Dope Beats and Door Knockas

Throwback Thursdays

2010-12-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yo...2010 is about to be over. I dunno about you but I'm about ready. This Bug is ready for the New Year and all the promise it holds. That being said- this is the last Throwback Thursday of the year. So I'll switch it up for the sake of newness. Instead of featuring one video from a favorite year- I'm bussin' out a few that were always staples of that time for me. The Golden Era of Hip Hop. These are some of the criminally slept on joints that I always loved. Always will. Classic material. I'm diggin' deep. No disrespect but- if you're not a true head just sit this one out. I'm not here to alienate anyone but this Hip Hop thing is for those who love it. I do this for ya'll. Enjoy.

Trends of Culture - Off and On

Why is the beat so effin' tough on this one?! Oooweee.

Original Flavor feat. Jay Z

Yeah...pre-Reasonable Doubt Jay and a sick ass arrangement of rhymes. It rarely gets better.

Strickly Roots - Begs No Friends

Dude said "Layin' muthafuckas like ready-cut carpet." What! Grand Puba and Fat Joe rep to the fullest, too.

The A.T.E.E.M - Get It On

Hot Dog . Yeah, Chubb Rock's background dancer kinda did his thing. Q-Dog style. And I don't even eff with Frats. I never understood why dude said "Not a white Bruce Jenner." As opposed to what? Bruce Jenner is white, Fam..

Fat Joe feat. Diamond D and Grand Puba - Watch the Sound

One of my all-time faves. Hands down. Plus, my girl Goldie is in the vid. Such a sweetie, that one.

Eric B and Rakim - Paid In Full

"Was it good enough for ya?" Ooowee!!! Have a safe and prosperous New Year, Peoples. Catch you in 20eleven. Much love.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-12-23T13:00:00.001-05:00

C'mon now, you already know a classic is due. Niiiiice....

Have a safe and Happy Holiday, ya'll.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-12-02T15:26:00.001-05:00

1995. One of my favorite years in Hip Hop. And I'll go as far as saying it was one my favorite years in life overall. To quote Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity..." Don't I know it. You know who else knew it? The Pharcyde. By the second album- Labcabincaliforna they collectively displayed a more serious side musically and lyrically. Many of the tracks were produced by J Dilla (Rest In Peace) and you definitely heard a difference. While they didn't completely depart from the jokes and playfulness which was evident on their 1992 debut, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde, Da Sharon Getty fell right in step with the growing pains they expressed. Shit, I was going through it my damn self back then. Conceptually- even the videos took a new twist. (Think of Drop and how everything moved backwards while going forward. Trippy.)

Which brings me to Today's Throwback. Aside from the song itself, which I always liked- the video only bolstered how I felt about it. Beginning with Fatlip's verse, the recollections are heartfelt. He got picked on, jumped and harassed by Crips. Slim Kid Tre breaks down the lessons of being self reliant; friends are nice to have around, but there's no guarantee they'll be there when it gets thick. The final verse from Imani hit me hard back then- especially the last line. All the while, the video has an almost dreamlike quality. Which is fitting since there's a scenario of flip-flop slavery at play here. In a surreal role reversal, everything from the servitude on a plantation to an auction block is present- but not in a way you've ever seen in history. The Pharcyde play croquet while melanin deficient girls style the hair of their mistresses poolside. It's an interesting juxtapostion to say the least. Da Sharon Getty's favorite line? "It's 1995. Now that I'm older stress weighs on my shoulders heavy as boulders- but I told ya- Til the day that I die I still- will be a soldier. And that's all I told ya and that's all I showed ya." I still feel him on that one. It's true. You can't keep Runnin', you just gotta keep keen and cunnin'.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-12-02T15:25:00.001-05:00

Peace People. I know it's Thursday, but I'm also well aware that this is no ordinary Thursday. It's Thanksgiving Day. So I'm pretty sure that many of you will be reading this days after you've stuffed yourself on turkey, watched some football, drank way too much and got into it with your dysfunctional relatives. (At least, that's what my Thanksgiving may probably consist of. ) But I digress. Since this is tragically recognized as an eating holiday- rather than a day of reverence for the indigenous people of America, I'll go with the flow and post a video in keeping with that sentiment: Greed. Shout out to Nice and Smooth for coming up with a joint that I can appreciate down to the last detail on a day like today. People can be so greedy. It's a shame. But this is a reminder to everyone, that you can't have your Cake and Eat It Too. Hope you've all had your fill. Uno.

No Business Like Show Business

2010-11-22T15:45:00.002-05:00

"Kid, ya gonna be large!!!"

Underground. Underestimated. Undervalued. Golden Era. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of EPMD. Never in the history of Hip Hop has there been a duo who stood the test of time like these two. And yet, I still don't feel like they get the proper credit they deserve. Last week, I was blessed with a live performance by them at the Knitting Factory- and it was everything I expected from this legendary pair. Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith have always literally been about their business. Check the resume: Strictly Business (1988), Unfinished Business (1989), Business As Usual (1990), Business, Never Personal (1992) Back in Business (1997) Out of Business (1999) We Mean Business (2008). And nothing has changed. They still make it their biz to command a crowd without being extra. They give the people what they want. No theatrics. No pyrotechnics. Just dope beats and lyrics coming out of Long Island, NY.

Of course they did what they do best. Rough Rugged and Raw. Eric and Parrish launched into Please Listen to My Demo and the hits didn't stop coming. Backed by the equally legendary DJ Scratch on the turntables, they ran through their catalog of singles that hits just has hard as it did back in '88 and beyond. There's something about how the beat to Strictly Business starts up that just takes you somewhere. I looked around at the sea of faces and watched as they recited every lyric in sync with them. A part of me was waiting for LL to jump out during Rampage, or even Redman for the Headbanger but it wasn't even necessary. They held it down- just the two of them. Going line for line on joints like You Gots To Chill, Crossover, Jane and So Wat Chu Sayin', they haven't lost their touch. Not by a long shot. That effortless flow and the easy way they exchange verses comes from years of really knowing one another and knowing what works. They are tried and true crowd pleasers because they've mastered that formula. And they understand how important it is for that brand of Hip Hop to remain relevant. The Green Eyed Bandit kept it a hundred when he said onstage that he's not a broke ass hater. Make no mistake. It's just that most of what you hear nowadays is wack. That's how he launched into Da Joint. And I quote, "It's not about me fallin' off. I'm good. It's not that I don't have money. Matta fact...I make a million bucks..." Ooh wee...that was hot.

Still, it would have been nice to hear the classic Gold Digger before they departed. Or even the lesser known It's Going Down off the Juice Soundtrack- just for the die hards such as myself. I mean...they were among the patrons gettin' stuck up by Blizzard in the bar at like 11 in the morning. Ha! Remember that? Shout out to my peoples, Dinco D who I saw up in there. I'll be back in the building next month to check his performance with Leaders of the New School and Son of Beserk. All in all, it was a really good show. They closed with Just Like Music off Eric's solo mission and everyone left satisified. It made me realize that when it comes to Eric and Parrish Making Dollars, I'll always make it MY BUSINESS to show love.

Now press play...

Throwback Thursdays

2010-11-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

Big budget videos are nothing new to Hip Hop. In fact, they are so widespread nowadays that folks hardly notice just how many wasteful dollars are put behind these onscreen images of excess. It's just a given. The custom cars. Helicopters. Yachts. Plush locales, etc. Don't forget about wardrobe, hair and make-up for the slew of video vixens who decorate the scenery. All of which costs a pretty penny. But Da Sharon Getty remembers when it wasn't a given. I remember when some of the best songs had simple videos that didn't employ all the smoke and mirrors to wow the audience. The music spoke for itself. And don't talk to me about how it was oh-so-different when it came to bragging on material things. Case and point: Today's Throwback. In 1989 Special Ed debuted with the album Youngest In Charge. At just 16 years old, this Brooklynite had a flair for the finer things and the lyricism to match. His imagination ran wild as he painted a picture of an opulent lifestyle. We knew full and well it was an exaggeration. But so what? It captured us and it was dope. Period. You could picture in your mind all the luxuries he rhymed about. Without the benefit of a huge budget, Special Ed had a video that remains a staple; nothing short of a bonafide Hip Hop classic.

Take a good look at the vid. No lush backdrop of Tahiti. No shiny new cars. He didn't need anything of that to validate his existence. He's in a junkyard talking about owning 74 Honda scooters, yo. How fly is that? And peep the Potato Alligator Soufflé. It's a dish of mashed potatoes with a toy dinosaur tail stuck in the middle. Hilarious...and imaginative. This joint came long before the need to impress the masses with mostly unattainable objects that is so rampant in today's music- at least visually anyway. The Roots went on to spoof this sad trend in What They Do years later. But the Magnificent One made it cool to not have any of these things while articulating what made him so fly. Da Sharon Getty's favorite line? "I never lost cuz I'm the boss / I never will cuz I'm still / The champion - Chief one won't lose until I choose / which I won't cuz I don't retreat / I run you over like a truck and leave you dead in the street / You're invitin' me, a Titan to a battle, why? I don't need your respect cuz / I Got It Made."

And just like that- he got mine. Nuff 'respect.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-11-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hello B-Boys and B-Girls. Da Sharon Getty has a very special treat for you today. I'm pulling a video from my own personal VHS archives today. Yes, I had this video on tape and can recall very clearly which video came right after it. It was Understand Me, Vanessa by Antexx which I already featured when I first started Throwback Thursdays. Go watch it over here when you're done with today's feature. Why not? Anyway, 1991 was an interesting year for Hip Hop. I can actually mark that as a cusp where conscious music like this, street chronicles (think Kool G Rap) and even party music (think Heavy D) shared the same space and time. But none of it was irrelevant. It all had its place. I wish I could say the same for what passes for Hip Hop today. (Sigh) So I bring to you today, one of the most slept on posse cuts of all time. The line up is something you're not likely to ever see again, realistically. Harmony, Kid Capri, Freddie Foxxx, LL Cool J, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Ms. Melodie, Big Daddy Kane and Run-DMC joined forces to bring food for thought to the masses with H.E.A.L (Human Education Against Lies) Every emcee seemed to complement one another on this single that still is so very important when you listen to the lyrics. LL is noticeably missing from the video but that's okay. The video still evokes good feelings for me. Summertime in NYC. The Do The Right Thing poster behind Kid Capri. The classic Jeep. The fashion, the vibe, the messages and sense of community. Da Sharon Getty's favorite line? "Everybody rise...as I present to a jet black crowd, What it's like to be black and proud..." Call me stuck if you want-but I'll never let go of such a positive time. So glad I hit record that day. So, so glad.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-11-04T12:00:00.002-04:00

Peace People. Today's Throwback has no history lesson behind it. I have no personal soliloquy or specific memory that attaches itself to this song. All I have today is reverence for good music and a special dedication. This one goes out to a dear friend and amazing person who had a convergence with this artist as they put one in the air. As he tells it, Pete was just a modest and cool, down-to-earth person who hardly seemed aware of how his talents has touched others. Which is kinda cool, since the person this joint is dedicated to possesses the same quality of humble and unassuming character- while inspiring the lives of others in a way only he can. This is for one of my favorite people who taught me to get it while the gettin' is good but to not rush anything. He shared this with me: 'Everything takes time but most people can't wait.' It's just a matter of time. Just one of the many jewels I've been blessed with by a true Soul Survivor. And I give thanks. One Love.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-10-21T12:00:00.001-04:00

Man listen...I'm still open off a show that I saw a few days ago. I mean wide open. I'm still buggin' off the vibes. I can't even speak on it right now. But ooohwee! You'll have to come back for a full rundown of the events. The line up was sick. Period. In the meantime and between time...this is how we lock it down. For my true heads, Bucktown and Duck Down all day.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-10-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Um...yeah.Shout out to Miami.

That's all I got today. Peace.

Just a Thought...

2010-10-04T10:00:00.002-04:00

Shady, Shady, Shady...Okay, I'm not sure what happened between his verse off Drake's Forever remix and that sad excuse for an anthem, Not Afraid but This Bug is baffled. If I run into him on the humble, I'll have to ask sincerely ask him, "Son...what happened?" I read that he'd gone through some things in the past few years and he had to pause for the cause. Rehab, Depression. A friend passing away. That's alot to deal with. I feel that. I hadn't heard the new album, Recovery but I was looking forward to his return when I heard the remix of Forever. He murdered it with real lyrics. That's the Em I know and respect. Honestly, I used to listen to that song 'til the end just to hear his part. His energy was just crazy the way he comes into the track.

"There they go! Back in stadiums

as Shady spits his flow.

Nuts they go- macadamia. They go so ballistic whoa."

Then I heard 'Not Afraid' and wondered what the fuck happened. He's singing. Singing, yo. And his delivery is forced. I have to call it like I see it. If you're gonna continue on this path- you should be afraid, Em. Just sayin'...

Cream of the Planet

2010-10-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

Let the record show that Da Sharon Getty's fondness for Mos Def is river deep, mountain high. It's no secret. He's not listed as Jayne's Addiction on the right panel for no good reason. I could sit here and lick off countless verses and songs which showcase his limitless talent- but I'd rather just let you hear for yourself. The following video by Ski Beatz featuring Mos is for the single, Cream of the Planet off the new album 24 Hour Karate School by the former. Seriously. How can you not love that album title? It's been rumoured that all of Mos Def's work on the Creative Control project had been pulled before the September 7th release, but I don't know how true that is. I hope not. That would be an injustice. Anyway- a friend of mine floated this one my way and incidentally, it played flawlessly on my phone without pausing once. (You know how it goes: Buffering...buffering...buffer...oh screw this! Effin' Crackberry!) I love everything about this joint. The jazzy horns. The hypnotic beat. But the lyrics, man. The lyrics... "Listen, life is fantastic. Beautiful and tragic. Plain. Classic." I couldn't have said it better myself, Mos.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-09-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Picture it: New York. 1993. The World Trade Center was bombed (from the bottom up), Billy Clinton became the ~~first Black~~ president and Brand Nubian released In God We Trust. I remember all of this clearly. Mostly because it was a time that was rife with duality. Good times and hard times held hands. The mother of one of my closest friends worked in the Twin Towers. I can remember the sense of urgency that day. Where was she? Was she okay? And nobody's beeper would work. Remember those? It was scary. At the same time, I was in love for the first time. That alone made all the confusion in the world alright with me. Anyway, Brand Nubian was still rockin' after Grand Puba bounced for a solo mission. He's noticeably missing on one of their best singles of all time, Love me or Leave Me Alone. I'm wondering now, all these years later what a verse from Puba Maxwell might have added to this song. The other two are so matter-of-fact in their statements to their prospective and current lovers. My guess is that he would've told Baby Girl just why she should act right before she gets cancelled in a way that only he can do it. He's such a smart aleck. Either way, without him the other two break it down. This is not a love song . It's a song about wisdom and understanding- of self and then between a woman and man. At the time, I couldn't appreciate the jewels they were dropping. I was a teenager in a teenage love affair. (Nothing really mattered.) But I'm older and wiser now. I can see to a degree why acting tone deaf can be your own mental death. (Props to Lord Jamar on that witty play on words.) Now, I don't necessarily agree with every point they make. Some of it still comes off a tad chauvinistic to my ear- but truly, if a man is worth it...there should be no shame in dancing to his tune. A strong couple is a blessing. Love, Hell or Right. Either way, a man and woman has to go through all of it to get it right. This joint took me back to '93 while catapulting me into the present. Eight years after the first World Trade Center attack, the intended target was hit once again with devastating results. Seventeen years later, we have a~~nother~~ Black president. And I can safely say that I'm in a grown up love affair now, where the lyrics to Brand Nube's song make sense to my adult mind. "So on your wisdom I'll shine my light-Bring forth the seeds, created in the night."

Throwback Thursdays

2010-09-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello B-Boys and B-Girls. Da Sharon Getty is paying homage to a simpler time. A time resolute with "keeping it real" before it became an overused and antiquated term that even requires quotes now. There was a time when genuine Thug Love could be expressed without coming off soft. Enter the Hip-Hop duet to end all Hip-Hop duets. You know the one. The Ticallian Stallion and the Queen dropped I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need in 1995. Method Man and Mary J. Blige showed what comes from a perfect pairing of talents. I don't attach any special merit to awards, but the fact that it won a Grammy speaks volumes for how far the genre itself had come. Anyway, a classic is always a classic. And the revamped version of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1968 hit You're All I Need to Get By is an amped up tribute to its predecessor. Meth and Mary did it well for my generation. Period. Da Sharon Getty’s 's favorite line? "Even if I'm locked up North, you in the world rockin' three fourths of cloth. Never showin' your stuff off, Boo." Ah, pure 'hood poetry. Enjoy the vid and then take in the original since really and truly...no one can do it like Marvin and Tammi. Shout out to my boy Coco who messed up everybody's head at his wedding when he and his wife came out to the original and then broke out into a fly dance as the DJ mixed in the Meth and Mary version. It was dope.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-09-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Boys and Girls. It's been a minute since my last Throwback and I got to thinking about some ch-ch-changes. Some things need to have new life breathed into them. That's where sampling comes in, I guess. I don't know how many of you remember Imeem (it really wasn't that long ago) but when they were ~~usurped~~ bought out by Myspace, I lost a ton of playlists. Talk about pissed? Man listen....I was heated, Son! But I digress. One of the playlists I had so painstakingly compiled consisted of some of my favorite Hip Hop joints followed immediately by the original song that it sampled. Thanks to the good people over at the-breaks.com whenever that certain hook or beat rings familiar but you just can't put your finger on it- they come to the rescue. It's a great source of information if you ever care to check it out. Anyway, I decided that for today's Throwback, I'll do a double feature. The fly video followed directly by the classic material which it was based on or around. I'm sorta liking the whole idea of reaching back and paying homage to the inspiration so this may go on for the next few throwbacks. Why not. Let's start with Black Moon's ridiculously smooth single, Buck 'Em Down. No matter how much time goes by, this one still takes me somwhere. Hopefully it does that for you, too. And when you're done, check out Donald Byrd's meticulously crafted Wind Parade from which Buckshot and Evil Dee sampled. Straight. Fire.

