Told you it was coming...DIVISION 1! Young Chris...Lets Go
Thursday, June 30, 2011
ON THE SET- DJ Khaled 'Its Not Over...'
featuring Jadakiss, Fabolous, and Mary J Blige off the WEST THE BEST FOREVER album..check out behind the scenes footage, as well as the single here:
BEHIND THE SCENES OF "IT AINT OVER,TILL IT'S OVER" from DERICK G on Vimeo.
Snapbacks Back
First 'Tupac is Back', after that came Reeboks resurgence via the remix by Rick Ross, Swizz Beats, and Meek Mill...Check out Tyga and C Breezy with 'Snapbacks back'
So So Def
The jury is still out on Jermaine Dupri's company; BUT, one thing that is conclusive, Dondria can blow. Check her out covering Beyonces 1+1
Let Bygones be Bygones
Life is too short to harp on things of the past. By no means am I insinuating that it is easy to forgive and forget but I do believe there is reward in taking initiative with the forgiving portion. It takes too much energy to hold grudges, not acknowledging the benefit in growing from all situations. The key to life most time is progress, and application of all lessons learn. Need a great example of that, check out the maturation of the members of Destiny's Child. During an interview with Rap-UpTV Letoya Luckett recongnizes Beyonces mention of her at the Billboard Music Awards:
Is not Sisterly love so beatiful?
Is not Sisterly love so beatiful?
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Complex that Complexion Can Create
Identity is far more than your name, or the face with which people connect when they think of it. Identity is much deeper. When you think of who you are, what comes to mind? Self Inventory should manufacture a sense of esteem, pride, acceptance, and understanding. To be labeled, is not always complimentary; Know who you are, and do your best to ensure that everyone else does as well.
For quite sometime I've been hearing much to do about the stereotypes if you will, or the disparity in acceptance when dealing with the darker as opposed to fair skinned. That is a divide that has been occuring for many more years than I can remember. The science behind it is poisonous. I have subscribed to the idea that all persons should be judged on their own merit. Your qualities prioritized and your faults assisted.
I understand that the media does not make it easier to conduct yourself on this basis, but I guess the cliche applies here that challenge one to "stand for something rather than fall anything" Embrace your make up and most certainly your skin tone, as IsisAmadeus does:
For quite sometime I've been hearing much to do about the stereotypes if you will, or the disparity in acceptance when dealing with the darker as opposed to fair skinned. That is a divide that has been occuring for many more years than I can remember. The science behind it is poisonous. I have subscribed to the idea that all persons should be judged on their own merit. Your qualities prioritized and your faults assisted.
I understand that the media does not make it easier to conduct yourself on this basis, but I guess the cliche applies here that challenge one to "stand for something rather than fall anything" Embrace your make up and most certainly your skin tone, as IsisAmadeus does:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
MOTION PICTURE comnng soon
There are certain things in life that going together, and unquestionably there is one union that falls under that category: the streets and music. I heard it said once that "Art Imitates Life"; unfortunately for music today that is more true then some would like, to the point where Hip Hop has come under fire for being something like the World Wrestling Federation, an act more so than an expression of true accounts and feelings. Good thing Emo- rap is climbing.
But I can, as well as you should, recall a time when that was not the case. A time when what was being blasted through stereos was more tangible in the sense that it was very relate-able. I can remember Staring out of my Project Window when I listen to Nas rap about it. I used to think Street Dreams were the way to go, and to this day, I still plan to Get Rich or Die Trying
In honor of this inseperable Union between the streets and rhymes, Sophie Lily Weinstein's film company, Synergy Media Productions, is in preparation to bring forth the story of Fat Cat to cinema. If you've ever been around the game or it, by now, you should know who Fat Cat Nichols is. If by chance you do not, click here:
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2011/06/27/22817169.aspx
As of yet there is not a definite date set for its release, but I can for one can say I will be there whenever it does.
