Utterly Disgusting part 2

October 31, 2008. MediaTakeOut.com just caught wind that 17 year old rapper Soulja Boy just put his foot in his mouth. Here's what went down during a recent interview with journalist Toure:

Then came Soulja Boy Tell Em. I asked him, “What historical figure do you most hate?” He was stumped. I said, "Others have said Hitler, bin Laden, the slave masters..." He said, "Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we'd still be in Africa."My jaw, at this point, was on the ground. "We wouldn't be here," he continued, having no idea how far in it he'd stepped, "to get this ice and tattoos."

Ok ... let's all agree that what Soulja Boy said was ignorant - whether he was joking or not. But the boy is only 17 years old.

Utterly Disgusting - A special post

I wonder how her family feels about this... (picture courtesy of Media Take Out)

Robin Thicke can't "kcuf" with Jon B - Yeah, I said it...

Good Morning Family,

So...

I have been reading about the "Battle of the Blue Eyed Soulsters". If you weren't aware, apparently, Jon B has been extremely annoyed at Robin Thicke as of late. Jon feels that Robin is being very whiny, feeling himself a bit too much and is being ungrateful with the amount of accolades that he has received for his musical achievements. (i.e. Calling Vibe Magazine racists for not having his picture on the cover or never being able to have his picture on the cover) Jon goes on to also state that as white artists doing black music, Robin should be satisfied like he in being included in such a honored and hallowed fraternity of performers.

I agree with Jon... Robin has some freakin' nerve.

Before I begin my rant, let me start off by shouting out one of the original Blue-Eyed Soulsters, Bobby Caldwell. For those who don't know, Bobby has and still is bringing the fire with his silky smooth voice. His most famous hits are "What You Won't Do For Love" and "Open Your Eyes", the joint which Common sampled for "The Light." Another big up goes to Daryll Hall of Hall and Oates. I don't EVEN need to get into his catalogue. (LOL) Any white singer worth his salt must kiss the rings of these two dons.

In any case, back to Jon and Robin. Robin must give props to Jon. Simply put. First of all, Jon paved the way for Robin to even get his shine. Jon has 15 plus years in the game!!! 15!!!!!! Yes, Robin is talented and reared in a very musical family. (His parents are Alan Thicke and Gloria Loring. NOTE: Alan Thicke wrote and sang the theme song for Different Strokes) I will also acknowledge that Robin is a very gifted musician and skilled with pen, writing hits for such megastars like Usher. And yes, I have all of his albums. HOWEVER, Jon B is equally and if not MORE gifted than this cat, and like anyone who has had years in the game prior to your arrival, it is only fitting that you pay homage or show some respect for someone who sacrificed for you.

Let's talk Jon B for a second. First of all Jon has hits...LOTS OF HITS! We are talking about a cat who was a protege of Babyface, rocked with Tupac and released two smash albums with "Bonafide" and "Cool Relax". (He also released Pleasure U Like, Stronger Every Day to critical acclaim) To be honest, Robin's last three albums can't touch Jon B's Cool Relax. I am sorry ladies, I got to keep it real. If you don't believe me, flashback and watch Jon B's smash "They Don't Know" and watch your face curl up into a smile... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO4Sp0qr6PY Lastly, Jon's instrument game is just as tight as Robin's and his skills with pen are even tighter.

Jon just dropped a tight album called "Helpless Romantic'. The album is a problem. Jon B's swagger game is at a all time high and he real worked on this one. As a supporter of Jon, I encourage you all to cop it. Visit Jon's page: http://www.myspace.com/jonboogotti

Here are a few excerpts from Jon regarding Robin:

IS JON B A HATER? JON B. VS. ROBIN THICKE!Oct 21, 2008 Author: MissXpose

“I’ve never been on the cover of VIBE, but I don’t think that that is a good thing to really point out. It’s like damn, who are you to say that you deserve the cover? That’s kind of pompous to me. Just fall back and do what you do and don’t complain. You’ve been blessed.” - Jon B on Robin Thicke’s complaint for not making the VIBE cover.

“Listen man, you have your career and I have mine. If it came down to a battle situation, where we were piano to piano, vocals to vocals, and he really wanted to test skills on some wild competitive type of stuff we could make it happen.” - Jon B on a battle with Thicke.

“I paved the way for a lot of white artists now that don’t have to deal with the stigma of being a white artist. I don’t think that people would be as open for non-African American artists like that if it I didn’t take a lot of the slack for them.” - Jon B on originally holding it down for young white Soul artists.

Jon B, I am riding with you fam...

One, Cap-D

Know Your History - Grand Wizard Theordore

Grand Wizard Theodore (real name Theodore Livingston), also known as GrandWizzard Theodore or DJ GrandWizzard Theodore, is a hip hop DJ. He is widely credited as the inventor of scratching.^[1][2] Born in Bronx, New York.

