The Live Version of the Song is ALWAYS Superior to the Original (Pt. 1)

Tony Krash/Badu World

Can you believe this draft has been sitting since 2022?  I was vibing the other week and had a light bulb reminder.  I never published it!  What better time than now?  Half of the U.S. is snowed in today.   

Live versions are unique.  Typically filled with vivaciousness and exclusivity to that specific performance in all aspects.   It takes a special kind of everything to put a live song in the category of being considered better than the original/studio version.  That special thing where you prefer to hear the live version instead.  The common denominator is simply this.  It contains soul that the original just does not acquire.  

For instance... 

Marvin Gaye - Distant Lover

Could be the screams.. could be the horns... could be the yearning.  It's. just. there.

Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt Album Will Be Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

 Music has the unique power to shape culture and mark moments in time. Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.

- Harvey Mason Jr./CEO of the Grammy Recording Academy.  

Politics as usual.

Jay-Z 's 'Reasonable Doubt' album will be inducted into this year's Grammy Hall Of Fame on May 16, 2025.  Released in 1996, 'Reasonable Doubt' is still revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest albums and arguably (I've been in many debates) Jay-Z's best album.  

The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame serves as a vital bridge between music’s past and present, honoring recordings that have left a lasting mark on our cultural landscape.

- Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the Grammy Museum

Time Warp... 1999: What You Think of That ? | Memphis Bleek x Jay-Z

Circa 1999.

Buckwild really did his thing on the boards with this one. 

I'm one of the few nxghas spittin it

and got it for real...

Related Post:  Time Warp... 2003 : Everything's a Go | Memphis Bleek x Jay-Z

Related Post:  Time Warp...1999: New Millenium | Cha Cha

Moncler Releases Roc Nation Collab Designed by Jay-Z

Their partnership premiered last year during London Fashion Week at The Art of Genius immersive event.  Pushing their theme that 'genius' is everywhere, the visual ad for the Moncler x Roc Nation collection (with narration by SAINt Jhn) features an inspiring story of the urban 'mountain climb' to convey their message.  

The pieces contained stick with a specific color palette and intricate details.  Catch the ad and more photos from the Mens collection after the jump!

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: The Book of HOV Exhibit | Brooklyn, NY

don't talk to me 'bout MCs got skills

he's alright, but he's not real

Jay-Z's that deal.

The fam and I headed up to Brooklyn for this double joyous occasion.  I went into detail about my emotions towards the exhibit when announced in the July post.  Those feelings I expressed and shared intensified upon arrival.  Just incredible.  

I don't think you understand what type of event this is.

Seriously. 

Like above, this post will be filled with Hov bars from several songs to convey.  I stand by the saying that it's one for everything.  

Let's get into it.

A celebration indeed.  The Book of HOV.  

But NONE of y'all muhfxckas could fool with me.

excluding NOBODY.

{Watch} Jay-Z Settles the "Lunch with Jay-Z or $500,000" Debate in Gayle King Interview

There has been an ongoing Twitter (X) debate for the past couple of years that tends to resurface every now and again:  "Lunch/Dinner with Jay-Z or $500,000 in cash?"

Jay himself spoke on what he thinks is the correct answer during an upcoming two-part Gayle King interview.  His reasoning for his answer is comical because.... exactly.  Haha.

Watch the clip below:

The Brooklyn Public Library Celebrates Jay-Z's Legacy With "The Book of HOV" Exhibit

via Getty Images

Who you know like Hov?

Jay-Z.  Shawn Carter.  Brooklyn born and raised.

...is being celebrated at the Brooklyn Public Library with their surprise exhibit, "The Book of HOV".  It warms my heart to see my G.O.A.T receive his flowers in this magnitude while he is still alive to smell them.  Prior to entering, the entire library front is covered with various Jay lyrics.  The saying is indeed true.  There's a Hov lyric for everything.

via Getty Images

"The Book of HOV" is a multimedia exhibit that explores Jay-Z's cultural and global impact in music, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and innovation.  

