Maybe I just need to listen to this dude’s mixtapes. The albums just never seemed to deliver fully on the heat I would hear on the previews. That said Lupe drops NUFF quotables on this one. He gets busy on every track.
01. Intro
02. The National Anthem
03. All The Way Turnt Up
04. Fireman
05.L.A.S.E.R.S.
06. Angels (Remix)
07. So Ghetto
08. Say Something
09. Thank You
10. The One
11. Popular Demand
Download HERE
Heaters, Mixtape Madness, Mixtapes
Since its the that time of year, enjoy this leftover from the Finding Forever sessions. After going electronic/club with the last album it will be interesting to see what Com brings this time.
Download Common Ft. John Legend - Strange Fruit (produced by Kanye West)
Heaters
While everyone is excited about 50’s return to the hard core with his new album. (Cant front. The joint is MEAN. You NEED that), I’m excited about the goodies that go with it. Included with Before I Self Destruct are two movies. 50’s directorial debut, Before I Self Destruct, and a documentary about the legendary DJ of RUN DMC, Jam Master Jay.
50 has made crafted a media persona around the fact that he gives a raw uncut opinion about everything. So in the spirit of the movie’s star, I have to say that I fully expected that this movie was going to be the worst. When I saw that the rapper was not just taking on a movie role with Before I Self Destruct but becoming a film auteur by writing, starring and directing I was prepared for whole new level of bad.
But what I got was a surprisingly entertaining effort. Before I Self Destruct tells the story of Clarence (50 Cent), a high school dropout who becomes a ruthless street enforcer. Shot in HD BISD is a hood film to the next level. Like 50’s music there is a certain gallows humor that runs through the film which makes it entertaining. Not necessarily Oscar worthy but definitely a hood favorite in the making.
The second film is one that is a passion project in the truest sense. Boston born Filmmaker Stephon “Phonz” Watford started working with his cousin Jam Master Jay before he left high school. Being friends with his brother and in the music scene in Boston, I used to see him before his treks in and out of town. He used to come back from tour with JMJ with nuff stories to tell and new music. In fact my introduction to Onyx and 50 Cent’s music was through Phonz. He was a part of the legend’s inner circle. It wasnt just a job for Phonz. That was his family. So as you can imagine that the still unsolved murder touched him deeply. And once the pain subsided, he wanted answers.
He took that pain and turned it into the passion that created this film. He was relentless with this. This is a deeply personal documentary that traces the life and death of a Hip Hop legend. Because he worked so closely with Jay he was afforded a level of access to the key players like Rev Run and Russell Simmons that no journalist could ever have. Thats what separates this film from the average doc. The intensely personal approach as he searches for answers has you rooting for him on his quest.
You may get the new 50 for the music but the visuals that go with it make it a truly worthy purchase.
Review
This is another new voice that’s starting to bubble out of the south. Remi makes it a little more radio friendly this time. This dude has some real tough joints. Definitely a cat I will be keeping an eye on. Shout out to Jim Nice and Blast Music Concepts
Remi -Do our Thang
Heaters
In support of her debut album Let The Truth Be Told, soul singer Laura Izibor hit the stage at Wednesday November 4 at Foxboro’s Showcase Live. The Irish born Izibor used her hour set to display real musicianship and soulful vocals in a stunning fashion. With a 4 piece band and herself on keys, she brought a smooth energy that made Showcase Live feel more like Wally’s Café. Less a belter than a Mary J Blige, Laura’s absolutely beautiful voice has a rich 60’s soul vibe to it. But don’t let the throwback feel of songs like “Shine” or “Mmm” fool you. She is very much a child of her generation. Coming from behind her keyboard she transformed her “From My Heart To Yours” into Mary’s “Real Love” seamlessly. The near sold out crowd in this intimate setting should count themselves as lucky. With performances and material like this it won’t be long before she is playing much bigger venues.
Review