Life’s a Blog

A rare occurance

If you know me it’s no suprise that Nas is my favourite Hip-Hop artist.

I’ve mentioned in the past to Matt and Afran about how Nas is one of those kind of illusive artists that you rarely get a glimpse of actually in the studio working. On the contrary there are many artists that might as well be sponsored by isight.

To go in the studio, and produce great music, without the cameras, without the vblogs, it really lets what should matter speak for itself. I like that in an artist, especially one as ludicrously talented and praised as Nas is.

This video is a recent collaboration with Nas and a young producer C- SIck in the studio putting together Film.

It’s an amazing track and It’s awesome of Red Bull to put together such a great opportunity.

To hear Film in its entirity and download it check it

Some kinda Interview on Subjects such as Sketches of a Man

Dwele is an amazingly talented R&B/soul singer, songwriter and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. He grew up listening to such Motown artists as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis and Roy Ayers, since becoming a life-long fan and even a spontaneous collaborator. He started writing at the age of ten, using it originally as an emotional vent after dealing with a tragedy in his family. After briefly attending Wayne State, Dwele left college to pursue his own passion for music while working full time.
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Survival Skills with The BDI MC, Buckshot

Soundhustle.com has once again given me an amazing opportunity and I can’t thank them enough.

Buckshot and I spoke about his recent full collaboration album with KRS ONE’s Survival Skills, His issues with the Rock the Bells tour, some of his favourite MC’s in the game and what to expect in the future.

Although it may be a bit of a read, there’s some great inspiration for up in comming artists and true fans of Hip-Hop.

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The 18th Letter..Forever

The God Rakim has been tempting hip-hop fans for years with his anticipated return with the 7th seal.

He has recently shared some thoughts surrounding the new project and his return as the G.O.A.T

“The seals are from the Bible – Revelations and the coming of the Apocalypse…The Lion of Judah breaks the seven seals one by one, each imparting knowledge and inflicting catastrophe, ending with seven trumpets announcing the end of Times…I want to do that: to spit fire and take our best from the ashes to build our kingdom; to recognize all the regional styles, conscious lyrics, the tracks, underground, mainstream, the way we treat each other. Lose the garbage and rebuild our scene…I don’t accept that the new generation is looking for anything different than what we’ve always been looking for. Depending on the moment, they want bangers that make them crack their neck…Every generation wants that real hip-hop. And I’ve always been able to bring that.”

Must Listen: Charles Hamilton

I’m usually pretty quick to rule out somewhat newer artists as I’ve been let down on multiple occasions givin todays’ hip-hop climate and the types of content being produced.

After hearing DJ Critical Hype’s The Art of Slaughterhouse mixtape I was determined to find out who produced the original beat for Royce’s “I owe you” (verses from Death is Certain)

I couldn’t get to the bottom until I came across the answer in Charles Hamilton’s Brooklyn Girls. After some more research not only did I discover that Charles Hamilton despite his rather unorthodox flow is a beast on the mic, he’s also proving to be one of my favorite new producers. A lot of hip-hop fans frown on sampling but I’m a huge fan. Charles is creative, unique and very much worth a listen.

Charles Hamilton is 21 years old on Interscope and has released 9 mixtapes to date (I believe). He’s extremely talented musically as a whole and is definitely an artist to watch for in the future.
If you get a chance I suggest you pick up The Pink Lavalamp, Well…Isnt this awkward and Outside Looking.

“When I sample, I’m not just doing it to sound good. I’m trying to tell a story. To convey an emotion. If I sampled it, there is a reason I sampled it. I believe that music is based on moments, and that there are some moments that people may have missed back in the day. They may have even missed it a year ago. When I sample, I’m giving the artist their respect, while simultaneously creating something new”

Sorry Anyone/Whistle Tips

Hey Every/Anyone.

I wanted to apologize for being non-existent on my blog over the last couple months. I’ve told myself many times I’d get back into it but have been somewhat preoccupied.

Occupied with what you may be thinking?

I got a new job working for a upincomming recording artist out of Toronto named George Casey. My job description is very loose but I’d consider myself a “jack of all trades” when it comes to advertising and promotions both online and in the streets.

