Kevin Bacon is one of those actors who just needs a better agent. he is charming, subtle, realistic, and instantly a friendly character. so when i saw this movie, i was truly shocked. Kevin Bacon turns in what could possibly be the best performance of his career as the struggling pedophile.

this movie doesnt justify him or even vilify him, it just shows him as who he is, a greatly flawed human being. his urges and his desires are bad. he knows that.

with that out-of-the-way the film finds itself able to become a movie and passionate film about purification. Kevin Bacon’s character has just gotten out of prison after serving 12 years of a sentence for child molestation. he is still on parole though, so his parole officer (Mos Def) has to come to check in on him periodically. the film is carried by the sheer power of their scenes together. the other actors in the film are well cast and very strong (David Allen Grier, Benjamin Bratt, and rapper EVE), but as far as the adults go, Mos Def and Bacon both turn in their best performances to date. the two of them seem like they arent even acting. they seem like they are funneling their real emotions, their real regrets and their real hatreds into fake characters. the other star actor in the film is the young girl Robin, played masterfully by Hannah Pilkes. i was actually stunned by her emotional power in her ‘big scene’ with Kevin Bacon. the tears in her eyes seemed more real than i was comfortable with. her longing for love and affection and her dark scars tore me to pieces. both times i saw that scene i have actually begged out loud for things to be ok. when i see the way she cries, and the way Kevin tears up… it makes me feel so horrible. but at the same time, it gives me hope. when Kevin Bacon’s character sees how horrible what he wants to do really is. not how horrible a cop says it is, not how horrible he is told it is, not how horrible doctors say it is… how horrible the victim says it is… then he changes. something in him changes. and he understands that his joy isnt worth the pain others would feel from it.

in the second most powerful scene in the film Mos Def talks with Kevin Bacon about ‘the woodsmen’, the man who comes in at the end of little red riding hood and cuts open the wolf to help the little girl out. he finished his statement by saying that there arent any woodsmen in the real world. that there are no people to help save the victims of the world and hold them without a scratch… and its true. but if the ending of the film is any indication, there are people who try.

i recommend this movie wholeheartedly. but not to everyone. its hard to watch, and it is emotionally heavy. it doesnt make him a hero, but at the same time it isnt one of those disgusting revenge films where vigilantism and sadistic vengeance take over. it is a very real film. and because it is so real, it is that much harder to watch.

Blakroc is set to drop from V2 Records on November 27th.

PREVIEW: VISIT Blakroc’s Website
WE GIVE IT: 17/20 Watts

Regardless of any preconceived notions you may have regarding rap-rock, it’s hard to ignore a group with a lineup as stacked as Blakroc.

With the bluesmen of the Black Keys laying the foundation for tracks featuring the likes of Mos Def, Raekwon, Q-Tip, ODB (from the grave, obviously), RZA, Jim Jones and others, the collaboration, headed by hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, was set to turn heads, if nothing else. With the release of the group’s self-titled debut though, Blakroc is sure to shatter any of your dispositions against the genre.

Taking on a clearly Delta Blues inspired sound, the guys from the Black Keys refuse to assume  a “backing band” roll throughout the record, and for good reason. Behind each of the notorious vocalists, the duo groove with a heaviness that would make their Delta predecessors proud.

Black Keys, who Dash has said are his favorite band, position themselves around the vocalists on the tracks, rather than behind, giving each track a noticeably more cohesive sound. Never is hesitation heard in the backing tracks on the record, leaving the remarkable vocal roster to perform at their best.

While the collaboration may seem at first to be nothing more than your run-of-the-mill rap-rock novelty, the lineup of vocalists from track to track is hard discount. While not every track is single-worthy, each is still a success in its own right. Nicole Wray’s vocals are some of the smokiest sounding on the record (see “Why Can’t I Forget Him”), featuring a relaxed longing that complements the Black Keys’ blues backing remarkably.

