My Pressure is Definitely Up

Right now, I'm trying to calm it down. I was all set to take a nice leisurely walk for my first round of cardio for the day, and I went to go get my Ipod and it was gone. No longer on the charger. Now, I know I put it on the charger and didn't move it b/c I didn't listen to it last night. I didn't go back to the gym. And since I don't sit around my house listening to my Ipod, I know I didn't mess with it. This is troubling b/c I want to go and walk around my neighborhood. Like most people, when I listen to music, I can workout, walk, play, whatever for longer periods of time. This is beneficial to the hotness that is my body. My Ipod and I work together. We are a team. So you can imagine the heat I'm feeling right now at not being able to find it. I know somebody moved it. This is pretty rude and I'm not taking it well. I'm going to find it and promptly get up out of here before my attitude becomes unpleasant. Have a great day.

UPDATE: I found it! Life can now go on as planned! As a result of my sheer happiness, I am leaving you with one of my favorite treats of all time. B/c I was looking for this to make me feel better I actually located my Ipod. Yay!

Sylvester never lets me down.

Sweet Treat

I'm so loving this video and song right now.

It Can't Get Much Wronger

I finally had the time to figure out how to get the music posting together. I now present you with "the new, the blah and the foolish"

As you know, I love Little Brother and Phonte in particular so whatever I find with him on it, I'm getting it and keeping it. Here are a few Phontelicious tracks.

Evidence ft. Phonte- Let Yourself Go
Little Brother- Cool As A Fan
Yellowlines- Cunninlynguists, Witchdoctor & Phonte

The New:
Kin ft. Pharrell- Goodfoot
Nice beat featuring an all female rap group, which I thought was pretty cool.
Falsetto- Dream
Nivea's husband. Make that money, baby!
Wale ft. TCB- Ice Cream
Girl
Wale is a new artist from DC. He was reportedly discovered by Mark Ronson and he absolutely killed the "Big Spender" freestyle. He is clearly reppin' DC with that Go-Go in the back. I'm not hating though. Please believe, NC has much love for Go-Go.
Lupe Fiasco- Can You Let Me Know
I love Lupe.
Chris Brown- Throwed
I'm really starting to like this song. The more I listen to it, the better it gets. Has a touch of Go-Go as well. If he comes out with one more song that I like like, I'm gonna have to purchase "Exclusive".

The Blah:
Lawz Spoken & Introspective- Goodnight Moon
Not sure how I feel about this song. Love the beat, Mary used this on the song "No One Else" from "My Life". I haven't had time to fully digest it yet. But if you know me, you know "Goodnight Moon" is my phrase, so I had to see what this song was about.
Chaundon & Vega Benetton- No
I know of Chaundon b/c of his work with Little Brother and the track was produced by Khrysis so I had to see what was going on. I haven't quite decided yet.

The Foolish or the "It Can't Get Much Wronger" section:
Shawty Redd, Pastor Troy, Daz & Big Kuntry- What The Deal Boo?
The title alone still has me howling. You could ask why I even bothered downloading it and the answer would be Pastor Troy. He has lifetime immunity just for "No More Play In Ga" alone. So anything he makes gets listened to at least once by me. Sorry kids.
T-Pain- Mr. Downtown
Another song about oral relaxation. It's T-Pain, so you know it's classy and tasteful.
Eddie Wright- Rethickulous
I listened to this song and literally died. As a result, I am posting this entry from the Afterlife. Rethickulous sounds like something my friend Nikki made up. I'm actually not convinced that she didn't write this song. I'm gonna ask later.

Well, that's all I feel like sharing today b/c that ish takes a long time. I'm off to help somebody get their wings. Be Sweet.

A Little Something Special For You

C&C Music Factory "Gonna Make U Sweat"


What happened to the days when a man could wear lycra tights and dance shirtless in a video and not be afraid of what anybody had to say? I mean, this dude knew in his soul that he was the hottest thing in the video, so not only did he offer to be shirtless, he offered to dance as well. You can't get that kind of service now days. You just can't. Freedom Williams, I salute you.

