Hip-Hop
Jaden – “SOHO” (Video)
April 25, 2019
Okay, so Jaden Smith is really emo-autotuned out for this “SOHO” track… more so than on stuff posted earlier… I grant you that. But I’m still riding with the young emcee because (1) he is Hip-Hop royalty [heard his dad Will joined him on stage in Fresh Prince mode recently], (2) he and his girl in this vid are adorable [cute couple], and (3) the vibe on this is soooo relaxing.
So there. You got me. But I bet if you click play and watch, Jaden will ‘get’ you. And then you’ll get it.
JADEN SMITH – THE SUNSET TAPES: A COOL TAPE STORY (ALBUM)
– @ojones1
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Videos | 
Tags: A Cool Tape Story, Jaden, Jaden Smith, SOHO, The Sunset Tapes, The Sunset Tapes: A Cool Tape Story | 
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Presenting Jungle, One Of The Architects of “Illmatic†(Video)
April 25, 2019
He was like Frank Sinatra… a modern-day Frank Sinatra… I was in awe the whole time.
Up next, we hear from another of The Architects of Illmatic – Jungle. We’ve heard Nas actually shout his brother Jungle out on a record or two. Very interesting to hear what he has to say regarding the 25th birthday of the classic “Illmatic” LP.
Nas lost a backpack full of Illmatic rhymes in the midst of the recording process on the way to DJ Premier’s studio. His biological brother and collaborator, Jungle, remembers the bizarre sequence of events that followed—and much more…
– Mass Appeal
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Producers, Series, Videos | Tags: Architects of Illmatic, Jungle, Mass Appeal, The Architects of Illmatic | No Comments »
Cory Booker Speaks On Running For President, Getting Things Done For His Constituents & His Feelings For Rosario Dawson (Video)
April 24, 2019
Why should we consider Cory Booker as a serious contender for the U.S. Presidency? Well, she ‘convinced’ Rosario Dawson to join his team… on the campaign trail AND as his lady friend. Yep, took her right from Bernie Sanders’ campaign (she was really on the #FeelTheBern team) AND from Luke Cage (haha)!
In one of his best interviews yet after announcing his intentions to run for President, Senator Cory Booker sat down with Ebro In The Morning to discuss some of the issues he plans to tackle, plus confronts Rosenberg on questions about being too close to corporate entities, and Wall Street.
He also discusses his relationship with Rosario Dawson, why he made some decisions as mayor of Newark, impeaching Trump, reparations, plans to give every American $1000 every month, and he defends the narrative of “what Democrats have done for me?
– HOT 97
Posted in Hip-Hop, Interview, Politics, Progressive, Radio, Relationships, Series, Videos | Tags: Cory Booker, Ebro, Ebro in the Morning, Hot 97, Hot 97 Morning Show, Laura Stylez, PETER ROSENBERG | No Comments »
Presenting Faith Newman, One Of The Architects of “Illmatic†(Video)
April 24, 2019
We certainly felt that this was a classic in the making…
Wow. An actual A&R. You see kids ‘A&R’ stands for ‘Artist & Repertoire’… a term from a bygone era of the music business when there were folks (called A&R) whose jobs were to find talent, make them commercially viable (e.g. transform raw talent into something that makes cash registers ring), and act as liaison between the label and the artist all the while. Make no mistake, A&Rs work for the music label. So, while Faith was likely enamored with Nas’ talent from the jump, she had to see DOLLAR SIGNS when she thought of his potential back in the day. She had to BELIEVE in Nas as someone who the Hip-Hop world would willing to spend money – for labels to develop as an artist and marketable ‘product’ AND for fans to buy music and tickets.
How much did she believe in Nas, even BEFORE “Illmatic” was made? Well, she went to Queensbridge to get him back in the day. And… um… you can bet she ‘stood out’ when she did. Moreover, she put herself out there and took on high risk based on her belief in the future G.O.D.M.C.
And here she is, 25 years later, talking about how glad she was that she did.
