bookibluntz

DC rapper Wale has been bubbling underground for the last few years with 2 critically acclaimed mixtapes, The Mixtape About Nothing and Back to the Feature, but has finally boiled over in 2009 with the release of his debut studio album Attention Deficit. The album is silently one of the most relevant and introspective albums in decades, covering social issues that have plagued the black community for years in songs like Shades featuring Chrisette Michelle or, highlighting the obsession and addiction that comes with chasing the Hollywood dream in 90210.  He has a very southpaw approach to music given the unique blend of traditional hip hop and the big band DC Go-Go influence. Musically, this album is a big breath of fresh air but the key is pushing “certain” songs to radio. Great albums go unrecognized because labels tend to promote the “club” records, instead of allowing the public to absorb the work that represents the artist in their entirety. Artists like Wale have the potential to move cultures and civilizations forward with their music. Releasing an album is no longer enough. You have to get behind the relevant singles and push them. I hope Wale adheres to this and shows the world that his talent and purpose is so much deeper than a club single.

Watching Wale go through his inaugural album process has been an interesting one. Being that he came form the Internet world we get to see a lot about him through Twitter and countless YouTube videos. He comes across very aggressive, militant, and almost rambunctious when responding to negative comments or criticism. As a fan of music, it can be a turn off, but I appreciate it because it’s real. More than anything Wale is not removed from reality and the music culture that he exists in, through some marketing scheme that molds artists into these quasi human personas generating a false reality.

Generating some main stream attention on BET and MTV with his single Chillin feat Lady Gaga, I feel there is pressure on Wale to follow up with one his more conscious records for the sake of young people listening and the fight to get that caliber of music back on the radio. We look forward to watching the journey of Wale’s first album unfold.

-Joe Dixon

-Bob

Although a bit difficult to comprehend for the average consumer, this new collaboration between the Keith Haring Foundation and PROPER ATTIRE makes a bit more sense to those who followed the life of late artist Keith Haring. Honoring World AIDS Day, a new set of Keith Haring for PROPER ATTIRE condoms look to premiere December 1, 2009 at the exclusive Mondrian in South Beach throughout Art Basel and at the Mondrian in Los Angeles in the new Kiki Di Montparnasse store. For those interested, the line will also be sold through PROPER ATTIRE and well as Haring.com. Proceeds from the sales will benefit Planned Parenthood.

Source: A Shaded View on Fashion

Currently working on an interview with Brooklyn group Body Language for The Connoisseur Magazine here’s a some of their music

Body Languae On Facebook

Having a self-educated, self-conscious, and loving father will do a person wonders. My first-hand account gives me excitement, thinking of the chapter in my life when I’ll pass my knowledge and love forward.

I Wish We Knew Some Good Graphic Designers..

http://twitpic.com/qyelh

I woke up early today to go see the macy thanksgiving day parade with my fam. Once i got over the fact that I was up so damn early..I had a pretty good time with my little cousins. Sometimes we lose sight of the important things in life, like family, and get caught up in trivial matters. This morning was a refreshment from the surreal.. Happy Thanksgiving.