ATL Heat

Never seen Spree WIlson live? Get some.

2008-07-24T14:54:00.002-04:00

He'll be perfroming live tonight at the 5spot with DJ Rasta Root, and Proton. $4.99 will get you in.

Google to get into Knowledge game with Knol

2008-07-24T13:27:00.003-04:00

Google announced on its official blog Wednesday the debut of Knol, a Wikipedia-like online encyclopedia penned by authoritative sources.

more...

Spec Boogie keeps it sharp.

2008-07-23T17:27:00.002-04:00

Spec Boogie getting a shape up @ A3C Atlanta 2008
Originally uploaded by kwadwojuma

Whether he's getting lined up at A3C or if he's spitting bars, the man knows how to drop spectacular sound bites. He teamed up with up and coming Philadelphia based producer AEON for this little ditty.
They're calling it "S.B." it's unmastered, but I think you can tell what direction they're heading in with this one. Superior. Believe that.The Lessondary crew never disappoints, does it? Tanya Morgan, the crews most celebrated act, is in town playing The Masquerade tonight. Be there.

Spec Boogie (prod. AEON) - S.B.

Here's some not-so-old school Spec just to catch you up a lil bit...

I love little side projects like this.

2008-07-23T16:42:00.005-04:00

Zo! & Tigallo do the 80's is the name of the CD. Zo! is a well known producer and Tigallo is another alter-ego for North Carolina's very own Phonte of Little Brother. I've been waiting for this album, Killer Mike and Aloe Blacc for what seems like weeks. Why did I wait so long to grab the Aloe Blacc record? Well, I downloaded it a few years ago- in 2006. I really loved that album but did not have the money at the time to get it. I decided to get it on wax. I can't wait to throw that album on. I have re-done my studio and it's still a mess, though. Tonight when I get in from work I will pop hook up my turntables and give it a go, I think.

Zo! and Tigallo-Something About You

Save it.

2008-07-23T14:27:00.000-04:00

Jamal Ahmad & Tabone add to the weekend's options...

2008-07-23T10:27:00.002-04:00

Free before 11. Free before 11. FREE before 11. if that didn't get your attention, Tabone and Jamal Ahmad will be spinning. I don't need to tell you that whatever special guests will be performing will be dope, then do I? This next week is crazy. Way too much going on. I won't even be able to get to the Dwele show on Thursday. My schedule is packed. I STILL have not seen Dwele Live. STILL. I'm not missing Broke and Boujee, though. It's ALOT cheaper and should be just as fun.

A dilema.

2008-07-23T10:15:00.003-04:00

She reminds me of every single hood diva on the Westside that you you know looks good enough to holler at, but you are afraid at what might come out her mouth when you ask her for her name. Like forbidden fruit. Sorta.

Spree Wilson- Where do we go from here?

2008-07-23T10:02:00.001-04:00

ATL MC/Poet/Rocker Spree Wilson
Originally uploaded by kwadwojuma

New song from Spree Wilson - Where do we go from here

Catch Spree playing live at Broke & Boujee @ the 5spot in East Atlanta. 99 cents before 11pm, $4.99 After. DJ Rasta Roots on the 1's & 2's, Hannibal Matthews behind the camera and Proton will be performing new songs as well. Can't miss it!

So now both my ipod and my watch are broken.

2008-07-23T08:26:00.005-04:00

I had a nice Smith & Wessun watch. I grabbed it at an Army/Navy dealer. I loved it because you could switch out the bands to match your gear and it was supposed to be tough as nails. Turns out it's not as tough as my bathroom tile:

Bathroom Tile - 1
Watches - 0

No matter. I was looking for a new watch anyway, unannounced,of course, to my dear wife who shudders at my spending trends. I've now got a fetish for something two options on completely different sides of the spectrum. I love the old-school look of casio digital watches. Spartan in it's flair, plebeian in it's sensibilities, it strikes a chord with me somehow. I have no idea why. There isn't any way to explain it except that I'm a contrarian by nature and if bling is in, this is the antithesis of bling- a solid state reminder of 20th century pragmatism.
In stark contrast I present to you a toy that has struck my fancy: TOYWATCH USA. Proudly displayed on the homepage of TOYWATCH is a badge indicating that the brand is one of Oprah's favorite things. Lol. WOW. I guess my taste is official then, right? They have a new line of some very loud neon watches, but I'm drawn to a more dull disposition- something in tune with my cyncial, cloudy-day comportment.

