Take Notes: It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Greatest Hip-Hop Album of All Time

Rare 1980 Footage of Funky Four Plus One Live at The Kitchen, NYC

Ice Cube - "Chase Down the Bully" - A Live Spoken Word Performance

Ice Cube - “Chase Down The Bully” (Vevo hip-hop performance)

To hear Ice Cube tell it, 'Everythang's Corrupt.' The the rap god tackles the topic head-on in his 10th solo album (due December 7th), especially in tracks like “Chase Down The Bully.” We grabbed the South Central native for an exclusive solo version of the piece, filmed on a downtown Los Angeles rooftop. Here, in the latest installment of our ongoing hip-hop performance series, Cube rises above the BS to address the chaos inside (and outside) 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. “All you evil forces with Tiki Torches/Shove ‘em up ya ass, freaky intercourses,” he raps with his trademark fierceness. He also roared his way through "Fire Water" from the new album. ‘Everythang's Corrupt’ is the rap god’s first solo disc since 2010’s ‘I Am The West.’ In the interim, the entertainment mogul has released the NWA biopic “Straight Outta Compton,” was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and scored a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Every day is a good day for O’Shea Jackson.

One of the Great Hip-Hop Videos ever made in the Golden Era of Rap

X-CLAN - "To The East Blackwards" one of the most underrated Hip Hop Albums ever

if the first player does not play the entire LP then just click on the players below and hear my 3 favorites from the LP.

U.T.F.O. circa 1984 on my IG

U.T.F.O. In the catacombs of The Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles circa 1985. This was probably the first Hip-Hop group i ever made photos with, besides the Beastie Boys... This was around the time their huge single "Roxanne, Roxane" was hitting. The show was a real eye opener for me, the tiny stage, the lip-synching, no band, were all things i was not expecting at a huge 1000's of people live show. Kurtis Blow was headlining, and some kid got killed on the floor that night, I was told later in a big gang fight that broke out. But the most interesting story of the night happened before the show...but you'll have to ask me about that one next time you see me and we have the time... #hiphop #classicRap #UTFO #OldSchool #uncleJamsArmy #DoctorIce #mixmasterICE #TheEducatedRapper #KidKangol #humblebeginnings i think this photo appears in the collage in the back of the MY RULES book.. #inspiration #photography #BooksAreTheRealDeal #MyRules #GetTheNewBook

A post shared by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Feb 3, 2016 at 6:07pm PST

Wonder What A 1977 New York City Park Jam Sounded Like? Press Play… (Mix)

from Ambrosia For Heads:

Bringing the earliest days of Hip-Hop to the digital age is a challenge. While DJ Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, and Grandmaster Melle Mel (among many others) are highly active in telling the story, and presenting the culture they helped create, other things are harder to find.

Pioneering DJs like Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, The Disco Twins, Pete “DJ” Jones and others can tell you about their playlists. These icons can recall which 12″ singles (some of which had covered-up labels at the time) really opened up the party. These mixmasters can debate who played which breaks first, and who freaked these musical moments better. But how often can Heads in the 2010s really hear it as it was?

This weekend, cultural purveyor Hass718 shared a 40-minute segment from Elmhurst, Queens believed to be in the iconic 1977 year. The same calendar that brought the Blackout, Reggie Jackson’s “Mr. October” New York Yankees slug-fest, and the Son Of Sam’s arrest, delivered this party-in-audio. Recorded at P.S 127, Heads can hear the slang, catch the amazing rarities spun, and even get a taste of the Colt 45 beers for sale for 60¢ a pop—with some crazy on-the-mic advertising. This is just one party among many that era (and one that’s short on much info), but to the folks behind the wheels of steel, it rocks in ’15 just like it sounds like it did in ’77!

