Fabolous - Beauty Feat Wale (Audio)

I know we all tend to get wrapped up within our daily routine, but right now I want you to take time out of this day to find beauty, or start a new special trend or at least appreciate your surroundings.  

The reason?  

Well, unless you've been under a rock, then you should know today is 12-12-12, the last same digit day that we will see in our lifetime.

With that said, I leave you with a track from Fabolous' The Soul Tape 2, called Beauty featuring Wale.

Beauty comes in many forms.  Find beauty today 12-12-12.

JAMES BROWN & 2PAC – UNCHAINED (THE PAYBACK/UNTOUCHABLE) Audio

 

Quentin Tarantino, one of my 5 film director inspirations, has done it again with DJango Unchained.  DJango (the D is silent) is a film about a slave-turned-bounty hunter who sets out to rescue his wife after she is kidnapped.

To me, being a film director means having control and being in control I think you have a say in which music makes the official soundtrack for your film.

I myself have been doing short films for 4 weeks now (nothing on the level of ANY amateur or pro director, but you have to start somewhere) and each week I encounter something new that inspires me to want to continue on my new film journey.

As I grow to become a true director and not just a passionate wanna be, I intend to have creative control of my films, which means even if its not personally handpicked, I still want to have a say in the music that is chosen, just as I'm sure Mr. Tarantino has done for DJango.

The first single for the soundtrack has been released and its definitely provocative because the people are talking.   Unchained (The Payback/Untouchable) is a fresh new blend on an old school sound mixing vocals from the legendary rapper 2Pac's song Untouchable and none other than the Godfather of Soul James Brown's anthem Big Payback.

This blend is super creative in the sense of who would have thought to put these two legends together for a song, let alone use it as the lead single for a new movie.  Two words.  "Bold statement."  I love this track Unchained for the sheer engineering/production aspect alone.

Although Mr. Brown and Mr. Shakur are no longer with us, their music will live on forever and now with the addition of this posthumous remix, forever is a mighty long time because forever now includes...the afterworld.

T.I. - Sorry Feat Andre 3000

T.I.'s forth coming album entitled Trouble Man is coming soon, until then, hopefully this track Sorry featuring Andre 3000 should hold all of us southern lyricist fans over.

Rihanna - Diamonds (Remix) Feat Kanye West (Audio)

Perfect Timing.  Perfect song.  Perfect time to start blogging again.  I can always tell when its November (Scorpio Season and My birthday) by my luck seeming to fall my way, like that one time bumping into Usher's Uncle for Tickets to the concert, but I digress.

I think Kanye West and Rihanna must have seen my TRILLION tweets Begging for this remix.  Or maybe not because I did ask for Jay as well.  I thought the THREE of them together ran the town? Oh well.  Beggers can't be choosers.

T.I. - Love This Life (Official Video)

Its the King...

T.I. is back with his first video from the Trouble Man forth coming LP.  I personally like this song and think the video is a great compliment to a great track.  


This video also reminds me that if you really want the best things, work harder to go get them.  Plain and simple.  


In retrospect, sometimes people get caught up with the green pastures in the other yard and want what they think are "better" things, but the truth is they should always appreciate, value and cherish their own life first while working towards their goal.


My Dad always says, value what you have.  In the journey to find better, you may find the life you already had was what you always wanted anyway.

NBA Finals: Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!

Everything happens for a reason.  Check out Kevin Durant and Lebron James working out together during the NBA Lock Out.

This year's NBA Finals pits the 2012 NBA Scoring Champ, Kevin Durant against the 2012 NBA's Most Valuable Player, Lebron James.  This historic matchup it the first time the scoring champ has faced the MVP in the Finals since Michael Jordan played Karl Malone in 1997.

I think we all know how that went down.

The question is, who will be crowned the NEW King of NBA?

OKC Thunder Vs. Miami Heat.

What are your Predictions???

Nas - Daughters (Official Video)

Unfortunately, hip hop is vastly lacking when it comes to upbeat intellectual songs nowadays.

Leave it up to Nas to change the norm once again with his new track "Daughters."

Not your average single, but then again, Nas has  never been your average rapper.

Check out the new video and tell us what you think!

Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz and Kanye West - Mercy (Official Video)

Most rappers taste level ain't at my waist level...

No Church In The Wild - Video Review?

Since being released earlier this week, the video for "No Church In The Wild" has caused major uproar, mainly because it doesn't feature Jay Z or Kanye West anywhere during the five minute plus timeframe.

