Don’t Be Mean, It’s Halloween October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween ya’ll! Hopefully you’re enjoying yourself…drinking, eating candy, and engaging in debauchery. That’s what it’s all about on Hallow’s Eve. There’s so much bullshit going on in the world right now, we all deserve to escape into whoever we want to be today.

For the ladies, this is a day to explore our inner slutty whore. Most sexy Halloween costumes amount to massive amounts of leg, boob, and cheek action. It’s overcast and rainy in LA today (gasp! We ain’t had precipitation since May) but it don’t stop. Bust out the fishnets and stilettos and keep it pushing.

Personally, I’m tapping out of Halloween festivities today. I went to a costume party last week so I don’t feel like I’m missing out if I stay in, eat candy, and drink wine. My costume was Ms. Slutty Nerd. Actually, that’s not too far from who I am as a person, so it worked out pretty well. All I had to do was add tape to my glasses for my costume. Obviously I’m not really a slut, but I think I’m pretty damn sexy and brainy. Ms. Slutty Nerd is an extension of my personality .

I’m feeling Thriller-ish. It’s a classic Halloween piece, so it’s only right that it gets some play. You know you know whole dance routine by heart, so get up and dance along. I am.

*In my best witch cackle*

bwahahahahahah!

Throwback Vid: INOJ “Love You Down” October 29, 2008

Remember the mid-90s, when there was a plethora of So-So Def bass music? At that time, bass music from Florida and Atlanta was hittin’. If you’re old enough to remember and enjoy it, don’t act like you weren’t Tootsie Rollin’ and Bankhead bouncing.

When INOJ’s vid came on today, it took me back to that time. “Love You Down” was a hot vid. Who knew that Lil Jon would make it from being the random guy behind the turntables in the So So Def videos to the King of Crunk? Shouts out to that dude.

This video made me want to go to college. Not necessarily because I was interested in receiving higher education; in my adolescent mind I thought, “wow, college looks fun!” Cute guys in greek letters, parties, hanging out on the yard. By the time I made it to college, my perspective changed a little bit. I was very focused on earning my degree…while kicking it with cute guys, partying, and hanging out on the yard. I definitely hammed it up during my four years, but I graduated with a 3.2. I might have graduated with a 4.0 if I wasn’t being a hot mess, but I had a grand ole time. I turned out aight.

Peace, love, and Barack the Vote.

6 days until change.

HipHopMuse

Orakel Dynasty Art/Fashion Show Friday Oct 24 October 24, 2008

My boy Val is spinning at this art/fashion show at Sachi tonight. I’m sure the vibe will be laid back, cool and soulful. Val is definitely a tastemaker DJ, he’ll create a chill, loungey, yet hip hop vibe that’s gonna move your soul.

Isn’t that what we want sometimes? It’s going on in Long Beach Marina so it’s super chill and jazzy. If you haven’t been to Long Beach Marina to enjoy the restaurants and lounge spots, you’re sleeping. It’s definitely a spot for the grown and sexy to enjoy good food, drinks, and music. If you ain’t got it, get some culture in ya life peoples.

Mr. Black President October 22, 2008

I don’t know if ya’ll heard, but the Los Angeles Times is officially endorsing Barack Obama for president. Word?!

This is huge. When was the last time you heard of a major news outlet officially endorsing someone for president? The media is supposed to be unbiased, right? We know it’s really not, but the LA Times came out and said it straight up. I’m not even mad.

LA Times’ endorsement, along with that of Colin Powell, is groundbreaking. Obama has the media on his team, and he’s even converting Republicans. It’s gotten so bad that many Republicans are are hopping on Team Obama. No matter the party affilation, I’m thankful that people are understanding that we need change, and it may be found in a black president. We can’t keep doing it the way it was done before, look where that’s gotten us. Fucked the fuck up. The environment we live in is going to shit because we aren’t changing for the better. It’s time to get it together.

I don’t have to tell ya’ll to get out and vote. I’m sure you’ve made your decision by now. If you’re still undecided by midnight Nov. 3, stay home so the rest of us can vote for Obama.

I am HipHopMuse, and I approve this message.

OBAMA FTW!

