EVENTS
Kanye West – Live At The Wireless Festival 2014 (Video)
Turns out they did celebrate on the 4th of July in the UK this year… likely due to Kanye West being over there to rock at Finsbury Park, London. Some older and current jawns brought to the mass of worshippers gathered to watch Yeezus deliver his litany of hits at this year’s Wireless Festival. Nowadays, with all the mobile and camera tech folks bring, isn’t every festival ‘wireless’ (just saying)?
Bigger question: What was going on with the girl in the red dress near the beginning (above)? Did she pass out or something? Incredible show, and that was just the beginning. More crowd’s eye view footage after the jump.
Snoop Dogg x Doug E. Fresh – “Lodi Dodi” (Live at The Roots Picnic) [Video]
At the 7th Annual Roots Picnic, Snoop and Doug E. Fresh do the damn thing on their rendition of Doug E. and Slick Rick’s “Lodi Dodi” live. Now, Snoop Dogg had a slow-flow styled version on his debut LP “Doggystyle.” But with Fresh dropping beat box heat live… you KNOW Snoop had to hold down his end with more of an homage to Rick The Ruler. Respect! Great performance.
(Catch a recap of the 2014 Roots Picnic after the jump.)
Education: Jim Carrey Delivers an Enlightening Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation (Video)
“Fear is going to be a player in life, but you get to decide how much. So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it.”
– Jim Carrey
Hilarious… easily slipping into profound… in his Maharishi University of Management (http://www.mum.edu) graduation speech to 285 students representing 54 countries. Initially found a writeup and clip on it at Today.com. Jim Carrey gave his commencement address to Maharishi University of Management’s class of 2014. The University Board of Trustees also presented Carrey with the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Causa, in recognition of his significant lifetime achievements as a world-renowned comedian and actor, artist, author and philanthropist.
Watch the full video (the above quote comes in at the 10-minute mark). I’m betting you will be impressed and entertained by Carrey’s talk. I was. LOTS of gems of wisdom dropped in this!
– @ojones1
2014 Red Bull Music Academy Guest Lecturer: D’Angelo (Video)
Author/filmmaker Nelson George welcomes the R&B legend D’Angelo for a rare extended sit-down. Giving insights on the people and trends that influence his music, past work and work in progress, his ‘process’ and more. Nearly 90 minutes of real talk from a really talented artist. We don’t hear from him like this often. So, take it in. Really.
KRS-ONE And SiriusXM Celebrate Hip-Hop Appreciation Week 2014 (May 19th – 25th) [Video]
It’s so uh uh ON… ALL WEEK!
In the above clip, KRS-ONE stopped by SiriusXM’s Backspin to discuss the full-time, lifetime importance of Hip-Hop to humanity (yours, ours). This interview is part of the set off of Hip Hop Appreciation Week 2014 (May 19th – 25th) being celebrated on SiriusXM’s Backspin channel. For more information, check out http://www.siriusxm.com/backspin. More after the jump… and on the HHAW Facebook page.
BONUS: ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! KRS-ONE IN CONCERT!
Catch ‘All The Way Live’ with KRS-ONE on SiriusXM rebroadcasts this week. Hear the legendary KRS-ONE rock his catalog of classics (with Boogie Down Productions and his solo material). Recorded LIVE at the historic Howard Theatre in D.C.
Rebroadcasts: 5/22 8pm, 5/24 9pm, 5/25 8pm ET
Just doing my job. Just loving my Hip-Hop. No thanks necessary. But always appreciated. Please share.
– @ojones1
RADIO: AB+L Welcomes DJ Jo Def To Atlanta (Audio)
ArtbyOdell. Radio Host (shout to Beatz & Lyrics). Music Journalist. ATL insider. When you got ‘juice’ you leverage that. Case in point: The homie O-Diesel sat down and got dialed in with Producer/DJ Jo Def of the Soulection crew for an exclusive interview on behalf of the great folks over at AB+Lradio.com. The interview covers the Vibes 2 event where Jo Def will be making his Atlanta debut! Will Edmond of the WERC Crew (promoters of the event) sits in on the ArtbyOdell/AB+L interview, too.
