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.

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

J.Cole + Petey Pablo At Fayetteville 2010 Summer Jam

Special moment.

Props: JCF.

PSA of The Day: Goes Without Saying

You can't have good without God.

Lupe Fiasco Speaks On "Lasers" Hold Up

Props. B.Dot of RR.

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."

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

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.

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).

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.

Toure Speaks With J. Cole

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

Props: JCF.

Dwyane Wade Raps On The Tonight Show

Last night, Dwyane Wade stopped by The Tonight Show and spit a few bars for Jay.

 
Props: Aron of Dime.

Rick Ross Reacts To Lebron's Decisions

The Decision


The Reaction

Props: B. Dot of Rap Radar.

NBA Summer League 2010

Here's some of the best dunks from out in Vegas.

PSA of the Day: Get What You Give

Sometimes the best advice you can take is your own; don't forget to give yourself what you give others.

Throwback Thursday: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince "Summertime"

 "And if it ain't broke then don't try to fix it."

Will and Jeff. One of hip-hop's greatest duos. This song/video is what summer is all about. Straight up classic.  

Wade, Bosh, and James Cover S.I.

Props: Big Homie of Rap Radar.

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?

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.

Throwback Thursday: Michael Jackson Feat. Biggie Smalls "This Time Around"

Sometimes I forget this song exist; I don't know how.

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.

Jay Electronica + Just Blaze: The Making Of "Exhibit A"

According to Jay, this clip is the first installment in a series of videos to come (I wonder if "Exhibit B" will ever be released).

One of my absolute favorite JB beats of recent years. Love "Exhibit C" but this beat is extra special to me. Simply incredible.

Props: Eskay of NahRight.

Fat Joe Recruited Amar'e Stoudemire For The Knicks

Props Jayson Rodriguez of MTV.

9th Wonder Inspired David Banner To Make Music Again

Props: Jayson Rodriguez of MTV.

LeBron James: King of New York

I bet Elite would enjoy this.

New Yorkers are truly a special group of people. Regardless of the topic, they always say how they feel, do it colorfully, and get right to the point: Lebron is no exception. Dallas Penn goes around the city asking folks what Lebron should do and why. This video made me want to get back to the city ASAP.

Props: Eskay of NahRight.

9th Wonder: "The Wonder Years" May Never Come Out

9th sits down with NodFactor and talks about how he plans to build up his artist. Additionally, he mentions plans of possibly working with J. Cole in the near future (NC stand up). So talented yet so humble. One of the best to ever do it.

Props: Nation of NahRight.

J.Cole + DJ Semtex in London

History in the making. Gotta love it.

Jay Electronica, Big Boi, & Swizz Beatz @ The Republic Wolf on 7/3/10

Sorry I missed the show. Jay and his antics are always entertaining. I heard they cut his mic off and he kept performing. Gotta respect that.

Big Boi:


Swizz was there too:

J. Cole Names 3 Songs On Debut Album

During his first time in London for the 2010 Wireless Festival, Cole sat down with SoulCulture and revealed three song titles off his upcoming debut album scheduled to hit stores October, 26th.

"Won't be Long" and "Wet Dreams" are what he describes as "classic J.Cole" and can be held in the same breath as "I Get Up" while "Never Told", a song produced by No I.D., provides something the he initially wasn't sure he wanted to talk about on his first album but ultimately decided to use.

Props: Big Homie of Rap Radar.

Jordan Releases + Sneaker Saturdays: July 3

Black/Citrus IX's




Props: 23isBack

Kobe Bryant Back In His High School Day's

 
I wonder if Kobe was rapping back then or if he started when he got to the NBA; either way I'm sure Omen would love these photos. You can view more photos on the link below.

Props: SLAM

iStandardTV Interview: Ski Beatz

Ski provides some insight into his life and times as a producer. He even says after hearing Jay-Z rap for the first time he didn't want to rap anymore. Considering he made "Dead Presidents" (one of my all-time favorite songs and beats), "Feelin' It", and a ton of other crazy records, I'd say it wasn't a bad decision at all.

Props: iStandardTV

Janelle Mon­áe Feat. B.O.B & Lupe Fiasco: "Tightrope (Wondamix)" Video

Props: Dre of NahRight.

Big K.R.I.T. On Getting Booed

Big K.R.I.T. gives his opinion on being booed earlier this week at the Highline Ballroom in New York. I thought he handled it pretty well. Gotta respect his perseverance and perspective on the matter. Heard he killed the S.O.B.'s show. Meridian's finest.

Props: B. Dot of Rap Radar.

MTV's Hottest Breakthrough MCs of 2010: J. Cole

J sits down with MTV and talks about his thought process of saving certain songs for Cole World:

“When you making an album, at least in my case, I had songs that I’ve had for three years that I’ve been holding on to that I wouldn’t put on The Warm Up or any mixtape, because I felt they were too good. And over the years, some of them turned into, ‘Oh, I can let that go, because I’m better than that now.’ But there’s been songs, or there are still songs, that will make the album that never left. You come into the album with that stack of records, and slowly, as you make more, you can see which of those can fly off. Even though it’s hard, because they’re all incredible songs, and you don’t want to let any go. Now we’re down to maybe three. They can never go. They have to stay.”

Props: Shake of 2DopeBoyz.