Words by C. Paicely

Let us touch briefly on the irony that a video dropping damn near nine months late is called “Patience.” Now let’s move on, because Nas and Damian’s video is too dope for us to harp on the old stuff.

It could visually be compared to Marco Brambilla’s work with Mr. West coupled with a twist of Frank Miller and a dash Eminem’s “White America.” It could… but it shouldn’t be. Anytime we initially see too many other people’s ideas in a work of art, we eventually realize we’re not looking at a hybrid but an individual force further empowered by the polished use of yesteryear’s tools. Need an example? Think 808s and Heartbreak. So this time lets skip the middleman and cut right to the part where we dig the shit.

If you haven’t heard the track by now you never planned on listening to it, but quiet as kept, “Patience” was one of the strongest tracks on the Jones and Marley collabo album. With this video, director Nibal seems to literally paint a picture of the song’s ideas, with results that push the long-awaited visual beyond Hip Hop’s contemporary video protocols.

Throw another excerpt into the Distant Relatives scrapbook. Nas and Damian link up with none other than Junior “One Blood” Reid for their family tree’s iTunes bonus track. Read the rest of this entry »

– In sports, Elin Woods made the move to be the first 3/4 billion dollar athlete’s ex-wife & Sonny Vaccaro says Hov is the key to LeBrongate.

– Em’s road to Recovery has a face & Curtis is set to play a zombie in Silent Hill: The Final Chapter.

– Lil B sparked not one, but two convo’s.  One for the greatest Hip-Hop collaboration of all time and another for his serious artistic contributions. Read the rest of this entry »

Even though every review is a crew review to some extent, the familial vibes Nasir & Damian’s Distant Relatives almost begged for the veil to be pulled back and the inner workings of our deliberations revealed once again.

Why you ask? Because distant relatives are what we are; a rag tag bunch strewn across the map, banded together by our love of Hip-Hop. Read the rest of this entry »

After a record number of entries, we’re proud to announce that Brett H. of Columbus, OH. won the Distant Relatives t-shirt & CD. Brett, report to the front desk and pick up your prizes.

Thanks to each and every one of you who entered. The more entries, the better the prizes will be. Support appreciated. Big respect due to Burn Rubber and Fat Beats for holding us down.

We’ll be announcing the winner tomorrow but we’re still accepting the entries from procrastinators today. Free gear and a CD? Even Nas & Damien are giving you a look, asking what you’re waiting for? Read the rest of this entry »

This limited edition Distant Relatives tee taken off our backs and handed directly over to one winner and we’ll kick in a CD copy of the album to boot. All you have to do is enter. So, what are you waiting for? Read the rest of this entry »

– Drake says enough is enough…and everyone had a reaction.

– TC & Reflection Eternal spoke on the actual factuals regarding their upcoming album.

– Big K.R.I.T. has arrived and we recommend listening.

– Devin The Dude’s latest offering Suite #420 was reviewed and received its Cig rating.

– Our own Devin offered up his take on Nike’s 8 best futbol commercials. Read the rest of this entry »

Quite a few release day exclusives today here @ TSS. We sparked things with the Janelle Monae performance clip (album in stores today), followed by a Smoking Session with Reflection Eternal (album in stores today) and we’re rounding the day out with what may be the sweetest gift of all for our visitors. Read the rest of this entry »

For one of the more focused Lil Wayne verses you’ll hear this year (if ever), tune in to the family reunion Nasir Jones and Damian “Junior Gong” Marley are presenting on wax this May 18th, 2010 with Distant Relatives. Although its merit is downplayed in comparison to hype, the ability to have creative and artistic freedom in today’s fickle market is already a win in itself. Read the rest of this entry »

Not exactly the visuals this track brings to mind, but you can’t be too mad at these two.  I’m assuming it took all the equity they’ve built in their collective names over the years to get Distant Relatives from the idea stage to the shelves.  So it’s understandable why a label didn’t feel obligated to blow the bank on this video. In these trying financial times, the music industry is trying to be a bastion of fiscal responsibility (i.e. Shyne).

Pardon me, I had laugh at that.

Which is why we get Nasir & Jr. Gong pulling double duty on this one, trading energetic bars & solving Scooby Doo mysteries all in the same breath.

For the record, it was L.A. Reid in the island shirt accompanied by the man in the black hat © Velma

Here’s another choice cut to ramp up anticipation for the May 18th release of Distant Relatives.  Leaning a bit more heavily on Damian’s roots rock side of the family tree this go around, these musical kinsman envision a present day Africa worthy of living up to it’s proud & regal beginnings. Read the rest of this entry »

Somehow, some way © Organized, Okayplayer snagged both Nas & Damien Marley for a video interview while @ SXSW. In part one of two, the two speak on how Distant Relatives can to be, activism, President Obama’s first year in office and health care. Yes, let no stone be unturned when the cheeba is flowing and Nas is in the area. Read the rest of this entry »

Anne Marie

Katy Perry Gets Brutally Slimed At Kids’ Choice Awards [Pop Eater]

Colombian Model Wanted For Drug Trafficking [F-Listed]

Interviews With Pole Dancers [With Leather]

Freddie Gibbs “The Ghetto” Video Shoot Photos [Villain Radio]

Married At 9, Divorced At 10: Girl’s Memoir [Today] Read the rest of this entry »

“I’MA STREET LIFER, always harassed by the C-Ciphers
Chief-like, Geronimo with his peace pipe
I emerged from the street life
This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
My QB life
Taken and turned to the Louie XIII® light Read the rest of this entry »