Kendrick Lamar - Don't Kill My Vibe (Remix) Feat Jay-Z [New Music]

Not to be outdone by the wife, Jay drops the remix to Kendrick Lamar's smash hit, "Don't Kill My Vibe."

Splash is Killing the game by dropping the non tagged version...Props to that site.

Justin Timberlake - Suit & Tie feat Jay-Z (Official Video)

Word on the street is Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake may be going on tour together.  Until this is confirmed, this new Suit & Tie video will have to hold us over.

JT and JZ, eh? Hmmmmm (scratches chin).

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.

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)

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.

OTIS Video - Jay Z and Kanye West

Who destroys a brand new $375,000 Maybach?

Well apparently Jay Z and Kanye West do..........for fun.

The superstar duo recently released their video for the hit single "OTIS" off their long awaited "Watch The Throne" album. The album shattered previous I Tunes records (the album was only released digitally) last week and easily debuted at #1 on the Billboard chart with an estimated $436,000 copies sold in it's first week.

In the video, Jay and 'Ye take blowtorches and chainsaws to the expensive whip, literally "blowin' the roof off."

They then hop in the converted Maybach for a joyride with some sexy models around an empty parking lot with an American flag waving in the background.

It's easy to see that these two rap icons are truly living the American dream.

The whole world seems to be dealing with negativity if you turn on your local news stations, so it's nice to see that somebody out there is still having fun with this life.

Video link is below.... what do you think about the album itself StopSellingDreams readers? Worth the wait or overrated? Let's debate!!!!!!

Blow My High Video Premiere - K Street

Some of the most memorable and successful music videos haven’t involved luxurious cars, cruise ships, and expensive jewelry, but rather a deeper look into an artist’s personal life.

K Street’s new video for his hit single “Blow My High” achieves just that as the Boston bred emcee brings viewers back to a mid 90s type of vibe with shots of his illustrious city and scenes of him and fellow DC FAM member Suits the Role Model laying down their lyrics in the studio,.

Add to the video a young version of K Street listening to tracks as a child, then fast forward to a scene with the present day artist getting ready to record his next hit and you have the perfect recipe for proving to Nas another reason why Hip Hop is far from dead.

“Blow My High” is a dynamic track that showcases the upcoming artist’s versatile flow and is bound to be the next feel good jam of the summer out in Boston, so Jammin' 94.5 DJ's better have their rotations ready.

The fast paced rhythm of the song compliments K Street’s creative punch lines and charismatic delivery to perfection, as he breezes over the beat, delivering elaborate prophecies of him conquering the rap game with a Jay Z -like hustler’s aura surrounding him.

K Street’s major inspiration for this hit single was his struggle with bridging the gap between pop and hip-hop without losing his cherished street savvy.

However, don’t you dare make the mistake of trying to call it “hip pop.”

The single has already captured the ears of clubbers and street hustlers alike, while allowing DC FAM’s prodigal son to stay true to himself and his urban persona at the same time.

“Blow My High” further proves that nobody, haters and executives alike, will ever blow K’s musical high or shine.

Call his style on the track suede, because the ambitious rapper has already mastered what most rappers refer to as swagger.

A Hater's Job Is Never Finished...

I believe the saying goes, if you truly have "haters" then you are doing something right. I really feel this statement to be true because even though people will "talk" regardless of what you do, if you are on your grind people will almost always have something to say.

*sidenote: As a kid growing up, when I would do something wrong and started crying, before my mother would do anything else she would say "why are you crying, if you keep crying, I will give you something to cry about" meaning an old school disciplinary whooping. Believe me, I would shape up after that avoiding any further action from happening.

With that in mind, to this day I say if people are going to cry, speak or talk good or bad about you why not give them something to actually talk about.

For years, I have heard people say Beyonce can't sing and she's not talented and she is this and that...you know, people "talking". Well, I don't know what you think about her, but this behind the scenes rehearsal video with no mic or sound effects should shut a few mouths for the time being.

