Okay, so what had happened was I couldn't stand this song. Nothing special. In one ear out the other. And since I don't listen to the radio or watch music videos that often, it was easy for me to neglect it. Then he went and performed it on So You Think You Can Dance last week which prompted me to spend the rest of the week perfecting my "GET IT SHAWTY!" impression. [Seriously, you should hear it. I'm actually quite good.] Now because of said impression I find myself wanting more and letting the song grow on me.
-Sigh-
Now if you'll excuse me, I got a track to download.
PEACE.
SMH. Tauwan, Tauwan, Tauwan.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
I'll stand by you.
I hate to get all gay on you guys, but watching this b-boy dance this contemporary routine makes me miss dancing. Seriously.
Website of the day?
Whoa. For a minute there I thought the picture presented above was a screencap from an episode of Wildin' Out!
Love Me, Love Me
Say that you love me...
"...Billy [Corgan] and company would like you to know that they fully support the extinction of the American independent record store at the hand of large, faceless, little-guy-crushing big boxes. They also support bleeding their fans dry. How? By releasing FOUR different versions of Zeitgeist..."
New flava in ya ear!
I know, I know, another day, another struggling band trying to make it in Los Angeles. But this one might be worth your while. Plus it's not everyday that two dudes of a formerly, somewhat famous Christian boy band grab their wives and a friend or two, and hammer out some wholesome indie rock that bounces along to the vibe of Spoon or Elliot Smith. Just saying.
Big Girls Don't Cry
Especially when Mika's around to let them hag it up.
Mika. Big Girl (You Are Beautiful).
Doesn't this video feel like it was taped at a big girl's Pride festival?*
*Too much?
Mika. Big Girl (You Are Beautiful).
Doesn't this video feel like it was taped at a big girl's Pride festival?*
*Too much?
Big ups Cousin Lil Bro!
Now walk it out!
Another year, another graduation celebration. Congratulations Westchester's class of 2007! Now do the damn thing!
You finally made it! High school is over and done with. So big ups for walking across that stage and recieving your diploma from Westchester High School.
Sidenote: Now if you ain't Black and don't live in Southern Los Angeles, then you have never heard of Westchester High School. Now if you are Black and live in Southern Los Angeles, you know it is THE public high school to attend. Nobody cares that academically the test scores and all that jazz aren't that great; shit nobody even cares that the damn campus is so close to the water off of Manchester [pass Lincoln] that it might as well be on the beach. Nope. All that matters is that it's Westchester, the school is still all about kids looking too fly in their fits, and rolling around in nice whips. Basically it's Beverly Hills 90210 for the urban set in Southern Los Angeles.
Yeah. Westchester. The only graduation ceremony in Southern Los Angeles where you can here the remix of DJ UNK's Walk it Out after the presentation of diplomas. Which was interrupted briefly by the announcer* who mentioned that if anyone finds a pair of car keys to please return them to the DJ Booth. Yes, the DJ Booth. Good times.
*Apparently as I was walking to the car I missed the announcement regarding a lost fake diamond bamboo earring [just one] that needed to be returned to the DJ Booth. Damn.
Another year, another graduation celebration. Congratulations Westchester's class of 2007! Now do the damn thing!
You finally made it! High school is over and done with. So big ups for walking across that stage and recieving your diploma from Westchester High School.
Sidenote: Now if you ain't Black and don't live in Southern Los Angeles, then you have never heard of Westchester High School. Now if you are Black and live in Southern Los Angeles, you know it is THE public high school to attend. Nobody cares that academically the test scores and all that jazz aren't that great; shit nobody even cares that the damn campus is so close to the water off of Manchester [pass Lincoln] that it might as well be on the beach. Nope. All that matters is that it's Westchester, the school is still all about kids looking too fly in their fits, and rolling around in nice whips. Basically it's Beverly Hills 90210 for the urban set in Southern Los Angeles.
Yeah. Westchester. The only graduation ceremony in Southern Los Angeles where you can here the remix of DJ UNK's Walk it Out after the presentation of diplomas. Which was interrupted briefly by the announcer* who mentioned that if anyone finds a pair of car keys to please return them to the DJ Booth. Yes, the DJ Booth. Good times.
*Apparently as I was walking to the car I missed the announcement regarding a lost fake diamond bamboo earring [just one] that needed to be returned to the DJ Booth. Damn.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
News Blurb of the Day!
Taken from the folks over at Oh Word:
Scariest trend [of 2007]: R&B showing more signs of creativity than Hip Hop. Between R Kelly, Rihanna, Amerie and Beyonce…rappers are in danger. If you count British girl-group revival...they’re straight fucked.
Prince I love you, but you're bringing my "unemployed", cheap, limited funds having ass down.
Prince: Don't you wanna come?
Tauwan: 3121? Yeah. Don't you wanna pay for my ticket?
So a month or so ago I heard that Prince was coming to Los Angeles, Club 3121 style like he did in Vegas, and I was all sorts of excited. And then I read this:
"As expected, Prince's shows will not be a cheap ticket. VIP packages (for two), limited to a total of 65, will cost $3,121, with 70 standing-room only tickets going for $312.10. (Yes, numerals in the pricetags add up to 7; the guy has a fondness for that number.)...The show promises to be intimate. The evenings kick off with a 7:30 p.m. dinner in the hotel's Dakota restaurant, presented by Prince's personal chef Lena Morgan. After dinner, guests will go to the Blossom Room for a DJ set followed by a two-hour Prince performance. And at about 1 a.m., Prince will preside over a "free-form jazz jam." Expect cameos by special guests -- the likes of Elton John, Will.I.Am, Herbie Hancock and Kelis have sat in with Prince before..."
