Confessions of an AUDIOPHELIAC

Leave It All Behind.

2010-03-10T15:27:00.007-06:00

So this is probably the FIRST ever post in such a long time and well, quite frankly, I've just been lazy and not feeling it lately with myself...Haven't gotten motivated or inspired lately to write ANYTHING that meant something to me, share stuff, whatever. I hope, though, that somewhere along the road I'll start to get something started in my head to write something. Not taking the time to write at least something blog worthy. Lately, I've just been so out of it lately. Here and with myself. And no, not really depressed or anything, don't worry. I've just have a lot of things in my head and in me that it's overwhelming and can't really explain very well. I guess I'm a littlew disorganized and disheveled. But all in all...I'm okay, really. Anyways, I digress...

I guess I'll make it up with this post, however. Reason being is that I've been listening to tons and tons of music and new music lately and I'm not talking about just LISTENING to it for my own pleasure and entertainment, like all you others (respectively speaking). I mean, when I say I listen...I listen to music more than just for pleasure or entertainment, but as for a passion, a significance, and meaning to what the song or maybe a beat, rhythm, solo, riff, or melody maybe telling me. And it's those songs and, well, music in general does to me. Anyways, here's what I mean. A song off The Foreign Exchange titled "Leave It All Behind." This song is my favorite out of the album because this song just brings you back to you being just a kid and what life is in general. When I first heard this song when I grabbed the album when it dropped in 2008, it just blew me away by the lyrics and the rhythm. As soon as it was over, I knew that it was this very song that I would love to play or maybe sing to when I have a son...or maybe a daughter or two. It's this and any kind of song that just makes you stop, think, and listen to your inner-self and reflect on life...

b.

Focus.

2010-02-04T19:14:00.005-06:00

It's been 4 years...

It's been 5 days so far; all month, son...

'74-'06

Othello - Active Balanced

2010-01-19T18:45:00.007-06:00

Othello & DJ Vajra's "The Required Taste" drops Spring '10. The following video is a sneek peek of the track "Active Balanced" ft. Now On & Mayer Hawthorne. The official video is coming this Spring. I'm already liking this video...can't wait for the real thang. This cat is dope. Check out his other LP's if you haven't heard of him. Don't sleep...

Sneak Peek, Active Balanced Music Video from Lain Lee 3 on Vimeo.

New Gil Scott-Heron

2010-01-16T10:59:00.003-06:00

http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Video-Gil-Scott-Heron-Me-And-The-Devil-.html

Damn, Son...

2010-01-16T01:01:00.004-06:00

Conversations With Her

2010-01-14T19:54:00.004-06:00

This EP is really soulful and chill. Favorite track...? "She Was Fly" ft. Eric Roberson. EP is out digitally on iTunes now!

Eigenharp

2010-01-14T19:07:00.011-06:00

I just watched G4tv's Attack of The Show and I saw this--the Eigenharp by Eigenlabs. Cost...? About $5,600. Yup. I so would wanna freak with this...Maybe buy it myself. Heck, I think it's worth it...

Hardware Specification:

Keys:
133 keys in all.
120 keys on the main keyboard.
12 percussion keys on the lower part of the instrument.
Plus one mute key.

Key Properties:
Sampled at 2000 samples/second, per key.
11 bit (2048 values) resolution.
Sensitive to direct pressure and to lateral pressure in both directions.

Breath pipe:
Sampled at 2000 samples/second.
12 bit (4096 value) resolution.
Bidirectional, sensitive to blown and drawn breath.
Removable, interchangeable mouthpiece for hygiene.

2 Strip Controllers:
One on each side of the instrument, 480mm long.
Sampled at 2000 samples/second per strip.
11 bit (2048 values) resolution.

Headphone output:
48kHz sampling rate, 24-bit DAC Sigma-Delta.
Software programmable volume.
Mute, soft ramp and zero cross detection for volume adjustment.
SNR = 95dB.
THD <>

Microphone input/preamp: Balanced input on an industry standard 4 pin LEMO locking connector. 24 bit at 96khz A/D converter. Low noise programmable gain from 10 to 55db in 1db steps. Software switchable 48V phantom power. 8.2V Electret polarisation power available, requires specific cable. Noise: EIN= (A-weighted) -120dBu with 150 Ohm source 20Hz to 20kHz, 50 dB gain. EIN Un-wtd= -125dBu with same conditions as A-weighted. 26dB software switchable input pad. Recommended uni-directional (cardioid or supercardioid patterns) microphones: Sony ECM66BC, Audio Technica AT898C and AT831C, Sure WL184, DPA 4080 and DPA 4022. Note: Custom wiring for each microphone is required Base Station: 2 inputs for continuous control expression pedals: Suitable for use with Boss FV50 and FV500 volume pedals. Suitable for use with Yamaha FC3 continuous control sprung sustain pedals. USB 2 interface to host computer. 2 inputs for foot switches.

Visit http://www.eigenlabs.com/ for more info...

The Lights Dim; Soul Will Never Be The Same.

2010-01-13T22:31:00.005-06:00

R.I.P. 1950-2010

?uestlove And Ringo - DRUM OFF!

2010-01-13T19:31:00.003-06:00

This was after the credits...DOPE!

Haiti Earthquake

2010-01-13T19:16:00.003-06:00

Thoughts, prayers, hope, peace, and blessings go out to all the brothers and sisters out in the country of Haiti after a devastating earthquake that shook down the country.

Donate to The Red Cross: http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_subsrc=RCO_ResponseStateSection

Wyclef speaks out (via Okayplayer): http://www.okayplayer.com/news/HELP-Haiti-Wyclef-Speaks-Out-About-Aide-For-Earthquake.html

Ringo Starr

2010-01-13T11:24:00.005-06:00

His brand new album just came out yesterday. I grabbed it...and it's on my iPod. Love the album! Last night Ringo was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon for a FULL HOUR as his guest with Ben Harper and Relentless 7 performing 3 songs +1, a classic from The Beatles. I have to say it's one of my favorite episodes of Late Night and it was quite an experience. Well, sure, it was on TV...and not me being there LIVE in the audience would have been much more of an experience versus me chillin' in my bedroom with the TV on and watching it there. But nonetheless, it was quite a trip just watching him and Fallon interviewing Ringo. It was like a piece of history made again; HE HAD A BEATLE ON HIS SHOW! I was stoked. Cop the album NOW!

b.

P.S. For your viewing pleasure, here was last night's episode: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/episodes/#vid=1192421

Pooh And Black Milk And...Prince...?

2010-01-12T19:10:00.005-06:00

Download FREE. Click album cover...

Jay Elec!

2010-01-11T20:20:00.005-06:00

All I'm gonna say is...THIS IS SOME REAL ISH. Oh, and no tracklist required...

(click album cover for FREE DOWNLOAD) [LONG PLAY MIX VERSION HERE...]

b.

Cousin - Kevi-Kev Arnedo

2010-01-09T11:47:00.007-06:00

This is my cousin, Kevin, from the Philippines. He's also a drummer, just like I am. He's told me that he has been playing for several years. He's pretty much like I how drum...but I guess he's better than me. We pretty much have drum styles in common, but different in a way. Keep it up, Kev! Hope we can play with each other...Gotta teach me some stuff and I'll teach you some stuff...Much love...

b.

So This Is Christmas...

2010-01-09T11:36:00.010-06:00

Christmas '09 with the fam...and extended fam...with the future of our fam...Gyeah. Oh, "no skinny jeans; Strictly prohibited." (I wasn't even close to wearing skinny jeans...)

b.

Yeah, That White Stuff, Ya' Know...?

2010-01-08T17:29:00.005-06:00

...We got dumped on; Perfect conditions for any snow activities. Shot taken by me outside the driveway--shoveled snow, by the way...
b.

History--Black Star, Where You At...?

2010-01-04T20:43:00.006-06:00

To keep at it with the Dilla theme for this post--ya'll should know by now, if you feel me--thought I'd hit you up with something new. Remember Dilla's Ruff Draft EP? Remember that joint off that EP called "Take Notice" with Guilty spittin' some rhymes? Well, check out The Suite for Ma Dukes Orchestra just take over and destroy that joint...LIVE. Once Karriem gets on it on the drums...it's over. Peep the vid here, plus a special announcement following the video. I also snagged the track, too for download here.

The Suite for Ma Dukes Orchestra - Take Notice

Burj Khalifa

2010-01-04T14:59:00.008-06:00

Dubai names tallest building after bailout patron
AP (Associated Press)

By ADAM SCHRECK, Associated Press Writer Adam Schreck, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 27 mins ago

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Dubai opened the world's tallest skyscraper Monday, and in a surprise move renamed the gleaming glass-and-metal tower Burj Khalifa in a nod to the leader of neighboring Abu Dhabi — the oil-rich sheikdom which came to its rescue during the financial meltdown.

A lavish presentation witnessed by Dubai's ruler and thousands of onlookers at the base of the tower said the building was 828 meters, or 2717 feet, tall.

Dubai is opening the tower in the midst of a deep financial crisis. Its oil rich neighbor Abu Dhabi has pumped billions of dollars in bailout funds into the emirate as it struggles to pay its debts.

Read more...

