Happy September peeps! And it sure is a perfect late summer day out in NYC, Shaolin reppin’. The kinda day you can go to the park and chill or hit the track over by CSI. Whatever floats your boat. As school starts up, we await another great autumn full of changing leaves falling from trees along with a cool breeze, reminding us that Halloween’s around the corner and Turkey Day ain’t far behind.

Football starts up and hockey comes in a month while the best tennis players are front and center in the Big Apple for the final grand slam in Flushing Meadows, the U.S. Open. This is a pretty special time. Ten days from now, we’ll commemorate the 10-Year Anniversary of 9/11, honoring and paying tribute to all those men and women who lost their lives due to pure evil. Many FDNY, NYPD and soldiers sacrificed to protect our way of life. Like a good Jimi Hendrix tune, “Freedom,” that’s what it means to be an American. Appreciate what you got. Embrace it.

We send our best wishes to anyone who suffered at the hands of Hurricane Irene. Our thoughts are with you. Especially in Vermont. Mother nature can go a little haywire around this time. So, please be safe out there!

Today, we bring back our latest installment of Video Of Day with a little classic 2Pac. This one’s a throwback to when things were chilled out as kids growing up in parks, playing games and ice cream trucks and Italian Ices didn’t cost an arm and a leg for families. Yeah. Remember those days?!?!?!?!?! Exactly. Freezer Fresh was my favorite growing up along with Good Humor. Now there’s Lickety Split, Ralph’s, etc. Man. I should’ve gone into the ice cream business cause we all SCREAM for ICE CREAM! As Makaveli would say, “We’re gonna kick it a little old school.”

2Pac: \”Old School\”

Every word takes on a special meaning in Radiohead's Creep.

If ever there’s a rock song where every word matters, Radiohead’s epic “Creep” is it. I’ve heard tons of good songs but every time I listen to Creep, my passion comes out. I always find myself singing along. The lyrics make the song.

In some cases, it’s just the music. But when the words mesh taking on a strong meaning by the way they’re delivered as frontman Thom Yorke does with purpose, it really allows fans to get into it- connecting. I could sing this one part over and over:

But I’m a creep

I’m a weirdo

What the hell am I doing here

I don’t belong here

I don’t care if it hurts

I wanna have control

I want a perfect body

I want a perfect soul

I want you to notice

When I’m not around

You’re so fucking special

I wish I was special

Everything from the cool bass to the drum beats to the riffs to Yorke’s beautiful words makes it special from start to finish. No wonder so many bands have covered the British rockers’ cult classic, including this solid Weezer cover.  When you have peers recognizing you in such a big business, it’s the ultimate tribute. You just hope they do it justice. I saw Weezer cover both Nirvana and Oasis two years ago and it didn’t disappoint. The late Heath Ledger’s Joker would be proud of that last part. God. How they need to do a movie based on the Joker from early childhood. It probably will never happen.

Anyway, here’s the awesome Radiohead “Creep” which will always rock. And a live version at that!

RADIOHEAD

Thom Yorke: Lead vocals, guitar, piano, beats

Jonny Greenwood: guitars, keyboards, etc

Ed O’Brien: guitars, backing vocals

Colin Greenwood: bass, synthesizers

Phil Selway: drums, percussion

“Creep”

When you were here before,
Couldn’t look you in the eye
You’re just like an angel,
Your skin makes me cry

I don’t belong here…

It all started back in 1994 for Weezer with the famed Blue Album.

Everyone knows how big a music fan I am. I am into so much stuff that it’s hard to keep track. My cool friend Amanda put me onto some kickass local metal bands that we’ll be featuring in this space pretty soon. Definitely super psyched to discover talent out in Shaolin and looking forward to those interviews.

Anyway, since we’re on the music theme, let’s get to our feature. I love Weezer and even caught them with Dad a couple of years ago at MSG. The California dudes finally came East and rocked the house, playing prominent hits off the Blue Album, Pinkerton, Maladroit, Make Believe as well as a few off their Red Album, including Pork and Beans plus Troublemaker. There also were a couple of covers including Nirvana’s Sliver and Oasis’ Morning Glory.

