Withdrawal

They say too much of anything is unhealthy.
And if you put your life in perspective, then you’re truly wealthy.
Well, that’s what I have to do, and that is what I’ve done.
This is not the end of anything, rather the beginning. I’ve only begun.
Or rather it’s more of a rebirth. Cause my thirst…
For the next echelon has always come first.
I’ve put so much into you, I’m confident you can stand without me.
Some of ya’ll don’t understand my reasoning, but don’t you dare doubt me.

Better yet, maybe you should because I need the energy.
Because doubts and dreams create success’ centerpiece.
This is not a failure or a setback, rather I had to get back…
To basics, without a percentage of distract.
And no, not to anyone, is this a dis track.
For my self-confidence and strength, I don’t need to attack.
Tryin’ to stand alone, in my prime like an odd number.
Unleash the beast from slumber, increase the heat like summer.

No algebraic expression can define this lesson.
Nor does it dictate the time that I invested.
This is partly dedicated to the ones holding grudges.
You’ll feel a lot better in life if you release that luggage.
I’m not bitter, so why are you tasting sour grapes?
Understand when things fall apart, it rebuilds into something great.
This is my detox detour towards my destination.
There’s so much on my mind, but now I can recline with respiration.
Breathe In… Breathe Out…

It's Halloween...

It's only right that I post this...

Happy Halloween!!!
And On That Note... I'm Out.

5 Years Later And Still No Justice...

It seems out of all the murders in Hip-Hop, this was the most unexpected and unpredicable. Run, D, and Jay were not ones known "promote" life in the streets. Unlike many MCs today, there jobs is not to "promote" street life, there job is promote Hip-Hop culture. This is what Run-DMC did. After all, These were the same dudes who wrote records like "It's Like That" and "Hard Times," which painted honest and realistic picures of the world around us, and the postitive attitude to have to rise above the most difficult of situations. These were the same dudes who were the first group in Hip-Hop to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone.


These were the first dudes who help break down the walls and show the mainstream that Hip-Hop was not only a form of music, but as form of art.


From observation, to many, Run-DMC was the superheros of Hip-Hop; the Dream Team if you want to put it in basketball terms. These were the dudes that would be in their 70s, old and grey, collecting their lifetime achievement awards, in their unlaced Addias, still claming they were the "Kings Of Rock."


But on October 30, 2004, that idea was cold heartly taken away.


It's been nearly 2 years since Proof, 8 years since Big L, 11 years since Pac, 10 years since Biggie, and 20 years since Scott La Rock, and it seems we still keep losing soldiers to violence. When are we as people, as a community, as a culture (Hip-Hop not is not just a genre a music, it is a CULTURE!), are going to stand up and say "enough is enough?" How many more do we have to lose?


Jam Master Jam was a trendsetter when in came to DJing a group. Many DJs would just put on the record and let the beat play while the MCs spit. Jay, on the other hand, interact with the MCs and the crowd by cutting and scratching records, while being a unoffical hype man. Real DJs entertain and involve the crowd, Jam Master Jam was a perfect example of that. The Hip-Hop world will never forget the contributions Jam Master Jay. Not just as an artist, but as a person who embodied the true essence of the culture, and spread it worldwide with love, respect, and passion.

"And like all fairy tales end/ You'll see Jay again my friend."


And On That Note... I'm Out.

The Train Of Thought

Kweli is hosting BET's Rap City every day this week at 5pm EST/PST. Schdeuled guests include...

Monday - Hi-Tek & Madlib w/ DJ Chaps
Tuesday - Pete Rock
Wednesday - Common
Thursday - 9th Wonder, Jean Grae and Erykah Badu
Friday - Strong Arm Steady

Damn, I wish I had Tivo at my dorm, lol! Thank God for Youtube.

A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON....

Rawkus Era:
1-9-9-9


Respiration


Defintion


Move Somethin'
Talib Kweli & Hi Tek - move something

Add to My Profile | More Videos

The Blast


The Year Of The Blacksmith:
"Where It Started At"


More Or Less


PART II IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!


And On That Note... I'm Out.

Blacksmith T.V. Episode 1

Kweli's new online t.v. show. In this episode, he takes back to his old breeding ground in Brooklyn and his encounter with his "new neighbor." Now this is must see t.v!

Happy Friday ya'll!!! I gotta go put it down one time on the wheels 2nite for this Halloween party here @ my dorms.

