I love new technology - this is the future

Surprised Steve Jobs slept on this…

 

XM, Napster in online music joint venture

By Sue Zeidler

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Online music vendor Napster Inc. (NAPS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and satellite radio provider XM Satellite Radio (XMSR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) are making music together.

The two companies said late on Tuesday they would launch an online service that enables XM's 4.4 million subscribers to buy music they hear on the paid XM radio service.

The two plan to jointly launch "XM + Napster," in the fourth quarter of 2005 in conjunction with the availability of new XM/MP3 players that let users bookmark songs they hear while listening to the radio for future purchases online.

After the MP3 player is connected to a personal computer, the service will match the marked XM titles with songs in Napster's catalog so that they can be purchased.

Subscribers can also use the XM + Napster service to organize playlists using other songs from personal libraries and transfer these unique playlists to the XM players.

Currently XM's MyFi portable radio sells for about $299.

Those XM subscribers without the new MP3 devices, can also tag songs for purchase online through XM Radio Online, a Web-based service.

Analysts have long said satellite radio is likely to converge with music players and other portable devices. XM Satellite is the No. 1 satellite radio provider, directly competing with rival Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI.O: Quote, Profile, Research) in the nascent market.

Sirius in February said it had discussed with Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) the possibility of adding its service to Apple's popular iPod music player, but Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs did not see the need at that point to combine the functions.

After launching its wearable MyFi device in October, XM chief executive Hugh Panero said he believed one day a portable satellite player would be combined with portable players that store music, like an iPod.

 

 

 

 

rock steady baby

http://p084.ezboard.com/frocksteadycrew96459frm7.showMessage?topicID=122.topic

 

 

 

Another good party for all you party people 

TONIGHT!!! 

Actors acting right?

 

 

Los Angeles - LOS ANGELES -- Entrepreneurs Nia Hill, D'Angela Steed and Duane Martin, with investors Will Smith and Tisha Campbell-Martin, today announced the formation of The Momentum Experience, a new theatrical distribution entity. The company, co-founded by Hill and Steed, will employ an alternative model of film exhibition designed to reach urban consumers in non-traditional theatrical venues. Momentum will screen quality, commercially viable films starring people of color in venues outside of the movie multiplex, including playhouses and concert halls. Blair Underwood has accepted appointment as chair of the advisory board. The Momentum Experience will launch on July 20, 2005 at the legendary Fox Theater in Atlanta with additional dates in Washington DC, Baltimore and Detroit to follow through early August. The company's first release is THE SEAT FILLER, a romantic comedy starring Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child), Shemar Moore (Diary of a Mad Black Woman) and Duane Martin (All Of Us). The film is directed by Nick Castle, written by Mark Brown, Martin and Tisha Campbell-Martin and produced by Hill, Steed and Martin. "This unique distribution model was born out of a shared desire by everyone involved to control the African-American cinematic image from start to finish. As most independent filmmakers know, making the film is never as hard as finding distribution. This is especially true for independent African-American films," explains Hill, co-founder and CEO. "The Momentum Experience allows us to deliver to a very specific audience those films that may have been overlooked or underappreciated by the Hollywood studio system." "The vision of this team is inspiring and their goals address a definite need in the African-American entertainment community. I support and encourage entrepreneurs who take their destiny into their own hands with initiatives such as The Momentum Experience," remarks Smith, an investor. The Momentum Experience will use the successful live urban theater model as a springboard to a unique moviegoing event geared toward black audiences. Over the last 20 years, producers of live urban theater, also known as the "chittlin' circuit" or "gospel play movement," have successfully catered to the urban market to the tune of more than $250 million. The Momentum Experience marries the live urban theater model with the traditions of African-American filmmakers who self-distributed in the early 1900s, such as Oscar Michaeux. Momentum will offer an enhanced entertainment component to the price of each ticket. From a live concert performance by soundtrack artists to a cast meet-and-greet to a comedy pre-show, each feature presentation will be preceded by a unique added-value attraction for ticket holders. "Distribution of our films has been a long-standing dream of mine. While this team has enjoyed success in the Hollywood film and television industries, we understand the void that exists in our community as it relates to independent African-American voices," explains Martin, a managing partner. "To implement this dynamic exhibition plan will be both a personal triumph for all involved and a collective triumph for black filmgoers everywhere." "To lift as we climb is a sentiment that is close to my heart," insists Underwood, an investing partner. "The Momentum Experience carries with it a rich legacy and captures the urban film community's desire for self-determination. I'm anxious to lend my support both in front of and behind the scenes to execute this new model, and am excited by the potential for real change." The company plans to release 4-5 films with pre-shows per year in top urban markets. Content will generate from several avenues, including the independent production companies of the principals and acquisitions from like-minded filmmakers and production entities. "Taking back control of our images, instead of asking someone else to distribute them for us, is a simple, yet liberating idea," explains Steed, co-founder and COO. "Nia and I, and our dynamic partners and investors, want to tap into the wealth of talent in independent urban cinema and finally give these filmmakers a safe haven to tell their stories."