DJ KHALED- WE THE BEST FOREVER
TRACKLISTING:
1. “I’m on One” feat. Drake, Rick Ross, & Lil Wayne
2. “Welcome to My Hood” feat. Rick Ross, Plies, Lil Wayne, & T-Pain
3. “Money” feat. Young Jeezy & Ludacris
4. “I’m Thuggin’” feat. Waka Flocka Flame & Ace Hood
5. “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over” feat. Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, & Jadakiss
6. “Legendary” feat. Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, & Ne-Yo
7. “Sleep When I’m Gone” feat. Busta Rhymes, Cee Lo Green, & Game
8. “Can’t Stop” feat. Birdman & T-Pain
9. “Future” feat. Ace Hood, Meek Mill, Wale, Vado, & Big Sean
10. “My Life” feat. Akon & B.o.B.
11. “A Million Lights” feat. Tyga, Cory Gunz, Mack Maine, Jae Millz, & Kevin Rudolf
12. “Welcome to My Hood (Remix)” feat. Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Mavado, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Bun B, Game, & Waka Flocka Flame
Reebok is Back
Swizz Beats feat Rick Ross and Meek Mill with a remix of the street anthem, "Tupack Back" with a Reebok theme
Monday, June 27, 2011
Kelly Rowland covers MONARCH
There were some rumblings last week about Beyonce's effort to get back her Destiny's Child "co-stars" Michelle and Kelly to help her out on the last leg of her European tour. A lot of people were saying that Kelly shoul not waste her time, giving her buzz right now as a solo artist. I AGREE. Sometimes you gotta move forward in order to make things right, check her out here covering Monarch magazine(available July 1)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Manny @ Sapphire Lounge 6.14.11
Real inspirational thought provoking music is what is embodied in this track here. An ode to having faith, and understanding that after the rain, the sun will shine again. for all those who are facing obstacles know that the reward in overcoming them is far greater than succumbing.
This Second Single "U Can Move On girl" is full of emmotion and realism. Sometimes you have to know when something is not worth saving; You must look inside yourself and find the courage to be alright and keep your head high knowing that light at the end of the end of the tunnel.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
KNICKS GM FOR A DAY
Without a doubt the Knicks have a couple of needs, none of them insatiable though. With that being said I am here to offer my thoughts and authority as the Knicks GM for day.
Over the last couple of days I have heard a lot of scenarios and recipes for revamping the Knicks. At last I have concocted the formula to forthcoming success.
1. Depth
It is no rumor that the Knicks season fluttered due to the inability to bring anyone off the bench to spell the superstars and add a scoring / defensive punch. Although Toney Douglass can be that at times, the Knicks need him to focus more on running the team more so than running up and down the court. He has showed great fortitude and ability when filling in for Chauncey Billups; That is one reason among others that I would not advise that the Knicks give up on him by trading or replacing him in the rotation.
2. Height
With Amare Stoudemire being the "biggest" body on the squad, the Knicks are destine for mere "existence" among the top 5-7 teams in the East, always falling prey to teams whose strength is inside. In this draft the Knicks need to sought height, and if not possible defensive energy and rebounding presence. I was at some of the Boston games when the Knicks were beaten by simply being outrebounded in the waining moments of games which they have carried a lead deep into the 4th quarter
3. Back up PG
In a league where the Dallas Mavericks were able to win a championship with 3 people on the court shorter than 6'5" (Terry, Kidd, Barrea) we see the trending in the league shows that it is possible. With that being said, Toney Douglass can play alongside another guard with the potential of efficiency.
4. Knock Down Shooter
Everyone from Times Square to Niagara falls are hoping that the Knicks can land Jimmer Fredette. National Player of the year aside, he is a pure shooter with a nack for taking and making big shots. Courage that was lacking in crucial moments by bench players last season. Not to mention this would make the pick and roll with Chauncey/ Amare stronger because teams cannot cheat when "Jimmer time" is in full swing. Oh yeah and Mr Amazing aka Melo needs some one to kick to when he goes to the basket.
