1994

Was 1994 the best year for Hip Hop??

Nas - Illmatic (1994)
Jeru The Damaja -The Sun Rises In The East (1994)
Organized Konfusion - Stress: The Extinction Agenda (1994)
The Notorious BIG-Ready To Die (1994)
CommonSense -Resurrection (1994)
Gravedigga - 6 feet deep (1994)
Scarface - the diary (1994)
O.C.- Word.Life (1994)
Gangstarr - hard to earn (1994)
Methodman - Tical (1994)

RIP Teena Marie

Apollo Kids

Ghostface's last album was a total let down for me. I've just had a listen to the new album 'Apollo Kids' and its blown me away. Production is tight and guests from the likes of Black Thought & Busta, its a total winner. Here's a taste of one of my fave's.

El Da Sensei

You need to check El Da Sensei & The Returners album Nu World. Currently on repeat is the remix of 2 The Death by my incredibly talented friend M-Phazes with vocals from the lush Mela. LISTEN!

gumbusters

Keepin the streets of Adelaide clean!

Yumcha comes to town

One of my bestie's visited from Melbourne on the weekend to celebrate her birthday with ME. How special am I? Very!

Since moving to Adelaide a few months ago, I've been left pining for my Melbourne friends. This visit from Amy aka Yumcha rocked my jocks. Along with our girl Vix we hit the town a couple nights, falling in love with Casablabla Bar just off Hindley Street enjoying some sweet soul tunes. We also hit up Oxygen Bar to see DJ Kronic spin.

Now since being back in town I havent really hit the club/bar scene much, and now I have, not surprisingly, after being away for 7 years, I'm still seeing the same faces, quite bizarre.

Miss you already yumcha. xx

Vix, Yumcha & Myself at Casablabla

Shots @ Oxygen

This man was in the ladies toilets at The Tap Inn
Peekaboo!

Yumcha & Nellie disco nap
THEND

Australia, I'm PROUD!

In the past 6 months, both Ed Hardy and Krispy Kreme have gone into administration in Australia.

I put this down to Australia having good fashion sense and good health education. Dont get me wrong, Krispy Kreme donuts are drool worthy, but we know the repurcussions of eating them.

This is a shoop public service announcement.

Gorillaz in Australia, but guess who else??

For those who have been under a rock, you may not know that the Gorillaz are currently touring Australia. I didnt get a chance to see the show, but made it to the afterparty last week in Adelaide to check Maseo spin.

It was quite a rare musical Wednesday night for lil ol Adelaide. I started the night checking out DJ Greenlantern spin at Mojo West and Linkin's Park crew just happened to be chillin there before their concert the following night. I then skipped over a couple streets to LIVE to the Gorillaz Afterparty to see Maseo.

I was pleasantly surprised to see touring with the Gorillaz as part of the stage show was Bootie Brown from The Pharcyde, Bobbie Womack, Little Dragon, 2 members from The Clash and De La of course. All this freakin talent hidden, none of these names (besides De La Soul) were mentioned as being on the tour in any press whatsoever.

Also touring with them were these 8 brothers/brothas from Chicago, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. They are not just amazing to look at, haha, but they are incredibly talented. I briefly met Rocco. Please take some time to check them out http://www.hypnoticbrassensemble.com/the-band

I guess I can quote 'you never never know if you never never go', international talent may be nestled in your city right underneath your nose.

Aaaaand the fact that Jay-Z being in town with U2 last week, Jigga brought along with him Kanye and Beyonce, and they partied with Oprah. Random happenings.

Glenn Lewis - Good One

Glenn Lewis releases his first single in 2 years, after continually being under the radar, lets hope his new project due for release in 2011 can propel him to the next level.

photo booth love

These grannies discovered photo booth, this make my heart happy.

come to mama

I've never been big on pumps, but I want a pair of these. The classic high top Reebok Pump Omni Zone comes in two new colorways for Holiday 2010. Released in white/purple and black/blue.

The black/blue make my heart go boom boom.



via www.fluxuryb.com

Just Beautiful

I literally broke down into tears when I heard this for the first time, just beautiful Aloe.