And On That Note... I'm out.

In Perspective

Yo, I'm not one to talk in detail about my personal life on this blog, but I gotta be real for a second. This week, shit, this semester overall has seen more down moments than up moments. These four months, in so many ways, are important not just for my immediate future, but what my life will look like in the next coming years. I am one that is used to pressure and having my back against the wall, but sometimes this shit can make a person lose their mind.

But when it looks and feels like the world around you is in within seconds of completely imploding, the storm passes, the sun is out again, and you've survived the situation. I have been taught to never give up and keep pushing, but sometimes you forget that shit and almost lose the strength to fight. But as my moms has always told me, when the worst of the worst occurs, that means God is about to bless you; this is a test. Look for the blessing within the situation, God is always with you. And time and time again, moms has always seen the outcome before I did and was right. I guess that what makes her so wise and my personal hero.

Something else I do not forget is that shit can be a lot worst. For example, not too far for where I go to school (no more than 30-40 miles in Malibu and along San Diego. I can smell and feel the smoke and heat), there are fires raging and have already cost the State of California around $1 Billion in damages. People have lost their lives, their homes, everything they know and love. Also, one of my sister's favorite teachers had a heartattack right in the middle of a class he was teaching on Monday and passed away soon after. Yeah, things have been a nightmare for me, but it's been hell for the people involved in these situations. Always keep your life in perspective and try took for the positive to keep pusing.

When I'm feeling like this, there are three things that help me get through: God, my loved ones, and my music. Sometimes hearing that one song maybe therapeutic enough to help you keep moving. Their have been a couple of songs that have helped recently, but I thought about this song this morning and decided to put it on. It has helped me reflect on all this shit even more. So I want to decade this track right here anyone who's feelin down or feels like the world is failing on them, or just looking for "the silver lining in the cloud." Everything is going to work and be alright.



If you have read all of this, thank you very much.

And On That Note... I'm Out.

"Addicted To Your Love Girl I Need Another Dose."

The day I got my hands of this album, this song was on repeat 5-6 plays at a time. It is one my favorite tracks on the album and has been my ringtone for the past 2 and half months, lol! I'm glad they made this as a single. Lovin' the style of filming too. Feels like an indie flick. Kerry Washington did an excellent job at directing. Man, Com is doin it. You have Kerry Washington AND Alicia Keys as your love intrests in the video? (Sigh) Damn, one of these days yo, one of these days that will be me, lmao!!

And On That Note... I'm Out.

AIDS Walk L.A 2007

Early Morning. Still trying to wake up.




The brotha on the right with the white beard is Larry. A friend of the family that works for LA Metro. He's was out there helping conduct traffic.


Our fearless leader Johanne, working out the registration paperwork.


Breakfast @ Norms. If you're ever in L.A, it's a spot you gotta hit up.












This is my third consecutive doing the walk. The amazing atmosphere never gets old. I have a couple of stories, but I'm going to save those for the radio show on Friday. So tune in to hear them!



Why Do I Walk? I Walk for Life.

And On That Note... I'm out.

Saturdays In The LBC

What happens when you add my homie A.D, his niece, his mama and his o.g grandmother, a hunt for a new printer, a 5 piece meal at Louisiana Fried Chicken, and the world famous V.I.P. records? You get my Saturday in Long Beach. Now I gotta get up for tommorow. Gotta leave @ 6:30 A.M for the L.A Aids Walk. I will have pictures from that. Oh... and oh yeah...

Look What I Got....


Gotta love those mom and pops shops for having those albums early. My review, simply this. Don't go into this album thinking your gonna get another "Listening" or "Minstrel Show," because you will be disappointed. While you will not get another "Listening" or "Minstrel Show," what you will get is 48 minutes of some of the best Hip-Hop this year. I think with this album, besides The Roots, Little Brother can be now considered the most consistant group in Hip-Hop today. All there albums, mixtapes, and even their side projects all bang. I have yet to be disappointed by LB. And I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. On my third go around right now. The whole album hits, but here are two cuts that hit me as soon as the needle dropped.



The beginning of this song is classic, lmao!!!



And for the record, it took a minute, but I warmed up to "Breakin' My Heart." It's a beat you would not expect from 9th. But that's why I love it. I think this is the first time I have heard him use a hand clap for a snare. But it works well. Pooh & Tay bring it as usual. Proving that nobody flows over a 9th beat better than LB.
As far as the Weezy guest appearance.... another comedic performance by "The Best Rapper Alive."



