Sunday, May 29, 2011

Saturday, May 28, 2011

"Cole Stream" From Miami On 5/28/11

         
In this edition of "Cole Stream," Cole confirms the first single samples a 'Ye record (I think I know what it is) , says he might release a mixtape this summer, explains what happened to the well liked original intro to "Who Dat," talks about his project with Kendrick Lamar, and weighs in on the pros and cons of his new found success.

Oh and by the way, the second album is 70 % finished. Already. Clap for 'em!

Props | JCF

Erykah Badu: "Out My Mind Just In Time"


Props | Herfection

The Baggy Pants Solution


Props | Resha

J. Cole Remakes ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" Theme Song

Ha! Cole looking like he ready to take over baseball now. From rap to the bats, Cole is on it.

Props | JCF

Friday, May 27, 2011

Bas: "Quarter Water Raised Me Vol. 1"

@bassybadass’ debut project Quarter Water Raised Me Vol. I
Click the link.
Enjoy.
Then spread these FIEND vibes like butter on toast. 
Enjoy the long weekend.
@oakshades
Want some good new music? Check out my boy Bas' debut tape!
Download

Props | TSMF

Gil Scott-Heron Dies At 62


I'm gonna be honest. Cole put me on to Gil Scott-Heron's in one of his interviews a while back but I never fully dove into his complete body of work. I haven't been listening to his music and poems my entire life. But I do know what I have heard from him I've liked. I also think I'm starting to realize he had much more of an impact and meant more to me than I ever realized.  R.I.P. Gil, you will be missed.

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Circle Of Life: Simba's Evolution

"Simba"

It's great watching an artist grow over time; in that regard, Cole is no exception. However, what is special is watching him develop a concept that he started with near the beginning and advancing the storyline.

"Grown Simba"


"Return Of Simba"


Update: JCF put together a nice correlation of common subjects referenced in all three songs.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Throwback Thursdays: Kanye West Feat. Twista & Jaime Foxx "Slow Jamz"



Was just playing Def Jam Rap Star on the Wii and stumbled across this video (I couldn't rap Twista part; even with the words Haha). I vividly remember this coming out in late 2003 and it's still incredible to me.

Everything about this song and video was perfect to me; the concept, the beat, the verses, the flows, the harmony...the girls...everything! Haha

After this song, things would never be the same for Kanye. In part because of this record, 'Ye really blew up and mainstream fans started checking for him. I admire what Ye's become but I still love how everything started. This is for all the supporters who were on him way back, before this record and for the ones who came on board after it.

Just Do It

love this. 
Props | Resha

Jay-Z Performs @ Roseland Ballroom


This is footage from Jay's performance last night for an event hosted by Adult Swim. He does a mash up of "Thank You" to the The Boondocks outro song along with Allure, the first verse of "Dead Presidents," and "On To The Next One."

"Allure" + "Dead Presidents"


"On To The Next One"


Props | RR

Jon Stewart Outwits Bill O'Reilly


"Boo-Yah! That's a rap word."

Simply put, Jon Stewart is the man. I bet internally, Bill felt like this:



Props | Modi

PSA of The Day: Make Passion Your Profession

Haven't done one of these in a while. So with that being said, I give you the latest installment in the 'PSA of the Day' series (which also helped inspire a verse) courtesy of my good friend Aum Kotecha.

"Nothing better then making your passion your profession."

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I'm Not A Love Poet


"I'm gonna be honest, I'm not really a love poet..."

You've probably haven't heard of this guy before (what a shame but don't trip, today's your lucky day). I hadn't either until recently; allow me to help you out. His name is Rudy Francisco. I think he's from San Diego. His username on Twitter is @RudyFrancisco. His craft is poetry and your heart is in his hands.

Props | Mich of SpknBeats

Beyoncé: "Run The World"



Props | TRT

Update: Here's the album cover for "4" as well.

