Gender: Male
Age: 30
City: Stocktown
Country: SE
Signup Date:
11/29/05
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Thursday, July 03, 2008
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When rappers are just empty
I've been you-tubing my ass off. Trying to get intuned with hiphop "beefs."
Everybody is so occupied with money and headlines - and ways to get headlines so they can make money - that they go all out and become The Bold & The Beautiful with GUNS.
If you're not unemployed (and a lady) - I have a hard time understanding why it matters.
It is a case when authenticity is the only measure - in a fight for sensationalism. Duh. Duuuuuh. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH.
There is a pinching sensation that I'm getting too old for this. Then I realize it's the game that's getting old.
I just peeped Pete Rock's album, I know I'm late. And damn, I felt, for the first time in my life, that a producer is nicer than me on the mic. The rhythm and the timing. Everything fits so well. And I've learned, sadly, that if I want anything from hiphop these days, I'll have to settle for that. It's a surface you can't scratch, the whole thing will break if you do. And shit, the form is great. And that means a lot. That's what I like with hiphop, the form, it's just waiting to be filled up with stuff. But... Who brings it these days?
Listening to Pete Rock, you get a lot of rappers explaining how good they are. And ofcourse there's an irony here. Because if you say you're good, how you say it is all that counts. And there comes a point with these rappers where you just say, "yes, he's tight too." - And that's that! There's nothing you can get from these rappers except their idea that they're good. It has nothing to do with life, or big ideas, or humour, anything that makes life relevant to anyone but themselves. (Only a few manage to say things with the tone of their voice alone.)
It reminds me of dudes making a lot of vases with nothing to stuff them with. And there comes a point where everything stops being about vases, and you direct your eyes to what they are missing. It's emptiness and stuff that could have been. And even if your pride depends on it, you'll still look stupid being so empty... So who brings it these days?
Well, Pharoahe Monch never fails to bring it. And then we have EMC's new album. What EMC should get props for is their honesty and how they make everything just come to life. But thoughtwise? They were slacking. You don't have to think twice once.
I'd like to know of a rapper, who stood up for something bigger than himself. One who actually contemplated issues in his lyrics.
I can't think of a better way to finish this blog off than with Boots. Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12JJv6yCk7Q
6:11 PM
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Tuesday, July 01, 2008
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Sunday, June 29, 2008
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More proof
Here's another bit of evidence that shows that concern for others is indeed evolutionary. I think market liberal politicians send out signals that go against what we know about the human condition.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618093247.htm
Take care, and not just of yourself.
5:54 PM
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Connect the dots (short story)
The door flew open with a smash as Jimmy left the office of JuVenial Records. The sneakers felt light to the sidewalk and the sun struck his smile, and it didn't matter what struck him now, the smile wouldn't go away.
"You just gotta connect the dots, connect-the-dots, connect-the-DOTS!" he sang to himself.
It had been different a year ago. Then he'd already been rapping for a few years and figured he should make something out of it. But things didn't come easy. He'd had a heart-to-heart with Steve and then said he didn't know about his career anymore.
"Jim, you know, there's one thing I learned from my english teacher in high school. And he said what you can't know can't have a name!!"
"How about your father?" Jimmy said.
But Jorge's older brother Miguel had been a DJ for a while. So once at a party, Jimmy stepped up to the man and said: "Man I been cool with Jorge a minute now, and I don't know if he told you, but I rap, and I do and I mean this shit! Man I'm just trying to get a foot in. And I figured you should know what's up, know what I'm sayin? So what's up!"
There had been a curious smile on Miguel's face, sure, but then again he did take his time out to spit game. And when Jimmy went through it in his head the day after, he penned it down:
Connect the dots. Figure out where I wanna go and then set up a map in my head. What's important and where I wanna go. And just connect the dots!
Connect the dots. Approaching Miguel had been one of them dots, he just had to figure out the next move and go there. Because when you connect the dots you draw a line. And you draw a line as to what is okay and what is not.
It turned out it worked everywhere when he talked to people. Even the saying went home, even when he spoke to chicks, so he stuck to it. And became more and more committed. He sat down and wrote a song called "Connect the dots."
"My record's hot cuz I know to connect a dot
your records flop cuz you connect with cops
My record's hot cuz I know to connect a dot
just watch the check I got"
He recorded it and sent it to a few labels. And so JuVenial Records called and they had the meeting. The man had such a big smile on his face, and seemed chummy. But soon it became a bit awkward because, the man behind the big desk didn't even try to connect with him personally. They were of different sorts; but it was cool, because it seemed they might believe in him.
"Jimmy, I'll think I'll tell my kids about this moment. But I shouldn't get ahead of myself. This is very important. I need to know where you want to go with this, it is of utmost concern to us, and to you also. Ofcourse. What is your drive, where do you want to go? I love your song and I played it to my kids, they are crazy about it."
"Go? Man I just connect the dots, know what I'm sayin? Yeeaeh, I'll go places cuz I know the business!"