To put it mildly, the show kicked cerebral ass. Loved when Rivers Cuomo brought an entire student orchestra up on the stage during one of the encores for “Island In The Sun.” There must’ve been like 40 people on the stage. If you’re curious to find out more about the show, please refer to the link in the above paragraph for a full review.

Tonight, we bring you the first of many hits off the famed ’94 Weezer Blue Album debut. I still got the damn cassette with the awesome cover (seen above). It seriously rocks and will never go out. That’s what defines great albums. Anyway, they led off with “My Name Is Jonas” to thunderous cheers and plenty of crowd support. Oh. It was sick.

Here’s a live performance from 1994 in Bordertown, New Jersey which is about half an hour away from here. Make sure to watch the whole scene. Especially the end. It’s classssic!

WEEZER

Lead Vocals/Guitar: Rivers Cuomo

Drums/Backing Vocals: Patrick Wilson

Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals: Brian Bell

Bass/Keyboards/Backing Vocals: Scott Shriner

“My Name Is Jonas”

My name is Jonas.
I’m carrying the whil.
Thanks for all you’ve shown us.
This is how we feel.

Come sit next to me.
Pour yourself some tea.
Just like Grandma made
When we couldn’t find sleep.
Things were better then.
Once but never again.
We’ve all left the den.
Let me tell you ’bout it.

Choo-choo train left right on time.
A ticket costs only your mind.
The driver said, “Hey, man, we go all the way.”
Of course we were willing to pay.

My name is Wake me up.
Gotta box full of your toys.
They’re crush out of batteries.
But they’re still makin’ noise, makin’ noise.
Tell me what to do.
Now the tank is dry.
Now this wheel is flat.
And you know what else?
Guess what I received,
In the mail today.
Words of deep concern
From my little brother.

The building’s not goin’ as he planned.
The foreman has injured his hand.
The dozer will not clear a path.
The driver swears he learned his math.

The workers are goin’ home. (x4)
Yeah!

The workers are goin’ home. (x3)
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

My name is Jonas.

Even during one of the hottest summers, Red Hot Chili Peppers can help you get through the day with their unique style.

It’s a lazy, hazy, crazy Sunday in NYC. Was that actual rain we got before?!?!?!?!?! Too bad it didn’t come down in buckets cause this town could sure use one of those cool ass storms. And no. We don’t mean the ones that cause tornadoes. But hey. If it’s gonna thunder and lighten, give me a good ‘ole fashioned downpour!

Anyway, enough of that endless summer rant. Onto bigger and better things which is what this is really about. When your down, you can always depend upon a kickass song to brighten the mood. Today well errrr tonight, I felt like some Red Hot Chili Peppers. You just can’t go wrong with RCHP, who’ve been around forever and somehow got passed up for this year’s Rock N’ Roll Hall. Are you freaking kidding?!?!?!?!?! Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante totally rock. Such a shame that the underrated front guitar man with the solid backup vocals left the band. Even if replacement Josh Klinghoffer is good, it won’t be the same.

Still, they’re one of the best bands entering its fourth decade. I can still recall discovering them at the Fairleigh Dickinson, Madison NJ campus radio station, playing renown hit Under The Bridge along with overlooked tracks off What Hits such as Fight Like The Brave, Get Up And Stay, Taste The Pain and one of my faves in good  Stevie Wonder cover Higher Ground. They also ran through Jimi Hendrix’ “Fire” with less fanfare unless you consider the debacle of Woodstock ’99 positive.

Producing big albums Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, By The Way and Stadium Arcadium that featured plenty more hits including Breaking The Girl, Give It Away, Right On Time, Californication, Scar Tissue, Other Side, Around The World, By The Way, Zephyr Song, Can’t Stop, Tell Me Baby, Snow (Hey Oh), Dani California and Stadium Arcadium.

What makes RCHP so special is they’re unique style. Kiedis can sing almost any way and the rest of the band doesn’t miss a beat. You can’t account for chemistry. That’s why it’s a crime they weren’t inducted into Cleveland this year. ABBA?!?!?!?!?! You gotta be joking. They better get in next year.

