was able to discover this fresh sock collection.  Florida based Black Heron creates hand-printed socks and stockings designed in a way capturing the 'beautiful part' of the tropical state.  Each vegan-friendly pair contains a personal commentary in the description.  And check this... they are running for just $25 a pop!  Their selection is nice.  You can view more photos below::

 

Blue China in White

Fxck Up Some Commas (Remix) | Future x Rick Ross x Big Sean

Who knew Rozay would float over this track like this?? 

 Listen to the official remix of Future Hendrix' hit club banger 'Fxck Up Some Commas' below::

Mixtape :: Friday Night Freestyles | Fabolous x DJ Clue

Fab unleashes the full mixtape of the #FridayNightFreestyles he released over the past few weeks along with a few brand new cuts.  Tracklist below.  Listen after the jump::

  1.  Monday Night Mixtape 98 Freestyle Feat Noreaga 

  2.  B.A.S Freestyle

  3.  Quiet Storm Freestyle

  4.  Told Ya'll Freestyle

  5.  Shook Ones Freestyle

  6.  Been Around The World Freestyle

  7.  Ain t Nuthin Ta Fuck Wit Freestyle

  8.  All For The Love Freestyle

  9.  Take It Easy Freestyle

10.  The World Is Yours Freestyle

11.  Black Girl Lost Freestyle

12.  Life s A Bitch Freestyle Feat Jadakiss

13.  Affirmative Action Freestyle Feat Paul Cain Joe Budden

14.  Sound Bwoy Buriell Freestyle Feat Stack Bundles

15.  So Ghetto Freestyle

Video :: Ghost of Dipset | Smoke DZA x Cam'ron

***UPDATE from 3/31/2014- Video Added.  


Plus I’m foul
I’ll fxck around and fxck a family member…

Produced by Thelonius Martin, this track has a sample loop that's easy to vibe to. Above all, the title alone will have you reminiscing of the Dipset reign in the early 2000s and how much we really want the reunion to happen. Dza's Dream.ZONE.achieve drops tomorrow.
Listen below::

***5/20/15-

This could possibly be scenes from the upcoming movie, Too Honorable.  
Maybe.  Check it out::

Related Post : Mixtape - The Stage | Currensy x Smoke DZA x Harry Fraud

Related Post : Dame Dash Introduces "Fancy" to Cam'ron

Video:: California Roll | Snoop Dogg x Pharrell x Stevie Wonder

***Update from 05/05/15 post- Video Added.

I'm not talking 'bout them fools

I'm talking 'bout me and you...

Snoop has let loose some pretty solid tracks from upcoming album, BUSH, which drops next Tuesday.  For his latest album cut release, he selects 'California Roll' - a smooth feel good groove featuring Pharrell and the legendary Stevie Wonder.  Take a listen below::

"In Los Angeles........"  

***5/20/15 update-

Watch:: Official full trailer of Amy Winehouse documentary 'AMY' released

***UPDATE from 05/11/2015 "First Clip of Amy Winehouse documentary 'AMY' released" post- Full trailer added.

Although Amy's family has already expressed their disdain for the documentary, it still seems to be in production and releasing July 3rd.  (The disregard of the families opinion seems to be popular nowadays).  Very brief and non detailing, here is the first clip surfaced from the AMY documentary.  

***UPDATE- Full Official Trailer below::

New Video :: LSD | A$AP Rocky

It started off in Hollywood...

Lil B (from the Pack) the Based God premiered this via twitter last night.  What's the story behind that?  I have no idea... but this one is tripppppyyyyy.  *hand claps for Rocky's best visual yet.
  At. Long. Last. A$AP coming soon...

Previous Post: Everyday | ASAP Rocky x Miguel x Rod Stewart

Watch:: Jay-Z releases the Behind the Scenes footage and performance of his freestyle, "Stream Of Consciousness"

via TidalHiFi

Over the weekend, Jay-Z's unforgettable 'TIDAL X: Jay-Z B-sides" concert took place in NYC at Terminal 5.  During the highly discussed show, it was mentioned that Jay performed a 'lyrical exercise' where he spoke on the deaths of Freddie Gray and Mike Brown all while defending his TIDAL company and taking shots at Spotify and YouTube.  Luckily for those who were not there or did not catch the stream of the show, Jay released the behind the scenes footage of the freestyle rehearsal and main show.  Check it out after the jump::
"You know what I'm worth, I ain't your slave right?  You know I ain't shucking and jiving and high fivin..."

