www.BoondocksBootleg.com

Okay I know there are a lot of people who love Aaron McGuder's Boondocks cartoon. We also know that Aaron has taken some time off before he drops a new season on us. So in the meantime what is a man to do!!? Well I think I might have the remedy to hold you over. Check out www.boondocksbootleg.com! Here you'll find brand new comedy from "The Boondocks" creator, Aaron McGruder's Partner Rumble studio! Check out the site and here's a clip to wet your taste buds on.

Jaz-O Emerges and He’s Looking to Finish the Jigga Beef

Now a days we see Jay Z chilling with his beautiful wife Beyonce and living the life. You seen him on yachts, in the islands, court side at basketball games and doing what a big celebrity do. If you have any knowledge of Hip Hop history or keep up with the numerous beefs that take place between artist, you surely know about the Jaz-O and Jay Z conflict.

Jaz-O is a MC, active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for being a mentor of sorts to Jay-Z. Jaz is also known as the Originator and had a song called "The Originators" that featured a young Jay-Z in 1989. As simply the Jaz, he had success with his 1990 single "Hawaiian Sophie," from his debut album Word to the Jaz.

He has been featured on some of Jay-Z's songs, such as "Bring it On" (from Reasonable Doubt) and the single "Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)" (from Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life) as Big Jaz and produced the single "Ain't No Nigga" from Reasonable Doubt and the song "Rap Game/Crack Game" from In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Jaz-O is known to have discovered Jay-Z. Jaz-O claims that Jay-Z got his name from Jaz, something Jay-Z denies.

Jaz was an important figure in the Nas vs. Jay-Z feud. It is also speculated that Jaz-O supplied Nas with some of the information he used in his Jay-Z diss track "Ether." After the situation with Nas cooled down, Jay-Z went on to diss Jaz first on a track released by DJ Kay Slay featuring Freeway, Geda K, Young Chris, and Memphis Bleek and later on his album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse. Jay-Z said on the title track, "I'ma let karma catch up to Jaz-O." Jaz responded with a record on a DJ Kay Slay mixtape called "It's Ova."

Well Jaz-O is back and it looks like he is throwing his hat in the game and is definitely going after a few people including Jay-Z. Now I am on the fence about artist beefing and the potential of it to get out of hand. But I also know that sometimes it is that beef that brings out the best creativity and tracks. Who know what will happen with Jaz-O and Jigga. Is it the master finally coming home to scold the pupil or is it just one more person throwing rocks at the throne to upset the king?

Check out Jaz-O’s latest track. Here’s the link grab it while it’s up!!!

Download Here

John Forte is Free! Maybe George Bush Does Like Black People a Little Bit!!

Was it Kanye who said George Bush did not like Black people? After reading this old "Dubya" might not be that bad!

John Forte has been granted a pardon by the exiting President George Bush. The former rapper and close affiliate to the Fugees, was convicted of aiding and abetting in the distribution of cocaine. The rapper/producer was apprehended with two briefcases filled with $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine.

Perhaps, Forte a former member of the Fugee's crew will once again start producing and rhyming as he did before he was locked up. Remember Forte produce two tracks on the critically acclaimed and Grammy-winning 1996 album, The Score.

Many people may not be familiar with the case against John Forte because we never heard the Fugees screaming “Free John Forte” at the end of their records or at the numerous award shows when the world was watching.

With the commutation, Forte will be released Dec. 22, after serving just over seven years. He still faces five years of supervised probation.

Here's a track to jog your memory a bit! Yeah I hope Forte can get back to doing music!

Q-Tip On The Depreciation of Hip-Hop Music

Q-tip formerly of a Tribe Called Quest gives his views on the depreciation of Hip Hop. As a longtime figure in the Hip Hop culture Q-tip gives us his insight on why Hip Hop is the way it is today. Check out the interview and let’s us know your opinion. With the new onslaught on various rappers using the auto-tune, Q-Tip might have some valid points. Where's the creativity in Hip Hop.

What is Go-Go Music and How it Relates to Hip Hop

Growing up in VA I had a lot of musical influences. Trust me hip hop has always been my love but there is an affair I must own up to. Don't get me wrong it's nothing to be ashamed of and it's nothing that anybody has to hang their head low about. My side chick is Go Go music. Now I know a lot of cats are like, "what the hell is Go Go music"? So let me explain what it is.

