Proof & Dilla

A lot of people don't know how close Proof and J. Dilla were. Back in the early-to-mid-90's these two Detroit favorites started working together closely on various projects ranging from Proof solo material to songs for Proof's group 5 Ela to the hush-hush never to see the light of day due-group they had together, F.C. ("Funky Cowboys"). Seeing these two guys in a room together was always quite a treat, they communicated with very few words but always seemed like they knew something that you didn't- like they were in on some kind of joke or secret that you would never find out about...
Jaydee, as Dilla was then known, began working as a producer with the likes of The Pharcyde, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul while continuing as a member of Slum Village. During the same period, Proof continued his hosting duties as the reigning battle champion of The Hip-Hop Shop while recording with 5 Ela and hatching the plans for D 12. Because they all had so much other stuff going on, a lot of the material that they created together never saw the light of day.
I was such a huge fan of Slum Village, Dilla and Proof/5 Ela that any time I could get my hands on it I would dub cassettes of their material. Fortunately, I saved it all. A couple of years back I began digitizing it, and have just kept it close for personal listening pleasure. The sound quality varies, but the quality of the actual material remains high. A sign of what could have been had Dilla and Proof ever had the opportunity to create a full-length project together.
I've decided that the world needs to hear some of this stuff. So, what better time to share it then now, on the anniversary of the loss of our dear friend, inspiration and the unofficial Mayor of Detroit: Big Proof. My current plan is to release a song every year around this time. Below, check out Proof's "On The Go" produced by and featuring J. Dilla. We miss you, P.

Passover Cheer for Kids

Things have come a long way since I was a kid and all we really had for fun on Pesach was finding the Afikomen at my Grandparent's house and fighting over the lousy $5 cash reward. It was always on top of the lamp, anyway...
Now, kids have all kinds of Passover fun. My daughter has finger puppets of the 10 Plagues of Egypt. Yeah, a "boils" finger puppet. Gross. Also, there's the video and song below about a rogue matzoh ball that Dart found for me. Wash it off and put it in your soup and eat it. Pause. Show it to the kidees while they play with their locust and lice puppets. Good Pesach everyone!

Shoot The Knux!

Get yer cameras out. Stack yer (photo) paper up. READY, aim, shoot.

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.

Em on Howard '99

Here is a hilarious (for more reasons than one) video of Eminem's only Howard Stern appearance back in the day when he was terrestrial-bound at NY's KROQ circa 1999.

Howard Stern on Demand @ Yahoo! Video

Props to 2Dopeboyz for unearthing this.

Twitter Presents: Jewish Rap Names

Last night, Twitter became ablaze out of nowhere with a topic called #jewishrapnames. I think most people caught the drift, and it quickly became a game of who can think of the best name alteration first. Some people just didn't get it, and they wrote things that were either unclever, uncouth, or unfunny. Most of you did though, and the homie A-Trak went through and collected the best of the best. I added a few as well. Have a (good) sense of humor and check it out.

Kiddush Cudi
Daven The Dude
Schvitzmaster Mike
Oy Vey Da Jewman
Jerusalem The Damaja
Dr. Dreidel
Ludabris
Latke Flocka
The Ghetto Goys
The Cool Yids
Moses Def
The Lox...
Jew Tang Clan
Too Schwartz
Soulja Boychick
Talis Kweli
Sephardic-Cyde "Passover Me By"
The Lost Tribe Called Quest / Kvetch
Star of David Banner
Matzah P
De La Shul (feat. Trugoy)
Purim Righteous Teachers
Sir Mix-A-Latke / Sir Shiksa-Lot / Sir Schvitz-A-Lot / Sir Mitzvah-Lot
Big Punim
Lord Schmear
Shabbat X
Shalom Village
Leaders of the New Schul
Bris Markie
Menoraeaga
Slim Zadie
Bubbie Sparxxx
Limp Brisket
Afrika Bam-schmata
Kvetch Armstrong
Invisibl Skratch Shekels
Young Berg...
Schticky Fingaz
Fat Jew aka Don Cartahebrew
Jewvenile, Jewnior Mafia, Jewpac
Souls of Mitzvah
Meshugah Hill Gang "Rabbi's Delight"
Rick Reuben
Kugel Keith
Chai'rogrlyphics
Nicki Mi-nosh
Kid Shiksa
Foxy Braun
Sunz of Manichevitz
Lil Knish
Ko$ha
Jay Elec-Hanukkah
Boyz II Mensch
Hasheminem
Eric B. & Hashem
Young Schmuck

