Remember about a week and change ago when I said the first round of 'iPad killers' would be making their way into the mainstream in the coming months? The first one was the Samsung Galaxy Tab was the first one to hit the market, and now, the good people over at RIM have prepared their answer to the iPad: the Blackberry Playbook. Billed as the first 'Professional tablet,' ironically the Playbook is going to be an 'amazing gaming platform' according to Research in Motion co-CEO Mike Lazaridis. That's a big departure from the usually business-oriented Blackberry mantra, but I'm interested to see how they pull it off. The Playbook will have Flash out of the box, so that immediately puts it at an advantage over the iPad. In addition, the Playbook has an impressive spec list that clearly outdoes the iPad, with a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a bigger screen. The Playbook also features a front-facing camera for video chatting over either a 3G or 4G network. The introduction of the Playbook might be a lost cause considering the iPad's hold on the market, but then again, what's a market without options? Not to mention, the Playbook looks pretty and polished. Check out some flicktures and rendering in the video...
Happenings like this have me worried about the future of Black America. As for the N*igga Moment Hall of Fame, this exchange qualifies as an automatic entry. Along with your less than masterful handle of the English language, to the dumbfounded look plastered on your face when you couldn't answer the simplest of questions, to Rocsi and Terrence's fumbling of your faux pas and idiotic statements, Flocka, you really don't have much to laugh about. No, I didn't think you'd have much to say anyway, but you couldn't even piece together a coherent sentence!
SIDENOTE: Why do Terrence and Rocsi allow this fool to get off the hook so easily? BET is really just condoning ignorance by letting that slide.
Seriously. While I don't think everyone is suitable to be an expert on the US political system, it stands to say you should have some idea as to how to respond to that question. It's bad enough that your music is like Teletubbies for rap, Waka. That you perpetuated an age old stereotype that black people are is secondary to the effect this has on young people. We're already living in a day and age where involvement in the political cycle is not a priority. You're setting such a good example for the 15 and 16 year-olds out there who'll be voting in the next few years. That's what the future of the nation needs: lack of speaking skills and political apathy. I guess a career of shaking your dreads does much more than get you stage time. Brain damage is looking like a serious side effect of listening to you, Mr. Flocka...
What's up Dear Whoever faithful? Saturday would be the day for Freestyle Friday wouldn't it? Even though I've been missing with these the past two weeks I've got two for the killing today, albeit a day late. The first one is from Yelawolf, whose freestyles have been getting better and better as of late. The Alabama MC puts his unique spin on Snoop's 'I Wanna Rock', and he has me rocking my head to the way he uses inflections and his voice. Yelawolf definitely needs to get some more music out there, because I was sleeping on that man. The second cipher is with those good fellows from Yonkers, D- Block. Sheek Louch and Styles P bring Bully along to Funk Flex's show (I wish Jada was there) and go off on Drake's 'Light Up'. The result is almost 8 minutes of raw, unadulterated hip-hop. The third one is by the rapping half of Chiddy Bang. Chiddy spits a verse off the dome that trumps most dudes writtens, even though the man stumbled over some of his lyrics. I wasn't a fan before, but the duo is really opening my eyes to how vast the spectrum of hip-hop can be. Check out all three freestyles and have a safe, fun weekend, people!!!
Another Friday, and another Kanye track for the fans. This week, Ye brings Jay, Swizz, Pusha T, the RZA and newcomer Cyhi the Prynce for a whack at a darker type of beat. The song 'So Appalled' made its first appearance on a Big Mike mixtape, then was unleashed on Hot 97 by DJ Camilo. Kanye makes a few jabs at MTV, as well as some slick punchlines and braggodocious verse with some introspective thoughts too. The premise of the song is the things in life that just make one 'appalled' or just completely offend each of the MC's featured. If I had to pick one verse, it would definitely be Pusha, though. The younger Thornton needs to be on your radar if you weren't already a fan of the Clipse MC's work already. He has a way with words that belies his persona as your average coke-pusher. If there was any GOOD Friday track I've dug, it's this one. Check it out and keep a lookout for 'Watch For the Throne'...
Think someone's just on a Bluetooth idly chatting with what seems to be themselves? Think again. For those moments that you want to record, but can't see yourself lugging around a video camera, there's the Looxcie personal video recorder. You wear the Looxcie just like you would a Bluetooth earpiece, and when you want to record, you just turn on the camera to get 30 seconds of video. The idea looks interesting, especially because you can instantly upload those videos to Youtube, Facebook or Twitter from your phone. Speaking of phones, the Looxcie functions as a regular Bluetooth headset. The video quality is mediocre, but the possible applications for the Looxcie are attractive. Live video blogging and World Star Hip-Hop can definitely make use of this. Check out the Looxcie in action...