Anyway, here’s another song we’ve always been a fan of called, “I Could Die For You.” Listen to the words closely and I think you’ll agree that they can be about anyone you love. It’s got H-E-A-R-T. Here’s a live version from Madrid. Love the start and funky transition.

RCHP: “I Could Die For You”

Something inside the cards
I know is right
Don’t want to live
Somebody elses life
This is what I want to be
And this is what I give to you
Because I get it free
She smiles while I do my time

I could die for you
Whatchu want to do
Oh this life I choose

Wu Tang always has stayed true to its Shaolin roots. Something missing from today's game.

In today’s game filled with redundant, cookie cutter types like Drake overhyped like a WWE has been, sometimes one needs to only look back at what rap/hip hop once was.

It peaked in the 90′s due to mc’s like LL Cool J, 2Pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Redman, DMX, Eminem, Jadakiss, Big Pun plus overlooked AZ and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, NWA, Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Beastie Boys, Mobb Deep, House Of Pain and Onyx. No bs. Just telling stories that mesmerized the audience with lyrical genius. Something we rarely get today. Thanks mainstream!

There also was this kickass group from Staten Island. Everyone knows them. Wu Tang are as legit as it comes, combining a unique blend of talent featuring Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, GZA, RZA, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck and deceased legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Wu is more than just talented rappers who lay it all on the line, collaborating on memorable hits like C.R.E.A.M., Protect Ya Neck, Ice Cream, M.E.T.H.O.D. Man, Gravel Pit, Bring The Pain, 7th Chamber II and Bring Da Ruckus. They represent their Shaolin roots, shooting hard from the street. The way rap should sound, in a style all their own. When you hear one of their songs, you know instantly who it is and that’s for the right reasons instead of the wrong.

While it’d be easy to criticize who’s being pushed in our faces, I have to put the real blame where it belongs. On the media and radio stations. This is what they want kids to listen to. Who cares about other alternatives like Meth archrival Joe Budden, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana (minus Lil Wayne), Taleb Kweli and Common. Today, everything all about bling bling. That’s not what we grew up on.

Let’s kick it back oldschool and listen/check out Wu’s “Triumph.” Just listen to the passion they bring. Oh. And the video is off the charts, shot perfectly. Gangsta! As real as it gets.

Wu Tang: “Triumph”

[Ol Dirty Bastard]
What y’all thought y’all wasn’t gon’ see me?
I’m the Osirus of this shit
Wu-Tang is here forever, motherfucker
It’s like this ninety-seven
Aight my niggaz and my niggarettes
Let’s do it like this
I’ma rub your ass in the moonshine
Let’s take it back to seventy-nine

[Inspectah Deck]
I bomb atomically, Socrates’ philosophies
and hypothesis can’t define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics
I inspect you, through the future see millenium
Killa B’s sold fifty gold sixty platinum
Shacklin the masses with drastic rap tactics
Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths
Black Wu jackets queen B’s ease the guns in
Rumble with patrolmen, tear gas laced the function
Heads by the score take flight incite a war
Chicks hit the floor, diehard fans demand more
Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly
Proceeds to blow swingin swords like Shinobi
Stomp grounds and pound footprints in solid rock
Wu got it locked, performin live on your hottest block

[Method Man]
As the world turns, I spread like germs
Bless the globe with the pestilence, the hard-headed never learn
It’s my testament to those burned
Play my position in the game of life, standin firm
on foreign land, jump the gun out the fryin pan, into the fire
Transform into the Ghostrider, a six-pack
and (A Streetcar Named Desire), who got my back?
In the line of fire holdin back, what?
My peoples if you with me where the fuck you at?
Niggaz is strapped, and they tryin to twist my beer cap
It’s court adjourned, for the bad seed from bad sperm
Herb got my wig fried like a bad perm, what the blood
clot, we smoke pot, and blow spots
You wanna think twice, I think not
The Iron Lung ain’t got ta tell you where it’s coming from
Guns of Navarone, tearing up your battle zone
Rip through your slums

