March: "It Don't Take a Whole Day"

Sliding right in under the March deadline, I've got an update to tie my sporadic early spring posting together. In addition to my debut pieces for Stylus (RZA and Sean Price), I've got reviews of the Bar-Kays latest, as well as an older review of Planet Asia's The Sickness out the okayplayer vaults. Be on the look-out for a nice big Stylus piece on Detroit's art-hop, coming soon.

"I don't usually do this but, ah, break 'em off with a few shoutouts":

Shoutout to fellow hip-hop literati Blake Brandes for putting the wraps on his latest album, Soulfire.

Shoutout to Michelle McDevitt of Audible Treats for a number of nice leads as of late.

Shoutout to Todd Burns and Mike Powell of Stylus for a new platform and some writerly advice.

And last but not least, shoutout to my international network (from Beijing to NYC to Cambridge to London) for putting up with me and holding me down over the past few months: Christian, Chuk, Cliff, Dave, Jacob, Mike, and Ross. Whether we've known each other since Mr. Wiz's gym class or since opening days at the DPU, I appreciate the words and the time you've given me, especially as of late. "That's what friends are for"? Forget it... I'll make it up to you all, please believe. In the meantime, just remember:

"It don't take a whole day to recognize sunshine."

Cr/f[?]unk Review: The Bar-Kays, HOUSE PARTY

Originally reviewed for okayplayer

You know that saying, “You can't teach old bands new tricks”? Turns out you CAN. It's just mad embarrassing. (More...)

Hip-Hop Review: Planet Asia, THE SICKNESS

Originally reviewed for okayplayer

The history you know never happened: long before “Tell Me When to Go,” the Cali underground was primed to snatch the crown away from New York. It’s funny, in a sad way, because the future you expected never happened either: by now, Planet Asia should have hit us with at least one classic solo album. Instead we got The Last Stand EP and The Grand Opening. Now, we’ve got the equally uneven mixtape The Sickness. (More...)

VIP Hip-Hop Review: Sean Price, JESUS PRICE SUPASTAR

Back with another STYLUS piece...
Sean Price—formerly known as “Ruck,” one half of the on-again, off-again duo Heltah Skeltah—reintroduced himself to hip-hop audiences on 2005’s Monkey Barz as “The Brokest Rapper You Know.” Price used his first solo project to comment endlessly on his lack of success as a rapper…and a husband…and a father…and, well, as a human being in general. On Jesus Price Supastar, Price sounds like he’s been taking his own self-deprecation a little too seriously.

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VIDEO: Al Green, 1973 "Tired of Being Alone" b/w "Can't Get Next To You"-ish ad libs

Shout out to my okayplayer connects for putting me on to this vintage footage of Al Green performing "Tired of Being Alone." Simply magnetic, chill-inducing. This isn't musical theater... it's musical confession. It's been a while since a piece of music has caused me to smile spontaneously (0:50 - 0:53... wait for it, wait for it), let alone smile and shiver spontaneously. This did just that. I feel ya, Al.

*VIP* Hip-Hop Review: RZA Presents AFRO SAMURAI

One piece of news I didn't want to share until it was confirmed (hence "building" in Feb's update -- or, one part of "building"... potentially more to come) was that I've recently begun contributing pieces to Stylus Magazine. Same T.M., new location (haven't abandoned okayplayer, just broadening my base).

I hate to plug myself shamelessly, but, in certain respects, that what this blog is about (at least I'm honest). Sooo... why don't you check out my first review: RZA presents The Afro Samurai Soundtrack?

And, when you're done,

why don't you check out my first review: RZA presents The Afro Samurai Soundtrack?

Hahaha. Spring is in the air.