Time Warp... 2007 :: Ghost Ride It | Mistah F.A.B.

Circa 2007.

I had a theme I planned to go with for Time Warp this week, but I guess I'll save it for April. Blame it on the distraction from 'Jan. In the meantime, (*continuing slight hyphy dance while typing) I'm choosing FAB's 'Ghostbusters' flip song instead. Haha this one jams.

Uber Driver | Wiz Khalifa x Currensy

Get me through the..traffic
...a lighter and a cool ass driver...

Car Service Part II.  YES.

We've been waiting for another joint project... #2009 coming soon.  

Listen to the first offering below::

ASAP Rocky talks death of A$AP Yams, Stardom, Inspiration and more w/ Complex Mag

In the most recent issue of COMPLEX Mag, ASAP Rocky gives quite a dope interview- genuine answers from an unapologetic maturing young adult.  On top of being noticeably annoyed by BeenTrill questions, Rocky speaks on healing from the death of his close friend - A$AP Yams, stardom, inspiration and more...

Video :: White Shoes | Wale

...And that's not the scary part
these nxghas love white shoes so much
they'd be buried in them...

"...even dirty nighas had the foams..."

On the eve of The Album About Nothing release, Wale premieres a new video from his 3rd LP.  This video changed my mood- it returned bad memories. 

Unfortunately, this happens wayyy too often in our area.  I'm glad the native (Wale) shed light on it. It's pretty sad how it is.  

Watch below::

Previous Post: The Summer League | Wale x Kanye West x Ty Dolla $ign

Down For You | Kehlani x BJ the Chicago Kid

Love ain't never been so close
but so far away...

It's not right

I can't sleep without you...

 This thing called feelings...when it comes to love.

 'Down For You' is a raw lyric'd R&B groove that I'm sure many can relate to.  Their vocals together is the icing on the cake.  From the heart.... Press play::

 ...most nxggas just scared...

because it feels too good to be true...

Related Post:: A Soulful Christmas (EP) : BJ The Chicago Kid

Shook Ones Part II (Freestyle) | Fabolous

And I can teach nughas
give lectures on stuntin
and if I need a bish
I can texts yours or sumn...

Another Friday night freestyle, this time over Mobb Deep's 'Shook Ones Part II'.  Bars and more bars.
Listen after the jump::
"...then give it to your sons on some dame dash shit"

'Damn Son Where Did You Find This?' : A book highlighting mixtape cover art

  One of my fav. stamps next to 'la musica de Harry Fraud'.  

The 500 featured mixtape cover artworks contain interviews that tell the stories of how the designers entered the mixtape industry along with their creative process, what trends have come and gone and so forth.  Limited to only 400 printed copies,  "Damn Son Where Did You Find This?" is the first published book ever to focus on this type of art.  

Coming Soon :: A Grace Jones Documentary

Long long overdue.  A documentary is now in the works for Icon Grace Jones from a BBC (British Broadcasting Company) film unit amongst a number of projects in celebration of the unit's 25th anniversary.  "Grace Jones : The Musical of My Life", directed by Sophie Fiennes, will be 'a cinematic journey into the private and public worlds of Grace Jones, mixing intimate personal footage with unique staged musical sequences'.  I'm looking forward to this.  

s.o. to AfroPunk

Related Post:: Don Cheadle transforms completely into Miles Davis for biopic 'Miles Ahead'

IKEA Foundation Flat-Pack shelters on the way to 10,000 Refugee families

"Our mission is to develop and provide innovative housing solutions for the millions of people who lose their homes during conflicts and natural disasters – at prices so low that as many people as possible will benefit from them. Better Shelter is a social enterprise. With entrepreneurial energy and market discipline we achieve social change on a large scale in a financially self sustainable way. Every dollar we generate in profit is reinvested within our company or distributed to our philanthropic owner, the Housing for All Foundation."

"Better Shelter" strives to make a better living space with a modern feel for expelled families.    In the above photos, you can see set ups and reviews of the prototype in 2013 as tests for 40 refugee families in Iraq and Ethiopia.  The developmental process has since progressed and IKEA Foundation's flat pack shelters are in route to 10,000 families in need; ordered by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). 

