Converse All Star Hi Moccasin

Adding a Native American element to sneakers has been a growing trend in recent years and Converse has just released its own take for the 2010 Spring/Summer season. This All Star Hi model comes in a black/white colorway and features a fringed top with decorative beads which can be removed to fit the mood of the day. Available now via select Converse stockists.
Source: warpweb

The 10 Best Follow-up Albums in Hip-Hop

Sometimes, a debut album shows an artist's sound in full bloom. Sometimes, it merely offers a glimpse of brilliance, a capacity to blossom into greatness. It's no surprise, then, that several artists have recorded follow-up albums that manage to rival their first for greatness. Here are 10 sophomore albums that turned out better than their predecessors.

Honorable Mention: Mecca & The Soul Brother (Pete Rock & CL Smooth), Late Registration (Kanye West), The Marshall Mathers LP (Eminem)

10. Clipse - 'Hell Hath No Fury'
© Star Trak/Interscope
Third time was the charm for the Clipse. While the duo's very first album, Exclusive Audio Footage, generated enough momentum to land them a spot on Elektra's roster, it was eventually shelved. The Virginia duo then migrated to Star Trak to go work with hometown heroes The Neptunes. Their official debut, Lord Willin', was produced entirely by The Neptunes. It gave rise to a handful of bangers (including "Grindin'") but turned out to be uneven. It was 2006's Hell Hath No Fury that finally established the Clipse as a force to reckon with.
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9. Mobb Deep - 'The Infamous'
© Loud/RCA
Prodigy and Havoc were unseasoned 19-year olds when they released their forgettable first album, Juvenile Hell in 1993. By the time 95 rolled around, the Queens duo had undergone a metamorphosis like no other. Their rhymes were sharper. Hav's beats were mindblowingly impressive. The Infamous churned street classics like "Survival of the Fittest" and "Eye for an Eye" and went on to become an authentic documentation of 90s hardcore hip-hop sound.
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8. Common - 'Resurrection'
© Relativity
Where Common's debut, Can I Borrow A Dollar, drew directly from old-school rap, funk, his sophomore effort, Resurrection, was gentler and well-rounded. No I.D.'s dense sonic barrage meshed perfectly with Common's conscious cry.
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7. GZA - 'Liquid Swords'
© Geffen Records
It's easy to forget that GZA launched his solo career prior to Wu-Tang's collective debut. His first outing, Words from the Genius, dropped in 1991 and is often credited as the first solo album by a Wu member. While that album was produced primarily by Easy Mo Bee, RZA took the production reins on Liquid Swords and laced his cousin with a cinematic backdrop for his gritty narratives. Liquid Swords was rap as literature.
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6. A Tribe Called Quest - 'The Low End Theory'
© Jive
Tribe is one of few acts in hip-hop that can boast of a flawless catalog. That said, Low End Theory is stylistically superior to the group's debut.
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5. Fugees - 'The Score'
© Sony
Anyone who listened to the Fugees' Blunted on Reality and The Score back to back can be forgiven for thinking that they were created by two different acts. The Score was so much more compelling that everyone quickly forgot about their first LP. Indeed, it was a remarkable improvement on the lackluster Blunted.
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4. Ice Cube - 'Death Certificate'
© Priority
Ice Cube's solo debut, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, painted a frighteningly morbid portrait of mutual distrust. It was a certified street masterpiece. So, how do you follow that up? With an even more controversial, more venomous album titled Death Certificate. Sure, Cube caught plenty of flack for his misogynistic and antisemitic lyrics, but he also turned in a brilliant album. The album's 'Death Side' presented an image of the present, while the 'Life Side' showed a vision of the future. Standouts include the scathing "No Vaseline" and the highly controversial "Black Korea."
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3. De La Soul - 'De La Soul Is Dead'
© Rhino
No one knew what De La would do for their second go-round. The Long Island crew had already redefined rap music with 3 Feet High & Rising -- a groundbreaking debut that challenged hip-hop with its playful yet inventive sound. At a time when rap was mostly a "shoot 'em up, bang bang" playground, De La peddled rhymes about daisies and body odor. After being derided as hippies, the group dropped a follow-up album that was notoriously edgiy yet remarkably impressive. The title (De La Soul Is Dead) and album art (an image of withering daisies) signified the end of the daisy-era De La. They broke out of the envelope that supposedly limited their art without sacrificing their core sound.
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2. Beastie Boys - 'Paul's Boutique'
© Capitol
Critics dismissed the Beastie Boys as a one-hit wonder after the arrival of the group's flawless debut, Licensed To Ill. To add salt to injury, they had also severed ties with producer Rick Rubin. As people were busy writing them off, Ad-Rock, Mike, and MCA were holed up in their L.A. studio working feverishly on a comeback album. The result was an LP that offered a combination of creative depth and multi-layered production. The sheer fact that the Beasties managed to drop what's arguably their best work while shuffling from one label to another is remarkable in itself. Their extensive and innovative use of sampling helped establish the practice as an art.
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1. Public Enemy - 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back'
© Def Jam
Simply put, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made. While Yo! Bum Rush The Show showed Public Enemy banging on the door of societal injustice, It Takes a Nation knocked down the door, ran into the building and burned the whole thing down. Chuck D's politically salient rhymes combined with Bomb Squad's searing, ferocious sound to yield a groundbreaking work that remains the standard for politically charged rap.

