The Roots + Public Enemy on Fallon, In Philly

23Mar09

Public Enemy appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s show last night, collabed with The Roots on “Fight the Power,” and obliterated! S1W (Security of the First World) dance crew was there along with a brass section. I hope The Roots start playing with all of Fallon’s artists from here out. They did a medley with Luda last week, which would have been probably better if his new album was better.

The show has been able to land some solid guests and Fallon  definitely has interview skills. He gets a big goose egg for making funny jokes though. Here’s Fallon’s Tracy Morgan interview in which Morgan questions whether a Snuggie can make you so comfortable you lose control of your bowels.The Roots seem to be feeling quite at home by managing not to appear visually uncomfortable when the opening monologue bombs (inevitably) every night.

In other Roots news, they just announced their second annual Roots Picnic lineup which is kickass. The Roots and Antibalas will be playing their own sets and  backup as Public Enemy performs “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.“  TV on the Radio and The Black Keys, both acclaimed for their live shows, put on for the indie kids, as does Santigold who is acclaimed by sparkly clothing enthusiasts. Finally hip hop’s braggadocios future, Kid Cudi gets a slot as well as Asher Roth who shows promise in the songs he doesn’t write about beer pong.

Here’s a great article calling out the lameness that is Cudi’s early retirement claim.

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Weezy F Baby’s Top 5 Romancin’ Tracks

13Feb09

5) Grown Man feat. Currency (Tha Carter II)

You ain’t no woman you a baby girl, living in the ladies world

And I’m a grown man, the women understand

See what I go through, is what I owe you

And you should throw that ass back to me right now

This may be seem to be a bit degrading to women but Weezy’s just owes you ladies. Chill out.

4) Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne – You (Street Love)

You know I love you like cooked food.

You know you fuckin’ wit a good dude.

I only love you like raw chicken breast.

3) Prostitute Flange - (The Empire & Lil Wayne)

I wouldn’t care if you were prostitutin.’

That you hit every man that you every knew.

It wouldn’t make a difference

If that was way before me and you girl.

See you don’t ever have to worry bout me.

We’ve all been there.

Happy birthday Lil Wayne. Don't spend it all on codeine!

2) Dough is What I Got (Da Drought 3)

Make a skinny girl holla, make the fat girl hungry

Make the ugly girls want me, but the pretty girls on me.

Make the shy girls horny, make the fly girls corny.

Some fly girl just asked me to pull her finger.

1) Did it Before (The Empire & Lil Wayne)

Be a pro you got to act like you did it before

and every time I meet a girl that say she didnt before

You know I got to act like I never did it before

But she will be dumb if she didn’t had know

That I did it before

Cause I did it before

One of Weezy’s greatest in wordplay provides an example of an effective tactic for coaxing a lady into sex: Brain-numbing confusion.

One of the reasons ladies love Weezy is his success. Here’s a Diddy Blog where he gives his secrets for success. More useful than Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers.” His passion is definitely there and pretty admirable.

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5 Things to Download Right Now

12Feb09

5) Bootie Presents Ziggy Stardust Remixed

This is really good but not something to leave on at a party. Unless you have weird parties.

4) Santana DVX feat. E-40 – Lonely Island

Best Line: “Plus he teamed with Rob Thomas for a music revolution.” I really like E-40 here which is unusual for me. Sambergs rap crew does it again.

3) Somalia- K’naan

This is a badass Somalian rapper who dropped ‘The Dusty Foot Philosopher,’ which is providing plenty of hype on this next release. This is just a bonus track off the new one so I have no reason to expect anything weak.

2) Can I Be- Kid Cudi

I like this guy. Thank God his Day and Night track is getting spun. LCD Soundsystem is sweet but this is way too short.

Deep.

1) J.Period- Q. Tip- The [Abstract] Best

This tape’s captivating. Listen to what Tip says because he is an intelligent guy. J. Period gets better to me with every mixtape. And Kanye likes it.

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Tags: album, best of, bootie, david bowie, download, e-40, free, j. period, k'naan, kanye west, kid cudi, lcd soundsystem, lonely island, mp3, q tip, remix, santana, ziggy stardust

Ladies Love Cool James (LL Cool J)

11Feb09

Not only can he not live without his radio, LL can’t go a day without lovin’.

Cool James kicks love making off with 100 pushups. Always.

5) I Want You (Radio)

Finally I get the nerve to buy you one more

The bartender smirks, I whisper, ‘He’s a jerk.’

I’m wearing leather pants and a thirty dollar shirt

LL tells a tale of unrequited love. This is rare for LL because usually he at least gets requited. At least.

4) Doin’ It (Mr. Smith)

Doin’ it and doin’ it and doin’ it well

Doin’ it and doin’ it and doin’ it well

Doin’ it and doin’ it and doin’ it well

I represent Queens. She was raised out in Brooklyn.

