I was introduced to Charles Hamilton this summer when I had the opportunity to do a mixtape review for "Outside Looking" for AllHipHop.com. Getting a first glimpse into Hamilton's world I automatically thought that he was on another level. From his samples which are 90s based music and his lyrics I couldn't even place him in any type of category if I wanted to. Yet I was still trying to understand where this dude was coming from and what he was about. With the recent "beef" he supposedly had with Soulja Boy it kinda made me disappointed simply because I felt Hamilton shouldn't of acknowledged him at all. These are two artists who are on two different sides of the spectrum with different goals in mind yet they were able to cross paths in the worst way. This internet beef stuff is already getting ran into the ground and that "beef" in particular should have been put to a hault instantly. Hamilton put everything into perspective and made the right decision to end it and that was a good move on his part. Anyway I feel Charles Hamilton is a creative artist with a lot of potential and with him being signed to Interscope there is no telling what direction they want to send him in. I just hope they have a decent enough game plan if he expects to have any sort of longevity in this game we called the music industry.


IWGtv Episode 3: LRG Spring 09 Photoshoot from IWG TV on Vimeo


In this episode, Shawn Chrystopher takes us behind the scenes of the LRG Spring 09 Photo shoot that will be used for its Spring 2009/10th Anniversary ad campaign.



P.Casso's MySpace



Muffy's MySpace
Interview with Muffy HERE

the selby.com

Todd Selby is a photographer based out of New York. His subjects for photograph include fashion models, directors,designers, painters in their element which happens to be their home. The project was sparked by his curiousity in how personal space reflects ones personality. Looking at his site theselby.com you will find a wide array of versatile individuals who have made their homes into art. Check out a few photos below of the different home decor from these individuals. To see more go to theselby.com








Meshell Ndegeocello Outside Your Door LIVE

You can never go wrong with listening to Me'Shell she will bring you into a whole new level of musical ecstacy. Check out this video of a performance she did back in 96' at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland.


Soooo... the 30th I leave for NY, Brooklyn to be exact. I'll be spending time with my BFF's for a few days and also bringing in the New Year with them. La Star Noir just got her spot in Brooklyn so i'm excited to see the new pad! lol and my girl Angie got her spot in the Bronx....I may have to plan a day trip to kick it out there with her. Heard the train ride is dumb long. no bueno. Anyway New Years i'll be at the Loft party. Check out the flyer below. Its gonna be official i'm most sure of it!

PEEEAAACCEEE!

La Melodia



La Melodia is a combination of a dope female emcee by the name of Melodee and producer I.N.T. The duo is serious business and is staying true to their Hip Hop roots. The Netherlands is their place of residence but even they want to get their voices heard all over. Not sure if they got business squared away but in their blog posted this past April they wrote about looking for world wide distributors to release their album in the USA and Europe. I hope they found someone because nobody should pass up on good music. Peep La Melodia in action in one of their videos titled “WorldWide Connect” ft. Roc. C



La Melodia's MySpace


You can never go wrong with a throwback film like this. The acting is a little bad but its definitely not as worse as Dolomite. I'm thinking I may add this to my collection of old classic films.

Do Or Die - Po Pimp


Off there 1996 LP Picture This this is Do or Die with "Po Pimp"... its crazy I was in the 6th grade rapping every lyric to this song... smh

Snow print frenzy







Half of America had a chance to enjoy the snow that blanketed their city and these guys took the advantage to play in the snow, particulary on the hoods of peoples cars. So how did they do it? "These prints were made by simply pushing our faces into fresh powder on cars. They are all concave, but create a super cool illusion of 3D sculptures."

spotted@ 2Pie


Kissey Asplund is an eccentric neo soul artist coming straight out of Sweden. She’s makes the list of one of my favorite Britain neo soul artists along with Duffy, Adele, and yes even Amy Winehouse. Kissey brings a strong kick of her personal flavor to the table leaving you warm hearted and in tune with who she is as an artist. Here is one of her videos titled “With You” and of course to find out more just hit her up via MySpace.