*Video* LyRiQS (THE LYRACISS) at SoundClash: Kicks-N-Snares

Check out the boy Lyriqs, he's a cool kid and as you already know, 11wdNick is a fool behind that camera. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS!!!! 

Good Listening

10.Deep & Adidas Originals Consortium Stan Smith Mid

New York’s 10.Deep look to link up with adidas Originals Consortium to release a Stan Smith Mid. The model features a gray nubuck upper, cooperate branding motifs, a graphic based insole and both inside foot areas are marked by a perforated 10.Deep logo. The sneaker will release on April 10th, 2010 at select retailers including VA.

Although there has been several handmade of Kanye West’s track “Street Lights” off 808s & Heartbreak circulating the web during the past year, this featured visual has received official approval. Directors Spike Jonze and Jonathan Bensimon chose Tokyo’s luminous facade as the setting for this intriguing clip. Both directors enact a man strolling through Japan’s capital while being haunted by bizarre imagery. The video comes courtesy of YeezyDude. Enjoy.

Brother Ali "Tight Rope" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Brother Ali’s “Tight Rope” tells a story in three parts. Verse 1 tells of the Somalian refugees who try to find home and hope in Ali’s native Minneapolis. Verse 2 touches on the all too familiar subject of the broken home and the insurmountable obstacles of going on like normal when there’s really no such thing. Verse 3 boldly explores the psyche of a young man outcast by homosexuality, desperately trying to hold up what’s left of an open identity.

Meth - Ghost - Rae!!!

 Listen to more tracks here

Erykah Badu - Window Seat

*Video* She's Bad - B. Streezy

Here's what's soon to be one of the hottest songs of the summer by B. Streezy - She's Bad

Lady Gaga As Madonna.

Gaga is huge in Hungary, on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine.

Thank You&You're Welcome

Throwback Thursday

So I was O_O my twitter time line and saw a few of the people I'm following talking about Fiend - Talk It How I Bring It" and boy, boy, boy, I didn't realize this song is a decade old...Homie been rappin lol...But here's one of Thursday's Throwback Videos. Hope you like it!!!

Erykah Badu - Turn Me Away (Get Munny)

DOWNLOAD: Erykah Badu – Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY) | Mediafire

Mac feat Mia X - Boss Chick

I Need A Hot Girl

Semi-Throwback!!!

Interview: Go Dj Dip

Everyone knows that success starts somewhere, I had the chance to interview one of the very first Go DJ's and boy was that a very good interview. Check it out and enjoy :)

Tae: 

For those who are not familiar with Go DJ Dip, tell us a little about yourself. 

Go DJ Dip:
I'm from Dallas, Oak Cliff off Camp Wisdom and Polk, I've been dj-ing since I was 16 and I'm a pretty laid back cat, just like my tattoo says, A-1 Since Day 1, I'm the last of a dying breed you know.  I've been a Go DJ since 2005, as a matter of fact, I was one of the first Go DJ's.  (laughs) DJ Hi-C was my mentor at the time.

