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Video of Day: Eazy-E fea. 2Pac and Ice Cube

August 21, 2008 in Video of Day

I have had this cool throwback remix video of sorts for a while on my list of faves. However, I never got around to posting it until today. It’s one of those classic oldschool mixes which would annihilate anything today on the rap/hip hop scene. No disrespect.

When you have the late great Eazy-E and 2Pac on any track, it shoots right up to the top automatically. Plus Ice Cube, who teamed with Eazy in NWA is on this making it a classic Compton West coast phenomenon.

If you like oldschool with classic beats and vintage lyrics from some of the greatest rappers on the scene, then this is for you. Either way, I suggest ya’ll check it out:

Eazy-E fea. 2Pac, Ice Cube: “Real Thugs

the way this is done is great. they really did a sound job with the edits capturing the best of Pac and Eazy from epic videos. Classic scene! :-D

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Video of Day: Nas

August 1, 2008 in Video of Day

I’ll always like rap and be a huge fan of Nas. I’m pretty diverse when it comes to music as I can listen to old school, new school, reggae, alternative, classic rock and 80′s.

So much of the rap/hip hop culture is represented right here in NYC. Run DMC, Biggie, LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Wu Tang, Big Pun, Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Mos Def, etc. Heck. Even 2Pac was born here before going on to the West Coast.

NYC Represent

Nas’ best stuff was from Illmatic and It Was Written & The Firm producing hits such as “The World Is Yours,” Halftime,” “New York State Of Mind,” “Memory Lane,” “If I Ruled The World,” “Street Dreams” and “Affirmative Action.”

His new album Untitled is out and has promise. Today, we’re featuring new hit, “Hero” as the Queensbridge tradition continues…

Nas: “Hero

this is really strong. especially the final verse from about 2:50 to 3:25 where he just tees off. his delivery is so smooth which is why he’s one of the best in the biz. cool video too.

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Video of Day: Doctor Dre

July 15, 2008 in Video of Day

Doctor Dre's The Chronic is still one of rap's best albums including the self-titled album which often got overlooked.Chronic anyone?

In all the years since Doctor Dre and Snoop Dogg teamed up to make the awesome Chronic album back in 1994, I’ve never seen the video for the self-named album. Of course, more popular hits such as “Dre Day,” “Ain’t Nuthin’ But A G Thang” and “Let Me Ride” have been seen all over the TV and heard on the airwaves and for good reason as they are freaking dope as hell.

However, I always took a liking to the “Chronic Outro” as it just had that cool funky sound with RBX, The Lady of Rage, Daz, Ruben, Jewell and Emmage singing about getting messed up smoking weed.

Sure enough, when I finally got around to checking out the hidden video, it’s pretty damn good. There’s something about the words, that special plant and blunts along with comical pics and commentary which really works in this P-Funk track.

Yeah. They got it right.

“Make it The Chronic. I wants to get funked up!!!!!” :-D :lol:

See for yourself the underappreciated track from this masterpiece:

Doctor Dre: “The Chronic Outro

 

As an added bonus video, how about one from the legendary 2Pac on the subject. I still feel this was one of his best as the beat and lyrics are smooth as ever:

2Pac: “Smoke Weed All Day (Rather Be Your N-I-G-G-A)

 

Peace out.

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Video of Day: 2Pac, Wyclef Jean

June 14, 2008 in Video of Day

Tupac Shakur wasn't only a rap legend but an accomplished actor as well. 

It’s little secret that my all-time favorite rapper has always been the legendary Tupac Shakur (2Pac) for what he accomplished in such a brief time period. The presumed dead rapper for almost 12 years now as hard as that is to fathom got his start with Digital Underground appearing on the hit “Same Song” which got featured in the funny movie Nothing But Trouble.

He eventually would move on to one of the most successful rap careers releasing several albums producing many hits. It’s all been covered before. There are too many 2Pac hits to even cover cause that’s how freaking great he was. A legend!

Not only was Makaveli dope in the studio but also on the stage as well starring in several movies including his notorious starring debut alongside Omar Epps in Juice along with Poetic Justice and Above The Rim as well as a few others.

For a change, I felt like reviewing an overlooked track. “Baby Don’t Cry” is another excellent 2Pac song with the usual superb lyrics which made him one of a kind. I happen to prefer the Wyclef Jean Remix version (Your Love) as the beat is just awesome making for an even better sound.

So, let’s take a look at both the original and remix:

2Pac: “Baby Don’t Cry

I think what I always liked most about his videos were that they always were well coordinated. Whoever did the shooting really did the freaking job! Everything just always sounded great too. The lyrics are what separated 2Pac from everyone else! 

2Pac, Wyclef Jean: “Baby Don’t Cry Remix (Your Love)

An excellent remix by another talented artist who I wouldn’t mind catching in concert. The mix on this is great and the beat is top notch. Wyclef’s coming to Central Park this summer. I might try to go. If only 2Pac was still around.