NOE, who has often been cited as sounding like Jay-Z (we believe it now), achieves a flow on “Hard Times” that would make Hova himself blush. Perhaps the most notable of the vocalists on the record, though, is Mos Def. His comfort with a live band is obviously attributable to his past work, but important nonetheless.

In the end, Blakroc takes the novelty associated with the rap-rock genre and shatters it. With a refreshing and groove-heavy sound, the 11 artists of Blakroc have effectively resurrected a dead concept, or at least reminded us that it could still be done well. At this point, I guess all we can do is sit back and wait for the sophomore release from rap-rock’s talented new entrepreneurs.

– John Luposello

Gotta check this album out. Dropping 27th of november.

The listing of featured artist is magical. None other than Mos Def, Q-tip, Raekwon, Pharoahe Monch and late ODB is just 5 of the 10 artists that collaborated with the Black Keys band.

The Black Keys is a duo that was formed in Akron, Ohio, 2001. Since then they have released 5 albums including the latest produced by Danger Mouse, and released 2008.

The duo is frequently compared to the White Stripes and their music in the field of blues-rock. Early 2009 they started a project speargheaded by rapper Jim Jones, which results in an album this nov 27th, the so called black friday, day after thanks giving.

The album will only be available on Itunes and independent record stores. So chop chop, cop one the digital way.

The recording sessions are documented in a series of webisodes that can be watched here.

Here´s a sample from the album, but I suggest hardly that you go buy the album. Could be one of the best albums this year.

Coochie – Ludacris & ODB

Enjoy!

A week ago I saw this thing  and to me it looked like just another collabo with some hiphop artist. Yes, I know these are some of the best hiphop artist around the world, but still it didn’t make that much sence to me. Just a various album. But today when I saw it again, and listened some better, it started making sence!

The Black key’s (7 albums), ho are a bleus-rock band and are world-famous because of there very one sound, are asked by Damon Dash to work with him. I didn’t know Damon Dash but if you look at the video he is a great man by founding this project! He asked the Black Keys to work with him and some other people and to create Blakroc!. But not just some people, read this!

The Black Keys and Damon Dash work with: RZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Mos Def, Nicole Wray, Pharoahe Monch, Billy Danze (one half of M.O.P.) and Q-tip. I dont know everybody but if you look at the trailer, they all look supper talented! Just watch the trailer and buy the album if it drops the store’s (Blackfriday, 27 november 2009 in Amerika).

• Blakroc Ft. Raekwon – Stay Of The Fuckin Flowers (mediafire)

• Official website Blakroc

• This is what wiki say’s

Precise, concise and witty commentary from the good J Smooth over at The Ill Doctrine regarding all the beef shammery. Beans is on disgruntled mailroom worker status. 50 Cent is talking in circles. And Jay “I eat quail” Z pretty much wins by default.

To quote Mos Def, “Beef don’t come with a radio edit.”

RELATED:

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The Weekend in Music Feuds [Vulture]

Beanie Sigel Continues to Profess His Undying Love for Jay-Z [The Rap Up]

Beans Lost [XXL]

BLAKROC is the thrilling new collaborative project from The Black Keys and a star-studded line-up of influential hip-hop artists that includes Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Pharoahe Monch, Ludacris, Jim Jones, Nicole Wray, NOE and Billy Danze (M.O.P). BLAKROC will be released on 27th of November Ireland on V2/Cooperative Music, the same day as its US release  (to be dubbed “Blak Friday” by the independent record stores that will sell the album). Of the album, The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach said “no samples were used on the record, it’s all live instruments and live vocals.”

Sessions began in early summer in Brooklyn with Mos Def’s songs among the first put to tape… Over the following weeks the ten other artists joined the party to play their part in what is unquestionably one of the most forward-thinking and exciting hip hop records of recent years…

“It was fun and refreshing to work with The Black Keys on the project… We all had one common denominator – The Love of Music” (RZA)

“Experimenting with different sounds and genres of music has always been important to me. While collaborating in the studio with The Black Keys and Damon Dash may seem like an unusual fit, it felt natural. We were able to bring our own unique strengths and experiences together, that signifies the true artistry of music. I think this is something that all fans of music will appreciate.” (Q-Tip)

“What it meant to me was something I always knew; great rock music and great hip-hop music fused together can create undeniable greatness.” (Pharaohe Monch)

For more informations on Blakroc visit their continually updated website here or their myspace here.

