❝
They say I’m crazy because I’m fucked up, maybe.
— Lil B
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The trailer for Gangster Squad looks pretty great, although the original “Tales from the Gangster Squad” was a much better title. Plus, nothing pisses me off more than historically inaccurate music choices.
(Source: youtube.com)
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"Cormega f. Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, Saigon "MARS" (prod. by Large Professor) (DIRTY)"
Old New York, meet New New York.
No Sleep ‘Til Brooklyn
I’ve got to admit, as much as I like the Beastie Boys, I’d be hard pushed to say they were one of my favourite groups. Still, the death of Adam Yauch (MCA) has given me and others a moment to reflect on their effect on popular culture. Looking back, it is truly weird to think how three white, Jewish kids were able to crash the party and become part of the furniture in hip hop back when it was in its infancy. For me, they were a defining sound of what it must have felt like to be young and rowdy in New York City in the 80s.
They stole samples like penny sweets and referred to Japanese baseball players, encouraging you to keep up. They were consciously obnoxious and proudly ignorant, like a lot of young men. But importantly, they matured. This MCA lyric in ‘Sure Shot’ from Ill Communication is being thrown around a lot:
“I want to say something that’s long overdue / The disrespect to women has got to be through / To all the mothers and sisters and the wives and friends / I want to offer my love and respect to the end.”
So I guess there’s hope for us yet. #RIPMCA
How Adam Yauch Grew Into His Voice (NPR)
Passing the Mic: What Adam Yauch Meant to a Generation (The Atlantic)
Gary Younge for The Guardian: A web of privilege supports this so-called meritocracy
Today almost 40% of MPs went to private school. In 1997 it was just 30%. In terms of social mobility, we are going backwards. The issue here is not class envy but class entrenchment. The fact that they were born rich is irrelevant. They had no choice in the matter. But the fact that they appear to want to give even more to those who already have a great deal while denying much to those who have little is unforgiveable.
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Oprah and some hard-shouldered parents dissect Beastie Boys lyrics. Jello Biafra’s the only one talking sense.
(Source: youtube.com)