KARAZ PAINT FUNDRAISER

This is the place to donate for the KARAZ paint fundraiser. We appreciate all of your support. We will get the wall done this weekend.

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New Music: RJ PAYNE ,"777"

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE; ALBUM REVIEW COMING SOON.

RJ Payne, formerly known as Reign Man, is a Brooklyn bred, Philly groomed battle rap legend who 

has recently taken Instagram by storm with his “Murder In Less Than 60 Seconds” freestyle series. 

His sixty second freestyles have attracted the attention of Lord Jamar, Pete Rock, Eric Sermon, and 

Black Thought just to name a few. 

RJ’s career took off while performing under the name Reign Man. He was selected as a finalist for

 MTV’s Making The Band 2 by P Diddy, and six months later won the MTV MC Battle, landing him a 

deal with Def Jam Records. Due to unexpected events involving the firing of then Def Jam President, 

Kevin Liles, Reign Man’s music was unfortunately shelved. He then signed with Jimmy Henchman, 

one of the most feared in the music industry, until Jimmy’s legal troubles began.

Back in Philly, Reign Man linked with Reed Dollaz and joined Top Klass, the city’s largest independent 

label. He was an integral part of the battle rap DVD era and had a cult following on the internet. 

His last battle was in 2015 where he won against URLS Ty Law.

Reign Man decided to drop the stage name and start recording music under his real name – 

RJ Payne. He joined forces with producer PA Dre and released seven albums in 2017 under 

Educated Ignorance Music Group. Four albums were tributes to the late rappers, Big L, Big Pun, 

Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and Sean Price with all of the beats completely reproduced by PA Dre and his

team The Pronoun. “The Art of Payne” and “Max Payne” were original full length releases, and

“Murder in Less Than 60 Seconds” is a mixtape of his Instagram freestyles.

In 2018, RJ’s music and popularity began attracting national attention from both fans and celebrities. 

He released “Murder In Less Than 60 Seconds Vol 2” mixtape, “Goodbye” single and video ft the 

legendary DJ Doowop, “Dear Amerikkka” single ft Lord Jamar of Brand Nubian, “Death of Mumble

Rap” single ft Reed Dollaz, and “Death of Mumble Rap Remix” ft DJ Doowop, Mysonne, Lady Luck, 

and PA Dre. His next release “777” is an album inspired by Jay Z, with reproduced beats by PA Dre.

RJ continues to record music at the speed of light, releasing freestyles multiple times a week, 

sometimes twice in a day to keep the fans engaged as he works on his full length projects. He has an 

RJ Payne collection of merchandise available on his official website iamrjpayne.com. He is committed 

to bringing the art of Hip Hop back to the forefront, delivering music with a message.

RJ Payne’s music can be downloaded from his official website iamrjpayne.com

Instagram - @iamRJPayne

YouTube.com/iamRJPayne

Bookings, business, public relations and press inquiries – 

contact Chrissy Mac ChrissyMacEIMG@gmail.com @chrissymac78

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Movie Review: Infinity Wars

Just like a lot of people this weekend I checked out Infinity Wars. I have to go with the crowd and say it did not disappoint. And that's going thru the Culture litmus test: that is, 'was it as good as Black Panther?' or close?.... and  it was. Cause I tried to watch Ultron after Black Panther and that shit was gahbige. But Infinity Wars wasn't perfect either.

The action was on point. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo gave a much better depiction of the battle scenes as something that's more suited in reality. I know it's a fantasy flick, but I like it when the action is believable and not some fairytale looking stuff, or a concentrated bowl of hyperbole. I found the fight scenes to be believable and more importantly, they seemed to fit the conflict, like the hard battle was fought for a reason and the villains weren't easily vanquished. This for me helps to reinforce in the viewers mind why the heroes are necessary. Cause the villains are powerful as shit.

The battle at Wakanda I'd have to say was disappointing for me tho. It really didn't help to reinforce the notion from the previous film the dominance of Wakandan technology. Here we have this reservoir of the most precious and powerful material earth has to offer and the best they can do in a battle with organic opponents is do some Kung fu??? It seems to me that the power of the Wakandan technology should have easily over taken organic beings easily, yet the battle was so hard fought. I couldn't help but wonder why my man T'Challa's armour didn't perform so well in the conflict either. For a suit that was supposed to give him the ability to store and release kinetic energy, he ate a lot of shots with no feedback. This is the power of the Panther? Not in the last movie. And that's what left me like, naaaah. Yall fucked up on that one. They lost the city to a bunch of animals, while being
renowned for being tamers of beasts. Just didn't flush with me.

