Again, Haps...

Are you serious!? A U.K. sister from...the U.K.!? Happy birthday Deanna! From the first day you commented to that post above...I just want to thank you. I wish you all the best in your life, the challenges you've faced, and will face, and everything in between. Go get 'em! I think you're going to be my official blog pen-pal from now on...Here's to you...

Cheers!

b.

Keelay & Zaire + Chicago Native Ashaki

First off, I'm excited to post up some shit debuting really soon by Keelay & Zaire. Their LP is titled Ridin' High, which was supposed to drop on Tuesday, but they pushed it back until March 10...I guess they wanted more promotion. That's okay with me...So, why not help them out? I decided to post the Alright With Me video--behind the scenes--and a few more goody-goodies for ya'll to enjoy your Friday and weekend. Of course, it's FREE.

Keelay & Zaire are two of the producers from The Sole Vibe, a refreshingly dope up and coming hip hop collective that also includes Mario Dones, Slo-Mo, Whooligan, J Fish, Mushmouf and more. Their production album Ridin High The EP is laid back, cruisin’ music-- Zaire describes it himself as “some cool riding shit--driving around with our homies listening to good music and appreciating our surroundings--basically a day in the life of the Sole Vibe camp.” The single “Alright With Me” with D-Minor and Phonte from Little Brother is RIDICULOUS. Head over to Keelay & Zaire’s Myspace to hear it.

Ridin High The EP is the preview of the upcoming Ridin High LP, which will feature appearances by The Sole Vibe Family, Phonte of Little Brother, D-Minor, Hassaan Mackey, Rasco and Planet Asia of Cali Agents, Supastition, Tash of the Liks, Saafir, Emilio Rojas, Silent Knight, Surreal, Darien Brockington, Torae, Tiffany Paige, Median, Blu and many more talented artists.

You can cop Ridin High The EP on iTunes and at HipHopSite.




This was off there blog and as soon as I downloaded it, burned on cd, and popped it in the player...I was OD-ing off this shit. Features on the project include Torae, Supastition, Tiffany Paige, Nightclubber Lang, and more. Cop it here FREE...Just click the cover.





More FREE tracks from Keelay & Zaire. Happy downloading and listening!

>>> The Times ft. Blu, Fortilive & Nino Moshella
>>> Addicts For Real ft. Tunji




The homeys at The Sole Vibe put together a really dope podcast of music from their camp, including a few gems of Keelay & Zaire’s Ridin High EP. You can listen and download here, and here’s the full list of joints played:

1. Intro - Slo Mo sock it to ya introduction
2. Keelay and Zaire - Cali 2 NY ft. Hassaan Mackey, Rasco, Planet Asia and Slo Mo
3. Slo Mo - Yada ft. AV
4. Keelay and Zaire - Wake Up ft. Emilio Rojas, Silent Knight, AV, Tiffany Paige and Brian Francis
5. Mario Dones - Wavelegths ft. Slo Mo and AV
6. Zaire - JDilla Tribute
7. Keelay - Gasca (Instrumental)
8. Supastition - Driver Seat
9. Supastition - Groundwork ft. Slo Mo
10. Shaya - Ridin
11. Emilio Rojas - Up To Speed ft. Dj Ease
12. Busta Rhymes - If You Really Wanna Party with Me (Zaire remix)
13. OC - What I Need (Keelay Remix)
14. Zaire - Marty McFly (Instrumental)
15. Speech Development (Surreal and Slo Mo) - Just Do It
16. Zaire - Letcha Sole Vibe (Instrumental)
17. Keelay and Zaire - Alright with Me ft. Dminor and Phonte of Little Brother

Hosted by Slo Mo






Here's the track that you might have already downloaded and listened to and kept on repeat. This is the video of The Times. Enjoy!




Introducing...Ashaki. Ashaki is a superb new singer hailing from Chicago that is bringing her own stature and ambience to the game. Find her on iTunes and Rhapsody now! This track below is bumpin'...

Download FREE >>> Ashaki - Connected



Spotted at Illroots

Haps To...

In response to "Passing Me By..."
Happy birthday to my girl Ashley! Thanks for the uplift...I appreciate it. And thank you for a lot more things...Seems like we've known each other for too long. Wish you all the best in your endeavors--you're really a strong person, inside and out...I've known that about you and I admire that. Don't let anything about you fade, because that's what makes you...you. I know that we've had our fair share of ups and downs, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna hate you for that. I love you, for you.

I've returned the favor...


Converse with a bow...Got it.