'09 'Til I Dine...

2009-12-31T17:48:00.005-06:00

2009 was a wild year--good and bad, smooth and rough. Let's also not forget those countless deaths that have happend, too. That ish was really rough... Anyways, it's about 10:36PM here in Chicago, at my friend's crib hangin', loungin', and coolin' out...just a little get-together with some good old fashioned homecooked Filipino food. Yum! Too bad my parents aren't here. They're actually working, but I wish them a Happy New Year in advance. Thanks!

So, 2009...Hmmm...For me, it's actually been a great year for me, but hit a few bumps along the way, not too serious, but it sure woke me up. But to look back at 2009 in a positive face, lately what resurfaced in my life is my whole new look on things in life and in me, I felt like my faith has come back and help guide me, which I'm quite thankful for and blessed. I also found myself cracking open the Bible and actually reading several books so far and has taught me so much more. I've felt more wiser, more humble, and patient with myself, not also that my faith had come back, but I've grown, matured, and experienced things in my life in the past 12 months. Not also that I've allowed myself more to help myself, but also to help and be the dopest friend to others, regardless. Even if I tell it how it is...I mean, that's how I am. I'm grateful, thankful, and blessed.

In '10, I look forward to so much more in my life and in the lives of others...Let's see what 2010 will bring me and grab for...

b.

To End It All: My Top Albums Of 2009

2009-12-31T14:00:00.085-06:00

What way to ring out 2009 with my top albums--some mixtapes and whatnot--that have been on a constant spin throughout this year? Really, though, 2009 was a HUGE year for new music and artists. That's word. Let's see what '10 will bring...I can smell it already... Check...

b.

10 For '10

2009-12-31T13:43:00.007-06:00

Keep the Faith
No more fast-food (a hard one, but it's worth a shot...)
Finding the motivation and determination to workout again...
Help out/volunteer more...
Positive desires; none of the negatives...
Start to discover/explore/experience new things on my own; going further with my life...
Up my vinyl game a bit more...
Read more...
Learn a new instrument(s) (...?)
Searching for new employment...
...Status...? (you can guess what this means... Give or take this or "Learn a new instrument(s)"...)

Miles-Armstrong By The Apple Juice Kid

2009-12-17T21:01:00.012-06:00

Phew!

With ALL that aside and out of my system, I'm back to more of my senses...In music that is. At it again on the Okayplayer site today, snagged this for FREE--download it, up! The Apple Juice Kid (alongside with Battalion Armour) comes through with yet another remix project. This time AJK bugs out with...Louis Armstrong, titled Beautiful Warriors 2: Louis Armstrong Remixed. Now, you might remember The Apple Juice Kid from previous productions and another project-remixed--Miles Remixed project--which I posted WAAAAY back in this here blog. I'm too lazy to bring back that URL from that blog post, so I decided to post BOTH the Louis and Miles remix projects together (via Okayplayer), along with the cover art. So, go 'head, get at it and download...It's FREE! Just click the album cover for the DOWNLOAD...

b.

On Tiger...

2009-12-17T20:45:00.003-06:00

I just want to get this right out, right now...

Can we just let go, and leave this alone about Tiger!? I mean, seriously...I just found out that TLC has this special on Sunday night about Tiger Woods. The program is called The Secret Life of Tiger Woods. What stemmed from a car accident has really just blown up into this whole scandal, this whole ordeal; I mean, I know this was a huge blow to his profession, his life, reputation, and what-not...his mistakes and ish...but I hate how all these other people are just ratting him out, just shunning him, as if he's just so hated right now. The media is such a frenzy with this, and well, with all the other b.s. I think we're forgetting who the real Tiger is, and all we're focusing on are his mistakes and how bad he is. Bull. Sure, for all of us it's a shock and surprise...I mean, TIGER!? C'mon! REALLY!? NAAAHH! But hey...it happens to ALL of us, regardless who or what we are, right? Why bug out about all this? To anyone, really...

All I gotta say is...leave him be, shut the f*$& up, the media and all you people out there who like this juicy ish gotta be freaking insane...no DAMN life at all! On the real...

Instead, I say...forgive him, God Bless him, pray for him; Tiger's just like you and me you know? He's peoples...like everyone else in this f*$*^@ up, crazy world. That's it. Nothing else...No bullsh#& talkin' and stop the damn GOSSIP!

That would be all...

b.

P.S. Tiger has my support...

Bitter...But Better.

2009-12-17T18:54:00.011-06:00

I've been bitter recently...not to myself, but more-so toward others (just a few though) of which I won't reveal any names. The bitterness has been on my mind and tongue, but I've been holding it in, holdin' my tongue, which I believe is the right thing to do...Until now. What am I bitter about you say? Well...simple, really. Just leave me be...and let me do me. Don't be telling me to do something or say something that I won't or don't believe in doing or saying; For me, this is not right. Whatever you do, I will refuse...unless it's something reasonable, logical...something that I see will be good, and make sense. Then we'll talk. But unless it's some other b.s., well, tough. Go find someone else for that ish. You don't like how I say things that matter and care to help you out? Tough. Deal with it...'Cause I care about you. It's how I set an example(s) and be a role-model. I hate to sugar-coat things and others who do that as well. I tell it how it is; Honesty. Get used to me. Oh, and I ain't your babysitter. People like you upset me and I'm sure others are upset because of you people who are like that. Don't tell me how to play, I'll play how I want to play because I know that what and when I play that it's right because I know what's right, how it's right, and when it's right to play. Go at it with your own style of play...Go at it with your own kinda beat; Be original and creative...Don't be bitin', coppin', and frontin' on others...for this is not right. You're FAKE. I'll teach and train...but I won't show my style. Respect me and for sure you'll get the respect and other thangs that you deserve; Be YOU...True, honest, humble, patience, wisdom...and you know, all those other things. Put up or shut-up...Just let me be, and you'll be in good hands =)

Peace.

b.

P.S. Thought I'd post a couple vids courtesy of MissInfo.tv X Okayplayer. The following is from the Okayplayer Holiday Jam. Why I post this up...? Probably has a connection/relation with this post (odd, I know), me, and for the love of Hip-Hop. I ain't rebelling...This just makes me happy and to know that I have this free-form expression, regardless; F@#* the rest...

A Picker-Upper...

2009-12-17T18:19:00.004-06:00

Currently reading this book. Half-way into it and I'm already feeling it's effects. I mean, this book is literally speaking to me...like this book is ME--the way I'm seeing life and faith. Not being bias or anything, but I feel like the author and I have some similarities, opinions, and beliefs, give or take a few, but this is a book that really sheds light on what I'm experiencing everyday, even my Christian faith, and life and society in general. So far, I'm really diggin' some the chapters that I've read (up to 10, so far) that are my favorite. I like how the author is just so straight-forward and just talks and writes from his mind, body, and sou; Funny and witty...and all that jazz (no pun intended). For a good read, pick this up...But, really, you don't really gotta take my word for it...

b.

Sandwiches - No Bull. Just Fillers.

2009-12-16T18:58:00.015-06:00

Photo: AP

Gyeah. Here we go...Looks like Christmas just came a little early, straight out of the corner from The Roots...with Late Night With Jimmy Fallon; They give you this special treat to enjoy...Sandwiches EP--basically, the sandwiches refer to those special jams in and out of commericals...Those fillers, ya dig? So, here's 22 of 1000 (of what ?uestlove has written) courtesy of ?uesto on Twitter x Okayplayer x It's All The Way Live.

>>>>Click, FREE, to download: Sandwiches EP

Once In A Lifetime
Sizuuuuuuuurpin
Head Slicer
Spain (ft. Chick Corea)
The Juice of Chicago
Baatin
Woman
Choir Fire
Teen Town
Cant Keep Headphones on Head
Red Toe Nail Bashing
Blinded By The Light (No Douche Here)
Caveman for Dennis Quaid
Wan Cook Soup
Someone Is Late To Dentist Appointment
I Get Lifted
Werewolf Barmitzvah
Like This Anna Torv
Breezin (ft. George Benson)
EvenzarahlikesTHISone
The Suits
Usher In That Choir

The Return Of Slum Village...

2009-12-15T09:01:00.007-06:00

It's been a hot minute since these fellas did there thang...Now there back with Villa Manifesto, digital EP OUT NOW on iTunes... Cop the EP. Don't BOOTLEG SLUM.

1. Starter
2. Nitro featuring Young RJ
3. Day Night
4. Money Right
5. Dope Man
6. Cloud 9 featuring Marsha Ambrosius

An Open House To Myself. (Part IV)

2009-12-14T16:11:00.016-06:00

(12.13.09)

Choice # 4 - Coming Clean: The Housecleaning Choice

O penly examine

>>>> and CONFESS my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.

Beattitude #4: "Happy are the pure in heart." (Matthew 5:8)

____________________

I think this is pretty much self-explanatory regarding the fact that you and I have felt or have the impurities of an unpure heart, letting go, guilt, and confessing what we've done wrong--consciously or unconsciously. It's difficult to COME CLEAN to others and yourself. It's also true that we try to rationalize and make excuses. I've done the same...

