Smooth, Sweet, and Smitten Saturdays

I'M BACK FOR MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE WEEK
I know I left ya hanging with the romance music for a Saturday or two, but I'm here to make up for it with some QUALITY stuff.

SO, as the Spring approaches some of us guys might swoon over curly haired perky girl there with a nice little smile, but BE CAREFUL. These summer loves tend to be some of the most incredible experiences, but all too often they may just not end too well.

and you'll be stuck in the scenario in this Emanon song:

 

For next week though, my Common Sense tells me I should take it back to a Hip Hop Classic! again like I did in this post.

LASERS: HIP Hop or NOT?

Lets all be upfront and air out our concerns here. It's known that Lupe Fiasco can be widely respected for how skilled he is lyrically, and creating real quality music. The Cool is undoubtedly a seriously incredible album - I may even go as far as saying that it will surely be remember in the history books. With the release of his new album, LASERS, I have seen all types of criticisms. Most of it I feel is highly unjustified. If you have followed Lupe for a long time you should be well aware all the hassle that went into the completion and release of this album. When you realize that a RECORD LABEL is part of the problem, we should all know what it is we're expecting to be holding things up.

He told the Chicago Sun-Times, "It's their record. My words, their music."

----REALITY CHECK PEOPLE!----

I'm going to quote The News Record when they say:

The mainstream feel of the album is shocking, but every advertiser changes their packaging so people pick up a certain product, and Fiasco's "Lasers"is the same thing — a message for the world, wrapped in packaging that the majority will accept.

HINT HINT - *side eye to Joe Budden's experience* *side eye to the other side to Nas' leaked letter to some of his label execs*

Record Labels happen to be businesses people. I know a lot of people who get caught up in their disappointment and forget this fact. It's tough to stomach but the music industry is in fact a business that is selling us all art. Which really is a very subjective and touchy subject - I mean, it's really multi-faceted. I challenge you to tell me that's not true.

I'll wait . . .

Seriously though, I don't think this album is bad. Despite the fact articles are out there quoting interview(s) where Lupe says he "hates" it, he definitely isn't a sell out. He STILL has some seriously good content and I think created something that is marketable for today's age, although it is not entirely his usual style. I'm sure he'll bounce back either with a mixtape or a new album where his creativity can roam completely free.

Considering this all, I still want to hear more opinions because I think for the most part this album is doing rather well. If you take the time to listen there are some seriously deep lyrics in this album , and the production is IN-SANE.

What's your favorite track? Leave it in the comments!
and remember: Love Always Shines Everytime: Remember to Smile!

Graffiti in Budapest updated!

So after my trip, I had to sift through 100's of pictures. Much of which were of Graffiti out in Budapest AND Vienna. Unfortunately I won't feature the ones from Vienna. Although they were beautiful, I couldn't get a clear capture and may post them up after I get through those.

Check the pics out below. It sends you to the Google Picasa Web Albums:

Graffiti Pictures

Enjoy followers! Hip Hop is GLOBAL

Diddy: the Wealthiest Artist in Hip Hop according to Forbes

Now this is a pretty interesting thing to read about. Diddy happens to be the wealthiest artist in Hip Hop ahead of Jay-Z. The guy knows his business.

What has always been surprising is the trail of M.I.A. artists that he leaves behind. A few off the top of my head:

1. Mase
2. Loon
3. Shyne
4. The Lox
5. Mario Winans
6. Danity Kane
7. B5
8. Donnie Klang

Know any others? Leave them as a comment below!

He did play a major part in the success of one of the greatest rappers of all time: The Notorious B.I.G.
R.I.P. This past week March 8th marked the 14th anniversary of his death. Definitely posting a list of my favorite Biggie tracks by the end of the weekend.

Graffiti out in Budapest

As much as I am in love with Hip Hop, you can imagine how excited I was to hear that there was a Graffiti culture out here in Budapest, Hungary. I'm here visiting for Spring Break as a part of coursework at NYU Stern. Below are some pics of the Graffiti I have had the chance to take pictures of during my first day here.

Smooth, Sweet and Smitten Saturdays

Whenever she happens to walk by, why does the apple of my eye -
Overlook and disregard my feelings no matter how much I try?

Smooth lyrics, Sweet message, from a Smitten artist
 
For this weeks love song, I decided to go with an old school favorite that's been on my mind HEAVY lately. It's a song by an old school group called The Pharcyde from the West Coast. These guys have a really cool style and have a whole collection of great music (I should know, I have their whole discography).

A lot of people know this song - better yet they know this situation. I mean, fellas . . think about that girl you see constantly and can never get to. And everyone tells you just to let it go:

See she's my type of hype and I can't stand when brothers tell me
That I should quit chasin' and look for something better
But the smile that she shows makes me a go-getter

Check out the video below: