A site for underground hip hop heads, musicians, fans, and lovers of the culture. We have art work, videos, a classified section, and a musician's corner. Stay tuned. We will be constantly adding to the site.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Something I've noticed in the current hip hop culture.
As a lot of you know, I've always enjoyed the hip hop culture and rap music. I've seen a lot of trends come and go, and come back for the better or worse. I've gone through a phase where I would rail against songs that had any form of disrespect to women, or anything degrading in them (as folks could see in my previous blog addressing such issues) . I wouldn't even touch a club song with a ten foot pole with a condom on the end of it because I was "too conscious" for all of that, lol. Nowadays things are a bit different.
These days, instead of restricting myself based on prior beliefs, I am willing to check out the artist to see for myself, and take their music for what it is. Recently, I've been exposed to Tyga, Big Sean, and Lil Wayne. And you know what? I may not like the stuff that Tyga, and Big Sean put out, but I take it for what it is: Music made strictly for dancing to. If a person loves to dance, then it suits them. Since I don't go to the club, nor can I dance (strange fact for the day), I figure the music wasn't made for me and leave it at that. Lil Wayne has surprised me at times during appearences on various albums (Nas and Damian Marley's Distant Relatives album), but I still don't go very far to search out his stuff. I enjoy GOOD gangsta rap even though I was never a gangsta. I knew people who were into the street life,I can sympathise with their struggle and feel where they are coming from. Believe it or not, some of the smartest people are/were all in the street life, it's just the dumb ones who put their business out there and get caught up, and some cases, skin color plays it's part as well (don't front, it is true that cops will go after anyone looking "suspect", and that particular level of suspicion depends on the area you live in regardless if you are in the street life or not). Some of these people get dismissed because they may not have graduated high school or been to college. That doesn't mean they are stupid or uneducated, they just have a different degree from a different school that some of us may not have gone to.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is stop being so restrictive. Think about it, the hip hop culture is the most diverse culture to come out of this country. Run DMC was the first to incorporate rock samples in their music, and as a result, many many legendary artists have used various samples from various genres of music to this day. I'm not saying all hip hop fans should go out and buy all albums by every artist ever made, but when I find an artist that may not fit into my so called parameters or requirements for a dope emcee, I check it out, and then form my opinion regardless. They may be Black, White, Puerto Rican, Asian, thug, ex laywer, ex scientist, homeless,street scholar, political, etc. If they spit that real hip hop, then I'm all over it. Life is too short to be trying to fit yourself in a box. That being said, here are some more dope emcees I've encountered over the course of several years. Feel free to check them out. Maybe they might gain a new fan or two!
Bambu- http://bamburants.blogspot.com/
I Self Divine- http://first-avenue.com/event/2012/05/iselfdevine
David Thompson- http://www.kooleyhigh.com/
Keith Charles Spacebar- http://spacebar.bandcamp.com/album/beforecommonera
Lute- http://westsidelute.bandcamp.com/album/west1996
Brother Ali- http://rhymesayers.com/brotherali
Termanology- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termanology
Psalm One- http://regularblackgirl.com/
Tito Lopez- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiTDfdw_WCE
Aceyalone- http://aceyalone.bandcamp.com/releases
Friday, March 9, 2012
Classified
CD/DVD Repair:
Is your CD collection looking kinda raggady? Do you love your albums so much that you have cds that you've played so much that you've had to replace them several times? Are your jewel cases all scratched up, faded by the sun, or just flat out broken? If so, Don't worry, I got your back. I know this economy has been bad for quite some time, and a lot of folks just don't want to replace their albums, or pay really high prices for music stores to buff out their CDs, only to bring them home, or play them in the car and find out the same skip or jump in the track is still... there...???? That's why there is an alternative. I offer a professional CD repair service that will allow you to completely restore your album.* That means I will replace your jewel case, and repair your album.