Out.

Skyzoo & !llmind - Speakers on Blast

2010-08-31T10:45:00.001-04:00

Nobody knows how Da Sharon Getty gets...when she hears something that is straight CRACK but you're about to find out. Driving home the other day, I heard Speakers On Blast and damn near had to pull over. Skyzoo is the truth. And hearing his name reminds me of early Wu Tang. I remember handing the cassette single for Proteck Ya Neck to my homegirl and her reply was, " Huh? Wu what?". And my response to her was, "It sounds foreign to you now- but just wait. You'll see." Well, that's how I feel about Skyzoo. He'll be a household name soon enough. I got that refreshed vibe of the 90's with something extra for 2010 and beyond from him. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. Plus he hails from the respected camp of Duckdown. Are you kidding me? The lyrics and production are airtight. He can't lose. Watch for his coming album "Live From the Tape Deck" dropping October 5.

Download Speakers on Blast here. I will not steer you wrong.

One.

C.A.R.D.I. - One to Watch

2010-08-17T15:02:00.000-04:00

Alright People, you know I always put you on when I discover something worth sharing in Hip-Hop. Well, don't say I never gave you nothin'. I first met Cardi in my days of hosting an online radio show called Strong Island Hip Hop almost two years ago. He would frequent the studio to battle our featured artists and would kill it each and every time. The kid is a problem. For the longest time, we would interview artists and showcase their talents- but the best part of each show would be the freestyle cipher afterward, hands down. You would have to see it to believe it, but a lot of heads came up to the studio just to hear him spit and he wasn't even in front of the camera prior to that. The buzz was always there. Da Sharon Getty got a chance to ping-ping with Cardi with a little word association interview, just off the top. He's just as humble, mature, laid back and funny as they come, plus something else. A secret ingredient that makes him real and credible without the commonplace posturing so prevalent in the world of rappers nowadays. The results were off the top, raw insights into the mind of Cardi Crown Prince. Peep it.

Ipod - "CARDI"

9 to 5 - "Sheesh..."

Dirty South - "Catchy"

Family - "Priorities"

Swag - "Discontinued" (laughs)

Twitter - "Nosy"

Ignorance - "Disease"

Nikki Minaj - "Plastic"

Battle - (smiles knowingly) "Dat's cool."

It should come as no surprise that Cardi knows exactly where he’s going. That’s because he knows very well where he’s been and more importantly, where he could be. The name C.A.R.D.I. which stands for Crime and Real Dollars Involved represents a road many may go down but never make it back. Born Roderick Jones on October 5, 1989 and named for a close family friend whose life was tragically cut short, Cardi Crown Prince is a man destined for success. He hails from Lakeview, Long Island New York. Exit 18 is home to many who aspire to do what comes naturally to Cardi. From shows to freestyle ciphers and special appearances, he quickly became a favorite on the underground circuit with eloquent rhymes and mature viewpoint of the industry that contradicts his short years on the planet. That started way before the ENJ Battlegroundz, Strong Island Hip Hop ciphers and live performances at venues in NYC. He’s a wordsmith at heart. He received poetry and literature awards as a youth and grew up hearing mainstays in Hip Hop like DMX, Nas, Jay-Z and Big in his household along with classic soul greats which influence his music. He cites Otis Redding and Frankie Beverly and Maze as being a few of his all-time favorites. Being the oldest of three children, it’s safe to say he was the youngest in charge in a way. With a strong sense of family values, he has no reason to come off as something he is not. He talks about what he knows. He will take his listeners through true life and its pleasure and pains without a need to brag. If his bravado seems apparent, that’s because he backs it up with a laid back delivery and lyrics that stick. Initially he wasn’t drawn to rap but basketball instead. For a long time, Cardi could be spotted with an ever present basketball, working on his skills. He played basketball for his school team as a guard for two and a half years. But rhyming came naturally as he would rap at school presentations and projects rather than simply speak at them. Some people are nothing but trouble makers and others are straight-A students, but Cardi fell somewhere in between with his share of lunchroom antics while maintaining his grades in order to play sports. It paved the way for things to come. In a short time he established a reputation for witty one-liners and thought provoking stories. In March 2009 he released the mixtape Leader of the New School. His single “The Way It Is” has fast become a sensation on the streets and in cyberspace alike. Proving that he can hold his own in any forum, his guest spots are equally anticipated as his solo performances. In April 2010 he signed with KG Music Group but it doesn't stop there. Cardi flaunts a true confidence while maintaining a genuinely humble disposition. His star is on the rise and it comes as no surprise. He is the truth. Stay tuned.

Check out Cardi's live performance of his single, Talk To You.

Download his latest mixtape, THE CO-SIGN at datpiff.com

Dear God 2.0

2010-07-03T08:43:00.001-04:00

Truth be told...I haven't seen, heard or felt anything this powerful in quite some time. Word.

"If I don't make it through the night, slight change of plans. Harp strings, angel wings and praying hands."-Black Thought

Editor's Note: Throwback Thursdays will return next week.

The Climb

2010-06-21T08:27:00.000-04:00

Let the record show that Sharon Getty will always get you the goods when the giving is good. My girl Jean Grae has done it again. From her collection of songs called "Dusty Jeans" comes The Climb. Love this chick. No homo. I guarantee you'll hit replay as soon as it's done just to catch what you missed. The bitch is bad.

Don't say I never gave you nothin'.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-06-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

What up, People. It's been a minute since Throwback Thursdays. Things are starting to heat up outside and I can't think of a better way to usher in the summer than with this video. Hope you don't mind not watching it here. Youtube is acting up with this one, so be sure to click the link at the end. Anyway... I'm taking ya'll way back to '89 (cuz I'm goin' for mine). This video featured a pool party that I still wish I was at twenty years later. Antoinette was one of the few females who was really doing it back then in terms of Hip-Hop and Rap. Shake, Rattle and Roll was the first single off her debut album, Who's the Boss. Did I have the album? No. Did I have this video on VHS? True indeed. Her style was way more raw than her counterparts and even her labelmates which at the time included Salt 'n Pepa. Dressed in a simple green tee, tight jeans and her doorknocka shells- she epitomized Hip-Hop style while letting folks know she's not the one to step to...or in this case, half-step to. She was fly, yo. Casually making her way around the party, Antoinette breaks down why she's at the top of her game. Granted, lyrics were a lot simpler back then- but it was a simpler time. A time I remember all too well. Sharon Getty's favorite line? "Matter of fact, I can't let a rapper win. I ain't Rerun. That ain't happenin'." Ah, the days when female emcees talked about something besides the riches men throw at their feet for their deep throat skills. Those were the days. Antoinette, Baby Girl... you paved the way. It's not your fault they got lost on the road, tho. Now here's a shout to the borough and my thoroughbred ladies alike.

Queens Stand Up!

Son of a...

2010-05-11T00:25:00.000-04:00

This is it. What?

Three words: Ooh Muthaf*ckin' Wee!

Credit where it's due. Shout out to my peeps, Crazy Al Cayne for putting me on

Throwback Thursdays

2010-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Question: Who could ever do you like I do you? Nobody can ever do you like I... do.

That's it. Ain't no more to it.

Moment of Truth

2010-04-22T00:26:00.002-04:00

This is not a Throwback. It just happens to be Thursday. And my heart is heavy with the loss of yet another legend. Keith "GURU" Elam is gone from this earth. From Hip-Hop. From us. When I heard the news, I just sat back in my chair and read the words repeatedly, trying to ingest and process what I was seeing. I knew he was not well. When I first wrote about his coma scare a month ago, I was hedging my bets and hoping for the best in terms of his recovery. To hear that he passed away as a result of cancer hit home for me. Read: Not close to home. It hit home. Having lost my own mother to the same affliction, I can tell you that no amount of knowing can emotionally prep you for the loss; no matter how eventual you make it out to be in your head.

I grew up with Guru. Granted, I might not have literally come up with him, but I listened to enough Gang Starr coming up to be sincerely shocked and saddened by his death. 1989. Manifest. 1991. Check the Technique. These songs reached me in a way that most didn't. You see, I grew up in a household that emanated jazz from the floorboards and walls. What I heard from them was pure music that just happened to be Hip-Hop. The combination of Guru's lyrical talent and DJ Premier's signature beats was like nothing that ever came before it. And on the real, there's been nothing like it ever since. Think about it. You know a Primo track when you hear one- but none of them sound similar. No small feat. As far as Guru, you'd be hard pressed to find an emcee with such a monotone voice that kept you riveted on his rhymes- and he did it for the most part using little profanity, if any. How many rappers can you say that about? His vocabulary, eloquence and capacity for knowledge could damn near fill the Grand Canyon.

When I was in Chicago a while back, I caught Monie Love's backspin show on Sirius Satellite. She spoke about his illness and kept it a hundred about not knowing all the details but wished him the best. She said she spoke to Premier about his being kept in the dark about Guru and his health. And this is why I love Monie. She asked the burning question that I feel most true heads were asking. Who the hell is Solar and what gives him the right to stage his own lock-out from Guru? When I read the alleged final letter that was penned, singling out Premier to not do any tributes- it just didn't sit well with me. I don't care how much dude defends it. Who knows? Only Primo and Guru really know what caused their fallout and perhaps Solar is just an innocent party trying to do right by a dearly departed friend. But at the end of the day, I'm looking at this new jack like ' Who the eff is you?' To keep family and friends at bay hardly seems like a noble act to me. But that's just my opinion. I know this much- and Mr. Cee echoed my sentiments surrounding this on his show this past Tuesday: Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot love someone and mourn for them how you see fit. It is your birthright to feel a loss and express that in a manner which is conducive to healing.

Love and respect to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. You still shine. Bright. One Love.

Now, Who's Gonna Take the Weight?

Throwback Thursdays

2010-03-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Boys and Girls. I'm back with another treat. Ya'll should know by now that when Da Sharon Getty is on a roll, you can expect me to keep it in the same camp when it comes to Throwback Thursdays. So...in keeping with the essence of my last post: Wu Tang is for the kids! And so am I. Plus, Shyheim the Rugged Child was such a cute kid back then- I have to show the love. I know I say this about almost every Throwback I feature but this. was. my. shit. Period. You can't ask me to pick just one. That would be like asking which one of your children you love the most. It just can't be done. Anyway, I'm strolling down Memory Lane today and the pit stop is late '93 into early '94. Ahhh...the tunes were just so official back then, including this one. What I loved the most was that this kid had skills for real. If his rhymes were ghostwritten by some elder Wu member, I sure as hell couldn't tell. Which is more than I can say for Killarmy. Yeah I said it. And Whut?! They all sounded like some amateur versions of RZA and Inspecktah Deck to my ears. Shyheim served up eloquent lyrics like a grown ass man when he had to be... I dunno, a teenager at the time? (This Bug is too exhausted to fact check right now. Wikipedia that shit yourself if you care so much.) My point is that his style didn't seem to mimic anyone else from the Wu. He had his own flow and gave an honest report on what he saw firsthand coming up in Stapleton Projects. I'll say this much: Cute grows up. But when you have obvious skills like this kid possessed, there's no need to rely on folks pinching your cheeks like Kris Kross or other youngsters who just barely got by on that. I could go On and On but let's just get to it. Sharon Getty's favorite line? "Wasn't hard to tell that these kids was no joke. They let the pistols smoke and they nines was doper than Coke." Um, yeah. That boy was the truth.

The 37th Chamber of Starks

2010-03-24T02:09:00.003-04:00

Let's get this out in the open right now. Da Sharon Getty has crazy, shameless love for Ghostface. You feel me? It wasn't always that way, but it's like that- and that's the way it is. I remember when I first saw the Method Man video, I wondered (undoubtedly like everyone else) who was that masked man with the dual Shinobi swords at the end? Was he on the run? Was he hiding a nasty Buck 50? What the hell was he all about? Well, by the time I heard him rhyme on Da Mystery of Chessboxin' I was more than intrigued. And by the time he and Raekwon paired up for the legendary Purple Tape- it was a wrap. I was sold. The dude is a beast. I don't think there's a gray area with Tony Starks. You either feel him or you don't. It's up to you. I'll just run down my reasons why I think the god is worth his weight in gold like that eagle he occasionally brandishes on his wrist.

An Air of Mystery
Ghost might have hidden his face from the public when the Wu first came out, but he also kept the skills under wraps for a hot second, too. Honestly, I wasn't feeling him completely when I first heard him spit. It took time for him to grow on me. His lyrics didn't always make sense (more on that later) but they started to sound iller every time I heard him. In a twist of genius, he gradually peeled back the layers of his persona to a point where I wondered ' What the hell does this dude look like anyways?'

The Passionate Thug
I don't know if anyone else has noticed- but Ghostface has feelings too. Since the first album, Ironman we've been consistently hearing about how he's gotten his heart broken by some snake-in-the-grass chick that he thought the world of until she did him dirty. Check the resume: Wildflower, Child's Play, Never Be the Same Again, Back Like That. You do the math. Don't get it twisted, tho. He does not seem to consistently get his heart torn. As a matter of fact- he sounds like he does more than okay with the ladies. "Pretty Tone in the house. You betta hide ya bitch." One thing is undeniable. When his heart is in it, he let's everybody know. And he loves the kids. Wu Tang is for the chirren!

He's a Tastemaker
The self-proclaimed "Wally Champ" has a style all his own. You can see it in his gear as much as you can hear it in his lyrics. He doesn't care what's trendy; he sets the trend. Big dookie rope chains. Rhinestones. Shiny bathrobes. Furry ski hats. Multicolored Clarks. He does his own thing. "Catch me by the pool in my Tony Stark slippers!" Such a colorful character. You gotta respect that. Plus it's drippin' like it's Marble Cake...Haha!

It's Out in Open
Ghostdeini fronts for no one. He has made countless references to let you know that he doesn't just get high from the 'regs'. "Chop the dough. Sprinkle li'l snow inside the Optimo." Not convinced? How 'bout, "All up in the Parrot. Nose numb, real as they come." Yeah, it used to be tough to admit that one of my favorite emcees was a self admitted coke user- but he gets some kind of points for putting it out there, no? No. I guess not. But I still got love for the cat the way you love that drunk uncle of yours who shows up every Christmas. He may never quite get right, but your Momma and everyone else still accepts him, right? The love is authentic even though he's not perfect. I'm sure Ghost is no different from a lot of people in the industry- he's just more forthcoming about those habits. How many niggas you know brave enough to do that?

Who Said Art Has to Make Sense?
Sometimes, I truly believe not even Ghost knows what he means when he drops a jewel. I've said this before. He has lyrics that still has me wondering what the fuck he meant to this day. And some of them are over 10 years old. At the same time, when he's ready he paints a picture like Picasso. Disjointed. Strange but oddly beautiful. It all comes together when you take all it in from a different angle. Listen to 260 or Josephine if you don't follow my meaning. Once again, he tells a story with craftiness and clarity in way that only he can deliver. You actually have to dissect his lyrics line for line. And even then you may still be confused. Case and point: Mighty Healthy. Collectively, I have no idea what this song is about. Yeah, I can connect dots and deduce that he's talking about how ill he is- but does it make sense on the whole? Hell no. Still, you can't front. The shit is bangin'.

The Boy Does His Numbers
Aight, I can't write this entry without 'knowledging the god' on his sexual prowess. So all you insecure dudes and uptight chicks can scroll down until I'm done. Agreed? Cool. Sit this one out.
He said...and I quote: "Sexcapades take place. We fuck in 48 shades." Now, as far as positions go... that's about 43 more than what's common for the average. I'm just sayin'. And his confidence is what makes his appeal surface. It's arrogant but somehow he gets away with it. "Bitches think that I'm Dominican slash Half Indian." And if that's not enough proof, there's always "Dick made the cover now count...how many veins on it." Damn He's nasty! But don't take my word for it. Just give a listen to Stapleton Sex. Yes, it's crass. It's downright lewd. But being bold carries with it it's own sexiness when done correctly.

