REPOST: VIDEO: Up Close With EASY MO BEE

With the release of NOTORIOUS this weekend, I thought I would repost (originally 05.16.2007) this interview with Easy Mo Bee from 2007. Mo Bee is one of the architects of Biggie's sound on "Ready To Die", Miles Davis' final album "Doo Bop" and many other classics-

JUMPOFF.TV features this great 30 minute plus interview with one of Hip Hop's classic producers, Easy Mo Bee. Here he tells of his humble beginnings, big breaks and ruminations on the industry's past, present and future. Mo Bee's story is sure to strike a familiar chord within all of us who eat, sleep and shit this music..

VIDEO: B.o.B.- "I'll Be In The Sky"

Above is the video for B.o.B.'s "I'll Be In The Sky". We first premiered the song on this podcast. Even if he is channeling Andre 3000, I still feel dude's music and await more from B.o.B. in the coming year.

RUN DMC to be inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

From ALLHIPHOP:

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has released the names of its latest class of inductees, which includes only the second Hip-Hop group to be selected in the organization’s 24-year history. Run-DMC will be honored this year alongside performers Jeff Beck, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, and Bobby Womack.

Founded by Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and the late Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell, Run-D.M.C. is being recognized for its influence on pop culture in general, as the first group to bring Hip-Hop music to a mainstream audience.

Since the release of their first single “It’s Like That/Sucker MCs” in 1983, Run-D.M.C made strides in areas that are now seem common in the world of Hip-Hop, but were great achievements then.

They were the first major rap group to appear on American Bandstand, the first rap act to chart in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 more than once, the first rap group to hit top ten on a pop chart, and the first rap act to release an RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum album.

In addition, Run-D.M.C. was the first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, be nominated for a Grammy Award, make a video appearance on MTV, or sign a sneaker deal.

READ MORE

Brooklyn We Go Hard!

Peep mezcotoyz.com

VIDEO: JADAKISS feat. FAITH EVANS- "Letter To B.I.G."

Go out and support the movie NOTORIOUS!

MUSIC TECH: BEAT KANGZ Electronics Presents THE BEAT THANG

NY beatboxer, CHESNEY SNOW (who will be featured as one of our guests on the upcoming promo CD/anniversary recording of THE ZRO HOUR), hit me up with details on his collab with BEAT KANGZ ELECTRONICS- THE BEAT THANG! Ok, so the name is a bit generic but this beat machine/sampler promises to turn the industry out. Created by The Beat Kangz (Aja, Boom Bap & Rev), The Beat Thang looks like a cross between Emu's ASR X drum sampler and a pimped out Dodge Charger. Make no mistake though, the specs promise a serious device for the creation of your next hip hop classic. In 2005 the team conceptualized and created the sounds for the Zoom SB-246 Streetboxx™, the company’s biggest selling rhythm machine to date. Taking that experience light years further, The Beat Kangz deliver an instrument of the new millennium. The Beat Thang contains over 3000 sounds and over 500 production ready hit beats, patterns and loops. Each sound can be edited, fine tuned and manipulated with onboard waveform editing and fully functioning Digital EFX (EQ, Compression, Reverb, Delay, Filter and “FREAK”). The Beat Thang is preloaded with sounds and has onboard sampling and resampling. With USB in and out and Mic/Line input, you can add your own Samples. Create your own custom Kits with up to 8 layers per pad (each layer can have its own pitch, pan, volume, cutoff and resonance). Our Key Span Feature allows you to take one or more samples and instantly make an instrument that spans an entire 88 note keyboard. Compose songs with the 16 Track MIDI Sequencer that can sequence internal sounds or External sound modules. THE BEAT THANG is portable containing a rechargeable lithium ion battery gives you up to six hours of portable playing time. Its also fitted with two SD card slots.



From the specs alone, it sounds like a killer device. Chesney Snow provided all beatboxing samples, loops, vocal scratches, and special effects and his beatboxing is used for the traditional drum sounds of snares, kicks, etc. The Beat Kangz are premiering THE BEAT THANG at the Winter NAMM in Anaheim, California. I will bring more info and video soon. I am definitely interested to see and hear what this baby can do.