Tae:

What makes you stand out from other DJ's?

Go DJ Dip:
Most definitely my personality and the feeling that I leave you with after you meet me. I have an aura about myself, something like a glow. Shit, I'm me.

Tae:

Where did you get your name and what made it stick?

Go DJ Dip:
My name was given to me by the people, like literally, the public and it was accepted. My nickname was Chip, and some people just started saying Dip. I used to host a mixtape for a rapper named Lil Tex, and on one of his songs he said "DJ Dip" and people started hearing it. I didn't ask for the name, it was given to me.

Tae:

What inspired you to become a DJ?

Go DJ Dip:
 I like to have fun, the fact that I can have fun and make money. DJ-ing gave me an outlet on who I am as a person. When I talk, people listen, I have a voice and I loved the feeling I got when I did it for the first time. I met Dj Hi-C helped and taught me a lot, I have to pay major homage to him. He made me who I am today. He taught me the in's and out's of the game and how to be patient. Thank you man.

Tae:

What kind of equipment do you use?

Go DJ Dip:
I use CDJ's, no turntables. I'm an 80's baby, I've never touched a vinyl, I use serato, CDJ, a mixer and a laptop and it's going DOWN.

Tae:

What type of music do you like to play the most?

Go DJ Dip:
Man, the music that I listen to, I play what the people wanna hear, 8Ball, MJG, late 90's and Trap Music, Big Chief, Underground and Urban music.

Tae:

What kind of advice would you like to give upcoming DJ's and or artists?

Go DJ Dip:
Be patient. Be patient. Be patient, you never know who's watching you whether there's 4 or 400, you never know and be yourself.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

Go DJ Dip:
www.myspace.com/GotGoDJDip, www.twitter.com/GoDJDip, and you can search me on Facebook under GoDj Dip. Whenever you see me, say something, I am not "hollywood".

Tae: 

Before we go, is there anything you would like to add?

Go DJ Dip:
I'm the Official Eat Greedy Dj, A-1 Since Mother Fuckin Day 1, The First Go DJ. Dallas born, but I'm Texas raised, The Interstate DJ, coming to a city near you. I have to leave you with our motto "If You Not A Go Dj, What The Fuck Are You Dj-ing For?" I also host mixtapes, I'm a one stop shop, I will host it, and press it up. Holla at me.

The Supra Red Carpet Series

available now at select Supra dealers.

Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2010 Gold Embroidered Sneaker

Christian Louboutin only offers one other sneaker in their Spring/Summer 2010 Collection – the Gold Embroidered High Top. The sneaker comes with a white leather base and a complicated gold net embroidery over most of the upper.

Get Up You Lazy Bum

Da U Boys at the GoDjs Louisiana Listening Suite

Here's some music from one of the winners of the Go Dj's Louisiana Listening Suite, Da U Boys. Tell us what you think.

NOLA 4 Haiti: A Benefit Concert

*New Music* Lanino Brown - Hottest Chick in the Game

If you thought she was putting on a front at the Jay-Z concert in February, here's Lanino Brown.
Check out the footage of her spittin at the Jay-Z concert here.

Industry Influence @ The Hangar

Are you an artist in the New Orleans area? Do you think you have what it takes to break into the music scene? Check out Industry Influence every FIRST MONDAY of the month.

R&B Suite Summer Camp Fundraiser @ The Perfect Fit

*New Song* Raheem DeVaughn - Toes Curl

Who knows what it is about the baby making music lately (see: Novel “Take Over,” Lloyd “I Need You” and Chris Brown “Sex”) but we can add Raheem DeVaughn to the list of latest batch of tracks. This is the bonus track from The Love & MasterPeace (Deluxe Edition) album.

Turn the lights down low and make her toes curl playboy. Props to Young Kingz.

DOWNLOAD: Raheem DeVaughn – Toes Curl

via: onsmash

NOHH at the Howlin Wolf

Interview NOLABelle

Tae:

For those who may not know you, could you tell us about yourself?