Theodore's brother, Mean Gene, was Theodore's mentor, and he began teaching him DJing before Theodore was even a teen. In addition to scratching, he achieved renown for his mastery of needle drops and other techniques which he invented or perfected. Theodore also apprenticed under Grandmaster Flash.^[2]

In the early 1980s, Theodore was a part of the group Grandwizard Theodore & the Fantastic Five. They released "Can I Get a Soul Clap" in 1980. He was also featured in the 1983 film Wild Style, as well as contributing to the film's soundtrack. He explains the origin of the scratch in the documentary film Scratch.^[2]

Grand Wizard Theodore's mixing style is still innovative, as he does not simply stick to baby scratches and cuts - his mix sets sound similar to extended DMC routines, using all of the current up to date DJ tricks and styles. This is in contrast with other old school DJs, such as Grandmaster Flash or Kool Herc, whose mixing style and music selection has remained basically unchanged for the past 30 years.^[2]

Know Your History - SEEN

Richard Mirando, known as Seen, born 1961 in The Bronx, New York, is one of the most famous American graffiti artists, often referred to as The Godfather of Graffiti.

Seen first started to paint on New York's subway in 1973. His crew "United Artists" (or simply UA) quickly gained the reputation for producing full colour wholecars with members such as PJAY, DUSTER, SIN and his brother MAD.

For the next 16 years his pieces were running across the city and on all lines but especially prominent on the 2, 5 and 6 lines. He was responsible for dozens of whole car top to bottoms many of which have become iconic images of the time.

It was during the very early 1980s that Seen started producing work on canvas, shown by galleries and bought by museums and private collectors across the globe. These include not only solo exhibitions but also group shows with artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dondi, Quik, Blade and Lee. Despite the high demand for his work in Europe and constant world travel, Seen continued to hit the New York subway trains right up until 1989, long after many had admitted defeat to the MTA. He was also featured prominently in the PBS 1983 documentary Style Wars.

In the late 1980's Seen also turned his talent to tattoo art, opening TATTOO SEEN which quickly became one of the most successful studios in New York. Seen's recent work includes three dimensional sculpture, mixed media work with reclaimed or discarded materials (often found in the street) and a series of hand painted limited edition MTA New York subway maps. He continues to exhibit worldwide and produce work with, and alongside, artists such as Banksy

Q-TIP - THE RENAISSANCE: BEST ALBUM OF 2008

OK....I just listened to the new album. This is HIP HOP.  Production, Lyrical content, music placement, topics, etc. No auto tunes, no extra chains with ice, no bus-it babies.   Just good music.  

Q-Tip has provided a touch of midnight marauders  with soul but with out the dashiki (no offense).   The balance and maturity of hip-hop is seen and is expressed on this album.   I am really touched by this.   I haven't heard someone put scratches in there songs in God knows how long. Paercussions, samples, guest appearances(which are limited)  is perfect.   By the way , he is the only one spitting fire on this album.

I appreciate the fact that he did not ask for Lil Wayne, Kanye West  or Cold Play to be on the album .   I say this with love because I enjoy these individuals but it feels to as if you need to put artists such as these on your album in order for it to be hot.   

Will this album go platinum on billboard....probably not especially with the way the music industry is now. Let not forget about our "Hate it/Love it" internet.   This album is definitely in my opinion in the Top 10 for 2008.   You can play this in the car, ipod, (Discman for the retro cats), at home and a lounge.  It's (I can't believe  I am saying this)....PERFECT!  Q-Tip  aka Abstract Poetic has been DJ'ing for some time now and I feel that has also been an asset to his "ear" for music .....NY is all over this album as well.   No hate to the South , West or anywhere  else but the album is magnetic. 

This album is the perfect blue print for hip hop artist (Nas, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Large Professor, MosDef, etc.) from the late 80's and early 90's on how to fine tune your "SWAG" and there is no need to piggy back on Crunk music or anything else that you did not originate.   Especially if it's something out that has no depth.    

I am about to get kicked out my apartment because this s--t is on blast.    Wow! 

Kanye we didn't forget about you! Q-Tip is the heartbeat to hip-hop right now !

Sunkyst ....out ! Peace! 

The Art of Freestyling

Good morning, Family!

This morning I woke up with something on mind. I need a definition, ya'll.

Can someone please define what "freestyling" is?? As an avid hip-hop fan and former novice emcee, I have always assumed that when an hip hop artist performs a freestyle, it's literally just that...a verse that was "spat" off the top off the dome, free flowing, no pre-written lines and off the cuff. However, I am seeing more and more artists call "pre-written verses" freestyles. I guess the rationale behind it was that if you didn't have that written verse set aside for a song, you can use it to battle, spit over the radio waves, or put on a mixtape. I dunno...

Look...I have no problem with pre-written verses, but don't play me for a sucker. call it what it is. If you are battling a cat and he's tearing you to shreds with lines about what's happening now, then you come back with some pre-written isht about guns, drugs or whatever, you are playing yourself, B. There is nothing wrong with not being able to freestyle. Greats such as KRS, Supernatural and Busy Bee honed this skill over many years. Freestyling is an art and it's not to be taken lightly. Rakim and Nas aren't great freestyling emcees - yet, they hold the admiration of millions because of their writing prowess. They have never fronted to be the aformentioned. They played their lane and did what they had to do. If you are gonna write some isht and battle, at least write something that you can easily apply in any situation.

That's it...I'm done.

Cap-D

Is Jay-Z playing himself and destroying his legacy?? A rant on hump day....

* Allow me to say that I am a Jigga fan, own his entire commercial catalogue and watched his career grow from when he was sidekick to Jaz. The following comments are my frustrations...*

Family,

Who is this new Shawn Carter? This dude that is out today isn't the Jay-Z I fell in love with. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know. You have to grow up eventually and take off the hoodie, get committed with your woman and put a suit on. I get that. You have to start handling that B.I. I get that! But this need to be wanted and loved all the freaking time is killing me. What happened to the cat that said, "if you don't like me, fine, pay me no mind.?" Where's the cat that didn't give a shi*??