The exhibit features thousands of archives including original recording masters, never before seen photos, iconic fashions,  prestigious awards and so on.  Per a statement on the official website, the end goal was "to provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person, and a consequential philanthropist who has never forgotten the lessons he learned on the road to success; and the borough where his journey began."

{Watch}:: A Star-Studded Event. LOUIS VUITTON Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 Fashion Show by Pharrell Williams

Last night, the Louis Vuitton Men's Spring-Summer 2024 Fashion Show took place in Paris, France.  What an event it was. Since the announcement in February of Pharrell Williams taking the Men's Creative Director role, it's been up from there.  Personal invitations were sent to A-list Celebrities and Fashion lovers across the globe, who showed up and showed out.  Don't mistake that for being the highlight of the event.   The allure of the entire show held a level of fascinating command on its own.  

    A variety of very well styled pieces and models walked the runway at the Maison with unwavering attention.  Pharrell presented a soundtrack of new songs that debuted on this very special evening, including a Clipse reunion (where Pusha T takes noticeable shots at rapper Jim Jones).  Pharrell's version of Unspeakable Joy with the Choir and production was absolutely phenomenal.  Bravo.  Catch more photos and the video of the entire fashion show after the jump!   

The Black Gangster (Unreleased Version) | Jay-Z

1999.

Time Warp... 1998 :: Love for Free | Rell x Jay-Z

Circa 1998.

Rell's voice always prevailed on any track he touched (*thinks of Beans' "Look at Me Now"). This song was so smooth man... I mean seriously.. what more can I say. 
 *continues to hum words and groove out

Previous Post - Time Warp... 2004 :: Life We Chose | Young Gunz + original Isaac Hayes sample

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..."

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

{Watch} Real Love :: Beyonce debuts 'Die With You' to Jay-Z for their 7th Wedding Anniversary

***UPDATE 4/7/15- Sorry guys... they took that video down SO fast. It's only available on TIDAL now. 

...Darling, I wake up..
just to sleep with you 
...I open my eyes..
so I can see with you...

In lieu of celebrating their 7th anniversary today, Bey debuts a new feeling drenched ballad 'Die With You' to her hubby Jay-Z in an intimate moment of only them in a room with a piano and great acoustics.  Bey sings ever so beautifully professing her heart to Hov as he records the entire thing - in which you see him smiling away at the end.  These lyrics here.  This.  Is.  LOVE. 

'I don't need these legs.. if I ain't walking by your side..."

Watch Below:: 

Motivation Mondays :: Murder to Excellence | Jay- Z x Kanye West ... #BlackHistoryMonth

The paper read murder....

...Strays from the same shade, nxgha we on the same team...

 ...domino... domino... only spot a few blacks, the higher I go...

...what's the life expectancy for black guys?

the system's working effectively, that's why...

It's time for us to stop and redefine Black Power. 

Previous Post: Motivation Mondays :: Fight the Power | Public Enemy .... #BlackHistoryMonth

1st Annual Roc City Classic starring Kanye West x Kevin Durant

Just a few days away, this coming NBA All-Star weekend has added new featured events. Not only will the first NBA fashion show be held Saturday courtesy of LeBron James, but RocNation is presenting its first Annual Roc City Classic this Thursday. The classic is set to feature a 45 minute set from Kanye West along with a noted appearance from Kevin Durant. Hosting maybe? The icing on this cake is.... the concert is FREE. However, there IS a catch (mostly always). The tickets have to be WON. See the details for that here. If you aren't one of the chosen few to receive a ticket, you can stream the show live on LifeandTimes.com at 8PM EST Thursday. Watch the promo below::

