July 2010
29 posts
Lock It Down
Slum Village
Slum Village - Lock It Down [Prod. J Dilla]
One of the illest joints from the newly released (and behind-the-scenes drama-plagued curtain call) Villa Manifesto LP. All SV members, past and present representin’ hard right here in what now feels like a gloriously raw time warp. A solid album through and through (despite the unfortunate politricks which minimized eLZhi’s involvement and kept Black Milk off the album completely). But still, what a way to go out. R.I.P. Dilla and Baatin.
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”
—Buddha
T'Cha - T'Cha
Boogie Down Productions
Boogie Down Productions - T’Cha - T’Cha [By All Means Necessary, 1988]
“No one out can compete…and not another DJ rocks this type of beat.”
Hip Hop
Royce Da 5'9"
Royce Da 5’9” - Hip Hop (Death Is Certain, 2004) [Prod. DJ Premier]
Another personal fave Premo produced joint. It’s hip…hop, pure and simple.
The Real World: Treme
…is what MTV should have named the 24th edition of The (Mad) Real World (return to New Orleans). The longest running reality show of all-time is the only program of its kind that I continue to peep season in, season out. Probably because the producers keep the formula REAL simple and haven’t changed a thing since Day 1 (if it ain’t broke). Canada is exactly 3 weeks behind the American broadcast schedule as per usual (what’s the point, MTV Canada?). Regardless, after catching the premiere yesterday evening (aka early morning PVR-stylee), here are some quick thoughts regarding my first impressions of each house member:
- Eric: Smooth, classy cat. Straight up and stand up (comedian!).
- Preston: If Pharrell had a gay cousin (and maybe he does, I don’t know), then Preston would be him. Cool, funny and very well-dressed.
- Ryan: I want to punch this irritating, ultra-sensitive, homophobic dickhead square on the jaw (and that was how I felt when the introductions were made, long before the drama with Preston). The heel of the group has been firmly established.
- McKenzie: Her cute but uber-conservative ass needs a trip to the dark side, stat. However, her mega lush tendencies (and apparent alcohol induced black outs) should make for some funny drunk moments (well, funny for the viewers).
- Ashlee: It’s all about the luscious lips on this Jersey girl (transplanted into Beantown). And her athletic, power tool-selling physique could certainly kick my ass (I wouldn’t want to piss her off, no doubt).
- Sahar: In Eric’s words: “Sahar is definitely a girl that I would hook up with.” Right on.
- Knight: (to Preston after the drama while out on the town) “If you get hit by a hairstylist, would you be upset?” Haha. I wish mildly-amusing hockey guy would punch out insufferable bleached-blonde boy this season. But then dude would be sent home. Remember, this is Real World, not Jersey Shore (season 2 hummin’ cummin’ at cha real soon!). And I agree, guys SHOULD have (deez) nuts to handle their bidness.
- Jemmye (like Jimmy): Wow. This super southern country bumpkin is the wild child/card in the house. She had me at *flashing her “vajayjay tattoo” in the audition tape* Jem and Presto! are pure comedy together (and the most interesting roomie combo). Plus, ya gotta love her lack of pajamas and resulting erotic sleepwear *thumbs up*
In conclusion, I’m lovin’ this cast and the culture rich NOLA setting ensures for maximum sin potential across the board. And how about Kermit Ruffins (local New Orleans jazz legend and awesomely authentic Treme season one cast member) playing his horn during the city intro vignettes? Kermit be getting mad HBO and MTV pape$! And man, this show always makes me want to grab a drink to enhance the debauchery-stacked enjoyment (for this ep, I polished off my last can of Strongbow cider). Which reminds me that I’m out of beer for the first time this summer. Ti-ti-ti-time for a refill…later today (a 12-pack of over-sized Sapporo cans should do the trick). So unlike many of its detractors out there, I sure hope that the O.G. of reality TV lives on. “4…LIFE.” (c) Hollywood Hogan
“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.”
—Buddha
10 Legendary Mexican Midget Wrestlers - PopCrunch →
popcrunch.com
Who is that masked midget?
