I’m not one for sappy posts (who am I kidding? I’m the queen of nostalgia), but here are a few of my fondest memories over the past year that I’ve had the privilege to work at BU Central:
Meeting Cults
Working the Das Racist show (not necessarily the fondest, but it definitely the most exciting)
Having people compliment my chalkboarding skills
Making popcorn for dinner when I forgot to bring food
Making 10 batches of popcorn consecutively for the first 2012 presidential debate
Hearing that one guy play jazz/flapper music/IDK what the name of that genre is on the piano on Fridays (I don’t know your name, but please play piano here more often)
Feeling like a boss when I finally mastered the soundboard
Watching Dave Coulier (aka Uncle Joey) host The Dating Game Show
Seeing my favorite facilities worker every Sunday night
Last but not least, listening to the high school kids talk about their relationship issues (you are all comedians in the making)
Now I’m heading off into the real world as a Boston University graduate. I’ll miss you dearly, BU Central. Stay cool underground.
Unarguably, this has been a fantastic semester here at BU Central! We’ve had some pretty great acts grace our stage in the past (Cults, Chiddy Bang, Young the Giant, Four Year Strong, DJ Questlove, Bad Rabbits, Manchester Orchestra, Killer Mike, George Watsky, etc….just to name a few) but I’m pretty sure having two headliners with the same name was a first. Well, sort of. Dave Coulier, aka Uncle Joey from Full House hilariously hosted our Dating Game Show last month and Joey Bada$$ performed an incredible set last Friday. Both were amazing shows and completely sold out! If you’re sad you missed one of these, fret not. We have some more great performances up our sleeve!
On March 23rd, come check out our SPF ’13 concert headliner We Are Scientists! For more details, check out our Facebook event.
And as if that isn’t news wasn’t fabulous enough, our free popcorn has made a comeback! Stop by and have some freshly popped, salty goodness.
Follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all of the fun events we have coming your way.
I’ve always been proud to say that my music taste is extremely eclectic. I love everything from Frank Sinatra to Tupac to The Fray (my favorite band!–>check out my earlier post about them!) and back to The Temptations. Listening to music is one of my favorite past times so, naturally, I was really excited to start college because I knew that I would be exposed to new genres of music and falling in love with new music is one of my favorite things to do! But lately, I’ve really been trying to delve back into my hip hop roots. I guess I have my older sisters to thank for my love of hip hop. They were the ones that kept the 80s and 90s hip hop blasting from the stereo in my home when I was a little girl. Since I’ve been trying to reconnect with good, genuine, traditional hip hop (not that tired, played-out, trashy music that Lil’ Wayne calls “hip hop”), I find myself listening to Kendrick Lamar more these days.
If you call yourself well-educated on hip hop, then you should recall the “West Coat-East Coast” fad that began in the late 80s and has been revitalized due to Black Hippy. Black Hippy is a group of upcoming West Coast rappers from California. Their music is reminiscent of that old-school, laid-back, gritty yet honest sound that was so relevant to the 80s and 90s. The group consists of four rappers: Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, and Ab-Soul (pictured below from left to right).
Kendrick Lamar is my favorite, but I really feel like this group could revolutionize hip hop in a new way and take it back to where it used to be. You know what I’m talking about. That kind of music that required you to sit and just delve into its lyrics. Or you could just be riding in the car, chilling with your friends, listening to the beat as you drive down the street. You know what I mean? It’s…relatable, it’s real, it’s conscious, and it provides something that is lacking in today’s definition of hip hop: substance.
Kendrick Lamar, a rapper from Compton, California, is, as far as I’m concerned, the reason for why Black Hippy has gained recognition now, though Schoolboy Q is definitely up there, too. His musical style reminds me of a mix between Lupe Fiasco, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and 2Pac. The one thing that really did it for me was the fact that Kendrick and Ab Soul created this movement called “HiiiPoWeR (stylized by holding three fingers in the air – hence, the title of this post).” Originally a song from his independent digital album Section.80 (which is really awesome, by the way), “HiiiPoWeR” was intended to be released to further the HiiiPoWeR movement. A quote from Lamar in a HipHop DX interview gives a brief explanation of the movement:
“A lot of people don’t understand. They think it’s just a song. It’s really a big movement that we’ve got in L.A. that’s spreading like wildfire,” he said. “Hiiipower: the three i’s represent heart, honor and respect. That’s how we carry ourselves in the streets, and just in the world, period. Hiiipower, it basically is the simplest form of representing just being above all the madness, all the bullshit. No matter what the world is going through, you’re always going to keep your dignity and carry yourself with this manner that it don’t phase you. Whatever you think negative is in your life. Overcoming that and still having that self-respect.”
HiiiPoWeR has common roots with the movement, T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. (The Hate U Gave Little Infants Fucks Everyone) started by late West Coast rapper 2Pac. T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. tells us that neglecting our young children can lead to future problems, not only for the child, but also for the community. HiiiPoWeR and T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E. both seek to uplift a nearly broken generation that is being destroyed by society. And I think that’s something really special and incredible. And way overdue.
