The Legendary Roots Crew have truly been pulling their weight on The Jimmy Fallon Show, and on last night's show, they set a precedent by performing with legendary pioneers of the game, Public Enemy. This is only a preview of what's to come when The Roots and Public Enemy hit the stage again this summer for The Roots Picnic. Until then, enjoy!

It's baaaaack! For those of you who didn't experience the all-day mega event that was the 1st annual Roots Picnic held in Philly last year, then you missed a hot ass show. No, it was literally hot, we're talking about a 10-hour show in 100 degree heat, it doesn't get any hotter. Last year's line-up featured The Cool Kids, J*Davey, and Gnarls Barkley, and The Legendary Roots Crew themselves. This year, The Roots will still be on board, along with TV On The Radio, Asher Roth, Kid Cudi (guess this means he ain't retiring :), rap legends and political pioneers, Public Enemy, and fellow Philly Alum, Santigold (note the name change: Santogold/Santigold, along with others. The show's June 6th and will take place in non-other than the city of Brotherly love. But don't wait until the day of the show to buy your tickets. Don't even wait until this Friday when they go on sale at 10 a.m. Purchase them before then, and there's a $5 pre-sale discount. I'll see you at the show, but I'm buying my tickets today!

For more info, go to okayplayer.com.

Big Pooh’s latest vehicle is a street-LP entitled, Delightful Bars, and there will be four different versions of Delightful Bars made accessible, including a special iTunes only version (referred to as the Candy Apple version), which will be released on 3-24-09 and the North American retail version of Delightful Bars (referred to as the North American Pie Version) will be released on 4-21-09.

Tracklisting:

North American Pie Version

1.) North American Pie Intro
2.) The Comeback (produced by Khrysis)
3.) Its A Go f/Torae (produced by Dae One)
4.) Nothing Less f/Ab Soul, Jay Rock & K Dot (produced by Young RJ)
5.) C.O.D. (produced by Mickey Free)
6.) Move f/ Darien Brockington (produced by Phonix)
7.) Something Like Stars f/ Big Treal (produced by Jake One)
8.) Step Up (produced by D.R.)
9.) Reality Check f/ Big Dho, D. Black & Mykestro (produced by Khrysis)
10.) Problems f/ Jozeemo (produced by Illmind)
11.) AMO A SU PAPI DE LA BARRA skit
12.) Roll Call f/ Jozeemo, Chaundon & Joe Scudda (produced by The Co-Op)
13.) The Life f/ Mushinah (produced by Khrysis)
14.) Rearview Mirror (produced by 9th Wonder)
15.) EMPANADA NORTE AMERICANA OUTRO

CANDY APPLE ITunes Version

1.) Intro
2.) The Release (produced by Illmind)
3.) Power f/ O. Dash (produced by Khrysis)
4.) The Comeback (produced by Khrysis)
5.) Radio (produced by OhNo)
6.) Hands Up f/ Chaundon and Roc C (produced by Khrysis)
7.) On The Real f/ Jozeemo and E. Ness (produced by Khrysis)
8.) Nothing Less f/ Ab Soul, Jay Rock and K. Dot (produced by Young RJ)
9.) Move f/ Darien Brockington (produced by Phonix)
10.) Roll Call f/ Jozeemo, Chaundon, and Joe Scudda (produced by The Co-Op)
11.) The Life f/ Mushinah (produced by Khrysis)
12.) Rearview Mirror (produced by 9th Wonder)
13.) OUTRO

DOWNLOAD: Kooley High: "Kooley Is High" Mixtape

"The 2 HUNGRY BROS . have been making noise in the NYC hip hop scene for over a decade. The amazing duo of producers Deep and Ben Boogz joined forces in 2003 and have been producing classic music ever since. Forming an alliance with the illustrious AOK COLLECTIVE the 2 Hungry Bros have provided a soundscape to many of AOK's signature records. In addition to their self produced album "TABLE MANNERS", 2HB have laced classic tracks for FRESH DAILY, HOMEBOY SANDMAN, 8THW1, P.CASSO and NOLA DARLING.

