HIP HOP - PIP POP :::: What Is The Next Stage?

As of late I have been having a rough time accepting a few things in the world of entertainment. Specifically of the Hip Hop Variety. I am a well educated person of the streets, or so I like to think. Many things capture my attention these days when it comes to the music genre. 

There are many Hip Hop artist out now. Whether it is by major label or they are pressing their independent works or having a mix tape flood their local scene. I have been let down time after time with the nonsense that is being called rap. I am cool with gangsta rap, I am cool with Back pack and I am cool with bubble gum. So my argument does not concern the genre as much as it does the quality. 

What happened to the lyrics? In the past 10 years I have witnessed the quality fall short of spectacular. I no longer see the art form growing as it should. What happened to the word play? Every thing seem simple and contrite as all possible. The vibe is gone. 

Rappers today are trying way to hard to have a persona and are forgetting about the lyrics. The only thing that keeps me listening is the beats. The production is way up, the lyrical content, you guessed it..way down. I prefer watching American idol two days in a row before buying another rap album.

I did not write this to name any names. However I hope that those who do come across this that have a career or plan on having one. To take the time out to rethink their approach. Don't let the record company sway you in to thinking without a brain, it is impossible to do. The end result is no thought equals no lyrics. It is that simple.

The record companies have drain the art out of Hip Hop. It is all sales now. Hip Hop is just PIP POP. Pop music, that claims it is real over heavy baselines. Mix tape rappers who consider themselves the toughest on their blocks may be the toughest on their block, but what about the world. You can not and will not run it all. Matter of fact, it is better to drop art, tell us what really going on in your mind and souls. I have heard a million and one song this years that consist of how many guns, women, dollars, and cars you have. I think it is time for something new.

Some may hate Mister Dress code for stepping out or MR. Team owner for stepping off and on the stage. You cant blame them or be mad at the growth in these individuals. The problems with the Hip Hop community stem from the problems in the hood. So of course the hood will buy anything that sounds tough, if they don't have any other options. Give the world variety and it will eventually take it as it is. 

So I dare the next decade of Hip Hop to be better. You have the year 2010 to begin the work, and to start a new era. This is a six month heads up. The world expects more and nothing less.

What is the next stage? No I am not saying for everyone to get on the vocoder or to make an EMO RAP Album, but I am saying take a cue from those who have taken the risk. Hip Hop is about fusion of the world around it. The problem is that it has gotten to cocky with itself and stop growing in the direction it began growing towards . Is it now too old to change its ways? Are you the next act to bring the change? Look around you, that is where Hip Hop is.

Living In A Cave

It seems that I do not know anything else but my own thoughts. I can not seem to see past it. With my lady driving me crazy and work taking from me my soul. I am losing the grip on my persona. This is something that I can not allow to happen.

So as I am driving on my way home, I decided for once to turn on the lame ass choices we have for Phoenix, Arizona radio stations.

I am flying down the I-10, and a song catches my attention. As it is pulling me out of my funk, from a long day of politics and Bull Shit. I realize that there is a song that is taking me beyond where I want to be, at that very moment. However, it will not let go of me. So I turn the volume up higher.


I want to know who that is, so I prop my I phone up to the stereo. It showed me who it was an artist by the name of Cudi. Kid Cudi to be exact. I heard the name before, but I did not pay it any attention. Since I have been a little less impressed with the options that we have in Hip Hop. However this one song has allowed me back in, more so inviting me back in. Telling me that I can not stray far without suffering the pain of loss.

As it is stated in the title I have been living in a cave, a deep state of thoughts that did not allow me any social ability. Also it has caused me to drop in and out of this Blog with no respect to the readers that actually stopped in to show love from time to time.

The song that was playing is called 'Day and Night'. I can not believe that there is a song that was written and fills the exact level of thoughts that I contained in my mind. Although I am not a stoner or a smoker of any kind or a loner. This song has hit the spot, like a meal after a long journey on foot. You guys out there know what I am talking about. Act as if you do not.

Not to give a short Memoir. That is not what I am here for. I am here to give you this video. I am sure that you have heard it before. That song is about us the people that struggle. If you find your self in a cave. Listen to this song and realize that you are not alone and keep it moving.

So in saying all of that. I just want to leave you with the video and the proclamation that I think:

This song rocks. Simple as that.



Yes I have written about the dude before. So sue me!

