tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36471496232921659552024-03-13T20:58:52.078-07:00The World of Ben HameenWelcome to the cyber-journal of Ben Hameen. Find out what motivates, captivates and rejuvenates him on his never-ending quest for knowledge and art.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-34637894439711838922014-10-05T13:55:00.002-07:002014-10-05T17:07:55.977-07:00If anyone still checks this blog......forgive me, as it is obviously neglected. I find it much easier to just share what I find on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+BenHameen/posts" target="_blank">my Google+ page</a>. I know that it is a veritable ghost-town over there for the most part, but Facebook is...not a place I post too often. Come find me on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+BenHameen/posts" target="_blank">Google +</a> if you want to see what's happening with me.<br />
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The majority of what I share are links to instrumentals (beat-tapes) that I liked (mostly courtesy of Boogie and the good people at <a href="http://strictlybeats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Strictly Beats</a>), other good music I stumble upon, links I find relevant, and of course, any updates on new Ben Hameen projects (or any future Collective Efforts or Live On Arrival news).<br />
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Ben Hameen, signing off from this Blogspot thing for now...who knows, I might be back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gqH5_mfrVoPkw6jYld-VLBYcioDTMgMRdnkDv5V6CXP2GfzugVhFuqkzSgZTxtD-8H6ospt59p0zHCe2PP2X3tKC9PBepqvVfMIcdxlvHy5mcbOfzBgf6w-ANB9uDA4ZP-YPekVg2-b2/s660/ben+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gqH5_mfrVoPkw6jYld-VLBYcioDTMgMRdnkDv5V6CXP2GfzugVhFuqkzSgZTxtD-8H6ospt59p0zHCe2PP2X3tKC9PBepqvVfMIcdxlvHy5mcbOfzBgf6w-ANB9uDA4ZP-YPekVg2-b2/s660/ben+blog.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until then, come see me over here:<br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BenHameen/posts" target="_blank">Ben Hameen on Google +</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hameen" target="_blank">Ben Hameen on Twitter</a><br />
<a href="http://instagram.com/benhameenatl" target="_blank">Ben Hameen on Instagram</a><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-moADhu42Lgw/U68DRHULZYI/AAAAAAAAmWA/48cLCfr3zfA/s630-fcrop64=1,09452044e699fe8f/20140104_162205.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-8204775820430879492012-05-08T22:22:00.000-07:002012-05-08T22:22:00.907-07:00Happy Birthday Apple Jac...An incredible person, DJ and producer, <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheckniculousapple" target="_blank">Apple Jac</a></b> blessed <b><a href="www.cecrew.com">CE</a></b> with this remix he calls <i>"Apple Jac's Golden Glide Remix"</i> - the song is <i>"The Game"</i> and it's from our last album, <b><a href="http://digital.1320records.com/search/release.php?RELEASE_ID=505">Freezing World</a></b>. Please enjoy, and if you like it, go learn more about the man and his music.
<p>
<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F45787987&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true&color=ff7700"></iframe>
<p>
<a href="sheckyapple.blogspot.com">sheckyapple.blogspot.com</a><br>
<a href="applejac.podomatic.com">applejac.podomatic.com</a><br>
<a href="twitter.com/uncleshecky">twitter.com/uncleshecky</a><br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-2811050283091747192012-05-02T21:38:00.000-07:002012-05-02T21:38:10.588-07:00Sittin on thrones...Here's some more of that delicious intelligent ignorance from <b><a href="http://weinventedcool.bandcamp.com/track/we-the-kings-feat-ben-hameen" target="_blank">W.I.C.</a></b> featuring yours truly. <b>Mudfish</b> went sonar on this shit, and really knocked this one out of the park! When <b>Trip</b> originally sent it to me, <b>Kory</b> had already written and performed the hook, and they just wanted me to "re-sing" it for them, with no intention of having me rap on it. But as soon as I heard that empty third verse the end, I had to go "Hamilton" (© <b>Trip Freeman</b>) on that thing, I just felt that it was my civic duty...
<p>
Hope you enjoy.
