Never Do What They Do

Not much needs to be said about this song, it pretty much speaks for itself. As an addition to the list below, here's the first verse to the Legendary Roots Crew song "What They Do" off Illadelph Halflife.

Lost generation, fast paced nation

World population confront they frustration

The principles of true hip-hop have been forsaken

It's all contractual and about money makin

Pretend-to-be cats don't seem to know they limitation

Exact replication and false representation

You wanna be a man, then stand your own

To MC requires skills, I demand some shown

I let the frauds keep frontin

And roam like a celluar phone far from home

Givin crowds what they wantin

Offical hip-hop consumption, the 5th thumpin

Keepin ya party jumpin with an original somethin

Yo, I dedicate this to the one dimension-al

No imagination, excuse for perpetration

My man came over and said, "Yo we thought we heard you"

Joke's on you; you heard a bitin-ass crew but um..

Never do...what they do, what they do, what they do...

100 Ways to Save Hip Hop

I came across this list this morning on 2dopeboyz and it felt like a preacher was speaking the word and evoked the spirit out of me. Aside from a couple of 'ehhh, not so sure about that one' thoughts, this list is really what we need to save hip hop -- although the last one might throw some people off.

I AM BACK!

Fall Semester is OVER!! Lord only knows how happy I am right now; back in my own bed, in my own room, with my own bathroom (communal bathrooms in college is no joke, really). Sorry again for the ridiculously long absence -- papers and tests and assignments were getting in the way of blogging time, but I'm here now and I'll be here for a whole month of non-stop blogging...please hold your applause. You're welcome.

Song of the Day (Do You Like It?)

I am an idiot. Here I've been. parading myself around for Lord knows how long proclaiming myself as a Tribe fan and I never gave their final album The Love Movement a fair listen. In my hour of procrastination from a ridiculous amount of papers only an English major could have, I finally put the album on, and by the 5th song  the second I got to the 5th song I realized my full blown idiocy. Like It Like That has everything a soulful hip-hop song could ever need and could ever aspire to be. From the drums to the sample  to the lyrics, in my opinion, this song is perfect. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If any of you are jazz listeners and not so much hip-hop listeners...do yourself a favor and listen to this immediately!

Grammy Nominations X My Feelings

So the Grammy's came out with nominations last night and well...I have opinions.

1. Adele is one of the only mainstream artists I truly appreciate and support lyrically and musically and she needs to win almost every category she is in.

2. Why is Bruno Mars up for Album of the Year?

3. Grenade...song of the year? Really?

4. Nicki Minaj as Best New Artist....if you know me you know how I feel about this. If you don't know me, to put it simply, I don't believe in the artist known as Nicki Minaj. Take that how you wish.

5. On what planet does Susan Boyle qualify as "Traditional Pop"? Enlighten me please.


6. All of the Lights, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Beats Rhymes and Life, Otis. All winners or I permanently shut off my radio and drop kick it out of my 8th story window into the shaft.

I have more feelings about the Grammy's...but I should probably keep it to myself until February 12th.

A BCBG Christmas

Christmas came early for me this year courtesy of Brian...and I need to tell the world what I got. Last summer he and I went to the mall by his house and I happened to stroll into one of if not my absolute favorite store BCBG (this one happened to be BCBGeneration). I immediately tried on and feel in love with this white long sleeve button down printed romper. This thing that's absolutely beautiful and actually looked good on me (I couldn't have been more skeptical of it actually looking decent on me at all), but sadly, being the broke college student that I am, I had to let it go. BUT I happen to have a thoughtful boyfriend...(they exist!!!!!)...and he surprised me over thanksgiving break with my early Christmas present!!! My reaction to my new romper was priceless, and I couldn't be happier that no one saw me.

If I get brave enough, I'll update this picture with a a picture of me in it...rather than this random model who isn't me.

via bcbg.com

Winter's Eve, Stay for the Food

On Monday November 29th, Lincoln Square was transformed into something like a winter wonderland combined with a food expo and an outdoor concert -- genius. Some of the girls from my team decided to head down there fordinner and it's safe to say it was the best decision we've made in a while.

Public Service Announcement

Due to circumstances beyond my control, there has been a slight drop in activity on TheFancyClown. Activity will pick back up shortly (today). My sincerest apologies of there has been any inconveniences.


...It was thanksgiving break. Totally not my fault. But I'm back now so all is right with the world again.

Song of the Day (Straight, No Chaser)

The Intro. That is all. Special thanks to my History of African American Music professor for putting me on the Monk.

Song of the Day

I couldn't think of any clever note to add to the heading, but I guess I don't even have to. I mean, it's the Tribe. From one of my all time favorite albums, "The Chase Part II" from the classic Midnight Marauders was revived for me by Michael Rappaport's documentary "Beats Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest". I watched this documentary 3 times and I would watch it 100 times more if I can. Even if you're not a Tribe fan, I highly recommend you watch the documentary. It will give you a new and profound insight on hip hop music in its prime. It's available on iTunes and on Blu-Ray/DVD. Therefore...no excuses. Go get it, educate yourself. Or just watch it and love it...your choice.

