Tag: rap

Sunday Music: The Grind Date (De La Soul)

The full De La Soul catalog is out now, but I’m writing this before I can press play, so I’ve basically got The Grind Date on repeat (again).  Context: The Grind Date came out after the second-round chips on shoulder vibes of (the two) Art Official Intelligence albums (more on those in a future post). … Continue reading Sunday Music: The Grind Date (De La Soul) →

Sunday Music: Eye Know Eye Love You Better

We lost Dave Jolicouer from De La Soul a few weeks ago. In another week or so we get the group’s full catalog on streaming services for the first time ever.  Sample clearances, label shenanigans - you name it, the crap that buried their music was frustrating.  I can’t remember how or when I first … Continue reading Sunday Music: Eye Know Eye Love You Better →

Podcast Of The Week: Remembering Trugoy from De La Soul

Dave Jolicouer, aka Trugoy the Dove, aka Plug 2 - from De La Soul - passed away on 2/12/2023, mere weeks from the group’s catalog FINALLY becoming available on streaming platforms.  De La has a very special place in my heart. Not only did I love their music, but their artistic aesthetic was so objectively… … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Remembering Trugoy from De La Soul →

Sunday Music: Busta Re-Lights The Fuse

Busta Rhymes’ voice is an instrument. I don’t know if after Extinction Level Event 2 he remembered how much fun he could have, but he’s back with a new EP, The Fuse Is Lit, and it’s great.  He’s experimenting (whatever “Bulletproof Skin” is), crossing generations (“Slap” with Big Daddy Kane and Conway over a classic … Continue reading Sunday Music: Busta Re-Lights The Fuse →

Sunday Music: NEW Playlist For January 2023

Thanks to those of you who have been asking for a new playlist. This one has been in the works since last fall - and courtesy of a job change, moving across state lines, and surviving COVID Christmas, it’s ready for your consumption.  I had a lot of moods in the past 6 months and … Continue reading Sunday Music: NEW Playlist For January 2023 →

Sunday Music: Rick Ross “Act A Fool”

I have a thing for the measured slowness of Rick Ross’ flow. I guess I missed “Act a Fool (feat. Wale)” when it came out, but I stumbled across it a few weeks ago and it’s such a vibe. Its tempo and rhythm, vibrating with his “I’m going to unapologetically make this statement for profit,” … Continue reading Sunday Music: Rick Ross “Act A Fool” →

Podcast Of The Week: GZA Dropping (Star) Science

I was pretty moved by getting a bunch of messages from people over sharing a GZA reference the other day. It reminded me of this old StarTalk podcast episode where Neil DeGrasse Tyson talks to GZA.  It’s delightfully nerdy. With plenty of Wu, and the always amusing commentary of Tyson, Chuck Nice’s comedic angle, and … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: GZA Dropping (Star) Science →

You’ll Stand Or Fall But You’ve Got To Test Your Legs

You can talk about it. You can think about it. You can read about it.  But eventually, you’re either going to do it (or you’re not).  It’s as true for the easy things as it is for the hard things.  And it’s as true for us as it is for our competition (or the ones … Continue reading You’ll Stand Or Fall But You’ve Got To Test Your Legs →

Missy Elliott On Hiding Shyness (In Trash Bags)

One of the hardest things to do is figure out what gives you confidence.  The harder thing that comes next, is following through with your confidence.  When Missy Elliott put a plastic trash bag suit on in her “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video in 1997, it seemed like some crazy art-stuff.  But in a … Continue reading Missy Elliott On Hiding Shyness (In Trash Bags) →