<p>
<strong>NSFW (Explicit Lyrics)</strong>
<p>
<iframe width="400" height="100" style="position: relative; display: block; width: 400px; height: 100px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/track=2750767158/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0"><a href="http://weinventedcool.bandcamp.com/track/we-the-kings-feat-ben-hameen">We The Kings (feat. Ben Hameen) by We Invented Cool</a></iframe>
<p>
Oh, and if you are in the A, you'll want to come check out the show this Friday:
<p>
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/332526890128632/" target="_blank">Schools Out Forever with W.I.C., Lyric Jones, & Grip Plyaz</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-83792711654855873342012-04-17T21:06:00.000-07:002012-04-17T21:06:34.714-07:00My favorite song right now...<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IJdl_w4vraw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Thanks for the inspiration, KRIT!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-71895807917205037892012-04-01T22:38:00.001-07:002012-04-01T22:39:33.152-07:00A fresh start...It's been a while since I've updated anything in my web world. I've decided to make an effort to post more regularly about what's going on with me, if for no other reason than to keep track of the progress I am making with my new musical venture. As some of you may know, or at least can tell from lack of output, Collective Efforts has been on a long hiatus (going on about two years now). Since Mil moved to New York for his new job, there really has been no way for us to get together enough to finish the Diamond D EP (which was so close to being done), and it's a shame because it's very dope. All in due time, though...whenever the time is right, I guess. If we can't even get together to finish, then there is no reason to try to release the project, as we would not be able to devote the attention needed to promote it properly. Much love to any and all who have supported us throughout the years, it really has meant a lot to me.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have been working with a friend of mine (drummer Max Barash) on developing a two-man musical team with me on guitars, laptop, and Ableton Live and Max on drums. I am working on some solo material, as well as songs for other vocalists and prospective projects. We have about 30 beats started, some can be combined, some won't make the cut...but it's quite a learning experience. It's tough to try to start again from scratch, but I feel very motivated right now, and Max is the perfect compliment to my creative style. I can't wait to get a way to get these live sessions recorded so I can start sharing some samples. <br />
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In the meantime, I will leave you with this video of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeInventedCool">W.I.C.</a> featuring myself, which recently appeared on <a href="http://www.thesource.com/articles/207456/Video:-W.I.C.-ft.-Ben-Hameen---'Be-Who-You-Are'/">The Source</a>, and <a href="http://illhype.com/video/2012/03/22/hypeworthy-w-i-c-be-who-you-are-feat-ben-hameen/">IllHype.com</a>. I just finished a verse for a new song with them, to be continued...<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-LK7fcf0gnw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-70648175014862602812011-10-12T17:47:00.000-07:002011-10-12T17:47:42.605-07:00LOA - Presentation (1999)<a href="http://liveonarrival.bandcamp.com/album/presentation" target="_blank"><img src="http://f.bandcamp.com/z/42/47/424786946-1.jpg"></a><br />
<br />
Click the album cover and it will take you back in time to 1999, and the second Live On Arrival album, now available for your listening or downloading pleasure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-43398544746118341742011-07-04T15:21:00.000-07:002011-07-04T15:22:19.069-07:00Rainy Evening...On second thought, this eerie <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tmjuke" target="_blank"><b>TM Juke</b></a> remix of <a href="http://www.bonobomusic.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bonobo</b></a>'s <i>"Just For A Day"</i> fits the weather a little bit better. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ux1y6bzVvrY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-68004236391987281822011-07-04T15:15:00.000-07:002011-07-04T15:22:03.647-07:00Independence Jam...Courtesy of <b><a href="http://www.myspace.com/jackbakertrio" target="_blank">TM Juke & The Jack Baker Trio</a></b>:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qQqXmFji9HQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Support the artists here:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.tru-thoughts.co.uk/artists/tm-juke-and-the-jack-baker-trio" target="_blank">www.tru-thoughts.co.uk</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-35070930714393329622011-07-04T13:54:00.000-07:002011-07-04T13:54:32.642-07:00Begin Again...<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxHJX6TUgZI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
