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’…

Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn and Jake Taylor are warming up for a new season.

As the exciting, action packed Vancouver 2010 Winter Games draw to a close with Team USA (that’s right!!!!!) battling Canada for Olympic Gold in men’s hockey later today, believe it or not baseball’s around the corner.

February’s gotta be the fastest month ever. Especially with President’s Week and you know. The whole leap year thing. Normally, I don’t mind it but this winter’s been one of the craziest with plenty of white stuff here in Shaolin and all over NYC, the Garden State, CT and the East coast. Just wild. We got hit pretty bad the other night with another foot-plus flying down in the morning hours. Should’ve seen how it looked outside my window. As Crazy Eddie might chime:

“Insane!”

March can’t get here soon enough and is tomorrow! Spring Training will be in full bloom as prognosticators get ready for another season. Can the Yankees do it again minus World Series MVP Godzilla and Johnny Damon? Will Curtis Granderson light it up in center field and Nick Johnson make fans forget Hideki Matsui? Can Jason Bay carry the Mets until Carlos Beltran gets back? Is Jose Reyes batting third a novel concept or just more proof that Jerry Manuel has lost it? What about Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey? Bounce back or Amazin’ attack? Can Javier Vazquez II work in the Bronx? Will Da Melkman be missed? What of Joba and Phil Hughes?

All are great questions for locals. Getting more to the point, baseball’s already started up in the land of BK. Park Slope to be exact where coach Walter Paller’s Berkeley Carroll Lions take aim at defending their title. Last year was a coming out party for one of the best baseball programs this city has to offer.

The BC Lions dethroned heavy favorite Poly Prep in a classic, hanging on for dear life thanks to a great diving catch by right fielder Theo Guest (Dayton University) and superb closing from Phil Seay (Denison College), who look to help their new schools this Spring as will former ace James McDonagh (Trinity College). Senior backstop Walker Harrison returns looking to lead Paller’s club to the promised land again along with slugger Rob Paller. He’ll be joined by plenty of hoop ‘mates such as Sean Cunningham, Nate Barr, Jesse Chalfin, Joey Martinez, Mike Andria and Adam Kochman.

With the crack of the bat and pounding of the mitt coming before you know it, one of our favorites from Major League to get warmed up and melt away all the snow. Paging Willie Mays Hayes, Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn, Jake Taylor, Roger Dorn and Pedro Cerrano!

AZ's classic style reminds us of how hip hop once was.

Lately, I’ve been on an oldschool kick. Notorious was on HBO again. Even after exciting Olympic hockey with Slovakia holding off upstart Norway, it never gets old. Plus the movie on Biggie is recent and portrayed well. That final scene where his Mom played by Angela Bassett takes him home one last time still gets me.

It’s still fresh how both Big and Pac were picked off less than a year apart. That was the pinnacle of rap/hip hop. They’ll always be on top in my book. East/West. It don’t matter because they’re both gone for way too long. But their memories live on cause like I’ve said before:

Legends Never Die

Since we’re on the subject of great rappers, it’s time to mention another gunner who doesn’t get enough due. AZ’s been in the game for years. Sugar Hill’s still one of our faves. Of course, it’s the only one that everyone knows along with his work with Nas on epic Life’s A Bitch, The Firm and numerous other tracks. They’ve convened on plenty of stuff combining Queensbridge and BK for classic hip hop. Take a gather of more greatness in How Ya Livin‘.

If you’ve ever heard AZ spit, then you know the homie comes hard, always bringing it. He’s just never had the commercial success of more well known artists we hear all the time. Doesn’t make him any less gifted. If you want that nostalgic sound, he supplies it, which brings us to today’s selection. Every time I’ve heard “The Come Up,” it always gets my juices flowing. It’s real and got street to back it up. Listen to every word because they all have meaning. Delivered with authority. Our favorite line:

“It’s still crazy how them suckers hit up Big. Pac is gone. The state of hip hop is wrong. You want more, then log onto AZ.com.“

Strong lyrics. That’s only a hint. Take it all in along with the classic scene as it was well shot. As P would say, this stuff is crack. So are Sour Skittles.

It’s late Sunday night on President’s weekend. Black history month. And all in the brain playing over and over is the classic Nas hit “Hate Me Now,” featuring P Diddy off I Am… back in 1999.

Great song and better video featuring Nasir Jones carrying a crucifix and being tied to it while haters toss objects at the recreated Jesus scene. Pretty crazy intense as he disses them the only way the man from Queensbridge knows how. With epic poetry in motion.

