Talk . 2 . em

"Do it for the capital, Wale Ovechkin"

2009-03-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

An example when two world's in my mind collide that I wouldn't ever imagine seeing LOL.

Wow.

How did this happen? Well apparently Wale attended his very first Washington Capitals game (or hockey game for that matter) a while back thanks to some of his DC hookups. And what a game to pick! 5-4 overtime, shoot out win over the Canes featuring the game winning goal from none other than Mr. Ovechkin himself. It doesn't get anymore cliche than that haha...

Check out this blog posting on Metal Lungies for a recap of Wale's experience.

ps. Wale's Xbox360 gamertag is "wale ovechkin" lol

Madcon: Norway's Best Kept Secret

2009-03-18T22:09:00.001-07:00

So I was watching a re-run of the finale of America's Best Dance Crew and heard this song that was playing during BeatFreakz and Quest Crew's collabo routine in the finale. Thru the magic of Google (what else? haha) I found out about this group hailing from the cold airs of Norway. Madcon (short for Mad Conspiracy), made up of Tshawe Baqwa (Kapricon) and Yosef Wolde-Mariam (Critical) is a Norwegian hip hop/funk/soul band.

Their sound? Hmmm...maybe if the Black Eyed Peas, The Roots, and a bit of Mark Ronson (for some of that European touch) all made a love child, you'd get something that sounds like Madcon.

Anyways!...Check out their music video for "Beggin'":

I know I'm crazy late on this (maybe to European -- specifically Norwegian people) but they haven't made that huge crossover to the America's and into our ears. They definitely have that appeal and sound to be big over here. So keep an eye out on them!

Check out their Myspace for other songs like their new single "Liar":
http://www.myspace.com/madconspace

Pomegranates, yo!

2009-03-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to try one for the longest time (coz apparently pomegranate is the new black...or whatever lol) so I bought a single one last week out of curiosity and ate it today.

So as I was staring down this strange looking, piece of 'whattheeff?', I actually did not know where to start. I was baffled...I did not know how to approach it. Believe it or not I googled "How do you eat a pomegranate?". Thinking I was prepared, I brought along a bowl of water, a knife, an apron (or non white shirt coz it stains, yo) and some goggles coz the parts you eat (they are called arils --- the fleshy red part that surrounds the seeds) may fly out and cause someone to lose an eye...

As I was reading some instructions on how to cut it properly, I got impatient and decided to just cut it open down the middle as juice started gushing out. It was getting a little messy by my unorthodox approach but it seemed to work so whatever. So yadda yadda yadda I ate it. I eventually got sick of it, and was kinda disappointed. I realized my expectations were probably made too high. It was just meh. My long curiousity had suddenly been killed by a sad realization.

As I was eating these little sweet red "delectables", I reflected on something I haven't thought about in a while. My blog. Well, just to catch up on things, I've spent the last while not doing much, just working and readjusting my thoughts. Oh yeah, and I also dropped out of the arts and entertainment management program I was enrolled in after failing a course coz of a dumb mistake I did in missing an exam. And aside from taking nearly half a year to think of a metaphor to explain my situation (haha, pomegranates..who knew?) one thing I realized was, this program I enrolled in; that I've been interested and curious about for the longest time ever after graduating high school, suddenly became so blah once I was in it.

Maybe my expectations were a little too specific, I dunno. But it's too bad coz I've met some cool people, had some great classmates, and had some of the most interesting teachers with some of the most unordinary jobs. My lack of interest at the time however didn't help me realize these things. And I might have unintentionally burned a few bridges on my way out.

The only way I was allowed back in the program was by waiting a year again and retaking the course I failed. But eff that! I'm just gonna look ahead for now and return to school in September for something else. And all of this shouldn't be an excuse to neglect my beautiful blog. A blog gotta eat, y'kno? Anyways, hopefully this is the end of my hiatus (once again...)

ps. My credit card was actually in my jacket pocket LOL!

"Get off my plane!!"

2008-09-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm living in a plane so high in the sky right now, just flying with no responsibilities or a care in the world!!!...

...however too much of this and you get lazy lol.

So como estas, bitches? I've been on one of those hiatus things I always seem to go through...ahh yes it was that time of the month! All except that if I were to name it after a punctuation mark it'd probably be a "?".

Well something extremely annoying happened to me. I just found out today that I lost my effin credit card!!!! And I actually do not know the day and time I lost it as the last time I opened my wallet was on maybe frickin MONDAY.

I checked my online Visa thing and it says that my last purchase was a week and a bit ago (I don't use my credit card too often) so it definitely did not fall into the wrong hands. I'm thinking it's somewhere around the house....but I cannot find it at all. I'm thinking of just calling Visa up and request for a replacement...

Damn lol...

PS. Props to anyone knowing where the title quote came from and BONUS points if they can provide a YouTube clip lol

Kanye West - "Love Lockdown" [EXCLUSIVE]

2008-09-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

If you watched the MTV Music Video Awards a few nights ago (or a rerun on Music Music), Kanye debuted a new song titled "Love Lockdown". I happen to have a studio version of the song --- however it isn't the finalized version as it is evidently not mixed well. Anyways, take a listen:

Kanye West - "Love Lockdown"

(to download click "divShare"...password is talk2em)

This apparently is the lead single for his upcoming album due out in December 2008 (alongside Kanye's "big brother" Jay-Z's album) titled "808's & Heartbreak". It's rumoured that...it will be "auto-tune heavy" meaning a very large bulk (if not all of it) will be Kanye's voice being auto-tuned. What's auto-tune you ask? It's the voice alternater that T-Pain made ever so famous.

Now whether that is good or bad news I dunno --- IMO Kanye's voice can somewhat pull it off. If you liked his songs "I Wonder", "Drunk and Hot Girls", and "Flashing Lights" you'll love his upcoming CD. Which means, don't expect some lyrical rap verses. Expect something completely different...hell it might not even be hip hop! Instead expect Kanye to experiment more with the singing/auto-tune combo.

Think of it as him stepping out of his element and growing as an artist...

[Fan Made Video] "Swagger Like Us"

2008-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Featuring Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne & T.I.

I know I'm late again but I had to blog this sooner or later. This song is bananazzz...the line up is insane itself. They shoulda put a couple Westcoast rappers on it too (like The Game and Snoop or something) to make it seem like each coast was represented lol.

Apparently this track will be featured on Jay-Z's next album "The BluePrint 3" due out in December this year and T.I.'s upcoming album "Paper Trail" which will be released this September 30th, 2008 . Weezy coulda gone without the autotuner though, Kanye however can pull it off in his verse.

"Overdose On Life"

2008-09-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Featuring Drake, Travis McCoy & Mickey Factz
(Produced by Omen)

"...Taking over the world, no Pinkie just alotta Brainnnnnnnn..."

(Just for reference: Drake is on 1st verse, Travis on 2nd and Mickey Factz on 3rd)

I know I'm late --- I had this for a while but let's bring it back out for the sake of Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes whose album "The Quilt" was released yesterday.

But hot damn, let me introduce you all to Drake, a Canadian rapper out of Toronto. However you may know him more famously as the actor under the name Aubrey Graham who plays the character Jimmy Brooks on the show Degrassi: The Next Generation. (which BTW, I fucks with that show and I'm not ashamed of it hahaha)

On this "Overdose on Life" track --- me picking that one line up there doesn't even do his verse any justification. He easily had the hottest verse of the three (no disrespect to Travie or Mickey). And trust me, it's not just one good song he shined on...you guys gotta checkout his mixtapes especially "Comeback Season". It's seriously a mixtape of lyrical slaughter.

