On Saturday, Hip-Hop invaded Governor's Island in a major way. Rock the Bells 2010 was on deck and it was the best Saturday I had spent in awhile. Great music, great company and best of all, I witnessed the return of Lauryn Hill. Yes, Lauryn Hill, whom we have been summoning back to existence since I started Tweeting last year, finally blessed us with her presence. Since this is the biggest RTB news, I will start with her. I have been hearing people's opinions about her performance. Now I am going to give you mine. Granted, she is not the Lauryn we knew from '95 but, she can still do the damn thing. No, her voice is not the same but she can still flow. She took us through her hits with re-vamped beats and melodies. I caught up with Ms. Hill backstage where we had a brief chat. The area backstage was hectic so we had to do things quick and when we could get it in. She basically expressed to me that she had been to "hell and back" but that she "remains positive". I made sure to tell her that she is almost a daily conversation topic when discussing the best female rapper. The smile on her face made me wanna cry. She shook my hand and said. "Thank you sis. I appreciate the love folks are sharing with me here today. I really am." And then she went about her way. The look in her eyes still seemed distant. I can't imagine what she went through but it definitely took it's toll.
Lauryn Hill performing "Ready or Not"
Old school represented as usual. Eric B and Rakim, KRS-One, Slick Rick (and his entourage of chains) all represented their respective albums, performing the classics. It is a shame that albums are not created like those any more. People are focused on the single, not the album.
The show was on point from beginning to end. Aside from seeing Miss Hill, I was excited to see A Tribe Called Quest. Their set was amazing. Their energy was through the roof. I dug deep into the "lyrics learned" section of my brain and went in as if I was a member of the group. They went through all the classics, "Bonita Applebaum", "Scenario", "Electric Relaxation". They did a J. Dilla tribute and out of the mouth of Q-Tip, "J.Dilla The best producer ever…" while Swizz Beats stood on the stage… LMAO
The Wu shut it down as usual. If you have ever been to a Wu show, you know what it is. With the entire Clan in tow, including Old Dirty Bastard's son who performed his father's parts from the songs on the 36 Chambers album. He looks and sounds just like his father. It is a little freaky.
Wu performing "Da Mystery of Chessboxing" with an appearance by lil ODB
A Wu performance is definitely something you have to see. Outside of the Dogg Pound, they are the only other Rap "Group" that can deliver a hardcore performance. The Snoop moved through Doggystyle and enlisted the help of the Dogg Pound usual suspects. Warren G, Lady of Rage and RBX were also on hand to perform. It was amazing to see this crew, created so many years ago, still come together and deliver a Class "A" performance. Snoop did the damn thing, long blue bandana suit and all.
Snoop focused on his way to the stage…
Snoop and tha Dogg Pound performing "It Ain't No Fun"
I did a few interviews and have a few cameos on film. Footage coming soon!!! There were a lot of people on deck to see the show as well. Jay and Bey, Swizz and Alicia, Chris Rock, John Legend, Mary J. Blige were all backstage enjoying the show. Rock the Bells is a show that I make it my business to attend. If you have never been, you need to re-evaluate your love for music and get to one. Jay and Bey…
RZA choppin' it up with my camera ace @IRunsNY
I am always looking for new talent to share. At Brooklyn’s Amarichi Lounge, “The Come Up” Talent Showcase went down, compliments of Cola Keys and Doperah Styles. The Showcase is a series of fundraising events by the pair to help their old High School get the materials they need to continue the up-keep of resources. Given the fact that the ladies will be celebrating their 10 year High School Reunion soon, they wanted to incorporate the donation into their class reunion, which I think is an awesome idea. Giving back to the community is always important.
The winner Rheel (in the middle with the shades) with the hosts and coordinators.
Judging the contest was yours truly, Lady Blogga alongside DJ Bedtyme and Marvel Dash. We watched various talent acts ranging from Hip-Hop to R-N-B. The winner was a young man by the name of Rheel, who hails from the Bronx. He came with lyrical style, creativity and energy. As a prize, Rheel has a host of radio interviews with various people lined up including Pryme Time radio, Urban Latino radio, The Cook-Up Radio Show and the Lady Blogga herself will be sitting down with Rheel to have a conversation. He and his partner worked the stage with precision. But most importantly, he held the judge’s attention which means he was doing something right.
Aside from new talent, there were featured artists and spoken word performers on deck. J. Sharelle came through with her usual powerful performance and she closed with my personal favorite, “So You Think I’m Pussy”. Uncle Dre dropped a winner as well. Mandee Monae put down some sultry yet powerful R & B, F.C.E. artist G-Swagg came equipped with his smooth but tough flow and Mr. Cash feat. Thrillz dropped jewels. All three came through to do what they do best. After the talent competition and performances, the after party went into full effect with DJ Show N Tell on the 1 and 2’s, spinning all the tunes!!! It was a great night for a great cause and I look forward to the next one!
Jasmine Solano is one of those women that are considered a certified Triple Threat. Few people can claim it and own it like she does. She is on deck and 2010 is her year. Coming off tour as Wiz Khalifa's Official DJ on their 60 City stint, she has huge projects ahead. We chopped it up on a yacht in the middle of the Hudson. Follow her on Twitter @JasmineSolano to find out where she's at next. Here it is, Pt. 1 Interview "6 Minutes with Jasmine Solano"…
This summer has been filled with nothing but dope shows and music drops. My readers already know, if it's dope, I am sharing. Here is a track off the upcoming mixtape "Suicide by Jellyfish" called "Note to Self" by P.SO x 8thW1 featuring YC the Cynic. Produced by Jinesis, and lyrically laced, this track belongs in your collection. Look for the mixtape link to be posted here soon. In the meantime, check out and download "Note to Self"…
If you ever roll through Bed-Stuy, make sure you hit up Peaches and get some of that mac & cheese. Don't sleep on the sweet potato or BBQ fries either! Like the music you're hearing? Check out Brooklyn's Finest from The Stuyvesants.
I would've loved to made it out to this but, it was the same day as the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, which I won't be attending again anyway… I can say that, even with the rain, I would've had a better time at Frank's BBQ. There's always next year. [via]
Last Friday night, a few of you might've seen me tweet about being on a party bus. This was the party. This was the bus.
Academy teams up with Red Bull to throw one of their most creative parties yet. A 40 foot tour bus picking up the coolest people we know and work with around New York City, first stop Crif's deep fried hot dogs, second an intimate concert with Aloe Blacc for TheCouchsessions.com 5th anniversary, and lastly an after party at Deity in Brooklyn featuring DJ Mick Boogie, and a performance by OnCue!
Tribe performing…
Consequence and Phife Dawg
Jay and Bey…
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