Hip-hop can seriously get depressing and upsetting at times. Even with so-called uplifting rappers, you get the sense that they're complaining about the wrongs of the world instead of being happy for the good in life. I suppose that's just the way the music, and essentially society is. That said, it's great to hear a rapper saying something truly positive, not in the Rev Run mold. Asher favors Matthew McConaughey in 'Dazed and Confused', but I suppose the look fits the track. Asher is working on his new album 'The Spaghetti Tree', slated to drop later this year. From the album title, it sounds like he's on another planet these days, but that's not even a bad thing. Check the video...
If you don't watch True Blood, then this clip might make little, if any sense to you. Even so, you can't deny the hilarity and charm that Jim Henson's pet child has when taking on the big people's television shows. In this round of kids' parodies we've got the Sesame Street characters playing out a scene in a fictional bar, where the delicacy isn't blood, but mud. No fangs, grotesque rituals, supernatural entities or political undertones here. It's just pure fun and a nice mudbath for one of the Grouches. I can't say that I wouldn't watch another episode of this or that the fake Sookie isn't spot on with her mannerisms. Whatever the case, check out the Sesame Street spoof....
NBA Elite will never be played in my XBox 360, but that doesn't mean the soundtrack can't be somewhat good. Of the tracks destined to litter EA Sports' latest foray into NBA basketball, this is the first to hit the interwebs. That it is by one of my favorite artists, J. Cole, is why it made it ont the blog of an NBA 2K player. Regardless of my affiliations, Cole does his thing on this track, which he apparently produced. I think the appeal of J. Cole on so many of his songs is how much he says while saying so little. I wouldn't call it simplicity, but more austerity that drives how good an MC this man is. His words do so much work, that when he adds what the masses would call 'swagger' he's one of the best in the game. Check out the track and start sending out smoke signals for Cole World. Lord knows I am...
Everyone, their mom, aunt, cousin, and dog are clamoring about the Aaron Sorkin-directed 'The Social Network', which is improperly being dubbed the 'Facebook movie', when in all actuality, that movie is about Facebook's creation, not the phenomena stemming from it. I stumbled upon the trailer for 'Catfish' while watching 'The Last Exorcism' (terrible movie; don't waste the $12.50), and was immediately drawn to the movie's portrayal of what would be called 'computer love' these days. 'Catfish' follows a young New York City photographer who begins an online relationship with a woman he's never met, after her younger sister sends him a moving piece of art. The woman turns out to be everything short of a perfect dream, until he decides to try and meet his online love, with mysterious results. Apparently, the ending is nothing short of a mind-bending, heart-crushing revelation, indicative of society's obsession with online interaction. This movie looks to be one hell of a thriller. Maybe I'll check it out before I see 'The Social Network'...
Outward perceptions when it comes to interpersonal relationships usually don't mean much considering that no one can truly tell what another person is like unless they... know. On a much grander scale, such as national perception, it's easier to let one's perceptions turn into full blown stereotypes. Such is the case with Yanko Tsvetkov's maps of international perceptions of Europe, starting with the stigmas attached to the old world by us, the United States. The results are hilarious, if not hurtfully true to what a hefty amount of Americans really think of our neighbors across the pond. Tsvetkov did 'stereotype maps' for Great Britain, France, Italy and a few other European countries (see them here), but the US one really was an eye-opener. See if your preconceived notions match up with the map...
Late on this one, so sue me. I've been telling cats about Vado since I heard him on Fabolous' remix for 'Body Bag' and the Slime Flu has been infiltrating the interwebs slowly but surely. After being pushed back from a July 6th (my birthday wasn't the same) to and October 12th release date, Slime Flu will finally hit the shelves as the hip-hop world turns to Harlem once again. I won't be cliche and call it a Harlem Rennaissance or a New York resurgence, though it would seem as though NYC hip-hop's chances have been few and far between. Whatever your stance on the status of the Empire State's rap scene, you've got to admit that Vado is quite the MC. Check the track...
SIDENOTE: If I see another piece of cover art in the Kanye West mold, I will stab myself with a soldering iron...
Yeah, we hear it too, Floyd.. It's your legacy going down the toilet.
