I stumbled across this on YouTube and I really enjoy what I've seen so far. The documentary has been broken down into parts that you can find HERE.I like the range of Freestyle they explore...and it helps even more that there are some nice bits with many of my favorite artists like: Cut Chemist, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and Planet Asia.

Here's an awesome homage to a classic song and video from one of my favorite rap groups: Drop by Pharcyde. The video was directed by the brilliant Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation).Super thanks to Mista Hippo who, once again, found another Hip-Hop related gem!THE ORIGINAL

I was bored on YouTube and discovered a handful of beautiful acoustic covers to Pop Music hits. I love the purity that a good acoustic performance can convey. And, in capable hands, an acoustic cover brings new perspective to a Pop Hit.Here's Outkast's "Hey Ya" as performed by Mat Weddle and Rihanna's "Umbrella" by Marie Rigby:

Man, Snoop is the smoothest man in Hip Hop. Is he joking or just playing homage to the music videos of yesteryear? We may never know.Being a grump, I'm been talking trash for most of the year about the R&B synthesized voice trend. Guys like A-Kon, T-Pain, and Sean Kingston have made the robotic voice effects "cool"...and I CAN'T STAND it! Anyone can sound decent with some computerized help...even Snoop.Now, props to Snoop for using the voice effect in it's proper form...but it makes me wonder: is Snoop poking fun at this new breed of R&B singer or giving props to them? After seeing this video, I'd LIKE to think it's the former. What do you think?Much props to Mista Hippo for enlightening me with this video on the GET DOWN music blog!

Off of the strength of the initial 2 singles, I picked up Jay-Z's "American Gangster" Album and love it. The initial buzz on this Album was really strong...but then when everyone got a hold of the pirated copies it seemed like everyone was disappointed. With Puff Daddy/P.Diddy producing or executive producing the majority of the tracks on the Album I can see people's initial concern. But the production is very strong as it stays true to the soulful melodies that Jay-Z promised.The song that seems to be getting the most buzz is "Success" featuring Nas. At first, I didn't understand the hype. It's a fairly simple composition by Producer No ID. But with relistens of the Album it's definitely becoming one of my favorite tracks on the album. There's a nakedness to "Success" whose subtlety and complexity becomes far more appreciated with repeat listens.The track that immediately grabbed me is "Hello Brooklyn" featuring Lil' Wayne. It stands out as the most audibly different track on the Album but I LOVE the harshness of the beat (which borrows from the Beastie Boys and adds a very Southern feel).Success featuring NasHello Brooklyn featuring Lil' Wayne

Saul Williams "The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust" Album not only has a kick ass name, it's a kick ass album. The pairing of Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) as Producer and Saul Williams seems strange but works wonders.Much like Radiohead's newest album, "Niggy Tardust" is an online only album. For $5 you can download a high quality version (CD sound quality). If you're tight on the funds or aren't sure this album's for you, you can also download a lower quality version for free (Ipod sound quality).Saul changes form from poet to emcee to singer freely. I prefer the rawness of the spoken word and emcee bits...but it all holds together nicely as Saul's voice and the beat take turns at the driver's seat of the musical composition.All in all a great album that more than deserves your $5.Niggy Tardust:: Tr(n)iggerNiggy Tardust:: Raw