The Native Soul

R.I.P. J.D Salinger, author of Catcher In The Rye

2010-01-28T12:30:00.001-06:00

Sad news today. The New York Times reports author J.D. Salinger, writer of the incredible classic coming of age story Catcher In The Rye, is dead today at the age of 91. Catcher was such an amazing book to me when I read in in high school and one that gave an introspective view about the world through the eyes of a frustrated, restless young adult. Salinger was able to convey often-indescribable feelings through words like few before him had done. I'd read previously that a major movie company was looking to put Catcher into production but Salinger had impeeded the process. I wonder what will happen with it going forward...I would LOVE to see an on-screen adaptation. Maybe they'll cast me as a black Holden Caulfield, lol. I salute you, Mr. Salinger, for your inspirational work and fruitful life! Be peace!

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

AUDIO: "Keep Dancing" featuring @VicSpencer & Simeon of @Primeridian

2010-01-28T12:00:00.001-06:00

New shit from Brainiac Society's Vic Spencer & myself, featuring Simeon from Primeridian. "Keep Dancing". Produced by Beat Maker Beat.

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Partytime Excellence! This Friday @ Tonic Room w/ @djizzo, @djmano, and @hollywoodholt

2010-01-28T10:37:00.001-06:00

Flyer by yours truly. Hope to see you out!

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

VIDEO: The Apple iPad

2010-01-27T17:20:00.001-06:00

The Apple iPad. This is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time...

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Shepard Fairey's Eye Alert Cream

2010-01-27T05:25:00.001-06:00

Shepard Fairey's new poster, Eye Alert Cream. Edition of 350 $45 Signed/Numbered 18 x 24″. A lot of meaning behind this one #shotsfired

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

VIDEO: Derrick Rose's Dunk (Stacey King's Call)

2010-01-27T04:30:00.001-06:00

D. Rose decides to boom Dragic of the Phoenix Suns on a fast break. Hilarity ensues in the local call by Stacey King & Neil Funk. And ya say Chi City...

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

VIDEO: Swizz Beatz Stops By DD172

2010-01-26T16:09:00.001-06:00

Swizz Beatz, on top of a prolific producer, is an avid art collector. Not in a trendy way either. I'm talking Salvador Dali, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Herring, Andy Warhol, absolute greats. Coodie & Chike catch up with him at the DD172 artist space and chop it up about collecting and how the art world is the hardest platform to gain credibility within. Listen up kids, buy art! It will only appreciate as times passes.

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Cool Shit [1•25•10]

2010-01-25T17:16:00.001-06:00

Andrew Zuckerman Photography, really amazing images in all sorts of categories, definitely worth a look!
Munchausen took an ordinary IKEA setup and covered it with 20,000+ LEGO pieces.
Frank Lloyd Wright's 1920 passport photo. Way cool.

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Cool Shit [1•25•10]

2010-01-25T16:46:00.001-06:00

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Johnny Depp on Inside The Actor's Studio

2010-01-24T12:11:00.001-06:00

Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors of all time. In my opinion, his artistic appeal lies in defying expectations, having the ability to fully engulf himself in roles for the sake of the art, and being able to stay sane and unique in real life after all of that. This is a really great interview that gives the viewer a great introspective look into the mind state of a living legend. He drops so many quick gems in this that I can only hope to sink into my music. We work in different mediums, but I would love to be the Johnny Depp of hip hop music. Check out Parts 2 & 3 of the interview below as well.

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

$ is 24 | 2•5•2010 @ Lumen

2010-01-23T18:07:00.001-06:00

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

AUDIO: "It Ain't Fair" featuring Vic Spencer

2010-01-14T18:21:00.001-06:00

It Ain't Fair by $ulaiman

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

"Yes, Please!" Bria Myles x Alysha Young x Rosa Acosta x Suelyn Medeiros x Jessica Lucas

2010-01-11T19:56:00.001-06:00

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

All The Neptunes Tracks From 2009

2010-01-08T13:33:00.001-06:00

Bobby Valentino
The Rebirth (Studio Session) (2009)
- My Ex-Girlfriend feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/isesjxo5do48

Rocking With The Best (Studio Version) (2009)
- Rocking With The Best feat. Pharrell (Radio Rip)
http://usershare.net/eum30fonn5cg

Busta Rhymes
Fast & Furious 4 OST (2009)
- G-Stro feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/3jlw7zxl6akm

Back On My B.S. (2009)
- Kill Dem feat. Pharrell & Tosh
http://usershare.net/ayc8kodfbdak

Kill Dem (CDM) (2009)
- Kill Dem feat. Pharrell, Tosh, Mavado & Bounty Killer (Remix)
http://usershare.net/q1t88bc22psb

Cassie
Electro Love (2010)
- Hide (Snippet)
http://usershare.net/einqcin52jyh

Chris Brown
Graffiti (Studio Session) (2009)
- Caught Up feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/e0sspi6lmvme
- I Need You feat. Pharrell (Snippet)
http://usershare.net/dc7ikj39ew05

Clipse
Til The Casket Drops (2009)
- All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson
http://usershare.net/yl6rzq8ca9mw
- Champion feat. Graph Nobel
http://usershare.net/rrbovhw6ji5x
- Counseling feat. Pharrell & Nicole Hurst
http://usershare.net/p2qlrrdq4jre
- Door Man feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/iwhvvx566jtb
- I'm Good feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/mx01yqxye12s
- I'm Good feat. Pharrell & Rick Ross (Remix)
http://usershare.net/gxfk3o6j9jse
- Life Change feat. Pharrell & Kenna
http://usershare.net/0dizlkazm0kf
- Popular Demand (Popeyes) feat. Pharrell & Cam'Ron
http://usershare.net/y3at1e5rjx2u
- Showin' Out feat. Pharrell & Yo Gotti
http://usershare.net/mg9ze84b18pv

Til The Casket Drops (Studio Session) (2009)
- All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (1st Version)
http://usershare.net/bvk8mzwy08we
- All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (2nd Version)
http://usershare.net/x48b7es9b0hm
- Champion feat. Pharrell, Graph Nobel, Birdman & Mack Maine (Remix)
http://usershare.net/zakzabmifsj9
- I'm Good feat. Pharrell & Rick Ross (Remix) (1st Version)
http://usershare.net/u53elo9919mh

Eve
Video Music Awards (2008)
- All Night Long (Live)
http://usershare.net/35jckotcvfb8

Fam-Lay
Get That Work Up (Promo CDS) (2009)
- Get That Work Up feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/46hqheckt8d8

Traintogo (Studio Session) (2004)
- Mr. Treat Your Nose (Snippet)
http://usershare.net/ipket54rixik

Gucci Mane
The State VS. Radric Davis (Studio Session) (2009)
- Have It All feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/lpuzjbrsbhlp

Gwen Stefani
Wind It Up (Studio Session) (2005)
- Wind It Up feat. Pharrell (1st Version)
http://usershare.net/wz8rcy4e4d98

Jadakiss
The Last Kiss (2009)
- Rockin' With The Best feat. Pharrell & Bobby Valentino
http://usershare.net/jt0ghh4hvouf
- Stress Ya feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/gucd63ptplnm

Jay-Z
Blueprint 3 (2009)
- So Ambitious feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/ghj82zdgnv1g

Juvenile
DJ Smallz & DJ Neptune Southern Smoke TV Vol. 2 (2009)
- They Know (DJ)
http://usershare.net/qpxn93gmgzfn

Kenna
That's G (Lock It Up) (Gatorade Commercial) (2009)
- That's G (Lock It Up) (Gatorade Commercial) I
http://usershare.net/tga09cp6tfjs
- That's G (Lock It Up) (Gatorade Commercial) II
http://usershare.net/siwq5szxqw6y

Lil' Wayne
Rebirth (Studio Session) (2009)
- Ay Man feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/whnknwkf61qn
- Yes feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/bwn7s20if6om

Lola (aka Jennifer Lopez)
Fresh Out The Oven (Promo CDS) (2009)
- Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pharrell & Pitbull
http://usershare.net/it0gsaz03d8n
- Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pharrell & Pitbull (Alternate Version)
http://usershare.net/vznlt0wboktu

Madonna
Hard Candy (Studio Session) (2007)
- Beat Goes On feat. Pharrell (UK Version) (Demo)
http://usershare.net/nezrc8wls1mt

Manami
Back Of My Mind (Promo CDS) (2009)
- Back Of My Mind feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/x9u1m0m9xyor