I know, I know... people will still have something to say. Oh well, we should all take a lesson from Bey and keep it moving while not letting any hater stop progress.

s/o to www.MTV.com for the video.

View BTS Rehearsal Video Here.

Sade - Moon And The Sky (Remix) feat Jay-Z (Leak)

I believe we have truly found the secret to immortality and it is through art. The lasting impression that an artistic expression be it audible or visual can make something ultimately last forever.

The same goes for the classics masterpieces whether it be a painting, photograph or song can never be forgotten whether the piece be from a foreign land, present time, past or different culture.

Sade stands alone as the Queen of the most passionate, intricate blend of R&B, Jazz and Soul and her music speaks volumes to those hearts the songstress has touched.

Jay-Z, another King in his own right has rose to the top of a genre known to posess the power of persuasion through poetry set to music i.e. rap.

With the two of the powers combined the chemsitry is an immacualte twist of perfection.

I could pump this song up, but I would rather let the music speak for itself no cliche intened.

s/o to Jay-Z's new blog Life and Times for the link.

Sade - Moon And The Sky (Remix) Feat Jay-Z

Sade - Still In Love With You

Okay, lets be honest? Who's just as excited as I am to hear ANY new music from Sade especially new music featuring Jay-Z and production from Noah "40" Shebib?

Yes, the "40" that rap superstar Drake so often refers to who has produced such hits as Unthinkable, I'm Single, Successful and Fall For Your Type will produce a collaboration of epic proportions for Sade and Jay-Z!

All I can say is ...Whoa! In the mean time, her majesty has laced the people with one of four new songs to be featured on Sade's upcoming Ultimate Collection album entitled Still In Love With You.

Don't Thank me, Thank Them Later...

S/O to Complex Magazine and 2 Dope Boyz for the heads up!

Old School, New School You Need To Learn Though...

Being a photojournalist and lover of ART, I am always compelled to partake in the latest and greatest of the beloved subculture of Art which we know as "music".

Whether it be alternative, rock, pop, hip-hop, R&B or even spoken word, it always moves me to see new found talent find its way in a pool amongst a host of giants, superstars and Mega-Talented artists.

Since there is nothing new under the sun, it's interesting and spectacular how truly creative, gifted artists can still find a way to make their material new and fresh for the times.

When I think back to my pops, and my grandfather, I think about how each of our respective generations view the other generations music and to a certain extent we are at ends but we still appreciate certain aspects of it.

After seeing my generation become the "older heads" now, its interesting to see how my perspective has gone from the young, hipster to becoming "the Old man" telling the new young kids to turn that racket off.

As I become the old head I do however have to wonder what's wrong with this new generation? When did it stop being COOL to be a veteran? It seems like that is all you hear now a days from youngsters wet behind the ears disregarding those that paved the way.

I would never discredit any person that came before me, but now it seems the "new school" gets a kick out of dissing anyone older than them. How can you diss"respect" someone that paved the way for you? Its okay to be competitive and think you are the best, but where does any new school person have the right to disrespect someone older.

For example, I am a photographer, a pretty damn good one at that, but why in the world would I disrespect world reknown, sensational photographers such as Annie Leibovitz or Gordon Parks to make a name for myself?

In the past, I recall Lil Wayne saying some remarks about Jay-Z and I wondered, "um, the audacity?" Now you have Lil B The Based God & Tyler the Creator, (who??? yeah I know) apparently taking shots a Kanye West?

Seriously, this new school mentality is insanity to me. Nasir Jones would never diss Rakim, Jay-Z would not take shots at Big Daddy Kane, and 2Pac nor BIG sure would come at Ice-T or Run DMC sideways just to make a name for themselves.

The respect has been earned by these legends and pioneers of the game and should definitely be given that due respect. This respect should be given especially since these artists successfully performed in an era completely different from today's Internet based industry driven by greed more say than passion and the love of the art.

To be clear, I'm not knocking any new school artist grinding and doing their thing, but let's be honest, these new cats have a long way to go before they can box with the throne. To these new guys trying to make a name for them selves, the solution is simple. Stop talking down on pioneers that did it better and longer than you, just make great music for the next 20 years and then after that, make your comments accordingly.