(Trailer) :: Nas co-produced Hip- Hop fashion film "Fresh Dressed", featuring Kanye West, Kid n Play, Diddy and more...

****UPDATE from 02/01/2015 post- trailer added. 

"On the surface level, it’s about the history of hip-hop fashion, which we trace from slavery to modern day. The idea of “Sunday best” goes back to slavery, when slave owners in some states were required to buy their slaves one nice outfit so they could go to church and worship. So we go from there to the South Bronx in the ’70s, with the decline of the street gangs and the rise of the B-boys."

Co Produced by Nas in conjunction with CNN films, Hip-Hop fashion documentary "Fresh Dressed" premiered at Sundance Film Festival last weekend.  Directed by Mass Appeal creative director, Sacha Jenkins, this film documents the importance of fashion in Hip Hop culture.  Excitingly in most recent news, Samuel Goldwyn Films and StyleHaul acquired North American rights to the documentary.  It is reported that after a theatrical release, CNN plans to air it later this year.  I'm going to keep a close eye on this one.  I really want to see it!

  Although there isn't a trailer for the film floating around, you check out an interview with the director about the film with Ebony Mag here ::

“with slavery and ends with what is being rocked today–and what the social implications attached to it all are.”


***UPDATE-  The trailer has arrived! and it features Kanye, Diddy, Kid n Play, Pusha T  and more.  It's set to release via VimeoOnDemand on June 26th. I'm excited all over again.  Watch below:: 

Now for Everyone:: Coca-Cola introduces the 'name' cans in Braille

Increasing the efforts of their 'Share a Coke' campaign, which features most of our names and or nick names, the cans are now featured with names printed in braille for the visually impaired.  This video warmed my heart.  Watch below:: 

so. to HUH.

Meek Mill throws a 80s themed Skate bash in new video "Monster"

Do it for them bands
fxckin with that broke nxgha
you should do it for your man...

Meek releases a new video for his latest single, 'Monster'.  Directed by Spike Jordan, the video is themed of a urban 80s style skate party that looks like a whole lotta fun- keeping up with the song's energy. 
His new album.. Dreams worth more than money... is coming soon. 

Check the video out below::

"Sneaker Grail" Limited Edition Rug by Spilled.

SPILLED has concocted a rug in which they call the 'Sneaker Grail, featuring a variety of recognizable sneakers.  Limited to only 150 pieces, each rug is individually numbered on the back.  The rug is available in two sizes :: 2' x 3' closet size (100 pieces) for $99USD and 4' x 6' full size (50 pieces) for $249USD created plush, stain- resistant, and sewn in edges.  For more information or to order, visit SPILLED.  

Side bar- I wouldn't necessarily call this close to a 'grail', BUT the rug is still dope. 

s.o. to HypeBeast

Indie Trailer :: "7Dayz", a film about the last week of Tupac's Life.

Gobi Rahimi, who directed and produced videos for 2pac and Deathrow during their reign in the 90s, has launched an idea for his own movie about the late rapper.  His film will focus on the last 7 days of Pac's life- following the shooting in Las Vegas.  Rahimi says

"I was waiting for Tupac at Club 662 in Las Vegas after the Mike Tyson fight on September 7, 1996.. 

...This was the first of an emotional seven days that I sat guard over Tupac, who was in an induced coma..

....7Dayz is the story of my experience at the hospital amidst death threats, undercover FBI informants and an uncooperative police department.. "

You may read the rest of that quote over at his CrowdFunding site, where he is seeking to raise $500K as money for the project.  You can view/donate HERE. 

Watch the trailer below::

The World is Yours (Freestyle) | Fabolous

But can't sleep at night
The thoughts in my head are racing...

