Drop Knowledge...Not Bombs

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.