A wise man once told me that, “Whatever you focus on will become stronger in your life.” I heard that as a youth, but it’s concise wisdom has stuck with me through my evolution into a man. It is a simple axiom, yet carries profound truth and insight. In this day and age, it is necessary to be aware of such an idea.
What does focus mean to you? It is probably different for everyone that is asked such a question. For me, focus is simply where my attention lies. If I happen to be on twitter all day, I’m pretty much focused on interacting and sharing in the thoughts of a varied population of people. If I am spending my time at the yoga studio, then my focus is on the development of a mind-body connection. You see, where we place the gaze of our mind’s eye will inevitably lead us in that direction.
This understanding is the pillar upon which marketing and advertising are built. These disciplines have realized that by shifting the focus of viewers, that they are able to captivate the imagination. Take a moment and think about how you are focusing your attention.
Are you being mindful of where your third eye resides? Is your reality a conscious selection, or are you passively focused on the whirlwinds of the world around you? These are questions that only you can answer. But, bear in mind, whatever you are focused on will grow stronger in your life. Choose well my friends…
1. 24-7-365- Gang Starr
2. Peace- the Burnerz
3. So Fresh, So Clean- Outkast
4. Victory ft. Nas & John Legend-DJ Khaled
5. Feel Like Making Love-Roy Ayers
6. Knowledge God-Raekwon
7. I’m a Leader-Zion I & the Grouch
8. Come Fly- the Burnerz
9. Afro Connections at Hi 5- De La Soul
10. Jus Sayin-the Burnerz
11. Nautilus-Bob James
12. Golden-Jill Scott
13. Coffy is the Color- Roy Ayers
August 31, 2010–Oakland, CA–The Burnerz are a new duo consisting of Zumbi of the hip-hop group Zion I and the Houston-based Trackmasters producer,The Are. Now, after a year of scratching out rhymes, making beats, mixing, and mastering, The Burnerz—who met on tour in Europe in 2003—just completed one of the most energizing independent hip-hop albums of the year.
The Burnerz recruited The Grouch, OneBeLo, Martin Luther, and C-Holiday for the album. “Instead of going through layers of editing (like we do for Zion I),” explains Zumbi of his approach, “We tried to capture the raw emotion of both lyrics and beats for this album.”
Zumbi has always set a new standard for socially conscious hip-hop and this album is no exception. The track “The Edge” where The Grouch and Zumbi spit rhymes about snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. “It’s about feeling hopeless and fearful, but having just enough strength to turn around and confront one’s demons,” explains Zumbi.
As the charismatic emcee of Bay Area group Zion I, Zumbi has released six critically acclaimed albums along with numerous EPs and mixtapes. Zumbi contributed to the Grammy-Award winning group Linkin Park’s album Reanimation as well as the BassNectar album, and mixtapes for the Roots, K’naan and Q-Tip. Currently, Zion I are touring with reggae sensations Rebelution. Their seventh album Atomic Clock drops Nov 9.
Veteran producer, The Are, hails from Houston, TX but his production style is more drum-heavy east coast in sound than southern. He began his career with the trio K-Otix in the early mid 90s, touring Europe and releasing the 2001 LP, Universal, and contributing two tracks for EMC (Punchline, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, and Stricklin). But, it’s been within the last couple years, that The Are has flourished: After signing with the production team the Trackmasters, he produced singles for Keisha Cole (“Where this Love?”), Lil Kim and Lords of the Underground, as well as many others. His Michael Jackson instrumental remix CD, Dem Damb Jacksons, became an online collectors item in 2007. Finally, he produced the first single off the forthcoming Keisha Cole album.
Fans will have to wait until October 12 to hear The Burnerz, but they promise to leak new singles (not on the record) every week until then.
America, the beautiful, was born out of necessity. In many ways, our country represents a new age experiment in diversity. As exemplified in the old School House Rock skit, we are born out of a melting pot of cultures. The natives of America still live and breath throughout our culture, though we struggle to recognize their influence. The old country is represented through the vast array of Europeans here: Italians, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, Greek, etc. Africa is alive and well in it’s ancestors who were brought to these shores by force, and in turn have shaped culture by our very essence and being. Both Asia and Latin America course through the veins of the US, having been present since our inception. We are all apart of the story of America. Thus, the 14th amendment seeks to recognize that anyone born in this country has a right to contribute a chapter in it’s history.
