This performance made me shed a tear.....
For the brothers with daughters....
5/29/12
HIFT Vol ??
I was watching MTV hits this past weekend. And Nas' "It Ain't Hard to Tell" came on. And it just took me back to that time. It still feels fresh. And it still destroys much of what is on the radio now. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better. I am introduced to a new young talent by the name of Joey Bada$$. And my jaw dropped. Not just because the song, "Hardknock" ft CJ Fly is great lyrically but the whole experience felt like it was cut straight out of that same era Nas began in. And was pasted here with little effort. It didn't feel like someone imitating. It felt organic. Enjoy.
This performance made me shed a tear.....
This performance made me shed a tear.....
Visionary of the Week: Taka Winter
Hey everyone. A while ago on twitter I promised that I would feature more local music talent as apart of my Visionary of the Week series. So here is my first offering; Modern Music Group Presents: Taka's Winter. I have been intentionally sitting on this project for a while because I wanted to really listen to the content. Hailing from Arlington, VA, Taka Winter crafts a unique project that covers many subjects while showing his depth. With the standout tracks, "Two Face" and "Substance Control" Taka shows his ability to make mainstream, radio hits. He easily switches modes to his more personal beliefs and heritage on his self-titled track "Taka's Winter" and "The Devil Inside of Me" The production does a good job of not overshadowing Taka's sound throughout the project. The beats are often reminiscent of producer, Nujabes. With varying subject matter over laid-back beats, Taka's Winter gives a smooth listen for listener. He uses every track as opportunity to display his lyrical versatility. The project feels a lot longer than 43 minutes and leaves you wanting more from the artist. You won't get tired of this project anytime soon. So dress warmer people, Taka's Winter is here.
4/9/12
From Comeback to Comeback Please
Note: I know that this isn't exactly a current event. I wrote this some time ago but I am just getting around to posting it now.
Like most people, I tuned into the home-going service for Whitney Houston. It was really touching to see the outpouring of love and support that was shown by family and fans alike. It's sad that it takes death for people to say great things about you or acknowledge your accomplishments. But at least it happens.
With all the questions surrounding her death, (drugs, suicide) its easy for all of us become fixated on the last hours of life rather than a person's life, impact, and legacy. In the post-housewife era of entertainment, drama is king. The spiraling descent of a human being is more alluring than the rise. And once they crash, we rather they stay there to see if they could fall further.
Its the most true with entertainers. And the nail in the coffin can be the very thing that might restart your career, the comeback. Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and Michael Jackson were all victims of it. They were musicians who were at the top of their game, fell off for many reasons (some scandals, others drug use) and were one event away from reclaiming their former glory.
Well, until they died that is...
Killed by the very thing that made them..fame. The pressure to perform to the same standard every time with very little understanding from fans and critics alike when they miss the mark. I know that I'm a guilty of that too. Its just very weird that three of the most recognized names in entertainment all fell within months of making their comebacks. And now, in death they get the attention (good or bad) they deserve. I wonder if we all could've handled that pressure; that criticism in this industry. If that's the case, we should all share in the blame and stop crying comeback please.
Yeah I know it sounds harsh. And its meant to be. Sometimes our expectations of people with a talent can be farfetched. We forget that they are human beings. They allow their artistic expression to be scrutinized by others.
The one thing I realized from the deaths of these artists, is that they really are always working. Even when you haven't heard any new material. A lot goes into that CD we buy or download that we don't see. I'm not questioning the sincerity of our outpouring of sadness for any artist. But I wonder what do we really miss about them? And as fans can we really be expected to miss more than their music? If they weren't as successful would we miss them the same?
Like most people, I tuned into the home-going service for Whitney Houston. It was really touching to see the outpouring of love and support that was shown by family and fans alike. It's sad that it takes death for people to say great things about you or acknowledge your accomplishments. But at least it happens.
With all the questions surrounding her death, (drugs, suicide) its easy for all of us become fixated on the last hours of life rather than a person's life, impact, and legacy. In the post-housewife era of entertainment, drama is king. The spiraling descent of a human being is more alluring than the rise. And once they crash, we rather they stay there to see if they could fall further.
Its the most true with entertainers. And the nail in the coffin can be the very thing that might restart your career, the comeback. Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and Michael Jackson were all victims of it. They were musicians who were at the top of their game, fell off for many reasons (some scandals, others drug use) and were one event away from reclaiming their former glory.
Well, until they died that is...
Killed by the very thing that made them..fame. The pressure to perform to the same standard every time with very little understanding from fans and critics alike when they miss the mark. I know that I'm a guilty of that too. Its just very weird that three of the most recognized names in entertainment all fell within months of making their comebacks. And now, in death they get the attention (good or bad) they deserve. I wonder if we all could've handled that pressure; that criticism in this industry. If that's the case, we should all share in the blame and stop crying comeback please.
Yeah I know it sounds harsh. And its meant to be. Sometimes our expectations of people with a talent can be farfetched. We forget that they are human beings. They allow their artistic expression to be scrutinized by others.
The one thing I realized from the deaths of these artists, is that they really are always working. Even when you haven't heard any new material. A lot goes into that CD we buy or download that we don't see. I'm not questioning the sincerity of our outpouring of sadness for any artist. But I wonder what do we really miss about them? And as fans can we really be expected to miss more than their music? If they weren't as successful would we miss them the same?
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