II D Extreme "Cry No More"


This was the "old school joint of the day" on the radio this morning. In the early 90's there were like a million groups like this showcasing that same loud, flat singing. Not really good at showcasing harmony like Boyz II Men. Nor really churchful like Jodeci. However, they do showcase the fact that back in the day you could look like someone's daddy and still be in a singing group.

CeCe Peniston "Finally"


There was a time when dance/house music was all over the radio. Man, I used to love me some CeCe Peniston! I bet there isn't one person born before 1985 that doesn't know all the words to "Finally". Or at least most of them.

I hope you have a fabulous day and enjoy!

Something's Rotten in Denmark

Whew. I have a few days off and I am so thankful to the Almighty for his blessings. This has been a rough week. I've been through so many emotions. My non-ethnic co-workers are becoming more and more comfortable and letting some unsettling opinions and arguments come out. These people have a right to feel what they feel, but keep it tight at work. That's all I really ask. They do NOT want an EEOC complaint. At this point people all just bursting at the seams with inappropriateness. Between Bill O'Reilly being surprised that while dining out I don't scream for a refill of some "motherf***ing iced tea" to a reality show alum letting me know that slavery "sucks balls" and that I should just, say it with me now, "get over it", and the boderline fools at work, I'm about done. I'm about ready to take a life vacation. I don't really know what that entails but I'm about ready to find out. With all this foolishness, I may need a shot of Johnnie Walker Red. It's that serious. I'm going to go get my eye mask out of the fridge and lay it down. I posted a little Chico below to soothe my nerves. I'm going to try to have a better evening.

Happy Birthday Sweetpea!

I want to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Clifford Harris Jr. aka TI/T.I.P./Tip a very Happy Happy Birthday! Sorry I couldn't be in Atlanta for all the festivities. Unfortunately, there is always work to be done. Enjoy it and I wish you many more.

Ayo Technology

I think I may have way too much technology in my life. I have this blog. I have my computer and now I have a new hot ass phone. As of right now, I'm loving it but it has single-handedly worn me completely out. I've been messing with it all day trying to figure out how everything goes. It's my business phone for the new and improved business portion of my life. Watch out world cause I'm coming for that ass. I digress. I really didn't mean to update at this time but I was checking the web address and happened to see one of my videos f-ing up. Sooo, I had to fix that which brings me to the title of this post. I love technology but it's for real annoying at times. Sometimes I don't want everyone and their mom to be able to reach me while I'm on vacation. And just sometimes I want to be able to just sleep without the trill of an incoming text message waking me up. But on the flip side, I love online banking, sending text messages and the internet in general. Seriously, online banking has made me appear to be much more financially responsible. The truth is I just have enough time to switch, rig and hustle my finances all before "real time" sets in. So I guess the moral of this whinery is you take the good, you take the bad, you take them all and there you have, convenience. And a convenient hassle is way better than an archaic one? Whatever. It's Sunday, I'm still tired, amazingly thirsty and not yet finished learning about my phone. Hope the end of the weekend is lovely for you all.

I don't really like "Ayo Technology" so here' something I do (and it's a little technologically advanced)

I Hate MySpace

MySpace is a mess b/c it seems to feature everyone that you don't want to find. You can best believe if you're really, truly looking for somebody, they will not be on MySpace. However, if you're morbidly curious about someone that you probably shouldn't be looking for, please believe that their page will be public. Anyway. Today I came across the page of an ex of mine. I had been thinking about him lately, just sort of wondering if he was ok. Well, by the looks of his myspace page, he's doing FANTASTIC! And that's cool and all but wow, it's like that? I mean the last time I saw him (almost 2 years ago) he was giving me grief about the cause of our breakup. And yes, I know that was 2 years ago, and yes, I'm sincerley happy that he's doing so well b/c he's a great person, but it's just so weird when you do your best with and for someone and it just doesn't work out. His page said he was "in a relationship" so I hope that's going well. I hope she's an amazing person and that they're for real happy. And that's real talk. I will say that his new job as a personal trainer has done his body even more good b/c he is even hotter. Good work. Oh yeah and happy belated birthday to you. I guess that's about all for that. I really need to take it to bed. Have a good evening.

