CRAH!

I'm back! It's been too long, but i'll get back into the swing of things in no time. The usual music, art, and other random articles will still make it's way on there.. plus a few more things. I'm about to take this to a whole other level, hope you keep following.. much love!

Hoping To Get Back Into The Swing Of Things Real Soon.

Stanger Day:"Young, Dumb & Broke Mixtape"

Take hip-hop, my favorite genre. Then, take electronic music, my next favorite. What do you get? Musical crack. This is one of my favorite projects of the year thus far, right behind "WESTSIDE WITH LOVE" and "How I Got Over". I love when good music is remixed, and this is a prime example of this. Stranger Day takes mixes from the best DJ's and MC's out (Such as Chip Tha Ripper, Hollywood Holt, and DJ Skeet Skeet, the DJ for Schwayze) and combines it with dope instrumentals. From Hi Tops 2 Hookshots to Fuck You Money, this mixtape is truly a great one. I highly suggest checking this out, especially if you're in need of something different on your iTunes. Download Link after the tracklist. Charlotte's music scene is definitely on the comeup!

www.strangerday.com

01. Hi Tops 2 Hookshots (Prod. Ratatat) Download Track

02. Good Life (Prod. Klever) Download Track

03. Polar Bear Cold (Prod. British Knights) Download Track

04. Dirty Liquor Feat. Jams F. Kennedy (Prod. Applejuice Kid) Download Track

05. Fuck You Money Feat. Chip Tha Ripper (Prod. S.O.V.) Download Track

06. Fuck You Money Feat. Chip Tha Ripper (Skeet Skeet Remix) Download Track

07. Smoking Barrels Feat. Jesse Stockton (Prod. Joey2Tits) Download Track

08. Life Is Butta Box Feat. Hollywood Holt (Prod. S.O.V.) Download Track

09. Life Is Butta Box Feat. Hollywood Holt (Benzi Remix) Download Track

10. Expensive Sneezing (Prod. Joey2Tits) Download Track
11. Young Clean Bastard (Prod. Joey2Tits) Download Track

12. First In Flight Feat. Jay Boyd (Prod. Joker) Download Track

13. Paradise (Prod. British Knights) Download Track

14. What It Is Feat. Playboy Tre (Emynd Remix) Download Track

15. What It Is Feat. Playboy Tre (Prod. Trackoholics) Download Track

16. Sunrise (Prod. Yeasayer) Download Track

17. Fuck You Money Feat. Chip Tha Ripper (Emynd Remix) (Bonus Track)

Download Mixtape Here

Track Of The Day

The Garden by Cut Chemist

off the album:

The Audience's Listening

Track Of The Day

Slow Down ft. Young Jeezy by Fat Joe

(i'm sure this is a surprise for most, you guys should know my taste by now)

off the album:
Darkside Vol. 1

Album Review

The Roots-"How I Got Over"

Now, i'm a huge Roots fan, and I have been for awhile. When they signed on to be Jimmy Kimmel's house band for his late show a year or so back, I felt like maybe it was the end of The Roots making music. But when I got word that they were dropping "How I Got Over" this summer, the anticipation and high expectations proceeded. As soon as you press play, each and every single song on the album flows together, from "A Peace of Light" to "Hustla", this album is without a doubt the best one of the year, so far. Ever since this gem dropped, I haven't gone a day without playing a few cuts. And even though the instruments, vocals, and features on this album make it a lot different from the ones past, it doesn't take away from the fact that this is once again a testament to the fact that The Roots are one of the greatest groups in hip hop. So, my rating for the album is.


Five stars out of a possible five. When i say I think this is the best album of the year so far, I mean it. And if you don't believe me, I suggest you peep it.

Love.. What an amazing feeling :]

No Worries!

I'm coming back with more posts, and better features. I spent the last few weeks trying to figure myself out, as well as finish out the summer semester on a high note. I'm leaving for Atlanta in about, 5 hours.. so stay tuned for hella photo posts this weekend. Happy Fourth of July Weekend Everyone!