Crazy Wedding Proposal

Swizz Beatz Excited For "Watch The Throne"


Swizz says Watch The Throne is "worth the wait" and will "pass the bar." I've been ready for this. Can't wait to cop it.

Props | MTV via YHTN

Behind The Scenes of Big K.R.I.T's "Country Shit Remix" Feat. Ludacris & Bun B


Props | YHTN

TED Confrence: Salman Kahn


I saw Cole post this a while back and I just remembered to check it out. This just completely blew my mind. At a Ted Conference, Salman Khan talks about a groundbreaking concept he developed to help children further their grasp and understanding of education worldwide. But hey, I can't do the video justice. This is a must watch for everyone. Check out the Khan Academy.

Props | Dreamvillain

Greatfullness: A Nice Way To Wake Up



Props | TGAW

Big Boi': "The Crown Life


Big Boi is so under rated it's a crime. Check out this recently done documentary covering his life.

Props | RR

Eminem On Transitioning From Rap To Acting


Props | RR

Rick Ross & Wale Discuss "Tupac Back"


It's crazy to think we could live in a world where people don't know who 'Pac was and what he stood for. Absolutely mind blowing.

Props | RR

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Ruby Hornet Interview w/ Kendrick Lamar


Check out the full interview at Ruby Hornet.

Props | Herfection

No I.D.: "Let The Story Begin"


I can't believe this is my first post on No I.D. Have no fear, there will be more to come shortly. One of the greatest producers ever talks about how "D.O.A." came together for "Blueprint III."

Props | DD via Herfection

5th Child: "5th Child"


I've known 5th for a minute. We went to college together and since then, he has been nothing but a blessing to me; without a doubt, he was my favorite rapper on campus. He's always been gifted and talented but like any great artist, he has grown. He's been writing all his material, producing most of his songs, and now he's released his newest project self titled "5th Child for free (but you can name your price if you choose to do so). Check him out, enjoy the music, and let him know how you feel about the project on his Twitter and Bandcamp pages.

J. Cole Announces Album Ready, Plans Promo Run Soon


It's been a long time coming...I hope yall ready, I know I am! Cole Word! Dreamville!

Props | TRT 

P.S. According to Rap-Up, Cole is nominated in the "Best New Artist" category along with Bruno Mars, Miguel, Willow Smith, and Wiz Khalifa at the 2011 BET Awards; Hopefully he can take that away. The summer 'bout to be craaazy!

Update From 106 & Park:
           

Keep On Surviving






















Props | Resha

Sealy After Glow Commercial


Yo...haha..

Out of The Mouths of Babes


I have no idea where to start with this one...you decide...

Props | Resha

Kanye West: "All Falls Down"


Since I randomly think about these lyrics all the time and I've had a crush on Stacey Dash (she still got it!) since Fresh Prince, I only feel it's right I put this up. One of my favorite songs and videos ever made.

P.S.Don't even remember Common being there at the end!

Da Sout Gon Hol It Doowwwwnn


Dude killed the hook...Haha

Prop | Resha

Kendrick Lamar Impersonates Wiz Khalifa


Haha

Props | NR

Update: Wiz is a fan.

The Making of DJ Khaled's "I'm On One"


Props | RR

Monday, May 16, 2011

Nas Confirms Working w/ Frank Ocean



Props | TRT

Pusha T: "Blow"


Maann..I think it's virtually impossible for this man to make bad music haha. Everything he's dropped as of late has been ridiculous. Can't wait for this project to drop. My God.
 
Props | TRT

Parlour Magazine Interview w/ Big K.R.I.T


My favorite K.R.I.T interview as of late.

Props | TRT

"Rap City" [Toronto] Interview w/ Biggie


"People my age, 20, 19, 17, 18...you know...they really involved with a lot of nonsense."

This took place circa '95. Big (in one of the hisl Coogie sweaters) touches on a little bit of everything in a great interview that is still relevant today as it was when it was recorded. R.I.P to one of the greatest ever.



