Keith Masters "Atlantis 1997" (Produced by Futurecop! and Kill Them With Colour) [MP3 Download]

Almost a year since my last post?  Whoops.  My bad.  But i'm back, and I bring a gift.  Last month, I dropped a new single that hit number 8 on the Hype Machine charts, and i'd like thank everyone for tweeting, supporting and checking it out.  As a thank you, I'd like to offer this single to you, FREE for 24 hours!  All you have to do is click here, like the page and boom!  By liking the page, you also expand the reach and popularity of this blog, so maybe i'll get more motivated to post more than once every nine months.  Thank you all again for the support; stream the single below and feel free to share thoughts.

Sidereal feat. Finding Novyon & D. Glove "All I Need Is Sunshine" [MP3 Download]

 

Yesterday, a track was passed to me by a rapper friend of mine by 17 year old Minnesota producer DJ SIDEREAL.  "All I Need Is Sunshine" is a mellow, dope hip hop track that could easily be mistaken for a Rhymesayers release.  Featured rappers Finding Novyon and D.Glove are noticeably influenced by Rhymesayers legends such as Slug (Atmosphere), dropping lines such as "you can catch Slugs if you're acting like my enemy/In my Atmosphere, dog this rap severe".  As a newcomer, Sidereal has a good feel for his production style, using a sample from Timber Timbre's "Black Water" to provide vocals & highlight the need for summer heat after three ice cold seasons in Minnesota.  I am certainly interested to hear more from Sidereal.  Check out "All I Need Is Sunshine" below, and stay posted for his upcoming project S.I.D.E which will feature One Be Lo, XP, and more.

Why LeBron James May Be The Worst "Best Player On The Planet" EVER! [Opinion/Sports]

I know...it's been a long time; I shouldn't have left you.  Music has kept me quite busy, so I hope you all will forgive my lack of posting, but I had to change my schedule and wake up early in the morning to write this piece.  This is something that has been on my mind for some time now, and in many ways; pains me to have to write.  I feel like this is the appropriate time to point out something that most band-wagoners, coattail-riders and LeBron-jockers can't seem to wrap their minds around.  Maybe they can and just don't out of fear that they won't get an e-vite to LeBron's super cool parties.  Well spoiler alert, that e-vite isn't coming, ever.  The fact is that LeBron, despite some dips in his public image, is a massive popular icon.  Most will look at the bright side of his behavior and neglect the dark side.  He will get the benefit of the doubt most times than not.  This usually happens when one is dominant or unquestionably the best in his or her field, but does he deserve this treatment?  Is he really as good as people want him to be?  Without a doubt, LeBron James could be the most talented basketball player in NBA history, but does his on and off court behavior warrant his title of "Best Player On The Planet"?  Let's look at some of the things that diminish "The King's" dominion over the NBA history books:

Crying/Complaining To Refs




Constantly.  I mean damn near after every play.  Not just offensive plays.  EVERY PLAY.  90 percent of the time, you can see LeBron going up to a ref to conference with them about a call they made.  And if he isn't actually talking to a ref, he's making a puzzled face or grimace because he felt he should have gotten a call.  That in itself is a poor look for an MVP, but what's worse is that it puts so much pressure and influence over these awful (and many consider corrupt) referees.  He winds up getting so many calls on the basis that he will talk your ear off and cry about it if he doesn't get what he wants.  And what's even worse is that he already gets star treatment!  He has been since a rookie, and that's still not good enough.  One would think a 260 lb. MVP wouldn't be as sensitive about getting calls, especially since a 185 lb. MVP rarely gets any calls he deserves.  *Cough, cough* Derrick Rose.


Flopping

This is probably the worse one on this list.  Flopping has become an epidemic in the NBA and while still trying to pin down "patient zero", the league has tried to inject a vaccine of some sort this season. The 2012 - 2013 season marked the first institution of a fine system where after game replay would determine that players trying to deceive the referees would be penalized on an increasing scale.  At this season's conclusion, the system has been weakly enforced, when really it should have been enforced weekly.  We accept it with players of European decent, because it is a bit of a cultural thing.  But now American players are doing it, and even further - superstars are doing it.  At the helm is "lord of the flops", Sir LeBron James.  Usually flopping is an action that is hard to capture in a still photo, but his flopping is so damn animated and over the top it really jumps out at you.  It's impressive, in a way.  Many make the point that, flopping is a "smart", "clever" and/or "veteran" move.  Those who do, defend the move by saying, "Hey, if you can get away with it, why not do whatever you can to help your team win?".  Those are the same people who would probably steal a blind man's wallet if there was no chance of prosecution.  Flopping shows weakness.  Acting, exaggerating or creating the illusion of a foul because one cannot earn it through legitimate offense or defense.  And LeBron is the only superstar to come out publicly to defend flopping, saying there is nothing wrong with it.  If that's true, why would the league establish an "anti-flopping" system, condemning chronic floppers in the league?  The very presence of the rule, contradicts LeBron's comments...but don't let logic get in the way of a good flop. 