Yet, today we see that there is a growing backlash against the very tenants that we are based upon. It seems that smalls minds from coast to coast are mounting on attack on liberty. The “birther” movement seeks to oust the President from his seat, because they claim that he was not “born” on American soil. The battle around immigration has also been a hotbed for protest against what the 14th amendment calls for as equity. These people have obviously forgotten what America was, and is built upon. Without all of the diverse gifts from around the world, we could not have come this far. Quite possibly, we would not even exists without the blood, sweat, and tears of the global community living within our borders. To push back against the 14th Amendment, is to denounce the essence of what America is. Out of ignorance and fear, some seek to wipe away our history and create a new monoculture. I am sorry people. It won’t work. That just isn’t the American way.
1. Party Mix-Vinroc
2. One Thing-Amerie
3. Beautiful-Snoop Dogg
4. Juicy-Biggie
5. Party Mix 2-Vinroc
6. Drop it Like Its Hot-Snoop Dogg
7. Southern Hospitality-Ludachris
8. Lean Back-Fat Joe
9. Party Mix 3-Vinroc
10. Like Glue-Sean Paul
11. Shake-50 Cent
12. Love Like-Busta Rhymes
13. Brand New-Beenie Man
14. Got It Twisted-Mobb Deep
15. King of the Dancehall-Beenie Man
16. Ohh-Ciara ft. Ludachris
17. Move Ya Body-Nina Sky
The collaboration is a unique aspect of hip hop. This tradition is directly descended from the jazz roots that are a part of the gumbo that came together to form our culture. The technique of joining different groupings of musicians to expand into new directions is necessary to the evolution of the music. These pairings have been used to mentor musicians, as well as create new styles, and genres. It is thus, an essential aspect of the perpetuation of music which represents the feelings of the people.
Thus, Zion I & the Grouch decided to link up for our first album in 2006, entitled Heroes in the City of Dope. I learned a lot in the process, as I am used to writing albums by myself for the most part, outside of editing ideas. Yet, working with the Grouch is much more of a collective effort in terms of forming concepts around songs. It is always inspiring to get a fresh perspective or idea that I would not normally think of on my own. The collaboration is a creative push, a challenge to go further and see what level of beauty can be achieved.
On today’s show, we get to chop it up with all the homeys on a more intimate note about technology, the future of music, and staying centered in a world gone wild. AmpLive holds down the tables, blessing up with choice selections, and the Grouch and I chop up game about life. Tune in..tune up..and evolve.
1. Silly Puddy Remix ft Coldplay-Zion I ft the Grouch
2. 1940- Submarines (Amplive Remix)
3. Better Man- Chali2na
4. Hot Right Now- AmpLive ft. Zumbi, Grouch, Fashawn, Eligh
5. Get Up-Dilla ft. Common
6. U Neva Knew- Heiroglyphics
7. Passin By Me- Pharcyde Remix
8. Last of a Dying Breed- Aesop Rock
9. One Love (Remix)-Nas
10. Childhood Drama-Goapele
What up family…We’ve been incredibly busy over the last couple of weeks and are excited to announce that we have some new music ready for you! In addition to the Zion I album which we’ve been meditating on, we’re also almost done with the new Zion I & the Grouch project. Thus, we would like to present to you the first single off the new album from Z&G entitled “Leader” and backed by “One” (which has landed in the new film Step Up 3D)! We are excited to be bringing you this new music. The studio is feeling like home these days, as we’ve been living there for the past couple months. Watch us talk about the singles in the video above and preview the tracks in the below widget. let us know how you’re feeling the new jams. Hit us up at facebook.com/zioniandthegrouch and leave a comment about the song, or if you’re on twitter hit us up at: twitter.com/zioni, twitter.com/zumbi808, twitter.com/amplive, or twitter.com/therealgrouch. Give thanks y’all, enjoy!
Fear. What is this thing? Is it an emotion, a feeling, or a need? I’m not sure exactly how to categorize it, but I feel as though this thing called fear is a tool that is used to pollute our thoughts and minds. A conspiracy you say? Hardly, its just that misery loves company.
I notice this trend when I browse the internet and read the commentary below videos and news articles. The comments posted generally have a negative tone to them. They are often accompanied by racists quiffs, when appropriate, and a blatant disconnection with human suffering. Quite possibly all the autonomy online has exposed the true level of fear that, we humans still possess. It’s scary right? Ah, not so much.
