Ali Shaheed Muhammad |

Shaheed x Uncle Mike x FWMJ February 4th, 2010

Guitar Hero < DJ Hero February 4th, 2010

CLARITY, not but for a moment it is more of my constant, unlike those that walk and breathe in haze. Yep YOU are right, it’s Two Thousand & Ten therein I’m gonna talk it, you can call it my new phase.

Last year I heard a brilliant analogy that describes a culture that exists within the music industry. They likened the actions of some to J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord Of The Rings”. I’ll paraphrase what he said; as soon as a project or an opportunity or a bit of notoriety falls into an artist or producer’s hands they succumb to the darkness and try to rule those that were a moment before their equal.

I must admit that within my 21-year career I only had a couple of disappointments. For the most part, my experiences have been relatively positive. I didn’t spend much time reflecting on the culture of bad behavior until recently when a project I was working on befell the curse of the ole divide and conquer. As I listen to each party blame the other both stating “it’s just business” I remember the words uttered last year, “yo Sha! This is just like Lord of The Rings”. WORD! He was dead on with that analogy.

In real life unlike the movie, there is no tangible device in which we can lay blame. Unfortunately that element is within our spirit. I hope, NO I pray that when the ring falls into my hands that I will be guarded from it’s impurities and will rise above my lower desires.

In the meantime; I’ll push the cross fader, soundboy sound system much greater than the catgut & pickups. I’m a Brooklyn Boy we get up, till the life ends. It’s 2010 let the saga begin… The Fellowship of The Ring.

Posted in Life N Times, Production | 4 Comments

iSad-Geek Down January 27th, 2010

After months of rumors and speculation Apple unveiled their new device called the iPad. As a longtime user of Apple products I have to admit this announcement is a bit anti climactic.

The tablet computer market is just getting off the ground. There will be plenty of room to grow. Apple has been smart at establishing a culture and modifying its products to keep people coming back. I know the 1st gen iPad is the tip of the iceberg of what is to come. The book reader feature alone is a game changer, but not enough to move me.

As for now its a nice tote for those that want to travel with an internet ready, media capable device with a screen larger than the iPod touch. The 1ghz processor is certain to keep this road dog out of the heavy computing lane. The absence of a web cam in this age of global communication says to me that Apple wants to keep people attached to their laptops just a little while longer. (For my friends at 5Linx the lane is yours, for now.)

Considering it will be many years before manufacturers beef up tablet computers to the way I use my laptop means I won’t be jumping in any time soon. Instead I may drop $500 elsewhere. My suggestion to those paying attention is to bulk up on Apple stock or Amazon stock and ride it out. When Apple introduced the iPod their stock was trading close to $15 a share. Out of that came the life changing iTunes music/ video store and another life changing product the iPhone. Today, the day they announced another industry changing product their stock was trading at $207. Think about it, a mini computer/iPod Touch type book reader and a book store. This will grow into something big which says there’s money to be made. Also there’s no how the Apple book store will compete with Amazon’s inventory. Maybe a year from now but not today which means there is money to be made. Just a year ago Amazon was trading at $60 a share, the Kindle grew that to today’s market price of $122 per share. YALL HEAR ME!!!

Probably not what you expected to read when you glanced at this, but that’s where my head is…

Posted in Life N Times | 1 Comment

Blanket Haiti with love January 13th, 2010

On January 12, 2010 Haiti suffered a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Just one day later there is little information as to the extent of the damage and loss of life. Communications there are scarce. It is believed that the numbers affected are in the hundred thousands. Haiti is a very poor nation. The citizens will need help from every corner of the world. Please take a moment of your time to make a donation to one of the many reputable charities. I have listed just a few. Every little bit helps.. And lets keep our prayers up for the people there and in all parts of the world suffering. peace.

http://www.yele.org/

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.muslimhands.org/en/gb/

Posted in News, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Raphael Saadiq x Terminal 5 December 5th, 2009

photo courtesy of mel d. cole – village slum

Posted in Life N Times, Music | 3 Comments

The Foreign Exchange x Grammy December 3rd, 2009

Hooray for MUSIC! Big up to our fam The Foreign Exchange on their Grammy Nomination! The song “Daykeeper” from FE’s album Leave it All Behind is up for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. We’re rooting for you guys all the way… Comon’ NARAS… give up the goods!!!