Another One Bites the Dust?

"Print Media" is truly dying out! In this day and age is the information "super-highway" a gift or a curse? Do you prefer reading a magazine or off the net? Do you prefer catching up on a good book or reading it off of your IPhones & CrackBerries?? Hmmn... definitely somethin 2 think about... I know accessibility is everything now but damn!

OK, so... I know that a bunch of sites had been posting shit about Vibe mag prematurely closing (including our site...sorry Vibe) in the past months but I think this time it is officially the real thing. The net has been buzzin about this all afternoon from the LA to New York Times and everywhere in between. Vibe's former Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith released a statement confirming that they are in fact closing. I honestly cannot believe this and don't want to but all of our respect is due! We got nothin but LOVE 4 VIBE MAGAZINE.... You will leave a void that will never be able to be filled... especially for African Americans. Thank U for all that you have done for our culture and the world of fashion & hip hop. 1LUV!!!

DRAKE Signs w/ Cash Money/Universal...... No Surprise There

I personally thought dude was Wayne's artist signed 2 his "Young Money" (YM) label/imprint? Maybe that and Cash Money is tha same shit?? But yall know like I know... that @ tha end of tha day Baby gotta get paid!
-click pic 4 full story over @ BallerStatus

A Shout Out to Gumbo aka "Boobie Monroe"

This young kat right here maybe just the key to bringing back balance 2 "tha Force" in hip hop. From tha depths of the bayou down bottom comes "Gumbo" aka Boobie Monroe. He actually landed here on Earth several years ago but has always maintained that he is human. He has vowed 2 help mankind and the world of music defend itself against the constant offensive attacks of the clones.

From the first moment your ears hear this space age, futuristic MC spit you'll know right away dude is somethin serious! Not your everyday run of tha mill cookie-cut bullshit... The extra-terrestrial Gumbo -who is Boobie Monroe has already served up a nice amount of musical food to tha entire galaxy. With heaters like "The Kitchen" vol. #1 and #2. and the full length album tha "Louisiana Purchase" he has already established a large number of fans and followers who love his music.

Having already opened up for the current "coldest" dude on the planet -Kanye West- for Clark Atlanta University homecoming in 05'.... Gumbo has also claimed the title as freestyle champion @ BET's Spring Bling as well as BET's Rap City College Tour. This kat is definitely on his way to becoming the next biggest thing in an overly saturated world of musical clones. Gumbo aka "Boobie Monroe" is a clear standout with a fresh new style ...yet very polished and vintage sounding. So... prepare 4 take-off cuz Boobie Monroe's "SPACESHIP" (new single out) has just landed... and will 4ever be amongst the "CONSTELLATIONS" (2nd new single) of stars... go cop that! (available on itunes & cdbaby)

Gumbo aka Boobie Monroe -will be peforming live July 9th for ATLANTIC RECORDS ARTIST SHOWCASE @ FOREIGN EXCHANGE (Atlanta, Ga.)
*please support independent artist.
-check the homie out @.... myspace.com/gumbofiresquad & gumboworld.com

-Adero Dawson

My Sneaks 4 tha Week

So how many of yall out there in retro hip hop sneaker land remember these jointz right here. 5600's was the illout 4 me. I had copped some red/white/blue jointz but nothing in the 80's even Air 1's @ the time compared to these black/white Reebok's. I remember the big homie Darnell Carter coming 2 Caldwell w/ some of these and was the only one in existence w/ a pair outside of Larry Bird!

Mike Didn't Do It....

This is a pic of Jordan Chandler son of Evan Chandler who is now after the death of Michael Jackson coming out and saying that it was all a lie... a scheme to discredit Mike and extort $15.3 Million. "Ain't this some shit right here? ..let's see what else comes out in the upcoming weeks."
-click pic for full story over @ bossip.com

Retrospective: 20 Years Since Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing'

How Fresh is She? Keshia Chanté

Who Will Take Care Of MJ's Seeds?