Last freestyle... one of my fav Hov tracks.  This time.. one of my favorite Nas cuts.  Whose world is this??  #FridayNightFreestyle.  Listen below::  

Bound 2Gether:: Kanye's 'Bound 2' recreated into a Children's Book

Graphic designer/Illustrator Zak Tebbal presents us with Ye's 'Bound 2' track... in the form of a children's book called 'Bound 2Gether'.  It does not contain the actual lyrics, but a translation of what could be made of the story- for children.  The interesting thing is... Kanye is illustrated as himself.  Kim Kardashian West, on the other hand, is illustrated as a chicken.  Hmmm.   Anywho... In a small petite booklet consisting of 11 pages, New York- based Tebbal creates a playful kid friendly story of love and friendship.  

To see and read the entire book, click HERE.    

Watch :: Allen Iverson "IVERSON" Documentary Trailer

5/20/15-  Hopefully, most were able to catch the airing on 5/16.  I did.  The doc was like that.  Showtime has been airing it periodically since.  Make sure you check it out if you haven't seen it already.  AI will forever be the realest to hit the league. 

***UPDATE from 4/30/2014 post- NEW trailer added.

We finally have a date.  "IVERSON" will air on SHOWTIME - Saturday, May 16th.  9pm.    

Watch the new launch trailer after the jump::

Time Warp... 1998 : Take Me There | Mya x Blackstreet x Mase x Blinky Blink

Circa 1998.

Nearly 20 years later and this song still brings a feeling of joy :).  

Dates/Locations :: 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' 20th Anniversary Tour starring... Raekwon x Ghostface Killah

Ayye. I hit my cousin immediately when I heard the news and he was already hip.  

In lieu of 20th anniversary celebration for the Only Built 4 Cuban Linx album, Kwon and Ghost are going on the road!  Tickets go on sale this Friday on TicketMaster.  Check out the dates below and see if they are coming to a town near you!

Jul 07 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of The Living Arts
Jul 08 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
Jul 09 – Columbus, OH – Park Street Saloon
Jul 10 – Joliet, IL – Mojoes

Video :: Private Show | T.I. x Chris Brown

Take it off
lay it down
Like it's my last day in town...

  A new sexy video to compliment that of the song.  

Watch 'Private Show'- T.I.'s  latest visual release from his Paperwork album.   

Related Post:: Video : King | T.I.

Video :: This Could Be Us | Rae Sremmurd

This could be us
but you playin...

Duo Rae Sremmurd travels to Johannesburg, South Africa for their latest video, ‘This Could Be Us’. Featuring a cameo from Dej Loaf as Slim Jxmmy’s girlfriend, both Swae Lee and Jxmmy encounter a halt in their relationships as their girlfriends are not feeling the distant treatment. This track appears on their current debut album, Sremm Life. Watch below::
“Money make the world go round…”

Previous Post::Video :: Throw Some Mo' | Rae Sremmurd x Nicki Minaj x Young Thug

Video :: How Many Times ? | DJ Khaled x Big Sean x Chris Brown x Lil Wayne

Don't send me no naked pictures
If I can't get naked wit ya... 

After just premiering the track Monday morning, the visual followed hours later. Khaled gives unintentional comedy similar to that in the ‘Hold you Down’ video. I heard this song a total of three times within one hour on the radio during the commute home yesterday. Undoubtedly, this will be an instant club banger for sure.  
Watch below::

Motivation Mondays :: 'ROC' (2nd season) Theme Song

  Live your life today.

Not for tomorrow...

Side-Commentary:  I did a Motivation Mondays sitcoms theme song run a while back.  I may have to do it again...

Enter to Win :: Jay-Z announces his "B-SIDES" concert of album cuts

***UPDATE from 4/29/15 post::
The date of the concert has now changed to May 16th. He has ,also, added on a second show the following day- May 17th.

I have always wanted this moment to happen. Always. Funny when it's 'happening'... I can't go. lol. Not because of a prior commitment, BUT of the stipulations below.