I've only followed boxing for the past 3 years, but in my studies of the sweet science, I've noticed a disturbing trend: Boxing has no greats right now. By that, I mean there are no fighters that transcend the sport anymore. We don't have Ali's, who go against the grain by resisting the law of the land. We don't have Jack Johnson's, who break the color barrier in different facets of the sport. We don't even have George Foreman's who eschew the sport during retirement to start successful cooking appliance businesses. Instead, we have you: Floyd 'Money' Mayweather. Now, Floyd, I'll admit, I wasn't your biggest fan, nor will I ever be. Yet, up until now, I respected your work in the ring. You, to my chagrin, are a force to be reckoned with when you put the gloves on and step into the squared circle. No one can take that away from you. But Floyd, when you get out of the ring, I can honestly say that I can't stand you. Let's start with an issue I wish you would have resolved months ago: your Detox-esque fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Boxing is one of the biggest teases in the sports world. Fighters talk tough constantly, and sometimes never get into the ring to put fists behind their words. Floyd, you've basically set a new precedent for ducking a fight. First of all, you more or less tried to make Manny Pacquiao look like a juicer, which to my estimation, couldn't be further from the truth. From slander in the press to slick talk during your show (for a fight that should have been with Pacquiao), you ran your mouth faster than Bolt's 100-meter dash. You droned on and on about Pac's unwillingness to commit to your Olympic-style drug testing. Second of all, when Pacquiao finally bit the bullet, put the money up and agreed to your stipulations, you declined comment, and didn't even attempt to sign for the fight. After all of that jibber-jabber, in which you defamed the man as a steroid user, and after he agreed to your cockamamie testing, you In my eyes, that is easily the most cowardly move I've ever seen committed in boxing. Pac-Man was ready. He was ready to fight you and prove he was the best in the world, a claim that you vehemently give yourself, yet are now unwilling to defend. What does that say about you, Money, if you don't put your money where your mouth is?
Thirdly, Floyd, where in tarnation did you get off coming out with that racist, small-minded, inanely cocky rant about Manny Pacquiao? You sounded like a Grade A COON (I believe I'm well within my rights in saying that, given the situation) and pretty much made yourself out to be dumber than a rock with those 2nd grade insults. Pac isn't even Chinese, nor does he look like he can cook. That you felt it necessary to mock the man on his heritage (albeit in an ignorant, misinformed manner) is beyond detestable, Floyd. Either you were on the same cocaine Soulja Boy and KiD CuDi are on, or you seriously need a new PR man. Your staffing is neither here nor there, though. The point is, if you're going to be an arrogant prick out of the ring, at least prove your worth in the ring. Note that Pacquiao hasn't uttered a peep about you, much less about the fight between you. My guess is that he's biding his time, waiting for you to finally get in the ring with you. Though I might be alone in this opinion, I seriously believe he will wipe the canvas with your carcass, if you ever muster up the cojones to fight him.
Now on to different matters. Floyd, the recent news of your criminal charges for apparently roughing up your child's mother and former girlfriend, Josie Harris, made me sick. Though I'm never quick to believe gossip sites and the banter they broadcast daily, something about the words 'I'll beat your asses if you call 911 and/or leave the residence' sound very Mayweather-esque, don't you think? Now, I'm no legal counsel, but it would seem as if you've gotten yourself into a bit of a rough patch. Come on, Floyd... Eight criminal charges, four felonies and four misdemeanors? You easily broke Tyson's record of run-ins with the law, simply because you thought the woman was dating an NBA player. What were you thinking? No amount of money, championship belts or cameos in 50 Cent videos will ever be able to erase this from your board. It's because of incidents like that, that I believe boxing doesn't have any greats. If you're the best that American boxing has to offer, then I shudder to think who the worst are. It's not enough to gain success in the ring. You've got to perpetuate it outside of the ring in your manners, your affect and the way you carry yourself. Money can't buy class, and that goes for nicknames and wallets, Floyd...
Honestly, not much can be said about this video, aside from stating that Ken Block is the best driver I have ever had the pleasure of watching. The man simply maneuvers a rally car in ways that are unfathomable. In this particular video, Ken is in Paris at a 1.58 mile oval track with 51-degree banks (much higher than NASCAR) and a number of obstacles that he performs mind-blowing Gymkhana tricks around. To say Ken Block is ridiculous is an understatement. Just watch the video and get ready to put your OH face on...
Didn't post last week's GOOD Friday track (or the week before that, I think), but this week I'm on my job. Kanye waited until the wee hours of the night to release this cut. Mos Def, Swizzy, Raekwon and Charlie Wilson joined him for this smooth, jazzy cut. I'm not sure what Swizz was thinking with this verse, or what he was talking about, nor am I clear about what the song was about, but it sure sounds good. I think this track just deserves a few more listens. I suppose Yeezy has calmed down a bit with his original fervor. Whatever the case, this is definitely a track to vibe out to and relax. Check it out and stay tuned for more GOOD Friday tracks...
