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April 29, 2005

Tolerance.org

Tolerance: There are a ton of websites out there, but very few of them elicit information as useful as our spotlight site today. Tolerance.org, a web project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, does a fantastic job of providing functional information to people in the hopes that they can use it to combat ignorance and hate. They are a principal online destination for people interested in dismantling bigotry and creating, in hate's stead, communities that value diversity.

If you want to know how to transform yourself, your home, your school, your workplace or your community, Tolerance.org is a place to start — and continue — the journey. [Check them out]

Don't Forget: Tomorrow night Dork Mag and DrawlSquad bring you Style vs. Substance @ Climax in LES, NY. It's going to be a good time. I hope to see you all there. [Check the Flyer]

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 04:39 PM | Comments (136)

April 28, 2005

Molecular furniture, Galaxies & LoJack

Coming at you in steree.airee.oh and it ain't even noon yet! Today has been one busy day. We're over here trying to keep things moving & shaking for this weekend and the week after. It hasn't been easy. Last night I got home and instantly crashed. The last thing I remember was Entertainment Tonight talking about Angelina..... (commence the sound of cutting logs). I was out. I feel pretty good today though. Twelve hours of sleep does a body good.

Anyway, we have some really cool links for you. They're a tad bit on the nerdy side of things, but when are we not? Hope all is well in your world.

• Molecular Furniture: MocoLoco hips us to the latest in flexible, loud and comfortable furniture. It reminds me of something that you'd see in the X-men camp. If anything it would probably be NightCrawler's chair,bed or couch of choice. [Check it out]
• HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy: I remember being obsessed with this storyline and RPG back in the day. Some of you may have seen some adverts with Mos dressed all crazy flying around your television - it's a new flick that could be interesting. Time Out Mag interviewed one of the stars (Arthur Dent, also of 'Office' fame) about the movie and his role. [Check it out]
• LoJack for Ipods: James and I are working on this little device for the Ipods so when people lose the love of their life, they'll be able to track down the son of a gun whole stole it. It's in the early stages of production. We've got Steve Jobs calling the Dork Offices everyday. Until then, we're hoping that stories like this one and this one will drive up the market demand for our device.
We're going to be loaded!
• For your own safety: You might night need this after our party this saturday. It's going to hit that hard. ha!
• Cool Wears: Peep this cool tee spotted by Brother Josh. The sketch is bananas.

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 11:37 AM | Comments (60)

April 27, 2005

Events, Wireless Proofing & Legos

I can't believe April is almost over. This year is moving at rapid pace. Before we officially close out the tulip month and bring in May - be sure to check out two supa-cool events happening on the 30th (this Saturday)...

Be Kind Be Cause: Luke Ramsey will be closing out his show at Space 1026 this Saturday evening. Don't fret though - my homeboy is going to be celebrating his latest book release (Be Kind Be Cause). Like they say, where one thing closes another jawn opens up. Don't miss it. Location: 1026 Arch Street, Illadelph - Starting at 6pm. [More info | About Artist]

Style vs. Substance: Man! - James and I will be doing some serious bi-state travel this weekend. Don't miss our collabo party in LES with the Drawlsquad crew at Climax. The musical madness is sure to please. Location: Climax @ 14 Avenue B. LES, NYC (Starts @ 9pm). In addition, the first 100 folks will receive The Definition of Drawlin' CD by Nick Geez and Jamo.

More: If you happen to miss these events - you'll have plenty more opportunities to catch the good vibes. In the beginning of May, RoomService presents the GoodFoot jammies and we'll be hitting you with two Dork parties. You can't lose.

• Deejaying with Legos: Check out this cool lego rendition of a dork party. ha! [Let me see...]
• 350 Episodes: The Simpsons are about to hit their 350th episode. That is so cool. It appears they've also inked deals with all of the character voices - this should carry them to season 19 with the same crew intact. [Read more...]
• Wireless proofing: Although this is a clever way to keep people from sharing your open connection - I still side with the socialistic view of just sharing your broadband with others. That way if you're in an area where someone else is sharing, you too can enjoy online access and the combined feeling of community. ha!
• The World in a Glance: Once again my favorite magazine, Res, shows and proves. They've uploaded their Q&A session with Malcolm Gladwell that we discussed a few month's back. I think it was in their mag two issues ago. Be sure to check it out.

