Did another very short little interview for HipHopDX recently, this time with Showoff Hip Hop’s REKS. This man is never short on bars, I’m telling you, and Statik Selektah is never short on beats, so it’s only right that the two are teaming up for Straight, No Chaser. Not a long interview, not too much time to get into anything crazy, but he did speak on why he chose Statik for the job, how they met, and where his favorite place in Massachusetts is to drink his favorite drink: Hennessy.
Quite a bit of time has past since I first interviewed Gunplay’s groupmate Torch and learned about this thing called Triple C’s over at A-List Radio, but recently I spoke to Gunplay to figure out what the deal is with the group, check up on their solo careers, see what else Maybach Music has in store, plus ask him some other fun shit. Like if his new escort service is going to be nationwide. Or what kind of cereal he would eat if he had a “Cartoon & Cereal” day (plus, where was that track with Kendrick originally supposed to end up anyway?). Read it all over at HipHopDX…
[READ] Gunplay Talks “Cartoon & Cereal” Kendrick Lamar Collab, His Escort Service (via HipHopDX)
Well, I didn’t go to SXSW this year (and I’m not too sad about that, honestly, since NYC has been blessed with 70-something degree weather most of the last week or two), so what the hell have I been doing?
Answer: a whole lot of Spring cleaning, gym sessions, late night trips to the park, and apparently learning to play handball. Because summer is coming and I want to be on a beach this year and I need to be ready for it.
But all that aside, I’ve actually been on the receiving end of some interviews lately, which is a major change for me. So in case you’re interested in what I actually have to say to people instead of what I have to ask them, please direct your attention to the offerings below:
Blurring the Lines: Journalist, Scholars & Fans from Words Beats & Life on Vimeo.
The above video is footage from a panel that Words Beats & Life (a non-profit based in D.C.) invited me to be a part of. We spoke about a film we saw (Hip Hop: The Furious Force of Rhymes), internet and media, and more.
And if the visual type of discussion isn’t your thing, you can head on over to the Tanning of America website to read my interview (conducted by the wonderful Company Man) with them about, well, the “tanning” of America (including interracial dating and if Hip Hop has helped U.S. race relations).
[READ] My Take On Tanning: Amanda Bassa (via Tanning of America)
Thanks for all of the ongoing support!
I hate that I didn’t get this posted earlier, but man oh man what a week this has been. Many of you have never actually heard my voice, but have read many of my words. The fine people over at Words, Beats, & Life invited me to be a part of a panel discussion this evening in Shirlington, VA at Busboys and Poets. It goes a little something like this:
Blurring the Lines: Journalist, Scholars & Fans
Sun. 1/29/12 7-9:30pm
We sit at the beginning of an overwhelming social media explosion. The creation of social media tools like blogs, twitter, tumblr, etc., have turned many of us into “experts” and in some cases, journalists of the world as we experience it. The use of technology has blurred the lines and impacted the role of scholars, journalists and fans, for better and for worse. The movement away from singular standards for credibility are not unique to hip-hop or even media. We see a similar tug of war taking place in universities, school districts and corporations. The value of training and certification has been on the decline for at least a generation.
This panel is dedicated to looking at what we think the democratization of media means, vs. what it actually does, the rise of the blogger and the impact of perceived direct contact with artists and it impact on sales of books, films, and music related to hip-hop.
I’m actually pretty under the weather (not sure how I even made it to Virginia tonight, special shout out to my mom and one particular Godsend of a friend, because with out them I’d still be in Brooklyn knocked out in bed), but I’m here, and I’m ready to talk. Well, kind of. I actually lost my voice, so this will be interesting. If you can’t make it out, cross your fingers for me that this tea with honey I’m drinking right now kicks in enough to make me audible. If you can make it tonight, I greatly appreciate your support. After what is undoubtedly the longest, most painful week I’ve had in a long while, it would be nice to see your (hopefully) smiling faces. I’ve always felt like I write better than I speak, so I’m actually a little nervous. Being sick doesn’t help either.
So, yes! Come see me looking ten shades whiter than usual and sounding like a cheap Craigslist tranny-for-hire speaking about intellectual things related to Hip Hop. Doesn’t that sound entertaining? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, folks, because under no other circumstances would I be seen outside right now. But really, you should also go to hear well-versed industry peers of mine such as the homie Modi of DCtoBC, Saaret Yoseph, and Renina Jarmon. And to see a thought-provoking film about the thing you probably love and is the reason you visit this site in the first place: Hip Hop.
Hope to see you tonight.
Busboys and Poets (Shirlington location, NOT DC): 4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA
Day 2 of being stuck in bed with a cramped up neck and a fever. At least today someone sent me a video I was actually interested in seeing. Thanks for helping me pass the time, Jenesis Mag. In case you don’t know who Jake Paine is, he’s the Editor in Chief of that website I write for sometimes…you know, HipHopDX. He’s also fucking awesome.
This actually came out over the holidays when most of us were too far gone in Christmas cookie/coquito itis to be online (I was busy in Atlantic City winning slot machine guap and ordering bottles to my hotel room, bah humbug), but it’s worth a belated post, and not just because I happen to be in the video. Behold Johnny Voltik’s story of futuristic lost love.
I’ve been informed that this will be the last video off of their Lone Sharks LP.
[PREVIOUS] The Doppelgangaz Lone Sharks Review (via HipHopDX)
One of those rare moments where I got to drop an album review for XXL. The in-detail joint is up online, but look out for my words in the next issue of the magazine as well. Can’t wait – it’s my first time in XXL. Looking forward to seeing that glossy page. Cop an issue and support their movement.
[READ] Album Review: Kidz In The Hall Occasion (via XXLmag.com)
We, the TWV staff, voted upon who we think are the 10 most unappreciated emcees in Hip Hop. This is definitely a subject open to debate. My personal choice was Brother Ali, and you can read my reasoning as to why over at TheWellVersed.
[READ] The Tens: The 10 Most Unappreciated Emcees In Hip Hop (via TheWellVersed)
Way earlier this year I was on press duty for the team over at ThatsEnuff at Gilbere Forte’s video shoot for “Hot (In This Bitch)” with Pusha T and Jim Jones at the oh-so-prime Varick St. hotspot Greenhouse. Believe me when I tell you that this shit was a movie. Or a “zoovie” or whatever it is they’re saying on the radio these days. All I know is that the shoot was definitely an all day affair, and a ton of people came through. It was one of those instances when work feels fun. The homie Pacino speaks very briefly about the camera technology used at the shoot (Google that, step your tech knowledge game up), and the behind the scenes footage features commentary from Tahiry, Pusha T, Jim Jones, DJ Enuff, and of course Gilbere Forte. Stay tuned for this one, and don’t forget to peep that free project Gilbere just released…it’s fresh.