Much love...

b.

Hip-Hop R(Evolution)

Nas said that Hip-Hop is dead. Common said that Hip-Hop is evolving. Other artisits and other people have said, that includes you folks, as well--maybe--that Hip-Hop is taking a break and Hip-Hop is this and that, blah, blah, blah...



...I feel that Hip-Hop, in ties with other genres of music, is changing or evolving--I ain't bitin' Common's opinion on that...I've believed that it is true to me--I wouldn't say it's dead--I've said that before--but...evolving. However, what IS dead about Hip-Hop is more about it's originality and aesthetics. What's dead is the death of Hip-Hop on/for what and when it was Hip-Hop back in the days...Fazed out--this is what I've seen--are original b-boys, true Hip-Hop MC's, graffiti artists, the whole music scene...and what's without Hip-Hop without THE PEOPLE--society, culture...the fam. I can't take it anymore...I mean, like what the state of Hip-Hop is right now. I'm gonna rebel. I rebelled...I'm a rebel against Hip-Hop. The state...right now. This is why I've gone incognito, rogue...to a place of independence...where true Hip-Hop and culture collide...a calling...a true-belonging. Up above, those are gone. They've been gone. Down below...we still thrive. Planning a take-over to run those fuckers above. MOVE OVER. WE ARE TRUE HIP-HOP.

Gyeah. Like it? Sucka. Well...driving to school from home, I was listening--for the 131729347+++ time--to the J. Period/Q-Tip: The [Abstract] Best Mixtape (download it FREE here on my blog if you haven't. It's a knocker...) and I think it was track 31 or 32 or 33 where it had Randy Watson and Talib Kweli. Now, if you know me, I'm not just a normal listener to music...I like to listen, eat it, digest it, throw it up, eat it again, digest it again, and well...dissect particulars about music and songs and tell you that that track right there signaled an evolution of Hip-Hop, to me at least. A change...a modification and/or addition, to. To tell you, the track had this Jazzy/Funk feel to it and it made me think how Hip-Hop is changing in a way with other genres. It's amazing. If people can fuse and collab with Hip-Hop artists like that--AND DO IT RIGHT, I might add--then there's something up. I mean that in a good way. If others can't. Tough. Getthefcukout. I mean...listen to the Suite For Ma Dukes EP--out on ITunes--that shit was ORCHESTRATED! How ill is that shit!? What I'm saying is that I'm proud and amazed on what other genres of music and it's artists are collaborating with Hip-Hop artists and coming up with something new to the game...Word? What I'm NOT happy about the mainstream evolution of Hip-Hop to other genres of music, however,...is that cats think they can come up with some shit and call it--label it--as some other type of Hip-Hop shit. FAKES. You just can't throw shit in a pot and expect it to taste good! WTF!? I hate them cats like those. Want an example? Listen to the radio sometime--I bet a lot of you do--no offense, but I don't listen to the radio anymore...I'm upset by it. Fuck those radio DJ's. Cats need to know what's up. People want to hear some real, feel good music. I'm serious...WHAT THE HELL HAPPEND!? I'm 24...and this is what I get for my life...!? Shit wasn't like this before...even in the '90's!

I like to relate this to Jazz. I dig Jazz music. I love it. It's ill. But Jazz is just like Hip-Hop if you really think about it, are a head, and actually read about it. Jazz was a revolution...Just like Hip-Hop is a revolution. Jazz, too, fell apart...Just like Hip-Hop did. Jazz changed, in the result of that, and so did Hip-Hop. You see the resemblance? This is no way a diss or disrespect to Hip-Hop, but there are some things that I just don't feel fit in and right. Those types of shit either corrupted and/or abused Hip-Hop to a point where Hip-Hop is sinking and drowning. But see, it's not really dead--go ahead if you cats believe that--but it's changing. But if you're going to change the game...MAKE SURE YOU DO IT RIGHT. This is for people that WANT REAL SHIT TO EAT, SLEEP, AND CRAP ABOUT. Not that cheap, fake, imitiation shit with preservatives. Bleh. Man, I don't know how many feel about this...but feedback would be appreciated. If you are mad as I am...then PLEASE respond, if you care about this...and my blog. Tell me what you think...what you feel.



Hip-Hop is changing. With other genres...it's changing more. Question is: will music change, even so much so, that will it run out, die, evolve, and still likable to a point where it's NOT even music anymore? What will be the state of it? What's the future?