This mixtape caught my eye from the title alone… why? Because I wear glasses too but guess what the meaning behind the mixtape is not just about that. Shawn gives an explanation behind the meaning:
“The whole point of it is to basically show like a common ground between me the person who makes the music and you the listener. Umm I think its to many musicians to many artists who try to stunt on the listener like try to act like they’re better than them like they walk around with their nose in the air and pretend that they’re perfect….so the whole purpose of I.W.G is to show that no one is better than anyone, we’re all the same we’re all on common ground…” Shawn actually gives this full explanation on his mixtape but you would have to listen to find out!

To better describe his musical style, Shawn Chrystopher is like the Inglewood’s WALE with a westcoast twist. His punch lines aren’t too far fetched and his lyrics hold some solid ground. Of course as an upcoming artist there is plenty room for grooming so I’m sure he will continue to polish his flow. Until then keep up the good work Shawn Chrystopher!

DOWNLOAD:LRG x Shawn Chrystopher “I.W.G.: I Wear Glasses”


MySpace


Twitter

Weezy Blog is Back



Weezy Blog= A chick in the back giving a massage while he eats steak and fries. Nomination for 8 grammys. And no more purple stuff in his cup....so he says... we'll call it grape juice.



What you see here is a preview for the documentary of North Carolina's own Kooley High. From the looks of it there are cameos from The Academy,9th Wonder,Skyzoo,Justus League and the list goes on. Its all for the love of music.


Here is a gift that you can give and share with your friends for the rest of your life. Its Melo-x's mixtape titled "Mustafa's Renaissance" which entails dope melodies and soulfelt lyrics from Melo-X himself. The eccentric vibe is also accompanied by artists like Theophilus London, Jesse Boykins III, Mickey Factz,Nikki Ntu and more. Spread the holiday cheer with this official mixtape by my homie Melo-X you won't be disappointed!


DOWNLOAD:
MeLo-X - Mustafa's Renaissance

The latest from N.E.R.D.'s Seeing Sounds, "Sooner or Later."

Sooner Or Later


Spotted at Myspace

Black Spade - Evil Love Video

Black Spade is a gifted dude, "Evil Love" is a video he dropped this past May. The video gives a vintage feel as it tells a tale of two lovers who resort to breaking up.

"I guess we kinda thought that things would be forever so we left it up to God but he musta said never/from the women I played expectations wasnt made/ from the chicks who was down but eventually they strayed...."



David Banner: Question...Nobody in the world would ever have imagined this combination right here bruh...

9th Wonder: Nobody...

David Banner: But tell them why...its perfect.

9th Wonder: Cuz we two grown black men in the Obama era thats why...



I'm in a sentimental mood...or something close to it..............so yea just watch and listen. its a pretty groovy song if i do say so myself.

Vintage Obama*

Hey folks! I know it's been awhile since you've gotten a lil' blog lovin' here at C&C, but as I must confess, I got a bit sidetracked with my lack of a personal life, and I recently made the move from Philly to BK, so it's a been a process getting settled into the new crib, ( I love it by the way!). But now I'm back, at least for today. I'm not sure when the next time I'll write again before the holiday, but afterward, I'll be in full effect. Before I go though, I had to share these with you. I stumbled upon these photos of President-Elect Baack Obama in his hey-day and just thought they were awesome. From the day this man opened his mouth, I thought, "that's a genuine guy." And although we know from history's past, politicians have plenty of skeletons in their closets, Barack chose to clean out his before the rest of the world had a chance to. Barack never lied about his bout with greenery, and not only do I love him for that, but I love him because this man has lived his life and makes no apologies, and these vintage pics of the soon-to-be head man in charge are evident of that. Enjoy*









Whats for lunch?



I thought this was pretty dope, a Nintendo DS Bento created from rice.



Yoshi Bento!

More Bento lunch art HERE!