Because I love Kendrick Lamar so much and want other people to know about him and love him too, I had the idea to dedicate a whole post to him. You’re very welcome.
No Make-Up (Her Vice) – Kendrick Lamar (from Section.80)
For you, ladies.
Keisha’s Song (Her Pain) – Kendrick Lamar (from Section.80)
This song does it. I still remember the first time I heard it. My sister and I were driving to Boston for the first time. It was August 13th, maybe three or four o’clock in the morning. Everything was quiet, including me. And I listened to the lyrics of this song while my eyes wandered through the darkness illuminated by the car’s headlights. And even after the song ended, the lyrics stayed with me, bouncing around in my head. The lyrical brilliance of this song is something special.
Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe – Kendrick Lamar (from good kid, m.A.A.d city)
“Threes in the air. I can see you are in sync.”
Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst – Kendrick Lamar (from good kid, m.A.A.d. city)
The deepest, most poignant song on the entire album, Lamar wrote from the perspective of siblings of Kendrick’s friends that he had written songs about on Section.80 and good kid, m.A.A.d city. Hence, the title, “Sing About Me.”
When you’re not enjoying one of our amazingly free LIVE events, you should be hitting up the legendary venues within your reach right off of the Charles River Campus. Here are some of the shows I’m looking forward to this semester with a few tracks by some of the artists below. There are tons of venues in the Boston area (BU Central included), so check ‘em out and explore the local scene.
Solange Knowles at Paradise Rock Club – February 19th
Passion Pit at Agganis Arena – February 9th
Alt-J at Paradise Rock Club – March 2nd & 3rd (*both shows are sold out #sadface)
The Rocket Summer at Brighton Music Hall – March 27th
Local Natives at House of Blues – March 30th
Andrew McMahon (from Jack’s Mannequin) at Paradise Rock Club – April 8th
Wavves & FIDLAR at Brighton Music Hall – April 8th
Cold War Kids at Paradise Rick Club – April 10th
Alicia Keys & Miguel at Agganis Arena – April 10th
I succeeded in completing a personal goal for the third year in a row. I’m pumped, and you should be too. Because my goal was to release music (duh) and I know the BU Central community would be down for me to share it.
Easy Elliot’s new album ACETONE
When I’m not bashing drum-kit behind Milk or belting boy band jams with the Dear Abbeys, I lock myself in my room and write music. Then, I plug-in the axe and record the whole mess. Following that, I spend lovely months meticulously mixing. The whole thing – it’s a sideproject of mine I like to call Easy Elliot, and the third album I just released is called ACETONE. It can be listened to on BandCamp. Or ‘liked’ on Facebook.
Why the name? Well, my dad walked in the room while I was mixing the last song, called “Poets”, with a cotton ball doused in acetone (nail polish remover). Being as odd as he is, he then proceeded to light it on fire. Its flame was a beautiful blue. After a minute of glowing and sparking, he blew out the fire and the cotton ball remained un-singed. Amazing: such a strong chemical that can strip almost any material from its host, yet when it burns so beautifully it leaves the host unscathed. I was mesmerized. I hope that this album tickles your ears the way the blue flame of acetone tickled my eyes. And wipes your slate clean.
It’s strange to think I stepped on campus all the way back in mid-August. It’s strange to think I’m already into my second semester of college. It’s strange to finally experience how freaking cold it is here (Geez!). It’s strange to think I’m back in chemistry again (ew). And it’s strange to think I was just home and now I’m back already.
Hmm.
A lot of things seem strange to me, I guess.
One thing that doesn’t seem strange to me? I can’t seem to choose a favorite album from 2012. But, then again, what’s really new? A lot of great albums were released this year – some were expected and some were pleasant surprises, if I do say so myself.
Anyway it’s a new year and I thought it would be a great idea to do a little recap of my favorite albums from 2012 (Dale, I swear I had this post saved before the break, haha).
Hope everyone’s break went well and that they slept tons and had lots of good homemade meals, because I know I did!
Til next time,
Ayolah
Ed Sheeran – Give Me Love [from + (Deluxe Edition)]
Kendrick Lamar – Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst (from good kid, m.A.A.d city)
Okay, not really. But it’s certainly starting to feel like it outside. I’ve already placed handmade snowflakes in the window of my dorm room. And Starbucks has pulled out their holiday cups, and you know that when Starbucks pulls out the decorations, Christmas is finally here.
Actually, I started listening to Christmas music right after Halloween. Yeah, I’m one of those people.
Ah, yes, I can feel the judgment as I type this.
Hmph, whatever. No shame, no shame.
I’m sure all of you can’t wait to be home with your loved ones and homemade cookies and presents and snow and 25 Days of Christmas (because Christmas movies is one of the best parts of Christmas, uh-huh) and lastly, Christmas music (the absolute best part of Christmas!).
