Lupe Fiasco X Tavis Smiley, Obama <3 Hip Hop, Common Goes To Church, ‘Lil Bro Blog 11 of 12, Meshell Doubles Up.
Too Cool.
Yesterday, Lupe Fiasco cooled out with Tavis Smiley for an <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=1534191&mesg_id=1534191&page=
“>in-depth interview on his TV show. Fiasco noted that the inspiration for his album title came directly from a talk Smiley, along with Dr. Cornel West, had given in which West mentioned how “it was hip to be square.” Word ‘em up. Also last night, Lupe magically split himself in two and appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live for <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=1533487&mesg_id=1533487&page=2
“>a stand up performance of “Superstar” with a live band and, of course, Matthew Santos.
Despite the drama surrounding Lupe’s political commentary of late, you can’t front on a terrific album. And like the post said, if you really want to talk politics, take it into Activist, where the serious isht gets discussed. Or head over to allhiphop.com for a re-cap of BET’s special What’s In It For Us? where Barak Obama addresses his love for hip hop, among other issues.
Watch Common take it into ‘08 with a serious freestyle… in church! Yup, Com takes Christian rap to the next level. No joke, he brings some serious positive energy to the first few minutes of the new year. Listen for the Obama shout too (shameless plug)! Amen.
Speaking of our man, attention to all Common, Q-Tip, and 88 Keys fans! Exclusive footage from the 2007 2K Sports Bounce Tour is being featured this week on imeem.com’s “What’s Hot” music section. If you haven’t already, be sure to check these guys hamming it up behind-the-scenes, then flip through the selection of photos from our boy Jati.
The Village Voice reports in. It seems that Emo-Rap has discovered the mix-tape! Read this review of Atmosphere’s newest offering, Strictly Leakage, available in cyberspace now.
Little Brother added the 11th and second to last blog in their on going “Twelve Days of Getback” series. Read about Tigallo and Zo’s upcoming I Love The 80s record, and hear Zo speak on the making of “When Everything Is New (Original Mix)”. Then scroll down to catch the first 10 entries.
So, <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=1532444&mesg_id=1532444&page=
“>what’s the consensus on the new Janet Jackson vid for “Feedback”. I gotta be honest, I’m tres luke-warm on this one. Luh the Jacksons 4 life, but you just can’t win ‘em all. Did I mention the Thriller 25th Anniversary album??
There’s not much that can be said about the utterly disgusting nature of Golf Channel Kelly Tilghman’s “lynch” comment directed at Tiger Woods. 2 weeks suspension, really? Dude, she said LYNCH, as in referencing an event that speaks to one of this country’s most heinous, horrific, racist crimes in our entire history. SMH. What is wrong with this world??
At least some things are VERY right. <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=1528271&mesg_id=1528271&page=2
“>2 shows, 2 cities, 1 day. Tomorrow, that is, you can catch Meshell N’Degeocello in Philly at noon at NPR’s World Cafe, or in Brooklyn at the Williamsburg Music Hall around 9pm. Recording is allowed (and encouraged) so heads up to all tapers (um hint, we’d love to hear this show!).
Next week I head across the Pacific to Japan with The Roots who will be performing in Tokyo and Osaka! Check back in, I’ll be pressuring ?uesto and Skillz both to blog all about it.
- gingerlynn