Digital Underground

R.I.P Keith Elam aka Guru

Rest In Peace Guru and my prayers go out to his family and friends. DJ Premier, keep your head up.

Outstanding and the Remakes of Outstanding

I know it's been weeks since I came back to update this blog but bare with us. The blog will still be around, lol. The weather outside is nice and outstanding. So I decided to touch on Outstanding. I have to say Outstanding is one of the coolest samples to sample to in making a beat and the song itself is dope. Check this out.

Back on the Map!

I know it's been two weeks since we came back. We're still here regardless. Based on school work, we had to back down a little bit but Education is still a priority for us as we are reaching for goals to success. Here are some videos that I will put up here from a group called Ultramagnetic MC's. For all you true hip hop listeners, this is for you. Peace!











Aw man! This is funny! Ultra is dope but I think they are waay offbeat don't you think? Hot women though.

20th Anniversary of House Party!

We would also like to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kid 'N' Play's movie, House Party. The movie was released on Mar. 9th, 1990. No offense I like House Party 1 better because the movie was featuring Robin Harris who played "Pops", Tisha Campbell who played Gina on "Martin" along with Martin Lawrence who was also in the movie as Bilal, ummm AJ Johnson, and how can I forget Full Force. That movie is dope! House Party 2 and 3 is iight but it's not like House Party 1 and feel free to say your opinion as well. But check it, House Party 1 was the best hand down. Peace! By the way, i'll touch on some more House Party soon. Peace!

B.I.G

RIP BIGGIE!

Love Sick

Sampling Records

What it takes to make Hip Hop records is to dig in the crates or as for people like myself with no records is to dig into the files on your computer. Sampling is like a form of art and it takes patience or if not patience to find a dope break beat or chorus or something like that. Personally from experience, sampling is not easy. People may think sampling is but it's difficult in trying to look for something different. When I make beats I try to look for something different then hearing the same ole breakbeats over and over. Also you will have to be careful, cause if the beat is publicized without any permission from the Artist who made the original song then it's will lead into a lawsuit and nobody wants that. So that's it on sampling. This may be a part 2 I don't know but for right now I'm out! Peace!

Get Well Very Soon Guru!

I know it's been a couple of day since I update this blog and I apologize for slacking off. I was at the CIAA tournament in Charlotte, NC and it was dope. One of the memories I can never forget but anyway I heard the news about Guru my man who is in a coma but I don't know if the rumors are true or not but I do know that he is undergoing surgery. I have confidence that he will make. Two years back, Marley Marl had an heart attack but survived so I know that Guru will go the same route. I am definitely a big Gang Starr, and a big fan of Guru's Jazzmatazz . Not to leave out DJ Premier I am also a big fan of him as well. Here are some classic tracks Guru did with Gang Starr and I will also put up one of his tracks on Jazzmatazz. As for Jazzmatazz, I like Volume 1 and 3. I can't front but I like of his albums but Volume. 1 and 3 are the best. Enjoy!  Our prayers go to him and to his family.  Peace!

Just A Little Something

Personally, I love to beat box. 

Sweetback Raps

I took an understanding that Rapping existed from all the way back to the 60's and 70's to present. Melvin Van Peebles has got to have some credit even though he wasn't really known to some people. He had success with his 1971 movie "Sweetback's Baadassss Song". Quasimoto samples his recordings whcih he makes it dope by flipping the beat to something else. Enjoy this song and by the way in the middle of the song has a breakbeat so enjoy. Peace!

Hikky Burrr

Besides Jello Pudding and Pudding Pops (pause) I had to laugh on this one but anyway check out this beat with his collaboration with the legendary musician/producer Quincy Jones. For all you samplers you might wanna get a kick out of this. Peace!!
Hikky Burrr!!

Funky Drummer

Wanyehead

Fight The Power!

Dedicated to those who are still conscious being positive and setting good examples for the followers

It Gots To Be Funky

Classic hit and video by the legendary Juice Crew. Shoutouts to Marley Marl and to all of the Juice Crew Members. Peace!

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #11

Did you know that the black man!! invented the super soaker!
His name is Lonnie G. Johnson

Give It Up Turn It Loose (Jungle Groove Remix)

Feminine Fatt

This is one of my favorite dope songs by Leaders of the new school. I love the bassline. The young Busta Rhymes on the track!

Yo! Check my man out!

He's dope with the beats and also I will post another video up there of Remaking of Justin Timberlake's song "Set The Mood" this video is funny, check it out.

Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Classic track and video from Brand Nubian and one of my favorite hip hop songs.