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 12:19 PM | Comments (19)

April 26, 2005

Organized Konfusion, M.A.S.K. & Claudio

Organized Konfusion: Without question, spring is my favorite season of the year. Although some parts of the country have been hit by Old-Man-Winter's left over funk - I'm hoping I can usher in the warm season with this throw back song. Bounce, featuring OK & Qtip, was a spring time smash. It's one of the few hidden gems from the Low Down Dirty Shame soundtrack. While listening to it the other night, the blaring horns in the intro took me right back to '94. I remember my homeboy Scott and I used to crank this jawn on our way to crosstown futbol matches. Of course we would lay a whoopin' on unsuspecting rivals while this song played in the back of our minds, but that's besides the point (Sidenote: Big ups to his Cobra's for winning their under-5 soccer match last weekend. They took it to the other squad with a 4-0 victory). Peep the song and summon those spring time good feelings... [Download | More info]

Claudio Parentela: One of my favorite aspects of working with Dork is the people. James and I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the coolest, innovative and expressive cats imaginable. Claudio is another person that we have had the good fortune to meet through this work. His art is extra cool and I think you'll find it interesting. His ink drawings collide shock, vulnerablility and innocence all at once. Check out our feature spot on Claudio Parentela. [View Gallery]

• M.A.S.K. Speaking of throwbacks - remember MASK!? That was my stuff back in the day. I found these links to help you remember (Theme Song & Action Figures). Man I feel like Holden Caufield.
• Walker Lundee: Check out my homeboy's band. The drums are sick and the melodies are pretty ill. They're getting more and more exposure and probably will be in an area near you soon. (Check them out...)
• Cool Apple Stuff: Coolbrix is too ill and Apple continues to wild out - at least Wired thinks so... (Read more)
• Upcoming Events: April 30, my homeboy Luke is closing his gallery at Space 1026 (more details). Also, that night, don't forget to peep Style vs. Substance at Climax (14 Avenue B, LES) - flyer for this event will be posted soon.

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 09:59 AM | Comments (211)

April 25, 2005

Mike Jones, Mike Jones, Mike Jones

Who is Mike Jones? Really. Who is he? I believe he's put a strange subliminal message in Still Tippin. People just can't get tired of this song. Still Tippin makes Lean Back sound like Pump it up. I mean I don't know if there has ever been a bigger hit in music - no exaggerration. Saturday Jamo (of Drawlsquad fame) and myself did a little houseparty in Park Slope (shout out to the women of St. Marks Place) and people wanted to hear this song over and over again. They need to make a special 20 minute mix of that song for deejays.

The highlight of the houseparty was when Jamo threw on his Madonna/Yin Yang mashup of The Whisper Song. People went crazy when I played that Drop It Like It's Hot/Al B. Sure remix (courtesy of the Rub). Yeah the party was a grand old time, but it was just a preview of things to come. This Saturday Dork and Drawlsquad team up @ Climax (14 Avenue B, LES). We are calling the event Style v. Substance. I like most people probably choose style (i.e. watching the O.C.) over substance (i.e. watching Charlie Rose). Luckily this Saturday you won't have to make the choice - you'll get both. Only one question - Is Dork the style and Drawl the substance, or vice versa? I don't freaking know - it's just marketing!

peace. james

Posted by james at 04:22 PM | Comments (107)

April 22, 2005

Earthday, Negroclash

"Go planet! it's your Earthday
We gonna party like it's your Earthday
We gonna sip Bacardi like it's your Earthday
And you know we don't give a fcck cause it's your Earthday!"