Here's a rare photo image of 3 of Mike's kids.... supposedly? Don't look nothing like ol' Jacko 2 me.

King of Pop: Michael Jackson Dead at 50. R.I.P. MJ 1958- 2009

MJ you'll be greatly missed! More to follow....

Iran's Ahmadinejad Lashes Out @ Pres. Obama

"Shaq is Back" in tha Central Division

Shaq got traded late last nite to the Cleveland Cavs and found out via Twitter. Kobe better watch out... do yall think the "BIG FELLA" has one more in him, or has the gas run out of the "Diesel" engine???

Reflection Eternal

Chicago Violence Endangers Vital Blood Supply

My Sneaks 4 tha Week

Saucony Hangtime is originally a Spot-Bilt sneaker, Saucony’s oldest division, first relased in 1987... In the immortal words of Kris Parker aka KRS-1 - "How refreshing is it really"?

Scott Storch... $30 Mill in 6 Months???

In the infamous words of Rick "Mary" James...... "Cocaine is a very powerful drug"! -click flick 4 full story (Mtv.com)

Nas: ‘Dads Deserve Love Too’

Retrospective: Purple Rain

"The album Purple Rain is as enigmatic as Prince himself. It's so difficult to break down or articulate why it's so special. It's Hendrix, it's James Brown, it's outer space, it's church, it's sex, it's heavy metal".
Levine Maroon 5

How Fresh is She? Gabrielle Dennis

How Obama could lose health fight

Red Stripe Lager Releases Jamaican Influenced Music Project

Like North Korea...I anit disarming for Jack!

Retrospective: I went back in I forgot my Kangol!

Kangol is a clothing company famous for its headwear.

Founded in Cleator, Cumbria, England in 1938 by Jaques Spreiregen, Kangol (the K from silk, the ANG from angora, the OL from wool) produced hats for workers, golfers, and especially soldiers. They were the major beret suppliers to the armed forces during World War II, including famously Field Marshal Montgomery.

In the 1980s Kangol berets entered a new phase of fashion history with their adoption by members of the hip-hop community, such as Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, and Kangol Kid of UTFO.

Cause I'm Kangol, Mr. Sophisticata.......As far as I'm concerned ain't nobody greater.........

MySpace to cut 30 pct of jobs to boost efficiency

ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE

How Fresh Is She? Melanie Fiona

Ya boy "Hova" got a new one under his Roc Nation Management Co. Be sure 2 check out Melanie Fiona's brand new sure-shot single "Give It 2 Me Right" (tha video is crazy-sexy-cool). Nice look and soulful sound!

My Sneaks 4 tha Week

Yo.... do yall remeber Diadoras??

KOBE(24)... Somewhat "JORDAN" like!?

Well.... Well.... Well.... Kobe Bryant (Finals) avg. 32 pts +, 6 boards and countless assists has done it again! This time w/o tha "Big Homie" Shaq Deez... boy thas gotta feel sensational to tha Black Mamba who put his bite down last nite. This is the NBA Finals MVP's 4th title overall and Phil Jackson's 10th.

My Confession: I have to admit in the past I haven't always given Kobe all the praise that most would which ascends him to tha heights of "MICHAEL JORDAN" convo. Now... I'm not a "Kobe Hater" which believe me there are plenty out there, but I do feel that Kobe doesn't always get the proper respect he should because of the Jordan comparisons. Why would anyone want to strive for anything less than the very best? If Jordan is the NBA GOD of basketball then Kobe or Kokane as I call him (u know... doper than dope) has definitely earned his wings as the next best thing in ball after Mike... & King James is destined 2 be "King" ..and rule 4 the yrs ahead- believe that! My personal congrats to Kobe & Phil, tha city of LA and the whole LAKERS program. Big Ups 2 tha brand new 2008-2009 World Champions- LA LAKERS ...its showtime 4 tha LAKE SHOW!



*Another Stat- 4 titles in 7 trips 2 tha NBA Finals.... thas more than 50%.


