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Urban Train - September 2006

JT's VMA performance and new single

September 30th 2006 12:01
He brought the sexy back, now it’s time for Justin Timberlake to show us some love.

At the MTV Video Music Awards, Justin performed a medley of his newest single, My Love, and the smash hit: Sexyback.

I actually want to post up the music video for ‘My Love’ though I can’t find it anywhere. Anyway here’s the performance from the VMA’s.




Before I get into the new single, what about Justin’s new moves? He was always a good dancer, but his popping seems sharper than ever before.

As for ‘My Love’, it is definitely better than the single that preceded it.

Justin Timberlake
‘Sexyback’ has two sides to it as far as my musical sensibilities are concerned. The singing is awful and the lyrics are straight out of a gangsta rap song written by Fabio, but I still can’t get over that killer beat.

Timbaland has done it again. As he did with Furtado’s ‘Promiscuous’, he turned a distasteful song into a monster hit.

This time around, Timbaland waives his wand and casts a spell over a song that is already magical. ‘My Love’ is a song with sweet, poetic lyrics. It might play on the cliché theme of love, but it does so artistically.


You can’t fault JT on his falsetto or his sense of rhythm when melodically rapping. Unlike ‘Sexyback’, you can hear the effort put into the writing of ‘My Love’.

Combined with another hypnotic Timbaland beat, the second single far surpasses the first.

Take care and peace out…


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Album Review: Renegotiations - The Remixes

September 29th 2006 13:16
Their last two albums, ‘Elephunk’ and ‘Monkey Business’ are the epitome of pop flavoured R&B and does not appeal to the hip hop purists unlike the rampaging masses.

Black Eyed Pease - Renegotiations - The Remixes
Released on January 1st, 2006, ‘Renegotiations – The Remixes’ brought BEP back to their roots (as in before slurry-bag Fergie joined the group).

Ten months later and the EP is still unknown to the general public; kind of like the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden.

I knew it wouldn’t take off. I was, and still am, confident that you can’t trust the general public to listen to the good stuff (or smoke it if that’s your thing).

That being said, I am reviewing the EP on it’s music rather than its popularity. One thing I have to say is that ‘Renegotiations – The Remixes’ is BEP’s saving grace. From hip hop maestros to pop divas, they can claim back the street cred they once had

The EP is nothing short of solid hip hop. With talented individuals doing the remixes (such as DJ Premier, Eric Sermon, and Pete Rock), there is no wonder this mini-album is so damn good.

While the entire EP is solid, the tracks that really stand out (in terms of lyrical hip hop) are ‘Like That’, ‘Audio Delete’ and ‘They Don’t Want Music’. The first two tracks are original album versions, while the latter includes some awesome hooks sung by James Brown.

The rest of the tracks are great too, although the originals were so ‘pop’ that a lot of work had to be done to the beats to, some how, save them from a bubblegum fate. Though not being as pure, so to speak, these tracks achieve a happy medium of catchy pop hooks and pure hip hop beats.

‘Renegotiations – The Remixes’ is actually a rare album to get your hands on. If you have the chance to get it, don’t hesitate; it’s worth it.

Take care and peace out…
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Culture: Skating and hip hop

September 28th 2006 08:57
I’ve recently taken up skating. Engaging in my new hobby leads me to think about the culture I’m only beginning to buy into. So how does skate culture stack up to hip hop?

tailslide
A backside tailslide... niiiiiice
Skate and hip hop culture has run parallel paths in the same direction for three decades, yet they’re also known as polar opposites of the street spectrum.

Stereotypically, skate culture is white and hip hop culture is... yep you’ve guessed it… black. For many people who don’t know much about the two cultures, it is very easy to mistake them as sworn enemies planning on ripping each other’s eyeballs from their sockets.

Traditionally, skating is synonymous with rock/alternative music, although the past decade and a half has seen the culture embrace an eclectic taste for beats.

Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams aka. Skateboard P
Have a play of any Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game and listen to the soundtrack. The hardcore, guitar-charged rock songs scream throughout it, though there are some nice touches of reggae, hip hop and electronica.

Did you know that Pharrell Williams’ alternative artist name is ‘Skateboard P’?

Most recently, a rapper who is causing ripples in the hip hop world is Lupe Fiasco. You may know him from Kanye West’s ‘Touch the Sky’.

Skaters across the world are taking to Fiasco’s first single, ‘Kick, Push’. like fat, hungry pigeons to a piece of moldy, old bread crust. Here’s the video:



Great video clip don’t you think? That aside, it’s no surprise that the two cultures are beginning to mold. The similarities are undeniable.

- They are the two largest street cultures on Earth,
- They are both rooted in rebellion,
- Both cultures are inextricably linked to graffiti,
- And they incorporate bagginess and comfortability into their fashion.

