Letter to B.I.G

Jada never fails me and Faith should've never stopped trying to put good stuff out. I have yet to see the Biggy movie but this is a tribute to him obviously...



I love Jadakiss. Here are some of my favorites. I tried to add the track with Mariah but I can't find an embeded version. It might be one of my all time favorite Mariah songs, which is saying a lot since I love Mariah too. Fantasy ... amazing record.

"And your friends say Jada ain't right, but you know we go together like day and night"

cough cough

Where have I been you say? Here...

Aside from practically wanting to die and waking up with the sweats for the last few nights, I've been stuck in the printing room putting together my latest photo project. I'm excited to get it on here. It features Charlotte and Stefan. I also have some cool shots of Mira i'm looking forward to getting up once she can scan them with her super 10238490238$ scanner.

Being stuck in the print room for 8 hours straight means listening to a whole lot of music. Here are some of the recent plays: 

I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. It's back to work. First ever artist statement. yiiiiikes...

Coeur de Pirate

edit: I like these songs.

Aaliyah movie

So looks like Canada's Keisha Chante will be playing the role of Aaliyah in a Notorious type movie which will depict the life of the beautiful singer and songwriter. Keisha is from Ottawa, my home town. I read around that the movie will be very personal and even go into the details of her relationship with our teen loving R Kelly. I wonder who will play the pee man.  I also wonder who will play Timbo. That alliance was unstoppable. 

On the topic of Aaliyah. This is one of my favorite Aaliyah songs of all time featuring Boot Camp's Buckshot.  If you know me, it's pretty obvious why I like the track. Check out Nightriders...

Here are some of my favorites:

Hot like fire - My favorite Aaliyah - Timbo track.

Age Ain't Nothing but a Number -  I agree. I think I remember singing this song to a bouncer in New York at a club when I wasn't quite of age. It worked.

Rock the Boat - She passed away on the return from this shoot. I'm glad they still released it. Sensual song. 

If your girl only knew - This song is real.

Finally here is a Keisha song in order for you guys to check out the resemblance. Home girl can sing though she's no Aaliyah. I'm sure she'll be great for the movie though :)

The best of me... and jay z

This is probably one of my all time favorite Jay songs and actually come to think of it, it may be  one of my favorite songs ever. I barely remember seeing this video on tv, it kind of rules. Mia looks hood. Cross chain, full white outfit, NC dress, hoops, the beach, ... but that's before she started driving around drinking red-bull stalking people!  Does anyone know if her and Jay ever got it on? 

"You got a man? okay ma' and? That's high school making me chase you around for months. Have an affair act like an adult for once." 

Shout out to Paul. I know he likes this song too. 

This is a remix of mya's Ridin' featuring my favorite girl Trina. All I remember is singing this track with Mira ridin' the cab belligerent. Now I joke when I say that Mya is nuts but Trina may actually be. If I ever needed a verbal bodyguard, I'd hire the girl. This song is the best because it also reminds me of Hana.

"I ain't looking at you no more I'm lookin past you" 

"Now you know that I'm the queen of Miami, all that loud talking, lying save that shit for your mami. Sounds like blablablablablablabla i'm like uhuh okay what's up? SHUT UP!" 

ridiculous. 

Boy II man

I remember listening to this song on repeat. I think I first heard it on the Dangerous Mind soundtrack. Immature at the time was on fire.. I think Marques Houston was in the band and was the only one that managed to have a semi career in the hip hop world.

On a scale from 1 to 1000. This song gets top points for its' sensuality.

This is another sensual song that followed way later when the little guy grew up. The track features Joe Budden. On the topic of mr.Budden. I love watching joebuddentv.com. Good way to follow the saigon/ Budden beef. I hear its' squashed though. Looks like the blogs are gonna be zzzzzzzzzzz... for a while. In the meantime enjoy this track!

SISTER MARY-CLARENCE

As the member of a choir I often day dream about fantasy gospel performances. I think the videos posted capture my dreams! On a serious note, I LOVE Sister Act both I and II. I've watched both of them a million times and I love every song. I seriously wish I could re-enact many of the performances. Let's not forget young Lauryn Hill or the Janet Jackson inspired "what have you done for me lately" breakdown. I would argue this was the peek of Whoopie's career along with that movie where she plays a basketball coach. 

