This is gonna be a quick little write-up because time is limited right now. I got to the venue pretty late so most of the openers already performed. No big deal since I was only there to see Pete Rock. Surprisingly, it was really packed when I got onto the floor. Too bad this isn’t the norm at most shows. It was great to see people come out and support a legend though. I had to wait a bit for the last opener, Wale, to finish his set. Not going to say much about this cat since I wasn’t that impressed. But maybe that was due to fatigue from working all day. PR got on stage pretty quickly after Wale. After a short DJ set, he finally blessed us on the mic. One thing to note about the DJ set: Pete Rock didn’t bust out the Serato magic box but actually played real vinyl records! Go figure! But like I said, he went on to perform classic tracks like One In A Million, The Creator, his verse off the remix of Down With The King and, of course, They Reminisce Over You. Along with the older material, he did a lot of joints off his new album NY’s Finest, complete with guest appearances such as Styles P and Royal Flush. All in all, it felt like a short but solid set. Big ups to Erick Sermon and Black Thought, who were in the building. One last thing though. Before going into T.R.O.Y., Pete Rock spoke a little about his feelings towards CL Smooth. Apparently, they haven’t been cool with each other for quite some time. He even urged people to stop asking him about the dude. Anyone know the story behind this?

I was able to capture some good videos and will post shortly. Also, thanks to the technical advice of CVelasco, the audio will be solid. I know I’ve been slacking lately on posting videos but that’s what a regular 9 to 5 will do to ya. As always, check back here or stay tuned to our yout*be channel for updates. If you would like to be automatically notified of all video additions, just subscribe to the channel.

see also:
Pete Rock Live in NYC (2/28, 7pm)

If youre in the Bay Area tonight, come out to Johnny V’s in downtown San Jose to see GRANDGOOD affiliate Dave Dub rock with Megabusive as the Fucking Mutants along with other local acts. Wish I could make it. info

Visit Dave Dub on mysp*ce
Visit Megabusive on mysp*ce

New album is called Operation: Take Back Hip-Hop, which is a clichéd and corny title to me but that won’t matter if the music is dope. Juice Crew in full effect! link (via)

With a Juice Crew movie that takes a look back at one of hip-hop’s most storied group of artists on the horizon, Crew member Craig G and founder/producer Marley Marl are still looking towards the future. The duo have teamed up to release “Operation: Take Back Hip-Hop” late this spring on Good Hands Records.

“”Operation: Take Back Hip-Hop” is just what it is,” said Craig G. “Instead of me wasting years complaining along with journalists and everyone else, Marley and I are trying to make change through music. This is my passion, this is what raised me, and I refuse to stand by and watch my culture get destroyed any further with poor quality music.”

After the success of his collaboration with KRS-One on 2007’s “Hip-Hop Lives,” Marley Marl is confident the new album with Craig G is just what people are looking for.

“True hip-hop fans stand up, “Operation: Take Back Hip-Hop” is what you’ve been waiting for,” said Marley Marl.

The album features guest appearances by KRS-One, Talib Kweli, Rakaa (Iriscience) of Dilated Peoples, and Sadat X. Marley Marl handles most of the production, with help from Tue Track, Kid Nyce and a possible surprise addition or two.

In addition to his Juice Crew days, Craig G has also become known for penning most of the battle lyrics in the Eminem movie 8 Mile.

KRS-One visits an area in New Orleans where displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina live in tents set up underneath a noisy and smelly highway. I’m guessing we won’t hear stuff like this on any mainstream news outlet anytime soon. link

According to the venue, there will be a few guests on stage as well. How can you pass up seeing these cats for free? buy tickets

March 15, 2008
Black Sheep

Advance tickets can be purchased for a penny

Concert starts @ 9PM
Doors open @ 7 PM
Tickets $0.01

HIGHLINE BALLROOM
431 W. 16th St
New York, NY 10011

see also:
Black Sheep in NYC (6/11, 9pm)

via Old To The New

via Asita (sup Lauren!)

Busy Bee The Original Chief Rocker In-Store

When: 02/28/08 - 6:00 PM
Venue: Access Music
Address: 1537 Garnet Avenue, San Diego - Google Map
Price: FREE!
Ages: All ages

Do NOT miss this in-store! One of hip hop’s icons, BUSY BEE aka The Original Chief Rocka! Make sure you come by and see what hip hop is really about! Education!

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien’s new video.

Wow, what an incredible lineup! Tickets aren’t on sale yet but let’s hope the show doesn’t get cancelled for some reason. Also, with a star-studded event like this, you’re almost guaranteed to have plenty of special surprise guests making an appearance. Props to the good people over at LiveNDirect for putting this together. more info

Nokia Theatre Times Square
1515 Broadway (44th & Broadway)
New York, NY 10036

UPDATE: I guess the earlier flyer had the date wrong. The show is now scheduled for the previous day, Friday, April 25th. Mark your calendars accordingly.

Beastie Boys are performing live to benefit the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, an organization seeking to restore, maintain and improve people’s physical, emotional and neurologic functioning through the systematic use of music. Tickets are pricey at $75 but it’s for a good cause so show your support! buy tickets

The Bowery Presents Beastie Boys: A Benefit for the IMNF

Tue, Mar 4, 2008 @ 07:00 PM

Terminal 5
610 West 56th Street
New York, NY 10019

I’m partial to the ediT remix but that’s just me. Still dope. Lyrics after the jump. Video by Buildestroy.com / SecretHistory.tv

Read more »

Feels good to hear something new from Tes.

Tes - Comeback Kid (Prod. by A2)

Apparently a short Valentines Day video from Jay Electronica. He’s a simple man.

Ten cuidado. For real. I need more of this in my life. (good looks michelle)

Bronk River Parkway - La Valla

The Hispanic funk groove of “La Valla” is the perfect example of the Truth & Soul aesthetic. Soulful and timeless, most listeners will be surprised to find that the song was penned and recorded a short time ago. Truth & Soul’s premier Latin soul outfit, Bronx River Parkway, is a collective of musicians from both New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Members include lead singer, Sammy Ayala, who was an original member of Cortijo y Su Combo. Other members have played with such legends as Roberto Roena and the Fania All-Stars.

Part of the series of shorts surrounding the release of Fallin’ Off The Reel Volume 2

New music from Aloe Blacc dropping soon. Peep the video teaser. via Dirty Science