Hip Hop 101 :::: Todays lesson - The world of Lil Wayne

I am in full support of the new movement, in which a rapper expands oneself to do other things and bring back to Hip Hop its element. Believe it or not, Lil Wayne Picking up the Guitar is Hip Hop. 

My Definitive understanding of what Hip Hop is this. Applying all elements living and inanimate alike to create a sound and or/style that is consisting of the elements around you and given to you, to make new and/or expand on what is of current and past. That to me is Hip Hop. 

Although Hip Hop has been defined and I think should be defined this way. So that people can stop asking the questions what it Hip Hop or is Hip Hop really art? Etc. Etc.! Is Lil Wayne really Plucking those strings? Do we think he has the potential to be the next great guitarist?

I think he does. But I know there are those skeptics out there I would like to know. Class is in session. 

Watch the video then tell me what you think.

TRUE WORDS ::: DEAD PREZ 'HIP HOP'

Dead Prez "Hip Hop" is a classic that many have overlooked. But the true soldiers who have been paying attention know exactly what I getting across here. It is important that we take into account this piece of history. Not only for Hip Hop to continued growth, but for the minds of those who listen to it Black and White, and every other color in the center of the contrast.

AS THE GAME GOES :

Let me tell you a little story. The other day I am driving down Mill Ave, out here in Tempe Arizona. The top is down because it was the first cool day of the fall and our summers are hot, but the other three seasons are the best the country has to offer. Anyway, As I pass the pool hall Mill Q I realize that these two college kids were listening to some trash hop, you know that new garbage, they try to pass of as hip hop, with lame lyrical content. Now it is ok to have veriety but this shit, was not making the cut. It took no talent whatsoever. Yes it was catchy but the artist was some new comer to the game that is copying the formula but forgot to add the talent. That is the problem, they are copying instead of creating. They are doing it for the cash instead of for the love of it. They are not pushing themselve, they are just working hard at being lazy.


Listen to the vets we need the contrast of all sides.



And



And



I had to bring these videos back to the forefront.BET although I loathe them at times this was important and well executed. Although it was an execution of HIP HOP in its entirety. Which caused those with a mind to think even less of the entire genre.



I AM TIRED OF THE SAME OLD SCENARIO MOTHER FUCKERS! STOP BUYING TRASH LIKE THIS SO THAT THE TRUE WRITERS ARE GETTING THERE DUE.

I am not done yet!

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Mas....I mean P Miller is stepping up to a new level in the game

I have to respect this guys movements in showing the country and inevitably the world(mainly people of color), that possibilities are not determined by your background. Master P has taken a $10,000 check left behind by a relative, and turned it into something huge over the years. Although many hardcore Hip Hop heads may not agree with his ability to rap or make a classic record I am sure that they agree on one thing. This man is about his upward mobility by any means.

Read the current statements on what he is doing next:

Percy Miller (formerly Master P) announces the launch of
Better Black Television (BBTV) a family friendly network that will
provide positive content for a black and brown culture that will appeal
to all races with a goal to bring people of color a choice when turning
on their television. The content on the channel will contain a wide
arrangement from health and fitness, animation, financial planning,
reality TV, sitcoms, dramas, movies, responsible hip-hop music and
videos, politics, sports and entertainment news, educational children’s
shows as well as teen and family programming.

Better Black Television is the brainchild and passion of some of the
most diverse, powerful, celebrated entertainers, influentials and
trendsetters from the Television, Film, Professional Sports, Corporate
America and Music industries. These visionaries all share the common
goal of enhancing the current television landscape for this highly
coveted demographic currently monopolized by only a few significant
providers, with fresh, innovative, uplifting and above all
family-friendly entertainment.

Nas & Keri Hilson Jimmy Kimmel Live 7-16-08

Nas "Hero" on Jimmy Kimmel Live 7-16-08

Lupe hits gold and should be hitting diamond.

I walked into Target, asked the stock boy where can I get a copy of that Lupe Fiasco Album, "The cool." He said to me it is sold out and we will have more in at the end of the week. As he began to walk away and I followed suit. He shouted out to me, hey man, I know a mom and pop store you can pick up a copy. So in turn; I asked him where, he told me that I have to go into the heart of city and snatch up a copy. So I hoped into my car, drove for about 20 minutes. Once I arrived I ran in the store and shouted I need "The Cool". Once the store clerk realized I was not high or drunk, he asked what do I mean, I said it again. Then it dawned on him that I was asking for a copy of "The Cool," by Lupe Fiasco. He reached behind him, and plopped it on the counter. I quickly handed him my swipe, signed, and left the store ripping open the packaging, just to turn around say thank you to the clerk, and and asked if he would toss out the wrapping for me. He happily obliged.