-Fitty

Seriously though, this is an important time to put things in perspective. With all of our problems and unfullfilled dreams,we should realize that we wouldn't exist without this planet. So recycle, take public transportation or carpool. Trade-in your Range Rover for a Prius and stop wasting so much water. As a matter of fact, listen to Mos Def's New World Water and cry in shame about the bubble bath you had last night.

The Negroclash deejays (Language, Lindsey, and Duane) released a CD in honor of their eponymous party at APT. The CD gives listeners who may not have had the chance to see them spin in NYC a sample of their electronic funk goodness. My favorite part was Breakin' In Space by Key-Matic. I never heard this song in my life. The five year old that I was in the early 80's would have really loved it. The disc was mixed and recorded live with no overdubs and that is not easy . You will probably be able to find the disc on Turntablelab in the upcoming weeks, I'll keep you posted either way.

peace. james

Posted by james at 02:35 PM | Comments (19)

April 21, 2005

Interview with Da Beatminerz

A few weeks ago, Dork Magazine spoke with two classic producers - Mr. Walt and Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz. We were able to catch them amongst the promo frenzy for their latest release, Fully Loaded with Statik. Looking back, these guys were a huge influence on my musical taste. They’re impact in the mid 90’s is largely responsible for my inability to listen to songs without samples to this day. Who could deny the captivation of a horn’s smooth aesthetic colliding with the raw textures of a filtered kick and snare?

But, all things aside, I’ll never forget when I was a sophomore in college. My friends and I would have hour-long debates about who was the greatest beatmaker, emcee, etc. We were your ultimate cliché - saying things like: "What! Jeru could eat Biggie alive." - "Nah man, Nas could take them all." - "Who cares about them, it’s all about Primo. He makes them sound nice. Without him, they’re all just average emcees!" Usually, it was at this point that all communication broke down and people started buggin’. But, no matter how heated the debate became, some civility would return and the next statements were, "Forget Primo! Rza’s the man..." or "But what about Black Moon!?"

As you’ll see in the following interview, Evil Dee and Mr. Walt address that question - What about Black Moon? How could anyone mention the 90’s without mentioning Black Moon’s influence and more specifically the beat infrastructure set up by these two Brooklyn brothers. Fully Loaded with Statik is their latest effort and they’re confident that people will be reminded of their relevance as innovators and as a beat making collective.

Dork: What was your creative process when you were developing Fully Loaded with Statik?

Mr. Walt: Our mind was on some - We got something to prove, type stuff. This is our chance to make the record we want to make. When we made our records with the Boot Camp Click or Black Moon, it was a collabo type deal. With this album 75 to 85% are songs and concepts that we came up with. It’s more us.

Evil Dee: I want cats to understand Hip Hop-wise what we’ve done. One thing I realized with us and Hip-Hop, publications over look what Black Moon and Smif-n-Wessun have done. They don’t mention us in the 90’s. We played an important role the same way Biggie played a role. Just like Wu Tang played an important role. We were the cats that said it’s okay to go on stage with your scuffed up timbs. [It’s okay to] film your projects in the video. You don’t have to be in Manhattan.

It’s not about you being the star. It’s about the record being the star. Don’t buy the record because I produced it. Buy it because it’s a good record. A lot of people want to jump into the spotlight. [Producers need to remember] that you’re trying to make the artist shine. I don’t care about a spotlight.

Basically, we’re putting this record out there so people can hear us. We’re proud of it. It’s some of our best stuff.

Dork: During the development of this record, how did today’s production style influence you?

Mr. Walt: Some of the production today isn’t really where I want to be. When we make records, instead of listening to music out today, we go back to joints like Mecca and the Soul Brother or Breakin Atoms or Midnight Marauders – something like that.

But, at the same time we do listen to everything. Everyone complains about how bad the records are, or how bad the state of hip hop is, but if you listen to everything you’ll find something good in there. For example, with the Corners record coming out, the corners to me was a great record – it’s that kind of record that makes you want to go home and work – I want to go home and make some beats after hearing that.

Dork: That was a sample heavy record. Kanye and some other producers have been flipping samples and working hard to resurrect that art-form in the mainstream. In all of your experiences, who has chopped or flipped a sample in the most insane way?