Announced today, Jay-Z will be performing the best 'B-Sides' (album cuts) of his career at a concert in NYC on May 13, 2015. However, the tickets for this special show isn't going on sale... you have to win them via TIDAL (music streaming service).
TIDAL users interested should create a playlist and share on Twitter for entry into the playlist contest; tweets hastagged #TIDALXJAYZ. Those entered will have a chance to win two free tickets to the concert. Must be 18+ to enter. Feeling lucky? Enter the contest here.

What songs did you always want to see him perform? I have at least a good list of 10...
This is one of them..

Related Post:: Kanye's 'Guilt Trip' on 'Yeezus' was for 'Watch the Throne'; has unfinished Jay-Z Verse

Clean Up | DJ Clue x French Montana x Yo Gotti

These my goons 
They gon' handle my bih'ness... 

This immediately recognized La Bouche laced sample cut appears on DJ Clue's Banned from CD 2015.

CyHi the Prynce releases 2 new tracks :: I've been Waiting x Flower in the Addict

Underrated jewel dropper CyHi the Prynce releases two new tracks in DAT format like back in the day... A side and B side.  Both conscious tunes is said to appear on his upcoming album, Music Worlds Collide. 
 Listen below::

Previous Post :: To Be Real | CyHi the Prynce

Black Girl Lost (Freestyle) | Fabolous

He don't drink
but she D'usse he double crossed her
You prolly won't get that 
til you look at the bottle...

Fab's latest #FridayNightFreestyle contains bars over Nas' track 'Black Girl Lost'.  Speaking that real. 

Listen below:: 

Everyday | ASAP Rocky x Miguel x Rod Stewart

Waiting here
to find the sign
that I should take it slow...

This originally debuted at the Red Bull Music Academy lecture. Now, Rocky releases the studio version of the banger 'Everyday' as his next single from upcoming album, At. Long. Last. A$AP. The album was said to be released on May 12th, but has now been pushed back to June 2nd. Mark Ronson hit a nice production with this Rod Stewart sample. That switch up in the middle of the song is fire too. Check it out below::

Trailer :: Kanye West x Damon Dash presents... "Too Honorable"

Deemed a 'Mixtape Movie', the trailer for Damon Dash and Kanye West executive produced 'Too Honorable'  hits the net- starring Dame Dash (himself), Cam'ron, Murda Mook, Styles P, Stacey Dash and more.  'Too Honorable' is slated to release May 25, 2015.  Watch the trailer after the jump::

Video :: Waste of Time | Tay Walker

***UPDATE from 4/21/15 post- Video added.  

I took all the bruises...
tell me was it all a waste of time??

As much as I would like to, I won't get personal on this one. lol.

New music from Tay Walker.  Long overdue.  Fans like myself have been waiting... but enjoying the journey of his growth on the way.  The anticipation for the album, which drops April 30th, is heightened.  

Listen to "Waste of Time" below::
"How could you play me like a game? ..."

Previous Post ::Pleasure | Tay Walker

Video :: No Permission | Wiz Khalifa

You make a choice
hope you like your decision...

Khalifa's trip to NYC has been a sweet result for our ear buds.  Off his visit, he releases yet another chill rider ..' No Permission'- produced by Big Jerm and Po Shod Beats.  I think he's back to his old steez (woohoo).  Listen/Watch below:: .  

Previous Post:: Wiz Khalifa revamps Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' with his new track... 'Good For Us'.

Fools Gold | Jill Scott

I can't believe
I ever believed in you...

She's now two for two on the Whiskey tracks.  Although, this one has a bit of a upbeat, the feeling of the lyrics is the same as 'You Don't Know'.  *sigh..  
Listen to Jill's latest below:: 

 "I wanted to find out if I could live happy without you

and it turned out...

I wasn't living at all..."

Video :: Rush | Kali Uchis

Stay afloat...
When it feels like it's all going nowhere... 

Columbian beauty Kali Uchis premieres a fun retro vibed video via the FADER for her 'Rush' track off 'Por Vida'.  This brings back memories :)  Watch below:: 

"And we're just drifting in space..."

Related Post: Stream Kali Uchis new 'Por Vida' EP , prod. by. Tyler, the Creator x Alex Epton + more...

Previous Post: Bonus Track : Yellow | Tyler the Creator x Kali Uchis