hip hop – Page 11 – Street Line Video

Brooklyn’s Don Diva: Happy Birthday Foxy Brown

When it comes to female rappers, depending on the person you ask, an older person from the first generation of hip hop would say either MC Lyte, Queen Latifah or Monie Love, a younger person would say Nicki Minaj or Remy Ma but my all time favorite female MC is Brooklyn’s own Foxy Brown. When I listen her spit she gives me goosebumps, I get an ugly face just listening to her. She has that tough, ghetto girl, Caribbean attitude that I personally love so much. Joints like “I’ll Be”, “I Can’t”, “Oh Yeah”, or her guest verses on “Touch Me, Tease Me” or “I Shot Ya”, every time I listen to Foxy her energy and attitude keeps my attention and focus on her. She’s raunchy and materialistic with an attitude that says “I’ll slap the shit outta you if you try to play me so come correct”, it’s almost sexy to me. LOL! Her 1996 debut album “Ill Na Na”, which turns 20 this November, is one of my favorite hip hop albums but my all time favorite from a female MC. The entire album from beginning to end is another banger. Her sophomore 1999 album “Chyna Doll” was okay. Some songs stood out and others were decent but it didn’t have the same energy as her first joint and 2001’s “Broken Silence” was a confessional album about everything she been through during her life and career. I wish Foxy could bring back that ’96 fire she did with her first album but I still love her. She showed me love on Instagram last year for the anniversary of “Ill Na Na” and it made me very excited and happy. She’s really cool too. Much love to Brooklyn’s Don Diva, the ILL NA NA, Inga Marchand aka Foxy Brown. Happy Birthday Fox.

Naughty 25

Coming from East Orange, New Jersey, Treach, Vinnie and DJ Kay Gee aka Naughty By Nature, are one of the DOPEST hip hop groups of all time. Treach is the frontman of the group and he’s one of my favorite voices in hip hop. He has that kinda voice that perfectly matches the sounds that you hear when you listen to a Naughty joint. His delivery on the mic is incredible too, very swift and powerful, it’s like watching a Muhammad Ali fight. Without his voice, Naughty records wouldn’t be the same. Then there’s Vinnie or Vin Rock. His energy in the group reminds me of what Phife Dawg has with Q-Tip, what Spliff Star has with Busta Rhymes and what DMC has with Run, it’s that perfect yin and yang thing that works in hip hop and then there’s DJ Kay Gee. Kay Gee is the DJ and producer of the group. His production skills is the perfect sound for the East Orange natives, the sound that reflects who they are and where they come from. That sound you hear that’s hard with DJ scratches and those hard to figure out samples that you don’t know if you’re not familiar with them. Also, he’s very cool, quiet and laid back, he reminds me of Ali Shaheed Muhammad. They’re mostly recognized for their hit “O.P.P.” which comes from their self titled album released on this day 25 years ago. I remember hearing this album all the way through for the first time ever and never skipped a track on this album. The entire album is a banger from beginning to end. The album starts off with a joint called “Yoke the Joker.” A hard but kinda smooth joint with the Queen Latifah loop, the next joint “Wickedest Man Alive” features Queen Latifah, whose another New Jersey native and a legendary female MC. I like the hook on this joint, it was catchy and almost sounds like a reggae joint. The next joint “O.P.P.”, is the first single released from this album and the third joint on the album. They say there’s a charm and this song is definitely one of their best and what makes people remember who they are the most. This song to me has one of the catchiest hooks ever in hip hop history and it’s even better with that ABC, 123 Jackson 5 sample and the music video had a party vibe where everyone came out to have a good time. The next joint “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” is the fourth joint on the album but the second single released from this album but if you have the uncensored version on the album, the CD says “Ghetto Bastard.” Makes me happy and feel like a true hip hop fan to have the uncensored version. LOL! I like this joint mostly because of the beat, it’s hard to not wanna nod your head or get up and do the wop real quick. The next joint “Let the Ho’s Go” is my favorite on the album because of the Run-D.M.C. “Peter Piper” sample loop and the beat is something I never heard before. “Everyday All Day” is a more laid back joint, it’s a joint you play in the car when you’re cruising on a beautiful afternoon during the spring and summer but Treach is still killing with the delivery. “Guard Your Grill” has a very funny intermission in the beginning with a random dude with a British accent and then when the beat drops, it’s another hardcore joint. Damn, I really wish I knew how to rap though, I would learn from Treach. “Pin the Tail On the Donkey” is my second favorite joint on the album and to me it almost sounds like a song for Young MC or Tone Lōc too. The beat is also something different to me too and the “Go!” chants make you wanna busta move on the dance floor, shit I definitely would. LMAO!! The ninth joint “1, 2, 3” is also another laid back joint and the Eazy E and Dr. Dre loop on the hook is dope. Honorable mentions to both Apache and Lakim Shabazz who appear on this joint. “Strike a Nerve” is a joint that starts with an intermission where they get harassed by cops for playing music but then of course, in classic Naughty fashion, the beat drops and it’s in your face. It’s an in-your-face joint about frustration spending a day in the hood and Vinnie finally spits on this joint. He did his thing on that one. “Rhyme’ll Shine On” had those piano sounds over that Rakim “I Know You Got Soul” beat but a little slowed down and sing along hook where you “clap your hands, just feel it” and say it’s alright! “Thankx for Sleepwalking” starts off with Treach calling Vinnie out for not being dressed, it’s kinda funny and then another laid back joint drops. The piano sounds on the beat almost reminds me of Christmas time, I don’t know why. LOL! And finally the album ends the same way the classic movie “Juice” ends, with “Uptown Anthem.” This joint is the final single released from this album and it’s another one of my favorite Naughty joints. I wasn’t alive when this joint dropped 25 years ago because I was born three years later but when I listen to this album and watch the music videos it still feels like the 90’s, a time when hip hop was so dope. If you’re a true hip hop fan, you’ll definitely enjoy this classic and of course if you’re from New Jersey you should definitely know about this. Classic material like this never gets old, it’s a timeless classic.

