I apologize for another slight delay in posts, but I got my own life 2 take care of :-P.. Anyway, the much talked about “Paris, Tokyo RMX” f/ Pharrell, Q-Tip, & Sarah Green was finally released 2day and it surely matches the hype! I love Q-Tip’s verse, Sarah Green shoulda been on the original as her singing (and even rapping) enhances it greatly, at first I didn’t like Pharrell’s verse, but on 2nd listen I think I do, and of course Lupe himself brings a real fresh, brand new verse. There’s also a real smooth, bonus live jazz mix above for DL as well! Down below, some new-age R&B for ya ears, starting off w/ my boy Trey Songz who jumps over the soulful chorus of “Misunderstood” used in many songs recently. I’ve always loved the lyrics and soulful voice of that chorus. Songz sounds brilliant on the beat that compliments both the chours and Songz’ voice. You can peep the rest of the goodies below and make sure to check out the “Love Hangover” video premiere by Kidz In The Hall & Estelle, one of my favorite trax from The In Crowd! Enjoy!
BEFORE u get excited, it’s JUST the cover art of the “Paris, Tokyo RMX” which for the first time shows who will be featured on the track - as u can see, Pharrell, Q-Tip, & Sarah Green! I’m excited about Q-Tip jumping on the RMX, clearly disregarding the Fiascogate incident where Lupe messed up the lyrics of A Tribe Called Quest song in a live performance, and I’m excited for Sarah Green 2 display her vocals on the track, like she has been alongside Lupe for his more recent live performances! The track will likely be leaked sometime in the near future and the next time u see that image, u will be able 2 DL it! Down below is a fresh track from Erykah Badu & Re-Up Gang as well as a David Banner / Lil’ Wayne video premiere! Enjoy!
I’m likin’ the black & white, but I was expecting something unique and fresh like the song itself. Still a solid video, featuring some nice live performance angles, but like I said, I was expecting something a lil’ more artsy.
Gym Class Heroes “Peace Sign/Index Down” f/ Busta Rhymes
VIDEO PREMIERE!
A fresh video with a lot of face time w/ the artists. The plain background works as well and the song has such a gripping message on first listen, u’ll likely watch this one all the way thru and maybe even more!
The Outlawz “Everything Happenz 4 A Reason”
VIDEO PREMIERE!
Perhaps my favorite video of the premieres in this post… done in a semi-documentary style, showing live tour performances mixed in with some video from 2Pac’s last nite (as u can imagine, tying in with the song title). Def a MUST-SEE for 2Pac & Outlawz fans alike!
Keri Hilson “Energy”
VIDEO PREMIERE!
LOVE Keri Hilson! The video only enhances her sexiness as she still maintains that with the boxing and working out theme… she still looks great breakin’ a sweat. The song is nice also and the vid inspires me 2 like it even more. The ladies will definitely love her strong image in both the video and the lyrics.
Nas Performs @ ALIFE
A little amateur video of Nas performing in a small, packed house. Hard 2 fully understand unless ur listening/watching closely, but as u can imagine, Nas kills it (and I’ll see for myself soon enough!). Untitled in stores 2day.. can’t wait 2 pick up my copy!
Lupe Fiasco “Streets On Fire” f/ Matthew Santos & Sarah Green
LIVE @ Somerset House
Props 2 LupEND for passing this thru our email as u can head over there 2 DL the full concert in audio and video. The video above is an great, super, excellent, awesome performance of one of my all-time fav. Lupe trax, “Streets On Fire”, as all 3 perform wonderfully. Aite, I’m running out of generic adjectives, but either way, both Santos (especially with the beginning intro) and Sarah Green (on the chorus, and throughout… didn’t I say that once before?) shine as Lupe graciously gives them the spotlight and then shines in his own as he rips through every word passionately in his 2 verses. Just an overall awesome performance that makes me wish that I was there. MUST-SEE (only 6 minutes long..!)
Kanye West - In An Absolut World (Commercial)
It’s gettin’ late.. might take another viewing 2 understand this commercial fully, but its Kanye, he looks fly in this commercial and well, take it for what it is! Enjoy!