Michael Jackson
The Remix Suite (2009)
- Never Can Say Goodbye feat. Pharrell (The Neptunes Remix)
http://usershare.net/2giuv19ho0pk

Missy Elliott
Block Party (2010)
- Put It On You feat. Pharrell & Teyana Taylor
http://usershare.net/uxa1wogaunqk

Mos Def
The Ecstatic (2009)
- Twilite Speedball
http://usershare.net/3qqqmr9l7lmt

N¤E¤R¤D
90210 OST (2009)
- Soldier feat. Santigold
http://usershare.net/5j8ukxbb5cdc

Nicole Scherzinger
Her Name Is Nicole (2007)
- I M.I.S.S. You feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/35vn5iwmt93r

Omarion
Ollusion (2010)
- Devastation
http://usershare.net/x2mncyr9ltyt

Pharrell
Despicable Me OST (2010)
- Despicable Me
http://usershare.net/r76y7zg8q2k7
- Go A Lil' Harder
http://usershare.net/lpg86aiyc6lz

Go Ho Ho (Gap Holiday Cheer Commercial) (2009)
- Go Ho Ho (Gap Holiday Cheer Commercial)
http://usershare.net/qg8r5pwtbtkw

Street Dreams OST (2009)
- Hoppin' Over Fences (Snippet)
http://usershare.net/axejke9z2sll

Pitbull
Fast & Furious 4 OST (2009)
- Bad Girls feat. Robin Thicke
http://usershare.net/h5m6fhj5ef9f
- Blanco feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/z5jkin9xagtl
- Blanco feat. Pharrell (Spanish Version)
http://usershare.net/iv8q55gcoz3j
- You Slip, She Grip feat. Tego Calderon
http://usershare.net/610c580crdup

Queen Latifah
Persona (2009)
- If He Wanna feat. Serani
http://usershare.net/zy9smgqytnjn

Sergio Veneno
La Cura (Studio Session) (2009)
- Ven Aqui Mama feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/hdnytm68dmvu

Shakira
She Wolf (2009)
- Años Luz
http://usershare.net/yc3p05sqjb92
- Did It Again
http://usershare.net/dpynnmhol8xt
- Did It Again feat. Kid Cudi (Remix)
http://usershare.net/gs40m2a4iv8x
- Good Stuff
http://usershare.net/14ss1ws34gtm
- Lo Hecho Está Hecho
http://usershare.net/r10by6v13blw
- Lo Hecho Está Hecho feat. Pitbull (Remix)
http://usershare.net/3x5j5imw1m5h
- Long Time
http://usershare.net/wcu6q5b7zj1i
- Why Wait
http://usershare.net/xge482ct5gnn

Shark City Click
Fast & Furious 4 OST (2009)
- Head Bust
http://usershare.net/3ddvq1s6p1i1

Snoop Dogg
Ego Trippin' (Studio Session) (2008)
- Feet Don't Fail Me Now feat. Pharrell, Charlie Wilson & Nelly
http://usershare.net/r00t58783ouf

Malice N' Wonderland (2009)
- Special feat. Pharrell & Brandy
http://usershare.net/ghy4vkme9l24

Teriyaki Boyz
Serious Japanese (2009)
- Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious)
http://usershare.net/lq8upu6co6cd
- Tokyo Drift feat. Pusha T. & Fam-Lay (Remix)
http://usershare.net/2sl1n5dyczci
- Work That feat. Pharrell & Chris Brown
http://usershare.net/1h334sw166yc
- Zock On! feat. Pharrell, Busta Rhymes & Lisa
http://usershare.net/qgp7qykptcer

The Neptunes
Nike Commercial (2008)
- Zoom
http://usershare.net/t9e38e8viqse

TQ
The Second Coming (Studio Session) (2000)
- Hate
http://usershare.net/kje4yk65g1i0

Usher
Raymond VS. Raymond (Studio Session) (2010)
- Certified feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/kecfck1xrenf
- I Love You 2
http://usershare.net/mz57oziwhvg3

What's A Guy Gotta Do (Studio Session) (2003)
- What's A Guy Gotta Do feat. Pharrell & Justin Timberlake
http://usershare.net/clb9e1pjw89f

Wale
Attention Deficit (2009)
- Let It Loose feat. Pharrell
http://usershare.net/xczij4m4af2s

Clipse - All Eyes On Me (CDS) (2009)
01 - All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (Dirty)
02 - All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (Clean)
03 - All Eyes On Me (Instrumental)

Total Size: 16,00MB
http://usershare.net/jzzwlefsvjwi

Clipse - I'm Good (CDS) (2009)
01 - I'm Good feat. Pharrell (Clean)
02 - I'm Good feat. Pharrell (Dirty)
03 - I'm Good (Instrumental)

Total Size: 30,88MB
http://usershare.net/qnj3gds8vukh

Clipse - Popular Demand (Popeyes) (CDS) (2009)
01 - Popular Demand (Popeyes) feat. Pharrell & Cam'Ron (Dirty)
02 - Popular Demand (Popeyes) feat. Pharrell & Cam'Ron (Clean)
03 - Popular Demand (Popeyes) (Instrumental)

Total Size: 17,99MB
http://usershare.net/vci8276cc2k0

Clipse - Til The Casket Drops (2009)
01 - Freedom (Sean C. & LV)
02 - Popular Demand (Popeyes) feat. Pharrell & Cam'Ron (The Neptunes)
03 - Kinda Like A Big Deal feat. Kanye West (DJ Khalil)
04 - Showin' Out feat. Pharrell & Yo Gotti (The Neptunes)
05 - I'm Good feat. Pharrell (The Neptunes)
06 - There Was A Murder feat. Kobe (DJ Khalil)
07 - Door Man feat. Pharrell (The Neptunes)
08 - Never Will It Stop feat. Ab Liva (Sean C. & LV)
09 - All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (The Neptunes)
10 - Counseling feat. Pharrell & Nicole Hurst (The Neptunes)
11 - Champion feat. Graph Nobel (The Neptunes)
12 - Footsteps feat. Kobe (DJ Khalil)
13 - Life Change feat. Pharrell & Kenna (The Neptunes)
14 - I'm Good feat. Pharrell & Rick Ross (Remix) (Bonus) (The Neptunes)
15 - All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (The Neptunes) (1st Version)
16 - All Eyes On Me feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson (The Neptunes) (2nd Version)
17 - I'm Good feat. Pharrell & Rick Ross (Remix) (The Neptunes) (1st Version)
18 - Kinda Like A Big Deal feat. Kanye West & Bun B. (Remix) (DJ Khalil)
19 - Kinda Like A Big Deal feat. Kanye West (DJ Khalil) (1st Version)
20 - Champion feat. Pharrell, Graph Nobel, Birdman & Mack Maine (Remix) (The Neptunes)

Total Size: 116,86MB
http://usershare.net/138wq4zgkgb4

Kenna Instrumentals (2002-2009)
01 - A Better Control (Instrumental) (02')
02 - Within Earshot (Instrumental) (02')
03 - Freetime (Instrumental) (03')
04 - Hell Bent (Instrumental) (03')
05 - I'm Gone (Instrumental) (03')
06 - Love Hate Sensation (Instrumental) (03')
07 - Man Fading (Instrumental) (03')
08 - New Sacred Cow (Instrumental) (03')
09 - Red Man (Instrumental) (03')
10 - Sunday After You (Instrumental) (03')
11 - War In Me (Instrumental) (03')
12 - Vexed & Glorious (Instrumental) (03')
13 - Yeheh Ababa (Rose) (Instrumental) (03')
14 - Daylight (Instrumental) (07')
15 - Out Of Control (State Of Emotion) (Instrumental) (07')
16 - Say Goodbye To Love (Instrumental) (07')
17 - What If The Sky (Instrumental) (07')
18 - Sun Red Sky Blue (Instrumental) (08')
19 - Loose Wires (Instrumental) (08')
20 - Imitation Is Suicide (Instrumental) (09')

Total Size: 101,29MB
http://usershare.net/zypciun6o2t1

Lola - Fresh Out The Oven (CDM) (2009)
01 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pharrell & Pitbull (Main)
02 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pharrell & Pitbull (Alternate)
03 - Fresh Out The Oven (Instrumental)
04 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (HQ2 Club Mix)
05 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (HQ2 Dub Mix)
06 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (HQ2 Radio Mix)
07 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Karmatronic Club Remix)
08 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Karmatronic Dub Remix)
09 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Karmatronic Radio Remix)
10 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Karmatronic Instrumental)
11 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Space Cowboy Remix)
12 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Space Cowboy Dub)
13 - Fresh Out The Oven feat. Pitbull (Space Cowboy Instrumental)

