Pennies

The Cool Kids video for their song 'Pennies' was released a little bit ago and its a nice way to kick off the new year that could hold big things for this Chicago duo. I've been liking the vibe of this song more and more and this video really contributes to the song and helps take it to that next level. I can always tell if a video is good if it reinvigorates my enthusiasm for a track. And this video does just that. 

No I.D.

I've been really getting into tracking down some older stuff lately as new hip-hop seems to be kind of slow to start off the New Year. This usually happens as a lot of artists set releases for December for numerous reasons. But I have been enjoying some of these older albums, none more so than a few tracks I downloaded from Chicago producer No I.D. 

If you don't know, No I.D. is a Chicago legend. Not only has he produced some classic Chi-Town albums like Common's Resurrection, but he was also Kanye's mentor. Here's some tracks from his album Accept Your Own & Be Yourself. 

No I.D. - State to State

No I.D.- We Rock Like So

You Maaaadddd!

The inauguration was without a doubt a day of national celebration, and justifiably so. The first black president was ushered into office. There have been too many hip-hop tracks to count celebrating this historic event such as Jay-Z's 'History'. But at the same time, a lot of people (myself included) are ecstatic that George Bush is leaving office. Some are so happy they just can't hold it in, and one of these people was Young Jeezy and Jay-Z at a show days before the inauguration. 

I personally love the remix Jay-Z did for 'My President Is Black', but little did I know the people of Fox News thought otherwise. Check out Bill O'Reilly and Dennis Miller discussing how awful it is that these two rappers are 'spewing hate'. 

First off, I would also like to extend my thanks to those people that Young Jeezy mentioned. And does Bill really think people still like Bush at all? Even his own party won't welcome him in. I also hate how Dennis Miller acts like hip-hop invented the word 'hoes' and sexism in general. But besides all this, they criticize these two artists for words of 'hate' then go on a partisan rant about how Guantanamo is being closed. I can't help but watch this and be reminded of this precious piece of video. 

Anyways, here's a few tracks. 

Jay-Z- My President Is Black (D.C. Remix)

First Black President

As I'm sure you all know, Obama is ushered into the White House tomorrow and if you're like me you will be skipping a gym class (or whatever you may be doing) to watch the speech. There have been a plethora of Obama inspired pieces that have come to the light of day recently, some decent some bad some just strange. One that has stuck in my mind was a video put together by NYOIL that opens with Obama talking about the importance of the father in families, but the video is set to Marvin Gaye's 'What's Goin' On'. As the song loops Marvin I couldn't help but say wait a second, wasn't Marvin Gaye killed by his father?

But I digress. When I think Obama and the music that he inspired I think of two songs. Nas' 'Black President' and Young Jeezy's 'My President Is Black'. While I think Nas' track is the stronger of the two and addresses Obama's election and what it means in a more analytical way, Young Jeezy's track is much more celebratory. It is appropriate then that the video for Young Jeezy's ode to Obama be released just before his inauguration. Check it out. 

And I could never forget about the great Martin Luther King Jr. I feel like Obama is giving MLK day more meaning this year, as it becomes not just a day to remember the past but to celebrate the course our country is on with the inauguration looming. But I also always love MLK day because it means some Martin Luther King focused hip-hop tracks come out which are always a joy. I'm a sucker for the Dr. King-preacher voice samples. 

Overcome, Overcame

Cause there's a hundred black millionaires in the game

And the one thing that really trip me out

Is there's about to be one up in the White House

Snoop Dogg and Sly Stone- Doctor King Remember

Notorious

The movie Notorious was released today, and I had been listening to copious amounts of the great King of NYC to prepare for the occasion. However, as I went to start my car earlier today, I learned the sub-0 temperatures we have been enjoying here in Michigan had made my car battery as dead as the Pistons in Oklahoma City tonight. (Get rid of small ball, it's not working). Anyways, the night that was supposed to be me watching a Hollywood movie about a hip-hop legend has resulted in me drinking 24 oz. High Life and listening to the Notorious soundtrack. 

Despite my disappointment in my car battery, this soundtrack is quite good as it compiles some rarer tracks with some of Biggies hits. I'll also put up Biggies unsigned hype demo that was made before he was signed after he was featured in Vibe. If your car is working, go check out Notorious!

Notorious B.I.G. Notorious

Notorious B.I.G. Demo

I'll Be In The Sky

A nice video for B.O.B.'s first single 'I'll Be In The Sky'. It has great energy and he plays up that martian theme that is everywhere. Speaking of martians, a lot of people are knocking B.O.B. these days for sounding too much like Andre 3000, particularly with this track. Obviously, the two bear resemblance, but I for one don't mind an artist heavily influenced by the great Andre 3K. Enjoy It! Track below. 

B.o.B.- I'll Be In The Sky

The Golden Hour

I've been really vibin' to this album from Ypsilanti's 14KT lately. He makes some nice Detroit style beats but he has other influences as well. The first track, titled 'The Waiting Room' shows off his diversity as it isn't so much a hip-hop beat but something that combines other aspects of electronic music. It keeps the booming bass of hip-hop and retains the space feel that has been huge lately, but it has that nice rhythm break in the middle that leads to the the sporadic light percussion and isn't as repetitive as some hip-hop beats. 

Basically, this album has been a real pleasant surprise. Highly recommended. 

14KT- The Waiting Room

14KT The Golden Hour