The Crowning Jewel
Mannn, Listen! When I first heard Supreme Clientele- I felt blessed. Hip-Hop at its very finest. Every track is a classic in its own right. The Ironman cartoon theme song. The valiant horns of Apollo Kids. The hilarious crackhead skit with Woodrow. "Suzy, throw it out the window!" Just the fact that he did a party joint like Cherchez LaGhost and still came off hard is a testament to his talent and versatility. The entire album laid to rest any assumptions that he'd suffer from the dreaded "sophomore jinx". He more than lived up to the standard he set with his first release, he superseded it and raised his own bar. That's why efforts like Fishscale, Big Doe Rehab , The Pretty Tony Album and that wack Theodore Urban team he put together are forgivable in my book. I have to give it to him though. Every time I see someone haulin' ass in a movie like Carl Lewis, I hear the sounds of Run in the background for some reason. "Hop fences, jump over benches! When you see me comin' get the fuck out the entrance!" Oooowee! That shit is so tough. His energy is wild.

Your boy is hittin' like a spike bat. He's on some ignorant shit at times but you can't deny how deep he is. He's sort of an anomaly. He's passionate about a life that's not always so nice and decorated. You can tell he's seen and lived through some ugly episodes but he's still able to articulate the tragic beauty of it all. Listen to Motherless Child or All That I Got I You. Check the last verse on Impossible. It's one of the sincerest and most heartbreaking verse I've ever heard in Hip-Hop without question.

Yo, I can't say much more. As I said before, there is no gray area with him. You either feel him or you don't and I do. Ms. Getty will rep for Ghostface Killah all day. 'Nuff said.

"Since the face been revealed, game got real."

Throwback Thursdays

2010-03-23T19:23:00.001-04:00

What up, Peoples. I'm back with one from my own personal archives for today's Throwback. I had this video on VHS tape back in the day and recently blew the dust off of it and pressed play. Truthfully, I almost forgot how profound this song was. It was always a cautionary tale about how quickly things could get out of hand. Now that I'm older I have a heartfelt appreciation for it due to the things life has shown me. How real it can get. D-Nice dropped To Tha Rescue in 1991. I never copped it but I made it my business to record this video. 25 Ta Life takes you through a day that starts out like any other. He sets the tone by detailing the weather and how he opts to smoke over drinking on such a sweltering day. The black and white video is nice touch. You feel the grit of his lament in a way that would have been lost had it been shot in color. He's on the block, meets some shorties and soon thereafter- things spiral out of control with blinding speed. The day becomes anything but typical. The first day of the rest of his life, so to speak. I won't get into it. I'll just let the TR-808 relay what can happen if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. This one's dedicated to my nephew in essence. Choc, hold ya head. One Love.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-03-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Throwback is a nod to the one and only GURU. Recently his health suffered a blow when he went into cardiac arrest and slipped into a coma last week. I'm glad to report that he has since had surgery and is on the road to recovery. You can read about it here. Prayers and blessings go a long way. We can't afford to lose another icon. Anyway, between that and the fact that This Bug has always had an appreciation for this song and video- it seems fitting. 1992 for Gang Starr, as Sinatra crooned, was a very good year. Daily Operation was a solid album with tracks like Conspiracy, Flip the Script and Ex to the Next. Guru and DJ Premier are the epitome of a perfect pairing. But Take it Personal was always the standout to me. As usual Premier puts his brand on it with his signature cutting and scratching over the break beat. The perpetual phone ringing is a reminder that dimes are being dropped. And as usual, Guru blessed it with his articulate speech and relaxed manner. The video in itself is classic. It had a plot (which thickens like quick grits by the time Guru is allowed to make his one phone call while in custody) and movie quality cinematography. It's the little things, you know? I can't be the only one who loves how a jury of his peers are sitting there- steady boppin' their heads to a dope rhyme. While on trial for what we can only assume is a crime against Hip-Hop, Guru states his case and let's you decide who is telling the truth. You know his Steez. As you can see by the end of the vid, the verdict is not guilty and he and his peoples leave court looking cooler than you ever could on your best day. This Bug's favorite line? "But I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. The pain is gone but what you did is still wrong. There was few times I needed your support, but you tried to play me like an indoor sport." Ooh wee...Been there.

White Drapes

2010-02-26T19:00:00.001-05:00

You know when I come up on the goods I have to share.

One word: Dope.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

You know that one song that can play and just get you amped out of nowhere? The type of joint that has the crazy beat and then the emcee just comes with that energy to match? Yeah. I have a select few but This Bug is only featuring one today. Everything about today's Throwback takes me to a place where I was wild, free and ready for whatever popped. It just has so much soul. I don't know if it's the fact that the melody (sung passionately by Blue Raspberry) is the same as the "I-am-woman-hear-me-roar" anthem that seems to be the birthright of my gender (you know the one, trust.) or simply the triumphant horns of Herb Albert. Whatever it is- it never fails to quicken my heart rate and give me that shot of adrenaline that only a dope Hip-Hop song can give you. Method Man comes so damn hard on this track that it makes me long for the days before he started rhyming in his laid-back Johnny Blaze persona. We all know he displays versatility when he's ready but he shines the brightest when he's raw. His voice and delivery just let's you know it's not a game. Straight up. This Bug's favorite line? "Remedies, cousin I be doin' on my enemies. Penalty, then I drink forties to they memories." If I wrote the book on it- I'd have to say that is what the fuck you call FLOW, feel me? It makes me wanna toke somethin'. Smoke somethin'. Tap somethin'. Yap somethin'. And wash it down with a Mistic. I don't even know how to act. I think you should do the same and just Release Yo 'Delf. One.

FYI: Mistic bottles don't even look like that anymore. The picture contained above is the authentic design for the time that Meth rhymed about it. I searched high & low for that shit. For ya'll. Do you feel the love? You better.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-02-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Of today's Throwback, I once said that I would never feature this video. But this morning changed all of that. You see, I was driving to work like I've done a thousand times before- and bumping this tune in the car as I have millions of times before, but something was different. While heading up a main road thinly coated with black ice- a White van darted all the way out into my lane to make a left and then stopped abruptly. I had no time to think. Only react. I pumped the brakes repeatedly while simultaneously swerving into the other lane of oncoming traffic. Luckily the cars coming my way were far away enough to avoid my skidding vehicle. I swerved back into my rightful lane and watched the driver continue his asinine turn from my rearview mirror. I missed two crashes by mere inches. Heart between my ears, car unscratched. Faith intact. 93 Til Infinity still drifted melodically from my speakers. As I went about my day, it dawned on me how much this song has played an integral role in my life. Seventeen years ago- Souls of Mischief quietly came on the scene and caused a ruckus. Part of Oakland's Hieroglyphics camp, they were the West Coast equivalent to the East's Native Tongues collective. They shattered every preconceived notion I had about rappers from Cali. They didn't employ G-Funk basslines or super violent lyrics. They were just some laid back cats who rhymed effortlessly over jazzy interpolations. To say that 93 til is a classic is a severe understatement. It can fittingly be placed as one of the crowning jewels of Hip-Hop's Golden Era. My brotha-from-anotha once took a look at my music collection and said, "Yo Jayne, you are like- musically frozen in 1993." You won't get any argument from me there. I hold that time very close to me. I was young. I had dreams. I had an ear for uncommon goods; and that year in particular is laden with them. This song will forever be with me. It's almost twenty years since it's release and it has lost none of its luster. It carried me calmly to work today after a very nerve frying instance, resolutely mindful of what I love about Hip-Hop and life itself. I'm here. I hear. I can't ask for much more than that.

"You will see. From now to infinity." Blessed.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Boys & Girls. It's Thursday again. Today, I'll keep it in the Native Tongues camp from last week because 1. You can't go wrong and 2. This song explores the age old question: When men have something good at home- why do they feel the need to roam. This Bug has been turning that riddle around in her brain for some time now. Does this joint bring me any closer to understanding? Negative, Dun. But I always liked how they try to explain why "Jimmy" goes where he needs to go. Plus the beat was jazzy without losing itself to an RNB swing. The Jungle Brothers always had a way of telling stories with candid relish. The My Jimmy Weighs a Ton Remix carries you through their once happy, now claustrophobic relationships and justifications of why they needed to break free. They never said it was right...but they damn sure had fun while doing some wrong. I know my fellas can relate- so this one's for ya'll. Don't you just love the "Free At Last" jump Afrika makes in the air at the end of the vid? I know I do. And the moral of the story, B-Boys and B-Girls? "Love is a gamble, Life is a lesson."

Out.

Throwback Thursdays

2010-01-28T18:33:00.001-05:00

Throwback Thursdays are here again, People! It feels so good to be back. It kinda feels like a sunny day back in High School with all my friends. Chillin'. Crackin' jokes. Playin' games. So it's only right that I return with a tasty treat that puts you where I am nostalgically. De La Soul always puts me in the right frame of mind. Relaxed but focused all at once. This joint encompasses that entire vibe. Lyrically, they deliver artful metaphors and witty quips. But what I always loved was the video. It was shot at a High School and the cameo list read like a virtual Who's Who of Hip-Hop at the time. To me, every artist that appears holds their weight. Look closely and you'll see Organized Konfusion stickin' up the chubby kid for his lunch money. Monie Love holds it down with Trugoy in the schoolyard. Jungle Brothers, Prince Paul, ?uestlove and Black Thought of The Roots, Lords of the Underground, Yung Zee from the Outsidaz, GURU, Kid Capri, Pete Rock and the lovely ladies of Zhane. Even Li'l Neek and DJ Jus joined in the fun. (They were so cute.) And OMG, Comedian Drew Fraser as the Lunch Lady...Priceless. Seen him live more than a few times...He is the truth. I'm sure there are few that even I missed. The cool thing about this is that they're not even on the track. They just all showed up for the love of De La. It looked like a lot of fun to make. This Bug's favorite line? "While you actin' all spicy and shiesty, the only Italians you know is Icee!" I always wondered how the ~~Firm~~ pseudo-gangsters took that one back then. Anyhow, every now and then a video comes along that makes you like the song that much more. I can definitely say that about Biggie's One More Chance and I can say it with ease for Itzsoweezee. Just some good people having a good ole time...and who doesn't need more of that these days? Enjoy.

Strapped but lovable...and Unforgettable

2010-01-26T20:52:00.001-05:00

Apache is gone. I don't know where to start. I'm still in shock, really. One of the most slept on emcees to ever do it has been confirmed dead today. I'll say this much; his calm voice and laid back delivery stood out. The way he broke down the kind of woman he wanted at his side will forever be the Tough Girl anthem for those who lived it. When it first dropped, This Bug bumped that joint as if it was written for yours truly. Finally there was a song that heralded someone other than the "girly girls". From the Newports to the bandanna tied around my curls, he hit the nail on the head. Always known to be the firecracker of my crew, Gangsta Bitch seemed to come along and solidify an entire persona and lifestyle for females such as myself. It takes a distinguished individual to speak pleasantly about what most would consider unpleasant. He spoke with a respect and clipped adoration about a woman who was just as thorough as he was- but no less a lady. He painted a perfect picture. I felt him on that.

Now, I won't front like I kept up with Apache's career when I didn't. Like too many real emcees in the game for that time, he fell by the wayside. But true heads never forgot him. He is part of the Golden Era of Hip-Hop that cultivated legends sixteen bars at a time. It's because of him I saw myself grow from a rough-around-the edges, always ready for whatever, box cutter toting little girl to a mature young lady who learned how to put the L down and pick her battles. And to this day, when I hear that song- the gangsta bitch in me smiles and shakes her head at a precious and priceless time gone by. It remains one of my all time favorites. Apache will be missed. My respects and condolences go out to his family, friends and The Flavor Unit. I know we heard him say that He Ain't Shit, but nothing was further from the truth. 'Pour a little bit out for the brother that ain't here.'

This Magic Moment

2009-10-03T18:16:00.010-04:00

pi⋅o⋅neer- one who is first or among the earliest in any field of inquiry, enterprise, or progress

In the unwritten dictionary of Hip-Hop, if you look up the above definition, you are sure to find a picture of Mr. Magic himself along with a long list of his contributions to this thing we call Hip-Hop. Yes, the sun has set on one of the greats but I will not shed a tear in sadness. I'd rather give thanks for the door that he kicked wide open. You'd have to be from a certain era to understand how profound his life and achievements were. Rap Attack on WBLS was the first show designed with strictly Hip-Hop in mind. He repped it. He spun it. We tuned in eagerly...and we were not disappointed.

I came to New York in 1984 and fell instantly in love with what was known then as Rap music. And on the real- that is ONLY because of Mr. Magic. Saturday nights were not complete without listening to that show. If you were around back then you will clearly understand what Magic meant to Hip Hop. I am personally acquainted with heads who still have countless original tapes of his...because they recognized that what was happening was an important movement in music and culture. That was the pinnacle. It deserved preservation. It is because of Magic and his accomplishments on radio that a blog like Dope Beats and Door Knockas even exists, truthfully. I feel the loss and I'm not the only one.

This statement was released by DJ Premier shortly after the news of his death started to spread:

"I WANT TO SEND OUT THE UTMOST RESPECT AND CONDOLENCES TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN RIVAS—-aka MR. MAGIC

HE PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING OF A HEART ATTACK…..

TRUE HIP HOP HEADS KNOW THAT HIS HISTORY IS SO LONG
DUE TO HIM BEING THE FIRST RAP MIXSHOW TO EVER BE ON COMMERCIAL RADIO ON NEW YORK’S WBLS–(107.5) WITH MARLEY MARL AND FLY TY IN 1982-1984…….THEN WENT ON TO WHBI IN OCTOBER OF 1984 AND THEN
BACK TO WBLS in 1985 and WDAS in Philly SIMULTANEOUSLY

HE PAVED THE WAY FOR ALL RADIO STATIONS THAT EVER DID MIXSHOWS AND ALSO SPARKED THE CAREER OF BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS DUE TO THE DISS HE SHOWED WHEN THEY CAME TO SHOP THEIR DEMO TO HIM AND WAS TURNED AWAY WHICH THEN SPARKED “SOUTH BRONX” AND “THE BRIDGE IS OVER”…….

HE WAS KNOWN FOR HIS DIRECT AND SARCASTIC ATTITUDE ON THE AIR AND EVERY ARTIST WANTED HIS APPROVAL WHEN IT CAME TO BREAKING NEW RECORDS……..HE EVEN HAD SONGS DEDICATED TO HIM BY THE LEGENDARY WHODINI–(”MR. MAGIC’S WAND”) WHICH WAS SURPRISINGLY PRODUCED BY ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS THOMAS DOLBY…….

SHOUTS OUT TO MARLEY MARL AND FLY TY FOR THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON THIS……

REST IN PEACE MR. MAGIC"

ma·gi·cian-one who performs magic for entertainment or diversion; one whose formidable skill or art seems to be magical

Across the board, Mr. Magic holds his place in two very significant eras in Hip Hop. The True Skool and the Golden Era. I'm blessed enough to say that I was there for both. He put everything on line because he believed in the music. He was fired and re-hired because he would not back down. He knew what the people wanted and he delivered. When his show came on, all of New York stopped what they were doing and tuned in. We all fell under the spell of Mr. Magic. We still feel his essence because he provided the soundtrack to our lives. He brought with him unforgettable emcees and timeless classics. He was a true magician in one sense because we couldn't believe our ears and in another sense as well. Because even with his sudden disappearance from us; he will continue to inspire awe with his wizardry.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-09-30T22:37:00.000-04:00

Today's Throwback is dedicated to all the fly guys (and fly girls) out there. This one comes by way of Superlover Cee and Casanova Rud. I don't have a huge background story for Girls I Got 'Em Locked. What I do have are countless memories from having this video on VHS. Do me a favor and just peep the hairstyles, the dancing, the outfits. There was nothing like it and there won't ever be anything of the kind to compare to that time. I remember dudes around the way doing 'The James' in MCM suits. Rockin' two cuts in the eyebrow. (It was fly when Kane did it.) I hear this song and instantly recall dookie rope chains and asymmetrical Salt 'n Pepa haircuts with one side shaved. My Pops was not having the gold spray designs even though he financed my weekly hair appointments. Nefertiti earrings where the jewel was her earring and two-finger rings. I was there, yo. It was a feeling. An era like no other. Either you lived it or you didn't. So what have we learned today, Boys and Girls? Short and sweet: Fly is a lifestyle. Nothing beats confidence. These dudes had it on lock. "Now c'mon. Get on. Get some. Stop yellin' it."

Now hold up, let's make this official...