Am I still excited? Not so much. [Shrugs shoulders, crosses arms across chest, and pouts]
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
SHUT YOUR MOUTH
I like hip-hop. I grew up listening to nothing but hip-hop and R&B, but I am by no means a hip-hop head. Many of my favorite albums [rap included]aren't favorites based solely on the music housed within the disc[though that too is very important], but also because of the memories attached to it and the role it may have played for me at a certain point in time. So if you were to come around and ask what one of my favorite hip-hop albums of all time is, I would go ahead and say 2Pac All Eyez On Me. This is an album from my childhood that spawned many a hit single, music video, and the clout of Pac's celebrity. This is the album I ran down the street to the neighborhood corner store to buy on double cassette for 19.99 with my own money. I loved the production, I loved Pac's rhymes, and of course, loved the singles. That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less. Some would agree with me, others won't. Take Mark Ronson for example...
You look good and you wear it well
Yeah that's right. I said it. It's Tuesday June 19th, 2007, and I'm still taking time out of my busy schedule to stare at Lindsay Lohan. Why? Cause, well...fuck you!
Big ups to Byran Adams for taking the pics!
EGOTASTIC: Lindsay Lohan Sexes Up Her Image, Sexes Down Her Life
Big ups to Byran Adams for taking the pics!
Keep the car running
Two bands.
One stage.
Arcade Fire.
AND LCD Soundsystem.
I don't think you're ready for this jelly.
Got me twisted
File Under: Trapped in the Closet [Except it's not, but the cloth is still being cut from the same fabric. Am I right or am I right?]
Usher. Kells. One woman. Two men. Pimpin' ain't easy when you're messing with the same girl.
Usher. Kells. One woman. Two men. Pimpin' ain't easy when you're messing with the same girl.
Monday, June 18, 2007
A Moment of Clarity
Release Date: July 22, 2003. Damn. Has it really been that long?
Dear Mya,
Less talking, more releasing new music. Jesus.
That is all,
Tauwan
A Bay Bay!
What?...
Oh why is this song so popular with the young folk? It came on in the club last night and I swear everyone lost it.
I guess.
Actually it looked exactly they way the boys and girls look in this video when they break out and dance out of nowhere in front of the fish fry or the car wash.
P.S.Doesn't this video look awfully familiar?
Oh why is this song so popular with the young folk? It came on in the club last night and I swear everyone lost it.
I guess.
Actually it looked exactly they way the boys and girls look in this video when they break out and dance out of nowhere in front of the fish fry or the car wash.
P.S.
I don't know what love is [I just do as I'm told]
WELCOME BAAAACK!
Did anybody else catch this set at Bonnaroo last night? I don't know what I liked more: Meg passionately singing [I mean the girl was projecting and emoting like a kid in front of her mirror with a hairbrush] In the Cold, Cold, Night as the sun began to set over the crowd; Jack falling to his knees and crawling towards the back of the stage, outta sight, outta mind, taking out every guitar in his path during yet another blistering guitar solo; or the back and forth he commanded so expertly between keyboards and guitar during an awe inspiring rendition of Icky Thump. [And how great was that old school hanging microphone? In the words of John Travolta on South Park: Oh my God!]
Look, it's Jack and Meg's world, and I'm just living in it. And after catching their Bonnaroo set live on the internet last night, I am glad to have them back in my life. And I also can not wait to get my hands on Icky Thump tomorrow. I have not downloaded a single track from the album, nor have I streamed it online, and yes, the anticipation is killing me, but I can wait. In the meantime I am going back, playing the old stuff, gearing up for the new release and allowing myself to be content with the fact that this week might just belong to the White Stripes. Yes, their catalogue will be in constant rotation 'round these parts. Trust.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Be Here Now.
Our work is never over.
So a Friday or two back Diplo touched down in Los Angeles to put it down. Everybody under the sun went. [and when I say everybody under the sun I mean all the shiny happy people I call my friends]And the verdict? Well, it was aight. Many found themselves stuck in the middle, enjoying what they heard, but expecting so much more. So to Diplo I say this: it's all good homie, keep doin you and I'mma keep doing me... As long as you keep chruning out these fly ass remixes.
Big ups to
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Play that beat!
Believe me, I adore playing an old school hit like nobody's business, but sometimes there's nothing better than putting on one of your favorite long players, enjoying it for what it is: a tip-top, start to finish "headphone masterpiece".
At the end of Lost in Translation, Bill Murray says goodbye to Scarlett Johansson and is escorted through the streets of Tokyo by a personal driver, getting one last look at the dazzling and congested city through his backseat window. Sofia Coppola then pulls back from the car, giving the viewer one last look at the hustle and bustle of Tokyo also. As all this is going on and the movie draws to a close, Air's “Alone in Kyoto”—the slow and contemplative closing track from their album Talkie Walkie—plays hauntingly in the background. Produced by OK Computer producer Nigel Godrich, the French duo's album is equipped with all of the atmospheric soundscapes and emotional poetry present in many a Radiohead release. Divided between vocal and non-vocal tracks, Talkie Walkie is a gorgeous album that goes down smoothly, coasting by without being forgettable.
