93 ‘Til Infinity: A Documentary Review
September 6th, 2013 | by Pendarvis Harshaw | published in Art, Featured, Film, History, Music
The documentary Til Infinity opens with a subtle f-bomb aimed at any and every record label. The voice is that of Del The Funky Homosapien. It’s a voicemail recording he left on Q-Tip’s answering machine in the early 90’s. On that same voicemail, [...]
New Video: Rocky Rivera’s “No Love”
August 20th, 2013 | by niema | published in Featured, Music
I got wind of Rocky Rivera’s new video when she announced to Twitter that she’d worked with an all lady crew for “No Love.” Before I hit play and peeped the black and white visuals featuring dope cars and City GRLZ, I reminisced a bit. Back in 2008, [...]
Beats Rhymes & Life: Hip-Hop, Mental Health, and Youth
April 2nd, 2013 | by niema | published in Events, Featured, Music
Somewhere in your music library, there’s a track that can get you through a rough spot in your day. There’s a lyric or a verse that speaks to you like no other. The beat drops and you feel like everything will be alright. And if you’re a writer, there’s [...]
40Love Drops Trippy New Video For “Think Too Much”
March 29th, 2013 | by niema | published in Featured, Music
Two MCs plus two DJs/producers equals San Francisco’s 40 Love. A good beat, plus rapid flows, plus trippy visuals, equal “Think Too Much.” The treatment for this video could have been really simple. But then again, if you’re going to make a video, why [...]
New Video: Nu Dekades: “Do That There”
March 29th, 2013 | by niema | published in Featured, Music
Hip-hop lovers often reminsce. And while I love a good throwback, I like to focus my attention on present dopeness. Witness Exhibit A: Nu Dekades. RyanNicole and K.E.V. are dedicated MCs who put real time into their craft. It’s clear in their verses. [...]
New Music: GQ Pays Homage to Oakland in “The Town”
February 2nd, 2013 | by niema | published in Music
Three years ago Quentin Thomas, point guard for the University of North Carolina, was reintroduced as GQ, an MC newly signed to 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records. While we still referred to him as Q, occasionally throwing in an Oakland Tech reference or two, [...]
Must Read: B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe by Christine Doelling
January 25th, 2013 | by niema | published in Music
Christine Doelling opens her book about digital music copyright with the following quote from Plato: “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” [...]
Music Video: League510: “Representa”
January 25th, 2013 | by niema | published in Featured, Music
Sometime during undergrad I came home and met these dudes. They were chilling at a party all calm and such. Little did I know they were some of the liveliest performers I would ever see on stage, especially when they are talking about The Town. Sunday, [...]
Music Video: Locksmith: “Transitions”
January 24th, 2013 | by niema | published in Music
The concept is 9th Wonder’s. The production is the work of Khrysis and Eric G. The video was directed by the Brain Strong collective at the 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center in Queens, NY. But this track is undeniably the work of Richmond’s Locksmith. On so [...]