Madbury Madness

Now, if you're familiar with Phillip Annand or the Award Tour Brand, then you'll already know what this post is about. He's had many of us sitting on the edge of our computer seats for a little over a year now with this Madbury Project that was supposed to "shake up the net". Well, he did just that. I was anticipating the launching of the site, even though i had no clue what it was about. To be brief, this is one of the most innovating and wonderful things on the internet today. I wouldn't call it an online magazine, i'd call it a group of young, great minds coming together to make a simple project in which will change the way we look at "blogs". I can't wait to see future Madbury recreations, but i don't think anything can touch this. Props to you Phill, and the rest of the Madbury crew To see what i'm blabbing about, visit here..
Madbury Club

Track Of The Day

State of Mind by Raul Midon

off the album:
State Of Mind

Distant Relatives

This album is amazingness. It took me awhile to get around to listening to it, i wanted to buy it and not illegally download it. Let me just say, it's one of the only albums i've purchased in a few months that i can say was great from the first track to the last. Theres usually like two good songs on the album and the rest are shit, but this was amazing in it's entirety. Everyone should know who the dreadlocked fellow is, his father was only one of the most influential people this world has ever met. Damian Marley is the closest thing to Bob, musical genius with an awesome voice and powerful message. Nas has been making his transition from hardcore hip hop to a more chill, mellow type. This album displays both of their versitilities as artists. I suggest copping this, i give it four stars out of four. I will be playing this non stop for awhile.

Track Of The Day

The Autobiography by Stalley

off the mixtape:

The Autobiography

My 2 Cents: Material "Goods"

lately, i’ve been going about a new approach in my life..

the biggest aspect being how seriously i take school. i recently got a two year degree in communications, and i’m continuing my education this fall at a four year institution.

another is my apperance. i’ve always been into fashion and sneakers, always went to new SB drops.. got the Stussy shirts as soon as i dropped, J.Crew shirts with a dope ass bow-tie. but honestly, i was doing it all for the wrong reasons. i honestly could care less about what i wear.. all my tee shirts are $3 from Wal-Mart, (i’m not gonna lie, i still love my Levi’s), shoes? what shoes.. i’ve worn nothing but Toms the past couple months, and when you buy a pair of those, they donate some to someone in need, so at least it’s for a good cause. so, it came time to clear my closet. as hard as it was, i sent endless amounts of $50 tees and $150 sneakers to Goodwill, NOT PLAYTOS CLOSET, Goodwill.. where i know someone will make do with it, even if it is a little thrifting hipster. some people need to realize that material possesions will only get you so far, and saving a few bucks will go a long way. i’m not worried about how i’m gonna pay off these Jordans anymore, i’m concentrating on how i’m going to pay off this college tuition -____-

So..

this is as personal as i'll ever get with my blog.. so just bare with me for a moment..

February 13th, 2010 was the day, a day i'll probably never forget, ever. I walk into my good friend Theo's house, expecting to have a normal night, see the same people i always see, drink the same pinnacle and coke drink i made last time. Well, i was mistaken. About an hour into the party, i see a cute asian girl with nice shoes walk in, and behind her was an angel. I may have been shitfaced drunk, but i'll never forget when i first saw her. You know how on cartoons, the characters jaw would drop when he saw some attractive? Well, i kinda felt mine do that. She was gorgeous, the most amazing smile i have ever seen in my life, longgggg brown hair. I think it was love at first sight. I could barely walk after sitting in the exact same spot for about an hour, but i finally got up and walked into the room she was in. I sat there, and i spoke.. well, at least i thought i did. No one answered me. So i look at her real quick, and when she looks down at me, i look away real quick, and comment on her friends shoes. I blew it -___- walked away, and thought i'd never see her again. Lucky for me, the next day i get online and see her on my friend Jimmy's facebook. At the time, i had no idea that they were talking, but he kinda did the same thing to me with a previous relationship so i said, fuck it, i'm gonna pursue her. I request her, and immediately comment a picture. I did this for two straight days, before i did the lamest thing possible, asked for her number via the internet. I felt so lame, but i was happy. We get to texting, normal small talk. I find out shes from Philly, like 45 minutes from where i'm from. Then, the questions started coming in. Normally, i'd make up lies to get a girl to even think i'm interesting, but for some reason, i got amazing vibes from her, and gave her 100% truthful answers. I told her how much i love volunteering and doing habitat for humanity work, and how my favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry, how i have an eclectic taste in music, and how i wanna travel the world in a Volkswagen MicroBus. Well, she responded by saying she likes to volunteer with habitat for humanity, she loves strawberry ice cream, she has an amazing taste in music and she wants to travel in a VW as well. I swear, right then and there, i knew she was the one girl i wanted to be with. Not only was she absolutely gorgeous, but she was just.. perfect. Such an amazing personality rolled up into an amazing exterior. A few weeks later, on March 1st, 2010, we began dating. At this point, i still thought i was moving to Atlanta, but i began feeling a certain way.. i've never felt before. I knew i was in love. I've never been in love before, but the feeling was undeniable. To this day, my love for her grows even more, and sure, just like every other guy i fuck up, say shit i don't mean.. but i'm human. Humans all make mistakes, mistakes are meant to be learned from and never repeated. I just hope she understands that this little bump in our relationship is only gonna make us grow stronger, and that if she meets me 100% as i will with her, that everthing will be ok. Hold on a little longer baby, Greensboro is just right around the corner. I love you with every fiber of my body. LED4LYFE<3