[Cappadonna]
I twist darts from the heart, tried and true
Loop my voice on the LP, martini on the slang rocks
Certified chatterbox, vocabulary ‘Donna talkin
Tell your story walkin
Take cover kid, what? Run for your brother, kid
Run for your team, and your six camp rhyme groupies
So I can squeeze with the advantage, and get wasted
My deadly notes reigns supreme
Your fort is basic compared to mine
Domino effect, arts and crafts
Paragraphs contain cyanide
Take a free ride on my dart, I got the fashion
catalogues for all y’all to all praise to the Gods

[Ol Dirty Bastard]
The saga continues
Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang

[U-God]
Olympic torch flaming, we burn so sweet
The thrill of victory, the agony, defeat
We crush slow, flamin deluxe slow
For, judgment day cometh, conquer, it’s war
Allow us to escape, hell glow spinning bomb
Pocket full of shells out the sky, Golden Arms
Tune spit the shitty Mortal Kombat sound
The fateful step make, the blood stain the ground
A jungle junkie, vigilante tantrum
A death kiss, catwalk, squeeze another anthem
Hold it for ransom, tranquilized with anesthetics
My orchestra, graceful, music ballerinas
My music Sicily, rich California smell
An axekiller adventure, paint a picture well
I sing a song from Sing-Sing, sippin on ginseng
Righteous wax chaperone, rotating ring king

[RZA]
Watch for the wooden soldiers, C-Cypher-Punks couldn’t hold us
A thousand men rushing in, not one nigga was sober
Perpendicular to the square, we stand bold like Flare
Escape from your Dragon’s Lair, in particular
My beats travel like a vortex, through your spine
to the top of your cerebrum cortex
Make you feel like you bust a nut from raw sex
Enter through your right ventricle clog up your bloodstream
now terminal, like Grand Central Station
Program fat baselines, on Novation
Getting drunk like a fuck, I’m duckin five-year probation

[GZA]
War of the masses, the outcome, disastrous
Many of the victim family save they ashes
A million names on walls engraved in plaques
Those who went back, received penalties for the axe
Another heart is torn as close ones mourn
Those who stray, niggaz get slayed on the song

[Masta Killa]
The track renders helpless and suffers from multiple stab wounds
and leaks sounds that’s heard
ninety-three million miles away from came one
to represent the Nation, this is a gathering
of the masses that come to pay respects to the Wu-Tang Clan
As we engage in battle, the crowd now screams in rage
The high chief Jamel-I-Reef take the stage
Light is provided through sparks of energy
from the mind that travels in rhyme form
Givin sight to the blind
The dumb are mostly intrigued by the drum
Death only one can save self from
This relentless attack of the track spares none

[Ghostface Killah]
Yo! Yo! Yo, fuck that, look at all these crab niggaz laid back
Lampin like them gray and black Puma’s on my man’s rack
Codeine was forced in your drink
You had a Navy Green salamander fiend, bitches never heard you scream
You two-faces, scum of the slum, I got your whole body numb
Blowin like Shalamar in eighty-one
Sound convincin, thousand dollar court by convention
Hands, like Sonny Liston, get fly permission
Hold the fuck up, I’ll unfasten your wig, bad luck
I humiliate, separate the English from the Dutch
it’s me, black nobled you Ali
Came in threes we like the Genovese, is that so?
Caesar needs the greens, it’s Earth
Ninety-three million miles from the first
Rough turbulence, the waveburst, split the megahertz

[Raekwon]
Aiyyo that’s amazing, gun in your mouth talk, verbal foul hawk
Connect thoughts to make my manchild walk
Swift notarizer, Wu-Tang, all up in the high-riser
New York Yank’ visor world tranquilizer
Just a dosage, delegate my Clan with explosives
While, my pen blow lines ferocious
Mediterranean, see y’all, the number one draft pick
Tear down the beat God, then delegate the God to see God
The swift chancellor, flex, the white-gold tarantula
Track truck diesel, play the weed God, substantiala
Max mostly, undivided, then slide in, sickenin
Guaranteed, made em jump like Rod Strickland

After finally releasing Chinese Democracy, New GNR has proven they can play. Now I know you Better.