Key Tracks: Run* (So haunting, so good), Venus, Biological
At the end of Lost in Translation, Bill Murray says goodbye to Scarlett Johansson and is escorted through the streets of Tokyo by a personal driver, getting one last look at the dazzling and congested city through his backseat window. Sofia Coppola then pulls back from the car, giving the viewer one last look at the hustle and bustle of Tokyo also. As all this is going on and the movie draws to a close, Air's “Alone in Kyoto”—the slow and contemplative closing track from their album Talkie Walkie—plays hauntingly in the background. Produced by OK Computer producer Nigel Godrich, the French duo's album is equipped with all of the atmospheric soundscapes and emotional poetry present in many a Radiohead release. Divided between vocal and non-vocal tracks, Talkie Walkie is a gorgeous album that goes down smoothly, coasting by without being forgettable.
Key Tracks: Run* (So haunting, so good), Venus, Biological
New flava in ya ear!
Let's not kid ourselves, Timbaland's latest album Shock Value, was kind of a letdown. [Surprise Surprise] But then again, let's not sit here and act as though 50 to 75% of isn't actually quite good. [Again, surprise surprise]One of the better tracks on the album, hands down, is the percolating space funk of The Way I Are starring Tim, D.O.E., younger brother Sebastian and another one of Timbo's new, sexy, and talented femme fatales Keri Hilson. The video? It's aight; like Promiscuous Girl - lite shot on the streets of London. Song still knocks though. Check it out!
Shaq diesel.
HIT ME!
I don't know who I think I am or who I intend to become, but tonight for the first time, I will be dipping into my giant new jar of Twinlab's 100% Soy Protein, mass producing, VEGE FUEL. [Good looking out on the free jar cousin lil bro]. Who knows, maybe it'll put me one step closer to fulfilling my childhood dream of being called American Gladiator or Shaq diesel. [Did you see his arms in Kazaam?] Holla!
Developing...
Video of the Evening!
Queens of the Stone Age feat Julian Cassablancas of the Strokes [listen for him, he's there].
Sick, Sick, Sick.
If you don't know, now you know.
Sick, Sick, Sick.
If you don't know, now you know.
Wicked Garden
So I finally got around to breaking in my copy of the new Queens of the Stone Age album, Era Vulgaris today. Woo Doggy! I'll tell ya what, there are few bands out there today that are as consistent and entertaining as Los Queens of the Stone Age. Don't believe me, give this track , presented below, and also known as track one, Turning on the Screw, a spin, and try not to nod along or be reminded of another one of my personal faves; the gone, but not forgotten Stone Temple Pilots.
Am I right or am I right? You too can hear traces of Scott Weiland and co. right?
Friday, June 15, 2007
New flava in ya ear!
I have been in love with this track ever since I first read about it two months or so over at Fluxblog. [It even provided the sdtrk to my myspace page a few weeks back. And as we all know, song on myspace page = love] And you should too. Just be sure to not let Daniel Merriweather's "Thicke goes street" look bother you too much. [That or the cool mint Listerine flowing from every orifice]
Mark Ronson Feat. Daniel Merriweather. Stop Me.
Mark Ronson Feat. Daniel Merriweather. Stop Me.
[I be saying] NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
While you be saying YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
Spotted over atCrunk + Disorderly
WOW!
So... are we to assume that this video is a four minute appreciation for masturbation, seeing as how she loves to wiggle about seductively whenever Ne-Yo's face pops up onscreen?
Spotted over at
WOW!
So... are we to assume that this video is a four minute appreciation for masturbation, seeing as how she loves to wiggle about seductively whenever Ne-Yo's face pops up onscreen?
Video of the Day!
This past Tuesday I was fortunate enough to catch this little known indie band poised for greatness, Menomena, at the Troubadour. [Big ups to my homegirl Teresa Electro for hooking that up] Be sure to get your hands on some of their tunes. Definitely a band to watch. In the meantime, click below to see the fantastically juvenille new video for their song Rotten Hell.
Save a horse, ride a cowboy!
File Under: Quote of the Day!
Ta-dow! How you like me now?
"Listeners don't recognize boundaries, people in the music business do...They think you have to focus on a certain group to market...You gotta break the stereotype. The guys cruising the Wal-Mart parking lot, trying to pick up girls — they're blasting urban music. Ludacris, Jay-Z, 50 Cent...That's the music with that beat. It's not their world, but it's the groove they're looking for."-Rich, of the "country" duo Big & Rich
THE LOS ANGELES TIMES: Big & Rich's country has no borders
Ta-dow! How you like me now?
"Listeners don't recognize boundaries, people in the music business do...They think you have to focus on a certain group to market...You gotta break the stereotype. The guys cruising the Wal-Mart parking lot, trying to pick up girls — they're blasting urban music. Ludacris, Jay-Z, 50 Cent...That's the music with that beat. It's not their world, but it's the groove they're looking for."-Rich, of the "country" duo Big & Rich
God bless America?
Look, I enjoy this show just as much as the next man. As a matter of fact I became a full fledged fan last summer during the show's second season. So one would think that the mere sight of last season's winner Benji Schwimmer hamming it up on last night's results show would have had me on the edge of my seat smiling from ear to ear. Wrong. I turned the channel immediately. And this morning as I scan through the clip on the world wide web I am glad that I did. Don't believe me? Scan ahead to two minutes and twelve seconds and don't look away til the clip ends.
STOP!
HAMMERTIME!
So earlier this year I became a new found Fall Out BOy fan. See what had happened was all these critics in their fancy music mags and websites were proclaiming how the band's latest album Infinity on High, is an entertaining kick in the face that deserves to be heard, irregardless of whether or not you can stand Pete Wentz, or can't get with the overlong, too thought out song titles. And you know what? They were right. I copped it. I played. I like it. Definitely one of my favorites from 2007. And this song, presented in video form at the link provided below is a fine example of why FOB's Infinity on High deserves a quick spin from you and your comrades.