So first, I’ll hit ya with a brand NEW live performance featuring Lupe Fiasco above! It is the FULL, 27 minute set he did in Glastonbury the other day, but trust me, it is worth the time because Lupe turns in yet another amazing performance. And not only Lupe as well because his guest stars shine just as bright with Matthew Santos and especially Sarah Green lending their talents 2 the set. I gotta say, the more I see and hear Sarah Green, especially in this video and up close, in person at the Glow In The Dark Tour, the more I am impressed by her. The way she enhances the live performances of some songs is incredible. Case in point, “Streets On Fire” - my favorite song from the live set, quite possibly because I didn’t see it at Glow In The Dark, but it is ridiculous nonetheless with Sarah Green echoing the chorus! Other favs include, “Hip Hop Saved My Life” and “Little Weapon” where he goes a capella. I was further impressed with the outdoor venue and HUGE crowd and how Lupe had the crowd going! “Hip Hop Saved My Life” AND “Superstar” especially, when DJ Simonsayz drops the beat and Lupe lets the crowd sing, that’s just chilling! It reminded me of an old school performance that I included below for Old School Sundays, featuring fellow Chicago rapper, Kanye West. When I watched Lupe’s performance, I was reminded about Kanye’s electric performance in front of an even bigger outdoor crowd from last year. All I remembered was that it was somewhere in England and he performed “Stronger” live for the first time. After a series of Google searches, I re-located this video and included the medley below! Performing in front of a crowd that large has got 2 be a thrill for the artist and such an experience for the fans that it makes me want 2 experience that atmosphere as well. This was another sweet performance by Mr. West and like I said, the debut of “Stronger” live, but also the ‘Stronger Shades’, haha! Peep the videos above and below and enjoy!
Kanye West LIVE Medley @ Concert For Diana
(OLD SCHOOL, ENTIRE LIVE SET FROM 2007 f/ “Gold Digger”, “Touch The Sky”, “Stronger”, & “Diamonds From Sierra Leone”)
***UPDATED LINK, FORMATTED FOR YOUR iTunes!!!*** (8:03PM)
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Daaamnn, great timing! Bout 2 head out but this literally popped in our e-mail (and others’) a few minutes ago (shouts again 2 KayCee) and I included her DL link.. I’ll update it with the GWHH format for ur iTunes (as usual) but it’ll take some time, time that I don’t have. It’s all about the music so DL it above! Again, updated format for ur iTunes AND my thoughts after I give it a listen will be added 2 this post, so keep checking! Enjoy!
***UPDATED LINK, FORMATTED FOR YOUR iTunes!!!*** (8:03PM)
Ok, so I’ve been listenin’ 2 this in the car and at the comp all nite… SICK! Gem brings it on every track and u can tell the transformation from Gemini 2 GemStones on the very first track with a couple verses over the ridiculous “Free Chilly” beat from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool. Every track has something meaningful behind it, covering a various amount of topics - life’s experiences, social analysis, relationship issues, etc. You can’t ask for much more if you want to be enlightened through music and the mixtape, mind you this is only the MIXTAPE, really touches the listener and provokes their own analysis… and on the first listen also! GemStones is one of the few artists who grabs me with his lyrics on the very first listen and that’s what I was trying to look for 2nite. His passion and talent is undeniable and before you know it, you’ll be hearing GemStones’ name a lot more in the public, further progressing the FNF movement and impact of the city of Chicago on the world! There’s too many Tibs Favs to list on here, but some of the trax that were never previously posted, that u have GOT to have… “I Love Her”, “A Song To You”, “Free Chilly”, “Fly Away”, “When I Get On”, “Superstar” (his version w/ Matthew Santos) and well, I can keep going. Bottom line: awesome mixtape 2 the Fahrenheit series and if this is how hot the mixtape is, I can’t wait 2 see how Troubles Of The World - GemStones’ debut album coming this year? - will turn out! PLEASE do urself a favor and DL above! Enjoy!
In case u haven’t seen Gowhere Hip Hop’s lengthy, EXCLUSIVE interview with GemStones…
FULL, Limited DJ, Track from upcoming mixtape, The Testimony Of GemStones*Tibs Fav.
Above is the 3rd leaked track from GemStones looooong awaited mixtape, The Testimony Of GemStones! Still waiting on a date for the mixtape’s release as 2 dates have already come and gone without the release. Either way, the trax leaked so far have been ridiculous and this one is no exception. The dark beat sets the nice tone for GemStones 2 consciously spit his verses and Sarah Green enhancing the song with her background vocals in the verses and on the chorus. The lyrics explore the skeletons in ur closet, as one can imagine, the dark secrets and needs of us people. Definitely a MUST-DL cuz this song shows the depth and potential of GemStones! Enjoy!
