Life Goes On...

Like the title says...life goes on. No matter what struggle or challenges you face. The world doesn't care. If u were to disappear, people would miss you, but after tears were shed and kind words were spoken. Life goes on...

I made that statement because recently I was forced to accept that harsh, lonely reality. To be honest I'm glad I had to go through a tragedy that left my heart bearing scars. It's not because I'm a masochist. It's because it taught me three lessons. Each can be found in old expressions. "Life goes on" was the first. The second was "What doesn't kill u makes u stronger," is a fact. When I reached my lowest point is when I found the strength to stand back up and start walking forward again. Losing my daughter was the hardest thing to emotionally survive in my life. Now I'm conditioned, and there's very little left in this world that can harm me. 

One of the steps I've been taking to get back on track, is getting back in optimum shape. It's summer. The weather is hot. Masks are off. No better time to have a beach body. I spent the better part of two months doing my best impression of a couch potato. When I was in the bottomless abyss of despair the ice cream started talking to me. I'm not sure when it started. It was a few weeks after the break-up. I was sitting on the couch, crying like a child because Bruce Willis got shot in Die Hard 2 (or because I lost five figures on a trade), fluctuating between anger and sadness when the ice cream started talking. 

It would say "Hey, its cold and dark in here. Take me out. I'll keep u company and make u feel better." In all fairness the ice cream didn't lie. It made me feel better for a long time. I walked past a mirror one day and looked at my reflection. The mirror had become the enemy. I hadn't seen my reflection in months.  All it took was five seconds of appraisal for me to know the ice cream had to go. Immediately I rushed to the kitchen snatched the ice cream out the freezer and prepared to throw the whole pint in the trash. The Ice cream, frosty and emotionless asked. "Why throw me away? Didn't I make u feel better?" Trapped in the depths of rage and self hatred I yelled back. "Yes, but now I'm fat." Always cool, calculating, and compassionless, the ice cream replied. "I promised to make you feel better. Not look better. That's your job." The ice cream was right. It did what it promised to do. There was no one but myself to be angry with. Once I came to that realization my sanity returned. I thanked the ice cream by eating it. I haven't brought a pint home since. 

During the lockdown in Europe all the gyms were closed (like everything else). Here in the Netherlands we had a (21:00 - 05:00) curfew that only recently ended. No gym meant I had to device a way to get a full body workout at home. One thing to remember is no matter how much u exercise, if u don't eat healthy the results won't show.

The last lesson was perhaps the most important. "No Risk No reward" is also very true. Even if u don't succeed in achieving a goal, you gain more experience from every attempt. Trust me when I say, taking a risk on yourself is the best thing u can do. In eighteen months my entire life changed. I'm optimistic about the future, motivated in the present, and making peace with the past. The journey I'm on is like trying to climb Mount Everest, blindfolded, with one arm handcuffed behind the back. If you're going to stay around prepare yourself because its going to be a bumpy ride.  

Until Next We Speak, Be Well

Tha One an Only 

Trick or Treat (The Halloween song)

I've been heavily in the studio this month trying to finish up the new album. 

Since it's still the giving season I offer you my loyal readers a new track fresh out the studio. It's a concept song about Halloween. On Halloween everyone is allowed to wear a mask so trying to identify someone after a crime occurred could be quite difficult. 

We took that concept and ran with it.
The song is off my upcoming album "Tha Audio Bully". It's titled "Trick or Treat" aka The Halloween song, and it features Young Gun a dope MC out of Cleveland. The track is raw Hip-Hop flavor with a fast paced beat and hardcore lyricism.

Take a listen and if you like the song, download it and tell a friend to tell a friend.

New Muzik

The new year is almost here and the world still hasn't ended. I bet all those people stocking up supplies preparing for doomsday are pissed. I'm busy working on a few new songs and a video so I haven't had much time to blog. In the spirit of the giving season I offer some banging new muzik from a mix of artists. 

Enjoy the tunes, party hard for new years, and check back soon for my new music and videos.

Novicane Video Release

What's Poppin People, 

The wait is over! Here is my new video "Novicane" off Tha Audio Bully album. The theme of the clip is showing the contrast between light and dark obsession. 

My new album is on the way and plans are already being made for the clip to "Speaking Chinese." Once the track is re-recorded and mixed, the video is on. It's going to be sunshine, beaches and beautiful women.

Watch the clip below, leave a comment and tell a friend to tell a friend. Thanks for the support.

Socially Conscious

A friend once told me that, "I was to smart not to notice the world's problems...but to cold to care."