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #10

Did you know the black woman!! invented Alice Parker of Morristown, New Jersey, (Jersey stand up!) invented a new and improved gas heating furnace that provided central heating. You can view Alice Parker's patent below.

Besides Top Billin'

The Audio Two is known for their classic song which is considered to be one of Hip Hop's best tracks "Top Billin'". But Imma also gonna give you a track from their sophomore and their last album "I Don't Care: The Album" from 1990. Personally, I love this song as well as Top Billin and their other joints. I am a big fan of the Audio Two. So I am dedicating this post to my man Ace Dizzy from Not Quite Millionaires along with Junie La-La and to the Audio Two. By the way check out their website when you get a chance. It's: http://nqm-e.blogspot.com/ or i you can click Not Quite Millionaires, Est under Dope Businesses. Peace! Enjoy.

Can I Get Down?

Old classic music video from Craig Mack! All of you all know his smash hit "Flavor In Ya Ear" so Imma give you another classic jewel from Craig Mack's career. Keep doing your thing Craig. AHHHHHHHH-AH!

Get Down (Remix) prod. by Q-Tip

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #9

Did you know the black man!!  invented a clothes dryer that used heat from a stove in 1892.
His name was George T. Sampson

Changing of MTV's logo?

Yo! They're changing the original logo to a new logo. How bout that? Check this out!
1. The Original Version
2. The Updated Version

                                                                   

Rap Battles: The Essence of Competition

Canibus vs. LL Cool J

Who do you think really won?













Throwbacks to Talkbacks...

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #8

Did you know the black man!! invented the lemon squeezer?
His name was J.T White
Lemonade in effect!

De La Soul: Mostly Underrated and Yet Greatly Appreciated

I've been a major De La Soul head since day one. Damn, now that I think about it maybe day one consisted of me watching Saturday Morning Cartoons and eating a box of Captain Crunch. But I had time to sneak in some easy listening of all my pop's De La Soul LP''s. I just came across this Le Da Soul mixtape and I think all you music heads out there will enjoy.

Now that's what you call a tribute. After VH1 said they were done in the rap game, I considered it blasphemy. The Stakes is High...

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #7

Did you know the black man!! invented ice cream?
His name was Augustus Jackson

Note: My favorite ice cream flavor is Black Raspberry Ice Cream. So Fresh!

The Ebony Prince in Commercials

Another Commercial with JJ Walker

What's Next?

Here a classic from the Leaders of the New School. The young Busta is in his prime as the wild one in the group. This video is fun with an upbeat as they are chilling in Manhattan, NY. Busta is still making moves doing his thing so stay tuned for more Busta. Peace!

Yo! Remember this show?

1988-1995

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #6

Did you know the black woman!! was the first black woman to become a millionaire from inventing hair care products and cosmetics.
Her name was Madam CJ Walker

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #5

Did you know the black man!! invented the dustpan in 1897.
His name was L.P Ray

Dilla Donuts

It's a funny thing cause I was shooting a documentary project yesterday about Krispy Kreme donuts and part of the documentary was to shoot the run for the donations to the children's hospital. But I started to thing of J Dilla's album "Donuts" For some reason everytime I think of donuts, I think about the album because it is name after donuts. This post is dedicate to J Dilla.  J Dilla has passed away for about 4 years now. For those who don't know J Dilla or his music then there are plenty of sites that if type his name he is there. I love his album Donuts and you can also pick it up anywhere on the internet or in stores near you. He also had other dope albums like "Welcome to Detroit","Ruff Draft", "The Shining", or "Jay Stay Paid"  but this time I'm going for Donuts. I can go on and on but imma leave it at that. Happy Birthday J Dilla! Your music lives on forever!

Imma post a couple of songs from the Donuts album. Enjoy the music, enjoy the beats. Peace!

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #4

Did you know the blackman!! patented a fire extinguisher in 1872.
His name was Thomas J. Martin

Scenario (Demos)

Two attempts has been made on the song. One version feat. Black Sheep, De La Soul, and Leaders of the new school.
Another version feat. Chris Lighty of the Violators and Leaders of the New School. The demos could of made it to the album but in truth, I'm glad Scenario Lp mix version from the Low End Theory's album  is what it is now as the same for the remix version.

Inside J Dilla's Studio

Lost Talent

I like to dedicate this post to this man Charizma who was murdered on Dec. 1993 from being mugged. This guy had so much talent that if he was still living he would of made a big difference to Hip Hop as well as other artistes who are deeply in Hip Hop or else he would of stayed underground. But I consider him as one of the dopest rappers ever to rock the mic. It's a shame he died over a senseless death but his music still lives. I like to send out to videos of him doing his collaboration with his partner and the man Peanut Butter Wolf who is still Djing to this day and runs a independent record label called Stones Throw and one day I will do a blog on that but for upcoming rappers, you will probably learn something about this man hopefully you would learn something from this. Peace! Oh yeah check their album entitled "Big Shots" you can find it anywhere either on iTunes or Amazon or anywhere. You won't be disappointed! R.I.P Charizma your music lives on.

