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RIP MC Breed

MC Breed. The first man to "paint the White House black" has left this world.
When I first moved to LA from Oakland, Ain't No Future in Your Frontin was one of my favorite songs on the radio.  Still love it to this day.
Details here 

Please note:  Breed dropped an album every year for about 13 years.  That's dedication in a game where sometimes people only realease 3-4 in a career.

Pour out a lil something if you got it, and bump this classic shit right here.

....AAAAND WE'RE BACK!

Sorry for the delay.
Here's what you missed...
Me working on music (coming soon)
Working at work (lord save me)
Obama is president (HURRAY!  IT'S FINALLY OVER!)
And...that's about it.
So...Let's continue with our program...

DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK!

DAME TAYLOR IS HERE!

About 3 years ago, my homegirl hit me up like "Yo, you gotta check out this producer I met."

She popped in the beat cd, and IMMEDIATELY I asked, "Is he signed?".

She said "No."

I said "WHY THE HELL N OT!?"

Through the years, he's been on a major grind, hustling, gettin his name out. If you are a fan of U.N.I, then you know the track "K.R.E.A.M (Kick Rule Everything Around Me)".

That monstrous beat is Dame Taylor.

Now he just got a placement on the G-Unit album with "Party Ain't Over".

Peep the man's bio right here.  This dude is about to be THAT  DUDE.  Not only does he make dope tracks but he LOVES MUSIC.  Kinda rare nowadays.

I love seeing the people around me on their way to their dreams.

Dame Taylor.  Remember that name, and check the vids below.

Damien Taylor, a.k.a. Dame Taylor on the Beat is an upcoming music producer.  His sound hits all over the musical spectrum.  But Dame Taylor's clear signature sound is in his sick drum patterns, which always draw in the listener.

This is a major year for Dame Taylor, as he has been blessed with major successes and is on a rapid rise in the industry.  He currently works with one of the biggest D.J.'s in the music industry, as POWER 106 DJ Felli Fel's engineer.  Felli has experienced major success himself with "Get Buck in Here" featuring Ludacris, Akon, Diddy, and Lil Jon, and was the #27 hit on the Billboard chart.  Dame also created a buzz with the hit single "K.R.E.A.M." (Kicks Rule Everything Around Me) for Hip Hop duo, U.N.I., which helped launch the group in a very short time with almost one million views on YouTube in March of this year, and is being aired on BET.  Now, Dame Taylor is breaking major ground with "Party Ain't Over', a track featured on G-Unit's upcoming sophomore album, Terminate on Sight.  "Party Ain't Over" will be the next club banger; but you may not see Dame two-stepping it up in the club.  The song title is ironic for this mystery man who'd prefer being in the studio than a big industry event; but, as he says, "I make beats, period…I'm here for the music, for the love of the music. I can drink, eat and sleep in my studio without fail.  I try to live by the motto work hard now and play later".

G-UNIT- PARTY AIN'T OVER

U.N.I.- K.R.E.A.M Before: Making of K.R.E.A.M. pt.1

AFTER!

Goin out with the bangers

Today, June 21st, marks the last day of Gemini as we move into Cancer.
Like I said.  I'm a Gemini, and I got lots of pride.
And today, we're goin out with a super bang!

Let's celebrate the birthdays of...

Brenda Holloway.
A very little known name from the Motown label but she made some great tracks. 
Beautiful woman with a beautiful voice.
She often opened for the Beatles, and had a handful of songs written by Smokey Robinson.
Apparently, the general trend of the music industry and Motown didn't bode well for her, and she felt that she should follow a more spiritual path, eventually retiring from music.  She returned in the 80s doing more gospel music.  For most of her years she was a background singer with her sister.  You might be interested to know that it is Brenda and her sister Patrice who "backed Joe Cocker and the Grease Band on the 1968 cover version of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends", later the theme song to the 1980s television series The Wonder Years."
Here she is, solo dolo, singin Just Look What You've Done. 

Next, legendary Jamaican musician Augustus Pablo.  Most notably known for his influence on dub reggae and introducing reggae music to the melodica.
If you are into reggae, especially dub, be sure to get his stuff.  Here's one of my favorite tracks by him "King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown".  That little harmonica like sound you hear is the melodica.