My goodness.

I'm straight up saying it, DRAKE IS CANADA'S BEST KEPT SECRET!
Quote me on that bitches!...

Check out DRAKE'S MYSPACE.

Oh the "HILAR(IT)Y"!!

2008-09-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

Obama is so G...
Okay I'm out for posts today lol...

My main goal today was to get the Michael Phelps post off the main page lol...
(Damn laggy hilarious GIFs!!)

Oh this post wreeks of irony!
Mmmm, iron!

Peace!

Samples War: The death of the Mixtape?

2008-09-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

So to bring you up to speed a mixtape is a compilation of songs used for self promotion (usually for an upcoming major release), or just fresh material to keep the artist(s) still relevant in the circle. But usually, it's a bunch of songs put together because the artist wasn't able to get clearance for the samples used in the production.

The thing about mixtapes is it is usually provided for free! (usually downloadable nowadays) Meaning no profit, zero percent, nothin, zilch, is given to the artist when distributing the work --- bootleggers don't count...thats their own money lol.

So how could something that isn't being made money off of, therefore not legally responsible on a technicality, be able to be sued from a freakin lawsuit???

"...The rule book on sampling and the boundaries of intellectual property are in the process of being redefined, this time thanks to a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in Louisiana by Los Angeles–based Urband & Lazar Music Publishing. The suit names one of hip-hop's biggest stars — and the undisputed king of the mixtape — Lil Wayne, as its defendant. At issue is an uncleared sample from a song called "Once," written by a singer named Karma-Ann Swanepoel. Wayne's version is called "I Feel Like Dying," never "officially" released and never offered for sale to the public, but rather given away as a free download. The case not only questions the tenuous legality of mixtapes but also threatens to stymie their recent evolution from back-alley promotional tool to legitimate art form..."

- LA Weekly

You could read the rest of the article HERE if you'd like.

If anyone knows anything about hip hop music, you'd know sampling is a huge part of the genre. However sampling clearance is such a headache. It involves a long and complicated process that people don't realize. No, its not as simple as contacting the person who created the song, in this case Karma-Ann Swanepoel, being used for a sample because guess what, usually the artists don't even own their own shit! That's what music publishers are for and that's how artists get screwed! BUt thats a whole other topic but anyways...

It ventures to artist publishing, whoever owns the rights to the publishing, and then negotiations begin deciding how much is wanted for the sample and if the artist wanting to sample is using the sample tastefully to the owner of the publishings liking.

Here's what Urband & Lazar Music Publishing (the company suing Lil' Wayne) had to say about their justification of the lawsuit:

"...It starts with that typical music-business horror story of an artist working with the producer who promises them the moon and stars, who sells it to someone else and cuts the original artist out of the sale," says Lazar. "It was an incredibly depressing song that Karma wrote in her bedroom while pouring her heart out. Hearing Wayne's lyrics about codeine and Vicodin was the last way she expected to hear it..."

Now check out the rebuttal that Lil' Wayne's attorney, Ron Sweeney, had to say:

"Thanks to all the MySpace and YouTube views the song got, [Swanepoel] got a ton of exposure that she wouldn't have otherwise had," argues Sweeney. "Of course, her publishers would deserve something if Wayne was making money off the song, but he most certainly isn't. And the people in the record business wonder why their industry's in the toilet?" Sweeney says that Wayne received the track from the producer, Jonsin, who had signed an agreement confirming that he owned the rights. Says Sweeney, "It sounds like even the publishers have acknowledged the producer is the culprit."

So it is agreed the blame to be relayed towards the producer, Jim Jonsin, creating the production. YET Urband and Lazar want to sue the platinum selling rapper?? Okay, now it's obvious that this is all a textbook example of greedy music publishers attempting to milk money out of a multiplatinum artist. And after all this, the trouble was started from a damn leak on the internet that all parties, including Lil Wayne and Jim Jonsin, didn't even intend on sharing publicly.

However, Urband & Lazar Music Publishing bring up an interesting topic. I too would be pissed if, for example, someone took a picture of me without permission, made some kind of painting out of it and made disgusting alterations to it, which somehow became really famous. Even if it is intended as non-profit work, I probably would not appreciate that kind of exposure in that kind of light. But is it their fault it became so famous? Could they be legally responsible for whatever amount of exposure it got if they contractually didn't even have anything written down?

However the music industry is placed in such a different world. Where there is no such thing as bad publicity, but business is so cutthroat that the first plan of action usually starts in a lawsuit.

But if it were a perfect world, all parties would just forgive and forget. Everyone got exposure, everyone benefitted. And it took zero resources or amount of money to get that all. This situation is almost exactly the same as Eminem's "Stan" which sampled the Dido song "Thank You". And Dido, who at the time was no where near as popular as Eminem, benefitted greatly from that one sample...

SO who is right among this "samples war"?

HTC Touch Pro = sex

2008-09-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Shiiiiet me want now! Since my phone started to break down and I'm at the end of my contract soon with Telus, I plan to make this my next mobile device. But before I get ahead of myself, I should really hope that the HTC Touch Pro even arrives in Canada! (The HTC Diamond won't do my needs any justice!)

The big difference between the Touch Pro and it's smart phone counterparts in the Apple iPhone and the Samsung Instinct is the fact that it has a slide out QWERTY keyboard (as the image above shows). Personally, I wouldn't be able to stand typing on a touch screen keyboard --- I prefer something more in the physical element of actually pressing down on buttons.

I love the fact that I can experience the touch screen that everyone is raving about (which seems like where every mobile device is heading towards) all while still having actual textile buttons still present. The fact that it presents itself in a slide-out keyboard fashion adds to its coolness. And reading the specs and such, it has me even more excited. (Take a look at the detailed specs yourself HERE)

Although when it comes to PDA's, Blackberry's seem to be among the most superior. However a decked out Blackberry is just too hardcore for me --- and I don't really like the Blackberry Pearl personally. Plus I love my current phone so much, the HTC Touch Pro seem to be a direct upgrade.

And yes, it seems like I'm becoming a HTC fan as you'd probably know since I currently own a HTC mobile device. It's nearly an upgrade over my HTC S720 in every direction including having Wi-Fi capabilities to even having a complete camera phone upgrade. The HTC Touch Pro however functions on a GSM network, which means I would have to jump ship from being a long time Telus customer to either Fido or Rogers. Ashame but oh well...

Now excuse me as I continue to drool a freaking ocean over my keyboard lol...

Travis Barker + DJ AM = one dope mixtape

2008-09-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

The LA tandem of DJ AM (on the one two's) and Travis Barker (on the drum kits) make for one crazy ass mixtape! 15 tracks deep --- but really its one long ass track of DJing goodness --- it features a really diverse lineup all remixed and mashed up.

It features Chemical Brothers, Jay-Z, Johnny Cash, Eazy-E, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Biggie, Michael Jackson, Kanye, Daft Punk, Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Billy Joel, DJ Assault (ass n' titties! oooh yeah!), Damian Marley, Outkast, Rick Springfield, MIA, theme to Rocky, Phil Collins, Joan Jett, Beastie Boys and more.

It’s okay if you did a double take to that list of artists.
I did it... like...thrice.

Yes thats right...thrice times.

Anyways DOWNLOAD HERE!

Peace!

"HOW CAN SHE SLAP?!"

2008-09-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Probably the most unnecessary part of this video was the cast, camera crew and such all curb stomping that one dude lol.

So was that "reactionary" slap from the guy justified, or unjustified?