Fear, as far as I know, is an instinctual response that was developed as a means for survival as we developed as a species. In modern life, it still serves its purpose, yet we seem to crave it more than is necessary. It feels that we are constantly pumped full of things to fear thru the media: recession, violence, the BP spill, war. You get the drift. But, what do we really have to fear?
I propose that we relinquish our need to fear anything. To respect is good, to fear is to paralyze one’s self. Just take a moment and imagine what our world would be like if we no longer feared one another because we looked different. What if we were no longer afraid of different religions and cultures? Could we possibly move unto a higher level of awareness as a collective? I think that is very probable once we do away with fear. The best way to treat fear is to turn around and face what is haunting you. It’s never quite as bad as we think it is, and if it truly is that dire, you might as well get it out of the way sooner than later. Releasing it will allow fresh energy to flow in and through your life. Now, go into the world, with courage as your guide.
Morning Sunrise-Twennynine with Lenny White
Good Old Music-Funkadelic
stimela -Hugh Masekela
Rude boy-Lee Perry & Prince Jammy
Flashpoint-Music DeWolfe
Drama Blackcloth-Alan Lew
Overjoyed-Stevie Wonder
What You Won’t Do For Love-Bobby Caldwell
I Walk on Guilded Splinters-Johnny Jenkins
hells kitchen-syd dale
Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth-24 Carat
Remind Me-Patrice Rushen
Remind Me-Patrice Rushen
We Can Make It If We Try-The Sylvers
Boogie Back-Roy Ayers
Boogie Back-Roy Ayers
Wind Parade-Donald Byrd & the blackbyrds
Buck’em Down (Remix) voc/instr-Black Moon
I once read somewhere that sports were a metaphor, of war. If so, then we are living in violatile times, although the World Cup, is more of a grand spectacle. Being that, the whole world is involved, the political and social ramifications of the “football” can hardly be denied. Honestly, I haven’t been interested in “football” since I was a youth. But since the World Cup in ‘06, I’ve been riveted by the collective attention which it demands. In many ways, it’s bigger than the Olympics. There is much greater parity, which makes the competition all the more thrilling. Although juggernauts like Brazil and Argentina feel pre-destined to dominate, smaller countries like Uruguay, Switzerland, Ghana, and the Netherlands are able to eek their way onto the world stage. It is truly fascinating when we consider how many eyes and minds are focused on this one event.
What could we accomplish as human beings if we all got together and focused on ending poverty and oppression in the same way, and with the same passion that we view sports? I think we could truly change the world. Just a thought. Science of Breath…on the move.
1. Ghost Town-the Specials
2. Friends-Nas X Damian Marley
3. Never Been- Wiz Khalifa
4. Mezmorized-Wiz Khalifa
5. Highs N Lows-Kid Cudi
6. I’m Beaming- Lupe Fiasco
7. Flying Kites- Cool Kids
8. Dear God 2.0-the Roots
9. Beamer Benz or Bentley-Lloyd Banks
10. Window Seat-Erykah Badu
11.How Many Mics-the Fugees
12.Candy Man-Jay Electronica
13.the Burnerz-the Burnerz
14.Cannons-Currensy
15.Mathematics-Mos Def
16.the Edge-the Burnerz
17.Ghost Children-Deuce Eclipse
18.Go Hard-Zion I
19.Ride-Nappy Roots
20.Nautilus-Bob James
21.Hold Yuh-Gyptian ft Nicki Minaj
22.Gadgets Go Go-Chali2na
Whoa! World spin..begin..faster..FASTER! That’s how I feel y’all. I know..intense right? Indeed. No worries..we’ll be good. I just got to let it out every now and then. There seems to be so much going on these days. At the tip of my mind remains the tragedy of the BP spill. What have we done? I have a distinct feeling that we’ll be dealing with the aftermath of this for the remainder of our lives. I read something that said that the leak was spilling over 2 million gallons a day!! What? That is completely impossible to fathom in many ways, but it sounds like its easily the worst environmental disaster in history. How will the ocean be effected by such negligence? It’s scary to contemplate the ramifications. Still, we keep on pushin’ thru. I pray for the good of all people, that we may learn from this. We cannot continue to repeat this type of behavior, the Earth will not allow it. Remember, we are blessed to have this environment which is perfectly suited to our beingness. Pray for healing..pray for peace. Bless…