2009-09-23T20:17:00.008-04:00

This past weekend I got into an interesting conversation. Somehow the best two man team in Hip-Hop became the topic of discussion. The keywords being "two man". Before long, the debate went from practical to hilarious. The main disputes came from whether or not you can count the DJ as part of the group and which borough produced the best twosome. I decided to revisit this whole chapter now that there are no pool tables, boxing matches or strong drinks to hem up the conversation. So here we go:

EPMD:

Parrish Smith and the Green Eyed Bandit. These dudes were about their business. Literally. Check the resume: Strictly Business (1988), Unfinished Business (1989), Business As Usual (1990), Business, Never Personal (1992) You get the picture. The debate got heated when it came to regional aspects since these dudes hail from Brentwood, Long Island. They may not be a cornerstone in Hip-Hop, but these two definitely hold a significant place. They used funk while many were still sampling a lot of old soul records. To me, you can't mention a two man group without mentioning these two. My stance: So What Chu Sayin'?

Mobb Deep:

Since this duo showed up in the "Unsigned Hype" section of the Source Magazine way back when, I knew they were something special. Many not not remember the single Hit It From the Back on their first release, Juvenile Hell (1993) but I do because my homegirl was in that ~~very low-budget~~ video. Shout out to LaShawan. You did your thing, Babygirl. Anyway, Prodigy and Havoc always complimented one another lyrically- and it didn't hurt that Hav had production skills on the boards. I just wish they never went over to G-Unit because they got lost in the storm after that. They rep Queensbridge. That only added fuel to the fire, by the way.

Run DMC

Aight, here's where it got tricky. Aww, shit! How's that for relevance? See, this is where we argued over whether the DJ can be counted. Of course the DJ is always an instrumental part of the group (I'm on a roll, ya'll) but Run and DMC were the two men that rhymed so does that make it a threesome? I honestly can't say. They made this list because they are indeed the pioneers in their own right. I do remember they let Jay get some burn on the mic for hot second on Pause, tho. (Shaking my head) Go 'head and ponder that one...

Smif N Wessun

I don't care what you call them. Tek and Steele. Cocoa Brovas. Either way- these cats really rep Bucktown like no other. That wasn't the debate...but it was considering I was in BK having this discussion. They might really be up there with the greatest duos of all time. But that's just my opinion. When I heard them on U Da Man on Black Moon's first LP, I was impressed. By the time they dropped Bucktown and Let's Git It On (1994) - I was sold on these Brooklyn bwoys. The only two that come close happen to be from the same camp. Heltah Skeltah is another two man group that gets props over here. PNC One L.O.V.E. all day.

Everyone else are honorable mentions for different reasons. Brand Nubian doesn't count because they first started out as a four man group if you count DJ Alamo. And then Puba bounced which brings us back to the two-man thing. I don't know. By then I was ready to watch the Mayweather fight so I had little argument left in me. But later on it was said that A Tribe Called Quest suffered from the same discrepancy. On the real, I don't know what the hell Jarobi was doing there in the first place. It was like A.E.I.O.U and sometimes...why are you here, again? Nice & Smooth were mentioned but I honestly think that was for comic relief. Not that they don't hold their own place in Hip-Hop They do..on some scale. Dead Prez, M.O.P. and dare I say it? Eric B and Rakim got thrown in the mix. That's a tough one. On the strength of The God by himself, I had a tough time disputing it but he really does stand alone. Sorry Eric B. I know DJ's need love too but Rakim is a lone star. Always was. Always will be. I even went as far to say Ghostface and Raekwon deserve to be counted, but I got shot down because the fact remains they never officially recorded an album together, only collaborated. I was outnumbered. Whateva! At the end of the day- everyone has their top picks. This list just acts as a tool to help you narrow down your own Dynamic Duos. What say you?

Black Star Keeps Shining

2009-09-18T19:42:00.016-04:00

Can I just start off by saying I love my life? Thanks to good friendships and even better memories (despite the consumption of Cannabis) I got the chance to take in Mos Def and Talib Kweli last night at the Electric Factory in Philly. My homeboy deejays for Talib and was thoughtful enough to set some tickets aside for yours truly. As always, they killed it. But I'd be lying if I said that the show didn't get off to a slow start. It's no one's fault, really. I just think the nuts and bolts of the show could have been tighter. There was a considerable amount of downtime between sets, and I feel that took away from the consistent energy that could have been.

This marks the middle of Mos Def's tour for his latest album, The Ecstatic. Jay Electronica blessed the stage first. I never saw him live before but was not disappointed. He has lyrical skill combined with comedic timing. His rendition of Rick James' Give It To Me, Baby tested the audience's knowledge of the lyrics. I seemed to be the only one who knew the second verse. "Guess that's why I'm so elated!" Jay brought out former Floetry Songstress, Marsha Ambrosius who sang a quick breakdown of who she is and where she's been since the days of splitting from the Floacist, Natalie Stewart. Also, Jay shared a bit of R&B trivia with the crowd when he mentioned that the King of Pop himself requested a song that Marsha penned which later became Michael's hit, Butterflies. Jay ended his set with The Pledge (click on that, you won't be sorry) and then introduced Talib Kweli and my boy, DJ Chaps. Shout outs again to Chippytay for looking out with those tickets. Love ya, Bro.

Kweli did a select combination of songs from albums Train of Thought; Reflection Eternal, The Beautiful Struggle and most recently, Ear Drum. Then he wowed everyone with an acappella freestyle verse that showcased his propensity for breath control. Your boy goes in! By the time the beat dropped for Get By the crowd was well oiled for his Black Star counterpart. Like I said before, the lapse in time before he got onstage drew away from the energy, but not for long. By the time the Mighty Mos hit the stage, all was forgiven. He showed up on the far right corner of the stage skillfully beating the hell out of some drums, which can't be easy to do. I didn't even know it was him at first. But there he was, spitting verses while simultaneously playing the drums like Animal from the Electric Mayhem Band. What? I can't be the only one who was raised up on a steady diet of Sesame Street and the Muppet Show. He did a lot of new songs from the latest album- but I honestly haven't heard it yet so it was hard to follow. The real highlight came when Kweli returned for the duo to do the well known joints from the original Black Star album. They both shined while performing Thieves in the Night and still had me pondering, "Where were you the day Hip-Hop died? Is it too early to mourn? Is it too late to cry?" On Respiration, the only element missing was Common- who has one of my favorite verses he's ever spit on that particular track.

Mos Def went on to do more songs from his solo albums as only Black Dante can. His voice was so full of pain on U R the One, that I still don't think he's over that woman yet. Of course, no show of his would be complete without Ms. Fat Booty and he brought it in by first playing the entire sample of Aretha Franklin's One Step Ahead. Classic. I've seen the Boogie Man perform before and he tends to end every show with Umi Says as folks make their way to the door. But I'm a straggler and if I wasn't, I would have missed his hilarious version of The Greatest Love Of All as sung by Mr. Randy Watson, from the What's Going Down episode of "That's My Momma." Yup, even with all the soulful singing and critical delivery, he still found time to make us laugh courtesy of an unforgettable character from Coming to America. I can't leave without mentioning that he shared his opinion on the whole Kanye West VMA outburst. He admitted that there is time and place for everything and Kanye made a mistake. Dude was feelin' himself but can you ever recall a time when he wasn't ? He also said that Jay Leno deserved a homegrown ass-whoopin' on live TV for asking West what his deceased mother would have said about his mishap. What the hell?! You just don't do that. And for it to go as far as President Obama being leaked as calling him "a jackass" for it- was a major fuck-up on the press' part. That's why I love Mos. He is in-the-know and not afraid to voice his thoughts.

All in all, it was a dope show. My preference is that Talib & Mos perform together, but that doesn't take away from their ability to hold their own as individuals. Let's hope a second Black Star album is on the horizon. Da Sharon Getty can't wait to review that! For now, fill your lungs with some Respiration.

Snake On A Plane

2009-09-14T18:23:00.010-04:00

Aiyo, let me preface this post by stating that I don't normally feel 50 Cent. But he has his moments and this is one of them. I used to rock with him before he got shot and started sounding so monotone. That was around How to Rob. By Wanksta, he had no wins in mi casa. And by the time Jadakiss went in on him with Checkmate- it was a wrap. If 50 really is an animal like 'Kiss said, I'd say a snake is appropriate. Anyway, he's back with Flight 187. Props to whoever directed this video because it's attention grabbing to say the least. It also showcases what acting ability he seems to be sharpening. Made me think twice about boarding a plane anytime soon. That's for sure.

Sidebar: Despite his iron-jawed delivery of simple rhymes more times than not- I gotta give credit where it's due. His use of Michael Jackson's classic tune was perfectly timed with his passing on a mixtape. It was a respectful nod to the King of Pop. Check out Where You Are. And don't say I never gave ya'll nothing.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2009-09-11T21:10:00.000-04:00

Football season is here. That's all there is to it. To keep it real, I don't like football. I can't follow the game and don't care to learn the rules. All I know is that big, brawny men run around in tight pants and tackle each other. There's something about a touchdown as well, right? I remember when I started bartending at a sports bar owned by a former NY Jets player, he suggested I learned the game. That way, I could engage customers in game related convo. Yeah. Ok. I wound up just watching highlights on ESPN before my shift and bringing those up to dudes at the bar. I had no idea what I was talking about when I said shit like, "Did you see that pass?!" and they never seemed to notice the difference. Cleavage reigned supreme. Anyway, I figured since 'tis the season, I might as well share a football related song. It was on the DJ Muggs vs. GZA album Grandmasters released in 2005. Sidebar: The track General Principles is the illest joint on there in my opinion. Check it out when you're done here. Seriously. The GZA, who is the main emcee on the album finds a way to mention almost every NFL team on the track Queen's Gambit. It's storytelling at its wittiest. Plus, the title of the song is a Chess game reference. It's an opening move that frees the Queen on the chessboard almost immediately. And you know that bitch can move around any way she wants. Gotta love that. Chess. Now there's a game I can get into. But for all you football fans out there- have a listen. He might have mentioned your favorite team somewhere in the mix.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-09-10T19:38:00.002-04:00

In the wake of creating a new blog strictly for my Hip-Hop heads, (see below post) I've decided that Today's Throwback will have nothing to do with a video you might have recorded back in the day. There was no video but thanks to the glorious innovation of Youtube, somebody put one together for one of my favorite joints of all time. Also, I'm paying homage to the original Purple Tape because 1. Only Built for Cuban Linx Part II dropped two days ago and 2. This Bug was at the album release party at Santos Party House. Oh. My. God. Raekwon has done it again. It's like '95 all over again. He has not lost an ounce of ruggedness. Let me tell you, he has officially cooked up something marvelous to get your mouth watering. Made me want to walk back~~stage~~ to the kitchen and give my compliments to The Chef personally. Bottomline: Go cop that right now! But wait a minute. Not so fast. You can't leave without engaging in some Verbal Intercourse which by the way served as inspiration for this new blog. This track is nothing short of magnificent. From the first verse, which in my humble opinion is one of Nas' finest moments to The Emotions' sample of If You Think It, this song is the flyest. Once again, Ghostface does what he does best alongside Rae. They are truly the Dynamic Duo. This Bug's favorite line? It's a combination of Nas entire verse and Tony Stark's declaration. "Sharpened toothbrushes. 190 mixed with Baby Oil and shit. Your man's in the kitchen stashing ice picks. Well I'ma end this with a big red cherry on top. Me, Nas and Rae got the best product on the block!" Whooo! He ain't never lied. Keep your eyes open and your wallet in your front pocket...

Verbal Intercourse...No Tricks, No Tricks Baby

2009-09-09T20:44:00.013-04:00

Hola Peoples. This is your formal introduction to Dope Beats & Door Knockas. If you don't understand the post title...what the hell are you doing over here, anyway? Allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm a B-Girl in every sense of the word. Except for the fact that I don't breakdance or DJ...or even rhyme for that matter. But that does nothing to alter my appreciation for real Hip-Hop music. If you love the true art form for what it is, I don't think any of the aforementioned activities are a prerequisite. I write out of my love for this thing right here. Talented emcees, dope beats, classic videos and the occasional album or show review. The operative word being occasional since a lot of what is out there passing for Hip-Hop is not worth sneezing on. We'll definitely get into that on here later, though. Stay tuned. I've even exported previous posts for those who wish to go back without having to sift through my other blog. It's all here for you. The culture. The way of life in Hip-Hop as told by Da Sharon Getty. One Love.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-09-03T05:38:00.001-04:00

Okay, I have to the throw the disclaimer out there early before proceeding to Today's Throwback. If you're sensitive about Mommas, I suggest you come back next week. Alright. Let's commence. Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde is still one of my all-time favorite albums. It quenches like a red Gatorade after three hours on the basketball court. When I started writing Throwback Thursdays, I had a mental list of videos I would never post because they seemed to obvious or generic by throwback standards only, of course. Passin' Me By was one. Common's I Used to Love H.E.R. and Souls of Mischief's '93 til Infinity also join the ranks. So if you're ever in the mood to vibe to those- head over to Youtube for yourself. But The Pharcyde has some other noteworthy gems including Ya Mama. Snappin'. The Dozens. Whatever you call it where you're from- they take it to a new level with an entire song devoted to dissin' Mothers. And it's hilarious. I always loved how they repeat the last insult before starting the next verse, just in case you forgot that she was naked on a mountain top tootin' on a flute. Ridin' on a horse, drinkin' whiskey out a boot. With the wings and the teeth of an African bat. Did you know her middle name is Mudbone and on top of all that...

Ah...they took it back to days of the playground where you were only as good as your last snap. That is of course unless it cut so deep that it escalated to an ass-whoopin'. Yes, even This Bug rumbled with a boy at school by the ice cream truck for talking smack about my mother. It took three heads to pull me off of him and oddly enough- people still remember that schoolyard scrap decades later. He'll never live it down. Shout out to McCoy Boy. You gave it your all but still got yo' ass bust, Homie. Love is love. Anyfist, this may seem ironic since I have nothing but reverence for Mommas but when it's funny- you have to give credit where it's due. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta run. Quinton's On His Way....I'm about to order some food.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-08-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

What up, Peoples. This Bug is back again with a question for you. Remember when Hip Hop was not yet a saturated market? It was so rare, so raw in its developmental stages- that we coveted the smallest iota of it when it appeared. We clung to it... and with good reason. I can recall taping music off the radio because you would only get an hour or so of Hip Hop on the airwaves. Unlike today where there are entire stations devoted to it now. That alone is an overstatement considering what passes for Hip Hop on the radio these days. Back then you relied on your own personal tapes for an extended dose.

Anyway, I am was easy to please. There was something so elating about seeing a UMC's poster on the wall of Martin Lawrence's apartment. It warmed my heart. I can remember seeing it and thinking, 'Yes. That's real Hip Hop right there. He gets it. Respect.' I had a freestyle of theirs on tape around the same time Blue Cheese dropped. Even that was taped from The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show late one Thursday night. Ah...Boogie and the Barber. Those were the days. Gimme a sec. (blotting tears)

Well, if anyone knows the story of the rise (if you can call it that) and utter collapse of Wild Pitch Records- you will understand why Haas G and Kool Kim hold a special place in my heart. I don't care what differences occurred between them- that label did most of the artists dirty. I'm just glad they released Fruits of Nature in 1991 as I was beginning to delve into the essence of true Hip Hop. This song always made me happy. It's spacey, trippy even. And you gotta love the bridge. It's so whimsical. Sidebar: Am I the only one who wonders what happened to that ugly blue cheese puppet with the gold teeth after this video was shot? And if you thought they were just silly, flash-in-the-pan rappers with nothing of substance to say, think again. Kool Kim has reinvented himself as none other than controversial underground emcee NY OIL. Click here to see what he's been up to since the days of my favorite salad dressing. Peace.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-08-13T13:26:00.001-04:00

Aight People. Feel me on this one. There was a time when This Bug used to shake out at parties, knock back some drinks and be very sociable. In my younger days I was a bit more adventurous. I recommend it to anyone who can do it without serious consequences and repercussions. That being said, I have a few tips for my fellow partygoers. Keep the alcohol to a moderate amount and be wary of club lighting. It can fool you. Like it fooled me one infamous night.

Many moons ago, I was at a house party with some friends. I was tipsy NOT drunk when I was approached by a gentleman. He proceeded to chat me up and the conversation went well. Very well. Too well. I felt a synergy, vibes or whatever you want to call it. We exchanged numbers, spoke a few times on the phone then agreed to meet again some time later. That fateful day rolled around and my doorbell rang. Wow! This dude couldn't have been the same one from the party. I was astounded at how much my eyesight had failed me the night we met. He wasn't even remotely cute. I don't know what I was thinking. My girls didn't even warn me...the bitches. Sure, he had a nice physique...and I might have played a little tonsil hockey with him before we parted ways (might have...heh-heh) but DAMN!!! Was it that dark in there? Something just wasn't right.