Instead, it seems to represent an underlying theme that is becoming more and more prevalent in the music they've made together recently:

                          question religion, humanity, and everything surrounding it.

Directed by Romain Gavras, this video is extremely political and controversial, and quite frankly I could probably write a 20 page essay examining the theories/ opinions surrounding this detailed piece of art, but I'll keep it simple and summarize the main points that come to mind.

The video opens with a man holding a Molotov cocktail in his hand, it's apparent there's many supporters willing to fight this war with him.

 He then launches the flaming bottle at a barricade of police, and a riot ensues.

Jay Z's verse has the eerie lines:

"lies on the lips of a priest/ Thanksgiving disguised as a feast..."

Then he goes on to ask:

 "Is Pious pious cause God loves pious? 

Which seems to reiterate the ongoing "myth" that Jay Z doesn't believe in man made religions, some go as far to say he's involved with the Illuminati.

 Interestingly enough he compares himself to a God at the end of the verse:

"Jesus was a carpenter, Yeezy he laid beats/ Hova flow the Holy Ghost, get the hell up out your seats, PREACH" 

During the mayhem, clips are constantly shown of Greek God Statues, and as the riot in the video displays more violence, the statues are shown covering their eyes, almost as if to say "not even Gods can support this madness anymore."

On the back of one of the helmets belonging to a riot team member, is P94, which ironically enough can be quickly translated to Precinct 94 in Brooklyn, NY, fairly close to where Jay Z grew up and also well known for having the Pope visit in the mid 70s.

Following his visit, a street next to the precinct was named after him.

In the video, the rioters are fighting against the "enforcers" who are wearing P94 helmets quite often.

Why the number, there's got to be some significance behind it right?

Is this another "not so hidden" symbol blatantly denouncing government/ religion as a whole?
 
Kanye's lyrics go further into detail concerning the possible formation of "a new religion," and the destruction of religions as our society understands them.

"We formed a new religion, no sins as long as there's permission/ and deception is the only felony." 

The new religion seems to be centered on subjective reality, the idea that everything is ego driven, or in other words, each person should embrace his/ her beliefs and that's all that really matters. (research Thomas Nagel if you want further detail)

What do you think this video represents? Am I reading too far into the lines? Does Jay Z really think he's God or a God? Has he completely lost faith in our society and government regulations?

Or is he simply leaving a bunch of "clues" out there for fans like myself to purposely discover?

Being the keen business man Jigga's shown to be, knowing that drama sells, and will continue to in the foreseeable future?

I'll stop selling dreams now and let everybody formulate their own opinion........ enjoy the video.

Happy Memorial Day From Your Family At SSD

Too many people take Memorial Day for granted. They spend their holiday getting boozed up, relaxing at the beach, and looking at the day as an excuse to not be at work.

What they SHOULD be doing is taking the time out to thank a veteran for their service, or to simply reach out to a currently enrolled soldier, and THANK THEM for our freedom.

Personally, I feel that Americans too often take our magnificent country for granted and are so hypocritical to say that they'd rather live somewhere else. Move to a third world country for a month, I can guarantee you, you'll be crying, pleading, and begging for your freedom in no time.

I'm blessed to say I've had many relatives fight for this country, several of my closest friends are currently serving our country, and my own father is honored enough to have his body laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

So before you crack a can of beer open today or throw some hot dogs on the grill, pick up the phone, and thank a soldier or veteran today.

Then enjoy the rest of your holiday, but NEVER forget where your freedom comes from, or the people who've given their lives and STILL put themselves in the line of fire to make it a reality.

That being said, Happy Memorial Day from $TOP $ELLING DREAM$ .......... And an extended salute to all of our troops overseas, get home safe gentlemen, we can't thank you enough for your courage.

That's That ISH I Don't Like...

I had a whole novel I was going to write but instead I will keep it simple.  Anyone giving false hope or Selling Dreams, that's that ish I don't Like.

Keep it real, keep it honest, keep it moving.

If you ever wanna call someone out for something you don't like, reference this post as your meme! :)  

Have a happy Friday!

Congrats To Jessica Sanchez

San Diego's Jessica Sanchez American Idol 2012 Runner Up
Photo By: Mark Davis/Getty Images

Tonight, San Diego native Jessica Sanchez became the runner up for Season 11 of American Idol .  Many thought with her mesmerizing voice she would be a shoe in to win, but the winner Philip Phillips won with a record setting 132 million votes.

Even though she came in second, you can rest assured she will be just as successful as if she had won seeing that her voice has been shared with the world.

Hats Off to Jessica Sanchez because honestly second or even third place isn't bad out of the millions that try out every year.