Kid Cudi-Super Boo



Its evident that the industry is filled with snakes who soley just want to take advantage of a artists talent in any way possible. Kid Cudi just recently expressed the ordeal in which a video for Crookers remix for Day N Nite was not approved by anyone in his camp yet it was all over the internet and on blogs within a days time. Kudi feels that he doesnt even have a handle on the situation because he is outside the country right now. Here is an excerpt from his blog:

SEE, THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS I HATE THIS INDUSTRY….MUTHAFUCKAS GET CONTROL OVER YA MUSIC AND YA IMAGE AND DO WUTEVER THE FUCK THEY WANT TO DO WIT IT….THIS CROOKERS VIDEO WAS NOT APPROVED BY ANYONE ON MY TEAM….WE JUS EXPRESSED TO THE PEOPLE WHO SHOT THE VIDEO AND TOL THEM WE DIDNT LIKE IT AND WANTED TO TRY SUTTIN DIFF, NEXT THING U KNO WITHIN HOURS ITS ALLLLLLL OVER THE FUCKIN INTERNET….NOW, SUTTIN SEEMS FISHY HERE…..ID B WRONG TO START PUNCHIN MUTHAFUCKAS IN THE JAW BONE (AND IM REALLLLY NOT A VIOLENT PERSON, I HATE VIOLENCE ACTUALLY) BUT DATS HONESTLY HOW I FEEL RITE NOW….PEOPLE R TAKIN SUTTIN I CREATED, SUTTIN DATS SPECIAL TO ME AND PUTTIN IT OUT CUZ THEY WANT TO….MUTHAFUCKAS R SIGNIN OFF ON SHIT AND NOT LETTIN ME KNO ABOUT IT….IM WRITIN AND SAYIN ALL DIS SHIT SO YALL CAN REALLLLLY SEE HOW SHADY THIS GAME IS, LIKE 4REAL 4REAL, NIGGAZ JUS WANT TO USE U AS A PUPPET….AND DATS HOW I FEEL RITE NOW, LIKE A FUCKIN PUPPET….IAM SOOOO BEYOND UPSET THERES NO WORD TO DESCRIBE HOW I FEEL AT THE MOMENT…IM ALL THE WAY IN AUSTRALIA AND CANT DO SHIT ABOUT ANYTHING

Read the rest HERE

As the release of Biggie's biopic, "NOTORIOUS," out January 16, approaches, C&C's been bringing you trailers, behind the scenes treats, and now we've got some ear candy for ya. Check out what I'm sure will be Brooklyn's new anthem, "Brooklyn We Go Hard" by Jay-Z featuring Philly's own/Brooklyn Bred Santogold, and produced by Kanye West. I guess I have to hop on the bandwagon , I mean I am a Brooklyn-ite now. Besides that, there's no denying the track is hot. Look for it when the "NOTORIOUS" soundtrack drops January 13.




Jay-Z ft. Santogold-Brooklyn We Go Hard

On today's episode of 106 & Park, Jamie Foxx premiered the video for his single, "Just Like Me" from his upcoming album, Intuition. The video also features actress Taraji P. Henson and was directed by Brett Ratner, you know, of the Rush Hour franchise. Jamie said he didn't want to do the usual club theme with the video. It's different alright, but you be the judge. Intuition drops December 16.



Jazmine Sullivan in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, for Grammy nom. announcements.




Anytime someone gifted and talented from my hometown has their gifts recognized and honored, I am that much more grateful that I am from the "City of Soul," that is Philly. I just want to give a shout out to one of the many hometown greats, singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, who was nominated for five grammy nominations, including Best R&B Contemporary album for her album, Fearless. Although Jazmine seems as if she's a newbie on the scene, she's been working in the biz for years. She's worked alongside producers Cool and Dre, and even pegging hits such as "Say I" for Christina Milian and writing for Jennifer Hudson's debut album. My money's on Jazmine, come February 8, when the Grammy's are presented.

Sidenote: Congrats to Nas, Jennifer Hudson, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, and Kanye West. There's more that I'd show luv to, but there's just too many...Congrats, guys.