It isn’t exactly where I thought I’d be at this stage in my life but Its becoming more and more comfortable. I get to write, and be surrounded by the music industry that I’m loving dearly. Working full-time and being paid is definately a change in pace, but that’s something I’ve enjoyed getting used to. Other than working full-time I’ve been collaborating closley with a couple Hip-Hop websites that I feel are going to become major contenders in the market within the near future. Soundhustle.com/ hiphopmingle.com (launching soon). Apart from that I’ve been doing some freelance writing for real estate & photography when there’s time to dedicate. So I’ve been somewhat busy with work/freelance/my amazing girlfriend/friends/family etc. but will be getting into the swing of things in no time.

I’m hoping to keep up on posts over the next month or so as I will be on a computer for 8+ hours a day.
As I mentioned in my first post a while back, it’s about time I start adding something to the internet as apposed to leaching off it everyday.

So here’s another youtube great that my brother showed me that has since become a saying around my house and beyond.

Whistle Tips Whoo WHOO!

Reporter: “Some neighbors have said that It’s just way too loud”

Bubb Rubb: “….that’s only in the morning, arnet they supposed to be up cooking breakfast or something? That’s an alarm clock.. WHOO WHOOO!

The Old Prince gave me an interview

Shad Interview



By: Scott Boniface 

Date: May 13^th 2009



Kenya born/London Ontario raised Shadrach Kabango is an extremely talented and promising emcee coming out of Canada. Shad started rapping in 2005 while achieving his undergraduate business degree at Wilfred Laurier University. Shad won the 91.5 FM The Beat’s Rhythm of the Future talent competition and was awarded $17,500 that he put solely towards his 2005 debut when this is over. The independently released record showcased immense creativity accompanied by insane flow and insightful, inspirational lyrics. After much acclaim and praise Shad released an amazing concept album on Black Box Recordings called The Old Price and has since received a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize. Shad breaks the mold of a typical Hip-hop artist for many reasons. Some of those reasons being that he plays guitar with a live band on stage, writes inspiring/motivational lyrics and travels the world on tour all the while maintaining his part-time student status, currently pursuing his masters in liberal studies at Simon Frasier University.


Shad is one of my personal favorite emcees. His music possesses truth and a candid outlook on relatable everyday experiences that anyone can find inspiring and motivational. I would like to thank Shad for taking some time and discussing some future projects, some past accomplishments and personal theories. 



Let’s get right into it, what are 3 interesting things about Shad that others may not know about you. 

- I got my drivers license like… 2 years ago.

 

- I’m a huge john stockton fan.

 

- I own a bootleg of the wonder years complete series on DVD.

 

How has touring been? Is it true that you went to Japan? And is SXSW 09’ as amazing as I’d imagine? 

My album is out in Japan but I haven’t toured there. And no – SXSW is more amazing that you imagine. It’s insane.

 

Who do you think is taking the NBA playoffs this year?

As much as he bugs me, I think Kobe is going to do it although I hope Denver trips em’ up …

 

How is it going to be adjusting back to your typical touring circumstances as apposed to the more lavish experiences while touring with Classified? (Sold out shows, tour busses etc.) 

  haha… in some ways easier and in some ways harder. Not having to drive was nice, but its also nice playing your own shows where you do not have to win over a crowd because people are there to see you as the headliner. In that sense, it’s easier than opening… pros and cons!

Are you currently working on new material while on tour or are you planning on taking some time off to relax when you get back home?

I’m trying to develop some new material. Hopefully ill get some clarity on where I should go with that…. in the meantime.. Writing… Growing… Living…. all in the plans for the next little while…

You clearly have a love for what your doing and have a good time with your music and messaging. Have you ever felt any pressure to do music that wasn’t necessarily you and in your creative vision?

No not really. If I feel pressure to compromise, its in the sense of cutting corners and doing something easier than searching my soul and my thoughts for something truly worthwhile to share… a pressure to just deliver music that sounds good and might even be good and positive and all that but there’s no heart behind it. No real truth in it… its subtle but its important. It’s a bit hard to explain but if I feel pressure to do something that’s not “me”, it’s in that sense…




You’ve said in the past that you write in the bathroom like Biz Markie, is this something you still do? Without giving too much away, what’s your writing process like? Do you write in a specific place? Or have any “must haves” while writing?

 haha… I write anywhere a good idea hits me… I don’t really have a routine although I probably should.



We need to talk a bit about I’ll never understand. This is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard. I know it’s based off a poem your mother wrote for the 10^th year genocide memorial, when you first heard it performed did you know you wanted to share it with others and give your insight? Or was it something that came into play while working through the album? 