LA Fashion Week, listening parties & stuff October 15, 2008

It’s cracking this week in Los Angeles, moreso than I’ve seen in some time. It’s LA Fashion Week, so there are a gazillion shows and associated events going on. On the hip hop front, Jay Z is performing tonight at the Holllywood Palladium with DJ AM on the 1s and 2s. God bless that brother for coming out of such a tragedy. And what better way to get back into the swing of things, by DJ’ing for Jigga.

It’s listening party galore this week too. I guess everyone’s gearing up for those Q4 album releases. Last night, Kanye & E-40 each had listening parties for their new projects. Tonight is the Q-Tip listening party for his new album “The Renaissance.” I had the opportunity to attend 40 Water’s listening party, and it was interesting to say the least.

I’m not the biggest E-40 fan, but I respect his work and I like quite a few songs he’s put out. “Sprinkle Me” used be my joint, along with “Hurricane.” He undoubtedly helped put the Bay Area on the map and has made a significant contribution to not only west coast hip hop, but hip hop as a whole. He is the man responsible for hip hop lingo like, “fa sheezy,” and “my nizzle.” He’s the first person I know of who used such terms.

Back to the listening party. 40’s new album “Ball Street Journal” is ok, I guess. Most of the tracks consist of bass heavy party music. Which isn’t a bad thing. 40 is known for making party music. “Tell Me When To Go” is guaranteed to make a party jump. But the new stuff isn’t very memorable for me.

What was memorable was when I met Too Short at E-40’s party. Dude is an OG. I kept referring to him as Mr. Shaw, which I think made him feel old because he winced every time I said it. But it seemed the most appropriate way to refer to him, being that he’s been in the rap game since 1983. He’s been rapping almost as long as I’ve been alive. Biggups to Mr. Shaw, aka Short Dog, aka Short Dog the Pimp. He is indeed pimpish in his ways, he’s very charming. The ladies were showing him love last night.

Read about Kanye’s listening party here. Wish I coulda made that one, but it’s all good. Maybe next album.

Until we meet again,

HipHopMuse

Beyonce vs. The Mexican Breakfast Ladies October 13, 2008

I’m sure by now everyone has seen Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video floating ’round the net. Michael K over at DListed posted a HILARIOUS video from which he suggests B swagger jacked:

The remix, with Andre 3000? For real? I have to give it to the Mexican Breakfast ladies, they’re gettin’ it.

But still. I. Cannot.

ROFLMAO,

Hip Hop Muse

Hi Hater Remix Video: Maino Ft. TI, Swizz Beats, et al. October 11, 2008

LOL @ TI’s opening! I love his allusion to Puff’s intro to Craig Mack’s “Flava In Ya Ear” video.

I really like this song, it’s the new hater anthem. This is a track to bump when you’re rolling up to the party looking fresh. Sure, there may be haters meanmugging, but don’t worry about it. Just give ‘em a wave. Hi hater!

This is the quintessential remix video. It has the all white background, the cameos, and it features like 10 people, some of which are ALWAYS featured on remixes. Which isn’t negative thing, I think artists like Fab and Jadakiss who resurface on remixes here and there create anticipation. It makes us wonder why the hell they won’t come out with an album or something. The aforementioned rappers seem to have established a large part of their career by lacing other peoples’ tracks with their rhymes. In that way, it’s ingenious. It allows them to stay relevant.

Good to see my girl Mya in the vid! I’ve always appreciated her style and energy. She’s very fab. Hopefully she’ll make a comeback soon.

Off to find a remix to hop on,

Hip Hop Muse

VH-1 Hip Hop Awards October 9, 2008

Watched it, loved it.

Tracy Morgan is hilarious as the master of ceremony. I like that moniker, master of ceremony. It goes, master of ceremony, MC, microphone checker, emcee…did you see ‘em, they wanna be me…like my rhymes? Ok, ok, my bad for getting carried away. I’ll stick to blogging.  Anywho, I loved T. Morgan’s play on the ‘08 Presidential Election. It’s obvious that dude is very intelligent, and very hip hop, which I appreciate. And he has great one-liners, a la Chris Rock.

Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Too Short, and Naughty By Nature.  These artists are innovative, unique, and most importantly, they’ve put in work. To paraphrase Too Short, check their resumes. If you put it all on paper and look at it, they’ve done a lot. You gotta respect them for it.

