Drop Knowledge...Not Bombs

Sorry for the "new" look of the blog, looking to change the template and redesign the entire thing. Problem is, I'm a definite newcomer to all this HTML stuff, and can't find a decent template/skin that works, so you're gonna have to bare with me until I find some time to redo the layout. If anyone knows of any good websites with templates, or has any advice, please post bellow.

For now, just posting a few tracks for you all to satisfy your cravings for new tunes. Just a little warning, these aren't new necessarily, just what I'm listening to at the moment.

Bobby Womack-Across 110th Street

An original soul classic, appearing in many films etc. Trust me, you'll recognise it. Recently brought to my attention after I bought the American Gangster Soundtrack. Just a great tune

Roachekilla-Sunrise (Dark Cloud Riddim)

A new dancehall classic outta Bermuda. Collie Buddz fans will remember Roache from Sensimillia, the laid-back ode to smokin' some high-grade. This is is first single, but as it's off a promo, it's not the full version. It does bode well, with some ridiculous vocals. Check it out and tell me what you think. Maybe a few comments will persuade me to upload the promo it came from, featuring other Bermudian artists such as Collie Buddz, Flookie and C'Daynger.

Stephen Marley-Mind Control

Yes, I know, this song came out in the summer. I only just bought Mind Control, and I can definately recommend it. The title track stands out for me, a nice blend of the old-school roots style and the new stuff.

Inspired by fellow Blogger Will H over at The Cold Cut, I've decided to post a little "mood mix" bout how I'm currently feeling about life in general. To be honest, it's gotten to a stage in term where everyone is fed up and ready to go home and sleep for 2 weeks. Seriously. Have a listen-tell me what you think


T.O.K-Live It Up

Another Confessions Riddim classic, and an anti-war anthem, by dancehall masters T.O.K. Amazing vocals, amazing tune.



Gentleman-Can't Hold Us Down ft. Barrington Levy & Daddy Rings

From his 2004 smash Confidence, an amazing track with one of the best intro's courtesy of legend Barrington Levy. Just got the album, and I suggest you do the same.



Smash Mechanics-Soul Wired

Remember the Smash Mechanics? Well, you probably have never heard of them, unless you read this blog-check out the older post about their album Canon Law. This tune is a banger, with a great beat. This is one tune you need to hear from their debut. Oh, and I really need to know what you think about this track, so COMMENT!



Chris Brown-Kiss Kiss ft. T-Pain

Another chart topper, featuring Southern rapper/producer T-Pain, from Chris Brown's new album Exclusive. The video is amazing as well



Moby-Guitar Flute & String

Chilled track from the master. Amazing guitar riffs, and one of the most relaxed songs I've ever heard. Beautiful.

A concept album. Defined by many by the band Pink Floyd, in their release in 1973 of "Dark Side of The Moon". Since then, however, the idea of a concept album has fallen from grace in the modern music world. With the release of "American Gangster" by Jay-Z, the idea of a concept album has been given the proverbial "shot in the arm".





After the (relative) crap that was "Kingdom Come", Jay-Z needed a blockbuster, an album like "Blueprint" that would raise the bar for the rap game. He needed a hard-hitting album that saw a return to style, with crisp production and Jay-Z's trademark flow. Any artist that composes lyrics without a pen and a paper is nothing short of amazing, and if you don't believe me, watch the documentary Fade To Black. It'll humble you.





Well, back to the album. Jay has stated that every song fits a certain scene in the film American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The album does fit with the film, with the gritty nature of Jay's lyrics complementing perfectly the storyline of this crime drama.





Jay-Z has enlisted an all-star cast of The Neptunes, Diddy's Hitmen, DJ Toomp, Kanye West's mentor No I.D., and Just Blaze. Haven't heard the singles yet? Well Blue Magic was the first one released on September 20, 2007 and peaked at 52 on Billboard Hot 100. The second single Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)... was released on October 10, 2007, peaking at 64 on Billboard Hot 100. Check these tracks out, especially Blue Magic, produced by The Neptunes has one of the greatest beats on a Jay-Z album for a while-the rolling drum sounds amazing.

So see the film, and buy the album. Hell, buy 'em both if you want. It does mark a return to form of one of the best rappers in the world. You could get lost in this album, with the slick rhymes and fat rhythms. Posting two of the best tracks-so tell me what you think...and sorry for the delay in posting.

Jay-Z-No Hook

Jay-Z-American Dreamin'

Over the summer, in the slew of mixtapes that are forever present in Bermuda, I heard one tune that stood above all overs as what I have dubbed the "Song of Summer 2007", the one song that everyone wants to hear, and reminds you of good times.