Props | RR

Maybach Music Group Feat. J. Cole: "Fitted Cap"



Download

Props | RR & TRT

Wale Brings Out Derrick Rose In Chicago



Props | RR

Wes Fif Feat. Big K.R.I.T., Cyhi The Prynce & Dreamer: "Hometeam"


Props | Resha

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Bei Maejor: "I Wish" [Cover]


All right now...Where are all my music friends? Why has no one told me about this guy before?

After hearing the cover of one of my favorite songs of all time, I'm currently (although a little over two months late) downloading Bei Maejor's recently released mixtape "ThrowBack" [March 2011]. If you haven't already join me; don't ask questions just do it (like Nike). You'll thank me (later). The link is below.

Download

Bei Maejor: "The Lala Song" + "First Of Tha Month" [Cover]


"To you she is all that but to me she just aight.."

After that first post, I decided to check out some more of Bei's work and this is what I found. If you haven't already, I recommend you go do your homework on him.

"First Of Tha Month"

The Game Feat. Lil Wayne: "Red Nation"



Props | Herfection

Bei Maejor: "Racks On Racks" [Piano Remix]


I heard of this guy a while back when a record of his that featured Cole was released and quickly pulled (The song is called "Trouble" and the official version will be released later this week as confirmed by DJ Booth and Bei himself retweeted it as verification). Didn't know he played keys. As someone said on Youtube, this would be an ill way to transition into the actual song at a live show.

Props | KC

P.S. Finally! I was able to clearly hear the lyrics. Never could understand what YC was saying.

JaVale McGee Awarded Guiness World Record













JaVale didn't win the dunk contest but this isn't a bad consolation prize. Here's the proof.

Props | Yahoo

The One Man Show


This is wrong on so many levels...Had to post this today because I wouldn't feel right putting it up on Sunday. Can't believe I've never see this until now; this is one of the funniest and worse things I've ever seen rolled all into one video. The crazy thing? Dude is actually serious as apparently, this was a real show tapped in L.A. back in '97. Laughed so hard at this I almost cried. I decided to put a few of these up but there are several more videos out there if you're interested.

This Never Gets Old


"Oohhh"
I remember watching this with EZ back in the day circa '06 and it's still funny. Guess mama really don't play that after all. Tip: Press 5 on your keyboard at your own discretion while watching this; you've been warned. Haha

Frank Ocean Performs "Novacane " in NYC


There is so much going on in here, I don't know where to begin. Haha

Props | Amaya of RR

R.I.P Tractor Traylor



Props | TSMF

Train Fights



Props | TSMF

P.S. Shout out to the women as well..even though I've never seen two people fight and sit right next to each other immediately after.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Rick Ross: "Maybach Music III"



Props | TRT

The Weeknd: "What You Need"



Props | Aum of TRT

Dubbcnn Interviews Kendrick Lamar



Props | JCF

Hit-Boy Signs With Good Music

Shoutout to this man for being the first in house producer signed to G.O.O.D Music. He's only 23 and has done nothing but make great music while consistently lived up to his name. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Surf Club's finest. Check out his full length interview with Vibe in the link below.

Props | Vibe

Sitting Pretty


If you think this is nice...
Check out the view!

Props | Life + Times

Real Gangsters Move In Silence



Maaaannnnn..Haha

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Shots Taken: Douglas Lyle Thompson










Props | Life + Times

Dr. Dre Back In The Day?


It it really Dre? I'm not sure (according to Vibe it is). Either way, it's entertaining nonetheless. Check out the doc before he got his license.

Look At These Pools!

With summer almost here (depending on where you live) and unbearable heat quickly approaching, staying cool will become a priority in the upcoming months. 

To some, this means running the AC all day long but for others it means going to the beach or chilling poolside (or both if you're fortunate enough). 

So, until you can make that first trip to the pool or beach, enjoy these pictures of some of the nicest pools ever created. The full article is listed below.
 

 






Props | Life + Times

"Moving Windmills"



This is the story of William Kamkwamba, a man from Malawi who at the age of 14 created a windmill and provided electricity for his entire village of 60 families. Amazing story.