This semester's goal will be to somehow convince the conductor to let us do a Sister Act cover. So real!

"CHECCCCCK THE RHYYYYYMMMMMEEEE!!!" 

Mr. President

I am going through youtube checking out old childhood songs. I am shocked I didn't turn out into a raver. The Dance Mix series should be held responsible for the rise of the glowstick. No... honestly!

Am I the only one who remembers this hit?

Dance mix 93 - 95 - 96 ?

Text messaging your way to disaster...

Oh boy... I remember watching this video on repeat with the ladies laughing at the top of our lungs.  There may be something comforting about acknowledging the ridiculousness that is text message love. What better way to alleviate some of the pathetic realities of modern day dating and romance then by making fun of it. Enjoy xo

"Champ's ego recovers and then the textual balance is restored"

"When sarah receives the message, she is overjoyed despite the obvious spelling errors.  She then spends the next three hours crafting her response it must be witty yet intelligent, flirty yet mysterious, it must be the GREATEST TEXT MESSAGE OF ALL TIMES!"

Way too funny. I commend the makers of this video.

PARTY CUBE

My mom is here visiting and she inquired about the party cube. The party cube was brought to life in 2004 or 2005? Can't remember anymore. Our good friend Derek had just moved to Canada and we were always looking for new adventures. He called one day and wanted to go to Vermont for the day so we could go to Olive Garden (haven't been back since sadly). Traci, Derek and I picked up and headed down South. We went to the mall and decided to take photobooth pictures. Once printed we realized the photos had been printed in the shape of a cube. It may be the coolest thing ever. I plan on making home made party cubes! BIG ONES!!! Craft night ladies? 

Apparently we were wanted "for just about everything".. I think it was for being really cool, or pretty much robbing Olive Garden of all of  their garlic bread sticks...

That day was probably one of my fondest memories of the last 4 years... This year will be about being more spontaneous. 

Hate is a stronger emotion

I once watched this movie called Gilda. It may be one of my favorite movies. It really shows how love is timeless and while our technologies might change and our society grows, the core of male and female relationships don't change. Much of the movie circles the theme of hate. 

Mundson: You're a child, Gilda, a beautiful greedy child. And it amuses me to feed you beautiful things because you eat with so good an appetite.
Gilda: But I shouldn't make any mistakes.
Mundson: No, you shouldn't.
Gilda: If you're worried about Johnny Farrell, don't be. I hate him.
Mundson: And he hates you. That's very apparent. But hate can be a very exciting emotion. Very exciting. Haven't you noticed that?...There's a heat in it that one can feel. Didn't you feel it tonight?
Gilda: No.
Mundson: I did. It warmed me. Hate is the only thing that has ever warmed me.

Here is a clip. I think if I had lived in the 40's I would've been a singer... 

looove

It's official, modern day romance still lives. I get chills watching this. It is better than any Notebook, and boy do I ever LOVE the notebook.

First there was this: 

(Yeah she's brushing it off)

And then this:

And now this: 

I LOVE LOVE!!!

Aishaaa

This song was definitely sung... ahem! Mi and I were recently talking about hilarious videos we used to watch. This one was definitely played on repeat...The kid always reminded me of this guy I went to summer camp with adding an extra reason to like the video.

GO GO GO

They say go big or go home. I went big... and I eventually went home.

GO BIG... 

OR BIGGER...? 

Thanks to mi for the lovely photos xo

fresh off the press

Bill Oreilly hits again. Thanks to nahright.com for the link. 

"I'm sorry Emphysema and Jay-Z couldn't join me in that happiness? [Obama's inauguartion into the whitehouse]"

They're not only happy, they're ecstatic like most people... 

The best

My now long time friend Iain, is probably one of the few people on this planet with whom I share the most similar taste in music from hip hop/ indie/ hardcore/ punk  and now I suspect Creol music. I think what makes it similar is it's very vast and we have a special appreciation for things of refined taste (a nice way to put "at times corny"). I grew up watching Iain play improv on TV , he was the star player. At the time, I was also big into the Ottawa improv and theatre scene and obviously thought he ruled. We met years later and I now have the chance to read his crazy video blog everyday... check it out its seriously intense. He finds videos, I either forgot existed or didn't even know could exist.

