Monday, 17 January 2011

SB.TV x Trapstar Cypher



Cypher recorded by the SB.TV crew, at the Trapstar London store. The cypher features Skits, Nate, Ash Catch'Em & Shadez The Misfit. Who impressed you the most?

Thursday, 13 January 2011

Thursday Thoughts - Concerts & Shows

This week my good friend @AbzPapes and I were one of the few lucky people who did not end up spending my Monday evening watching EastEnders or Crawley vs Derby.

J Cole

As we managed to get a pair of Drake tickets before they sold out. Upon arriving at Hammersmith I saw a long queue of fans eagerly waiting for the doors to open, some with posters others singing his songs. The show was intense and full of good vibes. It kicked of by J. Cole taking to stage and warming up the crowd with tracks of "Friday Night Lights". Before his set ended and left fans with mainstream single "Who Dat". At this point fans where more than ready to see the man they had lining up for in the cold (some longer than others).

The lights dimmed, voices rose and Drake took to the stage like a man with a point to prove. Commanding the stage and performing songs from "Thank Me Later" as well as hook's and verses he featured on for other artist's such as Rick Ross' "Aston Martin Music" and Timbalands' "Say Something". Come to think of it, he performed a catalogue of music, and had me singing along for quite a long time.

Drake










As I reflected on the show and other artists that I had seen prior to this I thought to myself I thoroughly enjoy their shows and genuinely have a very good time. Also, that seeing an artist live allows people to see them in a different light when compared to seeing them in music video's or documentaries. Some might say they have the chance to actually connect with the artist.


That being said I have promised myself to get to more shows and concerts if I like the artist. Looking at this year's calender I will be going to see Wiz Khalifa in May, and I might just find myself at  one of Ne-Yo's tour dates which will feature Trey Songz and Chipmunk next month.

What do you prefer seeing the artist live, or catching everything on YouTube a few days hours later?

Corporate Thugs





They even paint people's houses and shops with the logo and featuring the company's colours. No cost, just a really good paint job which works out as great publicity and high visibility for their company. 

Pics were obviously taken, guerilla style. Forgive me.

Thursday, 6 January 2011

Thursday Thoughts - My Year End List

 Since its the first Thursday of 2011, and we have been slacking lately (apologies), I present to you my list of all things good and bad in 2010. Mostly music related with a little bit of fashion and popular culture added into the Gumbo pot. Don't judge me.

Mixtape of The Year: Wale - More About Nothing

A lot of people will probably go for J Cole's Friday Night Lights, which was brilliant to be honest, but offered nothing new on two counts, subject matter and what we have come to expect. I have heard about Wale for a long while, but this mixtape opened my eyes, impressive beat selection, several stellar verses and the various topics he touches upon. On top of that,  with all the Seinfield excerpts, making that sitcom seem humorous to me, is an achievement in itself.

Below one of the standout cuts, in which he explains why he fell out with fellow '09 GQ Man of The Year, Kid Cudi.



Album Of The Year: Really wanted to go with Pilot Talk, but this musically blew me away. The production, some serious guest verses by the like of Nicki Minaj, Rozay and Pusha Terrence. 'Gorgeous' is simply that, the arrangements on many songs, both vocally and production-wise not to mention the Chris Rock piece on 'Blame Game'. It's still hilarious to me to this day and more enjoyable than a lot of your favourite songs. A plethora of reasons why, but honestly could have won off the drum programming on 'All Of The Lights' alone. One of my greatest albums. Of all-time.




Two Favourite Male Looks: Pocket Tees and Espadrilles.

I am about to go OTT with the pocket tees, I have like 5 already, in two designs. And with the 'drilles, they can do a lot of things to any outfit. I do, however question folk that wear them on those Syberia-like nights.



Two Least Favourite Female Looks: Fur Jackets and Fake Eyelashes

I have spoken about my disdain for furs before. But these 'feather' eyelashes have got to go, not only are they over-elaborate and just plain silly, girls have stopped wearing for them occasions, and started plastering them on a day-to-day basis. Like in the morning, where is one going at 10am, where feathered fake eyelashes are a must? Hope this trend thingybobby dies very soon.






Some personal moments of 2010: Graduating from Uni
                                                    Getting asked for I.D. for a 18+ game
                                                    Celebrating Christmas in GH.

Thursday Thoughts - New Years Resolutions

It's the first Thursday of the year, I believe everyone has had time to settle and recover from all the festivities of the Christmas and the run up to New Year. After speaking to a few friends the common question always pops up, "What's your New Years Resolution?". I've been met with a few answers some claim to join the gym, cut out fast food, make as much money as possible and so forth. Although they're intentions are good I'm led to believe that they are half hearted promises as my friends are yet to put one foot forward in the direction of achieving they're resolutions.

Me personally when asked that question my response is I don't really have any, I just want to better myself as a person and learn from my mistakes of the previous year.

Those are just my thoughts ...

TDK Chronicles: Nas



Nice trailer for a short film by Nas on his childhood experiences of cassette's and trying to make his own mixtape. The film is directed by the famous photograher Jonathan Mannion (The Eminem Show and Reasonable Doubt). The film will be released in full, on January 19th, on the TDK hi-fi website.

Takes me back to my younger years, when I would tape Commander B Garage sets on Choice, and Tim Westwood shows every week. In fact I am still hoping a 2003 G-Unit freestyle tape is lying around somewhere in my house , Lloyd Banks did a lot of things with the English language on that one.

Tuesday, 4 January 2011

All For Me

Nice song from up and coming rapper, XV, featuring a notable supporting cast with the likes of G.O.O.D. Music signee, CyHi Da Prynce and Dipset affiliate, Vado. Singer Erin Christine supplies the additional vocals. A feel-good song, that feels right for this time of year and some clever lines littered all over the song. CyHi's line about Mo'Nique, was quite nice.


Apologies for the lack of posting, still on holiday out here in GH, a lot of time chilling with fam, haggling with pesky cab drivers and getting bit by mosquitoes. Until the next time.