Pieces

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. ~ Marilyn Monroe

Coming to Australia

Just Blaze, Monch, Jean Grae, Percee P, Boogie Blind, Ice Cube, Spinderella, RA the Rugged Man, Murs, Jazzy Jeff, 9th Wonder, Clipse, 2 Live Crew, Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Badu, Mary J, Sean Paul, Janelle Monae, Cee-Lo....

HELLO SUMMER!!!

just do it!

Ok, I've been slacking on the blogging lately, I've just moved back to Adelaide for the interim until I save up enough cashola and move my ass to Toronto next year. I'm stuck with dial-up internet until I land a job. I miss my friends in Melbourne like crazy, I didnt think it would effect me this much, but I feel so disconnected here. Thank you to my angel in waiting Miss Vix for keeping me sane in this town.

I have no money, I cant stop thinking about New York & HE is always on my mind. I'm where I'm at due to the decisions I've made, and I dont regret it at all.

THIS right here, in THIS moment, is a good thing.

Intro

Cant get enough of this tune right now, searched for the clip, ahhh memories!

SHE GOT GAME @ B-BOY SUMMIT

For those that dont know, I run an International B-Girl Competition named SHE GOT GAME, with my girls Stash and Melodee. The competition is the largest in the world, and this year we are bringing it to Los Angeles as a part of B-Boy Summit in October. Unfortunately I cant make it to L.A. but if you're in town please come down and support. Check out the flyer and hit up myspace.com/freestylefour for full details.

Sad day for Hip Hop - RIP Fat Beats

Fat Beats NY & Fat Beats LA are closing in September. Fat Beats Records, Distribution & Dotcom will continue.

After 16 years, Fat Beats has announced the closing of the legendary label's two remaining retail locations in New York and Los Angeles. Fat Beats will celebrate the legacies of the stores, which are scheduled to close in early September (New York: September 4th, Los Angeles: September 18th) by throwing a series of blow-out sales and tribute parties open to the public during their last weeks. Fans can check www.FatBeats.com for updates.

Shout outs to all my...

Soul Survivor Series - Bilal

Following the success of his True Hip-Hop Interview Series, D-Nice brings you his brand new Soul Survivor Series. First up is Bilal Oliver, in advance of his new album "Airtight's Revenge" to be released on Sept 14.

D-Nice Presents Soul Survivors: Bilal from D-Nice on Vimeo.

Lyfe Jennings finally cut that mess off his chin!

Thanks to my friend Dawn for pointing out that Lyfe Jennings has finally cut that mess off his chin. I'm glad that it wasnt just me who found the fluff on his chin disturbing, like wtf was that, really?

Before

After

Love you Lyfe!

A Weeks Worth

My week included-

Randomly having a conversation with porn star Sinnamon Love.

Being notified by our landlord that we have to be out of our house by 5th September, 4 weeks notice. All because he wants to move in, ugh. For me this is the end of an era, 7 years, RIP to the House Of Soul, big fuck off party to come...

Making a life changing decision for the better.

My housemates and I had such a crap week we turned to some arts & crafts and made our own vision boards, anything can help right now.

Discovering there is a Cosby Show porno. (porn seemed to be theme of the week)

Eating at an amazing Vietnamese spot in Glenroy and unnecessarily raiding the $2 store next door.

Getting my ass kicked in a game of Scrabble.

I have a new twitter crush @PotentialNY shhh he doesnt know!

My good friend Felis moving back to Melbourne after living in Vancouver for a year. *grins*

Sept 14 - Album of the Year

So this trailer didnt do much for me, but bring on Sept.

Rick Ross & Raphael Saadiq In The Studio

Not sure how I feel about this, I'm a huge Saadiq fan, as for Rick Ross *shrugs*

THE SOUL COUNCIL

Producers stand up and pay attention!

9TH WONDER presents THE SOUL COUNCIL from Pricefilms on Vimeo.

Mr Me Too (REMIX)

I just came across this remix, I'm in love with it, smooooooooth.

Welcome to Australia!! Miami Invasion.

So I'm proud to say that I live with 2 of my best friends who also happen to be the top B-Girls in Australia. For those who don't know we run an International B-Girl Competition called 'She Got Game' and over the years through this comp we have met some amazing friends from around the world. In April, 3 of our friends from Miami came to stay with us for 2 weeks and the below video, put together by Stash, captures the hilarity that it was. Boomerang throwing, battles and beach. Well worth the 23 minutes.

Untitled from Stacey Stash on Vimeo.

