HipHopMOtiVatES

Funny how the hottest track on Nas’ latest release is “N.I.*.*.E.R.” which would have been the title track. He faced much controversy about the title, so the title was removed. I remember first hearing about the album title and I thought “This should be interesting, I’m buying it.” I haven’t heard a track, but based of the title I decided I was going to give a listen. Some criticized Nas for the title, saying it was only for the attention. They called it a promotional stunt to bring outrage similar to the outrage when NWA first came out. Those who know Nas know better.

It is good to see that Nas had the number one for last week cd sales, dethroning Lil’ Wayne for the time being. With his recent protest against Fox News, Nas continues on the road of an activist. You might consider “Untitled” the soundtrack. This seems like the new era of the music industry. You promote the experiences of your life, your day to day struggle, and then create music the plays along with it. With the internet, your experiences have to able to be validated or your are considered a fraud.

It is not possible for Nas to make music 24/7 and collaborate with everyone to keep him in the light. He can take actions that back up his words, and publicize his efforts. Its good promotion and a good cause. In other words a win-win. His protest with colorofchange.org, will keep his name in ringing in the minds of the people, raise attention to this media issue, and help him sell more cds.

To close this review here are my favorite tracks;
Sly Fox, favorite line “Comcast digital Satan…” for personal reasons.
Testify
N.I.*.*.E.R.
Fried Chicken A theme for vegans everywhere
Y’all My Ni**as
We’re Not Alone
Black President Love the Tupac sample and the intelligent view about Barack run for the presidency

So basically track 6 on down. The album is solid. You’ll need to and want to listen to it more than once to get all science dropped.

One,

DLUX: THE LIGHT

The Spoken Word Hip Hop Poet

www.dluxthelight.com

Hiphopmotivates.today.com
Watch “Sly Fox” Performed by Nas

GV7:Random Urban Static The Iridescent Equations of Spoken Word is an original feature length spoken word documentary by the Multi Award-Winning filmmaker Bob Bryan. It is the 7^th release in the Graffiti Verite film series and follows a plethora of poets based in L.A. This film features national slam champions, Bridget Gray, Sekou (tha misfit), and Mollie Angelheart. Urban Static reflects the vastness of poetry and life.

It took a second viewing to understand the flow of this documentary. This may detour some who aren’t willing to give another two hours for viewing. This is not for those only satisfied by the ideas they can quickly understand. GV7 is not a product of the “MTV microwave age,” to quote Vejea Jennings. This film is visual poetry. There are moments that make you feel, what could have been shown and vice versa. It strength and its weakness is the fact that it is not straight forward. I enjoyed my second viewing more than the first. Just like poetry, Urban Static forces you to take another watch/listen to fully grasp the message. I appreciate the film because of the way it embodies the art form it is documenting.

The poetry displayed is phenomenal, truly representing an iridescent view of poetry in L.A. Hearing and viewing the processes of the poets will inspire spoken word artist who are birthing in this craft. The vets of the poetry world will be reminded of the reasons why they began to put pen to pad and recite.

It would of been nice to see more regions represented. Maybe a trip down to AZ, over to Nevada, Colorado, and Oregon (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) would provide a bigger picture poetry from the West Coast. Regardless, Urban Static is, and will stand as, an irreplaceable piece of Spoken Word History. I recommend this for anyone who wants to really understand spoken word poetry, if you are willing to watch it at least twice.

Des a.k.a. DLUX:THE LIGHT
S.W.H.H. Poet (Spoken Word Hip Hop)
www.dluxthelight.com

DLUX: THE LIGHT! Man, poet, producer, musician, husband, father, and friend from the beautiful city of Portland, OR.