Adam "MCA" Yauch Tributes

I meant to get this post up sooner, but I just got back from Disney World with the kids and that's not really a trip that you have any extra time on... Anyway, the Beastie Boys have had a profound impact on me. I have been a fan ever since I first saw them debut on the big screen in Krush Groove (which I was completely blown away by, them and the young LL Cool J impromptu "Radio" performance) and at one point I was determined to be IN the group at around 15 years old. I was already completely smitten with rap music since my older brother introduced me to Run-D.M.C.'s debut album, and the fact that 3 white jewish dudes could make a career out of it put a lot of gas in my young tank (pause).
I've personally always credited the Beasties as the original hipsters, crafting everything from ironic facial hair and retro clothing to auteur film making and indie companies (Xtra Large, Grand Royal) as chic and way ahead of the curve. Combine that with their debut LIcensed to Ill and the groundbreaking production and sample usage on Paul's Boutique and that alone is enough to cement them as classic, indescribably important artists of my generation. Obviously it didn't stop there, as Check Your Head and it's follow-up Ill Communication continued their trailblazing talent well into the '90's as both were classic albums themselves.
A couple of my good friends and Shade45 stalwarts DJ Lord Sear and Reef the Streets both shared their Beastie Boys memories with the mix and interview below, and I wanted to make sure that I posted them here for the rest of you to check out.





Adam Yauch will be especially missed by me as an inspiration, musician and cultural icon. Here's to you, in your honor.

One In Each State?

I really don't need to say much about this photo, but it raises a lot of questions. Does the owner really love the brand? Or is it some kind of ironic joke about the brand, like ultimate sarcasm (i.e. is it s smart statement on the fact that Ed Hardy has sold out so much and made so many products that this dude was like 'Oh yeah? Well I have an Ed Hardy license plate')? The car is obviously a beater, so I'd like to think the latter, but who knows? And finally, is there one of these in every state? How lucky was I that I was fortunate enough to end up behind THE Ed Hardy license plated car in New York City? I could go on for days...

Top 10 Most Underrated MC's

Earlier this week, I started blabbering on Twitter about this list that I've been conjuring up in my head over the last few months. Everyone always talks about who's in their Top 10 MC's of all time, or the ever-popular Top 5 Dead or Alive list. Well, I've been thinking about something different.
Ever since I started listening to rap and hip-hop when I was 11 or 12 years old (1982 or 1983 to be exact, I know, old guy), I've always been drawn to exceptional lyrics and lyricists. The art of emceeing is something that grabbed my ear and never let go, from buying every album that came out on cassette (there were only a few a month back then) to making a career out of it.
We all know about the greats that make most peoples lists (Biggie, Jay, 'Pac, Nas, Rakim, KRS and YES Em), but this isn't about them. This list is about the guys that haven't quite got their proper due or recognition as spectacular rappers, in my opinion. So, while I love Redman and Ghostface, guys like that aren't on this list because I think most people hold them in very high regard amongst the best. This list is about the other guys that often aren't mentioned in that discussion, but probably should be. The guys that on their best day could probably tear a New One in some of your Top 10'ers.

So without further ado, here is my Top 10 Most Underrated MC's list.

10. Black Rob: To me, this guy is one of the best street story tellers of the post-gold age rap era. Anyone that disagrees just take a listen to his verses on "I Love You Baby" from No Way Out for a reminder. Rob's dead pan flow packs a casual power that has been often overlooked. I think label issues and legal issues have really held this special artist back from where he deserves to be.

9. Nature: This one might cause some grumbling, but I feel strongly about it. Nature is one of the most gifted Queens MC's to never get his full shine. His simple but extremely poignant flow paired with wit and depth makes him really special. His debut album For All Seasons is an overlooked gem, and his verses from The Firm album are stand-out classics. Check out "We Ain't Friends" and holla back.

8. Brother J.: The X-Clan's main flow came courtesy of none other than Brother J., one of the smoothest but aggresive voices in the history of rap music. J. kicked X-Clan's brand of pro-black, militant rhetoric with such force and talent that even if you took issue with some of their views, you had to give it up to him. Although there were only two original X-Clan albums before the original members of the group disbanded (To the East, Blackwards and Xodus), J.'s delivery was so memorable that his style is imitated and his lyrics are quoted to this day. Check out the title track from the second LP "Xodus" for proof. Brother J. says YUCK!

