Open Mike Night

Hope for Haiti NOW benefit concert tonight on MTV at 8 PM EST.

2010-01-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Make sure you catch Hope for Haiti NOW tonight at 8 pm EST on MTV. The musical performances will include: Madonna, Haitian artist Emeline Michel, Wyclef
Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, Tim Cokely err... John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow, Beyoncé, Coldplay and a collaboration between Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z and Rihanna.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630214/20100122/jean_wyclef.jhtml

The Dream is Realized!

2010-01-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted the video yet (I will soon..), but the King event in Atlanta was a complete success! Incredible performances by the Ebenzer Baptist Church choir, some intermezzo group that killed it, Deeper Shade of Soul choir, my man Speech of Arrested Development, and of course the Elements. I for one was MOST impressed by the childrens presentation though... lol! Then we had the opportunity to see the premiere of a moving tribute to the life of A.D. King, the brother of Martin Luther King.

It was a incredible and inspiring night..

I tell you this.. I have been blessed with many things in this life, but to have the last living matriarch of what I would consider the first family of freedom thank you for a song you wrote for them is one of the highest blessings I have experienced! Stay tuned! We're keeping it moving in 2010. Next up... Chrisette Michele, The Elements, and more raising money for the relief efforts in Haiti... what a life!

Iron Man Tony Starks...

2009-12-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.last.fm/music/Ghostface/Ironman

Okay.. The fan boy in me HAD to do this. It looks too crazy for me not to! So, In honor of the new Iron Man 2 trailer, I thought I’d post a few stills. A little Background origin material on some of the new characters so you have a brief idea of who they are if you're not a comic book aficionado. Keep in mind that several plot elements have been changed by big budget Hollywood. What I have included is a mixture of some of the most basic plot and origin material of these people. It does however look like a amazing rendition of the original story.

It’s funny... MOST big named artists I’ve met are comic book aficionados... Lupe Fiasco, Musiq Soulchild, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, David Banner.. just to name a few. I think it is the whole creators respecting and appreciating creativity of all forms thing. I know it is for me anyway... But without further ado patrons, I give you Iron Man! Until next time, Enjoy these goodies!

Official Iron Man 2 Trailer

New Characters in the film

War Machine (played by Don Cheadle.. Bad move Terrance H... Bad move...)Terrence Howard portrays James Rhodes in the 2008 Iron Man film.^[91] In the film, Rhodes is a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, who serves as the military's chief liaison to Stark Industries. He is also Tony Stark's most trusted ally and best friend. Rhodes is depicted in the film wearing a "Brass Rat", the MIT school ring, indicating that in the film, he and Stark were graduates of the same college,^[92] and on his other hand he wears an Air Force Academy ring, suggesting that he received his masters degree from MIT after earning a "grad school slot" for high academic achievement while at USAFA. Though the War Machine armor makes no appearance in the film, two nods to Rhodes being War Machine were made. During a scene when Rhodes looks at the Iron Man Mark II armor, he says "Next time, baby!" hinting Rhodes' future as War Machine. The second nod to War Machine is made when animation of War Machine's shoulder cannon appears during the film's end credits. Director Jon Favreau told Ain't It Cool News that War Machine would appear in the sequels and Howard was cast with this in mind.^[93] Don Cheadle assumed the role of War Machine after contract disputes with Howard.

Initially a supporting character in volume one of Iron Man, Rhodes later assumed the mantle of Iron Man after Tony Stark's relapse into alcoholism in issue #170 (May 1983). The character would continue in a supporting role and later resume the role of Iron Man following Stark's purported death in issue #284 (September 1992). After Stark's return to the role of Iron Man, Rhodes continued as the superhero War Machine and later made his solo series debut in his own eponymous title after being featured as a supporting character

Whiplash (played by Mickey Rourke)

Mickey Rourke will play the villain Whiplash, the film version of which will include elements from the Crimson Dynamo, in Iron Man 2.^[17] His alter ego will be named Ivan Vanko, who in the film will be the son of Anton Vanko, the original Dynamo in the comics.

The first Crimson Dynamo appears in the episode "Iron Man vs. the Crimson Dynamo" and was piloted by an astronaut named Ivan Vanko, Vanko was an astronaut stranded in space in very close orbit to the Sun for two years. He crashlanded on a bridge and took a beeline for the Project Pegasus headquarters, after several failed attempts from Iron Man to stop him, he paid a visit to Project Pegasus to find out Vanko's reasons for targeting the building. A doctor, Anton Harkov told Tony the story of leaving him in space, and that Vanko was out for revenge. While breaking through the building Vanko reveals one of his causes of of his anger is that Harkov "took my [Vanko] family from me." Pepper then does a search for Vanko's family. One last attempt by Iron Man to save Harkov allows Pepper enough time to bring in Vanko's family. After seeing his family he abandons his attempts of revenge.

Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson)
The Black Widow is a world class athlete and gymnast, expert martial artist (including karate, judo, aikido, savate, various styles of kung fu, and boxing), markswoman, and weapons specialist as well as having extensive espionage training. She is also an accomplished ballerina.

The Black Widow uses a variety of equipment invented by Soviet scientists and technicians, with later improvements by S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists and technicians. She usually wears distinctively shaped bracelets which fire "widow sting" energy blasts, as well as "widow line" grappling hooks, and tear gas pellets. She wears a belt of metallic disc-charges containing plastic explosives. Her costume consists of synthetic stretch fabric equipped with micro-suction cups on fingers and feet, enabling her to adhere to walls and ceilings.

The Black Widow has been enhanced by biotechnology that enhances her body's resistance to aging and disease.

Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson)

The modern-day Fury, initially a CIA agent, debuted a few months later in Fantastic Four #21 (Dec. 1963). In Strange Tales #135 (Aug. 1965) the character was transformed into a James Bond-like spy and leading agent of the fictional espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. The character makes frequent appearances in Marvel comic books as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and as an intermediary between the U.S. government or the United Nations and various superheroes. It is eventually revealed that Fury takes a special medication called the Infinity Formula that halted his aging and allows him to be active despite being nearly a century old.
Little known fact.. In the Ultimate Avengers series, Samuel L. Jackson was actually who Nick Fury was model after by the artists at Jackson's permission. Pretty cool he's playing him in the movie.

Nick Fury's aging has been slowed greatly by the Infinity Formula, a serum created by Dr. Berthold Sternberg. Fury was first inoculated with the serum in the 1940s. Fury took the serum annually for many years. Due to its cumulative effect, Fury no longer needs additional doses to prolong his life span. Nick Fury is a highly athletic man despite his advanced chronological age. He has 95% vision loss in his injured left eye, over which he wears a cosmetic eyepatch.

Fury is a seasoned unarmed and armed combat expert, was a heavyweight boxer in the army (during World War II), and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu. He has honed his unarmed combat skills sparring with Captain America.