The high tech double size 'tent' can comfortably accommodate up to a family of 5.  The structure is:: lightweight steel frame with rust protection, polyolefin foam panels for weather- resistance, and a PV (photovaltaic) system attached to the roof to solar charge an LED light to illuminate the interior.  The shelters, also, contain four windows, two ventilation openings (with mosquito nets), and a door that is able to be secured via padlock.  Although, the shelters are only expected to last three years at the moment, it's most certainly an impressive start in making a difference for those refugee families to have highly improved living quarters.  The shelters are set to distribute this summer.  To read up or more information/photos, visit BetterShelter.org

s.o. to HUHMag

How Cool :: (Video) Kendrick Lamar Does a Free Show on the Back of a Moving Truck

Tiiiiight.  As 'How to Pimp a Butterfly' soars up the charts, Kendrick rode through the streets of Hollywood on a flat bed truck performing songs from his current and previous albums.   Partnering with Reebok, this was a part of their #GetPumped campaign.  The crowd was excited and turnt as they followed him through the mobile performance.  Check out some of the highlights in the video after the jump:: 

Womens' Empowerment Wednesdays :: 10 Yr Old CEO Mikaila Ulmer - Rec'd $60,000 investment for BeeSweet Lemonade

My mom is all in to ABC's show 'Shark Tank'. I'm sure she caught the episode. Last Friday, Mikaila Ulmer appeared on the show to pitch her business- BeeSweet Lemonade. BeeSweet Lemonade is 100% fresh-squeezed lemon juice (not concentrated) sweetened with primarily local honey in addition to some 100% cane sugar. Organic mint and flaxseed, are also added, to make the beverage a healthier choice.
Mikaila succeeded on 'Shark Tank' and accepted the offer from mogul/FUBU CEO Daymond John in the amount of $60,000 for a 25% stake in her company. (Press Release) "Partnering with Mikaila made perfect sense. She’s a great kid with a head for business and branding. She’s got a great idea, and I’m happy to help take BeeSweet to the next level.”

Another one of our little Queens making a positive mark in the world! Read her story after the jump::

Damon Dash and Kanye West to buy Karmaloop??

Reports floated that popular urban fashion e-retailer, Karmaloop, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection after several failed side ventures that ultimately ripened a great amount of debt for the company. Damon Dash revealed in an interview that he and Kanye West are in the running to buy Karmaloop. According to the founder/CEO Greg Selkoe, they aren’t the only interested – “We’ve heard from them and others too. There’s a lot of interest in Karmaloop and we consider that a good thing.”

All debt aside, this may turn out for the better of the company. Let the bidding begin…

s.o. to Hypebeast


Previous Post - Photos :: 'Paid in Full' Art Exhibit .. @ Dame Dash's Poppington Gallery

Funny :: (Video) Action Bronson x A$AP Ferg x The Dream x Fetty Wap x Jean Grae test out VR Porn

”Aww man I prob shouldn't have worn these sweatpants…"

Action Bronson, A$AP Ferg, The Dream, Fetty Wap, and Jean Grae were invited to Complex to test out the Virtual Reality Porn. The Dream- who says he spends 50% of his day watching Porn, was excited- amongst others giggling and trying to mask their 'excitement'. The commentary and reactions- This was pretty funny (and in whole... wild). Watch below::
Sidebar: Does anyone know who the other guy is??

Time Warp... 1983 :: Say It Isn't So | Hall & Oates

Circa 1983.

I miss doing these segments. This song was stuck in my head all day. Thanks Shane.

Russell Simmons brings Hip-Hop musical, 'The Scenario', to Broadway...

'The Scenario’- a new musical curated with over 30years of Hip-Hop’s hits :: Love story meets Public Enemy. Last week, Russell Simmons announced the production and has plans to debut the musical in late 2016. Author and Hip-hop historian, Dan Charnas, was chosen to pen the script featuring a mix of actual rap songs and musicalized versions of classic tracks.

Unfortunately, hip-hop recently hasn't prevailed on Broadway. The Tupac inspired musical ‘Holler if Ya Hear Me’ received great promotion but slim revenue resulting in the production closing earlier on Broadway than planned. A friend and I had a date set to go and then got hit with that blow. I wasn’t just bummed that we didn’t have a chance to see it, but that all the hard work that went into the production didn’t receive the success it deserved.

I’ll keep you posted on this one as more information develops.

s.o. to RollingStone

Related Post:: Tupac-Inspired musical, "Holler If Ya Hear Me", hits Broadway in June...

The Summer League | Wale x Kanye West x Ty Dolla $ign

Pull up on ya
hop out stuntin'...

Catchy tune just in time for the weather break. Here's the radio rip for now- from Wale's premiere on Hot97 this morning.  The Album About Nothing drops next week.
Listen below::

Photos/Video :: ROCawear BLAK Spring/Summer Lookbook 2015... starring Fabolous

After a 'reinvention' a couple years back, Rocawear is still holding on strong. Swag champ, Fabolous, serves as the face for the Spring/Summer 2015 BLAK lookbook. "ROCawear BLAK is the New Black" campaign's market focus is a progressive street wear collection inspired by a 90s cultural mix of Hip-Hop, Grunge, and Punk.

He will appear as the main feature in a print, online, outdoor, and digital campaign set to debut in April.
"It's important for me to align myself with a brand that speaks to my direction and focus."