7. Wiae Intelligent: Hailing from Trenton, N.J., the lead rapper from Poor Righteous Teachers was hands-down the best reggae/rap toaster ever. His melodies and intricate lyrics were simply incredible. P.R.T. had 4 albums out of the gate in the early-to-mid 90's and Wise never slipped for a second across all of those discs, even when there wasn't commercial success. Take a listen to "Easy Star" to hear Wise at his freshest.

6. The D.O.C.: Unfortunately for us, this guy was only able to make one (classic) album No One Can Do It Better before his vocal chords were severely damaged in an auto accident shortly after the album's release. Yeah, there's really only one album, but put it on today and it still stands up. That Dre guy has always been good at finding great rappers. Imagine what he would have done with The Doc if his full voice was still rockin'. The D.O.C. still remains a frequent Dre collaborator, penning several classics on 2001. Anyone needing a reference, check "Whirlwind Pyramid".

5. Del the Funkee Homosapien: Aa you may or may not know, D-E-L is Ice Cube's cousin. But their blood relation is where the similarities end. We first heard Del's voice on Cube's classic Amerikkka's Most Wanted, and he dropped a couple of classic albums and seriously complex and deep verses along the way after wards. This pioneering lead MC from the Hieroglyphics crew is one of my personal faves. Peep his twisty and flavorful verses on "Wrongplace" (Casual Remix) to remember.

4. Big L.: There's not much to argue with here. Right before L.'s untimely passing in 1999 he had blossomed into one of the best rappers in the game and was in his absolute prime. While he hadn't hit his stride quite yet on his major label debut, the world learned just how ill he was when his posthumous Rawkus album The Big Picture dropped. The classic "Ebonics" is all you need to know.

3. Royce Da 5'9": It has always amazed me just how many incredible rappers have come out of Detroit, and in particular the storied Hip-Hop Shop scene. Royce arrived on the scene in it's later stages, and quickly gained a reputation as one of Detroit's nastiest MC's. Personal bias and history aside, the fact that Royce still rhymes at the level that he does after all these years is simply incredible. If you don't know, give a listen to "Boom" for a reminder where he was and check out "Street Hop 2010" to see where he's at.

2. Big Pun: Another unfortunate early loss for hip-hop fans worldwide occurred when Pun passed away at an early age in 2000. Simply the illest Latin rapper of all time happens to also be one of the most underrated rappers ever. Pun was so nasty and quick on the mic that his verses commanded rewind buttons everywhere for years. "Dead in the middle of Little Italy..." is one of the most memorable lines ever. Listen to "Leatherface" loudly. Now.

1. Kurupt: A personal favorite of mine ever since the Death Row Dogg Pound days, Kurupt Young Gotti is still rapping at a level above most. Hailing from Philadelphia but spending his adult years on the West Coast caused Kurupt to develop a unique East Coast flow with that Cali twang that is one of a kind. Kurupt's solo album Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha and Space Boogie are both extremely overlooked gems that still get play in my rotation to this day. Check out the hard rhyming on "I Call Shots" to see where he was and listen to the sublime "Yes Sir" with Pete Rock to see where he's at.

So, there it is. I hope that this list causes anger, elation, frustration, memories and most importantly debate. Let us know who's on your Underrated list... the greatest thing about the list is that it's yours and thus nobody can be wrong.

What Are You Doing (That's Interesting)?

Ok, I definitely am down with Twitter. It's the closest thing that artists and actors, etc. have to direct interaction with their fans, and as a social tool, messaging system, and electronic communication device it's purely genius. If you say you aren't into it, I'd hazard to guess that you haven't really tried. Twitter-haters are lame.
Try opening an account and searching a topic. Where else can you instantly see what a huge community of users are saying about a given subject so quickly? It's really amazing and definitely fascinating on many levels.
Here's what I can't stand though... I know Twitter asks "what are you doing?" But do we really want or need to hear it all? Do we need to know that you are brushing your teeth or walking your dog? Save that stuff for your diary. Most of us really don't care.
Use it to tell us interesting things. Your thoughts. Things you are doing or did that are truly of interest, different, or curious. Send us links to cool shit. But please don't tell us what you ate for breakfast. We don't care.

