Heavy D: 1967-2011

Man, I really don't like these posts.

from the NY Times:

Heavy D, the smooth-talking and cheerful rapper who billed himself as “the overweight lover M.C.,” died in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He was 44.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed the death Tuesday evening, saying that Heavy D had collapsed at his home and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he died shortly after noon. The cause of death was not known as of Tuesday night, but the Beverly Hills police said that there was no evidence of foul play and that the death appeared to be “medically related.”

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Heavy D was one of hip-hop’s most popular and charismatic figures, a girthy slickster who was an eager seducer and was unafraid of the dance floor. He was the frontman of Heavy D & the Boyz, which became the first act signed to Uptown Records, the label that was integral in building the bridge between hip-hop and R&B.

Click here for more.

There are going to be many articles written by many people much more insightful that me, so I'll keep my commentary short. I'll simply say that Heavy D was a hip hop hero. He's one of the primary artists that helped develop hip hop from its raw beginnings into a resonant and sophisticated musical art form. He's one of those folks we never imagine losing, which is what makes his loss all the more difficult.

He will be dearly missed.

And since everyone else is going to post "Now That We Found Love", and since it's my favorite, enjoy Heavy D's "Big Daddy". Any hip hop slow jam mix should have this on it.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

Lords of the Underground - Chief Rocka

I'm going to be honest here. It took me a while to pick up on what these cats were saying. I mean, there's quite a bit in this song that makes very little cognitive sense. But then I heard Mr. Funke spit:

They don't understand how I feel about the funk/

I walk with the funk/

I talk with the funk/

I eat with the funk/

I sleep with the funk/

I live off the funk/

I'd die for the funk.

Somehow, that allowed everything to come together. It's funny how things happen that way.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

Find some unobstructed space before you listen to this.

"Jump Around" by House of Pain

In 1992 there were two hip hop hits that emphasized an unrelenting urge to rhythmically jump whenever they were played. One was "Jump" by Atlanta duo Kris Kross; I owned the single, probably because I was in the sixth grade. The other was this incredibly dope track by House of Pain which, if I'm honest, has enjoyed a longevity of which the other jumping song could only dream.

For me, the most exciting incarnation of this song's influence occurs at every University of Wisconsin-Madison home football game. Between the third and fourth quarters, the first verse of the song is played over the sound system prompting the entire student section of the stadium (some 15-20,000 people) to jump with the music. I've never seen it in person, but I can only imagine the relentlessness of that kind of energy pulsing through the stands. One of these days, I'll have to go check it out.

One day, UW should invite House of Pain there to do it live.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

"I Used to Love H.E.R." by Common

The funny thing about this track is that even though it was released in 1994, I didn't actually hear it until some time around 1999 or 2000. I first heard Common on the Rawkus compilation album from 1999, Soundbombing II. His appearance on the album, a track called "1-9-9-9", was one of the stand-outs on the disc and inspired me to know more about him. Eventually, I found my way to his most recent full length record (at the time) One Day It'll All Make Sense and his legendary Resurrection album. After purchasing both and entering them into heavy rotation in my CD changer I became fascinated with "I Used to Love H.E.R.", as so many did upon its initial release. Never before had I heard such a well conceived and executed metaphor in a hip hop song, or anywhere for that matter. This song is an exquisite poetic moment.

I hope you enjoy.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives (Audition Special)

I usually don't like to do "Rhymes/Lives" segments twice in one week, but this time I couldn't help it. I'm super-excited!

Tomorrow I have the pleasure and privilege of kickin' a rhyme in an audition. I've been waiting 15 years for this opportunity. He's what I've picked.

The Pharcyde - "Passing Me By"

I have an audition in the morning for a play called The Bombitty of Errors, which is a retelling of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors in rap verse. The audition notice requests the actors bring one comedic monologue and one hip hop verse. Now, the monologue I've been exploring for a little less than a year now; Charlie from In Arabia We'd All Be Kings. But the verse (the last one on the track by Fatlip) has lived with me for well over a decade. I remember my friend Miguel buying The Pharcyde's debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde back in 1992 and playing this track like it was the only music that had ever been created. Our pre-teen brains soaked the lyrics like sponges.