Thanks to everyone on Twitter who contributed. Except for those of you who made WWII references that were idiotic and in bad taste. Shame, shame.

Rachel Goodrich- "Lightbulb" (Video)

Check out this clip from South Florida's own Rachel Goodrich. The contrast here is fantastic. Good show, Gluck.

Executive Remix

Check out this clip spoofing the A&R remix process. It's pretty much the same scheme for producers. Most of this is sad but true, although I'd say it would take more than just a FEW calls and e-mails to get paid. Welcome to the biz, kidees!

Props to Mikey for the link.

Lebron Spits "Forever"

Last night when the Cavs BEAT the Lakers (HA!) Lebron caught a little extra curricular action rapping Em's verse to "Forever". Not bad, Lebron. I've seen Marshall on the basketball court, though...

More Refill Spots

Check out what's inside Shady Claus's medicine cabinet as well as the official Jordan IV Shady Clause TV spot that's been airing recently. (It didn't serve as such good luck for the Saints against the Cowboys when it aired on the NFL Network broadcast...)

Relapse: Refill is in-stores today, 12/21/09.

Hanukkah Radio 2009- Matisyahu

Reggae artist Matisyahu called up Hanukkah Radio on Shade45 this past shabbat (before sundown, of course) and gave us a very spiritual description of The Festival of Lights, aka Hanukkah. Check out the two segments below, and learn who the long-hair blunt smoking beatboxer at the White Plains house parties was in the mid-90's. Word to Buff Love.





The pic above is myself and Reef the Streets in front of the menorah in the mall at the Time Warner/AOL building shortly after the broadcast. We've got it on latke. Thanks to Matisyahu for making this year's program extra official.

Drake: Jew of the Year

Also from Hanukkah Radio 2009 on Sirius XM's Shade45 is the below phoner from none other than Canada's finest export in rap, Drake. Drake is Jewish, and we asked him some questions about it- including whether a certain event took place when he turned 13. Check out the audio below, and learn why we selected Drake as Hanukkah Radio's Jew of the Year. Somehow I doubt that a Hanukkah album is on the way, but we'd kill to get our hands on those photos from that Italian restaurant... Thanks, Drizzy.

Hanukkah Radio 2009- Jay Electronica

Like we do every year, yesterday we hosted Hanukkah Radio on Sirius XM's Shade45. This year was a bonanza for phone-in interviews, as we had Matisyahu, Drake and Jay Electronica call up and speak about various topics related to the holiday and the Jewish religion. Below check out Jay Electronica's interview and learn why he calls himself Jay Elec-Hanukkah and Jay Elec-yarmulke. I'll post the other interviews tomorrow and/or Sunday!

New Yorkers React to Refill

Check out what folks on the streets of the Big Apple thought of Relapse: Refill tracks. Yes, folks, it's in-stores on Monday 12/21.

No, these aren't actors. For reals.

The Knux Secret NY Show

From the folks at Red Bull and the NY creative crew Decon comes the next installment of the Live From Somewhere concert series. Next Thursday night, December 17th for FREE come see The Knux if you are in New York City. See the attached flyer for details. Red Bull... it gives you wings... and cappuccino!

Complex Eminem Cover

Check out the video below about the "making-of" of Eminem's Complex cover, out now. To create this I Am Legend style urban abandoned landscape, we went to Detroit's infamous Brewster Projects and the more desolate areas of Eastern Market. Check out the rest of the pics and the full article here.

