Heineken: Let A Stranger Drive You Home [Commercial]
While we're still on the topic of commercials, I've gotta say that this new joint from Heineken definitely brought a smile to my face. Bare in mind, the Lakers were pounding the Jazz into submission at the time, so I was already... shall we say, jovial. "Oh, baby, yooooouuuuu..."
KRS-One and Buckshot on Live @ Headquarterz
Panchi from the NYGz replaces Big Shug as cohost and hangs with Buckshot Shorty and the Teacha at the recording of "Live At Headquarterz", DJ Premier's Sirius show.
Remember this?KRS says he wants to do a whole album with Premo, possibly called Return Of The Boom-Bip. Exciting times.
I'm Goin' Back: Sample Set #103 [The Re-Up]
"Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. But uh, until that day, accept this justice as a gift on my daughter's wedding day."- D. Corleone
This re-up couldn't be possible without a certain D. Corleone. Rest in peace Mr. Brando, but I'm talking of course about a friend of the site, the one and only Dom Corleone of Hits from the Blog. For weeks, I've been searching for a decent copy of Aalon's "Lonely Princess". I had a dusty vinyl rip of the track, but Corleone made me an offer I couldn't refuse. With the recent acquisition of said track (thanks again homie - follow him!), plus an added joint by Queen, I was able to re-compile this set.
Above all, I'd also like to take this opportunity to introduce a soon-to-be-completed work-in-progress: Hip Hop Is Read: Sample Sets. The new format for posting sample sets will be simple; I drop a post here on HHIR which links you to Sample Sets. All you've gotta do is following the instructions below the album cover. :D
There and only there will you find the tracklisting and download links to the sets. I appreciate all the subscribers and visitors of my blog who come for the sets, yes, but also for the other content we post. But if you're only here for the sets -- I ain't mad at'cha -- Sample Sets is an apt substitute. Just subscribe to the blog - the motto is "No Frills... Just Samples". Like Hip Hop Is Read: Exclusives, the format is straight to the point. Get in where you fit in. Cool? Cool.
Aight, I'm signing out for the night. Just one more thing before I go... Turn it up!!
This re-up couldn't be possible without a certain D. Corleone. Rest in peace Mr. Brando, but I'm talking of course about a friend of the site, the one and only Dom Corleone of Hits from the Blog. For weeks, I've been searching for a decent copy of Aalon's "Lonely Princess". I had a dusty vinyl rip of the track, but Corleone made me an offer I couldn't refuse. With the recent acquisition of said track (thanks again homie - follow him!), plus an added joint by Queen, I was able to re-compile this set.
Above all, I'd also like to take this opportunity to introduce a soon-to-be-completed work-in-progress: Hip Hop Is Read: Sample Sets. The new format for posting sample sets will be simple; I drop a post here on HHIR which links you to Sample Sets. All you've gotta do is following the instructions below the album cover. :D
There and only there will you find the tracklisting and download links to the sets. I appreciate all the subscribers and visitors of my blog who come for the sets, yes, but also for the other content we post. But if you're only here for the sets -- I ain't mad at'cha -- Sample Sets is an apt substitute. Just subscribe to the blog - the motto is "No Frills... Just Samples". Like Hip Hop Is Read: Exclusives, the format is straight to the point. Get in where you fit in. Cool? Cool.
Aight, I'm signing out for the night. Just one more thing before I go... Turn it up!!
Why Am I Obsessed With This Snickers Commercial?
The magical way in which Ryan snaps off that Snickers wrapper... Patrick Ewing saying "AHHHHHH!" and "oops"... Ryan's epic fail... The fact that Patrick Ewing is even in this bizarre commercial to begin with? It all just adds up.
Patrick Chewing FTW!
Patrick Chewing FTW!
Nardwuar Vs. Janelle Monae
Awesome, awesome, awesome. Really looking forward to Janelle's next record.
Has anyone here heard Janelle Monae's music and if so, what do you think of it?