Fury is a combat veteran of three wars (World War II, Korea, Vietnam), plus numerous "military advisor" missions and clandestine operations ("a dozen conflicts you've never even heard of"). He is trained as a paratrooper, Ranger, a demolitions expert, vehicle specialist (including aircraft and seagoing vessels) and United States Special Forces.

Fury has access to a wide variety of equipment and weaponry designed by S.H.I.E.L.D. technicians. He wears a S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform made of 9-ply Kevlar (able to withstand ballistic impact up to .45 caliber bullets) and a Beta Cloth (type C), a fire-resistant material whose kindling temperature is 1,700 °F (930 °C).

Fury uses various types of handguns, including a .15 caliber needle gun, a government issue .45 caliber automatic, a captured German Luger in 9mm Parabellum, a modified semi-automatic Walther PPK in 9 mm Parabellum, and the Ingram MAC-10 machine pistol in .45 caliber.

As the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury has access to the entire S.H.I.E.L.D. highly advanced arsenal of weaponry, and various air, land, and sea craft provided by S.H.I.E.L.D., and numerous S.H.I.E.L.D. paraphernalia including a radio-link tie, and a bulletproof suit.

Pete Rock, Premier, and 9th Wonder. The True School don't get any truer than this...

2009-12-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

So it’s taken me a couple of days to sit down and write this, but when you go to a show as impact filled as the one I went to this weekend.. well... Let’s just say I had to go through the self assessment process first. That being said, this past weekend I got the chance to go witness two of the most prolific producers in Hip-Hop history (and trust me there is NO argument here patrons...) on the SAME stage at the SAME time. Another hip-hop soon to be legend who is ALL about the preservation of this great art, 9th Wonder put together one of the most creative events I have gotten the opportunity to see in quite some time. Shouts go out to 9th Wonder, Kyle Santillian (http://twitter.com/Santillian), all the artists, the whole True School Movement (http://www.trueschoolcorp.com), and of course, Peter Rock and DJ Premier for making such an incredible night possible.

So of course the format was crazy. 9th Wonder hosting along with Santillian. They basically paid homage to some of the all-time greatest songs (which of course is debatable...) by having one of the many artists present perform the song backed by the Remix Project... one of my new favorite bands. They basically switched back and forth between the two special guests all night.. Dope. This was by far the best and most well executed tribute show I had ever seen live. It had real preparation, real emotion. I loved it.

This might take a minute for you all to digest, but I decide to list some of the production credits for BOTH producers. I invite you to go back and listen to all of their incredible work. Sounds crazy, I know, but I’m not even joking! If you’re a hip-hop head you’ll be better for it.. If you’re new to hip-hop... trust me... you don’t need to go to much further then these two men to fall in love with the art.

DJ Premier Discography

Albums
*Gang Starr - No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989) (features outside production from other producers)
*Gang Starr - Step in the Arena (1991)
*Gang Starr - Daily Operation (1992)
*Gang Starr - Hard to Earn (1994)
*Jeru the Damaja - The Sun Rises in the East (1994)
*Group Home - Livin' Proof (1995)
*Jeru the Damaja - Wrath of the Math (1996)
*Bahamadia - Kollage (1996) (features work from other producers and musicians, including The Roots)
*Gang Starr - Moment of Truth (1998)
*Gang Starr - Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr (1999)
*Gang Starr - The Ownerz (2003)
Selected production credits

*Nas - Illmatic (1994) (3 tracks)
*The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die (1994) (1 track)
*Crooklyn Dodgers - Clockers Soundtrack (1995) (1 track)
*Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. II: The New Reality (1995) (1 track)
*Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt (1996) (3 tracks)
*Nas - It Was Written (1996) (1 tracks)
*M.O.P. - Firing Squad (1996) (7 tracks)
*The Notorious B.I.G. - Life After Death (1997) (2 tracks)
*Buckshot Lefonque - Music Evolution (1997) (8 tracks)
*Rakim - The 18th Letter (1997) (2 tracks)
*M.O.P. - First Family 4 Life (1998) (5 tracks)
*All City - Metropolis Gold (1998) (1 track)
*Nas - I Am... (1999) (2 tracks)
*Mos Def - Black on Both Sides (1999) (1 track)
*Freddie Foxxx - Industry Shakedown (2000) (2 tracks)
*M.O.P. - Warriorz (2000) (5 tracks)
*Big L - The Big Picture (2000) (3 tracks)
*Afu-Ra - Body of the Life Force (2000) (5 tracks)
*Nas - Stillmatic (2001) (1 track)
*Pitch Black - Pitch Black Law (2004) (2 tracks)
*Royce Da 5'9" - Death is Certain (2004) (1 track)
*MC Lyte - Wonder Years 2005
*Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics 2006
*Nas - Hip-Hop is Dead (2006)
*Verbal Threat - The Golden Era (2006)
Pete Rock Discography

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Act like u know
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Al the places
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - All souled out
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Anger in the nation
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Appreciate
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Back on the block (EQ Bonus remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Back on the block (Pete Rock party dub)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Back on the block (LA Get Down remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Back on the block
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Can't front on me
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Carmel city
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Check it out
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Climax
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Creator
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Da two
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Death becomes you
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Escape
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - For Pete's sake
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Get on the mic (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Get on the mic
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Ghettos of the mind
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Go with the flow
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Good life (Group Home mix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Good life
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - I get physical
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - I got a love (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - I got a love
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - If it ain't rough, it ain't right
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - In the flesh
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - In the house (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - In the house
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - It's like that
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - It's not a game
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - It's on you
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Lots of lovin
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Lots of loving (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Love thing
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Mecca and the Soul Brother
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - On & on
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - One in a million
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Return of the Mecca
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Searching (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Searching
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Shine on me
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Skinz
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Soul brother #1
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Specialize
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Straighten it out (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Straighten it out
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Sun won't come out
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Take you there (Foundation mix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Take you there (remix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Take you there
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Tell me
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - The basement
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - The creator
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - The main ingredient
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They reminisce over you (Demo mix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They reminisce over you (T.R.O.Y.)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They reminisce over you (Vibes mix)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - What's next on the menu
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Wig out
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Worldwide

