Saturday, November 13, 2010

My First Personal Post + Verse






















Well this is new for me. I'm very secretive protective of my music; I don't can't just let anyone hear it. It's very special to me. I don't want to release anything until I feel it's as perfect and complete as possible. Most of the music I post on here comes from established artists, including my favorites "the J's" (SC, Cole, Elec.), 'Ye, and others. I can humbly say I'm not there yet; but I'm working and Lord willing, one day I'll be where I want to be.

I said all that to say this: I've realized I need to let people see something. I guard all my material like my life depends on it but I recently had an epiphany when I posed this question to myself: "how can people become interested in your music if they never hear it?" Obviously, the answer was they couldn't.

So, with that being said, here's a verse I wrote Wednesday afternoon this past week. Let me know what you think. in the comments section. If you actually took the time to read all of this (or even visited the blog for that matter) thank you, I really appreciate it. I'll probably start doing this regularly so get used to it. Enjoy and once again, thanks.

-K   

P.S. Shout out to my homie Modi for making me step my blogging game up with more personal posts. 

While yall wanna get laid, momma told me get paid,
Ain't no money waiting on me in between no legs,
There's paper out here to be made and the time's keep changing
But jobs ain't paying and these souls need saving
Now I'm slaving--I can't tell a bum from a nun
They all beggin--and crumbs don't easily come
Kids need raising--'cause most emotionally numb,
Forced to grow up too fast and don't know how to be young,
So how did all this become? Don't know where it begun,
Wonder-un if we content being dumb having fun
Maannn-I'm done, consider this a tale of the slums,
Where even old ladies, war ready, holding they guns
But nah, yall don't hear me The problem? It's hard to fight it
The world is on auto-pilot and I ain't claiming I'm righteous
Just looking toward the future but don't call me a psychic,
Take the world as I see it and write it then recite don't bite it

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Youtube Classic: "Rent Is Too Damn High!"


If you haven't seen this already I suggest you take this moment to do so. 

Former Black Panther Jimmy McMillan is running for Governor of New York and he represents the Rent Is Too Damn High Party. This is not a joke, I couldn't make this up even if I wanted to. Oh course he didn't win but the clip is definitely worth watching. Nerv, get on those shirts! Enjoy!

Here's the complete audio footage:


And the press conference after the debate:


P.S. For the record, he's right!

Carmelo Jordan Commercial: "Do Whatever It Takes"

Monday, November 8, 2010

MTV Speaks w/ Drake on Upcoming European Tour, J. Cole, and "Friday Night Lights" Feature



Here's an article posted by JR from an interview he did with Drake; the title says it all. Catch the article below:
Drizzy is a busy man these days. Somewhere between working on his new album, an R&B mixtape, and possibly hitting the studio with the newly freed Lil Wayne, Drake is scheduled to launch the European leg of his tour at the top of the new year, and he's picking up a new opener for the run. Although he's replacing Tyga, he'll still have another highly lauded, up-and-coming MC: J. Cole.
While fans on both sides of the Atlantic will wonder what the two have in store, Drake told Mixtape Daily they haven't really discussed the outing yet. What they have talked about is recording together. Drake revealed that he managed to find time to do a record for Cole's mixtape Friday Night Lights, which drops on Friday.
But the Toronto lyricist warned the track might not be the lyrical face-off many are expecting.
"It's called 'In the Morning.' It's like a record for the girls," Drake told the big homie Sway over the weekend. "Me and him will probably have many opportunities to rap, and try and out-rap each other. But it's not about entertaining the 'who's better?' debate that I'm sure everybody else is engaged in."
Drake said that the two are actually friends — Drizzy shouted out Cole each night during his recent Light Dreams and Nightmares Tour­ — and they wanted to do a record together that had nothing to do with flexing lyrical muscle. The pair just wanted to do something for the ladies.
Drake also said he and Cole haven't indulged in the kind of behind-the-scenes freestyle battles that sometimes become hip-hop lore.
"Kanye is the only guy that ever does that; he just conjures up a cipher out of nowhere. I remember when we were shooting 'Digital Girl,' and it was me, Jamie Foxx, and Dream and 'Ye, just all in one shot, and [Kanye] was like, 'Yo, what y'all got right now?' " Drake recalled.
He did admit, though, that the two young MCs might sharpen their skills across the pond.
"I think there will be plenty footage of us just spitting," Drake said.
Props | Jayson Rodriguez of MTV

DJ Semtex Interview w/ Jay-Z



Late pass.