I could get both, of course. The Casio is so affordable it's almost a crime not to cop it. The TOYWATCH is another matter. Tipping the scales at around $400, I don't know if this is a statement I want to make. I'm not much for trendy looks, but...

Bah. I'm so bummed about my iPOD that I'm not thinking clearly. I'm broke as hell. What could I be thinking about?

Nas looks to take his Fox protest one step further...

2008-07-23T07:38:00.002-04:00

From RollingStone.com:

Nas‘ hatred for television giant Fox has been well-publicized. He doesn’t have a problem with The Moment of Truth, rather the rapper has issues with the conservative and “racist” leanings interlaced with their news reports, as evidenced by his penning the song “Sly Fox,” off Untitled, as a protest rally against the broadcasters. Now, Nas is turning his words into action as he’ll join ColorOfChange.org and MoveOn.org in delivering a 600,000-signature petition to the channel’s Manhattan studios tomorrow afternoon. The petition demands that Fox “end its pattern of racist attacks against Black Americans including presidential candidate Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.”

more...

3 ATLiens talking about Art and Hip Hop:

2008-07-23T07:13:00.003-04:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Y'all know what it is. Speaking about quality of Hip Hop, common misconceptions, transplants, and hate. Spotted this over on The Rezidue. Big up to Mr. Garland.

Immortal Technique July 30th @ The Loft

2008-07-22T19:00:00.003-04:00

I can't tell you how upset I am that I will miss this. I need to find a job where I don't have to work nights anymore. Anyone hiring?

Yep.

2008-07-22T13:06:00.001-04:00

Untitled from BP on Vimeo.

That's THIS Friday, folks.

Don't forget...

2008-07-22T11:29:00.002-04:00

Art Beats and Lyrics explores 7 themes in Hip Hop and highlights the urban art form expressed by photography, graffiti art + urban paintings fused with DJ'ing, break dancing + live music.

VENUE: Puritan Mill, Atlanta, GA
DATE: FRIDAY, July 25TH
TIME: 7 PM – 12 AM
FEATURING: DUBELYOO / GOLDI / JABARI /
MAD CLOUT / NEVER AND MORE...

Art, Beats and Lyrics is an exhibition of multi-media art and design that explores the recent work of a diverse group of visual artists that have emerged from the subcultures in hip hop throughout the U.S. The core of the project involves painting, sculpture, and photography, as well as film, video, performance, and product design by more than thirty individuals who range from well known artists to up and coming local talent. AB+L started with an audience of over 400 people and grew to over 4,000 people for a one evening event at the High Museum

Claude have marcy.

2008-07-22T11:11:00.001-04:00

Skin is in. I'm not going to lie. This video is pretty bad and the song is unremarkable. What is remarkable is how fine Ms. Hilson is. If i hear another 64th note hi-hat beat in an R&B song for no apparent reason, I might hurl.

I'd Rather not, but this could be interesting...

2008-07-22T09:42:00.003-04:00

From the New York Observer:

The Media Mob has learned that a team of Hollywood insiders is currently working on a screen adaptation of Truth And Duty: The Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power—the 2005 book by former CBS News producer Mary Mapes, in which she defends the 60 Minutes II story by Dan Rather about President George W. Bush's time in the Texas Air National Guard, which ran on CBS in September 2004 and eventually led to her ouster from the network...

Click HERE story

Meanwhile, after Koppel, Moyers, and Rather have been forced out of their positions which of course caused a sea-change in big media to rush towards fresh-faced anchors, the courts strike down the FCC fine against CBS. Yes, good ole CBS. The same company that ushered out a quality news man for a mistake in a story will get a repreive for their "mistake" during the 2004 (does that year look familar?)Super Bowl. Nothing says I'm sorry like a $2,000 an hour legal team. I wonder if they get to back out of that 3 year payola deal too. What a country!

You should know Tanya Morgan is in town...

2008-07-22T09:16:00.002-04:00

They'll be playing the Masquerade Wednesday night. The brothers are on an extended tour. Give them some of that ATL southern charm. They have an energy-packed show, trust. I wish I could be there but I have to work.

