Boy Named Goo

I had a conversation with somebody about how musicians make out if they don't reach a record label. It's interesting because some of the greatest groups or artists made out by themselves in the beginning. I'm reading a book about the come up of hip hop in New York. It's one of the most interesting books I've read in my life, so far. I read that multi platinum recording artist and producer Jay Z couldn't get signed to a major label in the 90's. I then read that he started his own. Roc-a-Fella Records. It grew to become one of the most credible and respected recording labels worldwide in the hip hop industry. He may have had money to fund this entire project, but the point is that he started from nothing and built a foundation around himself and a movement. In a way I had myself thinking. I am sort of like an artist, I'd say. At the end of the day all I want to do is be part of a network in media with people, and music. So, with that being said. Why can't I create something like a record label (in my case something along the lines of news, and media, writing). Some of the best and most recognized artists in the world have started from the ground. Why can't I create something that could potentially plug me into a network of my interest. On days like these I spend time thinking about how a normal person like me could create such a thing. Sometimes and most of the time it's not what you know, but who you know. I decided to share my thoughts about this because I know I will make a move forward. I just don't know how, or when.

I came across a super old clip of The Goo Goo Dolls performing Name live at some radio station in 1996. That means I was 9 years old when this all took place. This one ended up being one of my all time favorite acoustic songs. When I moved to Edmonton in April of 2006 the only album I had in my back pack was Boy Named Goo, by The Goo Goo Dolls. Robby Takac looks much younger here. It's worth a listen.

Enjoy your Monday tomorrow everyone.

Monday Night

Louis Riel Day, H-S-U-K--> spell it backwards, and a good week end. I watched the slam dunk contest. You're right everybody. Blake Griffin IS a beast. But I was jumping over hoods of cars since 1998. Yall remember that. Back on the grind tomorrow.. Ugh, what a gross feeling. Shout outs to anybody else on the griz tomorrow. This tracks for you.

Happy Birthday Carlo, we miss you.

Mac Miller

I came across this guy named Mac Miller. FEELIN his tracks lately. This guy comes from the burgh, and has some dope stuff. The beat is D.O.P.E. Thought I'd scope a few from Miller. Fresh.

I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen

I had this track called Forever Begins by Common stuck in my head all day, today. Finished off the left over chili from Sunday. I have some quick music news as well.

Apparently Travis Barker is a rapper now. (JUST KIDDING). But for real I read today that he released a "debut single" called "Can A Drummer Get Some". I copy and pasted what Travis Barker commented. Thank you Billboard.com? (NO LAW SUITS). <---- classic streetsmokes quote. But I mean it. I'm not plagiarising, just saying. I'm sure youtube has a sample of his new joint.

Foo Fighter fans? About a month ago I heard they would be releasing their 7Th full length album. "Wasting Light" is set to be released April 12. I also read that it was recorded in a garage. I also found the track list but none of you probably care for it.

Last but certainly not least I had to mention something. COACHELLA! If anybody doesn't know what Coachella is. It is one of the biggest 3 day music festivals around the world. Found in the Coachella Valley close to Palm Springs, California. A trip to Southern California will definitely be necessary if you can afford it. Tickets for this week end of blitz will cost you around 400 dollars.

Red Merlot on a rare occasion

How do you write something about Valentine's Day with out sounding like a party pooper, especially if you're not so into it? I don't know, but here it goes. Love isn't bad, and love always isn't good. It goes both ways depending on your situation, and everybody is different. I think I'm in a time in my life where I'm just content. I have a significant other. I'd say I'm in love. But on a day like today, it just shouldn't all be about remembering you love somebody. It's not about using a day to remind yourself. It's not about who can get the most action. It's not about how many times you've loved or lost. People in love live their lives. Others do different. Some of us spend a lifetime.. Plotting, moving, chasing, searching. Do we find? Do all of us eventually find somebody we will spend the rest of their lives with? I don't know. I don't think we ever will know. So we just live. You can't usually find something you're looking for unless it's in front of you. Maybe it's in front of you, but you just can't notice. So many people are caught up with searching for such a generic lifestyle, or companion. Why not be caught up with being yourself? If it isn't good enough for who ever, then it never will be, because you will change. We're lucky to live, and to eat, and to have shelter. There is no problem with Valentine's Day. Just remember where you came from. Remember that it isn't a race. And it's not about votes. Be you, man..