FALL OUT BOY - THE TAKE OVER, THE BREAK'S OVER [MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE]
Earlier...
Fix Me in 45!
So earlier this year I became a new found Fall Out BOy fan. See what had happened was all these critics in their fancy music mags and websites were proclaiming how the band's latest album Infinity on High, is an entertaining kick in the face that deserves to be heard, irregardless of whether or not you can stand Pete Wentz, or can't get with the overlong, too thought out song titles. And you know what? They were right. I copped it. I played. I like it. Definitely one of my favorites from 2007. And this song, presented in video form at the link provided below is a fine example of why FOB's Infinity on High deserves a quick spin from you and your comrades.
Earlier...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
[I be saying] NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
While you be saying YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
Seriously, somebody grab Andy Milonakis' wrist, slap the back of his hand a few times and say, NO ANDY! NO!
Seriously, somebody grab Andy Milonakis' wrist, slap the back of his hand a few times and say, NO ANDY! NO!
A Moment of Clarity
It's not that complicated, she's just missundaztood.
If you don't mind, I would like to take this time to address the somewhat endless drama that seems to be surrounding Kelly Clarkson at the moment. From the get go we have all heard the stories about her and this My December album set to drop in two weeks. Her and Clive Davis have butted heads over the tunes on the disc; those on high wanted her to actually re-record tracks off of Lindsay Lohan's last album; selling records is all fine and dandy, but really she doesn't give a damn about all that. In other words, but she really wants to do is write, sing, and emote.
Cut to this week. Manager fired. Summer tour, at the moment, canceled.
What in the world is going on?
It all seems so unfortunate to me. No, I did not watch the first season of American Idol religiously, but I am young and American, meaning I copped her debut disc, and later, went on to fall in love with the now ubiqutous pop classic Since You've Been Gone. And as of late I have kept the four other singles from that album [Breakaway, Behind These Hazel Eyes, Because of You and Walk Away] in constant rotation round these parts, which is funny, considering how at the time of their respective releases I saw them as nothing more than cloying Top 40 hits.
But then I stopped being a music snob and started being real.
Kelly Clarkson is the real deal. There's a reason those songs work and went on to sell millions of copies. Few of Kelly's contemparies can utter lines like "I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly" and give off the impression that they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. For example, I enjoy a fair amount of Avril Lavigne's latest The Best Damn Thing, but every so often, when the Joan Jett and the Blackhearts/Pat Benatar leanings give way to trite balladry, even I have a hard time not pressing the skip button, and wondering how at a much younger age her selling some of these same ruminations on love and longing felt much more genuine.
If anything, this whole My December fiasco makes me think of another one of my favorites, Pink. [Or is it P!nk?] When Pink burst onto the scene back in 2000 with her debut album Can't Take Me Home [remember that one?] she, like Kelly Clarkson had a "gimmick" or something pushing her out into the limelight. Here was a young pink haired Caucasian female with a big voice and R&B edge, backed by producers who enveloped her voice and persona in the popular R&B trappings of the time. It's a situation not too far removed from Kelly's debut: big voiced southern girl wins insanely popular talent show, recieves a team of backers who aid in hammering out her obligatory American Idolized debut album and single.
But with her second album Pink chose to do things her way. Downplaying the heavily manafactured urban motifs of her first album, Pink took a step back, applied more of her own words to the pad, and crafted an incredibly ambitious sophomore record, [where the first disc was aggressive and distant, Missudaztood was open and laid everything bare] caring less about numbers, and more about being true to herself and her fans. And I think her career and current catalogue is better because of that.
And this is what I see and hear with Ms. Clarkson. No, I have not downloaded the album or heard it all in its entirety, but what I have heard are three of four tracks of a young woman attempting to come into her own as an artist, and succeeding. As is the case with the wonderfully rollicking lead single Never Again, Kelly, like Pink before her, stands behind her words and sings them with such grit, such emotion, such clarity, that you can't help but listen. To not give My December a shot because of negative press, or because it's not Breakaway 2: Still crying Behind These Hazel Eyes would be a huge mistake, cause Kelly, as we all found out a few years back on American Idol, is a force to be reckoned with.
Cause I want it all.
Monday, June 18th. 10 PM ET/PT. Help Diddy stack that paper.
Okay Diddy. Might have to tune in, but I already know that it won't even hold a candle to Making the Band 2. Now that is classic television.
Okay Diddy. Might have to tune in, but I already know that it won't even hold a candle to Making the Band 2. Now that is classic television.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I wanna welcome all y'all broke ass entrepreuniggas to the Player's Club!
YAY! YAY!
Oh my!
Shesus Khryst* indeed.
*I may be readin too much into all of this, but that isn't supposed to read like "she is Christ" is it? Cause if so that is a little, how do you say, ah yes, blasphemous.
Oh my!
Shesus Khryst* indeed.
*I may be readin too much into all of this, but that isn't supposed to read like "she is Christ" is it? Cause if so that is a little, how do you say, ah yes, blasphemous.
Will you be there?
Hot Chip. The Henry Fonda Theatre. Hollywood, CA. Followed by an after party at Star Shoes. Tonight. I'll be there. Will you?
Big Ups T-Pain!/New flava in ya ear!
It's not right, but it's okay.