When Jay-Z released his swan song, "The Black Album," he was on top. He had the"baddest chick in the game wearing his chain", lyrically couldn't be touched (sans Nas, of course), multiple Grammy award winner and was the most commercially successful and viable hip-hop artist of the time. There was nothing left for him to prove. We all foolishly believed that Jay-Z would be content on becoming the next Russell Simmons or Clive Davis. Unfortunately for us, he caved into his artistic jones, fan adoration and a need to be relevant as a lyricist and came back out of retirement.

Since this "re-emergence", Jay has released the god awful "Kingdom Come" and a mediocre "American Gangster" inspired soundtrack. I mean, even the selection of people who get a Jay-Z verse has fallen. When Uncle Murda gets a Jay-Z verse, something is wrong with the world.

Jay-Z also pimped Def Jam. Yes, I know...Def Jam is but a mere husk of what it used to be when Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles were there. I get it. BUT....we expected you to make a difference there, Jay. While he did have a hand in discovering stars Ne-Yo, Jeezy, Rick Ross and Rihanna, vets like Method Man, Redman, Ghostface Killah, new signees The Roots and a host of very viable and relevant artists were languishing in record purgatory. The energy spent on making Rihanna a star could have been better spent making LL's new album a classic. For the most part, he pretty much shi* on everyone, made his cash and bounced.

During his so-called absence, T.I., Lil' Wayne and ironically, two of his own signees, Rick Ross and Young Jeezy became superstars. His protege, Kanye West has become the teacher rather than the "teachee", dropping a stellar follow-up (Graduation) and flipping the fashion and video world on it's heels. Jay couldn't stand the fact that his protege was outshining him. Next thing we know, Jay is wearing nerd glasses, trenchcoats and loving Coldplay. (LOL!) IMHO, I think Kanye will eventually be the Jay-Z killer because he's larger than rap and is extremely talented on a variety of fronts. But that's another blog.

So how exactly is Jay playing himself and destroying his legacy?

Jay-Z (imho) has watered down the importance of a "Jay-Z verse". Now before you call me the "Devil Incarnate," hear me out. I recall just a few years back that obtaining a Jay-Z verse was like finding a pink diamond. You just didn't find one or obtain one easily. To have Jay-Z verse on your track, was the equivalent of having a Dr. Dre cut. You got one when you were deemed worthy to even travel in his hemisphere. You didn't just get a verse from Jay-Z , you had to prove your mettle, have something bankable to reciprocate or be a Roc-A-Fella artist, plain and simple. It seems that today, in order for him to stay relevant amongst the Plies, Jeezys, T.I.s, Weezys and etc., Mr. Carter has opted to "whore" himself to everyone. These days, Jay-Z has adopted the Busta Rhymes method of lyrical over saturation. While this method has worked gangbusters for Bussa Bus, it makes Jay-Z and his stature a lil' less shiny.

I also feel that Jay is internally battling Lil' Wayne's current dominance. Although he will never show it, I sincerely believe that Jay-Z is beginning to worry about his importance to the younger fans. Truth be told, the "Millenials" care less and less about Jay. I would say that they view Lil' Wayne as the "new Jay" in terms of stature and relevance.

I am curious to see how you guys feel about this subject...

Cap-D

Know Your History - MC Shan

Shawn Moltke (born September 9, 1965) is an American rapper who uses the stage name MC Shan.

Born and raised in the Queensbridge Projects located in Long Island City a section in Queens, New York City on September 9, 1965. Shan is the cousin of old school hip-hop producer Marley Marl. Shan got a record deal with Cold Chillin' Records in 1983 due to his relationship with Marl, and joined Marl's Juice Crew All-Stars. After a few singles were released , MC Shan's debut album Down By Law came out in 1987.

Shan also found himself to be a key player in the noted hip hop rivalry the Bridge Wars between the Juice Crew and Boogie Down Productions. The feud was started when Shan and Marl released a song called "The Bridge" as a B-side to "Beat Biter," itself an answer record directed at L.L. Cool J. KRS-One responded with "South Bronx," and the Juice Crew replied with "Kill That Noise." Slate magazine described it as follows: "In 1986, it was a beef that launched the star of KRS-One, when his withering attacks on MC Shan effectively ended his rival's career."^[1] Boogie Down Productions then released "The Bridge is Over," widely celebrated among hip-hop fans as the paramount dis song. Years later, MC Shan remade "The Bridge" into "Da Bridge 2001," and strongly denied the bridge "was over", saying:

The Bridge was never over / we left our mark / The jam is dedicated to you and your boys / I brought my Queensbridge thugs to kill that noise

Shan's second album, Born To Be Wild, followed in 1988 and revealed the b-boy persona of Shan, with production once again by Marley Marl. 1990's Play It Again, Shan displayed a more mature style, but proved to be his last album. When Cold Chillin's sub label Livin' Large was active, he was listed as one of its artists but never released any material. Despite the fact that he focused more on his production career (like Snow's 12 Inches of Snow, which featured "Informer", on which Shan appeared) he recorded "Da Bridge 2001" for Nas's 2000 compilation called QB's Finest, which also featured Mobb Deep, Cormega, and Nature.

