{Listen} :: The "Feels" Mix .... Valentine's Day Edition.

It's been a few years since I've done one of these mixes.  A random urge compelled me to do so today.  Handpicked in specific order, here are a select few of my 'feels' grooves.  I hope you enjoy J .  In advance,  Happy Valentine’s Day!

At Your Best (Remix)| Frank Ocean
That's What I Like| Bruno Mars

Partners In Crime III | The Internet

Show Me Who You Are | Jesse Boykins III

When I think of You | Janet Jackson
You're the One | Kaytranada x Syd
Tell Me | Groove Theory
Find A Way | A Tribe Called Quest
IFHY | Tyler, the Creator
The Law | Ab-Soul x Mac Miller x Rapsody
Love on the Brain | Rihanna
Whip Appeal | Babyface
Runaway | Tay Walker
Lost Inside of You | One Way
I Only Have Eyes for You | The Flamingos
3005 (Beach Picnic Version) | Childish Gambino

Related Post ::  Pod Post Thursdays... Valentine's Edition.

Related Post ::  Motivation Mondays (Valentine's Edition): The State of the Black Man without Love. #BlackHistoryMonth

How You can Help the New Orleans Tornado Victims

img via GAMBIT Weekly

Unfortunately, on February 7th, a massive tornado came through New Orleans East and severely destroyed/damaged miles of property, including injuring several of the Parish' residents.  Seeing these photos really hurt me, since I've witnessed this down there first hand after a natural disaster.  Our people need help.  Here's how you can offer your hand...  

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is taking online donations for its Helping Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Fund.

Food Pantry of New Orleans (13040 I-10 Service Road) is collecting nonperishable food.

28 Days of Songs :: Day 2 : should never be elevator music --- Day 11 : by the Beatles that you like

I missed a few days with the 28 days of music posts. Below are all the previous days to current!  

Day 2 -should never be elevator music

This is from one of my top 5 soundtracks ever.  I've listened to this while on the elevator, in various parts of the song, and while I enjoy the tune, I know others will feel exactly what it sounds like.  Most likely, rethinking their destination of where the elevator is actually going...

Day 3- from a great old movie

1989 James Bond.  Gladys Knight's song.. WHEW.

Day 4- you heard again for the first time in years

I haven't heard this song in a longggg time and when it randomly popped up on a playlist... Oh Joy!  Followed by a repeat later that night with a libation 

{Listen} :: X || Z resurfaces with track "Cali" + 2 bonuses

Formerly noted as 'Chris Barz' on my previous posts, X || Z has resurfaced with new music!  His latest, CALI, entails crooning lyrics of trying to keep a situationship/relationship together.  It even features a female perspective.  Alternative feels...

On another note, I noticed he released a couple last June that I missed and they are HOT.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS :: A Night at the Zoo Carnival

Granted, this was the Zoo Carnival, but it was in celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival.  A little traveling and we finally made it.  Fun Times last December...

Video :: Evil Genius | Ab-Soul x Teedra Moses x JaVonte'

or Eve'll Genie Us.  Directed by Yellow Nguyen and Moosa, this visual is deep, dark, and full of emotion like that of the song.  Anytime he mentions Alori .. i think of Tony.  Variations in the story, but many similarities.  I wasn't ready for the ending.  It got to me.  Do What Thou Wilt in stores now.

Related Post ::  Video : RAW (backwards) | Ab-Soul

Tyler, the Creator's trailer for "Cherry Bomb : The Documentary"

On January 30th, Tyler released the highly anticipated 'Cherry Bomb: The Documentary' for his 2015 album (that made my top post).  Directed, Shot, Produced, and Cut by Mikey Alfred and Illegal Civ Cinema, this doc goes behind the scenes with the making of the album.  Catch cameos from Kanye, Kali Uchis, Pharrell, Lil Wayne, ASAP Rocky etc. during this 45 minute long summarized journey.  

To keep it's exclusivity, there were only 400 made.  This $100 a pop bundle included the DVD, a Cherry Bomb Movie Poster signed by Tyler himself, and 1 Illegal Civ x GOLF shirt.  There were only 400  Now to the bad news....