Another thing hit me...What's the music scene like these days, and back then, in your area? If you've moved, say, out of state to another, what was or is it like back there compared to where you currently live? (D. inspired me to type up this thought. Thanks! I'll get at you soon, girl...)

This entry is a FREE RESPONSE TO ANYBODY OUT THERE READING THIS. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT IT, IF YOU WANT...I REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOUR TAKE IS, WHETHER YOU LIKE HIP-HOP OR NOT...JUST A PERSON WHO LOVES, ENJOYS, REALLY GOOD FEEL GOOD MUSIC...WHATEVER IT MAY BE.



Know your roots. Don't kill Hip-Hop and for the love of goodness...music.





Peace to you and yours...

b.

The Roots With Jimmy + Working 9Five + Return Of...

...wait for it...

It's a double-wammy! Happy anniversary to Okayplayer at 10 years! And mark your calenders, because next week is the premiere of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, featuring The Roots as the house band! Premiering March 2nd. Also on that date, is the official 10 year anniversary party...so get your tickets...NOW! I can't wait to watch it!


...hold on...


I spotted this at the Bonafide Hater's blog...and awhile back ago on either the Organology Blog or Freddie's site...whatever...Anyways, dope site with dope shades...and a dope mixtape to go with the launch of 9fivesite.com...Peep it...And cop the FREE mixtape here...


...ready? Okay...

REFLECTION ETERNAL
In case you didn't know...Kweli tried to warn ya'll that he and DJ Hi-Tek would have some new REFLECTION ETERNAL ish to smack you up-side the head. And yes, their will be a BRAND NEW REFLECTION ETERNAL ALBUM...SOON. This song, Internet Connection, is off their soon-to-be-released sophmore LP...To add some extra funk, featuring on the track is Bootsy Collins...ALSO! REFLECTION ETERNAL will be performing at the Blue Note in N.Y.C. March 10th and 11th, so check that after the jump for the flyer...

Your Study Guide Is Due...Soon...

First off, let me get this off my chest. Everyone around me, even you that's probably reading this, are probably a) not sick AT ALL (thank, God!), b) not sick...yet..., c) are sick, already, d) been sick, but think you'll just get better without medication, e) STILL sick, and don't even bother taking care of yourself, or f) purposely getting sick so you can just excuse yourself from work, school, or any other function for that matter...(You know you wanna stay home...)

Anyways, my point is...EVERYONE has been getting sick or starting to get sick recently. Well...I REALLY HOPE YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE GETTING BETTER (AND GET BETTER SOON)--AND THOSE READING THIS VERY BLOG WITH DROWSY, DROOPY EYES, AND/OR RUNNY NOSES, HALF-AWAKE/HALF-ASLEEP, COUGHING YOUR LUNGS OUT IN FRONT OF YOUR MONITOR...AND SNEEZING (GOD BLESS YOU)--go on and rest, take care of yourself...DON'T GET ME SICK. Thank you.

________________

With that said, I'll move on...

Recently, I've been on the Organology blog and Freddie Joachim's blog basically keeping up with what projects he's been working on. Turns out that he and Question made an instrumental album dropping in April (that might be the digi version and international...) and then for the U.S. (CD version) in July of this year.
Also, yesterday I was on the Organology blog and found out that Freddie and Lauren Santiago--cop her Sunday's EP on iTunes, if you haven't already--are completing--well, the recording part, anyway--of Lauren's full-length album (see the video on the blog...) which is set to drop sometime this year, according to Freddie.

So be on the look out for these...So far what I've heard...Shit is knockin'!

Enjoy.


Here's to the day.

b.

3 Days, No More Waiting.

She's here. She's back. She's much better now...Just resting here...

We just got back from the hospital and it took awhile for us to pick her up because her doctor that she was supposed to see in the hospital was busy and didn't get to her in time. So my dad and I waited until around 1PM in the afternoon for my mom's call. ANYWAYS...the worst has gone...and the good is back again...I'm happy =)

Mom's doing much, much better now. She looks just like herself--healthy, normal, and just resting up, basically. We missed her...


There's so many to thank...and this thank you is to EVERYONE that had us in there thoughts and prayed for my mom and family. Thanks, peoples...

I'm happy.

b.

Just Stuff 'N Stuff...

I wish I attended. I would've been so awed by this event...

I'm surprised there is another leaked track off DOOM's Born Like This LP. The track is entitled That's That...listen as he just asassinates this beat. It's knockin'...Click for FREE...

...Wait! There's...ANOTHER one! This time from Illroots. Produced by J Dilla...I think you know what's coming...also from his new LP, this is Lightworks. Click for FREE...