From the album <a href="http://www.tru-thoughts.co.uk/releases/Flevans/TRU069CD" target="_blank"><i>Make New Friends</i></a> by <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flevans" target"_blank">Flevans</a></b>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-6816829201041095222011-07-01T22:59:00.000-07:002011-07-02T11:34:05.537-07:00Zen quotes...<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkjwTW5f7xhz3gixZzhL6_xr2_PocfgrzfZ7Wo0gs8lpQDMHcFsUmGURs9IYa7Yoe5ohU0xq9Ja5fQx24a0VBi1i39lPyNSzjaY3D8ibd2USye6PjeT7f6fLHHYIpAF-k_e-UGTMCMaQ/s1600/Zen04.jpg" width="400" height="300"><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"Beware of the anger<br />
Of the mind.<br />
Master your thoughts.<br />
Let them serve truth."</i><br />
<br />
- <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dhammapada" target="_blank">The Dhammapada</a></b> <br />
<br />
<i>"The less effort, the faster and more powerful you will be."</i><br />
<br />
- <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Lee" target="_blank">Bruce Lee</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-55158590532253358942011-06-30T19:36:00.000-07:002011-06-30T19:38:30.779-07:00WTF Podcast...<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Maron" target="_blank">Marc Maron</a></b>'s podcast has been getting me through my workdays for the past couple weeks. He interviews some of my favorites comedians (usually from his garage), asks great questions, and always gets some interesting, honest conversation out of them. Check it out, there's even <a href="
http://www.wtfpod.com/app" target="_blank">an app for that</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wtfpod.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://punchlinemagazine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/MaronAd1.jpg"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-81720005529012899822011-06-27T14:53:00.000-07:002011-06-27T14:53:12.264-07:00True soul...I haven't shared anything recently, partly because I've been a little caught up in the grind, but also because nothing has really grabbed me in a while...enter <b>Charles Bradley</b>. I slept on this for a minute.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1TPC24GXEAA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yBdTVmSVq14" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
After listening to those, you might feel compelled to <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bradley_(singer)" target="_blank">read his story</a></b>, and perhaps even <b><a href="http://thecharlesbradley.com/#store" target="_blank">support his artistic endeavors</a></b>. Peace.<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks to Mil for the put on.<br />
<i></i></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-27518571123662805772011-06-21T19:59:00.000-07:002011-06-21T20:09:25.735-07:00No idea's original...<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19469447?portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/19469447">Everything Is A Remix: KILL BILL</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/robgwilson">robgwilson.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
More info on the <b>Everything Is A Remix</b> project:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://robgwilson.com/2011/02/02/what-im-working-on-everything-is-a-remix-featured-on-vimeo-staff-picks/">http://www.robgwilson.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.everythingisaremix.info/watch-the-series/">http://www.everythingisaremix.info/watch-the-series/</a><br />
<br />
<i>Gaffled from <a href="http://thedailywh.at/2011/02/04/32104/" target="_blank">The Daily What</a>.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-31003438618241673572011-05-22T17:21:00.000-07:002011-05-22T17:21:32.585-07:00Tonight's Theme Song...Courtesy of Blu, a true poetic genius...<br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="340" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y2bcHTSAvMQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-12424196287384973752011-04-15T19:08:00.000-07:002011-04-15T19:23:20.188-07:00Mammas Gata...As a self-proclaimed international hip-hop connoisseur, I always appreciate some heat from overseas. Thanks to the good people over at <b><a href="http://b-and-e-rapshit.blogspot.com/2011/04/promoe-of-looptroop-kraksangen-2009.html" target="_blank">B&E Worldwide</a></b> for the heads up on the newest solo effort from Swedish rapper/graffiti artist <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promoe" target="_blank">Promoe</a></b>, of the group <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looptroop_Rockers" target="_blank">Looptroop Rockers</a></b>. The video is dope, on some Lord of the Rings meets Narnia shit <i>(I think they were actually <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larp" target="_blank">LARPing</a></b> at the end of it)</i>. I love the sound of this, it just feels authentic, and I'm a sucker for some reggae-influenced shit. The first rapper resembling some kind of <a href="http://132.209.40.23/w4/campagne/images/Turlang/Satyr.jpg" target="_blank">Satyr</a> (who I believe is Swedish rapper <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbuktu_(artist)" target="_blank">Timbuktu</a>) gave my favorite performance, but even <a href="http://images.wikia.com/lotr/images/6/6b/Gandalf.jpg" target="_blank">Gandalf</a> himself (Promoe) and <a href="http://www.cryptomundo.com/wp-content/uploads/blacklagoon.gif" target="_blank">The Creature from the Black Lagoon</a> (Supreme, also of Looptroop Rockers) represented to the fullest <i>(from what I can tell without knowing what the hell they are saying)</i>. <br />