Wr.Dice:"Singin' 4 Me(Slow Down)"

Track Of The Day

Accordion by MadVillian

off the album:

Madvilliany

My Stress Reliever

Lately, everything has me stressed. School, even though i'm in my summer semester taking only two classes, relationships, losing a few "friends", so much. Well, usually all people would do is drink or smoke their problems away, but in reality, that does nothing more then intensify your feelings, and make you even more stressed. Now i am no way, shape or form a therapist, but i have been doing alot of research to combat stress, and honestly.. none of it worked. So, watching Nat Geo one day, they had an interesting episode on Yoga and the effects it leaves on your body. Me being the person i am, i read up on it and decide to give it a try. I love it. It's my way of forgetting all the problems i have, my escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. It was hard to get into at first, and when i told some of my friends, all they could do is laugh, but in turn, it ended up being exactly what i needed. Also, the practice of mediation has also helped ease my mind. Headaches come almost never now, and i have Yoga and 5 Minutes of Mediation a day to thank for that. I suggest everyone that struggles with stress to find your way to combat it, what i'm doing may not work for you, but it might be worth a try.

Read On!
Yoga For "Dummies"
History of Yoga
Effective Meditation Techniques
Meditation Video

Track Of The Day

The End Of Biters- International by Prefuse 73
off the album
One Word Extinguisher

RealArt

Day One | Test One from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

To any of my followers out there who are visual artists, you will truly enjoy this video. 13th Wintess is one of my favorite photographer/videographers. Check out this teaser of a little project he's working on.. the quality is amazing.

if you aren't aware of whats going on in Arizona with their immigration laws, read on here and here. it's absolutely ridiculous what they're trying to do there.

CNN is on the psychedelic drug use bandwagon? :]

Freshman Class:"Don't Doubt Us"

Track Of The Day

Coin Toss by Panacea
off the EP:
Corkscrew Gaps

The Moccasin Project

For the past two days, i've been working on making moccasins completely from scratch. The only directions i've used were amateur how-to videos on YouTube. So far, the task is proving to be much more difficult then i've envisioned, heres what i've got so far...

As you can see, i'm struggling. Hopefully, i'll make some progress tonight. Wish me luck!

THESE

=MINE TOMORROW :P

Track Of The Day

Crooked by Evilnine ft. Aesop Rock

Freshman Class:"Dreamworld"

the homies put out yet another dope track, produced by @TalkToBanks.

for everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else. its all about you outlook towards life. you can either regret it, or rejoice.

Coonery At It's Finest

i have no words for this....