"Lose Yourself" All Strings

This is an incredible string section rendition of "Lose Yourself". Peep the high violin players doing Em's verse lyrics... So detailed and subtle, they bounce identically to his inflection, cadence, tone and rhythm. Whoever made this paid very close attention to the intricate details in Em's delivery. Props to them. And to @saza23 on Twitter for showing me this. Feels like the score to a movie... oh, wait...

For more, check out Vitamin String Quartet on Youtube. They have a gang of string renditions, all very cool.

Travis Barker- "Forever" Remix

Check out Travis tackling Drake, Kanye, Weezy and Em in his latest remix for "Forever". I think it's safe to say that this guy is on a roll. GET IT?!?!

MTV Shows

Floyd Mayweather Vs. R.A. The Ruggedman

In continuing with the classic moments on Sirius XM's Shade45, The All-Out Show had a doozie last week... Frequent guest of Lord Sear and Rude Jude, R.A. the Ruggedman, took Floyd Mayweather to task about the quality of his fighting opponents in the past and where he's headed in the future.
I'm not going to give my opinion here, but R.A. sounds like he did his homework, and Floyd sounds like he knows his business. Forgive my tardiness in posting this, I was friggin' busy.

The Beer Hoodie

As the summer drew to a close this year, a friend of mine sent me a link for a special kind of hoodie. No, this isn't designed by a famed street artist, and it's not a This Company X That Company cool guy collabo. It's a lot simpler than all of that. See, I appreciate the finer things in life, but I'm also easily satisfied with the simple and mundane practical items that the world has to offer. Ladies and gentleman, Sunday night's awful Giant's game marked the debut of my Beer Hoodie, which has a kangaroo style Joey-pouch to hold your beer, hands-free.

Hands get cold? No problem, throw it in the hoodie. Need to clap because your team just made an interception? No problem, throw it in the hoodie. Have to call your wife to check-in? No problem, use both hands to drunk dial: throw it in the hoodie. This is genius. I don't care if it's ridiculous. So is spending $10 per beer, but we do it anyway. Because we are committed fools. Yeah, you want one dude. Get it here.

Eminem on Playing DJ Hero

Em sat down with the Activision folks to discuss his thoughts on DJ Hero and battling real DJ's at the game. He's had a demo copy of the game in the studio for a few weeks so look out, he's got a jump on you and he's focused.

B.o.B- "I Feed These Streets"

B.o.B is back with a fine street single from his forthcoming Atlantic Records LP entitled "I Feed These Streets." Indeed you do, Bobby Ray... indeed you do.

Hip-Hop Honors: Russell & Rick?

This spoof from Affion Crockett is so great. I got chills just watching it.

Eddie Rap Life x Travis Barker "Rock n Roll Memorabilia"

Check out Travis Barker's rapping protoge by way of Rhode Island Eddie Rap Life. Travis and Eddie have been in the studio cooking up some treats, look forward to more soon.

Ed Hardy Boyz

No words needed to express why this is so awesome... I'm kind of upset that I didn't think of this concept first.

Hip-Hop Honors

It's comin' to air finally... Check out the sneak preview of "Rock the Bells" below.

Eminem |Eminem Video |The Roots |DJ Jazzy Jeff

You bring the woodpecker. Pause.

Fall Out Hair

Blink-182 played an incredible show tonight to a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Special guests Fall Out Boy took the stage first for what was described as their "last show together for a long time." Continuing in the tradition of pranks against Fall Out Boy, Mark Hoppus brought out a set of clippers to give Pete Wentz what Pete described as the "D.O.E.: death of Emo haircuts." Check out the flicks... he didn't go totally bald, but Pete's new 'do is a #4 attachment all the way around.


Thanks for being such good sports and for an awesome tour, F.O.B.

Organized Konfusion/PRT Live Videos

Last Friday I was very excited to see two of my favorite early '90s rap groups live at B.B. King's in New York City. Check out some highlight videos below. I've been heavy on the old school tip lately. I've been listening to Slick Rick albums over and over and I'm not sure why.