Out of the things that I have done in the past, or even today, the present, I would always have this overwhelming feeling of GUILT inside. Part of letting go is that you have to REALIZE and NOT RATIONALIZE your guilt.

My guilt has damaged myself and others. It messed up my confidence, relationships, and at times has kept me stuck in the past. The question really is...Do I still have new guilt or leftovers from the past that are still kept in me? Quite honestly, yes.

I haven't really expressed alot of my guilt. Most of it I have, but there's some guilt that I find hard for me to let out. Whether fear or just something that's too personal. I would want to express that guilt, but I always doubt it. Even though I'm happy and my life has changed around, it's the GUILT that still gets me. But I see, with that, as an on-going process to better oneself and to realize, actualize, and analyze what's up. I try everyday to better myself, and the guilt is still something I'm working on and hopefully will get over so this hurt won't be beating me up.

Some say that you can never be too honest. Really, though, you can be too honest and it comes with a price of HURT. But that's the way it is whether you like it or not. Better to be honest than to LIE, right? Lying hurts just alot more than honesty and truth because you are made as a FOOL, and the hurt and pain are instantly greater, whereas honesty and truth, you are realizing the pain firsthand and you start to understand. I am one of those...

Constant lying has brought me nowhere but hurt, guilt, and even trouble to myself and others, making a fool of myself and towards other people. But REALIZING more of GUILT and REALIZING more about MY OWN GUILT has brought me to face guilt, altogether, head-on and letting it all out. I understand the consquences, but at least it's not never. I'm up for it...

"We are only as sick as our secrets" ; "Revealing your feelings is the beginning of healing." (James 5:16)

_________________________

M ake time to begin your inventory
O pen your hearts and your mind
R ely on God's grace
A nalyze your past honestly
L ist both the good and bad choices and events in your life

My friend,

think of the past in terms

of those memories of events

and accomplishments

which are pleasant,

rewarding and satisfying.

The present?

Well, think of it in terms

of challenges and opportunities,

and the rewards available

for the application of

your talents and energies.

As for the future,

that is a time and place

where every worthy

ambition you possess

is within your grasp.

-Bruce Lee

The past is no more;

the future is not yet.

Nothing exists except

the here and now.

Our grand business is

not to see what lies

dimly at a distance,

but to do what lies

clearly at hand.

The Foreign Exchange Nominated For Grammy!

2009-12-14T16:01:00.003-06:00

The Foreign Exchange's Grammy nomination video from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

http://www.nicolaymusic.com/2009/12/the-foreign-exchange-earns-grammy-nomination-for-daykeeper-1.php

http://www.nicolaymusic.com/2009/12/star-news-wilmington-producer-nicolay-relishes-grammy-nomination.php

http://www.nicolaymusic.com/2009/12/the-foreign-exchange-on-their-grammy-nomination.php

She's Back...

2009-12-08T19:14:00.004-06:00

This was Tweeted numerous times yesterday...I just had to blog about it. Pretty excited...Click below to listen to the FULL track Soldier Of Love. This is most likely her brand new single (who knows, it might be unofficial) in 10 YEARS. I'm really feeling this track. Can't wait for her new LP to drop.

...Oh, and make sure to tell your parents that Sade is back...

http://www.soulculture.co.uk/blogs/new-music/sade-soldier-of-love-listen-here/

An Open House To Myself. (Part III)

2009-12-07T16:42:00.011-06:00

Choice 3 from John Baker's book Life's Healing Choices is The Commitment Choice: Letting Go.

C onsciously choose

>>>> to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.

Beattitude # 3: "Happy are the meek." (Matthew 3:5)

_______________________

Just as I started to read the first part of this Choice, I was instantly struck because I, too, am the same way. I felt a sense of guilt and shame that I have been on this crazy, bizarre ride to the "Cycle of Despair" (Guilt, Anger, Fear, and Depression). And the thoughts and feelings of commitment and letting go.

To be honest, this has been a difficult choice, but I am happy to note that it is slowly, but gradually diminishing because of this change I have that's making my life better. The change of bettering myself and my faith; To set examples and to be a role-model to others. I say it will be difficult because I believe that there will be certain situations in which it is very hard to let go, and with commitment, it makes it even harder. But my will to let go will eventually come to focus because you have to endure it, then accept it in order to let go. That's why my faith, alongside my maturity, has brought me back in track; To let go and commit to God.

In the past it's been difficult to let go and commit with those two different situations in my life, but I came to my senses and I learned to accept and freely express what I went through; Showing no fear. Letting go, commiting, and not being ashamed with myself to others because it is truth that everyone is not perfect and that everyone has or will be, or had experienced, problems and situations in their own lives.

Reading the 5 things that keep us from making the Third Choice (Letting Go) I am gradually having control over pride, guilt, fead, worry, and doubt. It's hard, but being calm and trusting my faith and myself, it quickly diminishes.

I find myself having to do the right thing and bettering myself as an individual and most importantly being a mature man. No that I am obligated to...not at all. Being in my mid-20's has taught me something and has brought me signs and a new meaning and perspective in life. Looking back at my own self, I look and think back on all the situations I've been and the things I did and I say that I'm glad I'm not the same that I was before; That I'm not like that anymore and I'm glad I did that because I believe you better yourself every single day and that you have to be better than you were before. I can say I AM better and being better than I was before...even yesterday.

Three-deep in the Choices, I've been feeling joy and happiness in my life recently all because of my new look in life and finding myself back in the faith of God. I'm greatful for my friends and blessed to have them besided me. It's been awhile since I have been completely happy in my life...and I know why =)

Moving forward; For the best and for the right reasons...

b.

More L.L.F...

2009-12-04T16:10:00.003-06:00

Here's a couple more videos from Lower Life Form via Rappers I Know...Peep...

Lower Life Form - "Jam Session" from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

A Must Have--Even For Those Who Ain't Down On The Real, Real...Tell 'Em...!

2009-12-03T17:04:00.008-06:00

Always

2009-12-03T17:03:00.003-06:00

I dig.

Muhsinah // "Always" - The Oscillations:Triangle from Rock Slinger Incorporated on Vimeo.

Art Basel 2009

2009-12-03T15:32:00.035-06:00

I'm a sucker for art. I love it. Especially these urban artists and their work, I have a crush on. YES. I said CRUSH; Wish I was at Art Basel...

Mac & Retna - Miami Mural: Art Basel
Thiago Rocha Pitta
Youth, 2007
Photograph
100 x 100 cm
by Galleria Millan
Meret Oppenheim
X-Ray, 1964/81
Silber gelatin print
40 x 30 cm
20/20 by Levy Hamburg
Nari Ward
West LiquorsouL, 2009 by Lehmann Maupin
Salon 94
Wangechi Gold #3, 2009
C-print
60 x 40 inches
Edition of 5 by Salon 94 Freemans Takashi Murakami
Warp, 2009
Acrylic on canvas mounted on board
300 x 234,4 x 5,08 cm
9.10 feet x 7.8 feet x 2 inches
Photo: Kaikai Kiki Studio staff
©2009 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Courtesy Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, Paris & Miami
Wayne Gonzales
Waiting Crowd, 2007 - 2008
Acrylic on canvas
127 x 152.4 cm
50 x 60 inches by Stephen Friedman Gallery
Wallace Berman
Untitled #87, c. 1964-76
Single negative photographic image
6 x 6 1/2 inches by Michael Kohn Gallery

http://www.artbasel.com/

Looks Like It's About To Happen...

2009-12-02T18:01:00.009-06:00

Pacquiao-Mayweather bout closer

By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com

The proposed super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is getting closer.

Mayweather agreed to terms for the welterweight title bout on Tuesday, multiple sources with knowledge of the negotiations told ESPN.com.

The proposed date is March 13, although there is a chance it could move to May 1, sources said. Mayweather, according to a source close to him, is OK with either date.

Pacquiao and Mayweather have fought recent bouts at catch weights. However if they complete their deal, the bout would be contested at 147 pounds, the maximum for a welterweight fight, a source said.

Top Rank's Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), was flying to the Philippines on Tuesday night to meet with Pacquiao and try to close his side of the deal.

Arum spent much of Tuesday getting open issues resolved in his negotiations with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who represents Mayweather, sources said. Once Arum was able to do that, he left for the Philippines and is expected back on Monday.

If the HBO PPV fight happens on March 13, it would force the tentative HBO PPV fight between light heavyweights Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins to move to another date. Hopkins and Jones both fight Wednesday and must win for their fight to go through.

The site for Pacquiao-Mayweather remains up in the air. There is interest from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to bring the fight to his new stadium. There is also interest from venues in Las Vegas, including the MGM Grand (which has hosted several Pacquiao and Mayweather fights), and the Superdome in New Orleans in hosting a fight many believe will break the all-time record for pay-per-view buys, which is the 2.44 million units sold for Mayweather's 2007 split decision victory against Oscar De La Hoya.

The fight moved front and center with heavy public demand for it following Pacquiao's dominant 12th-round knockout of Miguel Cotto to win a welterweight title on Nov. 14. The victory gave Pacquiao a title in a record-breaking seventh weight division and 1.25 million pay-per-view units.

Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs), who has won titles in five divisions, came out of a brief retirement in September to dominate Juan Manuel Marquez in a fight that generated 1.05 million buys.