Mr. Walt: You know, I don’t know. But, hmmm, you know what! If it [were] anyone, I’d have to say it was something Tip did back in the day. The way he used to put together his records... It was crazy. The way his samples sounded it would be so bananas. It’d be so crazy.

Dork: Tip had mad records right?

Mr. Walt: Not really... Tip didn’t have a lot of records. That wasn’t it. [He didn’t have records] like how me and E have records. Tip had the obscure joints. Everyone would have a James Brown record, but he had the James Brown record no one had. His ear was so crazy.

Dork: How have the new sample laws affected your production style? Have you been discouraged or denied by all the clearance regulations?

Mr. Walt: We look at it like, something has to be brought to the table. We just go ahead and do it. Sometimes you have to take your chances. We don’t really worry about it.

Dork: You guys are also skilled deejays. How do you balance your desires to play those great lesser-known records with the crowd's need for songs of familiarity like Candy Shop?

Evil Dee: I don’t know. I just get a feeling. I walk into a party and I know when to drop records. Depending on their reaction – it might be experimenting time. When it comes to playing records … I can’t explain it. I just look around and go with it.

But I guess, when it comes to the choice [mainstream vs. underground], you’re the deejay – you control the party. You can throw any record in between two hot records. Cats be like, "How could you play Jay, Vaste Aire, and then Fifty." What happens is that the cats who don’t know, won’t hear the Vaste Aire record, but the ones who do, will be blown away. Throw on the underground record in between two hot records and you’ve just broke a new record!

Dork: What do you think about all the new deejaying technology?

Evil Dee: I use the CDJ – instead of vinyl. It’s easier to sneak around with. One of the problems in Hip Hop is that we don’t embrace technology. And what we have to do is embrace the technology. The Serato is hot also. I might get the Serato. In my house I have my studio for the radio station. Once I get that, I can have every record that I need in front of me.

Dork: Ha. I like that – sneak around. You can’t sneak anywhere with a whole bunch of vinyl. I heard one night you showed up at Table 50 for an impromptu set with Tip and Ronson.

Evil Dee: Yeah! I just happened to sneak in there one day. You know how I be doing, I’m like the jazz cat who sneaks into a club and hangs with the band and then goes on and just wrecks it.

Dork: ... like thelonious or dizzy! In regard to Fully Loaded with Statik, you have an impressive list of artists – Jean Grae, Wordsworth, KRS-One and others. What was it like working with them?

Evil Dee: These are my people. We all worked together before. I did Wordsworth’s first 12 inch. When I was on Hot 97 I was the first one to play Jean Grae’s record. We all have history. All of us coming together in the studio, it’s like one big barbeque. It’s like we’re coming out to cook one nice big meal. That’s what this record basically is - one big good meal.

You can catch Evil and Mr. Walt crushing things at Joe’s Pub every Sunday night in New York. Their latest record, Fully Loaded with Statik is in stores now. Be sure to get a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

Peace. taj

Posted by taj at 09:19 AM | Comments (1128)

April 20, 2005

Weiner Dog, Palindromes, Tribeca Film Festival

Welcome to the Dollhouse is one of my favorite films (directed by Todd Soldonz). My girlfriend put me on to it in 2000 although it came out in '96. It's about a dorky kid named Dawn Weiner. The awkward Weiner is ridiculed by her junior high classmates, dubbed Weiner Dog, gets her sister kidnapped, and runs away from home to save her (worst description ever). If you ask me, Napoleon Dynamite completely ripped off Dollhouse.

Anyway, Soldonz has a new movie out called Palindromes in which he kills off the beloved Weiner Dog. It seems that the cult status of being Weiner Dog didn't sit well with Heather Matarazzo. She talks about it in this interview she did for NPR.

Palidromes is currently playing at the Angelika.