The scene where  Thanos sacrifices his daughter also raised my Illuminati sensors. In the seemingly millions of videos out there talking about blood sacrifice in order to have riches and fame, here we see this character faced with the same decision on a cosmic scale. And he chooses to offer her as a sacrifice for his destiny, with a tearful eye tho, which I thought was a great choice for a villain. The fact that he empathizes and has a feeling of sadness but still commits the act I think makes him even scarier. If he can kill his own daughter, your ass is toast. Imagine in Star Wars when the Emperor is frying Luke with the Force and Vader is standing on the side looking torn imagine if he came over and cut Luke's head clean off in that scene. He woulda been the greatest villain in the history of cinema. While Thanos does have that universal profile of being a villain of epic proportions, for me he comes off a bit like a thug. Vader was a commander of a military that was a part of a government that imposed its will on subjects thru law. Thanos is a terrorist, a person acting violently because of his own personal beliefs. It's like Mao Tse Tung and Bin Laden.

The prevailing belief that drives THANOS has a eerily similar counterpart in the world we share currently. Thanos' over all goal is population control, because the resources of the universe is being over run by the needs of the organic beings in it, like his own home planet. Likewise, the same idea is running thru the upper parts of governments right now with large endowments like the Bill Gates Foundation allocating money to this goal. Gates has even gave talks where he states what will cause the reduction of the population of the planet, a virus strain totally resistant to current scientific capability. Or more accurately, current scientific disclosure. The satisfied look of Thanos when the deed is done is probably secondary to the fact that the audience is left with the notion that the world did not end. It is a new world, waiting for a New World Order. Philosophically, I'm torn between the messaging; population control is evil and the ones carrying it out are villains against humanity... yet your most powerful heroes are helpless to stop it. Is this a seed sown for us to accept at a later date? Is this the ill subliminal? Time will tell. Although if it is, I don't think we're gonna like the ending of that story too much.

I hear a lot of people remarking on the ending of the movie. 'Aw man, that's something you wouldn't expect from a hero movie!' to 'Wow I can't believe it ended like that!' Maaaan, please. The ending was nothing but the exact same ending from The Empire Strikes Back. The heroes are hurt, the resistance is in shambles and the Empire has won this war and moved on. I read director Joe Russo say they were aiming to elevate Thanos to the Darth Vader level of villain. I didn't know they had the same goal for the movie. Well, maybe that's unfair to say the movie in its entirety, but that ending was written by George Lucas. In the words of the current popular meme, prove me wrong.

Overall, it was a great movie and I enjoyed it a lot. I have a projector in my house so I watched it at home after ordering it thru Xfinity. I'm def gonna watch it again with some friends, enjoying some 'vegetables'. Movies are so much better with 'vegetables'. 

Here is an excellent video i found giving a great backgrounder if you're like me who doesn't have the time to be fully versed on the entire Marvel Universe these days. Great video. 

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To the victor goes the spoils.......

                       Duck TRK

  Graff is funny, and films about graff are funnier. The moment one begins to document it's "history" he embarks on a road littered with embellishments (or outright lies) and ego. Which is why Culture Livingston's "Tagging Ass City" is a welcome piece of cinema, surprisingly clear and well presented. Opening with an action sequence featuring Rame KMD in Philadelphia's Broad Street Subway tunnels, the film carefully begins to craft it's case for Philadelphia as the home of graffiti (certainly to the chagrin of New Yorkers). Yet this isn't a claim made without research, and New York's contribution for the birthplace of hip hop is stated with no question.

  Mr. Livingston carefully narrates of (and openly wonders about), the impact of Chicago gang hands. As if the idea of Chicago being the inspiration for the East Coast is quite reasonable. After dangling this prospect before the viewers in enters Darryl McCray.