Yeah, the idea came to me more while working on the album. From the time I heard the poem I wanted to record it and share it somehow but when I was working on the album was when I thought maybe this might be the opportunity to do that.
 

What are some of your musical inspirations?  Favorite albums? Is there that one track that can make a bad day good and alter your whole mood?

 
Favorite albums include Aquemeni for the creativity and the production… I love College Dropout for the ambition of it… Common, Sage Francis, Lupe Fiasco as lyricists… Hayden’s everything I long for, for its rawness… Weezer’s first two albums… say anything is a real boy … I love Motown for the arrangements… so many others…




Outside of music, what inspires you? What are some of your other hobbies and interests? 


Honestly, besides music and school. I kinda like reading and watching movies but I’m not a fanatic about either. I like playing basketball… and that’s about it! I take lots of naps and I hang with my friends… as for inspiration – I’ve always been inspired by spiritual themes and metaphors… Love. Truth… those enduring ideals that never lose their potency and beauty if your heart’s in the right place… I get inspired by things I’m feeling and seeing and how it all ties together when I can get a glimpse of that… something funny can be inspiring too – sometimes a funny line can turn into a whole song for me… anything…

 

What can we expect from shad over the next couple of years? 

Hopefully some good music.





What is your favorite part of your musical success and what has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

I’m one of the luckier people in the world to get to do something that matters deeply to me for a living. There’s not a day that I don’t think about that and feel excited and thankful… I don’t know what else I can say about that. 

 

Are you still out of love and in search of a Claire Huxtable?

haha well I’m not in love… Clair Huxtable, Aunt Viv (the first one), Peggy Bundy…





Does the old prince still live at home?

 Nope… living in Vancouver these days…

 

 Is there anything else coming up you want to include or get everyone psyched about?

 Warped tours coming to a somewhere near you soon… otherwise thanks for checking me out!

http://www.shadk.com

http://www.myspace.com/shad

http://thefacultyof.com/SHAD/Shad%20-%20The%20Old%20Prince.html

 

Spelling..

The two most important women in my life pointed something out to me the other day.

Your blog’s banner has a spelling mistake. I didn’t believe them at first thinking I was pretty careful.

After realizing, I feel like a total tool. I MISSPELLED interest.

I’ll make the change when I get some time, I’ll have to redo the whole thing, but It will soon be right.

Sorry to everyone who noticed…

I was wrong, please stop judging me now…

NEW WU- RAEKWON, METH, GHOST

Nothing much can be said. This track is rumored to appear on OBQLII. I’m getting giddy like a school girl just thinking about it.
Love the skits & story telling, really hope Lex Diamond comes strong this time around.

Red & Meth- Blackout 2

Insanely anticipated albumn is comming very soon!

This track/video is fire. Check it out!
Featuring Toronto’s Saukrates on the hook.

Methodman & Redman feat. Saukrates- AYO!

http://www.totallyfuzzy.net/ourtube/method-man-and-redman/a-yo-video_43e293776.html

Couldnt find it to embed, Sorry!

New cover looking very similar to the original, loving it.

Blackout! 2 – In Stores May 19th – Tracklist

1.      B.O.2 (INTRO)
2.      I’M DOPE NI**A
3.      A-YO – feat. Saukrates
4.      DANGERUS MCEES
5.      ERRBODY SCREAM – feat. Keith Murray
6.      HEY ZULU
7.      CITY LIGHTS – feat. Bun B
8.      FATHER’S DAY
9.      MRS. INTERNATIONAL (SKIT)
10.    MRS. INTERNATIONAL – feat. Erick Sermon
11.    HOW BOUT DAT – feat. Ready Roc & Streetlife
12.    DIS IZ 4 ALL MY SMOKERS
13.    LOCK DOWN (SKIT) – feat. DJ Kayslay
14.   FOUR MINUTES TO LOCK DOWN – feat. Raekwon & Ghostface killah
15.   NEVA HERD DIS B 4
16.   I KNOW SUMPTN – feat. Poo Bear
17.   A LIL BIT – feat. Melanie Rutherford

Eminem- 3AM/Relapse Trailer

I don’t want to get in too deep on what it is I think about Eminem’s newest single and promo trailer for the album.
Let’s just say I’m less than impressed and actually disappointed In the moronic voice he puts on for the track. I would honestly prefer auto-tune to this german/indian/whereever/whatever he’s trying kind of voice he’s been exercising.