David Banner is a man that cares. His new track "Malcolm X" is a direct stand against all the negative stereotypes being perpetuated in music today. He talks about why rappers are so proud to brag that they're selling drugs in their hoods. When they're selling the drugs to their own people, which helps to destroy their neighborhoods.

The lyrics are hard but not preachy, the chorus is an angry chant with top notch production. David Banner is one of those socially conscious MC's who can still get in a cypher and spit fire. Don't get it twisted, he was making gangsta tunes before becoming aware of the message being related in his music. 

Another MC who gets busy is Murs. He is known as a conscious rapper who prefers to use more vocabulary than curses. His name is an acronym of many meanings. M.U.R.S. stands for (Making the Universe Recognize and Submit or Making Underground Raw Shit) and several others things. He is part of Hip-Hop groups Living Legends, 3 Melancholy Gypsies, Felt and an organizer of the Paid Dues festival. On his new song "Epic Salutations," Murs details the problems in Hip-Hop with witty rhymes, over neck-snapping production. 

Last, is a new track by Tech N9ne featuring group Mayday. Tech has never been known as the most conscious of rappers, but this song is different. Its a tribute to all the people who have been effected by the horrors of war. Whether its the soldiers fighting in the war or the families waiting for a soldiers return, the song is dedicated to everyone. 

New Muzik

The New Muzik keeps coming! Since last post I've been busy working on the album and listening to music. Most of the material I feel is from underground cats, but that's for the next post. This is about new music (some of the other tracks are older) from a variety of artists. There's tunes from School Boy Q ft. Asap Rocky "Hands on the Wheel," Bobby Creekwater ft. Stat Quo "Alright Alright," Tyger Vinum "Defying Gravity" Kendrick Lemar ft. Curtains x "Live Again" and Nappy Roots "Pete Rose". 

Nappy Roots are a multi-platinum selling group that gained critical acclaim a few years back then disappeared. The group went through a transition period and member R. Prophet left for a solo career. Now they're back and the track is Fiya! Below is all different types of flavor from MC's with unique flow and delivery.

Sound Bombing

I like some of the new muzik coming out. The infusion of fresh rhymes and production have changed my feelings like the seasons. I call this post sound bombing in tribute to the Rawkus Records. They had a series called Soundbombing started in 1997 which featured upcoming artists and industry heavyweights.

Below is my new dance track called "Thro Yo Hands Up." Its a blend of party rhymes, funky house beats and allot of bounce. There's also muzik from Krs One, Diz Gibran (the sample is coconuts), Blaq Poet, and Jae Ellis.

Thro Yo Hands Up by Tyger Vinum

Tyger Vinum live

I've been doing allot of shows lately in between working on new music. My most recent show was at the Little Stage in Berlin on September 3rd. The venue was nice, the vibe was cool, and the people know how to party. 

Before that I did a show  at the CC Muziek Cafe in Amsterdam on August 16th. That was a different vibe all together. The venue was more of a lounge performer set-up. There were instruments of all types on the stage for singer/songwriters to display their talent. The audience was a mix of middle aged to young Dutch and international people who weren't ready for me to unleash the beast.

Tyger Vinum live was a one hour set with my homie DJ Illskillz playing mostly new material and a few older joints. The crowd didn't know how to react at first but after the two songs they were hungry for more. Below I posted clips from the CC Muziek Cafe show for those who want to see how I get busy. I didn't have a camera for my last show in Berlin but I'll be back doing a show at the Acud Session Cafe on November 18th so I'll have some footage from that performance to post.

New Muzik

There's been a few new hot joints coming out. I like some of Black Robs new songs, Random Axe is one of the best super groups since Slaughterhouse started releasing music. Keeping in the spirit of banging tunes I give you new muzik from Pete Rock and Smif-n-Wesson featuring Buckshot. Their new album Monumental just came out and once I give it a thorough listen I'll put it in the album review. 

I've been a fan of the whole Boot Camp Clik since Black Moon, "Who Got Da Props?" I got into Pete Rock when I heard the track "They Reminisce Over You" with CL Smooth. That song is a classic so I have high expectations for the collabo album with Smif-n-Wes. Aside from them I got a few other hot tracks below. 

Summer Jams

I haven't had allot of time for posting lately cuz I'm preparing for my shows. I have a show at the CC Muziek Cafe in Amsterdam on August 16th. Then one in Berlin, Germany at the Little Stage nightclub on September 3rd. In between all that I've been working on new music and other side ventures. To put it simple...I've been busy. 

In between work I've been listening to new music and found a few summer jams that are worth checking out. Also since it is summer time, I thought it was only proper to post the DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince classic tune Summertime with the other songs. I recently found out that the song was ghost written by Masta Ace.