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS:: My Homegirl x I cut up at the International Spy Museum

As I mentioned on the Bucketfeet post, I was going to try and pick back up with the Personal posts since Snapchat took the shine.  Granted they are either months or weeks ago, but I still would like to share my randomness with you all.  Playing catch up until I get more recent.  With this one, I was able to upload the entire snap story :-D.  One random day after work in December, my homegirl took the liberty of accepting my 2nd ticket to the International Spy Museum.  We had a BALL.  Take a look into our shenanigans below ::

Previous Personal Posts 

{Listen} : A mixtape just in time for #BlackHistoryMonth - "Rise" ... DJ'd by. The Elle.

Say it loud!  This is a supadope mix from the lovely Minnesota bred.. now NYC based artist, The Elle.  'Rise' is her first DJ mix (you go girl!) and it's everything the artwork embodies- resilience, strength, courage, and empowerment.  

 " I started working on this the day after Election night while feeling completely demoralized. I couldn't nderstand how it was possible from me to descend from people who literally built this country and STILL have no real voice on how it operates. We must not be silent, our silence will not protect us, word to Audre Lorde. I chose songs that get me amped and ready to fuck shit up. I also added words and commentary from Angela Davis, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Assata Shakur, Maya Angelou, Gil Scott Heron, Richard Pryor and Sonia Sanchez. We cannot be discouraged or complacent. We must keep speaking, fighting and resisting.

We rise! ✊🏾"

I am personally overly pleased with the track selection.  Listen NOW!  

28 Days of Songs :: Day 1 - a song with a great beat

Day 1 of the 28 days of Songs.  I haven't done a challenge in a while...this should be fun.  Here we go!

Mannnnnn..... I don't know where to begin.  My favorite top 5 pure hip hop beat?  Maybe.  Top 3?  It's just so fukcin sick to me.  This was the first song that came to mind and it was only right that I put both tracks.   

Related Post :: Day 11 (of 30 days)- Song from your fav. band

Tattoo is Life :: Meet celebrity tattoo artist, Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy

"Success took a Shot" - Dominic Cattano.

29-year-old (whoop whoop for 87 babies) Bang Bang has made a substantial reputation for himself in the celebrity community via his impeccable precision with the ink.  As a tattoo lover myself (I have 17), expressing art via your body or fascination with it is a way of life.  Over the years, a lifestyle that set most of us a part, has now become the 'cool' thing to do.  Tattoos are becoming more and more popular among the culture.   

Hailing from Pottstown, PA, Bang Bang is now New York based... the city where his dream became a success.  His kick start came 10 years ago when he tattooed Rihanna's Sanskrit prayer alongside her hip.  As he tells NPR, his interest for tattoos sparked at 15 when "I made the honor roll and I got a tattoo, and it was a great experience for me because it really fueled my interest more".  

{Listen} :: Thundercat announces new album "Drunk" + releases 'Show You the Way' w/ Michael McDonald x Kenny Loggins

Music joys fulfilled.  Thundercat announces his new 23-track album, DRUNK, set for release on February 24th.  'Them Changes' is making a reappearance from the 2015 project, THE BEYOND/WHERE THE GIANTS ROAM, on this album along with this soothing beauty 'Show You the Way'.  Steely Dan's, Michael McDonald... and Kenny Loggins?  You already know this is fire.  Listen below and catch that Sonic drop at the end:: 

{Watch/Listen} :: Matt Martians (of The Internet) releases new visual "Dent Jusay" ; produced by. Tyler, the Creator #DrumChordTheory

You don't know what you're missing
you might lose my attention...

Matt Martians takes a stroll with fellow band members Syd and Steve Lacy down LA streets for the visual of the up-temp smooth 'Dent Jesay'.  Matt's album, DrumChordTheory, dropped this past Friday/yesterday and it is friggin awesome.  Considerable repetitive rotation on my end.  Catch the vid below and another track from the album, 'Diamond in the Ruff/Feelin', after the jump!