[Music Video] T-Wayne - "Can't Believe It"

2008-08-27T01:18:00.001-07:00

Featuring T-Pain & Lil' Wayne (T-Wayne...ha ha..ha ha...get it??)

"Put you in a mansion...somewhere in Wiscansin..."

Not that I really like this song, just thought I'd post it because the concept and visuals in this music video are pretty damn cool to look at.

And anyone else have a hard time trying to decipher what Lil Weezy was saying in his verse? I swear all I heard was "tear drops" and "oh I can't believe it!"...

...stupid auto-tuner voice thingy lol...

Enter Sandman

2008-08-27T00:33:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Canucks' back up goaltender Curtis Sanford (nicknamed Sandman -- thought I'd make that clear otherwise the title would be totally random lol) held a fan interactive contest recently which had fans and artists to draw up and create a mask design for him, which he will chose a winner from a crop of nominees of the top designs.

A lot actually turned out pretty dope. My favorite is definitely the one created by Darcy:

The sand pouring out is freakin crazy. Of course, this design made it through to the Top 10. Honestly though, it seems like there is only really a top 3, and 7 other random "honorable mentions" just to be nice lol...

Anyways, cool idea! More goalies should be doing this (however this probably would potentially screw over the professionals who design goalie masks for a living ahah --- huzzah fuck it! Gooo ordinary peoples!!)

Phelps is a dolphin

2008-08-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

He's also Super Saiyan!

edit:

oooh found more enjoy LOL

LOL!

Indie artists + Rap music = LOL!

2008-08-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time figuring out if these artists are looking to get laughs, or be laughed at LOL. Either way, most of these are pretty dope!! (in a funny, non serious, strange, awkward kinda way)...

"Lollipop" (originally by Lil' Wayne)
cover by MADISON

"Straight Outta Compton" (originally by N.W.A.)
cover by NINA GORDON

"My Humps" (Originally by Black Eyed Peas)
cover by ALANNIS MORRISETTE

"Gin and Juice" (Originally by Snoop Dogg)
cover by THE GOURDS

Also here's some other ones...

Jill Sobule - Hot in Herre (Nelly cover)
Travis Morrison - What's Your Fantasy (Ludacris cover)

[Music Video] Gym Class Heroes - "Cookie Jar"

2008-08-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

Featuring The Dream

"Radioooooo killaaaa..."

Also here is their other single from their upcoming album...

"Peace Sign/Index Down"
featuring Busta Rhymes (Produced by Cool & Dre)

Their upcoming album "The Quilt" will be available in stores on September 9th, 2008! Go cop if ya likey!

"In Suspicion We Trust!"

2008-08-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

So today will be another day at work with Elite as a security guard --- all except the fact that I was told to go to an unsual place today...

Guess where!

Hints:

very high profile company
the "Microsoft" of its industry
you'll hafta really clarify which location you are at if you say you are at the Thurlow/Robson location lol
"Would you like that in a Tall, Grande or Venti size?"

Yeah, apparently my post today will be at STARBUCKS somewhere in New West. I couldn't believe it! Apparently though the location had a returning difficult customer who had been coming in and distrupting the staff and other customers as well as flinging insults and threats. Well don't we have a little hellraiser!

I have no problem going to the shift, it's just the fact of what people might think that has me iffy. If I saw SECURITY at a freaking coffee shop, I really would give the ol' WTF look and start to question the need.

If this is the way society is heading, WATCH OUT!
People (or something) is probably watching us at this very moment...

*Puts on tin foil hat*

[Music Video] Kanye West - "Champion"

2008-08-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Directed by NEON

I figured music videos are my scapegoats to not knowing what to post lol...

But trust me this one is a G.O.O.D. one! (ha ha! get it?? no?...oooookay...)

[Music Video] N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose (Remix)

2008-08-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

Featuring CRS (Pharrel, Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco) and Pusha T

Directed by Hype Williams

"She stopped drinkin Diet Coke --- shes on that coke diet"

The official music video debut for the super group CRS (Child Rebel Soldiers). Aside from being too excited to pay attention to details in this video (don't adjust your screen --- I think it was purposely pixelated for effect), Hype Williams delivers once again! Anyone check out that new Coldplay video for "Viva La Vida"? He directed that as well..

Still think puttin Pusha T on it was unnecessary --- especially since he derailed the concept. But oh well. Anyways this video is soo effin cool. Makes me wanna play Space Invaders lol...

ps. Pharell's "Star Trek" shades are wild -- $5 on all the hypebeasts wanting them now lol

Sweating my balls off!

2008-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

(Click image to see full comic)

Hahaha...

Seriously my room is so hot...I tried directing my fan towards the window so that the hot air might leave. Unfortunately, not so fortunate lol.

I had a Shaken Iced Green Tea Lemonade from Star Bucks yesterday ( about $3.50 for a venti or whatever the largest size is) and man does that hit the spot! It basically tastes like a "better, non mass produced" Green Tea Nestea. There's something about Iced Tea that does it for the summer. --- Not gonna lie. Tea kicks ass.

Anyways, what other drinks should I try out there to quench my thirst in this smoldering heat??

[Music Video] Tre Hardson - "AyYoMyMan"

2008-08-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Featuring Fatlip

[Music Video] Santogold - "My Drive Thru"

2008-08-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Featuring Julian Casablancas (of The Strokes) & N.E.R.D.

This is a crazy music video! Santogold is pretty dope...she sounds like an east-coast version of Nelly Furtado (well, voice wise at least) mixed with a little M.I.A.

iWTF

2008-08-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

I make fun of my Apple Mac maniac friends saying they should purchase the next turn of technology they are creating --- the "iBrainwashed" lol.

HOWEVER when jokes become serious...

"Consider this a concept that that might have been and may still be, should Steve Jobs get a bit too enamored with The Matrix. It could be the next hot Apple item, leaving the iPod and iPhone in the dust. Designer Paul Micarelli came up with it.

The Symbiosis™ Neural Interface:Direct brain-computer link means your mind and computer are one. It sports Intel Fusion™, Quantum Processing that uses the power of the atom to instantly compute at the speed of thought., Holographic Data Storage thanks to the iThink’s tiny internal holochip with an amazing individual capacity of over 666 Yottabytes for seemingly infinite augmented memory, Intra-neural Communication lets you mentally allow or block any kind of signal you want. With the iThink, it wont be long until you are docking yourself like some Borg in the hive collective, rather then docking your iPod."

- SlipperyBrick.com

As it says, it's only a concept. But the one thing that most caught my eye in this article was the word Yottabyte. LOL

(You know how much ~~porn~~ music that is!?!)

What are some other crazy iPod/Mac concepts?

Funny commercials!

2008-08-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

I saw these on the tele and thought I'd share em lol...

Hahaha...yeah. BTW did anyone know Neil Patrick Harris is gay!? Whoa...I didn't know this! ---- not that there's anything wrong with that... (/Seinfeld reference)

Dear Summer...

2008-07-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

...I know you gon' miss me
For we been together like Nike Airs and crisp tees
S dots with polo fleeces
Purple label shit with the logo secret
Gimme couple years, shit I might just sneak in
A couple words and like peaches and herb
We'll be reunited and it feels so hood
Have the whole world saying "How you still so good?"...

BAH!

2008-07-07T23:10:00.001-07:00

Ugghhh...

There was something about the month of June that made me lazy lol. So mainly I'm just posting this post just for the fact to post. Hopefully this encourages me to post more often [once again]...

Yeah, sorry for the hiatus
(to whoever the hell reads this lol)...

