What's wrong with this world? To read the full, sad story, click here.
Hold ya head, Juvie.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Ask A Fly Guy - #1
So, earlier this week I sent out emails to my contacts and folk on myspace about this new section of my blog called ASK A FLY GUY. It's my new advice column, or basically just an opportunity for people I know and don't know, to ask for my insight, prospectus, and/or opinion on different situations. The identities of those who ask for advice will remain anonymous. It took a few days but I have finally gotten the first request for some advice. I guess it took a while for someone to welcome the idea of coming to me for advice. I mean, who the hell am I, right? Anyway, here is the first one. The cherry is popped.
Dear Fly Guy,
I have a friend of 10 years that has become sussessful in her own eyes. lately she speaks to me as if shes my teacher/counselor. she contradicts my every word,even if the subject is as simple as the time i take a shower. today we argued again, and i stated that one of her daily routines with her child was lazy.this comment obviously hurt her really really badly because hours later shes still sending 30 word texts. should i stand by my opinion or like she says...evaluate the insult and apologize?
Signed.
Sweet & Friendly
Dear Sweet & Friendly,
First let me say, a friendship that has sustained for a decade is definitely a rarity, especially when the friendship is between two adult women. Kudos on that. Now, success can be empowering to some and justification for a "power trip" to others. I do not think CONTRADICTION is the word you meant to use to describe what she does (given the context of your dilemma). What your friend is doing is giving a REBUTTAL for everything you say. Now she is an adult, as you are so you should not hold the fact that she has an opposing opinion to things you do and say against her. This woman doesn't pay your rent (I assume) or contribute monetarily or emotionally to your daily life in anyway. Her opinions should not cause that much of a friction. Ask yourself if you agree with everything she says or feels. Also, was the comment you made about her daily routines made with malicious intent. Was it your goal to hurt her feelings? If so, it seems you were successful. Sometimes, our anger gets the better of us and we say things we often regret later. In my opinion, you should call your friend (not text) and have a mature discussion about the whole situation, in a calm manner. Explain to her how her oppositions make you feel. Feel out her response before you start apologizing. Neither of you should let PRIDE become a cancer to what has the makings of a life-long friendship.
Dear Fly Guy,
I have a friend of 10 years that has become sussessful in her own eyes. lately she speaks to me as if shes my teacher/counselor. she contradicts my every word,even if the subject is as simple as the time i take a shower. today we argued again, and i stated that one of her daily routines with her child was lazy.this comment obviously hurt her really really badly because hours later shes still sending 30 word texts. should i stand by my opinion or like she says...evaluate the insult and apologize?
Signed.
Sweet & Friendly
Dear Sweet & Friendly,
First let me say, a friendship that has sustained for a decade is definitely a rarity, especially when the friendship is between two adult women. Kudos on that. Now, success can be empowering to some and justification for a "power trip" to others. I do not think CONTRADICTION is the word you meant to use to describe what she does (given the context of your dilemma). What your friend is doing is giving a REBUTTAL for everything you say. Now she is an adult, as you are so you should not hold the fact that she has an opposing opinion to things you do and say against her. This woman doesn't pay your rent (I assume) or contribute monetarily or emotionally to your daily life in anyway. Her opinions should not cause that much of a friction. Ask yourself if you agree with everything she says or feels. Also, was the comment you made about her daily routines made with malicious intent. Was it your goal to hurt her feelings? If so, it seems you were successful. Sometimes, our anger gets the better of us and we say things we often regret later. In my opinion, you should call your friend (not text) and have a mature discussion about the whole situation, in a calm manner. Explain to her how her oppositions make you feel. Feel out her response before you start apologizing. Neither of you should let PRIDE become a cancer to what has the makings of a life-long friendship.