Balls Brothers

We went to europe last month. While we were there, I did what I always like to do- act like a 14 year old when it comes to nut jokes. So here are some photos from the trip. Some of them are really remarkable. These are real places, no photoshopping here.
Balls Brothers Pub- London

Balzac Coffe- Berlin

Balls Sports Bar- Amsterdam

This incredible trio of scrotum-themed establishments prompted us to coin a new name for the crew that was there- The Balls Brothers. That's just how we do it.

A Lasting Effect

This car was parked near where I was staying this weekend in the Detroit area... I guess the movie we put out a few years ago had a lasting effect. Man, this guy is reppin' hard for 8 Mile. In a jacked-up yellow Hummer. Good for him. Good for us.

P.S. I'm not making any more excuses for not posting frequently. I'm over it. I do my best, I'm busy as hell, I blog for fun. I don't want to feel guilty about not blogging anymore. So leave me alone, blog! That's what Twitter is for!

Bromance?!?!

I'm a bit late on the uptake, but this show has to be one of the most homo-erotic programs I've ever seen. I don't know Brody Jenner personally, but I hear he's a nice enough guy. I just don't understand why nobody has figured out the amount of pausible moments on this show. For example, see below.

The elimination round on the first episode was all of the contestants in a jacuzzi tub. "Bro... you're OUT OF THE TUB!!!"

The Doosh Family

I know I haven't posted for a while.. all of the usual excuses apply in addition to to recent events. But here is something so awesome you may forgive me.

This guy was at Newark airport today holding that sign. I know its a horrible picture but I was trying to be coy. The Doosh Family was getting picked up from the airport.

Candidate Coffee

My favorite convenience store 7-11 (I love the Big Gulps people- pause) is holding their own poll for the impending presidential election. Apparently, when you buy a cup of coffee at 7-11's throughout the country you can either put your joe in a blue Obama cup or a red McCain cup. The results are reported weekly in USA Today. Check out the site here.
Well I guess that's one way to express your opinion and lodge a vote without registering. Pretty smart marketing by the creators of the Slurpee. Does the McCain coffee come maverick flavored with a hint of deception and the subtle taste of the same 'ole (I can't help myself)? No jokes about how you like your coffee like you like your presidents... please.
I can already see the die hard Obama supporters all jacked-up on cheap coffee buying multiple cups running around Michigan screaming "we got this, people!"

It Takes Guts

Spotted this fella out for a little bike ride in the hot Central Florida sun yesterday. I'm not sure if the spandex biker shorts or the decision to go shirtless is more problematic. I'm certainly no Adonis but come on, why, Bro?

Hiedly-Ho, Neighbor!

This guy was sitting next to me on my flight from Chicago to NY last Wednesday, hours before The Ankle Incident. He looks EXACTLY like Ned Flanders from The Simpsons. If there was ever a contest for Ned Flanders look-alikes, they should holla at this dude. P.S. Imagine how fun this blog is going to be when the new Blackberry with a video camera comes out.

Springtime for Naomi in Soho

Out for a walk today on a balmy 75 degree Saturday afternoon, minding my own business... We were in the, dare I say, Euro-trashy section of W. Broadway near Downtown Cipriani when we spotted Naomi Campbell's doppelganger. This wasn't a photo shoot though, she just wanted to stand in the street talking to the super awesome dudes driving sports cars. You know, your normal typical scenario.
A few blocks ahead, the van pictured below eagerly stood... You know the Pope is in NYC today!

CBGB's Goes Varvatos

A few weeks ago, the world famous punk rock bar/club CBGB's was reopened as clothing designer John Varvatos's new LES boutique. I had a chance to go over there last weekend and snap a picture inside before I was (very politely) asked to not continue to do so. I know that CBGB's is sacred ground and that a ton of people were heartbroken and depressed by it's closing, and I knew there would be protest about it like this article in the New York Post. But I must say, given the spectrum of things that could have been put in there, and the very conscientious preservation effort that Varvatos undertook to pay homage to the club, people should really count their blessings. What would they prefer it became, a Starbucks or a Burger King? At least with what Varvatos did (keeping some original graffiti covered walls, bringing in vintage speakers, amps and instruments, and vintage rock photographs and posters) pays serious homage to the club's legacy. Sure, he sells high-price faux-aged denim, but so what? I think folks should reconsider and appreciate Varvatos's efforts just a bit, even if it is for a high-end retail commercial endeavor. Sure, be sad that the original classic is gone, but don't take it out on the guy trying to do the right thing.