YOUTHANTHEMS VIDEO BLOG

These are for him...

For those of you who don't know Compagnie Creol, I think anyone who is french speaking or went to french grade school had to experience this. I most definitely spent the better part of 1993 singing this stuff. Special mention for the outfits, hipster parties better watch out! I recently saw this band on TV and they're still going strong. Who knew? I love it. 

wicckenza

I often buy goodies at the super dollar store by my house. One of my recent purchases consists of a dozen of these lovely candles.  The store is owned by a nice asian woman. We always chit chat, I give her life tips and so on. After purchasing the candles, I definitely noticed she was a little quieter than usual. It didn't really phase me until later ...

I came back a few days later and purchased an array of red string for a shoot I did with Charlotte and Stephan... If buying a dozen candles wasn't weird enough, string was definitely odd. This time she really  had nothing to say to me. The only thing that stood between us was an awkward glance and my debit card. I was for sure being JUDGED!

It then clicked, she probably thinks I'm some kind of witchcraft guru woman. I think I may have to cut back on my visits in order to regain my dollarama credibility. Or perhaps purchase nice holy things like bubble gum, planners, paint...

All this to say, the candles were well worth it and I strongly recommend them as they last forever. CLASS TIME xoxox 

boo

Here is another song I haven't listened to since I lost my music. If anyone wants to give me back my Dag Nasty i'd be happy. Thank you for Youtube!

The storm is coming and its called Melody

Ever since I lost all of my music, I kinda forgot about my love for Melody Gardot. I was just reminded when posting on ben's page about her. This fantastic 22 year old singer is about to take over... She is the survivor of a violent car accident. It is through her therapy that she realized that she had a writing talent. Due to memory loss, she was asked to start writing. Sooner than later she would be releasing her first record. Here are a couple clips. You can also stream her record online. Keep your ears to the streets because I suspect this girl is gonna hit the big leagues before we know it

" I need a man who got no baggage to claim" 

"I would be lucky to find me a man who could love me the way that I am with this here worrisome heart"



xo

Come over..

My favorite song off the Estelle record. I can't really stand Sean Paul but this makes sense...

"wooooon't you come ovvvver looooove sooo i can shoooow you loooooove lalalala"

Go on take everything...

I still love Courtney. She featured in the January issue of Elle Magazine UK. Seems like she is picking herself back up and looking lovely...

Great song... 

GIRLS GIRLS AND MORE GIRLS!!!

As I said earlier. 2009 means girl bands. 

Yes yes and yes. more more and more. please and please and please... More Vivian Girls that is! 

Pre-retirement hip hop life...

I can't post this video for numerous reasons but I can't stop listening to the new Scarface song called "High Note".  I have to mention I think he had a ball shooting it. He may have said he was ready to quit the rap game and hang up the mic, but it looks like he may have found a new incentive to postpone retirement for another few months? years? Or perhaps even start up in a new industry... who knows...

One thing I do know is this song is great. Another clear lesson is that no one is safe from Scarface, not even his psychologist. eeeeekkk...

Youtube: High note / Scarface

PS: DEFINITELY NOT WORK SAFE

You get the picture...  In the mean time enjoy this PG rated Scarface video which reminds me of Hana. 

Sean Price on Amy Winehouse...

I watched this interview a while back. I couldn't help but laugh.

Interviewer: "If you could smack the shit out of anybody in the entertainment industry who would it be?" 

Sean P:" Amy Winehouse! Because she's mad talented I mean I don't believe everything I read but the pictures don't lie. She needs a reality slap."

I also love that he compares her to Janis Joplin. I'm calling 2009 as the Amy comeback year. I'm suspecting a little Britney type PR scam. I hope I am right. It would be such a shame for her to not come up with another incredible record. Besides we're starting to miss the shortest singer with the highest hair... amongst other things :(

Jamey x 2

Maybe a little too much Jamey Fox for one day but this song is my current guilty pleasure. I previously warned you but my taste in music is at times questionable.  I think it can be better described as a penchant for smooth things... love it or hate it, this song is smooth and sensual. I must thank Mr. Fox for finally putting out another decent song. Something must be said since apparently someone has a big crush on him at B.E.T.  Two years have passed and you still can't turn on the friggin channel without "the" song playing. I refuse to name it and give it any kind of extra attention .. seriously though turn B.E.T on right now it's probably playing. That said, please don't sabotage the HIP-POP success this song could potentially have by over playing it. 