Watch Fab and others swag out in the 'ROCawear BLAK is the new Black' promo video below:: 

SOULECTION presents new Sade compilation "Love is King"

In lieu of Soulection reaching 200,000 Soundcloud followers, they released one of their anticipated collections :: A Sade Mix entitled 'Love is King'. Twelve different soulection members- twelve different tracks. starRo's flip of 'Like a tattoo' is levitating. "A fly love".
Check it out below::
Sidenote: They chose a couple of my fave Sade songs. How grand.

Watch :: Snoop Dogg's retro-future grade video 'Peaches N Cream' featuring Charlie Wilson x Pharrell

She too fly for words...

Some of you may remember seeing Snoop perform this on the season finale of 'Empire' last week. 'Peaches N Cream' is deemed the first official single for his upcoming album, BUSH. The visual does this undeniable groovy track perfect justice. TIGHT. Grade- Retro Future. Watch below::
"Shawty dancing like she know, she's the baddest in the place..."

Video : Gust of Wind | Pharrell Williams x Daft Punk

Living Room Flow | Jhene Aiko

I don't want your heart
or your love
Just do what you do to my body...

Contrary to belief, all gals don't connect sex and emotions. In this new sultry tune, Jhene stresses a moment of not wanting any strings attached- just the 'loving'. Listen below::
"I don't have to stay til morning, I don't have to pack no clothes, I am really not that lonely, you finish then we finish then I will go..."

Video :: Grief | Earl Sweatshirt + New Album announcement

Focus on my chatter
ain't as frantic as my thoughts...

Ever since Bey dropped a 'surprise' album in 2013, it seems more music artists are attempting to follow suit- Drake, Kendrick Lamar etc.  Bey's surprise was the GOAT, but others have taken stabs at the general idea.  Earl is now added to the list.  His intentions were to drop the new vid and THEN announce the new album.  However, that didn't go as planned and he took it to twitter to vent on the label's fxck up.  

Earl's new 10 track album drops next week on March 23rd-I DON'T LIKE SHIT, I DON'T GO OUTSIDE; available for pre-order now on iTunes.  "Grief"- fittingly named, is a lo-fi dark and gloom record that is complimented by a inverted video just the same.    

 "I been reaping what I sowed..."

Watch below::

​

Previous Post:: Quest/Power | Earl Sweatshirt

Pour a Glass :: Watch Jill Scott's new bluesy video "You Don't Know"

Did you ever give up all your pride
just to have him
by your side?...

"Get ready to pour the Cognac after listening to this."- Sclasstakeover

-YouTube

  After four years, the Philly songstress returns to the music scene with a powerful bluesy single that is drenched in emotions of all kind, drumming by QuestLove, and imaginary (or real) glasses of Maker's Mark straight. 

 "When the nighttime comes...do your tears fall like rain?

and in the morning... they fall the same?..."

Dammit Jill. Watch/Listen below::

Previous Post:: Divinity | SZA x Jill Scott 

Related Post:: Video- Blessed| Jill Scott

Video :: Push It | iSHi x Pusha T

No room for the weak
or the timid...

Pusha links up with Stockholm Swedish producer iSHi. While there isn't very much information floating the net about the collab, there's no denying that the mesh of Pusha's solid lyrics and iSHi's heavy drum electric production resulted in undeniable dopeness.
*pusha snarl... Ewgh!
"You can't say I didn't ever warn ya..."

Video : Maybe | Teyana Taylor x Pusha T x Yo Gotti


Video : FML | August Alsina x Pusha T

Video :: helGa. | Phony Ppl

I know what you're thinking...
I'm dreaming the same thing too...

The song initially sent me to my place of serenity- a place I can describe with every ounce of detail but will save for another post. Nevertheless, it's one of my favorites from the ‘Yesterday’s Tomorrow’ album. The visual to match is incredible and quite creative. To give you a back drop of the song and vid.. if you watched ‘Hey Arnold!’ as a kid.. you’ll remember how Helga Petaki used to daydream of Arnold on the low. This is it.. the 2015 Soulful revamp.
On a more personal note, these days… my daydreams are surrounding mainly the same 3 things. The video hits the nail in the head on my actual life (substitute with me being at the job). The moment I ‘stop’ burying myself in my work and other tasks of distraction purposely, my mind is drifted immediately into dream land…right out the window...with reality only to return shortly after.
'helGa.' is beautiful all around. Watch below::

Sidebar- I need the eraser for BIG mistakes. seriously lol

Video :: Baby, Meet My Lover | Phony Ppl

{Personal Post} PHOTOS:: RAWartists GRANDEUR Showcase | Washington D.C.

Earlier this month, in support of one of my girlfriends, I attended the RAWartists Grandeur showcase at the Howard Theatre.  You may remember me mentioning her clothing efforts in the Trillectro 2014 post.  This was her first major showcase in regards to her artwork (INSPIRETHETRIBE)- so various emotions were high.  RAW provides independent artists of all creative genres with the tools and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity- for these artists to be seen, heard, and loved.