Decoding Jay-Z

“Question your reality and you might just discover your dreams along the way.” - ME

Shawn Corey Carter is one of the most successful businessmen of our generation.

However, the majority of our society recognizes him as his rap name alias, Jay- Z.

His long anticipated recent autobiography “Decoded” is literally the story of the American Dream and how a poverty stricken, confused young man from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn defied all expectations and never gave up on his dream, even if it meant going through hell to reach his version of heaven.

“Decoded” is broken down into four different chapters revolving around his coming of age and leading up to current day issues.

In each chapter, he dissects several of his song’s lyrics so the reader can get a better understanding of the actual meaning of the song and his inspirations for recording it.

The epitome of the classic rags to riches story, Jay-Z is on another level and the small sample of his real life endeavors he reveals in “Decoded” is something one may think they’d only see in movies.

He has 11 number one albums, his own clothing line, a private jet, recently bought his wife Beyonce her own private island, has maintained one of the most successful independently funded record companies of all time, and played a major role in helping our country elect President Obama, whom he speaks with frequently and has already committed to playing an even larger role supporting Obama in the next presidential election.

Not bad for a poor young man from a single mother family, who felt heartbroken after his father walked out on his family and three other siblings when he was eleven years old.

After his father walked out on his family, Jay-Z was extremely upset and felt like if he his own father didn’t want him, who would?

But instead of allowing himself to give up, he followed the advice that he can faintly remember his father telling him at a young age, beware of all of your surroundings and question everything, even the obvious.

His style of rhyme writing is much like his tumultuous life in general, he jumps around from style to style, goes off on tangent on numerous occasions, and uses half rhymes to create what is arguably the most versatile and complex flow the industry has ever seen.

From chart topping singles like “Big Pimpin,” to social commentary dissecting the flaws in our society like “Meet the Parents,” Jay Z can ignite the club dance floor and make you contemplate life’s obstacles all without even breaking a sweat.

Initially, Jay Z didn’t want to be a legend, he just happened to become one.

From meeting Bono of U2, to hanging out with former President Bill Clinton, having a sit down meeting with Michael Jordan, and even proving Noel Gallagher of Oasis terribly wrong when he was quoted saying “No, I’m not having hip hop at Glastonbury,” and that Jay Z had “FUCKING no chance” of pulling off the performance.

Not only did Jay Z headline at the world renowned Glastonbury Festival, he entered the stage with a guitar draped over his shoulder and performed Oasis’ mega hit “Wonderwall.”

Although Jay singing isn’t quite the most appealing sound, the crowd went wild and the single for “Wonderwall” automatically started flying off charts after the performance, proving the fact that Jay had transcended the gap between hip hop and other genres of music.

He made Gallagher eat his words while proving that he’s way more than a rapper, but rather a visionary artist.

Oddly enough, Jay Z’s rap career officially began when he heard a young man named Slate freestylin’ on the street corner while hordes of people surrounded him as they bobbed their heads and danced to his rhythmic pattern of flows.

An observant young Shawn Carter felt his calling and as he states in “Decoded” when describing the life altering experience he thought to himself:

“All he had were his eyes, taking in everything, and the words inside him. I was dazzled. That’s some cool shit was the first thing I thought. Then I COULD DO THAT!”

From that night on Jay Z began jotting down rhymes whenever and wherever he could, eventually developing such a niche for rhyming that he eventually no longer had to write his music, it began flowing freely off his tongue whenever he heard a beat.

One thing I find phenomenally interesting about his fine piece of literary work is the fact that he’s completely honest to his readers and holds nothing back.

He takes credit for the incredible achievements he’s attained for himself, his family, friends, and our society in general.

However, the most commendable thing he does is pinpointing his many flaws, fessing up to dealing a ridiculous amount of crack cocaine in the late 80s and early 90s.

Those decisions are something that he’s not proud of, but he felt at the time were his only way out of poverty and into the music business that he desired to one day become extremely successful in.