2Pac: “Baby Don’t Cry Remix

By accident, I also came across another remix of the song with the cool beat from the Outkast hit, “Miss Jackson” which only was arguably their best hit. Go figure. It sounds good.

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Video(s) of Day: 2Pac

May 24, 2008 in Video of Day

2Pac's legend lives on everywhere. 

On a night where Kobe’s Lakers destroyed the Spurs routing them by 30 to go up 2-0 and on another wasted night on the road for Willie Randolph’s Mets, why not stick with some cool music? Why not indeed?!?!?!?!?!

Anytime I watch a 2Pac video, it just captivates me. I’m so drawn into the amazing rhymes, lyrics and beats. The man was a wizard. Now I’ve always maintained that he’s alive somewhere in the Carribean kicking it. Mr. West Side (cause you all know it’s da best side) AKA Thug Life will always be remembered no matter what the story is.

I’ve reviewed some of his stuff before but decided maybe to throw a couple of different videos this time which aren’t as played but equally as poetic.

So, without further due, two videos of my all-time fave rapper! ;-)

2Pac: “Pain

this is an unofficial video of the song we heard in Above The Rim which Pac was good in playing his bad self. The man could act. He had the skillz. The video is extremely well put together with great shots of our fallen hip hop legend.

2Pac: “Nothing To Lose

this definitely is really strong and uplifting. I never really checked out the video. It’s pretty freaking crazy. The song itself is also how I’ve been feeling lately. I’m ready to just let loose! :-D

2Pac: “Troublesome ’96

hard to believe this came out so long ago. freaking solid!

2Pac: “Last Mothafucka Breathin’

this is really overlooked and sang over a different beat and just kicks ass. As usual, the video just is ridiculous with interesting shots. 2Pac always had memorable videos. The piano at the end is perfect.

2Pac: “Ballad Of A Dead Soulja

hardcore 2Pac 4 real.

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Video(s) of Day: Big Pun

April 27, 2008 in Video of Day

Big Punisher might be gone but isn't forgotten. Boogey Down! 

You can always find great rappers. It’s just that usually the most talented are incognito or dead. At least there’s still Nas and Kanye West. Kind of makes me think sometimes of how truly blessed we were last decade with what the rap game was like.

RIP 2Pac. RIP Biggie. RIP Big Pun AKA Big Punisher. Ah. Another great local product from the NYC representing the Boogey Down. With swicked lyrics, Pun’s 1998 Capital Punishment album went triple platinum. I still got that album on old cassette back in the dinosaur days. Me and the crew used to blast it all the time. :lol:

Truth be told, there’s not a bad song on it even though “Still Not A Player” got all the press. Pun and Fat Joe teamed up with cameos from Funkmaster Flex, Busta Rhymes, Prodigy, Miss Jones and Wyclef Jean. 

For Pun, he died young much like Pac and Biggie. However, it wasn’t from a stray bullet but rather from obesity passing away at 28 from a heart attack on February 7, 2000. In some aspect, that’s kind of sadder because if he’d taken better care of himself and stayed on a diet that had him drop 100 pounds, there’s a good chance Pun would still be around doing his thang. :-(

Nobody ever said it was fair but hey. He became a huge star and lived the life many of us could only dream of leaving a legacy. Or like the latest Air Jordan commercial with the message, “Become Legendary,” Pun did. Maybe not to the extent of predecessors Pac and Biggie but certainly was on that path.

His former partner Joe’s still around putting out the occasional big hit. He’s good but doesn’t come close to Pun’s mic skillz. Few were better.

Let’s look at some other big hits from the one and only Pun:

Big Pun: “Beware

first song on the 1998 album coming strong.

Big Pun: “Twinz (Deep Cover)

a classic sound with an awesome scene and the words to go with it.

Big Pun: “Twinz (Deep Cover remix)

another pretty strong remix from gifted youtuber Darkshadez.

Big Pun: “Punish Me

i still think this track is off da hook. Definitely one of the best songs ever by Pun! With great chorus stuff from Miss Jones. :D

Big Pun: “How We Roll

You know I’m well known like Al Capone, fully blown like Ton’ Montana
In a zone, sittin on chrome, stoned sippin on cham-pagna

Big Pun: “How We Roll“-Original fea. Ashanti

both are really good but the original is a little livelier and more kids in it. Very cool.

Big Pun: “25 to Life

pretty deep stuff.

Big Pun: “Whatcha Gon Do

pretty cool footage and shots. Greatness.

Big Pun: “Capital Punishment

this is a dope track worth its album title. You can’t always say that for album covers. But hey. It was triple platinum!

I pretty much came to the conclusion that I could listen to all of Pun’s stuff and link it up. That’s how great a rapper he was. Gone but never forgotten. Just like the others.

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Video of Day: Eazy-E fea. 2Pac, The Game

April 24, 2008 in Video of Day

So, you want a successful rap video. Well, these days outside of having notorious rapper Akon or producer Timbaland, tossing a couple of fallen rap legends into a remix of a hit song which was good to begin with ain’t a bad alternative.