Shan also had a brief stint in film, playing a bit role in Steve Martin's L.A. Story film as the Rappin' Waiter. He is also the older brother of female rapper & radio personality Princess Ivori.

Shan is credited as the guest rapper on the Sum 41 song Daves possessed hair/ what we're all about from the album Half Hour Of Power.

Jennifer Hudson and William Balfour - My heart goes out to you

Family,

As we are all well aware, the beautiful and talented, Oscar and Golden Globe award winning starlet Jennifer Hudson was struck with several devastating blows to her family recently. She lost a mother, a brother and now, a young nephew to the spectre of domestic violence. The loss of one life is bad enough, but to lose three in one fell swoop is earth shattering.

The man believed to be responsible for the death of Jennifer's mother and brother is currently in custody.William Balfour who is Julia's (Jennifer Hudson's sister) is refusing to speak. Many believe that the murders happened because of a dispute of a car that William Balfour sold.

If this is the case, may God have mercy on your soul, Mr. Balfour. If and only if, you killed these people over something as petty as a car, you really have some soul searching to do before your judgement day. The scariest part for me is that the perpetrator of this crime actually had the gall and compunction to shoot a child in cold blood...a innocent bystander that had absolutely nothing to do with any of the nonsense that went on between you and the adults in this matter.

I am also sad that it always takes this level of celebrity tragedy to shine the light on such an age old problem in America. This issue persists every day and we must fight against this foolishness. have we become so cold and callous where we value items over life? As a newly christened parent, I often wonder what type of world that I am raising my son in.

I am sure that I can ponder this tragedy for hours on end. So, I will conclude by saying a message to Jennifer:

Jennifer,

God loves you and He wouldn't put you through anything that you couldn't handle. Cleanse your soul with your tears and mourn the loss of your love ones. Remember that your family are together in the kingdom of silver and gold, sitting next to Him.

One - Cap-D

Know Your History - Marley Marl

Family,

I am going to start a once-a-week segement called "Know Your History" which will showcase a pioneering rapper, producer, graf artist, deejay or contributor to realm of hip-hop. First up...is Marley Marl!

Marley Marl was the house producer of the Juice Crew, known for The Bridge Wars, a feud with Boogie Down Productions seen as the first hip hop beef. The Juice Crew included Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shanté, Kool G Rap, MC Shan (his cousin) and Masta Ace, and produced songs for outside artists including King Tee and LL Cool J. He was also an important figure in the careers of Eric B. & Rakim, producing their first hits "My Melody" and "Eric B Is President", mixing James Brown samples and synthetic beats in a fashion previously unheard of.

Marley Marl was one of the pioneers of sampling in hip hop. He debuted as an electro producer, but his records became more sample heavy, as can be seen by comparing the MC Shan LPs Down By Law (1987) and Born to be Wild (1988). The rhythms became less electronic, with drum machines becoming more prominent. Marl started his career working for Tuff City records. He debuted with his own track called "DJ Cuttin" in 1985, released under the pseudonym NYC Cutter. In 1994 Marley Marl was referenced on Biggie Smalls' track "Juicy" as being one of his early influences. He still works today and his music has had influences on RZA, DJ Premier as well as Pete Rock, who is also a longtime friend.^[1]. Marley Marl is also a legendary DJ member of the The worldwide DJ organization, The Core DJ's.

When did YOU first fall in love with hip-hop? Here's my story...

Hey family,

Well, of course I have yet another story to tell. It's about when I first fell in love with H.E.R., aka "Hip-Hop." Flashback with me to the early 80's...

A young snot nosed kid was walking down the street in his hometown of Albany, NY, heading towards the basketball courts. The courts was buzzing with the usual people, but there was this one particular circle of "older heads" who I thought was "fresh to def." What had me mesmerized was the music that I heard coming from their direction. I was stuck on stupid when I heard the bass kick sounds booming from a LL Cool-sized "box". It was like nothing I'd ever heard before and much different from the Grover Washington Jr., Stevie Wonder and Parliament that my Pops constantly played. The "older heads" were smoking weed, drinking 22s and rocking shirt-king styled shirts, suede pumas and silk running suits talking about how dope the drum beats were to this strange new music. (I couldn't make this up ya'll)

The convo went like this:

ME: "What are you guys listenin' too?"
Young Hood 1: "This is grown folks music, lil' ni**a, get outta here!"
ME: "Okay, okay...but what is THAT you are listening to?"
Young Hood 2: Tell him what the fu*king song is so I can smoke my herb in peace...Shi*!
Young Hood #3: (annoyed) This is UTFO....You know who the fu*k UTFO is, lil ni**a?
ME: "No...."
All the Hoods laugh in unison...
ME: "What's so funny?
Young Hood #2: "Because only lames and squares aren't up on hip hop..."
ME: "I'm not a square... (tears well up)
All the Hoods laugh in unison again...
Young Hood #1: Well this definitely ain't music for no crybabys...get outta here!!

I walked away slowly, embarrassed, mad and...curious.

Needless to say, this semi-traumatic experience led me into into a journey that would remain with me forever. I went home and eventually asked a few friends about UTFO. None of my peers knew who they were, but my downstairs neighbor was a local DJ and he just happened to have two twelve inches of "Roxanne, Roxanne" that he just bought. He told me that if I had a tape, he would make me a copy.

