Dr. Jay's Interviews Just C

My brother and partner in MotherGreen Just C was recently interviewed by the Dr. Jay's blog for his position during the day, running Artful Dodger. I have personally watched this young man grow into a strong leader still looking for pointers and ways to expand his expertise. Just is certainly a gentleman to look out for in 2010.

Peep the storay (c) Camp Lo

“Artful Dodger is an incredible brand with a lot of room for growth, and Scott Langton is a visionary designer,” Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter said in a statement about the annexation. “They represent what’s next and new in fashion, and we are glad to have both the brand and Scott as a part of our family. Artful Dodger represents the first of many acquisitions that will begin to shape our joint venture with Iconix.”

Since taking off, the brand has brought a new creative genius into the mix—meet Just C.

I got a chance to sit down with him to get the 411. Check it out.

Old School Mondays

Originally this was gonna be a totally different post but due to timing we are here once again. I really enjoy posting anything that basically takes me and any other person back in time to their childhood. So since youngun Dashaun did his post on "They Broke Ground" in Brooklyn I decided to take a few of my favorite songs based on the planet we all know and love!!!

The Broke Ground Yall... (Atlantic Yards)

Well, it's on now. They broke ground for the Atlantic Yards and Brooklyn wept. What can I say that hasn't already been said. We don't need it, we never did. Affordable housing for who exactly Mr. Ratner? Jay Z should be ashamed of his face being used for such a nefarious act. I'm rambling a little bit here I know, but I'm just really frustrated.

Brooklyn is my home. I was born in Brooklyn hospital which is not too far from the Atlantic Yards site. My father spent a significant part of his teenage years living in the Atlantic Terminal projects right up the block, so you see that area is special to me. The Nets can't even buy a win right now. They should focus on winning a game and not ruining the landscape of my beloved Brooklyn. To the politicians who stood by and endorsed this mess I say, shame on you.

In the words of the great Walter Sobchak "Has The World Gone CRAZY!?!?!?"

Rise and Fall

I've noticed so much controversy over these masonic images and how people are trying to tie it to certain stars in order to make them being part of an elite group. The funny thing is when we started doing all these graphics several years back it was just that, a simple graphic. The design team enjoyed recreating the art to make it our own. Now it's been blown into a mystic and alternative motive type of thing. Regardless when it comes to my research I tend to make sure that it falls in the lines of the images I use for reference and I like to make sure that it holds a bit symbolism as well but only make it a bit more relevant to the times. Enjoy

I Came In 2nd Place / HHK Championship Results

*takes deep breath*

Going into this championship I was a little jaded due to the first one. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but then realized that the fun aspect of HHK was all that mattered. With that said, Heeeeeere we go...

Once everyone arrived ready to perform we sat upstairs in the dressing room joking and rapping along to the records DJ Wex played on stage. The homie Dee Phunk told me the crowd was growing exponentially. At one point a group of us started quoting Coming To America for some reason, and in walks Josh Diggs (the host with the most) with someone rocking a thick black fur directly behind him. All talk ceased as we saw it was Big Daddy Kane himself who just walked in. Josh said something to break the ice, and Kane started shaking everyone's hand, exchanging pleasantries. Once he left the room, we started discussing how sharp he still looked and how fresh his fur was.

Once we had the performance order and 10 o'clock hit, the show started. Josh did a great opening sequence and it was off to the races. I gotta say everyone really did a good job. The one wack surprise of the night was Chef going out in the first round. I speculate the drinks in the dressing room got the best of him that night and he just came off too relaxed to the judges. This was especially prominent after K-Dot started the night off with an incredibly energetic rendition of "Slam" by Onyx. I went on after Diego who gave an energetic performance as well. As I stood to the side of the stage my stomach was in knots. When my name was announced, I took the stage and looked out at the crowd. I saw my beautiful Shino in the crowd, I saw my cheering section holding up signs with my name and this all calmed me down. I felt at ease on stage and ready to perform one of my favorite songs period. Once the beat dropped I felt the energy surge through me. From the first verse to the last verse I never lost focus and kept the crowd in my performance. After four verses I received the first perfect score of the night! Buckshot even got out of his seat to salute me. ME!

As I went to the second round I got to perform the song I scheduled to do in the first championship. However due to my poor score it never saw the light of day... until now. Before I went on this MOFO Doni D went out and destroyed the stage. When I saw him backstage I didn't even say anything we just looked smiled and I walked away shaking my head. I purchased a fitted cap just for my performance two years ago and of course I forgot it at home. Shino did me a huge favor by bringing it to the venue for me. Once I put that hat on and, the music started for Jay-Z's "Encore" I felt that energy surge again. I still smile thinking about that performance. All of the judges showed me love for this one and Big Daddy Kane told me I had what it took to be a real rapper.