In case u haven’t seen Gowhere Hip Hop’s lengthy, EXCLUSIVE interview with GemStones…
Sophrosyne: The sound minded Kanye West knew what he wanted, how he wanted it done, and how to execute it. Every detail had felt like he had delt with it personally. I have never seen another artist try so hard to deliver such an incredible performance. Thank you Mr. West, and thank you for the very personal artist book that was given out after the show titled “Thank You, And You’re Welcome.” The artist book was very well done; Kanye speaks the TRUTH. As an artist I really appreciate all the hard work and effort that was put in, because let’s face it, presentation is everything. ‘Ye appropriated the concert experience to the art form that it’s supposed to be. Mixing a phenomenal “theater” experience w/ his spine chilling records booming through the UC was quite the experience. “Graduation” is really the album that kicked off all of this out of the box ingenuity for the music business, especially the two very artistic “Flashing Lights” videos which blew my mind. The show deserves a 5 star rating for the 5 star performances from Lupe & FNF, N.E.R.D. Rihanna, and Kanye West. [Max G.]
Lupe Fiasco kicked off the show with “The Coolest” over the “Let There Be Light” Justice beat, as expected and it was even sicker live! That got me right into it as he brought out the lovely Nikki Jean for “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” and “Little Weapon” with Bishop G gettin’ in his verse. The highlight of Lupe’s set was “Go Go Gadget Flow” as he sped through the Chicago-inspired hit at an even faster break-neck speed, dropping the beat for the 2nd verse and going a capella at like 1000 words per second it seemed. Haha, the crowd got really into it and fed off the energy from Lupe and his guests and that moment was just ridiculous. “Paris, Tokyo” took on an interesting sound as Sarah Green provided the chorus and a beautiful solo 2 conclude the song, wow. Her voice was booming! Lupe then introduced the Chicago electronic duo, He Say She Say, as they performed “Crash Dummie”. I loved it and was prolly one of 10 people in the UC who knew the words, but I hope others came away impressed. Matthew Santos was the next guest 2 arrive as Lupe & himself performed “Fighters” followed by “Superstar”, which the crowd went nuts for! And then Lupe fittingly ends his set with “Daydreamin’” as him and Bishop G just lost it on stage with Santos and Sarah Green providing some backup vocals, setting up the stage for N.E.R.D., Rihanna, & Kanye West! (Such a beautifull daayyy…!) I’ve seen Lupe Fiasco LIVE 3 times now and I’d have to say that this was my favorite of the 3 as he brought the perfect amount of energy to kick off the show, gave us a couple surprises, and perfectly organized the song order and guest list, allowing his fellow FNF artists shine in such a big spotlight…although no GemStones for Friday night :(. The United Center finally filled in by “Superstar” and its energy did not dip one bit as after a quick 15 minute intermission, N.E.R.D. came out and straight up rocked the house. Pharrell & Co. were simply goin’ crazy, hitting their groove with “Rock Star” and continuing with “Spaz” (featuring a surprise dance performance from Chris Brown!), then “Lapdance”, “Everyone Nose”, & their biggest hit (so far) with “She Wants To Move”, bringing up some lucky ladies in the first couple rows to ‘move’ on stage. They got myself and the crowd a lil’ more active as we were swaying, spazing, jumping, and just going crazy by the last few trax! After a lil’ longer intermission, out came Rihanna, who had her moments on stage, jumping from hit 2 hit. I thought she did pretty good and was relieved that her voice didn’t sound significantly different than on the radio; it’s just that… for most of the crowd, I would think the energy dropped off a little bit, especially after Lupe and N.E.R.D. and the anticipation for Kanye. While I liked Rihanna’s set, it just didn’t seem 2 fit, but I suppose that’s debatable since she definitely had the crowd going for “Don’t Stop The Music” and her finale, “Umbrella”. Just one more intermission and out comes Kanye West on his futuristic space set 2 “Good Morning”. It was almost surreal at first for me and it took me a few trax 2 fully appreciate what I was seeing. He jumped through track to track with no breaks and a sick storyline where his spaceship crashed and his control center dying. The organization was pure genius. He gets on his “Spaceship”, performs the song, cuts it off as the spaceship is crashing, and bam! “All Falls Down”! The beginning/middle of his set included many hits like “Diamonds” (wow @ looking at the whole crowd w/ the diamonds in the sky), “Flashing Lights”, & “Through The Wire” 2 name a few. I was lovin’ these performances but had this unsatisfied feeling in the back of my mind… like I know he’s still got somethin for us. He finally hit “Hey Mama” and as expected, the emotional performance even further ignited the crowd as the United Center got a lil more louder than ‘loudest’ when Kanye motioned for the crowd, singing “I wanna scream so loud for you!”