Enter random, hot picture:

Mmmm...

Peace!

Glow in the Dark Tour REVIEW: 5/5!!!

2008-06-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Probably THE most justified $110 I have EVER spent in life.

We (me, Jordan, JJ, Hissy, KL and Ashley) got to GM Place at about 6:20ish and there was lines and lines and lines -- oh boy. FORTUNATELY, our Gate was pretty calm so we got in with ease. We sat in our seats in section 118 row 23 seats 101-104 and waited (not for long until we "switched them" for some premo seats down front haha -- more on that later).

As the crowd started pouring in still, the lights suddenly started to dim at around 7:00ish on schedule. It started with Lupe Fiasco as the opener while the arena was still only half full. He didn't care though...he was warming up his vocals with his live rendition of "The Coolest" and by the second or third song in he had the crowd by the throat singing his chorus on "Go Go Gadget Flow"...

Lupe's Songlist (in order -- if I could remember):

The Coolest
Hello/Goodbye
Go Go Gadget Flow
Little Weapon
Hip Hop Saved My Life (Nikki Jean came on stage)
Paris, Tokyo
Kick, Push
I Gotcha
Streets On Fire (Matthew Santos came on stage)
Fighters
Superstar
Daydreamin

I was disappointed he didn't do "Hurt Me Soul" --- that song really does it for the crowd. But regardless, the kids really love Lupe...they really do. Everything he did was with style and grace although his set wasn't spectacular or anything, just simple and standard. Everyone and their momma seems to be a Lupe fan (whether from the get-go, or from the "Superstar" single) and it leaves great reason to believe that if he ever decides on starting and headlining an arena tour similar to this one, he'd surely not have a problem selling as evident from the crowds reaction...

"LU-PE! LU-PE! LU-PE!"

THEN came the "legendary" (as Kanye described) N.E.R.D. and holy smokes! Pharrell, Shay (who JJ thought was a fatter Usher haha), Chad Hugo, the hypemen, drummers, etc all came with A LOT of energy. I could feel the crowd not really getting into it in the beginning-- probably due to a lot of people not knowing their songs --- but hot damn!

N.E.R.D.'s songlist:

Anti-Matter
unknown song?
Brain
Spaz
Everyone Nose
She Wants to Move
Rock Star
Lapdance
drum solo!
random '7 Nation Army' rendition lol...

My favorite performed song was "Spaz" as it got the whole crowd goin nuts. The whole segment was actually pretty dope and probably caught the crowd by surprise -- the energy was unreal and these guys really know how to rock out! Pharrell showed Vancouver a LOT of love by staying behind and acknowledging the crowd.

There was a part where some ladies came out on stage for "Everyone Nose" (--- there was this REALLY hot one in the yellow lol). Anyways something hilarious happened. One decided to be an attention whore (well she stepped it up compared to her comrades lol) and was all over Pharrell. WELL in the middle of the song she somehow FELL OFF THE FREAKIN STAGE! hahahaha!

Pharrell:

"oooh shit...oooh shit!..."

Next was the beautiful and talented Rihanna. I don't really know her catalogue of music but I'll try my best to remember what she did..

Rihanna songlist:

i have no idea
Push Up On Me
Pon De Replay
cover of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes"
cover of Lauren Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
S.O.S.
Unfaithful
Take a Bow
Don't Stop The Music
Umbrella

I'm missing a bunch of songs. Anyways, I'm not gonna lie -- Rihanna was fire. The "Paper Planes" bit (which seems to be everyones favorite song, even though they have no idea who M.I.A. is!) got everyone movin' -- as well as "Don't Stop The Music". She did better than I expected although she was my least favorite of the acts. But you gotta love performers who give the city a lot of love. Rihanna claimed Vancouver to be one of her favorite spots in the world. She also declared "Umbrella" to be Canada's song because of the "EH, EH, EH" part haha .... She really didn't look out of place in this show as she added that element that complimented the entire show pretty well.

Now...the main event! Now people had to realize how intricate, complicated, technical, etc etc Kanye's set was which totally justified the 40 minute wait. But before I get into that, let me explain our "premo" seats...

Bascially, in the middle of Lupe's set (I think during "Hello/Goodbye") we noticed so many seats empty upfront that we thought and realized "hey, what a waste of seats...let's go jump a couple rows and put them to good use"...

Well, a couple rows turned out to be about a dozen!

(if it wasn't for the hosts/security guards we would have ransacked onto the floor area! LOL)

So basically our seats and view went from this....

To THIS....

...it was like exchanging gold for platinum haha. We actually ended up staying in these seats as the people with these tickets (probably low life scummy scalpers) never showed up!

Now onto the main event...the lights suddenly went dark as everyone started to scream "KAN-YE! KAN-YE KAN-YE!"

It started with a dramatic introduction of a spaceship losing control and crash landing onto an unknown planet. With the effects and graphics on the video display on the large plasma screen in the middle of the set, the visuals were really easy to follow. Mr. Kanye West then appeared on stage laying on his back on a well designed stage of what looks like hills of grass, while going into his introductory song "Good Morning"...

Kanye West songlist:

Good Morning
I Wonder
Heard Em Say
Through the Wire
Champion
Get Em High
Diamonds From Sierra Leone
Can't Tell Me Nothing
Flashing Lights
Spaceship
Drunk and Hot Girls
All Falls Down
Gold Digger
Good Life
Jesus Walks
Hey Mama
"Don't Stop Believing" interlude
Stronger
Homecoming
Touch the Sky (with Lupe Fiasco)

Kanye's set was amazing. The visuals, sound effects, everything was intricate and precise. You could tell Kanye is a man of perfection -- everything we saw was done with a purpose. When he broke into "I Wonder", it was quite the site to see the floor section going nuts. The "Spaceship" segment was unbelievable as well as the stage transformed into a spaceship and suspended Kanye in the air on a platform. (this was about the same time when the lights went out and the crowd started throwing glow sticks around --- to which Kanye replied "stop throwing shit" haha)

The diamonds in the air, the crowd following the lyrics, the emotional "Hey Mama" performance was all spectacular --- I especially loved his extended performance of "Good Life" as it got the whole arena involved with the easy-to-follow chorus and hook. The script in the plot was a bit cheesy at times however...

The Plot in a nutshell: Kanye was on a spaceship, it crashed on an unknown planet, he tries to fix the ship but the ship does not comply, he then gets really horny, the spaceship tries to help but the spaceship fails again, he gets emo, he gets celebratory, some aliens come and tell Kanye he is the biggest star in the universe because he glows in the dark, thus becoming harder better faster and inevitably stronger, to which the ship gets fixed, returns home on Earth in Chicago, to which he proceeds to "Touch The Sky" with Lupe...

Not to belittle the plot, it was actually great. We all witnessed a theatrical play and a concert all in one show. Kanye West loves his art and it really showed. The songs...the content...the effects...it all worked. It was like Kanye had this planned from the beginning (wouldn't be surprised actually).

One thing I realized is how many hits this guy has is amazing. It truely is...hit after hit the crowd loved it. And his trademark rant at the end was a great touch and classic "Kanye" if you will --- the profanity was a bit harsh however (I looked around and saw some awkward faces on young kids with their parents haha).

How Mr. West could memorize everything (although it is his job to) day in and day out, for how many days on the road is really a spectacular thing. And he made it clear --- it is his passion and his love to do this. And he truely did display it through this spectacle of an event. I'd like to thank Kanye West for creating and producing the greatest concert I will probably see in a lifetime. I was never bored in the 5 hours the show took.