The dusty fingered duo are well known for their ability to find extremely rare vinyl. To date they have released a series of "Rare Groove" mixtapes featuring some of their grooviest finds. It only made sense to let the AOK COLLECTIVE and FRIENDS jump on the rare grooves"!

DOWNLOAD: 2 HUNGRY BROS. X AOK COLLECTIVE Present... "MY CREW's ALL THINNER"

Tracklist:
8thw1 – Walk Tall
Substantial – King Strut
Mickey Factz – Move On Up
Fresh Daily & $trictlyBusine$$ - Bedstuy Bullet Dodge
Senor Kaos – Wandering Soul
8thw1 – the Expose’
Critical – Holy Are You
Reef the Lost Cauze – Ripped by Loud Metal Explosions
8thw1 – Executive Lounge
P.CASSO – Second Wind
Little Vic – Black Night
8thw1 – Harlem Hindu
Daniel Joseph – Holy Thursday
Nikkobya Bisou – le Machete’
Gary Bartz – Celestial Blues
8thw1 – Small Crib
Von Pea – Foodstamps
K Gaines – Rum Raisin
8thw1 & Leon Haywood – I Wanna Do Something Freaky to You
Mazzi – SOUL Propulsion
Homeboy Sandman – Parallel Perpendicular
10 Wheel Drive – Ain’tGonna Happen
Willie Colon - Te Conozco

Over the weekend, me, B. Blanco and the girls took in a show at Webster Hall--non-other than J*Davey, baby, courtesy of "Lick." The crowd was mixed full of downtown's regulars, punk kids, and 40-year-old white men with a thing for "soul music." Fall out Boy's Pete Wentz was there, in his tophat and as well as the fruit of Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz's back in the day love --daughter, Zoe Kravitz (She and Jack Davey arrived together), who has a mean style, but of course. Though the party didn't really get live til about 3 a.m., (yes that's right 3 a.m.,, doors opened at 11pm, lol), the opening act was Amanda Diva, and although I appreciate Diva as a TV personality, and dig Diva Speak TV, when I happen to catch it, her songs had me a bit lost in translation. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate her effort as a burgeoning, non-conforming artist, but her music is a little all over the place. From rhyming about neon colors to broken relationships--to put it short, it lacked focus. But I dig Diva, so hopefully over time, her sound will become a bit more defined.

But before she took the stage, DJ Jasmine Solano oh-so-wonderfully blessed the turntables with her smooth transitions and retro mix. She had the crowd groovin' to everything from Prince to Dilla. Ummm, Who says female DJs don't get down? Last, but not least, the long and lean, mohawked songtress, Jack Davey took the stage along with her partner behind the keys and production, Brook d'lieu. The chemistry that these two share on stage is amazing--Jack with her frail frame gliding about the stage, damn there making love to the floor, and Brook with his laidback approach to just about everything-whether it's on the keyboard or the mic. The laxidaisical-electro-funk sound that they produce is truly like no other, AND I LOVE IT! So did the crowd, they joined in the performance by jumping onto the stage during J*Davey's set and Zoe even got into it, hanging on Jack's leg while she was crooning. But, before I wrap this re-cap up, there was another moment in the show, that just had me captivated. It was when the "LICK" girls graced the stage with their sensual choreography.

I'm telling you, the things these girls did with lace would amaze you, and in case you didn't know, I love lace. I thoroughly enjoyed it. But what I enjoyed even more, was the track that accompanied the girls' sultry performance-- DJ Keys N Crates remix to Aaliyah's "One In A Million." It was my first time ever hearing the remix and being introduced to this dope production team. All in all, despite the late arrival home due to the inconvenience of NYC cabs ( Note: For some reason, every cabbie is scared of Bedstuy, and we didn't get home until 5:30 a.m.!), that night and oh yeah, meeting Jack is right up there on my list of Classic NYC memories.

For your enjoyment: Keys N Crates-"One in A Million (remix)" (Live performance at Toronto's Down One Lounge)

Listen to how Ghostface Killah shows support for Rihanna (over Glenn Lewis's "Don't You Forget It"), in the only way Ghostface can.