Don’t hate me, hate the money I see, clothes that I buy
Ice that I wear, clothes that I try, close your eyes
Picture me rollin, sixes, money foldin
Bitches honies that swollen to riches, Nas get in ya
Most critically acclaimed Pulitzer, prize winner
Best storyteller thug narrator my style’s greater
Model dater, big threat to a lot of you haters
Commentators ringside try watchin my paper
Almost a decade, quite impressive
Most of the best is in the essence
for this rap shit that I stand for
Expandin more to the big screen, Bill Gates dreams
But it seems you’d rather see me in jail with state greens
Want me off the scene fast, but good things last
like your favorite MC still makin some mean cash
First rapper to bring a platinum plaque, back to the projects
but you still wanna hate, be my guest, I suggest

You wanna hate me then hate me; what can I do
but keep gettin money, funny I was just like you
I had to hustle hard never give up, until I made it
Now y’all sayin that’s a clever nigga, nuttin to play with
Hate on me, I blew but I’m the same ol G
People warn me, when you’re on top there’s envy
Took my niggas out the hood, but you doubt on us
Sayin we left the hood but can’t get it out of us
My bad, should I step out my shoes, give ‘em to you?
Here’s my cars and my house, you can live in that too
Criticize when I flow for the streets, hate my dress code
Gucci this, Fendi that, what you expect hoe?
Nickname Esco’, took this game to its threshold
Best flow I bet the whole U.S. know
Try to make it like you the realest, but who the illest?
Think we all know the answer to that, cause niggas feel this right

It’s a thin line between paper and hate
friends and snakes, nine millis and thirty-eights
Hell or the pearly gates; I was destined to come
Predicted, blame God, he blew breath in my lungs
Second to none, wicked turn wives to widows
Shoot through satin pillows, the desolate one
Took a little time to claim my spot
Chairman of the board until this game stop, and I side with the Lord
Ride for the cause while drivin niggas shot at my doors
Plottin I’m sure to catch me with they glocks to my jaws
Tried, stickin me up, but I flipped on these ducks (you tried)
Instead of me, ambulances were picking them up (that’s what you get)
Niggas fear what they don’t understand, hate what they can’t conquer
Guess it’s just the fury of man
Became a monster, on top of the world, never fallin
I’m as real as they come, from day one, forever ballin
C’mon

Grandmaster Flash is one of the true innovators of the rap/hip hop culture.

Just chilling here in the abyss known as the Shaolin NYC representing, I was feeling all oldschool cause it’s so cool and all that stuff. Well, I did blast some classic Rob Base late last night as too. But who don’t love that shit?

This time, it’s another blast from the past in the legendary Grandmaster Flash, who was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame along with the Furious Five 2-3 years ago as the first ever hip hop/rap act. We’re talking one of the original innovators who paved the way for so many. The man is like the greatest DJ ever with his own unique style that still blows the roof off clubs. Here, we’ll see the huge hit “White Lines,” spreading a powerful message about cocaine and the dangerous risks if you get hooked. Just listen to each line and you’ll get it LOUD and CLEAR. We’re also linking up him talking about his own personal battle before he decided to give it up:

The original studio cut is pretty freaking good. Still sounds fresh.

Live version. Listen to the spinning and the freaking energy! What a vibe!!!!!

“One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.”

“Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction.”

“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold…”

“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”

“In this bright future you can’t forget your past.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.”

“The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow.”

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!”

ONE LOVE. Rasta! Anyone who knows me well will tell you what a huge Bob Marley fan I am. When I think of the legendary Jamaican singer, I’m reminded of his powerful message of Peace and Love. He would’ve turned 65 today and been raising the roof to a whole new level because let’s face it, the man knew how to parrrrtty!

The lead singer of his own band Bob Marley & The Wailers created the kind of soulful music people enjoy listening and getting down to. Reggae. With renown hits such as “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Is This Love,” “One Love,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Stir It Up,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Jammin,” “No Woman No Cry” and the spiritual “Redemption Song,” he was the definition of cool. Listen to any song and it’ll get you going. Feel the vibe and let it all hang out!

Legend is the biggest selling reggae album in history (13.5 million) going platinum. That it came three years following Marley’s death speaks to the true legend he really was and still is today. His music can still be heard at parties and on the radio a la Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, 2Pac and Biggie. They’re all dead but as I’ve said before many times and shall echo again:

LEGENDS NEVER DIE

Sadly, the traditional concert that remembers Marley in his home Jamaica has been canceled for the lamest reason known to mankind. ‘Noise complaints.’ Are they freaking KIDDING?!?!?!?!?! How ridiculous can you get? Today, we honor the Man, Myth and Legend that shall live forever.

HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY BOB MARLEY

Another July day here in NYC. And why not another classic 2Pac video. One which is old off Yo! MTV Raps. The scene is really cool. Check it out!

Undoubtedly, it ain’t 2007. No idea where they got that from. And it’s during his Juice Era. Just the beginning of one of the greatest rappers ever!

Today, I felt like something different. It always seems like I’m featuring the same groups/artists. So, why not something else?

Sometimes, we need a break from the same old same old. Maybe that’s my way of saying something myself about how I feel. So, a little something unique sounding and long from a California band called Something Corporate which I know about because of one person. Someone I will always have a soft spot for.

