OKP Reviews Passing Strange, Love Thirst Remix ft. Busta, OkayplayerTV ft Janelle Monae, Amanda Diva Blog, Kanye Clips, Robin Thicke’s Magic, Picnic Pack, Kick Push w/ Nicolay & Kay.
• If you don’t already know, Passing Strange is the all-black Broadway show nominated for 7 Tony Awards. OKP’s reporter-at-large Candace L. gives us a thorough review of this amazing theatrical event, chronicling the life, adventures, and music of writer/narrator Stew through a character named Youth. If you can get to Broadway, this is a must-see.
• She may (or may not) be retiring but that doesnt mean we wont be hearing new music from our favorite emcee, Jean Grae. Check out the exclusive “Love Thirst” remix with Busta Rhymes. The official release date for the Jeanius album is 6-17. We also attended the listening party for Brooklyn Academy’s (Pumpkinhead, Block McCloud, & Mr. Met) Bored Of Educuation last night which includes 3 new joints featuring Jean, as well as joints featuring Killah Priest and more.
Jean Grae Ft. Busta Rhymes “Love Thirst (remix)”
• Okayplayer’s West Coast film crew had a chance to sit down with Janelle Monáe at her showcase on May 6th at LA’s Key Club (OKP gave away free tickets to this event.) We have some exclusive live performance footage as well as a full length interview. To get things started, here is a clip of Ms. Monáe responding to praises she received from Erykah Badu on our message boards. Check back next week for the rest of the footage, shout out to Tunji and Greg The Dude for their work on this.
• As we continue to add and refine our artists blogs, the latest to join the fold is the lovely and talented Ms. Amanda Diva who’s DivaSpeakTV on blogspot was just ported over to the Okayplayer Blogs channel yesterday. Check it out! More blogs, as well as a dedicated channel for all the blogs (to replace the current simple listing) are in the works.
• While in NYC for the Glow In The Dark Tour, Kanye performed for the G-Shock 25th Anniversary Party Wednesday night at Guastavino’s. Courtesy of The Hundreds we have a few clips from Ye’s performances of “Everything I am,” “Gold Digger,” and “Good Life.” If your boss wouldn’t approve of you watching topless women in Astronaut helmets dance on stage, then you probably should wait till you get home to watch the second clip.
• You can argue all you want about what 60/70’s soul singer he’s attempting to sound like, but Robin Thicke’s new song is HOT! The song is called “Magic”, and it’s the first single off his upcoming album Something Else.
• There apparently was an issue with ticketmaster in regards to the advertised discounted “4 Pack” for The Roots Picnic on July 7th in Philadelphia. It has since been resolved. Get ‘em while you can!
• NYC, come out tonight for our Grape Juice Friday party at Black Swan Wine Bar (70 Greene St.) in SoHo! There will be live performances by Aceyalone, 88-Keys, and more.
• FWMJ & Cipher of Greater Than show their appreciation for Nicolay & Kay’s masterwork TIME:LINE album by creating a limited edition skate deck for fans and soon to be fans. The street date for this exclusive and very limited deck is June 10th, but you can Pre-order yours now!
-shamz, gingerlynn & dantana