Khaled, let me say this: I've never liked you. I never thought you had an inkling of talent, though everywhere I turn people are lauding your additions to the hip-hop game. I don't see them. Even so, I'm not here to debate your credentials as a hip-hop personality (there are no credentials for that, at this point), nor am I here to trash your musicality (as if you really had much to begin with). Today, I'm going to talk about your ridiculous assertion, that, among the masses of talented MC's out there today, Rick Ross is a great. A great??? Look Khaled, Ross' album was, in fact, very good. The man has a penchant for making good music that one can not only nod their head to while sipping fine wine, but shake their metaphorical dreads while riding with the top down in the 305. That said, we have to draw a line. You said Ricky Rawse should be up there with Jay-Z, Biggie and, most baffling of all, Bob Marley??? *Bob Marley's spirit gets bit by a truck* Bob Marley?? Khaled, as a Jamaican-American, and as a hip-hop fan, I want to give you the People's Elbow for that one. You might as well have said Al Green, Luther Vandross and Earth, Wind and Fire while you were at it. C'Mon son. Rozay is nice, but not nice enough to be mentioned in the same breath as Robert Nesta Marley or Biggie or Tupac. When Rawse decides to address his life as a federale, as well as make some music that talks about social ills and progression, maybe we can start the conversation. But as long as his inspirations for his verses are Big Meech and Larry Hoover, you, Khaled need to stick to screaming on tracks and being rowdy at award shows...
If you've read Dear Whoever or followed me on Twitter at all (@elektrik788 for those of you not in the loop; SHEESH!!), then you know how I feel about the coonfest that Tyler Perry movies tend to be. That, however, doesn't mean I'm adverse to you, Mr. Perry, switching up his normal methods and perhaps trying your hand at making an accurate cinematic portrayal of black culture. For your newest work, you've decided to take on a subject that has been debated in African-American circles since we knew what an African-American was: Black women. Now, for the past 5 years or so, there's been this current bubbling about the role of Black women in our society and the ills that create the situations they get into. From the trailer for your movie 'For Colored Girls', which is apparently adapted from a critically-renown stage play, I can honestly see a bit more attention to detail in your work. I'm not going to sit here and place a crown on your head, Mr. Perry. Yet, this seems to be a valiant attempt at telling some sort of story sans ridiculously outmoded stereotypes and transparent characters. There seems to be a lot of depth to the characters that can't be seen through the trailer, unlike most of your movies.
Tyler, this might be your last opportunity, in my eyes, to put together something that sheds some type of light. I realize that may be unfair, but when looking at the dire lack of black directors and producers in Hollywood, juxtaposed with your gigantic stake in black cinema, you HAVE to deliver. I say that because you're the only director with the clout to deliver. What is black cinema left with after your legacy? Stomp the Yard 3D? Soul Plane 2? Tyler, I've vilified your work for the longest, yet I'm still willing to give it a chance in the hopes that it will open doors for other blacks in film. It has been so long since there has been a veritable face in African-American cinema. And though I disagree with a lot of your views and portrayals as they take place in film, I can't help but support you. Aaron McGruder made me laugh at your expense, but 'For Colored Girls' may very well bring you up to the standard that you deserve as a director willing to take risks with all-black casts and traditionally 'urban' (the use of that word makes me cringe) plots. Mr. Perry, I will be watching, as will the rest of Black America. Please don't do us dirty and make another dry, predictable movie that will have me wanting my $12.50 and 3 hours back...
Now that the iPad has officially taken hold of American consumers and virtually made people into walking zombies viewing their huge telescreens (word to dystopian futures and George Orwell), it's time for the fleet of 'iPad killers' to hit the stores and slowly try to whittle away at Apple's heels while Steve Jobs takes over the world. The first attempt at such a device is the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The Galaxy is on Orion's belt powered by Google's Android operating system, which I'm quite partial to. It features a 7-inch LCD screen, a 1 GHz processor and can be used on both a 3G and 4G networks (unlike the iPad). Add to that, the Galaxy Tab also has Flash, something the iPad faithful have been salty about since day 1. Will the Samsung Galaxy Tab be able to dethrone the iPad? Absolutely not. Will it be able to grab some of the market from Apple, and simultaneously open the floodgates for other 'iPad Killers'? By all means. I see a Christmas season dominated by tablets. Cue up the Big Brother conspiracy theories at once. We're entering dystopia, and Apple is holding the door open...
Everyone has an ex that makes them want to hurl at the drop of their name. It's just a fact. The anger we feel towards them isn't always at them, necessarily. It can be against things they did, or just the sour taste that the whole experience left in your mouth. Of course, it can also be that the ex is a conniving, wicked wench or a scheming, dirty dog, but I suppose there are two sides to every story. On the male side, the backlash can get downright disrespectful. Emilio Rojas and brought Mickey Factz with him to write about the ladies in their lives who should have just ended it at 'Hello'. Emilio's dropping a new mixtape in October with Green Lantern, and this is one of the first tracks. Enjoy, and try not to be mad at your exes, though I can't like I'd readily do the same...