  Darryl McCray aka "Cornbread" the World's First Graffiti Writer. You'll find a few people to dispute this, but not many. And even if someone else did precede Cornbread​, his narrative is way more compelling. What red blooded American man can't relate to a love smitten boy writing his name on a wall to get the attention of a woman? Sentiments like that are literally what films are made of, and Mr. McCray knows and sells the commodity which is "Cornbread". And a very legitimate and valid point is made in his interview. Cornbread was the first writer to write his name on a wall throughout a major metropolitan city, completely separate from the gang culture that permeated the era. He IS the Godfather of Graffiti and the modern graffiti writers.

   The film then segues into the history of Philadelphia graff crews, Delta Phi Soul, KCD, SAM1 and ICP (which holds the distinction of being the oldest active graff crew in the world).

  Also mentioned is Notorious Bik (NB) and his popularizing, if not creating the wicked.

  Next up is Task "The Amazing Scribble King" from Philadelphia's storied HCS crew. Task speaks of his experience in the game, and tricks he used to stand out in a graffiti soaked city during the 70's.

  JK of ICP also speaks of his experience, while Mr. Livingston fills in the blanks from a historical aspect.

  Which finally leads up to the unexpected star of the show DUCK TRK. Interviewing Duck on film doesn't really do justice to Duck. To Philadelphia, Duck is much more than an interview in a film. Duck, maybe more than anyone epitomizes Philadelphia graff. For at least four decades Duck wrote on walls... EVERYWHERE. All tags too, no fills or pieces. The man became a Philly institution from solely tagging his name. In his interview Duck doesn't speak as eloquently as Task or JK about the mechanics and history of graff. Nor does he proclaim any titles or credit himself with anything like Cornbread. Duck doesn't need to be either of those things. Duck just writes, he was the oldest, on going graff artist. Simple in his speech, simple in his approach to graff. Write on everything.

   "Tagging Ass City" is worth the pickup for a fair and balanced look at the history of Philadelphia graff. Culture Livingston's ​film is an enlightening historical documentation. Give it a try.

Go the STORE page on this site or go here to purchase.



Dedicated to the memory of Duck TRK.... rest well.......KING.

 
 

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Happy 50th Birthday Graffiti!

In 1967 a kid from North Philly went out and started writing on walls so that he could get at a girl. Like most of what guys do, right? If it weren't for women, most guys would shower maybe once or twice a week. Lol (not me, of course...) But it was this simple act of tryin to get at the fairer sex that  launched a cultural phenomenon.

That was 50 years ago this year! Happy Birthday Graffiti! CORNBREAD, the kid from Brewerytown, North Philly, that started it all, started writing on walls in September of 1967. Altho he officially started taggin in 1965 in reform school, we will take it from the time he started rockin in the plain view of the general public. (this discussed in our movie, "Taggin Ass city", now available in the bboycult.com store, or here.) So, Happy Birthday graffiti!

In the past 50 years graffiti has progressed from what gang members used to use to mark territory to a full fledged art form. It amazes me that the movement du jour started out as some strait gangster shit. It's usually how it happens tho; the common man sparks an idea, someone sees it and finds value. For the kid in the street its a way to get fame. For others, its a full on career. That value is found in the people who use it.

Graffiti for some has been the first major achievements in life. That first taste of  public acclaim has inspired some to move forward in other areas. I think that's a part of its allure. It's the first reality show. People watch in real time the exploits of graffiti writers and the places they've traveled in a bid to stay watched. In many ways, graffiti artist greet people on their journey and become a part of their adventures as they arrive at certain places, see a familiar name and say, "Dam, what the hell is he doing way out here???''. The mystery identity helps to fuel the curiosity that keeps people watching. They become known, all while employing creativity, while being a bit of an outlaw while, ironically, remaining unknown to the people that watch. They know the name tho. They all know the name.

Conversely, graffiti has also been a practice that has served as a major point of disappointment for some. When they get to these celebrated heights, they are now feeling a pressure to live up to the hype. You're a star now, so u gotta look like one. And that translates to the pressure of having things and looking fresh without fail. In Philly, it's almost expected that the top Graff writers are also get money boys. And in a lot of cases it's true. And those that can't rise to the occasion are left retreating into the anonymous world of drug abuse. It happens to the drug dealers too. Drug abuse is the perfect escape from the pressures of life, because, after all, it's not your fault you fell off. You were addicted to drugs. It's happened to a lot of the top players in the game. You come across them and sometimes they are embarrassed to tell u who they are because they see who you are and feel like that they should be better off in the game. Or sometimes it's the obvious disappointment in your eyes, when meeting your childhood hero, the guy you patterned this pursuit after, is a guy who wears the same drawls for a week, shoots heroin and maybe does somethin strange for some change. The disappointment they see in your eyes when you meet helps to push them further into retreat.