To me, that’s some of the inspiration behind hip hop. The grind to succeed. Check the resume, look what I’ve accomplished. You don’t have to love me. You don’t have to like me. But you will respect me. Why? ‘Cause I’m a boss! (From Kelis, “Bossy.”)

Is it hip hop award month or something? The BET Hip Hop Awards airs Thurs, Oct 23 at 8p. Sidebar: I want to make it clear that I have very little respect for this network, but my significant other works for them and he produced a segment for this year’s show. I support hip hop, I support my boo, but I do not support BET Networks. I’m convinced that their goal is to decimate the image of black people on television. It’s safe to say I support their good programming, like American Gangster, which premieres immediately after the award show. Support American Gangster, but boycott bullshit like Hell Date. End sidebar.

People I was really happy to see: Eve, Scarface, Big Boi of Outkast, Busta Rhymes.

People I think should be honored next year: Jay-Z, Ice Cube, E-40, Outkast, UGK, Common, Eve, DMX, The Lox.

Did you watch the show? What did you think? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Hip Hop Muse

Ballin’ on a Budget October 6, 2008

By now most of us are willing to admit that our economy is in the thick of a recession. This means lots of us are cutting back wherever possible. *Sigh.* But hey, just because you need to cut back doesn’t mean you can’t still be fly. Want to know how to be uniquely stylish while saving dough? Consider shopping at Goodwill.

Admittedly, in the past I slept on the gems that can be found at a secondhand store. When I was growing up, my Grandma used to shop at secondhand stores, and I didn’t get it. I thought the quality of their goods sucked and it was a waste of time to sift through all that stuff to find something worth buying.

That changed for me last week, when I went to Goodwill to recycle some electronics. After dropping off my e-waste, I decided to take a look around and see what Goodwill had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few unique and stylish items to add to my existing wardrobe collection.

Hip Hop Muse Came Up At Goodwill

These items are pretty dope, right? The gloves are very feminine and retro. The silver detail adds a bit of edge. They were brand new too, still had the tags on them. The chain cinch belt makes me feel like an over-accessorized celebrity. Stylin’ on them fools.. And the chocolate brown cable knit bag is super trendy. Spotted elsewhere for $65. Copped from Goodwill for $6. Total spend: $11. Holla atcha girl when you see me in the streets, being fly and holding enough to make a contribution to my 401k.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping secondhand:

1. “Hip Hop Muse,” you may say. “Wearing other peoples’ unwanted goods gives me the bubbleguts.” To that I say…you make a great point. The idea of wearing something from God knows where is quite daunting. I recommend dry cleaning any secondhand clothing items. You don’t know whose arse touched those clothes before you came along.

2. Found a top you love with a missing button? Zipper broken on that super cute handbag? Negotiate. Usually the clerks at Goodwill will cut a deal with you if you do a little haggling, especially if the item has a defect.

3. If you see something you like, grab it immediately. It isn’t wise to pass up an item you like, even if you aren’t completely sold on it. If you initially pass it up and decide to go back and get it, someone else may have grabbed it.

4. Be prepared to make fixes. The handbag is missing its clasp, so I’m going to hit up an arts and crafts store to find a replacement. Then it’s going to my local shoe repair where it will be fixed. It will be like brand new!

I came up, so can you. I’m still quite iffy about buying clothes from Goodwill, but if I saw something I couldn’t do without, I would snatch it up with a quickness. I can get over my secondhand store misgivings to come up on a good deal.

Feel free to share your thoughts on your secondhand store experiences.

Peace,

The Hip Hop Muse

NWA Week: We Want Eazy! October 3, 2008

Eazy-E left us in 1995 at age 31, at the peak of his career. He was very accomplished as an NWA frontman, solo artist, and businessman. He had just put on Bone Thugs. Unfortunately, he was also beefing with the other NWA group members. Eazy set the bar for future hip hop entreprenuership by putting out his own music, managing his own label and other artists. Before Diddy and Jay were heading Bad Boy and Def Jam, respectively, Eazy-E had Ruthless Records.

Along with the surviving members of NWA, Eazy introduced the world to the wild, wild, west. Eazy-E is a hip hop legend and his contribution to the game is duly noted. Rest in peace to that brother.

Love,

The Hip Hop Muse