He even confesses to the assault charge that was brought against him in 1999 stemming from an altercation with former friend and record executive Lance “Un” Rivera who had allegedly leaked Jay Z’s album “Volume 3…. Life and Times of S. Carter.”

When he addresses the situation in the book, he admits he lost control and regrets that his temper allowed him to disappoint his fans and supporters.

“I realized that I had a choice in life. There was no reason to put my life on the line, and the lives of everyone who depends on me, because of a momentary loss of control ….. I vowed to never allow myself to be in a situation like that again.”

“Decoded” is more than just the story of the evolution of an amazing artist and the growth of hip hop, it’s the story of a young man who’s become a mature adult and one of the most idolized musicians in the world.

The book is a must read for hip hop fans and entrepreneurs alike, nobody has embodied the American Dream more than Jay-Z during our generation.

Kanye West x Jay-Z - H.A.M. (New Music)

Its finally here. H.A.M., the first single from the Jay-Z & Kanye West Collaboration album Watch The Throne has arrived for the people to...______.

Exactly. With an album collaboration of this magnitude, everyone has something to say, negative, positive and everything in between. I could go on and on about this and that, but I will let the music speak for itself.

Kanye West x Jay-Z - H.A.M.

Jay-Z On The Cover Of Forbes

I'm just going to say it. Jay-Z never ceases to amaze me. He is the epitome of an artist having a dream, setting a goal and always believing in them selves until they reach that goal.

Jay-Z appears on the latest cover of Forbes magazine. This is the same person that could not get a record deal, and was turned down by all the record labels he went to, so of course he made his own.

Basically, Shawn Corey Carter a.k.a Jay-Z has showed us if you want to get things done, you have to take matters in your own hands.

The reality is that you can have whatever you want if you believe and never take no for an answer. Of course Jay-Z already proved he believed that theory by marrying Beyonce.

Jay Z and Eminem- Home and Home Tour 2010 - Yankee Stadium

September 14, 2010 is a day that I will forever remember. I took the 2am Fung Wah Bus from Boston to NYC and arrived at 5:50 am in Manhattan, got off the bus and took the subway straight to Brooklyn to meet up with my high school buddy who now lives 3 blocks from where The Notorious BIG grew up.

After breakfast and a trip to Times Square, we headed back to his pad to get ready for the concert of a lifetime, the show that some hip hop heads have already deemed “our generation’s Woodstock,” it was the conclusion of Jay Z and Eminem’s Home and Home Tour at the new Yankee Stadium.

Walking up to the stadium, I could already sense the excitement amongst fans as they ushered into the venue. Two of hip hop’s most accomplished artists were about to ignite the stage, both of them Grammy award winners and Billboard Kings, not to mention the rumor that both had a few tricks up their sleeves, mainly superstar guest appearances.

The stage was massive and the stadium was sold out for the evening, scalpers were offering up to $300 for upper deck tickets right before show time.

Once the crowd settled in, Eminem’s set began with a recap of the past few years of his life in words across the Yankee Stadium screens. Recently he’s overcome a tumultuous battle with drug addiction and had a hard time coping with the murder of his best friend Proof.

His demons eventually led him to the brink of suicide and right as he hit rock bottom, he bounced back up with last year’s release “Relapse,” which was received with much commercial success but garnered harsh critical ridicule amongst both fans and music critics.

Oddly enough in “Talkin’ to Myself,” a track off of Eminem’s groundbreaking smash hit of the year, “Recovery,” he touches on the subject directly:

“Them last two albums didn’t count /Encore I was on drugs/ Relapse I was flushing them out/ I’ve come to make it up to you/ Now no more f&^king around/ I’ve got something to prove to fans cuz it feels like I let em’ down/ So please accept my apology/ I finally feel like I’m back to normal/ I feel like me again……”

Indeed, Eminem did make it up to fans this year with “Recovery,” and after his short story was told on the screens, he stormed the stage for the first song of the night “Won’t Back Down,” with his traditional hoodie nearly covering his eyes as he hit every lyric on point and looked as agile as he has in years during a live performance, bouncing back and forth across the stage.