A Fly Guy's Magazine Interview
So....there's a new interview Rap Fanatic Magazine just did with me. Its in the issue with Birdman on the cover(page 34) to be exact. Check it out. But as an aspiring artist, let me put u on to some of the bullsh*t we face in the industry. The interview is about a half a page long, and I discuss some very personal family issues, as well as shouting out my crew, G4 Crew. (Fashion Monster Parties, coming back soon). Anyway, some of you who are already familiar with my music, know that one of my monikers is God's Favorite Rapper, so the title of the interview is "God's Favorite Rapper" but the magazine editor put up the wrong damn picture. They put a pic of another artist that looks nothing like me. Dammit man. So if you happen to come across this magazine article, keep in mind that yes those are my words, but that is not me in the picture, obviously.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
You Ain't Got These
Introducing... The Glide: A Lengthy fitted shoe with the comfort of a Chuck Taylor, coupled with the style of a fine italian brand not worth mentioning at this point.
Not for the ordinary Foot Locker Shopper. Step ya kick-game up young boy.
Not for the ordinary Foot Locker Shopper. Step ya kick-game up young boy.
Estelle - American Boy
I Love This Woman...
Some say she is reminiscent of vintage L-Boogie (Lauryn Hill). What do you think?
Some say she is reminiscent of vintage L-Boogie (Lauryn Hill). What do you think?
Barack!
I pose this question, reserving my own opinion.; but only to generate thought and evoke conversation. Is it wrong for a person of color to vote for Barack Obama simply because he is a Black man?
Ask yourself.
A Fly Guy's Showcase
I haven't been on stage in a few weeks; since my award show actually.. This Friday I'm back in NY for the YUME show. Gonna feel good to grab the mic once again. I will be performing with some other dope artists like my homeboy Kapps, and Melo-X, and a few others. Then Kesh is gonna get her fine ass on the wheels of steel and spin for the rest of the party.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sickamore Resigns from Atlantic Records
Have u ever heard of DJ Sickamore? Well, if not, he's been tagged as one of the youngest A&R's in the music business. Word on the street is, he just resigned from his Director of A&R Position at Atlantic Records. Says he lost faith in the major label system. Peep Sickamore's own words from his own blog published earlier.
"Gave my notice last week Tuesday, though today is my final day in the office. No, I'm not leaving to take another job. Nor was I fired attempting to cover it up. I've just lost faith in the major label system. I'm a guy of integrity so the last thing I'll ever do is stay somewhere just to collect a check or say I'm "an A&R". That's just wack. Though I'll continue to consult for Atlantic, Asylum Records, Columbia Records as well as continuing to help the artists I've signed like Wynter Gordon, Slim of 112 and of course Saigon.
People who know me know I'm very passionate about my career. I started two businesses (record store in 2002 and The Famous Firm b/k/a I Can Make You Famous) before I had this job. I didn't take this position for the money. When Hip Hop first mentioned it to me in December 2005, I was hesitant. My lawyer laughed when I told her about it: "You're going to get a job?!?!?! You make more money on your own! Atlantic is about to
fold! You're crazy!". But I knew the experience would be vital for my career growth. So I took it. I told myself "give it at least two years." That was February 2006.
I really enjoyed my A&R family at Atlantic. Craig, Gee, Jean, Brian, Darrale, Mike, Marsha, Walter, Dara, Lanre, Andrew, Kels, Aaron, Gina and Damon are all like brothers and sisters to me. Though Hip Hop leaving within the first couple months was tough, they made it a smooth transition for me. I had signing power and the freedom to roam all across the country in my search for finding new talent. My frustration came when it was time to put the music out (i.e. The Greatest Story Never Told). I'm not going to sign talented people to a label and have them sit. I rather bet on myself and get them hot in the streets.
If most people were in my position, they'd just ride it out. I've gotten all kind of advice from "Just take the checks and do your own shit anyway" to "Just stop coming in the office until they stop paying you" or my favorite "Do the bear minimum so they don't bother you". But I'm an idealist and believe this is the main problem in the music business today. That train of thought keeps great artists unsigned and the wrong people in the position of power. One of my friends jokes "You're keeping it real. But this is when keeping it real goes wrong." We'll see if he's right. But you only live once. I'm not going to waste anyone's time in a place where I'm not productive. I want to win!