DJ Khaled - Take It To The Head feat Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne

Finally, one of my favorite songs this year has dropped the visuals to go along with the track.  DJ Khaled's Take It To The Head features Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne.  

If you pay close attention, you may realize that the video is set in a VERY familiar place.  My first thought was, "Um, I've been there before." 

Tiesto @ Intervention Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Intervention Summer Pool parties at San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel usually bring the hottest world Class DJ's. This past Sunday was business as usual as Tiesto stopped by for a DJ set.  No big deal right?

Check out the rest of the photos from Intervention Here.

Nicki Minaj - Right By My Side Feat Chris Brown (Official Video)

Today Nicki Minaj released the visuals for Right By My Side featuring Chris Brown in which Nas plays the leading man in the story-line.

I actually like this song which happens to be one of my favorites on her latest album. I definitely prefer Nicki singing more so than Roman's crazy, deranged high-pitched rapping.

Calvin Harris - Let's Go Feat Ne-Yo (Official Video)

Calvin Harris just keeps dropping bombs.  This time is no different with his latest visuals for Let's Go featuring Ne-Yo.

This song comes just in time for summer to give you a reason to get up, get out and do something.  Whenever you need motivation to do something, let Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo take you where you need to go.  Its now or never.

DJ Quik @ Mynt Thursdays

Recently DJ Quik touched down in San Diego for a live performance at Mynt Thursdays.  Quik rocked the crowd by DJing, performing and sharing champagne with the people.  The essence of a true artist and performer, it was an honor to photograph this living legend.

I've been fortunate enough to photograph some wonderful artists, but shooting DJ Quik was an awesome experience.  This man has worked with damn near every urban artist in the industry so working with him was like working with the other artists including 2Pac and Easy-E meaning I could feel their spirits.

His set included taking it back to the old school as well as bringing the crowd current with some fresh Young Jeezy tracks.  With a talented, timeless artist such as DJ Quik, the phrase Real Recognize Real is an understatement.

More photos courtesy of afterdarc.net FB Page.

RIP Junior Seau

The San Diego Community has lost a great hero and my condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.  After photographing so many of his wonderful charitable and “fun-filled” events, I’m shocked, saddened and devastated by this tragedy.  I am honored to have been a photographer for such a great human being… RIP Junior…

Rihanna - Where Have You Been (Official Video)

#Finally, all Dance Crews can unite.

Shock G @ Mynt Thursdays

Shock G recently stopped by Hard Rock Hotel for a live performance at Mynt Thursdays.

The Digital Underground co-founder kept it funky for the crowd and eventually made his way to the bar to share some shots with the people.  Check out the rest of the photos courtesy of afterdarc.net's FB page.

Perfection! Baylor 40-0

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

By John Altavilla, Tribune Newspapers

DENVER – Notre Dame and Baylor used the same prod to propel themselves through the season.

Their meeting Tuesday for the NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship at the Pepsi Center was a crusade, each team intent on righting past wrongs: Notre Dame’s loss in last year’s title game, Baylor’s elimination in last season’s Elite Eight.

Texas A&M, the defending national champion, left them both in a bad mood last season. So each program embraced slogans dealing with their unfinished business.

But there would be just one campaign celebrated in a mile-high shower of confetti. And the first piece should have dropped on the head of the game’s tallest figure, Baylor’s 6-foot-8 center, Brittney Griner, who was named the Final Four's most outstanding player.

She was the one, a presence as well as the punctuation mark, who blocked the light at the end of Notre Dame’s tunnel.

Led by Griner, who scored 26 points, with 13 rebounds and five blocks, and coaxed on by an energized coach, Kim Mulkey, Baylor defeated Notre Dame 80-61 to win its second national championship.

In the process, Baylor completes the first 40-0 season in the history of the sport. That’s finished business, a good year’s work.

The Irish (35-4), the Big East’s regulars-season champion, were led by junior guard Skylar Diggins, who had 20 points. But no one in green could rebound with the Lady Bears, who had a 46-27 advantage. And that was crushing to the Irish, who are 0-3 in national championship games since 2001.

The Irish lost to Baylor by 13 points in Waco, Texas on Nov. 20, perhaps the worst game they played this season. It was a performance fraught with bad shooting and a critical rebounding deficit fueled by the Baylor posts, Griner and Destiny Williams, who combined for 47 points (32 from Griner), 27 rebounds and five of Griner’s 201 regular-season blocks.