Leather and Stripes

-via amourdemavie.tumblr.com

Street Art Around the World

Taipei

Berlin

East Harlem

I always wonder how many talented artists there are in the world who don't do what they do for recognition or money. They do it for the love of it. Much respect to that. 

Say What?

In honor of my FIRST trip to the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe tonight, I present to you my favorite poet/favorite spoken word poem of all time: Shihan's "Flashy Words". When I listened to this poem for the first time, I got chills. I can actually recite this entire poem by heart; I know so because I've done it (alone, of course). Shihan's poetic abilities are absolutely ridiculous and I have so much respect for him. And he's actually hysterical in some of his poems, but completely emotional in some others. If you enjoy this poem as much as I did when I first heard it and are not very familiar to spoken word: Def Poetry Jam (any season 1-6) on Amazon. Do yourself a favor.

Song of the Day (The Jam)

Today's song of the day is more like the Jam of the day: Kooley High's recently released song entitled "For the Record" featuring Skyzoo. The song will be featured on their mixtape "David Thompson" coming out Dec. 6th, same date as The Legendary Roots Crew album "undun". Be sure to get both of those on their release day. And put this song on repeat...well I actually don't have to tell you. You're just going to want to. You're welcome.

For The Record feat. Skyzoo by KooleyHigh

Song of the Day (TGIF)

"Good Friday, I hope y'all have a nice weekend"

Head in the Clouds

Update: A Thousand Words Unspoken

In my Art Humanities (fancy name for Art history) class this week, we focused on French painters. As it turned out, this painting happened to come up; the original painting of the modern version that I posted last week.This original painting is entitled The Gleaners, created by Jean-Francois Millet in 1863. I'll do my best to find the artist of the modern painting because that is some real powerful stuff, and its probably my favorite modern painting right now. Kudos to the artist, whoever you are.


Previous: A Thousand Words Unspoken

Excursions: The Unnamed Store in Soho

Okay, I'm sure that this place isn't actually unnamed, but there wasn't a name on the front of the store -- just a pink wooden heart. I really liked this place; it had jewelry, crop tops, jeans, sweaters, and really funny signs that were for sale. One really cool part about it? the prices were all in Euros BUT apparently the Euros only equalled a dollar. My guess is that the store got clothes straight from Europe so the lucky few of us in NYC actually get the chance to buy them. And they just didn't feel like changing all the price tags. This store is on Broadway and Spring Street and on the same side of Broadway as All Saints. I don't feel the need to talk about All Saints...it's heaven, and that's that.  "Time is running and passing and passing and running, running and passing and passing and running...Excursions." 

Crazy 4 Cult: Cult Movie Art

I guess I can't really do a book review on this since I didn't even purchase it, let alone read it, but I looked through a couple of pages and it looks really cool. I found the book in the Shakespeare & CO Bookstore in the NYU area. I'll probably go back and get the book sometime in the future. 

...But Why "TheFancyClown" ?

One word: DOOM. Well...in this case: Madvillain. DOOM raps, Madlib produces. Result? Pure gold. Check it out.




which comes from



...oh the art of sampling.

Excursions: The Corner Shop Cafe: Update

After going to countless shops, stores, and boutiques in Soho yesterday, Stacy and I obviously went back to our new favorite cafe on Bleeker and Broadway. If you didn't get to check out my mini review on The Corner Shop Cafe click here! We decided to get their 8oz Grass Fed Beef Burgers and, well, I died pretty much. I'm not going to tell you how good it was because you'll end up hating me and not following my blog anymore and nobody wants that. I'm also not going to tell you about my new found love for bread pudding. Particularly Chocolate Bread Pudding. Just see for yourself.

 (taken with iPhone) 

The Art of Collecting: Crate Diggin'

In my opinion, record collecting is a culture. A culture that preserves the best that history has to offer to the new generation and the generations to come. I can't really speak for everyone, but I think that music today is incomparable to the music of the vinyl age. Remember when you would be listening to music in the car, and your parents would say something like "I don't understand you kids and your music today", and then mumble quietly to themselves? And all he while you're thinking about the Fresh Prince's "Parent's Just Don't Understand" song and agreeing with every word? Well, I think I'm gonna side with dad on this one.

The Roots: an undun performance...

It's happening. This month the Legendary Roots Crew is performing at the world famous Highline Ballroom in NYC. Here's a part of the description of the concert from the Highline website, where you can also purchase tickets. Feel free to get me one...like for real. Please. And don't forget, undun drops December 6th!

