Although these days I don’t really DJ or listen to Hip Hop much, there was a time for many many years when it’s all I listened to pretty much. I was consumed by the culture and it was definitely the biggest influence on me from my teens all the way till my early 30’s. But then it just got formulaic, commercial and dumbed down. It went mainstream and for me at least the better music had already been created and the culture was in decline. But I’m always hopeful. Kanye, Neptunes and a few other have at least pushed the boundaries now and again, but there are very few that excite me today. That’s why I was actually excited to hear that Q Tip (formerly of A Tribe called Quest) has just dropped a new single with an album to follow shortly. It gave me goosebumps to hear that familiar flow and the sample is great. Lyrics are intelligent and I can only wait in anticipation finally for a new Hip Hop album to drop….it’s been too long.
check it here….
http://www.q-tip.com/
click on the sampler image to check the track and video and you can buy at the itunes store…
alsp check here for the original sample which is also a beautiful track..
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_YlO04hOE&feature=related
And I was just in NYC a few weeks ago and by coincidence went to the new club Santos Party House and saw Q Tip DJ an amazing set on the crazy sound system in this new and excellent club venue. He’s a great DJ as well as MC. here’s a few pics that might convey a little of the vibe. We danced till they shut it down..
And thanks to Boogie for sending this pic from the NYC Nike party….he’s an amazing photographer..check his work………
http://www.artcoup.com/movie.html
And Finally a big and heartfelt goodbye (for now) to Howard Lichter who all of us had the pleasure to work with at the Nike Tokyo Design Studio. All around hilarious great guy who is moving back to Portland to do more great things.
I don’t know how but we managed to get the Shibuya billboard screen for a 15 second farewell video. Heres some pics from Friday night. John Malkovitch style….caused quite a scene at the crazy Shibuya crossing..
Best of Luck H!
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