Lack Of (Self) Awareness

How many times have you heard LeBron, and the entire Miami Heat team, use the term "We understand that..."?  Many times it is in reference to the Miami Heat having a mindset of "us against the world".  This just seems ridiculous, seeing as how the Heat having three all stars brought together on one team catapulted them into the leagues favor.  You can see it in the media coverage and the beneficial treatment they receive on the court.  True, many fans root against the Heat, understandably.  And "I understand" that players will grasp on to any small thing they can to use as motivation, but nothing is as annoying as hearing LeBron James refer to himself as anything less than highly favored.  Any unkind attention he receives (i.e. some ignorant fans snatching his headband, throwing items at him), he created himself by some uninformed and immature decisions and is in no way about the league being against him.  He should really trash that attitude, it's not a good look; and speaking of decisions...


The Decision

I can't stress this point enough...LeBron James FOREVER stained his legacy with his self created news event announcing his leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.  For someone who as a kid, idolized, imitated and wore the same number as Michael Jordan, he created a distance between himself and His Airness that I don't believe will ever be closed.  The decision was disastrous in so many ways.  One being, who does that to their team?  And their hometown team, at that?!  It was terribly distasteful, and whereas Dan Gilbert's (owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers) public outrage was misguided, I felt it was appropriate.  I couldn't imagine Derrick Rose creating a media conference like that to embarrass his hometown Chicago Bulls.  It showed poor character, but also weakness.  This is something that I find to be consistent with LeBron; strong body, weak mind.  The move said, "I can't win it on my own so i'm going to flee to another team with young all stars to help me".  It should be stated that the Cavs surrounded him with capable talent for years, the truth was that Lebron was not ready to lead a team and carry all the pressure.  Basically, he couldn't do something that Michael Jordan seemed to be born with.  Who did Jordan have besides Pippen (who was drafted by the team)?  I'm just not a fan of "superteams" and have zero respect for player who are apart of them.  Miami Heat fans defend the move saying "what about when the Lakers did it, and then the Celtics?" I didn't approve of that either, but the Lakers adding Gary Payton and Karl Malone and the Celtics adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen is a far cry from two all stars in their prime.  Three max contract players and then a surrounding cast of player who should make more, but take pay cuts for a chance at a cheap championship.  It's simply unfair, when other teams have to struggle under cap rules to find talent that is suitable for their team. 

What makes this "superteam" phenomenon so bad is that now every team has to do it.  No one feels like they can compete with the Heat, so now Carmelo has to act like a baby to go to the Knicks.  Now Dwight Howard has to act like a baby to go to the Lakers (and then continue to act like a baby).  The Atlanta Hawks now have to violate the anti-tampering law by alluding to their signing Chris Paul and Dwight Howard to attract fans to buy season tickets.  The balance of talent is more and more shifted to a smaller number of teams, which to me is not fun.  This does, however, makes me respect teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs that much more.  Never active with big name free agents, yet always remain at the top of the game.  LeBron James had this at one time, but his decision to join a mega-team cheapened his place in the league in my book.


On Court Performance

When you like someone, everything they do is great...that's the saying.  But let's look at Lebron James's play on the court objectionably.  Again, there is no doubt that James is the most physically gifted player in the league right now...maybe in history.  But what does he do with those tools?  Yes his jumper has improved, but after 10 years in the game, smart defenders are still stepping back from him; allowing him to shoot.  He's not consistent.  He is a rhythm shooter and he's streaky, but not by definition a "good jump shooter".  That being said, he is a monster when he decides to go to the rim.  He is nearly unstoppable.  One would ask, "why doesn't he go to the basket all the time?"  So let's ask it...WHY?!!  It's something that always perplexed me about him.  It's like, he thinks he can't be the greatest unless his does what MJ did.  His strength is not his jump shot on offense, and Lebron's major flaw is not exploiting his strengths more.  He is 250 plus lbs. and he complains about getting hit when he drives to the lane.  After the Chicago Bulls snapped the Miami Heat's 27 game win streak, LeBron complained that he was being fouled too hard.  Really, LeBron?  He goes to the hole, leading with his elbow, puts his head down and rams his Easter Island head into opponents and he thinks he's getting hit too hard?  C'mon son, that's weak!  Get down on the block and do work...there's no reason why he can't average over 30 points a game while having his usual 8 and 8 rebounds and assists. 