Plus, there's more DOOM on Okayplayer...Just check out there latest news entries...

And for those that live here in The Windy City, check this site out. I was on it for a hot minute now and they have some dope shit...Fake Shore Drive. I've actually been on it several times before, I just haven't checked up on it for awhile now.

b.

On A Scale Of...

Guess what I feel...

D.I.T.C. At 10

Yesterday, marked the 10th anniversary release of The Roots '99 LP Things Fall Apart...and yes, I would--I wrote about it.

This time around, however, I'll delve more into it by giving my own personal commentary about this LP. This is one of my top favorite Roots albums in all my Roots LP's that I have. This one is a knocker...Okay wait, Organix, DYWM, Illadelph, Phrenology, and Rising Down are my favorites and knockers as well...But Things Fall Apart is something to me...

In my personal opinion, this LP deserves alot. Let's look past all the sales, the grammy award, and the charts. I'd like to look at what's inside this album, what it's worth. The past couple of days I've been bumpin' this on my player and each track has a message...maybe a subliminal message(s) in which I incurred. See, I'm that dude that is a listener, but also likes to pick at music, if you know what I mean. I like to dissect music...and that's what I did to this. I'm not sure how else to describe this album...I'd say it's not dark--unlike Tipping Point, Game Theory, and Rising Down--I'd say it's a little murky, but also fun at the same time--there are some fun, catchy tracks on there. There might be some subliminal messages in there, but really, the messages come clean and clear as whistle. Sonically, it's neo-soul, a little jazz, a little R 'n B,...it has that alternativeness to it at as well, just a hint of it. LP is not hard to understand, nor should be hated on...It's one of the best they've ever did. Here's to it and The Legendary...

This might not make sense to you, so I should tell you to listen to the album in its entirety...and rest assured this won't disappoint if you haven't gotten the chance to cop it yourself.


Hi, mom...Love You.

...We Still Wait...

...Mom calls. It's 7:44AM. I answer half-awake, half-asleep..."Hello?"

She asks if Papa is awake. I answer that he is on the way to the hospital. Mom also asks if I have school today, I say, "Yeah, I have class." "I have another procedure at 11", she says to me, probably still dizzy or that she might have just woke up...I can tell she is crying. She is. I was right. I cried a little last night...But I'm still holding on.

"I'll be okay...I love you", she says without any hesitation. "I love you, too...", I said, still laying on my bed, eyes closed...waiting for some answer...some miracle. "Bye..." "Bye..." we both said, almost simultaneously...


Class is today. Love you...get better soon...

b. I'm glad.
____________________

UPDATE: 10:21AM
...Sitting, waiting for class. Time is a dragger...

I guess I'll reflect on the events starting on Monday. I don't think I've made it totally clear to you people, if you're wondering what went down...

Okay, so I was still asleep, knowing that it was already Monday...But that Monday went from a regular, normal day to upside down in a matter of moments. My dad woke me up around 7AM...he tells me that mom isn't feeling well--she has chest pains, nausea/vomiting--I was freaking out...I stood there dumb-founded. It felt so surreal...Like...is this really happening...? My mom wanted to go to the hospital so my dad dailed 911 without hesitation...In five minutes paramedics and fire came into our house; They were doing their regular procedures on my mom--information, medical history, blood pressure, etc., etc. I still stood there like a dumb-ass...I hardly said anything. I've never had this happen, let alone OUR family...MY mom, my dad's wife. She was quickly transferred to the paramedic truck and transferred immediately to the emergency room in Condell...A few minutes later, we followed to where she was held in the emergency room--room 45--the very last room in the E.R. Soon, time started ticking...

We all had stayed there for about 6 hours in the E.R. Nurses and doctors were figuring out what was wrong with her...They took blood tests, paper work, IV's...scary. My mom laying there...She looked pale...Tubes in her body...I can see the drip, drip, drip of the IV...the sound of monitors beeping....

Later, one of the doctors said that the blood tests were negative, but they looked into it more and said that her potassium levels are low and that she needed to get her potassium level up. So, they gave her a little bag...like an IV bag, but much, much smaller, I think 20cc's of potassium chloride. My dad and I sat next to her...mom is resting, or at least trying to...her on and off chest pains were bothering her, still, while laying there...I was scared. I know my dad was, too even though he might not tell you...Trust me, I bet he was, too...