On another piping hot July summer night in NYC, the one thing we know is that no matter what, the new GNR can play. While they’ll never be what the Original Guns was because who can really follow that high wire act, Axl’s new band has solid chemistry and even every now and then can give off some of that ‘ole familiar sound that made Guns N’ Roses one of the best bands of the 80′s and 90′s.

As an avid fan dating back to those glory days (paging The Boss), I can vouch for how good the new band is. Having seen them perform three times out of a four show warmup at Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan a few years back, they were superb. Of course, playing classic hits such as Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City, Mr. Brownstone, Patience, Sweet Child O’ Mine, November Rain, Live and Let Die, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and You Could Be Mine is far from easy to pull off. Even if everyone’s singing along.

Trivia: What popular heavy metal band played the warmup? (Answer below)

Just a glance at what’s doing on the web where popular sites like MYGNR and HereTodayGoneToHell are off the hook, reemphasizing just how many fans the band has. Pro or con against the new Gunners who still include keyboard man Dizzy Reed, there’s always plenty being said. Of course, much of it centers around Axl and Slash, who had about as bad a breakup as Cleveland and LeBron. We’ve heard the stories before from both sides. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Believe me, it’s a waste of energy.

If by some miracle Axl and Slash made up and there was a reunion with Izzy, Duff and Steven Adler, everyone would buy it in about five seconds. It would be soldout in record fashion. That’s one dream show I hope I’ll see before I’m floating above in another dimension.

Instead of day dreaming the impossible, let’s take a look at one of our faves off Chinese Democracy. Better originated from former lead guitarist Robin Finck, who returned to another kick ass band you may have heard of called Nine Inch Nails. It sounds like a GNR track that even the biggest Axl haters could sit back and appreciate. There’s edge and plenty of energy.

Regarding the much anticipated album that finally came out 14 years later (GNR irony), it’s pretty good. Self-titled Democracy, Street of Dreams, Madagascar, Sorry, I.R.S., There Was  A Time, If The World and our video feature Better are quality songs. It’s easy to conclude that the sound is different. Well, in case you were living in a cave, the Illusions weren’t the same as Appetite For Destruction. Perhaps we should’ve seen it coming. Most great bands don’t last. That’s why it’s easy to appreciate U2, REM, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day.  

Let’s just be happy we got a new group who’s touring and <gulp> just might release another album before 2024. Kudos to Axl, Finck, Reed, Tommy Stinson, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Chris Pittman, Bryan “Brain” Mantia, Frank Ferrer, Paul Tobias and Josh Freese on finally collaborating on this monstrosity (Axl’s words on Eddie Trunk a few years ago). And hey. How can we leave out Buckethead?!?!?!?!?! Love that dude. Even if he needs a good therapist.

I’ll never forget the 2002 show at MSG a couple of days before my birthday. At one point while Axl was giving a classic rant on Conan O’ Brien featuring Krispy Kremes he handed out, there came Buckethead who gave away presents to lucky fans. How I wish I knew what the heck they were. At least we had good seats. And hey. Dude next to us offered me pot. Haha. Little did we know that that was the last show with chaos in Philadelphia ensuing as Axl and Clear Channel got into a huge dispute. It only further damaged the band’s reputation- making fans wonder if Chinese Democracy would ever see the light of day. Thank God for November ’08!

Along with my brother Justin and even our cool Dad, who knows good music when he sees it, that’s how much that album meant to the gunners. Here’s a live version of Better. And if I do say, it really kicks cerebral ass.