Immediately I thought about Today's Throwback. The gentle notes of a xylophone rang through my ears as he stood before me. I was quite polite like Walter Kronrite but inwardly all I could think was: WTF? I just got caught up with a male version of a Strobelite Honey. Dammit Man! I can't remember how it faded out but I never saw him after that day. Dres of Black Sheep knew what he was talking about in 1991. He came with every excuse in the book to get away from that busted chick and can you really blame him? I may get accused of being Shallow Hal on this one but let's face it- we like what we like. And we may like what we might not ordinarily like if liquor and poor lighting has anything to do with that decision process. It happens. I wish you could watch the video on this site but you'll have to watch it here instead. Sidebar: The original object of Dres' desire is none other than Elise Neal from The Hughleys a.k.a Scrappy from Rosewood. This Bug's favorite line: "Anyway I'm out. Out I gotta be. I got to step...with the viscosity." You have to appreciate how smoothly he put that. I'm gonna go listen to A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing now.

My sage words on this matter: What you can't blame on the alcohol- you can blame on the Strobelight. Just don't make it a habit.

Radio Killed the Young Money Star

2009-08-12T10:57:00.001-04:00

"I suppose,
I just wanna be,
I just wanna be successful."

It wasn't that long ago that I first heard about Drake. I had no idea what he looked like. I had no clue that he used to be on DeGrassi High. I just knew that I liked what I heard. He had a different sound and his production was tight. Drake has a laid back arrogance that I really haven't seen in a long time. He was fresh, yo. But before I could blink he was everywhere and got stale faster than an open bag of Coco Bread. With no concrete album release date in sight- his singles could be heard in steady, dizzying rotation on the airwaves. At first it was cool but I started to tire of him quickly. By the time he announced that he was signing with Li'l Wayne's Young Money label, I had pretty much had enough of Drake. It's not entirely his fault. Overexposure of new artists happens all the time. When the powers that be find a formula that works- they are not quick to deviate from it. Especially when the Artist Du Jour crawls out from under a virtual rock and captures the attention of the public with ease. The problem with that is it gives the listening public more of a chance to critique what they are hearing. They form a more decisive opinion. For someone who claimed, "The game need change and I'm the muthafuckin' cashier..." he started to sound more and more like Kanye West and Li'l Weezy rolled into one to my ears. Ordinarily this wouldn't affect me, but recently I've been subjected to a lot more radio play than I am accustomed to. So much so, that at this point I don't give a shit when his album drops. Through radio, Youtube and other online media resources I've had enough of Drake. And this is coming from someone who just merely months ago was backing this promising young rapper. I say rapper because I don't really consider him a lyricist. He has witty lines and a decent delivery. By the time he debuted the video for what would be better called "Breast I Ever Had" I had all but lost interest. Seriously, jugs galore won't distract everyone- just mostly everyone. Who's fault is it? I dunno. But if Video Killed the Radio Star, then Radio should definitely do a bid for killing the Young Money Star before he truly got it poppin'. Just my two copper coins on this matter.

Out.

Homeland and Hip-Hop

2009-08-08T17:03:00.002-04:00

"To think about the origins of Hip-Hop in this culture and also about Homeland Security is to see that there are at the very least two worlds in America. One of the well-to-do and another of the struggling. For if ever there was the absence of homeland security it is seen in the gritty roots of hip hop. For the music arises from a generation that feels with some justice that they have been betrayed by those who came before them. That they are at best tolerated in schools, feared on the streets, and almost inevitably destined for the hell holes of prison. They grew up hungry, hated and unloved. And this is the psychic fuel that generates the anger that seems endemic in much of the music and poetry. One senses very little hope above the personal goals of wealth, the climb above the pit of poverty. In the broader society the opposite is true, for here more than any other place on earth wealth is so widespread and so bountiful that what passes for the middle class in America could pass for the upper class in most of the rest of the world. Their very opulence and relative wealth makes them insecure. And homeland security is a governmental phrase that is as oxymoronic, as crazy as saying military intelligence, or the U.S Department of Justice. They're just words that have very little relationship to reality. And do you feel safer now? Do you think you will anytime soon? Do you think duck tape and Kleenex and color codes will make you safer? From Death Row, this is Mumia Abu Jamal."

Author's Note: Inspired to post this after viewing Letter to the President. Go rent that.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-08-06T19:01:00.000-04:00

Say what you want about New Jack Swing, it still has it's place in Hip-Hop. That being said...I also have throw my disclaimer out there before we get into today's Throwback. This Bug used to love herself some Redhead Kingpin. Love. Understand? And it's not about light-skinned brothers being the shit back in the day either. I felt him on a deeper level at the ripe old age of...Oh, I dunno...twelve? Seriously, I always loved this video. This was back when people actually danced and he and the F.B.I. had some moves. Although Scoob and Scrap Lover could put them to shame on any given day. On top of that, the message of the song was a call to action. Red obviously felt moved enough to pen a song about crime, racism and the need for the Hip-Hop community to get it together. Sidebar: This song dropped the same year as Spike Lee's most notable film of the same title. But I guess Public Enemy held the honor of making the signature song. Red still did his thing. He didn't look half bad while doing it, either. (No, that's not drool on my keyboard...just giving props okay?) Anyway-it's not his fault that Diddy's predecessor left his mark with a pop sound that didn't match the harder beats that were a mainstay in Hip-Hop back then. Damn you, Teddy Riley! With an RNB hook sung by the frontman of Today, Redhead Kingpin was concise while remaining laid back. It's that effortless, matter-of-fact delivery that I always liked about this joint. I can picture him just laying it down very quickly in the studio and then bouncing to some club later with some big butt freaks in spandex dresses. That might have been his inspiration for Pump It Hottie but that's a whole other entry. For now just Do The Right Thing and watch the video. This Bug's favorite line? "I asked my man Victor what he used to do for fun, he said he learned to shoot a gun before the age of 21." FYI: I still have this on vinyl. The album cover is little warped from all the drool. Sike! Well, maybe not...

Fantastic Indeed...

2009-08-02T17:47:00.005-04:00

Dude was cool. A bit strange though. Weird, if you may. An enigma even. Now that I reflect on it I could sense that his spirit was exhausted or maybe frustrated like he was over his Earth visit and ready for the next chamber. Even then his days were numbered. But aren't all of ours. Bless Baatin! - via Facebook

There's always one in the group. The one who is different. Just slightly off center. They can't help but stand out. When I heard about Baatin from Slum Village passing away, I immediately thought of my favorite line of his from Fall In Love. "F*ck this rap sh*t. I listen to classical." It seemed to embody how removed he was from all things worldly or tangible. He had a Hip-Hop soul... and his wasn't for sale. It's most apparent in the video for Tainted. It saddens me that he battled with demons of a mental sort. But I've always said that most genius is touched with a bit of madness. I truly believe those who appear troubled or unstable simply operate on a different frequency than most of us. I remember learning that he left SV to concentrate on getting healthier- and in the interim the group wasn't the same without him. They were missing something. His eccentric and honest delivery, his trademark turban, his refusal to assimilate to the industry bullshit. Without him, Slum Village became average to me. To first lose J Dilla and then Baatin must be an incredible loss to the remaining group members. My heart goes out to them. A loss in the Hop Hop world is felt tremendously because of how important true contributions are. Like the GZA said, "This language is so captivating...When we lose a rap n*gga, the news is devastating." The beginning quote is by one of my old childhood friends who had the honor of working with Baatin some years ago. It was so genuine that I had to repost it. None of us are promised another day here and I don't believe our work is done when the spirit goes back to the essence. It's just that it can no longer be housed in the body when it's time to move on. Perhaps Baatin knew just when that new journey was to begin in another world. At least he left the earthlings with some incredible music. I'll miss him.

Ay, it's like a ritual
You been invited. Let the mortal body stimulate the place
With the grace, nevertheless, I stress
Let the music put a smile on your face
As for the ritual, when it comes to spiritual excellence
You know I always leave you with the taste.
I know you like it hard to the core.
That's what you ask for, you achin' for the best
Hurtin' like a sore. It's like a ritual.
Conversation with the Most High make you wanna cry.
I wonder why, you wanna get to paradise
But that itty bitty part of you don't wanna die.
So pay attention to my word, cuz it's the truth.
Meditation ease the mind, and brings the youth
It's like a verse you could never read out of a book.
Droppin' the line in your mind like a fish hook.
Word is birth, yo I do it till the break of day
Pay attention to your art, never go astray.
Word is bond. - Thelonious by Common ft. Slum Village

Throwback Thursdays

2009-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

This Bug loves the kids. Whenever I see raw talent by way of young people I'm automatically drawn in. Thus was the case in 1992 when Da Youngstas came with one of the sickest displays of collective skill I'd ever seen in Hip-Hop at the time. The trio consisted of brothers Taji "Taj Mahal", Qu'ran and their cousin Tarik hailing from Philly. I thought for sure they were from NY or Dirty Jerz at best when I first heard them flow- but what did I know? When Somethin' 4 Da Youngstas first hit the scene I was impressed. Such lyrical range was not commonplace among their contemporaries. You never got the feeling that they were just some wet-behind-the-ears puppets. If they were parroting ghostwritten lyrics, I couldn't tell. There was a mature feel to their music. They ran circles around the likes of Kris Kross and ABC because their content sounded grown despite the young voices. And they were actually nice with theirs. These kids could spit! The only other young group that got half my attention was Illegal- but even they failed to win my affection like Da Youngstas did.

Today's Throwback is one of my favorite joints from these delightfully gritty boys. This was before they adopted the new name of the Illy Funkstaz and truthfully, they lost me soon after. We all knew they were young. There was no need to switch it up like that. I guess cute grows up. But these kids ripped it with Pass The Mic. This Bug's favorite line? That's a tough one between two. One was fly enough for Primo to sample it on an equally stellar track two years later. "Once again, I reveal the skill. Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal." Then from the smallest of the crew came, "I got more juice than citrus. Suckas can't get wit this. I rang more bells than a Jehovah Witness." Boy, I tell you...Out of the mouths of babes. Anyway, This Bug luh da kids! Press play as you wish you were this cool at eleven years old.

Play I Some Music...

2009-07-20T21:21:00.006-04:00

For those of you who missed it, I'm here to run down the "Rock The Bells" concert that took place at Jones Beach yesterday. Make no mistake. This is not a formal concert review. It's just my take on the whole thing- more or less. Apparently This Bug got there too late and I missed Common. For shame...because I love his energy and he goes in. I also missed House of Pain. No harm, no foul. I'm sorry, but seeing them do Jump Around was never at the top of my to-do list. I could run down the entire line-up but I'm lazy so you can see who was there for yourself by clicking here. Anyway, the headliners definitely made the best of the their time there. Nas and Damian Marley closed the show with performances of their upcoming album, Distant Relatives. I like the premise behind it. The idea is that no matter where we are from, Queensbridge to Israel, Jamaica to the U.K., we are all distant relatives. We all bleed the same. The highlight of their show together had to be when Nas rhymed over reggae beats like Welcome to Jamroc and in turn- Damian did his thing chatting over beats like One Love from Nas' first album. The switch-up was refreshing. Prior to that, what had me open were the few members of Wu Tang bringing out ODB's son to do Shimmy Shimmy Ya. It's crazy how much he sounds like him. And his mannerisms channel the spirit of Dirty to a tee. I can't lie. I was hurt to know that Nas and Raekwon were occupying the same space but didn't perform Verbal Intercourse. Blasphemy!

But honestly, what will stay with me most about the entire Rock the Bells tour had very little to do with seeing some of my favorite MC's do what they do best. KRS-One came out onstage and had some very relevant and poignant things to say. Of course he always reps when it comes to touting the title of the "Epicenter of Hip-Hop", but he didn't do it with bravado or entitlement. He spoke about heeding the call of something bigger than yourself in order to be successful. He spoke about spiritual grounding and being exactly where the Creator wants you to be in life. That opportunity and serendipity converge at the time when it is right for you. That's when it hit me that I was meant to be at Rock the Bells on that fine Sunday afternoon. One Love.

Toe to Toe: Same Bug

2009-07-17T00:05:00.001-04:00

It's Soap Box Time. You know I usually give a disclaimer or warning before I start ranting but there's no time. I'm fired up. So a few days ago, I was in the waiting room of a dentist's office. While I have previously been a patient at that same office, I was there for other reasons that day on a much more professional basis. Needless to say This Bug was dressed to kill in a high-waist fitted pencil skirt, ruched blouse and some very cute shoes. What can I say? I clean up nice. When the receptionist saw me she remarked that I looked very elegant. We joked about how she is usually accustomed to seeing me: Hoodie, jeans and Tims on my feet. Told her that I come in ready for war if I expect pain- so I dress accordingly. While we chatted- a brother who looked like he was in his mid to late thirties was ear hustlin' our conversation. When it was over, he spoke. "So you usually wear Tims? Why is that?" I wasn't sure where he was going with this- so I gave the most honest answer possible. "Because I like to be comfortable" I replied. He goes on, "But what does that mean to you? The hoodie, the boots?" I explain that a lot of it has to do with my love for Hip-Hop and without trying, it is ingrained in my personal style. "But you mentioned comfort. Aren't you comfortable right now? What does that mean to you? Hip-Hop?" I tell him that I am absolutely comfortable either way, ladylike or B-girl; it matters very little what I'm wearing at the time. He looks confused. As if trying to picture me dressed down is the most difficult thing in the world at that moment. Suddenly I'm called further into the office and I leave him sitting there perplexed.

I can't front. As I drove home from that meeting, I was annoyed. Whatever allows people to make snap judgments or simply judge a book by its cover annoys me. This Bug can rock the hell out of Construction Tims or sexy Pumps. Simple as that. If homeboy in the waiting room couldn't fathom both, it shows how close-minded he is. Later that day, I have a similar conversation with a dude in a parking lot. He used to drive buses for the elementary school across from where I attended high school. Again, how I used to dress comes up. It's not much different except the jeans and hoodies are no longer three sizes too big. He says he always wondered why I covered up that figure back then. I'm wondering why the hell he was ogling teenage girls when he was supposed to be shuttling grade-schoolers home safely. I keep it to myself though. The conversation turns to music and he seems baffled that I could love a genre that is perpetually disrespectful to women. At this point I'm getting flashbacks from the dentist's office. I asked him why he thought that my liking Hip-Hop somehow diminished my self value in his eyes but he had no valid answer. He mentioned something about liking "some rap" like Lupe Fiasco and stated that if Jay-Z respected his woman- he would never allow Bey to shake her ample posterior for the world to gawk at. Really? Shouldn't he holla at her daddy for training his little girl to shake what her Momma gave her in the first place? How does that fall on Jigga? Negro Please. I'm sure Mr. Knowles was well aware of the history of the Hottentot Venus and still cashed those checks.

Anyway, I came away from both conversations slightly perturbed. Whether I am dressed to chill or thrill- it does not change what is between my ears. That I can appreciate lyrical skill and ill beats does not make me a Hoodrat. At the same token, just because I can classy it up and hold my own at a dinner party with jazz aficionados or intellectuals does not make me a snob. There are so many facets to an individual that it alludes me how folks can take things only at face value. Perhaps I represent an existent duality that few get the chance to examine close up. So when we speak- they have no idea what to make of me. Like I said before, I have more sides than an octagon and they are ALL a part of me. I have no problem stomping a mudhole in a lame with my Mac & Cheese Tims or red stilettos and then breezing off to high brow poetry reading or a Wu Tang concert. One thing's for sure: That is the last time I will defend myself and an entire culture rooted in music to the Elvins of the world ever again. People really need to free their minds.

End of rant.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-07-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello B-Boys and B-Girls. Who's feeling nostalgic today? Every now and then, I like to get hit with something that puts me right back where I was when I heard it. Today's Throwback may be a bit obscure for some- but those who feel me will really feel me on this one. Not only does it contain some of the wittiest lyrics but it rides a beat that will definitely make you dig up your Rakim or Cypress Hill tape. Yeah, I said it. Cassette Tape. Because the true heads still have tons and tons of them. You know who you are. Okay Boys and Girls, who remembers the Kings of Swing ? The name may not immediately ring bells, but it will all come back to you soon enough. I think I saw the video only once back in 1991. My girl DJ Cocoa Chanelle does her thing looking fly as ever alongside the fellas. Now, for this one I did some research because one MC's flow sounds curiously similar to EST a.k.a The Unusual Fellow from Three Times Dope. I'm not sure if he did any ghostwriting back then, and I wasn't able to find any affiliation- but check it out for yourself and you'll see what I mean. By the time you're done- how much you wanna bet you'll be humming, "Check out the story to the glory of the Real Estate..." or quoting one of the sick lines from Run for Cover. That beat is simply classic. Told ya you'd want to dig up those tapes. But before you do that- just Nod Ya Head to This.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

"Just another helpless fool in love is what I am..." Teddy P.

Aight ya'll. I told you from the start of Throwback Thursdays that I would be bringing you treats. Granted, you may not always feel the treats I bring, but you can't deny that they are sweet. It's kind of like when someone brings donuts to the office and you're the last to know. Sure, most of the good ones are gone- but you're happy that you were able to snag that Old Fashioned or Glazed before nothing but sprinkles were left in the box. So at the very least, I should hope my peoples leave Throwback Thursdays feeling inspired and keep it moving to related videos on Youtube.