RAKIM ALLAH On my IG

RAKIM ALLAH - circa 1987 on stage (with ERIC B. of course) from I don’t remember where... but I don’t think I’ve ever shown this photograph anywhere before. Obviously one of, if not the, greatest MC ever. Posting to celebrate the recently SOLD OUT yet to be performed shows here NYC ... if i am in town i hope i find a way in to see him and my old friend Eric B. #HipHop #GOAT #EricBandRakim #EricBisPresident #Rap #creator #extraordinaire #inspiration #integrity #FollowTheLeader #IAINTNOJOKE #theR #DOPE #FILM #BADASS #THEGODMC

A post shared by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Mar 23, 2018 at 5:28pm PDT

LL COOL J live on stage with supersized Boom Box from my IG

LL COOL J on stage somewhere I'm guessing around 1986, based on the huge radio boom box behind him, and the classic Kangol on his head and shell toe Adidas on his feet... Good times, James Todd Smith blowin' up! So bad he could gargle with peanut butter. LL wrote an incredibly revealing essay for the MY RULES book, and along with many previously unseen photos of him the story he tells will blow you away. I'm grateful for his sharing and inspiration we all gain through his story. #hiphop #GoldenEra #DefJam #rushproductions #inspiration #godsquad #MC #RAP #FuckYouHeroes #MyRules #GetTheNewBook

A post shared by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 31, 2016 at 11:47am PST

DJ LORD x PEYOTE CODY x PROPHETS OF RAGE METAL SHRAPNEL MOSHTAPE VOL 2

This is DOPE!



TRACKLIST:

CHUCK D MOSHTAPE DROP JAM INTRO
DJ LORD SHOW ROUTINE x (JIMI HENDRIX x MC5 x BODY COUNT x BLACK SABBATH x SLAYER)
PROPHETS OF RAGE - RADICAL EYES x (MLK x LAST POETS x GIL SCOTT HERON x ZACK DE LA ROCHA x LEE SCRATCH PERRY)
ONE DAY AS A LION - IF YOU FEAR DYING x (KRS ONE)
PUBLIC ENEMY - TOXIC x (MISFITS)
BODY COUNT - CIVIL WAR
SOUNDGARDEN - JESUS CHRIST POSE x (ISSAC HAYES x BERNARD PURDIE x JAMES BROWN)
PROPHETS OF RAGE - WHO OWNS WHO x (JAMES BROWN x CHRIS CORNELL x BEASTIE BOYS)
PUBLIC ENEMY - BEAT THEM ALL
NERVOSA - WAKE UP AND FIGHT x (JAMES BROWN x EARTH WIND AND FIRE)
DAVID AXELROD - FOR WHAT ITS WORTH x (CYPRESS HILL)
DJ LORD - WIZARD LORD SOLO x (BLACK SABBATH)
FISHBONE - RIOT
PROPHETS OF RAGE - FIRED A SHOT x (CUTTY RANKS x THE CLASH x BEASTIE BOYS x RUN DMC x BOB MARLEY)
SLAYER - TAKE CONTROL x (BUSTA RHYMES)
DJ MUGGS x MAYHEM LAUREN x ACTION BRONSON x B REAL - TENSION x (CHRIS CORNELL)
IRON MAIDEN - FLIGHT OF ICARUS x TUPAC - HOLLA IF YOU HEAR ME x RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE - VIETNOW
EDAN - HELP
HEAVY METAL KINGS - GOLAN AND GLOBUS
READY FOR WAR BREAK
SCARFACE - BLACK STILL x (JUDAS PRIEST)
JUDAS PRIEST - SAINTS IN HELL
CZARFACE - NAUTICAL DEPTH
PROPHETS OF RAGE - STRENGTH IN NUMBERS x (BIG DADDY KANE x RUN DMC x JUDAS PRIEST x BETTY DAVIS)

DJ LORD: TURNTABILISM IMPERIALISM
PEYOTE CODY: MOSHUPS x RADICAL REDUCTION​

Three of my Shepard Fairey collaborations over the weekend on Instagram - Skate-Punk-HipHop

