Kanye West doesn't care about record-store people.

Itunes released the new Kanye/ Jay-Z record, Watch the Throne yesterday. Best Buy has the exclusive CD release for 10 days beginning August 12th. Independent record store owners are pretty pissed about it. They addressed the artists in a letter:

Dear Jay-Z and Kanye West,

Dedry Jones, The Music Experience
Mike Dreese, Newbury Comics
Judy Negley, Independent Records
Mike Batt, Silver Platters
Tobago Benito, DBS Sounds
Brian Faber, Zia Records
Karen Pearson, Amoeba Music
Bryan Burkert, The Sound Garden
Mike Wise, Monster
Rob Roth, Vintage Vinyl
Joe Nardone, Jr., Gallery of Sound
Jonathan Fernandez, Rasputin Music
Dilyn Radakovitz, Dimple Records
Dustin Hansen, Graywhale Entertainment
Bill Kennedy, BK Music
Jim Bland, Plan Nine
Steve Wilson, Kiefs
Tom King, Central Square Records
Alayna Hill Alderman, Richard Storms, Record Archive
Karl Groeger, Looney Tunes
Paul Epstein, Twist and Shout
Nancy Salzer, Salzer’s Records
Rick Ziegler, Indy CD
Laura, Finders Records
Deon Borchard, Nic Fritze, The Long Ear
Chuck Oken, Rhino /Mad Platter
Allan Miller, John Bevis, Disc Exchange
Charlotte Kubat, Magnolia Thunderpussy
John Kunz, Waterloo Records
Chris Avino, Rainbow Records
Mike Fratt, Homers
Rich Koch, Off the Record
Skip Hermans, Skip’s Record and CD World
Jason Patton, Oz Music
Quinn Bishop, Cactus Records
John Timmons, ear X tacy
Lou Russell, Lou’s Records
Roger Weiss, Streetlight Records
Terry Currier, Music Millenium
Andrew Chinnici, Lakeshore Record Exchange
Michael Bunnell, The Record Exchange
Mike White, Boo Boo Records
Steve Baron, CD Central
Eric Levin, Criminal Records
Pat O’connor, Culture Clash
Dan Plunkett, End Of An Ear
Paula Kret, Exile On Main St
Chris Penn, Good Records
Doyle Davis, Grimey’s
Travis Searle, Guestroom Records
Jim Mcguinn, Hot Poop
Isaac Slusarenko, Jackpot Records
Jason Nickey & Heath Byers, Landlocked Music
Todd Robinson, Luna Music
Darren & Jim Blase, Shake It
Anna & Chris Brozek, Slowtrain
Kimber Lanning, Stinkweeds
Tom “Papa” Ray, Vintage Vinyl

meh...

C’mon fellas – share the shine.

Amy Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011)

It’s been a tumultuous week. A bombing and mass shooting took place in Norway, claiming nearly 100 innocent lives. The Grammy-winning songstress and heroin enthusiast, Amy Winehouse, joined Hendrix and Cobain in the 27 Club. And our national government can’t seem to remove its head from its own ass long enough to actually effect any sort of positive change in this country. Did I mention that every part of this country is experiencing that time of the summer where the heat is oppressive, exhausting, and sometimes even deadly?

It’s rough out there but nonetheless, there are good things to appreciate and enjoy. For example, Dan Harmon told TV Guide that Michael K. Williams (The Wire‘s Newport-smoking moral enigma, Omar Little) will be in at least three episodes of the upcoming season of Community as a biology professor. Williams’ character earned his biology degree while in prison and his first assignment as a teacher is at Greendale. Community returns to NBC on Thursday, September 22.

Portugal. The Man 'In The Mountain In The Cloud' (Atlantic)

Psychedelically-influenced indie rockers, Portugal. The Man, released their sixth studio album earlier this week, In The Mountain In The Cloud. While this is the band’s first with record label heavyweight Atlantic, they maintain true to themselves and their roots. It’s always nice when that happens.