In other news, the Tribeca Film Festival started yesterday. I have never been, but this year I'm making it a point to watch the following movies:

• Slippin': Documentary that covers the Bloods over a ten year period. The people from Frank 151 are behind this.
• Rockaway: Coming of age tale about the the lives of three girls in their senoir year of high school.
• Just For Kicks: Its about sneakers! Need I say more.
• I am a Sex Addict: This film seems very interesting. It's about an insecure young man who becomes addicted to prostitutes and destroys all of his relationships.

Look out for full reviews of all these films in my festival recap.

peace. james

Posted by james at 01:37 PM | Comments (82)

April 18, 2005

Next month brings more musical dorkdom!

Get ready! The Dork deejays will be spinning in Dumbo for a double header this May. On the 6th we'll be throwing bananas on the dance floor in the name of our Homegirl's birthday. Then on the 12th we'll be back in position for our monthly party. Check the events link below for more details.

In other news, thanks to everyone who came out last week for our monthly gig. I heard that James, Jamo, Nick Geez and FunkDigi did their thing. I wish I could have been there. Pittsburgh was mad cool, but I would have loved to hear the eclectic jams played that night.

More Be: At times I swear I'm living the movie I *heart* Huckabees. What do these three coincidences mean? Last weekend I saw this dude on a Ducati motorcycle pass me three times on the same block. Then, this month, it seems like all things great have come my way in the name of Be, whether it's B.informed, Common's Be or the latest goodness, Be-Mag...

Be-Mag (a terrific skateboard magazine) just released their 1st Annual Photo Issue. The publication is well put together with fantastic images and a unique sizing (square). Check out their website and peep the issue at your nearest Borders. {Be-Mag Website}

Mp3 Goodness [Com & Kan]

• NPR Linkage: They always catch me off guard. NPR has interviewed some of the greatest in Hip Hop. Whether it's Doom, ?uesto or Madlib, they manage to land the unexpected interviews. Here are two more to add to the list - MIA & Kool Herc.
• Dork Street: Ha! This is the new location for our offices. Good looking out Nick!
• PSP Movies: Oh man, first Kill Bill Volume 1 and now these movies. PSP is on it's way! The only thing I need now is that 1gig card so I can throw recorded Simpson episodes on the portable.
• Ms. Badu: Our homegirl will be on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on April 25.
• Mike Jones & Damon Dash: Mr. "Now-I'm-Hot" is at the top of his PR game. MTV, MTV2, MTV Jams and now ringtones. And, don't forget to hear the latest from D. Dash. Damon makes his remarks on the State of the union.

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 09:19 PM | Comments (15)

April 14, 2005

Dork Party Tonight & Loud Minority Music

Dork Party: Brothers and Sisters! My homeboy and partner in crime, James, is holding down the one's and two's at Low Bar (81 Washington Street, Dumbo BK) tonight for the monthly DORK Party. The good times start at 9pm. Don't miss it. There's no reason - spring is here, people are happy, there's good food involved. Why not? Besides, tonight we have our special guests, DJ Nick Geez and DJ Jamo helping out. Their mixes are insane. Plus, we have our honorary big brother in all of this, DJ Ian, who will probably come through and drop his usual audible goodness.

Loud Minority Music: I came across this site the other night and was pleased to see that one of their artists, Von Pea, will be coming out with more music. A few years ago (4-5 years) I downloaded his album off of soundclick and thought it was pretty cool. I didn't hear much from him after that, but apparently he has a new group out called Tanya Morgan. Homeboy makes beats, rocks an original flow and overall has fun with the music. It's refreshing to hear cats enjoy hip hop again. Check out the new label {here}

Download the Tanya Morgan Album from Loud Minority {here}

peace. taj

PS> This just in... Funkdigi is going to be in the spot as well. Man! - it's on.

Posted by taj at 11:14 AM | Comments (43)

April 13, 2005

Long time no blog...

If there are people viewing this site on a daily basis (which I find hard to believe) then you are probably wondering "what happened to James?" Well I've been away in Tibet chilling with monks in an attempt to transcend my existence. After a month I decided to return to Brooklyn. Although I didn't transcend, I feel I'm much better for the experience.