Track Of The Day

Like It Like That by A Tribe Called Quest

off the album

The Love Movement

GoodVibes

Cheech & Chong's Next Movie

Enjoy! :]

My 2 Cents: Failing Relationships

I know alot of you are going to know exactly where i'm coming from this statement i'm about to make. Don't you hate it how sometimes, when you first start dating someone, every things all amazing.. then after awhile the amazingness dies down? Well, i'm pretty sure you have the power to change that. OF course, the beginning of every relationship is always going to be better then it will end up being further down the line, but you can do something to make sure that the relationship doesn't die down completely. Mix it up, do something different for a change, instead of the cliche dinner and a movie date, take her somewhere like a park and play disc golf and have a picnic. And one thing I can't stress enough that a lot of couples need to NOT do is have sex alllll the time. Too much sex can kill a relationship. I'd say keep it to a couple times a month, not once a day. Sex will make the relationship less about being with the person and more about being in the person. I feel like we can all determine the fate of our relationships as long as we aren't afraid to take risks. Lifes all about taking risks right? You took a risk when we started dating, how about we take some of our own risks together..

Track Of The Day

So[ul] Amazing by Blu & Exile
off the album:
Below The Heavens

Hip Hop History Files

The Bridge Wars.

OK, if you consider yourself a true head of hip hop, then you should know that this title is all about. The Bridge Wars was a hip hop rivalry during the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s, that arose from a dispute over the true birthplace of hip hop music and retaliation over the rejecting of a record for airplay. The fued all started once legendary emcee, MC Shan dropped the classic record "The Bridge", which followed up by a record by the rapper KRS One called "South Bronx".
The Bridge by MC Shan

The Bridge IS Over by KRS One & Boogie Down Productions

This beef was the beginning of a new era in hip hop, switching over from the pioneering sounds of Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, to a more new school sound. Any rapper in the present time that wants to star a beef with someone, needs to take a page out the book from this one.. this will go down as the first rap beef. Another one I thought was one of the best was Canibus x LL Cool J. LL ripped him, even though no one else agrees with me, Canibus didn't put out anything worth listening to after that. But thats just me, i'll save that topic for another discussion later on.

Roll Em Up

Debuted 4/20 on LAXPAPERBOYS.com

Overdoz. Presents Roll Em' Up from itscalmatic on Vimeo.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust

Track Of The Day

N.E.R.D's Improvised Jam
off the album:
Gilles Peterson Presents The BBC Sessions Vol.1

Say What?

The Buttermilks

As dangerous as it may look, bouldering is definitely something i'd love to try. A few years ago, I read an article about a climber by the name of Chris Sharma, pretty much the Michael Jordan of bouldering. Anyways, over the past few years, i've been checking out popular videos and this one by far is my favorite. Check it out:

read more about bouldering here.

[1/365]

I'm begining something new. I'm trying to discover myself. I've been getting back in touch with my "artsy" side.. writing graffiti, poetry, music etc. But i've also picked up a new interest.. life. Theres just something about the thought of life that just continues to make me think time and time again. I always wonder what my true purpose here on Earth is.. so, follow me as I try to discover what it is I was put on this amazing planet for.

Currently Playing:


I also picked up the book, The Alchemist, can't wait to start reading it!

too dope

'nuff said..

Download of the Week

Distort The FLuff

Distort The FLuff EP

(Photocred to Alex Crouse)
Download Here
A pretty dope music project a couple friends of mine here in Charlotte did. It's really worth the peep, very different, but very refreshing.. good vibes. It's pretty much a mix between some dope hip hop, European electronica, and a little heavy metal. Download link is above.

dublab presents...SECONDHAND SURESHOTS

I'm a big big big hip hop fan, as most of you know. Nothings better then hearing a classic sample being sampled RIGHT. If you know me, i'm a big 9th Wonder, Dilla and J.Rocc fan(J.Rocc makes an appearance in this documentary). A friend of mine forwarded me this link earlier, and I finally got around to watching the documentary, amazing. These guys are truly masters of their crafts, check the trailer.

dublab presents...SECONDHAND SURESHOTS (preview) from dublab on Vimeo.

Track Of The Day

Turntablism by Dilated Peoples

you don't necessarily have to go to school to be successful.. if you have enough drive, determination, and motivation, you can do whatever the fuck you want to do. don't let the future scare you, it is what you make it. thats #My2Cents for the day...

