Jodeci

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Jodeci. They're a 90's R&B group like Jagged Edge, Dru Hill etc. While Boyz II Men were clean and sharp, Jodeci were dirty and sexual. They brought an overtly sexual style which set them in their own little niche with others like R.Kelly.

R.Kelly released one of his biggest hits "Bump & Grind" around the same time as Jodeci had "Feenin' ".

They came onto the scene in 1991 with their album 'Forever My Lady' which peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200. It had a bunch of their greats:

"Forever My Lady"

"Stay"

"Come and Talk to Me"

They were part of an 'MTV Unplugged' concert as a part of 'Uptown Records' with artists like Father MC and the Queen of Hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige.

Their second album "Diary of a Mad Band" did much better and got to #3 on the Billboard 200. It had some featuring artists like rappers Redman, Timbaland and Missy Elliot (who was known as Misdemeanor at the time)

It had the songs: "Cry for You" and "Feenin" (one of my favourite songs of theirs)

A new group called 'Brutha' actually do quite a good A Capella version of 'Feenin'

Finally, their third and final album before they broke up is called "The Show, the After Party, the Hotel". It's a themed album which is amusing and it has a lot of skits which are fun but eventually get tiresome. Love Below and Speakerboxxx do the themed album with skits much better i believe. This album had another of my favourite Jodeci songs "Freek'n You" a pure grind song. "Love U 4 Life" is also another popular single of this album.

Song I like of theirs that didn't make commercial success are:

U&I - 'Forever My Lady"

Pump it Back - "The Show, the After Party, the Hotel"

"Freek'n You"

Love for Jodeci, wish to sing like that one day.

The "You Are Not the Father Dance"

I found this hilarious, even though Aidan and I aren't baby's daddies, this is out club dance.....fo' sho'.

Ahhhh Sensei

Lately i've been trying to pick up some breakdance moves. So i add them into my freestyles and other things. I've always liked breakdance, really wish i started earlier.

I'm learning how to do a basic forearm freeze. It's so cool to know something that isn't a baby freeze.

I'm also in the learning phase of windmills. I just wanna have some simple power moves, i reckon they're so cool to have.

Also, i wanna learn coin drops. They're so cool. Some people can do repeated ones, but i'm currently learning the coindrop. Hopefully i can turn it into a coindrop suicide.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Tims

You see them everywhere on BET, MTV and all over XXL, Vibe, Source. Worn by Krumpers and some Hip-hoppers. The soild, sweet and sexy Timberland boots. I want a pair so badly! They look extremely cool.

(Unfortunately it's Kanye West, but it's the first one i could find.)

When i saw Charli 2na (Jurassic 5) play, he was wearing a pair and he's the bomb. Truly an under rated rapper by mainstream society. All the J5 fan know he's a gem, shame they aren't a group anymore. Would love to see them all in concert.

The immortal Tight Eyez wears them all the time in the sets i've seen. They're so heavy, i dunno how he can dance so fast in them. He's looks fly nonetheless.

I see rappers wear them all the time, even R&B guys too. I reckon they're a mad thing to wear in winter....if you can avoid the rain.

(Jagged Edge, may not be Boyz II Men but they can sing. Damn well too. Tims at the front =] )

B-boy World

I wish i started breaking ages ago. It's so different to Hip-Hop, Krump or anything else i've tried.

Battle of Year = Awesomeness

Crew vs. Crew battles are great, and i love team work moves. Insane.

This is one of the best video's i've ever seen.

Top 10 Last.fm artists @ March 2010

10. The Notorious B.I.G.

Real Name: Christopher Wallace

Favourite 3 Songs: 

'Going Back to Cali'

This was made during the East Coast vs. West Coast rap war, which made it interesting that he was saying good thing about the other side.

'Juicy'

His first hit single from his first album, was about his troubles in his teenage life.

'Big Poppa'

This song was everywhere and went platinum in 1995.

