Here’s a powerful powerful new film from fellow MVMTer Blitz the Ambassador. Soundtracked by his song “Something to Believe,” this one hits home for me and the way I’ve been feeling lately – stifled not by a lack of motivation, but by others (fictitious and nonfictitious) who choose to stop me in my tracks. I was listening to a radio show today where the host described working with a 7-year-old autistic child who had enough strength to hurl him across the room, simply because he couldn’t process the fact that 7-year-olds aren’t supposed to be that strong. What potential lies in our beings? And what remains inert forever because we bind ourselves to the ways of the world? It’s time for some magic.
Within the spoken word community, poets like to bash the rappers who went on Def Poetry Jam and spit their song verses acapella. And yes, most of the time they were pretty wack. However, I’ve always had a silent respect for Kanye West‘s contribution to spoken word. From putting on J. Ivy and Malik Yusef, to bringing vocal emphases to emceeing that were once reserved for spoken word, Yeezy may sound better over beats – but at the same time his verses translate off beat much better than most rappers out there.
These videos of Kanye’s visit to the Facebook headquarters tickles my heart because of how low-fi they are. They remind me of our college gigs where we ended up in noisy student unions tripping over folding chairs and competing with the sound of the coffee grinder. During those moments, our discouraged selves would dream of the day we’d hit auditoriums with hi-def sound and lighting. To see Kanye go from the Glow in the Dark tour to spitting off-mic on top of a lunchtable is quite humbling. Sometimes with the Word, doing it this up close and personal is more effective than any performance at Madison Square could ever be. This is talent.
I keep going back and forth on whether I want to be just like Don Draper. On one end, he’s a corporate shark who drinks massive amounts of scotch and only finds solace in hooking up with random white girls. On the other end, he’s a corporate shark who drinks massive amounts of scotch and only finds solace in hooking up with random white girls. Mad Men is back, internetlings!!!!!
I don’t like that word “jazz.” There’s no “jazz” anymore.
Blasphemously, my version of church has become a ritual of reading Jesus’ tweets and watching lectures from The Funk University. In one of today’s lessons, it was mentioned that jazz great Miles Davis was actually much humbler and more generous than people thought. For example, his reputation for turning his back on the audience while playing was a staple in his egotistical image. Instead, his main reason for doing so was to divert the attention from him while other musicians did their solo (Miles was such an icon that the spotlight stayed on him even when he wasn’t playing). Surely, he was a troubled character and his history of beating women led me to avoid his character and admire his music from afar. Still, I can’t deny his influence on me. The first record that I bought that wasn’t contemporary pop was one of his, and it led me down the path of jazz and funk.
Above is a Bryant Gumbel interview with the man, trumpet aside. Interestingly enough, he explains that style and fashion is his primary means of judging other musicians, and that he loves mainstream music but hates “jazz.” When it comes down to it, you just can’t deny his brilliance.
Posted by drizzletron ·July 25th, 2010 · iLL-Homies
In our most jaded era, rare are the moments when we witness the blips in time known as true love. When such occurs, all I can do is stare with wonder. Alas, the clock strikes again. My fellow Pretty Buoyant is getting hitched.
Today marks the wedding of Mr. DJ Phatrick and Mz. Steph Cariaga. They’ve been through thick, thin, and all that slime in between. But I’m starting to get sappy and the food coma from the pork belly fried rice (good breakfast!!) is sinking in. If you’re feeling amorous, join the livestream @ 5pm PST. It does get that geek.
Tragedy is moving across the country, only to find out that the state you left has decided to launch the most amazing music festival ever. I am currently sitting here in Pasadena, sulking over the fact that my trip is only two weeks shy of The Longbeach Funkfest. Parlet???? Brides of Funkenstein???? Jimmy Castor???? Are you serious?????? WTF, timing???
I may be unable to funk with my westcoastians this year, but perhaps next. Amidst that Brooklyn humidity I forgot how good breeze feels. If you’re in Cali, you have no excuse.
The first American Beatboxing Championship is coming to Brooklyn and iLL-Literacy is performing! Brooklyn, come through and support your new neighbors. Please spread the word!
Event: American Beatbox Championship
Date: July 31st
Time: 7:30
Place: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY
The tickets are on the pricey side but well worth it for what you are about to experience. On top of seeing your favorite crew perform , you are going to witness some of the most amazing beatboxers from around the WORLD! BET will be in the building. That means nothing to me but maybe it will for some of you. I don’t know.
Buy your tickets HERE. And holla at us for the promotional discount code! See you there!
, you are going to witness some of the most amazing beatboxers from around the WORLD! BET will be in the building. That means nothing to me but maybe it will for some of you. I don’t know. 
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