Drake Shuts Down House of Blues...Literally (Thanks A lot, Drake)
I want to give a big shout out to Drake for shutting down the House of Blues on Friday night/Saturday morning. The sold out show definitely set a precedent for Hip Hop concerts in Chicago, and effectively "ruined it" for Hip Hop artists seeking a relationship with one of Chicago's premier music venues. In all honesty, we were even in the works of setting something up with HOB, and have been told that they're reconsidering booking Hip Hop acts. In all fairness, it's not really Drake's fault. I mean, the Canadian upstart actor/turned Hip Hop star must have been somewhat shocked, surprised, or even just in awe of the whole situation. It's almost unheard for an artist without a proper album, record deal, large scale promotion, or any combination of the three to headline a show at the House of Blues, much less sell it out, and then much much less not take the stage until after 3AM. But that's what happened thanks in part to bad artist/venue management, and an unfulfilled equipment rider that left the show's promoters scrambling for studio equipment.
I was not at the Drake concert, as I had a gig at Sub-T, but I heard about it. And I didn't just hear about it, I heard about it a lot. While the details varied, three things were consistent: The opening acts, except for Mikkey Halsted, got booed, Drake went on hella late and used the crowd as effective vocalists, and the night ended in fights by the bar, and a shooting outside. It's an interesting turn of events for an artist that one Chicago emcee describes as a "pop version of Lil' Wayne". A year ago very few people knew who Drake was, and now they are showing up in droves to see what the hype is about. It's sad, and almost predictable that Drake's show ended in disappointment and almost tragedy. The concert promoters weren't prepared to handle the crowd or artists, and Drake is showing that while he's a very talented rapper/singer/song writer, he's stage show is just not yet ready for the headline. Drake's rise to the marquee is the fastest of the "fast Internet Rapper rises" and it appears that the promoters of the show mirrored Drake's rise in their thrown together attempt to host his first official Chicago concert. I hope they made a lot of money, cause Drake won't be back at HOB for a while, and neither will Mikkey Halsted, Phil G, Rhymefest, or any other Chicago Hip Hop artists as the HOB reconsiders who they do business with, and now we all have to share in the burden of bettering live Hip Hop music's image.
On that note, come to the Leg Room on Wednesday for A Night of Celebration For Chicago Picasso, hosted by Naledge of Kidz In The Hall and featuring new music from the album, and music by DJ Sapphire, DJ Izzo, and me, DJ RTC. We might not have Drake, but we can promise you won't get shot...
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Beastie Boys: "So Whatcha Want" (All The Way Live Freestyle Mix)
Back on my Beastie Boys' Bootleg B.S. Today I bring forth The All The Way Live Freestyle remix of their infamous 1992 hit, "So Whatcha Want", from 1998 release, Rare Not Nasty. Download it below.
Leica M8: White Special Edition
I've been away form the blog boards for a bit but I'm def back this week and hitting you with some dope ish. Shout outs to RTC for killing the blog game the last few weeks, homie def needs to be nominated for hardest working man on the web.
So first order of business, is a camera that has been on my wish list for a while now , Leica's flagship M8. If you don't know about Leica's M8 then please click on link and catch up. This summer Leica will be dropping an all white cowhide Nappa leather version of the M8 which will be limited to 275 units. Just like it's silver counterpart, this white M8 will have ELMARIT-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH lens, and each 275 will have a special serial number and certificate of authenticity. So all you hypebeasts who want to rock a camera as a fashion statement, this will def make other stylish hipsters jealous. For those real photographers & enthusiasts this is a must have camera.
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Mood Music: "Cocaine Blues"
"Made a good run, but I run too slow, they overtook me down in Juarez, Mexico."
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Eva: "Slow Down" featuring Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco jumps on Eva's debut single, a song with a real message. My dad always said, 'never put yourself down, there will be enough people to do that for you." Somewhat similar, of course without any synths and Lupe Fiasco, but just as powerful. Grab the new joint below, and watch for Eva's debut album coming later this year on In Ya Face Records.
Donny Goines on Real Late With Peter Rosenberg
Donny Goines hit Real Later With Peter Rosenberg recently and talked about the meaning of his new LP, The Breakfast Club, Disco D, and what other emcees he's feeling at the moment. Check it out below....The Breakfast Club releases tomorrow for free 99.
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Sasha Grey: Pics From Girlfriend Experience
I read an interesting article on Sasha Grey in the latest Rolling Stone. She may just be the first really extreme adult film star to crossover into mainstream media. She appeared in The Roots video for "Birthday Girl" before the release of Rising Down, and will soon see the release of Steven Soderbergh's feature film, The Girlfriend Experience. Grey and co. were keeping quiet about her exact appearance in the film, but pics from the set leaked earlier today. The first is up top, the second is below.
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Eminem: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Performance/Interview
When Eminem takes the stage in a few hours on Jimmy Kimmel Live! he will be doing more than just performing songs from his new album, Relapse. He will shake those of us that have forgotten our crumbling auto industry, and recession stricken economy as a dreary winter becomes a sunny spring. He'll also be informing thousands of adolescents, teenagers, and even adults about the real hardships that closing auto plants cause. Sad as it is, more kids will be watching Eminem on Jimmy Kimmel Live! than have paid attention to the auto industry bailout, watched Meet The Press, or even read a newspaper this week. Eminem will be accompanied on the show by roughly 200 people from Detroit, all of whom worked at auto plants before being laid off within the last year. It may also ensure a passionate performance from Eminem, since part of his mission includes showing his people a good time. Eminem will be back on Kimmel Live next week Tuesday as well as next week Friday.
Updated with interview/performance video....