You gotta love the irony when it comes to Blac Youngsta. Out on bail for allegedly shooting up Young Dolph’s truck at CIAA, the man starts off the track professing his innocence. Not even five seconds later, he’s threatening to kill Young Dolph with lines about “putting him on a t-shirt” and “shooting him in the face on a church day.” Don’t expect this beef to end anytime soon.
The ethereal Erykah Badu celebrated her 45th birthday yesterday. Dave East marked the occasion with a quick freestyle over her classic first single “On and On.” This is reportedly the final entry in the Harlem emcee’s “EastMix” series.
To celebrate the 76th birthday of Bill Withers, Jhene Aiko has covered two classics from the soul legend: “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lovely Day.” In her own words, Jhene explains Withers’ influence on her.
[youtube https://youtu.be/WicwJ_P3PeM]We live in a day and age where young people don’t have much patience…No patience to read anything longer than 140 characters…No patience to research…No patience to study the history of the art they want so desperately to be apart of. Not only is there a lack of patience, but a lack of respect. There’s not a lot of respect being given to the true artists that came before us. Everyone is so hell bent on being THE best that no one is taking the time to honor the individuals who have influenced us. Well, I’m getting older and I realize that I am just a compilation of all the great creators who came before me. Not only is it my duty, but it is also my pleasure to show my appreciation. This month, for his 76th birthday (July 4), TOCK and I want to pay homage to Bill Withers. Bill Withers’ music has been blessing my ears since I was a baby. I didn’t know it then and not until recently did I understand that this man is responsible for some of the most beautiful, relatable, heart felt songs ever written. Bill is not only a genius songwriter, but he is an amazing singer and musician. The more research I do on Bill, the more I love him. Bill didn’t start creating music until he was in his 30’s, proving that there is no limit to what you are capable of. One of the things that inspires me the most about Bill is his attention to lyrics and storytelling. It wasn’t about his image, being flashy, or putting on a “show”. For him, it was about the song. No fluff, just pure feeling. It was about connecting. It was about the music. And it is still about the music. Thank you Bill Withers for being so authentic. You are a true inspiration. Happy Birthday
Golden Boy Promotions will celebrate Bernard Hopkins’ 50th birthday with a special edition of the Golden Boy Live! series at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.
Hopkins, who turns 50 on January 15, will be the guest of honor as fellow Philly native Eric Hunter (19-3, 10 KOs) faces Rene Alvarado in the main event. The co-feature pits Newark, New Jersey’s Michael Perez against an opponent to be determined. The opener will showcase unbeaten Washington, DC junior lightweight Lamont Roach (5-0, 2 KOs) against an opponent to be named later.
Hopkins is coming off a 12-round, unanimous decision defeat to Sergey Kovalev in November. Although there has been much speculation on Hopkins’ future now that he’s lost the WBA and IBF titles, the Executioner turned Alien’s immediate plans are simply to enjoy a good night of boxing in Philadelphia, where he hasn’t fought since 2009.
“I’m so excited that Golden Boy has decided to honor my birthday in this way,” said Hopkins. “The best present that they can give me is to bring a great night of fights to my hometown and give Philly boxing fans something to celebrate.”
Tickets for the card are on sale now at www.wanatix.com and (215) 364-9000 starting at $35.
In an effort to celebrate his 28th birthday this weekend with fans, Drake has officially dropped three new tracks for a pseudo EP. “6 God” is a declaration of acceptance in being the “bad guy” and relishing the criticisms that comes withbsuccess. Expect a lot of people to interpret it as a subliminal response to Tyga’s recent quotes about him being fake.
“Heat of the Moment” is the ballad of the trio where Drake delves into a tryst without fear of post-coital consequences. “How About Now” leaked last week and features Drake taunting women who dismissed him before the fame.
Not a bad way to spend a birthday.
Bravo, Ms. Keys. To celebrate her birthday, Alicia Keys went back to the early 90s when house music reigned to get lyrical and production inspiration from Crystal Waters and Cajmere. As someone who grew up in New Jersey where house music had a heavy influence, this was a real treat.
“I’ve been so overwhelmed by all of your birthday love that I HAD to do something extra special for you! Love to you!!! Big shout to Crystal Waters for your inspiration!… New Music!! B.N.M Part 2!!!!” – Alicia
*************************************
A few decades ago, a renowned poet by the name of Christopher Wallace said the prospects of upward mobility for inner city youth revolved around slanging crack rock or having a wicked jump shot. Here in 2013, Washington, D.C. emcee SmCity deconstructs that misnomer and the dangers of embracing that philosophy. Highly appropriate to drop this on Martin Luther King’s birthday. SmCity’s forthcoming album, Dream Cemetery, hits stores in March.
SMCITY FT. MAFFEW RAGAZINO – “SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT”
[audio https://beatsboxingmayhem.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/smcity-sports-entertainment.mp3]