Tell it Key Key:

Happy Hour

My job had a work sponsored Happy Hour tonight so I am just getting home. Please believe that I'm not pleased about that. This work week is dragging by so freakin' slowly. The upside is that I do get paid tomorrow and it should be a pretty respectable check. I'm also getting a new phone and hopefully a new wig. We'll see.
While at work today, I realized that I left alot of great rappers or MCs off the list. This is causing me stress b/c I have like ten more additions. Ladies and gentlemen, this is why I don't make "greatest of all time" lists. They are much too hard. The previous list wasn't even in definite order after like #5 b/c that was too hard. I obviously have way too much love in my heart b/c I find it difficult to make choices. I want everybody to win. With that being said, here's my other best rappers/MCs alive in no particular order:

1. Q-Tip
The Abstract has the best voice. Just love it.
2. Common
I know people think he fell off with Electric Circus but Come Close is such a complete song in so many ways. From the way it throws back to Tribe's Benita Applebaum to Mary singing the hook...just absolute goodness.
3.Talib Kweli
Just because. (And of course BlackStar)
4. Mos Def
Every album is different and b/c everyone would love for BlackStar to do it again. Please.
5. Kanye
Arrogance aside, Ye has some pretty good lines and the production is always innovative and sick.
6. Snoop
Deep Cover, The Chronic and DoggyStyle.
7. Ghostface
All That I Got is You made everyone cry across the board. From bourgie to thug, everyone felt it. Not to mention Cherchez La Ghost and well, Ironman.
8. Slick Rick
Legend with the sick flow.
9. Lupe Fiasco
I just love him. Thought provoking with a sick flow. I fell in love when I heard him on "Touch the Sky".
10. Phonte of Little Brother
NC's finest. If you don't know about Percy Miracles, run out and get "The Minstrel Show" tonight. Do not pass go and please do not collect $200.
11. Game
Yes he name drops like crazy and his pen game isn't that great, but his freestyle game? Ridiculous.

More NC love below.

It's My Prerogative

And as the great Negro poet Bobby Brown famously stated, "I can do what I wanna do." So I did and changed the name of my blog. The new name is actually courtesy of Q b/c she couldn't remember what it was really called. I found Sweet Peaches to be hilarious and more to the point so here we are. Speaking of prerogatives, JYR sent me a text today asking for the 10 best rappers alive. I couldn't answer mainly b/c my phone is some straight bulls&*t and I didn't have 10 right off hand. I will say that I'm glad that she said "alive" b/c that frees up at least two good spots. I know alot of people won't necessarily agree with my list, and I kindly ask them to refer to the title of this entry. So without further ado:

The 10 Best Rappers Alive

1. Rakim
Self-explanatory. He's the best.
2. Lil Wayne
Honestly, he's technically #1. Rakim shouldn't even be on this list b/c he's not really mortal. That being said, Lil Wayne could be top cop for his performance at the VMA's alone. He filled in for Tip and it wasn't even a disappointment. Weezy has wit for days and even when he trips he brings his A game.
3. Nas
No one can paint a better picture while simultaneously challenging your mind.
4. Andre 3000
So underrated, yet so great. For being able to flip from Southernplayalistic to The Love Below to Walk It Out Remix. For being missed and always being worth the wait when he returns.
5. MC Lyte-
The Queen. If you don't know, you should really ask somebody. Cha Cha Cha, Cappuccino, Paper Thin and the list goes on. She has not been dethroned in my book.
6. Jay Z
Because I'm not a hater and 99 Problems is my shit in a ridiculous way. Besides, no one can front on how sick his catalog is.
7. Scarface
From his verse on "My Mind's Playing Tricks On Me" to "MaryJane" to his verse on "This Can't Be Life" 'Face always brings it.
8. Tip
Trap Muzik is such a complete album from start to finish. It really gives you a look into Tip the person and the artist.
9. Ludacris
Severely underrated, witty and hilarious.
10. Tie
Busta Rhymes
For being consistent for 500 years.
Method Man
For being able to stand out in the 400 piece unit of Wu-Tang. For being the best hookman the game has heard. Imagine "Ice Cream" without Meth on the hook? You can't can you? I mean, he doesn't even have a verse and still brings it home. For "Bring the Pain" and of course for "All I Need" with Mary.