I have a cousin. He's a senior in high school. In actuality he is more like a little brother. During our youth we had matching outfits from time to time, and have lived under the same roof since my 8th grade year of junior high school. Now that I am out of college we have gotten a little tighter, bonding over tales of respective late night debauchery, family members getting us down, and of course music. Now cousin lil bro keeps his ear glued to the streets when it comes to current and popular hip-hop and R&B, which when you think about it isn't that hard when you are a high school student in Southern Los Angeles who surrounds himself/is surrounded by predominately Black and Hispanic peers. Every now and then cousin lil bro and I go back and forth over some song that just needs to be heard, or in his case, something all the kids are listening to that he wants my opinion on. So, in honor of T-Pain's new album hitting number one on the charts, [Which surprises the hell out of me. I thought for sure that Rihanna had that top spot on lock.] here's a song cousin lil bro played for me one day as we rode to Burger King or some shit together. Sean Kingston. Beautiful Girls (Suicidal)*. Enjoy!
*And no, he did not know that Ben E. King's Stand By Me provides the backdrop for most of this song.
Youmustnotknowboutme!
How did I miss this movie when it hit theatres? Not only did it come out on my birthday, but the ad design for its posters show some love for the work of Mr. Andy Warhol. I must have been tripping...
Ladies and gentleman I present to you Tyler Perry, [the R.Kelly of the stage and film world] still riding out those 15 minutes.
If you don't know, now you know.
Worth the wait?
Is this even worth the effort? I mean so you're technically getting a White Stripes show for the low, low price of 9-13.99. [or higher, this is the old Tower Records space after all] But still, I don't know man.
I think I'm in love?
So...Yeah...I have been waiting forever and a day for this song to be released as a single; To be able to throw it on at a party and have people go bananas and not stop moving cause they don't recognize the track. [Look I know there is nothing better than being able to both get down and sing along to a jam as you get your groove on, but there's also nothing wrong with being a slave to some unknown block rocking beat. I'm just saying.]
For me, Lovestoned/I Think She Knows is where JT hits his MJ swagger jacking stride. So imagine how excited I was when I woke up this morning and found out that this song now has a video to accompany it. Unfortunately what we get is the 3rd video from Futuresex/Lovesounds that is heavy on the ambition, but low on that thing they call the wow factor. I still adore the album, and this song is still my shit, but am I wrong in wanting so much more?
For me, Lovestoned/I Think She Knows is where JT hits his MJ swagger jacking stride. So imagine how excited I was when I woke up this morning and found out that this song now has a video to accompany it. Unfortunately what we get is the 3rd video from Futuresex/Lovesounds that is heavy on the ambition, but low on that thing they call the wow factor. I still adore the album, and this song is still my shit, but am I wrong in wanting so much more?
Old school funk for the true funk soldiers!
Matt Pond PA.
Several Arrows Later*
Indie Rock at its finest.
*not the actual video. Yes the actual song.
Several Arrows Later*
Indie Rock at its finest.
*not the actual video. Yes the actual song.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Here's a little story that must be told!
And it goes a little something like this:
Yeah... It was one of those nights.
Oh last summer. Fresh out of college, back home in Los Angeles, long hair now cut, living the unemployed but educated life in the city. One warm summer night I was just riding around with the homieMoleski.
[I am sure we were doing something far more spectacular than cruising the streets, for lack of a better word; but at the moment it all escapes me]
I wasn't ready to call it a night, we are young twentysomethings I thought, it's a Saturday night, and last I had checked it wasn't even 11 pm yet. And I needed [okay wanted] a drink. I don't how, and again, don't remember why, but we were in the Los Feliz/Echo Park/Silverlake region, which partially explains how, when Moleski asked where we could go that was nearby I suggested and lead him to Akbar.
Now if you don't live in Los Angeles/aren't familiar with Akbar, it's one of those not quite a dive, not quite large enough to be a club type establishments that for the most part, caters to the young and "hip" who also happen to like those who share the same sexual organs as they do. [And on this night, Wanda Sykes and two gal pals. Don't ask. I'm not her keeper] Now this wasn't my first trip to a gay bar, but it was for my 100% heterosexual partner in crime for the night Moleski. As I danced to a beat or two and downed a few drinks Dave remained glued to the wall, not out of fear or ignorance, but because it was all so damn interesting to take in, in a fish out of water, sociological field trip kind of way.
[Though I would totally understand the fear part. I once left a party to hook up in his car, (What? I was young. And by young I mean drunk and horny.) only to return and find out that for the duration of my drunken time away, he was accosted by an older gay co-worker of mine.]
But I digress.
To make a long story short, Moleski left Akbar completely amazed at what he had witnessed. It was just, in his words "quite the experience". Was it one he needed to explore again? Not really. But if he ever wanted to be reminded of the night where he found out that not all gay guys look and act like Jack from Will and Grace, he should read this post from Dan Carlson, over at Slowly Going Bald, describing his first trip, as a heterosexual male, to a gay club.
SLOWLY GOING BALD: The Man Show: Or, My First Trip To A Gay Club
Yeah... It was one of those nights.
Oh last summer. Fresh out of college, back home in Los Angeles, long hair now cut, living the unemployed but educated life in the city. One warm summer night I was just riding around with the homieMoleski.
[I am sure we were doing something far more spectacular than cruising the streets, for lack of a better word; but at the moment it all escapes me]
I wasn't ready to call it a night, we are young twentysomethings I thought, it's a Saturday night, and last I had checked it wasn't even 11 pm yet. And I needed [okay wanted] a drink. I don't how, and again, don't remember why, but we were in the Los Feliz/Echo Park/Silverlake region, which partially explains how, when Moleski asked where we could go that was nearby I suggested and lead him to Akbar.