For the third round I wasn't as sharp as before and my score reflected that. Before I started I told the crowd that I'd already reached my goal. I got to perform all my songs and had an amazing amount of fun. It was never about winning first place for me. As I went into Slick Rick's "Mona Lisa" I had a gang of fun. I got the whole crowd to dance with me by the end of the song. Right when I finished my man Axiom tossed me his big purple crown which I caught and through right on my head as Slick Rick The Ruler. We didn't even plan that. (As I type this Mona Lisa comes randomly on last FM) I'm sure I had the biggest smile on my face.

When it was all said and done, Doni D and I tied for second and Jessica the newcomer from Queens held down the title of champion with her performance of My Adidas. I have to say the judging was VERY fair this time. Peter Rosenberg from Hot 97 did his thing and showed his knowledge of hip hop lyrics. I appreciated all the comments from the judges. It was time to wrap up the show and at that point Buckshot took the mic and performed "I Gotcha Open (Remix)". When he finished Big Daddy Kane left the judges table and I proceeded to beg him to let me dance for him. This was always a dream of mine. Damali joined me and we became his modern day Scoob and Scrap. AMAZING.

When Kane finished he told me that he was really impressed with my performance and that I was better than many signed acts he saw on stage. He said he didn't know why I never pursued a career in hip hop because I had... "IT". Yup Kane said that to ME! All of the contestants were on stage at this point. All on the same level with no animosity. We were hugging and dancing together, family again. HHK family.

P.S. After the show I got to talk to Kane for a good 15 minutes about Brownsville history and the fact that he was the first performer I ever saw as a kid back in 88. AMAZING!

Time For Pictures And Videos

http://newyork.metromix.com/music/photogallery/2010-hip-hop-karaoke/1736674/content

Jay-Z - On To The Next One

New Jay-Z and I can't front, this joint is not even wack! Gotta respect what he's spitting on this record and Swizzy laced him beat wise. Some interesting imagery in this video, but you can make of it what you will.

Jay - Z Forever Young (Official Video)

Not my cup of tea but you may enjoy it. I can feel what he's trying to get across but...eh. Maybe this will get played on top 40 radio? And for the record I don't think this is a hip hop song at all. It's pretty much a pop rap single. Nothing wrong with that, just making an observation.

Carry On.

Happy Ether Day!!!

About 8 years ago a young man from Queens bridge decided that he would not lay down and give up. With a radio show named after an attack on his character and career airing daily, Nasir Jones finally said enough is enough. He finally took his shots at the Champion at the time Jay-Z from mixtape level to the center stage with the historic song Ether. This song would reshape the way people would view battle rap records. The phrase "ethered" was born.

So on this day we celebrate the underdog. The person who against all odds defies the critics and comes out on top, even if it's only temporary. This holiday is for you.

Celebrate Ether Day and let the world know about it.

The anthem (explicit lyrics)

Empire State Of Mind Draws A Line?

I remember hearing about a new Jay Z song on the Blueprint 3 that was supposed to be crazy. Now I had already listened to 3 weak songs from the album so I wasn't really in the mood. A friend of mine at work said he really liked the album and suggested that I listen to ESOM. So I went on You Tube and listened. The song had a nice beat and seemed to be an anthem. However it didn't move me much even though I acknowledged that it wasn't a bad song. Once Jay performed this song on MTV's VMAs I thought it would be big but not as huge as it is now. I mean the man opened the Yankees 1st home game in the World Series to this song. However on the flip side of the success of this song there is a conversation being had regarding what view of New York does it represent.

No one can deny that Jay Z is a man who pulled himself up from the gutters of Brooklyn NY. The thing is he did that a long time ago. Remember when Jay released his debut album in 96 he was riding around in a Lexus and reading the magazines about living the high life. Jay's mind has always been in that space but as he moved through his career there was always a sense that he was making a way for us to do better along with him. Some might say the overall air of this Empire State Of Mind song gives the impression of a man who is now above it all and rubbing elbows with the city's elite, alone.

I will now post an entry from one cat from Okayplayer who says it all better than I could. I give you OKP L.E.S. Now mind you L.E.S. wants us to know that he's not rallying against Jay-Z, but only describing why he's turned off by the whole thing.

"this is the anthem for the New 'White Washed' New York"

Michael Bloomberg just bought himself a re-election, and changed the law. while I'm very happy the Yankees won, the average person in New York cannot afford to go to a game in the new Stadium, which is basically a giant shopping mall that happens to have a ball field. Big and small business are closing down left and right, even in wealthy neighborhoods like the Upper East Side. Small businesses in working-class neighborhoods are in serious trouble if they haven't already closed down.