After a few tracks off “Recovery,” including “No Love” featuring currently incarcerated rap star Lil Wayne, which prompted the sold out crowd to chant “Free Weezy,” Em brought up and coming artist B.O.B on stage to perform their hit single of the summer “Airplanes Pt. 2.”

Following the first guest appearance, Slim returned to the stage and did a few more classics including the chilling “Stan,”” the award winning song that really branched his music far beyond hip hop as he performed it with Elton John live at the Grammy Awards.

Suddenly a huge roar could be heard from the Yankee Stadium crowd as Queens’ native 50 Cent took the stage. 50 received a very warm reception as he performed “Patiently Waiting” with Eminem, his most memorable hit “In Da Club,” and later had the lights cut out in the stadium and was joined by Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks of G- Unit as they donned glow in the dark outfits and performed “I Get Money,” arguably the most notable performance of the night so far.

That was until Dr. Dre made his way onto the stage and I thought a bomb had gone off in the stadium the crowed roared so damn loud upon his introduction.

Dre came out to perform “Still D.R.E” and then went into “Nothin’ But A G Thang,” with Eminem filling in admirably for Snoop Dogg’s verses.

Following Dre’s exit, Eminem went into current hits off “Recovery,” including a captivating performance of “Love The Way You Lie” (minus Rihanna) before going into old school hits “The Real Slim Shady” and “Without Me,” which about 80% of the crowd tried to rap back to him, bar for bar.

The lights dimmed and Eminem took a few emotional minutes to personally thank his fans for continuing to support him during the past few years of his life changing experiences.

He admitted that he was wrong in so many ways and never wanted to find himself in such a rough place again before the chorus for “Not Afraid” began echoing in and his best performance of the night began.

The whole stadium was rapping along with him as he confessed his sins in the hit song and reminded them that:

“It was my decision to get clean/I did it for me/Admittedly, I probably did it subliminally for you/So I could come back a brand new me/You helped see me through/and don’t even realize what you did/ Believe me you/I been through the ringer/But there’s little they can do to the middle finger/ I got a tear in my eye/I feel like the King of …my world/Haters can make like bees with no stingers and drop dead.”

“Not Afraid” live at Yankee Stadium sent chills down my spine, Em delivered every verse flawlessly and the live band backing him had him dancing across the stage after his final verse, for the first time during a live performance in years, Marshall Mathers looked like he was at peace. Eminem thanked the fans one more time and exited the stage.

However, the crowd wasn’t going to let him get off that easy.

Chants of “Slim,” “Em,” “Marshall,” and of course “E-MI-NEM,” ripped through the sold out crowd, the lights came back on and the superstar delivered his Oscar Winning song from the film “8 Mile” “Lose Yourself.” The fans went wild and I even jumped out of my seat to give him a round of applause.

A short firework show followed his exit, the lights went dim, and on a chilly night in the Bronx thousands began anticipating the entrance of the King of New York.

A strobe light shot down onto the stage as Jay Z rose from below gripping the mic and the thousands of fans in attendance began chanting “HOVA” at the top of their lungs as Brooklyn’s beloved emcee began his opening number, The Intro track from his “The Dynasty: Roc La Familia” album.

After the freestyle, he began a current one in which he rapped:

“Break a record in this b&^ch, HOV/ Hit them with that BALCO.”

Undoubtedly, Jay Z and Eminem were already breaking records with the tour, all four shows had sold out shortly after they went on sale months ago, the previous night’s show was the first ever concert at the new Yankee Stadium, and tonight was the grand finale, which in hip hop slang “would put up MJ Numbers.”

Jay Z knew what was at stake and what he was about to deliver was the most epic performance I’ve ever witnessed live.