Weekly Address from President Obama (April 25, 2009)
This week the President reiterates a theme that has been a hallmark of his career, namely that "old habits and stale thinking" will simply not help us solve the new and immense problems our country faces. Listing off several specific changes he intends to bring, he describes his guiding principle: "To help build a new foundation for the 21st century, we need to reform our government so that it is more efficient, more transparent, and more creative."
My Big Beef With 'Notorious'
After watching Notorious for a second time, I’ve still got a few complaints I’d like to get off my chest. First off, I’ve gotta say that the depiction of Tupac in the film, while mellow for a biopic of his so-called rival, was riddled with mockery and disregard. A particular scene in which the only dialogue coming from ‘Pac is “Westside, nigga, Westside” (repeatedly) strikes a chord; but I also felt it was pretty crummy to highlight the detail that ‘Pac was shot just above his testicles. I took this as a deliberate attempt to castrate and emasculate ‘Pac’s character as the male inferior to B.I.G.’s superior alpha male imagery. Of course, this is all symbolism, and being that this was just a movie about a rapper – as opposed to a classic, award-garnering masterpiece – perhaps there’s not quite so much room for deep interpretation. My objection still remains.
I also found it dissatisfactory that whilst ‘Pac was portrayed as nothing more but a hot-headed thug, B.I.G. was portrayed as a humble, zen-like figure. It’s clear that the people around B.I.G.’s life were deeply involved in the development of Notorious. The story is told strictly from an autobiographical point of view, as opposed to a balanced, historical retelling of the mid-‘90’s East Coast/West Coast beef. Just as he did with B.I.G.’s music, Puffy’s corny imprint is all over this film, for better or for worse. Mostly for worse. Full of melodrama, Notorious makes a big hoopla over the woman in B.I.G.’s life, treating the scenario as a giant headache to overcome. But what was going on in ‘Pac’s life during this segment? Off-duty officer shot down. Trial. Rape case. Trial. Jail time. Shots fired… Mortality proven.
After ‘Pac was gunned down in the recording studio’s lobby, the film portrays him as a delusional, violent thug. B.I.G. is treated as the victim, due to his innocence. Personally, I don’t believe that B.I.G. was involved in the shooting, and the film does a great job of documenting B.I.G.’s grief. But let’s remember who the victim truly was here. ‘Pac was the one who took those shots. He even had the strength to give the camera the middle finger whilst he was being hauled off into an ambulance. It’s no surprise to note that I find 2Pac to be the superior of the two. Not simply for his music, but for his message. Both of these men liked to flash their achievements and live large. But raised against a backdrop of crooked cops and Black Panthers, ‘Pac had a grittiness that B.I.G. could never possess.
Despite my grievances over Notorious’ handling of 2Pac’s side of the story, I can’t help but note the film’s value in portraying the rags-to-riches story of Christopher Wallace. The film is a commercial-level success because it documents the life of a commercial-level artist, the Notorious B.I.G. Though 2Pac himself achieved great commercial standing – more so than B.I.G, in fact – I don’t believe that a biopic would ever be able to truly capture his life story – neither from a West or East Coast angle. A documentary perhaps, but certainly not a big-budget film like Notorious. Maybe I’m wrong.
To cap things off, I’d also like to make note of the fact that any influence of Jay-Z or The Lox in B.I.G.’s life is decidedly cut out of the film. The presence of these emcees isn’t felt in the slightest, not even making any brief appearance(s). It would have seemed fitting if you ask me… The final verdict is that putting all flaws aside, I’d still recommend you check out Notorious – that is, if you haven’t already.
Notorious is in stores now.
I also found it dissatisfactory that whilst ‘Pac was portrayed as nothing more but a hot-headed thug, B.I.G. was portrayed as a humble, zen-like figure. It’s clear that the people around B.I.G.’s life were deeply involved in the development of Notorious. The story is told strictly from an autobiographical point of view, as opposed to a balanced, historical retelling of the mid-‘90’s East Coast/West Coast beef. Just as he did with B.I.G.’s music, Puffy’s corny imprint is all over this film, for better or for worse. Mostly for worse. Full of melodrama, Notorious makes a big hoopla over the woman in B.I.G.’s life, treating the scenario as a giant headache to overcome. But what was going on in ‘Pac’s life during this segment? Off-duty officer shot down. Trial. Rape case. Trial. Jail time. Shots fired… Mortality proven.
