GRAND PUBA Drops New Double A-Side Single, Album Release Pushed to June 23rd

Press Release:

One of the founding members of Brand Nubian and a seminal artist in hip-hop in his own right, Grand Puba drops a double A-Side single off of his new album "RetroActive" which hits stores June 23rd, on FrankRadio/Babygrande Records. "This Joint Right Here" Featuring Kid Capri is straight fire. With a beat reminiscent of 1980s era "White Lines," and the up-tempo lyrics of Kid Capri, Grand Puba is in top form on this track. Adding his skills on the boards, Puba produces in addition to lacing the song with his signature style, unmistakable voice and one-of-a-kind delivery.

DOWNLOAD "This Joint Right Here" -Grand Puba Feat. Kid Capri

"Go Hard" Featuring Talee is a head-nodding duet that showcases both Puba's flow and his writing. Puba takes the title line to heart on this track, as he lays down gems that mingle with Talee's sultry vocals, the two complementing each other to a tee.

DOWNLOAD "Go Hard" -Grand Puba Feat. Talee

Check out "RetroActive," in stores June 23rd, on Frank Radio / Babygrande Records. With guest appearances from Q-Tip, Kid Capri, Sadat X, Lord Jamar, Large Professor & many more, and production from Large Professor, Q-Tip, Grand Puba, PhD and others, "RetroActive" is heating it up and taking it back to the summers of the golden era.

VIDEO: Shaun Boothe feat. Amanda Diva "Music Man"

Nice look Shaun! Check out Shaun Boothe's Biography series. Keep the heat coming..

VIDEO: KURIOUS feat. MC SERCH & MF DOOM- "Benetton"

Nice return from Kurious George feat. MC Serch and MF Doom. I have an interview coming up with Kurious next week. I haven't heard from Kurious since his "Walk Like a Duck" single and he is now on the comeback with Amalgam Digital as his label. He sounds good here and I look forward to hearing his new music.

VIDEO: CHUBB ROCK & WORDSMITH- "Old 2 The New"

Although the Matrix reference has been done many times, I still love this video. Chubb Rock is brilliant in his return here. Wordsmith flips a style worthy of his name. This is the official first single from their upcoming collaboration "BRIDGING THE GAP" in stores June 18th. Chubb and Wordsmith will be dropping a mixtape, "A Crack In The Bridge", in preparation for the new album on Wednesday May 13th as an exclusive free download via HipHopDX.com. Look out for their June 5th appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Looks like Chubb Rock is returning with a vengeance!

Download the single "Old 2 The New" HERE

Download exclusive track "Another Party Joint" HERE

VIDEO: True Hip-Hop Stories: Special Ed

True Hip-Hop Stories: Special Ed from D-Nice on Vimeo.

D-Nice continues his True Hip Hop Stories series of well shot, insightful ruminations on each artist's career directly from the artists themselves. Special Ed is a favorite of mine and he speaks with great wisdom here.

R.I.P. Ernie Barnes

I am late posting this but I had to drop a word about this great artist who has his work embedded in the mind of many. Ernie Barnes' painting, "The Sugar Shack", has most famously been seen on the TV show "Good Times" (as the artwork of J.J. (Jimmie Walker) Evans, the eldest son on the show) and as the cover of Marvin Gaye's classic album "I Want You".

From NPR:

Barnes came to painting after a career in professional football, as an offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Teammates called him "Big Rembrandt."

He could take on a defensive lineman, then commit the encounter to canvas. Many people would call Barnes a "black painter." He preferred the description "neo-Mannerist."

Barnes never painted his subjects with their eyes open. "We don't see each other," he said once in an interview. "We are blind to each other's humanity."

MIXTAPES: Busta Rhymes & DJ Scratch- "I BULLSHIT YOU NOT!"

In preparation for launch of his new album "Back On My Bullshit", Busta Rhymes drops a new 12-track mixtape. Cop it at DATPIFF.COM.

VIDEO: Redman Talks About "Blackout 2," Meth & UGK

Originally posted on iHIPHOP.COM. Album in stores May 19th 2009.

Q-TIP @ NYC's Central Park Summerstage July 18th- FREE

Central Park's annual Summerstage concert series presents a free concert freaturing Q-Tip along with Chester French, Little Dragon and DJ Benji B on Saturday, July 18, 2009 3pm-7pm. Get more info HERE

MUSIC TECH: Mini MPC 2000XL / SP1200 Flash Drives

Not really music technology per se, but technology inspired by music heads for music heads. These custom USB flash drives are the flyest accessory for the hip hop head or producer. These 4 GB flash drives follow the authentic design of the original machines. Go to the site now and pre-order before they sell out. At $39.95 they are a bit expensive but highly collectible.

Originally posted on ENGADGET

VIDEO: SHAUN BOOTHE- "The Unauthorized Biography of Jimi Hendrix"

Shaun Boothe continues his biography series with a tribute to the one and only Jimi Hendrix.

VIDEO: JUNK SCIENCE- "Fire Drill"

VIDEO: NYLE- "Let The Beat Build"

VERY dope video. Unique concept showcasing each musician as they bring in each element of the song "letting the beat build". Looks like it was recorded in real time which is crazy impressive..

ART: Anthony & Trina Burks Present Collaboration: Salute to Women

THE ZRO HOUR always takes a bit of time to appreciate the diverse forms of art within our culture. If you are in the West Palm Beach area in Florida, come through and support our friends' Anthony and Trina Burks' Collaboration exhibit. This year's exhibit is a salute to women. Featuring artists Anthony Burks, Nzingah Oniwosan, Tonya Mosely, Terre Rybovich, Lance Clarke, Norman Gitzen, Mike Keilly, and Barbara Cheives. The opening reception was May 1st and the exhibit will continue through the month of May until the 29th.

For more info:

dize@bellsouth.net
561. 842.5724

408 Northwood Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407

VIDEO: Busta Rhymes Speaks On His New Album "Back On My Bull----"

"In The Mix" with Busta Rhymes -

Wow brings back memories..In this video Busta is speaking on his upcoming release from Wyclef's Platinum Sound Studios. Some eagle-eyed readers and followers of the show may have noticed that I cut my teeth working at that studio and was a part of the opening team. Like he says in the video, Platinum has one of the best recording studio sound systems in NY. If you want to hear what your joint will sound like in a club, Platinum Sound is the right place.