Under-Rated Song: 

'I Got a Story to Tell'

Favourite Album:

Life After Death

Favourite Album Cover: Ready to Die

Favourite Lyric:

"When the lala hits ya lyrics just splits ya,

head so hard, that ya hat can't fit ya.

Either I'm witcha or against ya,

format venture, back through that maze I sent ya."

(Going Back to Cali)

9. Boyz II Men

Names: Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris

Favourite 3 Songs:

'End of the Road'

It's their most popular and well know song. Possibly my favourite song ever.

'It's So Hard to Say Goodbye'

Classic song, done A capella. Wonderful.

'I Do'

A song about marriage and devotion, with powerful vocal harmonies.

Under-Rated Song:

'Thank You'

Favourite Album: II

Favourite Album Cover: Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA

8. Nelly

Real Name: Cornell Haynes

Favourite 3 Songs:

'Ride Wit Me'

Wonderful chorus that everyone knows and sings along with.

'Body On Me'

Nice piano riff and basic vibe of the track.

'Hot in Herre'

Great party song.

Under-Rated Song: 

'Lie'

Favourite Album:

Brass Knuckles

Favourite Album Cover: Sweat Suit

Favourite Lyric:

"If you wanna go and get high wit me,

Smoke an L in the back of the benzy,

Oh why do i feel this way?

Hey! Must be the money!" (Ride Wit Me)

7. 50 Cent

Real Name: Curtis Jackson

Favourite 3 Songs:

'21 Questions'

This came out after 'In Da Club' and i thought it was much better. Love both song, but the electric guitar in this song made it for me.

'I'll Still Kill'

Akon's chorus is awesome, and the track goes great with his rapping style. Gangstalicious.

'Follow My Lead'

Really cool and chilled out song. Nice contrast to his usual rough demeanour.

Under-Rated Song:

Many Men (Wish Death)

Favourite Album:

Get Rich or Die Tryin'

Favourite Album Cover: Before I Self Destruct

Favourite Lyric:

"I'm tryin to explain baby, the best way i can,

I melt in your mouth girl, not in your hand"

6. Bone Thugs N Harmony

Names: Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone, Bizzy Bone, Flesh-N-Bone, Layzie Bone.

Favourite 3 Songs:

'Notorious Thugs'

A wonderful song that Biggie collaborated with them for. Wonderful layers.

'Tha Crossroads'

Love the mix of R&B with Rap, it really shows their signature 'Bone Thugs' rap flow too.

'Look Into My Eyes'

Catchy hook for people who sing in a lower register Making it easy to sing-a-long to.

Under-Rated Song:

'Change the World'

Favourite Album Cover: E 1999 Eternal

5. Mariah Carey

Favourite 3 Songs:

'Emotions'

A really lively and strong chorus, also this song really shows off her huge vocal range, low to whistle registers.

'Honey'

It's an R&B song but has a Hip-Hop groove about. Mixing my two favourite styles together, in the opposite way i'm used to.

'Love Takes Time'

From her first album, a soft song with a sweet 90s R&B chorus.

Under-Rated Song:

'Mine Again'

Favourite Album:

E=MC2

Favourite Album Cover: The Emancipation of Mimi

4. Usher

Real Name: Usher Raymond

Favourite 3 Songs:

'U Remind Me'

The strings in the riff are a nice touch. The key change at the end made the climax strong and soulful.

'Yeah!'

Amazing song to dance to in proper R&B/Hip-Hop style or even just a jig at the club. Addictive riff and the only useful source of Lil Jon's voice apart from 'Get Low'.

'My Boo'

Usher + Alicia Keys. Need I say more, a dream duet for my taste in music.

Under-Rated Song:

'Superstar'

Favourite Album:

Confessions [Special Edition]

Favourite Album Cover: Confessions

3. T.I.

Real Name: Clifford Harris

Favourite 3 Songs:

'Dead and Gone'

As i've said before, i really enjoy the R&B mix with Rap music. A lot of fun to dance to with a sing-a-long chorus.