Perception-Electric Wire Hustle
Party For Your Right To Fight-Public Enemy
Jungle Love Inst-J Dilla
E=MC2 Inst-J Dilla
E=MC2 Featuring Common, Jay Dee
Tha Cipha-Triple Threat
Stakes Is High-De La Soul
You Never Knew (Album)-Hieroglyphics
My Philosophy-Boogie Down Productions
Ready Set Go feat. Moe Green-TRUTHLiVE
Ova Du Wuds-DJ Vinroc
Listen Up-E-Rule
Get A Hold-A Tribe Called Quest
Miss Me (Ft. Lil Wayne-Drake
What’s Beef?-Notorious B.I.G
U Don’t Know-Jay Z
All For The Cash-Gang Starr
Do Your Thing (clean)-Camron
Ain’t The Devil Happy-Jeru The Damaja
Sound Bwoy Bureill-Smif-N-Wessun
The word xenophobe means “fear of outsiders”. For me, this can mean foreign people, foreign ideas, or extraterrestrials…take your pick. On this week’s show, house DJ Vinroc and I build on two very pertinent topics. We begin by touching on the tragedy of the BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast region. The persistence of our world leader’s to use oil and gas as the staple of the world economy has lead us to yet, another crossroads. Will we ever learn from our mistakes? Oil is not a renewable power source. It is also finite. We will soon come to the end of our oil supply worldwide. Some say that this will happen within the next 20-50 years. What are we waiting for? Armageddon? Don’t get me started.
Secondly, being that we at the Science of Breath pride ourselves in thinking outside of the box, we discussed the concept of aliens making contact with humans. Many may view this as sheer science fiction. However, anything is possible when we consider the fact that our galaxy is almost completely unexplored. We haven’t even thoroughly analyzed the ocean. Are we truly the only “intelligent” life in the universe? I highly doubt that. It seems that our self proclaimed importance is a symptom of our ego, and creating the idea that reality bends around our need to be the center of all things. We question what it would be like if extraterrestrials actually made themselves known to us. How would humanity respond? I assume there would be dramatic upheaval, both philosophically and psychologically. How would you react? Join us for an inside look at the future…
Me Or The Papes (LP Instrumental)-Jeru The Damaja
Biz Markie - Just A Friend
Caught Up-Metro Area
Love Junkie (Remix) f. Wallpaper and The Park-Donwill
love is the message cuco edits-mfsb
Running Away-Roy Ayers Ubiquity
WALK INTO THE SUN (Vocal / Inst)-Organized Konfusion
International Zone Coaster (Re-Remix Edit)-Leaders Of The New School
Lowdown-Boz Scaggs
Evil Vibrations-The Rebirth
Full Moon (Feat. Common)-Armand Van Helden
Opposite People-Fela Kuti
Beng Beng-Fela Kuti
Take Your Time (Do It Right)-S.O.S. Band
Strobelite Honey-Black Sheep
Amp Live is proud to present the newest single ‘Turn it Up’ featuring Mickey Factz, from his forthcoming album, Murder at the Discotech. ‘Recalling the glory days of Run DMC, T La Rock, Shep Pettibone and the Latin Rascals,’ Amp Live’s 808 heavy beat dives deep in the dubstep realm while Mickey Fact rhymes hard over the production. Be on the look out for Murder at the Discotech dropping on June 15th!
The anitcipated electronic and hip hop fused record features guest vocals by Mickey Factz, Zumbi of Zion I, Grouch, Eligh, Trackademicks, Fashawn, Myka Nyne, Hot Tub, Yak Ballz, My First Earthquake, Golda Supa Nova, Bambu, Dude Royal and more. Featuring the internet buzz hits ‘Gary is a Robot’ featuring Trackademicks (Fools Gold) & Mr. Micro and ‘Turn it Up’ featuring Mickey Factz (XXL hottest mcs to watch out for 2010), Murder at the Discotech is best defined as electro hop; melting dubstep, electro, hip hop and indy in to one pot.
In case you missed the limited free download of the 1st single, ‘Gary is a Robot’ featuring Trackademicks & Mr. Micro, you can get both singles free HERE.