*Kanye West quote- "I'm tryin' to get that Kobe # 1 over Jordan"

Where U @ ?

Where U at? Well that's the question I've been hearing from the faithful 48Bars followers. Before I explain I would like to shout out A.D. for holdin' 48 down during my brief sabbatical.
48Bars is coming up on our 1st year anniversary on June 19th...WOW!!! Prior to starting 48Bars the closes thing I knew about Blogs was the cafe that Arnaz worked at on "One on One". With that said this year has been a crash course in blogging.

During this first year we have tried various methods, the last month or two we have been posting pictures with topics that fit 48Bars's format from other sites. Initially we were posting original content at least four times a week, but with a small staff and the summertime upon us that has become a more difficult task. Currently we opted to do less posting from other sites and go more original.....like once a week.

During this "test market" there has been some things that have worked very well. Adero and I will continue to write the "Shout Outs", Only What I Was Thinking At The Time, and Stolen Moments, which are our personal prospectives. The How Fresh is She" will also stay, this is our way of giving it up for the ladies without exploiting them. "The How Fresh is That" and the "Retrospectives" will also continue....and how could we leave out "The Tony Cohiba Classic Cuts".

Soon 48Bars will have a serious make over with the help of EnKpeN Studio....in short we are constantly working to become better.

Rollie Gray

Indie hip hop 101 by Quanstar

Welcome to Indie hip hop 101 by Quanstar

Over the nine years of being an independent emcee and business owner of First Team Music, there are many things that I have learned that have directly contributed to the modest level of success that I am currently enjoying. This blog’s purpose is to share many of these things that I’ve learned through my experiences or from speaking to others. I know some of you might be wondering why I would give away knowledge that I have acquired through my own blood, sweat, and tears for free. After all, the music business is cut throat and I should keep every advantage that I have. There has to be an angle, and there is…I want to help people help themselves. Still not convinced? Okay here’s the logic:

In all of the touring that I’ve done, I ‘ve had the opportunity to go a lot of places and meet a lot of people, and the two things that I’ve learned is that:

1)hip hop is everywhere, and
2)just about everyone wants to be a rapper.

In Atlanta, there is no “just about” in front of it. I have yet to go a day without a cat selling me a CD, saying that he is the next big thing, and/or talking about how dope of a lyricist they are. Within itself, that’s not a problem because if you believe in what you do and want it you should go and get it; however, because everyone’s doing it the same way there is a bottleneck occurring on the streets right now, which means that no one is getting ahead in the game as fast as they should. Also, because everyone seems to know someone that’s always in the studio recording that platinum hit, the profession of emceeing, through the eyes of the average person, has become the equivalent of playing the lottery.

The single most reason that I’m sharing my experiences is to give you alternatives to what you are currently doing, and get you out of that traffic jam. After all, if people don’t take you seriously, they won’t take me seriously. Well hope you enjoy the blog, and look forward to seeing everyone blow up. Peace.

http://hiphop101.wordpress.com

Opportunity Knocks ...But Not Often

So here's my dilema..... A lot of times it seems like there's never even the slightest chance or glimmer of hope that things will get better. I mean, shit can really get "hard core"... sometimes so hard core that improving your situation is so far off base that u just don't even give a fuck about nothing! So u start smoking more, drinking more.... hell maybe even sniffin more.... so when an opportunity arises, how in the hell is anyone supposed to respond under those set of circumstances?

Maybe a better question is how would u even recognize an opportune situation if u so gone that u don't give no fuck! -Answer: U don't.... your mind is not clear or open to suggestion, let alone "opportunity" -so guess what?? ... they keep passing u by like the Pharcyde.

"I assure u guys"..... opportunity is extremely hard to come by! Sometimes opprtunity can even be accidental, the key is to "stay ready" ....so u don't have to get ready. Sometimes... with the right amount of money, timing and luck .....shit, u can create your very own. The key is to always be prepared for it no matter what happens. Listen.... I am a firm believer in u don't get opportunity regularly, the same way with finding that compatible significant other that is "just right", u know... your Soulmate? ...shit, -that shit just don't happen too often in ones life!