Regardless of what goes on in the swamps, the reception halls tell a different story of people finding fame and fortune in the world of high art, earning magnificent fortunes from an art form they found in the gutter. For those that used it to improve their condition, I salute you. I salute all poor people who have used this culture to change their lot in life. What better use for culture can there be? The beautiful thing is that graffiti STILL has the same utility deep down in the slums, in the underbelly of the city's subways systems and train yards, as it does in MOCA or the various art galleries across the world that embrace it. It still holds the same basic premise; you must be excellent to excel at it. You must be persistent to be recognized. It is the only pillar of hip hop that still requires individual excellence in order to be celebrated.

Happy Birthday graffiti. Thank you for all you've given to me and to my homeboys both dead and alive, those fallen soldiers in the war against their current circumstance, those who set out to make the world recognize them. Thank you for providing a vehicle for the road to success. You are truly a crime of passion.

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New graff Documentary: TAGGIN ASS CITY

We here at bboycult are proud to to announce the completion of our first full length documentary, ''Taggin Ass City, The History of Philadelphia Graffiti Tag Styles". The history of the tag styles in Philly are really a history of graffiti itself in its first iteration, before it was exported to New York and enjoyed it's next phase of development.

The film was written by your boy, me, Culture, mainly in an attempt to set the historical record strait. It seems that there is or has been some reticence to accept or give Philadelphia the recognition it deserves in the development of the culture of hip hop. Ironically it's usually from the people outside the culture. The last time I was in New York, the homie Tramp Daly took me to a panel discussion where I was the only Philly writer up there. Grandmaster Caz was also on the panel, one of my favorite MCs of all time. The NY dudes showed mad love and gave CORNBREAD his just due with no hesitation. It took me by surprise, because growing up with a dad that used to live in Brooklyn and the Bronx, sayin stuff like 'graffiti started in Philly' could get ur ass whooped. Or laughed at and clowned. So fellas from the panel, excuse me on that day if I seemed a bit on the defensive. You guys showed me nothing but love. I appreciate it.

On the other hand, when I attended a screening of Style Wars at Drexel University, I got up during the Q&A and asked Henry Chalfant if a retraction was in order. He asked, "Why?'' I said, ''In the film u state graffiti started with a kid named TAKI in 1971 when I'm fact it started with a kid named CORNBREAD from North Philly in 1967.'' The crowd erupted. "YEAH!!!" So Chalfant says ''No''. He says if that's the story, then I need to tell it myself. So I ask him, "Well, what about the historical record? Isn't the reason for documenting the culture is so that we can commit it to history responsibly?" Same answer. I was stunned. The wild thing is that NY graff legend BLADE was there with him. He was sitting next to Chalfant. All while I was speaking, he was nodding 'YES ' the entire time. And anybody who has ever heard BLADE talk about graffiti, you know he's a real historian. He's a real writer. And he goes waaay back in the history of graff. And he didn't hesitate a one bit giving credit where it was due. Like a real writer would. I respect him forever for that.

So I took Chalfant's suggestion. I made a film discussing just that, because it was obvious he had no intent on correcting the film. It's a steady stream of income for him, and has been since 1982. Regardless, the story of graffiti's origin isn't nearly as interesting as the story around how it all developed afterward. What it develops into is also very interesting because here you have a completely different graffiti writing tradition that is fiercely guarded and protected, that is unlike any other form of writing in the world. In Philadelphia, we even write like the gang war boys of the 50s and 60s, a style of writing that existed before CORNBREAD started venturing into the city. Our community of writers are devoted to the preservation of these traditions and history. We are the only place on the planet that still expresses graffiti styles from the 50s to now. The story is worth committing to the historical record. So I did.

The film discusses all of these things, plus more, set to a soundtrack designed to take you back to those times. I'd love for you to check it out and give me your honest feedback. Cause I'm certain if you're reading this, You care about this culture. No pun intended....



Enjoy this excerpt. To purchase the film, just go to the 'store' tab on this website, or go here.

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The Bat.....