Big tings a gwon' at Dork. Taj and I were talking about how well things are goings and that people like the site. It has given us the confidence to actualize our entire vision. That means there is a lot more to come and more work for us to do. The last thing we want is to mess this up.

In other news, I went to Sway last night but it was such a cooler than cool event I care not to write about it. But, as a sidenote, when I'm bored I like to watch Full Frontal Fashion on Metro TV. They show all of the shows from NY, Paris, Milan, and LA. It's really informative too. For instance, I now know what a DVF wrap dress is... If you don't live in NY you can check it online.

Dork Party: Be there. Thursday, April 14. 9pm until. LowBar @ 81 Washington Street. Right off the F train - York stop. Soul. Funk. Food. Drinks. Deejay James. Nuff Said.

• Corner's Remix: It seems like Common, Mos, and Scarface are teaming up for the corner's remix. (spotted via Spinemag and read in MVremix)
• Internet2: Students who have been downloading like crazy off of the super fast upgrade to the current internet are beginning to feel the wrath of the record industry.
• Deadly Flu: Labs have been ordered to destroy samples of a flu virus sent out for testing purposes after a Canadian lab identified the virus as a strain that triggered the 1957 Asian flu pandemic. Read more...
• Being Hunted: They have a great feature on Brasil, Nike, Ginga, Art & Athletics. Check it out here.
• Yin Yang Video: The new Whisper video is fiyah. Check it out here - people are really feeling it.

peace. james

Posted by james at 01:02 PM | Comments (66)

April 12, 2005

B.informed, PS2 v. Xbox, Tiger & Mr. T

Last Friday, I stopped at Cue Records to pick up some new music, drop off some flyers and cop the latest edition of B.INFORMED. This month my man Amani and his staff put together an excellent publication. It's a beautiful issue that captures art in its finest and most honest moments.

B.INFORMED is a collection of stories that pays special attention to contemporary art and music. A magazine that reads roughly like a journal, their intention is to translate the oral histories of seasoned and emerging artists and make commentary on the social conditions that influence art. Definitely check them out. Find B.Informed {near you!}

Dork Party: Don't be a chump. Head out to Dumbo, BK this Thursday for the Dork party. I'll be out of town, but Big Bad Brother James will be holding it down on the one's and two's. He was telling me his ideas for the event and you don't want to miss it. The set is going to be crazy. Be there: Thursday - 81 Washington Street - Dumbo, BK from 9 until!

• The Square off!: The next generation Xbox and Playstation are about to go toe to toe. Microsoft has enlisted MTV and Elijah Wood to unvail the beast. While Sony says, "We'll just show up - we're that ill!" Who will take the crown? Online gaming is monstrous on the xbox, but PS3 promises some equally amazing experiences.
• Be good to your Mama: This video is priceless. It's completely worksafe and a guaranteed laugh. Mr. T said be good to your mom and you're a fool is you do otherwise. (I love you Momma Reid). Please note: This link was provided by the one and only, supa star, shades wearing, QC manager of the site, Leneka!
• Coffee is an experience: I need this in my life. I'm seriously thinking about starting a coffee fund just so I can save my nickels for this morning-time beast.
• More Futbol news: There are so many exciting things happening in the futbol world - good and bad. My man, Trezeguet is out of the Champion's League quarterfinal due to a jacked up ankle. Meanwhile, Chelsea's recent draw allows my squad Arsenal to get within 11 points of first place.
• Apple's Tiger: Apple releases the latest edition of their OS system, Tiger on April 29. Word!
• LIL John on AOL Music!: Yeahhh! What! Tonight at 9pm check out Lil John's live performance here.

peace. taj

PS> To show you how dope B.INFORMED is, check out this anectdote... Last Friday as I was going to my favorite philly spots, my wife and I were winding down in Old City at this bakery that makes the most ridiculous cheesecake. While I was there, the waitress spotted the B.INFORMED and got super hyped. She was so happy that the new edition was out. She literally took it from my hands and began going through it. ha! Can a brother get some cheesecake please! (j/k) Big shout to the waitress - she was mad cool. We exchanged links on a napkin.