NOLABelle:
Well, I am 26 years old, native of Marrero on the Westbank. I went to high school and college in North Carolina. I’m a Legal Assistant by day and a freelance Publicist by day and night. (Laughs). I have a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Dance. I am addicted to sports, some say obsessed, my favorites are baseball, football and basketball, but I also enjoy Soccer. I love to laugh and have a good time and I really enjoy my work as a Publicist.

Tae:
How did you begin doing work as a publicist? 

NOLABelle:
I actually started about 2 years ago by doing some work for my church. After that I linked up with Steve Dubb from The Hut Studios who in turn introduced me to Chuck ‘Lyrikill’ Jones who became my first client. Now I have 5 clients, Lyrikill, Wes B., The ICU, JayB August and DJ Mike Swift/In Ya Box Entertainment. But I love it and I’m learning everyday.


Tae:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years as far is music is concerned? 

NOLABelle:
In 5 years, I hope to be one of the best Publicists in the business, hopefully with the same clients I have now.

Tae:
What do you think is missing most from artists today?

NOLABelle:
Passion. I think most people see it as a get rich quick scheme. There’s a shortage on artists who actually work and develop their craft, someone who respects the culture and its history and hard-workers.

Tae:
What advice do you have for upcoming artists, or even publicists?

NOLABelle:
Ummm, I’m new myself feels kind of weird giving advice, BUT, I will say stay true to yourself because when you lose yourself, you have nothing.

Tae: 
How can we get in touch with you?

NOLABelle:
Email: nicoya.hogan@gmail.com and Twitter: http://twitter.com/NOLABelle83

Tae:
Thank you so much for your time, before we go, do you have anything you would like to add?

NOLABelle:
I run a blog which caters to up and coming artists which will soon feature samples from producers and mixes from DJ’s I’m always looking for new music to add to it. I have a Featured Artist of the Week as well. http://nolabelle83.blogspot.com and artists/producers/DJ’s feel free to send me what you got!

Deleted Scenes - Wonder Showzen

B.O.B - NOTHING ON YOU (FEAT. BRUNO MARS)

Air Jordan VI Retro Infrared Pack

BREAKING NEWS:

Over the last few months, rumors have been circling around a possible Air Jordan VI (6) Retro Infrared Pack, featuring both the black and white colourways of the Infrared Jordan VI that are regarded as two of the greatest Jordan colourways of all time. New product information and style codes have surfaced, confirming the release of the Infrared Jordan VI Package for June 2010. Stay tuned to Sneaker News for updated information, as this package of Jordans is sure to cause Space Jam-like mayhem.

Style:
398850-901 (Package)
384664-103 (White/Infrared)
384664-003 (Black/Infrared)
Images via Kixclusive.

*Video* Big Boi - For Your Sorrows (Feat George Clinton & Too Short)

I Can Save You Remix

Looks as if New Orleans favorite DJ, Go DJ Black 'n Mild has done it again!! Here is the remix of I Can Save You by Freaknik (T-Pain) from Freaknik: The Musical which aired on Cartoon Newtork's Adult Swim on March 7, 2010.

Year ONE Anniversary Go DJ's LA Listening Suite

Year ONE Anniversary Go Dj's La Listening Suite (Powered by GODJSLA.COM)

1 Mic Ent/ T.O.C. Musik/ 2 Deep Music/ Extreme Ent/ Choppa Muzik/ Ghetto Slave Records/Street Customs/D.E.O. Recordings

at The Chocolate Bar
540 South Broad
NOLA, 70119

Come Celebrate a YEAR of EXCELLENCE & Network with the ELITE in the MUSIC Industry of the N.O.!

YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS!!!

ALL ARTISTS, DJS, RECORD LABLES & MODELS ARE INVITED!

*THE LISTENING SUITE WILL BE BROADCASTED LIVE ON WWW.GODJSLA.COM!!!*
GET THERE EARLY BECAUSE IT WILL BE PACKED!
(ALL ARTISTS NEED TO BE AT THE CLUB NO LATER THAN 8:45PM!!!)

Listening Suite slots are still available.... but THEY ARE GOING FAST!!