After the opening tracks, Jay went into “Run This Town,” flashing strobe lights were everywhere, cameras snapped pictures, and Jay had the crowd do their best impersonation of Rihanna on the chorus before Kanye West ran onto the stage decked out in a bright red suit with gold chains and viciously delivered his closing verse to the hit single off of Jay’s “Blueprint 3” album. Kanye and Jay did a mini-set together as they performed their new hits “Monster,” and the remix to Kanye’s single “Power.”

After the duo mesmerized the fans in attendance, Jay took time for an interlude and spoke about meeting a legend the day before. Apparently, Jay ran across hip hop pioneer Kool Herc the day before and invited Herc to join him at Yankee Stadium for tonight’s concert.

Hova had the crowd give Herc a standing ovation and thanked the hip hop legend for his impact:

“We wouldn’t be here without you.”

After the acknowledgment of Herc’s presence, Kanye jumped into “Good Life,” the most colorful set of the night, as West rapped and the screens on the stage lit up like a carnival. Following Ye’s exit from the stage, Jay brought out legendary producer Swizz Beatz for Hova’s hit “On To The Next One,” before bringing out Slim Shady for their verbal spar “Renegade,” which was released on Hova’s original “Blueprint” album.

After the duo’s performance, Eminem embraced Jay Z and thanked him for the tour, with Jay responding that the feeling was mutual, then Em turned to the fans and once again thanked them for coming out, he was so emotional I thought he was going to shed a tear upon his exit.

The show continued with Jay performing a new single ft. Rick Ross, who was mia for the set, entitled “Free Mason,” in which Jay strikes back at those who believe he is involved with Freemasonry:

“I told you I’m amazin’/ Not that I’m a Mason!”

Jay rapped during the set, which included Christianity symbols portrayed on the screens. Shortly after, up and coming rap superstar Drake joined Jigga on stage for their song “Light Up,” which both emcees breezed through smoothly and Drake donned a Yankee fitted to pay respects to the city he was in.

However, Drake’s performance of “Up All Night,” ft. Nicki Minaj, who joined him on stage, was a little bit rough as he seemed to slip up on a few lines, but most of the fans didn’t even notice (guess I’m just pickyJ)

During his 90 minute set Jay also paid respects to a few of hip hop’s fallen soldiers as he rapped Pimp C’s verse acapella off of “Big Pimpin’” and demanded that the DJ play Notorious BIG’s hits “Juicy,” and “One More Chance,” as he instructed the crowd to rap the lyrics.

Images of New York City began to flash across the screens and the Yankee symbol down on the field was illuminated as the beat kicked in for “Empire State of Mind,” fans raised their cell phone screens and lighters, making the stadium look as if one big light show was going on.

Screams of “BROOKLYN!” “HARLEM!” “QUEENS!” “SOUTH BRONX!” “STATEN SON!” “YONKERS!” “EAST BK!” and of course, my sole “WESTCOAST!” filtered through the stadium as Jay rapped about the city that made him who he is today and dropped his now famous line:

“S%^t I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can.”

However, by far the most captivating song of the night was when Jigga brought out his “wifey” Beyonce to sing the chorus for “Young Forever,” jaws were dropping all around the stadium upon the entrance of the beautiful pop Queen.

Just like in real life, they made a perfect combination on stage, leaving me to believe that true love just might still exist in today’s society.

Beyonce exited the stage and Jigga began to perform “Thank You,” before stopping halfway through and jumping into “Encore,” which many thought would be his swan song for the evening. But the self proclaimed “God Emcee” was far from done.

“New York City it sounds like you’re not ready to go home yet!?”

Jay asked his fans.

Everybody began throwing up the Dynasty Diamond and chanting HOVA, HOVA, HOVA, before Jigga responded: “For anyone who hasn’t been down since “Reasonable Doubt,” you can head to the exit.” Jay Z’s protégé Memphis Bleek joined him for an encore that included verses from old school Jigga hits “Where I’m From,” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” “Best of Me (Remix),” and “Jigga My N&*ga.”

Finally, Jay spent about 15 minutes thanking all the fans in attendance for a memorable night and their continuous support, the lights at Yankee Stadium came on and the thousands of people in attendance ushered toward the exits to jump on the subway or hop in their cars.

