SLICK RICK “THE RULER” IS BACK!!!
Both feature Rick’s signature nasal storytelling wit & braggadocio, over ill old school breakbeats, and give us just enough to leave us wanting more...
Now enough with the writing. Listen & Love for yourself!
SLICK RICK “THE RULER” IS BACK!!! Golden Era Hip Hop Fans Rejoice!!! As if we haven't already been laced recently with some gems from Smif N Wessun, Black Thought, Madlib, Diamond D, and more-we now get a surprise from the one & only Slick Rick!!! Even better, he gave us a double dose with two songs in one video for the tracks "Can't Dance To A Track That Ain't Got No Soul" and "Midas Touch." Both feature Rick’s signature nasal storytelling wit & braggadocio, over ill old school breakbeats, and give us just enough to leave us wanting more... Now enough with the writing. Listen & Love for yourself!
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Looking Back At LL Cool J's Bigger And Deffer...On May 29th, 1987, one of hip hop's greatest albums was released to the masses. Bigger And Deffer universally stands out as one of a handful of albums that personified a shift to a sonic sounding/more hard-edged/lyrically powerful trend in the culture of hip hop music. Before then, most of the music had a more party vibe to it. But along with Public Enemy, BDP, Eric B & Rakim, Ice-T, and NWA, LL brought a heat that would change things forever. One thing about Bigger And Deffer though, is its variety of content. While tracks like I'm Bad, My Rhyme Ain't Done, and 357 Break It On Down were more bragadocious and outright hard, the album also featured funny stories (Bristol Hotel & My Rhyme Ain't Done) & party tracks thrown in too (Kanday & The Do Wop). Even the party tracks had a harder edge than what was coming from from so many others though. And let us not for forget to mention the classic I Need Love. My fondest memories of this album are from stopping whatever else I had going on to listen to The Top Nine At 9, on the radio (92Q). LL ruled that countdown at that time. Kanday, I'm Bad, and I Need Love stayed in that rotation. And as if he wasn't already ruling the airwaves, Def Jam had the nerve to drop Jack The Ripper for the soundtrack to the movie Less Than Zero. This doubled as a diss record, aimed at Kool Moe Dee, and ranks among the best of all time. To me Bigger And Deffer was by far LL's best album, and both my CD and vinyl remain in regular rotation to this day. Old heads check the links to reminisce. Young heads click and get familiar...
Music has always been a huge part of my life. With my mom’s love of classic oldies like Fleetwood Mac, and my dad’s dedication to old school Hip Hop, there has never been a moment in my life where I wasn’t listening to-or at least thinking of or talking about music. In this post, I am going to share my thoughts on some old school Hip Hop records that have recently been re-introduced into my life, and how my father has influenced the way I listen to said records. I bought my mother a much-needed record player for Christmas, and we decided to walk over to our local record store to check out their selection. I ended up purchasing four Hip Hop records by artists that I realized I didn’t listen to enough, but that had been practically engraved into my childhood. N.W.A., Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest, and Wu-Tang Clan were all artists whose names I knew should have more importance in my life. So, with a hundred dollars, I started a brand new journey! This is what I have to say about it. STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON - NWA “Fuck Tha Police”. Something I tend to jokingly say almost every time I see a cop. In reality, it’s not so funny. This album touched basis on a topic that has been relevant throughout the ages, gaining popularity through the 1991 beating of Rodney King, occurring all the way to modern day cases of police brutality against African Americans, and wrongful shootings such as the case of Trayvon Martin in 2012. Before I go on, I need to make something clear. I am, in no way, claiming that the entirety of the police force should be viewed as pigs deserving of your hatred. I am, however, merely stating that, as a mixed-race female who grew up having to worry so heavily about whether or not my father was okay as he was on his way to pick me up for the weekend. Police brutality is a real thing when power is placed into the wrong hands. Now personally, Straight Outta Compton wasn’t necessarily my favorite album I bought. While the music is catchy, and the beats are quite freakin’ sick, the overuse of negative terms and foul language reminded me too much of this generation’s use of mass degradation of anyone who is not a gangster in Hip Hop. Honestly, portraying women in music simply as “bitches” and “hoes” who mean nothing but pleasure, is not my style (Yes, I still bump my head to Snoop’s Lodi Dodi every now and then; but I never fail to state how much I hate the language used). I prefer music that speaks of the black