Previous ROCNation Posts

Related Post: Video - FourFive Seconds | Rihanna x Kanye West x Paul McCartney

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

‘As the Watch the Throne album continued to progress you can tell it wouldn’t fit. It didn’t make the album..'
Isn't that interesting. During the A3C ProAudio conference this year, Producer S1 (Symbolyc One) sat down with DJBooth TV and revealed that Kanye's "Guilt Trip" on the Yeezus album was actually originally recorded for the "Watch the Throne" album. The original version even has a few bars from Jay on it. My... I would've loved to hear that. Listen/Watch S1 tell the story below::

Related Post: Kanye West talks new single 'All Day' + upcoming album in GQ Mag

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos :: Summer Concert Series Pt. 1 - Dipset & Jay x Bey's 'On The Run'

The end of summer has officially arrived. While I am excited for Fall....I love Fall... I'm, also, going to miss summer. Not so much for the heat and fashion, but for all the outdoor activities and fun. Contained in those outdoor activities and fun were concerts :-). I took a few photos that I never posted... until now. I have to make two separate posts considering the magnitude of photos. I'm super bummed that I can't share the videos with you all up here (I've tried several times and failed :-/). I really got some awesome footage on my phone. It, also, allowed you to capture the true essence of the show.
Part one of my series entails the Dipset Reunion Show (DC) and Jay x Bey's On the Run Tour (Baltimore Show)::

DIPSET Reunion Show

Seen it All | Young Jeezy x Jay-Z

Prob bought your Auntie
a couple bags...

The Snowman connects with Hova yet again for another collab. This will land on Jeezy's upcoming album, Seen it All, set to drop September 2nd. Listen below::

Dates/Locations : 'On the Run' Tour ... starring Jay-Z and Beyonce .

The rumors are now confirmed. Power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce WILL be going on a stadium tour this summer (similar to he and JT's last year). They released the promo photo this morning via Jay's site along with the link to Ticketmaster. This is going to be bananas. The pre-sale starts tomorrow; some locations 8AM , some 10AM. Check for the dates and locations after the jump! ::

Coast to Coast:: Jay-Z announces 2014 'Made In America' Festival held in Philly AND Los Angeles

Who saw this coming?
This morning, Jay headed to City Hall with Mayor Eric Garcetti in Downtown LA to announce the Made in America festival will be held there Labor Day weekend (annual weekend) at Grand Park. Oddly.. the festival will ALSO be held still in the routine location of Philadelphia.... The SAME weekend -_-. With that being said, the lineups will be different on each coast. LA councilman, Jose Huizar, is not excited as he expresses that he will not issue any permits for the event until more of the community inputs their opinion. Huizar has concerns about street closures for 10 days that would impact Downtown LA residents and workers directly. In brighter news, rumors have circulated that Jay and his wife Beyonce are set to tour together this summer. No deets or confirmations on that, but if I receive any updates on both of these...I'll make sure to spread the word to you all.

 

Sn: I've gone every year it has been held and am quite annoyed that it's in two different places and the same weekend. It's kind of like inadvertently creating a contest against the line-ups and sales. I'm, also, annoyed that TicketMaster sent an email out Monday (to us folk who've attended the festival previously) indicating the presale for Made In America began that day (ending yesterday)...with the previous address listed in Philly. I tried at least 10 times to purchase mine and kept receiving an error message. And then I get word of this this morning. I'm not understand WHY would You, ticketmaster, send out the email period if you knew there was going to be two locations and/or that it was going to change very soon? Just like last September when your customer service was still telling people the Rock the Bells Festival (in DC) was still happening, but it was already announced that it was cancelled… THEN told all the ticket buyers (myself) included at the last minute as if we didn’t already know. Speaking of the crazy customer service, I JUST received a response from customer service earlier this week regarding my error message asking was I trying to buy tickets for the Philly or LA fest? As if the LA location wasn't just announced and was posted Monday. -_-. Planned out eh? Janet Jackson face at these careless and unnecessary slip ups. I ‘m an avid customer, buttttt… get it together man.

Previous Posts: Made In America Festival Posts