New Muzik

I heard a few new tunes today worthy of being classified New Muzik. The first is by artist Cuban Link who used to be part of the Terror Squad with Big Pun and Triple Seis. He was off the scene for awhile due to some label issues. There were also industry rumors that Fat Joe blackballed him in the game. Regardless he's back with some hot tracks for the summer.

Tech N9ne is back with more strange music. His rapid, machine gun fire flow leaves allot of people baffled and others copying his style. He gets comparisons to Twista but I think his flow is quite unique. He came in the game as part of the Regime with Yukmouth. Since then, he's released numerous albums and started his own label Strange Music. His new song 'He's a Mental Giant' will probably help stop the Twista comparisons and give him the credit for being a sick lyricist he rightfully deserves.

There's also tunes by newcomer Oun-P with his 'What chu Talkin Bout' remix featuring Lloyd Banks and Jadakiss. The beat to the track is Fiya! Last there's music from female spitter Patwa, Lloyd Banks and Ace Hood.

Album Reviews

There's some good music coming out in 2011 and the summers not even here yet. I never review music that I don't like, cuz I don't believe in giving bad press. If you're familiar with my previous posts you know how I grade music. If you're unfamiliar here's the scoop. I rate in a five star system 5 being the highest 1 the lowest.  

Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers **** (4.50)

Wiz Khalifa’s highly anticipated album Rolling Papers has been released. The Pittsburgh native had a stream of successful hits during 2010 that propelled him to stardom. Rolling Papers is a solid first release. Wiz carries most of the album himself, featuring only three collaborations off the 15 track LP. This was a smart decision cuz it shows Wiz is confident enough that he doesn’t need big names to co-sign him. It also allows listeners to hear more vocal range and lyrical diversity from the artist.

Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) **** (4.50)

Pharoahe Monch has been recognized as a lyrical giant since the 90’s. He came in the game spitting as half of the rap duo Organized Konfusion with Prince Po. Since then he has released three group projects, two solo albums and has been featured on numerous mixtapes. With his new album W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) Pharoah Monch trades barbs with other lyrical titans like Styles P, Jean Grae, Royce Da 5,9, Immortal Technique, and others. The album has enough heat that it can be played without having to skip through songs looking for the hot track.

 

Lupe Fiasco - Lasers *** (3.75)

Lupe Fiasco’s sophomore album Lasers is a solid politically charged project. The Chi-town native discusses a variety of topics from struggles in the industry "The Show Goes On" to the state of education and health care in the U.S. on "Words I never say" and "State Run Radio". He speaks his mind while balancing the music with pop influenced tracks that have mass appeal. I feel this album shows growth for the artist and is a tribute to his growing fan-base.

 

Joell Ortiz - Free Agent **** (4.25)

Joell Ortiz buzz has been growing steady since the release of his first project The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) in 2007. He spent a short stint on Dr. Dre's Aftermath label before moving on to release the project independently. Joell is 1/4 of Super Group Slaughterhouse who drop their highly anticipated EP entitled, Slaughterhouse in February. The Brooklyn rhyme spitter holds nothing back on the new project Free Agent. He sticks to the formula of spittin hardcore rhymes with witty punchlines over head nodding production.

 

Strong Arm Steady - Arms and Hammers *** (3.75)

Strong Arm Steady (S.A.S) has been climbing out the underground since 2000. The group became known for spitting gang related flows backed by front man Xzibit. He left to continue his solo career in 2006 and the trio of Phil Da Agony, Mitchy Slick, and Krondon have continued working hard to make S.A.S a household name. Over the years they have recorded many mixtapes and have distributed them all over the world.The new project Arms and Hammers is 12 tracks of heat. Standout tracks like "All The Brothers" and "When Darkness Falls" shows the group can spit about more topics than just Gang Bangin.

Fresh Faces

There's some good music coming out. Not just on mixtapes I've heard a few albums that were banging. I like that 2011 has allot of new blood and fresh faces in the industry making moves. I talk to some artists and their sour cuz of how saturated the industry is right now. May view is, if your music is dope and you grind it will shine and rise to the top. No matter how many catz there are in the business. (real talk) 

Below are some new tunes by a few fresh faces and veterans from all points on the map. There's Mister F.A.B. from Cali, Tone Trump from Philly, Talib Kweli from NYC, CoN from Miami and Kardinal Offishall reppin the T-Dot. Check em' out!

New Muzik

Happy Holidays People,

In the festive spirit of the Yule tide season I come bearing gifts. New Muzik from industry veterans and fresh faces. I call new muzik songs that have a strong beat, good lyrics, catchy chorus and  the artists image and appearance is congruent to whatever he's relaying in the song. 