experience without fighting fire with fire. What I mean is, while the things African Americans have been through should not be taken lightly, those affected should not be taking to violence or hatred to counter the violence and hatred done unto them. I’d have to say that my favorite track on the album is “Something 2 Dance 2”. It has an easy-to-follow, electric beat, with chilled out lyrics that probably transformed the way Hip Hop was looked at in the music industry. All in all, while the album wasn’t technically my cup of tea, it was definitely enjoyable and made me want to bounce around in the living room. PEOPLE’S INSTINCTIVE TRAVELS AND THE PATHS OF RHYTHM - A TRIBE CALLED QUEST The music is peaceful, the lyrics are clean, and the message is pure. A Tribe Called Quest delivers Hip Hop that paints a picture of serenity and gives you a sense of spiritual relaxation. I love the low tones, as they are experimental, cultural, and ultimately, extremely satisfying. I really want to emphasize the use of the word “cultural” here. There is just some sort of weird connection to history that these beats convey, with the soft thudding of the drums (bongos), and the use of cool and calm sax tunes really penetrating deep into your very soul. It’s the kind of music that brings people together and makes you forget that we even have to say “fuck tha police.” My favorite track on the album, by far, is Bonita Applebum. Reason being is that there is never a dull moment listening to this song, and it reminds me of my childhood. This song was loved by both of my parents. With my mother being white, this goes to show that this group has a tendency to tHip Hop the likes of people from all walks of life. THE CHRONIC- DR. DRE Weed. Endo. Marijuana. Whatever you want to call it, it seems to come up a lot in music. “The Chronic” follows suit, using the infamous naming of the bud as the title of the album. I won’t go on too long about this album because it was, unfortunately, even more vulgar than “Straight Outta Compton,” so there’s not much to say besides….. Ew. The language is disgusting and the message it sends to the outside world is just oh-so off-putting. With all that said, the songs are catchy and fun. My favorite would have to be “Let Me Ride,” as I remember my mom playing it in the car damn near religiously when I was little. Other than that, all I have to say about this album is “who… why… what the… ew.” Yeah. It was pretty gross. ENTER THE WU TANG: 36 CHAMBERS - WU-TANG CLAN The lyrics aren’t nearly as nasty as in. N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton”, and while it still contains vulgar, violent language, “Enter the Wu-Tang” is much easier on the ears than the formerly mentioned album, as the beats are mellow and toned down, and the tone of voice is a bit more shallow. Wu-Tang would mean nothing to me if it weren’t for my parents. The Clan is practically a deity worthy enough to be worshiped, at least that’s how I view them when I see my dad jamming out to their music. Their logo has become a prominent part of pop culture, with the “W” becoming a standard symbol for practically any word starting with the letter. I have been to stores that blend the “W” symbolic of the Clan with the fictitious African land of Wakanda. Pure Savagery right there, I say. Wu-Tang has obviously had a huge impact on modern day culture and life; and therefore deserves to be recognized as a legendary group. My favorite track? “C.R.E.A.M.” for sure. Because cash definitely rules every facet of my life (totally kidding). In all seriousness, this song is super fun to listen to, and If you know me, you know I’m all for a classic abbreviation-turned-word. WHAT TO TAKE AWAY: So what I want you to understand first is that I don’t necessarily dislike music purely because of its language. Considering I listen to today’s Hip Hop music, I can handle a little bit of N.W.A. every once in a while. However, I do not approve of female degradation, violence, or negativity in any genre of music, whether it be Hip Hop or pop, or hell even country (which I can’t stand by the way). I personally love Hip Hop and wouldn’t be my creative self without it. Hip Hop opens up a world of imagination mixed with hard core word play; and I couldn’t possibly come up with my clever ideas without the music I listen to. To the Hip Hoppers of past, present, and future, I thank you for shaping the person I am and hope to be. Remembering Big L, 20 Years Later...February 15th, 1999, marks 20 years since the death of Big L aka Lamont Coleman. He was murdered, at the young age of 24, in Harlem, NY. According to reports, he was shot nine times in the face and chest area. There are multiple rumors abound, as to the cause of his murder; but the one thing we do know is that L dies on the cusp of stardom. Long known and beloved by underground Hip Hop heads, he was now set to be introduced to the more mainstream audience. Big L had just finished recording his new album, The Big Picture, on Rawkus/Flamboyant/Priority Records; but never lived to hear the final mix. Times were changing in Hip Hop; but he had that rare mix of lyricism, street knowledge, and wittiness to satisfy all ears from every preference. He was the future of the legendary Diggin’ In The Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.); had a famous duet with 2Pac, and recordings of his freestyle with a yet to be signed Jay-Z are still a hot commodity decades later. Big L’s murder, like so many other emcees of that time, was never solved. The lone person of interest, Gerard Woodley, was killed on the same street in 2016. We Miss You Big L!!! https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/05/showbiz-recounts-the-trauma-of-seeing-big-l-moments-after-he-was-killed/
