COLLECTIBLES: Futura's All City Style Break Train

Shout out to Andy @ TOYSREVIL for this post-

"..making it's debut during the recent SDCC @ Bigshot Toywork's display arena; the Classic Burner, Volume 1 "The Break Train" = is a collaboration between Bigshot Toyworks, Toytokyo, Maharishi and Futura Laboratories ... and now Futura's All City Style Break Train is available for pre-order at ToyTokyo (@ US$74.99-per); for an October-drop..measuring 20"-ers long X 4"-ers high, The Break Train is limited to 500pcs worldwide (with only 250 available in the US)"

READ ORIGINAL POST HERE

2007 VH1 HIP HOP HONORS Lineup and Tour

It's that time of the year once again for one of the best and most controversial Hip Hop shows on cable- VH1 Hip Hop Honors. This year's lineup includes an almost perfect selection of honorees and one that makes you scratch your head in confusion. The honorees for 2007 include Snoop Dogg, Whodini, A Tribe Called Quest, Teddy Riley & Andre Harrell (for the creation of New Jack Swing- check our Teddy Riley Tribute and Snoop Dogg Tribute from 2004). the film WILD STYLE's 25th anniversary and Missy Elliott. That's right I said Missy Elliott. Missy over Queen Latifah? Maybe Latifah could not make it. In a way I understand. Missy has made a powerful impact in the Hip Hop and R&B genres and her career has had more milestones and longevity than many other female Hip Hop artists. Still, it should be a great show. No other network has committed to exposing the pioneers and the most influential artists involved in shaping Hip Hop. I give VH1 props for that. VH1 Hip Hop Honors will be broadcast on October 8th at 10pm.

This year also sees the first Hip Hop Honors Tour. The Roots headline with special guests including Big Daddy Kane & MC Lyte. Check the listings for a city near you. Tickets for the October 5th, New York City show can be purchased HERE.

BOOK REVIEW: Brian Coleman's Check The Technique

BRIAN COLEMAN & EDAYE at the CHECK THE TECHNIQUE book release party


Are you like me? Do you ever find yourself wishing you were a fly on the wall during the recording and creation of some of the most impactful albums in all of Hip Hop? Just imagine seeing Marley Marl recording the Juice Crew's early classics such as Biz markie's "Make The Music", "The Symphony", Big Daddy Kane's "Raw" and "Set It Off". Imagine being in the same high school as Q Tip, The Jungle Brothers and Brother J from the X-Clan before they went on to make history. Throw in a few scenes of the formative struggles and you have the foundation for Brian Coleman's excellent book CHECK THE TECHNIQUE: LINER NOTES FOR HIP HOP JUNKIES. CHECK THE TECHNIQUE is actually an expanded edition of Brian's first book RAKIM TOLD ME. Some albums profiled in the first book were left out but there are many others that have been included in this version. Check The Technique is a collection of interviews of the artists and producers involved with creating their defining work. These are albums that have influenced an entire generation of current Hip Hop artists. If you are a true Hip Hop head, the book is hard to put down due to the amount of behind the scenes info. Many stories of the struggles, studio techniques and ambiance of the era (late 80's- early 90's) struck me intimately. When DMC speaks of how he and Run premiered the entire RAISING HELL album to a mouth watering Apollo theater crowd, I remembered being there that night. I lost my mind when they did the intro to PETER PIPER 3 times in a row before dropping the whole song. When Brother J of X-Clan speaks on beloved Hip Hop clubs of his era and running with Q Tip and The Jungle Brothers in Murray Bergtraum H.S., it took me back to my days in high school during that time. The creative energy in NYC was bananas then. Gearheads and MPC/SP1200 users can get the inside on which gear their favorite producer used to make that classic. The one thing that sticks out within all the interviews is a collective feeling of having fun while determined to express that calling from Hip Hop. It is an awakening when you truly feel the essence of Hip Hop culture as it compels you to get in where you fit in..

Pick up the book and make it required reading for Hip Hop heads old and new.

THE ZRO HOUR Roadtrip: Alexie's Adventure in MIA

During the week of July 4th, THE ZRO HOUR's own Alexie F. slid down to Miami to shake off some NYC stress and to connect with two great artists- La Originale Chica Del Reggae, SANDY, LA LOBA and Latin rapper MEXICANO 777. Sandy, La Loba is a pioneer of Latin Reggae/Reggaeton hailing from Columbia. La Loba got her start with Panamanian reggae legend El General. Alexie gets the goods on her journey thru reggae music as she braces for a major comeback. Mexicano 777 is a pioneer in Latin Hip Hop who spits pure venom with his spanish laced flow. He reveals his love for the music and his approach to his artistry. Alexie is granted this rare opportunity to interview both in the privacy of their homes. As a side note, Alexie conducted these interviews with the aid of his cell phone(!). La Loba will be co-hosting our upcoming show due 8/25 so stay tuned to the site for that. In the meantime, check out the interviews here:



ALEXIE F. w/SANDY, LA LOBA PT.1
ALEXIE F. w/SANDY, LA LOBA PT.2



ALEXIE F. w/MEXICANO 777 PT.1
ALEXIE F. w/MEXICANO 777 PT.2

RAWKUS 50 2007 Showcase this Saturday

This Saturday 08.18.07, SOUTHPAW hosts the first Rawkus 50 Showcase with a lineup of 8 artists featured. Hosted by Greg Nice of Nice & Smooth, the showcase features Doujah Raze, Mr. Metaphor, CyMarshall Law, Red Clay, Scavone, Wildabeast, Silent Knight and with a special birthday performance from Bekay. As finale, a power cypher is planned. This is one not to be missed. Come out and see the next movement live and direct!