Go-Go is best when it's performed live. Go-Go is the music of D.C, originated in D.C, and only the best in the capitol of the U.S.

Go-Go involves a group of people playing different instruments, some on the mic, playing songs we hear on the radio but just a little differently than you expect. Go-Go music was founded in the D.C area in the mid to late 70s. Chuck Brown had a crowd jumper in 1978 with the single "Bustin Loose." Go-Go has inspired many artists in our time. In the 1980s Salt-N-Pepa was influenced by Go-Go with their song "Shake Your Thang." Also, "Rollin with Kid-N-Play by Kid-N-Play was influenced by Go-Go music. Music you'll probably remember like "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce or "One Thing" by Amerie was also influenced by Go-Go music.

The only place you hear authentic GO GO music is in the DMV (DC, Maryland, VA). To truly experience GO GO you need to go to a live GO GO show and feel the energy that flows throughout the room. Go-Go is a "Whateva I say y'all gotta do" kind of music. Go-Go is known for its live performances, but also for Go-Go dancing. It's hard to explain. It consists of two people battling by dancing, doing something with your body, getting yourself hyped. From the beats, dances and attitude, GO GO will truly have you on the floor enjoying yourself all night long.

There are all types of different bands in D.C. The first bands that came out in the late 70s were Rare Essence, Junkyard Band, Northeast Groovers, Backyard Band, TCB, Familiar Faces, Lissen Band, and Suttle Thoughts just to name a few. Bands then aren't like bands now. Bands that are still playing and out now are TCB, Backyard Bands, TOB, Rare Essence, New Impressions, Reaction, CCB, MOB, KIB, PIB, and GOB just to name a few.

Check out a very popular Go Go band Mambo Sauce and then peep Jim Jones in DC doing what it do when he comes to DC!

Are Real DJ's a Thing of the Past

Recently I was over one of my friends house and a few of the neighborhood kids were there playing Playstation 3 with his son. The kids were talking and I heard one of them say, “I am going to get me some DJ equipment for Christmas”. This statement really caught my ear because back in the day I was a DJ. I started my life as a DJ when I was about 14 or 15. I learned the craft and had a lot of fun with it. I spun records for school dances, I did gigs at a lot of clubs here in the city and I also toured with a DC go go band and spun during the band breaks. So I told this kid that if he wanted a few tips I could show him some stuff. I explained that I could show him how to backspin, how to scratch and cut, how to transform, how match beats and make some nice blends. I told him that I could show him how to cue up his records and put together some nice sets. Then without hesitation the kid answered back, “What do you mean by cueing up records”? My heart dropped and I could not believe what I just heard. Then it really hit me, theses kids coming up do not even know what vinyl is. In today’s world they work from MP3’s, CD’s (which are slowly becoming extinct) and Serato. Most kids have never seen a record. I was appalled, but could not be mad with the kid. Are DJ’s who spin vinyl also becoming extinct like the dinosaur? I stopped my DJ career right after college but never lost touch with the craft. I have my turntables at home and a stack of vinyl. No more gigs, no more battles, just a passion for the craft. But again, how can these kids want to be DJ’s without knowing how it came about. Are you a real DJ if all you use are MP3’s , CD’s and Serato? Where is the showcase of your skills? Can you keep a crowd on it’s feet and partying all night?

So I told this kid that he should go home and research how the art came about. I told him to check out some past DJ battles. I told him to checkout DJ’s like Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri and Grandmaster Flash. I also told him to seriously look into getting some turntables before he gets the CD players and DJ software. Learn the basics, learn the history then add the new technology to your skill set.

Check out these two videos. First is DJ Jazzy Jeff on the wheels of steel and then my personal favorite DJ Scratch!!

Enter The Wu-Tang... Weathertech Boot by Fila

The Wu is back on it's grind and it aint another album dropping, or another DVD. This time they are in a venture with Fila. Fila and The Wu-Tang Brand, Ltd. announce their latest product collaboration: the Wu-Tang Weathertech boot. The winter wear boot will be available just in time for the holiday season and marks the second time the Italian heritage sportswear brand has partnered with Wu-Tang for footwear collaboration.
One of the most critically and commercially successful music groups of all time, The Wu-Tang Clan exploded onto the scene in the 1990s, delivering a sound unlike any other.