November 9th 1993 Marks As One Of The Greatest Days In Hip Hop History...Twenty-Five Years Ago, on November 9th, 1993, two of The Greatest #HipHop Albums Of All Time were released by A Tribe Called Quest & The Wu-Tang Clan. For ATCQ, “Midnight Marauders” would be their third album; and would officially cement their place in the pantheon of iconic hip hop groups. The Wu-Tang Clan, however was making their debut, as a group, with “Enter The Wu Tang 36 Chambers.” These two albums, along with others like Black Moon’s “Enta Da Stage,” Snoop Doggy Dogg's "Doggystyle," and De La Soul’s “Buhloone Mindstate” would usher in the last Golden Age Of Hip Hop (1993-1995) and a return to glory for New York Hip Hop. Prior to this, much of the hip hop coming out of NYC was either overly jazzy, purposely commercial, or a watered-down clone of what had been hot the year before. But after November 9th, 1993, things would never be the same… Midnight Marauders brought forth a sonic, but cerebral jazzy sound at the same time. Others like Gangstarr and Diamond D had fused jazz masterfully into Hip Hop’s conscious before; but the tracks were usually of the more mellow variety. Now with Marauders, there was a different vibe. It’s like the horns made you want to jump into action; but at the same time the bass and vibes made you want to just relax, chill, and burn a little something. To the contrary, Enter The Wu had a grimy and dark sound beat-wise, that was matched with the type of raw and highly descriptive lyrics that we would see define the era for at least the next four years. Add on top of that, it was nine of them-all with a different style of their own. This, in and of itself was a groundbreaking first; but The Clan actually break an even bigger barrier down as they were the first group to have the freedom to branch out its individual members to sign with whatever other labels they chose. Previously, and still mostly today, the group’s label held control over every member. If you wanted to go solo, you had to sign with that same label, or leave the group all together. As awe-inspiring as Enter The 36 Chambers was, few remember that success actually came pretty slow for The Wu-Tang Clan. Both RZA and GZA had seen disappointment as solo artists before uniting with the others and forming like Voltron. And while “Protect Ya Neck” and “Method Man” took underground hip hop heads hearts and minds immediately, the rest of the hip hop world was still in the dark. It wouldn’t be until 1994’s release of “C.R.E.A.M.” that everyone else caught on. And from there the bees began to swarm and takeover. Each member would go on to release solo albums and side projects, while proteges like Killarmy, Sunz Of Man, Cappadonna, Killah Priest, Theodore Unit, and dozens of others would feed us for the next twenty-five years. For awhile, the recently relaunched Wu-Wear clothing brand would be a must have-and clan members would be featured constantly in movies and tv. Meanwhile, for A Tribe Called Quest, perhaps their greatest album would be the peak for them, and signal the sadly inevitable decline that comes once groups hit the mountaintop. Internal friction between Phife Dawg and Q-Tip would negatively impact the group from here on out; and after releasing an EP called “The Jam” in 1996, ATCQ would announce that 1998’s “The Love Movement would be their final album ( a long eighteen years later we would finally see a final reunion, with the critically-acclaimed “We Got It From Here” album in 2016). Both Q-Tip and Phife would put out solid solo work, it was never as good as the two of them together with Jarobi and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Phiife died of complications from diabetes in 2017. Far from being immune to some of those same internal struggles, The WTC has continued on. Their struggles have often played out loudly for all to see in books, documentaries and interviews. But the family bond has been just strong enough to keep bringing them together from time to time. Hopefully the forthcoming and untitled album, executive produced by Ghostface Killah, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the debut of The Wu World Order, will provide the heat that we remember them for…
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