Long Shot - Coffee Infused Beer Launch!

Last week, thanks to my friend Tim, I scored an invite to the launch of Matilda Bay's winter release 'Long Shot' Beer at Toby's Estate in Brunswick. It is an aromatic coffee flavoured ale. I don't drink coffee, but hey, free beer and food, who can turn that down right?

So I was expecting a big 100 person plus booze fest at the launch, little did I know, it turned out to be a 15 person sit down beer tasting session of 5 beers paired with 5 entree' servings of food (fancy!). Pairing wine and food, yes, but I had never considered selecting beer to match a meal.

Matilda Bay head brewer Scott and Toby Smith (Toby's Estate) who selected the coffee hosted us for the evening. I sit down at the table with 5 glasses in front of me and one by one we went through each beer/meal combo. By the end of the 2 hour session I was happily tipsy as our glasses continued to be topped up, I had learnt about various brewing methods and how to 'professionally' taste a beer.

As for the Long Shot, I wasnt sure if I would like it not being a coffee drinker, but it was actually a very nice beer with light chocolate and coffee undertones (see I'm using fancy words, I now consider myself a beer connoisseur, haha). I left with rosy cheeks and a gift bag full of beer and coffee.

Duck Down 15th Anniversary Celebrations

Duck Down Records are celebrating their 15th year of Independence. It's always been a dream of mine to work for a label like this, having witheld such a quality roster of artists independently. I am lucky enough to call DJ Evil Dee and Mr Walt friends of mine.

For all my New York peeps, make sure you get to the celebrations on the 13th July at BB King, music all night by Evil Dee. See www.duckdown.com for more details.

10 Crack Commandments

ZO! Official Video for THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT

I had previously posted about ZO! releasing his new single, here is the official video just released. ENJOY!

Go ahead, make my day!

So about 2 years ago back in the good ol myspace days when we had 1 song as a profile song on our pages, the song I had on my page was Phife Dawg - you know you want it. I have never been able to get my hands on it or even know where to find it. I have never forgotten this song, the beat is funky and I used to listen to it on repeat playing from my page (sad, yes I know), haha.

A recent email conversation with DJ Rasta Root I randomly remembered about the track and enquired about the single, and the absolute GEM that he is, I find the mp3 lying in my inbox. Rasta Root you made my day, thank you!!! Little did I know, Rasta Root actually produced the track. Thanks for the Real Housewives of Atlanta chat too Rasta, lol. Try and get your ears on it if you can.

I love hip hop!

!!!!

- Currently on repeat ZO! - "THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT feat. ERIC ROBERSON, DARIEN BROCKINGTON & RAPPER BIG POOH. ZO!'s forthcoming album 'SunStorm' out in July.

- Speaking of Big Pooh, I have incurred a huge crush on him and Chaundon after watching a ustream of them in the studio, they played some nastayyyy beats. Chaundons smile and Big Pooh's dimples could make panties drop, jussayin.

- Kanye & Minaj collabo?? What is going on hip hop? First it was Common & Hanson, then Bieber & Luda. *kanye shrug*

- Shoutouts to being broke, my strength and character hasnt been tested like this in a long time. I need a job dammit, damn you recession.

- I was thrilled to find @BlazinEurasian on twitter, love her work #girlcrush

- Spent Thursday night looking after my niece Khadeeja, she warms my heart. Popcorn and Planet 51 on the agenda.

DJs

It frustrates me at the high regard a certain DJ in the states is held at by fellow DJs, if they only knew what poor character he is.

The world is full of people like this, who I choose not to be associated with.

The Bowler

These stories are great & extremely sad simultaneously.

Almost two years ago, director Sean Dunne presented to the world the story of Paul Mawhinney who laid claim to the world’s largest collection of records. The talented filmmaker introduces another interesting character in the form of Rocky Salemmo. The eccentric bowler has been hustling his way through bowling alleys across New York with some awesome stories to tell along the way. Here’s his story and the foundation to his personality and swindle.

via www.fluxuryb.com

The Bowler from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

Sean Price - Let Me Tell You

I have an ongoing fascination with Sean P.