50 Cent - Emotional
9th Wonder - Class in session LP
A.D.O.R. - The penetration
A.D.O.R. - Enter the center
A.D.O.R. - Let it all hang out (Pete Rock remix)
Alexander O'Neal - In the middle
All City - Priceless
Amel Larrieux ft Mos Def - Get up (Pete Rock remix)
AZ - Gimme yours
AZ - Rather unique
Baldhead Slick ft Keason & Kreem.com - Pimp ****
Basic Black - She's mine
Big L - Holdin it down
Big L ft Party Arty, AG & Pete Rock - Holdin' it down (unreleased version)
Big L- Who you slidin with
Black Star ft Black Thought - Respiration ( Pete Rock Remix )
Brand Nubian ft Pete Rock - Slow down (remix)
Brandy - I wanna be down (Pete Rock remix)
Busta Rhymes - Shut 'em down 2002
Champ MC - Keep it on the real (Pete Rock remix)
Chaundon - Geek down
Chi-Ali - Roadrunner
Crown Lee ft Pete Rock - 2 many stars
Curse - Nimm's Leicht
Da Beatminerz ft Caron Wheeler & Pete Rock - Open (Pete Rock remix)
Da Beatminerz ft Caron Wheeler & Pete Rock - Open
Da Youngsta's - Iz u wit me (Pete Rock remix)
Da Youngstas - Pass da mic
Da Youngstas ft Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Who's the mic wrecka
Das Efx - Jussummen (Pete Rock remix)
Das Efx - Real Hip-Hop (Pete Rock remix)
De La Soul ft Pete Rock - Stay away
Deda - Baby Pa
Deda - Blah uno
Deda - Can't wait
Deda - Everyman
Deda - How I'm livin
Deda - I originate
Deda - Markd4death
Deda - Nasty scene
Deda - Nothing more
Deda - Press rewind
Deda - Rhyme writer
Deda - Too close
Deda - Understand?
Diamond D ft Pete Rock & Phife Dawg - Painz & strife
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Code Red
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Somethin like dis
DJ Muro ft Freddie Foxxx - Patch up the pieces
Edo G - Boston
Edo G - Jus listen
Edo G - Just call my name
Edo G - Pay the price
Edo G - Right now!
Edo G - School em
Edo G - Shed a tear
Edo G - Stop dat!
Edo G - Voices
Edo G ft Pete Rock - Situations
EPMD - Rampage (Pete Rock remix)
Father MC - Lisa Lisa (remix)
Father MC - R&B swinger
Freddie Foxxx - Bumpy Knuckles baby
Freddie Foxxx - Industry shakedown
Freddie Foxxx - The ChanceSellor
Freddie Foxxx - Who knows why
Gang Starr - Militia (Pete Rock remix)
Ghostface - Be easy
Grand Agent & Pete Rock - This is what they meant (remix)
Grand Agent & Pete Rock - This is what they meant
Grand Puba - Issues (Pete Rock remix)
Groove B Chill - Starting from zero
Grap Luva - Collector's item
Grap Luva - Revenge
Groove B Chill - There it is
Heather B ft Tammy Lucas & Pete Rock - Dedicated
Heavy D & The Boyz - Black coffee
Heavy D & The Boyz - Blue funk
Heavy D & The Boyz - Cuz he's always around
Heavy D & The Boyz - Do me, do me
Heavy D & The Boyz - Got me waiting (remix)
Heavy D & The Boyz - Got me waiting
Heavy D & The Boyz - It's a new day
Heavy D & The Boyz - Let it rain
Heavy D & The Boyz - Love sexy
Heavy D & The Boyz - Sex wit you
Heavy D & The Boyz ft Johnny Gill - Letter to the future
Heavy D & The Boyz ft Tammy Lucas - Is it good to you
Heavy D ft Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, CL Smoot
Hezekiah - Right on
House Of Pain - Jump around (Pete Rock remix)
Incognito - Roots (Pete Rock remix)
INI - Center of attention
INI - Don't you love it
INI - Fakin jax (Pete Rock remix)
INI - Fakin jax
INI - Grown man sport
INI - Intro (h.I.M.)
INI - Kross roads
INI - Life I live
INI - Microphonist wanderlust
INI - Mind over matter
INI - No more words
INI - Props
INI - Square one
INI - Step up
INI - Think twice
INI - To each his own (feat. q-tip & the large professor)
INI - Universal dialect
INI - What you say
Inspectah Deck - Trouble man
J-Live - Kick it to the beat
Jamal - Fades em all
Jeru Da Damaja - Can't stop the prophet (Pete Rock remix)
Jesse Powell - I wasn't with it (remix)
Jim Jones - Gees up
Johnny Gill ft Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Rub you the right way (remix)
K-Solo - Letterman
Keith Murray - Say goodnite
Kid N Play - Bill's at the door
Kid N Play - Next question
Kreators ft Pete Rock - Nightlife
KRS-One - Get yourself up (Pete Rock remix)
KRS-One ft Pete Rock - Go South-Bronx
Krumbsnatcha ft Guru - Straight to the top
L.O.R.D. of Dojo Pros - Why
Large Professor & Pete Rock - The rap world
Leela James ft CL Smooth - Good music
Lords Of The Underground - Flow on (Pete Rock remix)
M.O.P. ft Pete Rock - Here comes the realness (unreleased)
Main Source - Vamos a rapiar
Mary J. Blige - Reminisce (Pete Rock & CL Smooth remix)
Mary J. Blige ft Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Family affaire (Pe
MC Lyte, Bahamadia, Nonchalant & Yo-Yo - Keep on pushin'
Mecalicious - Hope the world don't stop
Mecalicious - How you feel
Mic Geronimo - Unstoppable
Michael Jackson - Butterflies (Pete Rock remix)
Monica - Before you walk out my life (Pete Rock remix)
Monica - Before you walk out of my life (remix)
Mr. Cheeks - All I know
Mr. Cheeks - Turn it up
Nas & Nature - Ultimate high (Pete Rock remix)
Nas - The world is yours
Nas ft Scarface - Favour for a favour (Pete Rock remix)
Naughty By Nature - Hip-hop hooray (Pete Rock remix)
Nick Holder ft Jemini - No more dating DJ's (Pete Rock remix)
Non Phixion - If you got love
Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (remix)
One Man Army - Deceptions (Pete Rock remix)
Pete Rock - #1 Soul Brother
Pete Rock - A little soul
Pete Rock - Fairground
Pete Rock - Flying
Pete Rock - For the people
Pete Rock - Get involved
Pete Rock - Give it to y'all
Pete Rock - Glowing
Pete Rock - Hip 2 hip
Pete Rock - Hip hopcrisy
Pete Rock - Hip, skip and jump
Pete Rock - Intrigue
Pete Rock - Marching on
Pete Rock - Midnight and you
Pete Rock - Outro
Pete Rock - Pete's jazz
Pete Rock - Pimp strut
Pete Rock - Placebo
Pete Rock - Play dis only at night
Pete Rock - Smoking room only
Pete Rock - Smooth sailing
Pete Rock - Something funky
Pete Rock - Soul survivor intro
Pete Rock - Standard
Pete Rock - Stormy weather
Pete Rock - Take the d train
Pete Rock - The boss
Pete Rock - U are what u are
Pete Rock - Verbal murder pt 1
Pete Rock - Walk on by
Pete Rock - What you waiting for
Pete Rock - You remind me
Pete Rock ft Big Punisher, Norega & Common - Verbal murder 2
Pete Rock ft Black Ice - Truth is
Pete Rock ft Black Thought & Rob O - It's about that time
Pete Rock ft Born & J.Sands - The life
Pete Rock ft Carl McIntosh & Jane Eugene - Take your time
Pete Rock ft Common & Talib Kweli - Fly till I die
Pete Rock ft Dead Prez - Warzone
Pete Rock ft Freddie Foxx - Mind frame
Pete Rock ft Grap Luva - Beats & rhymes
Pete Rock ft Gza & Rza - Head rush
Pete Rock ft Heavy D & Beenie Man - Massive (Hold tight)
Pete Rock ft Inspectah Deck & Kurupt - Tru master
Pete Rock ft Inspectah Deck & Kurupt - Tru master (Pete Rock remix)
Pete Rock ft Jay Dee - *****s know
Pete Rock ft Kardinal Offishal - We good
Pete Rock ft Krumbsnatcha - Beef
Pete Rock ft Large Professor & Kool G Rap - Truly yours 98
Pete Rock ft Leela James - No tears
Pete Rock ft Little Brother - Give it to ya
Pete Rock ft Little Brother - Give it to ya (original version)
Pete Rock ft Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz - Rock steady part II
Pete Rock ft Marley Marl - This life forever
Pete Rock ft MC Eight - One life to live
Pete Rock ft Mecalicious - Verbal murder
Pete Rock ft Method Man - Half man half amazin
Pete Rock ft Ms Jones - Soul survivor
Pete Rock ft Nature - To my advantage
Pete Rock ft O.C. - Respect mine
Pete Rock ft Pharoahe Monch - Just do it
Pete Rock ft Postaboy - It's da Postaboy
Pete Rock ft Raekwon & Masta Killah - The PJ's
Pete Rock ft Reakwon, Prodigy & Ghostface Killah - The game
Pete Rock ft Skillz - One man one DJ
Pete Rock ft Skillz - One man one DJ (remix)
Pete Rock ft Slum Village - Da villa
Pete Rock ft The Lost Boyz - The yearn
Pete Rock ft The U.N. - Cake
Pete Rock ft The U.N. - Nothin' lesser (Jamie's mix)
Pete Rock ft Tragedy Khadafi, Cappadonna & Sticky Fingaz - Strange fruit
Pete Rock ft Vinia Mojica - Mind blowin'
Phife Dawg - Melody adonis
Phife Dawg ft Pete Rock - Lemme find out
Planet Asia - Full course meal
PMD - Buckwild
PM Dawn - Looking through patient eyes (remix)
Prozack - Wonderful life
Psycho Realm - Stone garden (Pete Rock remix)
Public Enemy - Nighttrain (Pete Rock remix)
Public Enemy - Shut em down (Pete Rock remix)
Raekwon - Kids Thats Rich
Raekwon - Sneakers
Rah Digga - What they call me
Rahzel - All I know
Rakim - Living in the streets
Rakim - The saga begins
Rakim - When I'm flowin
Redman - How to roll a blunt
Rob-O - Don't you love it
Rob-O - If I die
Rob-O - Murderville
Rob-O - Rhyme tighter
Rob-O - So many rappers
Rob-O - Top notch microphonist
Rob-O - Who is he
Rob-O - Wonderlust
Rob-O - World premiere
Rock Marciano - Fall back
Rock Marciano - Pimpin aint easy
Roughhouse Survivors - Rough house (Pete Rock remix)
Run DMC - In the house
Run DMC - Wreck shop
Run DMC ft Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Down with the king (Ruffness mix)
Run DMC ft Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Down with the king
Sadat X - Escape from New York
Screwball ft MC Shan - You love to hear these stories
Scritti Politti - Tinseltown to Boogiedown (Pete Rock remix)
Shabba Ranks - Just reality
Slick Rick - Get a job
Slick Rick - I'm captive
Slick Rick ft Pete Rock - World renoun
Slum Village ft Pete Rock - Once upon a time
Smif-N-Wessun - Pete Rock track
Soul Supreme ft Pete Rock, T-Max & AG - Queen
Spinderella ft Pete Rock, Medusa & Sugga B - Burn 'em
Sporty Theivz - Street cinema 2 (Pete Rock remix)
The U.N. - Game of death
The U.N. - How you want it
The U.N. - Long time coming
The U.N. - The art
The U.N. - The avenue
Tony Touch ft Large Professor & Pete Rock - Out da box
Troy Slugs - Get it 4 real
Visionaires - Blindside
YG'z - Get your groove on
YGz - Ghetto celeb
YGz - Street ***** (Pete Rock remix)
YGz - Street *****
YGz - Sumthin´ 4 da head