Soon, she started feeling nauseous and vomiting...I walked out quickley for a moment to get a nurse. The nurse and I helped my mom, getting her a pan, moist towels, and paper towels. She was in pain...I felt helpless. I didn't know what to do except talk to her and comfort her. I didn't want to leave her...so I decided to stay. I didn't care for the fact about myself, whether I was starving...I only cared about her. I stayed behind because my mom had told my dad to get her things--insurance, clothes, documents, etc., etc.--I just never thought my day would be like this...

Several hours later, nurses and doctors had told us that she will have to stay at the hospital for further obeservation because it is still undetermined what she has. One of the doctors said she might have some sort of virus...and so they had to bring her to radiaology where I wanted to be with her--specifically, they wanted to do an ultrasound on her pelvic region. See, she had her gall bladder taken out because she had gall stones and the doctor said that sometimes their can be side-effects contributed to that...That there might be stones around her liver. Result? Nurses and doctors determined that the ultrasound didn't really show clear...So then she was going to be transferred to the hospital with her own bed for further observation--4th floor, room 431--it's there, still, is where she is staying...

She told me on the phone this morning when she called that they are doing another procedure today at 11AM--which is in 10 minutes--please pray for my mom and us...give my mom, the nurses, doctors, dad, strength and healing...

love you, mom...

love, Brian.



I'll get at you guys in a bit...

b.
____________________

UPDATE: 7:24PM

I just got back visiting my mom =)

I left school right away at about 4PM and drove to the hospital to see her. Just before I left the house this morning to go to class my dad arrives at home and he told me that she is doing just fine and that she's feeling better. My morning, actually, went pretty well...except class. But that's class...whatever. Anyways, I arrived at the hospital, anxious to see her and how she was doing...I hoped they found out what was wrong...

At the 4th floor, I was getting close to her room--431--there, I knocked softly...not knowing if she was sleeping or not...but I knocked slowly, she says, "Hi, anak." (That's 'child' in Tagalog...) I waved and said hi back to her...I was so happy. My mom looked and felt much, much better...I can see her eyes, her smile, just her whole face light up, and yes, it was, too, that I was there to visit. I missed her...I love her. She soon positioned herself back to bed, thin blanket, pillow, the works. Lights on, tv on...I was sitting next to her. We were talking a little. I loved that moment. I asked her what was wrong with her and she said that her electrolytes and potassium levels were just way to low...Her immune system was weak...She just needed those up back to normal levels. Thank, God! She also said to me that she was blessed that she didn't have to need any surgery because they had said that her bile duct was swollen. Mom also said that tests were all negative and fine...it was just her electrolytes.

Mom is fine now. She looks real good...Hopefully she'll be discharged completely tomorrow. I can't wait...


My mom says that I sort of look like Tiger Woods...even when I smile. She says that I smile just like him...


Those moments...=)


Prayers have been answered...We're all blessed...Mom's fine. Thank you to everyone that thought about us and for all the prayers and blessings...And yes, just continue to pray for her for complete healing, strength, and recovery...

I'll get at you...

b.

7 Hours That Could Have Changed Everything...

...And time is still ticking...

I woke up at around 7:15 this morning finding out that my mom isn't feeling to well. It actually happend Saturday night...She asked me if I didn't feel well, like vomiting or stomach aches. I said that I wasn't. As of now, she still isn't feeling well and she was rushed to the emergency room to be treated. There, my dad, mom, and I waited to see what was wrong. They did all these tests to her--blood tests and so far an ultra sound--yet, it is still undetermined what she has. As of now, she is in the hospital bedroom where she is staying and still being treated for further observation by the nurses and doctors...I hope and pray everything will be fine with her. Not now, not here. I love you, Mom...Please get well soon.

Please pray for my mom and our family...


I honestly did not expect this to happen. Yet, everything happens for a reason. I honestly do not feel too worried because I know God is here with us...I still have my hopes up. I hope they can determine what it is so she can get well...

I'll keep you posted...
____________________

UPDATE: 8:36PM

Just got back a couple hours ago. It's just my dad and I right now...Mom is still in the hospital, but she is getting a little better. However, we're still not sure what she has so they have to do more tests and watch over her...But please everyone that reads this, keep praying for my mom and our family...and thank you again for those who got back at me. I will keep you guys posted, like I've said...


It's weird not having my mom here close by. She'd be sleeping by now in her bedroom, getting ready for, yet, another night at work...Working the night shift 'til 9AM in the morning. Mom, I miss You...and I love You...Please get well soon. I know that you can't read this right now, but it will soon float and hopefully this will get to you...Everyone here is praying for you...Even me...And I know Papa is, too...though he doesn't show much, I know he loves you very, very much.