VIDEO: BUFF1- "Dream Streets"

Thanks to SPITKICKER.COM for the heads up on this one. Michigan does it again! BUFF1 from Ann Arbor, Michigan drops that midwest flow in this video showcasing the plight of the homeless. Look out for more from this member of the Athletic Mic League and peep another video below for his song "Beat The Speakers Up".

Buff1 - Beat The Speakers Up

How Video Music Box Elected Our First Black President

Thursday January 22, 2009 BROOKLYN BODEGA and The Brooklyn Historical Society hosts a panel discussion tied into the impact of Hip Hop and Ralph McDaniel's Video Music Box on the election of Barack Obama. Moderated by Brooklyn Bodega's President and Executive Director of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival Wes Jackson, the panel will feature Ralph McDaniels, Christina Norman (former President of MTV), Jason King (Artistic Director, Clive Davis Dept. Of Recorded Music, NYU), Alvin Blanco (Features Editor, Allhiphop.com) and Selam Mulugeta (Field Organizer, Campaign For Change). The tix are $6 and can be purchased at brooklynbodega.com or the Brooklyn Historical Society 128 Pierrpont Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 6PM-8:30PM

VIDEO: CAMP LO- "Double Doors"

One of my all time favorite slept on groups drops a new single.

VIDEO: NY OIL- "Father Father"

Beautiful, and moving tribute to the fathers that do care and a message to the fathers that should care..

VIDEO: Special Report: Tribute to Oscar Grant III- THIS WEEK WITH JASIRI X Episode #16

MOVIES: Michael Jai White is BLACK DYNAMITE

Above is the trailer for an upcoming film channeling the era of blaxploitation and getting it completely right! Actor and martial artist Michael Jai White, known for his roles as Mike Tyson from HBO's Mike Tyson film, direct to video sequel "Undisputed 2", Tyler Perry's "Why Diid I Get Married", Steven Seagal's "Exit Wounds" and most recently seen in "The Dark Knight" in a pivotal scene with Heath Ledger, created and stars as Black Dynamite. In "Black Dynamite", Michael Jai White channels Richard Roundtree, Jim Kelly, Fred Williamson and Dolemite among others in his homage to black film heroes of the 70's. Done as a parody and spot on recreation, the film features many guest appearances from a who's who of Black Hollywood and showcases his superb fighting skills. Check out a great interview at TWITCHFILM where he reveals plans for a sequel and shopping the film at this year's Sundance festival.

BLACKDYNAMITE.COM

VIDEO: Hip Hop Reps For Oscar Grant III In Oakland

Thanks to DAVEYD.COM:

Davey D drops 3 videos from a peaceful rally held last Wednesday at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland. From hosts Christina Gomez and Dereca Blackman of the Bay Area Local Organizing Committee to Oakland rapper Jahi and Mister FAB, Jasiri X and Oakland rap artists Ner City. Hip Hop came out deep to stand for peace and social justice-

MOVIES: NOTORIOUS Premiere Pics

B.I.G. and Lil Kim..er Jamal "Gravy" Woolard and Naturi Naughton at the premiere of NOTORIOUS (due out this week 1/16). Thanks to THEYBF.COM for the pics! Check the link for many more. I can't wait to check the movie for myself. You know I'm dropping a review..

JOEBUDDENTV.COM Officially Launched

Stay up with Joe Budden and take a peek at his life and movements on JOEBUDDENTV.COM. Check the latest episode above where Joe comments on the escalation of the beef between himself and Ransom, a former associate and rapper.

VIDEO: THIS WEEK WITH JASIRI X Episode #15

VIDEO: MIC TERROR- "Definition Of A Freestyle"

Chicago's MIC TERROR drops a funny video spitting over Black Star's "Definition" (which is based on KRS One's "P Is Free RMX")