The Vibes 2 event goes down May 29, 2014, at the Sound Table on Edgewood (Atlanta). Stay tuned for a live mix by Jo Def on the day of the show (all this brought to you by ArtbyOdell&Â AB+Lradio.com New Rules New Radio)! But for now, check out the interview audio…including some VERY dope mixing and blending!
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: AB+L WELCOMES DJ JO DEF TO ATLANTA (AUDIO)
Monks Breakdance Honoring The Memory Of Beastie Boys’ MCA (Video)
In advance of the 3rd annual MCA Day (May 3, 2014), four men dressed in Tibetan garb pay physical tribute to the late, great emcee Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys (while “Ch-Check It Out” plays in the background). MCA was a devout Tibetan Buddhist, and creator of the Free Tibet concert series. So, this feels more than right.
An Evening With Giancarlo Esposito (Video)
Sure, you know Giancarlo ‘Gus Fring’ Esposito from ‘Breaking Bad’… but can we go back to Dean Big Brother Almighty… Buggin’ Out… huh? For the film buff and casual fan who can appreciate real talk from an actor whose career spans over three decades, we got you! Watch 90+ minutes of insight on Esposito.
Nas Speaks With Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University (Video)
Hanging out here with us all this time (thank you, thank you) you do realize by now that the terms Hip-Hop and scholar are not mutually exclusive, right? That realization is what will really let you sink your teeth into this incredible happening: Renowned author, sociology scholar, and Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson sat down with Harvard University honoree and god emcee Nas for an 80-minute talk on the current state of Hip-Hop and the culture, on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the classic “Illmatic” LP and much more. The event was moderated by another scholar – James Peterson, Director of Africana studies and associate professor of English at Lehigh University. Music director for the evening… another scholar – DJ, producer, professor and Harvard University Fellow 9th Wonder y’all. C’mon maaannn! Up above. Click play. Go!
The ‘Scratch DJ Academy’ Opens up a New School Chapter In Atlanta (The @KoolKila Report)
After three years of consideration and strategic planning, the world-renown Scratch DJ Academy has now opened a new school chapter in Atlanta, GA. Saturday, February 15th, Scratch DJ Academy held an open house for it’s new facility located within the SAE Institute. The event was packed with aspiring students, industry professionals and music enthusiasts of all kinds. Founded in 2002 in New York City, NY, by Jam Master Jay (hip hop pioneer and DJ for Run DMC), Scratch DJ Academy continues to attract individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of DJing. Several chapters have already been established in the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and now Atlanta. After students successfully complete courses, they can receive certification for their education. Professionals already established in the business can also take courses to update themselves about the latest technologies for DJs. Hosted by instructor DJ Hapa and other academy employees, visitors were able to see the musical gear used in classes, meet new employees, and witness live DJ performances. DJ Hapa also hosted a panel discussion to introduce a few of the instructors for the school, including Atlanta veterans DJ Jaycee, DJ Jelly, and DJ Sky. Another contemporary favorite in Atlanta, DJ Sofa King Evil, was on hand to introduce himself as well. Classes are slated to begin in March. For more information, visit: www.scratch.com. Also email at info-atlanta@scratch.com.
Events: The #DearDilla Private Video Screening In Atlanta with Phife Dawg (The @KoolKila Report)
Thursday night, February 6, 2014, the Atlanta music community came together for a special video premier party, celebrating the new solo release from Phife (A Tribe Called Quest). “Dear Dilla†pays tribute to the legendary hip hop producer James Yancey, aka J Dilla. The single drops in time for the yearly “Dilla Day†celebration of the famed producer’s birthday in February. J Dilla produced classic songs for A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Common, The Roots, and is very notably admired for his solo albums and work with Slum Village. He died from a rare blood disease in 2006.