  Even with it being a rainy night, the weather was warmer than usual and the turn out was still as it should have been- A1.  There were several artists (which you'll see below), performances from dancers- music entertainers- fashion runway, a boomin bar, and jazzy atmosphere.  

Including the shot above,  take a look at the snaps I took in attempts to capture my faves of the night and the moment::

The station.  Art.  TRIBE Tees.  Sign up sheets to join the mailing address and to bid on the artwork. 

Her pieces.

NICANOR AQUINO VII

Told Ya'll Freestyle | Fabolous

Like 50 and Taraji
How do it relate?
Tryna build an 'Empire'
and nxghas in 'Power' wanna hate...

Fresh off last week's release of the B.A.S. freestyle, Fab hits us with another fire treat. This time over Hov's 'You, Me, Him, and Her' off the Dynasty album. Too sick.
Listen after the jump::

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

You know you got me fascinated...

A strip club skating rink. Colorful 'fits. Appearance from the Migos. Everyone 'turnt'. Thumbs up from me. Watch below::
"...yea I know..."

Video : No Type | Rae Sremmurd

10 Ways to Promote Black History All Year Long... #BlackHistoryMonth

Afropunk. img via Julian Plowden

Related Post: If Black History Month was Eliminated.. Would You Care???


Related Post: What Would the World be like with No Black People ??? ....

The B.A.S Freestyle | Fabolous

Pick a side and stay on it
You can't play both...

New freestyle from Fab - over Dre's 'Bxtches Ain't Shit' (hence the artwork).  Just hand him the crown for most consistent bars.  He too nice with it.  Check it out after the jump::

"...I chase this money like me and Ben Frank beefin..." 

Road to Perdition | Jay Electronica

The tale of a King
who wasn't on the roster...

This is one of those tracks I wish I could've been in the studio for the entire creation.  The finished product alone is atomic...   *continues to Hov studio head nod. Since the track leaked somehow, Electronica did a great justice on twitter and decided to release the official version to the internet waves.  While it may or may not be a possible feature on his 'upcoming' (detox) Act II:  Patent of Nobility, the fact that this dropped is enough comfort for me.  Listen to him RIP this symphonic production backdropped by random sample loops of Hov on 'Success' below::

"My destiny's to hit a grand slam when my number come..."

Related Post:: We Made It (Remix) | Jay Electronica x Jay-Z

Video :: Decisions | Wiz Khalifa (Prod. by. TM808)

***UPDATE from 2.16 Post-  Video Added


Why they talkn...
don't even know what they want...

 This joint crank so hard. 'Decisions' is a Dolcezza approved slapper.  ... and similar to 'We Dem Boyz', it's a lil contagious.
"By now you can say I'm livin like Rick James or sumn..."
#TrapWizBack.  Check it out::
  

Video :: Movin' Bass | Rick Ross

Gettin long money
I'm short winded ...

For 'Movin Bass' (the song we were all duped with on the release thinking Jay had a verse and he's only on the hook), Ross shows solidarity with the MMG fam featuring a few of them in the video all while he subtly promotes Wale's upcoming 'The Album about Nothing'.  Take a ride with the bawse through a few stops on a cold and snowy NYC day.  

"R-O-C double M... kill everything we touch..."

Related Post: Video : Keep Doin' That (Rich Bitch) | Rick Ross x R. Kelly

Countdown to Pilot Talk 3 :: Watch Currensy's "Audio Dope 5" video

Sleepin outside for it
like they waitin on Jordans...

As the release date of 'Pilot Talk 3' gets closer, Spitta releases a new track.  This time around he drops the fifth installment of the 'Audio Dope' saga.  Ski Beatz does it again.    This is sweeeeeet.  

"I gotta finish my nxgga... I gotta kill it...."

Previous Post: Countdown to Pilot Talk 3 :: Watch Currensy's "Cargo Planes" video

Video :: Have My Money | Dipset

Smelling like money
that's that mo' money scent...

Reunited and it feels so goooooood.

The Diplomats have released a new visual for their latest track. I think every sample flip I've heard of the original is groovy. 'Have My Money' is no different. *does Jim Jones bop.
Watch below::

Related Post:: Video : Reunited | Camron x Jim Jones x Hell Rell

Love | Kid Cudi

Running from this pain in my way...
...fighting everyday...

”
Something I made during the SF sessions. produced by me, keys by Dot. Sample is from one of my favorite Ratatat jams “Sunblocks”. And love to Evan and Mike for allowing me to release it.. For you. Hope it brings you some peace if you have a lonely heart out there. Byeeeee.”

Cudster has been consistent these past years with dropping a loosie at a precise moment where the lyrics resonate highly at the point of time in my life. Another I can't stop listening to. Check it out::