And suddenly there was a contract in front of him. He looked up at the man. And started to eye the contract more concernedly.
"See the dotted line...?" And now there was something of a nervous twitch around the man's eyes.
"Yeah," Jimmy said and held the pen and stared at the paper. Slowly he drew a line between the dots. It looked like a flatline.
5:29 PM
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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Monday, June 23, 2008
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Something just hit me
A friend reminded me that all the classic fight scenes from kung-fu flicks can be found on Youtube. So I clicked my way around and realized something. With all that choreography, isn't it the best way to trick young boys into watching dance?
Is Wu-Tang latently homosexual?
10:43 PM
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
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90s hiphop YEAH
I have two general feelings: I don't get it. And I'm missing out. I'm trying to be smarter and hipper. This one tip is thanks to my favorite Kari.
http://www.themeaningofdope.com/
A blog I have missed. One just made for me. I see and learn so much that was in between the songs that I loved as a teenager.
5:20 PM
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Jay-Z tonight
I just got home from the Jay-Z concert at the Stockholm Globe Arena. It's my first big concert ever. I've been to half-big concerts like DITC and Slum Village, etc, but never an arena gig.
Jay-Z is incredible. He is a born entertainer, though he wasn't funny a bit. There were big screens beside him and back of him, so that everyone could see better. And if there was a song you couldn't place, there were images from the video so you know what song you're listening to.
The live band was great. But certainly had their place in the background. Though being great - they were still props. A high point was when he let the drummer shine with a solo, it was incredible.
He brought Memphis Bleek to appear on a single song. Other than that, Jay is too big for a hype man. Jay is the show.
Only once did he stop for a social message. We were attacked by the image of George Bush - and the whole crowd booed. And ofcourse that image was replaced by one of Obama - and everyone screamed! Nice. But mostly interesting.
Jay flashing Euros instead of Dollars in a video became news - as we all know (who really remembers the song though? It was wack). What really struck me is how often that video is referred to in media as evidence that popular culture refrains from the dollar as "symbol of success." The dollar is past tense. The new world is the euro.
I'm so confused as to the emphasis news media gives this music video. If Jay's message is so strong that it is of international concern - then how come media don't question it more often? And then I don't mean censorship - but that someone should stand up against this general message of money over everything. Jay even met with Mandela. It was a public event. How much does Mandela really approve of Jay's message? It seems Jay and Mandela aren't compatible. Black Fist told me: "It's just politics." Okay - but it's not okay.
But there he was. Jay, sucking up all the love there is. Fantastic! Nice show. But... what's up with artists being too big for their credible work? Abstaining from "Reasonable doubt," made us doubt him reasonably. And how did he end the show.......? Yes - a Linkin Park song. It left everyone I know with questionmarks. Is that the big finish? The tip of the hat and goodbye? Weird.
I had the best time hanging with friends. And those cool cats when I was waiting for the bus.
I want to thank my crew for this great birthday-present. The ticket, the champagne, the t-shirt, the DVD and the LP, but mostly for just being around y'all motherfuckers. I love you.
12:00 PM
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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Why this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwjzV8hea2U
Energy.
E-n-e-r-g-y.
Not very different from the US ants in Iraq.
4:07 PM
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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You like Paolo Coelho if:
If you like Paolo Coelho, I have a profile for you:
* You're a woman.
* You're not very intelligent.
* You have extra time for existential concerns. (You're not poor.)
* You have a big heart, and have a need for those "wise" things your man never tells you.
* You don't understand your heart.
* You don't like complicated things, like literature or life.
5:44 PM
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The experiment with Jesus
I love it when a creationist makes his case. He has to reason to win his argument: And his argument is against reason. It's like a horrible dancer, making a case against dance by dancing. It speaks volumes of the person, little of dance.
They must be right, they sometimes chant they shall be right. They put their heart in a basket, and now they're defending it. But it wasn't a basket, it was a football field.
Horrible. Horrible.
And they stick with it. How much have they not sacrificed for this?
There are opportunities, friends, family, ofcourse it comes with a price! Nothing in this world is free. But if you have that feeling, and you know in your heart... that's something, that's something alright... *shaking head*
*an hour later*
And there is honor...I'm...! ... ... HONOR.... .... ..... Do you.. ..
*five minutes later*
do ya do you know pain? Do you? DO YOU?..... What Jesus went through? You don't. Pal, sorry pal, you don't. Crucified!! CRUCIFIED, dying for all to see. Dead... He BELIEVED, BELIEFE, you hear me?? He died for ALL of us. ALL! ....
*sobbing*
5:02 PM
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Gore: Obama can
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/16/gore.obama/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker
Al Gore endorses Obama. It is bright news for a desperate planet.
A rapper, a lover of words, a writer, I enjoy how delicately policians go about their rhetoric, the difference between what is said and what is suggested. Political phrasing opens up for a different kind of intepretation than the one we know from music or litterature. It craves our complete attension, but whereas a song lyric is ment to draw the shortest line between X and Y, namely the artist and the heart, political speech says something like two crossing I's (an assumed X?) and want us to be fooled by the phonetic resemblence between I and Y. (I hope what I mean is not too confusing)
I can really enjoy it, if I'm not burdened by the complications political blaha constitutes.