My mom spent years trying to find the right person. She found, she lost, she did it all. Growing up I watched it happen. Every time. They say you may differ from your elders in ways of not making similar decisions depending on if you learn from them. But my mom didn't necessarily make mistakes. She was very optimistic. She has great gratitude in everything she finds that keeps her happy. She is a strong willed woman. One of many strong willed single mothers around the world. I will tell you this, though. She has lived a life many will not. I love you ma. This entire post is dedicated to you.

"Fight for your life, Tony".

TF's Osaka Sun Taco Chili

I went to sleep at about 11 pm last night. Before I dozed off I decided to make chili in the slow cooker. Ingredients as followed,

- 2 lbs ground beef (lean)
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 & 1/2 white onion (chopped)
- 1 celery bunch (chopped)
- 1 can of kidney beans
- 1 can of green chili's
- 1 can of corn kernels
- 1 jalapeno (optional)
- 1 package of chili seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of beef seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning

From about 10 pm last night my chili slow cooked on medium until about 10:30 am this morning. A fair 12 hours of marinating. It was so worth my time, especially because I did none of it. In fact, I was sleeping the entire time! Why add brown sugar? Because it takes the tang away from the tomatoes and chili seasoning my friends! P helped me out a little considering I had no recipe when I phoned him from the grocery store. Props to you P for answering. It turned out delicious. Anyways, take care of each other.

Red wine over white

11:47 am. Woke up at like 8:30. Bacon n Eggs, you know how it goes. Its Saturday. It's safe to say that I am some what obsessed with searching for peoples covers of certain songs I like. You should try it sometime. I came across this.

Forever

Dear RV & Streetsmokes,

A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton

Amongst everything else that sucked today? I'm reading this book about originators & icons of the New York Hip Hop scene. Picture a man with a beard, pea coat, and loafers. Now picture him reading a raw book about Hip Hop music. That's me. Anyways, the book is so good.

Tuned up the guitar before leaving for my other job. Wake Up - Arcade Fire is back. As well as another song. Trying to learn a Feist track. I wont have enough time. Also, everyone get ready for the worst Saturday Night Live episode ever. On March 5, Miley Cyrus will apparently be hosting it. Just saying. I gotta run. Have a good night at Whiskey tonight everybody. Stay Beastly.

P.S Hey RV I heard the Pittsburgh Pirates are paying400 to 1 to win the World Series!

Aidan Knight

We cant forget about Aidan Knight. One time I listened to this song 31 times in a row. I know this because I wrote it down on a piece of paper and taped it to the bottem of my lap top. "I just listened to knitting something nice 31 times." http://www.myspace.com/aidanknightmusic

Desean Jackson

Feel It In The Air

When Beanie Sigel was still on Roc-A-Fella records the small touring seemed so hype. So many sold out shows in the districts and bouroughs of New York. Always with the hugest entourages. Jay-Z affiliated, six studio albums, and a raw reputation in hip hop. I came across this clip. It's old, but one of the best. Anybody who knows this song knows the beat is insane. Check it out.

Southern Campaign

Amongst every successful southern rapper, Young Buck is my favorite. Its sort of weird because I'm always addressing certain people that southern hip hop is the weakest. I'm not a fan of G-UNIT either. But I payed attention to Young Bucks time being signed with 50 Cent and the rest of G-UNIT. Then I got wind that he had left G-UNIT, and rumors poured. Now, it's 2011 and I came across something I found some what passionate. Recently, Internal Revenue Service agents raided Young Bucks Hendersonville, Sumner County home. They seized recording equipment, jewelry, furniture and platinum wall plaques for a delinquent $300,000 tax bill. Later in a statement Buck said "Nothing like this will ever happen again." It was a huge wake up call for Young Buck. Here's my version of what made this thing so unique. Somebody Buck knew by the name Drumma Boy payed him a visit, and gave him a few beats. It was said that Young Buck took this matter personal. Later, this is was what he made of it. The beat is insane, and the production is southern. Welcome back YB.