As Diddy has always proclaimed, he just "won't stop." As his new fragrance, "I Am KING" graces the shelves of Macy's retailers everywhere, Diddy decides to up the advertorial ante with his new "I AM KING" Bond-inspired mini-movie. You got it give to him, the entertainment mogul is resourceful, not only is he using the mini-movie to appeal to consumers for the fragrance, but according to his blog, this is his "in" to becoming the next James Bond. He writes "I am debuting my new movie "I Am King" for my new fragrance "I Am King" which is available exclusively at Macy's. This fragrance is dedicated to Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King and all you men out there who take care of your families and respect and treat yourself like the Kings that we are all. I would like to also announce that this is my audition tape for the next James Bond..." All I can say is, now that we have a black president, I believe anything is possible. Good luck, Diddy!


With almost seven weeks to go, the buzz around President-elect Barack Obama's Inauguration is in full effect, from what his first lady, Michelle will wear to who will perform at the groundbreaking event. And now, Alicia Keys is addressing rumors about her possible role in history on the Tyra Banks Show, as well as politely shutting Tyra down.


Brandy-Long Distance

The rebirth of the songbird that is Brandy, is truly beginning to take place, and might I add, it is wonderful to witness. With that, I share with you her new video for her single, "Long Distance" from her upcoming album, Human. By the way, this is dedicated to all those who are "feeling it" right now, including me.




Drake goes in yet again, I cannot wait for his upcoming mixtape to drop So Far Gone . He's official and you're a loser if you think otherwise (j/k). And Degrassi is still one of my favorite shows and what!

Drake-Say What’s Real


This project was inevitable from the moment I received the link from DJ Jamad to download Miles Remixed by Apple Juice Kid. I’ve been a fan of Miles Davis since grade school but had never heard him like this. Apple Juice Kid’s remix album allowed me to see things in the sounds and from track one I was daydreaming. After coming across the Perlinger archive I snapped together some cuts and within an hour or so I was rendering the finished product. I gave Apple Juice Kid the first look and got his blessing on it.

spotted @battalionarmour.com



Quest tells an intimate story of J Dilla making an impeccable beat.. yet it was only practice for him which had Quest in awe about the whole ordeal. So read the excerpt from his story and check out the rest here!

(....and i knew i wouldn’t be the same when dangleo and tip played me the ENTIRE fantastic cassette over the phone LONG DISTANCE to germany (my bill was $382 bucks and WORTH EVERY FUCKING CENT)

and i knew i was in for a treat the many times i came to the crib.

and i knew i was witnessing history when him and pete rock re created half of “mecca and the soul brother” in the basement the weekend “dynamite” was created.

but man…..

what i learned eavesdropping 8am the following day made me a believer. that shit made me the stan of ALL stans.

if you are on my computer and need to find dilla. go to genre, and if he had something to do with it? it will be known for its tag: DILLA is GOD.

i won’t go into reasons why….for it could be longer than this post. and at this rate its just baiting those who disagree or who refuse to see it or who just wanna be contradictory (aka okayplayers lol)...



Spectacula's MySpace

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!


Happy Thanksgiving everyone, be safe and enjoy it with family and friends. I just touched down in Philly not to long ago and I must say the traffic on 95 is BANANAS!! I understand the price in gas has dropped but dang.. . i wasn't expecting the whole "U.S of A" to be on the road like this... but i'm just blessed to have made it here eventhough it took like 9 hours from NC. lol and I know it was serious when mom dukes was contemplating about taking a flight back to dodge the traffic. Stay blessed people and don't eat too much turkey!



“Formatmag.com and DJ MeLo-X present Futrama, a collection of 2008’s next generation MCs. Futurama includes drops from 88 Keys, B.o.B., Big Sean, Charles Hamilton, Diz Gabran, Drake, Jay Electronica, Kid Cudi, Mickey Factz, The Cool Kids, Wiz Khalifa and many more!”