PRT- "Shakiylah"


OK- "Releasing Hypnotical Gasses"


Thanks to Grand Good for the links.

Travis Barker- Drum Cam Solo Footage

Travis nailin' it in Irvine, CA on the Blink tour- this time, a view from inside the drum set. Check it out.

KRS & Buckshot At Shade45

Below is some video footage from KRS-One & Buckshot's appearance on Shade45 last week. They were up to promote their new collabo album Survival Skills out now on Duckdown Records. These guys are two of my favorite MC's. If you don't get throwback goosebumps from some of the stuff performed below I probably can't relate to you that well. Unless you are my wife.

Yes, I'm really trying to go to Organized Konfusion & PRT show tomorrow night, son.

"Forever" Video

Here it is, BAM! Here come the questions, I know...

Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem - New Music - More Music Videos

DJ AM Memorial Video

Thanks, Mike B.

Go D.J., That's My D.J. (A.D.A.M.)

As I compose this post, I'll admit that I'm still probably in a bit of shock and/or denial about what happened. Maybe it's because of just that- I don't really know what happened. I can't really comprehend it. It doesn't compute. It doesn't make sense. It just doesn't seem possible.
I first met Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein through mutual friends some time in the early 2000's. I'd heard tales of how incredible he was on the turntables from Shecky. Alchemist and Neil told me about their boy, "AMG" (as he was known then) and what a great talent he was. First time I heard him actually play I think was when we (via Chris Clancy) hired him to spin at the LA record release event for The Eminem Show. Coincidentally, this was also the first night that Marshall and I met 50 Cent. I loved AM's set, and told him how glad I was that he was killing it. I'd see Adam out and about here and there, and would come to his various gigs in Vegas when I could. We developed a friendship, and eventually I became his co-manager with L.V. some time in 2006.
There's a few artists that I've worked with over the years that I really believe posses an element of magic. I can't really explain it precisely, but the best way I can put it is that there are times, even to this day, where I hear Eminem rap and I say to myself "how the FUCK did he do that?"- even after all these years. Travis Barker does the same thing on drums- I still stand there in awe when he plays his solos, even when I'm behind the curtain helping set it up. AM had the same ability. It was truly a magical event when he was going-off in the club, everyone that has witnessed it knows what I mean. He was blessed with a gift to take records, mix and scratch them together, and ultimately make something out of them like nobody else can. And there was no explanation for how he did it time after time... it was truly extraordinary. High art. Genius. Science. MAGIC. I often joke with my partner L.V. that we manage the best rapper (Eminem), the best drummer (Travis Barker) and the best club D.J. (A.M.)... how do we top ourselves?
I never knew Adam when he was using. I met him, in his "heavier" days still, when he had about 5 years of sobriety under his belt. I heard horror stories from various friends about A.M. when he was a crackhead, never leaving his room except for when he had to go do his $200 deejay gigs. But the guy I knew was very different. A.M. was vigilante in his sobriety. He would talk about how important it was to him constantly. He's attend meetings in whatever city he was in while travelling to maintain himself. Also, literally almost everyone I know in Los Angeles knows someone or had heard about someone or was someone that A.M. helped get sober (or at least he tried to). He would accept the challenge whenever it was requested of him: "no problem, just have them call me". People he didn't know, or people he had never heard of. He just wanted to help them, because he was so grateful for his sobriety that he constantly wanted to spread the gift. Adam never asked for anything in return, he simply wanted to help. It was his kind way.
AM had a encyclopedic knowledge of music. He cherished it and worshipped his favorite artists and their records. He was particularly fond of late '80s and early-to-mid '90's hip-hop. He loved '80s pop. He really liked big '90s rock hits. He was super-into Daft Punk and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. His tastes were hyper-eclectic. And this is what you heard every time he spun, a mix of the brightest and best of his and everyone elses favorites put together in a way that almost seemed like a celebration of the best records blended into one long song. And he did it all with a smile, humility and energy that can't be matched.
Last year after AM and Travis were in that horrible accident, AM always was mindful of staying sober and not slipping up. We even partnered with MTV to produce a television series with AM where he would do just that- help people get sober. He was open and honest about his addiction, and whenever he would struggle with it he would talk to his friends and family constantly about it. I remember him recently telling us that his hands were shaking in fear and nervousness after he entered a corner store in Hartford, CT to purchase drug paraphernalia as part of the show in order to demonstrate how prevalent the problem was. But he broke the glass stem and moved on, never giving in to his fight for sobriety.
Being sober was who Adam was. He spent the better part nightly of the past 10+ years working in clubs, temptation in his face each night, never to stray nor swerve off of his clean path. I'd heard him talk about drugs, about how much he liked them, how much he hated them and about how much he feared them. I'm not exaggerating when I say that out of everyone I know, he is one of the last people I would have ever expected to pass away the way he did. To say he will be missed is an understatement I can't even begin to describe. Maybe one day this will make some sort of sense. Until then, I'll cherish my memories of AM the DJ and Adam my friend. With love, forever.