Senseless Violence Takes the Lives of 3 in Newark, N.J.

Though unrelated to the music scene, this has grabbed my attention and fury these past few days. This past Saturday, August 4th, 4 young African-American adults were shot execution style with 3 of them succumbing to their wounds. Two men, two women. They were all due to attend Delaware State University this fall. One of the young ladies tried to enroll for two years before finally being accepted. Dashon Harvey (20 yrs. old-pictured at top), Iofemi Hightower (20 yrs. old), Terrance Aeriel (18 yrs. old-pictured below with Iofemi) and Terrance's sister Natasha Aeriel (19 yrs. old) were told to kneel and shot in a school playground during an apparent robbery attempt. Natasha is the only surviving victim and has been able to give details to the authorities about the incident. We hear about this senseless violence repeatedly and it most often occurs within communities of people of color. Newark, N.J. is a predominately African-American community (with a history of blacks in postions of Mayor and Police chief) that has seen a continued rise in homicides over several years. Between the gang clashes, heroin trade and car thefts, Newark's residents have had to deal with a war on their quality of life. I am disgusted by the frequent murders, shootings and overall victimization of people within these communities. I was raised in public housing and I still live in the hood. I see some of these same knuckleheads on the street everyday that could potentially take my life/my neighbor's life/my relative's life. Things pop off when in the wrong place at the wrong time, Things can pop off when simply walking to the bodega for some milk. I don't live in fear but I always wonder when are we going to truly get tired of all of this? Due to the economic conditions of the residents and the lack of available employment in some cases, many become trapped in the way of the hustle or frustrated from the lack of economic growth. It is definitely not an excuse, but it is understood. Although these challenges remain present after many generations, I still question why do we allow this element to fester within our communities? We can't blame the government for everything. Urban residents have to demand better law enforcement from the authorities and simultaneously make the hood aware that "We ain't having this shit over here".
I understand the fear of "snitching" and keeping silent about any knowledge of such heinous crimes. The residents are not protected from retaliation and often you have family members and/or friends who maybe involved in some type of criminal activity. Collectively we cannot condone any of this nonsense and there has to be a greater effort on the part of parents and the community at large to enact change. Within lower income and poor white communities, there is not this level of gun violence and victimization of each other. Newark is similar to Mount Vernon, New York in the way that there is a historically black populace filled with homeowners and suburban details. Meanwhile both are at odds with the criminal element within.

To all the youth, please take a moment to recognize your strength and potential for positive growth. Curb the addiction for instant gratification and fast money. Educate yourself through schools, churches, and libraries. Avoid prison. Control your anger. See the worth of another's life. We are a reflection of each other and what happens to one random victim can happen to one of your relatives. Generations that came before you have suffered through worse. Blood has been spilled to ensure that you can have certain rights, opportunities and economic access to the system. Yes, the system is f--ked up at times but the opportunity to make it work in your favor exists.

To all the adults, please take some time to become involved in young people's lives. Educate them from home to supplement the schools. Turn off the TV and talk to your family. Stop being selfish with your time. Stay aware of your childrens interests and friendships. Stop thinking its cute to dress your child as a thug. You can help build a child's character and confidence by teaching them how to walk amongst the world of the street and the boardroom. Go to PTA meetings. I know it can be difficult juggling work and feeding the kids, but you have to put an effort in place to enact change in the coming generation.

Hey Spike, I am still shouting WAKE. UP!!!!!!

FREE CONCERT! KRS ONE @ Prospect Park 08.03.07

Bought to you by Lyricist Lounge and Brooklyn Bodega:

The Lyricist Lounge fam presents KRS ONE free at Prospect Park!!!

Featuring special performances from Lady Bug Mecca, Turntable Anihilists,
Beat Boxer Ent. and Blitz The Ambassador

FREE!!
Prospect Park Bandshell - 9th Street and Prospect Park West - BKNY
7:30pm sharp.

www.celebratebrooklyn.com

THEN....JOIN US FOR THE OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY!