<br />
The name of the song is "Mammas Gata" which translates into "Mom's Street??" There's gotta be something else to it, maybe it's a neighborhood they rep? Anyway, enough nerding out, here's the track. Peace.<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="500" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hEsRDMR_jNY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Here's the group's official site:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.looptrooprockers.com/" target"_blank">www.looptrooprockers.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-83974341622236674382011-04-13T18:42:00.000-07:002011-04-13T19:50:37.624-07:00Our tax dollars at work...<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.costofwar.com/costofwar-embed.js"></script><br />
<style type="text/css"> #costOfWarTotal { text-align: center; width: 270px; font-weight: bold; } #costOfWarTotal_Total { font-size: 1.3em; font-weight: bold; color: #990000; } #costOfWarTotal_Link { font-size: .7em; } </style><br />
<div id="costOfWarTotal"><script language="JavaScript"> initCostOfTotal(); updateCostOfTotal(100); </script> </div><br />
It seems, my friends, that we are doomed. Sorry, Martin, I'm afraid we will never learn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrCviZLCNnREq7P8VxvF8KIbXeqozgllfEgkkiGfOuMbFNujqQZ8rWDEHtSFwa7GOeGpKOjhvzIuT_Ce990K_D477VD7WJMk_4-Q-xvFWT1OUHe-dDyj7YUQp893QI1SLpu37TOxusWb3/s1600/MLK+Winta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrCviZLCNnREq7P8VxvF8KIbXeqozgllfEgkkiGfOuMbFNujqQZ8rWDEHtSFwa7GOeGpKOjhvzIuT_Ce990K_D477VD7WJMk_4-Q-xvFWT1OUHe-dDyj7YUQp893QI1SLpu37TOxusWb3/s400/MLK+Winta.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-65105479876988919492011-04-03T18:36:00.000-07:002011-06-11T10:20:02.370-07:00American Rapstar...The one and only <b><a href="http://bigkrit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Big K.R.I.T.</a></b> is on top of the music world right now, and this song is absolutely beautiful! <br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Nu9Auk6Rz3Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
If you're interested, check <b><a href="http://www.cecrew.com" target="_blank">www.cecrew.com</a> </b>to hear <b>"Where It Began"</b> <i>featuring <b>Big K.R.I.T</b></i> from our <a href="http://digital.1320records.com/search/release.php?RELEASE_ID=29" target="_blank"><i>"Time For Hope EP"</i></a>. <i>(It's the third song on the player. Krit wrote and performed the hook and the last verse. The man is a song-writing machine, for real. One of the greats. Go get all his shit.)</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-56011288119222954792011-04-03T15:59:00.000-07:002011-04-03T17:23:11.737-07:00Real Hip Hop is Back......in the form of <b><a href="http://www.bigreconline.com" target="_blank">Big Rec</a></b> (actually it's the name of his <a href="http://www.realhiphopisback.com/" target="_blank">latest project</a>). I'm not sure that "real hip hop" as he sees it ever really went anywhere, it's just harder to locate, especially if you rely upon mainstream radio or television for that kind of music. That would be disheartening to say the least. It's out there, though...just not getting any money or attention. <b>Big Rec</b> is reppin' my hometown <b>Atlanta</b> via Oklahoma via New Orleans, and in my personal opinion he is quite the lyrical monster. <br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="500" height="305" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qCYs25Q0SxM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Last year <b><a href="http://www.cecrew.com" target="_blank">Collective Efforts</a></b> shared the bill with his supergroup <b><a href="http://www.thefivehiphop.com" target="_blank">The 5ive</a></b> <i>(five dope MCs that met in the ATL battle rap circuit and decided to combine forces)</i> and <b><a href="http://www.myspace.com/therealdiamondd" target="_blank">Diamond D</a></b> <i>(who also provided the group with some production and a cameo verse)</i>. Although all five MCs wrecked shop, <b>Big Rec</b> definitely lived up to his name with his high energy, relentless multis and captivating stage presence. The first words that popped into mind when I saw him rapping were BATTLE and BEAST, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that his off-stage personality is quite the opposite. Without a hint of arrogance he maneuvered through the crowd, politely and humbly introducing himself to fans and other artists. Stylistically, he has a tendency to drop multi-syllabic battle rhymes that may offend the sensibilities of some listeners <i>(those who would prefer not to be aurally bombarded with quote after quote of ceaseless self-aggrandizing)</i>. [<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59I9B7upoQQ" target="_blank">Note the conversation he had with what appears to be <b>RecZilla</b>'s biggest fan judging from the number of times he commented on his video.</a>] But in the world of "real" hip hop, of which <b>Big Rec</b> is a proud representative, that is exactly the mission. You must convince the audience that you are the best, and let all scrub MCs know that they need to step up their unimpressive simpleton lines and never again get in the way of the complete lyrical dominance being witnessed...or to quote a young <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aceyalone" target="_blank">Aceyalone</a></b>, <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgQJ6vg4tLI" target="_blank">"Every rapper in the house shut the f*ck up!"</a><br />