Fall Out Curtain

On Saturday night in the Detroit area the Blink-182 tour rolled through town. Saturday was Fall Out Boy's last night on the tour for this leg, and they don't rejoin until later on in the tour (9/18 in Irvine, CA).
So as a parting gift, Mark Hoppus and the Blink guys had the idea of playing a little prank on the FOB's. Watch below as during the first song of their set, the crew intentionally drops the kabuki curtain in front of the band, then ON the band.

It's a less expensive gag than Mark played on Pete Wentz last year when +44 was on tour with Fall Out Boy... Hoppus threw Pete's bass guitars in the Long Island Sound from the stage at Jones Beach. It was all done in good fun, and the FOB band and crew were great sports.

TMSleaze

The homie Trick Trick was shopping at his local adult video store when he stumbled upon this DVD...

No, I didn't watch any of it. But I think that it's hilarious and quite imaginative that someone would create such a mess. Em catches a bad one in the lower left corner (pause). How funny is it that all of the celebrity references are qualified with "Not..."? I bet that TMZ Levin character is going to get a kick out of it. Wait, he's a lawyer also... look out TMSleazers!

Travis Barker Drum Solo- Montreal

Blink-182 is out on tour right now, reunited and killing it. To check out the schedule, click here.
In case you haven't seen it, Travis Barker's drum solo at the beginning of the encore is an amazing spectacle. It's best witnessed in person so that you can really see the scope of what he's doing flying in the air and spinning around vertically, but this clip below shows you what's up.

Props to Mr. Cheese for the footage.

DJ Hero- Renegade Edition Revealed

Starting today, on-line retailers are going to begin offering pre-orders for the DJ Hero Renegade Edition game. I've played the final version of this game, and it's really a blast. I'm not going to be surprised if this thing is the hardest-to-get-gift this holiday season, so it might not hurt to get your order in early.
So, what's the difference between this version of the game and the regular one? Aside from the fancy packaging, (see front of box below) this edition has some cool extras.
This edition comes with a stand for the turntable that has telescoping legs to adjust the height, as well as a carrying case. The case, which is styled after and feels like a real DJ road-case "coffin", doubles as the top of the stand. See below.


Also, this edition has a sleeker, branded turntable peripheral with gold accents and changeable "record label" Eminem and Jay-Z stickers, as shown below.

And, this version of the game comes with a special 2-cd set of Jay-Z and Eminem music. I can't reveal everything that will be on the discs (partially because we are still working on it), but there will definitely be some exclusive and new things. The artwork for these CD's is spectacular as well... details later.
So for now, do yourself a favor and put in that pre-order. I'm telling you this game is going to be the one that people are selling on eBay for over-retail amounts and stores will be sold out of. And if I'm wrong, then you still have a great game and CD's nobody else has... So there.

Rex- The Pilot

My man, the actor and rapper (Dirt Nasty) Simon Rex, made a pilot for a Curb Your Enthusiasm style television show that turns the struggle of a young Hollywood actor on it's ass. Check out the full episode below for the show featuring Paris Hilton, Jamie Presley and Lance Bass.