Props | Omen of Dopart Academy

Michelle Obama's NBA Fit Campaign


This commercial makes me smile every time I see it.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

J.Cole: "See It To Believe It"




Props | Aum of TRT

Pusha T: "Open Your Eyes"



Props: Aum of TRT

Omen: "Colorful Noose" [Prod. By Voli]



Download

Lyrics from the man himself:
Verse 1
Feeling like Im,
stuck in a prison
wonderful wisdom
I gained through the wanders of living
regardless Im given
the hardest decisions
pardon my penning
Im caught in a system
where the logic is missing
its documents hidden
knowing that they oughta petition
lord they dont listen
they caught up in the corporate "isms"
fraudulent pimping
awful conditions
wear ya suit, 9 to 5 is slavery
these colorful nooses is just a part of tradition
working hard for a living
put in a starving position
the largest of pensions
could never throw me off of my mission
corporate offices
had my creative forest dormant from growing
harvesting, eyes crossed,lost in my vision
now I've fought and I've risen
up outta darkness, Im driven
made me feel like a martian
thats part of awkward religion
I ain't have to be part of walking in marches or sit-ins
to know that I wanted more to offer my partners and children

(Chorus)
right or wrong
you're gonna love me
right or wrong

I won't stop, won't stop,
no, no
I won't stop, won't stop
no
see, you're gonna love me, yea, yea

Verse 2
but whats even mo' crazy
is how I got here my head's racy
college graduate but Im living in ma's basement
study 5 years on a campus where they was racist
the only black boy in the class, yes I done faced that
Chi city education had me feeling placed back
them white kids learned all of this, way way back
test, they ace that, its just the plain facts,
them lessons straight wack.my stress just came back,
confusion coming cuz I dont fit in this predicament
or maybe it was just my particular curriculum
or maybe the major I chose, aint where Im fated to go
feeling like debating with Satan, and he breakin my soul
taking its toll, making my goal, not to get 3.0, but just
some kinda way to make it through...
now I've fought and I've risen
up outta darkness, Im driven
feel like a martian
thats part some kinda awkward religion

Chorus

Verse 3
the lights dimming, cause of vices I had
inside my life's prism, no longer colorful
black and white tinted
jealous, envy had my eyes seeing in night vision
I aint let this light blemish turn to a life emblem
advice given from family support and wife pending
put a fight in him,now Im feeling my plight drifting
now that I've fought and I've risen
up outta darkness, Im driven
feel like a martian
thats part some kinda awkward religion

(Bridge)
I know I need a job mayne
coming home tired as hell wit migraines
this 9 to 5 aint for me
all of this corporate talk just bore me
but, I know I need a job mayne
coming home tired as hell wit migraines
this 9 to 5 aint for me
all of this corporate talk just bore me

Chorus

Production: Voli
Guitar: Gavidia
Piano: Kate Hillson
Artwork : Gabrielle Berwick
Additional Design: Impakt Studio

Props | DA 

Type Love



Props: Dray

Young Guru: Artist Do's & Don'ts in the Music Industry


The greatest.

Hard Knock TV Interview w/ Slaughterhouse



Props: JCF

This Is Crazy


"Racism still alive, they just be concealing it."

Here's an except from the uploader's Youtube page:
This is a clip from a TV show called "Without Prejudice?" which was on GSN a couple of years ago. l think this video will help people to start an important dialog. I have been conversing with Michael (The contestant) and he is happy with this video being discussed.
Here's an update e-mail from Michael:
Awesome man. This is so random but i am so glad you put this up. Folks are talking. The show won awards in the UK and so they made a US version. This was the pilot episode and the most popular. it was such a success that they got a full season from it. it is an hour long show and we were all randomly chosen. The judges and the contestants. So they wanted to see if the judges could "judge" without prejudice. They would go on to award the winner 25K. I was the winner. Myself and the other finalist were the only 2 contestants that got to actually meet the judges and when i met them, the polynesian guy had a change of heart and actually voted FOR me. The edits don't show that he came from his seat and hugged me. It was a very interesting experience. We had no idea what the judges were saying or doing or who they even were, for that matter. so i had no idea that he was racist when i went out and met the judges. It ended well though. I talked to that guy over a meal and he said that he had a change of heart.
Thoughts anyone?