It seems that skate and hip hop culture is on a first date. Will the relationship flourish into a lifelong marriage, or end in divorce? Well statistics are 50/50 in this day and age.

Take care and peace out…
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Snoop & Dre Reunite

September 27th 2006 04:28
The following is a short, featured news link from Artistdirect.com
It is completely unaltered. I just thought I'd post it up because it's interesting to see some gangsta rap history returning to the scene:

To hell with bringing the "SexyBack" -- who's gonna bring the gangsta back?

Who else? West Coast O.G. Snoop Dogg will get back to his roots on his forthcoming album, The Blue Carpet Treatment, by getting back together with his old mentor and producer, Dr. Dre. The pair, responsible for such hits as "Gin and Juice" and "Nuthin But a 'G' Thang," have not collaborated in five years.

In addition to the good doctor, Snoop's collaborators on the new disc include the Neptunes, Timbaland, Stevie Wonder, Ne-Yo, the Game and Ice Cube. The set is due out November 21 on Geffen/Doggystyle Records.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
09.25.06

Take care and peace out...
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Foxy Brown Charges Dropped

September 27th 2006 03:10
Sorry guys, I haven’t blogged for a few days. Someone’s been a busy body. Now let’s forget about my hiatus and look at some juicy Foxy Brown news from yesterday.

Foxy Brown
As pointed out in this entry’s title, Foxy Brown is in legal troubles once again. Nothing new right? On the contrary; Foxy is actually found NOT guilty this time around. Before we look at it, let’s see what put her in the law’s bad books the first time.

In 2004, Foxy Brown gets into a fight with some workers at a nail salon over the price of a manicure. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; petty, petty. After 2 years – in fact it ended just a month ago – Foxy pleads guilty to a charge of misdemeanor assault.

So a month after pleading guilty, she finds herself in the hot seat once again. This time a former consultant to Brown’s management company, Rasheeda Ellis, claims that when she tried to claim back pay from Brown, Foxy turns up at work with two beefy looking, big guys and makes threats to Ellis over a mobile phone.

That kind of defeats the purpose of having the big, beefy giants in the first place doesn’t it? How intimidating can muscle-bound lumps of flesh possibly be over a telephone conversation?

Foxy Brown
It seems all these run ins with the law are taking a toll on Foxy, who realizes what it’s doing to her public image. She looks even MORE gangsta. Now she’s a REAL rapper.

No I’m just kidding. Foxy is doing her best to keep a low profile during the Fiasco. She’s reported to ask the judge to disallow photos to be taken in court; a favour the judge would not make. Plus, she’s been hiding her face behind her shades throughout court hearings. Something the judge also didn’t appreciate and forced Brown to take off.

Maybe the judge is simple star struck. He or she might be such a huge fan of Foxy’s that he or she might just want to see the rapping nymph with his or her bare eyes.

…or maybe not.

Take care and peace out…
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Happy Birthday to mah boy Eljay!!!

September 23rd 2006 08:35
It's September 23rd, my mate's birthday. His real name is John Guanco, but in hip hop circles he is known as 'Eljay'.

Eljay
Mah boi Eljay. Riverside!!!
Now, at 18 years of age, Eljay can say he's performed and seen it all


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Proof's killer convicted

September 22nd 2006 09:53
Months after the death of D-12 rapper, Proof, his killer is finally convicted.

Proof
RIP: Proof
Proof, whose real name is Deshaun Holton, was shot in a Detroit nightclub on April 11th, 2006


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Matisyahu @ Jimmy Kimmel Show 2004

September 21st 2006 10:40
As a treat, I've got a Matisyahu performance from 2004. This performance was on an episode of the Jimmy Kimmel Show. Look out for his beatboxing; absolutely faboulous. Enjoy...

Take care and peace out


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Artist Spotlight: Matisyahu

September 19th 2006 10:37
Who would’ve ever thought that an Orthodox-Hassidic Jew could become a reggae superstar?

Matisyahu
The Orthodox, Hassidic Jewish, Hippie, Rapper, Beatboxer, and Reggae singer.
Matisyahu has come a long way. It’s a shame that his hard work has taken this long to get noticed, but better late than never right


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Opinion: Topping Hip Hop

September 18th 2006 12:15
"Kanye and 50 [Cent] are the same artist with just two different poles to me. Like, whereas 50 got shot and had to come back in the game, get on the streets and sell his mixtapes until he became the number one artist because of his hustle; Kanye did the same thing a year later - except by getting in a car accident.". – Talib Kweli

This, taken from an interview between Kweli and allhiphop.com’s Abran Maldonado. The quote got me thinking about the hip hop game, and what it takes to reach the top


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More shags for the hip hop fans

September 17th 2006 09:28
MATURE CONTENT
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Urban Nominees for the ARIA's

September 16th 2006 10:30
The ARIA awards are Australia’s premiere music awards night that recognises Australian artists for their achievements over the past year.

