Raekwon comercial for Carlyle Motor Club.

Forget those corny Lebron and Kobe Crank Yankers commercials (ok, I can’t front, I did like this one and this one), but Rae’s video for the Carlyle Motor Club is already my favorite of the year.

Favorite line? “It’s the Carlyle..them niggas got dumb style”.

If had the money, I’d pay Rae to make blog commercials for me.

Speaking of lines..I know I posted Rae’s banger, “Staten We Go Hard” before, but I figured I’d post it again. Never know when you’ll end up at Wu-Tang Karaoke night. Nahmsayin?

[Lyrics:]
[Intro: Brevi (Raekwon)]
We go hard (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
What’s happening man? Can I eat too, man?
We go hard, yeah, yeah, Rapper’s Island, Rapper’s Island)

[Chorus 4X: Brevi]
Staten, we go hard, we go hard
Staten, we go hard, we go hard

[Raekwon]
Wu put Staten on the map (that’s right), this is gat hoodie rap
Fuck around, put a fully in your back
You might make my toolie act (word?)
I only run for the bread, lightning strike, fly one in your hat, black
And if your man test my skill, I promise he will die in the field
My money’s long, my homeboy’s is real
They broke, but will shoot to kill
Flashing, big uzi’s, make movies
Cut niggas faces, pretty boys, groupies
Ride through the city, guns on, kuffies
Living like jail, it’s real, ya’ll coochies
You know I’m, back at it, and asthmatic
Always mad jiggy, I love fashion
Plus love flashing B9′s, 38′s huggin’ weight
I’m straight, watch the nigga traction

[Chorus 4X w/ Hook]

[Hook 2X: Raekwon]
S-H-A-O-L, I-N, we, kill again

[Raekwon]
Wu-Tang, went platinum, Meth platinum
Ghost, Chef, platinum, that’s the raw, captain
We war, ya’ll acting, sister rapping
Ol’ Dirty B-A-S-T?, Platinum!!
Sellin’ nose candy, blackberry, brandy
Turtle necks, 40 belows, flow dandy
Living in the hell, I Am Legend, 7′s
Played out, weapons, courtrooms, blessings
Brooklands, we whip ‘em, rip ‘em
Tire marks flip ‘em, figure eights then strip ‘em
Kill ‘em, sell ‘em, might trade ‘em, save ‘em
Hit an OG with a key cool, play ‘em
Never mind, we on grinding, my linemen
Puff hardest rhymers, call us on assignments
Bujo’s, tigers, lions, up in Brooklyn House
Ask about us, niggas know what time it is

[Chorus 4X w/ Hook 2X]

[Brevi]
Well I’m all grown up, I’ve learned my ways
Posted on the block every god damn day
Once them cops come driving by
Tuck your shit and get the fuck inside
Post up, I’mma hit you when it’s time
When you see the helicopter, be prepared to ride
Get some shots out, we done talking
Staten Island, stand up
I know some mean muthafuckas from the S to the I
R-O-D’s, we all ready to die
Park Hill in this bitch, Stapleton
Now Born, stand up, West Brighton
From the heart of the Port Richmond
We go hard, we go hard, we go hard
We go hard, we go hard in this bitch

[Chorus til fade]

[Outro: Raekwon]
Yeah, all my niggas behind the wall, yeah
That’s for you
S-H-A-O-L, I-N, we, kill again
That’s real, you know the half, we might take your life

Brooklyn Sneaker Box hosts Def Jam.

Flüd Watches and random treats.

We last spoke of Flud Watches, here and here.

Last week I went over to the Flud warehouse to have dinner and watch a playoff game.

Left with some goodies.

Thanks for the watches and the groceries guys. You sure know how to make a guy feel like fam.

Rock Steady Crew Anniversary & Workshops.

Been wanting that extra dose of flavor to display on the dance floor? Want to have crispy footwork to get all posers out of the circle? Or do you just want to tighten up that broken top rock to get pounds of praise from your friends? I’ve got something for you.

Don’t sleep.

Still around after 32 years of blood, sweat and tears, The Rock Steady Anniversary is back for 2009.

Remember when we used to call it the Rock Steady “Reunion”? I’m not sure where that came from, but we called it that for a long time.  Some of my fondest summer memories are from the RSC Annual events. Just like the Puerto Rican Day Parade, I was a guaranteed to be there.

I’ve seen so many great performances, battles, fly ladies, gotten many TCK shout outs, met so many people that I’m very thankful to have experienced it all over the years.

Connect, Pollitic, Ditto: Host 18 Dym

Carlito Roc: Yo Host! How’ve you been rude boy?

I live!

Carlito Roc: For the people who don’t know, tell em who u are, where you are from and what you do in the name of Hip Hop.

I am Host18.  I am from the anchor of NYC; Brooklyn. In the name of Hip-Hop I order the powers of style writing! In the name of Wo-Hop I order Vegetable Lo-Mien!

Carlito Roc: I’ve been watching you develop this futuristic digital style for at least a year or two now. When did you come up with it exactly and does it have a name?

Thats a hard one to call. I started playing with this style of internals in like 06 but it wasn’t until late 07 that I really developed it into what it is today. Curve from Philly dubbed it “that Robotec shit”.

CR: True, Trueee. In this piece (above), the use of the same color in the fill and 3d shows an elevated visual vocabulary not often seen. What kind of rap lyrics are on your mind when painting this first element of Hip Hop?

The reversal of color roles in my piece here is something I have done many times but typically targeted a single letter such as my O.
I’m like a visual MC, namean? The can in my hand be my mic and the city is my rap studio. I’m just trying to lay down the hype tracks to make you bob your skull piece.

CR: Personally, I think you first nailed this style perfectly (n.h.) on the “Free America” piece. Before that, it seemed like your style was half analog/ half digital. Would you agree and what would you attribute to your progression?