Faith Newman signed Nas to Columbia Records in the fall of 1991, but even she couldn’t predict the heights he’d be taken to after the release of “Illmatic.” Heights that “probably none of us could imagine.”
– Mass Appeal
Indeed. But the streets knew, especially the bootleggers. Turns out Faith has spoken on that before… at length (see link here).
EARLIER POST: THE MASSIVE BOOTLEGGING OF NAS’ CLASSIC “ILLMATIC” ALBUM
Posted in Business, Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Producers, Series, Videos | Tags: Architects of Illmatic, Faith Newman, Mass Appeal, The Architects of Illmatic | No Comments »
Tee Grizzley – “Fire In The Booth†(Video)
April 24, 2019
Well. will you look at this: Tee Grizzley hopped the pond to hit up Charlie Sloth’s studio and bless the booth with bars! First timer alert! Even though Tee is known for doing his thing in the States, this is his first freestyle for Sloth.
– @ojones1
3D Na’Tee | Middle Child T.Mix | Monday Morning Exercise #031 (Video)
April 24, 2019
Na’Tee snapped on another one! This time it’s over a popular J. Cole track. I don’t wild out on commentary about how sexy Na’Tee is nowadays, not because she is any less beautiful, but because the flow is so choice!
But let’s be clear: 3D Na’Tee is sexy AF!!!!
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, Performance, Series, Videos | Tags: 3D NaTee, 3DNaTee, J. Cole, MIDDLE CHILD, Middle Child T.Mix, MME, MME31, Monday Morning Exercise, Natee, T-Mix | No Comments »
Tone Beatz x Lex Boogie From The Bronx – “Old Habits Die Hard” (EP)
April 23, 2019
“Old Habits Die Hard”… that’s it. That’s what Tone Beatz & Lex Boogie From The Bronx are trying to tell you. Trying to show you. Know what? They are not trying; they’ve succeeded. Check it out!
The fact is that it is HARD to stop doing things that I have been doing for such a long time. The longer you do something, the more ingrained it becomes, and the harder it is to change especially if you love it.
Over the years Tone Beats and I, Lex Boogie From The Bronx have come accustomed to making beats and creating songs, and at this point, it is just part of who we are (Hip-Hop).
“Old Habits Die Hard†is a short 5-song ep we are presenting. The project is an example of what we do have been doing and how we vibe. We have recorded several songs over the years for our upcoming release titled 10456 and wanted to give a glimpse of what’s to come with this EP. The later project represents where I’m from but the perspective presented on this EP is an excerpt or some insight on where I am.
The 5 songs were recorded over the course of 2 weeks, and a trip to Augusta to visit Tone, all while maintaining my day to day, handling my responsibilities as a man and living this ART life.
Hit the jump for bonus video content!
TONE BEATZ X LEX BOOGIE FROM THE BRONX – OLD HABITS DIE HARD (EP)
Posted in EP, Hip-Hop, Music, Videos | Tags: Dirty Drum Academy, Lex Boogie, Lex Boogie From The Bronx, Old Habits Die Hard, Sergio Valente, The Dirty Drum Academy, Tone Beatz | No Comments »
Killz Tha Beast – “The Jungle” (Video)
April 23, 2019
Now THAT’S how you take back to boom bap, you mickey-fickeys! Killz is indeed Tha Beast spitting fire and lighting up all the trees (that would have been a good line for 420, HA!) in “The Jungle”… the concrete jungle.
Erick Sermon Is Always About Business! Watch Him Speak On His Latest (Video)
April 23, 2019
Good stuff, Sway. Erick [and Parrish] Making Dollars since way back. But how? And how is business today? Somehow, you know it’s gotta be good for Erick Onasis (remember that name?).
Erick Sermon Talks Business: His New Streaming Company, Sampling Company & New Album
– Sway’s Universe
Posted in Business, Hip-Hop, Interview, Radio, Series, Videos | Tags: Sway, Sway Calloway, Sway In The Morning, Sway In The Morning Show, Sway's Universe | No Comments »
Presenting Pete Rock, One Of The Architects of “Illmatic†(Video)
April 23, 2019
We all prayed that this would do well for him… We didn’t know… until it just hit people.