 

the next big thing 

Who is?

My new favorite rapper…

is Rhymefest. Not because his label is a client or because he rocked the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Because he is the freshest voice I have heard in a while. Not a Jay Z clone, not a Slum Village clone, not a Tribe clone, or Tupac clone this cat is his own man. Even though he runs with Kanye and that original Chicago crowd he is not a Kanye clone.

This cat is a pure MC. Creative. Funny. Charismatic. And from what I understand a smart enough artist to make sure his label is on his side. Not afraid to call a fee gouging produce out, even if that is his boy Kanye to the…

His manager sent some copies of the new mixtape over to the office. Burned it to the funky fresh Dell laptop and been banging it all week. The first mixtape ‘A Star Is Born’ was hot, but I am feeling this one a bit more. It’s got the new single ‘Brand New’ (which is also the title of the mixtape).
‘Don’t Fuck with Fest’, ‘More Seductive’ and ‘Still Singin’ are my joints.

We are trying to bring him back for our CMJ showcase on Sept 15th at BB King’s. So if you missed him June 18th don’t front on us twice in one year.

I guess I am relay feeling Chicago right now. I am eagerly anticipating the Kanye album, a supporter of Common, probably one of the few bloggers who can quote lines from the NO I.D. solo album, and now I am singing the praises of Rhymefest. Not really up on Molemen and JUICE, though.

These Chicago dudes are like the ‘original’ backpackers – Brand Nubian, ATCQ, EPMD, Black Moon, Artifacts. Not the avant garde, dissonant, teenage angst backpacker.
The beats are hard and funky. The subject matter is not senseless violence. Has its community message along with its admiration of the fairer sex. Its braggadocio along with its homophobia and misogynous lyrics(unfortunately). Battle raps along with its catchy hooks. Students of the masters.

Real life.

Like A Boss...for that Houston shit. This is much better than Mike Jones...I do like the new Paul Wallz joint, though 

Vote for your favorite Slim Thug song!

 

The man who brought you “Still Tippin,” “3 Kings,” “Like A Boss,” and “I Ain’t Heard of That” is asking your opinion on what his next hottest track is.  Vote for your favorite track on Slim Thug’s Already Platinum, the number 2 album in the nation, at http://www.slimthugthaboss.com.

ESPN2's "It's the Shoes" series moves up a timeslot!!!!

I’m on fire with the news tidbits today

From my man Cool Bob Love:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Family-

ESPN2’s “It’s the Shoes”, hosted by Bobbito, has moved up a timeslot to 12:30am (est) Tuesday nights (right after And 1’s “Streetball” show)due to the overwhelming positive feedback and ratings, so a big thank you to all who have watched and gone further to write in with response.

We have 3 original shows left through August 9th. On August 6th, ESPN2 will air the first four shows in a row from 12noon to 2pm (est), and will continue to re-air shows throughout august and september. Check your local listings for times.