The new single, “Dear Dilla,†produced by DJ Rasta Root (longtime friend and DJ of Phife and A Tribe Called Quest), is Phife’s first new music in over 13 years. He participated in a Q&A with DJ Rasta Root, video director Konee Rok and independent Atlanta artist 4-Ize (co-star in the video). Also on hand for special performances was rap artist and MC Boog Brown (who performed J Dilla’s material), and DJ Fudge of 5 Star Generals.
Held at Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema theatre, the video release party played host to many of Atlanta’s music trendsetters, DJs, journalists, music connoisseurs and fans. The video premier was hosted by Jayforce of the Beatz & Lyrics show (WRFG FM). Sponsors of the event included Whole Foods, Jayforce.com, Okayplayer.com, Mono, and Zico Coconut Water . Event production by Riddim Kidz, Smokin Needles, SOciaLight and The Agency.
The single “Dear Dilla†is now available to purchase on iTunes.
(additional photos below courtesy of JAYFORCE.COM, @KoolKila, &Â ATLHipHop)
VIEW: FULL LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE EVENT VIA KAT GODUCO
Comedy: Action Bronson – ‘Blue Chips 2 Tour’ Annoucement (Video)
Hahahaaa! Donnell “Ashy Larry” Rawlings being stupid right there with Action Bronson. More than a tour announcement, this ad clip is a happening… bigger than that, a Hip-Hop infomercial… and sh!t is about to get crazy. Starting now (above).
DJ Rasta Root & Jah Prince Spin At The Last ‘Faceoff Fridays’ Of 2013 (Event)
A-T-L! Stand up… and get dressed and come out to MJQ Concourse for what continues to be the city of Atlanta’s longest running monthly Hip-Hop (and Reggae and Funk, but mainly Hip-Hop) DJ party. Check out what goes down at ‘Faceoff Fridays’ above. That was October (and yes, that’s Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest rocking the mic)… imagine what’ll go down tonight. In fact, don’t. Come through and experience it live with your host Goldie!
Puerto Rock Steady 2013 (Video)
Foundational Hip-Hoppers The Rock Steady Crew take the party to Puerto Rico in the best way. Widely known fact that influences in Hip-Hop arts and culture from PR. It’s only right that the Crew travel down to one of the seminal sources of b-boying and more. First Annual Puerto Rock Steady was a smash. Check out what Crazy Legs had to say about the event…
“The event took place in Isabela, Puerto rico. The dream is to make this an international music and dance festival to serve as an alternative to other events that may be great, but are missing the soul that exist in many genre’s of music. The vibes, music, people and scenery at Puerto Rock steady were nothing less then AMAZING! Picturesque from morning to sun set. Puerto Rock Steady is only in it’s infancy and and we expect to grow very fast. The resort that it was held on was sold out with out any promotion outside of Twitter and Facebook. The word of mouth after event is already putting us ahead of schedule for 2014 with bookings.”
Watch out 2014. Here it comes! Check out the recap clip above to experience a bit of the fun that was had.
Revolt: A3C Festival Recap (Video)
“It just happened organically… That’s what so great about this whole sh!t. Everybody in Atlanta is in their own lane…”
– FORTEBOWIE
Been talking about it. Been telling you don’t miss it. So, if you missed it… your bad. However, Revolt TV has done us all a solid with a recap of the five day festival.
‘The ninth annual A3C Hip-Hop Festival took over Atlanta last week, bringing together a slew of burgeoning and established artists, thousands of fans, and media and industry experts from all over the world. Originally founded as a three-day showcase that took place in one venue in Atlanta’s Midtown section, this year saw the fest spread to five days at multiple locations throughout the city.’
– Revolt TV
Check out the video from this year. It’s already America’s largest Hip-Hop festival; and it’s getting bigger and bigger, folks. Be sure to be there next year. We damn sure will!
“I really love what this conference represents. I love that most of the people that you see here are business-minded and it’s inspiring to see that Hip-Hop understands that instead of letting other companies and corporations brand us and make money off of us, we’re learning now how to brand ourselves to make our own money and income outside of just selling the music.â€
– Bun B (of UGK fame)
Along the vein of what we just posted from David Banner [on getting a handle on our Hip-Hop art and biz]. A3C has concerts, culture, and commerce going on all the while. Great event.