Już dawno nie zwariowałam tak na punkcie jakiegoś zespołu, jak na punkcie The Black Keys. Nie ma w ich muzyce fajerwerków i może to właśnie ta prostota przekazu tak mnie urzekła. Tylko gitara i perkusja. I głos Dana Auerbacha, który przeszywa. Chcę go słyszeć ciągle więcej i częściej.
Ponieważ grają ze sobą już od lat, zdumiewa mnie ciągły brak wiadomości o zespole w polskich mediach. Podobno w Australii są gwiazdami, ale tam wszystko jest na odwrót.
Dan Auerbach i Patrick Carney pochodzą z Ohio. Byli sąsiadami i tak się poznali. Zaczęli grać dla własnej przyjemności, co, kilka lat później, przerodziło się w nagrania na taśmę i debiut płytowy w 2002 roku – The Big Come Up. Dwa lata później otwierali koncerty dla Pearl Jam, Beck’a czy Radiohead. Mimo tych sukcesów nadal nie są zbyt znani w Ameryce. Kiedy Auerbach chciał wydać swoją solową płytę, wszystkie wytwórnie zamykały przed nim drzwi. Dlatego założył własną.
Poza tym Auerbach jest wiecznie zajęty realizowaniem miliona pomysłów, które przychodzą mu do głowy i trasą koncertową. Sam przyznaje, że nie potrzebuje wiele snu, a przez resztę doby myśli tylko o muzyce.
27 listopada do sklepów wchodzi płyta Blakroc nagrana przez Black Keys wspólnie z raperami, takimi jak, Mos Def, Q Tip, RZA. Zapowiada się świetnie.

Black Keys, “The Lenghts”

Dan Auerbach “Mean Monsoon”

VERDICT:
8/10 Boss Emcees

One of those magical little movies that’ll a big ol’ smile on your face from beginning to end. Man, what the hell happened to Dave Chappelle?

Dave Chappelle’s Block Party is a documentary that follows Dave Chappelle – back when he was living it up as the funniest man on Earth –  as he puts together an utterly epic block party in Brooklyn, NY featuring some of the biggest names in the history of R&B and Hip-Hop. And being that Dave Chappelle is the man, he makes it into a free show, buses droves of people from his hometown in Ohio to go to the show, and makes everyone laugh their asses off.

What a guy.

Now, I happen to like a lot of the acts that Dave lined up for this show, especially since he somehow managed to get The Fugees back together for it (if you’ve never listened to The Score, you don’t know what you’re missing, brotha). So being that I like to laugh hard and since I’m always down for some choice R&B and Hip-Hop, this was a win-win for me, but I can understand how a number of folks out there might not see the attraction to this little comedy/rap concoction. For those of you who fall into this category, listen close, I have a story to tell thee.

I kinda had to rope my friends into seeing this one when it was out in theaters because they could really have given a shit about every aspect about this movie that didn’t have to do with Dave Chappelle. But by the time they came out, even though they still didn’t really care much for the musical aspect of it, they were soundly entertained across the board.

Part of this is because of Dave. The humor here is kinda different from Chappelle’s Show in that it’s not really trying to be edgy or push the envelope, it’s just capturing Dave as this normal, genuine, and totally hilarious guy that’s just trying to throw this sweet party for everyone to enjoy. The only bits that are scripted are a couple acts he does onstage with Mos Def and The Roots, but his best stuff is just when he’s being himself. It’s a damn shame that he’s been written off as this mental case over the years, because the impression you get from him here is that he’s of the rare humble, and grounded breed of celebrity that’s doing his best not to let fame get to his head. There’s a lot of celebrities out there who could learn a thing or two from Dave. That guy’s A-okay in my book.