Now if you don't live in Los Angeles/aren't familiar with Akbar, it's one of those not quite a dive, not quite large enough to be a club type establishments that for the most part, caters to the young and "hip" who also happen to like those who share the same sexual organs as they do. [And on this night, Wanda Sykes and two gal pals. Don't ask. I'm not her keeper] Now this wasn't my first trip to a gay bar, but it was for my 100% heterosexual partner in crime for the night Moleski. As I danced to a beat or two and downed a few drinks Dave remained glued to the wall, not out of fear or ignorance, but because it was all so damn interesting to take in, in a fish out of water, sociological field trip kind of way.
[Though I would totally understand the fear part. I once left a party to hook up in his car, (What? I was young. And by young I mean drunk and horny.) only to return and find out that for the duration of my drunken time away, he was accosted by an older gay co-worker of mine.]
But I digress.
To make a long story short, Moleski left Akbar completely amazed at what he had witnessed. It was just, in his words "quite the experience". Was it one he needed to explore again? Not really. But if he ever wanted to be reminded of the night where he found out that not all gay guys look and act like Jack from Will and Grace, he should read this post from Dan Carlson, over at Slowly Going Bald, describing his first trip, as a heterosexual male, to a gay club.
Independent Woman
File Under: Video of the Day!
Bjork. Declare Independence. Live on the BBC's Later With Jools Holland.
PITCHFORK: Video: Björk: "Declare Independence" (live on "Later With Jools Holland")
Bjork. Declare Independence. Live on the BBC's Later With Jools Holland.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Ain't lookin for nothin BUT A GOOD TIME!
Oops. My bad.
Okay let me just get this out of the way first. Yes, Poison have no business covering Justin Timberlake's Sexyback; but I must admit, when it comes to "hard rock" sleaze, this isn't that bad. And if it came on at a party, I might consider "rockin out" to it. But it would have to be late in the party. People around me would have to be just as enthusiastic for it. And a few drinks would have to pass through my esophagus.
Shake your derriere in your Dereon!
No disrespect to my girl B and her mama Miss Tina, but what the hell is this? I mean seriously. Guess I won't be seeing the House of Dereon line in Macy's, Nordstrom's, or Bloomingdale's. I guess this also means I gotta get Bigmama's "Big Thangs Poppin" b-day gift-fit from Ross, Marshall's, or TJ Maxx.
Here comes the hotstepper!
File Under: Quote of the Day!
You gon make me some tacos?
“I’m definitely more talented than most of the guys I know...A lot of guys who just want to have sex will sit with the same woman and try all night. I’m able to look at a woman, have a five-minute conversation with her, and tell if it’s a waste of time or not. I figure things out a lot faster.” -Tyrese "Black Ty" Gibson
You gon make me some tacos?
“I’m definitely more talented than most of the guys I know...A lot of guys who just want to have sex will sit with the same woman and try all night. I’m able to look at a woman, have a five-minute conversation with her, and tell if it’s a waste of time or not. I figure things out a lot faster.” -Tyrese "Black Ty" Gibson
This is how we do it.
Yes it is Monica. You don't even know...
Now if you visit this blog often, you know that old school jams are more often than not posted under the "Old School Funk for the True Funk Soldiers" headline. But sometimes old school joints are so good, so well put together, so classic to a brotha, [see Montell Jordan's This is how we do it] that all I can do is marvel at their goodness as they boldly play on and show us how's it done. This jam, presented below, is one such example.
Ain't nothing wrong with being hood and/or keeping it real, but I remember a time when Monica's sass, ferocity, and attitude was subtle and commendable, and less damn, bitch done found out about my "sideline ho" and is ready to knife a nigga's throat!
Now if you visit this blog often, you know that old school jams are more often than not posted under the "Old School Funk for the True Funk Soldiers" headline. But sometimes old school joints are so good, so well put together, so classic to a brotha, [see Montell Jordan's This is how we do it] that all I can do is marvel at their goodness as they boldly play on and show us how's it done. This jam, presented below, is one such example.
Ain't nothing wrong with being hood and/or keeping it real, but I remember a time when Monica's sass, ferocity, and attitude was subtle and commendable, and less damn, bitch done found out about my "sideline ho" and is ready to knife a nigga's throat!
New flava in ya ear!
Word on the street is this song won't be on Kanye's upcoming Graduation, but let's enjoy it anyway. Kanye West. John Mayer. Bittersweet.
Kanye West feat. John Mayer - Bittersweet
Saturday, June 09, 2007
New flava in ya ear!
Yeah I own this album. And I enjoy it, nigga what?
Now this is a Juliette and the Licks song I can stand behind wholeheartedly.
Juliette and the Licks. You're Speaking My Language.
Enjoy!
Wamp Wamp What it do!
Raise your hand if you knew that Paula Cole was still cranking out fresh tunes. [Not that you were checking up on her or anything] Anybody? Anybody?
Didn't think so.
And don't act like you didn't love this show at some point in your life.
Didn't think so.
And don't act like you didn't love this show at some point in your life.
Old school funk for the true funk soldiers!
"I used to be so insecure. Now I'm in-stupid..."
Bumping that Fanmail. This track, presented below, is now playing. I can honestly say that I have not heard this song in about four of five years.
P.S. Why is this video six minutes long? I mean, did we really need an "uncut" video for a song like this?
Bumping that Fanmail. This track, presented below, is now playing. I can honestly say that I have not heard this song in about four of five years.