5. Competition
Last but not least, the disappearing act pulled by Landry Fields is second only to King James in the 4th quarter of Finals games; the Knicks need someone to come in and threaten the playing time of Landry Fields, aka an athletic-ranging swing man.
Now that I have given my dissertion on what the Knicks needs are, let me offer some remedies. Not in no particular order, just in possibility.
1. Jimmer Fredette - knockdown shooter
2. Iman Shumpert- Chauncey Billups 2.0
3. Josh Shelby- PG of the future
4. Kenneth Faried- what Renaldo Balkman was supposed to be
5. Markief Morris- proven/ mature big man who could play BIG and not be intimidated
*******Bonus**** Marshon Brooks if he wants to play all facets of the game.
For the record, I am not too far off with this analysis. the experts agree, check it out: http://www.nba-draft.com/Pick17.html
For an entire NBA.com mock draft click here:
http://www.nba-draft.com/2011MockDraftRound1.html
Good Enough?????
Dawn Richard (Danity Kane/ Dirty Money) is on her solo swag....check out her flip of Novacane, did she kill it? Definitely got her sexy on if I might say..what do you say?
VOGUE full figure
Vogue Italia is catching up with the rest of us, in understanding what beauty and sex appeal is. June 2011 has spawned the release of VOGUE full figure editions, and dawning the cover are some women whom could easily be in Straight Stuntin Magazine as well. Check it out. fellas enjoy!
Just an R&B thug
Not necessarily what the R intended on TP2 but hey it fits. Would I agree that this was the best thing for C Breezy to alledgedly do considering that he is just beginning to shake the controversy and get back to the top of RnB, um "NO". I understand beef, but in music, its better to beef. Look back @ history- it sells records. I always say that Music is like wrestling, its art, sell what the people love. Breezy could rake in the dough off the buzz of beefing with Odd Future. Guess he doesnt see it like that, and he wants to get it poppin...check the video for yourself and decide:
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Stand Notice
To a man on a mission, getting his money and expanding...#SALUTE
In the newest issue of PAPER Magazine, Swizz Beatz kicks it about about his marriage, his album and working with hip hop's top talent.
On being married to Alicia:
“Being married to a public figure made people take a second look at me.”
On the album:
“With this rebirth of work that I’m doing, people will seethe big
picture,” “You can hear on this album, those beats aren’t 15-minute
beats.”
On collab-ing with Jay-Z, Kanye & Lil Wayne for the album:
“I thought that it was time people know who my friends are and who I’m
affiliated with."
read the full article: http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2011/06/swizz-beatz-gimme-the-beatz.php
Trust Issues
"Tell me how we're supposed to be friends when you got a bunch of feelings that you wont show"
Ever had a problem committing yourself or opening up for that matter? Was it all residual disfunction as a result of what you'v eexperience in prior interactions? if so, believe me you're not alone. I myself have trust issues that I'm trying to get over. They say the best therapy is surrounding yourself with those who can relate and leaning on one another to get through. In that case, lets open this meeting with some New Drizz...talk to em
Cupid aint got ish on him
*picture credit: MTO*
"it aint their fault cause I know that they mean you well..."
Undoubtedly one of my favorite R&B albums is the Dream's Love vs Money...in it, track "Mr. Yeah" he says "How can somebody mistreat a body thats hotter than 100 suns?" That line has resonated for quite some time especially since having a discussion recently with someone whose opinion I have a great respect for. During, the statement was made that 'For every BAD female, theres a dude that is tired of dealing with her." That was kind of shocking to me, cause when you think of a bad woman, that being beauty plus the complete package you would assume that every man would go through leaps and bounds to keep her. Maybe not, so the crowd says.