Defensively, he is called great, but is he really?  He is a good help defender, yes.  And he does play the passing lanes well.  I think what many describe as great defense, is really great athleticism.  When was the last time LeBron James kept an offensive player in front of him and created a one on one turnover or blocked shot?  If you look closely, you'll see he's quite lazy with his on-ball defense.  I mean, Kawhi Leonard abused him one on one in the Finals, constantly blowing past him.  While a budding star in the making, he should not be able to bypass a truly great defender in his first Finals appearance.  LeBron's mental weakness keeps him from being as great as people label him to be.  Maybe if the media told him he's not yet the best or as good as he could be, he would try harder...but for now he seems confortable being the self proclaimed "King"


Now, I will inevitably be called a hater for writing this piece, which i'm no stranger to.  You're a hater when you don't just accept what every one else does, when you think about things critically, when you stray away from popular belief.  Remember, this piece was written by a fan, student, and player of the game.  More importantly, a former fan of LeBron James.  I used to love watching James play, and thinking that with a bit more work he was on his way to being the best ever.  Then he had to go and ruin it all.  I guess you could say i'm salty.  He took away my ability to root for an exciting player and a great talent of the league.  But now, I can't in all honesty can't enjoy watching him.  Not when there are players like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, whose classy personalities are only bested by their superior talent on the court.  Derrick Rose, aside from injury, to me has become what LeBron was...taking a team of not that much, putting them on his back and succeeding at a high level.  Vastly improving every facet of his game rapidly and becoming an MVP.  If I had to choose a player to build a franchise around...I choose Rose.  Who wants a player who you know may leave you if things don't go his way?  Loyalty, honor and respect mean a lot, and LeBron lacks in those departments.  Being physically superior can only take you so far.  I mean, what good are all those muscles, if you don't have the mind to move them with? 

Keith Masters "Very First Time" Single Launch Kickstarter Campaign [Music/Social]

I know it's been a little while since my post, and I haven't been posting much lately - but i'll assure you it's with good reason.  I've been hard at work on my upcoming single since i've been back from tour. I'm dropping a single this summer called "Very First Time", and i'm mega excited about it!  It's a great exhibition of my skills as not only an emcee and vocalist, but as a songwriter.  The song was written by myself with help from Curtis Marolt, who also produced the track.  I truly believe this song has a chance to become a hit, and my goal is to get this single into radio rotation.  To do this, we need a LOT of push and promotion.  In order to get the proper push, we will need a good amount of funding, which is why i've just started the "Very First Time" Single Launch Kickstarter Campaign!

"Very First Time" features Sarah Leichtenberg, who you may have heard on a song we did before called "I Can't Go Now" that was used on the NBC prime-time comedy The New Normal.  My new single is scheduled to drop in time for summer - which is perfect for a song like this because it's light, clubby and a lot of fun.  Before it's ready for release, there is still a lot that needs to be done, and this is where I need YOUR help.  I need to raise funds in order to help cover the costs for recording, remixes, shooting the music video and the PR & Radio push.  On my own, i've been able to write, record and release songs that has hit number 1 on the Hype Machine Twitter Charts, been featured on iTunes along with major artists like Usher, Ne-Yo, Boys Noize, Deadmau5 & Fake Blood, been used on major television networks like ESPN, NBC, Fox Sports, the NFL Network, been played at NBA stadiums around the country and also used as the team song for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury professional basketball team.  I've even appeared on an episode of HBO's Entourage!  And that's only a bit of what i've done so far...I mean, I'm really not one to brag.  Just imagine what I could do with your help!

As a thank you for your kind donation, I've included some really cool, fun gifts for you all so take some time to check out all the options - there's a lot of them.  Also, if you have a suggestion for something you'd like added as a gift, let me know.  As long as it's not TOO outrageous, i'm glad to try to add it.  I wanna thank my sponsors C4 Belts and Modify Watches for supplying some of the fresh swag for the campaign.  I also want to thank Supergoodmusic for being behind me and helping to make my journey so amazing over the past few years.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter & Soundcloud and become a fan on my Facebook Fan Page so you all can stay in tune with updates on the campaign

Everyone who backs the project will get the "Very First Time" single emailed to them before it's out for sale!  100% of all donations go towards the "Very First Time" campaign so PLEASE donate what you can and spread the word to friends and family.  Getting the word out to others is every bit as important as the donations themselves.  To donate, please visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/keithmasters/the-keith-masters-very-first-time-single-launch  Thanks guys...let's make it happen!!!

Futurecop! feat. Cavaliers Of Fun "Atlantis 1997" [Music Video]

My homeboys from across the pond, Futurecop!, dropped a very fresh video for their new single "Atlantis 1997" yesterday.  The video is just as dreamy and colorful every one of their cover artworks, but this one offers something a little different than previous vids.  "Atlantis 1997" features a real live actor and video direction through what seems to be the streets of London.  Futurecop! has been known for their videos that serve more as a retro-homage to the band's favorite movies, TV shows and video games of the 80's.  The track is exactly what you'd expect from these two kids from the UK; light, airy, fun and proper for dancing the night away in a club on a far away planet.  The single dropped this week, and certainly does not contain a lack of remixes.  The "Atlantis 1997" release is 7 tracks with 6 remixes from producers Lifelike, Uppermost, P.A.F.F. and Stellar Dreams.  Check out the entire release below, and be sure to cop the single.  Keep an eye out for more remixes from this track...I even hear they're doing a version with a pretty dope rapper...