So hearing this sentimental, commercial, New York Jay-Z anthem rubs me the wrong way. As a matter of fact (i've always been a big Jay fan) it's the first time i almost feel resentment toward him. He has now gone to the 'other side.' I was never turned off by Jay braggin' about getting money, women, jewels etc. but this song is more of a statement, in my opinion, that he really is an elitist. When i saw Michael Bloomberg introduce Jay at City Hall I thought to myself, these are the people in the top bracket of income in this city and country. they have more in common with each other than they do with me. I can't relate to either of these people and they have all this power politically and culturally. So while i did not cast my vote for Mike Bloomberg, I will also not cast my vote for Jay-Z.

It's a wrap, times up, Jay's term is up, this is the first Jay album I didn't buy or even listen to. Jay is talented and i love his body of work over all. but we need
new voices in New York. Jay-Z is no longer the voice of any people but himself and the elite in this city.

Now I ask you all, do you agree or disagree. State ya biz (c) Young Vito voice of the young people.

Run This Town (Parody)

Thanks to Sandy for putting me up on game for this joint. This cat is really funny and this parody is well done. He keeps this up and he might get a show.

Jay - Z - Empire State of Mind (Brock Mills Stills)

Check out this video from a talented young brother straight out of Brownsville, Brooklyn. Watching this video made me appreciate the song way more than just hearing it or even seeing the performance on MTV's VMAs earlier this year. Be on the lookout for Brock Mills Stills you might want him to do some work for you. He's ill!
http://www.brockmills.com

Empire State Of Mind from Brock Mills on Vimeo.

Is Jay Z due for a dip album wise?

I remember a conversation regarding Jay-Z a few years ago (probably around Kingdom Come) with my good friend Vicky (lover of Kool-Aid). What's funny is now that I think about it the same way that Prince fans have been known to drink the purple Kool-Aid Vicky was always heavy on that Jay-Z drink. Well it seems it's Kingdom Come time once again.

Vicky told me that if you look back at Jay's career every OTHER album he takes a dip. They aren't necessarily wack albums but they fail to live up to his previous piece of work. Lets take a look.


Resonable Doubt - No doubt a banger.


In My Lifetime Vol. 1 - Ehhh he's trying to get the Bad Boy fan base and it's not his best.


Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life - 5 Million sold. He basically hit on all fronts with this one. This album was an event.


Vol. 3 The Life and Times... - Vol. 2 only...not so much. Tried hard and didn't work.


Dynasty Roc La Familia - This is more of a compilation album so I'm skipping it. Good though.



Blueprint - Some say it's his true and only classic. 5 mics in the source (or whatever). Crazy record overall.


Blueprint 2 - Post Ether Jay-Z, not a pretty sight.


The Black Album - Ahhh this was his chance to go out on top. PSA is on this album. BANGER (with a few missteps)


Kingdom Come - ...well I'm sure Dame liked this album. *smh*


American Gangster - Dope "concept" album. Has an official hit with Roc Boys. Solid record.

Which leads us to Blueprint 3. He's do for another dip and early reports are stating it should really be called Kingdom Come 2. I hope for Vicky's sake this isn't true. And I didn't think it was...til I heard Reminder.

Jay-Z - Run This Town OFFICIAL VIDEO

Once again...you be the judge.

Jay-Z - Run This Town feat. Rhianna and Kanye

Hmm I'll say this much, I don't like the flow on this song. The lyrics are a bit forgettable on Jay's part. This is his second attempt to garner interest in his latest project Blueprint 3. I can't say I'm looking forward to this album. I mean, Kanye is the best thing about this track. It's ultimately just a forgettable song which is supposed to be a single. Not exactly how you want to launch a new label (Roc Nation).

You be the judge.Run This Town

Game vs. Jay Z (The die has been cast)

I never thought the bol Game (who I think is weak sauce) would directly address Jay. Well I was wrong. This dude Game really trying to go in on Jay on this record. The backlash from Jay's DOA record has been a bit much. This is crazy. What will Jay do on this?

This song really brings to the forefront this age issue in hip hop. Dudes really REALLY got a problem with cats getting up in age rapping. To me I don't care as long as the music is good. I say diss a cat on his weak output rather than his years on the planet. Any body can get it in hip hop but have some respect for your elders. *smh*

What do yall think.

Game - I'm So Wavy

Jay - Z DOA official video

You be the judge.

Jay-Z's "D.O.A" Video!

Hammer breaks down Jay-Z's DOA record

I must admit I haven't thought about checking Hammer for hip hop commentary but the man is pretty on point here. Very insightful video done by allhiphop.com. Peep game.