For 2007, that tune was Trinidadian reggae rookie ISasha first hit "Don't You Know". The song is a true roots-reggae tune that could almost be classified as lover's rock, due to it being similar to an ode to a lost love. From the home of the steel pan drum, Isasha has a voice that carries above all, and along with his brother Million Voice have been tipped as Trinidad's next reggae superstars, following in the footsteps of artists like Shurwayne Winchester

Listen to the tune and tell me what you think

I Sasha-Don't You Know

To all the fans of the amazing Bob Marley remix album Chant Down Babylon, check out this article,

http://www.mybossa.com/blog/2007/07/bob_marley_roots_rock_remixed.html

These days, rap music, and pop music in general, has become pretty profane. So when a rapper stands up and says that his next album will include no profanity, or any instances of the "n-word", people should take notice. It is even more important when that rapper is Chamillionaire, Billboard #1 artist and winner of the Grammy Award for Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his hit Ridin' ft. Krayzie Bone. This was the first mainstream rap album not to receive the Parental Advisory Label.

With this much publicity, I had to get this album. The lead single, Hip Hop Police ft. Slick Rick, not only marked the return of the writer of one of the best rap songs ever Children's Story, Slick Rick, but also showed the way Cham feels about the "drama" in rap music today. So the album boaded well.

From the first track, clever The Morning News immediately showcases Chamillionaire's flow, which equals Ludacris's style. For me, Ludacris has the best flow in rap music today (see Southern Fried Skit (Intro) the intro for Chicken 'n' Beer) and Chamillionaire is up there. Some tracks, such as the reputed second single from the album The Bill Collecta ft. Krayzie Bone and the random Industry Groupie do disappoint slightly, due to their subject matter. Despite this, the production by Kane Beatz and J.R. Rotem is excellent. The Bill Collecta, however, is too similar to Ridin' Dirty and it seems as if Cham is trying to cash in on the same sucess.

This album also deals with more than the current "bling" and "rims" that alot of chart, popular rap is about. However, the best track from this album is the last and the title track Ultimate Victory. He thanks all of those who have come before him, and states his wish to put real music out. It is brilliant, with a smooth beat and clear flow, despite a few jabs at other rappers.

So, like a stuck record, I gotta say "buy it". It's well worth it, and step up from 2005's The Sound of Revenge. To all rap fans, pick it up. And no tracks to be posted, as Ultimate Victory is already up

So it's Blog Action day. On this special event, I would like to point out some of the more interesting products released that are considered "green". The picture above is the Toyota FT-HS Concept car. According to Wikipedia-

"The Toyota FT-HS is a hybrid sports car concept introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. FT-HS stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sport.
The goal of the rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain is to produce 400 horsepower (300 kW) and achieve 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is accomplished by combining a 3.5 L V6 and an electric motor in a manner similar to the Lexus GS450h . Unlike the GS (and virtually all other current hybrids), a production version of the FT-HS would make use of a capacitor system designed specifically for quick charging and increased performance. Since the debut of this concept, Toyota has exhibited such technology in the Supra HV-R race car.
The 2+2 vehicle features a unique retractable roof similar to a targa top. The rear seats appear to be unusable when the roof is retracted however.
In spite of the FT-HS being only a concept vehicle, Toyota's desired starting price for such a vehicle is stated to be in the mid $30,000 range.
According to Automobile Magazine, Toyota is planning to launch a production version of the vehicle in 2009. Toyota has yet to make an official announcement and no other major publication has made similar claims."

So will the next rap star be rolling in one of these? Hopefully. I just want to encourage people to take action against global warming, for the future generations.

Over the summer, whilst in Bermuda, a concert series known as "Live In The Gardens" was started to promote Bermudian artists. Headed by Volcanic Productions and Lava Graphic Design, these concerts featured the excellent ska/reggae band known as Home Grown from week to week.

However, whilst at the concert series, I got the opportunity to check out a duo of New York City MC's known as the Smash Mechanics. Although at first optimistic, I was quickly wowed by their performance. These two rappers, both white, called Phaze Future and Tru Pro, won over the crowd. A local DJ was backing them up, and they even performed an impromptu jam session over the rhythm for Collie Buddz's "Come Around".
These guys were great. Meeting the two was also pretty cool, and they were chilled and ready to answer any questions we had. They also performed a great freestyle about Bermuda, which the small (yet dedicated) crowd enjoyed.

After listening to a few tracks, myself and a friend rushed over and bought their album, worried that it would soon be snapped up by eager fans looking for new material. Upon first listen, their album Canon Law admittedly a bit rambling. After all, 19 tracks is one large rap album.

Despite that, I soon found that it was well put together, showcasing various talents from the group. My two favorite tracks, entitled Freshin' Up and Sugar will be posted for download. Also, I would recommend visting their website. They are another of the up and coming group outta myspace.com, trying to make their name on their own. Good luck boys. You deserve it.

Smash Mechanics-Freshin' Up

Smash Mechanics-Sugar

On paper, this movie is a slam-dunk, a home run and touchdown. Whatever. It looks amazing. Featuring the hilarious Seth Rogan from The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, Jonah Hill from Accepted and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and directed by another veteran of The 40-Year-Old Virgin Judd Apatow, it looks amazing.