If you dig the show, please write to ESPN and let them know at http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/espntv.html

Sony Settlement and Eliot Spitzer

Now the good chefs at Room Service do not roll like this…

Sucks for some of y’all though

 

 

Sony BMG to Pay $10 Million to Settle Payola Probe

By Jesus Sanchez, Times Staff Writer

Sony BMG Music Entertainment, the nation's second-largest music company, agreed today to pay $10 million to settle a payola investigation launched by New York Atty. Gen. Eliot Spitzer.

The company, one of four that Spitzer subpoenaed last fall as part of his inquiry into the music business, also agreed to stop making the illegal payments and providing expensive gifts to radio stations in return for playing the company's songs.

A review of company e-mails by investigators found that Sony employees offered "outright bribes" to radio programmers in the form of vacation packages, electronics and other gifts, Spitzer's office said in a statement. In some cases, the illegal gifts were described by company officials as contest giveaways for radio listeners.

Sony also used independent promoters to channel illegal payments to radio stations or disguised the funds as payments for advertising, investigators alleged.

"Our investigation shows that, contrary to listener expectations that songs are selected for airplay based on artistic merit and popularity, airtime is often determined by undisclosed payoffs to radio stations and their employees," Spitzer said in a statement. "This agreement is a model for breaking the pervasive influence of bribes in the industry."

The settlement with Sony BMG, details of which were reported by The Times on Saturday, could spur other music corporations to agree to similar deals with Spitzer's office.

In September, investigators subpoenaed executives at Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and EMI Group as well as Sony BMG. Investigators requested copies of billing records, contracts, e-mails and other correspondence regarding the companies' relationships with independent music promoters who suggest new songs to radio programmers.

Such payments would violate a federal statute known as the payola law, which prohibits broadcasters from taking cash or anything of value in exchange for playing specific songs unless they disclose the transaction to listeners.

In reviewing corporate e-mails, New York investigators encountered numerous instances of Sony BMG employees discussing the illegal payments. In discussing a payment given to a radio programmer in Buffalo, one promotion executive at Sony BMG's Epic Records wrote to a colleague at Epic:

"Two weeks ago, it cost us over $4,000.00 to get Franz [Ferdinand] on WKSE. That is what the four trips to Miami and hotel cost . . . At the end of the day, [David] Universal added GC [Good Charlotte] and Gretchen Wilson and hit Alex up for another grand and they settled for $750.00. So almost $5,000.00 in two weeks for overnight airplay. He told me that Tommy really wanted him to do it so he cut the deal."

Another Epic employee who was trying to promote the group Audioslave to a Clear Channel network programmer asked in an e-mail:

"WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET AUDIOSLAVE ON WKSS THIS WEEK?!!? Whatever you can dream up, I can make it happen."

As part of the settlement, Sony BMG, in an industry first, will hire a compliance officer to monitor promotion practices and create an internal accounting system to detect abuses.

The record company, in a statement, said that payola has "continued to be an unfortunately prevalent aspect of radio" despite federal and state laws prohibiting the practice.

"Sony BMG acknowledges that various employees pursued some radio promotion practices on behalf of the company that were wrong and improper, and apologizes for such conduct," the company said. "Sony BMG looks forward to defining a new, higher standard in radio promotion."

The company will make a $10 million payment to the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors that will be distributed to New York state not-for-profit entities involved in music education and appreciation.

Best Ever?

Lance Armstrong

So I gotta put my two cents in on this Lance Armstrong situation.

First, let it be known I have been following the Tour de France long before yellow rubber bands were in style. Me and my mom (the great Beat-Rice, rip) somehow fell into it when I was 12 years old back in the Bronx. I think we were going through football withdrawal one summer and stumbled upon the Tour on channel 2. Back then it was all about Bernaud Hinault (or Renault) and then the 1st great American rider, Greg LeMonde. An American with a French last name, go figure.