Amidst The Roots' busy schedule, from performing as the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to recently fronting a Pre-Emmy Awards jam session, the legendary crew has returned with their latest musical creation, a new album entitled undun (Island Def Jam). Set for release on December 6, 2011, undun marks the first conceptually-based album from The Roots and quickly reaffirms the creativity of the outfit notorious for pushing the envelope. The album's first single, "Make My" featuring Big K.R.I.T., dropped on November 1st on iTunes. In addition to their new album, The Roots are set to perform in New York City on November 29th and 30th and December 6th at the Highline Ballroom. 

For more info on the concert including location and ticket purchasing, click here.

Soho Inspired, Sort Of

I'm heading out to Soho for some shopping today, so I've been inspired to post a few outfits − some of my favorites that I've seen on tumblr and on some of my favorite blogs. Yes, I'm aware that it's November and you can't wear any of this without coats or jackets...I'm still going to pretend like it's September. Feel free to check out the pages I link to the pics! Have a good Monday!

-via fashionaddiction.tumblr.com

-via jjaslene.tumblr.com

-via bombchicksonly.tumblr.com

-via whenibreathehope.tumblr.com

-via http://www.fashiontoast.com/

Song of the Day (Just Because I Really Love You)

THE INS X MILES BONNY - J.BIRLY via MPMTV on Vimeo.
Video by Robert Winter rwinter.net , mpmsite.com

This song, "J.Birly", is a cover of the Jerry Butler classic "Just Because I Really Love You". For you all J Dilla fans (and for those who don't know who he is), Butler's classic was also used by producer Dilla for the "Luv U" beat on his 2006 "Donuts" album. Jerry Butler was the original lead singer of the Impressions alongside Curtis Mayfield. Personally, this song puts me in a cuddling-on-a-rainy-day mood. Well, more like a belting-out-loud-in-the-car-thinking-I-sound-like-Aretha-Franklin mood. But it'd be totally acceptable; I'd be singing it to Brian as he sat in the passenger seat since he showed me this song in the first place. With that being said, enjoy the song as much as he'd enjoy me singing it...but contain yourself.

Happy Belated Halloween!

I've never really been a huge fan of the whole Halloween culture, but I have to say that this is a pretty cute an insanely adorable option for kids' costumes. These two happen to be my boyfriend and his little sister (they're a lot older now, don't worry). Baby bop and Robin Hood and possible Cutest Kids of Halloween '96. After much deliberation, I decided that in one of these upcoming Halloweens, I'm going to dress up as Janelle Monae and Brian (the boyfriend) will either be DOOM or Q Tip circa '91, dashiki and all. You might want to look out for that.

Realness

“Looking real and being real are two different things. 

Saying it and living it are two different things. 

Realness is oneness with yourself and selfness in your words. 

Your words represent yourself. 

Don’t act like you resent yourself,

by saying things you don’t see yourself saying. 

Singing sad songs sounds stupid

When your days are better than those that are living life in love…

And trust me, it doesn’t get any better than that."

-TheFancyClown

People's Instinctive Earrings

I couldn't decide whether to put this under fashion or music, but because I actually want to own these and wear them...fashion it is. These are awesome.

Excursions: The Corner Shop Cafe

Last night, my friend Stacy and I ventured into Soho to get away from campus and luckily discovered this gem of a coffee shop/restaurant. The Corner Shop Cafe, off Broadway and Bleeker Street, had everything a local NYC student could ask for: a coffee shop vibe with a coffee shop price. I only ordered a creamy tomato basil soup and cordadito coffee (which i reccomend to everyone who ever decides to go) but judging by what other people around us were ordered, the food here is unbelievable. Not to mention the desert. 3 words to take home: Bourbon. Apple. Crisp. There was a homey feel to the place, like as soon as you walked in it felt like your local cafe where the waiters knew your regular order and the owners always gave you a discount − if only. The Cafe recieved recognition from The Wall Street Journal in May 2011, after only opening in February 2011. This is definitely a place to put down in your favorites; I already put it down on mine.

                                                                     (taken with iPhone)

Young and Independent

My mother, circa she would kill me if I ever told you. Keeping it fresh for her future daughter. I accept hand-me-downs, please and thank you.

A Thousand Words Unspoken

-via moragrruya.blogspot.com

If I Were in the Native Tongues Music Video

I would be the little girl in the front. But I think I would be placed somewhere in the back, like in the midst of all the peace and love happenings going on, holding a black power fist but not knowing what it meant. I probably wouldn't be placed front because I wouldn't like being displayed for my uncanny ability of being cute. Not my style. But in all honestly, I would be in this video, because this particular group stands for everything I miss about good music. Do you see how many different artists are in this video right now? Buddy, buddy, buddy all in my face. De la Soul, The Jungle Brothers, Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, and Queen Latifah. Just a bunch of friends rapping over a jazz-influenced sampled beat with good natured-Afrocentric lyrics. What else would a little girl want to be apart of?