NOAH - "Love Hate" Video + Wonderful Struggle Mixtape

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I just got wind of this artist from California named NOAH (No One After Him) via twitter.  It only took 2 songs and I'm hooked! I downloaded the mixtape immediately and I'm amazed at how focused this artist is. I damn near fell out of my chair when I heard "Fly Away". This track is just crazy! It samples 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up?" and is a great example of how great his musical taste is.

This is Hip-Hop on a higher level and I feel very fortunate to have had this fall in my lap the way it did.

Check out the video for "Love Hate" below. Great video concept and art direction. You definitely want to keep this guy on your radar. This is something special....

DJ Commish & DJ Prince - "New Jack Swing Vol. 1"

 

Listening to the songs on this mixtape make me wish I had a pair of Slick overalls (One strap hanging off, of course!) and a pair of "Jodeci Boots". I'd throw them on and do the Running Man in the middle of my living room like it's 1990.

Being an 80's baby, this music takes me back! Like, "Bamboo earrings; at least two pair." and Z. Cavaricci jeans. This was a time when fellas were getting NO play if they couldn't dance. Playing the wall was never an option. When you listen to this music you'll understand why! The fusion of R&B vocals over Hip-Hop breaks, Pop synths and keys, etc. gets into your bones. 

DJ Commish and DJ Prince loaded this compilation up with classics. From Troop to Al B. Sure! to SWV to Bobby Brown.....New Jack Swing vol. 1 covers this incredible era of music in a big way. All the 25+ readers out there, you NEED this download! If you're younger than 25 and you don't know much about New Jack Swing, you NEED this download! You can't talk about the "Golden Era" of Hip-Hop and not include New Jack Swing in the conversation. Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Morris Day, Teddy Riley, Babyface and a handful of others truly set the tone of Black life in the late 80's and early 90's.

Click the link below to download and warp yourself to 1990. High Top Fade, Jehri Curl and patent leather shoes not included.

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Random Pics pt. 15 - "Bridging the Gap Benefit Concert"

Where I've Been...

It's been several days since I last updated the blog. I apologize for the lapse in content. I have very good reason. Allow me to explain...

1. Work is bananas! - So there's a whole mess of drama in my workplace that I can't get into publicly but know that it has been REALLY stressful. I've just been focusing on staying on my A game and keeping clear of the nonsense. It's really drained a lot of my creative energy. Things are beginning to simmer down so I can operate with a more clear head now.

2. My wife's birthday. - I had to put some time and energy into giving my wife a joyous birthday celebration. We had a great dinner with friends and family in Harlem over the weekend and I gave her a few gifts on her actual birthday and we went to see 'The Hangover II' to close out the festivities. (That was a horrible movie, by the way.)

3. Preparing for LA. - I had to make my final promo push for votes in the 2011 Black Weblog Awards. Voting closed on the 17th. Now that that is all behind me, it's just a matter of saving money for my trip. I'm really hoping I can pull of at least a single win. It would be really cool to accomplish that and dagnabbit I deserve it. I worked pretty hard this year and I'm continually looking to learn, grow and evolve.

4. School is ending. - My son is in his last week of school. They have half days all this week and on the last day of school they get out at 9:30 am. What the hell!? Why even bother going? There's absolutely no point in going to school for 1 hour. In any case, I'm trying to spend some QT with him as he's traveling to Japan for the summer.

5. I need a new videographer. - My friend and videographer Christine got accepted into a really great Masters program in the UK. She's currently in South Africa doing to volunteer work. That leaves me without a videographer to shoot and edit video. She introduced to someone to pick up the slack but I've not had time to meet with him. I can hopefully accomplish that this weekend and then I'll be back in full swing.

So as you can see, aside from life's usual ups and downs, there was a lot bubbling at the same time the last few days and I hide to adjust my focus accordingly. I'll be digging for some fresh content for y'all to make up for lost time. Stick with me....

Hippie Sabotage Vol. 2

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The duo of So Crates and Sour Beats known as Hippie Sabotage just released their second instrumental compilation. When I tell you these fellas put on for California, I mean like police helicopter spot light in Compton put on. They will capture you with their sound. I was pulled in on Vol. 1 and have been chomping at the bit for Vol. 2 and here it is finally!

If you're an MC or just a fan of instrumental music and looking for some a new sound to rock out to, these guys have just served you 21 tracks of gold. Click the link above to download and PLAY IT LOUD!