Big Shots

Remember this show?

What are the elements in Hip Hop?

I'll tell you the elements of Hip Hip. The original elements are 4 but it could be 5 elements:

1. B-Boy (Break dancing is included)
2. MC-ing
3. Graffiti
4. DJing
5. Style

If Nas is QB's Finest, Then Tragedy is QB's Realest.

This song "Still Reportin'" with the samples from Stevie Wonder. This song is back from 2003 but it still remains one of Tragedy's best songs. Tragedy Khadafi is now incarcerated but he will be release from the feds until January 2011.  Many of you don't know this, but Tragedy brought up alot dudes in the game such as, Capone N Noreaga, Mobb Deep, 25 to Life, and many other Queensbridge artistes. Even Nas looked up to this dude. This song is dope, check him out. Peace.  Trag, I can't wait for you to drop more knowledge once you are free.

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #3

Did you know the black man!! invented a bread-making machine that mixes ingredients and kneaded dough in 1895?
His name was Joseph Lee

Another Dope Joint (Something to think about Again)

Another dope video using one of my favorite cartoon shows "Misadventures of Flapjack" 
That's right. I'm not ashamed to say it. Peace!

James Brown Doing a Commercial For Cup Noodles

 MISOPPA!! HIT ME!!

How Long?

This joint from Grand Puba who you all probably remember as Brand Nubian's front man. (Everyone in the group had different roles) The album he released of last year "Retroactive" was hot for hip hop. I like this one song he did don't get me wrong, the album is hot but the main song I listen to is entitled "How Long". This song has auto-tune when he does his chorus but it's still conscious. Check this hot joint. Peace!
Oh yeah, stay tuned for Brand Nubian. Peace!

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #2

Did you know the black man!! invented a 3-way automatic stop sign, which he sold to General Electric. It was used in the U.S until the 3-light traffic sign was developed. 
His name was Garrett Augustus Morgan.

Craigonomics on Cooley High

I was thinking about this movie "Cooley High" and this movie is still considered to be a favorite of mines. This movie is timeless in my opinion. It's so funny! One thing I hear everybody or I see comments on the movie on Youtube. They say "Damn...I wish they didn't kill him" or "I wish I can jump through the screen and hurt them..." All types of stuff. I definitely agree. I wish the movie had the ending where Preach can rescue Cochise. No, I mean Preach could bring his friend Tyrone with him so that way this could be three on three so that way Cochise can still survive and go to college. What's sad about the ending is of course the song "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" which was covered by Boyz II Men two decades later. Man that movie is still a great movie. Just another random thought from Craigonomics. El Boogie will be able share a random thought with you all. Peace out! 
Besides....Ya Mama Like It!

Oh I forgot to introduce myself! Excuse me.

A cheese burger tray with a side of fries and chicken nuggets...oh yeah and a coke float. Word. My name is Craig J. Taylor aka Craigonomics sharing the blog with my man El Boogie. This blog is just to get a field of  Hip Hop culture and other random stuff that comes to our mind. I'm 20 years old. I am a theatre and film major at Saint Augustine's College. I hail from New Jersey staying near Philly. I also have a passion for photography. I'm a positive person hanging around with positive people. Enjoy this site for we will make it fun as possible. Peace and Blessings! Check this video I made from a year ago. Peace again!

Pros and Cons of: Johnny Kemp

Craigonomics says:

1. He's aiight singing wise.

2. His song "Just Got Paid" was dope even though it was one hit wonder.

3. He's cool with the dancing.

El Boogie says:

1. What kind of name is Kemp? His mama should of named him Temp cause thats how long his music career lasted...TEMPORARY! (Wack ass music)

2.That's a ugly dude man coming from a dude to another dude.

3.WHY IS HE SO UGLY!!!!

El Boogie: Intro to Expected Musical Excellence

A Chicken Strip Tray wit a side of Fries and Chicken Nuggets, another order of Fries, and a large Dr. Pepper. Sounds appetizing to a ballin' on a budget college student huh? Well let me give my good hip-hop/rap/anything fans with substance heads somethin to get their stomachs growlin: A DJ Turntable Session at Fat Beats wit a side of Illa J and Phonte spiitin bars, a couple of wild and hyped fans in the audience, and a large fight that'll break out cause dudes don't know how to act. My name is Elton Rainey Jones. 21 years of age. Currently a college student majoring in Communications wit a concentration in PR. Saint Augustine's College is where I reside right now. I'm a New Yorker hailin from Queens so I know what it is and what it ain't when it comes to makin ya ears feel good. What do I rock to? Here's a sample young one's:













Enjoy. Me and Craigonomics are on a roll folks.