Tanya Morgan ft Naledge (of Kidz in the Hall) -"You should know"

Hardest working man in July...

2008-07-22T08:36:00.003-04:00

Life the Great @ Apache
Originally uploaded by kwadwojuma

Only 10 days left including today, people. If you hadn't heard by now, ATL MC Life The Great has been dropping a brand new song every day this month. Check out his myspace and click on the calendar for each day's song.
. While you're there, check out his latest mixtape The Ultrasound

Life the Great + Bangladesh = "Whatyoutalking'bout"

Shawn Jackson

2008-07-21T19:06:00.001-04:00

Through the Wire...

2008-07-21T12:00:00.003-04:00

The thing about works like HBO's The Wire is that such a well-researched, well written show can take you into the depths of a sub-culture in just an hour. I was first introduced to B-more club music through the soundtrack of The HBO series The Wire and quickly became a fan. One of it's most celebrated DJ's has just died in a pool accident. Respect.

From her last.fm page:

Khia Edgerton a.k.a the “Club Queen K-Swift” was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland on October 19,1978. Growing up, she had many influences to help drive her into what some might say is a successful music career and others her destiny. Her influences were Cocoa Channel and Jazzy Joyce along with her father who had an immense passion for music.

World In Motion- Examining truth in Life @ Uspace Gallery

2008-07-21T11:26:00.003-04:00

I was hanging out with some old friends at a cookout this weekend and the subject of gender roles came up. We talked for hours about why the black family has broken down and what could help rebuild it- along with concepts of alternative family structures.

Interesting that we talked about that as recently as Saturday and I find this in my inbox Monday morning. Providence.

SAYS WHO? Concepts of Gender Roles In Today's Society
Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 7:30 PM

Another is killed by the police, this time in Louisiana.

2008-07-20T06:59:00.003-04:00

When will this stop? Feel-good sentiments of Obama's presidential run don't gloss these things over:

From the Chicago Tribune:

WINNFIELD, La. — At 1:28 p.m. last Jan. 17, Baron "Scooter" Pikes was a healthy 21-year-old man. By 2:07 p.m., he was dead.

What happened in the 39 minutes in between — during which Pikes was handcuffed by local police and shocked nine times with a Taser, while reportedly pleading for mercy —is now spawning fears of a political coverup in this backwoods Louisiana lumber town infamous for backroom dealings.

..."A lot happens in this town, and it just gets swept under the rug," said Kayshon Collins, Pikes' stepmother, who has participated in several local protests over the case. "What the police did to Scooter just isn't right. They would never have Tasered a white kid like that."

Might have found a solution to my network storage problem.

2008-07-20T05:55:00.002-04:00

If you're like me and you have several systems you use to do an assortment of tasks, it's annoying as heck to upload a few files from one machine to the network so you can use the info on another. I think with this device I can just go ahead and upload all of my stuff to the network at one time to better utilize my storage and preserve my sexy.

FRONTLINE | Cheney's Law | PBS

2008-07-19T10:28:00.001-04:00

If you haven't seen this, you should. It just explains so much about this administration and it's blatant disregard for The Constitution. What to understand how it all came together?
Watch the entire program for FREE online here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/cheney/view/

Children of the Sun: Radiant Kid's Music Matter Workshop @ WonderRoot

2008-07-19T10:04:00.001-04:00

Children of the Sun: Radiant Kid's Music Matter Workshop @ WonderRoot
Originally uploaded by kwadwojuma

I talk to youth around the Westside of Atlanta (Historic Westside) often about opportunities, goals and aspirations. While there isn't much opportunity and these children haven't had a chance to understand the benefit and the process of setting goals, they still dream. These kids aspire to be Rappers, Doctors, Firemen, Singers, Teachers like any other 11, 12 or 16 year old. How will we help them get there? What happens to their dream deferred? We're seeing the after effects of deferred dreams explode onto our Westside neighborhoods. Drive down Simpson Road. Matter of fact, I dare you to walk down it- in broad daylight, even. Check out Bankhead. Ride over to the less traversed side of Washington Park. There is a rhythm to this side of town: Church, Liquor Store, Funeral Home. That triplet returns to coda over, and over- measure after measure of heart breaks. On Friday the Radiant Kids Artists Collective, a group of musicians, writers and graphic artists took our first step in our walk with these Youth to write our own melody.