I ran back upstairs tearing through the house, looking for a blank tape. By the grace of God, (literally) I found one of my mama's old Mahalia Jackson tapes. I stuffed the holes on the top with toilet tissue paper and brought it back down to my DJ neighbor. He made the tape and I rushed back home to play it in my old school, General Electric "box." (Mama, if you reading this, I am sorry that I took the tape and blamed my brother! LOL!)

That whole day, I kept rewinding it and listening to it, rewinding it and listening to it...memorizing the lyrics of Dr. Ice Kangol, and the Educated Rapper. I was particularly fond of Educated Rapper's flow and deliver. Those lyrics still resonate in my head today....

"She thought my name was Harry,
I told her it was Gary,
She said she didn't like it so she chose to call me Barry
She said she'd love to marry,
my baby she would carry
And if she had a baby, she'd name the baby Harry..."

Man, I love hip hop.... Cap-D

PS: For you young'uns who don't know what UTFO stands for, it means Untouchable Force Organization.

We interupt this blog for an important Obama posting

My beautiful people...supporters of Obama,

STOP BEING SCARED!! STOP BEING WORRIED AND STOP SPEAKING NEGATIVE ABOUT OBAMA. DON'T PUT SHI*T INTO THE UNIVERSE!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! DAM*!

Over the course of the last few weeks, from old to young, imbecile to genius, black to white, I have continually heard "Supporters of Obama" remain skeptical that he can actually be our next president. Here is a sampling of what I have been hearing:

• "Ain't no one gon' elect a black president."


• "You saw what they did to Tom Bradley in LA..."


• "His name is gonna keep him out of the office."


• "Dan, don't you know that racism is still alive?...You know "they" are only going let us go so far."


• "Jeb Bush will make sure the voting machines are rigged."

WOW....those responses are Willie Lynch-ish. Crazy....

Are we are all aware of the Tom Bradley effect? YES! Are we aware of the voting machine scandal? YES! Are we all aware that racism is still alive and thriving?? YES!

BUT....

For those of you of faith and have a belief in something higher than yourself, you have to use that strength to fuel your optimism and believe that he can succeed. If we had the mind state that many of you are walking around with now, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas would have never left their plantations, Dr. King wouldn't have marched into the bowels of hatred, Malcolm would have never ascended into greatness and so on and so.

STOP THE MADNESS PEOPLE. I AM SICK OF IT. If you think you are scared, how do you think his wife Michelle and their daughters feel? If not for yourself, do it for them. They need our POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND SUPPORT!

So until election day is over, pray to your higher power, remain focused and positive and believe that he can win... We need to be on one page ya'll...for real...

"They say that I am a dreamer...but I'm not the only one....." - John Lennon

Cap-D

Back in the Day...

One thing not mentioned from the 80's where all that was fly and fresh about hip-hop converged together for all to enjoy and partake is THE BLOCK PARTY!! I remember (117th btwn 8th and Manhattan Ave to be exact), the fashion, the food, friends & family, the music, the dancing, and emcee battles so vividly. This was the one time and place mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters, whores, crooks, dealers, addicts all came together as family because hip-hop belonged to all of us. Everything was love, kids playing, teenagers flirting, adults dancing, elders eating...damn ((sigh))...those were the days! No matter what was going on in your life, or how bad conditions were around us, when you were in the block you felt like everything was all good! You felt pride in being black, beautiful, and part of this unique thing we call hip-hop...

FoxyMo

I Agree..

Wow reading your post took me back to a time of battles in the park, using the electricity from the light pole in the park to work the turn tables and sound systems. Sneaking over to the Westside (WoodyCrest Avenue) to listen to a battle and try out the new dance moves you learned the other day.

A time of Pro-Keds, Jordache Jeans, Sergio Valente's, Big Hoop earrings and sweat shirts with your nick-name ironed on. The straight leg jeans--now called skinny jeans. Going to 42nd street where you could see 3 movies for $5. And the famous $5 picture with your crew on the famous 42nd street wall.

I recently went to an 80's party and it was so exciting to see my peers having some much fun not feeling like we had to watch our backs just enjoying the music and the memories. I haven't felt that much love in a room in a very long time. Everyone left there excited about next years party. I am already thinking about what out-fit I am wearing next year.

Those were the days of true days of hip-hop.

LadyA

My favorite 80s hip hop related "isht"...

Hi family!

I was on the subway the other day listening to Eric B. and Rakim's seminal lp, "Paid In Full" when my mind went back in time for a sec. I mean, I didn't truly appreciate it then, but I am so glad that I spent my teen years in the 80s. I laugh to myself sometimes when I see todays' youth try so desperately to emulate what we did so effortlessly. For us, it wasn't about copying a trend, but it was more of starting a trend. Of course I do realize that we all did that at one time or another, but it's so funny to see artifacts of my teen years come back in such full force.

So, I am dedicating this bit of space to some of my favorite rememberings....

Things that I miss from my teen years in the 80s

• Tricked out Jettas, Samurai Suzuki Sidekicks, Maximas, Honda Accords and Pathfinders (I especially loved when cats put stuff like "Strictly Business" or "Raheem's Ride" on the side of their vehicle. Too bad if you were a drug dealer...you couldn't hide anywhere with that!!)