Pete Rock HAD to be part of “Illmatic” (because Hip-Hop history could NOT have unfolded any other way)! And fascinating to learn that Nas had to PUSH Pete to get vocals out of him for the project. Whose world is this? OURS! A Wonderfule Wide World Of Hip-Hop.
…paying homage to “The Architects of Illmatic” with exclusive interviews featuring photographers, producers, writers and members of Nas’ inner circle, including Pete Rock, the subject of today’s clip and the producer of one of the LP’s “signature” songs, “The World Is Yours.” The legendary producer remembers back to when he first heard the lyrics of the classic record. “Your heart just… you just feel it for him. This guy is ahead of his time.” Welcome to #IllmaticXXV Week.
– Mass Appeal
Posted in Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Producers, Series, Videos | Tags: Architects of Illmatic, Mass Appeal, Pete Rock, The Architects of Illmatic | No Comments »
Common x The Sesame Street Muppets – “Respect” (Give It, Live It) [Video]
April 22, 2019
Give it, live it, #RESPECT. @common #RespectBringsUsTogether pic.twitter.com/250yrWXLYM
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) April 18, 2019
Usually only get Sesame Street infused with Hip-Hop when YouTubers take it upon themselves to do their own mashups. But this is cool. Push down that urge to judge it as corny and get the message and where it is aimed: Children (and parents) need this plain & simple direct messaging on RESPECT.
Messaging and respect. That’s as Hip-Hop as it gets, folks. Kudos to Common and all the Muppets on the Street for representing good values.
4-IZE – “In My Hood†(Freestyle) [Video]
April 22, 2019
YEESSSS! Hahahaaa! The reason for the excitement and exultation… a new 4-IZE freestyle for all o’ y’all heads out there.
(Damn, that 50 beat is vicious! Only an emcee the caliber of 4-IZE could do justice on it. JUSTICE!)
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, Performance, Videos | Tags: 4-Ize, Freestyle, In My Hood, Tony Hayes III | No Comments »
DJ Tiger – “Professor Ortiz” (Joell Ortiz x Large Professor Mashup Album)
April 19, 2019
Relentless! Banger after banger! And right when your neck is about to crack from all the nodding… it’s over. Twenty-five minutes of a perfect blend of Hip-Hop talents, blended by the talented DJ Tiger.
#Djaytiger blends #JoellOrtiz acapellas over some of Large Professor’s raw underground beats to create a 25-minute mashup of boom-bap treats for your ears! Guest features include #JoeBudden #NipseyHussle (RiP!) #BigNoyd of #MobbDeep #NeekTheExotic & #RocknessMonsta of #HeltahSkeltah
DJ TIGER – PROFESSOR ORTIZ (JOELL ORTIZ X LARGE PROFESSOR MASHUP ALBUM)
– @ojones1
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: DJ Tiger, Djay Tiger, Djaytiger presents Joell Ortiz and Large Professor, Joell Ortiz, Large Professor, Professor Ortiz | No Comments »
Presenting Large Professor, One Of The Architects of “Illmatic†(Video)
April 19, 2019
Yes, Large Professor is right: “Illmatic†has stood the test of time AND Nas is that god on the mic. Nas is nice!
“We’re rocking off the same energy, and it stood the test of time.”
Large Professor reflects on God’s Son’s transformation from rugged youth to internationally renowned writer… and how the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
– Mass Appeal
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Producers, Series, Videos | Tags: Architects of Illmatic, Large Professor, Mass Appeal, The Architects of Illmatic | No Comments »
Dame Dash Evaluates Some Of The Hottest New Female Rappers Out Now (Video)
April 19, 2019
I will admit. This is not entirely what I would have expected from Dame on this topic, but there’s nothing out of line with what the boss says. You don’t have to entirely agree. I don’t. But I do entirely respect this piece. And all the Eye Candy… I mean… It is noon (c’mon son)!
