25 years ago, we lost a legend. And a giant inspiration to so many. Much love to the genius that is, Marvin Gaye.
Ok, so I know it's expected of me to blog about hip hop. But as of late, I have been focusing on this more conscious, "hipster" type sound, which is wonderful, but do not let it fool you that I don't like that real street shit too. Hahaha. Yeah, I feel like there needs to be a bit of balance, and I like rough gangster rap too. But to me, the real deal right now is coming from Philly. The home of one of my favorite music bands of all time; The Roots, Philadelphia is also home to two particularly excellent rappers. Beanie Sigel & Freeway. Roc-a-fella dudes, big beards, rough voices, and fat bellies. No doubt Mac daddy Beans is a legend, but Freeway also had a huge debut album, with the major production by Just Blaze. That's one of the best rap albums I own. Not to mention last year, he released 31 songs alone in the month of December. And they were good. I dunno I just dig these cats. That hard Philly sound, its just fresh and different. It's not ridiculous radio music, it's strictly rap. Keep an eye out on these brothers. Beans has new material on the way, and Free, he just never stops.
No secret that Mickey Factz is one of my top dudes in the music scene right now. His mixtapes have all been incredible, and I'm sure his debut album will be no less. Mickey recently signed a deal as a Honda spokesmen, and in return released a new track which was supposed to fit in nicely with a new commercial. The track is titled Sensibility. I could care less about the car, but let me say this is my favorite track I have heard in 09. Big words, but I stick with it, for now.
Oh man, I really am becoming such a huge fan of Andrew Bird. A friend of mine introduced me to him one day just sitting around building a bookshelf for Cami. I saw his cover art and was immediately intrigued. It turns out his music was just as amazing as his covers. I'm a huge lover of orchestral strings, so his music is near and dear to my heart. Armchair Apocrypha was a brilliant and beautiful album, and now Andrew Bird returns with his latest work, Noble Beast. Once again, with great album art, and brilliant music. A classic distinct voice, absolutely incredible violin string sections, and just happy melodic tunes. There are two real standout tracks on here. First off, any Radiohead fan, check out Not a robot, but a ghost. To me this experimental song is very obvious Bird is easily a big Kid A fan. This jam reminds me of total Thom Yorke sound. And then there's Anonanimal, which is gonna be what I say the best song I've heard this year so far. So please if you dig relaxed good indie rock, check the Bird.
This photo is like what I'm all about. I love to turn the tables when it comes to art, expression, etc. You can easily see this as a drawing of mine if you know me. I love usage of animals, especially animals in human like situations or with human characterstics. I saw this image and just felt that connection. Awesome shit.
Paul Jasmin, a successful and great photographer. A big inspiration to me and many others. But most of all this dude is just stylish as fuck. Check out some of his recent Band Of Outsiders adds. Dude has swagger. And as for Band Of Outsiders, I need to find a store in Miami that sells this brand.
God, how good would this be for a date. This is a restaurant actually based in a tree. It is called the Yellow Treehouse Restaurant and it was built in Auckland, New Zealand. It's built 10 metres up in a redwood tree by architects Peter Eising and Lucy Gauntlett representing Pacific Environment Architects. A dinner here costs $125 per head, and I'm almost positve this place will have year long waiting lists. Well, if I ever make it out to New Zealand. I shall be eating here.