Precisely what rapper The Game, 50 Cent and G-Unit Records did with fly track, “How We Do.” How hot was this song? Off the charts as it was blasted before b-ball games in the Bk. A kickass warm-up track for players to say the least along with whatever gangsta shit you could find.

It’s little secret that I’ve always been a diehard 2Pac supporter. So, any song which includes Mr. West Side and former NWA’s Eazy-E I’m all for. With The Game including Eazy’s former sidekick Dr. Dre as well in the mix, it’s just killer. Love Dre. Speaking of which, Snoop Dogg’s coming to Key Span Park this summer too. Yeah. I’ll find my way there. ;-)

Now, I’ve seen remix videos before with Pac and the clips are always great even if they’re the same. It just works. Well, to say the least, they did a great job again with California’s Thug Life and Eazy-E. I still maintain that somewhere, Pac’s kicking it with some blunts, hot chicks on a lounge chair by the beach in the Caribbean.

So, what ya think? :lol:

Anyway, I’m going to link up both the original and remix because this song is pretty dope.

The Game fea. 50 Cent, Eazy-E, 2Pac: “How We Do Remix

the footage of Eazy being chased by the police is epic.

The Game fea. 50 Cent: “How We Do

the start of the original is great with a classic shot of Dre with smoke coming out of his mouth with a car in the background before some dice switch to The Game with even more cool shots before headed out.

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Video(s) of Day: Das EFX

March 22, 2008 in Video of Day

Okay. So remember way back when there was some originality in hip hop? It really wasn’t that long ago when ya’ll think about it. Sure. I like some stuff today but the rap from the prior decade is just a very different blend. It’s unique in its own right.

I’ve reviewed some of the familiar names such as 2Pac, Biggie, Nas, Beastie Boys, Naughty By Nature, Cypress Hill, Infamous Mobb Deep, Wu Tang, DMX, etc.

What about a forgotten name from that past such as Brooklyn’s own Das EFX? Oh. Their music was pretty strong. If you prefer hardcore rap with the lyrics to go with it, then I definitely recommend them to anyone out there.

With that in mind, here are a couple of strong tracks from them:

Das EFX: “The Want EFX“ 

Das EFX: “They Want EFX-Live in Tivoli

just feel the energy and listen to that crowd! Man are they pumped. It also happens to be a great performance.

Das EFX: “Real Hip Hop

what’s in a title of a track anyway? only everything! ;-) Oh. It’s a bad ass song and the video is hopping. I really like how they shot it. Black and white on the street. Now you don’t rarely see videos like this anymore. well edited.

Das EFX feat. Mobb Deep: “Microphone Master

is it any wonder that they worked together to create such a strong track? not a coincidence.

Come to think of it, I know I got an old Das EFX tape sitting around somewhere in my room. Maybe it’s time I found it.

With that, this concludes today’s history lesson! :D

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Video of Day: 2Pac

March 19, 2008 in Video of Day

The legendary Tupac Shakur is still missed today. 

It’s late and I’m just in one of those moods to show off a kick ass 2Pac video. Well, he had many but one I really like which sometimes flies under the radar is “Until The End Of Time.”

It’s just very well put together with clips of the one and only 2Pac in other videos, making news and uses quotes as well talking about “Thug Life” and “Death.”

In particularly, I like how they used some of the stuff he did in recording studios. Very cool. It’s just original. But then again, when wasn’t he?!?!?!?!?!

Was he even alive when this video aired? Probably not. I still want to believe he’s alive somewhere smoking a Cuban kicking it in the Carribean.

That’s what I envision anyway.

RIP 2Pac. Thug Life 4ever!

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Video of Day: Akon Ghetto remix (fea. Biggie & 2Pac)

March 3, 2008 in Video of Day

Akon 

Occasionally, you come across pretty cool self-made YouTube videos between all the bs you see. Well, let’s just say this is one of those nights where I actually found a solid produced remix video of Akon’s hit “Ghetto.”

Akon has plenty of good tracks including “Smack That,” “I Wanna Love You,” ”Don’t Matter” and “Sorry, Blame It On Me.” 

The 2004 track Ghetto came off his debut solo album entitled Trouble. Talk about ironies. The musically gifted 34 year-old from Senegal has been in and out of trouble since. Ah. But what would a good rapper/hip hop extraordinaire be without a few run-ins with the law? ;)

I like this one part from his wikipedia:

Most of Akon’s songs begin with the sound of the clank of a jail cell with him uttering the word “Convict.”

Ironically enough, he also has a clothing line which he released last year appropriately called Konvict Clothing.

The legendary 2PacThe legendary Biggie

Anyway, back to the today’s feature Ghetto which includes verses from both the too soon gone Biggie and 2Pac.

What Gilbert did was take out Akon’s lyrics and just use the Biggie and 2Pac stuff fading it in and out along with classic video clips as well.

Here’s what ya get:

Akon remix “Ghetto“-fea. Biggie & 2Pac

Akon original “Ghetto” video

Part of the original was shot in Jersey City where Akon is now listed from. It works.

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