......as a kid I liked comics. All kinds of comics. Sunday newspaper comics(color), the black and white comics during the week. All the cartoons, you name it I loved it. I loved live action too. Ultraman and Godzilla on Channel 48 in Philly. Kung fu, karate flicks, ninjas and bald headed monks who were martial art masters. The whole shebang. My Mother had old photos of me with a towel around my neck pretending to be Superman and I can vividly remember perching on coffee tables and trying to stick to walls unsuccessfully like Spiderman. Since I loved to read, my Mother bought me all kinds of comic books. Marvel, DC even Archie. I didn't care, I loved them all equally. Then one day she bought me a Batman comic book. Now, of course I was already in love with Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin. Watching them "bam" and "pow" their way through evildoers like the Penguin and Joker. And of course I tuned in next week, same bat time same bat channel. But I knew very little about Batman until I started reading him. It wasn't Batman I immediately identified with in the books. It was a young Bruce Wayne who witnessed his parents murdered. My Mother and Father fought constantly, every night in bed under the covers I listened as bitter arguments murdered their marriage. By 9 I was a kid shellshocked by divorce. I retreated into Gotham. Surprisingly Gotham and it's villains didn't scare me. It was a dark shadowy place with cruel people, but Gotham had what I felt I was missing. A hero. A hero who wasn't afraid of the shadows, rather he thrived in them.....and he had no problem HURTING bad guys. Hurting them bad, brutally, but not killing them. Rather promising to return and inflict more pain if needed. I....I identified with that kind of anger mixed with grief. The desire to hurt someone to feel better. But I couldn't I was helpless. But here was a guy who represented hope for me. See, I didn't have to get bit by a radioactive spider, or be born with an X gene to get satisfaction. Batman was someone a kid could realistically dream about being. Lift weights, learn martial arts...kick ass. I hadn't figured out the billionaire part or how to buy a Batmobile, but that stuff was secondary. I wanted to kick ass....I wanted to hurt the bad guys (I wouldn't dare hurt my parents, although honestly it was their fault in my mind) but definitely bad guys. I wasn't even certain what constituted a "bad guy" nor care. I just wanted...I don't know what I wanted...I just wanted to get outside myself. As I grew to an adult, and Batman grew in popularity. TV shows...movies, cartoons. I was there for it all. After all, he is my childhood hero. But I've grown now, and made peace with my past and my childhood. Sadly poor Master Wayne never will. He shall forever patrol Gotham dishing out pain, trying to stop the hurt.

*

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Thoughts on Luke Cage......

.......I don't want a second season of Luke Cage. Here we have a depiction of a black man we haven't seen before. Ever. He's bulletproof and superhumanly strong. He's big, bald, black(darkskin)....and he's from Harlem. He's also an escaped convict. Yet Luke doesn't kill...shit, Luke doesn't curse....*puts a dollar in Pop's tip cup*.....he's not a bully. He's humble, he sweeps hair for a living, but he's intelligent.....he actually reads books! He's kind, he's understanding. Luke carries himself with dignity. He's not effeminate in walk, talk or outlook. Luke is also a sexual being. Not a leering, hypersexed, catcaller. He's a protector, with a sense of duty to his community. Luke is a man. Even Luke's enemies are men and women of shrewd intelligence. Actual organized criminals who are intelligent themselves (not "nigger stickup men who fall asleep in the getaway car). This show was written and depicts a section of black America accurately. Luke Cage doesn't deserve a second season. Luke Cage deserves a movie franchise. Luke Cage deserves a larger audience. America needs to see we are more than rap videos, sporting events, protesters, and mugshots. America as a whole needs to see Luke Cage. America needs to see Luke Cage as a hero. I don't want a second season of Luke Cage......