On my way out of the stadium it finally donned on me that I had just witnessed history and these artists are truly the voice of our generation.

To say I was inspired by the show would be a major understatement, now more than ever I realize I have to do whatever it takes to make my dreams come true, life is too short to not make your dreams reality………………………

Forever Young ft Beyonce [HD]

Happy Birthday To WHO!?

If there was ever a reason to be motivated to accomplish your goals, I think NOW is the time. So before I say anything else... in the words of Jay-Z, "Catch Up!!!" He'll Show Us How To Do This, Son...

I'm sure its not the first time, but in the eyes of the hip hop community, Jay-Z has set the standard in what it means to truly accomplish your goals and realize your dreams.

This past weekend the Jiggaman bought his wife Beyonce an Island for her 29th birthday.

What did you get for your 29th birthday? I can't wait to see what she will get for the Dirty 30!

The reality is, no matter how big or small the island is, he bought her an island that she can escape to if things ever get too tough.

If that is not motivation, I don't know what is. I would love to be able to buy my __FILL IN THE BLANK HERE__ an Island.

Happy birthday, Bey!

To everyone else, including me...GET TO WORK!

*sidenote: the good thing is now you can slack off for the time being with your gift giving all while saying, "Hey, this is all I have, I'm sorry I can't buy YOU an island!" Ha.

Kanye West - Monster

Looks like Kanye West is making G.O.O.D. on his promise to drop a new song each week. The latest weekly release is Monster featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj.

I'm really feeling this song because its a collaboration of the hottest artists on a hot track. No egos, just good music amongst peers.

Monster is 1 of 5 songs from Kanye West and Jay-z's forthcoming joint album called Watch The Throne.

I can't wait to hear more material.

Anyway, check out the new song courtesy of Kanye West

Kanye West - Monster feat Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver

*Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

*sidenote: I love Kanye's Napoleon Dynamite reference...GOSSSH!

Jay-Z - Good Old Days (DJ Green Lantern Mix)

It really seems like there's nothing like the old school. I know it also seems like they really don't make them like they used to, and I definitely remember the good old days.

I feel like as I get older, the memories keep getting better and the present is just a portal taking me to the future to begin actually living life by reminiscing on past to propel me to become better than I was.

Of course you should never live off of past fame and you should always work hard to become better than you were 5 seconds ago, but when I think of the past, it just reminds me that a lot of times its definitely not like it used to be.

After doing my weekly scroll of acquiring new music, I came across DJ Green Lanterns Jay-Z mixtape Creative Control. Skimming through, I realized some of the music is older Jay-Z material but it reminds me of the glory days.

One song in particular is Good Old Days, blended with Styles P and none other than 2Pac's verse from Old School. The blend is a perfect mastering of three genius rappers telling their recollections of growing up within their respective Burroughs of New York.

What I have learned from just listening to this song is yes we should cherish the old school but as we all get older, we should also realize that each day of life is a chance to do better than we did before.

Anyway, check out DJ Green Lantern's Mixtape Creative Control.

Jay-Z - Good Old Days featuring 2Pac & Styles P

7:07pm Self Motivation Freestyle...

To be honest, I feel like http://www.stopsellingdreams.com/ not only speaks for Ivan S. Harris the photographer, but every artist going through the trials and tribulations searching for success from that goal or dream they seek to reach.

Every once in a while, the speed bumps of life will slow you down. When that happens, its human nature for you to start second-guessing yourself.

The difference between truly successful people and those that never find the pot of gold is successful people take risks, fail, and get back up to dust themselves off and try again.

Success is a subjective state of mind because it is based off the individuals conceptual abyss of what it means to be successful.

The sad part is most people have a materialistic, media based, warped view of success including me. The truth is you shouldn't base the idea of success solely from a monetary value because there are people making millions doing something they absolutely hate doing.

Success is a state of true happiness. If you can make a penny from doing something you love and continue striving for greatness without giving up, that is the only key to open the door to the path of success.

Personally, I feel like to be happy, you have to do something that touches others while making you feel good inside as well.

