Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Overdue Flowers: Roc-A-Fella Records artist.... Rell.


 Late 90s- Early 2000s... Rocafella Records had the game on lock.  Current billionaire Jay-Z as the major headliner and breadwinner, films, and several artists who dominated the radio airwaves (Dipset, State Property, Young Gunz, Kanye West to name a few).  As with many major record labels, there were stand out artists who just didn't get a chance to shine as we wanted them to.  For this spotlight, flowers are certainly in order for Rocafella's R&B artist, Rell.


Gerrell Gaddis, hailing from South Carolina, was the first male R&B artist signed to Roc-A-Fella.  Did you know prior to this, he was a pre-med student?  
He crooned seamlessly on a feature every time and had banging singles, but never reached the success they should've.  To keep this a positive post highlighting what is most important, Rell was a necessary  piece of the Roc-A-Fella puzzle.  Necessary.  Here's a list of records that would not be the track they are to this day, if it wasn't for Rell...


As One x Jay-Z, Rell, Young Gunz, Omillio Sparks, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crack, Memphis Bleek

Only one way to kick this list off.  Who do you know could execute an Earth, Wind, & Fire sample vocally, this RAW?  Hov was right.  "Turn Rell up a lil bit..."

{Watch/Trailer}- SHOWTIME presents... "STAND" : the Courageous Story of NBA Player, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf


There are few professional athletes who not only make history, but change the course of the sport forever.  Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, formerly known as Chris Jackson, is one of them.  In recent years, athletes have kneeled during the singing of the National Anthem to display efforts of protest against social injustice and so forth.  Chatter for sure, but todays battle are a new day.  The year is 1996 and chatter now was controversy then.  


 In the early 90s, Chris Jackson converted to Islam and changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.  Later... Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf made headlines when he refused to stand for the National Anthem before games as an act of protest and displayed Islamic prayer.  He felt the (National Anthem) praise towards the flag was a symbol of oppression amongst other tyrant acts.  Not much has changed huh?  While standing firm in his beliefs (when it wasn't popular), he was greeted with boos, aggressive hate, fines, suspensions, and ultimately... blackballed from the NBA.  Catch the trailer for his compelling life story after the jump!

{Photos} Jordan Brand's New Monogram Luggage Bags


OKAY.  
Countless renowned fashion brands offer a monogram designed product of their logo.  Jordan brand has entered the chat with the drop of their new Monogram Duffle and Backpack; currently offered in Black and Chambray. 



Let's get into the details...

Ghostface Killah releasing New Album Exclusively on STEM


 ...that Ghost got that sh-t, that'll keep you vibin'...

Pretty Toney is dropping a new solo album very soon.  One catch.  It's exclusively on STEM Player, offering two options for fans to choose from (seen below).  Both contain all videos, meet ups, and concerts info.  However, there is a very significant difference.  

Time Warp...2001: BaKardi Slang | Kardinal Offishall

Kelela via Dazed.  NO crumbs left.

Circa 2001.
I remember this video would come on random BET shows throughout the day.  It's aged very well. 
Bounce.

and everybody know it's the T dot.
 


{Watch}: Dave Chappelle shares Mini-Documentary of his trip to Ghana

"It takes many people a lifetime to make this one journey...
Any single son or daughter that comes from the legacy of Africans who left these shores."

Last week, Dave Chappelle shared a video chronicling his trip to Ghana.  The video features his welcome to Ghana, journey through the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Beaches, Art Galleries and a Nightclub where Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa make appearances.  


Dave, also, met with the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and visited the Cape Coast Castle.  There, the heart wrenching slave abduction history is explained.  
Watch the 3 minute doc below:

Monday, January 16, 2023

Time Warp...2004: Get Use To This | J.R. Writer x Juelz Santana


More than a post.  
Tony.  Most times... a lot of times.. it feels like just yesterday.  Just thought of you singing the 'I don't know whyyyy' part at the end; smiling as usual.  Keep resting peacefully.  Gone but never forgotten.  1.16.05



Related Post:  Tony.