Why do I like this song all this time later? Because it’s just different and we need that. There’s a lot of meaning behind the lyrics and how it’s played. I also really appreciate the way the piano blares out as Andrew McMahon sings it.

Something Corporate: “Konstantine”

I can’t imagine all the people that you know
and the places that you go
When the lights are turned down low
and I don’t understand all the things you’ve seen
but I’m slipping in between
You and your big dreams
It’s always you
In my big dreams
And you tell me that its over
wake up lying in a patch of four leaf clovers
and your restless
and im naked
you gotta get out
you cant stand to see me shakin
no
could u let me go?
i didnt think so
and youi dont wanna be here in the future
so you say the presants just a pleasant interuption to the past
and you dont wanna look much closer
cause ur afriad to find out all this hope
you had sent into the sky by now had
crashed
and it did
because of me

and then you bring me home
afraid to find out that your alone oh
and im sleeping in your living room
but we dont have much room to live

and i had these dreams in them i learned to play guitar
maybe cross the country
become a rock star
and there was hope in me that I could take you there
but damnit you’re so young
well i dont think i care
and if i hurt you
then im sorry
please dont think that this was easy

and then you bring me home
cause we both know what its like to be alone oh
and im dreaming in your living room
but we dont have much room to live

and konstantine is walking down the stairs
doesnt she look good
standing in her underware
and i was thinking
what i was thinkin
we’ve been drinkin and it doesnt get me anywhere
my konstantine came walking down the stairs
and all that i could do was touch her long blond hair
and ive been thinkin
but it hurts me thinking
that these nights when we were drinking
no they never got us anywhere
no

this is because i can spell confusion with a ‘K’
and i can like it
its to dying in anothers arms
and why i had to try it
its to jimmy eat world
and those nights in my car
when the first star you see
may not be a star
im not your star
isnt that what you said
what you thought this song meant

and if this is what it takes
just to lye with my mistakes
and live with what i did to you
all the hell i put you through
i always catch the clock
its 11:11
now you wanna talk
its not hard to dream
you’ll always be my konstantine
my konstantine
they’ll never hurt you like i do
no they’ll never hurt you like i do
no,no,no, no, no, no, no, no

this is to a girl
who got into my head
with all the pretty things she did
hey
ya know
you keep me up in bed
this is to a girl
who got into my head
with all these fucked up things i did
hey
maybe
baby you could keep me up in bed
my konstanine

you spin around me like a dream
we played out on this movie screen
and i said
did u know i missed you(x7)
i miss you

and then you bring me home
and we go to sleep
but this time not alone
and i know
and you’ll kiss me in your living room
i know
i know you miss me in your living room
cuz these nights i think
maybe that i miss you in my licing room
but we dont have much room
i said does anybody need that room
because we all need a little more room
to live

my konstantine…

It’s way early here and I’m about to sleep. But in my head played an old Third Eye Blind song. No. Not one of the poppy ones like “Semi Charmed Life” or “How’s It Gonna Be.”

But instead a song called “I Want You” which also was on that album and is played differently from most of their stuff and has meaningful words. This to me is their best song.

I’ve seen the suckers loose themselves in the games they love to play,
Children love to sing but then their voices slowly fade away.
People always take a step away from what is true,
That’s why I like you around,
I want you.
Oh you do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You make me want you.

An open invitation to the dance,
Happenstance set the vibe that we are in,
No apology because my urge is genuine,
And the mystery of your rhythm is so feminine.
Here I am and I want to take a hit
Of your scent ’cause it gets so deep into my soul
Ooh I want you
Yeah you do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You make me want you.
Oh you do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
I want you.
(Send me all your vampires)
And I can’t get enough, you you you you
Oh I can’t get enough
Oh I can’t get enough Oh oh, I (you) I (you) I (you)

The village churchyard is filled with bones weeping in the grave,
The silver lining of clouds shines on people Jesus couldn’t save
You want to know how deeply my soul goes
Deeper than bones
Deeper than bones

And I can’t get enough. I I I I
Oh I can’t get enough, you you you you
Oh I can’t get enough

After we did it by the windowsill,
Smoke rings drifted through the midnight sky,
Presently in the quilt that your mother made,
A bare candle burns to fight off the gloom,
You said to live this way is not for the meek, (Send me all your vampires)
And like a jazz DJ you talk me into sleep,
I said there will be no regrets when the worms come, (Send me all your vampires)
And they shall surely come.
Oh You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
Make me want you
(Send me all your vampires) (That’s right)
Yeah I do
I do
I do
You do
You do
You do
You do
You do
A make a me want you
(Send me all your vampires)
I want you
(Send me all your vampires)
I want you
(Send me all your vampires)

There will be no regrets when the worms come

(Go ahead)
(Send me all your vampires)