Yours truly,

ps- I smell a Mariah remix coming anytime soon... at least I hope. 

Seeing double...

Is it just me or am I seeing double? 

Maclom is that you? Oh no... it's just the writer of one of this decades' most sensual songs... Did you set Obama's party off right? No Cool Whip at this party though... Right?

Infiltrate

I strongly believe if you want something really bad in life, it's up to you to do whatever it takes to make your spot and lay the ground you will flourish in. This is how Busta infiltrated the system... not that dumb of a guy. Really... 

"[...] at that point you WILL hear from the lawyer. With an invoice. Cut the check"  - Busta Rhymes

PURPOSELY MISSED CONNECTION

I truly enjoy reading missed connections once in a while. I know many people who have been seeked out on it and always kind of get a kick out of it. I've never seen it unfold into anything tangible and actually most of the connections were "missed" on purpose and for a reason. It never truly hit me until today when I came across one which had to occur when I was in the same room. I don't know if it's as funny anymore or kind of weird. Anyhow, pay attention this could be any of you ladies... Do you remember who broke the bathroom window? Or the better question is, did YOU break the window? 

All I can remember is someone had to stand in front of the door in order to avoid the curious from peeking while I uh... tequila. 

OBAMMMmmmm........!!!

Only a few days left...

What better way to celebrate than with some Obama cupcakes. I remember driving through L.A. and seeing plenty of signs up for Obama bake sales. I thoroughly enjoy the mix of politics and food. I wouldn't mind eating one of these to mark this moment in history :)

what's next JFK photos?

I urge all West coast rappers to develop some originality. If I see one more LAX promo shot, I may give up on west coast rap. Now, this would be a very unfortunate event. I mean we GET IT, you're from the West coast. 2pac was arguably one of the most recognized west coast rappers  and he never had his LAX photo and we still knew he was from out there. So chill out on the poor sign and give it a rest. Really...

JAY-ROCK

EVIDENCE

GAME

edit: On a side note, if this trend is to keep going the way it is, LAX should consider cleaning up whatever is going on on the corner of the L. May as well make it look nice and clean since we know this trend is not likely to cease. 

To me you're just a tourist.

Sarah Slean may be one of the most underrated Canadian artists. I kind of see her as a modern day Natalie Merchant. She may be one of the artists I relate to the most. Enjoy xo

SALUT SIMONE!

I discovered AUREVOIRSIMONE a while back. This trio made up of three lovely girls is based out of New York. It reminds me of stuff I was really into when I was in high school. They are worth checking out. 

www.myspace.com/aurevoirsimone

I think 2009 is all about girl bands. I've always wanted to play in one. I guess I did, it's never too late to start a real one though. Besides KENZALLIE wasn't so bad... I think we'll just stay away from writing about goths, DDR and peanut butter. Rather we'll talk about our grown up reality... bull riding perhaps? 

I spent the better half of my childhood in Benetton clothes. I can't say they've been on top of their stuff for the last 4-5 years but they definitely come out with key pieces each year but simply in different colors. Most of my Benetton pieces are v neck and round neck winter tops. My mom still has hers from over 10 years ago or something ridiculous and they're in great condition. Good quality clothing.
These boots come in plenty of fun colors. Why not a little yellow to make up for the lack of sun! 
I was pleasantly surprised when I found out Benetton had a lingerie line but most of the stuff is really nice and delicate. 

Mira's dream coats... 

Into the european look...
If I was wrapped up like that, I wouldn't be so miserable everytime I stepped out of the house.

A MC'WEDDING

One of my girlfriends is in China. She posted some pics and I came across this one she took of a couple getting married. I can't say I've spent an extensive amount of time thinking about my wedding day or what I'd wear, look like or eat... but McDonalds? Really? I guess it just comes to show how much McDonalds has infiltrated our cultures. First kids...now... I'm sure somebody out there has gotten their wedding sponsored by McDonalds!

I can't decide if the lightness of eating McDonalds on your wedding day prior to the ceremony is cute or weird. Let's hope I'm not eating Mexico (our favorite Montreal crack like food) at my wedding...

Hebrew money?

