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

{Book Alert} Assouline's "The Book of Hov: A Tribute to Jay-Z"

In 2023, The Book of Hov immersive exhibit took over the Brooklyn Public Library (drawing over 600,000 visitors) with a groundbreaking honor to celebrate the multifaceted Icon and Legend... Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.  Luxury book brand, Assouline, has transformed the unforgettable exhibit into a physical book form. 

"The Book of Hov: A Tribute to Jay-Z" is materialized in Classic and Ultimate editions.  The Classic is organized into eight chapters showcasing Hov's artistry, lyrics, entreprenuership, activism, and overall cultural impact.  

Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation Announces Financial Education Program for HBCU's

Getty Images

Every day at the Shawn Carter Foundation, we dedicate ourselves to uplifting students and communities that are underserved. To launch a financial education program that will reach more students and communities, along with dedicated partners like Toyota and the Wharton School of Business, is a vision we are finally seeing come to fruition. We are so excited to see the incredible impact of CFFL unfold and look forward to its growth.

- CEO/Co-Founder (and Jay-Z's mother) Dr. Gloria Carter

Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation has partnered with Toyota Motor North America to launch a financial education program for HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) across the U.S.  As of now so far, it will be available to students enrolled at Lincoln University, Norfolk State University, and Virginia State University.  The program is set to be introduced in Spring 2025 containing curriculum developed with the Coalition for Equity and Opportunity at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  Structured through budgeting, credit scores, stock market and other financial topics, this program will serve as a foundation and tool for wealth and success.  

Getty Images

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!   

Time Warp...1995: I Don't Wanna Be Alone (Remix) | Shai x Jay-Z

Circa 1995.

Baby can't ya see it's Destiny I'm feelin?

Pulling this back out the crate.  I'm sure you've heard at least Hov verse in the club, right?  

They really should've made a video for this version...

Related Post:  Time Warp...1997: No Question | Allure x LL Cool J

Related Post:  Time Warp... 1995 : Feel the Funk | Immature

Time Warp...1975: Let Your Hair Down | Yvonne Fair

Circa 1975 

Talk yo shit Yvonne.

P.S. cough up a lung where i'm from...

Where I'm From by. Jay-Z sample

Related Post:  Time Warp...1974: Cross My Heart | Billy Stewart

Jay-Z Cannibis company, MONOGRAM, adds new Prints for Sale

Legendary music vid/film director, Hype Williams brings us a present day version of Slim Aarons photos, in the latest MONOGRAM campaign.  Aarons' most notable photos were reshot and recast at Frank Sinatra's house in Palm Springs.  Wardrobe styled by High Snobiety Fashion Director, Corey T. Stokes, assisted with bringing these photos to life, mimicing Aaron's originals... but with a contemporary twist.  

"Whether we're smoking to inspire creativity or to celebrate an achievement, cannabis has a rightful place in modern day culture."- Williams.  

For US, by US: {Unofficial video} Ghost of Soulja Slim | Jay Electronica x Jay-Z #BlackHistoryMonth

my favorite pic of my momma (R) and my auntie (L).  

Guardi Guard did a phenomenal job with this editing.  I described this album in a previous post as being powerful.  This is a prime example of that feeling.  

 You can't talk like I talk

cause you ain't been where I've been... 

Related Post: February 1 :: Shine Your Light on the World ! .. #BlackHistoryMonth

Cheo Hodari Coker and Jay-Z set to produce upcoming Netflix film thriller "Forty Acres"

images via grapejuice x complex

Ya'll ain't give me 40 acres and a mule 

So I got my glock .40, now I'm cool...

The creator of Luke Cage, Cheo Hodari Coker, and Hov have teamed up with Netflix for an upcoming thriller.  This film will be an adaptation of the novel, Forty Acres by. Dwayne Alexander Smith; published in 2014.  According to Deadline, this Coker written adaptation is depicted as The Firm (Tom Cruise) meets Get Out (Jordan Peele).  Exciting right?  

 Additional producers and executive producers include James Lassiter, Aaron Kaplan, Niles Kirchner, Bill Strauss, Mike Epps, Dana Honor, and Dwayne Alexander Smith himself. If you aren't familiar with the novel, the book is a story of a young black attorney who uncovers a shocking conspiracy during his journey of confronting race and power. The film is still in early development stages, therefore no cast lists have been released.  It's on my radar though.  I'll keep you all posted.  

Related Post : {Watch} :: The trailer for the Nas’ executive produced Sundance Film, "The Land"

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

Time Warp...1974: The Love We Share is the Greatest of Them All | Tom Brock

Circa 1974. 

When it hits.... Say Hello.  

   

Related Post:  Time Warp...1978: Freeway Song | Vicki Sue Robinson

Say Hello sample by. Jay-Z

Memphis Bleek "Imaginary Players/Jay-Z" Freestyle

New freestyle from Memph' mans over a Hov classic (don't debate me) 'Imaginary Players'.  Appreciate it for what it is.  Listen below::

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

The Black Gangster (Unreleased Version) | Jay-Z

1999.

Lineup/Info :: TIDAL X concert | October 20th | Brooklyn, NY

After reaching 1 million subscribers on TIDAL, Jay-Z announced this celebration concert.

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