Anyway, this talk about Lance being the greatest athlete of all time is ludicrous. Not because of what ignorant big mouths like ‘Screaming’ Stephen A. Smith claim (How did he get his own show, come on?). Cycling is a real sport and must be respected. However, besides the allegations of doping which I won’t get into, there is a tremendous hole in the Armstrong argument.

The Tour de France is the only race he rides all year. He is the greatest Tour de France rider, but to call him the greatest cyclist or (yikes!) greatest athlete of all time is simply negligent. I wonder how he would do if he participated in the annual circuit for the past 7 years.

Would you call Tiger the greatest golfer if he just played the Masters or if Serena only rocked at Wimbledon? Or if Jordan only played during the playoffs.

And the difference with comparing cycling and basketball or Lance and Mike is that athletes like Jordan never had the option of only participating in the biggest event of their sport. Elway had to grind it out during the regular season to get to his 2 straight Super Bowls. Shaq’s 3 straight titles were the culmination of three regular seasons AND three playoffs. Lance’s accomplishment is equivalent to skipping 7 regular seasons and showing up at 7 consecutive playoffs. If Shaq could rest the whole year and show up in Round 1, I am confident he would have 8 or 9 rings.

I think Lance executed a great marketing plan by focusing on cycling’s biggest sport and nothing else. He has secured his place in history, as well as millions of dollars. He has also used his fame and recognition to bring a renewed focus to cancer and health issues.

I’m not hatin’, I’m just sayin’


Tomorrow, ‘Who Remembers?”…

Aqua Boogie's FatJoe Review in the Village Voice

Check out my man (and Mark C's editor) Al Boogie's review of the Joe
Crack LP

http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0530,blanco,66198,22.html
--
AQUA BOOGIE
writer-for-hire
Music Editor, AllHipHop.com

Critics have their purposes, and they're supposed to do what they do,
but sometimes they get a little carried away with what they think
someone should have done, rather than concerning themselves with what
they did.
--Duke Ellington, 1973

SV streams

Slum Village "It'z Your World"

real:
http://www.barakrecords.com/aud io/slumvillage_itzyourworld.ram
windows:
http://www.barakrecords.com/au dio/slumvillage_itzyourworld.wax
quicktime:
http://www.barakrecords.com/au dio/slumvillage_itzyourworld.mov

The Prequel... 

The Capital S-V-E-E

Yo, this mix tape is aight. I still think the S is one of the best outfits out. People still can't touch Volume 2.

That is on of THE best records since the end of the Golden Age.

Now that they are off Capitol it's gonna be interesting to see how they flip it.

Check out the joint 'It'z your World'

I'll add the links in a second.

Was on Mr. Mom duty so I didn't get a chance to post today AND my computer is falling apart (should've known better to open that Paris Hilton link)

Thankfully my man Greg Nice hooked me up with his old laptop so I am as the say, "back in effect once again"

the official press release Kim "whoop that" Trick

-----------------

Rising from the rugged streets and rich musical tapestry of Detroit, Slum Village is poised to carry on the old school, funk, and soul-filled hip-hop torch of genre pioneers A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and the Pharcyde. Growing up in the Conant Garden neighborhood of Detroit and forming during high- school days at Detroit's Pershing High School, MCs Baatin, Jay Dee, and T3 quickly garnered praise and recognition in the local underground scene. In the mid-'90s, Jay Dee became part of the hip-hop elite as a member of the Ummah, the production team responsible for multiple hits by Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest, D'Angelo, the Pharcyde, De La Soul, and Common, as well as remixes for Janet Jackson and Brand New Heavies. In 1998, Slum Village gained further recognition as an opening act for A Tribe Called Quest's farewell tour. Two years later, after some record-industry politics, the group released Fantastic, Vol. 2, and an album featuring appearances from D'Angelo, Q-Tip and DJ Jazzy Jeff. For fans with an ear to the underground and a few questions concerning the whereabouts of Fantastic, Vol. 1, the trio assumed an alias (J- 88) to release Best Kept Secret.

