“Feel the vibe and listen to the vocals….”
Tag: diamond district
Food For Thought
A few years ago I did a post showing rappers who played with the phrase food for thought in some very unique ways. Some of those same rappers are also dropping some real food for thought ideas and questions that require serious consideration. Perhaps I’m different but when Im listening to hip hop, most of the time I’m looking for a gem. Give me some substance to grasp to, something to ponder on. Hip hop is a beautiful thing because people get out some of the most amazing thoughts (yea, some are bullshit) and construct it meticulously. There never seems to be a shortage, whether its a track about shaking your ass, shooting you in the face, or talking about hard times, there always seems to be a line or two that grasps my attention. Ok, maybe I’m not finding nothing from Lil Jon’s Get Low but i’m definitely finding something in Mos Def’s Mr. Nigga. So when I hear these things, I write it down (dear moleskine…). Totally opinionated questions but definitely some head scratchers. Philosophical thoughts that only you can provide an answer for. Here are some lines that I’ve gathered over the last few months. If you got anymore, feel free to add in the comments. Continue reading
We All Have Things
Digging the vibe of this.
Oddisee – Tangible Dream Mixtape Review
I live in a gentrified part of Brooklyn, I eat out several times a week, I travel the world sampling the best that cities across the globe have to offer. Do I live in a penthouse loft? Am I dinning in five stars restaurants? Can you only find me in the most exclusive areas? Do I own a jet? The answer to all the above is most certainly no. I’m just a regular man from Prince George’s county, Maryland that figured shit out. I discovered that I can make a career in an arena dominated by artists that sell false dreams. I realized that although the masses may not know of my body of work, it doesn’t take the whole world to have the world I want. Tangible Dream is a mix-tape dedicated to the deconstruction of our traditional ideas of success & shedding light on the possibility of a sustainable rap life. These rhymes were written in economy class seats, these beats were produced on long bus trips & these songs were recorded in airbnb apartments. All I want to do is make music for a living so that I can live to make music. The only dreams I’m interested in are the ones I can grasp. It just so happens that anything you want bad enough can be obtained. Perhaps the world may never know of my accomplishments but accomplishments they are nonetheless. -Oddisee
I didn’t see this one coming, an mixtape and instrumental cd? Nice. Lets have a look at the mixtape, Tangible Dream…. Continue reading
Crazy Verse: yU freestyle from Diamond District documentary
This verse was one of the first that let me know that yU was a problem on the mic. Full documentary here if haven’t seen it by now.
Uptown XO – Evolution (video)
This joint is pretty funky! I might have to pick up that “Colour De Grey”. When is that Diamond District going to drop du’oh?
Water Bottle Before I Hit Full Throttle
I was once in an environment where the whole town was connected by bike trails so naturally I tried some out. The time away to just pedal and think was a joy. The pod in the ears with the Instrumental playlist on full blast (hey, everyone needs a soundtrack to life). There is one track that always got squeezed in the rotation that wasn’t an instrumental. This track is perfect for every bike rider. It’s short but sweet. Continue reading
Good Read: Oddisee Breaks Down His 15 Most Essential Songs
I always like to hear the backstory behind tracks from artists, producers, whoever. Oddisee broke down 15 of his tracks with a thorough explanation for each. If you got 20 mins or so, this is an interesting read from one of the best producer/emcees out. Check it out over at Pigeons and Planes.
Streets Wont Let Me Chill
Oddisee: “Back to us putting our stamp. That vocal sample on the hook is from [popular Go-Go group] Backyard Band’s frontman. I was listening to a clip on YouTube of Smoke, the conga player. And the frontman was hyping up the conga player, and somewhere right in the middle, he was like, ‘The streets won’t let me chill!’ And I was like, ‘Oh, that’s it.’ If you listen to that sample, there’s a crazy, rapid sound in the back. And that’s a conga. So again, it’s that whole, east coast vibe, but come down 95 South a bit more. Continue reading
Oddisee – People Hear What They See (Album Review)
Oddisee has been on the move lately, with the recent release of Odd Renditions and now a near album, he is ensuring that its his time to shine! I’m sure that people are still blasting that “Gold Is Mine” but when they get a whiff of what Oddisee has on ‘People Hear What They See’, things might change for the better. Oddisee is an artist from the DMV but with his move to Brooklyn his new album was sure for some surprises. Known for his stimulating productions and true to life lyrics Oddisee is a force to be reckoned with and ‘People Hear What They See’ is that initial boost so it was only proper for us to review it. Let’s get into it… Continue reading
Three Good Diamond District Tracks
Only 3 new tracks I have seen in 2011 for the up and coming DMV trio as each focused on solo releases. I can’t complain because all 3 have been quality tracks, dope beats and dope rhymes. I much rather have 3 quality tracks than 10 ok tracks (common issue these days). Get a listen. Continue reading
Just My Thoughts 