Random feat. Freeway and Lefty "The Industry" [MP3 Download]

Earlier this month, Random or Mega Ran, as he's also known by, teamed up with Philly affiliates Lefty and Freeway of Rocafella fame to drop "The Industry" single.  I was surprised to see Random and Freeway together, as their styles are starkly different.  Freeway doesn't go in as hard as he normally does on this one.  This track is definitely more in the vein of a typical Random track - which by all accounts is not a bad thing, but doesn't really mesh that well with this tamer, less aggressive version of Freeway.  That aside, the beat is pretty good but the message is probably the real focus of this track and is stressed in the chorus:

"Things ain't what it seems to be, when dealing in The Industry"

Indeed...an observation that most within the business would recognize as truth.  We entertainers all have to accept a certain amount of flakiness and falsehoods in our dealings...but we've come to a point where the ingenuity is out of control.  The need to "feed the machine" and promote music that is not only establishing a dangerous model for the youth, but is just flat out not good - is running rampant.  The Philly trio hits on an point that I think is always good to be reminded of:  "The Industry shady, it need to be taken over".  I just wonder who has the balls, as well as the power, to do it.

AKIR feat. Che Grand "Soul" [Music Video]

I was pleased to see some brand new heat in my email this week from my brother, AKIR, as it's been a long time since I've heard from him.  In case you're not familiar, AKIR (acronym for Always Keep It Real) made his mark as the touring partner of the revolution advocate emcee, Immortal Technique.  Once signed to Viper Records and eventually to Babygrande, he released his debut LP Legacy in 2007 which featured Hasan Salaam, Immortal Technique and Jean Grae.  My familiarity with AKIR runs deep back to our time as members of the underground "supergroup" The Reavers.  Recruiting artists from many major New York City hip hop crews such as Wu-Tang, Monsta Island Czars (MF Doom), Immortal Technique, and Def Jux - The Reavers dropped Terror Firma and was highly praised amongst critics and fans alike.  After the LP and a few mixtapes, the crew was not heard from again.  Much was the same for the Buffalo native and Howard University.  After Legacy and some mixtapes, AKIR had been silent.  Until now.

The video for "Soul" was shot entirely in the Netherlands, but does not lose any of the the street imagery of life in NYC that runs constant throughout the lyrics.  AKIR handles the production of this track as well as bringing his lyrical style that combines the timbre of Nas, and the political discontentment of Immortal Technique with the delivery of Lupe Fiasco.  The track is dark, but not overbearing - primarily serving as the backdrop to feature the vocals in the forefront.  The strength of AKIR's music has always been in the message, and the message here is clear: He refuses to compromise his standards or sell out.  The fact that AKIR is not more widely known to this day is a true testament to how much music business has shifted.  Being written up in The Source Unsigned Hype section as well as XXL clearly doesn't mean what it used to.  I've always felt that AKIR was one of the more talented emcees the New York underground scene had to offer, and I'm happy to see that my brother is still going hard.  Stay posted for news of AKIR's upcoming EP, Focus, by following his twitter page here.

The Adventures Of Keith Masters And The Cannibal Ox Reunion Tour [Social]

So it's a month removed from my tour with the rap heavyweights, Cannibal Ox, on the Reunion Tour that announced their plans on releasing their long awaited sophomore album on the newly formed IGC Records.  The west coast leg of the tour launched in Los Angeles, afterwards hitting San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and then closing out back in L.A. at the world renowned Roxy Theatre.  We had a mess of surprises for the fans, starting off with brand new Cannibal Ox music for those fortunate enough to be in the cities we rocked.  We even brought out the legendary Kut Master Kurt for a few shows who performed with his crew Substance Abuse.  The tour was a massive success and it was an incredible experience in both helping to organize and book the tour as well as performing on it.

You can read all about the tour and my time in L.A. in greater detail at the newly formed Supergood Music website.  Having recently joined forces with the mobile video recording phenomenon, Jam In The Van, the website has gotten a total makeover and is now the prettiest girl at the prom.  They're updating their content daily, providing exclusive music and videos and still giving you the low down on EVERYTHING that's popping in the Los Angeles area from concerts to parties.  It really is a great website that has only gotten immensely better; I highly recommend after subscribing to This Majical World, checking out the Supergood Music/Jam In The Van merger on a regular basis.  Check out my journal here, written by me and posted by the original wearer of many hats, Brandon Dorsky.