P.S. Why is this video six minutes long? I mean, did we really need an "uncut" video for a song like this?
Friday, June 08, 2007
More! More! More!
"Looks like the folks at Vice are doing a similar happy-bunny dance, because they've been rolling out a new remix of "D.A.N.C.E."-- and a new Justice remix of other artists' tracks-- every day Monday-Friday. Charlie Fanclub, datA, Blaze, and Tittsworth have done the deed with "D.A.N.C.E.", while Justice have returned the favor for Mr. Oizo's "Nazis", N.E.R.D.'s "She Wants to Move", and Daft Punk's "Human After All" (!)"
Oh Word?
Okay Marilyn. I see you. Listening to the new album and loving the one-two punch of the single Heart Shaped Glasses and this:
Definitely made me sit up and listen. Who knows? Maybe I'll dust off Year Zero and listen with open ears.
Definitely made me sit up and listen. Who knows? Maybe I'll dust off Year Zero and listen with open ears.
A Moment of Clarity?
Today's moment of clarity comes courtesy of Mr. Dave Navarro. Take it away Dave!
I never do record reviews but I figured, at least you know what I like and what my influences are. Based on that, you can decide if you want to even consider my opinion... I always thought that readers should know where a reviewer is coming from before giving any review validity. I was just checking out the new Manson: Eat Me, Drink Me and at first, I was trippin... I was like... Huh? Being such a huge Antichrist fan, I guess I wanted more of that, but then again we have that record already, thank God. After getting into it deeper, I decided I love it. The album is a lot more stripped back production wise than the last few and way more "song" oriented. I would even venture to say that there are some serious New Wave elements to the new collection of songs, especially in the guitar department. Lyrically the songs are dark as to be expected but they are sometimes within musical structures that are by far the least ominous of all the previous Manson sonics. Vocally, he is on point... It's always good to hear that guy sing no matter what it's over, provided you are already a fan as I am. Melody wise, it's pretty much business as usual, but Manson's strong suit hasn't always been melody, it's been attitude, lyrical content and delivery... I think he still delivers here. Eat Me, Drink Me is a major musical departure from the usual Manson trip, in terms of the band and production, but it is a definite must have for the die hard fan. The album seems to maintain a moderate tempo throughout which can at times, grow tiresome to some, but at the same time, it makes for good in your face driving music or good background music. The same statement can be made about my last work with The Panic Channel, so in no way is that a dig. I will be purchasing this album for sure. You can check it out on the MM MySpace page which is linked above. Why am I even bothering with a review? Because information about music should come from musicians. The funny thing is, that I was inspired to do this review after talking to my long time friend and Rolling Stone contributor, Steve Baltin. We were discussing the whole critic/reviewer issue and it became clear to me through the conversation that the only way to change up the current dynamic is to go ahead and do something about it. Hopefully we can get more artists to get the information out there. Put it this way, if you don't like where I come from as an artist, you can at least consider that before reading what my thoughts are on a particular artist or band.
Thanks Dave. I am listening to it as I write this [What? Yeah I bought it! What?] and I am enjoying it. But then again, I'm kind of biased when it comes to Marilyn and his music.
New flava in ya ear!
Dear Spank Rock,
Why do I love this song so? Seriously, it has to be, hands down, my favorite track on the album. I think a lot of it has to do with Amanda Bank's verse.
Love, peace, and hair grease,
Tauwan
"i ride like KELLY BUNDY. you know i keep that shit nasty."
Why do I love this song so? Seriously, it has to be, hands down, my favorite track on the album. I think a lot of it has to do with Amanda Bank's verse.
Love, peace, and hair grease,
Tauwan
"i ride like KELLY BUNDY. you know i keep that shit nasty."
MIXTAPE FRIDAYS!
We want YOU to have a good time!
"It's Friday and I'm ready to sing, pick up my girls and hit the party scene
tonight, oh oh it's alright." So get up, get down, and don't forget to enjoy the
DRO IN DA WIND
(ONE) T.I.- TOP BACK
(TWO) LIL WAYNE - WE TAKIN' OVER [REMIX]
(THREE) BONE THUGS N HARMONY - WIND BLOW
(FOUR) BUBBA SPARXX - AS THE RIM SPINS
(FIVE) TRICK DADDY FEAT. LUDACRIS, CEE-LO, AND LIL KIM - SUGAR [GIMME SOME]
(SIX) SNOOP DOGG FEAT. NINE INCH D**K - WHICH ONE OF YOU
(SEVEN)UGK FEAT. OUTKAST - INTERNATIONAL PLAYER'S ANTHEM (I CHOOSE YOU)
(EIGHT) KANYE WEST - CAN'T TELL ME NOTHING
(NINE) REALLY DOE FEAT. JENNIFER HUDSON - MAGNETIC POWER
(TEN) THREE SIX MAFIA - POPPIN' MY COLLAR
(ELEVEN) TERRANCE HOWARD A.K.A DJAY - IT'S HARD OUT HERE FOR A PIMP
(TWELVE) DEVIN THE DUDE FEAT. SNOOP DOGG AND ANDRE 3000 - WHAT A JOB
(THIRTEEN) DJ QUIK - DOWN, DOWN, DOWN
(FOURTEEN) BOW WOW FEAT. CHRIS BROWN - SHORTIE LIKE MINE
(FIFTEEN) DJ UNK FEAT. ANDRE 3000 AND JIM JONES - WALK IT OUT [RMX]
I don't know what it is
Oh Trick Daddy, why do you intrigue me so?