The Wu-Tang Clan consists of nine members: Ghostface Killah, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, Method Man, Raekwon, RZA, U-God and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. These hip-hop pioneers are rappers, actors, entrepreneurs, record producers, screenwriters and executive producers. Under the direction of RZA, the group, through its own efforts and solo projects, (all of which he produced or co-produced) has been able to create a hazy, surreal, and menacing soundscape derived from hardcore beats, eerie piano riffs, and minimal samples. Out of these musical sounds and characteristics, their debut album "36 Chambers" was born. By 1993, The Clan possessed one of the most instantly recognizable sounds in hip-hop, and that still remains true today.

In 2007, Fila and the Wu-Tang Brand, Ltd. released a special edition of Fila's classic Original Tennis Shoe entitled the "C.R.E.A.M." shoe. This special and unique collaboration was a limited edition run that was available in three colors and developed exclusively for New York City's Training Camp sneaker boutique.
For this second collaboration, the Wu-Tang Weathertech boot was inspired by the classic Fila boot silhouette and features an oiled suede upper, molded rubberized vamp, d-ring lacing system and padded ankle collars. The Wu-Tang boot is emblazoned with the legendary group's insignia on both the side and the heel tab as well as with signature Wu-Tang yellow highlights.

I don't know, it's your call. I might feel a little weird rocking the Wu on my feet, but that's my opinion. The Wu-Tang boot retails for $100.

The Roots Named House Band For 'Late Night'; Temporarily Retire From Touring

This article was taken from www.AllHipHop.com

By Rudy West

If you are a fan of The Roots, the last time to see them perform live may be during their upcoming tour of Europe, which kicks off November 11 in Switzerland.

Sources have told AllHipHop.com that the revered Philadelphia Hip-Hop band will temporarily retire from touring in March of 2009.

While the news may be a disappointment for some, the reason for the decision is sure to delight fans of late night television.

The Roots will serve as the new house band for former Saturday Night Live actor Jimmy Fallon, when he replaces Conan O’Brien as host of Late Night on NBC in March of 2009.

O’Brien will be moved to The Tonight Show, where he will replace Jay Leno.

Last week, Fallon and The Roots traveled to the Delaware Valley, where they shoot a video at the Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia’s Fishtown section, to promote Late Nate.

At press time, The Roots could not be reached for comment.

The internet meets Nike's Air Force Ones

No matter how you see it. Nike's Air Force Ones are a staple in Hip Hop culture. These Nike's go by many names, Flaves, phat heads, big nikes, Uptowns, etc. No matter what part of the world you live in there is a name for this favorite style of millions and millions of Hip Hop heads. We all know that everybody and their momma has their own custom AF1's, but today I ran across an interesting design. Digg the largest content sharing site on the internet recently commissioned sneaker customizer Sole Brother to create a small batch of Air Force 1s. Featuring the sites colorways, the shoe also includes a subtle feature which comes to life as the lights go out with a glow-in-the-dark all-over pattern of the Digg logo. Now I am not one who runs out and endorses sneakers every time a new style comes out, but these Air Force One's are hot!
Check out the images and leave your comments on how you think they look.

What Happen To All The Hip Hop Video Shows!!!

Growing up in the world of Rap and Hip Hop, there were two things you could count on. The first thing was new Jordan's being released and the second thing was watching your favorite hip hop video show. Before the TRL's, 106 and Park's and Top 100 count downs there was Yo MTV Raps, Rap City and the infamous BET Uncut. Then like a blow to the stomach, Yo MTV Raps was canceled. Then BET Uncut faded away (but we all know the real reason for that). The last standing survivor was Rap City. Rap City can possibly be the last of a dying breed. When this all started, nobody knew that the hip hop culture would grow into what it is today. Nobody saw the the economic ramifications or the inevitable blend of Hip Hop into the mainstream culture. That blend into the culture is more than likely the reason why these once popular shows are now canceled. As the Hip Hop culture was assimilated into the mainstream culture, it became less and less tabu to have gangsta rapper videos being played right after the latest Pop idols video. Corporate America has embraced the culture in an effort to exploit it and reap the millions and millions that Rap and Hip Hop bring in on a yearly basis. Thus the demise of the your favorite Hip Hop Video show. Right now on mainstream TV there is no one show dedicated to Hip Hop. No show that will only air Hip Hop and Rap videos period. Yeah, yeah I am sure a show might pop up later, but will it have the same feel of a Yo MTV Raps or Rap City. Will it be all Hip Hop and Rap or will it simply be a mix of everything. With all of the success that the culture of Hip Hop has brought, in a way it's shooting itself in the foot. Is this what Nas meant when he said Hip Hop was dead? Below are some clips of Yo MTV Raps and Rap City......

