VIDEO: IsWhat? "Trouble"

I've been in touch w/IsWhat? via Twitter for over a year now; NapoleonSolo specifically. We send occasional messages back and forth.

Got hit up on the chat box while on Gmail the other day and he says, hey, when you get a chance, check out this vid and leaves the link. I was a bit pressed for time, but pulled up the link anyway. Good decision on my part.

I love a good song. IsWhat? provides that hands down. The track is unique in the lyrics, the style and the music. I mean, I almost can't tell that it's hip hop. Just a good slow track. I wasn't crazy about the female vocalist that eventually came in, beutshe adds another layer of what is atypical about this joint. And that's just the song.

Enter the IsWhat? "Trouble" video ... so cool. It's in black and white w/some splotches of red. There's some animation - that's what caught my attention in the beginning. Throw in a couple of cool cats for musicians to accompany the front man. NapoleonSolo is more than dapper in a nice suit and tie and locs all coiffed.

That's right, drink this in hip hoppers, but remember the saying about 'trouble' - don't start none, won't be none. kfox.

VIDEO: The Seed "Grandma's Ballad"

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check out this video from The Seed (Uptown Swuite, Okis and Jaymez). With a title like "Grandma's Ballad", I knew that it would be all good; I was right.

The flow is nice and mellow as the title suggests. It's a nice pace for the lyrics that the guys deliver. Each of the three emcee's gets a turn to wax about their nanas. It's quite endearing. The video includes footage of the grandmothers too. Nice touch.

It's not a riveting song or video, but it's feel good and something that many of us can relate to.

Be thankful for the grandmothers out there hip hoppers. I know I am. kfox.

VIDEO: Atmosphere "The Best Day"

A few days ago, I wrote about the death of Eyedea (Mike Larsen) from Eyedea and Abilities. The love and appreciation for Eyedea and his music career is extensive. His Rhymesayers fam continues to show their affection for him.

Labelmate Atmosphere drops this one from his upcoming project. It's a cool track w/some tempo and laid back rhymes.

We lost a gem in Eyedea hip hoppers. For real. kfox.

A Celebration of Micheal Larsen :: Eyedea

For whatever reason, I'm just now finding out that Eyedea from Eyedea and Abilities died. He died last month, so I'm a bit disappointed in myself that I missed seeing this before now.

I've been following these guys for about five years or so. I've always liked their flow. Just good beats and good rhymes.

I must admit that I did find it interesting that when I went to the Rhymesayers page, they did not provide much info on Eyedea's death. I mean, the first thing I'm thinking is how did this guy die so young at 28 ... ? I had to dig a little deeper and hit up the Eyedea wiki for more deets; oh, and this, too, from the City Pages in Minneapolis/St. Paul. And Eyedea's mother issued a statement about her son's death.

At any rate, the Rhymesayers crew is now missing a link, but they do know how to pay homage to their boy.

• Rhymesayers video tribute to Mike Larsen :: Eyedea
• Flickr Slide Show of Eyedea
• Article on the "Celebration of Mike Larsen" 5 hour performance in Minnesota
• Eyedea's fans share their memories

Check out the links hip hoppers and show a little love. kfox.

VIDEO: Genesis Elijah "Doing My Damn Thing"

Aaaah, so refreshing, but I almost did not read the email on this one. I have little regard for folks who use all caps in email; just stop it already.

Good thing I did check the email though and the vid "Doing My Damn Thing" from Genesis Elijah. Lovin it. The beats and the music are stellar. The muted trumpet is doin it for this track. It's there, but not overwhelmingly asking for attention.

There some bragadociousness going on ... but that's to be expected, right? It's not over the top.

The vid is an attention getter too. Love the variety of scenery. Not falling back on the old tried formula of just hangin out on the street corner. Thanks for showing off your the city, some diversity and some love.

Check it hip hoppers ... time to do your own damn thing. kfox.

Yemeni Rappers

I'm all about the international love for hip hop. This CNN story about Yemeni rappers is a bit formulaic, but the focus of the story remains the same: I got a story to tell, give me the mic!

Time to make some progress hip hoppers ... kfox.

VIDEO: Meet The Neighbors (Eternia & DJ Boo) NY

I was just scanning my email and saw the link for this vid. I like Eternia. She's on point. In this short vid, she's just hangin in the hood. There's a nice vibe here.

What's up in your hood hip hoppers? Check in w/the people. For real. kfox.