Track Of The Day

The Monocle by Theo Martins
off the mixtape:
You Can't Do That On Television

R.I.P Guru

Kieth Elam, aka. Guru
July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010

Hip Hop lost yet another legend in Guru from Gangstarr. This past year has been a rough one for him after being dignosed with cancer, he fell into a coma after unsuccesful surgery in late Februrary, and woke back up in early March only to pass away late on April 19th. I will always remember Guru for his monotone flow and classic, concious rhyme style. I've been a big fan of Gangstarr for quite some time now, and his music will definitely be played all day as a tribute. R.I.P Kieth Elam.

The Freshman Class:"Insufficient Funds Official Video"

My QC homies dropped their video early this morning. IF you went to their show @UNCC yesterday, then you definitely witnessed the begining of the takeover of Charlotte.. these guys had an unbelievable stage prescence for it being their first time performing.. shoutout to my friend Taisha's band Carson, who also did an amazing job. But heres the video, enjoy!

Da Freshmen Class- Insufficient Funds from Freshmen Class on Vimeo.

Track Of The Day

Blakes Got A New Face by Vampire Weekend
off the album
Vampire Weekend

those who criticize our generation often forgot who raised it..

NBA Playoffs 2010

I'm not the biggest basketball fan ever, but once March Madness and the NBA Playoffs come around, i'm pretty much glued to the television screen. This year should be a great for the NBA Playoffs. For one, i'm pretty excited that the Charlotte Bobcats have made the playoffs. I'm not exactly a fan, but it's nice to see the city get some recognition for something besides NASCAR.

My picks for the Eastern Conferene Finals are definitely going to be the Cavaliers vs. the Hawks. The Hawks are slowly becoming a force to be reckond with on the already weak Eastern Conference. For the Western Conference, i'm going to say it's going to come down to the Lakers and the Mavericks. Now, I know theres a million and one Laker bandwagoners that follow me, but i'm going with the Mavs/Cavs NBA finals with the Mavs taking it this year. If you wanna argue with me, please feel free to comment.. because I have a valid reason for my choices :]

Myls Smartmouf:"Flaunt Mixtape"

Another Charlotte homie of mine, he's been working hella hard on this project for months now, I must admit even though this isn't normally the type of music i'd listen to, i was definitely feeling it no doubt. He's currently working on another project which i'm ready to hear, and he'll be performing @UNCC on April 24th, same day as the Lupe/B.O.B Concert.

Download Here

Track Of The Day

Smoke Two Joints by Sublime
off the album
40 oz. To Freedom

Charlotte's Very Own

My homies Rel, Jimmy, and Lute came together for a track I have no problem promoting, you guys all know I don't fuck with whack shit, so this is worth the peep. Hopefully they'll grace us with more music soon, so stay tuned for that! #InsufficientFunds.

I'd Like To Apologize For The Lack of Posts

Currently in the lab working on my "NOS1DE Project", stay tuned.. :]

Johnny Cupcakes @ Niche April 6th

if you fast forward a little bit, you'll see a familiar face.. just saying :]

April 8 2010 is

[In]Spired

5.]Le Tran

[This little post on my blog will come so very often, maybe even a few times a week. I draw inspiration from many people and a wide variety of people as well. I think the key to expanding your mind is to broaden your horizons, and without doing that I feel as if you're depriving yourself of a truly happy life.]

Now normally i'd write about someone famous or well known, but this time i'm gonna write about someone in my life that inspires me everyday. She's pretty much my bestest friend, the reason I wake up every morning feeling inspired, and entergetic. Everytime we spend time together, it's never a dull moment. Her music taste is pretty close to perfect, even though her hip-hop knowledge isn't close to mine ;]. Never in my life have a met someone so positive, even when things are rough. She's the reason I changed my ways from being an immature kid to my transformation to a man. Might I add she's absolutely gorgeous. It's always wonderful to have someone in your life that truely keeps you motivated, because everyone needs that hoo-rah. I plan on keeping this lovely sack of bones in my life for quite a long time.. I love her so very much! :]

Side Note: SHE DO NAIL XD

I Got My GoodWood, how about you?