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The Spot

"......there's a spot." Of course more was said after that, things were explained, questions asked and answered, but everything was kinda of hazy after "....there's a spot." After 30 odds years of being the only man at a dance party with no music in a decrepit building I had decided to grow up. So I pick up sticks and move to Miami. New faces, new places, no drugs, no alcohol, no clubs, hell....even no women so far. I just wanted different and different requires stability, accountability....a whole bunch of "ibility" if it ended in that it was needed. No pain no gain right? So each day as an "adult" is terrifying to this manchild, but it has to be done. So I go where I have to go, be where I have to be. Got myself a lil' job. Shit, I'm even writing a blog as you can see. Then it occurs to me...."hey, you need  a doctor, you're a man now, you should value your health." So I find a doctor, make an appointment, KEEP the appointment (imagine that boys and girls) and for once am totally honest with a doctor. Since I've been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day since 11years old the doctor felt it was a pretty good idea to get a CAT Scan. Let me back up....see, I'm the guy who always makes out. I've always miraculously left before the shooting, missed the brawl...so on and so forth. So a CAT Scan? Pfffft! No worries. Then my phone rang, and the young man on the other end said "....there's a spot.". Now I'm scared, and I shouldn't be, because everyone says I don't know anything for sure yet. But none of them have a spot on their right lung so it rings hollow. They say life shows up....and death awaits us all. Regardless of the outcome (I'm pretty sure I'll be fine.) but the knowledge that your  life can turn on the finding of "....a spot.". Well, it's sobering.

*Hannibal*

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Waiting on Matthew.....

Waiting on Matthew.

The plain old photo of a cloudy sky belies the tension of Miami and South Florida bracing for Hurricane Matthew. As a Philly boy born and bred, hurricanes were exotic storms read about in news reports and witnessed on TV. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd currently be on the brink of living through one. Surprisingly, horror stories of weeks without power and potential property destruction and loss of life don't frighten me. It's not that I'm tough. It's just, well this is life....and I'm living it. Apparently every once in awhile a hurricane comes. Having the opportunity to see it without jaded eyes, I anticipate enjoying it's beauty and majesty. Absorb it's cruelty and kindness, and reflect on it's purpose. I'm grateful today I don't view things through a pair of dead eyes. So the wind will whip, and the power will fail. The streets will flood.  The people will cower, government will grind to a halt. The news will report and overexaggerate. Someone may die. But me, I'll watch it intently from a safe place, taking it all in. Because it's a part of life, and I've waited so long to live it.

*Hannibal*

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Welcome to this....(whatever this is)

Well, I guess the 21st Century is here officially, Ol' Hannybull is a blogger. If this goes well you will all be thoroughly entertained, someone will get offended, I most likely will get threatened, someone will catch a break and be "discovered" here. I'll become rich and famous and a world renowned authority on something obscure but prestigious. One of my fans will offer me his virgin sister and I'll start wearing cravats and speaking in a stilted English accent.......or it'll just be one of millions of blogs churned out on the net daily. *shrugs* Either way I'm up for it, hope you are.....I don't know how frequent these will be (you don't get to cravats and stilted English being "readily available") but we'll get it done. So, I guess that's that. Welcome to this....whatever this is. Enjoy yourself.

*Hannibal*

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Vinyl Destination: Great Wall Of China

The new episode had me on freeze, no pun intended. The crew actually took a trip to The Great Wall Of China in between tour stops. It was an amazing site to see.

Also, this episode, you get a glimpse of Jeff actually taking care of some business. I love this series. Its a like a travel show, with hip hop over tones. It's a great episode, check it out...

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Spit Gemz-Al SwearenGemz (prod. by Junior Makhno)

SICK. one of the best verses i've heard this year. beat is NASTY. id love to hear more from sun. 

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DJ MERCURY Deep In The Trenches UGHH radio show JULY 22 live from the Netherlands

DJ MERCURY Deep In The Trenches UGHH radio show JULY 22 live from the Netherlands

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NEW EPISODE: Vynil Destination: Island Glaze

In this episode the fellas get a few days off in Thailand of all places. What a beautiful place on this planet have a few days to chill. i love this show because u get a chance to see what being true to the culture can do for you. Jeff is more than the DJ for Fresh Prince.... he's an actual PIONEER or DJ culture itself. so you can have all that flash in the pan money from your hit ONE single... i'd much rather be able to enjoy a 30 year career doing exactly what i love.

Jeff! can i carry the bags next tour????

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DJ Mercury, "DEEP In The Trenches", Underground Hip Hop Radio show, Netherlands 7-8-2016

the homie goes in again! enjoy, live from Europe....

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NEW RELEASE: "POLICE BRUTALITY"-DJ Davito ft. Nine,Thirstin Howl, Ruste Juxx & NEMS. & E.REX.