The world of fashion was in a tizzy over crown of thorns headbands retailing for $125 a pop. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it was sacrilegious but seriously, $125 for a headband? Sweetie, I might have been born at night but certainly not last night.

While the future remains unseen, this week brings the season premiere of Project Runway. Denver fans can join the fabulous Mondo Guerra at Beauty Bar for Project Runway viewing parties starting this Thursday, July 28. Additionally, the sci-fi Western blockbuster, Cowboys and Aliens, hits theaters Friday, July 29.

'Cowboys and Aliens' in theaters Friday, July 29

La Guardia piece by TooFly

It’s not often that a school board would welcome 14 artists (including graffiti and street artists) into their facility with open arms, however one school in Brooklyn has done exactly that.

In the short video below, the concept that art encourages creativity in the youngest minds, regardless of the legality of the act, is stressed and emphasized.  The school and the artists alike believe that bringing art to the school fills in the gaps that lie in heading to major art museums, which can be a challenge for students.

This concept is pretty amazing — I only wish that more education systems would adapt art within the walls of their schools on this level — including various forms of street art and graffiti.

More about TheLoveMovement:

The Love Movement was established with one concept in mind, to make a difference. A collaborative effort of public and gallery projects by a group of designers, artists, and teacher from different backgrounds; TLM’s mission is simple, to create art that critiques and pokes fun at society and pop culture while also drawing awareness to current issues throughout the world. Often using discarded materials; TLM creates something new by destroying something old, by creating beauty from which society leaves discarded to decay. The Love Movement has been known to make a difference in society. Through their art sales TLM provided a fresh water well for the village of Cotonou in the African country of Benin; payed for the school supplies, transportation, and fees for children in Colby, Benin and Bali, Indonesa; and has organized a mural project for the Canarsie High School Campus in Brooklyn, New York.

Check them out here.

(via HighSnobette)

A pair of past ThursDRE participating CP+B employees (via http://thursdre.com)

In all of my days, I have been witness to so many cases of hip-hop and minority stereotypes breathing and living in corporate culture — the most recent culprit is advertising giant CP+B.  Today, staff members are asked to put on their hip-hop suits and essentially carry out the stereotype of what they THINK hip-hop may mean.   A few “helpful” hints are listed on the official CP+B ThursDRE site:

New Era hats cocked to the side. Black bandannas. Double piercings with hooped or studded earrings. Waistlines that start halfway down your ass. Marking a day when people do what they do and have some fun while doing it. Representing with OG smiles and competing Dre renditions, this is ThursDRE at CP+B.

More than just a style, it’s a camaraderie shared among those who dare to try. A bond of those that work their asses off – so hard their pants can barely stay on. It’s an outlet to smile with your pearly whites under one shared roof. It’s a time to appear out of your comfort zone but never stop being the talented rock star you always are. Even if you look more like an unsigned rapper.

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As a media professional and also as an advocate for hip-hop culture, I can tell you one thing:  SHIT LIKE THIS HAS TO STOP. At some point, logic, reason, and an open mind toward culture needs to be apparent — especially in the workplace.

My good friend Anthony Coleman, a super creative minority who works in the same industry, took the time this morning to craft a letter to CP+B explaining how he felt about their push for ThursDRE.  Check out the letter below and please spread the word.  — Rachel

—————————–

Dear CP+B,

I write this letter to you not without malice in heart and with an open mind.  For years, I have looked up to the brilliance that exuded from within the walls of your office. I snickered at your ad and wished as any young creative would they had a chance to work with the mind that live under the CP+B moniker but that has changed. You see I’m a minority and within the advertising world I’m sure you are well aware we are as rare as a double rainbow. In fact just today at my current agency Deutsch LA there was a panel on just that topic which may have spurred on my reaction to your #ThursDRE celebration even more. Celebrating an individual for her hard work, determination, and overall positivity is one thing. To do so in such a juvenile, tasteless, and surprisingly non creative manner as what you have displayed is irresponsible and shows complete ignorance on your behalf. Surely someone Senior should have stepped in and saw how dangerous of a notion this could have been and decided against it right?

