The Audacity of Dope

I assume this was filmed, at least in part, during John’s wedding to model (and surprisingly funny Twitter personality) Chrissy Teigen in Italy, since I think a few of these shots are of Lake Como (some footage at the end as well).  Not to get all TMZ, but apparently John sang this to her during the wedding ceremony since it was a song he specifically wrote for her.

I’ve always thought that “Ordinary People” was a timeless, classic record that we would all look back on like some of the best work from Stevie, Marvin, etc. and while I don’t think this one is quite as strong, it’s a great ballad.  I watched some of my co-workers literally cry after listening to it so I’d say it’s almost a universal favorite for the ladies.

Well played Mr. and Mrs. Stephens.

As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I’m a sucker for flashing lights.  It’s a good thing I’m not prone to epileptic seizures, since this video is clearly going to cause a few of those.  This is an epic anthem and ‘Ye’s partnership with the NBA for All-Star Weekend is working flawlessly.

Best artist alive.

I could write an essay on Kanye’s Runaway film, and the ensuing debates it sparked, but what’s the point?  There will be a million analytical pieces by Monday, and none of them will be any more “right” than the others.  It’s art…and I’m really not looking forward to hearing other people tell me how to consume it.

Personally, I’m satisfied with an interesting concept, some beautiful shots & colors, and some really dope music.  The intro scene with “Dark Fantasy” and the “Devil In A New Dress” segment were flawless, though part of me wishes this was the first time I ever heard any of these songs.  That’s always been one of my least favorite aspects of the internet age and I may have to revert back to avoiding music from my favorite artists until it’s officially presented.  Even with all the live performances, interviews, and song/artwork leaks spoiling much of Runaway, I thoroughly enjoyed the film.

Regardless of how you felt about it, you have to agree: no mainstream MC puts more effort and care into his music than Kanye.  Sure, it can come off pretentious at times (ok, much of the time), but he’s really trying to express something in his art and take it to new places.  He doesn’t always hit the mark, but musically, he’s never disappointed me.

A toast to Yeezy.

New visuals by Gil Green for the lead single from John Legend and the Roots’ collaborative project covering classic soul records.  The old school shots in this one look great…as does Melanie Fiona, but you already knew that.

I don’t post up too many single joints these days, but when a collaboration like John Legend and the Roots comes along, it’s cause for a celebration.  Plus the homies at Columbia specifically asked and I’m hoping for some inter-office label drama between the old “internet is dead” Prince style execs and the ones that actually understand the new model.  Be on the lookout for a possible appearance from JL & ?uest on SNSS soon!

John Legend & The Roots ft. Melanie Fiona & Common – “Wake Up Everybody”

Seeing this clip of Kanye and John Legend Stephens performing in Amsterdam around the release of The College Dropout reminds me of my 2nd semester of senior year down in Cali.  The homey Tunji and I had been steadily following ‘Ye’s burgeoning rap career, ever since we heard the first couple of freestyles that he put on the net, and we were lucky enough to see him perform 2 shows in LA around the NBA All-Star Weekend in ’04 (right around my birthday too).  Shout to DJ Off Beat, aka Don C, for hooking it up.  Kanye even filmed the “All Falls Down” video at our local airport in Ontario, CA that week too…if only we had known Stacey Dash was in our neighborhood…

Anyway, I’ll never forget chopping it up with ‘Ye in the back of House Of Blues Anaheim and him being so happy that random dudes like Tunj and I knew all his freestyles.  He was so geeked that he started rhyming new verses a capella to a couple of college kids, just to prove that the best was yet to come.  Hanging out with one of my best friends while Kanye excitedly rapped what would become a verse on “Gold Digger” (“18 YEARS…18 YEARS!”) is one of my favorite music memories ever.

The College Dropout changed my life, real talk.

Some of the melodies in this song are really catchy…

John Legend – “There With You”

When do we leave?

Man, it’s a shame this video didn’t drop a little earlier because the song and visuals would have been perfect for the summer.  I’m not sure I really like the stutter video effects, or if I really understand highlighting the hair spin maneuver, but I still dig the video and the song is flawless.  I could listen to those drums all day.

While I was hoping the latest single from John’s Evolver album would be “Cross The Line,” this one will do pretty nicely.  It probably won’t break out on most radio stations, but the video could be perfect for VH1.  Plus, us white people do love us some John Legend.

Courtesy of OnSmash.

As much as I love all my favorite classic artists, there’s really nothing better than seeing the next generation come up and begin to establish themselves.  I remember when I first heard of B.o.B., I was impressed, but not blown away.  Fast forward to almost 2 years later and now I’m definitely a huge fan of Mr. Bobby Ray.  He killed every verse and hook in 2008 and ’09 will officially be his break out year.

Not only is he insanely talented, but he’s also a real cool dude.  You all saw a glimpse of that in the “Autotune” video, but I got to see it firsthand when B.o.B., Playboy Tre, and their manager B. Rich came through Sound Session to chop it up a while back.  We talked all about their backgrounds, B.o.B.’s upcoming debut album, the lead single (“I’ll Be In The Sky”), their ability to write infectious hooks, why their music has to be genuine, why the industry needs a reality check, and much more.  You can check out the full interview below:

B.o.B. & Playboy Tre on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?xnlx1wmo0gz
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/54012448089f57ba/ )

Big shout to the whole crew for dropping by and a special shout to TJ Chapman too.  Get ready for the B.o.B./Tre takeover in ’09, for real.