Just a few days after Pacquiao's win over Cotto, Arum and Schaefer began negotiations.

One wrench in the talks was the date. Arum, Schaefer and HBO wanted to slot the fight on May 1. However, Pacquiao announced his candidacy for a congressional seat in the Philippines on Tuesday. With the election scheduled for May 10, it rules out a May 1 fight unless Pacquiao runs unopposed. Pacquiao lost the election for a congressional seat in 2007.

If Pacquiao-Mayweather isn't finalized, Arum has talked about matching Pacquiao with junior middleweight titlist Yuri Foreman, which would give Pacquiao an opportunity to win a title in an eighth division. Foreman defeated Daniel Santos to win a 154-pound belt on the Pacquiao-Cotto undercard.

Schaefer has talked about bringing Mayweather to England to match him with Matthew Hatton in the event Pacquiao-Mayweather isn't made. Hatton is the brother of Ricky Hatton, the former junior welterweight and welterweight titlist whom Mayweather knocked out in 2007.

Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com.

Source: ESPN.com
Article Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4705330&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

Fantastic Vol. 2.10

2009-12-02T16:13:00.007-06:00

10 Year Anniversary Edition. And I'm gettin' it! AGAIN.

01. Intro
02. Conant Gardens
03. I Don't Know (Featuring Jazzy Jeff)
04. Skit #1
05. Jealousy
06. Climax
07. Hold Tight (Remix) (Featuring Q-Tip)
08. Tell Me (Featuring D'Angelo)
09. Skit #2
10. Fourth & Back (Featuring Kurupt)
11. Untitled
12. Fall N Love (Original)
13. Get Dis Money
14. CB4
15. Once Upon a Time (Featuring Pete Rock)
16. Players
17. Eyes Up
18 2U 4U (Live Drums)
19. Hustle
20. Hustle (Featuring Busta Rhymes)
21. Go Ladies
21. SKIT #3
22. We Be Dem #1 (Bonus Track)
23. We Be Dem #2 (Bonus Track)
24. Get It Together (Bonus Track)

Introducing Lower Life Form

2009-12-02T15:59:00.007-06:00

Hold tight. I know it's been awhile since I posted up anything--I just came back on today and I'm feelin' like I need to--but I'll get on to more writing and other thangs, hopefully, soon. There's more to come out of me. But anyways, check out this tight group, Lower Life Form (via Rappers I Know)...

b.

Tell Me...Who IS Bobbito Garcia...?

2009-12-02T15:44:00.010-06:00

I spotted this vid posted on "For Products Of The Concrete Jungle" on Blogspot (via RubyHornetTV). Basically, this 13:36 video introduces who Bobbito Garcia is (for this who are in the know, er, who DON'T know, respectively saying...) and this dude is just about everything; who he is and what he does. Peep...Oh, just a little sidenote, the background beat playin' in the vid is pretty smoooooth, don't you think...?

RH TV: Who is Bobbito Garcia? from Ruby Hornet on Vimeo.

Stevie Cries For Mikey J...

2009-12-02T15:39:00.004-06:00

Wow.

R.I.P. M.J.--I KNOW MIKEY J. AIN'T DEAD...!

b.

The Return.

2009-12-02T15:36:00.003-06:00

Thought I'd throw this in just in case you people out there missed it...'Cause to tell you the truth, I'm excited...

http://twitter.com/bTilinfinity/statuses/6256530722

b.

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T16:01:00.004-06:00

Represent Red.

http://www.worldaidsday.org/

b.

An Open House To Myself. (Part II)

2009-11-30T19:07:00.015-06:00

Here's part 2 of what I had started doing once a week. Just to recap, I've been reading John Baker's book Life's Healing Choices in which there are 8 choices in relation to The Beattitudes found in The Bible in the book of Matthew chapter 5, which there are 8 beattitudes. If you haven't read it, go pick this up...It's worth your life! On the real...Lately, I've been strengthening myself by finding new focus and perspectives in my life; I've started to rely more in my faith and turning to it and finding out more about myself to live and be better, for myself and others...

And I still continue to persue what I had re-discovered...

____________________

(Here, Choice 2 deals the choice of Hope: getting Help. Again, what I write is strictly coming from me, personally, in all its raw glory...No b.s. Mind you, these collective writings were pre-written on the same day I read the book in which I write my thoughts and reflections with pen and notepad, then to my blog; These are my reflections and a look into my personal life...)

E arnestly believe that God exists.

>>>> That I MATTER to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

Beattitude #2: "Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:1)

Friends. Who doesn't love or care about them? Let alone have any? Well, I can say that I have very close, yet faithful, trustful, and the bestest and dopest of friends that life can buy because it's those, even those few that I can talk to, closely and personally, that I can rely on and to talk to...especially for help.

The friends that I have, now, are the friends that I had kept and those that I've met recently, we've established close ties, but that wasn't so in the past...

For I thought these were the friend's that I grew up with personally and always down to hang, turned out they've turned my backs on me because of something I never really did (disbelief)...I mean really. It's something that I wouldn't do at ALL! I still think that this whole situation/problem I had back then is really dumb, which later on led me to even more more problems. It was almost as if I've hit rock bottom. But for what? What was the mistake that I did to hurt others? But now...I'm blessed that that nightmare that I've confronted and tackled head on in the past has diminished...And I'm free as a bird...

Speaking of mistakes, I've had plenty and I've shared them with a handful of people that I've been friends with or just knew. My mistakes weren't minor. They were BIG. Major, serious mistakes that either emotionally or physically hurt that someone(s) in my past life. Sometimes those mistakes would be intentional because I thought they deserve it or if that someone has done me wrong, I would do the same. Sometimes, however, they would be unintentional, or be accidental, and I would think that I might have done or said something right, but later to realize I was wrong and mistaken taking the situation even further down hill and making it worse. I deeply and honestly apologize for what I've might've done to damage another human's emotions and reputation; that sh#* ain't right. I know. I knew the hard way. But thanks to the "hard way" and realizing and correcting my mistakes, I've better myself, now, to not make any of those same (or new) mistakes I've done. I'm blessed. I regret those mistakes, that's why my faith has started to spring back and hopefully my faith and faith in God will keep me in the right track in life.

Along with mistakes came to denials and pain. I've suffered greatly in two major situations in my life that turned my life upside down. Though they were totally different, both denial and pain were there...And they were HEAVY. Both had taken over and weighed me down in my life in general, and the closest person that I would talk to would be my Mom and my closest friends. But sometimes, it would be more towards my friends whom I was close to and rely on to talk and express myself on what I was feeling or dealing with. Don't get me wrong, I love my Mom...best Mom in the world! But when it came to understanding and comfort, my closest of friends were there to rely on..

The pain hurt. GREATLY. The denial, even probably close to the pain I was feeling and dealing with at those different times with those two situations. Denying it would be the same old ish every time and it would become habitual. Like the denying and lying would be like nothing; It was normal and okay, and that it didn't bother me. HA! Right...but it did...

I dealt with both denial and pain all by myself. As much as I can talk and express myself towards others, at the end of the day, I was dealing with ith myself because it was my own problem or fault. I mean, I believe in God--even back then--but I had my back completely turned and seeking God for comfort and help wasn't an option until the denial and pain completely buried and overtook me...Basically, that would be the ONLY time I'd seek God. I wasn't much of a prayer person, but it had to be done when it just was too much.

Fast-forward to now...Things have completely turned itself in a much positive note. I feel much alive and blessed. Like a completely renewed me. Faith has started to be more in my foundation than ever and it's becoming to be closer and stronger...

I wouldn't really call this a catastrophe. Rather, I'd call it more like a test, or maybe a challenge; A change, really. Losing our previous house was a big blow because we "felt the impact of our own choices" as a whole. But I never really thought of it much in a negative way, never really fronted about it, except the fact that we almost moved out of state to Houston, Texas. But thankfully we didn't. I believed that God was doing this to prove something to us as a family. We pulled through and look where we are now...I'm still here and we currently live in a house that we are renting; Not so much bigger than our previous house, but we're blessed. As a family, it taught us to be aware and make the right decisions. Yes, it was our fault, but ultimately God really put us to the test. As of now, we're tight was a fam and, again, living normal lives...

b.

****If you missed Part I, click here...

Black Star On Fallon

2009-11-27T15:47:00.003-06:00

It's history in the making...with "History." Peep...

http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Video-Black-Star-x-The-Roots-on-Latenight-w-Jimmy-Fallon.html

b.

The Day After...

2009-11-27T15:36:00.002-06:00

I'm just gonna go straight to the point...

I actually didn't eat TOO much. Nice. I had a little "food coma", but it wasn't bad. But that's not my point. As cliche as this is...I'm thankful for my Friends, Family, and Food. The 3 'f's'. Not to mention how far I've been in my life and those who inspire and influence me every single day. I'm still learning everyday...Doesn't everyone? But let's not forget those who are the less-fortunate people out there. This shouldn't be a reminder every Holiday Season. Rather, everyday, because we take things for granted and we forget the things that matter much more. Again, I thank you.

I'm thankful that I wake up every single morning...

b.

An Open House To Myself.