As sad as it is, the Australian hip hop and R&B artists only scratch the surface of an awards night filled with craters of pop and rock


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Not so Diddy anymore

September 14th 2006 14:24
Sean Combs, the richest rap artist in the world, will change his name AGAIN.

When I first heard the news I wondered what the new name would be. Diddy Dumpling? Diddy Bear, DJ Puffmaster Flex


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Tribute: Tupac Amaru Shakur

September 13th 2006 14:08
You may have ready my recent entry entitled ‘In the spirit of Tributes’. Well here’s my first in-depth tribute to one of the greatest rap artists of all time.

Today is September 13, 2006. It marks the 10 year anniversary of Tupac Amaru Shakur’s death


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LOST @ Space

September 12th 2006 12:45
LOST @ Space


I.R. and M.E. presents LOST, a massive event that will kick off the 06/07 party season in Sydney. It looks like it will be HUGE with the incorperation of Trance and Hip Hop into one club event


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Artist Spotlight: Cassie

September 11th 2006 12:23
With a My Space website that has garnered up over 3 million hits, Cassie has affirmed her place in the upper echelon of female R&B vocalists.

Cassie and Ryan Leslie
Cassie and Ryan Leslie; image courtesy of Cassie's myspace site
The 19 year old grew up around music. She and her brother were born to a trumpet player and a pianist and her parents always encouraged her to follow her dreams


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Opinion: Mos Def arrested... Political or not?

September 10th 2006 12:52
Okay, this over a week too late, but not many people seem to know about the incident, so here it goes...

Mos Def
Hip Hop and movie star, Mos Def
Rapper, Dante Smith aka. Mos Def, was arrested on August 31st right in the middle of a performance on the streets outside the MTV Video Music Awards


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In the spirit of tributes

September 9th 2006 14:53
Two ambassadors to this country have passed away: Steve Irwin and Peter Brock. One of them defined the Australian image and assisted in the rehabilitation of wildlife, while the other put Australia on the map in world motor sport. RIP to Irwin and Brock

In the spirit of paying tributes, I’ve decided to take a brief look at some special individuals who have shaped the Hip Hop and R&B industry


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Shakira goes all Bollywood

September 7th 2006 11:27
She’s this century’s belly dancing queen. Latina artist, Shakira, left us guys with our jaws dropped below sea level for the ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ video clip. Now she intends to bring her gyrating hips to Bollywood.

The MTV Video Music Awards sparked her sudden Indian revelation. Indian choreographer and film maker, Farah Khan, was hired by MTV to choreograph Shakira’s performance of ‘Hips Don’t Lie


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Fake Paris albums seem to be a hit

September 7th 2006 11:17
Paris Hilton
You guys might remember the recent entry I did on Paris Hilton’s exceedingly low sales number on her debut album. If not, CLICK HERE to read about it.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported the sale and distribution of 500 copies of fake Paris Hilton albums across 48 stores in Britain


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Artist Spotlight: Chris Brown

September 6th 2006 05:15
Here’s a kid gifted with one hell of a voice. It’s hard to believe that at the age of sixteen he’s released an international no. 1 album and toured across the world, performing at clubs that would normally kick a sixteen year old to the curb.

Chris Brown
Chris Brown: The boy next door
Chris brown has experienced a lot in his colourful sixteen years. He is living proof that anyone can make it in the music industry with nothing more than talent


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Best of 3 Worlds Tour

September 5th 2006 10:02
3 Worlds Tour


PDA Touring presents the Best of 3 Worlds Tour. This is a tour comprising of Busta Rhymes, Lil' Jon, and Pitbull and is a one show only visit to Sydney


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Outkast to release a movie

September 4th 2006 11:14
One of the most anticipated albums of the year is Outkast’s ‘Idlewild’. It’s set to be huge, but did you know it is also the soundtrack for a new Outkast movie?

Outkast
Big Boi & Andre 3000: Looking sharp as always
The movie is also entitled ‘Idlewild’, and obviously stars the boys themselves: Big Boi and Andre 3000


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Elton John: Hip Hop's new King of Crunk?

September 2nd 2006 08:17
Could Sir Elton John be the first “Sir” to get jiggy with it?

Elton John
Sir Elton John: Hip Hop Royalty???
Believe it or not, the man who’s been at the top of the music business for over 40 years is planning on recording a hip hop album


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Dynasty @ Privelege Bar, Sydney

September 1st 2006 11:12
Dynasty at Privelege Bar


GrooveOn.com.au presents the GRAND OPENING of DYNASTY @ Privelege Bar. It's a new club event set to rock your socks off. In it's hey day, this venue produced some of the best R&B/Hip Hop events in Sydney under the old management of Minc Lounge. It's been a few years, but the same venue (now called Privelege) is planning a return to glory


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