RIP DJ AM

Much love to such a talented individual. I wanted to see him spin in AC this summer but never made it out. I know its impossible to do everything, but you never know when its your time and this time he was called for. RIP

Gil Scott Heron talks to ReelBlack TV

In this extended interview (taken from Reelblack's award-winning film POET, starring Ursula Rucker), Godfather of Rap GIL SCOTT-HERON ruminates on the definition of the word POET, his upcoming projects and what rappers he considers worthy of the term.



via reelblack

The Millionaire Mindset

Pharrell Williams is a clear cut example of having The Millionaire Mindset in his LV Millionaire Shades he co-designed with another MM example, Nigo.

Stephanie J. Hale, CEO of the Millionaire Bootcamp for Women and author of Millionaire Women, Millionaire You in the UK, shared some tips of the 'millionaire mindset' and I thought I'd share:

• Be authentic - talk with passion from your heart;
• Do what you love - work for love, not money;
• Use PR and the media to build a global brand;
• Serve your clients - give them what they want, not what you want;
• Use clients' endorsements in your advertising;
• See the ‘gift’ in problems and challenges.

This is not a paid endorsement by HHM, I just love her e-newsletters. At the core, this is what being a Hip Hop Mogul is all about without selling your soul.

To learn more about Stephanie J. Hale, The Millionaire Boot Camp for Women and to receive correspondence click here.

Remembering Aaliyah

Today marks 8 years since the tragic plane crash that killed Aaliyah and 8 others: pilot Luis Morales III, hair stylist Eric Forman, Anthony Dodd, security guard Scott Gallin, video producer Douglas Kratz, stylist Christopher Maldonado, and Blackground Records employees Keith Wallace and Gina Smith. [Source: Wikipedia]

Just to let you in on how much Aaliyah inspired me, one of the characters in the Black Magnolia series was inspired by her and the next book is being titled after this song.

So, When Did You First Fall in Love with Hip Hop?

I was watching Brown Sugar with a new appreciation for it actually. So I wanted to share my answer. If anyone ever received an email from me its in my signature, the answer is when I first saw A Tribe Called Quest "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" video. I couldn't embed that video (thanks Sony) so I'm posting the video that sealed the deal. Native Tongues for life and yes I was 10 year old backpacker floppy hat, braids, medallion and all, lol! If you're reading answer the question:)

Hilarious: Drake - Best I Ever Had Spoof Video

DJ Rick Geez Presents: The Official Clipse Banger

CLICK THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CLIPSE BANGER

27 TRACK wav files. (CD VERSION)
https://www.yousendit.com/download/YkxMaXRITkFCTW52Wmc9PQ

1 TRACK MP3 VERSION (MP3 PLAYER VERSION)
https://www.yousendit.com/download/YkxMaXRHSytVbTljR0E9PQ

Producer Pack Announces the release of Hip Hop Construction Kings

For all the aspiring music producers out there this one is for you:)

Become inspired and let your creative juices flow with this amazing new samplepack. Ever fancied yourself as the next Timbaland, Neptunes or Dr Dre? Maybe your inspiration has run dry or your latest project is missing that certain something to make it BANG?

Or perhaps you're simply looking for a solid library of dope drum loops and construction kits, that will take you to the next level.Whatever your musical needs, 'Hip Hop construction Kings' is sure to meet them. Containing over 300MB of banging original royalty-free sounds and upfront loops, you will find a superb library of samples here certain to fuel your creativity and inspiration.

Created by 'FatLoud', an urban music production team and record label with a passion for Hip Hop R&B music and over 15 years of music-making experience, be assured that this pack has been patiently and carefully crafted over a long period of time by people who truly love Hip Hop / R&B music genre and knows what sounds are hot. No dull or uninspiring sounds here, only ones that will give your music a truly cutting edge sound and set your speakers alight!



This product is available at an amazing low price of £19.95 as a digital download and available only from Producer Pack. (I did the converting for you its $33.02 US)

To preview this sample pack, please visit http://www.producerpack.com/.

About Producer Pack

Producer Pack.com is Europe’s newest & most cutting edge dance & urban Sound download store. They are based in the heart of UK's thriving underground music community. Click Here for more information.

Kid N Play "Do This My Way"

I caught "Class Act" the other day and was reminded how much I loved Kid n Play. These guys were stars making blockbuster films back when it was unheard of for rappers. I miss videos when women were women and wore clothes that made sense, lol.

Event: Saturdays on the Green (NYC)

Just catching up on email. Missed posting the launch party for this last week. But it goes down every Saturday. Seems like something to check out if you can. Contact: je@jenyc.com for more information.

Amanda Diva "NEON"

I dumped Twitter last week....

...in case you're wondering where I am. I was bored and I realized I didn't care what everyone was doing anymore because we're all pretty much doing the same thing. I still use my username xianvuitton, for now only on the bbc/icecream blog, so if you see it, yes its me:)

In case you're wondering what I'm up to: The main thing right now is getting ready for school. Its been five years since I graduated from college and I'm going back for fashion marketing. I didn't see this coming, but it takes time to really put it all together. I've been using my 20s wisely, I didn't want to go into my 30s in a confused state of mind. I can officially announce my quarter life crisis is over. YAY!

This past Saturday night...

I had a rendevous with Hip Hop...front and stage left watching the Clipse put on an awesome show at Sneaker Pimps in Philly. I also got to play with my new camera nothing fancy but it gets the job done:)

In this first one, Clipse took it back to 2002 & 2003 and perform "What Happened to that Boy" and "Hot Damn" w. Ab Liva. Fiyah! My boi DJ Rick Geez holding it down!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I spent last weekend chillin, sightseeing and rockin out in LA. Here is a clip someone posted on YouTube of the N.E.R.D concert at the Rockstar Energy X-Games After Party. I can see my arm and even a full blurry shot of myself - woohoo, lol. I'll post pics soon. Its posted under Weekend Fresh because I would have blogged, but I was on hiatus which for me includes staying off the internet:)