Ooohhh, It’s the L-I-Y-A-H!

Aaliyah, one of the world’s greatest R&B artists of all time. With only 3 albums and 2 movies underneath her belt, 15 years after her tragic death, she is still loved and appreciated and not just for her music but for her beauty, class, talent and mostly her positive and beautiful spirit that caught everyone’s attention. She was only 22 years old, that’s my age. I never heard anybody say anything negative about her as far as the industry goes and I never read about anybody saying anything negative about her either. She was well respected and loved by everyone, especially her musical peers both Timbaland and Missy Elliott. I grew up on Aaliyah. I have all 3 of her albums including a CD maxi single of her debut single “Back & Forth” and I have “Romeo Must Die” on DVD. Her debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” produced and arranged by R. Kelly, was a dope R&B album with a touch of both new jack swing beats and hip hop glossed over by her smooth and calming vocals and R. Kelly’s ad-libs and an unknown young rapper named Tia who appears on tracks like “Throw Your Hands Up” and my top favorite cut on the album “I’m So Into You.” Aaliyah’s sophomore album in 1996, “One In a Million” is what made baby girl official. Both her look and sound changed. She came out in 1994 with baggy clothes and a hood kinda attitude with a scarf on her head and a groove which she claimed was a “jazz personality, G mentality”, and she pulled it off great. “Back & Forth” still gets people at parties and events going crazy, singing along to it, “At Your Best (You Are Love)” is romantic but the remix with R. Kelly going “1, 2 check it, baby lemme know wassup” was even better and had a low groove that was hip hop but R&B. Of course the title track, also had that same groove and she walking hard but kept it girly at the same time in the video. Then in ’96 she was in crop tops, rocking Tommy Hilfiger or Karl Kani gear, belly button showing, fly dark shades, baggy pants still, and her long beautiful, silky, shiny hair that glossed, swooped across her face over her eye. Aaliyah showed a more sexier side of herself but she wasn’t trashy, far from it. “One In a Million” is my personal favorite album of hers because the production was something different during that time and the songs were more dope and mature than her first joint. The hardest joints to me are of course the album title track, “Hot Like Fire”, especially the remix and video version, “Ladies In Da House” and “I Gotcha Back.” Can’t forget about the first single “If Your Girl Only Knew” and her remakes of Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” and The Isley Brothers’ “Choosey Lover.” This album definitely blows the debut album out of the water and almost makes you forget it exists, that’s how dope the second album is. After that, baby girl did soundtrack joints and started doing acting. She put out “Are You That Somebody”, which is one my favorite Aaliyah videos, I know part of the choreography, she also put out “Try Again”, “Come Back In One Piece”, “Journey to the Past” and “I Don’t Wanna.” Baby girl did her thing in Romeo Must Did but I never saw “Queen of the Damned.” After that, her 2001 self titled album came along. My favorites cuts on the album are “Loose Rap”, “Extra Smooth”, “Never No More” and “I Care 4 U.” Aaliyah was at the top of her career and then suddenly, the plane crash that happened on August 25th, 2001. I don’t remember where I was when I found out but I just remember feeling so sad to the point it made me feel dizzy thinking about someone like Aaliyah in a tragic accident. I do remember when “We Need a Resolution”, “Rock the Boat” and More Than a Woman” first came out. “We Need a Resolution”, I swear to everything, that video was too dope. It’s another favorite music video of mine with “Are You That Somebody.” The choreography in that video was bananas. Aaliyah was a smooth dancer. She could be sexy and belly roll or grind with a guy backup dancer or she could do hip hop and bounce and groove all over. Aaliyah was the truth, no doubt. Then it was “Rock the Boat”, the video was amazing, perfect and beautiful too and “More Than a Woman” had the same dope dance moves too. Aaliyah was like the pretty girl you saw in the neighborhood who all the guys wanted but she knew better, she’s the good girl, the one who stays out of trouble and is very nice and popular, that’s how I always saw Aaliyah, even through her pictures, interviews, music videos and movies. Forever she will be in our hearts and forever her legacy will continue. With only 3 albums, over 10 singles, and 2 movies, baby girl has done more than most. Rest in peace Aaliyah Dana Haughton. We love you and we miss you.

Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone!

Lawrence Parker aka KRS-One aka “The Teacha.” A man with both the knowledge and wisdom with the rhymes that grab your attention about politics and self righteousness. A man who can sometimes say things that most don’t agree with but his intentions are good. A man from the South Bronx who began with DJ Scott LaRock and DJ D-Nice also known as Boogie Down Productions. KRS demands so much respect both on and off the stage. He teaches others what the true purpose of hip hop is really about and that’s one thing I can truly admire about this man. His words are both powerful and strong with an attitude that makes you want to sit down, listen and learn. Through hip hop, KRS is just like Public Enemy or the X-Clan when it comes to politics but can also be just like Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, LL Cool J or Rakim and could spit those heavy rhymes over those hard bass tracks with a bit of bragging by saying that he’s # 1! One of the most important rules written in hip hop history, you NEVER battle KRS-One and that’s a fact, jack. My all time favorite cuts from KRS include “I’m Still # 1”, “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know”, “My Philosophy”, “Sound of Da Police”, and my personal hip hop anthem, BDP’s “South Bronx.” KRS is definitely a hip hop icon for me because he’s everything that hip hop represents and everything that I wanna be. To be able to say that I’m from the South Bronx also makes me proud and I always say that. I should be quoted by now. LOL! Happy Birthday to the Teacha and rest in peace DJ Scott LaRock.

Kickin’ That Knowledge!

Awwww man! I’ve been waiting for a while to do this right here. Being a part of hip hop culture you come across wack shit, you come across dope shit and then you come across shit that completely blows you away, I’m talking about greatness before your eyes and ears and some people have that ability and affect on others the moment you hear them or meet them. I know a LOT of dope MC’s but my favorite one is who I call my long distant hip hop brother that I never had, all the way from Philly, his name is Knowledge. The name fits him so well because not only can he spit, he got style and he’s super cool, he’s knowledgable about hip hop culture and represents hip hop the same way I do. He’s the definition of what a true hip hop artist is. He’s not a rap artist but a HIP HOP artist and there’s a big difference. The difference is that a rap artist is just simply an artist who raps and anybody can rap but a hip hop artist is for the culture, they live, breathe, eat, shit, sleep hip hop. Can’t forget to mention that he has a DJ too who provides all the dope flava as well when they’re together and his name is DJ Kidroc. DJ Kidroc is an ultimate beast on the 1’s and 2’s. He mixes, scratches, he’s the real deal too. He’s not one of those so called DJ’s who just stands behind a set of turntables and just push buttons all day, he actually has the skills. Me and Knowledge have been cool with each other for a while now. He’s always keeping me updated and giving me the scoop on what’s he doing, what he’s going to do and what he have already done, not to mention that he gives back to the youth through his talent by performing at shows and he’s met so many hip hop vets and legends you can’t even count with your fingers! I will always have mad love and respect for my boy Knowledge and DJ Kidroc. He’s exactly the kinda artist we need more in hip hop, we need more duos like them in hip hop. Sorta like Eric B. & Rakim, The Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff, Kid N’ Play, just to name a few. His skills on the mic are untouchable compared to a lot of regular joe’s who wanna rap. They would be the rap artists compared to him. Today, he releases his new joint “Kan I Kick It?” a sort of an ode to A Tribe Called Quest and y’all know how I feel about ATCQ. You can buy his single on both Soundcloud and Bandcamp but you gotta follow him on Instagram @215knowledge. Y’all can thank me later after you become a fan and discovered some Knowledge.