Now I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking it would be expensive, therefore I invite you to be the judge. The rates are as follows :
Deluxe package for single cds: (includes a new case, and a repaired cd) $1.68 per album
Double Disk Deluxe (also known as the "Triple D" package): $2.56 per album
Regular package for single cds and double albums: (disk only) $1.23 per disk, meaning if you need to have both disks of 2Pac's All Eyes on Me repaired, then each disk is $1.23, or $2.46 total
Please e-mail me with the subject heading describing your package, or questions, meaning if you want 2 double albums with the triple d package, just include "triple d package for 2 double albums" in the heading. In the body, include your mailing address and name .
*This does not include artwork restoration.
Is your CD collection looking kinda raggady? Do you love your albums so much that you have cds that you've played so much that you've had to replace them several times? Are your jewel cases all scratched up, faded by the sun, or just flat out broken? If so, Don't worry, I got your back. I know this economy has been bad for quite some time, and a lot of folks just don't want to replace their albums, or pay really high prices for music stores to buff out their CDs, only to bring them home, or play them in the car and find out the same skip or jump in the track is still... there...???? That's why there is an alternative. I offer a professional CD repair service that will allow you to completely restore your album.* That means I will replace your jewel case, and repair your album.
Now I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking it would be expensive, therefore I invite you to be the judge. The rates are as follows :
Deluxe package for single cds: (includes a new case, and a repaired cd) $1.68 per album
Double Disk Deluxe (also known as the "Triple D" package): $2.56 per album
Regular package for single cds and double albums: (disk only) $1.23 per disk, meaning if you need to have both disks of 2Pac's All Eyes on Me repaired, then each disk is $1.23, or $2.46 total
Please e-mail me with the subject heading describing your package, or questions, meaning if you want 2 double albums with the triple d package, just include "triple d package for 2 double albums" in the heading. In the body, include your mailing address and name .
*This does not include artwork restoration.
Monday, February 13, 2012
How can females like rap music?
Over the years, I've been asked this question a million times. As an avid rap fan for many years, I have struggled with it as well. I have gone through several phases where I would ban various artists from my ears because they constantly referred to females as all types of "bitches" and/or "hoes". It didn't matter if they did it all day or maybe just once in a while. I used to show complete distain for women who dance to songs that showed flagrant disregard for females, and even once thought the artist as possibly being gay due to the vitriol they spewed fourth when it came to their relations with women, because I felt these artists were responsible for why young guys felt it was acceptable to ask a random chick walking down the street whether or not they would let the guy "do her neck" (true story), and have the audacity to act hurt when the girl became offended by what was said. Meanwhile, flashing cash in ridiculous ways and artists rapping to their fans saying in so many words that we won't ever have shit, won't be shit, and can't do shit, so stop hating and buy their cd while calling us broke mofos all at the same time started to get on my nerves after a while. It got to the point where I would question the motive of said artists, and ask, "Why would people want to buy their stuff so they could get crapped on in their ear? That's like some sadomasochistic type stuff right there." So I'm going to address these topics first and foremost since they seem to stand out the most for me, and a lot of other people I'm sure.
Now before readers jump all over me for lambasting rap music and attacking artists for what they do or what I perceive they did, please note that I said, " I used to". Here is why I came to that conclusion and what I did in order to continue to enjoy the art and do so unapologetically:
Regarding women dancing to degrading music:
Sure, some artists do that, but as a female, I must examine the situation closely. First I must understand that in a lot of cases, the artist is a guy. (The female artists who degrade are not off the hook yet. I'll get to them a bit later,lol). Guys in general talk that talk amongst each other. They have done so for years. The only difference is that it has been publicized in various art forms. Women of all races have been disrespected for centuries, its just that no one has talked about it and it was the norm. I have come to the conclusion that the artists are telling their "locker room stories" to other guys. Sure, back in the day,if they were talking in a park, they might have quieted down when they saw a female walk by, but in reality they have no idea whether the person on the other end of the speakers is a female. Men tell tales of sexual conquest (and so do women), and sometimes things get trumped up. Yes their audience is a whole lot bigger now, and yes some things shouldn't get aired out like that, but who are we to silence them? I could play the "well they should have been raised better" card, but I guarantee that those who were "raised better" probably did or said similar things back in the day. The difference is the story about that particular female hasn't been blasted across the world. Women have dealt with it and will still continue to, be it by dancing to the music or starting a movement of sorts. If they chose to dance to it, then so be it. I can't account for anybody's actions but my own, and I really don't have time to worry about what they are doing.
