Review: The OFFICIAL Raekwon “The Lost Jewlry” EP Listening Party @ PNC Radio

 

Lost Jewlry

PNC Radio hosted the official Raekwon “The Lost Jewlry” listening party earlier this month – a collection of songs that will satisfy lovers of classic Wu-Tang Clan music. The EP drops 1/15/13 and features songs by veteran producers like Scram Jones and Buckwild.

 

The DUMBO loft of PNC’s home location is a perfectly situated space along the water with an outdoor deck, which creates an intimate environment to socialize and network. Drinks by 1800 Coconut Vodka and NUVO quenched the crowd’s thirst, except a strange chocolate flavored edition that quickly needs to be discontinued.

 

Now, now. I’m usually a fan of places with lots of men…(anyone who knows me KNOWS this is no secret) but this was a bit overwhelming on first entry – a packed house of testosterone x100, readily anticipating a good show. The 14 year-old girl in me wanted to exclaim, “Oh my God I can’t wait to hear him perform!” Yeah, I wonder how that would’ve gone over. Anywho – I fell back and enjoyed the DJ playing rap/hip-hop songs fit for any connoisseur of the culture.

 

My love affair with Wu-Tang’s music started when I first heard their song “M-E-T-H-O-D Man” sitting on the steps of my Crown Heights brownstone back in the early 90’s. Dope. It was an infectious song that possessed me to feverishly hunt down the origins of this amazing music, which sounded unlike anything I had ever heard before. Those were the days of MixTape DJ’s like S&S and Clue. So anything hot surely ended up on one of those cassettes (yeah, I said cassettes). First you had to ask a friend if they ever heard it, then ask another friend and then friends of friends until you found your mixtape gem…Oh the days when a “buzz” was organic.

 

Hence, I was exposed to Wu-Tang Clan. And forever a fan. In love with their themes of family, loyalty, pursuit of financial wealth, and plain ol’ good story-telling…14 year-old me – a private school Brooklyn girl rocking Timberlands, Jansport on back, Tommy on Top, Gibaud’s on bottom. was very much so partial hood-rat. Fast forward 20 years later, attending an exclusive listening party for one of my favorite of the Clan, I sincerely hoped the 5 song EP would satisfy my need to connect with the music and be true to having ummmm, grown up.

 

Raekwon not only made me happy to be in attendance, but also reaffirmed why he’s garnered the reputation of being such a great MC and writer. He spouted words of motivation, being open minded to pursue opportunities where you typically wouldn’t look, and looking damned good while you do it. Those are ideas I R-E-S-P-E-C-T! He enthusiastically encouraged the crowd to become “Hood Mobile.” In other words – stop doing the same things you’ve been doing and change your game up. Think outside the box and explore the world. His song “Lobbyist” playfully ribbed at folks who choose to hang around in building lobbies instead of venturing out to do something different with their time. I can’t even stand to work a job and not do anything else with my time…so, the Lobbyists?? Yeah, I feel you Raekwon. It’s archaic.

 

Not one to be untrue to himself, Raekwon spoke as a leader and artist. Encouraging other writers to do what they were born to do – write! And even telling the young guys in the crowd to learn to be humble, and that’s how they’ll grow and mature into men. These kinds of messages are true to the culture of hip-hop and I’m glad to see the vets continuing that message. In all, Raekwon’s strong presence , humor, and forward-going energy made the night a worthy experience and one to log into my book of adventures.

 

xo

Aliya Simone

MORRISSEY: MY FIRST TRUE LOVE!

This past Wednesday 10/10/12 I had the pleasure to see Morrissey for the 4th time, but this time he played at Radio City Music Hall!!! Every show I have been too has been better then the next and every venue more interesting then the next. To see him play at my favorite venue was a dream come true. It always feels like such an honour to be able to go to Radio City. I remember as a child how amazing and overwhelming the space felt and I still have that feeling as an adult. What made it even more special is that my friend Alena, I was there with had never been to Radio City. I was so happy that the first show she saw there was with me and that it was MORRISSEY!