Throwback Video of the Week 11-9-08

This week's throwback video of the week is Das Efx's "They Want EFX"! Group member Skoob hails from Brooklyn, New York City while Krazy Drayzy hails from Teaneck, New Jersey but the two met at Virginia State University in 1988 and began performing together. They named themselves "Das" standing for "Drayz and Skoob" and "EFX" meaning "effects". Das EFX caught the attention of EPMD at a local talent show where, despite losing the competition, they did well enough to convince EPMD to sign them to a recording contract. The duo gained critical and commercial fame with the release of their landmark debut album, Dead Serious, which highlighted their unusual rapping style which they nicknamed "sewage". As their career progressed, however, Das EFX's once-distinctive and unique lyrical delivery became more commonplace as other artists, including a young Jay-Z, imitated it. From the time of their debut in 1992 to 1993, several elements of their style were adopted by other hip-hop artists, including the Lords of the Underground, The Fu-Schnickens, Kris Kross, Common and even, to a lesser extent, Public Enemy. The iggedy style was also referenced in the 1996 BLACKstreet song "No Diggity" with "diggity" meaning "doubt". This also became popular catchphrase at the time. In 2007 the group had a large European tour and performed in Serbia, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, Germany, Japan, Chile and many other countries.They are currently working on a new album!

What do you know about Black Superheros

I ran across this website the other day and I was totaly floored. The website www.blacksuperhero.com is probably the hottest website I have ran across all year. Where else can you find a complete history of Black superheros. Here's an excerpt from the site:

To begin with, the history of black superheroes is not easily assembled since early on, much of the work was not reported on. There aren't volumes of books out there on the subject, and even if you look at historical books put out by major publishers - the coverage on their own black superheroes is sparse at best.

Also, companies prefer to sweep any negative and stereotypical characters from their past under the rug in order to preserve their images today. Therefore, the search for early black superheroes turns up more negative images than anything else. The history as a whole needs to be looked at in order to fully appreciate the black superheroes being created today.

Marvel’s first black superhero was named “Whitewash” (the name speaks for itself). Whitewash was a character drawn in full blackface fashion who appeared in the 1940's war comic "Young Allies". Created for comic effect only, Whitewash was portrayed as a helpless bufoon whose only purpose was to provide laughs as he fell into one dire situation to another. Full of the stereotypes you would expect to see at that time in American history, negative black comic characters were all too commonplace.

In recent years, many African American artists and comics publishers have taken it upon themselves to create and explore more black superheroes. The impact of these independent comics can’t be overlooked so I’ve included them in the museum because they are vital to bringing black superheroes to the forefront of the public eye. With many more black artists drawing, and new black superheroes being created everyday, black heroes are on the rise. Over time, their success will only help to broaden the minds of those who take the time to read and enjoy them. In conclusion, if you know artists that are creating comics, buy their books and support black superheroes!

Check out the site, scroll through the Black superheros and read their stories.

The Day After The Election, What Will Your President Be Playing On His Ipod?

The world as we know it has, or will be officially changing. I must admit, I would have never imagined that I can say that the president of these United States could possibly like the same music I do! I have grown up in the world of Hip Hop. My first album I can remember was the Fat Boys album my father got me one Christmas. I can remember stealing huge cardboard boxes in an effort to learn how to spin on my back and learn the latest break dance moves in middle school. I remember the shell toe Adidas and the fat laces. I saw hip hop grow from a so called passing phase to an economic powerhouse. Now to my amazement I see a politician running for President who can relate to the millions and millions of people who grew up, live and promote the culture.

Today when I ran across this interview of Barack Obama I could only smile and think about how far hip hop has grown. To see major politicians tell you how much they like Jay Z, Dr. Dre or whoever. Hip Hop has always been a vehicle to express the conditions, politics and stories of the urban culture. But today I can only smile and express my joy to see that the hip hop culture is on the right path. Yes there are going to be setbacks, people who criticize the music and life and of course people that live the culture who can be as ignorant as they get. But today I smile because nobody can tell me that hip hop has not grown.

So after the election dust settles and the votes are in, ask yourself "I wonder what the president has in his ipod this morning"! Hopefully it will be Hip Hop!!!!