The King of G-Funk: Happy Birthday Nate Dogg!

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale aka Nate Dogg. When I think of hip hop singers, he’s definitely the one. The East Coast have Mary J. Blige and the West Coast have Nate Dogg. I personally don’t know his solo stuff too much but when you hear joints like “Ain’t No Fun”, “21 Questions”, “Area Codes”, “Regulate”, or “The Next Episode” there’s no denying that deep singing voice with a bit of that West Coast attitude underneath it that makes him stand out in a room full of rappers. I just remember feeling so shocked about his sudden death back 5 years ago, it doesn’t even seem like 5 years ago. I might have to spend the day checking out his music. I’m not a fan of too much West Coast hip hop but Nate Dogg I can definitely listen to all day and just like Mary J. Blige, he provides those smooth soulful but gangsta hooks that can give a hip hop track that feeling that you can feel when you hear it. Singing along to it is one thing but feeling it and understanding where that voice comes from and how it makes you feel is another. Happy birthday and rest in peace to the king of hooks, the king of G-Funk.

Lets’ bring Hip Hop Back!

I recently attended an old school hip hop show at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. The line up was bananas! Public Enemy, Stetsasonic, The Alumni, Lady of Rage, Three Times Dope, and Sam The Beast–with over 5,000 in attendance the crowd roared as they heard all of their favorite songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Stetsasonic was one of the first hip hop crews to use a live band. They delivered all our favourites such as “Sally,” “Just Say Stet” and “Talking All That Jazz.” They did not disappoint!!! Next, Phillies own Three Times Dope rocked the stage with “The Greatest Man Alive” and “Funky Dividends.” The Alumni, which consists of Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Dana Dane, Kwame and Monie Love killed it with all of our favorites from each artist. Lady of Rage best known for her collaborations with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog also an actress on Major television shows and movies is described as one of the most skillful Mc’s with her hard core lyrics. Sam The Beast who started off as a DJs transformed into a rapper drawing large crowds rivaling any artists from the 80’s an 90’s. Therefore gaining “Beast” title. Not to mention all the surprise guest and performances by Greg Nice, Schoolly D, Vivian Green and several DeeJays and last but not least Public Enemy known for their politically charged music and criticism of theAmerican media with an active interest in the frustration and concerns of the African American community they gave the people what they wanted as Chuck D and Flava Flav took over the stage to end the night leaving us wanting more. This was a great night for Hip Hop! LET’S BRING HIP HOP BACK!!!

Written by Iris Doveran

Netflix Original Series Presents: The Get Down

Today, Netflix releases a new hip hop original series called “The Get Down.” It’s about a bunch of talented people in the South Bronx during the 70’s who wanna make history and chase their dreams in music. Now y’all know I’m definitely tuning in for this one. I’m just finally glad that they’re doing something like this, coming out with a hip hop story that actually takes place in the birthplace. I always had an issue with these television networks putting out hip hop related shows or movies that take place in Brooklyn, no diss to BK but we all know that hip hop started in the Bronx and it would make more sense if these shows and movies had a setting that took place here in the Bronx. Well anyways, I’ll be home all day today just kicking back, relaxing and enjoying this series. To all hip hop lovers with a Netflix account, go watch and support this series. They’re finally paying attention to us and The Bronx. Makes me feel proud once again.

Happy Birthday Ali Shaheed Muhammad!