Party with my man Neil Nice spinning. No Cover? can't beat it 

ZULU's on you Black! Don't miss this jam 

Random Thoughts from the C Train

-Bells on the Fakin Jax Remix are the same bells Primo used on the
Crooklyn Dodgers joint.

-thanks for the love from yesterday's post. Keep the lines coming

-IT'S HOT

-Hip-Hop Center for Cultural and Economic Studies. The next big project

-Although I won't be attending, that tour with Omarion, B5, Marques 'i
used to rock a Bob' Houston, and Bow-wow is gonna make a ton of money

-I am getting swept up in Kanye mania part 2

- No fun having 3 ounces of formula thrown up on you.

- Tony Soprano was on Sesame Street today

- had a brownout last night. No fun. Lickily a/c came back on around 11.
I was surly until then

- does everyone rock those yellow braclets now?

-IT'S HOT, had to mention that again

Can't Stop Won't Stop Wins American Book Award!

From the brother Jeff Chang...
If more 'Hip-Hoppers' read this book our industry would be in a better
place.

Just got the news: Can't Stop Won't Stop has won a 2005 American Book
Award!

It's not even sundown yet and we've already begun popping champagne and
sushi around here. Thank you all for your support. It's greatly
appreciated.

For some background info on the Award and previous winners, click onto
the
blog:

www.cantstopwontstop.com/blog

A note to all our English-reading friends in the UK and Australia, the
paperback edition of Can't Stop Won't Stop will be on sale at midnight
August 4. Call your favorite shop to make sure they have your copy
reserved.
It'll be bigger than Harry!

Next stops--France and Finland...

Best opening lines in hip-hop

Haven't rocked a list in a while

1. Sadat X 'Slow Down'
"Hey baby, your hips are getting big"

2. Greg Nice
'Dizzy Gillespie plays the sax me myself I like to max"
'Nipsy Russel, do the hustle, you're cock diesel. Flex your muscle'
"Sometimes I rhyme slow sometimes I rhyme quick. I sweeter and thicker
than a chico stick"

Greg Nice is the best opening line rapper of all time.

3. Prodigy
"I break bread, ribs, hundred dollar bills"
"I got you stuck off the realness..."

4. Chuck D
"Here it is Bam! And you say godamn..."
"Bass. How low can you go? Death Row? What a brother know"

5. O.C.
"You lack minerals and the vitamins. Irons and the niacins"

6. Biggie
"Who shot ya? Seperate the weak from the obso-lete. Hard to creep them
Brooklyn streets it's on..."

7. Kane
"Let it roll, get bold..."

Please add on...

The New Brat Pack

Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, The Owen Brothers, Will Ferell. I am loving
the movies they drop. Old School, Starsky and Hutch. Zoolander (the
funniest movie ever next to Coming To America), Dodgeball, Anchorman.
For their genre, those are the new classics.

These guys are more like the SNL grad movies of my youth. Fletch, Caddy
Shack, Meatballs, Stripes and all that. With Ben Stiller involved they
have a more New York, neurotic, Woody Allen vibe thay I like.

Vice Vaughn (and The Rock) was the only reason to watch wack ass 'Be
Cool.' And the next movie night we get I'm off to see 'Wedding
Crashers.'

While I am on the entertainment tip this Monday. I love Entourage. HBO
has done it again. This is w/o a doubt my favorite show on TV. Last
night I was straight up rooting for Vinny (really 'E'). Aquaman, here we
come. And finally Drama is gonna get some work.

Remember crossing swords is an occupational hazard and always remember
to hug it out, bitch.

Tomorrow I will praise my other favorite show, 'Family Guy'. Ooooh it's
Jackie Chan, oooooh it's Ethan Hawke. And never do cocaine with Carl
Moldin.

Until then this is the SC in a glass case of emotion.