2009-11-25T18:05:00.038-06:00

I know I haven't posted up anything on this blog that's about me and my thoughts, feelings, and opinions, or anything personal, er, semi-personal...well, at least in awhile (or maybe...never...?) But now...it's about freakin' time that I did. And this time...it's PERSONAL. Well, sorta...

I just came to realize (recently) that my faith has been renewed, let alone, catching up to me...And it ain't half-bad...

The following, typed-up-in-all-its-raw-glory, entry is from a personal reflection I just wrote just awhile ago, today, while reading John Bakers book Life's Healing Choices. I highly recommend getting it and reading it. It's worth it for your life NEEDS it. I haven't gotten far in the book, except the First Choice, but I plan on gettin' on it every week, reading and writing; reflecting on it and myself. Anyways, this personal entry is a look of who I am as a person in its rawest, most natural and organic form, and all who may relate to this because...you guys are like that, too. No doubt. I mean, really...c'mon. ADMIT IT. You know that you're not ALL THAT GOOD. Right? RIGHT. Not necessarily what my case is, but we're all imperfect, but TRY to be. Know what I'm sayin'? There's no b.s. And I ain't being BIAS. I strictly wrote what I was thinking and feeling from my mind and heart onto pen and notepad, and just letting my thoughts and feelings go and flow on out. What's written down...is written down; fresh, raw, and...Brian. See, I ain't gonna really tell you what the book is about...you gotta pick that up and read it yourselves because it will talk to you and help you out. I'll spare the details. But it sure did with me.

So here it goes. I ain't backin' out of this now. And there's noooo way that I am, or will be, ashamed or embarrassed of this because I'm not hiding. I also don't care what you guys think or say--in a negative matter--because with that, you're just being inmature and childish. If you wanna say somethin' about it...go right ahead. Like 2Pac said, "I ain't mad at 'cha." So, without further-ado, heeeere weee go...

_________________________

(In John Baker's book Life's Healing Choices, the 1st Choice is the Reality Choice: Admitting need. This is what I had read. This is only the beginning of the book, but a start in somethin' new for me...)

R ealize I'm not God.

>>>> I ADMIT that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanagable.

Beattitude #1: "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." (Matthew 5:1)

I've had my own personal share of ups and downs. Well, more downs and ups, really. I would "hide" myself; cloak myself in denial. I would try to play it out in my head and think too much and I'd feel frustrated, nervous, and discouraged. At times, I would have trouble sleeping at night because of something(s) that would be or still be bothering me.

I'd always rely (or try to rely) on myself and tell myself that I can take care of all this, just to myself. No one else.

I feel a sense of comfort whenever I would call someone that is close to me...A close friend, really, who I can rely on and depend on, and talk about my situations and problems...But not God. Why not God? I should. I rarely, if never, pray (I should start that, too). I can honestly throw in, safe to say, that I am in NO WAY DEPRESSED. Just to get that straight and outta' the way. That sense of comfort of having someone to talk to, however, makes it all better. I would feel relieved, and the feeling of worriness drains out from me. But it would come back, and the emotions, feelings, and thoughts start to spring up again. UNMANAGABLE. But I do know that if I can, and do, seek and talk to God and pray, He can and will, ultimately, make me feel better; being at peace, being humble, and wise. Sorry close friends...but it's true. However, I do not. And yet I should...

I do feel happiness, as a whole, just recently, because of this person...I feel like I am loved again, not just me being me and my individuality, but because of who I had became lately--in a good way, folks, in a good way--and that my heart is filling up with the right feelings and thoughts. In the past, however, that wasn't so...For I thought I knew EVERYTHING off the bat and know what was right; distinguishing right from wrong...acting and feeling that every single thing I was doing or saying was fine. Uh, WHAT!? HELLO! NOPE, son. NOPE...I felt...STUPID. I felt foolish about myself. And ultimately I realized I was hurting myself and that someone. I was LYING to my own self and that someone. We both felt SELFISH with ourselves. I realized that this was not healthy--spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically--at all.

I would sometimes try to change or even control others...Telling myself they shouldn't do that, or that's wrong, etc. All those things we all say. But now I know that WE CANNOT CONTROL OR CHANGE PEOPLE. It's up to themselves whether or not they can control or change themselves for what's good, and hopefully, for what's not bad. With the right ingredients, it's possible...but with a big helpful hand of God; God can... But that's not up to me. People have to make those kind of choices and be able to learn self-cotrol. But now, I learn that I should not be able to control or change others.

I FULLY and COMPLETELY admit to what I am writing and this serves as both a testimony and confession about myself. I admit I have turned myself away from God, ever so turning to Him when I really feel (or need) Him the most. But really, I haven't turned to Him at all. I ADMIT THAT I AM NOT GOD. However, as I write this, I do believe that I need Him. I'm feelin' it. And so I truly believe and feel, though, that God has never given up on me nor turn Himself away from me, for God has much better plans for me...

Close friends, relationships, receiving great advice, and just talking to a close, trusted, and reliable someone about all your situations, dilemmas, and problems may all sound awesome...and we all know it's those we need...but it's really...TEMPORARY. They can only do so much. Our own selves can only do so much to help our own selves. But God, in the other hand, is PERMANENT and a well-trusted friend that does not GIVE UP from the get-go.

I recently find myself coming back to my faith and reading certain books of the Bible...and it feels good. I'm starting to understand more; opening my mind, body, soul, and heart to my faith more than I did before; getting to know God and what's goin' down with Him. Quite interesting. But I still stand firm about how to act and "how" to believe in my faith. I'm still more into the "softcore" kinda-stage of Christians...but that's just me. If you don't like it...well, tough. But that doesn't mean that I BELIEVE in Him.

We all cannot do this alone. We depend a little on ourselves, a little on others, with the right positive ingredients of thoughts, feelings, etc., and the plenty of helpings from God...and it's all good from there...

b.

The Find Mag X Mellow Orange X Organology Present...

2009-11-23T23:08:00.007-06:00

Download and tracklist after the click...
b.

Study Guide (L.E.) Wallpaper Contest...

2009-11-09T23:13:00.003-06:00

...At least I participated. Time to move on...

http://freddiejoachim.com/wp/2009/11/09/study-guide-wallpaper-giveaway-entries-and-winners/

b.

...Will Be Back...

2009-11-07T10:13:00.005-06:00

...Hopefully soon...and not NEVER...

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but there's NOTHING right now for me to post or blog about. Hopefully something will spark up that's worth posting....

I guess this is a break for a bit...

"We'll (well, I) be right back after these...uh, yeah..."

This blog is brought to you by the letter...B.

In the meantime, you can visit my blog @ beezwax-bt.blogspot.com

b.

...Um, Really...

2009-11-06T14:49:00.001-06:00

...What's with all the senseless and pointless violence recently...? REALLY...?

Ah, the ills of the World...

b.

Pacquiao On Kimmel

2009-11-04T19:55:00.002-06:00

This is great...

Zo! ...Just Visiting Too EP

2009-11-03T12:43:00.006-06:00

More from The Foreign Exchange fam...FREE DOWNLOAD (click cover...)

"The FE crew had this to say: "Working on this record has been a labor of love for everybody involved, and we hope it serves as a teaser for Zo's upcoming full-length "SunStorm," dropping next summer on FE Music. Enjoy the music, pass it around to a friend, and as always thank you for the support. We hope this record makes your transition into the holiday season much easier. Thank you for listening. One Love,"- 'Te and Nic

DJ Mza - A Sentimental Moodswing Vol. 1

2009-11-02T19:41:00.008-06:00

FREE DOWNLOAD (click album cover...)

The Plug Research CMJ Showcase

2009-10-31T10:18:00.003-05:00

Backstage at the Plug Research Showcase (Out Da Box TV Exclusive) from Cril on Vimeo.

B.T. & Mos - 75 Bars

2009-10-31T10:11:00.004-05:00

"Mikey J. Ain't Dead!"

2009-10-31T10:01:00.004-05:00

I haven't seen this ish, either...

b.

Autumnal Bliss

2009-10-29T14:32:00.024-05:00

Taking a longer way back home from class, I decided to do. Not for the heck of it...I just wanted to. I wanted to enjoy the surroundings around me, minus all the other crap that may be overlapping my view and obscuring my observations. I love the Autumn season. Steel gray clouds, feeling the cold air, while surrounded by warmth...the ever-changing colors of leaves from green to reddish-orange and yellow; life ever-so changing...being still, in preparation for the Winter season...

Like I said, taking the long way back home from class today, I just wanted to take an oppurtunity to absorb everything that the Autumn season brings. I really enjoy the colder seasons; something with the comfort and warmth of it all that brings the joy and happiness in me. I feel as if the stresses and depresses seem to fade away when it comes to Autumn. So, I'm driving around my area in Gurnee, Illinois (a suburb north of Chicago, for those who don't know where that is) just cruising and feeling the Autumn season, just vibin' out to, what I would call it, an "Autumn Mix" that I prepared just before I left the crib to head off to school, I'm observing, as I drive slow, the change in what Autumn has always brought...trees, leaves, the clouds, the horizon, the beautiful contrast of colors, the animals preparing for the cold season; there's a stillness, a fall, a change unlike any other season that just makes me feel so good inside. Along with all this, I'm listening to some Freddie Joachim beats, perfect for this season. It just set the mood just right; driving slow, taking in all the Autumn changes...It's comforting. This is why Autumn is my favorite season (minus too much rain). The cold seasons. Especially the Autumn night, when the sky is clear and filled with stars with the nippy air hitting your face. It's a stillness, a refresher, a calmness, and surrounding yourself with warmth all over is what Autumn is...and then some--that'd be the right kind of music to set off the perfect mood to match the Autumn season...