-- Go support my man's magazine - it's rare that you find this much sincerity trapped in print.

Events: TUESDAY @ Table 50 (643 broadway corner of bleeker street) Pure Butter Presents: Cocoa Puffs Tuesdays.

Saturday morning cartoons play on the big screen,enjoy cocoa puff & Crunch Berry Martinis with your drinks.

Hosted by Super Producer Kwame & Sandrine Fouilloux

If that doesn't float your boat try this:

TAX FREE KARAOKE!!! Tuesday, April 12th. @ Soho:323.

Onsite accountants will be available for free tax advice. Hosted by: Miss Oxycottontail and Chris (from Karaoke Killed The Cat!).

[Wow! that was a long post script]

Posted by taj at 01:18 PM | Comments (30)

April 11, 2005

Marcy Playground, Madlib, Real Madrid

Back in the summer of 1998 or 99 I remember having my television's alarm clock set to wake me up for work. The wake-up station of choice was Mtv. It went off at 5:30am every morning.

I had a great routine. Wake up. Look at the television. Watch one video and then get out of bed. But every morning began to feel like Ground Hog Day. I was always in this dream-like state when I watched that one video, and it always happened to be the same video. At first I didn't know the name of the song or even pay any mind to it. But, as time went on, it remained - subliminally playing in the background of whatever I was doing. At work, staring at the computer *The song's playing*. Riding home on the train *The song's playing*. Eating dinner with the fam and watching syndicated episodes of Frasier *The song's still playing*. This is probably the most hypnotic song on the face of the earth and once I started paying attention to it - I realized that I actually liked it.

It's not one of those annoying songs that usually get stuck in your brain like Let's Get Physical by Olivia Newton John or anything (no offense Olivia). It's actually pretty good. So here it is... This is definitely a classic. Unfortunately the band vanished into obscurity. If you know otherwise - hip me to their latest.

[Marcy Playground: Download]

• Cool Fashion & Art: If you are a sneaker obsessive like myself, having them on your feet isn't enough. Check out urb1's coverage of sneaker art. Also, we all need dope tees to match those kicks. Check out the Vault 49 tees spotted via Cool Hunting.
• Madlib: This cat is everywhere. Scratch Magazine has a great article on him. It's one of the best interviews with the eccentric beatmaker I've seen thus far. In addition to picking up Scratch Mag, you can also download a short video interview here and listen to another one here.
• JazzySport Photos: New photos from the Inspiration party in Kyoto. Some great vibes and beautiful art came out of the event. Check them out!
• The SureShot on illvibe: Check out the latest show from the illvibe crew. It features Big Pooh from Little Brother. Don't miss it!
• Futbol News: Real Madrid closes in on the 6 point difference between them and Barca with seven games left in the regular season. They took it to them this weekend with a 4-2 victory. Read more...

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 10:56 AM | Comments (44)

April 07, 2005

She Hate Me - Review (out on dvd)

Last night I checked out Spike's latest film, She Hate Me. Although most people completely trashed this flick, I thought it was pretty good. I can't tell if Spike is spiraling in artistic madness or trying to take a shot at everything that's wrong in the world, but either way I can dig it. Overall the cinematography and acting was on point. In top form, Spike hits you with his usual lighting effects, camera movements and dope jazz sequences. The script is raw and the acting is strong. He has his usual suspects (John Turtturo and Anthony Mackie), mixed in with new blood (Tip and Kerry Washington). In my opinion John and Anthony did a terrific job with their roles and continue to compliment Spike's filming style.