. Whoo, and so begins the “chills” segment of Kanye West’s set. Up next, as I correctly predicted, “Stronger”! Stadium status right there. Everyone was going 2 lose it, we all knew it was going 2 be something special, and Kanye delivered! “Is this what you’ve been waiting for?” was the embedded theme on ‘Ye’s chorus’ as he was spazzing on his suddenly higher, spaceship platform stage. Magnificent. Up next he came up with “Homecoming” as the preceding “Hey Mama” and “Stronger” catapulted him and his spaceship for their return 2 Earth! And of course, being in Chicago, “Homecoming” had an even greater, special meaning. When Kanye got 2, “And if you don’t know by now, I’m talkin’ bout CHI-TOWN!”, there’s no way the hometown crowd was lifted 2 another level (unless u were the 40-yr old lady a couple rows in front of us with Stronger shades, no one else sitting w/ her, and no reaction at all, haha!). ‘Ye ad-libbed a couple “It’s my town! CHI-Town!” lines in the subsequent chorus and we were at the palm of his hand! For his grand finale, Kanye was now able 2 “Touch The Sky”, which again carried greater significance for us as fellow Chicago boy Lupe Fiasco came out 2 another huge ovation for his 3rd verse. My personal favorite moment came at the end of Lupe’s verse with the lines, “Now let me end my verse right where the horns are like, uhhh!”, as Lupe, Kanye, AND Tibs jumped up with the exclamation point on a fantastic concert! Wow, what a great feeling. The last 4 songs were Kanye’s best performances IMO and left me shakin’ well afterwards. Kanye introduced his helpers on the night and left us all with a personal, emotional, and uplifting message that u can see parts of in the recapped YouTube video below! Also, check out the tracklist of the performances in order from Lupe Fiasco & Kanye West! [Sgt. Tibs]
10. “Daydreamin’” f/ Bishop G, Matthew Santos, & Sarah Green
Kanye West LIVE @ Glow In The Dark Tour 05.23.08
01. “Good Morning”
02. “I Wonder”
03. “Heard ‘Em Say”
04. “Through The Wire”
05. “Champion”
06. “Get ‘Em High”
07. “Diamonds From Sierra Leone”
08. “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”
09. “Flashing Lights”
10. “Spaceship”
11. “All Falls Down”
12. “Gold Digger”
13. “Good Life”
14. “Jesus Walks”
15. “Hey Mama”
16. “Stronger”
17. “Homecoming”
18. “Touch The Sky” f/ Lupe Fiasco
***NOTE: Neither Lupe or Kanye did every track in its entirety. Correct me if I’m wrong on the order, but I’m almost positive that it’s all correct! [Sgt. Tibs]
05.24.08
From Left 2 Right: Max G., Nikki Jean, Sgt. Tibs
We went over 2 Saint Alfred’s for the last-minute meet & greet with one of our favorite up and coming artists - Nikki Jean! We were greeted warmly right away, and had a good chance to meet face to face with such a good interviewee and talented artist. It is refreshing 2 see an artist give back like this and put forth a lot of effort 2 give fans like us a chance to not only meet her but get to know her as a person. She was so nice and warm 2 everyone and we wish her nothing but the best of luck in the future cuz she flat out deserves it!
(Note the first official Limited G (Max G.’s clothing line) shirt with the GWHH logo in glow in the dark paint, which aspired a certain glow at the tour. Chyea!)
Finally as a bonus below, check out YouTube-piano sensation David Sides as he plays the Lupe Fiasco mega-hit - “Superstar”! Enjoy! [Sgt. Tibs & Max G.]
For those who missed it, enjoy the LIVE performances by Lupe Fiasco below! I especially loved how Lu got the crowd singing along at the end of “Paris, Tokyo” on Carson Daly - something that I’d imagine is hard in that talk show setting. Overall, Lupe doesn’t miss a word in the verses and I like his additions on the chorus (Sarah Green with background vocals)… yeah, I just love everything about these performances, including that suit on Leno, haha. Anyway, love ‘em for yourself and watch them below! Enjoy!
And if you were wondering, Lupe Fiasco did perform “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” w/ Nikki Jean for the Carson Daly show the other night, but for some reason the performance got canned Maybe it’ll be online somewhere, but that really stinks and its a bad break for Nikki! Our sympathies go out 2 her!
As our final farewell gift to the readers, as well as our welcoming to our new site, check out our NEW Music Blowout! Below you’ll find the latest from Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Akon, Usher, JT, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, & MORE including new music videos from Alicia Keys, Rihanna & Ne-Yo, and Nicole Scherzinger & Will.I.Am!
Lupe Fiasco “Paris, Tokyo RMX” f/ Pharrell, Q-Tip, & Sarah Green - MORE
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Maybe it’ll be online somewhere, but that really stinks and its a bad break for Nikki! Our sympathies go out 2 her!