By the time college rolled around, and the era of Napster, I had rediscovered this tune, eventually purchasing the album myself on CD. Needless to say it was rotated substantially during those years.

I can't wait for tomorrow. This is going to be fun!

peace.

Hip Hop Summers: 101

I'm throwing down a gauntlet tonight. If you claim to be a follower of hip hop music and culture and you DO NOT know the words to this song, then you have some studying to do. (There are songs I should know that I don't. So I have studying to do, too!) As far as I can tell, summer doesn't begin in the world of hip hop until this song starts spinning on the radio.



Here, I'll even put up the lyrics so you may follow along. Don't say I've never done anything for you.

Verse 1:
Here it is, a groove slightly transformed,
Just a bit of a break from the norm,
Just a little somethin' to break the monotony,
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A little bit out of control; it's cool to dance
But what about a groove that soothes and moves; romance?
Give me a soft subtle mix,
And if ain't broke then don't try to fix it.
And think of the summers of the past;
Adjust the base and let the alpine blast.
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
And put your car on cruise and lay back cause it's summertime.

Verse 2:
School is out and it's a sort of a buzz.
Back then I didn't really know what it was,
But now I see what happens it's
The way that people respond to summer madness.
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less,
And checking out the fellas to tell 'em who's best.
Riding around in your Jeep or your Benzos,
Or in your Nissan stting on Lorenzos.
Back in Philly we be ou in the park.
A place called the plateau is where everybody goes.
Guys out hunting and girls doing likewise;
Honking at the honey in front of you with the light eyes.
She turn around to see what you beeping at;
It's like the summer's a natural afrodisiac.
And with a pen and pad I compose this rhyme,
To hit you and to get you equipped for the summertime

Verse 3:
It's late in the day and I ain't been on the court yet;
Hustle to the mall to get me a short set.
Yeah I got on sneaks but I need a new pair,
'Cause basketball courts in the summer got girls there.
The temperature's about 88.
Hop in the water plug just for old times sake.
Break to ya crib change your clothes once more,
'Cause you're invited to a barbeque that's starting at four.
Sitting with your friends cause y'all reminisce
About the days growing up and the first person you kissed.
And as I think back makes me wonder how
The smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia.
All the kids playing out front,
Little boys messin' round with the girls playing double-dutch.
While the DJ's spinning a tune
As the old folks dance at your family reunion.
Then six o'clock rolls around,
You just finished wiping your car down.
It's time to cruise so you go
To the summertime hangout; it looks like a car show.
Everybody come lookin real fine;
Fresh from the barber shop or fly from the beauty salon.
Every moment frontin' and maxin';
Chillin' in the car they spent all day waxin'.
Leanin' to the side but you can't speed through,
Two miles an hour so everybody sees you.
There's an air of love and of happiness,
And this is the Fresh Prince's new defintion of summer madness.

There will be a test on August 31st. Be prepared.



peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Fu-Schnickens - What's Up Doc (Can We Rock) by Tupac213

"What's Up Doc (Can We Rock)" - Fu Schnickens feat. Shaq

This track was a sleeper, and I don't remember meeting anyone who followed rap who didn't rhyme along with the numerous hip hop quotables in this song. In fact, I have a friend from back home that built an entire track around a hook that included, "B-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D STICK 'EM!!! HA, HA, HA STICK 'EM!!!" (Is that a good way to write it?)

The thing I fondly remember most about this song is the way Shaq seemed to fit in with these guys quite seamlessly. If I'm not mistaken, this was considered the beginning of his hip hop career, which had some moderate successes. But none of what I heard after this appearance felt as alive and fun as this. I've always wondered why he didn't simply stay with the group. There was real chemistry here. (Perhaps now he's retired...)

Nevertheless, the song is a banger.

peace.