Total Size: 90,09MB
http://usershare.net/mmsvpgrtu3zy

Pitbull - Blanco (CDS) (2009)
01 - Blanco feat. Pharrell (Clean)
02 - Blanco feat. Pharrell (Clean With Intro)
03 - Blanco feat. Pharrell (Dirty)
04 - Blanco feat. Pharrell (Dirty With Intro)
05 - Blanco (Instrumental)

Total Size: 31,62MB
http://usershare.net/37af2nkz0t53

Teriyaki Boyz - Work That (CDM) (2009)
01 - Work That feat. Pharrell & Chris Brown (Main)
02 - Work That (Instrumental)
03 - Zock On! feat. Pharrell, Busta Rhymes & Lisa ( DJ Deckstream Remix)
04 - Serious Japanese (DJ Kaori Inmix)

Total Size: 50,73MB
http://usershare.net/4fgmjyd68p5v

Fast & Furious 4 OST (2009)
01 - Rye Rye - Bang feat. M.I.A. (Blaqstarr)
02 - Busta Rhymes - G-Stro feat. Pharrell (The Neptunes)
03 - Kenna - Loose Wires (The Neptunes)
04 - Pitbull - Blanco feat. Pharrell (The Neptunes)
05 - Pitbull - Krazy feat. (Lil' Jon)
06 - Pitbull - You Slip, She Grip feat. Tego Calderon (The Neptunes)
07 - Shark City Click - Head Bust (The Neptunes)
08 - Pitbull - Bad Girls feat. Robin Thicke (The Neptunes)
09 - Don Omar - Virtual Diva
10 - Tasha - La Isla Bonita
11 - Pitbull - Blanco feat. Pharrell (Spanish Version) (The Neptunes) (Bonus Track)

Total Size: 59,04MB
http://usershare.net/shk5guwdg8yu

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

"Play To Win' (produced by @SwiffD)

2010-01-07T21:44:00.001-06:00

Here's a rough joint I wrote up and am currently in love with, "Play To Win", produced by Swiff D. Basically letting the sneakdissers know that no matter what they say from the benches, the sidelines, and the stands, I'm in the game now and could GIVE A FUCK what they think. Dig that.

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Dior Homme 2010 Hi-Top Sneaker

2010-01-06T14:09:00.001-06:00

How ill are these. Dior Homme Moleskin joints, laces are crazy! And there's a zipper in the back which makes it a lot easier than you thought to get these on and off. They also come in black, white, and grey.

[via]

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Stop-Motion Parkour

2010-01-04T12:16:00.001-06:00

Parkour has sparked my interest ever since I saw it in an action scene from the James Bond flick "Casino Royale". Mogs straight jumping and flipping off all kinds of shit. Leave it up to me to look at it as a dope way to get away from the police, LOL. So add that to yet another cool interest-sparking visual display, stop-motion animation, and voila! You've got some ill viral material.

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

"You Can't Get Mad" featuring Vic Spencer (Produced by Black Spade)

2010-01-03T14:50:00.001-06:00

FIRST LEAK from an EP project I'm doing with the Brainiac Society's Vic Spencer entitled "We're Just Disappointed". The first joint is produced by Black Spade...love it/smoke to it!

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

"I'm Gone" featured on The Smoking Section

2009-12-29T16:16:00.001-06:00

I need your love in their comments section.....go leave your mark!

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Best Hubble Space Telescope Images Of 2009

2009-12-29T02:44:00.001-06:00

[via]

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Global Warming by Banksy

2009-12-28T15:59:00.001-06:00

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Banksy continues to be the premiere international street artist. These are in Bristol, UK. Always a message...

[via]

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Andy Warhol Polaroids Of Sports Champions

2009-12-28T15:48:00.001-06:00

Super inspiring for an artist such as myself...

In 1977, Richard Weisman, an art collector and a friend of Warhol’s, commissioned a series of paintings of ten great sports figures of the era, now known as the “Athlete Series”. The group of athletes was selected by Mr. Weisman, and included stars of a variety of sports: Muhammad Ali (boxing), Pelé (soccer), Dorothy Hamill (figure skating), Tom Seaver (baseball), Jack Nicklaus (golf), O.J. Simpson (football), Chris Evert (tennis), Willie Shoemaker (horse racing), Rod Gilbert (ice hockey, NY Rangers), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (basketball).

Four additional sports portraits taken later are also included in the show – Ron Duguay, John McEnroe (with then-wife Tatum O’Neill), Vitas Gerulaitis, and Wayne Gretzky.

While Warhol may not have selected the ten athletes for the series, their status as champions in their respective sports, with faces and names that are recognizable decades later, coincides with Warhol’s interest in images of celebrity and greatness.

Taken with Warhol’s favored “Big Shot” Polaroid Camera, these images were used by Warhol to be silkscreened on to canvas as the basis of each painting.

[via]

Posted via web from Sulaiman!

Word zShare? Word?

2009-12-14T16:09:00.003-06:00

Now I know I can't believe that this is accurate, but imagine my surprise when I logged into my zShare account and saw this # of views/downloads of my Sulaiman is TheNativeSoul project. Oh how I wish this was real, but alas, zShare has only done it's part in adding fuel to my fire to make numbers like this a reality. And once again, yes, this is what I see for my download stats. Keep helping me push if you're out there and you like what I'm doing! Best...

Bell Hooks' Social Criticism of Rap Music

2009-12-14T14:43:00.001-06:00

I had a great conversation with Kane One a few days ago about my music and what I planned to change in the game with my approach, and he sent me this interview from author & social activist Bell Hooks on the subliminal targets on the hip-hop generation and the stereotypes that hip-hop helps promote. I pride myself in my music giving an alternative approach to the music she mentions in this interview, and although I surely will not say I'm perfect with what I say, my intentions are pure and my desire to be the change in music we so desperately need shines bright. Check out the video though, what she speaks is truth!

Bunches O' Links!

2009-12-10T21:43:00.003-06:00

The reception for Sulaiman is TheNativeSoul has been pretty effin' good....I'm glad cause this is all the preseason to Black Ribbon, Hard Work! Hopefully you all got it in the first link I put up which is a couple posts below this one, but just in case you haven't, here's a bunch of em that you can pick from:

http://sharebee.com/a25979ae
http://sharebee.com/58f6b542
http://www.zshare.net/download/69295335e68d8bf7/
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N6F61LYA

Also, thanks a lot to everyone who's helped spread the word about the project, AIM friends, Twitter friends, Facebook friends, real life friends....and the blogs who gave me some love:

FakeShoreDrive
RubyHornet
Blind I
Flawless Hustle
Frank151

Now if I can somehow get heard by the REST of this list I should be on my way....

Illroots, Gowhere Hip-Hop, Dope88Video, Stop Being Famous, The Brilliance, 2dopeboyz, Fresh Selects, Kevin Nottingham, Okayplayer, Vimby, Nah Right, Concrete Loop, Im Keeping Up, Complex, Rappers I Know, Miss Info, Fader, The Q Side, DC to BC, Eighty81, Che Sing The Cool, KanyeUniversecity, Deadstock Don, Byron Crawford, H.E.R.fection, The Cool Hunter, Crack Distributors Radio, Format Magazine,
OnSmash

A Messages from Om'Mas Keith of the Sa-Ra Creative Partners...

2009-12-07T22:33:00.003-06:00

We don't f*ck around. I'm not f*cking around. Om'Mas trynna tell ya'll...WE'RE NOT F*CKING AROUND!!!

Outside of Five Guys eating Burgers & Fries....Come holler at Obama.

2009-12-07T13:17:00.003-06:00

He understands....Five Guys is in popular demaaaaaand.

Sulaiman is TheNativeSoul Mixtape

2009-12-01T22:38:00.009-06:00

OK, stunting time. It feels great to know that I have enough material to put out a mixtape before the mixtape! Sulaiman is TheNativeSoul (previously The Expensive High) is a collection of tracks I recorded this year building up to the piece du resistance that will be Black Ribbon, Hard Work! These are 14 dope tracks that didn't make the final cut for BRHW, but are still bangers and deserve to be heard! I know I told people I was dropping BRHW in November but I'm a perfectionist and I want to make sure I put it out in as dope of a form as possible. So to hold you over and get you in tune with a little bit of what to expect, I'm releasing this precursor! Now some of you who are already pretty familiar with my music may have heard a bunch of these songs right here on this very blog, maybe on Myspace, maybe even IMEEM, but now you've got em in MP3 format, for the low low price of Free 99! So enjoy, let me know what you think, send it to your friends, blog it, Twitter it, whatever, but let it hold you down for now! Yep!