Oddly enough it is. Most comedy films nowadays show their 2 minutes of A-list material on the trailer, meaning that the film itself is disappointingly unfunny. But with this cast, it blows you away, and you are laughing from beginning to end.

Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, along with newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse combine their different humour to complement each other; Fogell (Mintz-Plasse) and his more obvious "wigga" style ("Gangstaaaaaaaaaaasss... what's up guys?"), Cera's deadpan delivery, and Hill's timing and genius ("Well Jules, the funny thing about my back is that it's located on my cock") mean that this trio will be legendary for years to come.

Rogan, along with SNL collaborator Bill Hader, are the Supertrooper-esc cops, destroying cruisers and drinking on the job. They are arguably the best chracters of the film, with lines like "Prepare to be fucked by the long dick of the law!", they'll garner alot of laughs

So go see it. I guarantee you'll leave the theatre with the name McLovin pounding in your ears.

Yes, to my few readers, I have returned. In my absence, many events have transpired in the world of urban music, from 50 Cent's eminent "retirement" due to being outsold by the rather excellent Graduation by Mr. Kanye West Esq, to the release of various other important albums. I have also been introduced to some new artists, who I'm going to comment on. I may even post a few tracks if you're lucky...

So, what am I trying to say? Well, e-mail your friends, family and neighbours, because this blogger is back, with new music and movies for the masses.

Ok, so it may be a bit too late in the year to post a topic such as this, but I've heard some new artists and have decided THE list of which CDs/albums to buy this year.

1) Collie Buddz July 3, 2007

Why am I so obsessed with this artist? For me, most of the current crop of dancehall artists made their start long before I started listening to them. With Collie, its different as I've followed him since the first single Come Around dropped in Bermuda before it hit charts worldwide.

Thus far, remixes have featured Ray Cash, Cypress Hill, Shaggy, Aztek, Tony Yayo, Young Buck and Beyonce. Production work by Tony Kelly

2) Saigon-The Greatest Story Never Told July 31, 2007

Every once in awhile, music genres get a new burst of enery, a Red Bull of creativity if you will. Well, for the New York rap scene, Saigon is that burst. With a flow that is unmatched, this young artist is sure to break the bank with his major label debut. This artist is sure to be the name on every rap fan's lips in 2007.

Production by Just Blaze, The Alchemist, Kanye West and DJ Cocoa Chanelle. Artists include Trey Songz, Cham, Fatman Scoop, Jay-Z and Tre Williams.

3) Common-Finding Forever July 31, 2007

With Kanye West revitalizing Common's career with Be in 2005, this album is sure to be incredible. 4 Grammy nominations, and 3 stunning singles and one of my favorite albums means that the follow-up can only be good. This socially-conscious, stylistic rapper is finally getting the credit he deserves, and I only hope that continues into 2007.

Production from Kanye West, the late J Dilla, will.i.am, and Devo Springsteen, and a possible appearance from Dr. Dre. Artists include will.i.am, Kanye West, Dwele, Lily Allen and Bilal.

4) Three6Mafia-Last 2 Walk July 3rd, 2007

Winning an Academy Award in 2006 was the single most important moment in the history of Memphis, Tennessee group Three6Mafia. With this win and the premiere of their reality Adventures in Hollyhood, the group has become hot property, and has since scored songs for various films, all showcasing their talent. The album should also be a true club-banger, especially with the ensemble of featuring artists.

Production comes from Juicy J and DJ Paul of Three6Mafia. Artists include Lyfe Jennings, Paul Wall, 8Ball & MJG, Akon, Young Jeezy, Good Charlotte, Young Buck, Project Pat, Lil' Jon, Lil' Wayne, The Game.

5) T.I.-T.I. vs. T.I.P. July 3, 2007

The release of the hit single What You Know in 2006, and its eventual win at the Grammy awards for "Best Rap Solo Performance" propelled T.I. into stardom. Moguls such as Jay-Z have tipped T.I. to be the next mogul and superstar in the rap world. We can pretty much guarantee that now T.I. has found his sound, the next album will be even better.

Production from Grand Hustle, Eminem, Mannie Fresh, Danja, The Runners, Just Blaze and Wyclef Jean. Artists include P$C, Eminem, Andre 3000, Nelly, Young Jeezy, B.G., Lil' Wayne, Justin Timberlake and Tweet

Just a short list of tracks I'm listening to at the moment:

The Roots- Don't Feel Right ft. Maimouna Youssef
from Game Theory (2006)

Just uploaded some Collie Buddz tracks-
Check them out

Come Around Remix ft. Shaggy, B-Real & Aztec

Come Around Remx ft. Busta Rhymes

Ring the Alarm Remix ft. Beyonce

More to come-Enjoy!