You also have to think if someone wants to pay you, that means that client respects your art enough to say its valuable to them. Take that as a compliment.

Truthfully, doing something you love and getting paid anything for it is a blessing because some people have dreams that either never get started or give up on before the miracle happens.

The reason I am even writing this is because deep inside yourself (myself) you may feel you are not successful but from the outside looking in you could be viewed as great.

I had a long conversation with my cousin and we both went to college together talking about our dreams. He made me realize I am doing what I said I wanted to do and to not stop at all no matter what.

It's important to remember not to compare yourself to anyone elses progress. You don't know what they have been through to get where they are and the grass could truly be greener on the other side.

As long as you continue to strive for greatness and don't let anyone hinder you from your goals at hand, you will get to where you are going. I believe that wholeheartedly.

I haven't written a piece in a long time and I was inspired by a new freestyle from Drake... I know you're probably saying, "Oh no, not this guy Drake again." As I said before, I relate to Drake's music.

This piece is as Jay-Z would say, just my thoughts man, right or wrong, just what I was feeling at the time." And in my heart, I have a voice that must be heard and a talent that must be exposed.

Drake - 9am Freestyle in Dallas

Anyway,

7:07 Pm Self Motivation...

Set a goal for yourself, don't let anyone tell you different. Make sure you keep it moving when the haters try to tip it.

The bandwagon that is, charge more now you're significant. When your stock rises everyone will try to jump ship.

No one at the bottom now they want to ride for free but didn't help you build the arc so now they pay a fee. Where were they at before?

Remember they thought you were small timin', so for now keep grinding until you're dying. There's always better so you might as well keep trying.

Hold on for dear life, just know your soul's limit. It's only smart to continue if your heart stays in it.

Don't look back just keep pushing, move it forward, positive is your only gimmick. Stand true to your morals never get stuck in the dark. This art vs commerce is a battle very strong.

Remember the people that inspired you keep that in mind it won't take you long. Success will find you, so be prepared to coast, its not work if you do what you absolutely love the most.

Take a look back at your timeline and tell me you want to quit? That would be dumb, your resume is already way too thick.

It's too late to turn back now, so what are you going to do?

Pack up your bags and go back to being regular? That job as a teller doesn't sound to stellar. So get back on your horse and ride it till the end. You were meant to be here, now show the world no fear. And tell that doubting Thomas to shine your shoes and pick up those bags in the rear. -I.$.H.

Just a little self motivation for everyone. I write to inspire myself as well as other that choose to follow their dreams.

By the way, remind me to tell you the story about the picture of the Hollywood sign that I climbed the mountain to take. Hmmmm, dedication is a motha...

*Drake - 9Am freestyle in Dallas courtesy of http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/

*Thanks To Cousin Mike Knight for the talk.

*Thanks to Cheryl for taking me to see the sign.

World Series Champions...Already Home...

"Oh they want me to fall (fall), Fall from the top (top), They want me to drop (drop), They want me to stop (stop), They want me to go (go), I’m already gone (already), The &*%* that I’m on, I’m already home (Hey, I’m already home yeah)." - Kid Cudi/Jay-Z.

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees 3rd Baseman, chose to use Jay-Z and Kid Cudi's Blueprint 3 album track Already Home as his batting music. It seems like this was the greatest choice seeing as in order to score points in baseball you have to get to home plate!

Through my life, a lesson I continuously tend to realize is sometimes you just have to look deep in your soul, stop worrying about what others think and do what's in your heart. 2009 must be the year that Alex Rodriguez has chosen to do so by snapping out of his post season slump.

In the past, A-Rod has come to be known as a postseason slacker because of his less than great performances due to all of the underlying pressure people, media and nay-sayers put on him to achieve.

This year changed everything because he had no pressure to succeed or achieve. After coming back from hip surgery, the only pressure A-Rod was under was pressure to be himself, and not to be who someone else wanted him to be. No Pressure!!!? That's food for thought.

Congratulations to the 2009 World Series Champions.