Anyway, here's a sweet treat for you. Ghostface Killah is joined by Raekwon and Cappadonna to pay homage to the art of bagging women. On his debut solo album Ironman, the trio makes love to the ladies' eardrums with Camay. When this came out in 1996, I was just beginning to hang out in clubs and mingle. I can't front though, no one ever came at me the way this these three did. The first verse let's you know what you're in for as Lex Diamonds smoothly makes his way to a fly broad. Even without the video, you know she's fly because he wouldn't waste time with that type of delivery if she wasn't. She's even too refined to feast on fake pork. Cappa is no slouch, either. He has class, orders her a drink and even though he wants to smash- he acknowledges that she is his mirror, his parallel, his fine ass Black female counterpart. But the true refreshment is Tony Starks himself. His introduction is straight mathematical. "What's your physical degree? 31-33." While chatting her up he only exercises but so much restraint. By the time he breezes off, he has already fantasized about a home cooked meal from Baby Girl, had a Sexy MF outburst (love the timing) and endorses love of the Black woman. He doesn't even press her for the number- he simply offers his. Gotta respect that. Anyway, this video is chock full of beautiful Cocoa sisters if nothing else. To all my gentlemanly thugs who know how to approach your target; and all the women of a certain caliber that pull these types of dudes- this one's for you. A sweet and tasty treat indeed. Enjoy.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

With all the tough talk and at times misogynistic lyrics that have laced Hip-Hop, it's easy to forget that rappers have feelings too. Most of the time- if there is any mention of a woman it's usually for the sake of props. Very rarely did MC's expose a vulnerable side- and when they did it was usually fleeting before moving on to how well they bounced back. But every now then comes a heartfelt account of a love gone wrong. And that brings me to today's Throwback. Slick Rick was never too cool to break down matters of the heart. He did it with A Teenage Love on his first album and then did double duty on The Ruler's Back with not one, but two tracks about being done dirty. While Mistakes of a Woman in Love With Other Men gave blow for blow details of MC Ricky D's cheating lady, it was Runaway that really communicated his emotional state. His narrative is one of resignation- and it's so melancholy that you tend to forget that he Shouldn't Have Done It. Even when I listen to it now, I feel sorry for him. It's not easy to make out his every word and that is part of the song's haunting allure. I always got the feeling that I stumbled across a very personal tape recording of Slick Rick lamenting his heartbreak that no one was ever supposed to hear. He half mumbles and decides that he would forget her if he could- but no such luck. Haven't we all been there at some point? He admits to himself- more than anyone else that there is nothing he can do about her being with another man. "Although a brother lettin' that...Lost and don't know where I'm headin' at." Some of the best love songs ever penned makes no mention of the actual word Love; and Rick delivers his contribution with finesse. You never hear him say it, but I'm willing to bet six dookie gold rings and a bejeweled eye patch that he loved the woman who inspired Runaway. I'm almost glad that there is no actual video for this one- since it forces you to listen with undivided attention to his lyrics.

Sidebar: Shout out to OC for rekindling this one to all those who forgot about it.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-06-18T03:20:00.000-04:00

Ah...Collaborations. They can be a beautiful thing. I'm not talking about the type of callabo that you hear these days. You know, when you can't tell whether it's an RNB song with some dude rhyming or a Hip-Hop song with someone singing the hook. I'm talking about a perfect pairing. Like fine wine with the best meal. Today's Throwback pays homage to the flawless marriage of two notable musical genres. Grand Puba and Mary J. Blige practically define this dynamic combination on Check It Out. And if Puba Maxwell was the peanut butter to Mary's jelly- then The Brand New Heavies were definitely the bread that brought it all together production-wise. The bass line is still one of the flyest to be done on a Hip-Hop track with live instruments. No disrespect to Leonard Hub. This video always takes me back. People were yet to really crown the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Puba had just recently gone solo from Brand Nubian with Reel to Reel and I was not getting over it easily. Granted, 360 (What Goes Around) was a nice way for him to kick in the door all by his lonely- but it was this joint that made me cop the album. And the treatment for the video was so simple- it just worked. Mary, Puba and few heads chill out in a warehouse. There's some dancing, but nothing too crazy. That's it. Ain't no more to it. The way they go line for line is what endears me most to this song. As usual, Honey from Uptown was in songbird mode- and this was raw Mary. Like Mary singing back-up on Father MC's Do For You. Also, you have to appreciate Puba as an MC. Even on the more structured tracks on this album, he maintains an almost improvisational, freestyle flow.
"I drink a Snapple and I wet my Adam's Apple..." Does it get any better? I have to agree with Ms. Blige on this one. Puba knows how to flow. As Ferris would say, "It is so choice."

When the "L'il" Head Thinks....

2009-06-16T09:18:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: I am not a Feminist. This Bug does not hate Weezy. It is not Verbal Assassination Day. This is not a "Save the Babies from Hip-Hop" crusade. I am not a bitter woman. The views and opinions expressed directly represent those of the author. Thus, we can agree to disagree.

For reasons that will remain undisclosed for now, I've been listening to a lot more radio lately. Because of this I've become acquainted with a particular song that really grinds my gears. L'il Wayne's Every Girl. Each time I hear this song, it ossifies my distaste for the premise of it. Yes, the beat is catchy. That's part of problem. While the people are nodding their heads and humming "Cuz we like her..." en masse, they are missing the fact that he would carry out every promiscuous whim if it were humanly possible. Listeners of Hip-Hop are no strangers to hearing of an MC's sexual prowess. That goes back to the days of G Rap. And as I've said before- when it's done with lyrical skill, even This Bug has been known to overlook misogynistic verses. Back then- at least there was some reference to wearing a jimmy hat, no matter how fleeting. But for some reason it's different with this joint. These are widely irresponsible times. HIV and AIDS are on the rise no matter what the CDC tells us. So when a song like Every Girl is in such heavy rotation- it pours fuel on the proverbial fire. Music is powerful. I see it every day. Considering that I co-host an online Hip-Hop show once a week- I get a bird's eye view of the collective mentality of young men. While they are mostly driven for success- a part of that is measured by how many chicks they can bag. Make no mistake. The game has not changed all that much.

Anyway, I'm not up in arms over this song. If Weezy and the rest of them can't be choosy when it comes to women, by all means, they can cast the net as far and wide as they see fit. But I hope they are mindful of what crabs can be dragged into that net as well. Figuratively speaking of course. Something about wishing that you could f*ck every girl in the world is a major turn-off to This Bug. The fact remains that these dudes are real people and the females they are getting down with are real people, too. I'm sure there is a long haired, thick redbone chick out there right now who proudly fits Wayne's description of what he likes- and would be happy to sample his Sex Game that's stupid and Head Game that's dumbest. That is the sad and sorry truth. And just because she is told that she is beyond beautiful doesn't change the fact it will be said to the next girl. Females should know one thing and know it well: It's not hard to give a dog a bone. They should be more concerned with how easily that bone is discarded once a pup tires of playing with it. When viewed as a different species...almost lesser beings for the purpose of pleasure, anything goes when comes to hoes. I guess pimpin' is easy after all.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-06-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Peace Peoples. I was going through my Throwback Thursday archives that I have painstakingly brought to you since...Oh I dunno...since February? It feels longer. It's such a labor of love, you know? Anyway, while perusing my past treats it struck me that I have yet to show any love to the Ladies of Hip Hop. How can that be? But today all that will change.

Check it. When I was in 7th grade I had a Sony Walkman with... wait for it...Megabass. Did it make much of a difference? Hell no. But I can remember walking to school and bumpin' Monie Love's tape. To be truthful, I wasn't crazy about the entire Down To Earth album, but she had a few joints on there that I continuously rewound. (Why does rewinded sound better to me in this context? Eff what Spell Check says.) Anyway, It's A Shame was one of those songs. What a Brit Hop darling she was. From across the pond she was schooling sistas on a topic that is just as crucial today as it was in 1990. If you lose yourself in some dude- you should map your way back to yourself ASAP. Her advice was stern without browbeating. She kept it sincere. There comes a time when you have to say, "I'm out. No matter how much I love you- I have to love myself more." I always loved the Spanish guitars in this one. I literally see familiar houses in my mind's eye when I hear this song. It puts me right back on the block- and in the here and now at the same time. Not many songs can do that to me. Monie does her thing and reminds you that there is indeed love after heartbreak. Self Love. Because the most important relationship you will ever be in is the one you have with yourself. This Bug's favorite line? It's hard to pin down just one but here goes: "Makin' sure you get the full entire view-Of who's to blame at the end of the game. Things will never be the same. And it's a cryin' shame."

Throwback Thursdays

2009-06-04T11:47:00.000-04:00

This Bug is back on this fine Thursday to bring you a bittersweet treat. Man...listen. We're in a recession. Everyone is feelin' it. I'm not saying I'm ready to run up on someone and tell 'em to Give Up the Goods, but I can definitely feel the sentiment behind Mobb Deep's message. Stick up kids is out to tax. Ain't a damn thing changed. What I love about this video is that there was no reaching in it. Honestly, I couldn't have written a better treatment for this video. This was just an illustration of what looked to me- like the average Saturday night in QB. Drinks pouring, dudes chillin' and the occasional and necessary jooks. Prodigy and Havoc lay it down and walk us through what goes on around the way. Big Noyd reps hard on this one, too. I've kept an eye on Mobb since they showed up in The Source's Unsigned Hype section many moons ago. These dudes seemed to have it all. Tight production, signature lyrics and exclusive terms (I'm out for delfia- It's healthier.) and an unapologetic way of truth-telling. They were hardbody. This is the part where you try your best not to picture Prodigy in dance attire. (Damn, Jay was wrong for that one.) Anyway, I can never tire of this video. The gangsta in me loves when homegirl gets hemmed up in the ladies room for tryin' to style on the other two. Love the camera angle. You can feel the violence of that moment. Work of art. It hurts me that it ends without P's last verse, though. One of This Bug's favorite lines was up in there. " First of all slow down, you on the wrong route. Let me put you on your feet and show you what's it all about..." And show you he does. You can't just pass through shining and expect not to get looked at like good food. Times is hard. You can get it. So their advice is quite valuable: Just Step.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-05-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Throwback is inspired by one of the most crucial components of Hip-Hop. None other than the emcee. The ones who make it pop. The ones with vocabulary and flow for days. The ones who can make a song about absolutely nothing but showcase their skills with such finesse- no one cares that the title makes no sense. And who did that better than Organized Konfusion? '91/92 (don't quote me) brought us the underground classic Fudge Pudge. To this day, I can't tell you what the song means- but Damn, they came off! Prince Poetry, Pharaoh Monch with then newcomer and guest star O.C. do what they do best on this joint. Back then, they could afford to do something lighthearted since the self-titled debut album touted more cerebral tracks like Prisoners of War and Open Your Eyes. I'm not sure what it is. From the tickling of the piano keys to each MC rhyming with telltale bravado- this song will always have a place in This Bug's heart. Plus it features a chubby Pharaoh Monch before he got unrecognizably fit for Simon Says. He looked more like Pharaoh Monchichi to me by then- but his lyrics were still on point. I'm actually glad someone stole his last piece of chicken. You can't go wrong with a healthier lifestyle. But I digress.

Fudge Pudge is chock-full of witty quotables. They rip the beat from the get-go and never let up. How can you not appreciate Monch admitting that he doesn't have a fancy car but has been blessed in...ahem...other ways. "No I don't have a Benz and no I don't have an Infiniti. I figure the eight inches of ME will be the remedy." And you know what, Fellas? He's right. Hold off on finding a co-signer for that brand new whip. I'm sure plenty of women are willing to pay for a cab themselves to get that sufficiently sized brother delivered to their doorstep. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything... I'm just sayin'. Anyway, this one right here is arguably one of the best underground albums of the '90's. In my humble opinion it falls somewhere between the surprising commercial success of The Low End Theory and the buried treasure obscurity of Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop. All classics in their own right. Oooh, and I like it....

Throwback Thursdays

2009-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hello B-boys and B-girls. Let's jump right in today. I'm thirsty for some Juice Crew and some dropping of knowledge at the same time. It may not seem possible to put those on the same plate but guess what?! You can. I had this video on tape before my sister (affectionately now known as Destructo) erased it for some trife life ish. I'll never get over it. You can read about it here. Anyway, this seems somewhat appropriate since Erase Racism fits the bill on both counts. Kool G Rap, Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane came off on this one. A relaxed approach to a tense subject. You gotta love it.

On the heels of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, I remember the racial climate being hotter than July in 1990. This song came right on time with skill and relevance that still permeates today. I'm not too young to remember the death of Yusef Hawkins, so for Kane to mention it hit me hard. Plus, the beat was sick. Peep how it drops for the Asiatic Black Man. As usual, Biz cannot help being the court jester- but he added charm to this otherwise serious track with his rendition of Three Dog Night's Black and White. It does nothing to take away from the importance of this joint. There were so many powerful images in this video, too. Hitler and David Duke. Howard Beach news clippings. People of different races seemingly joining forces. Sidebar: I always loved the dancing in this vid. I miss dat shit! And truthfully, it wasn't until I watched it again with mature eyes that I recognized the symbolism of G Rap rhyming in a cemetery. No matter our ethnicity or differences- we all end our journey here in the same place. This Bug's favorite line? "I bring a rattle any battle that you send me in. I'm no villain so why would I be killin' Indians?" One Love.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-05-14T16:06:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's Confession Time. This Bug has a hectic life. More so than usual lately. Lots of responsibilities have taken to the back burner. One of the unfortunate casualties of my busy Bug activities happened to be Throwback Thursdays. Well, never fear. Thanks to Blogger.com capabilities, it's like I never skipped a beat. I can post date my entries! Who knew? An apology to the faithful readers of Throwback Thursdays who stopped by yesterday and left with no treats. Sorry ya'll. I've been handling biz.

Anyway, since I'm coming clean in the Blog Confessional, now would be a good time to admit that I was a youngster raised on Cable back in the 80's and 90's. One of the perks was the Playboy Channel and I had NO business watching it. But that's the result of hardworking parents and me with little supervision. Plus, it was dangerously close to the Disney Channel back in the day. Why they would have the Mickey Mouse Club set two clicks away from Electric Blue is beyond me, but that's how I discovered it. What? I can't be the only one, dammit. So there was also a video music show called Hott Rocks. I can't make this up, People. Before BET Uncut, this show had videos of a more risque nature. Thanks to this wonderful show, I came across Little Shawn's director's cut of Hickies on your Chest. There's not much difference except the pyjama-clad vixens were topless while rubbing all over that fine ass man. If memory serves me correctly- he might have had a titty in his mouth between verses toward the end of the video. No lie. The song had that classic Uptown Records sound, too. Days later, I copped the single and damn near popped the tape. The B-side was I Made Love (4 the very 1st time). Surely that marks the beginning of my sexual awakening. Alright. Confession Time is over. Go watch it here since Youtube wanna get all high-saditty about embedding vidz and such...Womp, womp.

Can't Hardly Wait

2009-05-12T20:26:00.001-04:00

Hello Boys and Girls. Does anyone remember when I threw Mos Def out of the car some time ago? I'm speaking figuratively of course, but he ended up at the side of the road when we were through. Actually, it was a tailor-made CD that included a song of his that I still am not fond of hearing to this day. That's actually what got tossed out of my moving car. Nothing personal against Mos. I love Mos. Really. Let your eyes travel a smidgen to the right of this blog and you'll know I'm not fakin' jacks on that one. My appreciation for him as an artist transcends that of a typical "fan". His insight, talent, delivery and relevance is a gift from the Creator that he happens to share with the universe. He actually takes me some place else. So much so- that I can still close my eyes and be transported back to Carnegie Hall last year where he tore it down with his live band, The Watermelon Syndicate. Talk about a tight show. Best birthday gift I've ever received- hands down. Anyway, Flaco Bey does not stay idle for long. Case and point: The Ecstatic has a projected release date of June 9, 2009. I don't care who is waiting with bated breath or not. The man is the truth. This Bug is all tingly inside. To be honest...I'm Ecstatic!

Mos Def - Words - The Ecstatic - available 6/9/09

Throwback Thursdays

2009-05-07T12:45:00.000-04:00

This Bug will be the first to admit that she has a temper. Over the years (without mandatory Anger Management) I've learned to smooth my ruffled feathers before it lead to catching a case. I could be here all day if I ponder whether that temper derives from genetics, my environment or some other tangible reason. No time for that today. I just wish to pay homage to some angry Hip-Hop for Throwback Thursday. And if anyone had "angry" on smash- it was M.O.P. Now, before I'm met with naysayers who would beg to differ, let me share a little story with you. A few years back, I went to the Lyricist Lounge in NYC. Tall Shawn of Heltah Skeltah was hosting and Lord Digga was in the building. I remember this very well because your boy Ruck made the mistake of introducing him as Rah Digga. Why? I dunno. It may have been an honest mistake- or it may have been his own creative way of calling Lord Digga a bitch. The world may never know...