Gotta rep where you from when love making.

Hey! I got a boombox. Where are the females at?

3) Around the Way Girl (Mama Said Knock You Out)

Your sweet like sugar with your gangster talk

Want to eat you like a cookie when I see you walk

With your rayon, silk or maybe even denim

It really doesnt matter as long as youre in them

So if you’re afraid someone may judge your rayon wardrobe, LL’s your guy.

2) Back Seat (14 Shots to the Dome)

As I turn the corner

Starin in ya cornea

I’m gettin hornea and hornea

“It’s just the way he stares into my cornea.”

Shh ladies and luhve will be made.

1) Big Ole Butt (Walking With a Panther)

Tina got a big ole butt.

I know I told you I’d be true.

But Tina got  big ole butt.

So I’m leaving you.

This is at least romantic for Tina.

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Tags: baby making music, bitter hatred, links, ll cool j, love, love songs, lurve, mp3, valentine, valentine songs, valentine's day

5 Truly Romantic Biggie Tracks

10Feb09

In honor of the week of Valentine, a week of lovin’, RP is bringing you a series of the best rap songs about sweet lovin’.

Here is our schedule:

Tues: The Notorious B.I.G.

Weds: L.L. Cool J

Thurs: Lil’ Wayne

Fri: R. Kelly (Reigning King of Lurve)

Sat: Top 20 Ever

Biggie spreads love.

5) Can I Get Wit Ya (The Demo Tape)

Can In Get Wit Ya?

Can I Get Wit Ya?

Can I Get Wit Ya?

Can I Get Wit Ya?

Why You Wanna Get Wit Me

Cuz You Got A Big B-U-T-T

It all culminates with a soul clap so. Yeah. There’s that ladies.

4) Ultimate Rush feat. Missy Elliott (Duets- The Final Chapter)

Sensimilia, can I feel ya?

All I wanna do is touch a

The ultimate rush, You’re drugs baby.

Yeah Biggie said “sensimilia.” He’s also quite literate but only for the honeys.

3) Nasty Boy (Life After Death)

Sex is drama, head to trauma.

Rip pajamas, I’ma stay to tomorrow.

Well, it certainly sounds like a time-consuming endeavor.

2) Big Poppa (Ready to Die)

I got more Mack than Craig and in the bed

Believe me, sweetie, I got enough to feed the needy

No need to be greedy, I got mad friends with Benzes

C-notes by the layers, true f—in’ players …”

The marketing world also had to deal with a loss of a titan of the industry.

1)Me and My Bitch [Awesome Live Version] (Ready to Die)

During the days you helped me bag up my nickels.

In the process, I admit I tricked a little. (yeah)

But you was my bitch, the one who’d never snitch (uhh)

Love me when I’m broke or when I’m filthy fuckin’ rich.

If that isn’t true love, you’re too demanding.

Tomorrow: LL

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Tags: love songs, missy elliott, notor, notorious b.i.g., tom jones, valentine, valentine songs, valentine's day

Don’t Worry Guys. Soulja Boy and Bow Wow Squash Beef. We Can All Sleep Sound.

10Feb09

Somebody ring the Liberty Bell. Peace is restored in the Kingdom of Suck. They are finally acknowledging that this s**t isn’t really a beef.” This phone call brought tears of joy to my eyes like the end of Shawshank Redemption. (But not the beginning). Maybe they will cease to exist now that what is undeniably the culmination of their respective careers. Sound the trumpets. This brings to mind a great quote from Chuck Klosterman that I never understood until this skirmish of mediocrity:

“In and of itself, nothing really matters. What matters is that nothing is ever in and of itself.”

Oh. Go watch TV and go to sleep.

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Tags: beef, bow wow, chuck klosterman, feud, shawshank redemption, soulja boy

Lonely Island and T-Pain Explain the State of Popular Rap

09Feb09

Rosie the Robot's Mixtape Drops Soon

I have already shared my gripes (intense hatred) of autotune. I see it as a plague to creativity and talent with a very frightening level of popularity. I just read an article in this week’s Time Magazine that explores this parisitic trend. Did you know that Autotune was created by a man who used it to read seismic data for oil companies. After a friend challenged him to make her voice pitch-perfect at a party, Andy Hildebrand created a monster.

America, really?

The article interviews the always shameless T-Pain (not to be confused with the shameless pamphleteer Thomas Paine), who popularized the trend. When asked about his poor critical reception, T-Pain said, “I’d rather be known for something than unknown for nothing.” Though it really is taking an easy out, you have to give it to the guy for his positive attitude. The article also makes the point that autotune does not ALL sound the same and can be used to make bouncy songs like T-Pain’s or glossed-over crooning like Kanye West’s ‘808’s and Heartbreaks.‘ I kind of agree but don’t think that’s any argument for over-production. Just because the “instrument” has a little more versatility than say, a kazoo, these songs sound too similar. Below is a composite of the lyrics used in ten of T-Pain’s hit songs via hola mun 2.

