FIRST LOOK: HIP HOP FOR THE HOMELESS

I would like to personally say I appreciate and commend the effort Joey Batts is making to put together an event that benifits the homeless. I think this is a great way to use hip hop for something positive. I look forward to checking out these events, I will post about them on the blog, and be sure they are on the CTHIPHOPBLOG calendar!

Entire Video Shoot Done in Reverse in 1 Take - "Rewind Life Awhile" - SeeS (S Double E S)

I invite you to check out my latest music video for my track "Rewind Life Awhile"! I wanted to create a video that was both simple and complex while really captivating who I am as a person, my lifestyle and my values.

The only tricky part was, we SHOT THE ENTIRE VIDEO BACKWARDS, and then PLAYED IT BACK IN REVERSE. Check out the Final Product!

There are many levels of meaning in this video, I will leave it up to you to come to your own conclusions but would like to explain why I made a few of the decisions I did.

- I chose to wear the type of clothes I wear everyday, not switch it up to look flashy in the music video. This is supposed to reflect who I am, not attempt to impress people but to portray me in the most natural state. (Of course rocking my SeeS hoodie)

- I chose to shoot it in my backyard, where I write most of my music, not some backdrop or blue screen so fans can see where MY creative process takes place.

- I chose to shoot it in one take to represent the continuity of time (even in reverse). We might remember our memories in bits and pieces but we shouldn't dismiss the importance of the order in which things happen. Timing can be everything in life.

- I chose to be alone for most of the video to represent the way people have to ultimately decide for themselves how they perceive and understand the world and that the ultimate test of one's character is who they are when no one is looking. I meet a longtime friend at the end to represent how ones values and outlook on life help people gravitate towards each other in order to work for a common goal and vision. (We must decide who we are alone, but will take the journey with those we surround ourselves with.)

Check out the video for yourself and come to your own conclusions about what the overall meaning of the video is.

       

Nas Drops Video for Song "Daughters"

As many of you are familiar with I have a section called "When Hip Hop Was Positive".  I am glad to share this Nas video with you as proof that at least Nas is trying to keep Hip Hop positive.

Nas did his thing on this track and I'm glad to hear it getting as much radio play as it has. If you love this song like me be sure to check out the video below!!

Gotta admit on a personal note, this song only confirms why I lose sleep at night thinking about having a daughter in the future. "God gets us back, he makes us have precious little girls"- Nas

             

When Hip Hop Was Positive (Mother Day Edition): 2 Pac "Dear Mama"

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE!

Songs like this make me miss Pac the most. Not many rappers get personal and emotional in their music anymore and I think that makes music less "real" and harder to relate to. Pac is one of my favorite artists for the honesty in his music and his ability to use music to truly express himself rather then portray an empty image. He reminds me of a time when Hip Hop Was Positive!

Thanks to all the mothers who raise their kids right!


                         

When Hip Hop Was Positive: Slick Rick "Hey Young World"

Listening to the radio today it's not hard for one to believe that the newer generation is in disbelief that is was ever "cool" and "mainstream" for rappers to speak about positive values, uplift their communities, and be good role-models.

When I speak to kids younger then myself I often hear that its "corny" and "played out" to be respectful of others in ones lyrics and portray a message that isn't about sex, guns, violence, or money. I just want to remind those who are too young to remember that there was once a time when doing the right thing wasn't only the right things to do but was popular and even played on mainstream radio.

This first example I am going to give is one of my all time favorite songs! Slick Rick "Hey Young World" from 1988! If you are unfamiliar with who Slick Rick is then don't say you know one thing about hip hop.

I will continue to give examples of "When Hip Hop Was Positive"!