'What You Know'

A grimey and tough song with it's power enforced by the enormous bass that's blasted by the beat and the voice.

'Live Your Life'

Again, another sing-a-long chorus with the well known southern T.I. rapping flow.

Under-Rated Song:

Hero [Feat. Akon]

Favourite Album:

Paper Trail

Favourite Album Cover: Paper Trail

Favourite Lyric:

"I want'cho body, need'cho body,

long as you got me, you won't need nobody

you want it, i got it, go get it, i buy it

tell them other grown jokers be quiet"

2. Akon

Real Name: Aliaune Thiam

Favourite 3 Songs:

'I Wanna Love You'

Snoop's raps and Akon's half rap half singing styles complimented each other well in this.

'Blown Away'

Styles P's underground influence was shown in this song. A toy piano playing the descending melodic riff was a neat touch i thought.

'We Don't Care'

Club and party jam to jump and shout to. Simply a fun song.

Under-Rated Song:

'Trouble Nobody'

Favourite Album:

Konvicted

Favourite Album Cover:

Freedom

1. 2pac

Real Name: Tupac Shakur

Favourite 5 Songs:

'How Do U Want It?'

My favourite 2pac song, K Ci & Jojo singing the chorus in their identifiable R&B with the lyrical genius of Shakur, epitomises my love of R&B, Rap fusion.

'I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto'

Although the last verse is a mash up of two of the verses in Changes, it's still a really enjoyable song to listen to.  

'Baby Don't Cry (Keep Your Head Up II)'

A posthumous gem, again like How Do U Want It? an R&B Rap mix, but this one was more contemporary R&B than 90s R&B.

'Changes'

Popularly known as his best song lyrics wise. 

'California Love'

His most popular and highest sold single of all time. It was release around the time of All Eyez on Me, but as a Remix. The original, and version that everyone knows, wasn't released until his Greatest Hitz Album came out.

Under-Rated Song:

'Life of an Outlaw' / 'If I Die Tonight'

Favourite 2 Albums:

All Eyez on Me, Me Against the World

(These are often debated over for which is his best work, along with 7 Day Theory)

Favourite Album Cover:

Me Against the World

Favourite Lyrics:

"Ya body is banging baby, i love it when you flaunt it,

time to give it to daddy baby now tell me how you want it"

(How Do U Want It?)

"They say pussy and paper is poetry power and pistols,

plottin' on murdering on muthafuckaz 'fore they get chu,

Picturein pitiful punk n***** copin' plea's

puffin' weed as i position myself to clock G's"

(If I Die Tonight)

"I see no changes, all i see is racist faces,

Misplaced hate makes disgrace to races"

(Changes)

My goal for the next month or to is to get Biggie and Boyz II Men higher than Akon and T.I. That's a bit shameful like that at the moment. 

Turkey!

I've done both types of bowling recently the one with fluro lights and funky shoes as well as the one with octogenarian fans. 

My friend held a goodbye party recently, before she went to Melbourne to get ready for Uni. Bowls and Beer was the game, and it was time to show our skills. Unfortunately, that didn't happen too well. My first bowl banked and everyone's bowls were scattered everywhere across the green. One actually managed to stop on a parallel lane's standing mat. We were naturals I tell you. It is actually pretty fun to play, and it didn't hurt to have booze or the glorification of the sport by Mick Molloy's "Crackerjack". As expected, we were the youngest group by about 20 years at least, but I believe this is an underrated game by our generation. A lot of fun for a decent price and can get many people to play.

Yesterday, I went Ten Pin Bowling at North Strathfield AMF. I have to say, I have a soft spot for this game, even though I'm pretty shit at it, it's awesome. Gutter balls, Strikes and flukes are a few ways to describe how we played. We had a look at other people's scoring screen, and we were the only ones to have nicknames. Instead of being sensible writing Lloyd or Jenny like the lane next to us, we had Aid1, Papa, BigB and Akong. Oh so gangsta, AMF didn't see it coming! We also played pool afterwards, again, a great game to play. Last time we bet 2 bunches of Mee Goreng noodles, just because we're such high rollers. I'm yet to get this still, but I'm sure the Pro G driver that owe's me and Bouzo will get it soon. =) . Mee Goreng, the golden prize.