Artwork. Fresh. who are the cats along the bottom? 

yo, Friday is baby-sitting day for Wes so Mark C is bizack

peep the review I penned for allhiphop. Should be up on their site by the time you are heading home.

-Holla

the unedited version!

Tommy Boy
Presents
Hip Hop Roots

By Mark Cilantro
3 ½ stars

Hip-Hop is changing. By most accounts the art form that we all recognize is bordering on 30 years old. That means that most of the fans who read these reviews and go to jams in Central Park were toddlers when the records I consider classics were created. Fans who were 5 years old when ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ dropped. To some of these cats Public Enemy is the band whose members included that crazy dude on VH1 and that political commentator from Air America. But this piece is not one of those ‘you whippersnappers don’t know what real hip-hop is.’ I think the fact that people have know idea who Bob James is is great. It means our culture is growing. And growth is good.

Books like ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ and the ego trip crew are creating a proper written archive for our culture’s struggles. More importantly, the creators of the culture are writing the record. Not the spectators. Which leads us to the topic of the day ‘Hip-Hop Roots.’

This compilation of classic breaks is presented by Tommy Boy, himself, Mr. Tom Silverman with the help of the legendary Jazzy Jay, one of the pillars of the Zulu Nation. The fact that these two men are behind this compilation is cause enough to generate a purchase. Jazzy Jay was the right hand of Bambaataa in the formative years in the South Bronx. While Bam was ‘The Master of Records’ Jay was the top solder spinning the platters. It is safe to say that Jazzy Jay’s (and many others) courage and vision created the template for the modern DJ.

On the professional side Tom Silverman is without a doubt one of Hip-Hop’s unsung heroes. His Tommy Boy imprint is responsible for numerous genre defining moments. Coolio, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Prince Raheem aka The RZA, Stetsasonic (and their DJ, Prince Paul), Digital Underground (and their roadie Tupac Shakur), Naughty By Nature, Everlast, House of Pain and of course the Soulsonic Force first recorded for Tommy Boy.

So when these cats give a lesson in Hip-Hop Roots pay attention.

The album highlights Hip-Hop’s diverse roots from rock to funk to 60’s pop. There are two selections from the James Brown camp which illustrate Mr. Brown’s ubiquitous presence in Hip-Hop. Lyn Collins “Think” which is the basis of Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock’s ‘It Takes Two’ and James’ own ‘Give It Up or Turn It Loose” which the Jungle Brothers sampled for one of my all time favorites. (The drums have been sampled more times than I can mention.)
Sample royalty Bob James shows up with the excellent ‘Take Me To The Mardi Gras’ which Run DMC rocked for the Jam Master Jay tribute ‘Peter Piper.’

The one selection that flipped my wig was David Bowie’s ‘Fame’ that the Bomb Squad used for ‘Night of the Living Baseheads.’ That is an ill ear that turned this glam rocker’s 3 second intro into one of the most important Hip-Hop songs ever written. Tom and Jay also slipped in the stupid funky Cymande ‘Bra’ that De La used on ‘Change In Speak’ one of the many gems from ‘3 Feet High and Rising.”

As the original Hip-Hop sound splinters into its many disparate pieces it is necessary for us all to get a history lesson. Not to claim one interpretation superior to another but just to remember. Remember the work that entrepreneurs, DJ’s, MC’s, former gang leaders, writers, dancers and fans put in some 30 years ago in the former war zone of the South Bronx.

Go get this record and study your lessons.

Good Times... ain't we lucky we got 'em

TV Land has picked up Good Times and will launch the show with a 48-hour
marathon starting Saturday, July 23 at 6a.  The Maude spin-off will air
in its regularly scheduled time slot of 10p M-T / Th-Su, starting July
25.

Now finally the youg whippersnappers will get the joke when I scream
"Damn, Damn, Damn!" when a deal falls through.

Netflix

Gotta resort to the mobile blogging these days.

Good looking to my man Heartless Jim, or newest SCR member.

Jim looked out for me when I was just a lowly intern at Max'n. Good to
hear from you bro.