REX - Full Pilot Episode from The REX Team on Vimeo.

I love the controversy expert.

Whip Game Proper

An unfortunate coin toss result in the selection of "shirts vs. skins"...

Is the whip game actually proper? Props to Estevan.

Tony Romo Endorses Interscope

Is it a coincidence that this clip surfaced after the Romo/Simpson break-up? Probably, but because of the timing it gives it a little more kick. Glad Romo has a sense of humor.

Tony Romo: Product Spokesman from Tony Romo

UPDATED: I just added a football tag to the post labels. Football... remember that? It's coming back real soon. Can't wait... I always feel guilty though like I'm rushing the summer. But the fall is where it's at.

Rude Jude and the Cuchini

Last week, Rude Jude had the proprietor of a product called the Cuchini on the air for an interview on SiriusXM's Shade45. Check out the audio where Jude discusses the product and it's relation to a monkey's paw. The callers' reactions are below that. Jude wasn't down with the cover-up. I couldn't stop laughing.




Ummm, more info here.

The Sneaker Keeper

This is really funny stuff if you are the least bit into collecting or appreciating sneaker culture. If you aren't, you may just find this to be an offensive mess of ignorance. In which case you probably don't like my blog anyway. So why are you on it?
But seriously, if you are offended easily and can't see this as a completely non-endorsed-by-me piece of ridiculous humor then just don't watch it. OK, warning is done! Press play.

Props to Stretch Armstrong

Hollywood Knights- Turk Song

Just watched this flick again and forgot how funny this song by Newbomb Turk (played by a young Robert Wuhl) is. Cheap laughs for sure, but a classic is a classic.

In case you didn't know, this film, directed by Floyd Mutrux, is about a lame Beverly Hills mid-60's gang trying to save their local hang-out Tubby's. It's basically an American Graffiti rip-off, but it's fun in it's own right. It also features young Fran Drescher, Tony Danza and Michelle Pfiefer.

Bonus- One-Armed Violinist Scene

EM-J

I found this mixtape about 6 months ago while browsing (not illegally downloading) some stuff on datpiff.com. Has some interesting mixes and it obviously takes on a new meaning now... I saw that Dateline special tonight (whoa) and it reminded me about it.

Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com

DJ Houseshoes on Shade45

Tomorrow night at 6 p,m. EST on SiriusXM's Shade45 check out a special holiday mix of classic Detroit hip-hop, new and old, from the famous (infamous?) DJ Houseshoes. This isn't your average mix- we are talking deep crate digging from the late '80's to present, strictly Detroit status.
Shoes and I go wayyy back to the St. Andrew's 3 Floors of Fun days in Detroit in the mid 90's and beyond. He was close with J. Dilla and carries the torch for Detroit hip-hop as a DJ worldwide. Above is a photo with myself from '07 when Shoes was on the Dilla Changed My Life tour in Berlin. Cop his "King James Version" on iTunes... and if you dare, follow him @houseshoes on Twitter.
I'll post the audio sometime this weekend I hope. You hope.

"Beautiful" (Video)

Finally... the radio-edit length version of Eminem's "Beautiful" video is here. Filmed at a few Detroit landmarks, including Tiger Stadium, Michigan Central Station (a.k.a. the old train depot) and the Packard Plant on Detroit's Eastside- this video is filled with beauty. It's a tremendous shame what condition these structures have been left to decay into... but they are still beautiful.
Below are a few photos I took on the set.

RIP Tiger Stadium...

Em at the Packard Plant

Front of Michigan Central Station

"Human Nature" in 7 Minutes- Dwele

Detroit native Dwele shows his talent as he makes a one-man cover of MJ's "Human Nature" in 7 minutes. Beat box to guitar to drum machine to bass guitar to keyboards to vocals. Impressive work.

