Last Tuesday night, Jay Electronica was the slated headliner at the Highline Ballroom. It must have slipped my mind that Joell Ortiz was named as co-headliner, but the BK representer made sure to give the Slaughterhouse Stans filling the place their due. After CyHi and Big K.R.I.T. hit the stage to a swarm of boos and jeers (the typical response Southern cats get up here in NY), Joell came on to a hero’s welcome. Read the rest of this entry »

Three nights, three shows, three sell-outs. It’s been said that Janelle Monáe is quite the performer, so when she hit New York the first weekend in April in the lead-up to today’s release of her full-length masterpiece The ArchAndroid, the crew at NTM (editor Adrian Fernandez, cameramen Matt Mitchener and Eric Swiecinski, & myself) decided to document her Highline Ballroom gig, the first and largest of the trifecta. Read the rest of this entry »

While most members of the Roc dynasty have chosen to air their grievances against Hov instead of putting in some actual work, Freeway has been one of the few to move on and carve a strong following, going the semi-indie route. Arguably, the only other individual has been Young Chris, who linked up onstage last week with his aforementioned Philly brother from another.

In this second part of our video footage from “The New York Stimulus Package,” reflect on some of the Roc’s glory days as Free & Chris revisit “Roc The Mic” and a few other recognizable records.

Footage by North Tower Media.

Previously Posted — Freeway & Jake One – “She Makes Me Feel Alright” Live @ Highline Ballroom

Last Tuesday, Freeway and Jake One took to the stage at the Highline Ballroom for the “The New York Stimulus Package,” which is coolspeak for the NYC stop on their city-to-city tour of album release parties. Gettin’ their independent grind on the right way by making each market feel special, if only for one night. After being introduced by Miss Info, the duo charges right into the album’s first single, “She Makes Me Feel Alright,” highlighted by the timeless Rick James-sample and Free’s professions of adoration and devotion in verse.

Thanks to Frank, Big Machine Media and team @ Highline for the accommodations. Respect to North Tower Media’s Matt Mitchener (director), Kristopher Rey-Talley & Dustin Nakao-Haider (cameras), Eric Swiecinski & Devin Chanda (producers) for putting in work. Watch for additional footage in the next day or two.

On February 16th, Freeway and Jake One will be bringing their two-man show to NYC’s Highline Ballroom for The Stimulus Package album release party. Joell Ortiz will be in the building as well as a slated special performance by Brother Ali. Lastly, the final attendees will be THREE lucky TSS visitors and one of their friends as we’ve got SIX FREE TICKETS to give away. Read the rest of this entry »

In this second part of a documentary short covering Gibbs’ first headlining set here in NYC, he debuts “The Ghetto.” The track jacks the beat from Big L’s “7 Minute Freestyle,” a classic cut which helped to build the legends of both L and a pre-Hov Jay. Afterwards, Freddie candidly reflects on his evening and the past year, one in which his profile has risen tremendously and will continue to in the coming months. So, take a glimpse at what we’ve captured here for you—the beginning stages of something special.

Footage by North Tower Media once again. If you missed the previous clip, click here.

For his first headlining gig in rap’s capital, Gangsta Gibbs didn’t play it safe. The vast majority of those in attendance at the Highline Ballroom two weeks ago were never going to be rapping along with Gibbs bar for bar with him still being new and all, so he took the opportunity to debut some new music. The upcoming Str8 Killa, No Filla’s “Crushin’ Feelin’s” made the setlist, as well as previously unheard material that Freddie performed with aplomb. Read the rest of this entry »

While everyone isn’t sold on the critical praise being lauded on Jay Electronica, there’s no denying “Exhibit C.” Robbie questioned whether it was the “Time’s Up” of today. I see the parallels but I can’t even say I fully agree with that either. Already, there’s a mini-movement being lead by Rap’s Lucifer and Just Blaze for the artist and song to “save real Hip-Hop.” If we’re speaking from a commercial standpoint, perhaps a track like this can give radio a shot in the arm. However, I don’t think one song is going to save “real Hip-Hop” nor am I of the belief the real needs saving.

Right now, “Exhibit C” is a flaming track from a guy who’s immensely talented but whose output doesn’t warrant the hype bandwagon leaving the depot yet. I told someone, I remember being in huge anticipation of his material…two years ago. Then, it was if he went nonexistent and disappeared. It remains to be see if Jay can do several songs of the same magnitude or even stick around this time around.

But I digress. Footage of the the man of the hour, Puffy, Kweli on stage together @ Mos’ show last night @ the Highline in NYC.

Snagged: Miss Info

The last solo set delivered by Freddie Gibbs on a New York City stage was rudely cut short. Apparently, sparking an L while rockin’ the mic is a no-go downtown at SOBs. Hopefully (if Freddie hasn’t learned his lesson), the rules will be different some 20 blocks north at the Highline Ballroom. Come next Tuesday, Gangsta Gibbs will headline his first NYC show, with the likes of hometown head and consummate showman Mickey Factz, in addition to Das Racist, also set to hit the stage. Read the rest of this entry »

Mouse plays the front, doing his “Hottest In The Hood” freestyle. The Roots provide the back.

My personal favorite interviewer, Young Sneek aka Jabari interviews Wale after his show at Highline Ballroom in NYC. Wale speaks Read the rest of this entry »