Dwele Day brought to you by DJ Rastaroot

If you dont know, Dwele is releasing a new album on Tueday 29th June 2010 named 'W.W.W.' which stands for Wants World Women, in anticipation of the album DJ Rastaroot presents Dwele Day, featuring new and classic tunes, if you're a Dwele fan tune into this stream *SWOONS*

Click here for the stream- http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7943346

Because I said so

I still declare that the buzzing noise whilst watching the World Cup Soccer is a swarm of killer bees holding the whole competition under hostage. Air Horns my ass!

So my housemates sucked me into watching the final season of Grey's Anatomy, INTENSE! I'm not really one for watching tv series, but that was amazing television. Emmy worthy!

Thanks to Just Blaze, DJ Rastaroot and Phife Dawg for making my week *grins*

This Lakers vs Celtics finals series has me hooked. If the Lakers win a certain DJ friend of mine has some nipple cripples coming his way. Go Celtics!

Track of the week- Gil Scott Heron feat Mos Def - New York Is Killin Me.

Sometimes it is the most unexpected people who can make an impact on my life & they dont even know it. A recent Friday night conversation = inspirational.

I love my friends, I miss New York, I miss HIM, I need a new job!

PAUSE

'Pause' moments of the week courtesy of myself. I'm not sure if I blame jetlag or just sheer delirium. Maybe you had to be there.

#1. Telling my friend to 'just eat around the balls' - in reference to the fish balls in her soup.

#2. Mid phone conversation with a friend, asking what I'm doing- 'I'm eating a furry friend...' - in reference to these cadbury chocolates.

Day 7 - Homeward bound

Saturday 5th June

A day of sleeping, packing and sadness as our trip came to an end. A 5.30pm flight to JFK, our friendly driver Yuri collects us from the apartment and Sam who we rented from helps us drag our suitcases down the 4 flights of stairs.

Goodbye New York!!!

New York --> Los Angeles --> Sydney --> Melbourne.

25 hours later and we're home. I also spotted who I swear was Mini Daddy on our stopover at LAX, see photo below, he had his shoes kicked off downing a ice cream, the kid was BOSS!

To my ladies, Amy, Tamia and Vicki, what a trip! From last minute planning, and only a 1 week stay it was completely worth it. The week of fun and foolery, you know! So much I cant even mention in this blog, haha. Love you!!! ticktickticktick

To the New York Family-
By now you know how much love we have for you all, such good people and thank you for making us feel so welcome. Beatminerz Crew- Evil Dee, Walt, Wayneski, Bazarro, Esquire, Skinny, Boogie Blind, Dejeanne, more than words, love love love. Will most likely see you all again before the years end. Suley, you have now been initiated into the Aussie Crew, love you girl! To all the Beatminerz Ustreamer's, too many to mention, but so awesome to have met so many of you lovely people. To Jason, Tamir, Kev, Dren, Cee and Lamar, good times as always. To Hip Hop, I love you!

Mini Daddy bein a BOSS!

Things I love about Harlem...

Day 6 - Final Countdown

Friday 4th June

Our last night in New York! Amy and I stayed local for the day and Tamia and Vicki hit the town shopping, it was a fairly epic day for them conquering canal street and century 21. Our Friday night was looking jam packed. Amy, Tamia and I headed to Nokia Theatre to see Mint Condition, Dwele and Laura Izibor. This show was insane, Dwele was amazing, I'm such a big fan, so was a absolute treat for us to see him. Mint Condition blew us away, the band were epic, love love love. After the show we headed back to the apartment to get ready for our night out.

First stop was Ill Banger at Stay Lounge, we met up with Jason & Esquire there, as well as a quick catch up with Melo-X, who was just in Melbourne 2 weeks beforehand. After trying not to melt at Stay Lounge we headed to The Vault to see J Period, Cosmo Baker and 4th Pyramid spin, as well as celebrate Mr Walt's Birthday. We also caught up with our good friend Tamir (Lyrics2Go Entertainment). Suley and Jamila joined us ladies to party along with Mr Walt, Evil Dee, Wayneski, Bazarro, Esquire and Skinny. Thank the lawd for the aircon at The Vault, we danced the night away, and Tamia and Vicki went in on the tequila's, haha.