Em Does Voodoo

I meant to post this a couple of days ago, but never got the chance. Em called in to Shade45's All-Out Show on Thursday afternoon to announce his only full-concert performance in the US this year- New Orleans' Voodoo Music Festival on Halloween Weekend.

Tickets are available now click here.

My People on MJ

A couple of my folks went on the air and on the web about Michael Jackson's untimely passing. Check out Rap Radar's Elliott Wilson b.k.a. YN and Atlanta and Shady Publishing's own B.o.B below.

Gangrene- "Under Siege" (Video)

The Alchemist has a solo album coming out on July 7th... This song is from a different project. Al formed a group with rapper/producer Oh No called Gangrene. Check out the very well done and clever video using clips from the LA riots and some classic OJ materials. Al's wig is crazy.

Yay. It looks like Blogger is embedding the videos correctly again. It ain't my fault.
In that case... Bonus round: Unofficial video for Sublime's "April 29, 1992".

Press Play/Shade45 on A&E

As you probably know, the artist formerly known as M.C. Hammer has a new reality show on A&E. Shade45's own Mick Boogie and Terry Urban had Hammer on their Press Play show on Shade45. Check out the clip below where Mr. Can't Touch This explains how he met one Robert Van Winkle.

Hammer on The Press Play Show! from MickBoogie on Vimeo.

Press Play airs every Saturday from 8-10 p.m. EST on Sirius XM's Shade45.

Ultramagnetic MC's on Shade45

Last night on Shade45, the legendary Ultramagnetic MC's from the BX were on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays to mark the 20th Anniversary of their debut album. Ultra is one of my favorite groups of all-time, and their album Critical Beatdown is certainly in my Top 20 rap albums list (honestly probably in the Top 10).
Check out the audio of the interview below... Highlights: Kool Keith calls himself the "Kobe Bryant of Rap" that "travels like Bill Walton". Ced Gee claims credit for producing all of BDP's classic (wayyyyyy up in my Top 20) Criminal Minded except for "South Bronx", "9mm" and "Elementary". T.R. Love claims credits for the scratches on "Poetry".
Oh, and don't miss the shout-out to Tuff Crew. Big night for the kid...

Entourage Spoof

This is good stuff.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

The Knux- Live at Bonnaroo

Here is some video footage of The Knux from Bonnarroo performing "The List" and "Life In a Cage". Sound quality isn't great, though.

I got another link from Krispy...

The Knux - Bonnaroo Acapella Freestyle from Bonnaroo on Vimeo.

The Alchemist Feat. Mazwell & Twista- "Hide My Tears" (Video)

Here is Al's video for the lead official single from Chemical Warfare available everywhere on July 7th. Nice job, Mr. Goldwatch.

Where's Maxwell?

Blink-182 "What's My Age Again" on Kimmel

Uh-oh, they let a "bitch" slip! Great to see the guys together again.

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.

Travis Barker- Eminem "3 a.m." Remix

Forgot to post this after RR had it up and it was on Travis's youtubes. Sick.

Remix will be available soon on Eminem.com.

Briefcase Joe

Em on Kimmel. Yes, again. Another classic, I think. Chicka-chicka...

Bruno Remixed

You know we had to do a remix right?

Bruno Vs Eminem (Jordan Laws Remix) from Jordan Laws on Vimeo.

Check out the real deal HERE.

Sha Money Blacks Out

Sha Money XL of G Unit and Money Management as well as the ever-popular One Stop Shop producer's conference has a message! Well, several messages. Sha, I need to buy you a drink.

Sha Money Flips On Interscope + Disses Ross

Visit Sha's blog by clicking on his link on the blogroll to the right. Sha's blog is much flyer than mine. I need to step my design up!!!

Blink-182 Tours!

The boys are goin' on a run! Blink-182 heads out in mid-August for tour dates all over North America with Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, All-American Rejects, Taking Back Sunday, Chester French and Asher Roth on various dates. Check out the video below and see why they announced the tour with a mariachi band. Yes, a mariachi band. Personally, I'd ditch "Bonerville" as a potential tour name, Travis. But that's just me.