I've been searching for an example to substantiate this notion, and low and behold we have one! Think for a minute..Gabriel Union....yes I know what comes to mind. EVERYTHING. Well for me @ least it does. Fellas, and ladies for that matter (politically correct) let your images be as they may. Ever thought someone would move on from her? Neither did. Recent pics says it can be so. Dont wanna jump to conclusions but that doesnt look like Gabrielle Union getting fancy in Milan with D Wade.
what say you of this?
Monday, June 20, 2011
Game On
BlackWallStreet brought out some heavy hitters to hold court @ Drew League...check out highlights of Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant getting busy, plus new "Hustlin" track by the Game.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Basquiat Presents Latoya AKA @IAMSTARGIRLZ
An MC, not defined by gender yet empowered by it; an ambassador- a motivator. A rapper. Might battle, might write a song, either way you get her all. An artist, inspired by originality, influence by some of the greats. Not wanting to be the next anybody, simply satisfied with being herself. She is Latoya, or you can call her Stargirl....CEO/ Founder of Stargirlz Ent, Latoya Wright is more than your average up and coming artist. In more ways than one, she's made, although some of you haven't noticed as of yet. No worries, when its all said and done she will become a house hold name. Why? Because thats what she deserves, and if you ask Ms. Wright, she always gets what she deserves.
10 years deep in the game, and no signs of letting up anytime soon. Entrepeneur, artist, all around move maker; Basquiat Presents to you....the star of stars, StarGirl Ent's own Latoya Wright
What transpired that sparked the realization in you that your gift of creativity could turn into a career?
My drive and the love people have for my music
What seperates you from other female artsts?
I am a single parent and I own my label and my experiences
Rappers in general?
I'm real and I rap about my life which can only come from me as an individual
Who are some of your influences?
My influences would have to be MC Lyte, Salt n Pepper, Tina Turner, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim and Jay Z
Define your style/ approach to creating music?
My style is a combination of Hip Hop, Reggae and R&B. My approach to creating music is to let it happen naturally and then master it
Where can the public can find your music?
The people can definitely find my music on Youtube. They can also follow me on twitter for updates at @_MsWright_ or @IAmTheStargirlz
Which do you prefer, battling or song writing?
Personally I prefer song writing
What was the biggest show u have done so far and what did u learn from the experience
The biggest show I've done was about 7years ago an opening for mtv's dating show and I learned that the stage is my destiny
What are some of the pros and cons of being in a group vs solo artist
well being in a group is difficult because you have more opinions to deal with as well as egos clashing; being solo gives you the opportunity to apply more originality
Whats up wit Stargirl Entertainment?
Stargirl Entertainment is my label. Right now we're putting the work in and we are on the come up so look out for us
Do you consider yourself an ambassador for the art of exrpession for women of all color and ages?
Yes I do. I am a women that fights for what I believe in and demands respect. Thats a lot easier said than done. With that strength I've overcome many obsticales and I cant wait to share my experiences with women all over the world
Basquiat Presents...Toya Aka @IAMTHESTARGIRLZ
An MC, not defined by gender yet empowered by it; an ambassador- a motivator. A rapper. You might catch her in a battle, more than lucky writing a song, either way you get her all. An artist, inspired by originality, influence by some of the greats. All about putting her work in, Toya is not trying to nor does she want to be the next anybody, she is simply satisfied with being herself; Witcall her Stargirl....CEO/ Founder of Stargirlz Ent, Latoya Wright is more than your average up and coming artist. In more ways than one, she's made, although some of you haven't noticed as of yet. No worries, when its all said and done she will become a house hold name. Why? Because thats what she deserves, and if you ask Ms. Wright, she always gets what she deserves.
10 years deep in the game, and no signs of letting up anytime soon. Entrepeneur, artist, all around move maker; Basquiat Presents to you....the star of stars, StarGirl Ent's own Latoya Wright
What transpired that sparked the realization in you that your gift of creativity could turn into a career?
