gp_archives / 2011 / June

As the tweets read (bottom to top) controversial microphone activist Lupe Fiasco endorsing the swag ambassador Lil B’s new album I’m Gay (I’m Happy). While Lupe is often viewed on the side of super-lyrical, Lil B and his absurd brand of rap are viewed by many to be silly, without merit and are often labeled ignorant. Lupe however, to the surprise of many of his fans, feels otherwise. The Atlantic records recording artist stands vehemently in The Based God’s corner as is labeling him a visionary and revolutionary, which is actually what Lil b claimed his album would be. Lil B is in fact working on a collaborative project with Lupe as well as a separate one with Jay Electronica. Go figure. His I’m Gay album,  which has caused much controversy with its title, released inconspicuously last night via iTunes.

- @Middz_

This dude’s name is R-Tizt and he hails from the U.K. Homie is crazy nice with the sound effects and beats. I’ve often found that some of the dopest beat boxers are from Europe, specifically England. One thing that’s different about this culture out there is that they definitely have a great affinity for ALL things hip-hop including beat boxing and graffiti. That’s probably because, like in most cases, people tend to forget to appreciate what’s right in front of them. although hip-hop is worldwide these days, art forms such as what R-Tizt does are sort of an imported good for other nations, and let’s gace it everyone thinks imported is cooler than exported.

Anyway, supposedly @rtizt beat boxes in the same ol’ spot in the Camden section of London practically everyday. That’s dedication. If you want to check out some more of this kid’s videos then you can watch his SBTV episode or see his video with another known British entertainer, Daniel Bedingfield. Salutes to all the beat boxers out there keeping the rawest elements of hip-hop alive in these streets.

- @Middz_

Dealer: The Source

In recent years the once dominant MySpace has been flailing to maintain profits and relevance in a world now privy to younger, more engaging social networks. This week the company was sold by Rupert Murdoch’s conglomerate News Corp. for a rumored $30-40 million. Ironically, one of its new stakeholders is singer and more recently The Social Network supporting actor, Justin Timberlake. News Corporation will take a minority equity stake in Specific Media (with whom they brokered the MySpace deal 6 years ago for $35 million) who now plan to use the pop star as the face of the brand. The pop star is hoping to breathe new life into the website and move in a more music oriented direction. As much as we all think MySpace is irrelevant these days, there is still a very healthy presence of music acts in the online community. Here’s what Timberlake had to say about his plans for the new acquisitions:

“There’s a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favorite entertainers, listen to music, watch videos, share and discover cool stuff and just connect. Myspace has the potential to be that place. Art is inspired by people and vice versa, so there’s a natural social component to entertainment. I’m excited to help revitalize Myspace by using its social media platform to bring artists and fans together in one community.”

- @Middz_

Pete Rock retells the events of the night of June 28th from his point of view. The rapper was having a concert to commemorate the release of his project with Smif-N-Wessun. A brawl broke out between NYPD officers and several of the concert goers and several acts of unprovoked police brutality. Kenneth Montgomery, the rap group’s attorney speaks to some of the more serious injuries in the clip. If you’re not fully informed on the situation then read more here. Stuff like this makes clubs and other establishments not want to affiliate with hip-hop events and crowds which is a damns shame cause it really isn’t the crowd who should be put in check but rather these pigs who probably got bullied in high school and now use the badge as an excuse to kick some skulls in.

- @Middz_

With a growing buzz on these Internets and and his anticipated mixtape The Scrimmage coming soon,TUGE delivers a history lesson with this impressive concept record, “Love and Hip-Hop.” Narrating a story with hip-hop personified by a female has been done before but Tuge certainly put his own unique rhymestyle into this one with some great snippets from classic records adding to the verbal history session. Dude has been spitting consecutive heat (see previous music). That said, be sure to stay up on the Tuge wave.

-  @Middz_

Download: TUGE – Love And Hip-Hop

TUGE “Love & Hip-Hop” by Joe Cap.

Ego Trip went diggin’ in the crates to unearth this throwback (1992) commercial for Cup-O-Noodles in Japan which exported the services of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. While singing a Japanese rewrite of one his own jams Brown dances around at celebrating the Miso soup before him. Had this been an American TV Spot we surely would’ve seen this air during the super bowl, I mean be honest, the shit is genius. Sidenote: It really sounds like he’s saying “Wiz Khalifa” at one point. Just listen for it.

- @Middz_

Ragazino drops more chemicals via “Crystal Meth” just days after “Toxic Waste” and “Yowzers!,” making for a non-stop onslaught of raps that make sure we know that the #rhymepays slogan is not to be taken lightly. Maffew Ragazino‘s Rare Gems: The Collection Pt. 2 is coming soon. Look forward to some more great New York hip-hop with that one.

- @Middz_

After a joint Ski produced with tabi Bonney dropped yesterday and his cut featuring L.E.P. Bogus Boys and Terri Walker coming out today, the respected producer gives us this cool viral that allows viewers to explore his process when making a brand new beat. Ski Beatz applies his dojo teachings the the MPC 2500 and comes up with something pretty solid that might sound great with teh boy Curren$y Spitta on it. Watching the clip will also give yo an update on the release of Ski’s project, 24 Hour Karate School II.

- @Middz_

During the Wu-Tang’s travels through Europe, HipHopNews24-7 captured this footage of the Shaolin supergroup performing live in Belgium. Looks like they get crazy love overseas too which is really no surprise since the Wu are a staple of hip-hop and have had international appeal for rap heads everywhere as true ambassadors of the culture. I missed a show a few months back and I’m still type sick about it. Hopefully they announce some local show dates soon.

- @Middz_

Look who’s back. Expect DMX to be released from jail tomorrow. Trademarkk approved.

Download: DMX – Sucka 4 Love|