LIVE INSTRUMENTAL HIPHOP...YOU CAN'T CALL IT ROCK? WELL JUST CALL IT MUSIC.
What am I talking about. Well the fact of HipHop and it's comparisons to Rock music. If you ask me it's always had it's connection. You really have to think back to artists like Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix who are some of the founding fathers of unique styles of rock music that are comparable to HipHop. Well I've been seeing the changes of HipHop music over the last year or two and I honestly think it's because HipHop has become more about the "hustle" and less about the music and craft of lyrics, but let's not forget the days when HipHop was associated with gangsta rap. But some of HipHop is keeping it constant and breaking it back into pro-action. Some of my picks will span over the course of weeks like some other topics and include other topics and news related to the artists. Let's start with...
THE ROOTS
Now this image brings back memories because my grandmother had a replica of this painting in her basement, it's a classic. I had to show the comparison between the photographer's artistic imagery of The Roots band members and this famous painting by C.M. Coolidge called "Dogs Playing Poker" and it's reference to the lucky dogs. The Roots may be lucky but they are talented as well, and with the new CD "Game Theory" [they've been in the running for some time] they are, theoretically speaking, running numbers on the game with always ever-changing and progressive sound .
Let me tell you a lil’ story now here it goes…
In my fresh and so clean highschool years, not long ago. My most memorable music performance flashback was a legendary night out with older cousins who were chaperones for the evening even though they were the seniors and I was a freshman in highschool. The band was coming and had arrived their first concert in Atlanta, Georgia. [I’ll find my pics and repost later, I still have them!]. The room was filled with smoke and the sound was vibrant, yes a vibrant sound that allowed the imagination to run free, while the beat vibrated through the entire building and the music turned into notes that floated above. ♪♫♪
As the lead lyricist recited on the mic the words flowed like their own beat, non-stop and in gear, at this point I experienced a second coming of HipHop. I knew what it was, but was developing my own sense of it. I was inspired once again to reflect to a time in my kiddie days of Queens, New York from the sounds of a time line of revolving HipHop music Kurtis Blow, JJ Fad, LL Cool J, Easy E, Tribe Called Quest, WuTang Clan, Warren G & Nate Dog, The Roots, Pharcyde, Outkast & Goodie Mob. OK I skipped a lot in between but you get the point. That's what music does to me.
This subjects HipHop-Rock and Hot Stuff, My Favs will be periodical so CHECK ON IT!
As a prelude to the subject HIPHOP-ROCK: N.E.R.D. / PHARRELL is the news about Pharrell Williams re-releasing his album "In My Mind" with the help of Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson . ?uestlove is reportedly heading the live instrumental re-release project with the band Illadelphonics, they put a little something on the net for us to chew on. Here is a video of ?uestlove and another band member rehearsing the music for the song "Number 1"
Also look forward to exclusive never before seen and breaking news interviews from our generation of entertainment industry personalities.
Yours Truly Amber10 Selectress