Props | AK of TRT

Eric Gordon



Another week, another set of highlights. The Clippers are going to be the most entertaining team with a bad record this year. Mainly because of Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon. Their Saturday night battle with the Jazz has been the best game of the season by far. Check out EG's game tying dunk on the entire state of Utah. Enjoy!

P.S. Shoutout to these guys:
1108-new-orleans-hornets-608.jpg

Props |  DA/NBA

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Young Guru Interview w/ AHH Radio + Goom



Guru is always good for giving a great interview.  Guru talks his top 5 dead or alive, having artists shout his name out on songs, the relationship between artists, producer, and engineer, Roc-A-Fellas earlier days, the breakup, and the problems Hip-Hop currently faces. Young artists take note, Guru is the man!

Props | AK of TRT

Saturday, October 30, 2010

We're Back: DND


In celebration of the new NBA season, I felt it only proper to bring back Dunks Not Dunks. Enjoy!





Monday, October 4, 2010

Kobe Says He'd Beat LeBron 1 on 1


This is straight up, unashamed arrogance at its finest (I mean that in a good way ); classic Kobe man. His response came without hesitation. What a competitor. He didn't doubt himself for one second. Even if you don't like him you have to respect that.

Props: Dime

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

FOD "Every Little Step" Remake w/ Mike Tyson & Wayne Brady



Funny or Die got Mike Tyson and Wayne Brady together for a remake of Bobby Browns "Every Little Step."  Wayne's got some dance moves but Mike and Bobby stole the show. If you're at work I suggest covering your mouth with your hand. Otherwise, risk looking foolish as you laugh uncontrollably in your cubicle. 

Here's the original:

"To be Bobby then, you have to be Bobby now."

Drake Brings Out J.Cole At Radio City



Yesterday, Drake brought Cole out to perform "Who Dat" during his first of two shows scheduled in New York for his "Lights, Dreams, and Nightmares" Tour. (Side note, shout out to my homie G who opened up for Drake last week during his Florida shows.)

Props: B. Dot of Rap Radar.

Update: Here are pics from the night. Shouts NR.

Rihanna, Drake, J. Cole & Trey Songz-2J. Cole

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Air Jordan Retro XI's (Cool Grey) Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Here's a few photos of the XI's scheduled to be released two days before Christmas. These are already in high demand so get your sleeping bags ready and don't forget you Wheaties; I can assure anyone with their eye on these it's gonna be a long morning. Unless you have a connect at your local shoe store, you might wanna get up early or save yourself the hassle and just order them online. Good luck and happy hunting.

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging
 
Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" Packaging

Props: Sneakerape via Kicks On Fire.

Jay-Z + Warren Buffet Cover Forbes


Jay-Z shares the Forbes cover with America's second richest man ($48 billion). Jay also describes how he almost lost the entire "Blueprint 3" album before it was ever release.  Jay is also featured on Forbes' Billionaires in the Making list. Hip-Hop!




Props: The Life Files.

P.S. Here's a video preview.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Jay-Z's "Decoded" Book Cover


Start saving up. Decoded is scheduled to be released on November 16th. Here's what Jay has to say:

“When I first started working on this book, I told my editor that I wanted it to do three important things. The first was to make the case that hip-hop lyrics—not just my lyrics, but those of every great MC—are poetry if you look at them closely enough. The second was I wanted the book to tell a little bit of the story of my generation, to show the context for the choices we made at a violent and chaotic crossroads in recent history.  And the third piece was that I wanted the book to show how hip-hop created a way to take a very specific and powerful experience and turn it into a story that everyone in the world could feel and relate to.”
Props: B. Dot of Rap Radar.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

J. Cole's "The Plan" off NBA Elite '11


Can't wait for the commercials.

NBA 2K11: "MJ Present Day" Trailer



Here's another NBA 2K'11 commercial with the same guys minus D. Rose and Rondo. I don't think people understand how good the basketball games coming out this year are going to be. I think I might get ahead in all my classes just so I can enjoy 2K11 and Elite '11 when they both drop on 10/5.  I'm very competitive so challengers are welcome but you will all meet the same fate.  Check out another trailer made by a fan below:

 

Props: NBA 2K

Monday, September 20, 2010

J. Cole Upcomming College Tour Dates (Preview)

http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/45083173/J+Cole.png
Here are a few dates off Cole's upcoming tour. More to come, just don't know when. Stay tuned and hopefully he's coming to a town near you! Dreamville.