Download Sulaiman is TheNativeSoul (zShare)

Tracklisting:

Exciting Times...

2009-11-25T13:46:00.002-06:00

So since it's Thanksgiving time and I'm wrapping up an exhilarating recording process for Black Ribbon, Hard Work!, I may as well clue you guys into what's popping with me. The mix tape is nearing completion, just pushing into mixing territory and I've got NO features whatsoever (by choice, you gotta hear ME first), but I do have production from the likes of Controbuz, Thievery Corporation, the legendary Twilite Tone aka Ynot, Chaise Marcel, Nickless Castle, Beat Maker Beat, DR Period, Hi-Tek, and others. Believe me, you won't be disappointed!

On that same subject, the marketing side of this entire endeavor now gets pushed into high gear. I'll be introducing everyone to my homie & assistant Stevie, who'll be co-captaining this blog and keeping you all in the know about developments surrounding the music. I've got a couple of cool photo shoots and video drops lined up for the next few weeks too, so you'll definitely get a sneak peak of all of those right here.

I'm also looking for a major sponsor who would like to trade brand visibility with helping me cover the fees to mix Black Ribbon, Hard Work! As the music will surely attest to, this isn't a run of the mill project, and in terms of it's delivery, I would like to treat it with as much professionalism as possible. My outlets into the viral world through networking and Blind I afford me the perfect platform to distribute the project upon completion, thereby reaching millions of viewers through my good standing. Once the music is heard, who knows how far beyond my estimations it may reach. If you are interested in being a sponsor you can contact me at sulaiman@blindiforthekids.com for more information.

Other than that, it's been heavy on the feature side for yours truly. In the past month or so I've collaborated with Naledge of Kidz In The Hall's Brainiac Society, Justin Timberlake's new signee Free Sol, WBC Magazine & Ill Brown, The Paxtons, the UK's Thai'matic, heavyweight Chicago producer Maja 7th x Fake Shore Drive, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, dance duo Classy Hand Favours, and of course my crew the Phedz (Million $ Mano, Hollywood Holt, Mic Terror, Jon Jame$, Chaise Marcel, Gzus Piece, Lee Majorz, Ray Protege) for an upcoming mix tape. I'm outchere and still hungry for more! Let's go! OH! And I'll be on WPWX Power 92 on December 6th debuting a brand new song off of the mix tape, so if you're in Chicago tune in, and if you're not, you can still check me out at power92chicago.com.

I hope your Thanksgiving is as dope as mine is about to be. Enjoy Black Wednesday, cause Black Ribbon, Hard Work! will be in your ears by Christmas time. Love!

$

Lego Architecture Set

2009-11-21T16:42:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah. Definitely copping every single one. I love Legos, they were my favorite toy as a kid and I credit a lot of my thought process to being able to construct stuff with Legos. That shit matters!

>>NOTCOT
>>Lego Architecture Series

Immediate Action (South)

2009-11-15T23:39:00.000-06:00

The Saga Of Absurd Meaningless Moments

2009-11-08T23:44:00.002-06:00

Revisiting Talib Kweli x Madlib's "Liberation"

2009-11-04T09:22:00.002-06:00

I almost forgot how good this EP was.....and it was free. Download it here! And the IMEEM stream is after the jump!

"The Future Belongs To The Few Of Us Still Willing To Get Our Hands Dirty"

2009-10-30T11:40:00.003-05:00

A Gentle Dissolve

2009-10-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

Here's a joint off the upcoming project Black Ribbon: Hard Work! that I flipped from Thievery Corporation's "A Gentle Dissolve" from their album "The Cosmic Game". Having been recently inspired from traveling and some pretty ill contributions to hip-hop music over the last two weeks, I decided to write a joint with no hooks, no bridges, and all bars! Check it out and let me know what you think. Black Ribbon: Hard Work! will be finished by the end of November so be on the lookout! Peace!

Thank You!

2009-10-16T22:33:00.001-05:00

As I walked to my bookstore today (my family owns a bookstore here in Chicago, don't know if I said that before), I was listening to a new batch of Blueprint 3 instrumentals I'd stumbled upon whilst surfing the web, and of course I gravitated towards one of my favorites off the project, the No I.D. - produced "Thank You". The horns are so elegant and polite, I could see it was the perfect platform to speak, as Jay did on his original version, about the positivity I've been able to pull out of some of the most toxic situations. I address haters, old flames, and old friends all in a lyrically tasteful manner that shows my acceptance of their roles in my life! So thank you to all my doubters! You make me great! Black Ribbon Hard Work! Partake!

Download Thank You (zShare)

"American Fashion Menswear", by Robert E. Bryan

2009-10-08T18:01:00.003-05:00

Luxury publisher Assouline and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have come out with a new book called American Fashion Menswear, billed as "the most authoritative and exciting book to date on the evolution of menswear in the United States over the past century. Author Robert E. Bryan has divided the volume into seven different sections based upon the diverse identities of the American man, covering everything "Levi Strauss to the Ivy League, lounge suits to Zoot suits, and cowboys to counterculture," with cameos from the likes of Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Ralph Lauren and more.

>>Assouline
>>Council of Fashion Designers of America

Air Jordan V1 Black Infared Retro

2009-10-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

I'm not a big Jordan head like the rest of my peers, but these are pretty dope. Air Jordan VI Black Infared Retros. Available for pre-order soon at OSneaker.

>>osneaker

The Neptunes: Decemvir Mixtape

2009-10-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

(taken from my post on Blindiforthekids.com)

I’ve been working on this for a LOOOONG time and I finally completed another masterpiece. For those not in the know, The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for some successful Hip hop, R&B and Pop artists in the late-90s and 2000s. The Neptunes’ sound is a distinctive brand of off-kilter, stripped-down electronic funk. Along with Timbaland and Dr. Dre they were the driving force behind many of the musical characteristics of late-90s/2000s hip-hop, helping to re-introduce sci-fi style sounds into the hip-hop mainstream, along with sounds from Middle Eastern and Asian music including percussion and woodwind.

I decided a few months back to make a collection of my favorite rare, b-side, and unreleased Neptunes production, from 1999 to 2009, in order to create a dedication to over 10 years of next-level music that still stands the test of time. I swear listening to these tracks puts you in a state of mind where everything’s better around you. Decemvir, which is the latin term for “ten“, is used to describe this decade of incredible works from the stellar production duo. Their music can speak for itself more than anything I can say, so without further ado, I give you…

The Neptunes: Decemvir (A Decade Of Rare Gems & Unreleased Material)
(Disc 1 Sharebee) | (Disc 2 Sharebee)

Yi Zhou - "The Ear" Featuring Pharrell Williams

2009-10-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

This is really dope to me. Freshness tells it like so:

"Based on Gogol’s short story, The Nose, the ear undergoes a similar Freudian treatment of amputation and detachment, and goes on a journey and transforms into an Earbridge as it gets crossed by a bridge. The story eventually ends where Pharrell is pulled back into reality reading a newspaper article about the Earbridge in Baku, Azerbijian. This collapses the art work into the other side of reality as well as the project is part of a public design project for Azerbijian involving the likes of Jean Nouvel and Cai Guo Qiang in 2013."

>>Freshness

Penfield Stapleton Coats

2009-10-07T15:58:00.001-05:00

New Penfield Stapleton Coats. Waterproof, windproof, and Tefloned out. Only $264. I'll probably try to grab the tan daddy for my wintertime exploits. Beware!

>>Penfield

"The Dead" by Damien Hirst

2009-10-07T15:50:00.001-05:00

Damien Hirst, a great modern artist and avid art collector, arguably one of my favorite out of the current cultural icons, is celebrating the opening of his new installation at London's Other Criteria. The premiere features 30 new works from Hirst and a few limited edition signed pieces as well. Check it out if you're in Londontown tomorrow (October 8th).

>>Other Criteria

On Your Mark...

2009-10-06T02:26:00.000-05:00

On Your Mark, produced by Beat Maker Beat, is a simple precursor I created late one night after a day of sessions to shoot to homies, associates, blogs, and fans to let them know what to expect from the upcoming project. It got a lot of love off top so I'm excited to see what the reaction to the project is gonna be, since this is just the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned!

