It's Bigger Than Hip Hop

I am officially exhausted from this past weekend. I ended up destroying my regular sleep routine due to the NXNE madness. While I was happy to watch many of my friends play (shout outs to Action Makes, Drunk Woman and Another Blue Door!) I was the most excited for the free De La Soul show at Yonge-Dundas Square. Unfortunately, it was pretty disappointing. A lot of it had to do with the lame audience. People brought baby strollers and their dogs which made it hard for die hard fans to bum rush the stage and show their appreciation for such a legendary group. There was some hand waving and the occasional fist pump here and there but it was pretty pathetic and De La Soul definitely noticed. They kept stopping and restarting songs in an attempt to garner more energy from the crowd but it just wasn't happening, no matter how many times they screamed, "Come on party people!" Mind you, they did have to contend with the MMVA's taking place near by and sadly kids these days would rather see Justin Bieber and Drake. Anyhow, some highlights of the night for me included seeing one of my favourite DJ's Skratch Bastid in the crowd. I've met him in the past and he's a real nice guy, but I was too nervous to say hello this time around...Another highlight was when De La Soul gave props to local hip hoppers Kardinal Offishall and Choclair. I missed this part of the show but apparently Kardinal was hanging out beside the stage and poked his head out a few times but quickly disappeared. Too bad he didn't join them to drop a verse or two. And speaking of Kardinal, my other favourite DJ Willis (who also happens to my brother) is opening up for him this weekend in Timmins.
Hopefully the Timmins audience will know how to show their appreciation for some real hip hop and leave their fucking babies at home. On that note, here's an oldie but a goodie from 2004.

Drunk History

Last night my good pal Jesse introduced me to the Drunk History series which features inebriated people recounting historical events. The events are re-enacted by famous actors who actually lip-synch to the drunken narration! The brilliant concept came from Derek Waters who is the production assistant for the Sarah Silverman show. Speaking of female comedians, Jen Kirkman narrates volume 3 and 5 of the series and they are by far the best two! The historical accuracy is quite impressive but this should come as no surprise as Kirkman is a brilliant woman. Check out some of her stand up. I especially like her bit about female masturbation.

"Like jagged pieces of steel dipped in chocolate"

Check out Q-tip reminiscing about the recording of Scenario with Leaders of the New School. Best Charlie Brown and Busta Rhymes impressions ever.

Life is better

This video is so cute, it makes me sick. It's a perfect pick me up on a rainy day like today. I've never been a Norah Jones fan but after she made cameos on Andre 3000's The Love below and Q-Tip's Renaissance album, I decided to forgive her for that awful come away with me song. Enjoy!