DROPPING OCTOBER 23 (THIS TUESDAY)!!!! COP IT!!!!

And on that note, I'm out.

Honor Flow Productions Radio. Real Music, Real Talk... ya dig? Vol. 2

Show # 2

Felix "D-Kat" Pollard In The Studio


Man... I was blackin out on the wheels today. Look at my face... lol!


Nora "ranting" on the importance of communications




I would have taken more pictures, but I forgot... lmao! Too busy trying to conduct the show. Special thanks to Felix again for coming through.

Happy Friday Ya'll!! I'm "Finding Forever" while on my way to "Graduation." Ya dig?


And on that note... I'm out.

Soul Brother # 1 Vs. Justin Blaze (And The Blazettes)

With "The Dream Merchant," 9th Wonder serving as the guest judge and commentator...

Round # 1:


Round # 2:


"Oh... It Ain't Over" (c) J.B... Round # 3


Just: And Pete, they will reminisce over you.
9th: My God.

LMAO!!!! The trash talk reminds me of what happens when my crew & I play video games. And yeah, we have had our battles in Fight Night Round 3 (Buddha, one of these days...I gonna get you sucka!! Lol!!)

And on that note, I'm out.

DJ Chuck "thE oLd SouL" in "Quik Is The Name"

COMING SOON TO A STREET CORNER & CAR WASH NEAR YOU!!!

And on that note... I'm out.

2omorrow On H.F.P. Radio... (10/19/07)

Anyone who recalls the original Felix the Cat cartoon character will remember him as having a grin that spanned the width of his face and beyond – very much like Felix Pollard aka Felix D Kat, drummer groovemeister par excellence. But where as the original Felix resided in two-dimensional black and white, this Kat lives his life in glorious 3-D Technicolor.

Felix ‘D-Kat’ Pollard a drummer whose propulsive style and versatility have enabled him to play alongside some of the greatest musicians in the world. His roster includes Lionel Richie, Anastacia, Shelia E., George Duke, Chaka Kahn, The Staple Singers, Jessica Simpson, Brian Culbertson, Phil Upchurch, Clay Aikens and a host of others. There is no doubt that Felix is one of the most sought after percussionists in the music industry.

A versatile drummer, Felix is impossible to pigeonhole as just a specialist in one or two areas. His versatility allows him to play everything from pop to jazz to gospel and rock. Weather Buddy Guy or Destiny’s Child, his talent is recognized by the best in the business. It’s this talent that landed him his current position as a drummer touring with Taylor Hicks, the 2006 American Idol winner.



Felix is not only a drummer extraordinaire he’s also an extraordinary person. His talents were obvious at an early age. From the time he was two he was banging away on anything in sight. At the age of 10 he began to play on a Ludwig drum kit and made his professional debut in the gospel choir ‘Voices of Deliverance’. Even though his roots are found in gospel and Jazz, he has performed for a wide range of audiences including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Savion Glover’s ‘Bring Da Noise, Bring Da Funk’. Felix’s notable TV appearances include the HBO special Midnight Mac, with Bernie Mac, The Jay Leno Show, Late Night with David Letterman; he has even performed for the former first lady Hillary Rodman Clinton at the 1996 Democratic National Convention.

Felix aspires to continue his journey into song writing and fronting his own band. “I want to continue to work and perform with the best musician, and make everyone around me feel good about what I bring to the music industry as a true musician”. When not playing music, Felix studies ASL (American Sign Language). He also enjoys cooking, Jet Skiing, snowboarding and spending time with his son Dillon. Anyone who is fortunate enough to meet and listen to his music quickly learns that Felix is one bad Kat.



Felix "D-Kat" Pollard will be live in the studio! Got any questions for "D-Kat?" E-mail them to hfpradio@yahoo.com. Include your name and where your from. Make the subject "Questions For "D-Kat."

This and alot more on tomorrow's edition of Honor Flow Productions Radio! 12-2PM on W.M.M.C. The Mount.
www.live365.com/stations/marymount

And on that note... I'm out.

"Since They Wanna Know..."