</i><br />
I admit the battle rap scene does bore me, as it just gets more and more predictable <i>(granted once I hit thirty the whole thing just seemed adolescent and contrived)</i>. But <b>Big Rec</b> does not bore me, and it's not just his constant barrage of meticulously crafted phrases that keeps me listening, it's his genuine passion for the art form that shines through and really makes him stand out from the mediocrity - that and the strong voice, which always helps. I am looking forward to hearing some big things from <b>Big Rec</b>, and maybe even collaborating with him on a track <i>(those wheels are already in motion)</i>. <br />
<br />
Sidenote: I don't want to call him out, because this can also be perceived as a weakness in the minds of fickle rap purists, but <b>Rec</b> can sing, too. <b>The 5ive</b> tracked their verses for one of the <b>Diamond D</b> joints over at the CE Estate, and he had a singing part on it. I wasn't recording it, but I heard it from the other room, and afterwards I had to find out who it was. Solid.<br />
<br />
For more info on the artist and his projects, check the sites below.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.bigreconline.com" target="_blank">www.BigRecOnline.com</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.realhiphopisback.com/" target="_blank">www.RealHipHopisBack.com</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.thefivehiphop.com" target="_blank">www.TheFiveHipHop.com</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-74747192168075951542011-03-31T08:28:00.000-07:002011-03-31T08:28:38.289-07:00Say what you feel...<i>"I am not one of those who in expressing opinions confine themselves to facts."</i> <br />
<b>- Mark Twain</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wk7WIBpZWgs/Sek041jXHVI/AAAAAAAACSk/eGaYVQfvcWk/s400/untitled.bmp">Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-24515671120912234972011-03-24T18:04:00.000-07:002011-03-24T18:04:47.437-07:00Fishbone & Fishburne...This new documentary about <a href="http://fishbone.net/" target="_blank"><b>Fishbone</b></a> looks very dope. <br />
<br />
It's called <i><b>Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone</b></i>, directed by <b>Lev Anderson</b> and <b>Chris Metzler</b>, and it's narrated by the one and only <b>Larry Fishburne</b>. <br />
<br />
For more info, peep the site:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.fishbonedocumentary.com/" target="_blank">www.fishbonedocumentary.com</a></b><br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19265687" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/19265687">"Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone" - documentary trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/tilapiafilm">Tilapia Film</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-63233414732840801922011-03-22T18:58:00.001-07:002011-03-22T21:42:41.242-07:00Freezing World Review...As soon as I read this at work today, I began to have an awesome day. After getting painfully bad reviews of Trail Mix and Medicine at <a href="http://www.RapReviews.com" target="_blank">RapReviews.com</a> <i>(e.g. the guy who reviewed Medicine said not to operate heavy machinery while listening - HA!)</i>, we finally got some redemption in the form of Pete T. My self-esteem jumped up a couple notches, mainly because of lines like these:<br />
<br />
<i>"...their meticulously penned verses should offer at least something for everyone, and Ben Hameen in particular impresses throughout the tracklist. His blissfully smoked-out tone might be likened to Myka 9, but when he sings the hooks and backing vocals, it's more akin to an ungangstafied Nate Dogg. His multiple talents and endlessly soulful hooks buoy even the less effusive numbers. Their dedication to rap as an art and wholesome, tireless optimism will rub some the wrong way, but vocally "Freezing World" is often fantastic. "This Far" is gorgeously balanced between smooth guitar, percussion, somber synths, and a show-stopping performance from Ben Hameen for perhaps the LP's best track. The stark closer "See What You Find" is breathtaking, with a gloomy guitar line perfectly suited for his calls for introspection."</i><br />
<br />
I must say, it really is a well-written and honest <i>(and flattering)</i> review. Thanks, Pete!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2011_03_freezingworld.html" target="_blank">Read Pete's entire review here (or click the pic):</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2011_03_freezingworld.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://potholesinmyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/collective-efforts-freezing-world.png"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-80048169628628187072011-03-22T18:42:00.000-07:002011-03-31T20:37:19.815-07:00Work gettin' done...Man, I just looked up and realized March was almost over, and I have not really been posting any updates. Rest assured I am not hibernating, your boy's been busy this month:<br />