Bart Baker Parodies Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" Video [Music Video]

You know those songs that you keep hearing everywhere, that's so annoying to you at first, but in your mind you think "damn, i'm gonna hate it when I start liking this song"?  Well Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" ain't one of those songs.  Why?  Because it's annoying to the point where i'm afraid to turn on any radio or go to any clubs out of fear that i'll be beat about the ears by this overplayed and quite honestly, not very good song.  I'm sorry, it needs to be said, Thrift Shop is a wack song; it needed to be said.  The song just screams "i'm trying really hard to stand out!" and lacks any sort of genuine nature about it.  He probably pigeon-holed his own self by riding the label of a "thrift store shopper" who won't pay for expensive clothes or brand names.  His performance on this past weekend's Saturday Night Live would suggest otherwise, though.  He draped himself in a red blazer with yellow tassels on the shoulders and matching red slacks fresh from Neverland Ranch, with a leather vest undershirt and black loafers.  Also, he went sockless, to complete the look.  You would obviously need to do a world wide thrift store search to find one selling a suit like that.  And as for the leather black vest?  Forget about it...you already know that was custom made for him.  In addition to all that, i'm pretty sure that not only were the guest vocalists he brought on lip syncing, and the band backing him was air-playing, but Macklemore himself was lip syncing.  If that is true, then he drops pretty low in my book...like Lil Wayne low.  Worst of all is, I believe he has some skill as a lyricist...it's just misdirected.  Listening to his album, "The Heist", definitely didn't dissuade that affirmation.  Unimpressive production thoughout, and lyrics that try painfully hard to let the listener know "he cares" "is different" and "won't conform".  One has to wonder if race has only a little or a whole f-ing lot to do with his overnight celebrity status.

Oh, right, this piece is really about a very popular and pretty spot on parody of the "Thrift Shop" video done by Bart Baker.  Apparently, he is something of this generation's Weird Al Yankovic with his track record of mocking popular music hits.  I've never heard of this dude before, but it seems like he's doing pretty well and has a machine of some sort behind him with the amount of hits he has gathered in a week.  I heard about the video from my homeboy, up and coming Hollywood actor Mike Rippe, who stars in the video as the "Real Macklemore".  You'll see him at the very end in the hospital scene.  It's a funny parody, so check it out...he also does a pretty wild spoof of Psy's "Gangnam Style" that is definitely worth watching.

Adam Tensta feat. David Sandstrom "Lights At Bay" [Music Video]

The boy Adam Tensta keeps his hot streak alive dropping a new video for the track "Lights At Bay".  Enlisting the help of David Sandstrom of the Punk band, Refused, they provide a nice contrast between the melancholy vocals in of the chorus and the driving, electronica club beat.  It really works, especially in the backdrop of Tensta bringing his usual brand of real talk from a Swedish perspective on the verses.  Here, he raps on the distance and tension between he and his father, who apparently was an incarcerated drug addict.  The video is gritty and dull, yet still bright; which to me highlights the possibility of dark days parting for silver linings in the clouds.  Respect for the personal touch he put on this track.  "Lights At Bay" premiered on Noisey of Vice Magazine and will be featured, along with his other Junkyard.com collabs, on The Undeniable Tape dropping March 15th. 

Kosha Dillz "Hangin' Out" [Music Video/MP3 Download]

The homie Kosha Dillz brings the freshness with the video for his new track "Hangin' Out", produced by the Grammy nominated beat-smith, Belief.  The first single from his upcoming, yet to be named EP keeps it light, loose, and a little goofy with the flow while nicely riding this quirky beat.  Kosha is currently hitting the studio hard, now that his time is free from fund raising for his Kickstarter project (which was successful, raising over $10,000).  So far in the 20-13, he has performed with Matisyahu, opened for Macklemore and also opened for myself and Cannibal Ox at the Roxy Theatre.  Pretty great start to the year, i'd say.  Some may describe Kosha as "in your face", due to his persistence and passion shown through his music grind, but this video displays his playful nature as an emcee.  Check out the video above, grab the MP3 below and...you know, hang out.

Keith Masters "Gary Busey" (Life Good) [MP3 Stream]

The first single off my Kiez Beats Records debut release Electromajic is Gary Busey (Life Good) and like the actor, this joint is craaaaaazzzy.  The iTunes release features two remixes from DRKNSS and Stop The Car, who gained much acclaim for his remix of Bon Iver's Towers.  Check out the track below, share, comment, and love accordingly.  Also, check out the review in the Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine stupidDope.com. 

Lord Jamar (Kanye West Diss Track) "Lift Up Your Skirt" [MP3 Stream]

First off - let me start by saying that this whole matter in it's essence, is funny.  Lord Jamar, of the group Brand Nubian, has decided to turn an interview he did about his personal opinion on Kanye's wardrobe choice into a "diss track".  "Lift Up Your Shirt" has been released today and is cause for online heads from all sides of the spectrum to chime in their thoughts.  I should add that this really isn't a "diss track"...it's more like an interview over a beat, as the track is only 18 bars of verses.  It's mostly a Boondocks sample and an interview he did about Kanye West.  In my opinion, if you're gonna go in on an artist, especially one of Kanye West's stature, you need to go all the way in.  Jamar falls short by that account.