For the record, I am not for the disrespect of women, and I am not calling all women "queens" so to speak. Yes there are shady men and women out there. Face it. All men aren't "kings"either. There are just as many trifling mofos out there as terrible women. As we go out into the world we are bound to run across (or become)one of these fools (men or women). It is our choice to keep company with them, not associate with them, or become them. This also applies to the female rappers who talk trash about men or women as well.
My take regarding female rappers and sexuality:
Ladies: Men are visual creatures. Men are mostly the fan base. Therefore a lot of the mainstream female rap artists are catering to that demographic. Men don't want to hear about how some guy did a girl wrong, a break up to make up relationship, lost love,or growing up as a young woman, etc. A lot of men want to hear how the artist can sex them up while looking hot as well. Unfortunately, there are some female artists who don't really want to be known for all of that,but still appear as "grown and sexy" so these artists get the short end of the stick when it comes to gaining exposure.
My stance on women degrading women.
Women can be very jealous. It shows its ugly head in various ways (2 women+ same outfit = #hellisfinabreaklooseupinhurr). So depending on the women, she may attempt to deflect it by saying something along the lines of, "Fuck these hoes and bitches! Can't nobody do it like me", etc. Strangely enough, the same goes with guys in the club, except there might be an unsettled issue (or same outfit scenario) that might cause a fight or worse, bullets. Again, it depends on how the person deals with it. Rap music is all about status. Always has been, always will be. This leads me to the next thing to watch for: Rapping about "Bling"
Remember Erick B and Rakim's album cover, "Paid In Full" ? That cover was made in 1987, long before the so called, "Bling Era" of rap. Note the stack of money, the chains, and the "fly" clothes of the day donned by them, not to mention the title of the album. The whole album is about getting paid. in. full., or cutting out the middle man so to speak.
I also used to get annoyed about the flaunting of cash by No Limit, and Cash Money Records. But guess what? Everybody wants money, new clothes, a nice car, and a house. It's a universal phenomenon in this country. I know I like to be able to go shopping every once in a while, I buy jewelry once in a while, and I want to eat good as well. Yes, No Limit and Cash Money and various other camps, or artists were a bit excessive with it, but that's how they chose to spend their money. Sure, I could do without the platinum teeth encrusted with diamonds, the Lamborghini with the suicide doors, and a pool in my living room, but a lot of rappers rap about having "thangs" so to speak. I could listen to Nappy Roots spit about cars all day long, because they do it so well, but it was torture listening to Still Fly from Big Tymers.
I guess what I'm saying here is in order for a female to still enjoy rap music, she needs to do this:
The trick is to search for artists who rap well and fit your music tastes. It was a lot harder to search for music back in the day because it meant you needed to do some traveling to the music shop, dub some tapes from your friends, etc, but we have the internet for God's sake! So much is at our finger tips it's insane! Yes, it takes time to find these artists, but when I find them, either I'm pleasantly surprised, or I have another album or mixtape I have to discard. The best part about it is a lot of the stuff I find is free, so I don't waste any money.
I can hold on to my Jean Grae, Rah Digga, and Bahamadia cds in hopes more dope female emcees will take the underground crown, and get noticed for having flows and not being hoes while hearkening back to the so called "Good ol' days " when Monie Love, Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Salt and Peppa ran the game, or I can get busy looking for artists like these:
Boog Brown
K-Rino
NYOIL
Signif
Declaime
Jasiri X
Horse Shoe Gang
Ill Sevenz Music Group
The Left
Nitty Scott, MC
Invincible
Tiye Phoenix
On that note, I hope I encourage you to start digging the e-crates to find your new favorite artists. Hopefully, I can get another female out there (or male for that matter) to like hip hop and realize that hip hop is not dead, it is alive and and well, kickin it in the underground.