Pisses me off that some one with so much talent, resources, money and following could once again “open hand slap his fans in the face”

UGH, check it out if you havent already.

This promo is pretty bad ass. Very motion picture.

Aftermath is famous for doing these types of trailers. Eminem’s Relapse has garnered extensive hype around the new 3AM video.

“Cinemax exclusively debuts the latest, never before seen, uncensored music video from rap star Eminem, on Saturday, May 2 at 10pm ET/PT. The music video for 3 a.m., the third track to be released from Eminems forthcoming album, Relapse, was directed by Syndrome”

I wanted to include this video for all you fans.
This is true Eminem on stage doing his thing with Big P in New York.

Nas and Kelis- Divorce

I first off wanted to say sorry to everyone who reads this blog.  I’ve been loafting over the past couple days.  I’ve been really busy with personal stuff, internship work and just kicking it. I’ve been so used to leaching off the internet that its hard to get into posting mode.

On my walk today I was thinking of how I wanted to start posting more, being that I’ve seen some pretty cool shit over the past couple days.

So as I perused the Interweb I was devastated by a headline on rapbasement.com

“Kelis files for divorce from Nas”

This makes me really upset for a bunch of reasons. Some I wont get into, but some are general enough to talk about.
Nas is my favorite musical artist of all time, I’ve been following his life with praise, going far past music. From what I gathered over the past couple of years is that Nas was geniunley happy with Kelis. Everytime I would see them on camera, the red carpet, the way she stuck up for his creative individuality when dropping Untitled, the tatooing, the dedication songs and the baby on the way interviews, they always seemed like best friends that just happened to be married.

It makes me so sad to hear they’ve parted ways but I’m almost certain its the best decision for both of them moving forward.

I’ve gotten the impression that it’s Nas’ doing. When all that bullshit was happening with his EX and daughters mother (her fucking jay-z and writing a book about it) I always was rooting for Nas to land on his feet after being screwed over. Past ratonale being that Nas was too much of an individual and in his own world. I believe this is a quality that every man should possess and excersize on a regular basis, but in the end I think it may have led to the collapse once again. Whatever it was it must of been serious givin having a divorce at 7 months pregnant. This is just a speculation on my part but it could be the case.

On the good side of things this may provide amazing heartfelt music from Nas that I’m personally really looking forward to.

So this sadens me, and kind of makes me think of how fraglie marriages truley are in 2009′

“NAS & KELIS, I WAS REALLY PUSHING FOR YOU GUYS! Nas and Kelis met in 2002 at Diddy‘s MTV Video Music Awards after party. “I wasn’t going to go, but I’m glad I did,” Nas told later said, continuing “Then at the afterparty, I met my girl.” Kelis remembered the meeting saying “Everyone moves out of the way, and Nas stands up, and I put my hand out, and I’m like, Hey, I’m Kelis. And he goes, ‘Who?’… So I’m crawling into a fucking hole, and he’s like, ‘Wait-huh? What’s your name? And I’m like, Kelis, and he’s like, ‘Oh, well that’s great, because I’ve been waiting to make you my wife all these years.’”

Samsung HD Viral- How did he do that?

I have no idea. but good luck youtubers.

Royce Da 5’9″- Slaughter (Bar Exam 3)

Royce never stops stepping to the mic like he has something to prove.

This whole track is lyrically ridiculous with too many punchlines to quote and praise, just listen and see for yourself.

Did he diss Edo G? I’m not down for that at all, Edo G’s the man.

But either way, that’s just something Royce does. To anyone and everyone.

(He could let diddy diss you)

Devin the Dude

If you don’t know anything about Devin the Dude then you should look into it.

Although, he has a common theme in what he rhymes about (PWA- Pussy, Weed & Alcohol)
He’s still the man. Here’s a couple tracks you should check out for a little taste.

I LOVE these beats, he usually chooses some that are right up my alley.

What a job- Devin The Dude, Andre 3000 & Snoop Dogg

Devin The Dude-  Thinkin’ bout chu

Devin the Dude- See what I can pull
(this song was like my high-school anthem. Judge me if you must.)

Love to hear what you think about the dude.

Jay Z & Timberland in the studio

I love watching artists in the studio. Especially when it comes time to choose some beats. 