Something to Think About

NYOIL

Ya'll Should All Get Lynched

Rap is Business Music, Hip Hop is Cultural Music

We are living in a era where Hip Hop is rarely shown but through underground. I like to see the Hip Hop go from the underground and on up. How can we get it back up mainstream to avoid these candy ass nursery rhyme rappers. Don't get me wrong, I respect some rappers out there but some of them are not fit in the business but hey America love it. I know all of them have different crafts. I mean I cannot blame them for making money but I think it's stupid because all of these rappers are just wack. It gets so frustrating that I can't even express it enough through this blog. I hope that one day people will begin to feel tired of listening to the same ole beats and to these wack rappers. Rappers who have been in the game for more than decades worked so hard to make Hip-Hop mainstream and now it's a slap in the face. I don't believe Hip-Hop is Dead at all, it's just a lack of interest from most listeners. Shameful. I hope that one day Hip-Hop will rise again to our generation. And Remember: Rap is Business Music, Hip Hop is Cultural Music. Peace!

Know the Ledge: Black History Fact #1

Did you know the black man!! invented the first pencil sharpener??!!!  His name was John Love.

Round 1: Craigonomics Vs. El Boogie Album Cover Battle Vote (If you Want To)

                                   

Black History Month

Yo! It's Black History Month. Too bad it's the shortest month of all months but I'm not complaining. My birthday will be coming in a few months, the sun is out melting all the snow. Most definitely I believe in Unity, coming together to avoid hating each other. This is the month where we should be able to know history of our people.

Remake of Kid 'N' Play's "Doing This My Way"

Check this video I made on youtube!

Revisited to the Leaders of the New School

Time will tell...

I'm a fan of LONS without a doubt. I got the some of their instrumentals, remixes and even their demo tape for the recording of their last album "T.I.M.E." thanks to a blog called T.R.O.Y. Many people suggested that the TIME album was the best. I like both albums. But if you ask me which one of the two. I would say dag.....thats a hard choice. I couldn't even give you a straight up answer on that. But I will say Sobb Story is one of my favorites I bump constantly on my iPod. I like Feminine Fatt that's a dope track I wish they were back together. I tried so many times to look at the episode where Busta and Charlie (if I'm not mistaken) arguing but maybe one day it'll appear on Youtube or on some other site.  Like everyone else I always wonder what happened to Charlie Brown. That has always been the question for LONS fans. Recently I found a article on him from 11 years ago. Then I found another article on interviewing Charlie Brown last year. It's a good thing he is still around doing his thing. I will post the link up here if you want to see. I already know MiloInDeDance also known as Cut Monitor Milo is doing his thing as well as Dinco D. Busta....I miss the old busta. I mean I looked at his recent video "Don't Touch Me (Throw Water on Them) He seem like he was having fun which is cool. For some LONS fans who haven't seen a video of the reunion of Charlie Brown, Dinco, and Milo, I advise you to go see it! They still got the skill techniques. Hopefuly one day Busta will be able to do one more collaboration with the Leaders. That would be dope! C'mon Busta! Think about it.

Leaders of the New School reunion in 15 years! (Without Busta Rhymes) 

lons Film

LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL | MySpace Music Videos


Charlie Brown Interview from 2009. Peep this out!
http://2020proof.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/charlie-brown-of-lons-interview-not-an-april-fools/

On Busta's end, hear what he has to say about the Leaders of the new school behind the scenes brawl.

QB's Finest (Taste of the Juice)

Music for today is the classic Marley Marl jewel "Marley Marl Scratch feat. MC Shan"

This morning I happened to walk to the cafe and I wind up bumping this song on my Ipod. This song is serious. Then I wind up listening to Super Kids (Tragedy Khadafi's first group) the Dub version "Tragedy (Don't Do It) Marley Marl Dub". The cuts are scratched by the legend himself- DJ Marley Marl with some adlibs by the young Tragedy/Intelligent Hoodlum/Tragedy Khadafi. You can be surprised. What I didn't know is that Killa Sha was apart of the Superkids along with Tragedy Khadafi. In protest of all this rap music I'm listening to straight up HIP-HOP!

                                   R.I.P Killa Sha your presence will be missed.

                                                                

 Marley Marl Scratch 

The Tragedy (Don't Do It)