As I said before, I'm not going to take another job. Atlantic was my first gig and probably going to be my last. I'll only work as a company through The Famous Firm. We represent and develop talent at The Firm. Yeah we rep singers and rappers but specialize in non traditional talent like athletes, photographers, writers, graphic designers, clothing lines, studio engineers, stylist etc. We can help develop and represent anyone with talent. We use our in house non traditional talent to help develop new talent. It's all about talent!
I'm a firm believer (no pun intended) in the idea of "you can't do new things with old people". That's why I'm a part of a 10 person operation at The Firm with the average age being 22. Shout out to Sade, Eli, Sterling, Mike, Michael, Nina, Jay, Pesos and Dan. Everyone is young, hungry and learning how to be entrepreneurs. I have a goal at the Firm, to make this everyone's last "job". I want my team to leave running their own profitable business, breeding a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Lastly, I want to thank Atlantic for the opportunity, grooming and experience. I wouldn't be able to help change the future of the entertainment business without it. I'm lucky to be able to depart on such great terms. Everyone was very understanding and supportive of this decision. I'm also excited for certain people to stop calling/e-mailing me under the pretense of me being "an A&R" rather than what I can really do. I want people to fuck with me and the Firm for us, not because we're tied to a major.
I love this blog. Thanks for listening. All my contact info is exactly the same."
So in honor of Sickamore's epiphany(look it up if you don't know what that word means), I felt it necessary to repost me and my dude Neph's video titled, "Mr. A&R"
"....F*ck you Mr. A&R, F*ck you Mr. President...."
Shout out to Vic Shine over at HipHopGame.com
Learn more about Sickamore here.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Rahsaan - Howard Homecoming '07
Shout out to Crazy Al Cayne. It only took four months but I finally got the footage from the interview I did for his tv show during Howard's Homecoming this past October. Shout out to one half of the Thermal Soundwaves Radio Boys, Cee-Truth for the camera work. Make sure you check out CAC-TV.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Prodigy Goes to the Bing
I know I posted this a few days ago already, but fuck it. Today another hip hop veteran turns himself in to do his jail time. Prodigy, one half of the classic Queens rap group, Mobb Deep, had to turn himself in today to start his 3 1/2 year jail sentence. So I just wanted to repost this video footage of me, prodigy, my brother Simeon, and Sean Price in the green room at BET for the taping of my other brother, Selwyn's, new BET video show. For the full story click here. In the meantime, take a look at some classic Prodigy/ Mobb Deep Videos.
Quiet Storm - The Original Version
Hold ya head P. Free P
Quiet Storm - The Original Version
Hold ya head P. Free P
Kimora Lee Pregnant - Damn Homey
Damn Russell....
I know one thing, Djimon didn't waste any time knocking that up. I mean, wouldn't you do the same? If you're not familiar with Djimon Hounsou, click here.
Creative Recreations
Now I, on the other hand, likes to keep a fresh pair of these. To all my dudes who can relate out there, if a nigga ever asks you, 'where u get dem homey?' Just say, 'Fuck up out my face lil nigga you don't know me.'
Spoken like a true Sneaker Store Terrorist.
SST
Mean Shoe Game
Women's Metro Attitude Hi
A Chick fly enough to rock a pair of these is a chick after my own heart.
Gotta love a 'mean shoe game'
-Sneaker Store Terrorist
A Chick fly enough to rock a pair of these is a chick after my own heart.
Gotta love a 'mean shoe game'
-Sneaker Store Terrorist
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Fly Guy's Classics
It's crazy to imagine that at one point in Hip Hop history, record labels actually chose records like this to be the lead single off an album. Will those days ever come back, where hardcore MC'n and lyrics will be the popular? Anyway, here is one of my favorite crew joints of all time - EPMD and the Def Squad. Introducing Reggie Noble, aka Redman. Oh, and I think Redman might have bodied this beat the best.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Best Male Performer 2007
People will say, "Hey Rahsaan, why you be goin so hard when u performing and it only be like 8 people in the crowd?"