After ‘Pac was gunned down in the recording studio’s lobby, the film portrays him as a delusional, violent thug. B.I.G. is treated as the victim, due to his innocence. Personally, I don’t believe that B.I.G. was involved in the shooting, and the film does a great job of documenting B.I.G.’s grief. But let’s remember who the victim truly was here. ‘Pac was the one who took those shots. He even had the strength to give the camera the middle finger whilst he was being hauled off into an ambulance. It’s no surprise to note that I find 2Pac to be the superior of the two. Not simply for his music, but for his message. Both of these men liked to flash their achievements and live large. But raised against a backdrop of crooked cops and Black Panthers, ‘Pac had a grittiness that B.I.G. could never possess.
Despite my grievances over Notorious’ handling of 2Pac’s side of the story, I can’t help but note the film’s value in portraying the rags-to-riches story of Christopher Wallace. The film is a commercial-level success because it documents the life of a commercial-level artist, the Notorious B.I.G. Though 2Pac himself achieved great commercial standing – more so than B.I.G, in fact – I don’t believe that a biopic would ever be able to truly capture his life story – neither from a West or East Coast angle. A documentary perhaps, but certainly not a big-budget film like Notorious. Maybe I’m wrong.
To cap things off, I’d also like to make note of the fact that any influence of Jay-Z or The Lox in B.I.G.’s life is decidedly cut out of the film. The presence of these emcees isn’t felt in the slightest, not even making any brief appearance(s). It would have seemed fitting if you ask me… The final verdict is that putting all flaws aside, I’d still recommend you check out Notorious – that is, if you haven’t already.
Notorious is in stores now.
P.S. "Big Beef"? No homo...
Hip Hop Insomniacs Club: 2Pac - 'Holla If Ya Hear Me'
"Holla If Ya Hear Me" is a song by Tupac Shakur, from his second solo album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.. It was the first single released from this album in 1993. The track, which uses a sample from Public Enemy's "Rebel Without a Pause" is an anthem of resistance. Frustrations with black poverty, police injustice, and Tupac's own persecution from political figure Dan Quayle fuels the majority of the track. Hustling, bearing arms, and refusal to conform are the key methods of combating said issues, and the chorus leads those listeners in agreement to join in the movement.
The video made for the single was shot completely in black and white. Much like the track, the video clips were shot in an energetic, nearly-chaotic pace. The video starts off from the viewpoint of a young boy who witnesses his father's death. Tupac's lyrics of resistance to injustice and encouragement to bear arms and fight back are backed by his gathering groups of young black men and women to march in the streets. Between these are clips of the young boy in the aftermath of his father's death. After seeing his mother reminiscing on her lost husband, the young boy finds money in the house and takes to the street, later seen buying a gun from someone in an alley. Near the end of the video, Tupac, sporting a bulletproof vest, is walking around in a shooting range with a group of young people taking shots at paper targets (notably accurate in hitting "rib cage" and other vital locations on each target). In the final scene, Tupac and company have left, and the young boy is seen standing alone at the shooting range. He takes off his baseball cap and reveals himself to be a girl--the cap concealing her long hair. She reaches into her coat to retrieve her gun and, now aiming at the target, fires a round. [Via Wiki]
Scared & (Chemically) Unbalanced: Fox News on Obama & Chavez
Lots of my friends are conservatives, but none of them are this deranged. I have a little theory that the antipathy by most gay-bashing conservatives stems from some sort of glossed-over sexual depravity due to a twisted childhood. But many I’m stretching it a bit… Still, what sick mind could it possibly occur to that Obama and Chavez had “something going on” behind “closed doors”? Col. Ralph Peters, that’s who! You know what? Fuck it, I hope these numskulls do secede from the United States!