Kanye's decision to wear the leather kilt at the 12.12.12 Sandy Benefit Show was hilarious.  What else would you expect from Kanye?  This is what he do.  I'm always amused when people take so seriously the choices made by others that don't directly affect them.  Who gives a fuck what Kanye West wears?  We are far too concerned with things like this.  Let him wear a skirt...some will accept it, others won't.  That's fine.  But when you disagree with the choice that someone makes, and in the process you disrespect a group of people - you've put yourself in the wrong.  Calling Kanye West a "fag" just makes Jamar look bitter and foolish.  Kanye West has impregnated one of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood.  I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume that he is straight.  Furthermore, it's just mad ignorant to slander homosexuality like that.  That type of behavior runs rampant in the hip hop community and it's just not cool.

I guess I should be personally offended that Lord Jamar has an issue with skinny jeans, me being a avid supporter of fitted clothing.  I'm not, though, because unlike Lord Jamar - I recognize how diverse Hip Hop is and always has been.  He calls to "arrogance" as being the catalyst for someone expressing their individually through clothing.  He claims that it's not "Hip Hop".  I'm sorry, I know Brand Nubian did it's thing back in the day, but who are you say what Hip Hop IS?  No one person creates or defines the parameters of Hip Hop's existence.  That sounds pretty fucking arrogant is you ask me.  Seems like he forgot how rappers dressed in the 80's.  I guess he meant "that's not Hop Hop" anymore, because it certainly was in the past.

I do think that Lord Jamar truly feels a little bit of what he is trying so hard to put forth here.  I just wish he'd do something like this for the right reasons.  Don't try to aim at a top dog just for soundcloud plays.  Where as, the marketing aspect of this is brilliant - don't then claim that this is "all real".  Over a year of his having a souncloud page, not one of his tracks or beats had over 200 plays...now he uses Kanye's name and he has 6,000 plays in one day.  Again, I got love and respect for what Brand Nubian represented in the past but come on, son.  Bring out a better diss track than that, and next time leave that homophobic shit out of it.  You made some hot music in the past, but Don't Let It Go To Your Head.

Check out the track below, and judge for yourself.  Drop me a comment if you agree, disagree or just don't care either way.

Adam Tensta feat. Chords "The Fog" [MP3 Download]

My apologies for the lapse in posting errybody, but this one man team of Majic is still West Coastin after a successful tour with Cannibal Ox.  Stay tuned for a tour recap but for now: i'm right back like I left something with one of my favorite rappers.  Adam Tensta brings us part 5 of his Junkyard.com collaboration with production by Jeffro and guest vocals by Chords.  Nice production, meaningful lyrics with interesting arrangement.  Grab this freebie below!

Keith Masters Live At Gowhere Hip Hop Show in Chicago [Video]

Happy New Year, y'all!!!  Hope every one's 2013 is starting off well.  I start mine off going back to work hard with several new projects dropping and opportunities soon to be revealed.  I also start mine off by going back in time a week.  The Gowhere Hip Hop Dope Christmas Show was a great night, filled with fun and unique performances.  Among those doing their thing were The Nocturnals, Mint Lab Astronauts, Boy Illinois, Rich Jones,Young General and of course E-Train.  Everyone was pretty charged and the crowd was engaged throughout, which as a performer - really makes all the difference.  People recognizing that they are there to see a live hip hop performance, where interaction and attention is usually prerequisite, is always refreshing.  Ya boy also did a quick set, and you can catch it through the vantage point of the audience above.  Next week, I'll be blogging from the road, so prepare to check out little tidbits from my wild adventures westward!

Gowhere Hip Hop Presents: Dope Christmas Show In Chicago 12.28 [MP3 Stream]

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you all have been enjoying time with family and friends, but perhaps most of all - time away from work.  I definitely took a few days off, myself, but it's back to the grind and I couldn't be more excited about it.  The folks at Gowhere Hip Hop as well as Hollywood shaker Michael Silverstein bring us the holiday show to end all holiday shows.  Since we discovered that the Mayans were full of shit, we can finally look forward to many great things the future may hold for us.  This is a awesome start.  The lineup is packed with many of Chicago's most talented up and comers as well as accomplished young stars, from Mint Lab Astronauts, to Rich Jones (of Second City Citizens) to Boy Illinois.  Headlining is E-Train, the Chicago native now making waves in Los Angeles, and the night is hosted by Young General. This is most definitely the place to be in Chicago tomorrow night.  Perfromances start at 8pm so get there early.  I hear the first 50 people to show up will get a free shot of holiday cheer.  I will be doing a set as well, and the party keeps going from 11pm when DJ Demchuck takes to the tables.  Check out some music from some of the performers below, so you all can sing along on Friday night!  Be sure to RSVP here and I will see you there!!!