On the disturbing heels of the Alton Sterling murder at the hands of the police, the homie DJ Davito drops a scorcher laced with some the true school's finest addressing the situation. the funny thing is, hip hop has been airing out this grievance about the police since the late 80s. if we ever needed a group like Public Enemy or Rage Against The Machine, the time is definitely now.

What are we gonna do about it tho? let me know your thoughts in the comment sections below...

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Rane Mixer Company SOLD to InMusic Group

DJs are in an uproar! what do you think?

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This is the WORST XXL Freshman Class EVER

ay, i try not to be that guy that sounds like 'you young whipper snappers with that noise... that aint  music",  cause i hated that guy growin up. but he was talkin bout Public Enemy and RunDMC. me??? i really aint got no choice. this shit is strait GARBAGE.

i mean, u cant look at NONE of this list and make a convert out of a disbeliever, like u could with P.E or Rakim. or Fresh Prince or Heavy D for that matter. your momma loved them. none of these guys have that type of appeal except to the people their age with the same mentality that its good cause it POPULAR, not because its actually good. dam internet age.

I cant spar with NONE of em, except Dave East, who looks like Rakim in this crowd. he is a credible lyricist with real talent. game changer? naw, not from what i can see now. will i check for him in the future? sure will. potential is the BEST attribute of any freshman. and from what i see, he's probably the smartest one as well... i see him distance himself from this pack more and more.

i checked out Denzel Curry and was out right surprised by over 2.5 MILLION Youtube views. peering into the comment section, i saw a fan base that was engaged by his music. it wasnt bad... will i bump it? nope. will i recommend it? naw. will i hope he converts those views to shows and some sort of income. absolutely. i always give a nod to those that work hard, if those views are evidence of work. i mean, you can buy views after all. time will tell.

Desiigner is the only one out the pack that actually has a hit record. major terrestial FM stations spin it. and it bangs, i aint gone front. to me, he has the makings of a recording artist, in these days and times. and he has great energy. we'll see what his next records sound like. there have been MANY one hit wonders throughout the history of music. this freestyle tho??? GARBAGE.

i wont even itemize the rest. ill just sweep em up in a pile and hit the Hefty wit em. all this money talk (30 on the waist??? diamond encrusted belt buckle???) , gun talk (dont NONE of them look tough. they even say the word 'gun' weak) and talk about bitches (yall do know we can SEE you right??), all sound plastic, fabricated, like Walt Disney made it. they sound like they dont care NOTHING at all about the culture. or being good at it. i know they'll say people like me are hatin on em cause they're popular. but let me tell ALL yall what my oldhead told me a long time ago... fame without fortune, is a backwards hustle. now take that back to your mediocre artist support group, and air it out.

and look at my man Drama in these videos. lol... my man look BORED! lol... he got that 'i cant wait til i clock out' look on his face. lol....i know he made XXL pay him WELL for that Gangsta Grillz drop! ay man, a check is a check. and he aint the star here no way. it was on THEM to show n prove. and they showed up and proved NOTHING.

a while back i wrote a piece about responsible editorial. read about it here. and share it with the editorial staff at XXL. if this was driven only by numbers, then great job guys. if this was driven by taste... then maybe a tall glass of hot trash truck juice might help yall wash it down...

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BBoy Battle: Crazy Legs -vs- BBoy Storm, St. Petersburg, RUSSIA

Let me say this outright... absolutely nuff respect to the legend Crazy Legs, a true innovator and pioneer in this bboy cult known as Hip Hop and to BBoy Storm who has also been doing his thing for years.

For me tho, the battle is not the highlight of this clip. The absolute winner in this clip, aside from the people of Russia, (who are taking the utmost care of the culture of hip hop, with strong support from  the President himself, Vladimir Putin), is the DJ, Philadelphia's own Skeme Richards, who CRUSHES the music mix with the sounds of what a bboy battle MUST sound like to be authentic. ESPECIALLY breakin. I cant tell you how many times i've watched the incredible moves that the new generation of bboys do to some of the most out of place, uninspired music selection that holds neither the energy or the perspective that the form was developed with. In this video, Skeme gives a tutorial on what a REAL bboy battle should sound like, along with a demonstration on the sense of timing  needed to drop the records when they will have the most impact. i know the guy, have bought his mixes before, and i was still SUPER impressed by this performance. enjoy...

props to BBoy Storm who had a great night. but lets be real, if this was '83.... well, YOU know...

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