My drive and the love people have for my music
What seperates you from other female artsts?
I am a single parent and I own my label and my experiences
Rappers in general?
Im real and I rap about my life which can only come from me as an individual
Who are some of your influences?
My influences would have to be MC Lyte, Salt n Pepper, Tina Turner, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim and Jay Z
Define your style/ approach to creating music?
My style is a combination of Hip Hop, Reggae and R&B. My approach to creating music is to let it happen naturally and then master it
Where can the public can find your music?
The people can definitely find my music on Youtube. They can also follow me on twitter for updates at @_MsWright_ or @IAmTheStargirlz
Which do you prefer, battling or song writing?
Personally I prefer song writing
What was the biggest show u have done so far and what did u learn from the experience
The biggest show I've done was about 7years ago an opening for mtv's dating show and I learned that the stage is my destiny
What are some of the pros and cons of being in a group vs solo artist
well being in a group is difficult because you have more opinions to deal with as well as egos clashing; being solo gives you the opportunity to apply more originality
Whats up wit Stargirl Entertainment?
Stargirl Entertainment is my label. Right now we're putting the work in and we are on the come up so look out for us
Do you consider yourself an ambassador for the art of exrpession for women of all color and ages?
Yes I do. I am a women that fights for what I believe in and demands respect. Thats a lot easier said than done. With that strength I've overcome many obsticales and I cant wait to share my experiences with women all over the world
Basquiat Presents....Kwan Lee AKA the Renaissance Man
Often referred to as a renaissance man, or more commonly a jack of all trades; Kwan Lee is grinding. A man of many talents, some of which include media specialist, artist, entrepeneur, as well as producer. Success has not always come easy to Kwan Lee, its been a process. The result of hardwork, focus, and surely a lot of sleepless nights as he perfected his craft. At times the vision was not so clear, making him want to gracefully bow out. However, the passion, the love for the music, as well as a great support team has contributed to a renewed grind, and bigger hits. Currently the mind behind KwanLeeTV.com, one of the biggest underground media outlets for artists of all genres, Kwan Lee is undoubtedly doing his part to help the movement along. That movement being HIP HOP. Since first picking up a mic, and getting busy on a beat machine, Kwan Lee has found many a way to make his name a household one. If you were in need of grind 101, here it is for you exclusively through Basquiats Mind, kicking it with the brother Kwan Lee:
what did hearing your track at the BCAT event in 2005 do for your drive and focus?
It made me take something I did for fun seriously. I downplayed the whole idea of actually getting my music heard. I didn't picture a few years later that it would be so easy to push your music and put it out there.
What was the turning point that changed your mind about getting out of music?
I talked to a few friends of mine and got convinced not to quit. I also produced this record by Mala Reignz called "Hey Love" as well as other records that just took off and the EP I produced records on got quoted in The Source July 2010 where Mala was listed as Unsigned Hype so I am very appreciative for that.
You have your own website, what can people get on there?
I have a few sites. On my personal website ThisKwan.com you could get my personal thoughts on things as well as the music. On KwanLeeTV.com (which is my media company) you can catch a whole lot of videos on there sort of like an MTV on demand. For BYCPromo.com (with my partners Mz. Real and Mz. LaLa) we promote whatever is going on in the hip-hop community and not only just hip-hop, but any talent that anyone would like to show the world. In all we can say that I do a lot.
Production or your own music, which one gives you a bigger rush?
Honestly both. I am a producer so I know how to help artists when it comes to records. I've been part of creative teams. My favorite part about production is sampling. I love to dig in the crates and find records. For writing, whenever I can freestyle and just make people say say that line again I know its dope. I produce all of my music unless its an industry beat I freestyle on so its fun just creating a record by myself
Tell us about the mixtape people vs Kwan lee:
The People Vs. Kwan Lee was my first solo mixtape. It was a lot of my thoughts of what was going on right when I felt I was going to walk away from everything. I touched on a lot of issues artists have and it was a great experience. Everyone knew me as a producer and I had released Purple Pain a few months back and a lot of people started paying attention to my production style. TPVKL made people say oh snap I didn't know he did that or, wow he said what I was feeling.