Anyway, M.O.P. was also in the building and from what I understand there was a 3 song minimum so every artist got their time to shine. Well, I don't know if the folks in charge neglected to tell the Mash Out Posse this little nugget of info- but they got on stage and spit what felt like an entire album. No joke. I'll be honest. After they rocked today's featured throwback- I was ready for them to get off the stage. That aggressive delivery is cool on wax- but live on stage the yelling starts to be a bit much. By the time the sound engineer realized they had gone way over schedule- he tried to disconnect the mics and speakers since his attempt to tell them to stop performing yielded no results. Why did he do this to himself? In a flash- they were on him. I'm not gonna say dude caught the critical beatdown- but he got lumped up pretty good. I saw a few elbows dropped in dude's back. Needless to say Billy Danze and Lil' Fame finished their set undisturbed and basically herbed anyone else who had to shorten their rhyme time in the process. One thing's for sure. Them BK boys don't play. That night- they made ONYX and all those other pseudo-angry emcees look like Cub Scouts, feel me? So...all and together now: How About Some Hardcore?! Yeah we like it RAW !!!

Throwback Thursdays

2009-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

In my tireless quest to lay some treats on ya, today's Throwback has all the elements to send you back without having to do 88 in the DeLorean. This one was so close to my heart that if anyone got their hands on This Bug's yearbook- they would see the quote beneath my picture was inspired by none other than Jeru the Damaja. Yeah, I was feelin' the knowledge he was droppin' through his articulate delivery and extensive vocab. Plain and simple- dude was a beast. In 1994 when he released The Sun Rises in the East, I never heard anything quite like it. And to have Primo produce the entire album was just sensory overload to me. Plus, he threw barbs back at Pras of the Fugees later on Me or the Papes and Black Cowboys by the next album. Who the hell was Pras can't-rhyme-too-Well to call him a false prophet? Homeboy had Super Scientifical powers, Okay? It was not going down like that. Nothing like a little healthy Hip-Hop one-upmanship to get the juices flowing.

So, here I am again. It seems like yesterday I was sitting in the back of my English class chopping it up with my girl, Camille about all things Hip-Hop when a guy on the yearbook committee came in with a clipboard. (Cam, you are the truth). You had to write something down if you wanted a quotation under your photo. Depending on the day, I sometimes feel it sounds a little corny- but make no mistake; I am still proud that I wrote down what I feeling at the time. It's still very true to me. "Don't be the children of Mr. Ignorance and his wife, Deceit. As brothers and sisters of today- earn your respect; don't demand it." Really, it just sounded better to me than some old Robert Frost quote and plus, You Can't Stop the Prophet was what I was listening to on my supersized DJ headphones right before I came to class that day. This Bug's favorite line? That's easy. The first line let's you know he's serious from the gate. That beat was tailor made for the Black Prophet's introduction. You know what it is.

Big shout to OhWord.com on their interview with Mr. Ignorance, himself. Straight hilarious. Here's a sample.

OhWord: Now it’s time for a word association game. I’ll say a word, phrase, or name, and you respond with the first thing that comes to mind. Okay – Afrika Islam.

Ignorance: Who’s a what’s it now?

OhWord: N.O.R.E.

Ignorance: Fam.

OhWord: Professor X.

Ignorance: Biter.

OhWord: Fu-Shnickens

Ignorance: Parking attendants.

OhWord: thebreaks.com.

Ignorance: Violatin’!

OhWord: Hip-Hop Blogs.

Ignorance: Banal.

OhWord: Mos Def.

Ignorance: Simian.

OhWord: Busta Rhymes

Ignorance: Gentile.

OhWord: Reggaeton.

Ignorance: Reg-gay-tone.

That's all for today as This Bug signs off. The saga continues...

Throwback Thursdays

2009-04-19T14:58:00.000-04:00

It's a mystery inside...

Throwback Thursdays

2009-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

This Bug is feeling a bit more nostalgic than usual. If anyone has been paying attention, 1993 appears to be a very significant year to me. I'm not sure why- but the music from that time instantly takes me back to exactly what I was doing that year. Now, I don't know about you- but when the movie Strapped came out on HBO, it was kind of a big deal. First of all, it had all the embodiment of a 'hood classic. It was set in Brooklyn, featured cameos from some local celebrities ( from around my way, anyway) and the soundtrack was straight fire. Of course, most of the soundtrack was compiled of Onyx songs because of Fredo Starr's role in the movie. Who remembers Fredo walking up to Dequan's building on a mission to the sounds of Nigga Bridges? Whoo! You just knew he was about to turn it up on his snitchin' ass. But I digress.

Today's Throwback comes from a lesser known group by the name of Freestyle Fellowship. Please don't ask me what other songs they have because I have no idea. What I do know is that their collaboration with Daddy-O from Stetsasonic yielded the criminally slept on, jazzy ass tune Inner City Boundaries. And what a tune it was. The vibe still carries me to a simpler time. They rhymed, scatted, spit spoken word poetry and in my opinion lived up to their name. Their flow truly sounded unwritten. I can remember my ace, Noka walking the halls in her over-sized Girbauds and Fila sneaks bellowing the chorus on her way to class. I miss her. She was bugged. Ah, good times. Good times indeed.

I gotta be righteous, I gotta be me
I gotta be conscious, I gotta be free
I gotta be able, I gotta attack.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-04-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

What becomes of the brokenhearted? Well, if you're anything like Guru- before going from Ex to the Next, you might be a little Lovesick. In 1991, I was nowhere near understanding the emotions that could fuel a song like that. Flash forward to three years later however, and we both could have pulled up a chair over a bottle of Henny to build on that one. My relevant memory with one half of Gang Starr goes something like this:

I met Mr. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal in a club some years ago. He seemed cool enough. I told him I'd been a fan since the days of Manifest. Somehow that opened Pandora's Box. How does fan equal groupie? It doesn't. Not in my book, anyway. He said, "Damn, my voice sounded mad young back then." Then he proceeded to introduce me to Fredro Starr by asking, "Wait, remember Onyx?" Umm...Didn't I just tell this cat I was a fan since before the Step in the Arena album? Who was he really tryin' to play at that moment? Me or Mr. Shiftee? I dunno. Don't care. He asked for my number like it was a given that I'd come up off them digits. I had to let him know not to get it twisted. He might have had Mass Appeal back in the day, but riding the wave of that left him washed a long time ago. Anywho, he didn't seem so "deep like a river" after that exchange- but dude has his place in Hip-Hop history, so I won't hold that bravado against him...entirely.

' kiss of Fate?

2009-04-06T22:27:00.000-04:00

I don't believe in coincidences. Down to the smallest thing. I feel like if I'm in a car, hearing a song for the first time- that was exactly where I was supposed to be when I heard it. With little or no distraction. Well, that happened today. I was on the road this evening when a song that I was supposed to hear came on. I'll be honest. I was feeling downtrodden. I was melancholy. I wanted to be anywhere but where I was, emotionally. And then J to da Muah reminded me of what a jewel I am. Regardless of who may be dazzled by the brilliance and strength or who would bypass me in a fruitless search of a worthier treasure. I can't say that I totally relate to the lyrics; but I won't say that I don't, either. Anyway, I needed to hear this. This song went through me- and by the time I got to my destination, the tears were streaming. Who knew Hip-Hop could do that to you?

Throwback Thursdays

2009-04-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ahh...I miss the good ole days. Remember the days when you could whoop somebody's ass with little or no repercussions because they well deserved it? If it's one thing This Bug has learned throughout my ruff-and-tumble years, it's how to respect violence. There was a time when scrappin' was high on my To-do list. I'm not proud of it, nor do I advocate violence but that would lead us into an entire social examination of environment and psychosis right now. That is not my aim today. I'll just give it up raw for now. This Bug has a few battle scars from a time when young folks were not as cowardly as they are today. I come from a time where you would square up, throw blows, rock knots and drop 'bows. These days, weapons are preferable to knuckling up and it's so sad to me. Kids these days are scared to take a hit. Most of them probably wouldn't know what to do in a real fight. I once witnessed a dude get stomped out for trying to rob another at the Coliseum on the Ave. For you out-of-towners, that would be Jamaica Ave. in Queens NY. Yeah, that stick up kid was out to tax- but he caught it something terrible from the would-be Vic. In the aftermath, as Thief Boy sat up dazed and confused, bleeding from the mouth- some kids walked by chanting the chorus of Brand Nubian's Punks Jump Up. It was unforgettable. That's what happens when you run up on the wrong one. So today's Throwback pays homage to the Almighty Beatdown. To the soldiers who did... and still can knock a nukka out if they don't know how to act. I salute you.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-03-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know if it was art imitating life or vice versa, but there was a lot of music about smoking and drinking back in the 90's. Channel Live was sparkin' Mad Izm, Mobb Deep was Drinkin' Away the Pain, and Cypress Hill were the official spokesmen for the Sensimilla before Dr. Dre's The Chronic. But it was Tha Alkaholiks that showed no shame in getting twisted. Yo, these Cali dudes could rhyme... and drink they asses off. Their first album 21 and Over made me want to drink! Kidding. Well, maybe not. I was there- from the gate. Olde E, Orange Sisco, Easy Jesus and...dare I say it? Mad Dog 20/20. And just to think it all started with some Manischewitz wine way back when. Anyway, 1993 brought the first single Likwit. What I remember well is how I couldn't believe these dudes were from the West Coast. In my ignorance at the time, I thought anything coming from the left sounded like G-Funk and was not worthy of my listening. What can I say? This NY Girl was biased when it came to her Hip-Hop. But Tash and J-Ro had endless liquor soaked rhymes, punchlines for days and great comedic timing. E-Swift & King Tee showed up occasionally to kick a funny verse, too. How can you not appreciate a group that didn't take themselves too seriously. "Every night I pray to God- Please! No more wack emcees!" Finally, someone who felt my pain.

This Bug's favorite line? "Cuz I'm too hot to handle. Got more soul in my pinkie than a niggy pickin' his Afro in a leopard skin Dashiki." What?! Now go rip the skirt off a Crooked Letter for old time's sake and press play...

Throwback Thursdays

2009-03-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've heard that when you're out and about- and you see a person that categorically looks like someone famous, chances are it's them. A couple of years ago I was at a nice under-the-radar lounge in the West Village taking in some live music. It was relatively cramped (as those spots tend to be) and someone that really resembled the GZA was sitting a few feet away from me. The only thing was; this dude was smiling from ear to ear and you rarely see Maximillion crack so much as a smirk. Anyway- not too far from him was an obnoxiously drunk guy that kept bumping the little table where this GZA lookalike was seated. He bumped it once. He bumped it twice. Third time's a charm... This inebriated Foolboy spilled a drink on a girl that was also at the table and in that instant- I knew it was the GZA. That unmistakable screwface appeared as he rose from the table, fists clenched. Needless to say- Obnoxiously Drunk Guy made himself scarce. Fast.

It was funny because I tried to think of the last time I saw the GZA look so sublime (before he put the fear of the Killa Beez in dude's heart) - and then it hit me. He didn't scowl so much back in the day while addressing the ladies. Then I remembered that another Wu counterpart also had a softer side when women were in the circumference. So today, I bring you Throwback Thursday's first double feature. Don't get spoiled with the treats, People. This is a rare occasion. From The Genius we have the no-nonsense Come Do Me and your boy was serious about getting those panties. It was more of an order than a request. From The Abbott, the weary lament of having too many shorties on the roster- and they all professed Ooh, We Love You Rakeem! Check the resume. This is pre-Bobby Digital RZA at his most comical. Sidebar: Be sure to peep the price of movie tickets in that one. Can it be that it was all so simple then?

Throwback Thursdays

2009-03-12T00:12:00.000-04:00

This Bug has mentioned before that she taped a lot of videos back in the day. A lot. The most disheartening thing about that? My middle sister recorded over most of what I captured for...wait for it...Three different accounts of the Amy Fischer Made-For-TV movies. Yep. That's six hours of vids...gone. Do you have any concept of how much music that was, People? I wanted to murder her. Some were timeless classics. Some were one hit wonders. This week's Throwback falls into the latter category. I think it aired just once on Video Music Box on a segment they called (of all things) Nervous Thursdays and I happened to catch it. That's when Crazy Sam played obscure songs from little known artists. Those videos were just a little more to the left than the standard R&B and Hip Hop the show was known for. Recently, a near and dear friend played this and instantly transported me back to Junior High. I was moved to tears in the most inexplicable way. You see, this was one of the casualties of what I call my sister's "Buttafiasco" obsession. Which makes it very appropriate- since that same friend expressed to me once that stealing music from someone is akin to stealing a memory or part of their lives. Something about Season of the Vic was so melancholy to me. Whenever I felt lonely and misunderstood or just taken for granted; this song seemed to suit my mood but soothe it all at once. I was most definitely a "vic". She did me dirty taping over my precious memories. There's not much else I can say. Either you feel it or you don't. Peace.

Hip Hop Faux Pas & Other Musings

2009-03-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

If you're like me and you love Hip Hop, you listen intently to lyrics. I hear it all, down to the last syllable. Mostly because lyrics are the truest essence of Hip Hop music. It's the reason why there is a vast difference between a rapper and MC. There are many lyricists out there- some of them I consider truly blessed with their talent. They deserve an open ear and undivided attention- which is what I always give. Once in a while, I catch things that make me giggle or just makes me scratch my head. This Bug has compiled a short list.

1. Knick Knack Patty Wack- EPMD featuring K-Solo : Here's my question. If the Incredible Letterman can S-P-E-L-L so very W-E-L-L, then why does he F-L-Y like a B-R-I-D in the S-K-Y?

2. No Time - Li'l Kim : C'mon now. We all know that Kim just wanted to use the multi-syllabic word "preposterous" in this joint. So much so, that she coined herself the "Rhinoceros of Rap". Oooh...she's tough, yo! Can you say reaching, Boys and Girls?

3. Funky for You - Nice & Smooth : I have to admit that Greg Nice's incorrect reference to Dizzy Gillespie playing the sax did nothing to diminish this classic. FYI: Dizzy played the trumpet. Now, pass me an ice cold glass of wine...

4. Bells of War - Wu Tang : Ghostface starts off his verse with something I am still trying to make sense of to this day. "Stelladora rap breadstick. David Berkowitz. Einstein birthday hit. Now nurture it." Ok, dude just mentioned a snack no one eats anymore, the Son of Sam and a genius and told me to figure it out? But he sprinkles so much snow inside the Optimo that I'm sure he couldn't even tell me what that shit means.

5. Arab Money - Busta Rhymes : By now you've probably heard all the hype about the pronunciation of "Ay-rab" being racist and/or disrespectful. Then it was decided that a version with only the proper pronunciation (Ah-rab) would be played on the radio. I don't really do radio, but every time I hear this song in rotation- it's the original "offensive" version. Who cares? He sure as hell doesn't seem to.

6. Motherless Child - Ghostface Killah : Okay, I know it seemes like I'm picking on Tony Starks, but he gives me so much to work with. His reaction to his man getting shot in the ass and having to shoot his way out of Albee Square Mall still makes me laugh out loud. "Oh Shit! What the F*ck! This shit is HARBUL." He meant horrible for all of ya'll who missed it. Thank God he didn't need a Ambalamps or anything.

7. Get 'Em Girls - Cam'Ron : Come, come now. You didn't think you'd get through this without seeing this dude make the list, did you? He gets "computers putin'." Lawd. Just 'ignant' for no damn reason.

And like Forrest...that's all I have to say about that. There are, of course the countless mispronunciations of high end fashion designers courtesy of Foxy and Kim, but that would be splitting hairs. Just because they can afford it doesn't mean they have to know how to say it. It reminds me of the scene in Showgirls when she shows up wearing a hot black dress.

Zack: Nice dress.
Nomi: Thanks. It's a Ver-sayce.
Zack: It's "Versace".
Nomi: What?
Zack: It's Versace. It's pronounced "Versachee".
Nomi: Oh.
Zack: You have great taste and you look beautiful.

Proof that class is not what you put on your ass. That's all for now. Keep those ears open, People.

Throwback Thursdays

2009-03-05T04:11:00.000-05:00

Okay Peoples, today's Throwback has been inspired by a few factors. Firstly, This Bug had the chance to interview Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz earlier this week. He's a pretty cool dude. (And not nearly as tall as I always imagined, by the way.) Second, a while back I read a very thought-provoking post by fellow blogger Naked With Socks On about this subject matter. Please check it out here when you're done. You won't be sorry. Lastly, 1996 was a memorable year for me. There was something about the fashion and the music that was full of partying and good times. Yours truly was blazin' a lot of trees back then, Alize was the drink of choice, and some other exclusive activities were poppin' off. This joint was the embodiment of those times, but slowed down long enough to raise some awareness about a very real affliction. Lots of folks were jumping without a parachute back then. Actually, this song may or may not have had something to do with my self-imposed celibacy that took place shortly thereafter. Come back one of these days for the gory details on that experience. Anyway, I bring to you today the slept on track, The Yearn. Because at the end of the day, we all have it- don't we? It's just up to us to make the safest and smartest choice for ourselves. Laterz...