I was exhausted Saturday evening. I spent the previous night dancing the night away with the
And then a different group of friends texted me.
Bored. Want to lay low. Nothing too outrageous. Just chill. I can get with that. And I did. Hopped in the car, grabbed the backseat and we proceeded to drive, and drive, and drive. Eventually I got agitated and wondered why laying low couldn't include a movie, being stupid in front of a television or anything, instead of you know, riding around in a car for nearly three hours, including a brief excursion to Comtpon to see where the driver went to school when she was young. Don't ask. She was feeling nostalgic.
But it's not like it was all bad. I mean some of us were not sober and highly entertaining, particularly when the iPod came out and the jams got played. [Tauwan not sober plus music he loves equals good times.] That is until the ridiculously raunchy southern hip-hop came on. One song in particular that stuck out had a chorus that included a back and forth between a male and female rapper that went something like HIM: jump jump on the dick! and HER: suck suck on the clit.
Ugh.
I just downloaded this track.
Why?
Said song is a Trick Daddy track.
I don't know why, but when I saw his name attached to the words Jump on the Dick, I just had to get a listen, and was completely surprised to find out that it was the same song that I was completely bored with as I sat in the backseat of the car pouting at the raunchy and uninspired hip-hop being played. But now, all of a sudden I'm "bout it, bout it."
I don't knowm, blame it on my childhood, blame it on my youth, shit, blame it on my love for no nonsense hip-hop and R&B singles. I don't know. But I do know this, if Trick Daddy were to release a greatest hits album today, I would scoop it up immediately. Real talk.
Trick Daddy feat. Trina- "Nann Nigga"
Trick Daddy feat. Duece Poppito Of 24 Karatz, Trina, and Co Of Tre +6- Shut Up
"Are those Bugle Boys jeans you're wearing?" "Hell naw bitch they Polo!"
HA! Love it! Oh old school obsessions with Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Jeans.
Trick Daddy feat the Slip-N-Slide Crew- Take it to da House
One word: CLASSIC! Still gets the party started.
Trick Daddy-I'm A Thug
That beat. And that chorus... That motherfucking chorus.
Trick Daddy feat. Cee-Lo and Big Boi- In Da Wind
TRICK LOVE THE KIDS!
Before Gnarls. Post Goodie Mob. Act like you know.
Trick Daddy feat. Cee-Lo, Ludacris, and Lil Kim- Sugar (Gimme Some)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
A Moment of Clarity
And now, a moment of clarity, peace serenity with Bizzy Bone:
DISCLAIMER: Please make it all the way through. The last minute takes me back to junior high school where you couldn't go a regular school day without somebody giving you a wallet sized photo from the recent trip they made to the photo shop last weekend. Just think: tree stumps, matching slouch socks, money backgrounds, back turned, head over shoulder, etc, etc.
DISCLAIMER: Please make it all the way through. The last minute takes me back to junior high school where you couldn't go a regular school day without somebody giving you a wallet sized photo from the recent trip they made to the photo shop last weekend. Just think: tree stumps, matching slouch socks, money backgrounds, back turned, head over shoulder, etc, etc.
Quote of the Day!
Chris Brown on recieving a call from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson on his 18th birthday:
"Man, it was crazy...He actually spoke to me like a regular person, and he was like, 'I like your music.' He said his favorite song was 'Shorty Like Mine' that me and Bow Wow did."
News Blurb of the Day! [Part 2]
Oh, and happy 49th birthday Prince! And big ups for showing the world that "Black don't crack!"
CLAY CANE: HAPPY B-DAY MR. NELSON
News Blurb of the Day!
Taken from
... Sinead O’Connor mixed it up with Prince. The controversial Irish crooner, who says she was diagnosed as bipolar four years ago, says she came to blows with the diminutive "Purple Rain" singer after she did a cover of his song, "Nothing Compares 2 U." “At the time he had a lot of female proteges and I had covered his song without having anything to do with him,” O’Connor told the London Mirror. “He invited me to his house in Los Angeles and started to give out to me for swearing in interviews. When I told him to go [bleep] himself he got very upset and became quite threatening, physically. I ended up having to escape.” But, objected the paper, “he’s such a small guy.” Replied O’Connor: “He can pack a punch. A few blows were exchanged. All I could do was spit. I spat on him quite a bit...”
Ha! Good times. I bet he fought her in heels, earrings, and tight fitting clothing, two of which he probably took off when Sinead "told him to go [bleep] himself." Prince to Sinead: "Oh Bitch you done fucked up now!"
Oh, IT'S. THE. REEEMIX!
I'm black, handomse, I sing, plus I'm rich!
Cause R.Kelly's I'm A Flirt [RMX] is the new Ignition [RMX] for the two triple O seven.
Act like you know.
Harder, Better(?), Faster, Stronger(?)!
Kanye West, Daft Punk. Daft Punk, Kanye West. I'll let you all talk amongst yourselves.
Ta-ta-turn the volume up!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Get up on this!
Justice. D.A.N.C.E. It's like the gift that just keeps on giving!:
"...the promo blitz for Justice's shit-hot club jam "D.A.N.C.E." includes a slew of free remixes -- one a day all this week...if you want to go whole hog on this "D.A.N.C.E." craze, head over to Sold Out for those magic tees from the video, designed by Ed Banger's art director So Me. Only 50.00 € for a set of two! (Magic not included.)"
WORK!
No disrespect to CiCi or anything, but doesn't it look like she's peforming for change at a Subway station or something? That, or at some church's summer festival?
Photo spotted over at
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