Download On Your Mark (zShare)

Supreme x Vans F/W 09 Old School/Half Cab

2009-10-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

And I was just telling myself earlier today that I needed a new pair of yellow kicks. Supreme x Vans collaborate again for a new pack of Old Skools & Half Cabs that are pretty dope. The Half Cab will feature suede/canvas uppers with leather insoles and the Old Skool will feature suede uppers with leather insoles. Dropping online October 8th. Yum.

>>Supreme
>>Vans

Vibe's Alive

2009-10-03T15:16:00.000-05:00

"just to give it power I was lookin' for an outlet / had to make my own since I really couldn't find that / but value of true art is hidden in the process" - vibe's alive

Vibe's Alive came together through the production efforts of the homie Nickless Castle, who threw me this gem after being hipped to some of my previous work. We went in the lab and threw a couple of ideas back & forth, and this beat jumped at me with a mellow vibe that I felt like personified a canvas for me to vocalize my niche in this industry -- a lover of all the styles that have worn the "hip-hop" label can unify them all in an intelligent, straight to the point approach to the art form. Rather than tackle the whole "Hip Hop Is Dead" argument, I let my skills speak for themselves as a clear indication that hip-hop is a chameleon and cannot be categorized any longer. Castle heard what I put down over the track and went back to lay the ill scratches for the chorus. What can I say, the guy is a beast! What resulted was this track, and I hope you like it! They'll be more coming from Castle & I so stay on the lookout for new shit.

Download Vibe's Alive (zShare)

2016? You Don't Say.

2009-10-02T11:36:00.002-05:00

I suppose Chicago in 2016 was more important at the time than a 16 year old Chicagoan. Derrion Albert would have been 22 years old around the time the Olympic Games would take over the city of Chicago, supposedly joining the corners of one of the most segregated cities in the world through the welcoming of every nation participating into our "welcoming confines". Every real Chicagoan, from Wrigleyville to Calumet City, K-Town to the Low End, knows that it's a tall feat for us to get along with each other already, let alone millions of tourists envisioning a town totally different than the one they'd be stepping into for an Olympic Games. The grievances and issues Chicago faces are not the caliber which would be easily dealt with in a mere 6 years. Rather, a lifetime of struggle and resistance has existed in Chicago, with little ground gained since the years of the Civil Rights movement. People move to our city and stay in their comfort corner, with the majority never daring to go south of Roosevelt. Equally, the born-and-bred Chicagoan is one that rarely goes North of Roosevelt, unless it's for work purposes or to inquire within City offices. When such a rift exists between Chicago itself, how could the members of the Chicago Olympic Committee actually go through with making this pitch to the IOC? How, with teenagers dying every day in the streets -- not just through gang violence, but senseless acts like the one that took away the life of Derrion Albert -- could they actively say that the world would be safe here?

Derrion's story is no rarity here; rather, it simply came with visual evidence of a struggle that persists daily in our community. But how can we expect that to get through to the powers that be if we fail to confront it HERE, at HOME, where WE are? I could ramble on & on with criticisms about Mayor Daley and his practices in the past, but honestly none of that matters as much as this does to me. Lives are being lost. It's due to a lack of education, a lack of diversity, a lack of options. Simply put, if they knew better they'd do better. But the location of Derrion's beating is a clear indication of the troubles we face. Schools are supposed to be the safe haven for kids from the negative influences they may face in their neighborhoods. The mere fact that this happened at an institution of learning makes the future more ominous than ever for our youth. With broken homes, layoffs, failing schools, and a learning discrepancy between communities as wide as the hope that was obviously present to even THINK we would get the Olympics here in Chicago -- we've got a lot of work to do. And I see scary things on the horizon...

I recently made a stop at my old high school to check on the current status of things. I'll be the first to admit that I was a child of privilege when it came to education - the thought of dropping out or not going to college was never even an option for us. My grandmother was a schoolteacher for many years, my three uncles all surgeons and corporate types respectively, and my mother & father as studious of people as there ever were. My father, an Islamic Imam, a Ph.D in Religion, and a writer, while my mother, a M.D., M.B.A., and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard. Sufficient to say, school was cool for us. While I walked the hallways of my old school I ran into one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Weil, who was always one of those instructors who were as cool as a teacher could possibly be at the time. My class was a rowdy one, always getting into something crazy, pushing the boundaries as individuals while still being incredibly intelligent. As I spoke to him about the differences between my class and the classes that currently attended, he spoke to the belief that the personality had diminished since classes like mine had graduated. The kids were more into pop culture than ever, the internet had taken hold of most of their daily lives, resulting in what he felt to be a lack of personality, push-back, challenge of authority, and an all-around excitement. In few words he pretty much told me he was bored. The kids did their homework, did what they were told, and went about their business.

Ordinarily, one would think that as a teacher this type of behavior would be heaven-sent, but it immediately presented itself as an ominous fate when I juxtaposed it with what was happening with kids of the same age, in the same city, just miles away from good old Morgan Park Academy. The education-deprived kids of the impoverished neighborhoods will one day meet the culturally-deprived kids of schools like mine, and I am not excited about the outcome. Streetsmarts versus Booksmarts results in the same tired rigmarole that has us where we stand right now; mentally segregated and internationally humiliated.

So what can we do? For one, we can always keep our eyes and ears focused on what needs doing RIGHT NOW. A perspective plan is nothing if you don't have your current affairs in order to chase that plan. Imagine how strong our bid for the Olympic games would have been if our schools were improved...if our city was invested in it's own development...if kids in impoverished neighborhoods were able to broaden their horizons and know that there was more to fight for in the world than a neighborhood that doesn't care whether they live or die. Imagine if kids like the ones that attend my high school now were hipped to how truly blessed they are, acknowledged their upper hand in the game of life, and used their education to bridge the gap between themselves and the less fortunate. I happen to think a lot of the ground can be made up by an infusion of influence from the age ranges ABOVE those most afflicted, i.e. you & me. We must do ALL we can to show these kids real life is more than the block they live on, or the internet, but it's communication, face-to-face work, activity, community, and the like. Maybe then we'll be able to convince the world that we're ready to open our doors to them.

I made a song about it, like to here it here it goes.

$

Cut It Out! (Full Version)

2009-10-02T10:58:00.001-05:00

"but it all blends perfectly.../let the liquor tell it"-- Andre 3000, "Spottieottiedopalicious"

Doing joints like this is easy. Not easy in the sense that I take it for granted, but easy as in right up my alley. My homie Raphael from Endangered Peace shot me over an idea to go in over this Karriem Riggins-produced track, and seeing as Riggins is one of my favorite producers, it was a no-brainer. I simply put pen to the pad and wrote what came to mind. What resulted was a 3+ minute diatribe with all sort of stuntastic vocabulary. What else do you expect from the kid by now. Indulge.

Download Cut It Out (Full) (zShare)

Your Dude Is Back! New Rules x LV: Art, Fashion, and Architecture

2009-10-02T10:21:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the drought my people! I've been hard at work trying to decrease the gap between every aspect of life right now, merging it all together to form a seamless web of efficiency. There's been a few changes around here that I'd like to point out so we're all on the same page and you know what to expect henceforth from the kid. Here goes:

It's no longer TheNativeSoul - I've decided to go by my government name of Sulaiman and keep it 100% organic in my approach.
I'll be releasing a free download of The Expensive High - all of the tracks I created for the first part of this year up until about August, very very very soon, so be on the look out for that as it should hold you over until Black Ribbon: Hard Work! drops sometime in November. It's about to be insane!
I'll be putting more non-music related posts up in order to keep the ball rolling, keep you interested, and keep you in the loop with my entire development.
The white layout is back - which means crisp, clean content, and a tabula rasa or "clean slate" for my creative indulgences.

With all that said, let's get back to the dopeness! A lavish new coffee table book from Rizzoli titled Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture is a seductive anthology of the famed French fashion house's collaborations with an international group of elite artists, architects, designers, and photographers, including Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Takashi Murakami (whose updated LV monogram is featured on the cover) Richard Prince and Stephen Sprouse. Beautiful images are interspersed with critical essays that examine and position Louis Vuitton's patronage, under the guidance of Artistic Director Marc Jacobs, during "one of the most fertile periods of contemporary art and design." The book is divided alphabetically so as to serve as a sort of encyclopedia of the many collaborations, commissions and sponsorships Vuitton, a cornerstone of the LVMH luxury goods empire, has engaged in over the years.