Doors open @ 8PM
General Admission: $5
Suite starts @ 9PM!

OPEN TO ALL RAP & R&B ARTISTS!!!

To sign up for the Suite contact: 504.578.2058 or Godjlouisiana@gmail.com

*New Music* Lloyd - Set Me Free (feat. Mystikal)

Looks as if Mystikal has been on his grind since getting back home. Check out the new track from New Orleans natives, Lloyd feat Mystikal - Set Me Free

*Video* Juvenile - Back Back

Interview KAMMs

Tae:

I would like you to first introduce yourself to many who are unknown of you?
KAMMs:

KAMMs or KAMMs TheACE

Tae:

What type of photographer are you or what's your specialty?

KAMMs:

I’m an artist first. I try not to limit myself. I find myself shooting mostly things that inspire me, a large bit of that includes the 4 elements of Hip Hop. I find myself shooting at or around graffiti walls a lot. I LOVE color.

Tae:

When did you first start shooting?

KAMMs:

Got my first d-SLR around Christmas of ’08. Not a Christmas gift though!

Tae:

What kind of camera and equipment do you use?

KAMMs:

I prefer Canon. I’ve used Nikon but there’s just too many dam settings. I like raw images, I want to do most of the work, not depend on the camera. Like my mentor, Jerome, says: “It’s not about the camera. I can shoot with a disposable and still get amazing shots.” I mean, I can’t do that yet, but he can. I’m trying to get on his level.

Tae:

What are your dreams and goals as far as photography is concerned?

KAMMs:

Photography is the one avenue in which I don’t have any immediate goals. I just want to get better and better. I love art and photography is the one avenue that allows me to capture it forever, as opposed to creating it.

Tae:

What are your upcoming events or jobs?

KAMMs:

Check TheIMMEG.com for our calendar. We’re always busy. The next major event I’m looking forward to is SoundCLASH’s Kicks & Snares with Pete Rock. All the elements of Hip Hop under one roof with a legend present. My camera & I are gonna have a field day!

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

KAMMs:

I’m literally everywhere on the internet. Not to sound pretentious but if all else fails, Google me! Here are some specific places you can find me on the net though: TheIMMEG.com, @KAMMsTheACE ßTwitter, facebook.com/kammstheace, KAMMsTheACE.com, Kammstheace.tumblr.com, jpgmag.com/people/KAMMsTheACE

Interview Slangston Hughes

Tae:
For those that are not familiar with you, tell us a little about yourself.

S.H.:
I'm Slangston Hughes, THE Connoisseur of Fine Rhyme, member of the Go Hard Gang (Tygah Woods) and SuperUgly, founder of New Orleans' premiere live performance platform, Uniquity, Hip-Hop lover and all around good dude.

Tae:
How would you describe your music?

S.H.
My music is what I would call "intelligent Hip-Hop." I tend to infuse words you usually wouldn't hear in rap songs; subject matter, content. Any music that makes you think and pushes you to excel or be better I wanna be behind it.

Tae:
Is there a certain type of age group you are trying to reach out to in your music?

S.H.:
Music's universal and I aspire to be the type of emcee that can reach the masses regardless of your demographic. I'm fairly confident, I've got a song everyone can relate to.

Tae:
What inspired you to get into the music industry?

S.H.:
Music was something that started out in high school but then just a hobby. Fully immersing myself in the culture of Hip-Hop for the past several years led me to appreciate it and take my love for the art form to another degree. Besides that, the continuous over saturation of listeners' ears with rhymes/songs of misogyny, materialism, gun talk, trap rap really pushed me to show that there is another side to the Hip-Hop spectrum.

Tae:
Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

S.H.:
More than likely I would say Mama Hughes, my aunt and grandmother, along with Biggie and my peers within our community.

Tae:
Is there any advice you would like to give upcoming artists

S.H.:
Support each other, always give 110% in EVERY aspect of your music and most importantly this game is not a sprint to the finish, it's a marathon, so pace yourself.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you working on?