I think it was decent and adequate of Gore to hint at the semblence between JFK and Obama (or rather their enemies).
Butbutbutbut quoting CNN: " He called for Americans to move beyond partisanship and select in Obama a leader who can "solve the climate crisis and create a bright future.""
Wow.
Okay the whole setence wasn't quoted. But it is still something unusually direct for a politician to say.
I don't doubt Obama will be a friendlier president than McCain. But to solve the climate crisis, we would have to reduce our consumption to about a fifth of what it is now. A FIFTH. Look at your hand, and imagine having the thumb only. That is what we must do if we want to secure the future of the planet, for our children and grandchildren. (Another way of putting it is we need a bunch of new planets earth.) The problem is that bad. Why we don't hear that figure more often, is because leaders and scientists are afraid people will back out completely if they understand what must be done. For one, we can't rely on an economy which not only promotes consumption, but is failing without it.
So how is Obama going to solve the climate crisis? Having the state reposess cars and force people on buses? Illegalize all products non-ecological? Will he perhaps limit trade and enable people to be self-supported? Call me a pessimist, but...
But anyway, he can indeed avoid a few wars. That means more people alive to read this blog. That's fresh.
3:37 PM
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Saturday, June 14, 2008
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What is funny? Interesting read...
I like wordplay, and I usually wonder how something is funny. I just read an interesting article at Science Daily:
"A group of individuals can respond completely differently to the same content, and so to understand humour we have to examine the structures underlying it and analyse the process by which each individual responds to them. Pattern Recognition Theory is an evolutionary and cognitive explanation of how and why an individual finds something funny. Effectively it explains that humour occurs when the brain recognizes a pattern that surprises it, and that this recognition is rewarded with the experience of the humorous response." says Clarke"
Clarke's theory may "have implications regarding the development of language."
"Pattern Recognition Theory identifies further correlation between the development of humour and the development of cognitive ability in infants. Previous research has shown that children respond to humour long before they can comprehend language or develop long-term memory. Humour is present as one of the early fundamental cognitive processes. Alastair Clarke explains: "Amusing childish games such as peek-a-boo and clap hands all exhibit the precise mechanism of humour as it appears in any adult form. Peek-a-boo can elicit a humorous response in infants as young as four months, and is, effectively, a simple process of surprise repetition, forming a clear, basic pattern. As the infant develops, the patterns in childish humour become more complex and compounded and attain spatial as well as temporal elements until, finally, the child begins to grapple with the patterns involved in linguistic humour."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612150144.htm
And on a different note: As long as you're perceptive, you're never free. Mind control in the movies:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080606105432.htm
6:05 PM
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Friday, June 13, 2008
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Why are honest rappers so damn wack
A lot of the time, I feel that when rappers are honest and speak their hearts, so much is lost. You know, people who had a "perspective" or (or perhaps a gimick) when they stepped in the game, and then realize that no such format can hold, and they become honest and "philosophical."
Hiphop is always young, it's still fresh and it attracts youth the most. But I usually find myself puzzled by what morphed rappers put forth.
When Cannibal Ox first stepped in the game (they didn't change, they came out like that), I dug the vibe. But, as a dear friend told me, the lyrics were high school poetry. It is true!! It is not special because some New York dudes rapped it. Music is feel, and they did have a feel, the most crucial thing... But... really, the lyrics murder that feel.
I know of another group, that is great. But when they turn philosophical or poetical they just fail. And one of their fans had tattooed a line of theirs on her leg.
Wow, maybe I'm just jealous people probably haven't tattooed my shit (though I assume they'd just keep on and end up appearing black face). But really...! I'm confused. And I'll stick to this metaphor.
I think that poetry (or ill ass lyrics) is a way to tell the truth. I don't think it should be directed toward any group, neither demographic or age-wise. The wind isn't particularly motivated towards spaniards nor 14-year olds. Why should poetry be?
Cultural difference exist and endure, sure. But:
* I think poetry (or nice ass lyrics or whatever you choose to call it) is motivational to break that gap.
* If what you say is true, it should hold and break that man made limit.
Rappers making a business focusing on 14-year olds or whatever, dumbing down, presuming that the children and the market need it, are no different than any industrial product that already exists. Why do that, if you already have McDonalds? What is your roll in this? The Henry Ford of dumb shit?
We can't ignore the fact that a lot of artists are stupid. They might think that what they bring to the table is fresh, and yes, it might be, as in unripe; they'll get better. And I'm not in a position - and noone should be - to argue if what someone tattooed is good for them. If you like it, good.
But I'm thinking about the classic shit. You know, the tattooes that people won't have to remove as they understand more things about life. The things that stand the tests of time. What's fresh and never grows old.
Where is that?
5:34 PM
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