Story Time with Pete Rock

from Complex magazine:

Without question, Soul Brother #1 Pete Rock is one of the most prolific, influential, and respected hip-hop producers of all time. His song catalog is extremely revered thanks to '90s classics such as Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)," Redman's "How To Roll A Blunt," Run DMC's "Down With The King," and Nas' "The World Is Yours," as well as modern day gems like last year's breath of fresh air, "The Joy," with Kanye West and Jay-Z.

And let's not forget the masterful remixes he created (and at times added dope lyrics to) with iconic artists like Public Enemy, House of Pain, and Jeru the Damaja, plus, his highly regarded Soul Survivor solo projects. Yes, twenty years deep, and Mount Vernon's finest remains among the top beat makers and most heavily sought after DJs in the industry.

More here.

Much like the Complex article featuring DJ Premier (look here!), Pete Rock runs down the stories to some of his most well-known and beloved tracks. Have a look!

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

I've never been able to listen to this song just once. Most of the time I play it at least three times in a row.

Tags: Chubb Rock, Treat 'Em Right, Music Videos

I've mentioned Chubb Rock's quintessential track "Treat 'Em Right" before in Hot Music: A Love Story. Because of the frequency with which I listened to that infamous mixtape, my affinity for this song grew at almost the same rate as for "Hot Music" itself. I firmly believe Chubb Rock is one of the most underrated emcees in hip hop history. He's a gang of classic verses and tracks like "Just the Two of Us", "The Chubbster", "Ya Bad Chubs", his appearance on 3rd Base's "Back to the Grill" (which also featured Nas), and his freestyle on the final episode on "Yo! MTV Raps". Check for this cat. I've never heard him come wack.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

I bought the cassestte single of this back when I was twelve years old.



If LL Cool J's "I'm Bad" was the first hip hop song I ever learned, then I think this was the second. I remember seeing the video on MTV and thinking, "Wow! Is this rap?" At the time, the popular hip hop of the day was coming from California and involved extensive amounts of challenging vocabulary, with which I couldn't really identify. So to hear some cats who were taking steps to be clever and have fun was refreshing.

A Tribe Called Quest has got to be the greatest hip hop group of all time.



peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

So I think I've just learned who was my brother's favorite emcee.

This is "I Got It Made" by Special Ed.

Today my brother, niece, nephew and I all drove to the mountains of Virginia to pick up my brother's new motorcycle trailer. On the way back we tuned into the old school hip hop station on XM Radio. As we nodded our heads to classic cuts by Rakim, KRS-One, and Lords Of the Underground, my brother suggested I explore a bit of Special Ed on my blog since that was one of his favorite rappers from that time. As soon as he mentioned it, I distinctly remember listening to his Special Ed cassette tape (1989's Youngest in Charge) on the old boombox he had in his room with the Washington Redskins sticker on the side. (I wasn't supposed to be in there!) I was always drawn to "I Got It Made" and "Think About It", probably because they were the two singles that were made into videos.

Yea, Special Ed is the man. I hope my brother enjoys this video, because it's superdope.

peace.

The Playlist

So I've spent the last two and a half hours working on a playlist of nineties hip hop tracks for my homegirl Mariana's party in Brooklyn next week. (By the way, it's 4:50am.) There's so much! I've had an interesting experience working on this. I'm remembering how old I was when each of these songs came out, in which neighborhood I lived, who my close friends were, where I was when I heard the song, and many other memories and feelings inspired by this music.

I've also been watching Coming to America all night. "I am a loyal citizen of Zamunda!"

If you want to hear the list, be at the party.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

"Scenario" by A Tribe Called Quest is arguably the greatest posse cut in hip hop history.

There are so many cameos in the video, so many quotable lines, and so much imagination in the track's composition, I can't fathom anyone who knows anything about hip hop to solidly argue against it. There's not a hip hop head I know that doesn't have fun when this track comes on. This song is simply marvelous.

peace.

The Rhymes of Our Lives

Simply put, this is the best hip hop song of all time.



Tonight, I'll let this one speak for itself. For more info, look here.

I'm off to bed. Check you all tomorrow!



peace.