You can put in an order for this book right now over through my bookstore, Books Ink!

Impatient (Slow Down)

2009-06-06T15:23:00.001-05:00

I had a period in writing where I figured that if I let up I would be letting my detesters and detractors win. Knowing that's the only way they actually COULD win, I used that motivation from then on to push myself to create, to write, to record my experience. I wrote a very descriptive verse over one of my new favorites, The Kickdrums' "Impatient" record that's featured on their Just A Game EP that recently dropped. The flavor was superb so I felt like I had to add my ingredients to it. Check out the lyrics:

I'm impatient?
Well I aint got time to waste, bitch
Carpe diem, seize the day bitch
I'm gettin wealthy not fake rich
Monkey niggas go ape shit
When they see the whip I make flick
Wit 8 divas on a great trip
Spending Euros word to Great Brit
I'll take it back to the ba-sics,
Show em how a nigga make hits,
While I homer you-K, get,
It?, UK Brit?
Swine flu times two make the base-sick
I do what I do and you tape-it,
And study how to touch great-ness
Kickdrums make great shit,
I just come to bust once
Flyer than a stork skyin rollin dutch blunts
Grind like its X-Games sportin much cuts
From the time I have spent climbin up so fuck luck
This is my destiny, notice my pedigree
Nigga movin' chains like an NFL referee
Promise you, one with more drive you'll never-see
Plus I play chess that checkers don't better me
I don't work with wack niggas that's dead to me...
Even if they well-known got effigies
No clocks I work incessantly
So is you with me or not? Though so, better be.

Download Impatient (Slow Down)(zShare)

Elevation

2009-05-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

Elevation is defined as the act of raising from a lower place, condition, or quality to a higher; -- said of material things, persons, the mind, the voice, etc.; as, the elevation of grain; elevation to a throne; elevation of mind, thoughts, or character. Simply put, Elevation is progress as an effect of persistence. Often times there's so much standing between a goal and yourself, that it almost seems impossible to reach, but with the understanding that every step forward is also a boost of energy, you can never lose! I wrote this song with that very though in mind - to diagnose the rise of new energy and the fall of the old. It's a beautiful thing when they're screaming your name but can you remain the same when the sceneries change?

The Most Interesting Man In The World

2009-05-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

I'm back again, kicking off Q2 with a new installment of heat and crack and dope and piff and illness. This one is appropriately title "The Most Interesting Man In The World", and the lyrics don't disappoint. Straight bravado on this one! The beat is made by Madlib and I fucks with it so you should too! Partake!

Undergradetox (Lark On My Go Kart Freestyle)

2009-03-26T10:37:00.000-05:00

Love Love LOVE this beat. Decided to have some more fun and flip Asher Roth's Lark On My Go Kart to my own twisted liking. Sorry it's been so long since I dropped one on you guys, but this should more than make up for it. Plus a nigga got Mickey Mouse to come through and do his best Dame Dash impersonation. SMH. Not much else I can say in this explanation, so, Enjoy!

Download Undergradetox (Lark On My Go Kart Freestyle) (zShare)

If Ya Know The Ave...(Snippet)

2009-03-20T01:01:00.000-05:00

Here's another one from the vaults, produced by an ill up-and-coming producer out of North Carolina by the name of Constrobuz. This joint is called If Ya Know The Ave, and it's basically addressing my originality when it comes to everything, from my stance as a born & bred Chicagoan with a different approach to the scene, to my style and flair when it comes to music. If ya know the ave then you prolly know the half, so get up off your ass live everyday like your last! Partake!

Heatcheck (Snippet)

2009-03-18T22:15:00.001-05:00

Every now & then you gotta go in just to make sure you've still got all the tenacity that you can bring. This track was just that, hence why I entitled it Heatcheck. I love the grimey beats, and although I love to diversify the types of joints I do, these definitely have a larger subliminal appeal to my mind. I think every hip-hop/rap artist, regardless of the music that they become known for, should always maintain an edge in the pure gritty shit, while also bringing an eclectic flavor to their product overall. Fuck all the talking though, enjoy the snippet! More heat coming soon...I'm in the lab as we speak working on some next-level shit! Till then....

Wu Sh*t!

2009-03-16T16:23:00.000-05:00

Another one from the archives. I grew up on Wu Tang - literally. My older brothers were such Wu heads, I had no choice! Good thing that happened though, cause Wu was definitely one of the most lyrically astute, prolific, stylish groups to ever come out in music. I had to pay homage as I continued my studies of the greatest MC's ever, and I aptly titled the joint Wu Shit. Yep!

Understand Me.

2009-03-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

Ok. I'm saying it now. This is my true essence; a song with a story and a purpose. I decided to write something about insecurity, pain, and the real shit that alot of people unfortunately have to deal with in life. I recognize I've lived a pretty scott-free existence up until now, with a few nicks and scratches along the way, but I'm always reminded in tough times about how much more difficult it could be. You never truly know what lies behind the eyes of a stranger, or even a close friend for that matter, so assumption should never be a part of your vocabulary or your lifestyle. It's also very hazardous to think you understand anyone or anything fully, because there's always something new to learn from a situation or a person. I put Kenna on the hook since it was my inspiration behind writing this song, and I hope people like it. I've included the lyrics below and also made the track available for download. Partake!

TNS:
I met baby on the train,
Vibin' to her own beat, put her purse right where the floor and her toes meet
Asked what's ya name?,
Acted like she know me, took her earphones out and turned rather slowly
Said I'm Charmane, sit for a second for you try and get a number lil' homie get to know me
How could I complain?, took a minute sittin' as I contemplated kissin' while her lips began a story
She told me she was raised out the city in the plains,
Father was in jail caught serving up cane,
Mom was a junkie shootin' shit up in her veins,
And she had left home she was searching for a change
Told her I was searching for the same, for instance,
Had an audition cause I'm a musician
Told her I was sensing all her pain as I listened
She turned back laughin' like "Homie we different" and said...

Kenna:
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Or go...

TNS:
So I said "Yo try me,
Less you got a talent I don't know about, throw me out just offa eyein' me..."
So I sat quietly, told her to continue though its not the greatest venue just consider me her diary
Saw she was smiling, then it turned to tears as she thought about years past she was did grimey
Its was re-minding, shorty had baggage like a airport truck so she backed up blindly
Said I don't mean to be rude, dude
Cause you smooth and you too, cool
I don't wanna in-clude, you in these problems I got (got)
Just cause you all stable and I'm not (not)
Hold it right there lil mama stop (stop)
I don't got a whole book but I got a plot (plot)
Saw pain as a chapter to better my health
The more I read the better I felt,
But YOU tellin' ya'self...

Kenna:
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Or go...

TNS:
She looked up and said "True. Now I got a plot, NOW what I'm 'posed to do?"
Only thing you can baby girl, be YOU. Live ya own life,
I was there once, I chose to hold mics.
God was there once he chose to hold light,
The sun got noon the moon it got night...
Let them bafoons just do what they like
Cause you aint a-like they moves just ain't right
Try as they might they could never reach you tho,
Like a light wave couldn't barely reach Pluto
One card left better yell out Uno
Cause what you been through yo I think deserve kudos
You had a round trip through hell and back
And made it here to tell ya story over rails and tracks
Settle down please baby girl relax
Cause you need to see the world perhaps ya eyes tellin me that ya...

Kenna:
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Don't know if I want you to understand me...
Or go...

Download Understand Me (Feat. Kenna) (zShare)

Jump! (Can't F*ck With Us) Video Snippet

2009-03-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

I was reminded of this joint earlier today and realized that damn near NOBODY has heard this side EP project from Nez of NEZ & RIO and myself. We decided one day to create an outlet through which we could tweak all day everyday, and what name was more fitting for the group than Peer Pressure? We compiled 10 songs of all the craziest shit we could think of...from marijuana to running trains, pimping to bussdowns, with ridiculous attitude infused in every track. I wanted to get out that side of me that loved listening to Eminem, Non-Phixion, those Wu Tang "I'll f*ckin...., I'll f*ckin..." interludes, and all the other crazy shit that I though was SO dope back in the day. So all you prude people, respect it as expression of art! Maybe one day we'll release the project for the world to hear...but until then, enjoy the video snippet!