But the other part of this is actually because of Michel Gondry. From a visual standpoint, you’d never know Gondry was behind this as it pretty much boils down to him with a camera and that’s it, but it’s something about the overall positive vibes this movie puts out that feels very much his own. Gondry makes movies about people, movies that bring people together, and that’s the beauty of Block Party. More so than the acts on stage, Gondry makes the people going to the show the main characters, showcasing this melting pot of cultures and happiness that all came together for this one kickass occasion.

It’s an unlikely one, but Chappelle and Gondry are a great team whose visions really complement each other. Good times all around with these guys.

Dave Chappelle’s Block Party is just a damn good time. Not only is it funny as hell, but it’s surprisingly insightful, has a huge heart, and the concert itself is totally awesome, too. So give it a shot, even if you could care less about a Fugees reunion, everyone needs a good reminder every now and again of the genius that is Dave Chappelle.

We miss you, man. Come back to us.

Pharoahe Monch blesses the new Black Keys project with a verse he wrote at the last minute.

Teaser trailer for the awesome sounding new Black Keys hip hop project. Also included the Hoochie Coo video and a few tracks courtesy of 2dopeboyz.

Blak Roc ft. Mos Def & Jim Jones – Hoochie Coo

Blak Roc ft. Mos Def – On The Vista

Blak Roc ft. Pharoahe Monch & RZA – Dollaz & Sense

Dame Dash’s latest project is gearing up to hit stores. As previously reported, Dame’s been busy preparing a collaboration with rock/blues group the Black Keys. Now as the holiday season kicks in to full swing, the final project between the mogul and the band is set to hit stores. BlakRoc Records is preparing to release their collaborative effort, BlakRoc on “Black Friday” on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving.

Independent record stores that carry the album will appropriately deem the day “Blak Friday.”The album will be exclusive to iTunes digitally upon release. Produced by and featuring music by The Black Keys, BlakRoc hosts a star-studded line up of MCs including Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Jones, NOE, Nicole Wray and Billy Danze. The album will feature no samples and incorporate all live instruments and vocals.

Who knew Mos Def could produce? This track is smooth and I guess you can consider this the first track from Center Edge Territory since it has Mos Def and Curren$y on it. It’s quite short too so maybe Jay Electronica will be getting on the track.

[Download]

HHHTaipei Bound,

I’m on my way back to the land of Stinky Tofu and Beetlenut!

Yes, the past 8 months here in Toronto have been phenomenal both personally and professionally (‘09 has been the SHEEEEEIIIIT!)  but, it’s starting to get cold and I’ve quickly realized that I’m not built like that anymore.  Plus, I miss the shit outta my Taiwanese counterparts.  So, I’m gettin my hibernation on and goin to the island to throw parties with the best of the best and enjoy life.

However, as those of you who’ve flown overseas before know, I’m gonna be on a plane for like 2 months rendering this blog inactive for a little bit.  So today’s post is gonna be completely loaded with goodies to tide you over until I get back to some land.

So without further ado…

THE PROFESSIONAL

If there was ever someone you called a ‘professional emcee’, Black Thought should be the first person you think of.  At very least second.

Well, this unreleased goodie aptly titled ‘The Professional’ has just surfaced and it proves my point 300 times over.

BLACK THOUGHT – THE PROFESSIONAL

DOPE MAN

If you read this blog regularly, then you know I love Slum Village.

I don’t know what it is, but there are few, if any, albums that ever beat out Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 2 on my playlist.  I still listen to that ish like it dropped last Tuesday, and I don’t foresee any slowing up.  Sure my favorite reincarnation of them is still the original trio, but Elzhi’s contribution to the group should never be downplayed.  He’s an absolute monster.    Anyway, since today’s blog is LONG, I’ma keep this short (as possible). With one of Baatin’s last recordings before he passed, off the upcoming Villa Manifesto, I give you…

SLUM VILLAGE – DOPE MAN

**BONUS**

MICHAEL JACKSON – BUTTERFLIES (Dilla’s Players Remix)

R.I.P. Dilla & Baatin.