In respect of our great ancestor El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, I dedicate this show to the incredible work that he did in order to uplift our people. Davey D blasted out a great tidbit on his twitter yesterday. This is vintage audio of 2 FBI agents actively trying to coerce Malcolm into snitching on his own organization, the Black Muslims. With rare eloquence and resilience, we hear how Malcolm cleverly rebukes their feeble attempts. It is one of the best old school audio gems that I’ve heard in ages. To hear him break down the fidgety embargoes of the agents is priceless. Yet, this was recorded in 1963. The brother was assassinated a short 2 years later in 1965. It seems that the government tried one approach, and once they saw that it wasn’t working, they went to their old faithful. Straight up murder. Go figure. All praises to the brother. They killed his body, but they couldn’t end his legacy. Science of Breath on the move…
1. Stillmatic-Nas 2. 9am in Dallas-Drake 3. the Moon & the Stars-Young Chris 4. Crib on the Moon-Zumbi 5. Umi Says-Mos Def 6. Nuthin Like This- J Dilla 7. Reunited-Old Dirty Bastard 8. Check it Out-Guru ft. Zumbi 9. You’re Da Man-Nas 10. By Any Means Necessary-Malcolm X 11. Black Steel-Public Enemy 12. Un-thinkable-Alicia Keys ft Drake 13. Hold On-Dwele ft Kanye West 14. Gadget Go Go-Chali2na 15. What Goes Around-Nas 16. Zambezi (Fools Gold remix)-Tinashe 17. Ala Il Hanash Madgouga-Omar Souleyman
The music industry is in total disarray. Let the heads roll. It is better for us, the artists, this way. Why you ask, as you shake your head and roll your eyes? There is less control of the “system” now, then ever before. No longer do major labels hold complete sway over the marketplace. I am not a fool, I recognize the great influence that labels still have on the mass consciousness of the people. Yet, at the same time, I feel that independent musicians, filmmakers, and authors have opportunities today, that simply didn’t exist 10 years ago.
There is enough technology available that anyone can damn near craft a record and release it. This is a beautiful thing. Artistic expression is at an all time high. The only thing that can hold you back in this moment is you. If you want it, the world awaits your passion to possess their attention. What will you say when you finally have the blogosphere at your beck and call? The only limit is your creativity. This is your time. To quote Nas, “the world is yours, the world is yours”. The independent route of releasing your own music is not an easy one, but it is a liberating one. Be free of the machine, express your inner soul, and ride the current of wild creativity that pulses within your heart. Do not hold back, and do not be scared. Instead, practice fearlessness. May the force be with you. Churrrch…
1. Waken Baken- Wiz Khalifa
2. What We Be On-Devin the Dude
3. Lemon Kush-Currensy
4. Never Been-Wiz Khalifa
5. Funky Freestyle-Devin the Dude
6. The Takeover-Jay Z
7. Watch Dem (Murderer)-Barrington Levy ft Snoop Dogg
8. Beamer Benz or Bentley-Lloyd Banks
9. Wozani Mahipi-Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens
10. I Sivenoe-Melotone Sisters
11. Zol!-BLK JKS
12. Flauta Magica-Mark Knight
13. Coastin- Zion I
14. Champion- B.O.B.
15. In the Cut- Wiz Khalifa
16. Billie Holiday- Miike Snow
17. Trizzy Turnt Up- A-Trak
The islands of Hawaii are magical. With it’s raw beauty and ancient culture, it is hard to find anything in the West that compares to it’s natural elegance. We were blessed to be able to spend last week there, both working and chilling. The first half of the trip was spent on Maui, deep within the Grouch’s rain forest hideout studio. Complete with hordes of geckos, mosquitos, flying roaches, and cane spiders (which are the size of a large man’s hand..), we sunk into the landscape and fed off of the simplicity and silence which was ever present. We were able to really sit down and concentrate on the new Zion I & the Grouch album. It felt good to be in that creative space where time feels like it’s standing still. The cellphone felt obsolete, the TV was nonexistent. I believe that this is the best way to connect with the inner voice and create true art. We freaked about 5 songs in two days. I can’t wait for y’all to hear the gumbo that we’ve been cooking up. The album is roughly slated for release in February of 2011.
The second half of the trip was spent in Oahu. Compared to Maui, Oahu felt like New York. Maui is so stripped down and simple. It feels like only Earth, Sky, and Ocean exist there. While, in Honolulu, I was transported right back to downtown SF with a quickness. We rocked a show out there at the Next Door which went off. After that, it was time to chill. After sleeping the entire next day away, I was finally prepared for some adventure the following day. I was rewarded with a dope trip to a secluded, almost private beach on Oahu’s gold coast. Next, my highest wish was granted, when our homey Chris said that he would take us surfing.