Good Vibes 2010

A cold and rainy forecast for a very muddy centennial park. A festival in the pouring rain, a mixed blessing.

This was my first time going to a music festival and I was so excited to go. Busta Rhymes, Gym Class Heroes, Kid Cudi, Naughty by Nature, Salt N Pepa....awesome. The Killers were meant to headline but a close family member became very ill causing them to pull out of the Sydney and Perth shows. This meant that Basement Jaxx were the final artists to play.

The park is flooded by the keen masses of Urban and Dance music fans. I went with my friends Daniel and Zarah and the first thing we do..... hit the bar. A prerequisite to a thing like this. We decided that we would see 'Kid Cudi' first, so we shuffle into the crowd of "Roots" tent. Surrounded by the smells of body sweat and alcohol we await the nu-skool rapper to take the stage. Playing songs like the David Guetta infused "Memories", "Made Her Say" with the Lady Gaga hook and the 2009 party anthem "Day 'n' Night". He surprised me, because he was much better than I was expecting. I don't know if it was the people around me or not but he was fun to watch.

Next, we get to the front of the mosh for the New York band 'Gym Class Heroes'. These guys were my favourite act of the day. The main singer Travis McCoy has such an alluring quality while he's on stage. He's got a great stage personality, making it easy for him to hype the crowd up. I guess you could describe his segues into the songs a little corny, but whatever. After watching this amazing set by this live, alternative Hip-Hop band, i bought their 2008 album "The Quilt". I dunno why, but there's something about hip hop acts that play with a live bands, that i find really enjoyable. Snoop Dogg did this too in 2008 for his 'Smoked Out' tour (awesome gig btw) but with DJ decks on the side. With that being said, decks are such a huge part of Hip-Hop culture that it's almost blasphemous not have them. The guitarist had a wailing solo or two and the bass player got to have a jump around while the back up rapper waved a Gym Class Heroes flag around the stage. They played the Supertramp inspired "Cupid's Chokehold", the incarceration contemplation "Guilty as Charged" and Radio Killahh, Killah "Cookie Jar" [such a cool song!].

After this we saw the end part of the 90's classic Hip-Hop group 'Naughty by Nature'. They did the 'old skool' section of the festival getting everyone to show their inner 90's gangsta playing songs like Snoop's "Gin and Juice", 2Pac's classics "Hail Mary" and "California Love" and other assorted famous songs of rap's golden era. The mosh was packed, so we had to stand just outside the tent in the sprinkling rain, that left little droplets on our clothes. They finished off their set with their first major hit "O.P.P.".

Once this finished we bummed around the Main Stage area with Armen Van Helden playing before we went to go see Busta Rhymes. Busta to some people's surprise, actually has a lot old school respect in the rap game. He made his name in the mid 90's with rap classics like "Woo Hah!!, Got You All in Check", "Turn it Up (Remix)/Fire It Up" and "What's it Gonna Be". He played all of these for the "fans from '92". He got become more commercially famous for songs like "Break Ya Neck" (My fav of his), "I Know What You Want [Feat. Mariah Carey]" and "Touch It". Now, this rep that he's built made me really eager to see him perform. However, I found his set only mediocre and irritating. For those who don't know, Busta does speed rap which, like Twista, has been his gimmick since he started. He played a lot to that, and as you would expect, ran out of breath because of the blurted syllables. So he kept stopping and starting as well as rapping really softly and getting louder as he went along, for 'tension'. He re-started "Break Ya Neck" 4 times, because after his verse he wouldn't be able to do the chorus. It was such a bummer.

To finish of the night, we wonder towards the flashing lights of the Good Vibes Main Stage for Basement Jaxx. The rain was pouring, making every last cm of clothing drenched with water. By now we'd been standing, dancing and jumping for 6 hours straight. Dead tired but it was great fun. Admittedly, i didn't really know any of their songs except for "Where's Your Head At?" but it was still a fun way to finish it off.

