Dear Summer...
What We’re Up To
Hey Y’all. We’re speeding towards fall, but we still have a little bit of summer left. Hopefully the past month has been as good for you as it has been for us.
Last week we dropped our episode celebrating the 25th anniversary of Lauryn Hill’s classic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. If you haven’t heard it yet, you can click below:
We’ll be dropping part two of our #HipHop50 episode, “73 ‘til Infinity” next week, so make sure to subscribe at your podcast service of choice so you don’t miss it!
What We’re Watching
The F.O.R.C.E. Live Tour by LL Cool J
Since we spent the past couple of years not going to many events post-pandemic, one of the things that we really missed was going to concerts. Watching performances on TV is cool, but seeing people perform live is a much better experience.
Once we heard that LL Cool J decided to take some hip hop legends (The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Z-Trip) on the road with him this summer doing a show similar to the Hip Hop 50 performance at this years Grammys, we had to get tickets and this show didn’t disappoint.
Once The Roots come on stage to start the show, it doesn’t stop until the concert is over. They open by playing some classic hip hop breakbeats then transition into being the house band for the evening. You know it’s gonna be a good night when Black Thought is playing hype man.
If you haven’t seen it yet, and you’re in one of the cities that still have dates, this is a show worth seeing. Each night is different due to the guests that come out to perform between LL’s two sets. For our show, we got Queen Latifah, Monie Love and Jadakiss. We’ve posted some videos from the Toronto show on our YouTube page.
What We’re Reading
Usher is on the cover of the latest Vibe magazine.
This Rolling Stone article about 50 Innovators Shaping Rap’s Next 50 Years.
Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z discussing their next film, The Book of Clarence.
Andscape article about And Just Like That, and the lack of development of certain characters. You know which ones.
Jermaine Dupri interview with Ebony, discussing Atlanta’s place in the history of hip hop.
What We’re Listening To
Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch Presents: Backyard Band by Noochie
Noochie is an artist from the DMV, and he’s been putting on these performances from his front porch. If you’re a fan of go-go, then this is for you, because he’s brought in Weensey & Big G from the Backyard Band for this one. You may know Anwar “Big G” Glover from his many roles on television, including Slim Charles from The Wire, but here he is at his day job. Check out Weensey’s vocals on their version of Raphael’s Saadiq’s “Still Ray.”
You Down Wit’ O.P.P. (Other Peoples Podcasts)
The Blog Era by ItsTheReal
We’ve been fans of Jeff & Eric Rosenthal for while now, from their other shows A Waste Of Time and 2 Jews & 2 Black Dudes Review The Movies with The Lox. This one is a multi-episode story about, you guessed it, The Blog Era. It’s a 10 part series about the rise and fall of hip hop websites that changed how we consume content, and the artists who were birthed from this time. J Cole, Wale, Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar and more.
Listen here: The Blog Era
Random Internet Shenanigans
So, I’m assuming that a lot of you are familiar with the classic track, “25 Lighters” by DJ DMD. If not, it’s a banger. Listen here:
Well, did you know that ZZ Top covered it in 2012? Yes, that ZZ Top. Long beards, rock music legends, ZZ Top. Here’s “I Gotsta Get Paid” for your listening pleasure.
Here’s a link to an interview detailing how this came about. Texas shit. “Love it, mayne.”
Shameless Plugs
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However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always. 🫡
Closing Time
Time for us to go. Let’s meet back here next month. Cool?
Was not expecting a ZZ Top cover!