Creative.

Andy Samberg, possibly the most famous current SNL cast-member, joined with two friends and they are releasing a comedy-music album on February 10. They teamed up with none other than T-Pain and put out a single, ‘I’m On a Boat.’

The song sounds like something that would top charts today. Another fun fact from that article: T-Pain has had A DOZEN top ten singles since 2005. HE MUST BE STOPPED.

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Tags: auto tune, bad music, kanye west, lonely island, robot, snl, t-pain, vocoder

Pro’s and Con’s of Watching the Grammy’s

09Feb09

Only at the Grammys

As I mentioned yesterday, I wan’t able to watch the Grammys live, but I watched the performances and it seemed better than usual. I can typically find maybe four performances I really am into, but this year was fairly tight. As for who won, it doesn’t matter. Weezy did well.  So did Coldplay. So did Robert Plant and Allison Krauss. The awards process is dated and skips influential albums every year.

But this is just entertainment. I made a list of the Pro’s and Con’s of this year’s Grammy viewing experience:

Pro: Swagga Like Us Performance. Though I am still quite whelmed Kanye, I loved the performance. All artists took the song and upped its intensity to match its hype. Jay was really the Poppa Bear out there and brought the fire. M.I.A. adorned her fetus like a pattern on a beetle’s shell used as a defense mechanism. Maybe all Weezy’s promises of being a rapper eater made her uneasy.

Con: Swagga Like Us Winning Grammys. Let’s face it. ‘Mr. Carter’ was everything ‘Swagga Like Us’ wanted to be. Hov’s verse here brings more of this so-called swag than all the verses on ‘Swagga Like Us’ combined. Some bull.

How did I never see this before?

Pro: Taylor Swift is a FOX. I never had seen her really before this but got damn. Is she any good?

Con: Miley Cyrus. I have plenty of respect for these Disney actor-singers (seriously). They aren’t making bad music. They are making music, a producer at Disney (who is a truly bad person) is pressing buttons until we have the next number one on Radio Disney.  That being said, Miley Cyrus is a truly obnoxious person.

Artist of the Century, Katy Perry

Pro: Jennifer Hudson. After owning the Super Bowl, Hudson brought her pipes to the Grammys. She’s still handling some intense personal tragedy and I wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on her first solo tour with Robin Thicke.

Con: Katy Perry. What the hell is your deal, lady? She looks like a sparkly blowup doll and sound like a drunk 14-year old nobody will pay attention to.

Finally some dignified artists.

Pro: Blink-182 announces they’re back together!

Con: Then they had to give Coldplay an award for Best Rock Album. Use this as inspiration guys.

Pro: Weezy’s Performance. He flowed right with the song and Alan Thicke’s son brought the velvet. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Alan Toussaint made it feel like a New Orleans street corner and Weezy may have upped his cred with an older crowd. That is how you play the Grammy’s. This coupled with his surprising coherence could make this one of the most imporant nights in Wayne’s career thus far.

Con: Kanye/Estelle. What was even the point of that? The song that’s been playing all year performed exactly as if it was coming out of Clear Channel radio. This was lame, Yeezy. Nice sparkly coat though.

Pro: Paul McCartney/Dave Grohl. THIS is how you play with a legend.

Con: Stevie Wonder/Jonas Brothers. THIS is not. I’m thinking they didn’t tell Stevie until he got on stage.

Pro: Ne-Yo did not win awards for his album. He did win some for the track ‘Miss Independent,’ but that’s fine. The guy’s not creating masterpiece albums though.

Con: Chris Brown. I love Breezy (way more than Ne-Yo) and he always entertains. But he was arrested before the show for allegedly assualting his girlfriend, Rihanna. Innocent until proven guilty but this is scummy for everyone.

Let Me Mull These Over:

New U2 song: It’s either alright or really stupid.

Morgan Freeman saying he and Kenny Chesney are friends: Perplexing.

Neil Diamond’s Eyebrows: Intense.

Kid Rock: Just silly.

Coldplay/Jay-Z: I hate Coldplay and love Jay, but I think I may have (egads) liked their performance REGARDLESS of Jay. I have some soul-searching to do but I’m pretty sure they still suck.

And unfortunately I couldn’t find video yet for the J.T./T.I. song.

And now, as predicted, here is the awesome that Radiohead and USC brought. Thom Yorke dances like a guy with an unneccessary ‘h’ in his name would. Unneccessarily.