Fight The Power (Extended Version)
Public Enemy
Public Enemy - Fight The Power [Extended Version] (Fight The Power, 1989)
As the heat wave approaches its second week of completion (not as hot as it was the first unforgiving week, but still mighty humid) here in Ottawa and all surrounding areas, I decided to sit down and put on a timeless product of the summer season as well as a truly great film (in my personal TOP 20). The selection in question is a masterpiece about race relations in the neighbourhood of Bed-Stuy, BK on the hottest day of the year: Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.
The first time I saw Spizike’s greatest cinematic joint was in a film class circa 1999. It was with an entire room of about 100+ students in the main campus theatre. And it was just a great crowd to watch it with (as well as the largest attendance turnout for the year, from what I remember). I also got to do a presentation on the film in the following week’s discussion group (where I got a 90%, son!).
Do The Right Thing was definitely my favourite screening of that year in a class that also included screenings of such films as Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, Michael Moore’s Roger & Me and Yasujiro Ozu’s Tokyo Story (all first time viewings in my case). I really wish I could take that class again, knowing what I know now about cinema. Don’t get me wrong, I did get an A in the course (roughly 85%), but I would f*cking kill that course material today with mad gusto. And that’s the double truth, Ruth!
Mic Stance
Afu-Ra
Afu-Ra - Mic Stance (DJ Premier Remix)
Since I’ll probably never get around to writing/posting a countdown of my favourite DJ Premier beats (something I’ve been wanting to do but can’t really be bothered to put it together at the moment), here’s one of the tracks that was squarely in the TOP 10 (maybe even TOP 5). This came on during my workout yesterday, and I couldn’t help but stop in mid-rep to nod my head for a hot minute (hip hop fans, you know that “ahhhh yyyeahh” feeling I’m talking about). Vintage Premo through and through; from the soulful intro to the extra knock in the snare-heavy beat to the precise, trademark scratches. With the icing on the cake being the Asian influence in the overall sound, perfectly complementing Afu’s great passion for the martial arts.
And although I’ve labeled this as the remix (which it is), this was the version that appeared on Afu-Ra’s excellent full-length Body Of The Life Force LP from 2000 (presumably because it was actually better than the original, something I tend to agree with), where it was simply titled “Mic Stance”. And whatta mighty good stance! In addition, Afu was an excellent lyricist (arguably the best in the Gang Starr foundation, technically speaking) who always sounded so natural over a Premo beat (Preem produced 5 joints from Life Force, with DJ Muggs, True Master and Da Beatminerz also providing some nicely gritty soundscapes). So press play because this joint knocks hard in all the right places *happily nodding head*
Fun, Fun, Fun
Pharrell
Pharrell - Fun, Fun, Fun [Prod. Pharrell Williams] (Despicable Me OST)
What a great summer song for the whole family! Almost makes you wanna go back to elementary/secondary school just so you could have that awesome “school’s out for summer” feeling again (almost). Also, Skateboard P’s back and on the attack with his endearing “phalsetto” stylee (it’s been a while). Whatta good time, indeed! Edit: This joint feels like a summer prequel to Happy from N*E*R*D’s Seeing Sounds. Although it’s much more care-free, playful and…well…HAPPY. This one’s definitely fo’ da keedz.
As for the film itself, I’m taking my nephew (now 3.5 years old) to see it tomorrow afternoon. He’s peeped the trailer quite a bit over the past few weeks and is rather excited (especially for that roller coaster scene). So if you’re keeping score, the little man’s first theatrical experience was Astro Boy last October (perfect timing). And now his second cinematic experience (and first in-theatre summer film) will be an enjoyably amusing villain-with-a-heart movie that’s got a score and soundtrack (10 tracks, Illmatic style…haha) both produced by The Neptunes.
Yes indeedy, I’m making sure that this kid is on the proper pop cultural track alright (I take this job seriously, I do).
Voodoo Child
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child
And finally, just like Hollywood Hogan did to great effect in the 90’s, LBJ should switch out the powder throwing ritual (old hat) and enter every arena that he plays in to arguably the most legendary guitar riff of all-time, complete with sunglasses and a feather boa (haha). *playing air guitar to this timeless track*
