THIS FEELS GOOD RIGHT HERE

O.C. - Time's Up

It's interesting how a song that was made like 13 years ago can still describe the current state of the game.

Refuse to Lose

With all the recent attacks on Hip Hop's character of late, we at Grown Folks Hip Hop thought it was time to give Hip Hop it's props for ALWAYS being on the frontline when it comes to speaking out against society's ills (racism and injustice being the most popular-for lack of a better term). Hip Hop artists have played a major role in helping with the following: Relief efforts for victims of Hurricane's Katrina and Rita (which included cash and clothes donations and benefit concerts), benefits for the victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Tsunami relief efforts, support for the Jena 6 and other victims of injustice and senseless violence like Adamou Diallo (RIP) and Sean Bell (RIP). Hip Hop was there to help the healing after the tragic shootings at Columbine H.S. in Colorado (where about 90% of the folks there are NOT minorities) and at Virginia Tech. This doesn't even count the many philanthropic endeavors (schools supplies, summer camps, community centers, etc) that most Hip Hop artists sponsor in their hometowns. This is not a new phenomenon since Hip Hop also had a presence at the Live Aid concert in 1985 when Run DMC performed on the same stage as Rolling Stones, Prince and Tina Turner in order to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Around 1988 KRS-One set off the "Stop the Violence Movement" which spawned "Self Destruction", a song featuring some of the best rappers of the era. "Self Destruction" was a call for all to put an end to Black on Black crime. The song feat. KRS-One, Public Enemy, MC Lyte, Stetasonic, Just-Ice and others, with the most memorable line coming from none other than the great Kool Moe Dee, "I never, ever ran from the Klu Klux Klan and I shouldn't have to run from a Black man." In 1991, top West Coast artists like Eazy-E, Ice-T, Dr. Dre, MC Hammer and others to put out the classic "We're All In The Same Gang." The song was a cry out to Crips and Bloods to stop the senseless violence that terrorized Los Angeles and many other communities infested with gang violence. Rappers from Nas to dead prez to Paris to Common to Jay-Z to David Banner, Scarface, NWA and so on have always provided social commentary in their music. Just not the singles you hear every night on the "Top 8 at 8." Not only that, but Hip Hop has decided to stand on the frontline when some of our mainstream celebrities have decided to play the background (see: Jordan, Michael and Woods, Tiger) .

As KRS would say, "I Am Hip Hop", and I'm tired of folks that are ignorant about our culture making sweeping generalizations about us with about as much knowledge about the culture as I have about open heart surgery. Everything may not be all good in Hip Hop right now, but it sure ain't all bad either. We need to continue to support and defend Hip Hop as the free and artistic movement it has always been. The folks with the most problems with Hip Hop could care less about it. That's why you have idiots at FoxNews characterizing Nas' album "Hip Hop is Dead" as "hateful music." Really? "Can't Forget About You" was hateful? "Where Are They Now" was hateful? As youngsters, Hip Hop was appealing to us on some level because it was OUR THING. Not even our parents rocked too hard with Hip Hop . In the late 70's and early 80's all the mainstream news outlets dismissed Hip Hop as a passing fad like bell bottom jeans or something (trust me, I was there). Nearly 30 years later Hip Hop is in a place that none of us ever dreamed it would be when we first heard "Rappers Delight" or when we heard the Kool Moe Dee/Busy Bee battle on cassette tape, when we first saw Run DMC and Whodini at the "Fresh Fest" So on behalf of Hip Hop and fellow Hip Hoppers everywhere, I'm raising both my middle fingers to these clowns who continue to throw darts at my culture. That type of salute is one that spans generations, so there can be no misunderstanding how we feel. So to paraphrase Ice-T's great line from "New Jack City", "When you're ready to bring your sideline ass to the frontline, just let me know bruh."

DK - I Know

DK - 'I Know'

In today's world of Hip Hop, marketing and promoting is on extreme overload. There are so many artists thrown at us that it becomes a job to hear new artists with good material. In steps DK.....hailing from Queens, New York. A True MC with a solid flow, witty word play and real content. I can really appreciate mc's like this...not all the way left, not all the way right..he show's great balance. A real lyrical dude.

Click here for DK's Myspace Page

Dr. Julia Hare

I've been meaning to post this for a while. It's not new, but it's something we all should listen to.

Jay-z: Blue Magic

Smif N Wessun - Gotta Say It

"The Album" In stores October 23rd

IT WAS AN HONOR AND A PLEASURE

I hope you all were able to watch Vh1 Hip Hop Honors Monday night. If not, I'm sure you will be able to catch the reruns. The highlight for me was the TRIBE tribute, which closed the show. Even though Lupe's fumbling of Phife's verse on 'Electric Relaxation' wasn't that bad...many fans have been getting at him about it. (Poor Lupe). Anyway, Busta came and tore down his verse for Scenario..like the wild maniac we know him to be. ATCQ hit the stage hard and performed a couple of their own hits as well. The Whodini set was a nice one too that basically ended off almost like a dance competition. You really felt the energy up there and it seemed like a lot of fun. The New Jack swing tribute was a little more R&B flavored..but enjoyable nonetheless...Teddy Riley was beast when you think about all the joints he has done over the years and there were so many songs that weren't performed. I was kind of surprised that Missy didn't perform during her tribute. It was a pretty good set with Timbaland, Eve, Tweet, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Nelly Furtado. Snoop's tribute was solid as expected. T.I. came out and handled his business with 'Deep Cover' followed by Pharrell and Daz doing 'Nuthin but a G thang". Of course Snoop came out with his lil homie Bow Wow..(wait, he's not little anymore..right?) And tore it down..also performing 'Drop it like it's hot'. The Wild Style Tribute hit you with a few originators of the game, Busy Bee, GrandMaster Caz and Grand Wizard Theodore..and the teacher...KRS One. Every one flowing to classic break beats. Overall it was a pretty good show. I'm not going to even get into some of the things I have questions about, that's a whole 'nother post.

GOTTI'S WAY TRAILER

Alot of us enjoy rooting for the underdog. And I know many of us feel like Murder Inc. is absolutely in that position. They might acutally be UNDER UNDER dogs. I for one will watch this reality show because it does look interesting..also after hearing Irv talk on a recent radio interview, it made me appreciate his perspective on things. I must admit though I would have probably been a little more interested in this if the two Ja Rule joints weren't out yet...then maybe it woulda got me in the frame of mind like Ja might do it again...but what I've heard from those two songs...let's just say they aint my favorites. Anyway the trailer looks interesting and I'm glad to see Irv's not just relying on Ja to save the label.

Relax Yourself Girl, Please Settle Down

Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation

Because the VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2007 is upon us, I felt compelled to post this video. This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite groups... A TRIBE CALLED QUEST. There is a very short list of artists that I have actually purchased every album they have put out...TRIBE is definitely on that list.

On Monday October 8th at 10PM I will be, as most of you should be, in front of the tube watching the festivities take place. Along with ATCQ, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliot, Whodini, New Jack Swing and Wild Style will be honored.

Here's the link for more details: http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/hip_hop_honors/_2007/

The Hustlers Poster Child

By now you've all heard the new single from Jay-z, "Blue Magic". I've heard countless opinions, some for, some against. The album is inspired by the movie of the same title starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. From my understanding, this album is supposed to be more of a concept album with no real "radio friendly" singles on it. Sounds good to me. Whatever your opinion of him, it is undeniable that he always generates interest...MAJOR INTEREST with his music projects. That being said, we all look forward to November when the album drops so we can listen and then immediately critque it. Because that's what fans love to do more than anything, especially nowadays....