Converse Rubber Tracks: Oh, Hello - Redman

Converse's Oh Hello feature catches up with Redman(@therealredman) to discuss his philosophies on what it takes for an artist to be successful, the technology shift in the music biz and his writing process.

For the record, I'm a Redman fan, not just because he's from also Jersey, but because as a rapper he ushered in an era where an "emcee" could be animated yet dope. At times he was an extension of Biz Markie when Kane was penning his material, humorous, but so damn funky you had to rewind his verses to appreciate the writing that much more.

As an artist he displayed a level of consistency and relevance that most artist can only dream of.

The GOD deserves more appreciation and if I'm one of the few to do it, "I'll Bee Dat". 

Jersey stand up!

An Exclusive Interview: Cissy Houston's First Interview Since The Death of Her Daughter Whitney Houston

via upn9

Four weeks after the death of Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston returned to New Hope Baptist Church for an exclusive interview in Newark(NJ). 

Houston says, she's very proud of her daughter and she misses her. 

Watch video...

REWIND: Whitney Houston - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"

One of Whitney Houston's standards. 

Whitney was always a combination of power, passion and great vocal style - notice she always added a high note or two.

Don't forget her live performances. Whitney could hang with the best of them.

REWIND: Whitney Houston - "I Get So Emotional"

I posted this video because I think people forget Whitney Houston was the blueprint that female pop singers study and emulate and people forget how much uptempo music she performed. 

This video shows her in a playful and happy mood, while at the top of her game.

If you listen to her vocals notice what she does better than any of the others is convey feeling. The others study her riffs, vibrato and power, but lack the ability to use them in the same fashion. Whitney even changes the pronunciation of words for emphasis - this illustrates how much she was into making songs her own.

What I love most of all is she didn't stack her vocals as thick as those who copy her, which allowed her voice to cut through the mix clearly.

You have to realize, Whitney Houston is from Newark, New Jersey and there are many great singers from the NJ/NY area, but the Newark/Oranges area in particular. The amount of talent vocal talent that existed in New Jersey at the time Houston developed her voice was enough to push any vocalist to be the best.

Gwen Guthrie, Gloria Gaynor, Faith Evans and Lauryn Hill are singers to come from the Newark area. I say this to say, Whitney Houston evolved in a place that had the ability to create exceptional talent and she was an exceptional singer among the best.

As you listen to any of her songs know that you are listening to one of the best singers you will ever hear in your life... and she's from Newark, New Jersey.

Damn.

Video: El Da Sensei ft. Tame One & DJ Kaos - Everyday In The Street (!llmind Remix)

This El Da Sensei joint was produced by New Jersey native !llmind and features the other members of The Artifacts.

Directed by Monstar films.

REWIND: Jahiem Ft. Tha Rayne - 'Fabulous'

Jahiem featuring Tha Rayne(an appearance by Mary J. Blige) - 'Fabulous'.

2011 NBA #1 Draft Pick - Kyrie Irving

The #1 draft pick - Kyrie Irving.

Duke University's Point Guard Kyrie Irving was chosen in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in Newark, New Jersey.

New Jersey native Tristan Thompson went 4th overall, to the Cavs.

Rah Digga ft. Torae & Styles P - "You Got It" (Nottz Remix)

Rah Digga ft. Torae & Styles P - "You Got It" (Nottz Remix) | mp3

Rah Digga's new album, Classic, is available at iTunes and Amazon.

X-Factor Auditions - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ - April 13th-14th

Simon Cowell's new show, The X Factor will hold auditions for the New York/New Jersey area at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Thursday, April 13- 14.

Venue: 

Prudential Center

165 Mulberry Street (two blocks from Newark Penn Station - take the PATH train from NYC)

Newark, NJ 07102

You must receive a wristband from the venue the day before to audition on the 14th

Bring ID & have a photograph

Be there at 6AM - wristbands will be distributed at 8AM.

Click link for details and official website...

Rah Digga - "Check Me Boo" (9th Wonder Still Checkin' Remix) + Live Show on Feb. 24th

Rah DiggaRah Digga - "Check Me Boo" (9th Wonder Still Checkin' Remix) | mp3

9th Wonder remixes "Check Me Boo" from Digga's, Classic, album, produced by Nottz.

I can't front... I love this photo of her.

Be sure to check Rah Digga out when she performs live on February 24th at Southpaw:

Rah Digga - "Straight Spittin" 4.5" (Produced by Marco Polo)

Rah Digga - "Straight Spittin' 4.5" (Produced by Marco Polo) | mp3

The original was produced by Grammy-award winning producer Nottz, but, this is a reworking produced by Marco Polo.

Rah Digga's new album, Classic is available at iTunes and Amazon.

Watch an excerpt of Rah Digga's interview on the Mo'Nique show:

Rah Digga Interview on The Mo'Nique Show

While visiting The Mo'Nique Show, Rah Digga sat down on the couch to converse with Mo'Nique about herself and her new album, Classic, which is available at iTunes and Amazon.

Rah Digga ft. Redman - "This Ain't No Lil Kid Rap" (Remix)| mp3

Dope!

Also:

Rah Digga -" Warning Shotz" (Produced by Nottz)

Rah Digga - "Warning Shots" | mp3

Shouts out to Newark. Without Rah Digga Lauryn Hill would have been looking for someone like Rah Digga.

Newark, NJ Mayor Corey Booker Bans Conan O'Brien From Newark Airport Over Joke

Last week Conan O'Brien told a joke on his show about the great city of Newark, New Jersey - the joke implied the mayor had a program that would improve resident's health and it included a bus ticket out of Newark.

I actually watched that show and heard the joke. It kinda went over with the audience. The crowd chuckled and Conan kept it moving.

I wondered if something was going to happen because of the size of the city. There was no way, it was going to go unnoticed.

The mayor and some of his staff got to work right away and put together the above video to set the record straight. It was sent to YouTube and I hear he tweeted and had it on his Facebook page. (I have lots of connections in Newark so it's easy to know...don't ask.)

Check out the video and see what the fuss is about...kinda funny.

The guy with the mic was doing this shifty, head bobbing thing, while holding the mic. That portion of the video may have been funnier than the joke.

Leftover Food From Giants Stadium Collected For The Needy

Leftover food from Giants Stadium is collected for the needy

via nj.com - uploaded by John Munson

The Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church is located in Newark, NJ.

Giants Stadium is located in East Rutherford, NJ.

Aramark is the company that operates the concession stands.