For a more exhaustive list for DJ Premier (excluding his Gang Starr work..) go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Premier_discography.

For a more exhaustive list for Pete Rock go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Rock_discography.

Trust me there is WAY WAY more out there. Believe it or not... Enjoy and emerge with a deeper appreciation for two of the G.O.A.T’s in hip-hops history.

9th Wonder to salute Pete Rock and Premier in NC Dec. 12th

2009-11-25T06:29:00.000-08:00

Need I say more? Really NOT much else to say here... Hopefully, I'll see you there. If you're a writer (under 25) and you miss this, you're missing out on two of the sources of inspiration for YOUR favorite rapper. If you're a producer and you miss this, than you're probably also one of those guys who doesn't take constructive criticism on his production so he can evolve. If you're a true head than I don't need to convince you... Nice way to close out '09.. Hopefully, big blessings for all involved in this event in 2010. I know I've heard of some BIG projects in the works and on the horizon... Personally, I can't wait.. See you in NC.

Eminem, Black Thought, The Boogieman Mos in the Cypher.. The Heart is STILL beating!

2009-10-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

I ain't gonna say much. I just want the young ones out there to honestly tell me there favorite rapper can do this. No disrespect for anyone doing ANYTHING in this artform. It was made to be a form of self-expression. SELF expression meaning you might express yourself different from MYSELF. But that being said, Hip-hop is ALSO about lyrics, wordplay, skills... Here a few of the best. And also a question to the MC's.. Could you hold your own.... in the Cypher?

NEW MUSIC OUT OF SC! Support good local hip-hop!

2009-10-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

What's going on people. Long time no talk. As always there's a lot of good going on though. Here's some good from one of my partners Akshun from the Magnum Opus camp. GOOD music out of SC. Check out this leak of his upcoming album Sinners Therapy and support SC hip-hop! I still think his debut album Diamond District is one of the BEST local projects of all time. But that's just me... You'll have to check it out to find out... E-mail Akshun for more info....

----------
What's happening folks. Included in the link is the info related to the album I'm prepping to release this fall. Feel free to add songs to your blogs, tweets, mixtapes and whatever you please. Also if you guys have the time send me feedback on the songs all love/hate/criticism is appreciated.