Now before readers jump all over me for lambasting rap music and attacking artists for what they do or what I perceive they did, please note that I said, " I used to". Here is why I came to that conclusion and what I did in order to continue to enjoy the art and do so unapologetically:
Regarding women dancing to degrading music:
Sure, some artists do that, but as a female, I must examine the situation closely. First I must understand that in a lot of cases, the artist is a guy. (The female artists who degrade are not off the hook yet. I'll get to them a bit later,lol). Guys in general talk that talk amongst each other. They have done so for years. The only difference is that it has been publicized in various art forms. Women of all races have been disrespected for centuries, its just that no one has talked about it and it was the norm. I have come to the conclusion that the artists are telling their "locker room stories" to other guys. Sure, back in the day,if they were talking in a park, they might have quieted down when they saw a female walk by, but in reality they have no idea whether the person on the other end of the speakers is a female. Men tell tales of sexual conquest (and so do women), and sometimes things get trumped up. Yes their audience is a whole lot bigger now, and yes some things shouldn't get aired out like that, but who are we to silence them? I could play the "well they should have been raised better" card, but I guarantee that those who were "raised better" probably did or said similar things back in the day. The difference is the story about that particular female hasn't been blasted across the world. Women have dealt with it and will still continue to, be it by dancing to the music or starting a movement of sorts. If they chose to dance to it, then so be it. I can't account for anybody's actions but my own, and I really don't have time to worry about what they are doing.
For the record, I am not for the disrespect of women, and I am not calling all women "queens" so to speak. Yes there are shady men and women out there. Face it. All men aren't "kings"either. There are just as many trifling mofos out there as terrible women. As we go out into the world we are bound to run across (or become)one of these fools (men or women). It is our choice to keep company with them, not associate with them, or become them. This also applies to the female rappers who talk trash about men or women as well.
My take regarding female rappers and sexuality:
Ladies: Men are visual creatures. Men are mostly the fan base. Therefore a lot of the mainstream female rap artists are catering to that demographic. Men don't want to hear about how some guy did a girl wrong, a break up to make up relationship, lost love,or growing up as a young woman, etc. A lot of men want to hear how the artist can sex them up while looking hot as well. Unfortunately, there are some female artists who don't really want to be known for all of that,but still appear as "grown and sexy" so these artists get the short end of the stick when it comes to gaining exposure.
My stance on women degrading women.
Remember Erick B and Rakim's album cover, "Paid In Full" ? That cover was made in 1987, long before the so called, "Bling Era" of rap. Note the stack of money, the chains, and the "fly" clothes of the day donned by them, not to mention the title of the album. The whole album is about getting paid. in. full., or cutting out the middle man so to speak.
I also used to get annoyed about the flaunting of cash by No Limit, and Cash Money Records. But guess what? Everybody wants money, new clothes, a nice car, and a house. It's a universal phenomenon in this country. I know I like to be able to go shopping every once in a while, I buy jewelry once in a while, and I want to eat good as well. Yes, No Limit and Cash Money and various other camps, or artists were a bit excessive with it, but that's how they chose to spend their money. Sure, I could do without the platinum teeth encrusted with diamonds, the Lamborghini with the suicide doors, and a pool in my living room, but a lot of rappers rap about having "thangs" so to speak. I could listen to Nappy Roots spit about cars all day long, because they do it so well, but it was torture listening to Still Fly from Big Tymers.
