The Roots’ drummer Questlove is doing a six part essay series entitled, When the People Cheer: How Hip-Hop Failed Black America for Vulture. Even as The Roots gracefully slide into their third decade as a relevant cultural force, Quest questions hip-hop’s sustainability. How can rebellious music or a movement be mainstream? How can it remain both popular and meaningful? He uses Kendrick Lamar as an exception to the rule in order to prove that, as an artist, you either have to be one …
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Sculptor of ill otherworldly wooden animals, AJ Fosik opened a show in Tokyo, Japan at The Hellion Gallery last week. He gave 12 of his hand crafted animals to 12 Japanese artists to paint as they see fit. The artists included Yoshi 47, Ryuichi Ogino, Imaone, Hiro Kurata, Usugrow, Shohei, Tadaomi Shibuya, Madsaki, Nigamushi, Kaz, Mhak, and Koichiro Takagi. If your in the land of the rising sun, the show is up through May 11th. hpgrp Gallery Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Jingumae 5-1-15 CH …
Narco Cultura (2013) takes a look at the growing popularity in Mexico and U.S. of narco drug cartel influenced music “narco corridos”, narco themed action films, and the devastating effects of the drug war on the other side of the border in Mexico. The documentary’s central subjects are Edgar Quintero a LA based narco corridos singer of the band Buknas de Culiacan, and Richi Soto a crime scene investigator in Mexico. The music of narco corridos sounds like Mexican folk music mixed with gangsta rap lyrics sung …
Blueprint is getting stupid personal on his Respect the Architect LP. The single “Silver Lining” is a tour of his history. Blue directed the video; a montage of family photos, and past show footage. He paints a bittersweet picture of himself that practically leaves fingerprints on the screen. His solo album 1988 (2005) is highly recommended. It’s a conceptual classic ode to a year in hip-hop considered by some to be more innovative than the Golden Era. Respect the Architect …
Radio show Breakbeats & Rhymes on community radio KPFK 90.7 in LA did an interview from 2012 with rapper, producer Lord Finesse (D.I.T.C.) and rapper Percee P (Stones Throw Bio). In the interview they reminisce over coming up as young artists back in late 80’s and early to mid 90s, different projects they were involved with, other artists of their era they’ve worked with, and their rivalry on wax. Lord Finesse and Percee P also commented on the state of Hip-Hop …
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