The 4-In-1 Special [Em' Samples]
This one's for all you sad, Rapidshare account-less pirates out there...
The four Em' sample sets, all zipped up into one 200MB package (perfect fit)!
Enjoy... and turn it up!
Hip Hop Is Read Presents:
[The Samples]
El Michels Affair - Enter the 37th Chamber | Review
El Michels AffairEnter the 37th Chamber
Release Date: April 21st, 2009
Truth and Soul Records/Fat Beats Records
Representing a revival of funk and soul, groups like the Budos Band and the Menahan Street Band – just to name a few – have effortlessly converged with the sounds and realm of hip hop. If you’ll recall from our very first sample set, producers The Hitmen provided a stirring backdrop for Jay-Z’s 2007 American Gangster, notably sampling a Menahan track titled “Make the Road by Walking” for Jay-Z’s “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)…”. A perfect fusion of like-minded orient and styles.
@ S.O.B.'s (New York): Ghetto Metal w/Bazaar Royale, Game Rebellion, Raye 6 & Megabone [April 30th]
I'll be in New York sometime in May, sadly too late to catch this great show @ S.O.B.'s. I first heard of Bazaar Royale back when I listened to him flip CKY on the Cradle 2 the Grave OST. Ever since then, I recall asking myself "what ever happened to him?" Now I know. Catch Bazaar and the ghetto metal crew getting rowdy at S.O.B.'s on April 30th. It's up to you, New York...
@ House of Oni's Bare Essentials (Houston): Soulbrotha, Rukus & More! [April 25th]
From Soulbrotha:
The good folks of House of Oni have once again tapped me to join with fellow musical counterparts/bredren - Rukus, Marium and the House of Oni Band for another fresh presentation of the very best in Hip Hop, Soul & Rn'B music.
You can also expect some of the best and brightest poets/spoken word artists and open mic talent gracing the mic.
EZ-Baked, Volume 1: Mixed by Joe.U.Kno
Well whaddya know? A pot-themed mixtape on 4/20? The stoners really came prepared this year, huh? Mix-master Joe.U.Kno hooks us up with this tightly-rolled joint (oh, man this is too easy) to get you lifted. As if you weren't already. Lighters up! Referral/Download link is below the tracklisting:
TRACKLIST:
TRACKLIST:
1. Crucial Conflict - HayDownload @ The Under the Table Crew
2. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - 1st of the month (primo remix)
3. Dennis Brown - Black Magic Woman
4. Murs - God’s Work
5. Collie Buddz - Come Around
6. Dr. Oop - Somethin’ About Mary
7. Cypress Hill - I Wanna Get High
8. Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day
9. Lil’ Wayne - La La La
10. Dilated Peoples - Weed Vs. Beer
11. Likwit Junkies - S.C.A.N.S.
12. Bishop Lamont - Grow Up
13. Glasses Malone - What We Need featuring Lil’ Wayne
14. 13 - Slow Burnin’
15. Big L - MVP
16. Slim Thug - I’m Back featuring Devin The Dude
17. CunninLynguists - Never Come Down
18. The Alkaholiks - Mary Jane
19. One Be Lo - DRO featuring Majestik Legend
20. Redman - How High Remix featuring Method Man
21. Channel Live - Mad Izm Remix featuring KRS-ONE
22. The Whoridas - Get Lifted
23. Strong Arm Steady - Can’t Let it Go
24. Lost Boyz - Music Makes Me High Remix featuring Canibus & Tha Dogg Pound
25. Rampage - Nothing in this World
26. Choclair - Skunk featuring Kurupt
27. Twinz - Pass it On
28. Mista Grimm - Indo Smoke featuring Warren G & Nate Dogg
29. The System - Keep On featuring Sly Boogy, Crooked I, & Kam
30. KRS-ONE - I Can’t Wake Up
31. Tha Dogg Pound - Smoke featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg & Tha Relativez
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