Video :: I'm Better | Missy Elliott x Lamb

I don't compete 

with none of these geeks...

I've said this many times during debates or regular music discussions and I will say it again.  Missy reigns supreme when it comes to innovative stand out visuals.  Consistently throughout her entire videography, your attention is captured from beginning to end.   Each and every time.  The icon is back with a new single and video.  Watch below::

Related Post ::  She's Backkk. Watch Missy Elliott's New Video "WTF (Where They From)" featuring Pharrell

Video :: Meditate | Fat Stacks x Aunz (Prod. by. 30Roc of Ear Drummers)

No stress.  No L's

IT. IS. Whatevaaa

DMV's own... Fat Stackz and Aunz (I see you homie) collaborated in sync for the catchy banger, 'Meditate'.  Catchy by way of head nods, dance moves, lyrics, and good vibes.  Check out the video/audio below and literally meditate from the chorus alone... inhale x exhale.  repeat.  #NoPunIntended.

Video :: I Think She Like Me | Rick Ross x Ty Dolla $ign

You'll never find another (wo)man like me...

Ross can most certainly pick an icy production.  This Stylistics' sample is flawless w/ Ross and Ty Dolla both shining equally.  Press play. 

related post :  Video :: Layers | Royce da 5'9 x Pusha T x Rick Ross

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos :: The Bucketfeet x No Kings Collective Sneaker Launch + Dreams of Triumph event

I must admit, my personal posts have gone M.I.A. due to Snapchat.  *sigh.  It's easier and less time consuming plus it's posted right then and there.  I'm working on getting these back up and running though.  I have a lot of photos/videos to share (plus it would make great space on my phone).. so here's a start.  

Back in December of last year, the collab event with Bucketfeet and #NoKingsDC was held at Atlantic Plumbing rooftop.  The architecture of that building is so unique.  I headed out on that brisk night to hopefully cop a pair and enjoy myself.  Take a glimpse into the event...

Btw... the videos appear blank BUT if you press play, the footage pops up.

Ice Cube Launches the Big3 basketball League with Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin, Roger Mason Jr. + more

via SLAM

“After Kobe retired, I was thinking about 3-on-3 basketball on another level, but when Kobe retired … I’m sick of it,” Ice Cube said in an interview with The Undefeated. “I seen Dr. J [Julius Erving] go, I seen Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] go, I seen Magic [Johnson] go, Shaq, Kareem, Kobe. I think those dudes left too soon. I think they still had game, they just couldn’t play 82 games. They just couldn’t play back-to-backs, three games in four nights. So we was like, let’s create a league where they can play again, and 3-on-3 basketball is actually the most competitive form of basketball played in the world.” -Ice Cube (via theUndefeated)

The Big3, a newly launched 3-on-3 league with former NBA superstars, will be comprised of 8 teams of 5 and are set to be played from June 24- August 26 this year.. every Saturday.  As of yet, there aren't any set locations but it's been shared that the cities/arenas will change each week.  Keep a lookout for ticket sale dates.  There is a chance they might come to your city!  Former Washington Wizard (whoop whoop!), Roger Mason Jr., will serve as the President and Commisioner of the Big3 league.  So far, according to SLAM, Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin, Rashard Lewis, Bonzi Wells, Jason Williams, Chauncey Billups, and Jermaine O’Neal, have signed on to be involved.  

"When I got the call, it was a no-brainer.  You can’t say no to Ice Cube.” says Iverson.

I'm looking forward to this!  For more info, visit the Undefeated.

Also, s.o. to SLAM

Related Post :: STANCE socks Announces New Endorsement deal with Allen Iverson

Related Post ::  {Epic Video} :: Remembering the 72-10 Chicago Bulls from the 1995/96 Season

{Listen} :: Vashtie shares a birthday tribute to Sade, Aaliyah, FKA Twigs, and Kate Moss with mixtape "#One16Goat"

“January 16th is the birthday of Sade, Kate Moss, Aaliyah & FKA Twigs. In honor of these influential and iconic Capricorn women, I wanted to celebrate their lives through a special mix created by me.