Letter to Rihanna

DOWNLOAD:Mick Boogie Presents: Mateo - Underneath The Sky Mixtape Ch. 1



Mixtape Short Film Trailer

The Legendary Roots Crew



Tina Fey



Santogold





Again, I fell asleep and missed last night's episode of Jiimmy Fallon. But luckily, Questlove kept me up to date on Twitter. It turns out it was a Philly reunion last night courtesy of Jimmy's latest gig. Tina Fey stopped by to reminisce with Jimmy on SNL days. She hails from Upper Darby (those of you who don't know, that's apart of Phily, too.) Jon Bon Jovi,(not from Philly, from Jersey, but mine as well)did some karaoke with a fan. Santogold graced the stage to perform "Brooklyn Goes Hard" but yes, is from Germantown, and was accompanied by Spank Rock who holds it down in West Philly. I love that The Roots (P.S. Back off ya'll! The Tuba player's mine!) are ushering in Philly soul to the late night circuit. What I love even more, is that Santi's dancers broke into the Wu-Tang on the show...DOPE!

Note: I saw a couple of faces I recognized in the audience, one was writer and former host of BET's Black Carpet, Toure'. Go here to watch the entire show.

For those of you who missed it--me! Last night was the premiere of the Jimmy Fallon show backed by Philly's greatest and my hometown favorite, The Legendary Roots Crew. Last night's show featured Robert DeNiro and this week, Jimmy will have guests; Drew Barrymore, Justin Timberlake, and Tina Fey on. Although the first show received mix reviews, I have faith that with time, the show will be as classic as Leno, Conan, and the rest--here's willing. For now, enjoy a quick clip. By the way, you can catch the show at 12:30 p.m. est on NBC.

TI may be facing time come this spring, but for the April issue of VIBE, TI looks like a man redeemed. And might I say, the black frames suit TI well. Check out the issue when it hits stands. March 17th.

Mickey Factz has gotta brand new bag--more like, a car campaign. Mickey has teamed up with Honda for their new national ad campaign for the 2009 Honda Accord. Along with a national commercial, Mickey is also collaborating on Honda's new project called rhymes and reasons. The site, rhymesandreasons.honda.com features music downloads, videos, and a blog from the Bronx rapper. To top off this sweet deal Mickey has with Honda, his new song, "Sensibility" will also be featured in the campaign.

Download "Sensibility."

Time and time again, we as black women and we, as a black community have addressed this mystique--"Good Hair." It's a popular, yet controversial topic. It always has been and always will be, if ignorance persists. As you can guess, I have never bought into this blurred gaze of "Good Hair" and "Bad Hair." It's just another age old myth that divides us as black people, and frankly, it's tired. And now, Comedian/Actor, Chris Rock is getting his hands tangled in his new documentary, Good Hair. For the film, Chris traveled around the world from Harlem to India, for about two years, delving into the obsession that the black community has with hair, specifically us black girls. Chris even got actresses Nia Long and Raven Symone, as well as comedian, Paul Mooney along with others on board for the film. There's no word yet on when the film will be released, but the film did grab an award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, so there's no telling what the future may hold. I can't wait!

Here's a sneak peak.

Everyone has witnessed the rollercoaster that we've come to know as Kanye West. Going from a kid raised in the "City of Win" supplying dope beats to anyone who's anyone, even after a near fatal car accident in 2002 to now, an undeniable force of success, not to mention emotion. Finally, the world will get to see Kanye open up about the gains and tragic losses that he's experienced within the past couple of years, when he performs on Vh1's series, Storytellers. Make sure to watch and expect the unexpected when Storytellers: Kanye West airs Saturday at 9 p.m. on Vh-1. But to hold you over, check out a sneak peak below, from tonight's show.




"You know I'm like supposed to talk about what some of these songs mean and some of the stuff is so personal to me and some of the things I've been through is so real. In the format I'm supossed to like, you know break down certain things and this one of the first times because I feel like I'm placed in front of the audience, and um, certain things are just hard for me to talk about and I'm sorry Vh1 for that, but it um, certain things ae too serious and I stand before you just a human being trying to, trying to improve under the microscope..."