Strange Universe

2009-03-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

This one was FUN. Super cocky, clever beyond belief. I love the beat, a joint from one of my old favorite underground hip-hop groups, Non-Phixion. When their album, The Future Is Now, was finally released I remember wildin on how Ill Bill and Sabac killed this Necro beat. So I had to channel a bit of that Non-Phixion flavor with some of the new shit that I feel like I could bring to it, and then with a sprinkle of message in there to any doubters, it comes full circle into my interpretation of Strange Universe. Deep hip-hop listeners will f*ck with this for sure. Partake!

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Redemption

2009-03-11T03:11:00.001-05:00

This may be the fastest verse/song I've ever written or done in my life. And it's so fire it's crazy. I said this in a post before, but you get to a creative level where you can make art in almost any circumstance. This one was definitely inspired by the beat, provided by the homie *Pbbt for Boy Genius. When I got this in the email I spazzed and literally couldn't stop jotting bars in the Blackberry 8900 (stunt). What resulted was Redemption, a dope track with miniscule pause and a whoooole lot of flow. Partake!!

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Batter On Deck!

2009-03-09T13:47:00.001-05:00

I love this joint. A few months ago my homie Ray Protege got at me to contribute a piece for his latest mixtape project, "Hipster Hop". On first pass I was like naaah son...I don't think I fit that demographic, but Ray's idea behind the mixtape was to show that just because cats are fresh, dress a certain way, are eclectic, or unbiased, it doesn't mean that they're not real or ill for that matter. Once he let me know the deal I was all in, and the track, produced by NEZ&RIO, came out dope. Partake!

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From Here...

2009-03-04T18:07:00.000-06:00

Muhsinah is dope. No. Wait. Muhsinah is SUPER DOPE. HU Alum, super-talented musician, etc., etc., etc. Her latest joint, "From Here", is an ill joint with an even iller vibe to it. I got it in an email and upon first listen I HAD to put a verse to it. I love artists like her, who give others inspiration to produce new creativity. Honestly, I haven't experienced any sort of sense of writer's block in such a long time, and it's because I'm such an avid music listener, of all genres mind you, that there's always a new style to explore. Hence why I tell everyone who listens to me that I'm a man of a million styles, all ill, super versatile. I hope you like this joint; I made it available for download as well. Like it!

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Neon Strings

2009-03-04T10:00:00.000-06:00

Often times I feel like when rappers figure out they're good at rapping over jazzy beats, they try to do too much with em. Since I haven't known too much calm in my life, the main thing that comes to mind when I hear jazzy beats is girls. Girls, girls, girls, girls, GIRLS. Nice. Anyway, the homie Dert made a beat tape using samples from one of my favorite artists, Bjork, and I decided to rock over one for a diatribe (look it up) on the prospect of scoping a girl who's more than meets the eye and having to come to terms with how to handle your awesome discovery. You know, that girl that knows more ill music than you do, is culturally refined, etc, etc....aka a KEEPER. Partake of the stylings.

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On!

2009-03-03T21:31:00.000-06:00

I don't think you can not like this song! Sometimes the most simple joints you do end up being some of the most meaningful, and I kept it straight to the point over this Nicolay-laced beat. As you can see the joint is called "On" and it's topic revolves around...yep, you guessed it, getting ON! In whatever field you're working in, I'm sure you want to be the top dog and be the best at it, and I wanted to make a fun song that you can hear anywhere to support that. Getting ON isn't just work however, but any goal that you set for yourself that you wanna achieve. It might be getting the attention of that special someone, or reveling in the feeling you get when you've finally gotten ON, but it's something to be cherished no matter the case. This one is going on the next mixtape and it's also available for download right now! Partake!

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Style Out....

2009-02-27T12:58:00.000-06:00

I love beautiful things. Beautiful music, beautiful girls, beautiful art, beautiful $tunting. Even people who may not spend much time on buying lavish clothes or shoes have to admit it's a certain feeling you get when you cop down on something new. I used to get my parents to buy me new Nikes and wear em out of the store because I was so geeked. It may just be a Chicago thing, but I doubt that it is. As you get older you realize that style is essential and although it may seem superficial, your physical presence matters when you go out to network, socialize, what have you. So have no fear about copping that ill bag, that new pair of kicks, that dope art, and don't be afraid to express how dope you are to the world! Style Out and make the crowd go crazy! Oh and by the way, this one's produced by yours truly. Yes!

Cut It Out!

2009-02-26T11:33:00.000-06:00

Lyrical exercise is key. If you don't do something alot to the point it becomes second nature, you can never be great, I don't care how much natural talent you have. You ever heard a rappers say some shit like "I don't write anymore" and you go "Uh Huh. Maybe you should go back to writing." The method you use to make your most effective work is the method you should always use. Point blank period. My writing styles are so diverse I can literally make a song about 20 different ways. Chants, rhythms, pre-constructed themes, ideas, add-ons, adlibs-first, chorus-lead, full written, 16s, no hooks, and the list goes on and on. This joint is a lyrical exercise of sorts that I'll probably put on the next mixtape, The Expensive High (coming soon) that I'll release for free like I usually do. It's called Cut It Out and I wanted to give you guys a little piece of the flavor. Produced by Karriem Riggins. Partake!

It's Always Been Your World.

2009-02-23T21:08:00.002-06:00

I'm a great fan of President Obama. I supported him from way back in his days of getting played here in Chicago as he ran for local office, all the way to his ascention to the Oval Office. I even co-founded a company based around the inspiration he served as a beacon of light for. The only thing that bothered me about his rise was the fact that only then did people who typically were inactive or just getting by, want to get up and do something major. I don't knock them for having that feeling, but as a representative of the generation who had lofty dreams and goals way before any mention of Barack Obama, I was shocked to see how many people were not proactive prior to his election. Now, as we see Obama try to overcome a horrible economic situation, I see an inexplicable decline in our Black History Month celebrations, a lack in the desperate need for volunteers, a lack in positive approaches towards being a part of actual change, and a lingering stench of the idea that things will get done on their own. I wanted to make a song to let people know that the capabilities have been in us all along to do great things, as evidenced by what we've overcome and what we've accomplished. It's always been your world, you just didn't know it. Hope you like it, here's the lyrics, and you can download the song below:

This one goes out to,
To everybody who believed
Before it was cool to believe,
I got ya'll...

When I was twelve I got detention for believing,
Overachieving, abandoned the bottle and chewed before the teething
Deep into my pockets I was reaching
Embracing light
Simply receiving all available teachings
The cream came quicker than what,
Young ladies thick in the butt
I'm spendin' and not givin' a fuck
Definitive strut,
Knew the science way before the test
Getting my rest,
While them other students getting stressed
Way more impressed, with shaping a soul
Knowing that the way to my goal,
Lived in every brick upon the road
Readin' the scrolls,
Diamonds and pearls beneath the gold
Even the clothes,
Made from the lessons and stories told
Wait a cotton pickin' minute ya dig it,
The flow would not resemble a spigot
If niggas couldn't read due to bigots
I paint a picture vivid, we are more a visual people
Than we scientific, that is until we learn our physics
The half wanna kick the other one wanna fly
And its hard to give a fuck when you spendin' I wonder why
See they had us all pre-conditioned but over time
We have risen to a better position than getting by
You can look me in my eye and see I wanna do more
I had learned to pace the ceiling before they opened the door
While aimin' to make a million before I went on a tour
Industry is a building then I would be the decor
I de-liver the raw like, butchers on a off-night
Crookers in a bar fight, hoodlum but my star's bright
Walk light when you cross my path,
I'm a descendant of the struggles we have fought in the past
Not Michael J. Fox /Doc Brown in a lab,
Grab an almanac look at how we got where we at,
From dogs with no muzzles steady bitin' yo ass
To a black president givin' life to the flag
It's my world...

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Have No Fear!

2009-02-21T11:39:00.000-06:00

I know you've been waiting for some new music from The EP, and we've decided to grant your wish! Lo P and I went into the lab yesterday and popped out a quick gem for your listening pleasure, addressing our favorite topic - LADIES. Who do you know that does it better than us? Nobody! If you weren't already aware, when Lo P and I rhyme together, we form The EP., a subliminal, smart, sophisticated group of lyricists who aim to defy normality and make music for smart people. This isn't nerd rap or anything of the sort, this is more like the class president and the high school varsity quarterback further extending their reign of coolness. Hope you like it!

Crazy Girl Rap!

2009-02-19T00:50:00.001-06:00

It's no secret....I LOVE crazy girls. They have the best, well, that's for another post. But I decided to clown a bit for a few bars and express my love for them through a short story about some crazy activity involving an "off" type of girl and myself. It's interesting and the flow is crazy...partake!

