The Sky is the Limit.

I had the chance to check out an advanced screening of Notorious last Thursday. I thought it was cool. It it Pretty much dramatized everything we saw in the 90's about his rise and fall. I thought the casting was funny at points... Anthony Mackie as Pac didn't really sit well with me. He was all charisma and no depth, no Thug Passion. They should have gotten Saadiq from PPP or that dude that used to always be on Jenny Jones instead...

Other than that, Naturi Naughton (of 3LW fame) was pretty entertaining.

Oh yeah, and the fake Puffy's dancing. I miss the the Puffy that used to dance like a muppet. Now he's too busy trying to save the world...

This isn't really intended to be a review at all...I'm not really trippin' if you do or don't see it, do or don't like it.

I really just wanted to post the "Sky is the Limit" video. I would have posted "Everyday Struggle", my favorite BIG song, but there was no official video. So Sad.

Exclusive: Janelle Monae "Many Moons" (Trackademicks "Y'all Better Shut Up" Remix)

Janelle Monae- "Many Moons" (Trackademicks "Y'all Better Shut Up" Remix).mp3


Every since I got up on Janelle Monae, I have been in her corner, hoping that her vision would someday unfold in front of a sizable audience. So many times, those with of amazing artistic statements get overlooked because their marketing budgets aren't there to bring them to those that need to see it the most. This is why I champion artists like Janelle Monae, J* Davey, and Muhsinah.

As a teen, being exposed to high concept, yet popular, "mainstream" music was essential in my development as an artist. The visibility of groups like the Roots, Outkast, and Radiohead in the 90's made it easier to see that there was a whole world of artists who valued high artistic ideals. They were fortunate enough to have opportunity bring it to the "regular" person, people who weren't "hip", "cool", or "down with the underground".

My aim has alway been to bridge gaps between the Known and Unknown. For many people, an artist like Janelle Monae represents that Unknown. So when I was asked to remix "Many Moons", I jumped at the chance.

My aim with this remix was to thoroughly address the roller coaster of Ms. Monae's musical theatrics, bringing the listener on a journey through changing soundscapes.

That's pretty much it... Peace!

RMXTP2 Liner Notes: "Violet Stars, Happy Hunting!"

Video Taken by ME!
Janelle Monae LIVE in Oakland, CA 10/27/07 @ the Oakland Conservatory of Music

Before I ever heard her music, I was familiar with Janelle Monae´ through her highly stylized myspace page. This was around the time she was featured on Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon mixtape, before she surfaced on the “Idlewild” soundtrack or the “Morris Brown” video. I like what I heard. Real charismatic. When I heard “Call in the Law” on the soundtrack, I was sold. She had an undeniable amount stage presence on the damn CD! I could tell that she was playing the role while singing the song. I couldn’t wait to hear whatever she breathed on. One day Tap told me her first release was out; Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase. I can get real descriptive and all that, but I don’t think it’ll do justice to how excited I was to hear it. Everything was on point; the marketing, press, performances, costumes, blogs- and of course the MUSIC. Contemporary Black Art at its finest. I love a good concept project and this is the best of that. Apparently Diddy was intrigued enough to add her to the family. With siblings like Danity Kane and Day 26, lets hope there’s enough food at the table for everyone to eat… I’d love to see Making the Band: The Wondaland Arts Society Edition, although people with talent might be boring to watch... As far as me doing the remix, this is probably my favorite remix on the project. I understand that everyone needs love… especially cute androids.

Janelle Monae´- Violet Stars, Happy Hunting!.mp3