S.H.:
I'm in the process of putting the finishing touches on my next mixtape, The Nu-Growth, which should be out in April, followed by an 8 track EP in August with Memphis/LA emcee and producer, L'Daialogue called Dollars and Daialogue. I'll be finishing the year with another EP, Sense/Cents. That's just from the solo tip. You can expect another Tygah Woods project in addition to a SuperUgly record as well.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

S.H.:
Quickest way would be Twitter, www.twitter.com/PookeyMalibu. In addition to, www.reverbnation.com/slangstonhughes and www.myspace.com/slangstonhughes84

Tae:
Thank you again for speaking with us, is there anything that you would like to add?

S.H.:
Thank you for the opportunity. Hip-Hop is DEFINITELY alive in New Orleans! Tygah Woods, we own the future. Get with us or get leftovers. Not only support but better yet, cultivate local Hip-Hop in your area.

Interview Wes B

Tae:
Tell me a little about yourself.

Wes B:
My name is Wes B, I am a Hip-Hop artist from New Orleans, CEO/Founder of XCEL Records, LLC/ Blue Duece Productions. I am also a part-time studio engineer at my home studio.

Tae:
What got you into music and production work?

Wes B:
I've always been into music, like literally. I used to change the words to all the songs to make them personable and pretend that I was a radio dj in my youth, was in my jr high and high school marching bands. I started building XCEL Records as a label in 2000.


Tae:
Who would you say has influenced you musically?

Wes B:
Lyrically, I have to say Jay Z, Kanye West, Joe Budden, & Lupe Fiasco. Production wise; Kanye, Just Blaze, Pharell, Dr Dre and a few others.

Tae:
What do you think is missing most from hip hop right now?

Wes B:
Honestly nothing. Hip Hop has everything that you need. There are party songs, street, gangsta, & "underground" rap. Here in the city the program directors need to put more local artist into rotation so that they can have that opportunity to let their music be heard so they can reach a broader audience.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you working on now?

Wes B:
The next project that I will be working on is my second solo album Life, Love, Music it's the follow-up to 2008's Focus.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

Wes B:
I can be found via Twitter at WesBeez, my website http://www.xcelrecordsonline.net, www.facebook.com/mrxcelrecords, and via email at mrxcelrecords@gmail.com

Tae:
Thank you again for your time, is there anything you would like to add?

Wes B:
Please check out my album Focus on iTunes by typing in "Wes B Focus" into the search box. Also check out http://www.xcelrecordsonline.net for links to my music and other information related to me and XCEL Records. Download my latest mixtape called Blu Musik.

Interview Chubby Nate

Tae:

Tell me a little about yourself.

Chubby Nate:

I'm Chubby Nate, I was born & raised in New Orleans. I released my first work as part of the group, Underground Spokesmen in 2004 and recently made my solo debut "Street Speech" in 2009. I don't make music for fortune or fame, this is an art. I do this for the LOVE of it!

Tae:

What got you into music and production work?

Chubby Nate:

In my teens, I found it an easier way to display my thoughts and feelings because of the things I was dealing with. I was just trying to find balance and I found therapy in the music.

Tae:

Who would you say has influenced you musically?

Chubby Nate:

My early influences go back to MJ, Frankie B and Maze, Prince and The Isleys, but later, I was intringued with the lyricism and story-telling of Scarface, Nas, Mobb Deep, Outkast, Biggie, Wu, Pac and UGK coincidentally a lot. (Laughs) I LOVE  GOOD MUSIC!

Tae:

What do you think is missing most from hip hop right now?

Chubby Nate:

I  think people's passion for the art has become complacent. I could remember listening to songs where verses were like pieces to a puzzle.

Tae:

What upcoming projects are you working on now?

Chubby Nate:

I'm working on my follow-up project, "The Balance: Books & Blocks". I'm also working on my group, BoscoSluggaz, mixtape along with features and songs on Water, HardHead Productionz and my protege, King.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

Chubby Nate:

You can contact me on Twitter or on  facebook.com/ChubbyNate.

Tae:

Thank you again for your time, is there anything you would like to add?

Chubby Nate:

Nothing is wrong with dreaming, you stop living when you do! Again I would like to thank you for this opportunity. Two fingers.