Mint Lab Astronauts - Pinnacle


Rich Jones - Charlie Runkle

Boy Illinois - Escape Route

E-Train - Wreck The Discotech

Keith Masters - Desoto

Double A.B. & Dub Sonata feat. Cannibal Ox & David Kiss "Sunset" [Video]

The Hurricane, Sandy, hit New York City on October 29th leaving it devastated with flooded streets and subways, cut power and destroyed homes.  Over 76 evacuation shelters opened up throughout the city and 200 National Guard troops were deployed.  NYC and the other 23 affected US states were dealt more than $63 billion in damage.  New York City is has time and time again proven that it is strong and no stranger to disaster and/or tragedy.  The video for Sunset by Double A.B. & Dub Sonata was filmed before the hurricane hit and does a great job in capturing the beauty and majesty that is New York City.  Switching between scenes shot in Coney Island and Harlem, it captures a sharp contrast; but also a common thread.  New York City carries a duality in its identity and we can see it clearly here in Sunset.  New York City is filthy, but proud.  Cutthroat, but motivational.  With every sunrise, there is a sunset.  Man Bites Dog label mates, Cannibal Ox, provide the insightful lyricism that finishes off the song and video nicely.  You can see the focus in the eyes of Vordul Mega (in orange shirt) as he gazes off past the coast line.  Perhaps pondering what good lies ahead in 2013 for he and his crew.  Catch Double A.B., Cannibal Ox, and myself on tour in January on the West Coast.  Check the main page for dates and cities.  Funds are still being raised for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, so please offer whatever you can to The Robin Hood Foundation.

Missy Elliot "Sock It 2 Me (Kaytranada Remix)" [MP3 Download]

This track is already getting a lot of hype, but I couldn't resist posting this remix as it was one of my favorite songs from high school.  I remember the video for this with the lasers and the robots and the dancing like it was yesterday.  It was so Timbaland-typical-cheesy dope and had a very tight verse from Chicago exiled rapper turned brief reality star, Da Brat.  Montreal-bred producer, Kaytranada, doesn't do too much with the vocals and pretty much lets that incredible horn sample ride.  Good choice, cause it's hard to ruin this track; it's just too sick.  Only thing is, I still get a little queasy on the line "I be poppin' ish like some Crisco"...there aren't enough lasers to burn that image out of my head.  Dope track, and I suspect we'll be hearing more from Kaytranada very soon.

Guns And Babies: The REAL Problem Facing America [Social/Opinion]

It begun in a home in Newtown, Connecticut and certainly didn't end there.  20 year old Adam Lanza was a honor roll student in high school who preferred to associate with "goths".  He was described as "remote" with a possible personality disorder.  He grew up in a wealthy neighborhood with a brother four years his senior and parents who divorced four years prior.  On Friday morning, Adam woke up and killed his mother, Nancy, in her home and then got into a car and drove away.  In that car he carried with him two pistols, a Glock and a Sig Sauer, .223-caliber Bushmaster rifle, a Henry repeating rifle, an Enfield assault rifle and a shotgun.  He drove to Sandy Hook School, got past a single security door somehow and opened fire.  The school had children no further past the fourth grade.  He left 28 dead, including himself, the school principal and his mother.  Also killed were 20 children, none older than 10 years, resulting in the second deadliest shooting in U.S. history.

Gun control is now the hot button topic across the country.  Three of the weapons that the killer brought into the school were registered to his mother, which he used to murder her with.  The question echos, "If we had stricter gun laws, would this have happened?".  Many seem to be focusing on the guns that were used to do the killing.  I would rather look at the person using the guns to do the killings with.  There should be no surprise that a gun was the tool used in the slaying of 20 children.  Guns are the instruments of death.  There's the old adage that I believe is important to consider here:

"Guns don't kill people, people kill people"

The purpose of a gun is to kill.  That is the definition of a gun's entire existence.  As long as guns are apart of our society, they will be used to kill people.  Look at why guns were invented in the first place.  Gunpowder was used by the Chinese in warfare before it spread to the west.  Cannons were adopted from Chinese siege technology which caught on to Western war practices by the 14th century.  Then, hand canons evolved to out duel the development of armor, and so on from there.  Guns were made to fight man in times of war - but have since been abused to attain individual power when removed from war.  That is what humans have proven to do time and time again; take advantage of technology's initial purposes.  Take the internet, for example.  The internet was first created to exchange information between computer terminals that were geographically separated and as a military defense system in the 1950's.  Since then, the internet has evolved and been used to attack other users in the form of viruses, spyware and malware as well as widespread pirating.  As long as we have guns there will be death, accidental or intentional.  I don't place one above the other, both are saddening and indicative of the state in which we live.  Gun control is not an option, it's an all or nothing scenario.  Either banish all guns and eliminate the ease of access to killing others, or don't and accept that tragedies will occur. 