October 1st- Alabama A&M
October 8th- Rochester, NY | Tickets
October 9th- NC A&T [Homecoming] 
October 10th- Central Michigan U.
October 12th- University of Louisiana in Monroe 
October 16th- Rutgers University
October 21st- UNC Pembroke
October 22nd- Penn State University
October 27th- Norfolk, VA [At the Norva] 
October 29th- Washington D.C. [Homecoming]
Nov 6th- Western Michigan U. | Tickets
Nov 8th- Grand Rapids, MI
November 13th- Minneapolis, MN 
November 19th- Tempe, AZ | Tickets
November 20th- Los Angeles, CA [At the Key Club] | Tickets
November 24th- Seattle, WA
November 25th- Portland, OR
November 26th- San Jose, CA [At VooDoo Lounge] | Tickets
November 27th- Las Vegas, Nevada

Props: Ibrahim and Yaya

Thursday, September 16, 2010

N.E.R.D. Mentions Favorite Producers

Nice list.

Props: Nation of NR.

The Making of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"


Classic.

Props: Elite.

Josh Gray: "You're Not Welcome Here"

Here's a mixtape from one of New Orleans' own, Josh Gray. This guy was one of my good friends back in high school. We used to sit in art class all day and talk about out favorite album of the time, "The Black Album." He was a year ahead of me. Fast forward to his senior year, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and he was forced to leave the city. I didn't find out until later he had been writing all along. After moving to California, Josh went to school and continued perfecting his craft. He released this project earlier this summer. Check it out when you get a chance, it's worth it.

NBA 2K11: "Michael Jordan's Greatest Moments" Trailer


This commercial is illlll; one of the best I've seen thus far. Can't wait for this to drop on. 10/5/10 folks.

Props: Dime.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Smoking Section: J. Cole


Cole speaks on producing for other artist, songs he would've love to produce, sampling, working with No I.D., his favorite Jay-Z album/time period, and about being himself in a genre historically dominated by frauds artist portraying characters.

Props: African

PSA of the Day: Wishful Thinking

Stop dreaming if you're not doing anything to make them come true; You're just wasting time.

Friday, September 10, 2010

J. Cole: Rising Icons Season Two In New Orleans


Cole and Co. will be in town next Saturday, September the 18th performing at the W hotel located in downtown New Orleans. Not quite sure if they'll be shooting footage for BET or not. Tickets are $25. More info on the flyer. @TeamCole will be in the building as will I. Hope to see all of Dreamville New Orleans there!

P.S. Cole will also be performing (headlining alongside Rick Ross) in Baton Rouge on the following day at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. Supporting acts include Mystikal and Webbie. You can get those tickets here.

Props: AyeLifestyle and UrbanOrleans.

UPDATE: Cole will not be in New Orleans or Baton Rouge this weekend. Don't buy those tickets! Sorry Dreamville New Orleans. More detail coming soon.

-K

And just in case you haven't already seen Cole on Rising Icons here's the footage below:



        

Why You Shouldn't Dance In The Street


"He's alright, but got hurt badly."

Word? Guess he should've looked both ways when crossing dancing in the street. Ha.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Voli: "Glass Doors"

Although Voli hasn't released a download link for his project "Glass Doors" that's scheduled to drop today, it appears he has posted all the songs (and lyrics) in entirety off the project on his Youtube page. "Glass Doors" features original beats made by Voli as well as new production from Elite, Omen, and J. Cole.

"Glass Doors"(Prod. by Voli)

Quotable: "Still number one I be pissy with these other dudes, Get it man I be sh*tting on these number twos." 

"Sunrise" Feat. Elite (Prod. by J. Cole & Voli)

Quotable: "The challenge of everyday inspiration is no fallacy, Feeling like I'm Tony [Montana] on the balcony."

"Dey Know" Freestyle

Quotable: "Hot when I'm in the zone I'm solar, So I shine like sun no co-star."

"Tripwire" Feat. Aliah Sheffield (Prod. by Voli)

Quotable: "I could've been something major, now I can barely get a job with this major."

"Heartache" Freestyle Feat J. Cole [Same Hook as Original] (Prod. by Elite)

Quotable: "I'm the king at the top of the pyramid like Bernie Madoff."

"Solitary Confinement" (Prod. by Omen)

Quotable: "Bet I take you to a higher level like a cheat code."

"Deja Vu" (Prod. by Elite)

Quotable: "Ain't nobody f*cking with me like the friend zone."

"Free" Feat. Jayro (Prod. by Voli)

Quotable: "Middle finger flip my boss off, told yall I was gon' get my time off."