Which leads me to tell you what has been going on with the music placed on that disc.The album has not stopped spinning since I purchased it. It reminds me when I bought my first copy of 'Slippery when wet,' by Bon Jovi, I just knew I had a classic on my hands, an album that is not about the day, but embodies the sounds of today. An album that will grow as you grow, one that is reminiscent of Hip Hop past, all the while visualizing Hip Hop of tomorrow. If Nas told Lupe one day, that Hip Hop was, dead, Lupe Quickly ran and earned a medical/science degree, and used the stem cells left behind, to bring it back as it was and better.

So I say all this to say, that Lupe Going gold is an honor, but I demand that it be known that it is not enough. It is obvious that Hip Hop Culture is dead, but Hip Hop is alive, fighting against this pseudo Hip Hop, that we call talent, and dome dress code that only shows one piece of what was offered in the first place. What it is at this point is regurgitated garbage, left over scraps of what was. Wanna be cool, wanna be Gangster, wanna-be Pimp Player. It is not about any one thing it is about what you make it, as long as it is real from the gut, and heart.

Lupe is a part of the saving grace of the music, forget the culture it is an illusion, the culture died way before Nas Spoke up. If I am wrong the culture is underground awaiting the mainstream pseudo Hip Hop, to annoy listeners enough before it reemerges victorious, once and for all time.

Lupe is Gold people, that is 500,000 plus smart people, 499,000 others apart from myself. Joined the movement of true music, these poser should not be making money. Long live true art.

Here is the first single off 'The Cool' - Dump It down.



I take it that many of those in generation of current day Hip Hop just do not utilize their minds for anything constructive. Such as the beauty of word play. True word play, not that I can add a slang to a slang, and nothing else wordplay. Get it together Hip Hop, or you will be commuting on the freeway to suicide.

Moments in Entertainment ::: Digable Planets

If you are old enough to remember. Then you know the abstract sounds of Digable planets. Even if you do not; it is good to take a step back and take in the vibes, of what once was and what still has a voice.

Although they've broken up and went into different directions, the time has come that they returned full circle to offer to the musics what is missing. They still have the might to bring you raw music sounds, fusing Hip-Hop and Jazz. Take a small look into their world and soak up the raw energy and realize that "you too are a planet that is Digable."

Here is another video showcasing the reunion of the group:



You can catch them on Myspace

Breaker Breaker ::: Suge Knight Gets Lumped up !!!!!

Suge is the one on the ground in Yellow.

Whoa ...I did not think that I would be writing that headline anytime soon. Who am I kidding I thought I would have written that one long time ago, way before the inception of this blog. SUGE KNIGHT GOT KNOCKED THE (&$#@ OUT !!!!!

There is not much you can say to this, it is just one of those situations, with one of those people that just make you sit back and wonder, what is really going on. Suge Knight has been entertainments menace for decades, from Vanilla ice to the whole Death Row roster. Now someone felt they needed to talk to the man. I guess the only questions that are of real concern is; who did it and why.

On All Hip Hop, they just have the feeling that Dr. Dre and Snoop are sitting back and have a laugh or two over this one. Heck I even bet Vanilla Ice is feeling some relief on this one as well.

Whatever the case may be, I guess you just need to see for your self.

Throwback Videos Mash up ::: Mr. Mister Vs. Tupac

Sitting down on my sofa watching don't forget the lyrics and the contestant had the option to sing Broken Wings, by Mr. Mister, which once sung reminded of how many of us are dealing with broken wings and needs to pick ourselves up and fly again. No matter what faces you in life remember you can pick yourself back up and start all over.

America we are facing much however do not forget what makes us strong, is that we can stand against everything that tries to make us weak. Whether it be love, war, hatred, loss, financial and or any of the other reasons in the world, that makes us feel like giving in, we cant stop now. The season has arrived, and the good news, the season shall pass. Stay strong my fellow country people, and all those around the world, who may share what we share, here in these United States.

God Bless all that seek to regain their lives.

