What I See – September 07
September07 by D2Nott
Civil Rights
It’s hard to believe how far society has come, but incidents like the Jena 6 remind us that there is still work left to do. Demonstrate do not explicate. When you slow down to talk about the people that keep your name in their mouth you seem to end up falling behind. Last time I checked everyone’s goal was supposed to be getting ahead in life. Creativity seems to be at a standstill so beef, hate and sex sell.
That’s not going to change but it’s always good to stay competitive and September 11th gave the game a much needed edge. When something “new” comes out, it should change outlooks or at least give an innovative perspective on an already existing issue, if it doesn’t its kind of pointless. And you wonder why people don’t like to read. Is it possible to outgrow a type of music? The generation that grew up when rap first started now have kids who grew up more privileged than their parents.
So, turning to someone for advice who knows more than you, whether it’s about the streets, classroom, business or life in general should not be frowned upon. You’ve got one life to live – be prepared for the consequences of your actions.
What More Can I Say (The Black Album) …
Jay-Z smoking a cigar
“There’s never been a nigga this good for this long
This hood Or this pop, this hot, Or this strong
With so many different flows
This ones for this song, the next one i’ll switch up
This one will get bit up
These fucks To lazy to make up shit, They crazy
They don’t…paint pictures, They just trace me
You know what, Soon they forget who they plucked
They whole style from And try to reverse the outcome I’m like…huh
I’m not a biter, I’m a writter, For myself and others
I say a B.I.G. verse I’m only biggin up my brother
Biggin up my borough
I’m big enough to do it, I’m that thorough
Plus I know my own flow is foolish
So the rings and things you sing about, Bring em out
It’s hard to yell when the bar-rel’s in your mouth
Jay-Z
September 11th was not only a day to remember those who died on that fateful day 6 years ago, but also the day Rapper Kanye West, GQ International Man of the Year’s album Graduation came out and moved over 957,000 copies its first week in stores, beating 50 Cent’s album Curtis, which sold 691,000 copies. Both albums exceeded some expectations, but their album sales dropped almost 80% after the first week. Gorrila Zoe and Common came out late in the month but seem to be the two albums to look out for. With Cornel West, Cassidy, Freeway, Blood Raw, Soulja Boy and Mac Dre’s tribute album all set to release in October, this fall you will have something to chat about.
Denzel Washington - American Gangster
On October 2nd EA Sports released the soundtrack to NBA LIVE 08 which features Wyclef Jean, Eve, DJ Jazzy Jeff, CL Smooth, Marley Marl and KRS-One just to name a few. Percy “Master P” Miller has been all over television promoting his new book, “Guaranteed Success: When You Never Give Up.” Miller Enterprises also teamed with Seth Green (Austin Powers, Family Guy, Robot Chicken) and Matthew Senreich to make the game, “Play the Industry.” Gamers assume the role of a rapper, an agent, a power broker or an athlete in a quest for fame.
Gaining interest with the anticipated debut, it was announced that proceeds from the premiere of American Gangster would be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America. Speaking of which, Rapper Jay-Z has announced that he will release an album this November titled American Gangster. While Jay-Z’s version of American Gangster is separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, the new album is Jay-Z’s lyrical interpretation.
In sports, Marc Ecko announced that he was the anonymous bidder who won Barry Bonds’ 756th homerun ball, at a price tag of $752,000. Ecko set up a website and allowed the public to vote on the fate of the historic ball. Over 10 million fans voted to permanently brand the ball with an asterisk before sending it to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s popular clothing line Rocawear was in negotiations to become the naming-right pat to the Meadowlands arena. However, it was recently announced that The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has awarded clothing maker Izod, best known for its sports shirts, naming rights to the arena in the Meadowlands. The building will now be called the Izod Center.
Ecko - asterisk on Bonds' 756
BET’s two-part special on the state of Hip-Hop music in the series Hip-Hop vs. America debuted and posed many questions that come up when speaking about hip hop. The show shed light on the influence music has on the African American community as well as those that may not be as familiar with that lifestyle. The show included such rappers and celebrities like Chuck D., Master P., Nelly, T.I., Mike Jones, Melyssa Ford, Benny Boom, Michael Eric Dyson, Stanley Crouch, and MC Lyte. Atlanta rapper T.I. emerged as the man to beat when nominations were announced for this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards set to air on BET October 17th. T.I.’s album T.I. vs. T.I.P. received nine nods for Best Collaboration, Best Live Performance, Lyricist of the Year, MVP, Track of the Year, CD of the Year, Hustler of the Year, Best Ringtone and Viewer’s Choice. Other nominees included Lil’ Wayne with seven nominations,Kanye West with six, Common with five and Jay-Z with four. While Ludacris and 50 Cent each received three nominations, Diddy and UGK earned two nominations. In addition to honoring the best in Hip-Hop, the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2007 will recognize rap legend KRS-One with the “I Am Hip-Hop” Icon Award.
Not to be outdone, Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons and legendary Jazz musician Herbie Hancock were among the musicians and celebrities taking part in the Daniel Pearl World Music Days concert series, scheduled for October 1-15 around the world. Bill Clinton, Bono, Wyclef, Shakira, Chris Rock and Alicia Keys made sure they gave the audience an evening to remember at the Apollo Theater. The event, called “Giving – Live at the Apollo” was co-sponsored by MTV and the Clinton Global Initiative.
Clinton took the stage and told the audience about his one-time ambitions to play at the world-famous Harlem venue. According to Clinton, community forums like MySpace and YouTube help like-minded young people come together far more easily than with previous generations. Thus reiterating that no matter what the means of getting information out, we can be the constructors of change.
A little life can take you far away. They say I work magic; just doing what I do. With Hip-hop honors week coming up the first week in October, its only right that I leave you with a quote reminding you that consumers seem to make prophets out of those that think ahead.
“What I See” – D2Nott
Read more at What I See at Nottheads
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