Link:
http://limelinx.com/files/f5aafdca267b565a512a38dfbf9af452

akshun2004@yahoo.com

2009-07-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

The Return of the classic

Presents

PRINCE ICE OF 101.3 & 103.9 20 year radio anniversary !

SLICK RICK

BIG DADDY KANE

FORCE MD's

NICE & SMOOTH

FONDA RAE

PREACH JACOBS

THE ELEMENTS

Hosted by: Timmy Tim OF 100.1 BEAT

DJ BY: Dj Shakim (so so def) Pure Ultra Lounge

FRIDAY, October 9 @ 730PM

Koger Centers for the Arts

1051 Greene Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Map This Location

www.koger.sc.edu

Tickets Price: $20.00, $25.00, $30.00, $35.00

803-825-4831 or Capitoltickets.com

INFO@2010ENTERTAINMENT.COM

VIP TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE

Tickets on sale August 3, 2009

PLEASE FORWARD TO FAMILY, FRIENDS & CO-WORKERS

Click here to forward this email to a friend

2010 Entertainment LLC
PO Box 7055
Douglasville, GA 30154

PLEASE READ!! THE ELEMENTS UPCOMING SHOWS!! TIME FOR PREPERATION...

2009-07-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

Morning Patrons. VERY excited about the upcoming months. There is a lot going on and I feel very blessed to have the opportunities that we have. One thing that I am starting to realize is how imperative it is to be prepared. In season AND out of season as the good book says. We tend to forgot the out of season part. Now obviously this is something we all know we need but if you're like me I constantly need to access what I am TRULY doing with the 24 hours God is blessing me with daily. How many of us have taken an assessment when we are done with the "next big thing" in our lives and say to ourselves, “I could have been more prepared for that. I could have done better than that... I could have given more. I could have won that battle” I am realizing that we don’t have trouble dreaming or desiring... We have trouble preparing for the challenge. We don’t start, don’t plan, don’t work as hard as we could, or procrastinate with our goals and dreams.

Every once in a while our heroes will do something inspiring, the will do something noteworthy, or (as has been the case lately...) they will leave this Earth. Those are the times we reevaluate our priorities. Am I working hard enough? Am I wasting time? Am I focused? Is there anything more important than reaching for the stars? I am starting to realize that when I get to the end of the line the things I struggle with from day to day are going to seem FAR less important than WHAT I did with my life

My question for myself lately has been this: Do I take the necessary steps in the off season so that in the regular season I’m prepared for ANYTHING? When the battle has not yet arrived is when you prepare.. I want to be prepared for my dreams and any challenge that comes my way.

Of course this applies to everything we do in life patrons. We know this.

Do I prepare for a great career by getting a great education?
Do I prepare for a great marriage while dating?
Do I prepare for the things I have no knowledge of by being humble enough to get advice?
Do I prepare to show the world my best work by working at it until it IS my best work?

Ask yourself. We have some great opportunities coming up soon! They’ll all be worth attending.. You know why? We will be prepared for them...

Here is a list of some of our upcoming shows! Come to one of them. Come to all of them. Support the Elements and prepare yourself for your dreams! Until next time patrons.

July 19th, 3 p.m.
THE ELEMENTS OPENING FOR THE NAPPY ROOTS!
Courtyard Marriott USC on Assembly St.
630 Assembly St.
Columbia, SC, 29201

September 19th, 8:15 p.m.
THE ELEMENTS WITH ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, 2ND ANNUAL ART AND SOUL
Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center
165 Courtland St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

October 9th, 8:00 p.m.
THE ELEMENTS AT D.J. PRINCE ICE’S 2OTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
FT. SLICK RICK, BIG DADDY KANE, NICE AND SMOOTH, SPECIAL ED, AND MORE!
Koger Center for the Arts
1051 Greene St.
Columbia, SC 29201

"Under Construction" - Nice Tag line for us all....

2009-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

We are all works in progress. We all have areas to grow in. We all change. Those who achieve greatness spend less time saying' "I'm working on it" or "I'm a work in progress" and MORE time ACTUALLY working. I must admit I'm the most excited that I've been in a while concerning music and the "work" being done there. I had a great conference call with the group on Monday and reconnected with them. As anyone who follows us knows, we ALL have a lot of things going on. Careers, college for some, new marriages for others... It has been a year of refocus (and other focuses..) for all of us.

But it's cool. Sometimes you need that in life! And I think we are all more poised now than we have ever been. This is a good thing. For one, Mike, Marcus, and myself have all been led by the power that is to live in Columbia, SC for a while longer. It's funny how God orchestrates so much for us. Never would've saw that coming in a million years.. But it did! And, as a result, we will be more connected and have more of the group in close proximity than we have had in almost 4 years! With our own studio and all a little smarter and a lot hungrier. No joke. This is good.

So, here we are! Everyone evolving. Everyone refocusing on our dream (we have great ones...). Everyone ready to do their part. It's a good feeling! So what exactly IS everyone doing? (I'll focus on the projects and if you want a more personal take on the fellas please visit their websites and blogs.) As you'll soon see a lot is in the works for The Elements family.

Marcus Thomas - Soul Speak

In edition to finishing up his Masters, Marcus is coming back home to Columbia, SC from Gainsville, FLA! This is good for the Elements folks... Very good. Currently Marcus has in the works the following:

1. Owen Soul (a concept duet album with yours truly..)
2. a solo acoustic effort

http://soulspeakproject.blogspot.com/

Tim Cokely - Mr. I Gets Busy... T. Coke

The recent graduate is more focused than ever and ready to work. I personally cannot WAIT to hear a T. Coke album. Here's his current list of projects.

1. One entitled "16 to Life Behind Bars"
2. another yet to be titled project.

Mikhael Sampson - Mike S. The Prophet 13

Mike S the Prophet is doing what he always does.. Produce HEAT. But he's also gearing up to do what he periodically does... produce a HOT solo album. I promise this one will be his best one yet. Stay tuned for more info.

1.A yet to be titled solo project.

Kevin Sampson - The VISUAL Kid

Kevin has A LOT going on... But of course that is better SEEN than heard... Go check out his blog at http://thevisualkid.blogspot.com and prepare to be inspired...

Brian Conner - Open Mike
And of course, that leaves me.. I promise you ALL I will put forth the best effort I ever have in my musical career to produce a artwork worth remembering.. Pray for me! Here's my list of construction work:

1. Owen Soul
2. Solo effort entitled, "The Dash"
3. And lots more "Toast It and Post It's" to keep your appetite wet!

Stay tuned in folks! Follow us where ever we can be followed and thanks for supporting The Elements!