Events such as the massacre in the Sandy Hook School, always hit me on a personal level.  As a certified teacher, I have a first hand account of the concentration that is put into preparing teachers for events like this.  It's now apart of the job description, knowing how to respond to threats such as school shootings.  I've heard a lot of talk from people who believe that teachers should be allowed to have a conceal and carry permit in order to prevent situations such as this.  Realistically, this would take a complete over-hauling of teaching personnel as I assure you that a vast majority of current teachers would seek a different profession if gun-toting was mandated policy.  My mother is a teacher, and she thinks it is crazy to equip teachers with guns.  Not only just because teachers are not trained soldiers, but because of the amount of accidents that would happen if they were.  Teaching is a stressful enough profession with all its responsibilities, without including guns into the requisite. What about the potential for teachers to do harm to others?  And then adding guns?

Who wants to be instructed by people carrying guns?  It's already slightly uncomfortable just talking to police officers, let alone being told what to do by them.  They have guns; I don't feel "safer" around them.  Others will likely have a different perspective, but those who are young and black and living in America might share my view.  And what of the times when tragedy hasn't struck?  What of the times when a teacher sets the gun down, or puts it away, and it is found by a student?  That student plays with the gun, and accidentally kills another student.  Or a teacher.  Or a parent.  There are too many variables out there for this to be a viable solution.

The truth is depressing, but simple.  There is no way to prevent tragedies like this from happening.  While it is just heart-breaking that 20 children are murdered, I think it's just as sad that someone has reached the breaking point to where they decide to end lives, but a teacher was there to take them out before they did.  What's happening to our young adults in America?  What's happening to our teenagers?  Why aren't we looking into making major changes to our societal construct?  We shouldn't be surprised that guns will kill another, but we should be surprised that people are so willing to kill other people.  Or are we at the point in which we just accept that humans have murderous tendencies and we need to limit the ways in which we can harm each other?  If this is true, then how long after guns are banished before another method is invented to easily kill others?  Or before the increase in an already available method such as domestic suicide bombings skyrocket?

We are our own worse enemy.  As a nation, we would prefer to place the blame on "terrorists" from foreign countries as the sole threat to American life.  The fact of the matter is that domestic terrorism is killing Americans in far greater numbers than that of international ones.  More than 30 percent of female homicide victims are due to domestic violence.  A NFL player recently used a gun to kill the mother of his child, and then killed himself over an argument over the paternity of a three month old child.  The murders occurring in Chicago alone should be cause for a national emergency, as President Obama addressed in his press conference yesterday.  We must take a hard look into what we have become as a society and the values we advocate.  We are more isolated and alienated than ever before.  We place unrealistic pressures on the youth to succeed, while glorifying gaudy and greedy behaviors of the rich and famous.  Kids are growing up more disconnected than any generation ever before, contrary to the incredible amount of access to the world that they have.  The culprit of our problems will not be found at Zero Dark Thirty, but rather right now.  This very moment and in the homes of suburban east coast parents that keep registered guns in the house.  In the malls of a North-western towns where many may not be able to afford to shop at.  In the minds of professional athletes that may have a hard time checking their aggression at the practice gym as they leave.  The signs are as clear as day.  This is not a gun control issue; it's a state of American society issue.

Lil Fame & Termanology (Fizzyology) feat. Busta Ryhmes & Styles P. "Play Dirty" [MP3 Stream]

I always find it amazing the amount of music out there that you just don't ever hear about.  It's hard to market music to a broad audience...it's much different than movies and television where advertising is in your face every 11 minutes through commercials.  Wonder why people seems to promote themselves non-stop on Facebook and Twitter, sending invites to their album releases and why you just all of a sudden receive emails from artists dropping you crazy links.  (All music business heads know what I mean with that last one.)  However, there are those rare times where it's refreshing to have music sent to you, as is the case here.   The Legendary M.O.P. is one of my favorite rap groups and I had no clue that Lil Fame of the Brownsville, New York duo had spawned a side project.  Linking up with Termanology, who could be heard on many M.O.P. joints, they form Fizzyology and have already dropped a self-titled full length album.  With no short of big name veterans from Bun B, Freeway, Statik Selektah and even M.O.P., it's hard to imagine this album  being a fail.  One of the lead tracks is Play Dirty featuring production by DJ Premier, who produced a majority of M.O.P.'s music, as well as verses from Busta Rhymes and Styles P.  You already know what to expect - a signature Primo beat, raw energy and top notch lyrics.  Termanology goes in particularly tough on this one.  I love this track, and I can tell I'm gonna enjoy listening to the entire album.