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Tags: alan toussaint, alison krauss, blink-182, chris brown, coldplay, dave grohl, estelle, grammys 2009, jay-z, jennifer hudson, jonas brothers, kanye west, katy perry, kenny chesney, lil wayne, m.i.a., miley cyrus, morgan freeman, ne-yo, neil diamond, paul mccartney, radiohead, rihanna, robert plant, robin thicke, stevie wonder, t.i., taylor swift, the dirt dozen brass band, u2, weezy

Chea Grammys

08Feb09

I regrettably have to work tonight and should not give hours away because it’s a recession, so I will be missing the Grammy’s live. Good thing Youtube will have me covered later on.

Here are twelve things to watch for tonight:

12) Stevie Wonder’s In the House: Just seeing this guy puts me in a better mood

11) Four Tops Tribute With Chris Breezy, Jamie Foxx, and Duke Fakir: This is going to bring the soul.

10) Boyz II Men Are Up For An Award: These guys are a venereal disease America got in the early 90’s. But thats coo with me.

9) Kanye/Estelle Perform: This track’s very played out but I’ll still give it the live chance.

T.I.’s Last Performance Before Prison Time: I never really am feeling his live performances, but he’s with Justin Timberlake who whether it’s for better worse, owns the Grammy’s.

7) Blink-182 Is Presenting: Maybe it’s just the seventh grade whiteboy in me talking, but it’s good to see reconciliation in arguably one of the most influential groups on popular music being released today. If you haven’t heard it yet, don’t sleep on TRV$/DJ-AM’s “Fix Your Face” (Free Download on Their Site). This album creates parties.

6) Radiohead is up for Album if the Year: But knowing the Grammy’s, Coldplay’s going to get it. Sorry Weezy, Carter III is nice and I’d love to see you win, but it’s no ‘In Rainbows.’

ALSO CHECK OUT: Jaydiohead.

5) A SOLID Rab Collab Category: I am really pulling for Mr. Carter in the rap collab category, even over Outkast. (I’m still calling you Outkast.)

4) A Less Solid But Still Solid Rap Album Category: As for rap album? I want Lupe. Jay, American Gangster was dope but not classic to me. Nas? Just alright. I feel the same about T.I.. Weezy will probably win but Lupe deserves it. Sadly, it seems like Lupe’s got a little ego problem so let’s hope a Grammy doesn’t aggravate the situation. Maybe I’m just misinterpreting his ambition but three discs man? He seems like a very intelligent dude though.

3) Swagga Like Us Performance: M.I.A., whose baby is due today, will perform ‘Swagga Like Us‘ with Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I., and Kanyeezy. I think this song gets too much credit from its marquee but is a bit void of substance. Regardless, any time all those names are performing together it’s probably worth a look. And Kanye, a man whose “swagga is Mick Jagga,” is promising “overwhelming swagga.‘ With claims like that, get prepared. This could be the most overwhelming musical performance since ‘The Brown Noise.’ But is M.I.A. just gonna be blabbing through the whole way? This will, if nothing else, be an interesting performance.

2) Weezy’s Playing With Some Brass: I’m a sucker for a good brass band with rap music, so Weezy’s performance of the gripping ‘Tie My Hands,’ with Robin Thicke, Allen Toussaint and Terence Blanchard is promising. And there is zero robo-voicing.

1) Radiohead Playing 15 Step With the USC Marching Band: This one’s going to blow the roof off. If hip-hop heads are questioning my Radiohead praise on a rap blog, listen to the album. Nobody else made beats like that last year.

BONUS: Mick Boogie and Terry Urban Present 2009, A Remix Compilation of the 2009 Grammy Nominees (Standout Track: Kenna feat. Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco- Say Goodbye to Sky (Terry Urban Mix))

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Tags: 2009, blink-182, boyz ii men, brass, chris brown, dj am, duke fakir, estelle, four tops, grammys, jamie foxx, jay-z, justin timberlake, kanye west, lil wayne, lupe fiasco, m.i.a., radiohead, remix, robin thicke, stevie wonder, swagga like us, t.i., travis barker, youtube

Site News

08Feb09

Things are happening up in here. I have hopped onto the twitter bandwagon. I figure when Erkah Badu’s doing it in labor, it’s worth a look. I am subscribed to (a fake) Michael Bay twitter and it’s incredible.

My other passion next to music is tee shirts. I have added threads, another twitter feed where I simply post links of tees, kicks, and fitteds. Tee shirt artists don’t get enough credit and these designers deserve a push for good shirts.

I'm lucky to live with this cat.

I also have my housemate, Steve Ellis working on a banner for the site. I have seen it and it is superb.

One more major layout change and a background are also on the to-do list.

Finally, I will be enriching the site with more sites on the blogroll, a music player, a section to feature hip-hop photography, and an ole timey spit shine. I will also try to get on some decent interviews and we’re up and running folks.

In honor of this, here’s a party jam:

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Tags: music video, onyx, site news, twitter, web comics