• The red and black lumber jack coats, with the hat to match


• Shirlands


• Penny candy


• Ralph Kramden/Daniel Boone Coonskin hats


• Fat Laces (Yeah, I know they are back now)


• Champion hoodies


• Starter hats with the cursive writing and no logo


• Starter jackets (I had an LA Kings jacket)


• Flattops/Cameo/Hightops


• Dapper Dan Running Suits


• Posses (Where I lived in Albany, there were a few major ones...1-9-1, BDP, Elite)


• Buying tapes and CDs


• Dookie gold chains


• Name rings


• Light skinned and green eyed girls (Before I had knowledge of self and of my people, this was the ultimate prize of beauty for me and my boys then)


• 5 percent teachings


• Rocking "Diadoras", "Spot-Bilts", "Lottos", "Kangaroos", "La Coq de Sportif", "Adidas", "Nike" and "Chuck Taylors"


• Watching Yo MTV Raps and Rap City for dance moves


• For the smoother brothers, shopping at Chess King, Oak Tree and JW...


• Dancers being a requirement for all emcees to have


• When live shows were actually live shows...no dats, tapes or recordings.


• The feeling I had copping my first copy of "Paid In Full"


• Watching "Krush Groove", "Tougher Than Leather", "Beat Street" and "Breakin'" for the first time


• Rocking your suspenders ala Theo Huxtable style


• Referring to sex as "knocking the boots, humpin', bonin'


• Namebelts


• Gold fronts
  
• Slow dancing with girls to joints off of New Edition's self titled LP, Al B. Sure's "In Effect Mode" and Keith Sweat's "Make It Last Forever."


• When the only top emcees that mattered was Kane and Rakim
  
• Ron G mixtapes
  

I can go on for days, but I am sure my blog brother and sisters will chime in with their favs......

Peace! - Cap D

Feel free to comment!

Family,

I have received a few e-mails, both positive and some negative about some of the topics, rants, etc. posted on the site. Please feel free to say anything you want. We welcome everyone's opinions and I hope that we can laugh, chat, discuss and examine some of the topics that we post.

You can be as honest as you want...just remain respectable to the blog founders and your fellow "commenters."

One... Cap-D

Is Busta Rhymes' new song, "Arab Money" racist??

Okay..I admit it... I have a new guilty pleasure ...it's the "Arab Money" song by one of my favs, Busta Rhymes. The cut was produced by Ron Browz (the newest Auto-tuned voiced artist) and it's pretty fire if you ask me. Busta has also created a cool new dance to go with it as well which I have mastered pretty quickly, if I must say so. (LOL!) See the dance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phsTZXjLrH0

But, being the 30-something guy that I am, I had to ask myself - Is the song racist?? Hmmm....

Let's first break down the title. The proper pronunciation of the word "Arab" (air-Rub) has been hoodified to "A-Rab" (A-RABB). I had to share this so those who live outside of NY, CT and NJ can understand the brevity of the situation. Unfortunately, regardless if you are Palestinian, Indian or Pakistani, the term "A-Rab" has been poorly used to describe all of these ethnicities. This is basically the equivalent of calling a Jamaican an African or an Italian a Russian.

Producer Ron Browz, via his myspace page video states that the musical influence from the cut was inspired by hearing the traditional middle eastern music blaring from the speakers within these bodega stores. (NOTE: For those readers who don't know, in Northeast Anyhood USA, there is a huge contingency of Middle Eastern and South Asian bodega owners.) He also states that the "A-rabs" are always stacking their paper by getting rich in the hood. Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes says that his lyrics and the music is an ode to cats getting that "real money"...that Dubai oil money. Nothing more, nothing less.

For all intensive purposes, I believe Busta meant nothing malicious by the dance and the song. In fact, if you look at the dance closely, the moves have a south asian bhangra influence on some level... But I digress.

I had to wonder that if I made a song called "Jew Money" and had a stereotypical dance that had me pinching pennies, would that be racist? What if I had a dance called "Black Money" that had me dancing with my pockets looking like rabbit ears? Would that be racist?

Of course it would be.

So I can't help to think that no matter what the intent, and despite that many of hip hop heads including myself may deem as harmless, the song and dance could be viewed and interpreted as racist by some. As a result of this, I am going to do my best to stop doing the dance and playing the song. Just like my conscious, intelligent sisters who listen and sing "Put It In Your Mouth" in the club, I will slowly wean myself off of this... Peace - Cap-D

CALLING ALL FEMALE EMCEES

First and foremost, much thanks, love, and respect to the forefathers and foremothers of hip-hop. Thanks for pioneering a genre of music that is also a culture and lifestyle.

That being said, it saddens me that hip-hop is still a man's game. WHERE ARE THE FEMALE EMCEES? Hmmm...let's see, who has made a lasting impact and possessed unique delivery and style? Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Salt & Pepa, Monie Love, Yo-Yo,Missy Elliot, Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill, Eve, Remy Ma, Da Brat...and a few others, but as you can see this an extremly short list that expands three decades!!! What, are we only allowed 1 to 2 every five to seven years?! Out of all the people in the world, all the people in the U.S. , and in New York City alone, I can't accept that there are no female emcees can spit fire!!

Recently, a reality show to find the next female emcee aired on VH1. This really showed the state of affairs that such extreme measures need to be taken to give a woman the chance at the mic. What's evern worse, with the exception of 3 women, the contestants on the show were lackluster at best. For some, I'm not sure why they were selected to compete in the first place. Nonetheless, a winner was chosen, from the Boogie Down (the birthplace), but I have not seen her since. No word on being in the studio, working on an album, nada!!