Please post a reply if you went as well! I wanna hear opinions and what your favorite parts were and stuff!

Well this is about the biggest post I ever made and I don't think I can interest anyone (if you made it this far) any longer. Let me just end with, it was unbelievable. Worth every penny. Super dope, fantastic shiet. Done.

Peace!

[Music Video] Weezer - "Pork And Beans"

2008-06-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Try to find all the YouTube references in this video! haha

Wale - "The Mixtape About Nothing"

2008-05-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

TRACK LISTING

1. “The Opening Title Sequence” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
2. “The Roots Song Wale Is On” f. Chrisette Michele (produced by ?uestlove & James Poyser)
3. “The Feature Heavy Song” f. Bun B, Pusha T and Tre from UCB (produced by Best Kept Secret)
4. “The Freestyle (Roc Boys)”
5. “The Perfect Plan” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
6. “The Kramer” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
7. “The Crazy” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
8. “The Vacation From Ourselves” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
9. “The Remake of A Remake (All I Need)” f. Tawiah (produced by Mark Ronson)
10. “The Grown Up” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
11. “The Manipulation” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
12. “The Artistic Integrity” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
13. “The Star”
14. “The Skit (Untz Untz)”
15. “The Cliche Lil Wayne Feature (It’s The Remix baby!)” (produced by Osinachi)
16. “The Bmore Club Slam” (produced by Scottie B)
17. “The Chicago Falcon Remix” f. The Budos Band (produced by Mark Ronson & Eli Escobar)
18. “The Hype” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
19. “The End Credits” (produced by Best Kept Secret)

WALE: “special thanks to interscope for investing in the future of hip hop”

|| >> Download HERE Download HERE << ||

Clickey these!

Wale's Blog
10.Deep Clothing

Limited Edition 10.Deep x Wale Collab t-shirt:Peace and enjoy!

Damn my knee to hell!

2008-05-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

So there I was redeeming myself last night from an embarassing loss to the Purple Haze -- almost pulled it off too as I had a pretty decent game until..

*POP*

my knee shifts as i caught an edge on my skates! i felt something pop..

I fall in agony to the ground!

Ref: "can you walk it off? are you okay?"
me: "well, i wouldn't be bitching bout nothing now would I!?"

As I was laying on the ground, I then move my injured knee slightly to the right when...

*POP*

I felt 2 seconds of relief!

Everything was back intact and I was like "SWEET I'm good to play now!" until a few seconds later it all went to hell again!

lmaooooo

I didn't go to the doctors yet but here's hoping it's nothing serious. The safe bet is I'll be out for 3-6 weeks =(

*sigh*

OH GOD DAMNIT I just realized that the Glow in the Dark Tour is on Monday!!!!

$^%#$@!!$@!$@#$@#@$

gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Training Day: 1 of 5

2008-05-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to let you all in on a little secret...

(psst...I'm legally not allowed to be a security guard lol)

But I'm finally getting my proper training this week and I have to complete a course called BST -- Basic Safety Training (it comes in two parts --- BST1 & BST2). I have a really cool instructor...the course includes stuff like how to properly handle difficult situations like when I'm being attacked by a 7 foot tall, 350 lbs monster or when a junkie comes running at me with a needle.

Crazy shit ALWAYS happen out there...

People will steal from dollar stores...
Kids get banned from malls for stupid shit...
Homeless will go all out in a fist fight for a loaf of bread...

So don't shoplift!
(and not only coz it makes my job so much harder lol)

FYI, just to tell you common shoppers...
Someone is ALWAYS watching...

Anyways, here's a YouTube video of a thief in action...
Scum I tell you...

Anyways, peace!

GLOW IN THE DARK TOUR COUNTDOWN: T-minus 7 days

2008-05-26T13:19:00.001-07:00

Section: 118 Row: 23 Seats: 101-104

As special guests on the Glow in the Dark Tour, check out N.E.R.D.'s latest leaked track called "Spaz": DOWNLOAD HERE

Also scope out and anticipate N.E.R.D.'s upcoming 3rd studio album entitled "Seeing Sounds" which will drop soon on June 10th!!

Peace!

Justice feat. Wale - "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E."

2008-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

If you do not know Wale and consider yourself a hip hop fan, smack yourself in the face and get educated, mang! And if you do not know Justice and consider yourself an electronic fan then do the same as well lol. Check out the brand new Wale music video (but old freestyle -- which was featured on Wale's last mixtape 100 Miles and Running) of the well known collaboration with Justice of the song "D.A.N.C.E."...

And to follow up on Wale's upcoming mixtape "The Mixtape About Nothing" (which runs on the concept of the Seinfeld show) heres the tracklisting Wale himself posted on his blog...

Peace!

GLOW IN THE DARK TOUR COUNTDOWN: T-minus 12 days

2008-05-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

After reading countless reviews, and seeing many pictures and videos of the set and visuals --- be prepared folks...be VERY prepared to possibly see the greatest concert you will ever see in your lifetime!!...

Check out the official "LOLLIPOP Remix" to Lil Wayne's summer hit featuring none other than Mr. Kanye West himself:

Download HERE

"...Safe sex is great sex
Better wear a latex
Cuz you dont want that late txt
that "I think I'm late" txt..."

sonofaBITCH!!!!

2008-05-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

NOooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

"RTB NEWS UPDATE: May 20, 2008

Vancouver date has been moved to The Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, WA on September 6. Line-up and details to be announced soon."

Source: http://www.guerillaunion.com/

F#@% me....No more Rock The Bells in Vancouver...

I am a very sad Panda =(

The Cool Kids - Bake Sale EP

2008-05-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Cool Kids debut EP which features hits like "88" and "Black Mags" will finally be officially released. The 10-track EP is scheduled to hit iTunes on May 20th, followed by a June 10th release to retail stores and other digital retailers. A new mixtape, That's Stupid, will precede The Bake Sale with a release via the Cool Kids' new website in the next week. (Check back here! I will surely upload the mixtape when it comes out!)

As well they have announced the title of another new release --- a full-length debut --- titled When Fish Ride Bicycles. If you like these dudes support them and the Indie artists out there and buy this CD! Here's the tracklist for the upcoming EP:

What Up Man (click HERE to download)
One Two
Mikey Rocks
88
What It Is
Black Mags
A Little Bit Cooler
Gold and a Pager
Bassment Party
Jingling

I already listened to most of these songs and they're all equally dope and -- dare I say -- cool haha. So cop it when it drops!

Peace!

No one "ILLER" than me!

2008-05-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

So anyways Wednesday was the last of my lazy days til my 5 straight day work schedule begins. Spent the past few days recovering from the FLU which entirely sucked like no tomorrow! Look how productive I was during these days (these are not understatements lol)...

Sunday: stayed in bed.
Monday: moved to couch.
Tuesday: finally went outside for some fresh air.
Wednesday: felt "good" enough to play hockey.

*cough*

Anyways, today I forgot to eat as I only ate like two squares of chocolate before my hockey game. Not a good idea! I had no energy and I was so sloppy and slow...I forgot how much being sick (not sick sick lol) sucked.

BUT we ended up winning...coz the other team forfeited hahaha!

OH and I also went by Gastown today to visit Complex since I haven't been in a while and I felt the need to do somethin. I ended up buyin (oops impulse lol) a dope limited edition Crooks & Castles collab tshirt...

They collabed with Complex since they had their 10th anniversary just recently. I didn't drop by Livestock in case I saw somethin I liked and wanted to buy it haha..