I did not even know this existed. Took 'em a minute to get a video for this joint, but I'm glad they did. I loved the orginal track, glad to see Saigon help tear the remix down. Nice play off off "Entourage." (Connection, Obie's "Wanna Know" was the theme for season two and Sai had a recurring role as a MC trying to get a deal with Turtle as his manager). Obie has been overrated since he came out, if you don't have Cheers & Second Round's On Me (which is the album this song is on), cop them asap.

POST # 50!!!! CHE!!!!

And on that note... I'm out.

Got On My Good Clothes...

Phonte "Stylin' And Profillin" (c) Ric Flair, at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. This is one of the reasons why I respect the hell outta 'Tay. Not to many dudes in the game "Keepin'It Real" (which I believe is THE most overused and most MISUNDERSTOOD cliché in Hip-Hop). But sometimes in Hip-Hop, just as Dave Chappelle said once, there are moments when "Keepin' It Real" goes wrong. Just ask T.I...









HOTDAMN!!! What the hell does a rapper need machine guns for? What was he trying to do, save Morpheus?

And on that note... I'm out.

Six Degrees Of Jay Dee

Listen to this story told by Frank of Frank N Dank of Dilla's encounters with Q-Tip, Biggie, Busta, Nas, and.... Lil' Kim?!??!

Biggie, Busta, & Nas on a Dilla beat?!??! I gotta find that track.

Frank N Dank On Dilla's now legendary "Beat Tapes" (which spawned what we know now as the album "Donuts").



And on that note... I'm out.

Honor Flow Productions Radio. Real Music, Real Talk... ya dig?

Show # 1


My Broadcast Partner In Crime Nora. Drop Kick is a ranting specialist.






Show Assistant, the beautiful, Ashley. She's real Hollywood, hates cameras, lol.


The first couple shows are ruff, but we got through it. We had a couple of technical difficulties (including the volume levels being off a little, which messed up my beat matching a bit. Plus, try to ignore the background talking while LB's Good Clothes is playing. Did not know the mics were still on), so I had to do some post edit work before the show can re-air under Live365.com starting this Monday. But, ya'll can get it right now. I'm pullin a Phonte, I'm leaking my shit, 8).



The file was too big for Zshare. Once I figure out another way to upload it for download, I'll post the link. Any suggestions for that btw?

Honor Flow Productions Radio... Real Music, Real Talk... ya dig?
Every Friday, 12-2PM, on W.M.M.C The Mount
www.live365.com/stations/marymount

And on that note... I'm out.

"96', haters I'm here... goodbye."

"Roc-A-Fella Records. The Imperial Skateboard P. Great Hova.... YA'LL ALREADY KNOW WHAT IT IS!!!!"



VH1's Classic's "Classic Albums: Reasonable Doubt"

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2257679754200505399



Throw your diamonds in sky if you feel the vibe... ENJOY!

And on that note... I'm out.

Ye' Vs. Black Dante (Hot Shit)

Round 1:



"It Aint Over (C) Just Blaze" Round 2:



And for the record, this track alone is why these two need to do a whole album together. Shit, throw in Kweli and Hi-Tek, and we gotta the new Blackstar album. Man, only if that were to happen...



And on that note... I'm out.

No... No... No!!! Vol. 3

Let me said this from jump. I thought the last R. Kelly album, "Double Up," created a new low for "Niggatism" (to quote Katt Williams). I don't know how I sat through 60 plus minutes of the shit while driving in the car with my step-father. Quite honestly, I don't know how he, a man in his late 30s (and having a mid-life crisis... lol, just playin' Greg), even sat through it. But while I didn't care for it musically, I thought has some pretty comedic moments on it.

Of all the songs that had me laughting the hardest (next to The Zoo, when he humans having sex to animals in the wild, with companied animal sounds in the back), was the song for the video above. "Real Talk" is basicaly Kells getting into an argument with his girl and the mayhem that transpires.

Ok, I gonna be real for a second. When Black people argue, this is how we sound, lol. But this as song?!?!? This some ignorant shit. As a matter of fact, this is some "nigga shit." I can't even begin with the quotables from this song. Pretty much the whole song is a quotable.

And one other thing... the ending for this video HAS TO BE FAKE. There is just no way... no you know what, REAL TALK, you just need to watch this. I guess Huey Freeman (and I have my Boondocks shirt on today too, go figure. I can't wait for the premiere this monday) had a point when he ask Tom "Do you know the full extend in which how much niggas love R. Kelly?" Because quite honestly, I'm still trying to figure it out.

And on that note... I'm out.