New GNR: “Better”

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

The hardest part
This troubled heart
Has ever yet been through now

Was heal the scars
That got their start
Inside someone like you now

For had I known
Or I’d been shown
Back when how long it’d take me

To break the charms
That brought me harm
And all but would erase me

I never won
Or thought I could
No matter what you’d pay me

Replay the part
You stole my heart
I should have known you’re crazy

If all I knew
Was that with you
I’d want someone to save me

It’d be enough
But just my luck
I fell in love and maybe

All that I wanted was

Now I know you better
You know I know better
Now I know you better

So bittersweet
This tragedy
Won’t ask for absolution

This melody
Inside of me
Still searches for solution

A twist of faith
A change of heart
Cures my infatuation

A broken heart
Provides the spark
For my determination

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

All that I wanted was

Now I know you better
You know I know better
Now I know you better

I never wanted you to be so full of anger (anger)
I never wanted you to be somebody else
I never wanted you to be someone afraid to know themselves
I only wanted you to see things for yourself

All that I wanted was

Now I know you better
Now we all know better
All that I wanted was

Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
(cont. thru verse)

If I were you
I’d manage to
Avoid the invitation

Of promised love
That can’t keep up
With your adoration

Just use your head
And in the end
You’ll find your inspiration

To choose your steps
And won’t regret
This kind of aggravation

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

Trivia Answer: Bullet For My Valentine

For our money, AZ's one of the most underrated mc's in the game.

It’s another scorcher in NYC with temps hitting the 90′s. So, what better way to cool off than to watch one of our favorite mc’s. 

The last time we discussed AZ, it was much colder and I was raving about the awesome video, “The Come Up,” which still is a must for any rap fan because it shoots straight from the heart and is from the streets. Plus AZ’s got sick lyrics and a classic style that we need more of in today’s game.

Today, we take a look at another hot track, “Problems” from the homie who made the hit “Sugar Hill“ featuring Miss Jones. The name may seem familiar because there was also a movie made two years prior featuring Wesley Snipes on the life of a struggling dealer who wants out. Of course, the better one was New Jack City made in 1991 that also included Ice-T and a kid named Chris Rock. Regardless, musical prowess is on display of BK’s own who’s made a name for himself successfully teaming with Nas on hits such as “Life’s A Bitch” and “The Firm.” The beat is fantab and the words strong.

[Chorus]
I had some problems
And no one could seem to solve them
But you found the answer
Told me to take this chance

AZ the Visualiza return, once again
Love life, hate, what the fuck… {*music fades*}

Today, they’re saying goodbye to our friend Lyndzay Richburg back home in Atlanta. We said ours Monday at an emotional wake that featured plenty of tributes to a great person whose life was taken too soon. God bless ya Elroy Dyaygo Escobar Futuristic!

On a day they lay him to rest, a fitting song by a band he liked Oasis which definitely applies to how we feel about you Lyndz. You’re our shining star who’ll continue to shine brightly up above, reminding us daily of your presence. Smiling, laughing, working on those magic beats that made you our star and showing the love which will never be forgotten. Rock on with your Bob Marley hair in that other dimension I referenced the other day right alongside him, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrisson, 2Pac, Biggie, Elvis, Janis Joplin and John Lennon. LEGENDS NEVER DIE!

Oasis: “Live Forever”

Maybe I don’t really want to know
How your garden grows
I just want to fly Lately did you ever feel the pain
In the morning rain
As it soaks it to the bone

Maybe I just want to fly
I want to live I don’t want to die
Maybe I just want to breath
Maybe I just don’t believe
Maybe you’re the same as me
We see things they’ll never see
You and I are gonna live forever

Maybe I don’t really want to know
How your garden grows
I just want to fly Lately did you ever feel the pain
In the morning rain
As it soaks it to the bone

Maybe I will never be
All the things that I want to be
But now is not the time to cry
Now’s the time to find out why
I think you’re the same as me
We see things they’ll never see
You and I are gonna live forever
We’re gonna live forever
Gonna live forever
Live forever
Forever

Any day can be reserved for 2Pac. Makaveli was a poet and ya ‘ll God damn know it. Let’s look at some of the lyrical genius whose legend lives on.

LEGENDS NEVER DIE

“Ghost”

[Tupac - speaking]
The only way, for me to come back, is by Makaveli
That’s it! All these motherfuckers stole from me
I’m takin back what’s mine

[slowed down voice]
[laughing] You motherfuckers can’t stop me
Even if I die, I’m gon’ be a fuckin problem
Do you believe in ghosts, motherfucker?
Real live black… ghosts
Feel me?

