Even though the story’s original title emphasizes the premise that these are the 25 greatest rap records to sample James Brown or James Brown productions, the competitive rankings were honestly less important to me when I wrote it than simply presenting something that celebrated the range of James’ influence on hip-hop over different eras.
Some great listening and history at egotripland.
A great read and some of the best writing on Hip Hop and the culture I have read.
Instead they severed ties with Rubin and made a record seemingly custom-designed to bewilder the meathead fan base that took their debut’s ironic misogyny and violence at face value. “Paul’s Boutique” was a kaleidoscopically referential art-rap memory palace, constructed out of a thousand samples, at more or less the last moment before copyright law made that kind of music-making fiscally impossible.
The sounds of the Roland TR-808 drum machine inspire musicians around the world, even though the device hasn’t been made since 1984 and most of its avid users have never actually seen one.
All Hail The Beat | Nelson George from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.
Via. Chuck D
“Born in Brooklyn, New York, Yauch taught himself to play bass in high school, forming a band for his 17th birthday party that would later become known the world over as Beastie Boys” -Beastie Boys.com
MCA and the Beastie Boys played in my bedroom, my car, my lounge, my home town of Auckland NZ. They have been with me since my first chest hair on my body that wasn’t much wider. I wore out two vinyl records of Licensed to ill. It is the only record I still have. A constant force in my life for the good.
A poem.
MCA offered a relatable blueprint for growing up, in both his art and his life. -Pitchfork
MCA – Kottke.
Early pictures of the Beastie Boys from Photographer Glen E. Friedman.
Peace be with you Mr Yauch.
Thank you.
Update. 27/01/2013
Graditude: The Impact Of MCA And The Beastie Boys
“Ice-T takes us on an intimate journey into the heart and soul of hip-hop with the legends of rap music. This performance documentary goes beyond the stardom and the bling to explore what goes on inside the minds, and erupts from the lips, of the grandmasters of rap. Recognized as the godfather of Gangsta rap, Ice-T is granted unparalleled access to the personal lives of the masters of this artform that he credits for saving his life. Interspersed with the performers’ insightful, touching, and often funny revelations are classic raps, freestyle rhymes, and never before heard a cappellas straight from the mouths of the creators. What emerges is a better understanding of, and a tribute to, an original American art form that brought poetry to a new generation.”
Not sure how I missed this one?
Re:Generation isn’t the best documentary of the year, but it did give birth to one of the coolest moments of hip-hop-meets-classical ever. Grab just a taste of the magic in a clip (edited together from parts of the film) below.
All tracks from the project can be downloaded for free.
Via WIRED.
If you are interested in the Remix culture check out this.
Q-Tip stopped by Hot 97 in celebration of Black Fist Friday. The former A Tribe Called Quest frontman stepped behind the 1′s & 2′s and offered a fine selection of throwback hits. Give it a spin below!
Great mix of some great tracks.
Via Hypetrak.
the crusty sandwich
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