We hit the surf with a fury, as I struggled to keep up with my guide’s staggering pace. He leapt up on wave after wave, and I guess he must of inspired me, because I had the best day I’ve ever had of surfing. Pretty soon, however, my arms started to go limp from all of the paddling. I was getting worn out. I missed three good waves in a row after paddling with whatever was left over of my strength. Consequently, I found myself washed out into a lonesome patch of ocean. There were no other surfers in the immediate vicinity, so I took the opportunity to just kick it, and enjoy being in the water. Suddenly, I saw a long patch of olive grey skin rise out of the ocean. What the hell is that? I tried to calm myself down by telling myself it was a seal. Right? I waited with bated breath as the swollen mass sunk down into the deep blue. When it re-emerged, a beaklike face jutted out of the rippling surface, and slowly a turtles head began bobbing up and down whimsically. A giant sea turtle! I was stunned, both terrified and excited at the same time. I had never encountered such a large creature so close to me in the ocean and admittedly, I was shook. I pulled my legs out of the water and onto the board, and just sat there watching the turtle go up and down for air. At first, I wanted to shout out a warning, but my mind consoled me that turtles were not known to be dangerous, it wasn’t a shark after all. The deep orbital eyes gazed at me, almost as if laughing at the uncomfortable way I was now sitting on the board. I almost laughed at myself. Yet, I continued to stare at the peaceful being for about 5 minutes. I began to feel as if I was having some type of spiritual communion, with the mix of fear, revelry, and adrenaline all going off at once. Slowly, I relaxed out of my trance as I realized that time was going by and I was not catching any waves. I slowly turned around and paddled away. It was time to return to the shore. I had gotten everything that I needed out of the experience. The next thing I knew, I nice wave was upon me. I paddled hard and caught the best ride of the day, almost all the way in to the shore. Mission accomplished. From this point on, I will feel a special connection with the giant sea turtle. It felt as though an old friend had come to say what up. What a wonderful memory. Bless…
1.Get Dis $-Slum Village
2.Annakin’s Prayer-Jay Electronica
3.Lights Please-J Cole
4.Changes-the Burnerz
5.Return of the Boom Bap-KRS One
6.the Return-UNI ft Zumbi & Talib Kweli prod by Lee Bannon
7.Montara-Bobby Hutcherson (Madlib Remix)
8.Window Seat-Erykah Badu
9.Girl I Love You-Massive Attack
10.Hold Yuh-Gyptian ft Nicki Minaj
11.Smoking My Ganja-Capital Letters
12.Da Style Deh-Busy Signal
13.It Was Written-Damian Marley ft Capleton
14.Mad Izm-Channel Live
15.Damn Right I Am Somebody-James Brown
Broadcastin’ live from the beautiful island of Hawaii this week, I’ve been soaking up the mellow vibes of the ocean and recording a grip of music. We’re out here recording music for the new Zion I & the Grouch album, which will be out in February. It’s always interesting to travel and then record in a new locale, because the new location inevitably brings about new feelings and expressions. Add that to the fact that we were on Maui for most of our stay, which is extremely chill compared to the hustle mode of the Bay. I’ve been having a grand ol’ time of getting acquainted with nature, and having the chance to listen to my thoughts without outside interruption. Needless to say, it’s been a much needed respite.
This week, I had to dedicate half of the show to Guru of Gang Starr, who finally succumbed to what they are calling cancer last week. Unfortunately, the drama has yet to cease, as his “partner” (?), Solar produced a scathing letter supposedly written by Guru on his deathbed which basically dissed DJ Premier and completely downplayed the Gang Starr legacy. It feels like this guy Solar wrote the letter, which is wack as hell. Why would anyone do such a thing? Weird. To add to that, Sway interviewed him and questioned him about the whole situation with Guru, and Solar came off very defensive and nervous. The dude just seems like he’s lying. Why, I don’t know. It’s sad that such a legend had to leave with an ackward departure. Regardless, of his attempts, Solar could never throw shade on the Gang Starr name. R.I.P. Guru, you live on thru music and memory.