Waiting for the day when a female emcee is no longer an anomaly! - FoxyMo

PRODUCERS - BEATS, SOUND, ORIGINALITY!

Where are the real producers aka BeatMakers?  

They exist and they are out here.   Dr. Dre, Cool & Dre, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Just Blaze and the list goes on.   The names I have mentioned are excelsior's in the music game.   They have worked with the best and created hit's beyond hits and some if not most are also artists. 

You know what ...that's great but what happen to the a producers like Premier, Marly Marl, Alchemist, Diamond D , Pete Rock, Teddy Riley and the new guys Ron Browz, The Hitmen, Havoc, Trakmasterz.   Where are you?    I know they have done some work here and there but why haven't artists reached out to them more........this is a mystery to me.

Does anyone have answers?

- SUNKYST

BEYONCE - HATE IT OR LOVE IT!

Ok, this has been going on for years.  I feel as if people don't understand that Beyonce is a "product."  She can dance, singer, and visually appeal but it seems to me as if she is running out of material that is fresh and will grasp her audience.   I may eat my words later but I think not! :)

Her father is a "corporate beast"   if you are deep into the industry (meaning - producers, A&R, marketing, stylist, writers, labels, etc.)  as I am then you will know he has been making similar if not the same "devilish" moves for years.

Now to the actual music....her new singles are not what I would like to call "KRACK"....with a "K"!   Production is nice but it's nothing to say that it will crush the music that's getting massive rotation on radio.   Let's be real between the internet and radio that is where the artist career hangs by a thread.  There are some of you out there that are I call "Radio Zombies."   This means whatever is on the Top 10  you consider to be hot without really taking the actual music for what is is or isn't.  

"Single ladies.."  is a copy of her old material.   Her dance moves are from PRINCE (go to YOUTUBE and pull his old video's).   We do our research but because of our love for music, it is hard for an artist to slip through the cracks and feel as if what they are doing is original.   It's a big remix B and we see through the glitter.   I love to see her and she has hits and she is a true talent but you are maturing and like your competition (Riahnna, etc.) you should be taking it to the next level.  This lazy effort is not the next level....it's a filler.  

"For the love of the music!" - SUNKYST

Generations Reponse

Lady A, I feel you on the whole generation gap thing. Beyonce is to this generation as MJB is to ours. However, unlike Beyonce's music, Mary's is timeless. Her music will be listened to for generations to come. Not sure if folks will still be blasting "Freak 'Em Dress"twenty years from now. - FoxyMo

LL Cool J - Should he hang up his mike?

I love LL Cool J. Simply put. He is a legend, an icon, a forefather of the game and is as vital to hip-hop's dominance as air is to our body.

The guy is the living embodiment of hip hop - testosteroned flow, hard beats, relevant fashions, braggadocio...you name it, Uncle L has been there and done that. Dude has remained relevant for almost 27 years, a feat that none of his contemporaries can actually say. (Busta should also be considered the GOAT,too, but that is another blog) I have a great respect for James Todd Smith, but I also hold great sadness in my heart. Like Ali, the other "GOAT", he has made one too many albums and it may be time to go.

I will go on the record to say that Uncle L hasn't made a complete...hear me out now...a COMPLETE album full of bangers since Mr. Smith. The last few albums felt like bullshi*...rushed out in between the movies, sitcoms, product placement deals and etc. I had to come to grips that the LL Cool J that I loved and "crushed you like a jellybean" is no longer here... this LL is a grown man, father, businessman and actor. Exit 13, where he claims is his best album to date simply isn't.... Exit 13 can't touch "Mama Said Knock You Out."

LL has to come to grips that he A) needs help with the songs he creates now, B) simply make singles or C) call it a day and help his son Najee become the second coming - if he chooses to do so. And contrary to what we want to believe, the relevancy of LL currently is due to the movies, the abs and the lip licking. 98% of his fans DO wear high heels. LL needs a mastermind behind his album...like Marley Marl or dare I say it, Puff.

Am I saying that I won't shake my a** to "Baby", "Headsprung" or "Imagine That?" Of course not. If it's dope, I am copping it and banging it in my system and I-pod. But the days of me copping a full length LL album are long gone. Can-I-bis exposed chinks inthe armor when he gave him the "2nd Round Knockout."

That's why I think he should let it go. Release a few mixtapes if the music jones is pestering you, but i am tired of these albums where he drops one to two hot singles then leaves us unsatisfied. If his last albums were sexual prowess, most women would deem him a "preemie" or "one minute man." One.... Cap-D

Generations

Last night my 19 year daughter is listening and watching Beyonce on you tube and turns to me and says, "I Love Her" I thought to myself. Wow you do? I began to tell her how rumors were going around that she stole "If I Were A Boy" and she got so upset and said how could I say that. "B" is too talented to steal and that I am just hating.

At that moment I had to realize that she is to my daughter what Mary J is to me. I would probably react the same way if someone said something negative about Mary J. The difference between Beyonce and Mary is that Mary speaks to her fans about real life, every album reflected a different time in her life (the struggle) Mary and I and many of her fans have all grown up together. Just a few weeks ago I saw her at Radio City and every song she sang meant something to someone in the audience most of us stood the whole time. We sang every song with her with the same kind of feeling and passion she did because that song represented for some of us a time in our life that we are glad is over.

Now there are critics out there who say Mary can't sing. I beg to differ but everyone is entitled to their opion. I just know that Mary is reminds me of Billie Holiday you can feel their words as if they were your own.