MORE AT REVOLT TV: A3C FESTIVAL BRINGS EMERGING ARTISTS & TASTEMAKERS TOGETHER
Face Off Fridays 8th Anniversary Hip Hop Mix By DJ Rasta Root
Face Off Fridays at MJQ Concourse in Atlanta is celebrating it’s 8th year anniversary. The monthly party has featured hundreds of special guests from recording artists, celebrities, athletes, & more all in the name of good music. The most important element to Face Off Friday’s is the Face Off team, the music, & the overall party itself. Tonight will be no different in Atlanta with many surprise guests scheduled to arrive. JAYFORCE.COM is a proud sponsor of tonight’s party but for now make sure you check out this special mix by DJ Rasta Root to get you right for tonight.
FACE OFF FRIDAYS 8TH ANNIVERSARY HIP HOP MIX BY DJ RASTA ROOT
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Actress Jennifer Lewis With Advice At The ‘Baggage Claim’ Premiere: Be In It To Win It! (Video)
Jennifer Lewis has always been ‘a talented muthaf*cka!’ She gives advice – a sermonette – to those gathered at the ‘Baggage Claim’ movie premiere. Whatever you do, whatever you need to do, you need to take a couple of minutes and WATCH THIS CLIP NOW!
‘Don’t let life drive you crazy. You drive that muthaf*cka. It’s YOURS!’
Love me some Jennifer Lewis. I do.
– @ojones1
Events: The 2013 ‘A3C Festival’ Blasts Off in Atlanta This Week!
A3C, the largest Hip-Hop festival in the United States, is this week (starting Wednesday, October 2nd)! That’s a reminder for the two or three of you who are not already amped about it. Have you got your passes yet? If not, a word… HURRY (and get the all-access, five-day pass…best value)!
Have you SEEN the lineup of events, appearances, and happenings for this year’s A3C? I mean, besides the dopeness that will be the True School Cypher hosted by our own JayForce & Fort Knox (see earlier post), A3C encompasses a spectrum of entertainment and cultural experiences – education, film, style, pro-audio, art, technology, gaming, sports, break-dance and more.
The lineup? Oh, I dunno… just the likes of Ghostface Killah, Questlove, Bun B, Too Short, ScHoolboy Q, A$AP Ferg, Talib Kweli, Meek Mill, DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Young Guru… (more). Man, enough said. We’ll see you there; in person if you’re coming to the True School Cypher or any number of events from Wednesday through Sunday.
StaHHr Talks About The Upcoming ‘ATL True School Cypher’ During the A3C Festival And Intros A Few Of Her Cypher Mates (Video)
“Hip-Hop is supposed to be FUN… we’re going to make it fun again!”
– StaHHr
Atlanta’s A3C Hip Hop Festival is coming back to Atlanta (Georgia, USA) again this year! Raquel aka RAQ of Dead End Hip Hop takes us inside for what promises to be one of many great showcase events – The ATL True School Cypher! Click play to get a sample of what you’ll get when you get there October 2, 2013. Co-hosted by Jayforce
Rich Kidd Gets It Crackin’ In Canada During The Caribana Festival (Video)
Ghana-by-way-of-Toronto rapper/producer Rich Kidd goes up to North North America for a work-cation – ending up at Canada’s Caribana parade, but not before doing some studio work with Young Guru, doing some stage time, and visiting The Remix Project (a community center for kids interested in music and film).
But the Kidd finally does get to the festival of fine women, and he gets it in. Chatting, partying… running amok on the streets… horsing around so wild he manages to break his ankle (different spin on “break a leg, Kidd“ to be certain). Now, you might think laughter is the best medicine; but check out the medical ASS-istance Rich Kidd gets instead. Crazy!
PRIORS: RICH KIDD – A VIBE CALLED QUEST FEAT. DENZIL PORTER & LORDQUEST
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