When u are prepared, you have a better chance of recognizing the signs of possibility... and you're able to take full advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. You cannot be scared... or apprehensive for any reason what-so-ever! Be confident in knowing and not thinking that opportunity will be created and that you will take FULL advantage of it when it comes a knockin'. You'll answer the door w/ a smile and be like... I was waiting for u 4 a minute now... but.. best believe I AM READY!

So are u ready?? I know I am -It's like Morpheus told "Mr. Anderson"... B4 he became NEO- he was like FEAR... DISBELIEF... and DOUBT ....you have to simply just let that shit G-O.
-Do U Believe???

-Adero Dawson

Game #3... It's tha FINALS not tha Playoffs!

Sure hope the Magic really come w/ some "MAGIC" 2nite or else!!! Ohhh it's sooo serious!

My Sneaks 4 tha Week

These right here ......are just simply Fresh 2 Def!!! I present the "Nike SB Trickstar".

Guess Who's Back?

Jay-Z - D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)

"If there was a magic list of words his audience wanted to hear, he delivered it"

KOBE & D. HOWARD .....Tha Black Mamba vs. Superman

It's "Finally" Time! In one corner u got the man of steel reppin for the big "O" .....across the way reppin 4 the city of angels (LA) and the whole West its "Kokane"! Less than 15 minutes away...

Amerie Set To Return With A New Album In August

Obama calls for new beginning between USA, Muslims

Is YouTube The New MTV?

The GS Boyz' members were signed to a division of Sony after a talent scout saw the group's video for "Stanky Leg" on YouTube.

KRS-One Delivers Hip Hop Gospel

A Shout Out to Ron Starks aka tha "POLTERGEIST"

So ..... I know that its been a lil minute since we gave u "young worlders" a fresh new SHOUT OUT! So without any further adu I give yall tha 1 ....the only - "Poltergeist". Known by a slew of different alias' such as Tha Geistic, Waco Texas, Ski, Supa Geist and Brotha Starks, this Milwaukee native born Ronnie Starks has good reason to carry so many titles. This Mic Terror has been destroying microphone devices ever since he could walk and talk.

My very first encounter with tha Poltergeist was back in like 95' when he was still a teenager. Having lived in just about every region of the country from tha "Brick City" on the East Coast to the ATL in tha "Dirrty-Dirrty" ....all tha way West to LA., Ron Ski has been able to incorporate just about every influence into his very own mixture of rhymes and styles.

He and this other young kat named Tajie used to come by and hang out @ my lil Buckhead apartment. I used to let my other homie Chris Redeem stay @ my flat where we would get it poppin with the music ...so they used to come thru and soak it all up. In the beginning both yungsters were kinda timid and shy about spittin any rhymes, but after a few ice breaker sessions they heated shit up fairly quickly. I was very impressed with the way Ski constructed and delivered his rhymes with ill precision. From that point forward I had him around whatever we did musically and since then we have accumulated a pretty nice size library of jointz together. One of the illest "written" or "free-style" MC's that I have had the pleasure of knowing. This dude really ...really... really has tha knack 4 "Battle Rap" too! The yung brotha Starks ...... he's like the younger brother I never had but always wanted.

Super Shout Out 2 tha Geist! You've been an inspiration 2 me since I've known U B! Yall all be sure 2 check out some of his jointz on his myspace pg. -
myspace.com/poltergeist316

Easy....
-Adero Dawson

Soul Power

My Sneaks 4 Tha Week

How classic are these really? I mean when tha discussion is "old school" hip hop flavor.... it doesn't get any better than a pair of classic "Addidas Hi-Top Forums"!!!! Damn Joe.... I can remeber when my homie Darnell and Mikey used to have me rockin these boyz back in like 86'.