TONY "MAD DOG" ALVA - collaboration with Shepard Fairey @OBEYgiant of the iconic original (you can scroll down in my feed to see the original photo, or better yet get the MY RULES book!) T.A. trespassing in Beverly Hills 1977, first day using my Takumar 17 mm fisheye that was bought used for my 15th birthday. One of my favorites of ATTITUDE and an all time classic. One of the greatest and most important skateboarders in history. His STYLE is absolutely unique and incredible. The fact that he still has it to this day is noteworthy. The original photo was first published in an article I wrote in 1983(?) for Thrasher magazine "Taking and Talking Killer Skate Photos" where I gave tips and told stories on making great skateboarding photographs. Then it appeared un cropped full frame (as all the photographs) in my first hard cover book FUCK YOU HEROES. Now it also appears bigger and better reproduction than ever in my book MY RULES . #skateboarding #TonyAlva #Style #Attitude #KnowYourRoots #ZBoys #Zephyr #BlueTileObsession #TonyBlueTile #backyardpool #OBEY @obeygiant #FUN #inspiration #integrity #zflex #powerflex #middlefinger #art #collaboration #ShepardFairey #flippinthebird #classic #ICON #MyRules #GetTheNewBook #WestLA #DogTown

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 14, 2017 at 5:27pm PST

Keith Morris of the CIRCLE JERKS at the Starwood (Hollywood) circa 1980. This collaboration between Shepard Fairey @obeygiant , Keith and myself was cool to do, Keith inspired this color palate and it was a rare one for Shepard along side his typical red base, also did a blue based one. I always thought Keith had a a great writing style so I asked him to write down some of the songs he was most known for over the years as one of the great Punk Rock vocalists (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, OFF!). We also used some pieces of the LP cover i made with them. circle Jerks were a great band to see at this time and at this place, seemed to be the center of it all at the time. Keith is one of four people who wrote an editorial for my original MY RULES Photozine in 1982 as well as a piece for my latest book MY RULES (the other three being Ian MacKaye, Chuck Dukowski, and Jello Biafra) the book is huge and something you need to see (ask at your local bookstore or worst case scenario you can get it at Amazon). #inspiration #integrity #photography #book #keithmorris #circlejerks #punkrock #punk #LAPunk #FrontierRecords #WestCoastPunk #RedTape #LiveFastDieYoung #GoupSex #Bud #GetTheNewBook #MyRules #ShepardFairey @obeygiant #collaboration

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 15, 2017 at 3:21pm PST

PUBLIC ENEMY collaboration with Shepard Fairey from some years back, one of our first together, based on my 1987 photograph. Anyone who sees this doesn't need to be reminded on this holiday celebrating the life and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Probably doesn't need to be reminded of the social impact and inspiration this group started to make in the late 80's and beyond. I am proud to have worked with my brothers in the formative years and help spread the positive and strong ideas... and while not always perfect in those years, at least there was movement, encouragement and education going on, for anyone within earshot. What Public Enemy and the Bomb Squad started back then was a seed that still blossoms to this day. I believe they were responsible for incredible education among all races to the plight of African Americans. Contribution acknowledged 🙏🏽 ✌🏽👊🏽✊🏽🤝 - 🖕🏽racists #MLK #MalcolmX #RaceInAmerica #AmeriKKKa #PublicEnemy #PublicEnemyNumberOne #FightThePower #SpeakUp #FuckRacism #ChuckD #HipHop #Culture #NewYork #DefJam #MiuziWeighsATon #inspiration #integrity #FuckYouHeroes #MyRules this original photograph was one of their first publicity photos and appeared in Fuck You Heroes, on the shared single cover for "Bring The Noise" and in the My Rules book.

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 16, 2017 at 2:06pm PST

Rapping, deconstructed: the best rhymers of all time

interesting piece.

from Vox



There's a line in the first verse of MF Doom's track "Beef Rapp" that encapsulates everything I love about rappers who create complex rhyming patterns in their songs. It goes like this:

Whether it is animal, vegetable, or mineral
It's a miracle how he get so lyrical
And proceed to move the crowd like a old Negro spiritual

Not only is MF Doom talking about how he's a great rhymer, he's showing you.

I spoke with Martin Connor, a writer and music theorist who analyzes the rhyming patterns, beats, and rhythmic techniques of some of the greatest rappers, to figure out just how rhyming in rap music has evolved.