2009-05-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

TOAST IT AND POST IT INSTALLMENT #1

DAY AND NIGHT

Afternoon Patrons and welcome to the 1st installment of Toast it and Post It. A nice and fulfilling way to start your day! As hip-hop aficionados, we need to make sure we have all the essentials for a great breakfast. Substance. Flavor. You know.. something that will stick to your ribs! So, I give you Toast it and Post It. My little idea to make sure that you don’t go missing out on that good stuff.

So here’s the deal (and it’s quite simple to be honest...):

1. We Pick a Beat. Sometimes I’ll pick one of my personal favorites. Sometimes someone will suggest one. Sometimes (when I have the following to make it happen) you’ll pick one for me.

2. We Toast the Beat. I lay some fire (as they say) on the track. Whatever I’m feeling that day. It might be deep and insightful. Other times, I might sound like the mad rapper. We ALL get angry! And ere now and then, I’ll just give you some heat. We’ll switch it up. You know.. keep it interesting. If you’re like me you won’t want the SAME OLD SAME OLD every time we do this... Oh... and I’ll also do a lot of collaborations. I’m a pretty decent MC if I do say so myself, but I am also a fan. Expect some surprises....

3. We Post the Beat. I post the beat to your favorite social media site! Look for it everywhere. Pass it on to friends! I’m nothing without the people! I’ll also include a reference to the original artist on the post and a little about the production. Get it? We here some new twists on your favorites, you might GAIN a new favorite, you’ll get schooled a bit to some part of the culture you might not be familiar with, and we also give love to the original artist on the song. Everybody’s happy. Everybody eats. After all, it IS the most important meal of your day! So without further ado enjoy Installment #1!

The Management

TOAST IT AND POST IT INSTALLMENT #1 DAY AND NIGHT

Had to do this beat! Kid Cudi did his THING on this one. Obviously, the inspiration for Kanye’s 808’s and Heartbreaks that everyone knows and loves. Now you know who did it first. Kid Cudi comes to us representing Brooklyn, NY by way of Cleveland, Ohio. Home to Bone Thugs and Harmony. I say this to say Ohio (reference DJ HiTek..) is home to some pretty innovate sounds.

Your boy Cudi is no exception. Day and Night is a very creative and infectious beat and probably one of the top ride to songs of the year in my book. Kanye seems to think so.. Anyway, I’ll keep this one short because I know ya’ll been waiting for the ACTUAL TiPi. Ha! To find out more about the Kid check his webpage.

http://www.kidcudi.com

Also, hear the original track here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tln5gGCs1cU

Follow Open Mike's blog at:
http://openmike48.blogspot.com

Follow Open Mike on Twitter at:
http://www.twitter.com/openmike48

READ THIS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! The Elements perform for a Living Legend! And it's NOT who you think hip-hop heads! lol!

2009-02-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Patrons!

This was a huge weekend for me! The Elements had the opportunity to perform a song that we wrote at the request of Dr. Alveda King for Naomi King and representatives of the A.D. King Foundation. It was a GREAT honor. I have a feeling that this will turn in to more of a partnership between the King Family and the Elements... Stay tuned. This year I have been praying and trying to focus on using the music to really make a difference. Funny how praying, working, and doing makes things happen... Don't give up on your dreams patrons!

Read Below and enjoy! (Facebook users please click my blog link for all the pictures!)

openmike48.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/theelementslook

Mrs. Naomi King receives 2009 HOPE worldwide Living Legacy Award

by Tony Martin - Tuesday, 24 February 2009

On Sunday, February 22, 2009, Mike Patterson, Senior Evangelist, The Greater Atlanta Church of Christ, presented the HOPE Worldwide 2009 Living Legacy Award to Mrs. Naomi Barber Ruth King.

On Sunday, February 22nd, several churches in our fellowship, from Boston to LA, Baltimore to Dallas, NY to Columbia, SC, Chicago to Stone Mountain, Georgia, and our host church, the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ, joined together to honor living matriarch, Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King, sister-in-law of the late Martin Luther King Jr., and widow to Dr A. D. King, brother to Martin Luther King Jr., both slain during the civil rights movement.

After hearing a recording of the song, "The Dream Realized…"Dr. Alveda King, niece to Dr. Martin Luther King, offered her enthusiastic endorsement; She said, "…the lyrics are compelling, the melody is moving …" Dr. King invited, 16-year-old Robert Quintin, Jr., of the Greater Baltimore Church of Christ, to come and perform for members of the King family, in Atlanta. Hip-Hop rap ensemble, the Elements; and John Lakin and Youth on a Mission were also featured performers in the new urban contemporary anthem. "The Dream Realized," was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's famous "A Knock at midnight" speech, given in 1967. The song was written in collaboration with Tony Martin, Greater Baltimore Church and The Elements, disciples from Columbia, SC.

Performance of the song was well received before a packed house of eager worshippers, who had come to pay tribute to the King family. Several artists, were on tap to lend their talents to this august celebration in appreciation for the King family, and for what they have done for this country, in fighting to secure civil rights for all Americans. Mrs. Naomi King was accompanied by her daughter, Dr. Alveda King- a staunch civil rights activist known for her pro-life activism- and Professor Babs Onaybanjo, President and CEO of the A. D. King Foundation.

The celebration was surreal, as we reflected the countless contributions made by the Mrs. Naomi King and the King family throughout the years, have made countless sacrifices in the community, the government, the streets, and most importantly, the church. The King family are a cornerstone in the African-American community. The result of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream and sacrifice has witnessed the election of our nation’s 1st African American President. This event gave us all cause for pause, and reflects on MLK’s words: "I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.” The assembly of blacks and whites worshipping together in the birthplace of the civil rights movement is the realizations of a dream come true.

In addition to these performances, SPEECH, our brother in Christ, a two-time Grammy Award winner, did a stellar job preaching and performing. SPEECH used the story of Lazarus to prepare our hearts for communion. With many disciples and guest in attendance he challenged each of us to examine our spiritual lives and to make sure we are not allowing our grave clothes, "sin" from the past to hinder our spiritual growth. Later in the program he gave a soul stirring tribute to the King family by dedicating his arrangement of Bob Marley's Redemption Song. The family was grateful and encouraged; they told Les Johnson, "We never saw a worship service like this."Tamika Wilder (daughter of legendary R&B singer, Keith Wilder) and teen gospel choir, The Voices of the Spirit (VOS), brought the house to its feet with their soul stirring rendition of Fred Hammond’s “Jesus Be a Fence.” They are comprised of 13 very talented kids from Atlanta, ranging in age from 11 to 16. VOS desires is to touch people with not only their voices, but the lyrical content of every song they sing. They are competing in a Path Mark’s National Gospel choir competition in NY at the World Financial Center Feb 28th and working on recording their very own album to be released in 2009.