Track Of The Day

Taxi by Ski Beatz x Mos Def
off the mixtape:
24 Hour Karate School

Rich Hil:"Hippies Most Wanted Vol.1"

1.My Mind Playing Tricks On Me Freestyle
2.CT Rider Music
3.Coke & Wet ft.Jackie Long
4.If U Ain’t Know
5.Ice Cream Remix ft.Boo Bonic
6.We Ain’t Got Shit To Do
7.Megustas Marijuana
8.Morphine Freestyle
9.Codeine
10.Paranoid Freestyle
11.Burn In My Hell
12.When The Birds Fly
13.Soldiers In The Summer
14.Faded ft.Boo Bonic
15.The Blues ft.Boo Bonic
16.The Reaper
17.I Won’t Survive
18.Be There When I Go
19.[Bonus] 1960 Heroin Flow **** NEW
20.[Bonus] Rebel In Me ***NEW
Download Here

Track Of The Day

The Official by Jaylib
off the album
Champion Sound

Track Of The Day

Until We Bleed ft. Lykke Li by Rich Hil
off the mixtape
Limos Were Cool In The 90's

Track Of The Day

[Technically, TRACKS of the day]
Nicolay's: Shibuya City Lights Vol.2

TKFV in Los Angeles

TKFV vs LA from Two Kids From Vermont on Vimeo.

Award Tour-"Wigwam"

Wigwam. from Phillip T. Annand on Vimeo.

My buddy from back in New Jersey is one creatve fellow, check him out @TheAwardTour.com.

[In]SPIRED

4.]Michael Jordan

[This little post on my blog will come so very often, maybe even a few times a week. I draw inspiration from many people and a wide variety of people as well. I think the key to expanding your mind is to broaden your horizons, and without doing that I feel as if you're depriving yourself of a truly happy life.]

If you're familiar with basketball, or streetwear, or life.. you know Michael Jordan. One of the worlds greatest athletes ever, as well as a pioneering entrepreneur in the world of streetwear. He played close to 20 years, mostly with the Chicago Bulls. He was known for his high flying dunks and amazing clutch play, as well as winning six NBA Titles, 5 MVP Awards, 14 All Star apperances and 2 Slam Dunk Titles. Arguably the greatest player ever. He also caused controversy in 1985 when his first sneaker, the Air Jordan I's were released. They were originally banned by the NBA because it wasn't the team shoe, but the ban was lifted, and began the begining of a sneaker revolution. Today, the Jordan Brand is one of the most recognizable ones in the world of fashion. Alot of brands have tried to mirror the Jordan brand, but nothing comes close. On top of owning The Jordan Brand, he is now the majority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, being the first former player to have majority stake in a team. This is the same Michael Jordan who couldn't even make his schools varsity squad his junior year, the same guy the Rockets and Blazer's passed over, the guy they thought would be marginal at best. If his accolades off and on the court doesn't inspire you to put your all into everything, then i don't know what will. Michael Jordan is truly an inspiration to many.

Dom Kennedy:"From The Westside With Love"

If you're not aboard the Dom Kennedy train yet, you're slackin. He never disapoints, all his mixtapes are good all the way through. Defintely worth the download. And while you're at it, check out his previous mixtape by going to DopeItsDom.com
Happy listening! d(-.-)b
Download Mixtape Here

Track Of The Day

Warrior's Song(9th Wonder Remix) by Nas
off the album:
God's Stepson

R.I.P Nujabes

February 19, 1974 – February 26, 2010

It's crazy how I did not know one of my favorite DJ's of all time passed. Jun Seba, aka Nujabes is one of the greatest minds some hip hop heads have never heard of. Most people who are familiar with anime may have heard of him, but for the most part he remained popular within the indie community. His passing came to me as a complete shock, and he will be missed. According to his label, Hydeout Productions, some of his work will be released posthumously. His music was definitely apart of my transition from the mainstream into real hip hop, he will be missed.

Ahh:

Lets just say, i'm very excited..