Peace and love,

Freddie Joachim - Autumn Rain

Freddie Joachim - Late Nights

Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!

2009-10-28T20:58:00.001-05:00

Hate to ruin this for you...but I AM NOT, AND NO NEED, A HALLOWEEN FIEND. Sorry, folks. Thank you.

b.

Vids

2009-10-28T14:49:00.006-05:00

J.Rocc spins NEW MADVILLAIN (radio rip). EXCLUSIVE!

Premo on the 1's-and-2's with Black Thought, Mos Def, and Eminem; FREESTYLE via BET...

BET freestyle/cypher 2008...

b.

Melanie Fiona "Subway Series" (Canada)

2009-10-27T15:57:00.002-05:00

I'm Feelin' Some Saadiq...

2009-10-27T10:35:00.002-05:00

Still Bill Doc Trailer

2009-10-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

Still Bill Trailer from B-Side Entertainment on Vimeo.

WonLover

2009-10-26T20:44:00.007-05:00

...Pump LOVE through my veins...
From time-to-time, well, really...almost all the time, I think of my WonLOVE...
Where she is...not so sure. YET.
But by the time I fade out from what I enjoy, maybe she'll be found to be my WonLOVE.
A LOVE to support, a LOVE to care, A LOVE to give LOVE from the soles of my feet to the very tips of my hair; to be my WonLOVE. Not sure who you will be, but maybe we might've met, probably even talked on the phone; Ready...set...

b.

New Music

2009-10-26T17:31:00.004-05:00

I've been on a hiatus for about a week now on this here blog of mine--my bad for the lack of posts--but I guess I needed it...and then some...But I'll be back; just had to post this up so a) I can share it with you, and hope that you'll check these out and b) so I won't forget the names of the albums to get...more so the second reason, however...

Anyways, lately I've been on a music frenzy just listening to some new joints I've purchased and some other new ish that I'm still diggin' and worth getting my hands on; I gotta say though, iTunes has been a big help--not saying that I LOVE iTunes (iTunes still sucks...for a number of reasons...) but it has helped me find other music that I've never even heard of or music that I can't get my hands on...Props to iTunes; but you still SUCK, but much love to ya'. Thought I'd arrange a list of some new music that I think is worth getting...

- Green Tea - Places + Spaces
- Crown City Rockers - The Day After Forever
- Sene - ADayLate&ADollarShort (album produced by Blu aka GODlee Barnes)
- Fashawn - Boy Meets World (album produced by Exile)
- Melanie Fiona - The Bridge
- Vinroc - Beat Freaks (Vinstrumentals)
- Del The Funky Homosapien & Tame One - Parallel Uni-Verses
- Where The Wild Things Are (movie soundtrack)
- DJ Day - The Day Before

b.

L.I.A.B. 1 Year Strong...And A CLASSIC...

2009-10-19T17:02:00.002-05:00

This never disappoints...

Kweli LIVE On Noisemakers + Noisemakers EP

2009-10-19T15:46:00.006-05:00

First Premo, then ?uestlove, and Q-Tip...now Talib. Coming LIVE this Wednesday, October 21st @92YTRIBECA in N.Y. With Peter Rosenberg as host, with J. Period & The Noize on the tunes. This is one for Kweli...COME OUT! Plus, J. Period has put together the Noisemakers EP which features 3 exclusive new remixes and freestyles. The EP also has an advanced preview of J. Period's upcoming mixtape project with Reflection Eternal (coming soon). Click flyer for FREE download...

b.

Sigh...Another Day...

2009-10-19T10:31:00.004-05:00

I'm kinda' feelin' in-and-out of it today. Not sure why I'm feelin' like that...but anyways...

Had a long weekend full of...fun, really. Caught up with some dope records I finally got my hands on and uploaded them to my iPod. Gyeah.

I'm keeping this short...too lazy to write a blog post that's lengthy with details, but an ill--and tired--weekend, no less. Here's too another week coming...

b.

So, That Birthday Present...

2009-10-16T23:43:00.008-05:00

...that the girls gave me...It was actually a nice surprise. Hilarious! But a really nice surprise present. Got me all anticipated and hyped about it, haha. Got another iTunes gift card from all the girls, too! Thanks, girls! =)

b.

Melanie Fiona "Subway Series" (N.Y.C.)

2009-10-15T20:17:00.003-05:00

Spotted this on Okayplayer...This is pretty fresh...DROP THE LP ALREADY...! The Bridge is due Novemeber 10th (hopefully this is the last push-back...)

b.

The Movie And The Soundtrack

2009-10-15T15:46:00.003-05:00

I so want to watch this...among the other movies I've missed, hehe...The soundtrack is AMAZING, too...

b.

So Blu's On A Beat Tip...

2009-10-15T12:28:00.005-05:00

Word up. Blu has been on the production tip for a little while now, and this time he has entirely produced Sene's album via Shaman Work Records titled ADayLate&ADollarShort. Blu goes by the moniker GODlee Barnes, by the way...Just in case ya'll didn't know that. I honestly haven't heard of Sene at all. This is actually the first time I've heard of this emcee, but definitely one to check out. Sene's LP dropped this past Tuesday...I'm gonna have to check that out. I mean, it's produced by Blu! Below is a video from one of Sene's tracks off the album that stands-out, among others. This is "WonLover"--Peep...

Sene - WonLover Official Music Video produced by Blu from Brooklyn Sene on Vimeo.

One For THAT Brotha'...

2009-10-14T15:50:00.009-05:00

Everything's been pretty much smooth sailing with me lately (minus the whole phone thing...boo) and I've been in a great mood...But sometimes...certain things DO have to give, whether better or for worse. I guess it's change...Personally, to me...this is more bittersweet/sad; a surprise, really, and I'm talking personally about my brother, John Ordonia. Recently, he's been stuck in a HUGE rut facing the fact that he can't go to school or work anymore...AND facing the fact that he can't stay in the States any longer...I can't imagine how this is effecting him or even how he's feelin'. Well, maybe I sorta can...but still; I'm connected to that brotha', man! Definitely gonna miss this dude...and I'm so sure that Cherry will also, no doubt.

So, I know that you have a limited time here in the States here, man...sorry that you can't stay here. Sucks to even hear that. I know you've been promoting and pitching yourself to get your butt to stay here, and it sucks that it didn't go through how you wanted, let alone how I wanted, too. You've done some really big things, bro and I'm glad that I've joined the ride with you--I mean, I actually let you LIVED in my house before...What kinda' brotha' does that?? Thanks for ridin' with me even when things got a little rough and rugged. I just thought this would never happen...But you know, you never know WHAT will happen. I know it's going to be a HUGE change for you...but I know you'll even do MORE greater things wherever you end up and whatever you do. I'm actually writing this 'cause this post is one for YOU. Stay true and real...Keep it steady and fresh, bro. Miss you man. Much love to you. It's not just me that's going to miss you, man...EVERYONE here that you know is going to miss you. Sucks, dude. Wish you could've stayed.

Peace and love, bro...

b.

Shafiq Husayn EPK 1 Of 7

2009-10-14T15:15:00.003-05:00

Spotted on Okayplayer, Plug Research has put out a 7 part EPK video series taking you behind the scenes of Shafiq's debut LP Shafiq En' A-Free-Ka to help promote the album. The album is out now and digitally. Here's part 1...

Shafiq En' A-Free-Ka EPK I from Plug Research on Vimeo.

Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love Video

2009-10-14T10:51:00.005-05:00

Shot and filmed with dope visuals...

...Next On My List...?

2009-10-13T12:38:00.009-05:00

Today is another handful of releases, being it Tuesday--hopefully finding some good records today up for grabs. But this is one record that I've been eyeing on; drops on October 20th, + I've read that there are also online bonus tracks. The record I'm talking about is Fashawn's debut LP titled Boy Meets World...And guess what? It's ENTIRELY produced by Exile (YAY!) with guests like Blu, Evidence, and Aloe Blacc, just to name a few...This one is definitely on my radar and I'm coppin' it when this drops...Above is the album cover; below is the official tracklist, including the bonus tracks...Peep.

01 Intro
02 Freedom
03 Hey Young World f. Aloe Blacc & Devoya Mayo
04 Stars
05 Life As a Shorty f. J Mitchell
06 The Ecology
07 Our Way f. Evidence
08 Why
09 Samsonite Man f. Blu
10 Father
11 Sunny CA f. Co$ & Mistah F.A.B.
12 Bo Jackson f. Exile
13 Lupita
14 When She Calls
15 Boy Meets World

Online Bonus Tracks:

The Score f. Planet Asia
Breathe f. Bravo
Outer City

Birthday Present Via Mail...