I really liked this festival, it's the only one I've ever really considered going to (Maybe 'Days Like This') because Big Day Out isn't really my sort of thing and neither is 'Homebake'.

If the US Hip-Hop tour 'Rock the Bells' ever came to Australia that would be the ultimate festival to go to for Hip-Hop Lovers. It'd be a dream come true.

Check out what the 2009 line-up was:

Wu-Tang Clan

Nas

Common

Ice Cube

The Roots

Big Boi (Outkast)

KRS-One

Mos Def

Charlie 2na 

MC Supernat

Styles P

Slick Rick

Cypress Hill

Dilated Nu

(Back: Daisuke, Takuro, Yosuke. Front: Leo, Nao)

These guys are an amazing, Sydney based, hip hop dance crew. There are many people in it but the main ones are Daisuke, Nao, Leo, Takuro and Yosuke. They have a very intricate and innovative style, featuring a mixture of soft and slow steps into sections bursting with intensity.

Each time they perform they build up to a climax, making their anticipated swagger and amusing tricks that much better. Their unity isn't perfect but they still have spectacular precision. All their hits are strong and profound but can be subtle when needed. When they are smooth, they glide so easily and when they are rough they really rock it, which makes them such an entertaining group. As a crew, their choreography usually employs a variety of levels e.g. Complicated footwork, floorwork etc. This well rehearsed and disciplined style that they put to the table I find astounding and incredible to watch.

All of them teach at Dancekool, the place where I learn to dance =). At "Dancekool Vol. 24 Style King" the top 8 Hip-Hop finalists were all from Dilated Nu, showing each of their individual, freestyle prowess. Along with the recognisable Daisuke bowler hat or Nao's familiar, felt tracksuit pants they are a well respected dance crew in the Sydney Hip-Hop dance scene.

Dilated Nu showcase at "Hyped Up '09" (Daisuke, Nao, Leo and Yosuke)

#1

Word verbs that deserve the right to be heard,

they reserve the first verse and stay sounding ubsurd, 

cos the scheme and theme is an alliterative dream,

with picture perfect punches, a punctuated gleam,

of shining loquacity that's hitting capacity,

so it explodes into hard shards of linguistic veracity,

A sensory overload that explodes KABLAOW!

like the 'Wu-Tang' style, uncut and buck now. 

Flourishing from fountains of a ferocious mind, 

like a deluge, seeking refuge on the paper lines.

So absorb with your senses, present or past tenses, 

the way it wrenches will surround you like white fences.

In the house of rhyme, they continue to tell time.

There's chain's with fat clocks, cos Flavor Flav's on the grind.

A lot of talent sounds tricky cos they're talking so glorious,

We were blessed in this biz by Pac and Notorious.

Gangstalicious

Tall T's. They are baggy sized shirts that have an intentionally longer body. I think they're pretty cool, especially to dance in. I'm unsure about the reason, but baggy clothing makes your hip-hop dancing bigger, rougher and generally better aesthetically which is what its all about! Footlocker sells them, but whenever I go they're always out of the sensible sizes, I didn't know there was such a thing as XXXL. It's hard to call them sensible, but you get me =P.  

I came across them in the extensive amounts of Krump videos on youtube. If it was possible, the shirt made them look MORE gangsta. I guess it complimented the attitude they were playing with...Buckness. To get Buck is when a krumper is going all out hitting all sorts of moves and really feeling the moment.

I have a dilemma. If I'm not dancing in it, I have no idea how to wear it without looking like a complete dickhead. Maybe....don't wear it.

The XXL size, fantastic.

"All my troubles seem so far away"

Lately, I've been obsessed with the idea of being able to sing in harmony. There's something about people in unison singing fourths, minor 3rds etc. in R&B music that transports me. 'Boyz II Men' epitomise this fixation of mine. Although they do have a similar style in all their songs, (similar in the way that Metallica and Disturbed songs all sound the same), the parts that are tweaked or copied are exactly what I adore about their music. Their sound is so warm and recognisable.