-Kanye West, on VH1's Storytellers during "Flashing Lights" performance

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

For more sneak peeks from Kanye on Storytellers, check out Vh1.com

For all of us girls who crave the sweet taste of something fresh, something new, and something real....then you want Honey! Now I must confess, although Honey magazine is an oldie but goodie, the magazine has re-launched, and ladies, now you can rekindle your love for Honey, online. And not only is the magazine keeping you up to date with the latest in music, fashion, arts and culture, lifestyle, and love and relationship, but Honey wants YOU to be apart of the revolution! So for all the innovators, the creatives, and the bloggers who always have something to say, say it online at Honeymag.com , by joining the hivespot and creating your own profile and blog. And if you thought it couldn't get any sweeter, indulge in this. Honey has access to the Solange and Estelle tour and is offering free tickets to those who are SERIOUSLY interested in being an on-ground point person and covering backstage, on the following tour dates. (Check out past post for dates). Remember, ONLY if your'e SERIOUS! To find out more, hit up Honey Magazine's Assistant Editor, Courtney Willis at cwilis@honeymag.com. Now ladies, how could you resist? Join the hivespot.

Don't forget to check out Honeymag.com and tell your friends!

Spring will sound a bit sweeter, when the Sol-Angel herself and the girl across the waters that loves "American Boys," team up for a mini tour. Solange and Estelle have already begun the tour, but will be performing into early March, so check out the tour dates to see if they're hitting a town near you.








02/22/09
Rams Head Live! - Baltimore, MD

02/23/09
Hofstra University - Hempstead, NY

02/25/09
House of Blues - Chicago, IL

02/26/09
Voodoo Lounge - Kansas City, MO

02/27/09
First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN

03/03/09
Estelle @ Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC

03/05/09
The Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA

03/06/09
Estelle with The Knux House of Blues - Anaheim, CA

03/09/09
House of Blues - Dallas, TX

03/10/09
House of Blues - Houston, TX

03/11/09
House Of Blues - New Orleans, LA

03/12/09
Centerstage Studios - Atlanta, GA

Show love to M1 Platoon, these guys are truly talented and besides them being my boys their music will definitely give you an earfull of true Hip Hop.

DOWNLOAD:WE NOT THEM PT.II- ALL 4 U

Track Listing:
01. Jay Fattz Intro (Something 4 The Hunnies)
02. Girl I Aint Him
03. Digital Girls ft. Prince Markee
04. Swagidout ft. Lord Fuego & Prince Markee
05. Oh My My
06. She Bad
07. Side Lining (Fool's Gold) ft. Jay Fattz & Phocuz
08. What It Look Like ft. Lord Fuego
09. Feeling Me
10. Put It On The Line ft. Nathaniel Grey & Lord Fuego
11. You Better Call Me ft. Nique Monroe
12. Funny Girl (LoL!!) ft. Savin
13. This Is All 4 U ft. C4 Black
14. All Over ft. Carlitta Durand
15. Alright (Carlitta's Night Groove) ft. Carlitta Durand


All Tracks Written by: M1 Platoon and featured artists
Cover Artwork by: Kiara Sharde
Mixed by: Arafat Yates, Big Chopps and Keeya in The Bakery
Production Credits:
9th Wonder (4,12, 14)
Arafat Yates (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10,11,13,15)
Napalm (9)

Hip Hop heads have been acting like some fiends for this mixtape and its finally here. The anticipation is over!

DOWNLOAD:Drake-So Far Gone(Mixtape)

DOWNLOAD:J.Period + Q-Tip, “The [Abstract] Best”



The mixtape is a tribute to Kamaal the Abstract better known to most as Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. The [Abstract] Best is a comprehensive collection of Q-Tip’s music and production, new remixes, interviews, plus brand new tracks from artists such as Zion I, Kid Cudi, Skillz, Black Thought, De La Soul, ?uestlove, Blu, Pharoahe Monch and more.

spotted @ needledrop

Diddy will once again, test his acting chops on CSI: Miami, when he plays a lawyer suspected of a murder cover up. The episode airs tonight at 10p.m. on CBS. Until then, here's a sneak peek.

Spotted at CBS