Choices are based on lyrics, wit, flow, choice of beats/production, consistency and pure heart. Your mileage may vary.

And the Winner Is...

Chris Brown. Hands down. He completely killed the VMA's. Usher and Auntie Meek Meek are probably standing over the cauldron as I write brewing up something real special for young Chris. I wish him well.
This was actually one of the better shows that MTV has done. Was I pleased with the winners? Not really, but I didn't expect to be. I was pleased with the concept. It actually made Vegas look cool. Gold star for them.
I recently found out that my mom has a crush on T-Pain. She said that he reminds her of friends she had when she was younger. Whatever. She can call it what she wants, but I'm going to have to give her a warning. I blame my grandma for this. Apparently all she wants to watch is BET, day in and day out. As a result, my mom has been exposed and captivated by wrongness in all forms. I hope this all works out. Moving along. In celebration of Chris and T-Pain, I've posted my new favorite song. Yes, I'm a hypocrite, but that's my business. Have a great day.

Chris Brown - Kiss Kiss
Uploaded by Tynisha-mendeS

Some Things Never Get Old

While in the middle of trying to get the last post together, some dude called me about insurance. I shouldn't have answered the phone b/c when I did I felt violated. I thought I knew the number, so technically it was my fault for violating the classic rule of "never answer a call from an unnamed number". Whatever. I need insurance so I made an appointment to talk to this dude on Friday.

Anyway. One good thing about Labor Day weekend was the great music that was played in the club. Here are a few classic selections that still burn just as hot today.





This isn't that old, but it's always been hot.

Pontificating with Phonte

What's good with ya? I've been slowly trying to recoup from my bday extravaganza. The funny thing is that I did not get crazy drunk, loud or stupid. I was mild. I was even more mild for Labor Day weekend. To sum it up, I was lame. It's cool though b/c the fool is going to be had. Wait til I get my money right. You know the rest. It's Saturday and it feels like Sunday. I haven't done shit. I haven't been to the gym but I did go to a great Jamaican restaurant and talked to somebody about coloring my hair. It's time for a change. I was on some website today and it linked to a blog post from Phonte's (of Little Brother-NC's finest) myspace page. Straight hilarity. I have posted it for your viewing pleasure. Have a great Saturday.

June 6, 2007 - Wednesday


Lord let me finish this damn album..(The Tigallo Update)

"There's always light at the end of tunnel," so goes the saying. Right now I feel like the opposite is true: I'm seeing a tunnel at the end of all these lights...Jesus, keep me near the cross.....

*deep sigh*

In le midst of finishing le album right now (single drops in a week or so, album in Sept), but I figured I'd drop in a for a quick minute and fill y'all in on a few things that's been keepin me sane throughout the arduous Getback recording process:

1. R. Kelly- 'Double Up'
Just when you think the Kaing of R&B can't get any more niggerish, he gives us a gem like 'Real Talk' (track 10 for all my bootleg niggas). Name anybody else in history who could sing the 'lyrics': "Did she say there were other guys there......DID SHE SAY THERE WERE OTHER GUYS THEEEEEEEERE?!!?!?!" along with "IS YOU TWEAKIN?!" I'm convinced this nigga is certifiably insane....there's just no other explanation for his genius.

