Notorious - Review

I went to go watch the movie this weekend and to be honest, it did a number of things for me. It made me really realize how some artists have gone a different way with their careers. I don't want to hate, but one person comes to mind. Actually, we'll save that for another post. Notorious was a good movie for what it was. Helped you remember the life and times of the one and only B.I.G. And it brought back some memories. I've seen all kinds of movies, having to deal with the East Coast vs. West Coast Battle, Tupac, Biggie, Rap, or Hip-Hop, because what can I say. I love it. But that's all the movie really was. To be honest I expected a bit more from it. I wanted it to give a better idea of who the man was, what he was trying to accomplish, the things that people didn't really get to see. But maybe I expected too much or maybe with B.I.G, what you saw is what you got.

I liked that I got to bob my head every time one of his songs went on, or that I got to see different actors play the roles of some of the more prominent figures in rap. But all in all, the movie was nothing more than average. One that you could definitely wait to watch on DVD.

1 last thing though, I thank the movie, for reminding me how far we've come from that time, in both a good way and a bad way. Thanks for Barack, sorry for 808s and Heartbreaks. Leave that voice synthesizer shit to T-Pain. You're real and original, but you took a step back from Graduation.

Review: Rise of the Revolution

So last Saturday a few of us went out to a show at the Catalyst. I'm sorry to say we weren't able to capture any pictures of the, let's call them events, that took place.

We purposely showed up a little late, because to be honest, we only wanted to see Rise of the Revolution. And a few of us wanted to experience the Catalyst now that we've all turned 21. The view from the balcony is just that much better.

Nevertheless, we opted to stay at ground level, sip a few beers and chill of those blunts. And let me say it made the concert just that much better. I've always loved the venue at the Catalyst. For some reason, you always leave with a story. From when we went to see Hieroglyphics to watching The Heroes in the City of Dope,I've loved every second at the Catalyst. And upon first entering I was scared this would have to stop.

Paloma, was... let me say, intriguing. I must say, that if you didn't like my argument hour on Kenny George, this is where you should skip to the Fubar part of the review. But to be honest ladies of Paloma. Singing should definitely be a part time thing for you ladies. You guys are decent, but the kind of decent that is reserved for house bands at local dive bars. So much that I had to look up your names because you didn't really leave too much of an impression. In fact, I remember you saying, "I can't even do this without a shot" an obvious plea to gain more yells and sreams. I'm sorry. Maybe it was a bad night, but I guess I'll reserve the rest of my judgement, because this is more mean than I feel like being today.

Fubar! Did not exactly steal the show, but they were definitely better than Paloma. They gave off that Sublime feel, which few could really pull off. Not to mention they hit up a Too Short cover, that is much appreciated in the bay. And I admit, they did have a lack of stage presence, but only because there was only so much they could do on stage giving their, disabilities. For my first time hearing them, I would say they are definitely something to look out for.

Rise of the Revolution! They definitely held it down. And let me say that I would have definitely paid a bit more attention if it wasn't for the cracked out guy chillin around the stage. But we'll get to him later. I enjoyed their music, because it was much more than feel good music. It was music for a purpose. Music affecting the belief that we can achieve a greater unified good. And I like that. They discussed topics that we are all too often too afraid to address. And I'm happy that there are still some people out there willing to address these things. They had a unique sound with a mix of percussion, keyboards, turntables, and a mix of vocals coming from Ali, and I'm sorry to say, but I forgot the other guy's name.

Now let, me tell you about the sideshow! Haha, because to be honest that guy was crazy. I first noticed this cracked out black guy in all white and a baby blue beanie, when he was jumping in circles during Paloma. He followed this up with a long set of mean muggin during Fubar, and for the big finally, 10 minutes of what I would call a crab position on the floor, 5 minutes more of mean muggin, callin a young girl from Iran a bitch and finally representin that M-town, out there in Santa Cruz. A definite you had to be there to get the vibe.

But check out that Rise track featuring the Grouch, it's one that shouldn't be missed. Peace!

bomb$hell life in review:

I just finished watching Lakai's first official skate video Fully Flared. Not only has this video inspired me to get off my lazy ass and skate, but also to post my very first blog, yaaayyyy!

Spike In all seriousness, this video rocked hard! Its been a long time since I've actually watched a skate video, and even longer time since I bought one, but I have no regrets with this film. Fully Flared is far more than a gutter punk skate rat video, it is a damn near epic cinematic masterpiece, haha well sorta. Directed by Ty Evans and Spike Jonze, muthaeffin Spike Jonze guys, what more can you really ask for.

The skating is so official, with classic parts from Eric Koston, Mike Carroll, and Rick Howard. These guys are straight OG's in the game, but still rip it hard with so much steeze. Also an up and comer named Mike Mo Capaldi, absolutely destroys his part. This kid is only 15! (he looks 30 though). To top it off, my favorite skater Marc Johnson's unique style just flows through his whole part, he's a bad asss dude.

Nothing really more to say, but just watch this ishh! Even if your not a skateboarder, one can still appreciate the cinematography in this video, its beautiful! So here is a tease trailer for Fully Flared, don't be mistaken by it, there is some seriousness skating held down:



p.s. I have the movie, so if anyone wants to watch it, just holllla!