Baby To You...

2009-02-14T11:57:00.000-06:00

C'mon, you saw this coming a mile away. First things first, Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovers in the world who may be viewing this on that special day. Attraction is by far the most coveted song theme in the history of music, and miraculously everyone expresses it differently. I suppose that's why it's so fun to make songs like Baby To You, produced by NEZ&RIO. Now I must admit, when I wrote this a few years back I had a special someone in mind, but true to a writer's ability, I tried to make it as general as possible to allow people to connect with it, whether it was the girl being pursued, or the guy doing the pursuing. It still stands as one of my favorite tracks and a favorite amongst the listeners.

Salute To The Southside!

2009-02-13T13:36:00.001-06:00

Harold's Chicken Shack. Quintessential Chicago food spot. I'm born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I originally wrote this joint a few years ago to honor my place of birth, and it got featured in my boy Drew from Enstrumental's promo video. The homie Th1rt3en came around and spazzed over the beat, so we decided to go in and drop an alternate version. Since it was never released on any of my personal projects, I though where better to post the new version but here!

Better Than Your Best...

2009-02-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

I always felt, and continue to feel, like music gives words to feelings that you sometimes can't express. It's why producers rock to a vibe, why rappers let their verses roll on swagger, and why people can HATE an artist but be caught singing their songs involuntarily. It's a crazy thing indeed. I wanted to make a song that constantly reminded me, as well as the listeners, that anything is possible, and there should never be a question of IF, but rather HOW. Everyone should wake up and strive to be better than the day before, make progress, and elevate their situation as long as there's a breath in their body. The homie Dert from out of West Covina produced this stellar beat, and I felt like it fit perfectly with what I was aiming for lyrically, as you can see by the lyrics below! Partake:

What could I be scared for
Tweakin' when I'm there, or
Taking full advantage of the season I'm in rare form
Is it just in my world or do they really care, or
Do I got respect to collect like a landlord
You can fall for anything with nothing left to stand for
Sitting on the outside banging on the damn door
Labeled opportunity
Looking back it's usually
The glow from the jewelry and other Tom Foolery
That blind you
I remind you
Like Mary J
Time don't rewind stop pause and it rarely play
I'm reminded of a clause when they bury say
It's only one life live ya last like it's everyday
No offense to the followers of Buddha
Burn these hits nigga no computer
Rolled up longer than a ten inch ruler
But don't judge me cause I do what I do, cuz

You can't just let it slip away
Just beat your best for it today
View how the best get rich and say
Act now the rest is history

Yeah the money won't wait,
Yeah the money won't wait,
Money don't wait, money.
Yeah the money won't wait,
Yeah the money won't wait,
Money don't wait, money.

Money don't wait G but money don't make me
High flow like I was a pilot in the Navy
Pablo never, I was born in the 80's
And most'a these Tracys are sweeter than pastries
Since I want cake well then I'ma be baking
Till it's no banking just money tree shaking
Headed for the goal I am Chris Paul breaking
And plus I block shots like crack house shading
This is me when they're not videotaping
But guaranteed baby I've risen your ratings
Haters speak up I can't hear what you're saying
Is it my flow or just is it your faking
I'm a young leader of the world in the making
The rest'a ya'll fall, like gradients fading
Finished school but I never honored that grading
Cause it's a free world, everything's for the taking...

You can't just let it slip away
Just beat your best for it today
View how the best get rich and say
Act now the rest is history

Yeah the money won't wait,
Yeah the money won't wait,
Money don't wait, money.
Yeah the money won't wait,
Yeah the money won't wait,
Money don't wait, money.

Leaves On Branches.

2009-02-11T16:39:00.000-06:00

I happened upon Kameleon through his sister Maiya over at Blind I, and when I heard his beats I automatically wanted to rock over them. That's how I am, vert hot and cold with my creative process, but I can always find inspiration through new music or a new approach. That's why collaboration and consistency are the best things I think you can do as an artist. This joint, Leaves On Branches, is so melodic and lovely, that I felt like doing almost the opposite just to be different (or an asshole, one or the other, ha!). I dropped a quick verse on it and I'm really feeling the vibe. We'll see where it goes from here...

Dimethyltriptamine, Part 2

2009-02-10T11:25:00.000-06:00

Growing up as the son of a very historically-educated father, I always knew to keep my third eye open. They stressed to me the importance of fact vs. fiction and always sticking to what you know, not just what people tell you. The observation of the world's ills, combined with this fantastic beat by Mr. James Yancey and a stirring delivery by Jay Electronica, all seemed to come into play right in time for me to speak about what I see happening in the world. I've even included the lyrics below so you can understand the detail:

When death puts yo ass
In the dirt
And the angels
Stop and ask
Was it worth?
For the human race to wipe they ass
With the Earth
And realize that it ain't no mass
In a church
Gon' save em
From the radiation
Radio stations verifying the mass evacuations
People gon' be hidin' in tunnels or on spaceships
All a that depending on money that ya'll makin...
And why you think they up building space stations
And growing artificial plant rations?
The war is comin'...
So you better lock ya doors or somethin'
Start a stash in ya floor or somethin'
Cause shit's real
The shit'll drive Martin and Ghandhi to get steel
And leave you with a choice to get grimey or get killed
Economy is crumblin'
Stomachs is rumblin'
Soldiers is home from war and gotta pick up the gun again
The earthquakes in China, a bitter reminder
That the world on a clock at the end of the timer
The summer gettin' longer
The sun is brighter
And it scorch all the crops make forest fires
That burn through the bush like the purplest kush
But it don't get you high just six-feet shook
Stuck underland in a bboy stance
Till they rise like Thriller from the floods from the sands
Mix that with deadbeat raps and old shrapnel
Ten years ago there was 50 different apples
Now it's just 5
When we eat to stay alive
How the fuck we gon' survive
When the shit we eat dies?
And niggas ain't livin offa eating pork rinds
Sky drop Purple Rain
it's a Sign Of The Times...

No Love In Here...

2009-02-09T17:54:00.000-06:00

Little Dragon is one of my favorite groups currently making music. Hailing from Sweden, their jazzy style is transformational on a record. I decided to go in a few days ago over one of my favorite tracks from their Little Dragon album entitled "No Love". The story on my end starts with a true re-enactment of a recent party I hosted where I saw visible numbers but didn't get a chance to be around all the people that I really love and care for. I wrote a song about it, like to hear it? Here it go! Haha....

Ridiculous...

2009-02-09T05:32:00.000-06:00

This one is crazy. Went in last night over a NEZ&RIO joint I've had in iTunes purgatory forever. Entitled "Ridiculous". This is just a snippet but you can see what's happening here...dangerous!

Exchanging With Foreigners....

2009-02-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

They say travel is the best thing you can do to expand your mind and learn how to break your subliminal boundaries. Well since I don't have the money to travel like I'd like I find it refreshing to collaborate with people from different scenes and places around the world. I had a beat from the homie Kameleon that I wanted to flip on a bourgeois-polite-stunt type way and recruited the works of Milwaukee's own Haz Solo and London's best & brightest, Thai'matic. The joint is entitled Truly Yours and it sounds so crazy because the styles are all unique, yet they all mesh perfectly in their own way. Plus DJ House Shoes putting cuts & scratches on it and a possible guest spot from the Cali mystery man with the name of a Color...hmmm. Stay tuned!

An Evolution Mixtape

2009-02-09T04:56:00.001-06:00

An Evolution, made in 2008, was a maturing process for me in terms of delivery, concepts, and overall comfort on the mic. I woke up and realized one day that I had the capability to create the songs I have in my head, note for note, bar for bar, and need not depend on any expensive studio setup or vocal effects to take me where I want to go. When that stuff comes, it'll all just be icing on a cake of polished delivery and powerful presence. A scary thought indeed. This was the one that had people start taking me seriously.

Download An Evolution (Mediafire)

A Rhyme A Day Mixtape

2009-02-09T04:50:00.001-06:00

The A Rhyme A Day Mixtape, conceptualized and finished in 2007, was based upon an idea of mine to drop a song a day. I was aiming pretty high, and although I didn't end up doing a song a day, I did a song about every 3 days, and ended up with a quite extensive list of joints and overwhelming knowledge I didn't have before the experiment. This mixtape features the Top 10 songs from that experiment, and I hope you enjoy it!

Download A Rhyme A Day... (Mediafire)