Anyways peace out bitches! Next few days will be rough....

N.E.R.D. - "Everyone Nose" + REMIX

2008-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Music video:

The Remix (featuring CRS & Pusha T):

Clickey HERE!

Enjoy n peace!

Rock the Bells, yo!!!

2008-05-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

Yes...no need to correct your eyes....
Bask in the glory of good gracious hip hop coming to Vancity!

The possibility of seeing Cool Kids, Wale and Kidz In The Hall all on one stage! I just need a little Mickey Factz and its all good! (but I guess measly names like Tribe, Nas, Rakim, Red/Mef, Mos Def, deadprez, etc makes it all up a little heh)

I remember seeing this Rock The Bell festival website a couple years back and thinking damnnn it'd be a dream to watch one of them. Damn those American cities! Well now look....holy cowwwww. I feel it...Vancouver is on the up on becoming a top city in North America as far as arts and entertainment goes. I don't understand why all the arts and entertainment industry cats are doubting this place... It's just really hard to ignore the trends happening with the festivals and the big names touring here even though 2010 hasn't even dropped yet...

Anyways!...I gotta get me some tix and I don't care if I'm goin alone! -- okay, well that'd be lame lol....I'll find someone(s) -- but I AM SO DOWN TO GO TO THIS. WOO.

(ps. sorry for hiatus...work, bad case of flu, etc etc lol)

You know what really grinds my gears?

2008-05-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

...Going to work 6am in the morning barely half awake and stumbling on my way towards downtown only to find out someone is already in place for your shift!

Yup. Just another day as an Elite Door Front schmuck with this company...

Arghhh!!...No mas...please!

It's actually a really long story...it involved rescheduling my work schedule to undoing the work rescheduling, to trying to compromise with prior plans like hockey, to dealing with two shift changes, to having unclear confirmation with my supervisor, to wasting my time and energy. It was really a headache....but all that matters is I am able to play some hockey tonight!!

I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be somewhere working right now lol...I've screened about 5 calls from the office haha. I decided to give myself the day off!

I've done a bunch of favours for work this week...
When does it all come back?

Exactly. Never.

Anyways, I'm gonna pretend today didn't happen lol...
Hopefully Elite will do the same.

(Update pending if I end up being fired lol)

PEACE!

New Cellular, Tellular Phone...ular

2008-04-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Wooo! So as some of you may know, I bought a new (well practically new) cellphone from a Craigslist seller recently! -- and yes, my number is the same. I had my heart set on the HTC S720 for a while and I've been searching high and low for a seller.

The short story is...after speaking to about 6 different sellers -- all while checking ESN's and confirming it with Telus Client Care to see if the phones were not reported stolen, as well speaking to Telus representatives about what I should do in my situation -- I finally stumbled upon an ad and the perfect seller.

Someone who was trying to sell her plan and phone as a combo. I noticed the phone happened to be the one I wanted so I gave it a go and sent an email saying I was only interested in the phone...she then offers me an unbelievable price! She was willing to sell a practically new S720 for $200! (keep in mind, the value cost for this would typically go for $250 -- original retail price is about $500)

After failing to meet 2 times (funny story in itself ), we finally met last Friday night at Metrotown. She was a cute little Filipino girl with her intimidating gangsta Filipino boyfriend by her side! (I guess it was necessary to bring him haha)

We did the deal and I gave her the money...

...but suddenly she became so shocked and lost in my deep brown eyes and my handsome good looks that she wanted to make sweet love to me in exchange for the phone. We then headed to the nearest cheapest motel...

Okay I was kidding about that last statement but it's been 5 days with this phone and I LOVE IT! So thank you Anne!...or Lily!...or whatever your name was haha

Darth Fiasco

2008-04-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

"Kanye...I am your father!!"

"I got my... gold watch and my...gold chain..."

JUNE 4TH BITCHESSSS!!!

edit:

whoops June 2nd (thanks felicia lol)

Cellphones...PFFT!

2008-04-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

So I officially went a whole month without a cellphone and from my scientific research (lol), and after several strenuous days, I gathered a conclusion that it absolutely SUCKED. Okay well, lemme give you some back knowledge...

- I bought an LG Chocolate (first problem lol)
- on a 2 year contract, the LG Chococrap went all white-screen emo on me 1 month AFTER my warranty ended
- found out "Life is NOT Good"
- Telus assures that I wouldn't be able to do much since my contract doesn't end for awhile
- suggests getting a replacement phone until September

So I am currently Craigslisting around and what caught my eye was the HTC S720...I met a seller and she's giving me a reasonable deal on it! So we'll see how that goes!

But let's talk about cellphones in general...before the demise of my phone I've been using it everyday --- txting, calls, etc just like any other user. Immediately after that, I felt distant from the world...without communication. The two weeks after that I had the most lame weekends ever (coincidence??) but this only leads to a much bigger question...

...it's a scary realization but, we are just so reliant on technology! Soon we will be robots (or replaced by robots lol) in the near future! A life without my iPod, laptop, phone, internets, etc sucks a big one! Am I alone here?!?!

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh??!!!! lol

It took about 1 year, 5 months, 3 weeks, and a couple days...

2008-04-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

...to have FINALLY bust someone of stealing something at work!!!!

A post to remember forever...

WHEN: April 20, 2008 @ approx. 11:50am
WHAT: A Listerine bottle
WHO: Some old douche bag
HOW: stuffing down pants
WHERE: IGA on Robson and Richards

Pop the bubbly! Andy's getting better at this stuff lol

Thank God for that Green!

2008-04-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Fo Twenty!

*hot boxes blogspot*

So trip balls, chill out or whatever....just remember kiddos...get high responsibly! -- Now proceeed to light up that sticky icky, weed, BC bud, mary jane, KB, schwag, hydro, skunk, canibus, ganja, reefer, chronic, dank, indo, (whatever you call it!) and have a good day peoples!

Here's some Youtube Clips to enjoy:

Stupid me

2008-04-20T01:56:00.001-07:00

So as I got home at about 1045pm after work, I realized right at my door I forgot my keys...

And no one was home...

And I didn't have a cellphone...

And I was freezing like a muthafucker!

My parents finally arrived home about an hour and a half later...

You could laugh now lol...

Why mainstream CDN hip hop = pathetic...

2008-04-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

...it's coz labels keep signing bullshit like Belly and this douche...

Balling is my hobby?!? OH HELL NAH!

So I caught a small interview of this guy named Page. "Yeah..I'm from the streets....they know I'm real...blah blah blah blah".

Sad...very sad...

[/Ig'nant S#*%]

"99 Problems and Hillary Ain't One!"

2008-04-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hahaha! Automatic cool pts for Obama! Shoulder dustin at formal events FTW (if anyone can remember who did that at Grad gets props from me haha)

And is it just me or does Obama sound like that white character Dave Chappelle does in his skits? LOL!

these kicks...

2008-04-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

If anyone sees these kicks around Vancouver, give me a shout lol. I saw em in a store in Oakridge but that's fucking far! They look sick in person...

I've just been trying to find some cool looking high or mid top black sneakers with a roundish nose for a long ass time and these are dope!

My Summer Goal

2008-04-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

...Is to explore my promotions and marketing skills in the music scene and find experience somewhere. Thanks to my big sis, she put my networking skills in motion! My sisters friend Alpha (sorry...can't seem to find his page on this internet lol) is a rapper that knows a few people I could meet to gain some experience.