The Elements, a positive hip-hop group from Columbia, SC. reminded the audience during their performance, that security cannot be found in hip-hop, in fame, nor wealth, but it is “In God, and God alone we must put our trust.” Mrs. King waived her hands in approval of their infectious rap style that transcended race, culture, and generational gaps. It has been said, “The lessons of the past are ignored and obliterated in a contemporary antagonism known as the generation gap.” God’s word however communicated, through word or music is timeless.

Stellar Award Winner John Lakin and Youth on a Mission, of Columbia, South Carolina, performed their lively, foot-stomping, hand clapping song, “Testimony,” which got the audience up on their feet dancing and shouting their own testimony of thanks to God while singing to one another, “The Goodness of the Lord.” John, a gifted and prolific songwriter and worship leader, has lent his songwriting abilities to many notable gospel artists including Ricky Dillard, Bruce Parham and others. In 2005, John Lakin and Youth on a Mission released their debut album "Expressions of Worship....Live".

Phillip Watson and VOS gave a moving interpretation of one of the most famous freedom songs, made popular by the late gospel giant, Rev. James, Cleveland, and most recently, gospel music sensation, Mary Mary. “I don’t feel no ways tired.” For the past eighteen years, Phillip has sung with numerous choirs and ensembles, in prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, and the White House as well as overseas in Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Renowned gospel music director and member of the GACC, Jody Lewis performed, “I want to be ready” accompanied by the GACC choir. Lewis, known for his award winning vocal arrangement of music for part of the original soundtrack "Akeelah and the Bee," and for performing as a backing vocalist with music industry super-stars, like Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, and others.

On Sunday, February 22, 2009, Mike Patterson, presented the HOPE Worldwide 2009 Living Legacy Award to Mrs. Naomi Barber Ruth King. The Living Legacy Award was given birth in 2006 and was presented to Congresswoman Maxine Waters on April 19 of that same year. HOPE worldwide and the Metro Heights Los Angeles Church of Christ presented Congresswoman Waters with the award in recognition of her public service exceeding 30 years in the community and her dedication to those other than herself as a congresswoman. Her legacy will continue to be honored in her community, through her personal works with the church and through the contributions of HOPE Worldwide.

The Living Legacy Award was accompanied with a three hundred dollar donation to the A.D. King Foundation from the GACC, The Thompson Family and HOPE worldwide LA. Like any great story and legacy, persistence is key: persistence through time. It takes other great leaders to carry on this award: leaders like Mrs. Naomi Barber Ruth King and the King family. They represent a foundation of dedication, faith, justice, education, diligence, love, and sense of hard work that is unforeseen in today’s generation. Mrs. King is an example of what we should want our children to become. She is a product of love, married into greatness, and lives a life of high expectation for herself and those around her.

The Sooooooooooul Speak Project

2009-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

My boy Soul Speak has a new blog! I have a feeling it'll be JUST as interesting as mine is (we will see...). So without further ado, PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WOOOORLD! It's the SOOOOOOOUL SPEAK PROJECT!

This SHOULD incite dancing people...

soulspeakproject.blogspot.com

openmike48.blogspot.com

Ah.. the Global Economy...

2009-01-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

So anyway.. my account got hacked and apparently I'm an East Indian salesmen now... If you got a post from me selling anything other than Elements music, please disregard. Apologies...

The Management

Thoughts from Inauguration Day...

2009-01-22T19:35:00.001-08:00

So anyway... We had the distinct privilege this week as a nation to view history. I didn't get to actually BE at the inauguration (long story..), but I did spend some time in DC over the weekend AND the day before. So I still feel as if I was a part of things indirectly (more on that later... BIG NEWS..). I came home and watched the ceremony on TV and was grateful for modern day media coverage. While I did, I decided to jot down some things to commit to memory. Sometimes it's cool to take an account of things you noticed at certain times so when you read back over them you can remember what you were feeling, or thinking, etc... during that time of your life. So without further ado patrons, here are my musings from Inauguration Day uncensored. Enjoy!

My Thoughts... Jimmy and Roselyn Carter looked very nice! I REALLY believe that looking that way is a testament to clean, joyful, purposed living. Both of them have done tons since his Presidency. AMAZING. I need to get his books. And read them... Sasha and Al looked sooo cute! Sasha in her little pink pea coat and Malia in her blue pea coat. Despite any success I might see in the remainder of my days, I am nothing if my children aren’t given EVERY opportunity to succeed and are well prepared to do great things for God.

They were told that despite there changed situation, nothing will change! They will STILL be making their own beds! Michelle said, “Make CERTAIN the children make their own beds, but make SURE the staff still makes mine!” Hilarious..

Malia said, “The first African American president BETTER be a good one!” Classic..

Cheney, a VP known for his stubborn and hard-line machismo appeared at the Inauguration in a wheel chair.. I can see writers spinning this... "Here sits Cheney. Seen by many to be a bully throughout our former Presidents 8 year term, exits the white house in a wheel chair."

George Bush gave a woman a five and she wiped it off on camera! Poor form!
How come Dick Cheney looks like Mr. Burns!

I appreciated that despite the relative silence when former President Bush appeared there was absolutely NO booing!

Joe Biden is the perfect example of how I want to look when I’m in my late 60’s! Pressed up suits and a smile! And from Scranton no less!

I don’t know what will occur in this upcoming administration. But one things is for certain... this has united people in a way I can’t remember seeing in QUITE sometime. The cheers were amazing. The lack of boos spoke to the influence of humility throughout Barack's campaign. The transition of power in our country is an example to the world of true peace. Politically, we hate each other, disrespect each other, and disagree with each other to our core, but when inauguration day comes, we are reminded of why America is truly a great country.

Jordan texted Mike and said Obama looked like he was thinking to himself, “Wow... I must be the coolest negro in the universe!”

Quick notes on Rick Warren's prayer.... History is Gods story. Obama was MOVED by the prayer. We celebrate a hinge point in history. The son of an African immigrant can become president of our greatest nation. Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven for God to give Obama wisdom for leading with humility, courage to govern with integrity, and the compassion for generosity. Forgive us for fighting and for thinking greatness is our's alone as a nation and for not treating the world with respect. Give us humility, civility, and responsibility... Help us to ALWAYS remember we will stand accountable. And the LORDS prayer!
(Yes! GREAT JOB Rick! Let em’ know who you repping!)

Aretha Franklin looked like a cannon ball in her all grey! Or them things from Super Mario Brothers. Hahaha! I know... I know...

Is it just me... Or does it look like Michelle Obama and Sigorney Weaver could be sisters?

There you have it Patrons! At great times in history make sure you take out a pen and pad... It's cool to know what you were thinking... Until next time!

The Management

GRATITUDE... And a few new tricks up the sleeve!

2009-01-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Greetings Patrons and Happy New Year!