[Verse One: 2Pac]
Some say I’m crazy, these punk-ass cops can’t fade me
Mama tried to raise me, but had too many babies
Papa was a motherfuckin, joke
Used to find dope in his coat
And nearly choked when he’d tell me not to

“Still Ballin”
(feat. Trick Daddy)

Straight motherfuckin ballin
Part two, still ballin
Westside

[Verse One: 2Pac]
Now ever since a nigga was a seed
Only thing promised to me was the penitentiary, still ballin
Ridin on these niggaz cause they lame
In a six-one

Whenever it’s going too slow, I turn to music because it’s always reliable. Lyrics and beats inspire. Sometimes in a cruel world, that’s all you need.

Today, we feature Jay Elektronika with Mos Def and one of my homie’s faves Joe Budden, who’s just sick to original Rihanna hit “Russian Roulette.” Let it all flow to an alternate universe where nothing can stress.

Tossing in a little Budden Bonus. P’s favorite track which has also become mine. “Sidetracked” is just the way rap should sound. Just the beat alone will hook ya. But the words are the stuff of genius.

[Verse: Joe Budden]

Look…

Sometimes I wanna make money,
But sometimes I ain’t motivated
Sometimes I think it’s overrated.
Sometimes I’m thinkin’ I wasn’t supposed ta’ make it
But what I show is basic, I normally pokerface it. (What else?)
Sometimes I wanna make music
Sometimes I think it’s jus’ useless.
So y’all don’t hear alot of new shit
Clueless, dependin’ on what my mood is.
Sometimes I wanna dress-down
I mean I wanna let-up, but’chall be let down.
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I wanna stop somebody an’ keep it real
But know that they’ll understand ‘fore I tell ‘em how I feel.
I wish I knew how it’d feel
I swear I needed somethin’ from the store.
Got a call that I jus’ ignored, my day’s hectic
I’m overwhelmed wit’ thoughts, leave a message.
This Saturday I… plan ta’ go shoppin’ for my kid
Wanna smoke, no cigs., I’m like where the fuck’s the store?
Got a migraine, but I forgot that I was sick
‘Cause these jeans don’t seem to lay right over my kicks.
An’ this’ll be the last time that I buy this brand
That I try this brand, oh shit, the bitch called me.
She seems like the perfect girl ta’ cheat wit’
Sleep wit’, I bet that she can keep a secret.
I turnt’ the radio on an’ heard a beat, sick
Know I could kill that shit better than he did.
Sometimes I could be so analytical (why?!)
Wit’ no audience, so who am I a critic to? (Nobody)
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that
Beat of my drum thrown off by a hi-hat (oh!)
I should hit the club, get a outfit
But fuck that, the lifestyle ain’t about shit.
That no longer gets me up, it don’t arouse shit (why?)
See, I’m on my OnDemand in the house shit.
I’ve lost so many relationships (tell me…)
Is it jus’ because I don’t relate ta’ shit?
(Me I) Me I… I hate ignorance so much
I’m prayin’ for niggas that didn’t grow much.
Maybe our whole generation was raised wrong
I’m only responsible for me, I gotta’ stay strong.
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that (why?)
But besides that…
I’m so easily sidetracked
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that (why?)
I’m so easily sidetracked
Cig’s still unlit, lookin’ at a pic of a man cross-eyed
On my way ta’ kill the nigga ’till the thought died
(Or…) or it’s a lie, I’m jus’ hogtied
Got frog-eyes ’cause chick wit’ the phatty walked by.
Nice complexion, nice tan an’ so behind her I ran
‘Till I seen her destination was a man.
(So) In the street I stand, wit’ my heat in hand
For what reason, I don’t remember beefin’.
Note to self on my hand: Get even
But I don’t remember needin’ re-venge.
Now anybody comin’ toward me, I’m reachin’
Leg bleedin’, (so) fuck it -
I’ll retrace my steps followin’ the path of my blood leakin’
Lead me ta’ Juan’s house, which I visit every weekend.
To my knowledge, me an’ him wasn’t speakin’…