Class is tomorrow. I don't feel like going...but I have to...Damn Precalc. I have to stand up now and be more responsible...help out around here, even with my Dad. Tomorrow is a whole new day...Today was beautiful...I hope Tuesday will be the same...

I never thought today would be like this. So upside down...Things happen for a reason...


Goodnight Mom...I love you. I'll see you later...Get well...



I'll get back to you...

b.



P.S.: Extra specials to Ashley and Deanna...To all my close homies out there, thank you for being...you, and thank you for being with me throughout all things...

Things Fall Apart At 10

Ah, The Roots. The Legendary based out of Philly have been doin' their thang now for almost 20 years--?uestlove and Black Thought. The Legendary collective have been known to break the barriers of the Hip-Hop scene with their own original, creative style and Thought's battle-style lyrical flow. From jazzy to alternative Hip-Hop styles, The Legendary strives to push along whoever comes their way...and they ain't damn afraid of it.

The Roots are also known for their ill concerts. If you ever been to one or any, you know what's up...

Today, marks The Roots' 4th studio album, Things Fall Apart, at 10. The album, named after a novel by Chinua Achebe, of the same title, came to be their breakthrough album of 1999. It peaked number 4 on the Billboard 200 charts and earning a gold record, which signified U.S. sales of at least 500,000 copies (currently, it has sold more than 900,000.) The track, You Got Me, off the LP peaked inside the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and earned them a Grammy award for Best Performance By A Duo Or Group.

Unlike their previous LP's, Things Fall Apart wasn't as jazzy, instead it incorporated more neo-soul influences.

So, if you haven't gotten this already, pick it up. It's worth the listen and very much a keeper.


I've also managed to grab this off from Okayplayer which they posted awhile back ago. This is a promo only mixtape-preview of Things Fall Apart mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff and it's available here for FREE, just click the cover for the jump...

Sick Vids.

Good Sunday to everyone...Let's start it off fresh!




Okay...breathe.




Watch it again.

Poster-Side Up

These pieces were done by one of my favorite street/graffiti artist by the name of Doze Green...Also a fellow member of the legendary b-boy group, the Rock Steady Crew, based out of New York. I've actually had these prints for about a year now...I just never got to them. I never had the chance to put 'em up on my bedroom walls because I wanted to get them custom framed. Flopped...that never happend. So, being me, I couldn't wait any longer and I decided to put them up a week ago...and now here they are, hanging oh so wonderfully on my walls...Now my bedroom doesn't look all that plain anymore...Though, it gives that illusion or that sense that my bedroom does look a little smaller with them up. Eh...the hell with it! I'm keepin' them up there...

b.



P.S.: Recover.Fun.Strawboxapella.
Happy 18th to Venus...

STRAW-BOX-APELLA Night '09

B.Major + Apreezeee

We held it down...Thanks to everyone...


B.Major & J.R. - Second Nature

b.

Yes, yes ya'll and it don't stop...

Obey X Dilla

Obey's Shepard Fairey, with B+, has created a print of J. Dilla based on B+'s 2003 Jaylib photograph. The 400 prints (18 in x 24 in) will release at obeygiant.com on February 20th for $55 USD. 50 prints will be sold at the Timeless event "Suite for Ma Dukes" on Sunday Feb. 22.

SHEPARD FAIREY:
“J Dilla was a great music producer who died of lupus. Now his mom has lupus and needs help with her medical bills. This collaborative poster with B+ will benefit Dilla’s mom ‘Ma Dukes.’ There is a benefit concert as well. Info below. Please support ‘Ma Dukes.’”

B+:
The photo used in the making of this poster was made in 2003 in Detroit at Dilla’s home/studio. I had been commissioned by Stones Throw to photograph him for the Jaylib record. Eric Coleman and myself were chuffed to tell him about how much love there was for him in the city of Angels. We had met Dilla several times before and he always had the same humble slightly withdrawn demeanor. He wasn’t entirely happy to have his photograph taken but it was understandable as the illness was beginning to wreak havoc on his body. Dilla meant so much to anyone who watched hiphop slowly decline as the 90s wore on. He stood for soul and jazz and musicianship in the music. His beats saved many lives, inspired many and he carried a heavy weight into the early millennium. He continued to elevate the music when many fell to the demands of a mainstream only interested in excess, hyper-commodification and violence.