I say, "Look here duke, I don't care if there's one person or 1,000 people in the crowd, I treat every show like its Madison Square Garden, cause when I'm on tour doing stadiums, I will be so seasoned as a performer, my audiences will feel they have gotten above and beyond their money's worth. And it has begun with me winning the award for Best Male Solo Performer of 2007 at the Unsigned and Independent Awards in NYC last week. Shout out to Ace of Spades Entertainment and Music Notes Magazine for recognizing my caliber as an MC and an entertainer. It does feel great to have your hard work start to pay off. Check the pics below from the award show. Shout to my dude Fish-Lo for making my custom A FLY GUY track jacket and tshirt that I performed in. Thanks to Pharoae Monch for coming thru to support me also, hope u tearing shit up in Austrailia right now. Last American B-Boy, my brothers Sim & Selwyn, Jae-Alz, Shantelle, Tia, Supris, Phil Anastasia, Karen, Muriel, Jasmine, Scottie, Frantz, Jineea Butler, Kev Sakoda, Ayana, Nancy, Mileise, Guy, Al Doogie, thanks to all ya'll who came thru and supported me that night. My bad for rushing thru my acceptance speech just to get to my performance, but I got ya'll here. Love is Love.
Young Made & Paid
A Fly Guy
Me & My Brothers - Selwyn & Simeon
Me & The Last American B-Boy
Pharoae Monch, Me, Guy Routte
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Grammy Family
So tonite is the Grammy's... I wonder how much of hip hop or urban music in general will be part of tonite's ceremony. But as I sit pondering on my own performance, I can't help but reflect on two great Grammy moments in history.
1- The first ever Rap Grammy goes to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, um, pardon me; Will Smith
2- Tical, aka Johnny Blaze, aka THE M-E-T-H-O-D MAN wins the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group" for "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get by.
Take a few moments and refresh-fy your memory with this classic joint.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
A Fly Guy's Radio Interview
So last week, I submitted my record "Sneaker Store Terrorist" into this 'BEST OF THE WEEK' competition on Parle Radio.... I WON! So, I was invited up to the station to do a brief interview with the good folks up there. The vibe was cool, and I enjoyed myself. Take a few minutes and listen to the interview. FYI, you have to click on the loading bar and drag it to the right, up to about the 42 minute mark. That's when my interview actually starts. You will know because you will hear the end of "Sneaker Store Terrorist" playing, then I start to talk. Some say, I love to hear the sound of my own voice... You be the judge.
Thanks again to Parle Radio for having me. Be sure to check out their radio show every Thursday from 7pm-9pm on thecaribzone.com Look out for the magazine interview coming soon.
A Fly Guy's Other Radio Interview
Yeah, I'm really on the grind. Somebody mentioned to me the other night that it seems like I am my own publicist. I guess in a way they are correct. Below is the audio from another radio interview I had earlier this week at Thermal Soundwaves Radio. Shout out to Kev Lawrence and Cee Truth for showing me love once again. Video of the interview is coming soon.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mobb Deep/Sean Price/Rahsaan
Here's the scoop. My brother Selwyn is launching a new BET show called BOOM BAP this spring. It's a new conceptual video show with interviews and some other dope content. So last Friday I went to the taping of the launch with Prodigy(Mobb Deep), Sean Price, and my brother Sim & Justin(LTID). It was a pretty good day. The girls at BET made sure we were fed and taken care of. Check the behind the scenes footage below. Shout out to Prodigy. Hold ya head kid. Free P.
A Fly Guy's Movie Trailer
So I know its been a while since I've updated my blog. I've been kinda busy working on some new projects; one being the footage below. This is a sneak preview at the trailer for an independent film I am making with my dude The Last American B-Boy. It's called THE GENTLEMEN. The film also co-stars my other homie Jae-Alz from (LTID). The film is still in production but will be out later this year. Until then, enjoy the trailer.
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