2. Chic-Fil-A
I came up on a free meal in they drive-thew today because I was the 400th customer. Eat mor chikn!

3. T-Pain
I posted this on okayplayer earlier, but I'm reposting it so the world hears me....it's time for cats to stop frontin. I done seen people call my nigga Thurgood Pain everything but a child of God, and I can't take it no mo.

Allow me to discuss his finer points and try to explain his appeal:

When Theodore Pain first arrived on the scene with his debut 'Rappa Ternt Sanga,' I admit that I balked a little bit at the sheer niggerdom of the title alone. But one listen to "I'm Sprung" and all was forgiven. It was a simple, breezy R&B joint where our protagonist Talladega Pain sung about being infatuated with someone and doing things to accomodate them (washing the dishes, etc). We've all been there, and we all could relate.

In retrospect, 'I'm Sprung' almost serves as a manifesto for everything that Teddy Pain's music stands for: Music for the TRULY average nigga. The regular cat. The dude that girls call 'ugly.' Whereas Robert Sylvester Kelly (brilliantly described by my man Nabi as Poet Laureate of the Lowest Common Denominator Nigger Experience) spends most of his time singing about the lavish life of a baller, my nigga Thaddeus Pain instead comes from a much more humble place.

Just listen to "I'm In Love With A Stripper" as he describes the everyman experience of going to a strip club and being enraptured with a woman's body. Or the new classic "Buy You A Draink," where he makes an unbelievably catchy song out of a univeral pickup line. Or even "Bartender," Thelonious Pain's light-hearted take on breaking up with your girl, going to the club, and kicking it to the bartender cause she's cute, nice, and showing you love.

You may hate on my nigga Theodis Pain. You may think of his music as coonish. But you CANNOT front on him. With his universal appeal and knack for writing good melodies, I wouldn't be surprised if he crossed over to the Latin market as Telemundo Pain. He's that good.

Stop the hate.

*bumps Epiphany*

4. Alexyss Tylor a.k.a. the PEANUS POWER lady
Just when me and Khrysis are down to the last Red Bull in the studio and are ready to call it quits, we hit up youtube for a good dose of 'DICKA MAKE YA SLAP SOMEBODY' and all is well again. I'mma hit her up on myspace and try to get her out to our Atlanta show. Ms. Tylor if you read this and would like to come out, I got a draink and a Getback tee waiting for you. You tell the hard truths that many females don't wanna hear....props to you...

5. Tariq 'Kaing Flex' Nasheed
If you've never listened to this nigga's podcast, you are truly missing out on one of life's free treasures. He's like the male version of the peanus power lady. If you subtracted the time me and Pooh spent fuckin around in the studio laughin at this nigga's show, Getback woulda been done a year ago...lol

6. The UGK feat. Outkast and 3-6 "International Players Anthem" video:
A great song, a great storyline, and the best video cameos since "One More Chance." (Again, peep my nigga Teofilo Pain as the kwai' director..) Seriously, if you hate on this video you prolly need to get some pussy. Classic shit....

7. Donnie- "The Daily News" LP
This doesn't drop until 6/19 in the States, but I beg all of you to PLEASE support this album. I been bumpin this shit since last year. Dude is one of the bravest artists I know, and is probably the only singer I know whose catalog DOESN'T consist of 90% love songs. The strange thing is that his dark subject matter (suicide, child abuse, media conditioning, the hypocrisy of the 'drug war'), somehow makes for the most joyous, feel-good shit ever...lol My collaboration with him, "Over The Counter Culture," is in our player now for a limited time. Give it a listen, and then head on over to www.myspace.com/donniemusic and shout him out a holler, dun (c) Ben Stiller

That's all for now. Gotta run cause Milton is outside warming up the car so me and wifey can go cupcaaaaaaaaaking, girl....(c) J-Nash

Getback is on the way!

Peace,
Tigallo
The Cupcake Prince of the Triangle