And I guess Beyonce is that for my daughter.

Lady A

Beyonce - Follow Up for the future haters.

Haters,

Just in case you didn't think I read this article, I am posting it for you:

COURTESY OF MTO -

October 15, 2008. Over the last few days rumors have been swirling all over the Internet that Beyonce "stole" the song If I Were A Boy from singer/songwriter B.C. Jean. The rumors took on a new light when yesterday FOX NEWS' website posted an article claiming that suggested that B.C. Jean was not compensated for her song.Well, MediaTakeOut.com reached out to someone VERY CLOSE to Beyonce for their take on this mess. Here's what the insider explained to MediaTakeOut.com, "I have absolutely no idea where this is coming from. [Beyonce] acquired the rights to Like A Boy - everything was 100% legal and everyone associated with the song was compensated very well."And the insider suggested a motive for those "stealing" rumors. MediaTakeOut.com's insider tells, "Some people are upset that an African American woman is at the top of the music game right now, so they'll say anything to try and bring her down. But [Beyonce and her team] aren't phased by all this ... [they're] just gonna keep making great music."We're not sure what to believe at this point. For now, we'll give Bey and her peeps the benefit of the doubt .... But Bey, girl ... if we hear anything that contradicts what you're folks tell us, we reserve that right to put that azz ON BLAST!!!

My comments aren't about B stealing the song literally, but it's more or less about her stealing the concept and being lazy. Despite the legalities, she was too lazy to think of something original...

Female Emcees going to prison...Enough already!!

From Cap-D,

A message to the female emcee...

I know that many of ya'll in the late 90's, early 00's had to prove that you were a down ass b**ch. A woman who had to prove that she was sexually potent as a man, down for whatever and ready to do anything to prove her self worth in an industry that perpetuates testosteroned ignorance. But enough is a freakin' enough. What happened to just having hot verses and proving your mettle on the mic? MC Lyte didn't have to clap a chick... Latifah didn't buck fifty the chick who looked at her man and Lauryn Hill, though bonkers, gifted the world her songs and vocals. Now, going to jail seems almost common place and a perverted badge of honor. To Kim, Fox Boogie, Da Brat and Remy Ma, I hold ya'll responsible for every young girl that falls astray because of you.

And fellas, we aren't off the hook either. Chicks like the aforementioned have low self esteem and seek acceptance by men. Just look at the track record - Biggie brought us Kim, Fat Joe and Pun brought us Remy Ma, Jermaine Dupri brought us Da Brat. If they are willing to be lead, they must be directed in a positive manner. We are no worse than they are if we exploit them and guide these young women down the wrong paths. We must be held accountable as well.

Within the past three years we have watched Lil Kim, Remy Martin, Da Brat and Foxy Brown all go to jail over what I would deem as dumb shi*. To the upcoming female emcees in training, don't use these women as examples. Follow your own paths to greatness. Let your craft prove your worth, not stupidity. You already have an uphill battle facing misogynistic lyrics, a crooked industry and a hypersexualized playing field. Don't add gas to the fire....

One....

Yawn....

I agree Cap D. Beyonce has over saturated the industry. I just watched her new video for "Single Ladies"...((yawning)). Yes, B, we know you can dance, we know you have the body, but give the viewers something new! First of all the song is "Get Me Bodied, Part Deux", and the video was just her and 2 Beyonce look-a-likes shimmying along side....boring!! It's definitely eye candy for the fellas, but what happened to creativity??!!! --FoxyMo

Beyonce - I am sOoOoOOooo tired....

A blog from Cap-D

Okay...I am thoroughly tired of Beyonce now. Why? I am oversaturated with pictures, music, videos and anything else Beyonce-related . I can't seem to escape her. Last night, I opened up my microwave popcorn and Beyonce jumped out! LOL! Just kidding, but you catch my drift....

Before I am labeled a hater, I want the world to know that I believe that Beyonce is incredibly talented. She can sing, dance, write, "act" (cough-cough) and do a whole host of other things. That is not my problem with her. I am upset that she to lazy too come up with original concepts and has to lift and steal others ideas now.

Beyonce has really played herself with this new single "If I Was A Boy." Not only did she rip of the concept from our uber pop princess Ciara's "Like A Boy", but the whole dressing like a guy concept was lifted from the video as well. (Older heads would probably remember that Prince really set the role reversal off with "If I Was Your Girlfriend.") I mean, damn, B.... You set trends, not repeat them....

Don't get it twisted...I am not a Ciara "cheerleader." I just recognize wrong when I see it... Ciara, if you are reading this, I know you feel the same way that I do. I gotcha, baby!

Hi There and Welcome

Greetings!

Welcome to "Two Guys and Three Ladies - Our Musical Two Cents." This blog was founded by five good friends with a passion for music and love of discussing (and sometimes arguing) what's hot, what's not, what's fresh and what's tired. Needless to say, the aforementioned will be just the tip of the iceberg. When you visit our blog, you are going to hear all sorts of opinions, our personal lists of favs among a whole host of other musical related topics, issues and etc.

DISCLAIMER: We are not experts or professional musical critics. just 5 friends who spend a lot of money on music, have a deep history of musical appreciation and a love for chatting!!

The five friends are: Cap-D, SUNKYST, Lady A, FoxyMo and PeachdeHarlem.

Enjoy!!!!!