When I nail something, it’s screwed. Cause my shit is mad twisted. Can you feel me? (n.h.)
I would say that the Free America piece was an benchmark for me stylistically and technically. What keeps me progressing is that I’m never satisfied with what I paint even though I constantly see an elevation in my own work. When I look back to a year ago I can see a large progression from then to now. I cant wait to be dissatisfied with what I’m doing in 5 years, I’m sure it will be leaps better than what I am doing now.

CR: Random question, what was your favorite place to eat in Canarsie, Brooklyn?

Hmmm that is a tough one to call but probably the Seaview Diner (RIP). Not because of the terrible food but just for the fond times.

CR: Are you an Armondo’s or Original’s Pizza guy?

Well unlike Dave Cooper I take my pizza eating seriously. Ave. L’s Originals isnt even a competitor in my eyes. Ralph ave., yes ok. But Armondos holds it down these days. Back in the days though it was Papa’s that was the realest deal pizza in Canarsie.

CR: What is your favorite brand of paint right now and do you think that the sponsorships from paint companies have encouraged people to paint more?

I’m really into Krylon with the fan caps, I think you cant get bagged if you use it cause it doesnt actually stay on the wall. I think people who are sponsored are able to paint more, it’s nice to not have to stress getting paint.

CR: What’s next for Host 18 and the Dym boys? Recruiting any girls or goons in the near future? Emcee or Dj battles maybe?

With Biggie and 2Pac not being with us anymore I feel like I have to take the reins and represent for Rap. I know they are watching over me, gawdian rap angels.

CR: Ok I hear that. I see your ride is here. As Uncle Ralph would say,”Any shout outs”?

I wanna say piece out to Rob Brown, Keith Smith, Tommy Bets, Jay Solo, and Amber Titlebaum.
Big ups to Mongoose who translated this interview and respect to the God Bzar for staying true to the game in the face of adversity from the Illuminati and the White Scorpion Society.

CR: Thanks for the update and quick style discussion. May the force be with you, live long and prosper, my man.

Ups Right Now! Peace!!

CR: Peace..or rather, Pieceeee!!

Host was here.

–
HOST18
http://www.hosteighteen.com

Investigative Reports: Uptown Phenomenon part 6

Nutcracker, oh nutcracker. Your legend lives on. (n.h.)

We last spoke of the Mighty Nutcracker here. I’d like to say that since then, I’ve been to the birthplace (allegedly) of the still popular drink. It was an honor and a pleasure to soak up some history in the very place that has been selling them since at least 1994.  Those of you who frequent that place in Brooklyn, know exactly what I’m talking about.

Its spring once again and the Mighty Nutcracker continues to intrigue, inspire and instigate debates. One of the biggest debates is what goes into a nutcracker drink? What does it consist of??  I’ve heard countless wrong recipes that come close, but don’t get the cigar.

Check the videos below for examples of varying recipes of the hood classic. Their enthusiasm is great and they may have created some good drinks, but they did not recreate the Nutcracker. Try at your own risk.

If you get alcohol poisoning, go to the hospital! Don’t tell them that I sent ya..

What The Games been missing? Mystical.

I’ve been known to go deep underground with my musical tastes. Rap especially. I do give credit where it’s due though when someone is a good entertainer. For example, Outkast would have typically been out of my relm when they came out, but after giving them a chance,  I do think their first 3 albums are classics. They lost me after Aquemini.

While not comparing him lyrically or even stylistically to Outkast, I think Mystical had just as much personality in his music. Looking for something unrelated, I stumbled upon some of his old videos and was amazed at how well thought out and produced they were. Not to mention how hilarious they are!

All three videos that I’ve selected have good themes, great looking women, wild lyrics/delivery and the spirit of James Brown on dust.  It’s impossible to watch these videos without busting out laughing and admiring the eye candy.

First up? (n.h.) Tarantula!

I never even heard this song before recently seeing the video. I must have watched it over 30 times since then.

Favorite line? It’s hard to choose one. I can’t even make make it through the first verse without tears in my eyes. Also who’s this singer? Was Nate Dogg outta town? wtf?

Second Base? Shake Ya Ass! (but watch yourself).

When this  song came out, I was in South Beach, Miami chillin with my cousins Rex, Harry and Gene. Gene had a rented white minivan that we drove up and down the strip with the side door open, with this song blasting on repeat.

Favorite Line? Umm.. stumped again. Once the shaking starts, it’s hard to pick a favorite line.

3′s Company? Been So Long (n.h.)

So umm…Thoughts on the video right?? Well, this..er.. may be the greatest video of all time. Seriously. This video is dynomite times ten. Has there ever been a greater display of raw adreneline? I don’t even want to hear about those daggering videos either. Those folks are straight crazy.

Favorite line? Once again speechless and amazed at what was accomplished in the three minutes and forty seconds of that video.

Danger!

Industry Shakedown Radio Show 1yr Anniversary.

Congrats to my dudes Pay Jay and Solace on the one year anniversary of their college radio show “Industry Shakedown Radio”. I give them credit for sticking with their show and format even when the program director was giving them hell.

I was originally just supposed to spin music in between the performances at their anniversary show, but ended up responsible for all the sound and music for the night.  It was a fun and challenging night that all in attendance enjoyed.

I’m still not sure what happened to Dallas Penn who was supposed to host the event.

Thanks to my dude Dj Stackswell, Angel of the Mona Passage and the cool ass sound man who defended us when his boss gave him hell about the volume and bass.

Check out a few of the videos that popped up on the net from the Sputnik show below.

Roc Marciano of Flipmode Squad.

Meyhem Lauren.

Timeless Truth.

Amo one, Precise Omega, 5MH Crew