Enjoy the videos:


Mr. Mister -Broken Wings


Tupac Shakur - Until the End of Time

Artist to Reconsider :::: Lupe Fiasco

You have style daring and something different from the norm blending sounds of the world, offering up a delightful buffet that is healthy to the soul. Lupe Fiasco is an artist that is rated high and overlooked just that same. With the lack of gimmick rap videos, he offers up a style that has gone below the radar, much like jay z with Reasonable Doubt, Mos-Def with A new Danger, and the list goes one.

This does not have to remain that way, this is an opportunity to digest real music. Just last week I entertained several guest to this album and I got nothing but raving comments about the album. Here I want you to take a look at an artist that is pumped out of Chicago, a place that is giving us some of our current artist with spirit, such as Kanye West, and Veteran Common.

Here is Lupe on Jay Leno:



Ellen Performance:

Video Premier ::: Teriyaki Boyz - Zock On F/ BUSTA RHYMES and PHARRELL

This song is really interesting and I have to admit that I enjoy it. It is good to see that Busta is bringing back a little of that style that we all appreciate his for. He is in rare form on this. Pharrell as always deliver.

Where did that come from ::: Killing Me Softly and Through the wire

Fugees - Killing me Softly


Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly



Allow me both the original and the hip Hop version, either way you go you receive a classic. My purpose of this post is to give you a chance to see that if two things combine you can make beautiful music. More of a gap has been bridged with the song Killing me softly.

Allow me to show you more example. I hope that you have the time.

Kanye West, John Legend, Miri Ben Ari - Through the Wire



Chaka Khan - Through the fire



Now after listening to these songs I hope that you now have been reminded the value of merging generation, people, and bridging gaps to get an opportunity to show that their is more in common when ideas work for uniting a cause, and ideas.

Enjoy your weekend

Raw Talent untainted ::: Hip Hop Violinist

There are not any words in the English dialect to describe the tremendous talented that is owned by these violinist.


Youtube posting "PURE talent by far" Da Don , Paul Dteh & DJ Inka One ... "Amazingly good ... now thats pure music man"




This is a raw treat away from the everyday mundane, cookie cutter musicians that we are forced to be exposed to on the day to day bases. A time onces existed that we could turn on the radio and be proud of what we heard. Those days are long gone. The good news, is the talent is still out there and we have to do our best to seek out the talent and bring them to the limelight. This is my contribution and I will continue to bring you raw musical talent as soon as I find it.

I hope that you enjoyed.


Here are more example of the new evolution behind musics step child Hip Hop.

Black Violin EPK:



Miri-Ben-Ari on Apollo A talent to reckon with:



Here are some raw stats on Miri Ben Ari:

"Miri Ben-Ari (born 1978 in Israel) is an Israeli violinist. She is known for her fusion of classical style with jazz, R&B and hip hop, and has been recognized as a musical pioneer.

A classically-trained musician, Ben-Ari has performed and recorded with other Grammy award-winning artists including Kanye West, Jay Z, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Wynton Marsalis, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Patti Labelle, Brandy, Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, John Legend, and Styles P.

She studied under the Isaac Stern, and has earned the honor from New York's Apollo Theater as an Apollo Legend. She is also known as "The Hip Hop Violinist", the title of her latest album (Universal Records).

She was recently featured by Reebok in their "I Am What I Am" global print and TV advertising campaign. She has done commercials for Pepsi and Coca-Cola and has been the voice of VH1's Save the Music, which promotes live music and music education across the US.

Miri was the featured violinist and writer for the Paramount Pictures 2007 film "The Freedom Writers" starring actress Hilary Swank. She was one of Jewish Women International’s "Ten Women To Watch of 2007" and she won the JVIBE award as Best Israeli Artist of 2007.

She has appeared on Sesame Street, is featured in the live performance album and DVD of Aventura’s “Sold Out at Madison Square Garden” concert, has performed for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, at Lincoln Center for “VH1 Save The music Gala”, and at Radio City Hall's "Fashion Rocks" concert and at its “Dream Concert”, a dream team program of artists which included Miri, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Usher, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Garth Brooks, and Santana.

Her single "Symphony of Brotherhood", featuring Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech, is the first instrumental single ever to hit on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop charts, MTV and VH1. She received the first Israeli Martin Luther King Award from Israel President Shimon Peres.

Miri is currently working on a new humanitarian campaign "Gedenk" ("Remember") dedicated to promoting awareness among young people about the Holocaust.

Miri Ben-Ari has been performing for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as a part of the 2008 presidential campaign.