TIL IT DROPS

New Clipse!

I’m starting to get amped up…

CENTER EDGE TERRITORY

So I’m not sure if you’ve heard or not but HHHT faves Mos Def, Jay Electronica and current Hip-Hop blog darling, Curren$y (pictured below) have formed a new group called Center Edge Territory and have apparently already finished 6 songs?

Yeah.  Didn’t see that one coming, especially since Curren$y used to roll with Lil Weezy and that match up just seems odd to me.  However, homie can rap, so as long as there’s that, I’m cool.  Anyway, although nothing has leaked yet, here goes a little something from each member of this new underground powerhouse.

Jay Electronica, along with Ta’raach jump on this intergalactic dopeness from another HHHT favorite Sa-Ra Creative Partners.

SA-RA CREATIVE PARTNERS – LOVE CZARS II ft. JAY ELECTRONICA & TA’RAACH

And Curren$y does his thing over a Mos Def original.

CURREN$Y – BREAKFAST IN & OUT (Produced by Mos Def)

A LIVING LEGEND

Scarub, Luckyiam, Sunspot Jonz, Eligh, Bicasso, Aesop, Murs & The Grouch, or better known as West Coast’s current underground torchbearers, The Living Legends are the definition of paid dues.  Having completely built themselves up independently from scratch, there are few hip-hop artists who can rival what they’ve done in the underground and truthfully, there are few hip-hop artists, underground or mainstream that can generate the revenue they do because of the work they’ve put in and the independent route they’ve taken.  Now, at approximately a gazillion total releases, one of the Legends standouts, the Grouch returns with his latest effort ‘Eyes off the time’ and so far it sounds extra ill. Check the promo vid and DL below:

THE GROUCH – WHATEVER I SAY

MORE BLAKROC

And finally, I give you all the newest updates from the BlakRoc project.  Out in 6 DAYS!

BLAKROC EPISODE #9 – Feat. PHAROAHE MONCH

**BONUS** BLAKROC – DOLLAZ & SENSE ft. PHAROAHE MONCH & RZA

BLAKROC EPISODE #10 – Feat. NIKKI WRAY

BLAKROC – AIN’T NOTHIN LIKE YOU (HOOCHIE COO) Feat. MOS DEF & JIM JONES

That’s it for now folk.

Enjoy life…I’ll see you in a few.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Words are powerful things. Out the mouth from a young age they are raw, innocent and formless, sometimes without a unified vision or direction. That’s how the song begins but as Mos further progresses the verse throughout the song, so does the clarity of the words themselves as they begin to form an identity like we all do throughout our lives. They float towards you like stars through space. They are then full of power and meaning as you drift in and out of inspiration and logic. All you need is voice and a soul and Mos Def happily brings it to you..

Videos of this magnitude are not on t.v. enough. This is how you represent a song, a vibe, a movement, a way of life and swagger. Let the words speak for themselves.

And with that the boy stays inspired…

You can’t stop my go, Been born to be where I am, Bright light from a distant, Miracles don’t stop!

Yeah .. Curren$y has just been knocking out tracks left and right lately! This new joint is prod by Mos Def .. Check this shit out!

Download

Listen & Download

Produced by. Mos Def

Center Edge Territory is already hooking up to bring us some heat.  This song reminds me of a boat cruise with a pen & pad……Daniel Son!….Crane Kick waaaaaaa!!!!!!

Download:  Curren$y – Breakfast (Produced by Mos Def)

Produced by Mos Def

Download

Curren$y – Breakfast (In and Out) (Produced by Mos Def) | Mediafire

Via: Nah Right

Here is another cut of the BlakRoc project which drops this November 27. Homeboy Matik says the album has already been leaked. If so I want my copy now!!!

DOWNLOAD: BlakRoc – Ain’t Nothing Like You (Ft. Jim Jones & Mos Def)