He gave me a contact of a person who is affiliated with Club Vibes apparently. Alpha thought I could learn a lot from him coz he started out young as well and has a lot of experience. Alpha said the person isn't "jaded" either....wasn't so sure what he meant by that but maybe it has something to do with the person not being sick of what he's doing still, and still having passion for doing it.

So I'll give that a go sometime this week after researching and shiet...til then an update is pending!

As for my weekly "Fresh 7", I'm gonna put it on halt due to lack of interest...I may continue it down the road. But I may upload a few songs here and there. I think I tried doing too much with this blog too soon!

Peace!

New Lupe music video's

2008-04-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

Here are his vids of his 2nd and 3rd singles "Hip Hop Saved My Life" and "Paris, Tokyo"...

"Hip Hop Saved My Life"

"Paris, Tokyo"

Maaaaan, seems like everyone from their mother, sister, cousin (Grandmother too!) likes Lupe now haha. About damn time peoples! His album is almost certified Gold too so buy that album "The Cool" if you haven't yet!!

Peace!

"It's Mickey!!!"

2008-04-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Some more Mickey Factz on his newest track called "Rock n' Rollin" and yes it is a remix featuring none other than...THE COOL KIDS! Can't get any more doper than that! And YES I made this video....jacked a few pictures from Googling and put it all together in about 2 hours...

(ps. Steve-O -- Mickey's A&R -- directly msged me about the video!! Amazing...I reached the artist already and I'm on my industry biz haha!)

MICKEY FACTZ - "ROCKIN' N' ROLLIN (REMIX)"
featuring THE COOL KIDS

Check out these sites for some Mickey stuff :

http://www.myspace.com/itzmickey
http://www.gfcny.com/
http://www.gfcny.blogspot.com/

Peace!

FRESH 7 - Week II - April '08

2008-04-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Featured Artist: MICKEY FACTZ

" As hip-hop has culturally evolved from it’s original days, of the b-boys to that of the d-boys and so forth. Mickey Factz has been steadily crafting what he’s coined as "Uber" music. When asked what "Uber" music is, he gestures at the sky and says, "undeniable global music...I don’t care where in the world you are, you’re rockin’ to this shit." To Factz hip-hop music in it’s truest essence is about being able to rock out on any track like the forefathers did and currently that lack there of in the genre is what’s stagnating its growth. "The music my generation and younger are listening to has expanded beyond funk and soul, we’re listening to rock, electronic, house and so forth. I’m always going to be clever with the wordplay and lyrics, but very few rappers can do that on a Royskopp record. That’s the lane I ride in. I’m going to do me, and trust, you’ll love me for it. "

1. Mickey Factz - "Don't Be Light (featuring N.E.R.D.)"

2. Kidz In The Hall - "Drivin' Down The Block"

3. Wyclef Jean - "Fast Car (Remix) (featuring Lupe Fiasco)"

4. Rod - "Grown And Sexy (featuring Keri Hilson)"

5. Kenna - "Out Of Control"

6. Justice - "DVNO"

7. Colin Monroe - "I Want Those Flashing Lights"

=========

Re-Uppin!!! (last weeks download):

Click HERE and enjoy!

Don't worry, be happy

2008-04-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

So I probably will be on hiatus for a bit (pending writers block and inevitable procrastination lol). I'm sacrificing my weekend and all to catch up on some schoolwork (ughh) but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

ANYWAYS amidst the recent depression and realization that no, we will not see the Canucks kick some ass in the post season this year (*sigh*) I thought I could share a kinda feel good story to you in YouTube format. Check out this dope animation video some guy made of a song and uploaded (...and in this story, the underdog wins!)

Lupe Fiasco - "And He Get's The Girl"

So in the words of Bobby Mcferrin "don't worry..be happy"! (and please take this in any context you may want in general...Canucks related or not). Peace!

80's babies stand UP!

2008-04-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

**WARNING** This poster is NOT real **WARNING**

Anyways, back in October I created this poster for a school project (pretty nice eh??). We were suppose to create a poster of an event of our choice (made up or real) that would display our understanding of elements of design such as direction, texture and colour. But anyways blah blah blah...

Wasn't sure what to put on it but figured I'd have it be of a rap group I'm feeling the most these days headlining a tour, with others who I think are cool too to guest appear as well. And it's more than just the hipster/80's swag (that seems to be the "in" thing right now) that catches my ear...these guys are pretty nice on the mic.

Wait..these guys probably don't even wanna be called and labeled hipsters coz ....well, it's not cool or hip to be labelled like anything or anyone....lol.

ANYWAYS, check out their MySpaces...

The Cool Kids
Wale (most likely to get mainstream appeal)
B.o.B
Jon Hope
Mickey Factz
Kidz In The Hall

Peace!

Fresh 7

2008-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the debut post of the weekly segment called Fresh 7. In this segment each week on Monday, I will feature 7 songs I think that are super dope. Download 'em, refresh your iPods, mix em, do whatchu do with them...

For the debut I've got a HUGE drop for the month of March. Here I present to you 31 tracks to make up for the 31 days I missed!

"Everyone Nose" - N*E*R*D
"Royal Flush" - Outkast featuring Raekwon
"Toxic" - Mark Ronson featuring Tiggers
"Locked Away" - N*E*R*D
"Run" - Gnarls Barkley
"Say Goodbye To Love" - Kenna
"Never Can Say Goodbye" - Rhymefest featuring Talib Kweli
"Back In The Go-Go" - Wale featuring Bun-B & Pusha T
"D.A.N.C.E. (Benny Blanco Remix)" - Justice feat Mos Def & Spank Rock
"American Boy" - Estelle featuring Kanye West
"Paper Touchin'" - Red Cafe featuring Fat Joe, Jadakiss & Fabolous
"In The Ayer" - Flo Rida featuring Will.I.Am
"Ching A Ling" - Missy Elliot
"Mouth Music" - Bishop Lamont & Black Milk
"Cheat" - DPG featuring Pharrell
"Gold And A Pager" - The Cool Kids
"Zock On" - Teriyaki Boyz featuring Pharrell & Busta Rhymes
"Get Busy" - The Roots featuring Dice Raw, Peedi Crakk & DJ Jazzy Jeff
"88" - The Cool Kids
"Pro Nails" - Kid Sister featuring Kanye West
"Cappuccino" - The Knux
"Ice Cream Girl" - Wale featuring TCB
"Sensual Seduction" - Snoop Dogg
"Paris, Tokyo" - Lupe Fiasco
"Paper Planes (Remix)" - M.I.A. featuring Bun-B & Rich Boy
"Lollipop" - Lil' Wayne featuring Static Major
"Push Up On Me" - Rihanna
"She Didn't Go, She Didn't Leave" - Colby O' Donis
"I Want Those Flashing Lights" - Colin Monroe
"Hip Hop Saved My Life" - Lupe Fiasco featuring Nikki Jean
"Swamp Water" - Swollen Members

Download HERE (and follow link)

Peace!

Run for the hills!

2008-03-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

In one weekend we had:

- sun
- rain
- hail
- snow
- a Canucks win (boo yah!)

ANYWAYS, i'm going to be making a HUGE drop at the end of tomorrow involving some music you all could download and upload on ur iPods and iTunes, and Zunes and whatever you kids use these days lol. it will be my first of another segment category I will be making as well...Trust me...the music will be banging!

Stay tuned...

OH also thanks to those checking out my blog (the hit counts don't lie...I'm watching youuuu!) Or....it could be me refreshing every half hour about 50 times lol. Hmmmmmmmmm...

Ig'nant S#*%: WTF is Earth Hour?!