And finally, to cap off why Gemini IS the best zodiac sign in the astrology chart...

Legendary producer Pete Rock.
I mean...I really don't know what to say.  He defined a large part of my youth growing up, loving Hip Hop.
When They Reminisce Over You.
Just about everything Pete Rock and CL Smooth did...incredible duo.
His Soul Survivor albums (this one and this one).
Production he's done for everyone from the Wu-Tang Clan, Common, Talib Kweli, Slum Village, Pharoahe Monch, and the list goes on.
Peep the first vid, as he shows you how he samples, chops, and creates.  SICK!

And finally, one of the greatest songs ever made in history.
Peace.

 

I need a Claire Huxtable.

I really do...

Gotta play some catch up on the Gemini tip!
June 19th was about the ladies.

First up!

Phylicia Rashad aka Claire Huxtable.  She played a loyal, loving, yet fierce and sexy wife of Heathcliff Huxtable in the Cosby Show.  A show that really defined a generation.  You could call it, the 80's version of the Obamas.  Smart, great family, educated, classy, all that.
Yesterday was her birthday. 
Now aside from Pam Grier, I have to say Phylicia is also one of the baddest.  She had the dope mom game on lock, WAAY before homechick on Fresh Prince of Bel Air (see I even forgot her name). 
I need a Claire Huxtable in my life.
If you feel me, then check this site out.  I'm gonna be gettin one of those shirts PRONTO!
What many do not know is that Phylicia Rashad, formerly Phylicia Allen (sister of Debbie Allen), is also a VERY talented singer.
Here she is, straight SANGIN', on a little known disco album she made in the late 70's.

Next up, everyone's favorite judge from American Idol, Paula Abdul!
Former Laker girl who made it as a pop star in the late 80's and early 90's.  And now you see her on ya tv screen.
Here she is, stylin on you.  Straight up.
I'd still do her by the way.
And yes, that's Arsenio.

On to today...

Errol Flynn!  Australian actor.
Now, you might ask, why in the hell would I mention him?
Well, first, because his name is awesome.  It's where we get the term "In like Flynn" from.
Second, it's the name of a popular gang in Detroit!
There is also a dance called the Errol Flynn, which, similar to the Crip walk or Blood walk, would signify the affiliation of the gang member to that gang.
Looks somethin like this...

Next up, saxophonist, flautist, and bass clarinet player,  Eric Dolphy.
Very unorthodox style were he used harmonies and discords, similar to Monk and Coltrane. 
Peep him in action.  He's got incredible skills.

And last...Lionel Richie!
First establishing himself with The Commodores, then branching out as a solo artist, he has sold more than 100million records world wide.  Interestingly enough, he's especially popular in the Middle East.  Let's take it back to the 80s real quick with All Night Long.  You know it's a party when the cop has to get hyphy.  Doesn't get much happier than this I tell you.

Shout out to Zoe Saldana...with her fine ass.  Ohhwee!

Home stretch

The time of Gemini ends on June 21st.  As we enter the home stretch, let's hit em with some more of that hotness!

First up, Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men (he's the one with the glasses)!
He is actually the founder of the group.  The man who put it all together!  One of the greatest R&B groups.  Definition of the 90s R&B.  And them boys can sang!
Let's take it back to where it all started...MOTOWN PHILLY!

Next...Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles. 
I mean come on dude...The Beatles are legends.  Straight up.
The Beatles wrote a song a song called Birthday, with Paul singing lead vocals.
And here he is...booyaow!

And finally, the homeboy Tunji! Here he is rippin the first verse with the home doggie Toby and that talented ass guy Noah King with Hip Hop Soul.  These are legends on the come up right here!

It's my birthday!

Hoooooooo!
Today's my birthday yall!  Thank you to everyone who showed me love today.

And today I share a birthday with....
Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs N Harmony!

Since today is my birthday, I wanted to let you know, I don't give a fuck!
Watch my birthday twin Krayzie rip the last verse.
And I'm out!
Shout outs to Igor Stravinsky, M.C. Escher, and Barry Manilow.
Wil' out!

Special selections

Man there are a lot of musicians born on this day.  I could only pick the best of the best though.