2009-10-12T23:48:00.005-05:00

...Still pending. Apparently, the girls all pitched in for my birthday present (according to Camille saying that it's BIG) they said they all bought me...and I have to wait for it in the mail. And so I wait...

Thanks, Camille, Amri, and Ashley!

b. Maybe then my birthday will offically end. 'Til next year, folks...Catch you on the next one...

Cubbies On Chapter 11 Protection

2009-10-12T21:22:00.005-05:00

Cubs file for bankruptcy protection to speed up sale

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday, a step that will allow their owner to sell the baseball team in an $845 million deal.

The filing in Wilmington, Del., was anticipated and is expected to lead to a brief stay in Chapter 11 for the Cubs. A hearing was scheduled for Tuesday in front of the judge who has been handling the bankruptcy of the Cubs' owner, Tribune Co.

The Cubs' filing is part of the Tribune Co.'s plans to sell the team, Wrigley Field and related properties to the family of billionaire Joe Ricketts, the founder of Omaha, Neb.-based TD Ameritrade.

Read more here...

Birthday Hangover/Recap...

2009-10-11T15:32:00.015-05:00

Seems like there's been a lot of other birthdays in the month of October besides John and I. But I'm telling you...HANDS DOWN, THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! EVEREVER! If you weren't there (don't worry, I ain't mad at cha') you missed out...! But according to the girls...I guess my birthday ain't over yet...I gotta wait until tomorrow to find out what's up...And so the anticipation is lingering and building up ever-so slowly...

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25 Birthdays And Runnin'...

2009-10-10T11:16:00.007-05:00

Gyeah, son. Cue "Tricky" and vibe out to some De La; good people, good food, and call that a birthday run...25 years and runnin'...

FOR EVERYONE THERE BEHIND THE SCREENS, I THANK YOU FOR THE GREETINGS AND THANK YOU FOR SO MUCH MORE; THE GREAT PEOPLE I COME IN CONTACT WITH WHENEVER AND WHEREVER, TO GOD--MOST HIGH, MY PARENTS, EXTENDED FAM FROM THE CHI OUT TO THE OTHER COUNTRIES--STATESIDE, CITYWIDE; THE DOPEST AND CLOSEST PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE WITH ME SINCE I MOVED TO THE 'BURBS 12 YEARS AGO...AND STILL HOLD IT DOWN 'TIL THIS DAY WITHOUT GIVIN' UP ON A BROTHA'--SALUT.

SPECIAL SHOUTS GO TO: THE YOUNGER BROTHA'S FROM ANOTHA MOTHA': JOHN ORDONIA AND J.R. MAMING. LOVELE--WHERE YOU AT? MISS YOU...BUT THANKS TO YOU TOO. I APPRECIATE YOU ALOT. CAMILLE--THANKS FOR HOLDIN' IT DOWN. THAT'S SWEET...'TIL WE MEET AGAIN =). AMRI--YOU'RE A REALLY NICE PERSON INSIDE AND OUT. GLAD THAT I'VE MET YOU AND BECOME GOOD FRIENDS, THANK YOU. CHERRY--THANKS FOR TALKS ON THE PHONE AND BEING SO UNDERSTANDING. DIANA--I KNOW YOU'RE STILL OUT THERE SOMEWHERE...BUT I CAN'T FORGET TO SHOUT YOU OUT, TOO. THANK YOU. LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE SECOND FAM: LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

PEACE AND LOVE TO YOU AND YOURS...

LOVE, B.

Pre-Birthday Greeting With De La Soul

2009-10-09T22:03:00.006-05:00

This is dope! De La LIVE in Paris, France at Jazz a la Villette. Rockin' it fo' sho' in a sure shot...

b. 2 more hours...

Trippin' At The Disco With P.U.T.S.

2009-10-09T15:21:00.003-05:00

FUN-KAAYY!!

...And Another One Bites The Asphalt.

2009-10-09T15:02:00.002-05:00

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize!?

2009-10-09T09:11:00.008-05:00

I'm quite surprised myself...

In a surprise, Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

AP (Associated Press)

By KARL RITTER and MATT MOORE, Associated Press Writers Karl Ritter And Matt Moore, Associated Press Writers – 6 mins ago

OSLO – President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

Nobel observers were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in the Obama presidency, which began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama woke up to the news a little before 6 a.m. EDT. The White House had no immediate comment on the announcement, which took the administration by surprise.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided not to inform Obama before the announcement because it didn't want to wake him up, committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland said.

"Waking up a president in the middle of the night, this isn't really something you do," Jagland said.

Read more here...

Poor Man's "Bruce Wayne" Day Ride

2009-10-08T22:11:00.007-05:00

If I was like a Bruce Wayne, this would be my ride...in VIP Style no less...

Photos courtesy of speedhunters.com

b.

=)

2009-10-08T20:53:00.006-05:00

My Dad had a Subaru years ago, before I was born. Three-door hatchback in Blue. If my Dad had one, I want one myself...in Black. WRX hatchback or sedan. That's why my Dad is cool. Sorry all you Lan EVO owners...but I prefer a Subby any day...

You can watch here, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ48NQjouoE&feature=player_embedded

You can watch here, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkNzkutTiGs

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The REAL Driving Simulator

2009-10-08T20:37:00.007-05:00

Watch it here, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWHnfm3LN4Q&feature=player_embedded

CLIMB ATTACK from Will Roegge on Vimeo.

Watch it here, too: http://vimeo.com/5807059

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October Borndays

2009-10-08T09:44:00.007-05:00

The guy to the left of me, it's his birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. The other guy to the right of him, that's me. Mine isn't 'til Saturday...
b.

P.U.T.S. Gets "Carried Away" To OM Records

2009-10-07T13:48:00.007-05:00

Thes One & Double K come back home to OM October 13th

FREE Download: P.U.T.S. - Hit The Top

Pretty Purdie

2009-10-07T13:29:00.008-05:00

I've been drumming now for almost 11 years, and I've got a few drummers on my list as favorites; Pretty Purdie is absolutely one of them. When I first heard the title track of Soul Drums, I was instantly hooked to drumming. PERIOD. Because of this! The rest is history... Fast-forward to 2009, I'm STILL drumming, even though I have various drumming styles and my own original style, Bernard Purdie is still one of many drummers that influence me in my drumming. Now...I'm even more excited that Purdie is actually re-issuing his debut LP Soul Drums on Green Street Entertainment for the first time on CD and on digital format. It will also include 8 bonus tracks which happen to be unreleased tracks from Bernard's "lost" sophomore LP Alexander's Rag Time Band. The re-release of Soul Drums is set to drop next Tuesday, October 14. Below is the tracklist complete with the 8 bonus tracks...

Tracklisting

1. Soul Drums

2. Bee 'N' Bee

3. Caravan

4. Soul Bossa Nova

5. Jimmy's Back

6. Funky Donkey

7. Bill's Groove

8. On The Outskirts Of Minitown

9. Testifyin'

10. Modern Jive

11. Blow Your Lid (But Watch Your Cool)

BONUS TRACKS

12. Alexander's Rag Time Band

13. Fickle Finger of Fate

14. Genuine John

15. Soul Clappin'

16. Groovin'

17. If You Never Cry

18. Stop

19. Time is Tight

Arnel Pineda And Journey

2009-10-06T19:50:00.005-05:00

Wow. This makes me want to go back and listen... Shouts to Oprah on this one...

http://beatcrave.com/2009-10-05/journeys-arnel-pineda-rocks-out-with-oprah/

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Update On 25 For 25 Compilation Mix Project...

2009-10-06T16:00:00.011-05:00

...So I had this idea of making a self-reflective compilation journalizing my own life; letting the music speak to itself, to you guys...finding out who I really am as an individual (see this post for more info...). This whole idea of starting this idea/project/concept came to mind about 2 months ago...

So what's the news on it...? Well, I haven't even started on it! I've been busy with other things and I just thought of a few tracks here and there that popped into mind...but haven't done ANYTHING at all! Hopefully soon I'll get to work on it...AND I MEAN COMPLETELY WORK ON IT. Getting PRODUCTIVE. START TO FINISH. However, I did think of changing it a little; I realize that I won't be able to put it on CD-R (THEY WON'T FIT)...Thought I'd send it digitally, FREE to download. Another thing is that I'll mix it up with Hip-Hop, Jazz, and other genres instead of just mainly Hip-Hop like I said before in the previous post. Yeah, that's what's up with that. Oh, I almost forgot, I also decided I'll be using this photo of me for an album cover and the tracklisting all in one. Nothing too elaborate or anything...just thought I'd keep things simple. What's important is the content...and YOU, the listener. That matters to me.

I'm gonna have to postpone it for now...

'Til now, hold tight...

b.

The F.E. - I Wanna Know Video X Q-Tip - Life Is Better Ft. Nora Jones Video

2009-10-06T15:49:00.006-05:00

The Foreign Exchange - ''I Wanna Know'' from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

2 Wheels, 1 Guy - Let's RIDE!

2009-10-05T16:53:00.017-05:00

As you may know already, I've sold my old mountain bike at a recent garage sale that was held at my crib. Some of you were asking why I sold it...Well, I was wanting to get a another one, but something that suited my taste and personality...and something more...I guess...mature. And a bike to just cruise around with; I'm looking at bicycles with a city flare to it--a fixie, single speed, thin tires, hmm...a road-racer sorta bike. Oh, and of course, it's gotta be a) Cheap! Around $300 or under $400 is PERFECT! b) Light-weight framed and c) Comfortable to sit and ride so I can endure those long types of rides...Gyeah. Basically it in a nutshell...