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

"One Night In Vegas"


Part of ESPN's 30 for 30 Series, "One Night In Vegas" revisits the night rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur was gunned down following the Mike Tyson vs. Bruce Seldon championship fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Additionally, the documentary focuses on Pac's friendship with Mike. The documentary premieres tonight at 11pm on ESPN2 8pm EST on ESPN and features interviews from Nas, Al Sharpton, Mickey Rourke, Maya Angelou, and several journalist.

From what I've heard, this has been a pretty good series. Look forward to checking this out. The clips I've seen have been so far are great.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Ski Beats Talks "Dead Presidents", "Feelin' It", and "Streets Is Watching"


Ski talks about not liking the "Dead Presidents" instrumental initially (WHAT!), how "Feelin' It" was originally his song, and how Jay rubbed getting the "Streets Is Watching" beat in Big's face.

Props: Dre of NR.

Jordan Releases + Sneaker Saturdays: July 31, 2010















Props: 23IsBack.

PSA of the Day: The Road To Greatness

The road to greatness begins with every new day. You and you alone, with every moment, determine how long that road will ultimately be. Choose wisely.

MJ + Pac: "Holla If Ya Hear Me"


Two of the greatest ever in their respective fields.

Props: 23IsBack.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Throwback: Kanye West "Throught The Wire"


Can't even begin to tell you what this man and this video have personally done for my life. But I'll try. This was a beginning of sorts for me and Kanye in a plethora of ways. Even though I didn't know it at the time, this song was one of the reasons I ultimately begin rapping.

Growing up in New Orleans, Wayne was the biggest star in the city but around my ninth grade year is when he really began killing the game on a national level as a solo artist. As a result of that, everyone in New Orleans was on him. While Wayne's star was on the rise, there was another man from Chicago that caught my eye; his name was Kanye West. I remember coming home one day after school, going up to my room, and turning on BET (now that I was finally allowed to watch it. Actually, mom probably didn't like it but I did anyway) and this new video was called "Throught The Wire" was coming on. First thing I noticed was I loved the intro and the beat as well. Whoever produced the beat sampled Chaka Kahn's "Through The Fire" but sped it up and did something crazy with it. Then there were the lyrics: this story about a guy who got in a car accident, nearly died, had to get his mouth wired shut, and wrote a song about the entire process. I was moved, captivated, and immediately wanted to know more the man and his work. As the video ends, it shows him getting his chain, finalizing his Roc-a-Fella (my favorite label) coming out party and making beats for one of my favorite rappers ever (and my favorite rapper living), Jay-Z.

Looking back now, it almost seems I was destined to be a Kanye fan. But if I could name the most important thing Mr. West did for me, it would probably be this: He showed me that it was okay to be yourself. Not to say I wasn't content with who I was but hearing him say it reassured how I already felt about myself, thus making me that much more comfortable in my own skin in the process. Not many artist, especially people I've never met before, have impacted my life like that.

'Ye wasn't the first rapper to really inspire me (Pac, Jay) and he won't be the last (Cole) but I can assuredly say, he's one of the most important.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

-K

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Kanye At Facebook's Headquarters


Two 'Ye posts in one day? I'm on a roll. Ha. Good Ass Job coming soon.

Props: Dre of NR.

Update: 'Ye has a Twitter account, you can follow him here. Boy, what a difference a year makes.

PMS Radio: J. Cole


'Mane Cole talks about his show game and describes how he feels when he's performing.

Props: JCF

FMW: J. Cole + Dead Presidents


 Cole talks about "Dead Presidents II" serving it's purpose and potentially writing to it again for a third installment. Anyone who really knows me or sees me regularly is bound to hear spitting either of those DP II verses. I like Cole's first go at DP (and as Steve explained, it showed his hunger) but the second one is my favorite because it displayed how much he had grown as an artist from his lyrics to his flow; it showed his growth.

As I've said in the past, "Dead Presidents" is one of my favorite beats of all-time, if not my outright favorite. I've written to it several times. Maybe yall will get to hear that one day. But enough about me, what's your favorite J. Cole version of Dead Presidents (I or II,) and why? Both songs are listed below. Let me know what your opinions are in the comments section.

"Dead Presidents"

"Dead Presidents II"


Props: JCF
 

J. Cole Explains Cheerleader Controversy


Props: Exclusive Zone.

DJ Toomp Confirms Working With Kanye West On "Good Ass Job"


Very happy to hear this. After Cole, this is the next album I'm waiting on come third and fourth-quarter time.

Props: Dre of NR.

Estelle Feat. Nas: "Fall In Love"



Props: Dre of NR.