1. Destroy & Rebuild-Nas
2. I’m Beaming-Lupe Fiasco
3. Africa Must Wake-Damian Marley & Nas ft K’naan
4. Friends-Damian Marley & Nas
5. Maybach Music-Jay Z
6. Born Free- M.I.A.
7. Flyest-Nas
8. Dwyck-Gang Starr ft Nice & Smooth
9. New York Straight Talk-Gang Starr
10.Mass Appeal-Gang Starr
11. Mostly the Voice-Gang Starr
12.The Place Where We Dwell-Gang Starr
13.Brainstormin’-Gang Starr
14.Code of the Streets- Gang Starr
15.the Militia-Gang Starr
Big up all massive and crew! Thank you for tuning in for another week of exciting new styles from across the world. This week, I’m broadcasting from sunny Los Angeles, CA. We had a show at UCLA last night at the annual event, the Mighty Mic. Each year, they throw a well organized concert in order to bring awareness to injustice in any form. This year was focused on the Congo, and how the country has been destabilized since the mid 90’s. One startling fact is that nearly 6 million have died in the country since ‘98, but yet, the western media is not even willing to sneeze about the tragedy which is occurring there. Congo is rich in many minerals which provide the basis for electronics and technology. If these resources suddenly begin to dry up, we’ll probably start hearing the Congo referenced on the news. But in the now, know that our brothers and sisters across the water need help. The show was dope last night, except for the fact that I busted my lip on the mic whilst leaping around. Definitely not an enjoyable experience, while broadcasting I was alternating between icing my golfball lip, and selecting the tunage. All to the good…enjoy..tune in..and tune up!
1.#9-Lee Bannon
2. Mr. Brown-Bob Marley
3. Tenement Yard-Jacob Miller
4. Hold Yuh-Gyptian ft Nikki Minaj
5. Hold the Line-Major Lazer
6. Any Dub You Like-Buju Banton
7. I Can’t Handle It-Devin the Dude
8. Monday-the Glitch Mob
9. We One-J Cole
10. Public Service Announcement-Jay Z
11. Window Seat-Erykah Badu
12. Afro Connections at 5-De La Soul
13. Is There Any Love-Kid Cudi ft Wale
14. Portuguese Love- Bah Samba ft Alice Russell
Today..I have a lot on my mind. Mostly, about what I need to do, that I very much dislike doing. Should I even breath the word? Here we go..Taxes. Blah. Every year I have to pick through piles and piles of white receipts, in search of profit and loss. It’s one of the joys of being a business owner. So I’m thinking that today’s show is going to give me the energy I’ll need for the next couple days to knock this out. I found a nice lil gem by Gil Scott Heron ft Nas. The OG has been one of my favorites since back in the day, with his angst filled croonage. If you don’t know, and you’re into soul music, google him. Also, stumbled on to some classic club music, as delivered by Pandora.com. I love this website because it’s such a good place to learn about new music. They have some technology that groups songs and artists according to varied styles and emphasis. Very dope. Enjoy the show..blessed..tune in, tune up!
1. All My-Lee Bannon
2. Lights Please-J Cole
3. Take Notice-J Dilla
4. Casio Training-Flying Loutus
5. Early Grave- Wu Tang
6. 1940 (AmpLive Remix)-the Subwayz
7. R.M.-Lee Bannon
8. Mostly the Voice-GangStarr
9. Compton-the Game
10. ShutterBug-Big Boi
11. New York is Killin Me-Gil Scott Heron ft Nas
12. Show Em Whatcha Got-Public Enemy
13. Up In Her Belly-Busy Signal
14. Gypsy Woman-Crystal Waters
15. E Samba-Jr Jack
16. Pasilda-Afro Medusa
17. Numbers-Kraftwerk
18. World Hold On-Lo Mejor del Genero
19.U Don’t Know Me-Armand Van Helden
20. My Feeling-Jr Jack
21. Da Style Deh (Douster Remix)-Busy Signal
22.For Those Who Like to Get Down-Marques Wyatt
With all the changes currently sweeping the planet, it is of utmost importance to embrace the concept of change. It has been said that change is the only constant, and I believe that this is true. Every once in a while, a single courageous soul stands up to embody a new idea who’s time has come. In this case, this person is Erykah Badu. With an already illustrious career behind her, she has pushed the envelope of artistry with her latest video “Window Seat”. In it, she gets out of a car and walks to the spot where JFK was assassinated, all while undressing herself. At the end of the video, she lies naked after being shot with the words “Groupthink” spilling from her prone body. In my mind, this is the ultimate collaboration of art and activism. The message which she sends forth is an edgy one, that I fear many will miss. She is questioning conformity, and society’s norms, by literally stripping herself of all pretense. The Dallas PD is currently questioning whether to pull up charges against her. Another woman has stated that she will sue Ms. Badu. It is my opinion that change is hard for many of us, and that the backlash she faces, symbolizes the natural resistance that human beings have to change. Erykah, I am writing this to let you know that we stand with you, and we face the winds of change together. Peace..