The Irish hoped their experience, accentuated by the grit of fifth-year players Devereaux Peters and Brittany Mallory, plus the magic of Diggins and Natalie Novosel, would be able to make up the difference.

It wasn’t enough. Notre Dame, which led 9-8 in the opening minutes, fought back from a 14-point, first-half deficit with 6:53 to play. They were within three, 42-39, with 15:27 to play, relying primarily on guile.

But there simply wasn’t anything they could do to compensate for what nature gave Griner - and Griner gave Baylor.

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

Rocawear Features Jay-Z in Commercial for The 1st Time

Rocawear ad features Jay-Z for the 1st Time.

Although the founder has been featured in several print ads, Jay-Z has never been featured in a Rocawear television commercial.

I find this interesting because in business and in art, you always have to find ways to reinvent yourself to remain relevant to the times.  Maybe Jay knew to stay away in order to make it a big deal if he eventually did.  Who Knows.

Through the times, Jay-Z has remained relevant through his obvious success more so than just Jay-Z the rapper but as Jay-Z the brand.  I guess he really is not just a business man, but a Business, man!

You KNOW I had to do it...

Bonus: Jay-Z - Coming Of Age feat Mempis Bleek (Rocawear Commercial Background Music)

Nicki Minaj - Champion Feat Drake, Young Jeezy & Nas (New Music)

A new Nicki Minaj song has just leaked called Champion feat Nas, Drake & Young Jeezy.

The line up is pretty fresh fantasy dream team like.

When I first saw the tracklist, this song stood out the most to me.  Now that its here, I'm ready to hear it.  So here it goes.

DJ Jazzy Jeff @ Mynt Thursdays

Last Thursday @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego's Mynt Thursdays, DJ Jazzy Jeff graced San Diego with His DJ King's presence.

Check out more photos courtesy of Ivan S. Harris for Afterdarc.net

Young Jeezy @ House Of Blues San Diego

Young Jeezy's Hustlers Ambition Tour recently stopped through San Diego. 

More photos courtesy of Ivan S. Harris for Exclusive Access.

AMEX Presents Jay-Z Live @ SXSW (Full

I waited a few days to post this video specifically to consume the backlash of public opinion from both sides.  What I learned from the aftermath of JiggaMan: SXWS was just as life, some people hated the performance saying since he fumbled verses he's too old and needs to retire while others praised it as pure Gold.

The fact that this concert streamed live via youtube where fans could interact by choosing songs for Jay-Z to perform was amazing.

Truthfully, if he was performing so many songs including ones chosen for him to perform randomly, who cares if he fumbled through a few lines on two songs out of the 20 plus songs performed, seriously?

Some people hate you, some people love you.  Some people hate Art, others love that same piece of Art.  I guess the truth is ART not only imitates life, ART is Life.

My personal opinion of JiggaMan: SXSW is until another Rapper can even accomplish performing this caliber concert (including NOT fumbling ANY of THEIR lyrics for 90 minutes) I will crown them.  For now, Jay-Z's accomplishments up until this past Monday leave him standing alone as the king of Rap.

In My Opinion, the closest competition of course would be Nas or Eminem, but neither Nas nor Eminem have a song with Sade or are they married to Queen Beyonce.  I know, I know... I could debate others as well, but I will leave that debate for another time.

HAHA...seriously, if you missed the show live, check out the concert video courtesy of VEVO.

Wale - Ambition feat. Meek Mill & Rick Ross (Official Video)

It seems Wale wants to keep the streets laced with heat by dropping his latest visuals for the album title track Ambition featuring Meek Mills and Rick Ross.

I always liked this track off of the album, so any time I see an artist actually drop a video for any one of my favorite songs is always a plus.

Anyway, much love to @missinfo and @Rickyrozay for headsup about the new video dropping today.

Drake - Club Paradise Tour Finale (After Party)

Last night, Drake finished his Club Paradise Tour in San Diego with an afterparty for the ages.  Apparently, one of San Diego's first super night clubs On Broadway Event Center (OBEC) closed its doors for the last time after 12 years with a going away party no one could ever dream of.

With Drake finishing his tour and On Broadway closing its doors, Drake brought the high energy from the concert straight to the Stage with no signs of letting up until the very end.

I was honored to shoot the finale on both ends seeing as On Broadway was one of the first clubs I worked with after moving to San Diego to pursue dreams of "photography".

Drake was very cool and interacted with the crowd showing he was happy to party it up, but ready to wrap up the long tour as well... hence the finale afterparty.

Anyway, make sure you check out the photos from Drake's Afterparty/Tour Finale HERE.