Feathered

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On Saturday, March 22, 2008, there was a giant, organized pillow fight in Union Square, New York City. As my wife and I approached Ave. of the Americas on 14th St. coming from the westside, we noticed a substance floating in the air. People were also covered with that same substance, walking away from the park. It turns out there were feathers floating everywhere, and feathers covered people's clothes and hair. We had no idea this was going on, and luckily I had my camera with me like I usually do on the weekends. The clean-up efforts were masssive, as you can see. I don't know why the portly super hero was there...

Mayor's Bad Day

I'm sure everyone is up-to-date on this now, but this isn't a very good day for The Hip-Hop Mayor nor the City of Detroit.

A Sign?

So, last night was Tracy McNew from Shady's birthday celebration (and you too Chris the Bull Operator). I may have had more adult beverages than necessary, and I walked outside my door with a hurt head to this...

Keep the Devil Down in the Hole

Season 5's finale of the best scripted drama to ever appear on television (yep, I said it) aired last night. This article from the Detroit Free Press is a pretty accurate description of the way that I feel about the show.
The only series that I've liked nearly as much on television (network and cable included) in the past 5 years (or more) was The Sopranos, of course. The finale of The Wire and the entire 5th season really proves what a difference it makes between having various writers work on a show over the course of several seasons versus the same writers on the show from day one through the end of the series. David Simon and crew (Simon wrote or co-wrote all 60 episodes, with partner Ed Burns co-writing 42 of those) deserve all the kudos imaginable for their portrayal of Baltimore's politics, media, dope dealers and police. What more satisfying an ending could one have hoped for in the last two episodes? I say the last 2 because that's how much it required to wrap everything up, and it was more like a two-part finale with a climax and following resolution. I've heard people complain about this or that regarding last nights finale, but face it: the only bad thing about the series is that it's over.

Rude Jude in Las Vegas

For those that don't know, Rude Jude is the co-host of Sirius Satellite Radio's Shade45's afternoon drive-time "The All-Out Show" (M-F 4-8PM EST). Last week, Jude came out to the MAGIC Convention in Las Vegas to get some interviews for the show. Along the way, Jude met the above roller-skater-lady who apparently is a singer. Also while in Vegas, Jude and I took a trip to the Hooters Hotel & Casino, and went to... Hooters while we were there. Yes, there is a Hooters restaurant inside the Hooters Casino. Jude told everyone it was his birthday, and he danced.

We took Jude to go see George Carlin at the Orleans Casino, because, like Jude, Carlin is very angry and self-destructive. There was a man standing in line at the casino that kind-of looked like George, so I prompted Jude to ask for a picture. Jude did, and him and the older gentleman exchanged words. Because, as the man said, "who would want to take a f$%#&in' picture with YOU?"
Jude also decided that he was going to bring his backgammon board with him. Everywhere.

So he wound up at the Spearmint Rhino with his calf-skin covered portable travel backgammon case at 2 in the morning. I can't wait until our next trip to Vegas with Jude.

The Patriot Bar

I'm sure I must have noticed this bar before which is located on Chambers Street near Church Street in Tribeca, it's just a block or so away from the heart of where the New York Giants' victory parade took place this past Tuesday. As I walked by on my way to vote in the primaries, I noticed the irony- on the day that this little bar was at it's most ironic it ever will be.
Sorry it's sideways, I'm not that nice at this html stuff.
Notice the "We Won" scribbled on the external blackboard and the Giants' fans standing out front like they just took over someone's castle. I guess they kind of did.

Recession Dog

The papaya/hot dog spot in Tribeca's City Hall district has this sign posted in the window. Didn't the media just admit that we are in a recession? If the government could only move as quick as the hot dog spot. Oscar Meyer in the (white)house.