Dig On Jay-Z's Unplugged Album

P&B brings you the "Dig On" Classic Album Series.  We'll delve into our vaults to discuss the records that have profoundly impacted our musical tastes.  The albums we present are considered essential to anyone's record collection. In the end, you can't understand the present (or future) until you "Dig On" the past

image via geminihiphop.com

Hip Hop Kingpin Becomes Affable Showman for this Intimate, Stripped-Down Performance

"Welcome to Jay-Z's Poetry Reading!"

These are the first words uttered by Mr. Shawn Carter as he takes the stage for what will turn out to be an exclusive, intimate performance.

Jay-Z: Unplugged, released on December 18th, 2001, is the record that changed my attitude towards the hip hop superstar.

The Surge of Frank Ocean

photo via hiphop-n-more.com

If you read the P&B blog on the regular, you've seen Paqman's recent posts about Tyler, the Creator; the undisputed leader of hip hop's most shocking and envelope-pushing youth group, Odd Future (aka OFWGKTA - Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All).

And yes, Tyler is certainly the most visible of the group's members, especially following his recent MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist.

However....there's another kid in his crew that deserves some immediate attention.

His name is Frank Ocean.

Friday Flashback - Turning Over A New Pepper Edition

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give It Away"

This video stunned me when I first saw it cause it was so visually innovative. Released in 91 and directed by noted French fashion photographer and director Stéphane Sednaoui, "Give It Away" won a few MTV VMAs in 92 including "Breakthrough Video" and "Best Art Direction". Well deserved.

We are dedicating this Rick Rubin produced track to former band member John Frusciante and the release of their new album "I'm With You" featuring new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who played in a few bands but is know as a session musician. He worked with Gnarls Barkley, Beck, PJ Harvey and the Butthole Surfers.

Click play and get your freak on!

-Paqman

GLAAD Hate On Tyler, the Creator; Claims to Enjoy Any Hateration Thrown His Way

(Photo via okmagazine.com)

2011 is shaping up to be one hell of a year for Tyler and his Odd Future posse. Crooner Frank Ocean is on the brink of super stardom. And now the outspoken Creator is a household name thanks to an MTV VMA win for Best New Artist for "Yonkers" (if you haven't seen it yet, click here). The kid seemed genuinely overwhelmed when he accepted the Moon Man trophy, as evident by his improvised speech and his awkwardness.

A Match Made In Controversial Heaven: Eminem Endorses Tyler, The Creator, Odd Future

(Photo kinda via justifytheory.blogspot.com and artistdirect.com)

Eminem has been know for stirring up some controversy in the past with his crude sense of humor and lyrics. So why wouldn't he give props to the new kings of shock Odd Future and Tyler, the Creator?

In Em's words, from mtv.com:

"I've heard enough to know that it feels like they're pushing boundaries and buttons, and that's definitely one of the things that I'm familiar with, especially when I first came out. I love it, I love the fact that they're doing that. And the dudes can rhyme."

Tyler is getting tons of press and the growing list of influential hip hop players in the game feeling his work will only add to his burgeoning popularity.

So the burning question is: When is Em gonna snag Odd Future for his label and when is the collab gonna drop (or ever happen)? Either way, P&B will keep you informed of any developments.

-Paqman