But onto the most important part…I have loved many musicians, but Morrissey and The Smiths have always been deep inside my heart. I remember as a teenager laying in my bed and listening to “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and thinking holy shit these guys get me and they are talking about the way I feel right now. Once I started dating the song “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” became my anthem. The moment I heard the lyric “And if a double-decker bus crashes in to us, To die by your side

Is such a heavenly way to die. And if a 10-ton truck crashes into us, to die by your side well the pleasure the privilege is mine” I decided that this song would be how I would want to feel and how I would want someone to feel for the love I have for them.

 

So to see Morrissey again was such a highlight to my year filled with ups and downs. He started off the show with “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” which was as haunting as ever. What I found really exciting is that this time around he sang songs that I have never heard him sing. While my neighbors were upset that he did not sing “the hit song” “How Soon Is Now”, I was elated to hear “People Are The Same Everywhere” and “You’re The One For Me Fatty”. What was a bit of a down side to the show was when he sang “Meat Is Murder” and simultaneously showed videos of animal cruelty/slaughter. It was a bit disconcerting but Morrissey being a devout vegetarian it is only expected that he would take the opportunity to bring to light something that is very near and dear to his heart. As my friend said though it would have been nice for him to end the song and then say that was heavy hear is charming man, instead it was followed by “To Give (A Reason I Live)” which was a Frank Valli cover done beautifully but still pretty depressing. On the upside Morrissey and his band did not disappoint. They were tight and worked well together and you could tell that he has a great respect for the musicians he plays with.

 

One of the best parts of the show was when Morrissey asked a kid in the crowd how old he was/name. Kevin is 11 years old and was rocking out hard to Morrissey and ended up rushing the stage and hugging him. I have to admit that I was secretly jealous of Kevin. I have been close enough at other shows to touch his hand but wish I had the guts to rush the stage, haha.

Meet Kevin! The coolest 11 year old EVER!

Anyway kids thanks for listening to my rambling about my first love and I promise next week I will talk about hair again. In the meantime go out there and listen to some good music and go see some good shows and if Morrissey is one of them you will not be disappointed.

xx

Jessina

Soundtrack of Our Youth

I surveyed a few friends to find out what their favorite music video’s were growing up. We are an eclectic bunch. 

Here is the top ten.

Janet Jackson – if

A Tribe Called Quest – Can I kick it

The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight, Tonight

Soundgarden – Black Hole Sun

Madonna – Like a Virgin 

Return of the Bad Apple

When I first heard Fiona Apple was going on tour I thought I was dreaming, I was ecstatic. Fiona Apple was the first concert I ever experienced with my brother and sister with out our parents, I was in the 7th grade. I am 25 now and Fiona just takes me back to growing up in the 90’s, hanging out with my friends and just listening to her music over and over again. I am in love with all of her music but “Paper Bag” gets me every time.

The venue was gorgeous; it was a wide-open space, half chairs, and half grass. Choosing to sit on the lawn was the best part, bottles of wine, friends, and lounging back on a blanket with my feet in the grass. As the sun was setting shining brightly on stage Fiona took the stage and the crowd went wild. Seeing her up there brought the 90’s child back in me!
Her presence swept an amazing vibe through out the venue; it’s like for one night complete strangers have this one thing in common, Fiona Apple.

Her Style is Grunge Rock 90’s Rebel, and still today she lives up to her image. She was dressed very simple on stage, and not matter what she has on her body her natural beauty and killer voice grab your attention.
I love her for that! Seeing her at 12 and again at 25 I was impressed, Fiona Apple rocked the shit out of the concert.

Remember:
“Hunger Hurts but Starving Works”

-Matthew Spinner

:::: Girl Crush ::::

What a Babe!

There is just something about that Lana Del Rey!

I absolutely adore everything about this girl, her whimsical music and her impeccable style.

Lana’s Style is all about the 50’s / 60’s fashion, so Sophisticated yet with a Modern Rebel Twist.

A killer House wife with Bad Ass Pumps topped off with a Sky High Bee Hive!

Her music is something I get absorbed in for days… even when its not on it’s still playing in my head.

Recently she collab’ed with ASAP Rocky in her new video National Anthem, making her even more bad ass then she already is.

Keep Killing it Lana!

[youtube.com/watch?v=60cvtxwlJr8]