But I'm facing a little dilemma...I NEED HELP LOOKING FOR THAT RIGHT BIKE FOR ME. I'll be honest, I'm pretty new to the bike culture...Trying to get used to and learn all that lingo that's behind the bikes and all that jazz...And I'd love to ride again--beats driving my car almost daily. I just want to do something different. Anyways, does anyone out there know what brands and types that would work and suite for me? I'm talking about people who are really knowledgable or is a professional that know bicycles...not just any average person out there. I want the real deal! As of now, I'm just looking...so maybe in the future I'll be looking to purchase that right bike for me so I can head out and cruise...

Here are some bikes that I was looking at courtesy of the 'Net (and to help you guys see where I'm gettin' at here...)

This Schwinn Racer 2010 fits perfectly in my budget--under $300...not bad; swap the factory riser bar for a ergo drop bar, say, a dope lookin'/stylish color; maybe swap the brakes for disc up-front, and BLADOW! Ready to ride!
SE Lager Matte Black. I'd do a Matte Black with a yellow, orange, or pink accents/trim...Of course with matching color rims. Yum...!
Raleigh Rush Hour 2009
This is one smooth, mean lookin' Giant Bowery '84 model; I'm kinda liking this bike...
b.

P.S. This blog post will be on-going since I'll be learning the ropes of it all and when the day I FINALLY get to have a bike of my liking; expect more in the coming future...

Word, Word.

2009-10-03T08:58:00.005-05:00

Definitely a week from today...
b.

Late Pass: Robert Glasper

2009-10-02T15:54:00.012-05:00

Man...I totally forgot about this dude. I even have his LP! (In My Element) But now, I forgot he even dropped another one. Definitely MORE is not LESS, in my case. Too many records in my collection, too many releases, and so, less of what I'm hearing about... But thought I'd share some audio off his brand new LP Double Booked and something from his other album off In My Element... If you're a Jazz cat, you'll enjoy these...

Downtime - Robert Glasper Trio

F.T.B. - Robert Glasper
b.

Back To The Archives - Sweet Notes (Pt. 1: Random Lovelys)

2009-10-02T15:12:00.034-05:00

I hit you up with an introduction, now comes the real deal...

More to come, soon...

My Pop is still cool, calm, and collected; laid-back as usual...
I didn't know they came to Waukegan. Or even knew of the place..nor I knew they had family friends that live there...!
She's married to a lucky man... Sorry guys.
Notice it's signed "Mom" at the end...Now look at the date above...Was this a sign for things to come...Like ME for instance...?
My Pop is a Macguyver, he knows what's up...
...See, I told you.

Photos: circa July 21, 1978, June 1981, and February 12, 1982

It's because they are who they are, individually and as a lovely couple, that these two had earned the right to love and marry. They were brought up hard, but in a tight-knit family that were close and supportive. They saw the day when this was going to happen...and now fast-forward 20-30 plus years in, I'm in the picture and they are still married to this day...

As funny as these photos and little written notes are, it's the thought, love, and care that counts.

Rap Pioneer Mr. Magic Dies

2009-10-02T11:35:00.005-05:00

Man! And I was just listening to some classic Rap ish I popped in my CD player that had a Mr. Magic track playin'! What a low-blow...R.I.P.

By Nolan Strong

Legendary DJ Mr. Magic has died from a heart attack, AllHipHop.com has confirmed with various sources.

Mr. Magic was a legendary DJ who debuted in 1979 on a pay-to-play broadcast on WHBI 105.9's "The Mr. Magic Disco Showcase."

In 1983, he launched "Mr. Magic's Rap Attack," in New York City which featured a young DJ Marley Marl in addition to future Co-Chillin Record label owner Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams.

Mr. Magic, born John Rivas, was also a co-founder of the legendary Hip-Hop collective The Juice Crew, which featured Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Marley, Marl, MC Shan, Craig G., Kool G. Rap and Masta Ace.

Mr. Magic’s radio show influenced countless of artists, ranging from rappers like Tupac Shakur, KRS-One, Biggie Smalls, Nas, Eric B. and Rakim, DJ Premier and countless others.

“He paved the way for all radio stations that ever did mix shows,” DJ Premier said via his blog. “Also sparked the career of Boogie Down Productions due to the diss he showed when they came to shop their demo to him and was turned away which then sparked “South Bronx” and “The Bridge is Over.”

Mr. Magic was featured as a DJ on 2002’s Grand Theft Auto’s fictitious radio station Wildstyle Pirate Radio.

Voting Bid For Chicago 2016 Today

2009-10-02T09:33:00.020-05:00

With that, I actually signed up today to be a volunteer and pledged my support for Chicago. Just waiting for more information about the volunteer thangy-thang via E-mail...

IOC votes for 2016 Olympic host
AP (Associated Press)

By JOHN LEICESTER, AP Sports Writer John Leicester, Ap Sports Writer – 7 mins ago

COPENHAGEN – Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid made final pitches to the International Olympic Committee to be selected later Friday as host of the 2016 Olympics, with President Barack Obama and Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pitting their star power against each other in emotional pushes for their cities.

Rio and Chicago's presentations were particularly impassioned. Obama and his wife Michelle both talked about their childhood, while Rio urged the IOC's members to be bold by taking the games to South America for the first time.

Read more here...

****UPDATE: Chicago out; Rio, Madrid still in race for 2016 Olympics (Click to read more)

****UPDATE 2: Rio is selected as the site of the 2016 Olympics (Click to read more)

What's Done Is Done. Is DONE.

2009-10-01T20:29:00.016-05:00

I'm letting out things inside me that I never had let out before; maybe I have, to a couple of people...but probably, never, if hardly. I feel like I'm done with what I've done; mistakes, accidents, faults, blames...DONE. I want to move and look forward. I'm starting to... I want to apologize for what I did to hurt myself or to others...I know it might be too late, but better late to apologize than never. I've let those people down; I even let myself down...so many times before. I don't want that. Not anymore. I'm gradually getting to be who I am...ever so slowly, but I'm getting there. Wise and humble. Patience...I'm missing those elements, but I'm ever so growing with them and finding them as I learn and experience what's here for my life...And what I don't need (or need anymore) in my life. I'm sorry; Myself and those others...Hope there's forgiveness there...

I'm not the best in expressing my spiritual self. I know that. But I at least try... It's not that I don't believe that God exists...I just feel comfortable how I express my religion. Maybe I'm shy, maybe I'm not...But I express my religion how I want to express my religion and spiritual self. But it's that zone when I play God's drums, it's when I really feel the Spirit... That's when I can feel Him. The Presence. That's awesome... I'll be straight-up, I know I may not follow the religion well how God wants me to follow, but I never dare to forget or let go of what's important. Besides, you can't shake it off...or He can't shake you off. God really does wonderful things...

Inside I'm letting things out...but things that I've let out before. Before there was pain, anger, sadness, hurt...the whole nine yards... Now, there will be happiness and a smile; Wisdom and being humble. Making myself feel good...making others feel good. I'm trying my best. I want to be my best against myself that was before. It's actually working... I'm my best when I fully express myself...Whether it be what I'm good at, talent, or interest...or even just being myself... Not ashamed to say things...or to be shy. Gotta be full-on with that. It's moving forward that's great and moving back...shoot, I'm glad there's no such thing is that. Can't reverse time and actually move backward. That'd be wack! Definitely looking forward...To greater things...

I want to be better than I was yesterday...

Over and out.

b.

Back To The Archives - Sweet Notes (Introduction)

2009-10-01T17:54:00.024-05:00

I pretty much exhausted all the other photos for the other "Back To The Archives" segment on Facebook since I first got on it 7 months ago. Thought I was done? NOPE. I'm telling you...there's LOTS MORE where those came from, thanks to Mom.

This next segment, I decided, was going to be all these 'sweet notes' (which I like to call them) that were written on the back of all these other photos I dug up in my Mom's collection of old photos way back when. All these little notes/memos were either written from my Dad to my Mom, or from my Mom to my Dad--it was like the ORIGINAL, ORIGINAL 'social-networking site, much like Twitter, ha! These hand-written notes just had these little sweet messages to them and what-not or like a "here's what I'm doing" kinda thang going on as I flip from the message to the image related to it. I thought I'd share them to you for a reason...It's all about the love, relationship, celebration, and just spending time with each other and enjoying each others company and whether near or far...they're always still close some how...That's the message and significance that I'm trying to convey and just a look back 20-some-odd-years...or more! It's where memories live...

Look out for more, soon...

My Dad rocked a Subaru. He didn't care what YOU drove. He didn't want to buy just an ordinary car. This sucker was one of its kind. On-board AWD, son! AND it was a 4-speed. My Dad was ahead of his time. He's cooler than YOUR dad.
...It was because of this, why my Mom married him. Gyeah.
Photo: circa June 1981

b.