My mind is going blank – must be a symptom from studying too much. Christmas needs no explanation, anyway.
Here are some of my favorite songs that I always looked forward to every Christmas.
……..
So…good luck with finals and have a good break!
Ayolah
Baby, It’s Cold Outside – GLEE
Hate all you want, but this version is really lovely. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love some Klaine? I’m still in tears over their recent breakup.
Let It Snow – Boyz II Men
I love Boyz II Men, but I love this song even more. It’s so sweet.
This Christmas - Donny Hathaway
Self-explanatory.
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Timeless, but I’m sure you know that. I hate it when people remake this song – no one does it quite like Nat does.
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
Yes, it glorifies the whole gold digger-sugar daddy complex and the whole issue with Christmas losing its true meaning because of presents and blah blah blah. Sultry and sexy, Eartha Kitt does it like no other.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – The Jackson Five
It’s a nice little twist to the usuals, but I love it so it works well.
I feel like you guys are really going to judge me for this, but I’m including a few slow songs for the couples out there. Enjoy (but actually though).
Christmas Eve – Justin Bieber
Well, then. Cute, but it’s still rather suggestive, yeah? I mean, come on, Justin. “You leave some cookies out / Imma eat em all.” Chris Brown should have just put this on his album instead of just writing and producing it. It’s quite obvious Chris was involved with the making of this song.
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Santa Claus is Back in Town – Elvis Presley
This last one is strictly for your amusement. Enjoy your holiday!
I know, I know; you’re stressed. You had four papers due this week and eleven midterms and sixty-two chemistry problem sets and then your car caught on fire and you broke your leg after you tripped over your shoelaces (even though you were wearing flip-flops), and life just sucks.
But given the option, which would you prefer: to wallow in pre-finals self pity, or to feel as happy, relaxed, and without-worry as a cat anesthetized with ketamine? I think the answer is pretty obvious.
With finals just around the corner, it can be extremely easy to get yourself caught up in the hype and forget that no matter what, you’re still going to be well and breathing in about two weeks from now. Get those teeth away from the bloody little nubs that used to be your fingernails and just try to remember that everything will be alright!
In order to try to calm some of those poor suffering nerves of yours, here is a playlist of 15 songs meant to soothe the soul with sunshine. These tunes always boost my mood, and hopefully they can give you some relief, as well!
That is, it’s time for my next post in the Soundtrack Lovin’ series! And this post is being dedicated to another favorite movie of mine - Save the Last Dance (2001). It’s about a white girl whose mother dies suddenly so she is forced to move to a very urban, largely African-American populated part of Chicago with her estranged father. Having to, of course, switch schools to a predominantly black school, she meets a black guy and the two bond over their love of dance while facing interracial relationship challenges; he also helps her rediscover her forgotten love for ballet. It’s a lovely movie, really. It features Julia Styles and Sean Patrick Thomas, who provides major eye candy for the ladies.
The soundtrack is really slammin’ (that’s some slang from the movie) and and I really hope you guys take a chance to listen to it or at least watch the movie.
Ayolah
You Make Me Sick – P!nk
And most people don’t even know about P!nk’s R & B days.
Crazy – K-Ci & JoJo
Only You – 112 (feat The Notorious B.I.G. & Mase)
And my personal favorites…
You Can Do It – Ice Cube (feat. Mack 10 & Ms. Toi)
I really wish I could have found a video for this scene on YouTube because this is honestly one of the best parts of the movies. Sarah (Julia Styles) has been learning how to dance with a little bit of flavor from Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas) and she finally showcases a routine he taught her at the local club. The routine is widely loved, of course.
You – Raphael Saadiq (feat. Q-Tip & Snoop Dogg)
Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus & Pliers
This is one of the BEST dance songs. EVER. And I’m still listening to it years later and it was first released in the 1990s. I think that’s saying something. This scene from the movie is also really awesome.
I’d say it was about five to ten years ago. The female hip hop game is seriously lagging. Back in the 80s and 90s, there was a plethora of female rappers to listen to: Yo-Yo, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Left Eye, and probably a ton of people I’m forgetting. And even during the years of 2000 to about 2005, I’d say we had a few female rappers: Missy Elliott, Eve, etc.
Sorry (but not really) to say it, but Nicki Minaj just isn’t cutting it these says. Being the woman I am, I feel it’s okay to have a strong foundation of male rappers, such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, etc, that are around, but I think it’s always been reassuring to have women as well.
That’s why I’ve decided to provide a list of songs by female rappers that I think are exemplary of good music. Some are old songs, and some are new. Anyway, enjoy the music!
Ayolah
Brandy – I Wanna Be Down (Remix) (feat. MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, & Yo-Yo)
AND if you’re looking for up-and-coming female rappers, here are two to interest you. I don’t really know much about current music. I indulge in the oldies, to be honest. But these two ladies have been listed on GlobalGrind’s 10 Favorite Up and Coming Female Rappers as of February 2012. Check ‘em out!