First up is Pace Won. He was a member of the group "Outsidaz,” back in the 90's which included members Eminem and Bizarre before they created D12. He also did collabo’s with Flipmode Squad and the Fugees. He’s back with a hot track with Mr. Green and Rival called “My Song.”

Next is Murs and 9^th Wonder with a melodic Ode to Hip-Hop called “I used to love her again." 9th is one of the go to producers for hit records. Murs is a conscious rapper and part of groups Living Legends and Mystik Journeymen. 

Followed by Saigon, dropping conscious poems with depth on his track "Together Dear Black America." Saigon has been around for awhile steadily building a buzz over the years but due to label problems has yet to release his long anticipated album "The Greatest story never told."  Perhaps on the strength of this track and other buzz worthy singles the album will be released in the new year.

Finally Drag-On former member of heavyweight label the Ruff Ryders, along with The Lox, DMX, Eve, and Cassidy. Drag took a brief hiatus from the game after dropping his last project in 2004 and now is back bringing the heat for the winter. The track "Swine Flu" featuring Jadakiss and Trish Barnes is a return to 90's Hip-Hop with hard rhymes, beats, and delivery. Enjoy!

Album Reviews

Since there's allot of new albums being released and I'm an opinionated bastard I thought it only fitting I did an album review post. If you're familiar with my previous posts you know how I grade music. If you're unfamiliar here's the scoop. I rate in a five star system 5 being the highest 1 the lowest.  

The elements of a good album are production, dope rhymes, delivery, and overall message. That's four points and the last is a combination of the minor details. For example, If the album has to many interludes, to many features and not enough solo tracks, or if the artists image and music aren't congruent then the album loses value. With that said lets get it in. 

Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy **** (4.5)

Say what you want about Kanye and his ridiculously tight jeans, but that is one talented dude. His 5th album shows artistic range mixing elements of Hip-Hop, funk, soul, and jazz with industry heavyweights like Jay-Z, RZA, Rick Ross, Pusha -T, and many others. I've been listening to Kanye's albums since the "College Dropout" and I gotta say this is one of his best.  

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday *** (3.5)

There's been allot of hype over Nicki Minaj and anticipation for this album release. After a thorough listen I feel some of the tracks like Roman's Revenge" ft. Eminem and "Massive Attack." While others are heavily dance music influenced with allot of synthesizer,  auto-tune and not my taste. 

For a first album this is definitely a worthy offering and if you're a Nicky fan support your artist and buy a copy. While you're at it go buy a copy of Home Street Home by Misstrezz. She's coming from Europe but I would put her in the ring with any MC.

Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon vol:2 Mr. Rager ** (2)

The first song I heard from  Kid Cudi was his single smash "Day 'n' Nite" which reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. Since then he has moved away from his Hip-Hop roots to the hard rock genre. The majority of the album is rock and dance influenced, which is nothing like the first Man on the Moon. 

I can't say if the album is good or bad cuz this is just MY opinion. What I can say is Kid Cudi doesn't display enough of his rhyme skills on this album. If you're looking for Hip-Hop this isn't it, if you want to hear Kid Cudi as a rocker go buy a copy. 

Mix of Flavors

This post is a mix of flavors, first it's the return of Sir Mix a Lot. A old school rapper / producer from Seattle, Washington who reached iconic status with his 1992 hit single "baby got back." In 1986, Sir Mix-a-Lot and his DJ, Nasty Nes founded the Nastymix record label. His first hit released in 1987, was the single "Posse on Broadway," whose title referred to a street in Seattle's Capitol Hill district. 

Over the years he's released 6 albums the two most notable were Seminar and Mack Daddy. Sir Mix-a-lot has new tunes in 2010, he just released a new single titled "Cars" which I posted below. Along with a few of his older hits and new music from artists, Statik Selektah & Termanology featuring Xzibit and Cassidy.

New Muzik

There's allot of new music out right now...most of its garbage, lets be real. In between the piles of audio trash I found a few joints that had the key components of what I call "New Muzik." The song has a strong beat, good lyrics, catchy chorus and most importantly. The artists image and appearance is congruent to whatever he's relaying in the song. 

In simple terms, making the subject matter believable. An example is, if you got a rapper saying he's pushing mad weight and did three felony bids in the song. BUT when you see them in clips or in magazines there image and demeanor is that of a school kid with no record. The music isn't believable and usually you can hear it.

With that said here is some new music from new and established artists worth checking out. Wiz Khalifa, Redman, Global, Mysonne, and Hopsin.