All Grown Up

dope
allegedlyofcourse:

I guess we all have to grow up. Ha!
freereeves:

WOW.
So much for dog years..

Props | Resha

Hip Hop Wired Interviews Lecrae


Hadn't heard of Lecrae until recently but he's pretty cool, not to mention he spits it for the man upstairs; can't knock that at all. Check him out.

"Don't Waste Your Life"


Props | Hip Hop Wired

Writing's On The Wall

"Before I Die" by Candy Chang Didn't know about this until now..I think it's ill.

Photo and story below all taken from Life + Times.

Death can inspire life. Especially in New Orleans, on the corner of Marigny and Burgundy, where the “Before I Die” project has used the specter of urban decay and death to create art and inspire. Using a boarded up house as a canvas, artist Candy Chang transformed a haunting reminder of blight and divestment into a powerful affirmation of human life and imagination.

The project is entitled “Before I Die”, and encourages community members to fill in the blank, “Before I die, I want to _______.” The responses range from, “save a life,” to “learn to play mandolin,” but all are personal dreams, that together comprise a document of the community’s aspirations. “Once the wall is filled, we wash the board with water and start with a clean slate again,” says Chang. Made with only primer, chalkboard paint, stencils, spray paint, and chalk, the project proves that art doesn’t need to be elaborate; it just needs to speak to people.

Unfortunately, the house on which the “Before I Die” installation was mounted was recently sold, so the living art project is looking for a new home. Chang wants to find another location in her native New Orleans, but has been amazed that so many people across the country have requested it in their cities too.
While it’s Chang’s framework that created the project, it’s been people’s participation that has made it successful, and with requests pouring in from other cities, the wall appears endless. (Candy Chang)


Big K.R.I.T. Return Of 4eva Tour Ep. 3


"I just feel blessed to be able to perform a song and people finish the words.."

Swang n' bang.

Props | Resha

Enta Da Stage



The making of XV's record "When We're Done" off his recently released mixtape "Zero Heroes." This video chronicles the three day process spent making the song in New York with Just Blaze and the song's producer Seven (aka Michael Summers). Check out the finished product below.

Props | Life + Times

Words of Advice From Young Guru


Watching that last post reminded me how genuine and sincere of a person Young Guru is. As a result, I went searching for more of his videos and stumbled across this. Guru addresses violence in his hometown and gives a few steps for success. Listen and you might learn something.

"The Wonder Year": Young Guru

"Fruity Loops Nigga.."

So many quotables in here I don't even know where to begin.

Ice Cube Coors Light Commercial


Currently one of my favorite commercials. Hip-Hop

Monday, May 9, 2011

3 Things Tupac Learned From His Mother


Everyday should be Mother's Day Yeah, I know I'm a bit late but a Happy belated Mother's Day to all the great women out there taking care of their children! With that being said here's Afeni talking about her late great son. Additionally, 'Pac shares some of the things his mother has taught him.

Derrick Rose Powerade Commercial [J. Cole "I'm On It" Placement]


Another day, another placement. Shoutout to "Science." Haha

"The Wonder Year": Sha Money XL


The Wonder Year - Sha Money XL speaks on 9th Wonder from LRG on Vimeo.

"The Wonder Year": Alchemist


The Wonder Year - The Alchemist speaks on 9th Wonder from LRG on Vimeo.

"The Wonder Year": Drake

"The Wonder Year": Phonte


So many gems in here. Can't wait to hear this record they got! Cole fans check out the 5:52 mark to see what I'm talking about.

9th Wonder: "The Wonder Year"