Her most recent album, The Hip-Hop Violinist, was released on September 20, 2005."

The Rap Game is beginning to look more like the w-Rap-ed insane

It seems Lil' Wayne Rapper from New Orleans has lost all of his marbles from the overuse of drugs illegal and over the counter. Now I tried my best to stay away from this guys issues but at what point do you step in to say something? I think to answer that question, it should have been a long time ago when it comes to young Mr. Carter.

When you begin to wander around on stage during your own concert. It is evident your brain is fried, and those around you are not doing a good job at helping you up.

Watch the video people, and Wayne if you see this think about it for a long time:



In closing:

Do not discount that he makes really good Hip Hop music that you can listen to, however someone needs to intervene in this guys life. I does not look like his so called daddy Baby is doing a good job and did more to influence this guy into the wrong direction.

Letter to the subject:

Lil'Wayne I love you music, and your talent is tremendous and you can do rap thing without all the drugs. Take some time to clean yourself up. So that the generations to come can hand you your lifetime achievement award instead of some memorial service that the world will forget. You are successful, but you still have a mark to make. Whatever your demons, do everything in your power to shake them off. If you want to send me a note drop a line with an e-mail. I am so serious on this. And this goes out to whoever is reading this. It ain't cool, my contact information is on the side, drop a line.

I know that you are the only Rapper who would openly "Kiss your Boss" on this mouth. You may have caught some slack for it. But are you going to burn you legacy in every leaf, piss it out in every urinal you come across, or are you going to pray to the porcelain every time you over drink. Enough is Enough, get from around those who do not offer you a thing, even from around those who think they own you because they saved you as a child. Your debt is paid, you made millions, got out of your hood, and all you have to to is take that step to a better life. Money ain't everything, it is just the thing that helps you sustain what is already valuable and cant be replaced and that is your life.

Video Premiere ::: Lil Wayne F/ Static Major - Lollipop

Here is Lollipop Off of Lil Wayned Much anticipated album release the Carter III.

The video has a bit of clarity issues, when I find a better version I will be sure to replace it. Let me know what you think of the concept.

Lil Wayne- Lollipop (ft. Static Major)
Uploaded by youngkingz12

Video premier ::::: "Sexy Can I" - Ray J F/ Young Berg

I guess Ray J felt that he needed to revamp this video from its original. Maybe if he gets reggie Bush's girlfriend back for a love scene in the video he would not have to make so many videos for the same song. I dont know...Just a thought.

Throwback Video :::: Mos Def - Umi Says,Ghetto Rock, Sex, Love & Money, Ms. Fat Booty

Umi Says


Ghetto Rock


Sex Love & money


Ms. Fat Booty

Old School Hip Hop Video of the week:::::The message

New York City- Late in the 70's a music style emerged, and very few had an idea about this musical style and those who did not, considered it noise. Although this was the case the music grew beyond containment due to its ability to deliver a message, this style of poetic expression; allowed for many to share their thoughts, open up to the masses, and be creatively innovative.

With poignant lyrical content( when it was about the lyrics ); Grand Master Flash and the Furious five presented to the world the message. Bringing to us a new sense of music, and sharing their Community's-internal news report.

Beanie Sigel- Another Day another problem

Beanie Sigel has his days, and this one will just be one long one for him. Recently reported Rapper Beanie Sigel, has been handed a day in jail, by the time you read this, he may be headed to or have finished his time. As a recap: Sigel, stated to the judge that he has changed and that he is making strides to be a better citizen and role model. He has started this, by working alongside Bill Cosby, a well noted person, of moral character and a flare for the dismissal of the "y" generation music choices. However that may be, he has worked with Sigel. Either way, with a probation Violation for hanging out with persons of questionable moral fiber, Beanie has been handed a day in jail for spending time with such an individual and 6 months, in a halfway house. Which prevents him from promoting his album the Solution. With no travel-tour, I see another great Sigel Album, and rap album at that, taking a nose dive. My personal hopes this is not the case. Personal Opinion: I am able to see the changes in your demeanor. I am sure that, with time, you will be a respected person of your community. You are on the right track, with working alongside Bill Cosby and with the Mentor/Partner that you have at the Roc, I see you making huge gains, in your career. Hold your head tight, and use this time to make things happen, wright some new Gems, advance your flow, come up with a sure business plan. One day is all it takes to make a choice.

Original source