J.Cole Talks About Working Behind The Scenes + Dreamville


"I don't put out a song everyday, or every week, or every month...but I'm doing a song all the time and I'm in the studio all the time. If I ain't making a song I'm trying to make a beat to make a song. I'm always working. I feel like it's the behind the scenes things that count. It's not about looking and appearing like you're working."

After covering some familiar territory, Cole talks about working hard on his music, from a producing and rapping standpoint, behind the scenes. Additionally, he describes

I've said it previously, I'm saying it now, and I'm sure I'll say it again in the near future until yall get it through your thick heads: Dreamville!

Props: JCF aka those "Three lovely ladies."

Monday, July 26, 2010

Don't Make Excuses Make Moves


This is amazing, truly a remarkable young man.
Despite all the challenges and adversity he's endured throughout the course of his life (being robbed, his mother having cancer, and dealing with the death of his brother) Deonte Bridges was the valedictorian of his graduating class and has secured over $1 million in scholarships to pay for his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

For every Sean Bell and Oscar Grant it's nice to know there are some great stories out there. This made my day, hope it does the same for you.

Props: Those Girls Are Wild

Saturday, July 24, 2010

PSA of the Day: Look Out & Pay Attention

Sometimes things are right in front of our faces. It's just we can't see them because we aren't looking.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Throwback Thursday: 2pac "I Get Around"


One of my favorite Pac songs and videos of all time. It's ironic because I'm absolutely nothing like this.

Sidenote: Shock G and Digital Underground were beyond cool to me as a kid, I wonder what happened to those guys.

Dee Vasquez + Black Thought & ?uestlove


"I'm trying to figure out if my purpose is to teach or to learn."

So many quotables in here I don't even know where to begin. Great profiles by Dee.

Props: Eskay of NR.

PSA of the Day: "The Formula For Success"

Belief + Hard Work = Success

J. Cole On Fuse's "Hip Hop Shop"

                                                     
 Meant to put this up earlier. My apologies.

Props: JCF and B. Dot of RR.

A Glimpse Of NBA Elite '11


Aum was right, looks like EA has stepped their game up. Hopefully they have an equivalent to 2K's "My Player" mode. Additionally, 9th is involved.

NBA 2K11:"The Greatest Is Back"/MJ Trailer


 October's shaping up to be a great month thanks to this clip (above), and of course this guy (below).

jcole-studio
Cole's forthcoming debut album is set to be released on Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Props: Aum Kotecha.

For Better Or For Worse

First the Cavs' team break up, then everyday I wake up, somebody tryna trade for Chris



























  Agreed.

Lenny Kravitz Out And About In New Orleans


As a New Orleans native and an artist, this makes me very happy. If you aren't familiar with the city, this took place right by the world famous Cafe Du Monde near Jackson Square in downtown New Orleans. Kravitz seems very open to others and has lived in the city for quite some time now (well before Katrina). He continues to show his love, admiration, and support for the city; We need that. So props to that man, clap for 'em yall.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Toure Speaks With J. Cole


J talks about having no features on the album, Canibus' influence on him, and basketball.

Props: JCF.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Self Defense + Wrist Control

If Games Had Super Easy Mode

PSA of the Day: Keeping It Real

If you can't be real with yourself, who can you be real with?

Usain Bolt Celebrating

J. Cole: "The Warm Up"


Decided a few weeks back I'm occasionally (on Monday's) gonna start putting up some of my favorite mixtapes from time to time, and look who I'm starting with. Jermaine's second mixtape, "The Warm Up" was his official unofficial introduction to the masses. I'll throw his first tape up soon for everyone just getting put on game.

P.S. I know it isn't Monday but it's the next best thing. Hey, better late than never right?

Friday, July 9, 2010

The Final Decision: James Joins Wade & Bosh In Miami


Last night, LeBron let the world know he will be joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami to potentially form the NBA's newest dynasty.

There is so much I have to say on this story but I don't have the time right now. Get ready though 'cause I will get on it when I get a chance; you've been warned.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Tim Westwood Radio: J. Cole Parts I & II


Here's some footage of Cole's first visit with DJ Semtex while out in the London. I've heard the first verse before, I wonder if the others are from the album. We'll see. Shouts to Mike Shaw in the background.

Part II


Bonus

This video gets pretty hilarious around the 5:00 mark.

Props: Nation of NahRight.

Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh To Team Up In Miami


Been a Heat fan since D. Wade's rookie year. Happy to see the team rise again. 2 down, one to go; C'mon LeBron!

Jay Electronica: Act II Leftover-"@FatBellyBella"


Beautiful music from one of my hometown's finest. Hope Act II is dropping soon.

Props: Dre of NahRight.