Drake is far from a great singer, but the YMCMB’s most versatile weapon proves again on “Girls Beyonce” that he has a better grasp of R&B than most singers in the genre. With love songs it’s all about the narrative, and Drake’s musings are given a huge assist on the soulful end courtesy of Cocaine 80s frontman James Fauntleroy.
She lives as long as we do. She will live forever. God bless your soul and the family you left behind. We Love You.
The violence in Chicago has claimed another young life. In this case, it was the accidental shooting of a six-month old baby named Jonylah Watkins. With Soundtrakk behind the boards, Lupe delivers a solemn tribute.
Sounding like it might be time for that full-length 9th and KRIT album. The duo link back up courtesy of Crown Royal for a track that’s inspired by NBA legend Julius Irving. For those in the States, it’s expected that will hear this song in some type of montage tonight during The Miami Heat-Oklahoma City Thunder game.
In honor of today being the late J Dilla’s birthday, his close friend and protege Karriem Riggins bangs out a short instrumental tribute. Peep the video cameos from PB Wolf and J Rocc.
Who better to retouch a classic then its originator? Common revisits his signature ode to Hip-Hop with J. Period supplying scratches that give nods to past emcees like MC Shan and Da Bush Babees. And Common pays tribute to Tribe’s Low End Theory with the chorus. This track will be featured on J. Period’s upcoming Rage Is Back mixtape (February 12).
COMMON X J. PERIOD “THE NEXT CHAPTER (STILL LOVE HER)”
Whatever your take on Spike Lee’s stance on Djanjo Unchained, the man’s pedigree and contributions to black culture can never be put into question. Skyzoo and Talib Kweli do him justice in this tribute track of Sky’s well-received album A Dream Deferred. Check Spike giving his own endorsement with an appearance in the closing minute. Click HERE for the single and HERE for the album.
Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward was laid to rest yesterday in Detroit. The three-hour plus memorial featured an assortment of tribute speeches from fighters Steward either trained or had an immense influence on. Courtesy of Detroit new station WXYZ-TV is the collection of fighter speeches from Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Wladimir Klitschko, Sugar Ray Leonard and Lennox Lewis. Also below is Aretha Franklin’s singing tribute. RIP, Emanuel.
TOMMY HEARNS
LENNOX LEWIS
ROY JONES JR.
SUGAR RAY LEONARD
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
ARETHA FRANKLIN
Last night, the HBO Boxing After Dark team bid farewell to the giant Emanuel Steward, who left us on Thursday after a short illness. As I stated in a short piece on TheWellVersed.com, Steward is a “boxing immortal” and leaves us the most decorated trainer in boxing history with over 40 world champions. Below is last night’s tribute video narrated by Jim Lampley and the 10 bell salute. Shout out to @SweetBoxing for the rips. RIP, Manny.
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Earlier today, the sad news broke on Twitter that Natina Reed of the late 90s group Blaque was killed a car accident late Friday night. Contrary to those initial reports, Reed was not killed in a hit and run — the 32 year old singer was struck by a Honda Accord while walking on Lawrenceville Highway. The accident was reported by the driver and while an investigation is still pending, the driver is not expected to be charged.
The two surviving members of Blaque, Shamari Fears-Devoe and Brandi Williams, released a joint statement revealing the group had recently reunited and were working on a new music. An album had been worked on in 2005 that has never been released.
Blaque’s biggest hits were “808″ and “Bring It All To Me.” Reed ventured out into acting in 2000, starring in Bring It On with Gabrielle Union.
Natina Reed is surivived by her 10-year-old son Tren Brown with DPG’s Kurupt. Below is her final interview at the Left Eye Music Festival held in July.
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By now, everyone has heard the unfortunate but unsurprising news of Johnny Tapia being found dead in his Albuquerque home. While details are still coming, Tapia’s history of struggles with drug addiction puts that high of the list as the likely reason for his passing at only 45 years old. Thankfully, Tapia’s life will be remembered most for all the titles and thrilling bouts he gave fans inside the ring. A full writeup is forthcoming, but for now let’s solemnly reflect on Tapia’s boxing accomplishments via the below tribute clip.
