There seems to be a bit of confusion about what this column is
about. The title is self-explanatory but basically, it’s just a weekly
recap of cool Hip-Hop related events. It can be anything and from
anywhere. Lately I’ve been writing about a lot of events I’ve attended
in New York, but I encourage everyone to keep me posted on their buzz
worthy participation in the Hip-Hop culture. This is how we keep it
alive so I’m rock, rockin’ on until the speakers blow out. Care to join
me?
Sunday 10/29: Another MTP (Meet The Producers) beat battle
went down at Axiom studios in Newark, NJ. Tonight’s winner was Jess
Jamez. I wasn’t at this battle but I’ve heard Jess Jamez’s beats and
the man is a problem. This particular battle marked the last round in
season two of the series, before the season championships next Sunday
(I’m not missing that one). The competition will be stiff; MTP
definitely doesn’t skimp on talent and quality. Beatsmiths come from
all over to participate so if you know someone who’s up to par, check
out the mtp myspace link below and show Jess Jamez some love too.
Myspace.com/jessjamezfigueroa
Myspace.com/mtpjersey
Monday 10/30: There was a Pharoahe Monch show at the Canal
Room in New York City. I missed it but I’m curious as to how it went so
if anyone knows, let me know.
Tuesday 10/31: Halloween was ill! I hopped from a Mixtape
Kings party at Harlem Lanes (bowling alley) to Jean Grae’s crib ─
dressed as The Bride of Freshenstein (not FRANKenstein, but
FRESHenstein because I’m fly, even as a monster). Her party was the
most fun. Jean was dressed as a hoodrat with a giant benefit card (the
new food stamp) around her head, 5411 Reeboks, and several babies
dangling from her body. It was very innovative. The DJ, although I
can’t remember his name, was on point, and Jean even did a mini-set in
between partying. The partying was briefly interrupted when some
random, drunken man decided to step on her foot obviously and on
purpose. Jean got pissed, gave him a verbal lashing and kicked him out
(then the party resumed). Overall, the party was cool. Von Pea (from
Tanya Morgan), Fresh Daily, DJ Ease (Afu-Ra), Raks One and Daoud Abeid
and Rasu Jilani, the creative minds behind Coup D’etat Brooklyn
(clothing line) were in the house. Between them I saw ?uestlove (Von
Pea), Teen Wolf (Fresh Daily), Bruce Leroy (DJ Ease), Crazy Clown (Raks
One), a Suicide Bomber and a Gangster (The Coup D’etat guys).
Myspace.com/jeangrae
Myspace.com/cdtbk
I didn’t catch the CMJ Showcase but I’m sure it was good. Prince
Paul and The Ill Out Crew, Stetsasonic, CL Smooth, Chen Lo and the
Juggaknots were amongst those that made appearances and performed.
Wednesday 11/1: There was a fundraiser/celebration in honor
of J-Dilla at the Brooklyn Brewery. People who came out were able to
request any Slum Village, Common, Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson, Jaylib,
or solo joint they wished, and their requests were guaranteed to play.
El da Sensei, Kev Brown, Raks One and Kwote Scriptures also had a showcase at Sutra (NYC). Pack FM hosted.
Thursday 11/2: Reports came in today that Warner Bros. and
Talib Kweli’s Blacksmith label have launched a virtual community. It’s
a 3D social network called Second Life, where users, known as
residents, build and own their content online.
The site is a parallel universe existing in cyberspace where users
create and dress up characters, build homes, form neighborhoods and
live out alternative versions of their lives in the computer-generated
environment.
I created an account but I haven’t fully explored it yet. From what
I saw, it sort of reminded me of The Sims 2 (but the Sims is more fun).
Friday 11/3: The CMJ Showcase continued this week. Today’s
show featured Sean Price, Strange Fruit Project, Kaze, Bekay and Doujah
Raze at South Paw (Brooklyn).
Saturday 11/4: There was more CMJ reverie tonight but this
time at R&R (NYC). J-Live, Mr. Len, Polyrhythm Addicts, Wise
Intelligent and the Juggaknots performed. Ralph McDaniels and Video
Music Box taped the show.
Questions? Tid bits? Comments?
Starr.Rhett@gmail.com