From the simple nursery rhyme–like bars of Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" to the smooth East Coast flow of Notorious B.I.G.'s hit song "Hypnotize" to the speedy delivery of Kendrick Lamar's "Rigamortis," rhyming in rap music has not only evolved, it's gotten better.

The video above explores how some of the greatest rappers of all time create memorable, lyrically dense rhymes.

And here's a playlist highlighting songs that are prime examples of how great rhyming in rap can be.

Lyricist Battle Supreme LOADED LUX VS CALICOE

SMACK/ URL recently held "Summer Madness 2"; their marquee event for the second year in a row. Thousands attended to see the worlds best battle MC's go against one another for three rounds of verbal combat. The event brought out celebrities and music legeneds such as P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Llloyd Banks and more. This match up is between Smack DVD battle legend Loaded Lux and URL star and fan favorite Calicoe. These two lyrical giants had been fueding for sometime and their was only one stage in the world where their differences could be settled; THE URL!!! To see more of the worlds biggest MC Battles subscribe to www.youtube.com/theurltv or follow us @URLTV WWW.URLTV.TV

ILL MIND of HOPSINHIp-HOP's Not Dead, Pt. 2

Second time this week I am totally blown away by a young MC, this kid HOPSIN is even better than the last. And he's been around a few years, but brand new to me.

Oh did i mention he's also a skater?

I'm going to post his newest, incredible, video on top here, over a million plays in it's first 24 hours up.



And a few more of his clips both over 10 million views each, crazy . . .





An interview with him last. Pretty incredible stuff. Enjoy.

A Fine 25 minutes of True Hip-Hop History ...

This show was fucking amazing, i remember stumbling upon it by mistake back then and it blew my mind, the RunDMC performance is one of the greatest moments in Hip Hop History.

Graffiti Rock‘s Michael Holman and DJ Jimmy Jazz

Before Yo! MTV Raps and Rap City hit the markets in the late ‘80s, New York culture maven Michael Holman first made the move to put hip-hop culture on TV with the show Graffiti Rock.

In 1984, Holman—who played music with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Vincent Gallo in the legendarily obscure band Grey—got a bunch of banker friends to put together $150,000 to shoot the pilot for the series at Madison Ave. and 106th St. It screened on WPIX channel 11 in June 1984.

Holman turned the show into a seminar on the culture. Alongside future superstars Run D.M.C., Kool Moe Dee and Shannon—and cameos by “Prince Vince” Gallo and Debi Mazar—he featured his own crew the New York City Breakers, pieces by graf artist Brim, and hilarious slang translations. For the time, the show is pretty slick and ready for prime-time. Holman picks up the tragic story from there…

So the show airs and actually does much better than people thought! We got great ratings and aired in 88 syndicated markets, nationwide. But when we went to Las Vegas to sell the show at NAPTE (National Association of Producers of Television Entertainment) we hit a wall. First, the station managers (the people responsible for purchasing new shows in their markets) didn’t understand why “Graffiti Rock,” and hip hop was different to what Soul Train was offering. Secondly, certain stations wouldn’t take the chance to buy “Graffiti Rock,” unless other, larger markets did first. Chicago was waiting on L.A. to bite, and L.A. was waiting on New York. But the major New York syndicated stations at the time, were controlled by unsavory characters, and they wanted money under the table to put the show on the air! My main investors refused to deal with these forces (I of course would have done whatever I had to to get it on the air, and am still pissed they didn’t play along!)...

Graffiti Rock proved a legendary snapshot into what hip-hop TV was about to be. What a shot in the arm it would have been for the culture. Gnarls Barkley would later lovingly spoof Holman and the show for the video for their 2008 hit “Run” and before that, the Beastie Boys sampled Holman’s excellent little seminar on scratching in pt. 2 on their tune “Alright Hear This.”

Here's an an appeal for you to reward a culture hero like Holman by buying the DVD for just $9.95. I bought it as soon as it was released for double this price!

Thanks, DangerousMinds

"Ice Loves CoCo" (this is some crazy shit)

The Art of Rap | Movie Trailer #1

My good old friend, all around nice guy, and loyal friend to many, is directing his own documentary. Here's his 1st trailer for the flick.