Dame Dash made a name for himself as a co-founder of the iconic Hip-Hop label, Roc-A-Fella, so he knows a thing or two about emerging artists. For this episode of ‘The Cosign,’ we recruited the self-proclaimed “boss†to review videos from up and coming women in rap.
From Megan Thee Stallion’s “Big Ole Freak†to Bhad Bhabie’s “Babyface Savage†to Melii’s “See Me,†Dash shared his thoughts on some of Hip-Hop’s newest acts.
– Genius
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, Honeyz, Opinion, Series, Videos | Tags: Bhad Bhabie, Dame Dash, Dame Dash Reacts To New Women In Rap, Genius, Megan Thee Stallion, Rico Nasty, The Cosign | No Comments »
Birdman x Juvenile – “Breeze” (Video)
April 19, 2019
Just another single off the “Just Another Gangsta” LP y’all. That’s all. Just another smooth Big Easy banger. That’s all. Juve proving he’s still The Great. Hanging in with Birdman. Brrrrrr!
BIRDMAN X JUVENILE – JUST ANOTHER GANGSTA (ALBUM)
– @ojones1
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Videos | Tags: Birdman, Breeze, Just Another Gangsta, Juvenile | No Comments »
Diggy – “Text Me” feat. Leven Kali (Video)
April 18, 2019
Silky smooth with the lyricism this go ’round. Cute Honey in there, too. Man, do you remember when (on reality TV) Diggy wasn’t even into girls as a young’un. Well, he’s grown up. And so has his music. Nice!
– @ojones1
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Videos | Tags: Diggy, Diggy Simmons, Leven Kali, Lighten Up, Text Me | No Comments »
Presenting DJ Premier, One Of The Architects of “Illmatic” (Video)
April 18, 2019
Wow. “Illmatic” turns 25 years old on April 19th. When I realized that, at first, I was like, “Damn. I’m old.” But that seminal Nas project is a classic. Therefore, I’m not old… I’m a classic! Now I can enjoy watching Preemo speak on Nas’ classic LP as one of its architects.
(Don’t come for me. That’s just how it’s gonna be. End of beef. The tips are cooked!)
“Not the one that’s on the album. The one on the album is a remix.” During the making of Illmatic, DJ Premier made one version of “Represent,” then he heard what L.E.S. and Q-Tip did on “Life’s a B*tch” and “One Love” respectively. It sent him right back into the lab.
– Mass Appeal
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Producers, Series, Videos | Tags: Architects of Illmatic, DJ Premier, Mass Appeal, The Architects of Illmatic | No Comments »
Gary Owen Speaks On Loving Black People, Joking With Them, But Staying Out Of Beef (Video)
April 18, 2019
Gary Owen does look like ‘Tommy’ from “Power” though, really. Back with the Power 105 Morning Crew for another interview. Talking T.I., Kim Kardashian, Kodak Black, and more…
Comedian Gary Owen drops in to say why he loves coming on The Breakfast Club and explains the beef he has with Delta Airlines. He also chats how he learned golf from watching Tiger Woods.
– Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM
– @ojones1
Posted in Business, Celebrity, Comedy, Hip-Hop, Interview, Radio, Series, Videos | Tags: Angela yee, Breakfast Club, Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, Gary Owen, Power 105, Power 105 FM, Power 105.1, Power 105.1 FM | No Comments »
Freeway Speaks On Living With Kidney Failure And Shares Some Untold Rocafella Stories (Video)
April 18, 2019
Gotta give me a bit of a late pass, but this is good. Been watching Pvnch do a few of these episodes. Good interviewer and host. Good at getting guests to really relax and open up. And when I saw that he got Freeway to speak on Jay-Z, his dialysis, and more. Yeah, another must-watch.
@iampvnch sat down with @phillyfreeway and spoke on everything from his Kidney Failure making him go through dialysis treatment 4 hours a day. To Jay-Z’s loyalty always staying true to him and his career. Plus gives us a couple of never heard before Rocafella Stories.
– ThisIs50
– @ojones1
Posted in Hip-Hop, Interview, Podcast, Series, Videos | Tags: Freeway, Pvnch, THIS IS 50, ThisIs50 | No Comments »