All through his illness Dilla leaned heavily on his mother Maureen Yancey (fondly known to him as Ma Dukes). She was his 24-hour nurse, she patiently sat as he programmed beats. She even pushed his wheelchair on a European tour at the end of 05. Her complete commitment to him was inspiring. She too suffers from Lupus, the illness that took him. Early in 09 we received word that Ma Dukes illness had gotten worse. She was struggling away in Detroit and had hit some financial difficulties. I reached out to Shep through Ernesto to see if he would be interested in doing something for her. As always Shepherd got on it with the quickness. The proceeds from this sale will go to her. What you see here is a unique and great collaboration for someone who has brought much joy and love into many lives. Long live Dilla. Ma Dukes we love you.


VTech/Mochilla Presents: SUITE FOR MA DUKES by Carlos Nino & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson w/40 piece orchestra, paying tribute to Dilla. Opening DJ Sets by J. Rocc and House Shoes. "Timeless" series by Mochilla. 7pm - 11pm, All Ages, Venue: Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Tickets via Ticketmaster




Get more @ Mochilla & @ Okayplayer
FREE SHEPARD FAIRY!

"...Later On That Evening..." Upset.

Later that night (Thursday) was upsetting...

People can be so mean and ignorant...You can just see the thoughts and feelings people can make to others. You won't know until you see it yourself...It just really upset me to see that happen in front of my very eyes...


So simple...a little child could've done it!



Step up, son!
The City of Brotherly...Ignorance. Welcome to it...

b. Bless you, brother...

Passing Me By...

I've been asked by many..."Do you have a girlfriend?" Or some other question that can be associated or related to that. Answer: Not really...But I do like someone--long story people. But I do have to admit that I am not...yes, not...completely happy about myself. (I'm pretty good in hiding my feelings...Okay, sort of...) You see, I am happy, but not as happy as I want to be...word? I admit...I do miss having someone in my life--not that I'm typing to you that I am desperate...no--but the feeling of having someone there...talking, hanging out, etc., etc.

See, if you wanted to make a reality show out of me--I'd rather not do that, though--my life would be different from others and, well, you. My life outside isn't boring, don't get me wrong about that...I mean, more like if you had to film me about my personal life (inside me)...it'd be different. That, folks, is boring...at least to me. Plus, I'm not sure that people would understand me. I'm a person that sometimes thinks way too much and I tend to be hard on myself at times. I tell you...NOT GOOD. Gyeah...you just don't know what kind of questions that pop in my head...or what thoughts I'm thinking. I feel like I am growing up too fast, too much. It's like if I sleep now, I feel like everything will just pass me by and opportunities that will come, those would pass by me as well. I want to be in the moment of things...in the zone, if you will. A 24/7 Brian. Sometimes, I don't know if I am going anywhere at all...But really, I am...I just don't even realize it myself. I don't realize my OWN self at times...That needs to be in check.

Music and all it's glory...Now that is my security blanket...my comfort. God, too, I can't forget about him. There's something about Hip-Hop that makes me tick...makes me ill on that genre. That is my ultimate happiness. Not talking about that rap-crap you hear mainstream...If you know me, then you know exactly what I am talking about and exactly what I like....

Girlfriend...? Yeah, maybe...Although I miss having someone in my life, I still enjoy myself in the things I do and the people I have close to me...And Hip-Hop. She's my Love. I've been married to her since '84 and no one will talk me out of divorcing Her. I guess you can say that she's my girlfriend/wife/bestestestest friend/companion. (Corny blog entry, right? I know....)

...Yeah, I don't care. Why I'm I typing this? I may ask...Or you may ask. Well, I needed to get this out of my system...See, that's why I wasn't all myself recently.

You know...I feel like sometimes other people are far, much better off than me...personal life wise, you know? I feel so neutral...in a stand-still. MOVE, DAMNIT. Really...am I the Brian for everyone...? Even you caring to read this? I'm in a tiny, early 20's personal life crisis here...

I'm fine now, but still not completely myself...

"Brian, why are you still here...?"

"You're 24...and you don't have a girlfriend!?" Uhh, I'm sorry....?? Is it really the end of Brian as we/I know it...? Gyeah...we'll see. Follow me...


I miss you...I love you...


Whoever...

b. Ah, the wonders of life...

Produced By...

Gyeah. We're still on that Dilla tip...I know that I am still. So, I thought I'd look back in my collection of records that I'm knockin' up on my phones and bring you back some favorites of mine, produced by--you know who...