How have you progressed since dropping that?
I've dropped the I Warned You EP which got on to HipHopIsRead along with the samples I used. I also dropped The People Vs. Kwan Lee 2 which is still getting downloaded now and I am very appreciative of that. My next EP which is called Don't Bench Me is releasing August 3rd.
What other interests and roles do you play in this Hip Hop movement?
I work to make Hip Hop better to sum it all up. Kwan Lee TV alone has been a major outlet for the underground. Music wise I have produced a lot of records for artists in every borough. Some call me a renaissance man because I do so much.
You've tore down every underground showcase imagineable, whats the motivation to continue on that scene?
To realize there's always going to be new people to perform in front of. I remember shows where it was just me the promoter the staff and a few people. A lot of times my people can't show up. It dosent matter who is there it is a privelege to actually get on a stage and have people like your music and I appreciate it because the same people who said I couldn't do this and they were next up are coming to me for advice now. I'm just humble.
Any shoutouts or mentions?
First I'd like to shout you out for allowing me to be on your site. I'd also like to thank everybody who supported from day 1 and those who've grown to support along the way.
For more on the brother Kwan Lee and to download his music, or check out his literary as well as other contributions to HIP HOP, check out these sites:
Kwan Lee
www.thiskwan.com
www.kwanleetv.com
www.bycpromo.com
www.twitter.com/kwanlee
www.facebook.com/kwanleemusic
www.reverbnation.com/kwanleemusic
www.youtube.com/kwanleesworld
I wanna thank Kwan Lee for sitting with me and letting me present himself as well as his product and creativity to the masses.
SUPPORT PEOPLE's DREAMS and HARDWORK
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Rapper shot multiple time
Its not easy turning nothing into something, and its even harder when others around do not genuinely want you to. Remember that cliche, "crabs in a barrel?" unfortunately in the neighborhoods we come from, they are everywhere. Now I dont have all the details of what sparked the violence, but I will say that I hate to hear about things like this, regardless if they are high profile or not. I sympathize with the most common of all and wish death on no one.
Over the weekend, New Orleans rapper Kidd Kidd (featured on Lil Wayne's "Mrs. Officer:)was shot multiple times while visiting his mom in his old neighborhood. Reports claim that he has survived. Want to send a get well soon shout out.
check out Kidd Kidd on Lil Waynes "Mrs Officer" and some more music:
Friday, June 10, 2011
Stable: A Hustla's Story
Some circles proclaim that a hustler is as a hustler does. Now thats not to say that theres a specific promotion happening of anything illegal, rather a celebration of a certain vitality; a spirit that exists in those who fall in the category of " A Go Getta." Stable is that. Gather around Hustlers and listen to your theme song, an ode to your calling. The hustle. That very thing which wakes you up each and everyday. That which gives you the power, the will, the momentum- to keep going. Where, thats only for you to know.
Its not a secret where Stable is going- to the top, with plans to put the rap game on his back.
A Hustla's Story is the first step. No not a crawl, a giant step. Ever seen bigfoots prints in the sand? Well here they are- acknowledge. Understand if you will, that is if you can. If you're a hustler you'll get it. If you're not, you'll learn. Pay close attention as the blueprint is provided by Stable in " A Hustla's Story"
Available now on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/stable/id440923519
STABLE™
www.iamstable.com
www.twitter.com/iamstable
Made in Harlem EP (Coming Soon)
Stable Musik Group LLC, 2011
ALL Lyrics are created and Published by STABLE
(Stai E Z Publishing ASCAP 2011)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sunshine Anderson
Ms. Heard-it-all before is back...sheesh, she's stil pretty as ever..check her out:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)