First:
The legendary João Gilberto.  Brazilian guitarist and singer.  He is basically the man responsible for  Bossa Nova, a style of music that blends samba and jazz.
Why is that important?  Well...without Bossa Nova, Runnin by The Pharcdye would never exist!
Here is João playing one of his best known songs, Desifinado.  I don't know what that word means in Portuguese, but I expect that it means something beautiful by the sound of this!

Next up...one of Erykah's baby daddy's, THE D.O.C. !
Man...Had he not been in a terrible car accident that damaged his vocal chords, I am MORE than sure that he would have been considered one of the biggest legends in the game.  His flow and lyrics were way ahead of its time.  Here he is droppin flows on Funky Enough, produced by that guy Dr. Dre..

And finally, Miss Faith Evans.  Widow of Notorious B.I.G.  (who had a birthday not too long ago).
When she first came out I remember how often people would remark how soothing and beautiful her voice was.  It was so soft and innocent.  Ah yes.
Here she is, looking oh so delicious and sexy in I Love You, one of my personal favorites from her....

damn she looks good...
Oh, special shout outs to Maxi Priest, Flesh-N-Bone (He's gettin out soon!) and John Edwards! (BE THE VP!)

Where would we be without them?

Today, we celebrate the birthdays of two people who helped music evolve into the next levels.

First, great guitarist and inventor, Les Paul.
Les Paul is extremely important for you to know, because this man revolutionized music by MAKING the solid-body electric guitar.
Oh but it doesn't stop there.
He also INVENTED:  overdubbing, delay effects such as "sound on sound" and tape delay, phasing effects,  multitrack recording, and reverb effects.
So...because of him, we have Rock N' Roll music.
Peep this mini-documentary, made in '05, celebrating his birthday.  Take note of some of the cameo appearances too.

AND!
Jackie Wilson. 
This man helped define part of our parents' generation.   He was one of the important figures that transitioned Rhythm and Blues music into Soul music.  He's often cited by Michael Jackson as one of his influences.

Here's the man himself breaking it down with the song "Lonely Teardrops".

 

TRIVIA TIME!!!

I have a special prize for you if you can tell me what 80's film this other Jackie Wilson track is featured in.
Just type your email address in the comments box if you get it.
And no, there is no time limit.  And yes, this is an open book quiz!  Use your resources!

Oh yeah, shout outs to Michael J. Fox, Johnny Depp, and Natalie Portman.  Holla!

What a day it is!

Man it sure is a nice day outside...This calls for some feel good tracks for the Gemini babies today!

Happy birthday to:

Dean Martin!  One part of the Rat Pack.  Legendary entertainer.  Here he is singing with fellow Gemini, Gladys Knight, along with the Pips of course. 

Next...L.A. Reid!  This is man is a straight up LEGEND in the game of music.  He's put some of the most legendary people in the game such as:  Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, Outkast, Dido, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, The Killers, and Fall Out Boy!
But before he was running a label and masterminding the industry, he was a member of a little group with Babyface Edmonds called The Deele.  Here is one of their Jams, Two Occassions.  If I'm correct, Reid is tthe guy singing in the 2nd verse, with a perm that is from out of this world! lol.
By the way, when people say "That's my jam!", THIS is a prime example of what they might mean.

Next, LEGENDARY poetess, Nikki Giovanni.  I mean...I don't even know what to say about this woman.  She's just off the chain.
Here's one of her most famous pieces, Ego Trippin.  This version is from the Blackalicious album, Nia.

And finally.  PRINCE.  Nuff said. 
Just read his bio.  He's written so many songs for people, put so many people in the game, it's not even funny, and plays so many instruments that he really doesn't need a band when making an album!
Unfortunately, the Purple One himself has restricted just about any and all of his songs and videos from being streamed on youtube.  Kinda upsetting for fans, but hey...he's makin sure to keep his money right, so I can't be mad at him for that.
SO, I decided to put these two vids up.  A little interview with The Twinz, 2 back up singers of his (who supposedly he dated AT THE SAME TIME!).  This is kinda funny to me, cause the lady doin the interview wants Prince so bad it's not even funny.
And finally some scenes from his film Under The Cherry Moon cut to a Chris  Issac track, Wicked Games.
Watch as Prince gets his sensual seduction on. 
Ladies...hold on to your drawls.