I guess what I'm saying here is in order for a female to still enjoy rap music, she needs to do this:
The trick is to search for artists who rap well and fit your music tastes. It was a lot harder to search for music back in the day because it meant you needed to do some traveling to the music shop, dub some tapes from your friends, etc, but we have the internet for God's sake! So much is at our finger tips it's insane! Yes, it takes time to find these artists, but when I find them, either I'm pleasantly surprised, or I have another album or mixtape I have to discard. The best part about it is a lot of the stuff I find is free, so I don't waste any money.
I can hold on to my Jean Grae, Rah Digga, and Bahamadia cds in hopes more dope female emcees will take the underground crown, and get noticed for having flows and not being hoes while hearkening back to the so called "Good ol' days " when Monie Love, Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Salt and Peppa ran the game, or I can get busy looking for artists like these:
Boog Brown
K-Rino
NYOIL
Signif
Declaime
Jasiri X
Horse Shoe Gang
Ill Sevenz Music Group
The Left
Nitty Scott, MC
Invincible
Tiye Phoenix
On that note, I hope I encourage you to start digging the e-crates to find your new favorite artists. Hopefully, I can get another female out there (or male for that matter) to like hip hop and realize that hip hop is not dead, it is alive and and well, kickin it in the underground.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Disclaimer (Read this before you read any other poems from me)
So you wanna know what's on my mind?
I must warn you.
These wide lines hide hard times behind leather designs.
Some might find they invoke hope from the rhymes I spoke.
Others see trials and tribulations that might burn their throat.
Keep in mind, writing is how I cope.
Otherwise the tide gets high enough to make me choke.
I can't swim,so I row my broken boat to stay afloat.
The fight inside me got me tough enough to write this note.
So if you continue to let me keep your ear, sit back relax and grab your favorite beer.
Let me take you where I've been and tell you what I know.
It ain't much, maybe you'll take home your favorite quote.
I might lose friends from what you see in this.
Before you read on, I give my hug and farewell kiss.
I hope I miss you, there's no telling where my mind will go,
WIth that said, I finish my flow so I could start the show.
Thank you.
I must warn you.
These wide lines hide hard times behind leather designs.
Some might find they invoke hope from the rhymes I spoke.
Others see trials and tribulations that might burn their throat.
Keep in mind, writing is how I cope.
Otherwise the tide gets high enough to make me choke.
I can't swim,so I row my broken boat to stay afloat.
The fight inside me got me tough enough to write this note.
So if you continue to let me keep your ear, sit back relax and grab your favorite beer.
Let me take you where I've been and tell you what I know.
It ain't much, maybe you'll take home your favorite quote.
I might lose friends from what you see in this.
Before you read on, I give my hug and farewell kiss.
I hope I miss you, there's no telling where my mind will go,
WIth that said, I finish my flow so I could start the show.
Thank you.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
TheSpot4HipHopTV has arrived
Welcome to TheSpot4HipHopTV. Please be patient. New videos and a better channel are coming soon.
Garcia Vega kicks knowledge to artists wishing to branch out.
Here's part 2 I was browsing the internet yesterday, and I found this show called "Real Wrap". I liked it, I like it a lot. So without further adeiu, here is "Real Wrap.
Garcia Vega kicks knowledge to artists wishing to branch out.
Here's part 2 I was browsing the internet yesterday, and I found this show called "Real Wrap". I liked it, I like it a lot. So without further adeiu, here is "Real Wrap.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Mission
Okay, I know what you're thinking. There are so many hip hop related blogs out here it's ridiculous. Why am I starting another one? Well, it's simple. My goal is to not copy all of the other hip hop blogs out there, but to showcase my contribution to the culture I love so much. I plan on focusing on the areas that I feel have been given little attention within the culture, as well as document my small contribution to it. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer, and give genuine feedback. No I will not support links to porn, drugs (illegal or illegal), nonsensical flame wars,spam, etc. If you want to do that, then go ahead and do it, but not on my blog. I encourage you to add your contributions as well. I hope to create a unique area where people can express their opinions, share their talents, dreams (and all of that sappy ish, lol). Without further adieu, I present " The Spot 4 Hip Hop".
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