I really hope 2009 is a year of supreme growth for everyone reading this. I GUESS I'll wish the same to those jokers who HAVEN'T read this as well... I will TRY not to be salty! I truly think that 2009 will be a great year of change. Our soon to be president marked his campaign with the message of change and it is fitting that the inauguration is in January.. the month of resolutions. I hope you all have made yours! And, I also hope you read my previous post before you did! Read it? Good.. Lets continue...

Besides resolving to be resolute in 2009, I also want to work on something else that will add to my happiness.... Gratitude. True gratitude for what I have and things I've avoided in life to this point. Below are just a few...

1. Knowing God. Not just that there IS one, but his words and how to be right with him and live for him.
2. Health. Thank God for that!
3. My friends and family. If you're in this list, whether you're in my Top 5 or Top 5,000, life just WOULD NOT be worth living without cha'll!
4. Victories. I want more of them bad boys in 09.
5. Defeats. You CAN grow from them. And if nothing else, they can make you grateful for when something good replaces the bad they brought you.
6. Stuff to do! I'm grateful there is always stuff I can work for, support, grow in, or add to my life's resume. Life will NEVER get boring if I do this...
7. My job. I STILL got one in this economy! Yes!
8. Music. WHAT would I do without my radio...?
9. My home studio. Did I actually PAY to record raw vocals at one time? Money is supposed to go towards mixing and mastering.. NOT raw vocals. Man... Get a studio if you ain't got one yet musicians...

And finally.... Drum roll.....

10. My MacBook Pro! I try not to be a supporter of one or the other. If I ever get noticed for my music, I don't want to undercut any potential contracts.. lol! But I love that thing! It can do so much! It is an absolute must for a creative person and I'm learning more and more about it everyday.

One thing I wanted to be able to do was to post our music on my blog. But I wanted people to be able to hear it right away. MacBook to the rescue! Thanks iMovie! And thank you Steve Jobs for not making me pay to be able to do this stuff. I love that I can do it right out the beautiful and cost efficient MacBook box. Enjoy the track and my new found knowledge patrons.. 2009 is mine! Oh and don't worry Jobs.. I'll cop an Iphone soon...

The Management

There are some things you JUST DON'T DO!

2008-12-30T17:12:00.001-08:00

Hello Patrons..

As we prepare for the New Year and as we ALL make lists of things we want to do with our lives do me ONE small favor.. PLEASE be realistic! I've found that the best way to achieve a goal is to set a series of small ones (the ones we are MOST scared to set because we KNOW they're easy enough to ACTUALLY do, therefore making us feel guilty when we don't accomplish them... think about it...). Instead of setting that BIG goal everyone in the world knows you can't REALLY pull off in the year.. (don't say you're going to cure cancer this year unless your goal last year was to continue your life-long research finding a cure.. Be real man..).

Setting SMALL goals and consistently reaching them gives you a ton of confidence and enables you to eventually do the things you NEVER thought possible. Sure.. I want to sell platinum.. All MC's do.. But, instead, I'll just concentrate on laying the ground work this year by recording platinum quality tracks and setting up a platinum fan base with a more aggressive internet promotional strategy.. The big goal will come if I pull off the small ones... right? So THIS year I am NOT setting unreachable goals (at least ones I can't reach this year...)

And this being said, there are certain things YOU JUST DON'T DO!

1. You don't take a knife to a gun fight...
2. You NEVER tell your mother her greens aren't as good as your wife's. Conversely, you don't tell your wife here greens aren't as good as your mother's.
3. You ALSO NEVER sing a DUET with Patty Labelle! I mean really... have you heard her?!

Kevin Nottingham - Some people just do things right...

2008-12-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Patrons. I hope everyone is enjoying Christmas Day. I'm chilling in Knoxvegas with the family, Nada, and some close friends. Golden. If the gifts are open and you're looking for something to do, hit up this site.

www.kevinnottingham.com

Kevin just did it right. A quality site that is ACTUALLY about the music. go figure. Thanks for the "Get on the Elevator" Vol. 1 review Kev! If you love music, if you love hip-hop then you'll want to visit this site often. Check it out patrons and Merry Christmas.

The Management

OPEN MIKE NIGHT BLOG

Happy Holidays! Don't be a Grinch! Please...

2008-12-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Oooo! I forgot to post this... My favorite holiday movie... Listen to the bass vocals on the track... Is it that dude from Color Me Bad? lol! Just playing... The Grinch is a mean dude.. I mean really, "Your heart is full of unwashed socks?" Wow... That ain't even natural! I ain't never met a person deserving of that description (well... maybe once or twice...). But despite what the dope bass singer said about the Grinch's personality, even he was able to turn it around and make the holiday season great. Can you?

Momma's Cookin' Chicken and Collard Greens!

2008-12-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

Ah.. yes patrons. It's that time of year! I hope you're excited. I hope you have family, friends, loved ones, your girl, your guy, a church, a dog... SOMEONE to be with this holiday! That's what this is ALL about. It's crazy too, because the economy has us in a situation were there aren't many gifts under the tree. So we are forced to treat THIS Christmas in a way that is about more than just Best Buy gift cards, Black Friday, or trampling somebody to death in Wal-Mart just so you can grab one of the last Tickle Me Elmo Dolls (people are crazy...)! So enjoy your holiday, make THIS Christmas about MORE than just the gifts, and please find someone (who REALLY loves you..) to enjoy it with. Who needs credit card debt REALLY? Not me! Enjoy this CLASSIC! We should learn a very serious lesson from Joe, DMC, and Jay... All one REALLY needs to be happy this Christmas is some fresh ADIDAS!

Shae'Lyda! Hello America!

2008-12-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Most of ya'll have seen this.. But hey! Watch it again! She's the future people! How many dope female MC's you know out there? How many dope 17 year old MC's you know out there? How many dope female, 17 year old, MC's you know out there?.... You ALL know the answer... So that being said, take a little look at the future. We don't know WHEN Shae'lyda will be big, but she WILL be big! Kinda inevitable in my book! She might even beat the Elements to big time success. But who DOESN'T want there little sis to do greater things than them? Mean people... Dat about it... Be good patrons!

First things first...

2008-12-12T01:41:00.000-08:00

Written at 4:30 AM on 12/11/08...

Okay... really. It's late, it's early, and I have NO idea how to blog! It's kinda crazy too because I have a pretty decent knowledge of computers and I can even cut and past a mean HTML code.. but for some reason I NEVER learned how to blog! I really should too because I KEEP hearing and I'm starting to believe that no one should waste their dope thoughts, musings, etc... on the same 10 people you see EVERY day! I do believe that there are FAR more people than that out there that will gladly say things like, "I hear you B.." or, "Fo' real?!" or, "Man I wish this dude would shut up!" So this is for all of those people! As long as I get a little feedback, get people talking a bit, and have something to do, it'll be good! So enjoy! Oh.. and first things first, go check out my boy Midimarc's blog Diary of a Mad Black Beatmaker. Good stuff...