MTV Shows

Marshall Goes Back to School?

Check out the short-film promo for Em's 52 Bands MTV deal. Royal Oak High School- WHAT?

MTV Shows

Why So Serious?

The day has arrived- Relapse is in stores and on-line.
Get your special edition packages at eminem.com, where FLAC, Apple Losaless, vinyl, CD's and exclusive, limited edition merch are all available direct from the man himself. No joke.

TRV$/DJAM @ Weenie Roast

Here is the first few minutes of Travis Barker and DJ AM at the KROQ Weenie Roast this past Saturday in Cali. These guys took the stage last by force and killed it. Pardon the low quality, it was just from my Panasonic Lumix... I wish I had more memory on my card, the Queen finale was crazy.

Cousin Sal Hates Scott Igoe

Believe it or not, preparing Em's appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live takes a ton of work. Countless conference calls and group e-mails amongst Kimmel's team and Em's team, including Em's publicist Dennis Dennehy, Being the tireless pranksters that they are, the Kimmel crew makes life hard on eachother. Below, see the lengths that Igoe, the talent booker for the show, has to go in order to make a simple phone call to Dennehy. If you missed Friday's Eminem appearance, check out Em performing "3 a.m." this Tuesday, 5/19 and again on Friday, 5/22 live from Em's Relapse release event in Detroit.

Shade45's Prelapse Special

Reef a.k.a. The Streets will host a 3-hour (yes, THREE hours) interview on and in-depth analysis of Relapse with Eminem on Sirius XM Shade45 (XM 66) tonight, Friday, May 15th at 8 p.m. E.S.T. Reef and Marshall will discuss the entire process of making Relapse and everything you want to know about how he created the new album. Don't miss it, or you wont know such things as why Eminem continues to rap about Christopher Reeves (yes, my album track is real). Check out the promo below.

Eminem x Stuey

So, he really is a Family Guy! Eminem will appear along with Stuey on this coming Sunday, 5/17, in several interstitial programming breaks throughout the night on Fox. What? Why? Tune in and find out what Stuey and Em chop it up about... Classic material.

Eminem- TV Total (Freestyle)

O.k., so this one takes a little explaining unless you are German or for some reason you watch a lot of German TV. German comedian Stefan Raab has a late-night talk show on German television called TV Total. Em has appeared on the show several times, and each time Stefan tries to get Em to do some wacky TV Total style things.
Well yesterday was no exception... Basically, all we were told was that Em was going to do an interview with Stefan for an 8 minute segment, and then he was going to perform "We Made You" live. Simple enough, right? No.
See, Stefan came back to talk to Em before the show and they went over a few topics, then Stefan suggested that him and Em perform a samba style rap. Em, and everyone else in the room thought Stefan was being silly, and didn't take him seriously. Well, he was serious.
The crazy thing about the set on TV Total is that Stefan's desk and the platform where the guests sit that is attached to it moves from right to left and vice-versa across the stage. After 15 (not 8 mind you) minutes of wacky German humor, Stefan pulled the lever to move the platform to the right. Now, Stefan and Marshall were sitting with the band. Some more indecipherable German banter occurred and the next thing you know- BAM! Samba rap was born

I know that Em wasn't expecting to bust a samba freestyle with Stefan on guitar and chorus vocals, but that's what happened. Off-the-top, crazy ill German samba rap song in English and German. Yes, that just happened.

"Crack A Bottle"- Video (Eminem Verse)

Better late than never... follow the instructions and hit the Popsomp Hills site, kids.

The Punisher x Eminem

It's live! The full Marvel Comics official Eminem meets The Punisher comic book... Check out what happens here when Barracuda and Frank Castle meet on Marshall's turf in The D. Nasty!

"3 a.m." Video

Here it is... I know it's already everywhere. But it needs to be here too.

DJ AM @ Rain, Las Vegas

Last weekend marked the debut of our client DJ AM at Rain nightclub inside The Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas. AM has a weekly residence there now... check here for schedule updates.

Thanks to Shec for the film.