“you got some bounce? you don’t got no bounce nigga”

When Tim dropped dirt off your shoulder I had the biggest smile, Jay- Z’s face is priceless. 
He probably already wrote his verse in his head at this point.  

Just for reference:

1st beat: Brandy – Come as you are
2nd beat: Unused
3rd beat: Ludacris – The potion
4th beat: Obviously Jay Z – Dirt off your shoulders

Mos Def on Bill Maher

Mos Def is smart as hell and doesn’t get the respect he deserves. 

You guys really need to check this out, great insights, points and views. 

Funny as hell too, ” I don’t believe those mother fuckers went to the moon neither but thats just me” 

I love Cornel West. I didn’t know too much about him until I saw this video and started doing some independent research. Amazing man, worth reading up on. 

(hope you guys check this out, would love to hear what you think) 

More recently Mos was on again and got into a bit of a pissing contest with Chris Hitchens (author, journalist, know-it-all with an accent) about Al-Quaeda. 

Mos asks a very reasonable question that I’ve never heard answered and gets the run around. 

“What is Al-Quaeda’s manifesto?”

Nas Getting New Tattoo

Malcom X and an AK. Sure. 

Doesn’t really resonate with me, but then again it’s not my tattoo, looks cool nonetheless. if your into that kind of thing.  

Saw- The video game

Come on! enough is enough. 

I’ve never been a fan of the Saw series but it just keeps going. I guess its societies growing pleasure  to see people get mangled. 

Dropping this October for PS3, 360 and PC.

Pretty lame if I may say so myself. You be the judge. 

Refection Eternal- Back Again [Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek]

 

Talib Kweli drops by the Chop Shop in NYC where DJ Whoo Kid is getting a haircut and blesses us with “Back Again”.
The return of His legendary group Reflection Eternal along with his partner Hi Tek.

Cameos from Original Graff artist Stay High 189, U-God, Ivan, and DanTheMan

I’m really feeling this beat, Hi-Teks been a hit n’ miss producer for me in the past but this is very quality.  

“Thats right & were back again. 
You can like rap again, you can say that again”

Love the concept for the video. What do you think? 

Redman & Ready Roc- Freestyle on Shade45

Redman and his best friend from Gilla House Ready Roc ripping it on Shade45

“In the booth I’m a terrorists, punch-lines get up in your mind like a therapist” 

Excited for Blackout 2? me too.

Murs- Break Up ( the oj song)

During my daily perusal of all things interesting I came across a new video from L.A’s Murs. 

I’m a HUGE fan of Murs and always have been. I’m a bit of a sap when it comes to relationship music and Murs always seems to fill me with some insight and relate-ability. So check out the video and If you can, go see Murs at Rock The Bells ’09 In your city, he’ll be on the same stage as Slaughterhouse, going to be a show to remember. 

I don’t know who the track is produced by but that Anthony Hamilton sample made me smile.
The video’s co-starring Roxy Reynolds, another video vixen for hire. A rather reoccurring theme in videos recently I’m finding. 

If you’ve never heard of Murs and want to I highly suggest picking up Murs 3:16 The 9th Edition (produced by 9th wonder) and FELT. Really tight shit. 

“You didn’t call me last night, what you trying to be, strong?
You’ll call yourself stupid when you finally hear this song
’cause I would’ve took you back
I was waiting to, in fact
all you had to do was hollar, girl
I would’ve just collapsed and 
fell into a trap and started to relapse
and yo ass never called so it just never happened”

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/videos/id.2508/title.murs-break-up-the-oj-song

(couldn’t find the video to embed for the life of me, but this tracks definitely worth linking to, give it a listen and I’d love to hear what you think)

Fuck Earth Day, Pour Oil on a Duck.

Although so wrong and sarcastic, it’s hilarious. You should check it out. 

“We need to make the earth our bitch” 

Slaughterhouse- Move On

(Royce Da 5’9″/Crooked I/Joe Budden & Joell Ortiz)

Slaughterhouse is in full effect. If your a fan of hip-hop do yourself a favor and get on the tip. Listen close !

Obama’s Fried Chicken

“Why couldn’t you just call it presidential fried chicken?”

I don’t have much to say about this. I’m not offended, but lots of people are.
I think it’s a rather unintelligent business decision in hopes to boost sales and update with the times (previously Kennedy Fried Chicken) but I’m not mad at them for it.

What do you think?