Throwback Thursdays

2009-02-26T09:51:00.000-05:00

As promised, This Bug is bringing you another blast from the past on this fine Throwback Thursday. I know it's probably going to get harder and harder to stay with me on some of these but alas- I have to do it. They are my joints and my memories- I just want to share.

Not very many people may remember Antexx or his underrated single Understand Me, Vanessa. Honestly, I may not have either but the year was 1991 and without anyone pulling my coat to the importance of this Hip-Hop thing- I recorded tons of videos in an effort to preserve what was taking place. I knew the movement was special. This was one of those videos. The beat was cool, the storyline was interesting enough and the sepia toned film made for a unique look of videos at the time. Sidebar: There's also a very Trini lookin' boy rocking a Marvin the Martian shirt in here. I. Freakin'. Loved. Marvin. Understand? I had about 8 of those shirts with him in various poses brandishing his "Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator".

Anyway, we all knew that stuck up girl that gave dudes around the way no time but then suddenly changed her tune when one appeared to sweat her. Well, in this case it was Vanessa- and Antexx was NOT havin' it. Favorite line? "Call yourself on Sunday and on Monday pay the bill." Ha!

Throwback Thursdays Volume I

2009-02-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

This is the first installment of Throwback Thursdays. For the sake of continuity, This Bug solemnly swears to lay some treats on you every fifth day of the week. Unless of course, there is something more pressing that calls itself blogworthy on that day. Yet and still, I may just double up on the posts- cuz ya girl goes in. Anyway, I'll be sharing a song and my memory of that time going forward.

This vid comes by way of Da Bush Babees. The year was 1995. Back then you could find me in my post-Gulf War fatigue jacket, rockin' my Beef and Broccoli's. Incidentally, an older woman of the Caucasian persuasion stopped me in the mall one day and asked if I had a family member that was in Desert Storm. I can still remember her look of bewilderment when I told her it was just for style. I think I saw some tears well. Whatever. I threw my headphones back on and let my mind float to the melodic sounds of...

So...What do YOU remember about '95 ?

Ya'll Gon' Make Him Lose His Mind

2009-01-17T00:37:00.000-05:00

(Sigh) Where do I begin? It's 17 days into the new year and DMX is scoffing at the idea of wearing pink prison issued underthings and socks. He finds it "ridiculous". Looking soft should really be the least of his worries. If I were him, I'd be trying to figure out what wrong turn I made that landed me in an Arizona big house. I've seen his most recent interview. He doesn't seem to know where he went wrong, either. It's crazy because I look at him now and he's just plain ole Earl Simmons to me. All of that growling bravado is gone. At this point, he just seems lost and truthfully a little bugged out. He reminds me of the dude from around the way back in the day that could just never get right. You'd hear about him robbing a Blockbuster or something , get locked up, come home and then go right back in for doing something even more foolish. Wash. Rinse. Repeat cycle. Yeah, that guy. It's actually sort of heartbreaking. All I know is that he's the same dude that went to JFK airport to carjack somebody by stating that he was a 'government agent'. C'mon now, DMX may look like a lot of things, but a federal agent of any denomination sure ain't one of 'em. Unlike one of his previous videos, that was no case of mistaken identity. He did it. I can't call it- but it sounded like some real "crackish" behavior to me. So let's Party Up for DMX since he's busy decrying the injustice of having to wear what should be tightie-whities but are now an emasculating shade of Cherry Blossom. I just know he's barking at somebody for that shit. Now would be a good time for Cam'ron to send DMX a kite and let the god know that real dudes can rock the shit outta some pink, Fam! Killah...

Please. Make. It. Stop.

2008-12-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

This is why I don't listen to the radio. It's the Attack of the Auto-tune and nobody is safe. I just want to know how the hell this happened? Alright. It's catchy, we can all agree. Computer Love is still my shit. Even Tupac's California Love wouldn't quite be the same without Roger working his magic on the hook- but it really should have ended there. Wait- I really didn't mind Cher working her Auto-tune skills on her song Believe, either. What can I say? She rocked it. But c'mon, Man...

Now every time I turn on the radio, my eardrums are assaulted by the twangs of T-Pain as if he invented the shit. To make matters worse, Kanye West just released an entire album of mostly Auto-tune assisted songs instead of singing. Really, Kanyeezy? You mean to tell me nobody on ~~Robocop's~~ Mr. West's team asked him how the hell he expected to perform these songs live? How wack will that sound? Apparently there are only a few songs on 808's and Heartbreak that doesn't use this nifty little program to ride out. Whoever that album is dedicated to should take offense that he couldn't go it alone when it came to expressing his sorrow. Man Up!

Okay, I think I'm done venting. I just want real beats and authentic singers again, even if they don't hit all the right notes. Think Blu Razberry or Tekitha on some of the Wu Tang songs. Nobody said they could give Patti LaBelle a run for her C.R.E.A.M. , but at least it was their actual voices without that annoying, reverberating racket trying and failing miserably to pass for skills.

Anyway- I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Photo Courtesy: Corbis

Aight- You Got That.

2008-12-05T01:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, so some of you may recall a previous post where I mentioned that the Jigga Man has not enthused me since his first album. I would like to say here and now that I retract that statement. And while This Bug goes "Nom Nom Nom" on a savory slice of Humble Pie, you can view the very reason why Mr. S dot Carter has officially rocked harder. Wow. I stand corrected. Lemme find out trading vows with Hurricane B brought out the best in ya boy!

Flash the Message. Forte's Out There.

2008-11-26T20:48:00.001-05:00

This Bug was ecstatic to learn that John Forte had his 14 year sentence commuted by George Bush. Technically, he won't be out until December 22nd, but that's enough to make me do the happy dance. It's about damn time Dubaya did something worthwhile before he doh-si-dohs his silly ass back to his Texas ranch. This is a just a drop in the bucket when you consider how many brilliant minds are behind bars serving overly harsh sentences without the benefit of a pardon.

As far as Forte goes, I'm hoping that the game treat dat ass a li'l kinder- so there won't be any backsliding into liquid Yayo. He should start anew and cut off Carly Simon. Later for her. To me, she was his biggest advocate because she knew damn well some of that stash was hers. Oh, and if anyone runs into him, let him know he is more than welcome to eat mangoes in Trinidad with me instead of attorneys. Nah, seriously though- I wish him the best due to the challenges that will come along with his freshly granted freedom. I'm wise enough to know it won't be an easy road.

Without further ado, my favorite verse from Mr. Forte...

Just one more thing to be thankful for on Turkey Day. Yessiree.

Confessions of an all grown up B-Girl

2008-11-23T00:07:00.000-05:00

Since it's been a key element to my existence and the soundtrack to my life for the most part, these are some of my random Hip-Hop related musings and confessions.

The Fat Boys were always wack to me. Always. Wack.
My friend to the end, Jill and I were the Sydney and Sheraine of basement house parties...Especially when BBD's Poison came on.
Oh, the things I wanted to do to Redhead Kingpin at just 12 years old. It made no sense.
Jay Z has not done anything to impress me wholly since Reasonable Doubt. When he comes with the same hunger as he did on 22 Two's- I'll think about purchasing an album. The operative word being think.
I'm still amazed that B.I.G. made it uncool to like Kwame with ONE line. Ouch.
Was I the only one that realized Common was saying, "Relax yourself, Girl. Be so clear." during the VH1 2008 Hip Hop Honors? Q-tip laid this little mystery to rest when he said the sample during Electric Relaxation is repeatedly stating "Girl, please settle down."
I once witnessed M.O.P. straight jack fools for stage time and the sound guy almost got duffed out for trying to disconnect their mics. True story.
It doesn't bother me so much anymore that Talib Kweli looks like a turtle.
The Rainy Dayz remix is definitely Diamond D's best production work. Hands down.
Part of the reason Boiler Room was such a dope flick was the sick ass soundtrack.
Although my two pairs of bamboo earrings have been replaced with solitary chandeliers, I still feel like an Around the Way Girl at heart.

Ain't No Half-Steppin'

2008-10-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

You can tell a lot about a person based on the music they listen to. For a long time, I judged a man by what he had in heavy rotation. It may not have been right to judge- and I still somewhat do it to this day, but I think it gives you insight into one's character content. In my teens, way before Hip-Hop genres were given titles like New School, Gangsta, Conscious, Horrorcore, Crunk, or New Jack Swing I was the quintessential backpacker. It was all about Black Moon and the rest of the Boot Camp Clik for me. And Wu Tang Clan wasn't nothin' to f*ck wit. And as far as Underground emcees went- the more subterranean, the better.

By my mid-twenties, just when the Golden Era was coming to a close I was hitting the club scene something serious and there was a man who 'invented the remix'. Back then, his name was Puffy and every dude wanted to be him. A guy would approach me, telling me it was all about the Benjamins as if this little hook and line was supposed to impress me. I don't blame Diddy for the downfall of real Hip-Hop (anymore). At the end of the day, cash just did NOT rule everything around me. It sort of sickened me- the shiny suits, the flashy cars, the excess on a whole. What looked like swagger to them, looked a lot like a clown to me. I was too busy collecting my praise from Mos Def and Talib Kweli for being a Brown Skin Lady. If you didn't have something productive to say besides how long your dividends were- I swiftly picked up my drink and moved down the bar in search of refreshing convo, or even more refreshing silence.

These days, I'm a lot less judgmental. I understand that Hip-Hop is a culture with many facets. You can get your paper and still be down to earth. It doesn't bother me. I can remember when Jay-Z and Nas had their infamous face-off, I felt like anyone that was rooting for Joe Camel was a shallow parasite with delusions of grandeur and no respect for skills. How naive I was. Nas actually spoke of the same things as Jay, but he did it with more eloquence. Plain and simple. There is no more East Coast/West Coast rivalry, either. Honestly, the Midwest and Dirty South somehow put the game in a choke hold while everyone was busy bouncing to a catchy synthesized beat. I'm still scratching my head over that one.

A friend of mine once sat at my computer, looked over my music folder and said, "Yo, you are stuck in 1988-1993 Hip-Hopwise." I chuckled at the truth of this observation. Because the radio has nothing for me anymore. I listen to the timeless classics because they are still relevant today. I feel sorry for the younger generations who have nothing of a legacy except Now Watch me YOUUU! I know it may sound bitter, but this Hip-Hop thing is in my heart- so I reserve the right to say when something is certified trash, no matter how many units are shipped. Aside from the occasional head-nod to a L'il Weezy tune, I really find consumption of that garbage unforgivable- and a guy is likely to rack up demerits in the respect department from me if he supports the nonsensical bullsh*t. He can keep it moving in his tireless pursuit of the "classy" video ho. (I guess I'm more judgmental than I originally thought.) Oh well. No apologies.

I'm not new to this- I'm true to this.

Gone but not forgotten.

2008-09-30T01:52:00.000-04:00

When I first began this entry, it was just going to be part love note, part eulogy. You know, visit the grave and lay a solitary white lily on the headstone of Hip-Hop. Then I realized what I missed the most about Hip-Hop and immediately recalled the beauty of the timeless Posse Cut. That is where various artists form like Voltron to showcase their individual skills on a collective effort. Many come to mind so I decided to dig in the crates and compile a list of my favorites. So without further ado, here goes my Top Ten:

10. Show Business- A Tribe Called Quest, Brand Nubian, Diamond D. - Not one of the standouts on the classic Low End Theory album, but definitely worth a nod. They take you through the underbelly of the shady show business. Here, Diamond D seals the deal with an obvious dig at how grimy one particular record label did some of their artists.
Quotable- "Get a good lawyer so problems don't pile. You don't want to make a pitch that's wild."

9. Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers- Chubb Rock, Jeru the Damaja, O.C. - Picking up the posse cut torch where Special Ed, Buckshot and Masta Ace left it blazing, the Kings County natives fill you in on them crazy-ass Crooklyn kids.
Quotable-"Ya watch Channel Zero wit dat bitch Barbara Walters. She'll have you believe Blacks invented crack- when President Lyndon had the formula way back."

8. Don't Curse- Heavy D, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Pete Rock, CL Smooth, Grand Puba, Q-Tip- Parental Advisory stickers were yet to be mandatory and the late C. Delores Tucker was not yet launching her personal Anti-Tupac vendetta, but these brothers took a preemptive strike against profanity...if only for one song. And Puba kept us up to speed with one line.
Quotable- "For those who can't follow and got stuck- kcuf flipped the other way means, ahem, hem, hem..."

7. Headbanger- EPMD, K-Solo, Redman- The Hit Squad was at their pinnacle with this joint. Everyone holds their own with rugged finesse. A pre-Method Man duetting Redman absolutely kills it and educates a few on the sound you might hear at a Cerebral Palsy center. Of course it's in bad taste. But all is fair in Hip-Hop and disabilities. The quotable here is delivered by the Incredible Letter Man.
Quotable-"The Fugitive's gone. Peace, I'm outta here, later. And here's a finger, to all you non-movin' spectators."

6. I Shot Ya (Remix)- LL Cool J, Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe, Foxy Brown- It's not so much the lyricism, but the variety of skill that impresses on this one. Everyone brings their signature A-game. This is also our first real introduction to the braggadocios brown Fox. She definitely held her own with the fellas, but her misconstrued boasts on sexual prowess made her the butt of a joke on Heltah Skeltah's Operation Lockdown. After that, there was no more talk of raw ass cheeks.
Quotable- "Illuminati want my mind, soul, and my body.Secret society, tryin to keep they eye on me."

5. Burn Hollywood Burn- Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, Ice Cube- The trio sheds light on the stereotyping and racism that is alive and well in the movie making process.
Quotable- "Many intelligent Black men seemed to look uncivilized while on the screen. Like I guess I figure you to play some jigaboo on the plantation. What else can a n*gga do."
Fast forward 18 years...I have not yet witnessed Cube make a total buffoon of himself since Hollywood came calling. And on that note, let's pour a little liquor out for Flava Flav's dignity, shall we?

4. Scenario II (Remix)- Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New School, Kid Hood-
Just when you thought they couldn't improve on a good thing, they showed us what they were gonna do in '92 even though they had fun in '91. Busta Rhymes orates that there are 7 emcees including a posthumous MC Hood present in spiritual essence who is undeniably the shining star.
Quotable- "Death on a phono- my skills are porno. You say, Oh no..."

3. Self Destruction- KRS-One, Heavy D, Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, Ms. Melody, Just Ice, Stetsasonic, MC Lyte, D-Nice, Public Enemy - Classic in its own right, this song was a call to action to stop the violence. I can't say that it really accomplished its endeavor, but Dammit it was a dope song. Now every time I hear someone say Let's have a moment of silence- I half expect it to be followed by a wicked beatbox. Also, MC Lyte (literally) pops out of nowhere and reps hard for the ladies. And thank God she did since Ms. Melody makes for the dullest moment on this otherwise historical track.
Quotable-"Aiyo, here's the situation:Idiocy. Nonsense, violence, not a good policy."

2. Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)- Craig Mack, The Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Busta Ryhmes, Rampage- Let's be honest, this song was Bad Boy's crowning jewel. The beat is simple but carries every emcee effortlessly on this one. Cousin Rampage got a moment to flex- but he is so out of place here that it makes me giggle a bit. The tragic irony is Mack's prophetic verse. "You won't be around next year..." Little did we know he was talking about himself.
Quotable- "Ya mad cuz my style you're admirin'. Don't be mad. UPS is hiring."

1. Symphony- Marley Marl, Craig G, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane- This one is for the purists. The ragtime piano loop and strong bassline is the backdrop for these Golden Era heavyweights. It's an arguably close call between Kane and G Rap on this one- and depending on the day, I might give the award to either of them.
Quotable- "I'll take you over like a greedy Executive..."

Honorable Mentions:

Buddy- De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, Q-Tip- What can be better than a song about making each other feel good? It was like a hippie love fest with African medallions and crazy prophylactics.
"Let's stick out the Jimmy and see what we can catch..."

John Blaze- Nas, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Jadakiss, Raekwon- New York's Finest, doing what they do. Check out Belly's Taral Hicks delivering the mysterious attache case in the video. This Bug is still wondering what Mack 10's cameo was all about. Was he the only one that could push an 18 Wheeler? I don't get it.
"You ain't got no ends in mi casa. ¿Que te pasa? You ain't even in my classa."

LeFlaur Le Flah Eskoshka - Heltah Skeltah, Originoo Gun Clappaz- Any time the Duckdown family joined forces, they failed to disappoint. The last verse in which Tall Shawn and Hurricane Starang briefly trade line for line is the most noteworthy. Why don't people do that anymore? It was sick!
"Live like wires. Beast from the East. Who is he? When I roar like a grizzly they say, Damn he gets busy! Oh...''

Well I'm pretty sure I lost a lot of my readers midway with this somewhat elitist old school Hip-Hop entry- but that's okay. I get the paper so I don't care!