Ali Shaheed Muhammad, 1/4 of A Tribe Called Quest, 1/3 of Lucy Pearl (with Raphael Saadiq of Tony! Toni! Toné! and Dawn of En Vogue), and 1/3 of the production team The Ummah with Q-Tip and the late great J Dilla. Ali Shaheed was always my favorite member of ATCQ because he was very laid back and cool. Nobody knows his business, nobody knows his next moves, I call him “The Mystery Man” cause you don’t even know whether or not he produced one of your favorite joints unless you buy someone’s album and read this credits. Speaking of credits, I just found months ago that he did “Brown Sugar” for D’Angelo back in 1995 for his debut album with the same title. I also remember reading somewhere that D’Angelo is one of Ali’s favorite singers. I had already mentioned in the 20th anniversary edition blog of ATCQ’s fourth album “Beats, Rhymes & Life” that ATCQ is my favorite hip hop group, so today I took a little trip down to Queens on Linden Boulevard and 192nd Street to visit the ATCQ mural. That mural came about because of one of the members of this hip hop group on Facebook I’m apart of called “Hip Hop Discussion Group.” Shoutouts to them for making this happen. It was a long ride out there from The Bronx. LMAO! I wore my custom made ATCQ t-shirt, a pair of plain black shorts and my fresh Air Force Ones sneakers, all white of course. I finally get to the mural and I was immediately blown away but the experience for me coulda been a whole lot better if I had someone to go with me, preferably another Tribe fan, that would’ve been dope. I took pictures, I recorded a video of me walking past the entire wall until I met this man standing nearby watching me named Terrence. He was cool and was nice enough to take a pic of me in front of the mural holding up 2 Tribe vinyls I own. I shook his hand, thanked him and went on my way back Uptown. All day on the train I was listening to Tribe, zoning out, having creative thoughts, getting inspired and thinking about what life would’ve been back in 1990 for me. I was listening to their debut album “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” mostly. I always had this fantasy of hanging out with Tribe, even with Phife. I always considered Q-Tip my older brother, just because me and him share the same zodiac sign, we’re both an Aries. I would get tips from Q-Tip about how the industry is and how to survive it, Ali would show me his techniques on the turntables, Phife would be talking shit and cracking jokes and Jarobi would be cheffin’ up a bomb ass meal. That was my biggest fantasy but don’t tell the guys. Man do I miss Phife though. Cool ass guy he was. Rest In Phife and Happy Birthday Ali Shaheed. ATCQ 4 Ever!!!!

I Used to Love H.E.R.: An Ode to Hip Hop!

Dear Hip Hop,

I was 17 years old, it was the beginning of my senior year in high school. At that time I was young, naive, afraid, a coward, very insecure, I had no sense of direction or understanding, I was in the darkest place of my life and I was going through a lot of shit, fighting every single day to get to a new place, trying to figure out who I was. The only thing that got me through those tough times was music. I grew up on music, I breathed, walked, talked, ate, and slept music, that’s all I know more than anything else. I was a heavy music fan and lover, especially hip hop and R&B. During the beginning of my senior year, a very close friend of mine introduced me to a place I never knew existed. This place was a place filled with MC’s, not rappers, MC’s/poets, DJ’s, breakdancers, producers and graffiti artists, this was a place that had the perfect hip hop scene. Noticed how I said MC’s and not “rappers” is because they actually tore the place down with their incredible talent and had so much control and respect on the mic. At this time, I started getting to know everyone and everyone was cool and amazingly talented. I had been exposed to hip hop growing up but this was it for me, this sealed the deal for me. That’s when I finally understood what hip hop culture was all about. It was about unity, having fun, being peaceful, conscious, expressing your experiences and stories through art in order to reach a certain audience that reflected our environment and it definitely started to leave a huge influence on me and it showed in my attitude and my appearance. I can’t forget to mention that this place I was introduced to was an underground, low key spot here in the South Bronx on East 149th Street right around the corner from White Castle before they got rid of it. Ever since then, hip hop took a huge effect and toll on me. I started to dress differently, my mindset is different, my outlook on life is different and slowly but surely my life is beginning to change and get better, I was seeing the light. I went from the R&B Ne-Yo and Bruno Mars look in argyle sweater vests and Prada shoes to the Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Run-D.M.C., Kid N’ Play, Wu-Tang Clan look with the high top fade, Doc Marten boots, overalls, gold rope chain, baggy jeans and hoodies and Timbaland boots. Everything about me was different, my look, my walk, talk, style, attitude and I was getting stopped in the middle of the street getting complimented and respected for it. Fast forward to now in 2016, I’m 22 years old, I know exactly who I am and where I’m going and I definitely can’t forget where I come from. Being from the South Bronx, I feel it is my responsibility to keep this culture alive but that sounds “old”, “not relevant”, “corny” and “stuck in the old days” to those who don’t care about this culture or understand it. Thank you DJ Kool Herc for creating the greatest soundtrack of my life. Thank you Run-D.M.C. for teaching me how to rock a fresh pair of Adidas, thank you Big Daddy Kane for teaching me how not to be a half stepper and to have a high top whose rule, thank you LL for teaching me how to appreciate our “around-the-way” girls and not to call them out their names for having long nails, extensions in their hair, and bamboo earrings with at least 2 pair, thank you A Tribe Called Quest for teaching me self righteousness and teaching me that I can definitely “kick it” too, thank you Kid N’ Play for teaching me what a real house party looks like, and thank you Mary J. Blige for giving us R&B singers a place in the hip hop community. We may not have a dope rhyme to spit but we are just as down too. Hip hop may not be the same and it’s always gonna evolve and Black music is Black music and it’s all good but everyday I try not to get too salty about her hanging out with the Trap niggas……. *Shrugs* Thank you hip hop for being the love of my life. Peace and One Love.