2008-03-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first post in the segment category of Ig'nant S#*%! A place where it's time to get ig'nant, folks!

Okay...whaaaaaaat ze hell is this??

"Earth Hour is an international event that asks households and businesses to turn off their lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour on the evening of 29 March at 8 pm local time until 9 pm to promote electricity conservation and thus lower carbon emissions."

Electricity conservation?

To lower what??

For one hour??

Then what? Go back to our normal, destructive lives driving our SUVs, with our fully plugged outlets and our pet dogs leaving a steaming pile of turd on the front lawn?

Sorry, but lifes a bitch and it's freakin dark @ 8pm here in Vancouver in March. Plus Hockey Night In Canada is on. So if you wanna do this "earth thing", how bout try taking a bus or carpooling and turning off your damn lights, TV's, computers, etc etc during the day when you ain't usin it and call this damn event Earth Day instead?!

OR how about calling it... COMMON SENSE?

Bitch please, seems like the only waste of energy here is human energy. So don't bother me with your "I am more holier than thou" attitudes, it ain't helpin. Coz next thing I know Bono will be shoving this down our throats with a benefit concert...

UGHHH!
Ohhhh the truth can be so inconvenient...

[/Ig'nant S#*%]

adidas+Indonesian Batik fabric = ???

2008-03-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

HAH!

Nah.

Dope!

Sick.

Okay this is pretty dope on some far out elaborate shiet. For those who don't know, batik is an Indonesian fabric and in some ways an art form. For those who probably have these patterns somewhere in your house (like on a couch pillow cover for instance haha), chances are you're Indonesian!

As for this line (Materials of the World by adidas) I could never had imagine them doing Indonesia despite all the sweatshop talks and whatnot. How ironic, but hot regardless. HOWEVER, I don't think I would be caught dead in these...okay well I'd probably wear the jacket and the kicks to some functions just coz I like to stand out and represent but I'd probably if anything frame em or somethin if I had em (hence, it being a collectable).

Peace!

Check out my YouTube vids!

2008-03-28T20:08:00.001-07:00

Here's me on my marketing and promoting tip!!

The Cool Kids and Wale are two of my new favorite artists that are comin out...Yes I am the one who created the videos and if you at one point Googled "The Cool Kids" you probably clicked and watched the video already haha.

I uploaded these a long time ago, but y'all heard it here first!

The Cool Kids - '88
(with 300,000+ hits and counting!!)

Wale featuring Bun B - Go Mode
(with 1,200+ hits and counting!!)

Peace!

Interview with Kyle Kraft of Battle Axe Music

2008-03-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

*Sigh*

Well first of all *FORESHADOW ALERT* I just want to say how my teacher totally fucked up and screwed up the interview. Mr. Kyle Kraft made it clear how he wanted his updated biography read and researched which was sent to my teacher. My teacher was supposed to send that over to us, however the thing was, my teacher sent us the wrong link...AND with him never replying to his emails I had to go in with info I could find on Battleaxerecords.com (even though it was evidently out of date and possibly last updated 3 years ago!)

So I show up @ about 1:57pm at The Wall Center downtown where their head office is located. I get buzzed up and I was on my way up the elevator. Up on the 18th floor, I enter the suite that they call their office. Nothing elaborate or fancy...it was just that...an apartment suite haha! It wasn't even that tidy and clean, not that it mattered. It was...VERY much as hip-hop as it can get. With posters on the wall, computer cables on the floor and desks everywhere in a somewhat small living room area, it created a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. So I pull out my tape recorder and....yep. The freakin thing went all haywire...UGHHH...so we did it old school with the note taking (well actually classmate brought his laptop and typed it out).

So first of all, I'll give some background info on Kyle. A hip hop follower since the age of about 7, he truly found his calling that early and stuck with it. About 13 years later he founded the hip hop Independent label Battle Axe Records with Madchild of Swollen Members and was given the General Manager title. And for a few years, it's been butter for him.

...well for the most part. My 2nd question (first being more of an introductory question) was just about to be prepared. So I went along saying "So Battle Axe Records being more of a hip hop label, what do you think---" to which at this point he interrupted me and asked if I read the biography he sent to my teacher.

Coz well...APPARENTLY Battle Axe Records is no longer in business! I was thinking hellllllllllll naww! Shiet, now all my questions are bunk and I'm really fucked. What they apparently now operate is Battle Axe Music which is a music publishing and artist management company. (Hint to all the future industry cats on the business tip: this is where all the money is at now)

Battle Axe Records kinda fell off because Madchild wanted to furthur develop his career as a rapper instead of at the same time developing others on the label. So after that, it kinda fizzed out and Kyle went on to create a new venture with the publishing company. And it's going good for them apparently as Kyle's main artist focus is now on Sweatshop Union and Kyprios.

So my interview was more fluent in casual conversation then something structured with questions. No thanks to my teacher, we had to improvise but shit happens eh? (especially in this business).

Kyle was very open and candid with the ups and downs he went through with managing the former label. I felt a kinda irritated vibe whenever I would ask about the label but he was very helpful in answering our questions. So I kinda stayed clear of that whole topic and let the conversation flow. However, he did admit that some artists who were signed to the label were a big waste of time, and that doing the whole label thing didn't really generate great revenue. He stressed that the whole live music and touring was and always will be the main source of revenue for an artist and their managers. But still that, none of this at first will get you a house in the British Properties, but it will be a steady source of income to support a family.

As we left and thanked him he gave us words of encouragement and advice, it was that artists and the music industry will always need business oriented minds and that there will always be plenty of jobs available. He said just be professional and we'll be fine. (He also gave us some CD's, stickers and pins haha! sweet deal!)

So as soon as I left that interview I had a GREAT thirst to work in this industry. I wanted to network, I wanted to be engulfed in hip hop music and make a career out of it! I later met DJ Seko down @ Dipt coz I was in the neighborhood and I haven't been at that store in a hella long time. We talked, we networked, and he said something along the lines of if I want to survive in this business, it's all about meeting and meeting new people in the industry. And he was right...

So look out peeps...for the next little while I'm gonna try building a relationship with people in the industry and posting about it here. Some familiar and unfamiliar names maybe. But whats the point of working in this biz if you know nobody in it, ya dig? Anyways, peace!

Interview with Swollen Members!

2008-03-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

I guess I should first explain that currently @ Capilano College I am a part of this 2 year diploma program called Arts & Entertainment Management (in my 2nd semester). At first, I thought I found a gem for schooling that will help me learn about the business side of the music industry. Yes, the two areas I wish to mesh for my future career job. Well not so much of a program, well, I'd be lying if I didn't learn a lot but I expected more...but whatever. That's a different topic...

ANYWAYS one of my instructors gave me an assignment that allowed me to interview one of a bunch of respected people from a list who are from Vancouver and currently work in the arts and entertainment industry. So as I was skimming through the list I spotted KYLE KRAFT (the founder of Battle Axe Records). On his label are well known Canadian artists such as Swollen Members, Moka Only and Sweatshop Union. (Lemme tell ya how freakin' relieved I was in finding something HIP HOP oriented!!)

Okay, so I lied in my header to get you interested haha. But this opportunity will be absolutely dope for me to "get ahead" in the industry. I hope to ask questions about his opinion on the future of Canadian hip hop, his way of dealing with illegal downloading, his opinion on the great involvement of the internet to the industry, among other stuff.

The interview will take place tomorrow @ 2pm in his office downtown. I'm going with a classmate (harsh thrash metal head dude...he's a cool guy!) Hopefully the interview will go well. I'll post the results tomorrow!

Peace!