Minority CHECK, creative at ad agency CHECK, but more important, a person of lives breathes and will die a lover of the Hip-Hop CULTURE CHECK. I’m sure DRE is as equal of a lover of the culture as I am so in a way your celebration not only salutes but degrades its namesake.  #ThursDRE may stand as a tribute to DRE’s PERSONAL style but it isn’t an excuse for an agency to perpetuate stereotypes in such a juvenile manner. For far to long the advertising world has taken from cultures / sub cultures they deem “cool” or “in” to support the creative driving their campaigns without given back or acknowledgment. For the outside world to see this, which was suppose to only be an “internal thing”, only perpetuates just those thoughts. Let us not forget the world of minstrel shows, blackface and Sambo, but I digress.

I challenge CP+B to instead of encouraging your co-workers to dress up in such a way that degrades an ENTIRE race and culture to support their co-worker wouldn’t it be more productive as an agency to learn about and from the culture, style, and creatives which have inspired her and everyone that lives it still today?

Anthony Coleman

Check out the video below and be on the look out for The Official SXSW Mixtape.

Related:

Von Pea | Tanya Morgan :: interview

Che Grand :: Everything’s Good Ugly

Enter Sneakerpedia, which aims to add an open-source reference for all things sneaker to the internet world.  While the site can be compared to Wikipedia because it allows all users to edit and create content, Sneakerpedia offers a bit more social interaction than most wikis by allowing users to claim ownership over specific styles and share stories and comments about their favorite kicks.

Overall, Sneakerpedia is a pretty fantastic resource that allows sneaker loves from around the world to share their bragging rights and chat it up about their geeky shoe obsessions.  One final disclaimer, that’s no surprise:  he site is sponsored by Foot Locker.  Perhaps the retail shoe giant is using information about the most popular sneakers worldwide to finalize seasonal buying for their locations?

Check out the video piece explaining the project from Ma Dukes below.

Related:

Ma Dukes + Jeff Artist via Okayplayer

Like everybody else in the world, I’ve been following the current events in Japan closely. The following post came out of a realization I had this morning. First off (although I am in no way trying to compare events of tragedy), I find it strange that there is less “action” from people about Japan (within the world and within the hip-hop community). People aren’t throwing charity events and there are no repetitive cries to “text” to donate. It seemed so fashionable to do at one point. It made me think about how I can raise awareness (not about the events unfolding, but the people who are affected).

Then, this morning while driving to work, I was listening to Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio Disc Jockey)’s recent radio broadcast where he played music from Japan in tribute of the island nation.

So it occurred to me, I wanted to do my own sort of musical tribute / awareness about Japan through music (in particular Hip-Hop).

Just so happens that a majority of my favorite Japanese artists are DJ/ Producers. I guess us Asians have a thing for creating, collecting, and digging.

This is by no means a guide to Japanese hip-hop, nor a comprehensive or best-of list. I’m sure an actual hip-hop head from Japan would school the shit out of me. It’s simply a few of my favorite tracks that show just a small small small portion of the immense creativity in Japan and their contributions towards my favorite art form: Hip-Hop.

It’s a universal thing. Sometimes, people get all caught up in bullshit and can forget that.

DJ Mitsu The Beats Ft. Jose James – “Promise In Love”

Mitsu is a DJ / Producer who has worked with the likes of Dwele, Little Brother, Rich Medina, K-Otix, and many more. He’s put several releases through the very well known Japanese record store / label “Jazzy Sport”. Although he’s been known to span genres from hip-hop to broken beat, I’ve been a fan of his production as he has tends to have a jazzy yet soulful sound to his records.

This track is one of my favorite finds from 2009. It is a reworking of a track from Blue Note Jazz Vocalist Jose James. The track reminds me of some feel good Sunday morning ish.

DJ Honda Ft. Mos Def – Travelin’ Man

One of Mos Def’s most well-known tracks was produced by DJ Honda for his second LP HII (1998). Back in my high school days of digging, I bought this album solely on the fact that DJ Honda was Asian (truth). In my younger years, it felt like Asians in hip-hop was a super rarity (though it wasn’t) and I was excited by the mere idea of Asians being able to participate in the art form. Luckily, I wasn’t disappointed in the album (that hosted features from De La Soul, Cuban Links, Keith Murray, Beatnuts, and more).