<br />
<b>- Diamond D EP almost done (photos, artwork, design...BOOM!)</b><br />
<br />
<b>- shooting a video for a song I did with W.I.C. (which is turning out very cool, more to come on that soon)</b><br />
<br />
<b>- working on an acoustic guitar score to a dope short film my homie Sam Dyches wrote and directed</b><br />
<br />
<b>- mixing some tracks up for young Eli Sweet from his last visit from China</b><br />
<br />
<b>- just dropped a hook and verse idea for another Goon Trax release over a beat by Japanese producer Re:Plus. </b><br />
<br />
<b> - speaking of Japan, filling out my application for Red Bull Music Academy</b> <br />
<br />
I wonder if they still will be holding it in Japan this year...<br />
<br />
<i><b>UPDATE 3/31/11: Just found out that it will not be in Japan this year. Damn. The new location will be announced April 11th, <a href="http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/daily-news/post/17/0/2156" target="_blank">they apparently extended the deadline to April 26th</a>, which is great for the slack-ass procrastinators like myself.</b></i><br />
<br />
Not that I think I could necessarily get in, but I really want to go through the process as sort of a self-evaluation, as it requires you to make a thirty minute compilation of the best of what you have to offer, and answer a shitload of introspective questions about who you are and where you see yourself in the musical universe. So, coming soon, thirty minute <b>Best of Ben Hameen</b> compilation (as I will definitely be throwing a version up for download, considering it has been taking up so much of my time). <br />
<br />
Anyway, if you are having Hameen withdrawal and need more immediate contact, you can find me on Twitter <b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/hameen" target="_blank">@hameen</a></b> for an occasional quote, pic, comment or response. <br />
<br />
Or actually, you can just follow me in <b><a href="https://profiles.google.com/bhameen/about" target="_blank">Google World</a></b>, go to my Buzz. I always share anything interesting I find while perusing the infinite blogosphere, and it automatically lists any posts I do here, and any of my amazing tweets. So it's a win/win.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-72642261857755941142011-03-05T18:03:00.000-08:002011-03-16T15:54:47.772-07:00Inspiration...Dope new video from <b>Bambu</b>'s new solo project. Inspiration produced by <b>Rah Groove</b> featuring <b>Art Soul</b> on vocals with <b>DJ Mafioso</b> on the cuts. Video filmed, directed and edited by <b>Chad Hess</b>. CE REPRESENT!<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="500" height="305" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hwsIiGHjU4o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-30556169084963168332011-02-28T22:39:00.000-08:002011-02-28T22:41:14.579-08:00Quadrivi-what?<a href="http://kilawattmusic.bandcamp.com/album/quadrivium" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.mtviggy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/eric-lau-quadrivium.jpg" width="375" height="375"></a><br />
<br />
Just copped the new album from British producer/DJ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Lau" target="_blank"><b>Eric Lau</b></a>. <br />
<br />
It's called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrivium" target="_blank"><i>"Quadrivium</a>."</i> <-- Click the name to find out what the hell that is.
Haven't checked it out in its entirety yet, but from what I've heard so far, very nice.
<p><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="400" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5LDz3-limSw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/eric-lau" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.soulculture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/eric-lau-4.jpg" width="400" height="290"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3647149623292165955.post-33706366173287760612011-02-27T16:25:00.000-08:002011-04-04T14:42:25.612-07:00Man Vs. Maschine...Mil and I went over to <b>Guitar Center</b> on Saturday to take advantage of the $100 off deal they had poppin' this weekend. He said he needed a new beat machine (something more portable than his current <b>MPC2500</b>) to take back and forth from New York while he is working on this project for work. He had his mind set on the <b>Maschine</b> by <b>Native Instruments</b>, which is a relatively inexpensive piece that is designed for more computer-based production with an <b>MPC</b> "inspired" interface:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/maschine/" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/Future%20Music/Issue%20212/native/native-instruments-maschine-460-80.jpg"></a><br />
<br />
Looks like a nice piece of gear, and if he needs it to get inspired on the beats, then it was a worthy purchase for the crew. Hopefully he will have the time to get some use out of it, being that he has been so swamped at the job. Maybe he will one day be able to work it like David "Fingers" Haynes, but that is setting the bar pretty high! I will be more than happy hearing some new dope Mil beats.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17443775974176665218noreply@blogger.com0