A Tribe Called Quest - Beats, Rhymes and Life [1996]

1nce Again, Get A Hold, Keeping It Moving, Stressed Out, Word Play


De La Soul - Stakes Is High [1996]

Stakes Is High


The Pharcyde - Labcabincalifornia [1996]

Runnin', Bullshit, Splatittorium, Somethin' That Means Somethin', Drop, Y?


Mad Skillz - From Where??? [1996]

It's Going Down, The Jam


A Tribe Called Quest - Jam EP [1997]

Get A Hold, Mardi Gras At Midnight


Janet Jackson - Got 'Til It's Gone (U.S. Promo 12" vinyl) [1997]

Got 'Til It's Gone (Ummah Jay Dee Revenge Mix)


A Tribe Called Quest - The Love Movement [1998]

4 Moms, Against The World, Busta's Lament, Da Booty, Find A Way, His Name Is Mutty Ranks, Start It Up, Steppin' It Up


Q-Tip - Amplified [1999]

11 tracks...


The Roots - Things Fall Apart [1999]

Dynamite, New Year's @ Jay Dee's (from You Got Me CD single)


Common - Like Water For Chocolate [2000]

10 tracks...


Erykah Badu - Mama's Gun [2000]

Cleva, My Life, Didn't Cha Know, Kiss Me On My Neck

D.I.T.C. HerFavoriteColo(u)r

Last week I gave you 2 free tracks to download from Blu...Turns out these joints are off a brand new mixtape that just dropped yesterday that I got off of Okayplayer...Well, and now--as always--I give you it here, FREE, from my blog. Blu - HerFavoriteColo(u)r Mixtape. (Track list below...)

Blu comes through, yet, again with an ill mixtape. By the way, he isn't only an MC, but also a producer. This mixtape is produced by him...Very soulful and mellow this mixtape is. I dig...

...And I still can't stop playing Amnesia...
____________________

Like all ya'll weren't spoiled by Blu's mixtape, today a previously unreleased Blu verse, "Nino Brown," has surfaced. The beat may sound familiar, because it's from GZA--find out more about it for yourself. Allegedly this verse was made for the song before GZA decided to go in a different direction with it.

Blu - Nino Brown >>>Download


Track List:

01_Love
02_Amnesia
03_Since
04_Morning
05_Melo
06_Wind(terludeOne)
07_When(terludeTwo)
08_Silent
09_Pardon
10_Vanity
11_Beggars'/BlackGold
12_Celln'Ls
13_Untitled(LovedU)2
14_Peace

Jordan Is Still 23...

Their isn't enough words to describe this great...But the fact that I grew up watching him and wondering why and how he was so great, even to this day. Now I know...23 to infinity...Happy 46th...

Haps...

...To my home girl Jennie! Happy birthday! Wish you all the best in your life and endeavors. Stay true to yourself...I'll see you in the Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, and Food Network. Thanks for being that little sister to me...Love your personality. Keep smiling =)

I still feel bad for not going to the Aquarium with you, I'm sorry...I wanted to go really bad =/...But I am feeling a little better, just still a little weak. I ate very little today, but I'll survive, hopefully making it this weekend...

And here's two for you...




b.

"Monday, Mondaayy..."

Start your Monday off right with these treats--and I sure need a jump start--from Q-Tip, off The Renaissance...

BOMB Fam.

Eatin' good eats...dopin' some good tunes...illin' with the freshest girls and guys. Gyeah. One BOMB WEEKEND.

Shouts to everyone that held it down in one long, continuous weekend. Fam, let's do it again...

Peace and love to My Second...

b.

M.S.: Constantly playin'...CD rotatin' on the playyyaa'...

Freddie Joachim - Mixed Vibes Vol. 2 (w/ some tracks by Blu...)
Freddie Joachim - Mixed Vibes Vol. 4 (w/ some tracks by Daru & Rena...)
J. Period/Q-Tip - The [Abstract] Best Mixtape Vol. 1
De La Soul - Stakes Is High
Q-Tip - The Renaissance (specifically Move, Gettin' Up, and my new jam, We Fight/We Love...)

Valentine's Or Bust...?

Kinda-sorta both. But not really all that bad...


Peace and love to everyone close to me...and to those closet to me.

Oh, can't forget the folks at IPJM. Thanks for holdin' us down...I see you!



Personals to: April, Ashley, Jennie, Jas, Pauline, and J.R. (let's get 'em...)...

Love to you and yours...

b.

ART IS NOT A CRIME.

FREE SHEPARD FAIREY!