This song instantly became a favorite. You can’t lose with a Jerry Butler sample and incorporating a variation of the “leaving on a jetplane” hook (originally conceived by John Denver).

** Crazy fact: the CD now goes for $39.99 on Amazon?!

DJ Krush ft. CL Smooth – “Only The Strong Survive”

DJ Krush is often (by US Journalists) compared as the DJ Shadow of Japan. I guess anyone who makes experimental trippy hip-hop beats is going to fall in that category. However, I like to think of Krush as one of the most unique hip-hop producers, period. Whether its instrumental downtempo beats, experimental sonic experimentation, or solid hip-hop tracks, Krush has long been one of the best. He’s also probably one of the first (if not the one of the biggest) Japanese hip-hop imports into the United States (at least in the 90’s). Same story applies here for me as Honda, heard he was an Asian hip-hop DJ and I instantly bought his catalog at the time.

This particular track was off his first US Release “Meiso” and features none other than CL Smooth. The video of bleak urban landscapes reminds me of something that was probably aired on late night MTV with all the other weird electronic videos they would show in the 90s.

Bonus : Check his track “Zen Approach” featuring Black Thought

DJ Tonk Ft. Rashaan Ahmad – Beautiful

From what I’ve gathered DJ Tonk is one of those cornerstones of the Japanese hip-hop scene. A DJ and producer, he appeals to the inner b-boy. He’s worked with the likes of Rasco, Cocoa Brovas, Sadat X, and Zion I. However, like many of the heads in the underground Japanese scene, he loves the appeal of the “jazzy” sound.

This track “Beautiful” features the homie Rashaan Ahmad (Crown City Rockers) and was off Tonk’s 3rd Solo Album “Love”.

DJ Muro Ft. Lord Finesse & AG – Vinyl Athletes

DJ Muro is like the Japanese equivalent of DJ Premier. He’s a hip-hop DJ, Rapper, beatmaker, clothing designer, label head, and one of the most respected crate diggers in the world of Hip-Hop…. Let me repeat : ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED CRATE DIGGERS IN THE WORLD OF HIP-HOP. Pete Rock, Lord Finesse, among many other have all stated this. He’s been featured in respectable magazine Wax Poetics with this title. When Lord Finesse calls you the King of Digging, you know you have serious thick crates. His work has seen him collaborate with Hip-Hop’s elite (Just Blaze, Alchemist, Ghostface, DITC, Lee Quinonez), make influential break mix CDs, and even OFFICIAL Blue Note mixes.

The track is called Vinyl Athlete and boasts the rhyme and digging skills of the respective parties. You also have to love the extended instrumental intro which of course conjures up Pete Rock steez.

Random Fact : 4:47 in, AG says the line “Thought it was an earthquake”

Last note: Japanese Hip-Hop along with Hip-Hop around the world is full of hidden treasures. I tried in this post to use tracks that feature American emcees to make it more accessible to PopLemon readers, but there’s a plethora of dope tracks in Japanese. There’s a lot of dope hip-hop around the world that sounds like hip-hop and not “world music”, but just like any music it takes some digging to find.

In fact, sometimes it feels like hip-hop is embraced more wholly around the world (in all its various styles: Gangster, Jazzy, Underground, etc etc) and not so narrow mindedly as it often can be like in the states.

The Sedgwick property has been rumored to have a variety of maintenance issues such as cockroaches and general lack of care of the property.  Folks are hopeful that New York City‘s New Housing Marketplace program will help give the strcuture the respect and attention that it deserves by dedicating $3M to the renovation of the building.

Herc told the New York Times that this investment is, “a great moment for 1520 Sedgwick Avenue…This is a historic site.This is where hip-hop comes from. This is it.”

You can read more about the history of Kool Herc and 1520 Sedgwick Avenue here and more about the movement to save the building via NewYorkTimes.com.