As the doors closed at The Vault we all headed to Soup & Burger, a 24 hour spot, to eat. As Vicki and I munched on our club sandwich, in walks Just Blaze. I pretty much wet my pants, I'm such a fan, he walks in to say hi to Evil Dee, Walt and the boys and I just quietly freak out in my chair. The girls didn't recognise Just Blaze, so they were strangely looking at me as to why I freaked out, haha. Good times. 6am rolls around and was time for final goodbye's out the front of Soup & Burger. Plenty of hugs and love from the guys, Tamir drives us back to Harlem as the sun is coming up.

Day 5 - 125th

Thursday 3rd June

We decide to leave the apartment early and head up to 125th Street for some shopping. Was so so hot, but shop hopped to keep ourselves cool. Spent a few hours there and before we headed back we went into Starbucks on 125th, waiting in line to order Vicki is pretty sure she spotted Paul Mooney (Chapelle Show) in the line. We take a seat with our drinks and Vicki mustered up the courage to go up to him (not even 100% sure if it was him, lol), after him not hearing her say 'excuse me' 3 times, he turns around yells 'ahhhh' and Vicki yells 'ahhh' and they crack up and become new friends. He was really nice and offered us tix to his show that night, got a photo with him.

We head back to the apartment and nap for the afternoon and lucky me got food poisoning from something we ate earlier in the day, still couldn't figure out what it was, so I was out of action for the rest of the night. We were meant to go and see Keith Murray & CL Smooth at Southpaw, but that didn't happen. Amy and Vicki hit the town and Tamia and I kept our friends Lamar and Travis company for the night.

Day 5 - Beatminerz Studio

Wednesday 2nd June

By now the New York heat was honestly killing us, the heat is so so different to Australian heat and we would dread leaving the apartment every day to get smacked down with the heat and humidity. The girls hit up Manhattan in the afternoon, Tamia and Vicki headed to see SATC movie while Amy and I jumped on a train to Bushwick to the Beatminerz Studio. So good to be back in Brooklyn, and at the studio with our favourite peoples.

Greeted by DJ Mellstarr and Breakbeat Lou when we arrived, as well as Evil Dee, Walt, Skinny, Agony and Bazarro. Wayneski was going in on the 1s and 2s for the Anger Management Show. Tamia and Vicki make their way later from Manhattan and Esquire turns up with a bottle of Ciroc. Amy and I distributed some Aussie friends (stuffed toys, kangaroo, koala etc) to Evil Dee and Walt, some new mascots for the studio. The night ended with us all chillin on the stoop in Bushwick enjoying the breeze and talkin ish. Back to Harlem we go, and the girls insisted on dropping by Whitecastle on the way home, ugh, need I say more.


Dont do it!

Day 4 - Toca Tuesday

Tuesday 1st June

This was the day I had been waiting for, well actually all of us really. Our favourite club night in New York was upon us, Toca Tuesdays at Sutra. On our trip last year this spot was our regular, every week you would have seen our asses on that dance floor. Much love to Tony Touch and the crew for running a quality hip hop night.

Another trip to our Spanish spot for dinner and margaritas and to meet up with our friends Dren, Cee and White Boy. We then made our way to Sutra. I literally had butterflies in my tummy, either that or too many margaritas, haha. We were greeted at Sutra by our fave door guy Shak and hit the dance floor straight away. I spotted Zulu Jeff, who I had seen on the last trip but never met, so introduced myself and had a chat about mutual friends in Melbourne. Soon after that over the mic we hear 'shout outs to Australia in the house' and Tony Touch points our way, much much love. Then appears our good friend Jason Negron, this guy is absolutely the best and was so good to see him. I ran into Lamar, and Crazy Legs and Grand Puba were also in the house.

The rest of the night involved a lot of dancing, and drinking by Tamia and Suley especially. A drive by appearance from Evil Dee and Bazarro also. 4am hometime and Suley is passed out on my shoulder in the cab, lol.

On our way to Sutra

Evil Dee, Tamia & Suley

Myself, Jason, Tamia & Su

Day 3 - Memorial Day Recovery!

Monday 31st May

This was recovery day, slept most of the day then met up with Dejeanne, Suley & Matt for some dinner at Amy Ruths on 116th, a few blocks up from where we were staying. We were soon full of some good good soul food. Dejeanne and Suley came back to the apartment for a chill session and space mountain aka Boogie Blind came over to join us. A bottle of Henny and some greenery later we were all in good spirits. Tamia, Boogie and Suley hit up a bar around the corner to see Sucio Smash spin.