This response to Ron Brownz's club hit Pop Champagne was produced by one of my old classmates and co-worker Didier. He's an amazing beat maker. He was so good he left University after his first year of making videos with us and moved to Toronto to make music for big time commercials. Anyhow, I was sent this today and I only had one word: woooow?!?? 

The crew also had this to say which I agree with:

"The situation in the middle east is terrible right now and we hope that it gets better soon. This video only promotes peace and fun. Arab and Hebrew money is worth the exact same at any bank" 

This video also features Montreal's shortest white jewish rapper (he'll tell you himself apparently):

Alberta boy

I love Travis. I recently bumped into this old friend in the metro and hadn't seen him since my party working days had slowed down. I used to sell some of Travis's pieces during my first years of University. The secret is I didn't have to sell them, they sold themselves right off the mannequins. Girls and boys would often gasp out of admiration for the pieces... they weren't the only ones. 

Travis offered me my first piece a few years ago when I was working a bunch of electro parties. The goal was since I was the first person everyone would see they would get to see what I was wearing and hopefully inquire. Oddly enough it worked, I was asked time and time and time again where the piece was from and I'd later see the very same ladies at the store purchasing the dress.

This boy was barely done school that he already had accounts and had a collection out. Since, he's showcased his stylish, futuristic and innovative collections at fashion week and is still working on his collection to come. I love him. I love his stuff and you should keep your eyes peeled because I have a feeling this is just the beginning for this Alberta country boy...

Every man needs a muse and mine could be the bottle.

I still remember getting my first Dallas Green demo on a random grey CD and being floored. I think he had put out like 40 at the time. Everytime I'd see Dallas, I'd tell him he should tour the stuff on his own. After months of persuasion I convinced a friend of mine back home to book him in Ottawa to play Mavericks, this ended up being his first solo tour ever... I can't say I've followed much after the first release. Boy was I wrong to do so. I've been listening to Bring me Your Love and the whole record is amazing from beginning to end. I think Dan from Attack in Black and back in the day A day and a deathwish and Radical Attack maybe even features on it? It's bad when you can't remember things and you're still young. Both are incredibly talented. It's nice to not see someone for years and see they're doing well for themselves! 

In the mean time I will keep listening to this on replay. Stream for free on myspace. 

www.myspace.com/cityandcolour

Who's gonna save my soul?

I love this video. I love how accurate the song is. I think Gnarls Barkley is dead on. No better way to express what he's saying from both perspectives. Everyone has gone through it. Everyone gets it. 

One complaint. I wish I would've written it myself...  oh and the casting is super off... 

Wale says NIke boots... I say Timbs.

Today was the coldest day of the year yet. While I enjoy winter apparel, I can't say my warm blood is on the same wavelength. I'm still frosty toed and yet I've been under the sheets reading for over an hour. 

Weezy was playing here tonight. Despite the fact he's on every single one of my favorite sensual songs of 08', I couldn't bring myself to go see him play a canyon like venue. I think the show would either be marvelous (not sure it's the best choice of words) or dramatically terrible. Anyhow that said, I was speaking to Mira this afternoon and the first thing that hit me was that this man is topless 3.5/4 of the time. I couldn't help but try and imagine him fighting the -40 weather. More importantly I was wondering what an odd person such as himself would wear. I'd be surprised if he didn't backtrack thanks to the cold. Anyway this is what I imagined mr weezy baby wearing...

A couple of these stashed under the good old Canada Goose...

Oh, he probably wore a couple of these. I'll take any friendly donations in the form of diamonds. Just one is fine... no really? Just enough to buy myself a trip away from this hell hole. I'd take a couple of my girlfriends with me too if you don't mind. Bahamas paid by Weezy? (he won't be there...don't worry.. hehe) Any takers?

Hopefully no Montrealers got to experience "THE WAM" first hand:

aquatic boy

I used to have a handsome boy in my life. He woke me up every morning. Pushed the rocks in his bowl until I got up to feed him. My girlfriends loved him, so did my parents... needless to say he was the perfect man. Since Freddy, I've had Kurtis II, Do Love, Freddy II and Kenny. I'm considering getting a new guy but I don't know if I can handle loosing one again... A Bird is always an option.. Laaaaadiiiiiiiiiesssssss

R.I.P FREDDY  2006- 2006