DOWNLOAD:Formatmag.com & MeLo-X Present “Futurama”

Last week, we put you on to Le Tapin's art exhibit, "I Would Spit On Your Sneakers." Well, I had the opportunity to attend the opening reception for the unconventionally, dope art installation at the YUME in Brooklyn. The exhibit is a critical deconstruction of the sneaker and features pieces with ghoulish creatures devouring sneakers and mind-boggling abstract art, presented by a collaborative of artists, as well as collections by streetwear designers,including A.L.I.E.N. All in all, I revelled in a night of some tasty wine, great art, and connected with some beautiful and talented people. Witness the culture, below.



Dope Mural at the YUME Gallery in Brooklyn.







My partners in crime that night, Alexis and Charla indulge in some culture.



Dim, one of the artists that night, gettin' busy.





The Artists collab for a photo op.



Me and A.B. of A.L.I.E.N.





Guests and to the far right, Brooklyn rap/new wave artist,Theophilus London.



Custom painted Vans by Art Force One.



Amateur Footage {Hey, I'm still working on my videography} from "I Would Spit On Your Sneakers."




As disturbing as this image is, you, like I must be wondering how could anyone have possibly survived this? Fortunately, The Legendary Roots crew did. After a car crash in Europe last week, ?uestlove is making sure he's setting the record straight with fans after posting the image above on his myspace page. Today, he writes in his blog, "in short we escaped what I can only call a tragic bus crash while on our way to open for kanye in paris. that white van basically missed an open for an exit and thought he could last minute side swipe us/race us to get off. and just wound up knocking us off this road. kinda strange how the mind works because the inside of the bus is tinted and covered with curtains. so despite the fact we flipped over i still thought it was just a fender bender for i had no reference point of direction."
All I have to say is, thank God, everyone made it out okay.

Learn more details about the crash from ?uestlove here .



Drake is continuing to bless us with his talent and his track "little Bit" off of his upcoming mixtape “So Far Gone" is pure ear candy, take a listen and see for yourself.

Drake-Litte Bit(remix)

Solange-T.O.N.Y.

Whether you disagree with her media etiquette or not yet convinced she measures up to that of her older sibling B--Solange is a true songwriter. And for that, I dig her. She also doesn't mind putting it all out there in her music. Speaking of, watch the new video for her latest single, T.O.N.Y. I guarantee you've never seen an ending quite like this.





"....Then one star got brighter by the minute.Strange that it seemed to have my name written in it."



I ran across this video that me and my friend Ryan made a few months back out of boredom...theres nothing special to it, we were just fascinated that the webcam actually worked.. lol

just a spoonful

ART art art! I love art so here are some random pieces I have came across browsing the net like I rightfully do.


More of Mosstika's work HERE


More of C215's work HERE

January 16th is the day that the world will once again hear those famous words "Baby, Baby, Uh," through the biopic of Biggie Smalls. But until then,
check out how the cast of NOTORIOUS gets pointers from one of my favorite choreographers Tanisha Scott--on how to move, groove, and flow "NOTORIOUS"--ly.


Notorious B.I.G. Exclusive Movie Clip: CHOREOGRAPHY

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT




I think a lot of us thought that T-Pain was just a fad that would fade away as the days went by but as you can see he has talent to back up his gimmick and its only 2 things that cause a talented artist to fall off.................Drugs and Women!!!!!!

Dedicated To You!!!


For your coked out syrup sipping enjoyment I bring to you 

Check out this cool new commercial brought to you by Zune for its new Zune 3.0 Mixview software. As described by Zune's site, Mixview is "A mosaic of connections your selection has to other albums, artists, and listeners." Peep how the commercial unites Common and his "Universal Mind Control" predecessor, Afrika Bambaataa.



It seems that everyone and their mother has read The Coldest Winter Ever, the classic novel that pretty much help pioneer urban fiction. Now, Sister Souljah brings us Winter's follow up, Midnight, and she's getting up close and personal with her new book. Souljah will be appearing at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Saturday, December 20th for an in-store book signing and a Q&A Session. She'll also do a reading from the highly-anticipated book, and get this, admission is FREE.





For more info, check out: The Free Library of Philadelphia online.


 

Blair Blanco 2009 | Cash and Caviar