1. We Got the Jazz-ATCQ
2. On & On- Erykah Badu
3. Window Seat- Erykah Badu
4. Otherside of the Game-Erykah Badu
5. Jump Up in the Air and Stay There-Erykah Badu ft Lil Wayne
6. Love of My Life-Erykah Badu ft Common
7. Strawberry Incense-Erykah Badu
8. Magic-Erykah Badu
9. Turn Me Away-Erykah Badu
10. the Healer-Erykah Badu
11. Back in the Day-Erykah Badu
12. Fall in Love-Erykah Badu
13. A Life in the Day of Benjamin Andre-Outkast
When I called Vinroc to see if he could come thru today’s show, I had no idea what the topic of the day would be. Yet, when I asked if he had any ideas, he replied quickly with “Let’s talk about the water problem which is facing the world right now.” Water problem? Do you mean the California drought? Hardly. The problem of drinkable water, is being discussed as one of the most foreboding dilemmas that will soon plague humanity. No, this is not a doom and gloom show, it’s all about communicating information and raising awareness. In many 3rd world countries this problem is already being felt. We in the “1st world”, are kept ignorant to the cold reality of private corporations attempting to takeover the water supply, and sell it back to us in bottled form at a higher price. It’s pure insanity, and the systematic corporate greed which endeavors this type of philosophy is unsustainable. Vinroc and I discuss different ways that people can inform themselves and spread the word about this insidious trend. Tune in and UP!!
Playlist:
1. Home-Jay Z 2. One Blood- JR Reid 3. Thief in the Night-John Holt 4. Express Ya Self-Leroy Sibbles 5. You’re Mine-Dwele 6. Falling in Love- Flying Lotus 7. I Don’t Know Why- Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder 8. Sally-Supercat ft 3rd Eye, Diddy, & Biggie 9. All I Can Be-Biggie 10. Who Shot Ya-Biggie 11. Summer Rain-Donald Byrd 12. Buck Down-Black Moon 13. More Bounce-Zapp 14. Water Get No Enemy-Fela Kuti 15. Freestyle-I n I 16. Successful-Drake ft Trey Songs
There are some musical legends that are of monumental influence, yet still manage to fly under the radar of commercial popularity. Throughout the late 80’s and 90’s Gang Starr was a staple of Hip Hop culture. With Guru on the mic, and DJ Premier commanding the boards like a titan, the crew blazed trails of authentic street music for over 15 years. Yet, somehow in this day and age , they are often left out of conversations regarding Hip Hop’s illest crews. In my humble opinion, anyone who doesn’t recognize Gang Starr is not a true head.
Last weekend, Guru had a cardiac arrest and as a result fell into a coma. Twitter lit up almost instantaneously with updates and prayers for the suffering legend. Many of us began dropping quotes, song titles, and other Gang Starr trivia as a way to remind ourselves of the crew’s true greatness. It felt good. I hadn’t thought about some of these songs for over 10 years. It was then that I decided to dedicate the show to the crew, in the hope that the positive energy would aid in Guru’s recovery. Indeed, prayer is powerful and thoughts are things. This is a quick overview of one of the most prodigious groups that Hip Hop has ever known. Sit back, burn one and enjoy…Gang Starr y’all. The Real. Hip Hop.
1. 24-7-365-Gang Starr
2. Curtains- Little Brother
3. Criminology 2.5- Meth, Rae & Ghost
4. Lizz-Raekwon
5. Premo- Gang Starr
6. Soliloquy of Chaos-Gang Starr
7. Code of the Streets-Gang Starr
8. Manifest- Gang Starr
9. Take 2 and Pass-Gang Starr
10. Suckas Need Bodyguards-Gang Starr
11. Premo-Gang Starr
12. The Planet- Gang Starr
13. Royalty-Gang Starr
14. Mostly the Voice-Gang Starr
15. You Know My Steez-Gang Starr
16. DJ Premier is in Deep Concentration-Gang Starr
17. Above the Clouds-Gang Starr ft. Inspektah Deck
18. I’m the Man-Gang Starr ft. Lil Dap & Jeru
19. Moment of Truth-Gang Starr