AFTER THE SHOW:
Friday, August 3, 2007

Music By: The Legendary Marly Marl

Also music by: DJ Stimulus

@ Southpaw (Park Slope, BK)
125 5 Ave (bet. Sterlin & St.Johns)

doors @ 11pm (right after the show) - $5

NEW RELEASE: Keith Murray RAP-MURR-PHOBIA (Fear of Real Hip Hop)

Yesterday, KEITH MURRAY, one of Hip Hop's sickest lyricists dropped his newest CD in 4 years- RAP-MURR-PHOBIA (Fear Of Real Hip Hop). Keith is a beast on the mic with intense, vocabulary laden rhymes. He sounds as strong as his first album, "THE MOST BEAUTIFULLEST". This is his 6th release as he once again teams up with Eric Sermon (of EPMD) to create potent music laced with multi-syllabic mayhem. Check this freestyle from BET's Rap City, short featurette and new video "Nobody Does it Better" featuring Tyrese on the hook...

TRAILER: DJ Scratch "So What Cha Sayin'" Scratchumentary

One of Hip Hop's greatest DJs and producers has produced a "scratchumentary" on his life called SO WHAT CHA SAYIN'. Check the trailer:

Wise Intelligent's "The Talented Timothy Taylor" Album Release Party

This Thursday 7/26, come thru BKNY to celebrate and support the release of Wise Intelligent's latest CD. This promises to be a great night with performances by Scienz of Life and K Banger! If you haven't seen these groups in the flesh, whatchu waitin' for???!!

VIDEO: K Banger feat. Triplebeam- "NATURAL HIGH"

New Release: Wise Intelligent Iz..The Talented Timothy Taylor

This week WISE INTELLIGENT has released another blast for the true heads, Wise Intelligent iz..The Talented Timothy Taylor. I am ordering a copy (yes, I still buy SOME CDs) so that I can throw some support behind one of the best lyricists in Hip Hop. I also want to play some joints on the show so look for that soon. Check out Wise's myspace for a few samples from this project. "I'm Him" and "Genocide" showcases Wise Intelligent's ability to balance wisdom and entertainment. COP THIS!

1520 Sedgwick Avenue to be Recognized as Official Birthplace of Hip-Hop

This article found on ALLHIPHOP is a follow up to an earlier post on the gentrification of the Bronx neighborhoods where Hip Hop was born:

1520 Sedgwick Avenue to be Recognized as Official Birthplace of Hip-Hop
By Chris Richburg

1520 Sedgwick Avenue, long considered an important site in the creation
of Hip-Hop, is officially eligible to be recognized as landmark by the
State of New York.

Organizers will hold a a press conference on Monday (July 23) announcing
that the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic
Preservation approved an application on July 2 to make the location
eligible to be considered a historic landmark.

The office stated that 1520 Sedgwick Avenue "meets the eligibility
criteria being that it is associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history."

As a result, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue will be eligible to be designated as a
national historic landmark by the State and National Register of
Historic Places.

"1520 Sedgwick is the Bethlehem of Hip-Hop culture," Hip-Hop's founding
father Kool Herc told AllHipHop.com.

The press conference is scheduled to take place at 9:30 a.m. in front of
1520 Sedgwick in the South Bronx.

In addition to celebrating 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the event will
recognize rap pioneer, DJ Kool Herc, who was recently labeled "the
innovator of Hip-Hop" by Time Magazine.

Despite the triumph of the honoring, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue is in danger
of being bought out of its affordability program by its owners, BSR
Management.

According to organizers of the press conference, BSR plans on selling
the famous building to a private-equity investor.

1520 Sedgwick, a Mitchell-Lama development is home to hundreds of
low-income residents.

Tenants of the building were notified that BSR
plans to buy-out in February 2008.

Off Hiatus..

What's good? Back in Brooklyn and still unpacking is what's good with me. Alexie F. had a phenomenal trip to Miami and made some great connections in the world of Reggaeton/Latin Reggae/Hip Hop. Alexie was able to secure interviews with "La Originale Chica del Reggae"- SANDY, LA LOBA and MEXICANO 777. More from that trip soon. We are lining up some great interviews for early August and should have some info on the T-shirt requests that have flooded in shortly. R.I.P. to KRS One's son who recently passed. Shout out to Underground EXP and their Prince Paul tribute tonight @ GALAPAGOS ART SPACE. I am going to have to miss this one unfortunately. What up Remy Ma??!! Hope all goes well with that shooting incident. Innocent until proven guilty, right?

I received this video from DJ JS-1. DJ JS-1 was featured on Regis and Kelly's morning show showcasing an underappreciated element of hip hop-SCRATCHING. This type of performance does not receive mainstream exposure often so it was good to just see a DJ featured solely doin' his craft. It was broadcast on July 6th 2007. Check for Kelly spittin' over MIMS' "This is Why I'm Hot" while Regis is doing the zigga zigga..

DJ JS-1 On Live With Regis & Kelly:

Just a note..

Thank you to all who enjoy and support THE ZRO HOUR. We will be on a short break (2 weeks) and return soon with more heat and some surprises. Artists that would like to submit material for review or placement on THE ZRO HOUR, please send it to info@thezrohour.com. Stay tuned...