I love Netflix. What a great concept. Thanks to the crew at the office
for putting up on it. I am catching up on some ill flicks these days.
Just peeped The Aviator last night. I could not see myself dropping $10
to see Leo, but it is definitely a Netflix winner.

Leo is not the pretty boy heart throb I thought he was. He killed it in
that flick. And Scorcese proved why he is one of the best of our
generation.

People, give me some more Netflix gems. I got Sideways and Bad Liutenant
at the crib. Not sure what's next. Maybe 'Murda Muzik'?

How do the producers or studios get paid in the Netflix relationship?

Need something like this in the music biz.

-Wes

Check out out the article by my man Will Page on Rich Medina...and for today's random thoughts. I guess Death Row was all about Dre, huh? And Puffy has outlasted Suge too, huh? Who would have thunk it 10 years ago? Salud! 

Back in effect once again, living the life of diamonds and guns, and now gems

I was really out of it last week as far as the blogosphere went. Between catching up on work and Miles Boogie my time is severely limited. The boy had me stressed out last night but that is a another story for another time.

Lot of things I want to shout out out.

First off, there are good things and bad things in this world. Remember family that loves you is in the good category. The 4th was dope as Miles Boogie got to see all the aunts and cousins. Check the flicks.

Second. I am not gonna front what happened in London got me shook. The chances of seeing the kid on the C Train around rush hour are slim and none. And Slim just went to sleep.

Third. War of The Worlds is a sci fi flick, yes. But in my Siskel & Ebert opinion it is more of a horror movie. That joint scared me. It is a great piece of cinema, by I am surprised Spielberg was cool with such a weak ending. That was suprising.
And what is the science with the 9/11 references? It was a powerful political statement and/or the most insensitive piece of cinema I have ever seen. Someone who has seen it. Holla at me. Let me know your thoughts.

Fourth. Digable Planets was and is a dope Hip-Hop outfit. Went to see them at Irving Plaza last week. I think once they do some more shows they will return to their old form. All my UVa heads can remember when they rocked Trax back in C'ville in 1992(?) . They performed that 1st album from beginning to end. I have yet to see an outfit perform that feat again.
They have not been together for nearly 10 years and they sound better than most Hip-Hop outfits out today. I will be looking for that new album.
Mecca looks good too. and tracks from her solo LP sounded pretty good.
the audience was much younger than I thought.

Fifth. It was great to see my man J-Live. Until I saw him I didn't realize how long it had been. He has been touring his ass off and recording that new album. August 30th. Cop it.

Sixth. Was out at Fort Green Park today. Brooklyn is dope.
Shout to Frances and Myeta.

Seventh. Had some really great conversations and meetings with the team last week. Great things on the horizon. CMJ of course. Room Service Film Screenings. And the relaunch of the Seven Heads label. Anyone who I have cornered over the last year knows that I am all about the digitization of the business. And that I will not put out another record in the traditional way. Plans are being made...

Eighth. Good looking to Elemental for running my editorial along with the pic of Boogie and Roxy. Cop it. Dondi cover.
Thanks to TV star C Rayz who gave me a copy on the way into Irving Plaza.

NCAA 2006 out this week. word.
Speeding ticket in NJ. wack.
Friday Night Lights. dope. Although I think they could have gotten someone better than Billy Bob. kind of 'Remember The Titans' minus that nasty racial tension.
9/11 Movie with Nicolas Cage. wack.
WNYC and NPR. dope.
Troy. fake LOTR, but still decent.
Seeing UVa cats in NYC. dope.
Trying to find time to write a book. hard.

Sorry I have been weak on the post this week. Catching up on work from the long weekend. Went to the J-Live/Digable show last night so I have a lot to write about...but in the meantime check out some pics of my baby boy and the fam.  

Come check my man Geology tonight. 'Elevator Music' is still one of the best beats I have ever heard - for the record...4th of July post coming soon complete with more pics of Miles than anyone besides his poppa wants to see