Simply titled, #ONE16GOAT, for the animal associated with Capricorn, but also for the acronym “the greatest of all time” in reference to the goddesses born on January 16th.

Happy #ONE16GOAT Day, from your favorite Taurus!”- V. Kola

View the tracklist and listen to the mix after the jump!

{Watch/Listen} :: Syd from the Internet releases new solo music/visual, "All About Me"

"I sleep more than I need to.  I drink more on the weekend..."

Front Runner of the The Internet band, Syd, debuts a new record in preparation for her first solo career project, Fin.  Both she and Matt Martian from the band will release solo projects this year prior to the Internet's fourth album.  There's no ego trippin here though.  Syd made it known with a tweet 

"AIN'T NO GOIN SOLO BIH, WE'LL BE PERFORMING THIS AT INTERNET SHOWS ONLY".  

Solid.  Fin is set to drop February 3rd.  Listen/Watch the trancy trap record 'All About Me' below:: 

previous The Internet posts

Dates/Lineup :: ASAP Yams Day 2017 x Coachella 2017 x Governors Ball 2017 x Panorama 2017

Instead of making separate posts, I figured I'd throw them all on the same one; information at one source. They are in order by event date. Check em out::

Tony.

The moment I pressed play, an immediate head nod.. smile.. and glassy eyes followed.  Memories of us riding out playing this all the time nodding to each other singing the words is one of many of the precious moments.  Remember.. I even switched the Lil Kim flip to 'Hold you down Tony!" lol and you'd do the unforgettable smile you always gave.  1/16 is always harder than your birthday because it's the day I lost you.  I wish time healed all wounds, but some cuts seem to be too deep.  You are missed beyond word description.  

Playing this in your honor... may even rock ya necklace today.  Tell my grandmothers' I said Hello and I love and miss them too.  Rest in peace baby.  Always in my heart- Love, T.I.

#HoldYouDown.  

 

Previous Tony posts

{WATCH} Trailer :: "I Am Not Your Negro"; narrated by. Samuel L. Jackson

(Via YouTube)
In his new film, director Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished - a radical narration about race in America, using the writer's original words. He draws upon James Baldwin's notes on the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. to explore and bring a fresh and radical perspective to the current racial narrative in America.

"...cause I am not a nigger.  I am a man.  And if you think I'm a nigger, means you need it... and you gotta find out why.  And the future of the country depends on that..."
Powerful.. and unforgettable.  This is a must see.  

Related Post ::  TRAILER :: "The Black Panthers : Vanguard of the Revolution" airs Tonight!

Giving Back :: Colin Kaepernick Donates his Enormous Sneaker Collection to the Homeless

Using your wealth for a greater cause!  After this San Francisco 49ers season ended, Quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a step towards charity and donated his enormous sneaker collection to Bay Area Homeless shelters and orphanages.

via Colin Kaepernick  Instagram/CBS sports/Mic

Kaep personally packed his shoes, some hats, and some clothes to donate along with standing by his pledge that he will donate $100,000 a month to various charities/causes until he has reached $1Million.  This particular instance marks his third one so far.  30% completed.. 700K more to go.  For more information, visit Kaepernick7.com 

To see video footage, visit Mic.  

Related Post ::  'It's From the Sole' :: Andre McDonnell's Mission to Give Sneakers to the Homeless

Runaway | Tay Walker

"Don't you ever dream of waking up next to the one that you love..."
Never lets me down.  Tay Walker releases a new music mental escape.  "Runaway" is warped of many beautiful warm feels guided through acoustic vibes.  Set your daydream clock.  It begins the moment you press play...
"Don't you ever think about a better place.  
....say babe, what do you think about.. the idea of running away?"  

Previous Tay Walker posts

Our Thoughts :: Top Albums of 2016?

The annual tradition continues as with previous years.  A panel of 7, we all took some thought and finalized what made the cut for us individually.  Check out our Top Albums (projects) of 2016 after the jump!