While writing this I didn't want to discuss the movie's plot because it's probably best that you go into it not knowing a thing. In my estimation the word of mouth plot spreading is what ruined many people's perspective of the movie and may have unfairly killed it at the door. Check it out - you may like it, you may hate it - but all in all it's definitely interesting. And "interesting" movies seem to be rare these days.{She Hate Me: Website}

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 03:00 PM | Comments (20)

April 06, 2005

Google Video, Tiger & Apple, New Reality

This weather is too nice. It's about time spring made its presence felt. Most people like spring because of warm weather, a break in their cabin fever or for going out on weekends. I like spring because people are way more tolerant. I could scuff someone's nikes, drop their first born, or misplace their ipod and they couldn't care less. People are practically prancing in the streets over this sun splash. I hope it stays around for our April 14 Dork Party - more details to come. But in the mean time, be sure to check out The Good Foot Event happening this Thursday night.

Mark de clive-lowe: Before we jump into today's news and linkage I wanted to highlight a dope album that recently came my way. Mark's latest release Tide's Arising is a dope mix of soul, innovation and energy. There is no shortage of inspiration on this album. It gave me the same good feeling I got when I heard DJ Cam's SoulShine for the first time - very refreshing. You can read more about him and his latest release {here}

• Google keeps growing: Google brings out a new search that will scan the web for video media. Word. That will definitely help us bloggers out. The search is on!
• Good, Bad or Indifferent television: The Boondocks didn't make it on Fox, but they landed on Adult Swim. Mad respect to the Cartoon Network for this one. I can't wait to see it. But on the other end of the spectrum, Britney and her fella get a reality television show. Say what! You gotta love UPN. Regardless of what anyone says, I know mad people will watch this. I'll probably check for it. ha! Stereogum's gotta be all over this.
• Southern Culture Continues to grow: Another Hip Hop mag hits newstands in the summer. Down Magazine, dedicated to the South, will cover everything from white tees, whispers, and everything else mike jones related.
• Obvious, but does it work?: Tiger and Apple partner to promote the release of Mac OS 10.4
• Sony news: Some great links about the father of the Sony PS, PS2 and PSP. He's dope but they don't respect his swagger. Read more about it here and here. As a bonus I added this link - the hackers are embracing the PSP and you gotta love it.

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 11:59 AM | Comments (12)

April 05, 2005

Homeskillets - I'm back on the block...

World! I'm back. The cross pond experience was mad fun. I saw a lot, ate a lot and hung out with as many different folks as possible - definitely good vibes in Paris. It ranks up there with my all time favorite cities. I knew things were serious when I looked at iphoto and clocked in around 250 pics of the place. They'll be thrown up around these parts in the next few days.

Today: I was sinking back into my routine with work, family and life - you know getting reaquainted with everything and while I was looking for my daily links I noticed that the large majority of the undeniable clicks have our blog brother in common. Homeboy is on the hustle, so click below to catch up and get the daily...

• Supreme Clientele: Check out one of the hottest new distro labels out. SC's latest vinyl effort hits you with "Excellence" from Mighty Mos Def and includes a Bside with Medina Green's Slow & Tender produced by Supa Dave West. Don't sleep!
• The In Crowd: The guide to culture and style for the young modernist - and he ain't joking. If MocoLoco and Cool Hunting are your flavor, be sure to peep The In Crowd. It's a great read with mad information.
• Different Kitchen: If this isn't one of your daily clicks already, you've been asleep behind the wheel. Catch up with the latest in politics, hip hop and life in general. Great commentary with links more serious than legal citations. Homeboy should put together some sort of blue book on his method.
• The Good Foot: I'm personally going to make my way up to this jammy. Independent Hip Hop radio show, The Underground Railroad celebrates their 14th anniversary and a landmark in New York radio history as the longest running show of its kind. The show is best known for their high standards in delivering the best in Hip Hop music and culture. The UR has teamed up with the Good Foot monthly party, hosted by promotions company Room Service, Brooklyn label 7Heads, and Brooklyn Brewery to commemorate the anniversary at the April 7th event. Get more info here!

All four of the above links have one cat in common. Our homeboy, Ian, has been putting in mad work with his various projects. So if you get a chance - buy the record, swing by the party, click the links and stay tuned to this cat's endeavors because you won't be disappointed. Hey Ian can we get some of that energy?

peace. taj

Posted by taj at 11:23 AM | Comments (895)