I only became acquainted with their music late last year when i bought their album "II". Before this, I didn't really know much about this soulful quartet (now a trio) except that my islander friends love doing covers of their songs. The guy who's wearing the beanie above always takes a pimp cane with him on stage....what a baller! ; ). The opening track of the album is a song called "Thank You". It has many overlapping layers of vocal ad-libs over the verse, as well as some smooth descending melismatic runs. You should check it out, its a fun song. Not a fun song like the glorious "Thong Song" by Sisqo (this is a song you must watch the video for!), but nonetheless an enjoyable vocal song.

 Their background work is subtle but it is notably a major part of their music. These are very frequent in their songs, and i'll admit I attempt to put some of these into my own music. They show that you don't have to have abs and dance like Usher to be able to make an R&B career. (It would help though haha, but Ne*Yo's doing it well. If you've seen the 'Closer' video, you'll get what I mean, great singer though =P.)

(Oh yes, they are wearing 3/4 shorts and sneakers!)

There is a song on this album, that initiated this harmonic infatuation. It is a cover of the popular Beatles song "Yesterday". You can recognise the basic outline of the song, but this is no Paul McCartney. This rendition is done A capella, with a few different vocal tones and timbers. The deep voice in the album version vibrates my sternum the same way Ice Cube's "Check Yo Self [Remix]" does. The way that the lines flow at ease and are delivered in such a pure and calm manner is brilliant. I aspire to be able to sing this cover one day, i believe it is an incredible version of a classic song.

The original Beatles version done live.

The Boyz II Men album version.

A shortened Boyz II Men version done live.

 I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

"Street ballet"

A week ago I went to see "Bale De Rua" (translated as "Street Ballet") at the Opera house. The show was a Brazilian dance performance, mixing Hip-Hop, Samba, African dance and Capoeira. It really was entertaining, from the smooth shuffle steps on the scaffold in suave white suits to the demonstrations of tremendous strength in the break dancing (like the Pike the dude's doing above).

There was a singer who provided the music and was accompanied by a very bouncy percussion and brass band. She really wasn't that great but you didn't go for the singing right?

Although the African section was interesting, being a very amateur b-boy, i was focusing on other things. They were technically very strong and showed so much skill in their floor work and freezes. Top-rocking was a bit neglected but I guess that's not what sells tickets.

It was a little weird seeing it in underpants, but it showed it from a different perspective. Breaking in a more conventional sense is executed with a sense of confident arrogance, without the baggy clothes we could see what the body was doing. The dancers were so impressive, they did not look awkward at all doing it with their drought of clothing. I'm sure i'd look like a complete ass with my 'Scottish white' thighs emphasising every wrong movement and evident tan lines.

Capoeira. The martial arts disguised as a dance by the lower classes in Brazil. I actually ran into my friend Jack who finished school the year before me. He told me that he and his friend went there solely for the Capoeira. I don't blame him, it is very cool to see it in person rather than through Eddy Gourdo in Tekken. If you can some how turn a 'flare' into a fighting move without totally stacking it and ending up with a bruised butt, you have some talent.

Overall, it was a wonderful show. It's brilliant to be able expand your dancing experience and I encourage you guys to try watching other styles, because this opened me up to a whole new sect of dancing for me.

18 years on...

I dunno about you, but the desire to be 18 didn't really hit me until....everyone else started being able to go out. Even though it meant i had lower prices, making dance classes all the much sweeter, I had been damning my underage status. Now that its here, it is as great as seeing the afro ninja video for the first time.

Ok so I'm 18 now what do I do?

Start going to clubs. Check

Have friends buy me drinks. Check.

Throw a party. Check

Spend all day in my pyjamas. Ohhh yeahhh.

and oh yes...make a blog. Riveting, i know. 

Time to post things, people will probably never ever see or read. Solid.