April 30, 2010

TGIF? Are you high?



Word has it (read: the internet says) Ice Cube wants to do another Friday with Chris Tucker. Why would they do that? Have our minds not suffered enough? As you can probably tell by now, The Ordinary Girl is writing this post. It's common knowledge that Dude adores, I mean adores Friday.

To him Friday, starring Ice Cube as Craig and Chris Tucker as the annoying friend aptly named Smokey, is the original Get High film that has gained cult status. Plus it has Dude's favourite late great comedian, Bernie Mac starring too. This movie annoys T.O.G no end. But then again theblaggers don't agree about everything all the time. Anywhoooooooo...



Depending on what blogs you frequent you might hear that Cube took some time out from telling rappers they aren't West Coast enough to speak to The Voice of New York herself, Angie Martinez OR you might have read that he spoke to a movie site. The point is, the former NWA-er told someone that he wants to do another Friday. It sounds to me like he wants to recreate the buffoonery, I mean magic that people loved when he and Tucker where committed to celluloid - not any of the Friday films that followed!

When asked if he would ever think about doing a Friday 4 Ice Cube said, "I want to. But I don’t want to do it without Chris Tucker. That’s what people want. I really want to give people what they want, especially doing it for a fourth time. We can’t just go through a movie without giving the people exactly what they want. I’ve been trying to convince Chris to do it. Just say “yeah,” it’s alright …."



Maybe Tucker is thinking about what The Ordinary Girl wants. I'm not mad at that. And yes, I am fully aware that I am the only person in the entire world who hates this film. Cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it.

April 29, 2010

Back Track



Back To The City came and went. You only need to log onto Facebook to find that there are mixed feelings about this Freedom Day festival. A lot of them. But theblagg don't judge so best believe there will be some video footage that just shows it like it is coming through in the very near future. However, we will say this while you wait for the videos; theblagg affiliates Instro and Reason (above) were thoroughly entertaining!

Good thing though, we FINALLY got to meet The Ordinary Girl's East African version of dream hampton. Yes, we are ecstatic.

So because this is our blog and we can post pictures of ourselves if we want to that's exactly what we're going to do. This is Dude getting his blagg on backstage. Much love to Hypress for posting these on FB.

Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin


No we are not on Lupe's publicist's payroll. It just so happens that we across a lot of his stuff worth blagging about. This time its his video for the official first single "I'm Beamin" off the Lasers album which still does not have a release date. The video is directed by Illusive Media, who also brought you the "Freedom" video for The Clipse which Dude loved. Here is Lupes "I'm Beamin" video.




Just because we can here is "Freedom" also directed by the directive collective Illusive Media.

April 28, 2010

Love Letter to the Beat


"Love Letter to the Beat" started as an Alicia Keys record produced by Chad Hugo of The Neptunes and was supposed to be on Mrs. Beats 2007 album As I Am. Unfortunately it didn't make the final cut. Rapper Lupe Fiasco then got a hold of the joint and felt like he could do it justice and so he put his vocals alongside Alicia's and made this version of "Love Letter to the Beat".No word as yet if this will be on Lupe's Lazers album. What do you think of the joint?

Lupe Fiasco featuring featuring Alicia Keys -Love Letter To The BeatbyHypetrak

April 26, 2010

Hot 'n Fun



Yes they are back. N*E*R*D* is dropping their fourth album on June 15 and their first single called "Hot 'n Fun" features Nelly Furtado (one of the many artists that T.O.G. and Dude don't agree on). "Hot 'n Fun" is a fun dance record which will probably be a smash in the club. I can already see DJ Milkshake mixing it in with some Timbaland joint while bobbing his head crazy in his pink and black Air Yeezy's. Ahem... I digress. "Hot 'n Fun" is exactly what its title suggests and has the potential to be a mainstream hit for this niche-fan-based-band. Have a listen, and tell us what you think.

N.E.R.D. featuring Nelly Furtado -Hot N' FunbyHypetrak

April 23, 2010

New Work Out Plan



Dude demanded that this post be about the special tie that Ralph Lauren created for Ludacris, and that 100% of the proceeds from sales will go to the rapper's charity. But as you can see The Ordinary Girl can be something of a rebel. And since I already mentioned the tie can we talk about something else? Plus Dude has been toying around with the idea of gym... well actually, T.O.G has been teasing him about paying the gym, any gym a visit. But let's move on.

We came across this Amber Rose interview with Elle.com where the model/video girl/chick-you-love-to-hate discussed beauty tips and other girly things. Aside from street vendor bargains, ARose keeps it simple and doesn't kill herself to look beautiful. She just is. That's what happens when you're naturally gifted. And of Cape Verdian descent.



However, that body does not make itself that gorgeous so this is what she had to say about keeping fit:
Elle: Naturally flawless, sun-resistant skin? Let me guess, you never have to hit the gym, either?
Amber Rose: Oh no, I definitely work out. I love to eat and I don’t believe in denying myself, so I have to work out. I’m not obsessed with it, I don’t have a trainer or do any of the fancy classes, but I usually put on my iPod and run on the treadmill for an hour a few days a week. I’d much rather be the girl who worked out more so she could eat more; I could never not eat.



theblagg's kind of girl! Don't you just love how cute she looks in sweats AND glasses? See? Bofour eyes ba rocka maan. Now, who has a Virgin Active subscription we can borrow for a month?

April 22, 2010

We're All For Functionality



But what the heck is this? A pocket on the back of the hi-top? Yes, we know we just said "heck" - who still says that? - but look at the bigger picture here. Yeah that luminous yellow one!



Raf Simons is a men's fashion brand that is loved by the "fashion-forward" folks like Kanye and Diddy. And while we understand that people follow what these celebrities wear closely, why exactly would someone want these Astronaut Pocket Sneakers? Even the black ones don't pass.

But maybe these green and grey (don't hate on us because we don't work for Dulux) ones might... Hm.





If you were paid to rock these sneakers (and look like the guy wearing the pretty black Yohji Yamamoto jacket above who was snapped in Tokyo). And maybe given a day off from the nine-to-five too - with a bag of Mr Sweet Jelly Beans thrown into the mix, would you wear these? And if you would, what exactly would you put in the pocket

Back To The City



Dominique, Osmic and their friends are at it again. The cause for many a head's excitement, the annual Back to the City, will be held next week Tuesday (April 27) in Newtown. This Freedom Day Festival is an all-day hip hop gig featuring some of the country's biggest names in hip hop.

Above: Archetypes

Expect to see "live music, street art, break-dancing, art installation, skateboarding, film, street soccer, street fashion, gaming, speakers and panel discussions." That means you can watch graff masters do their thing while the likes of Archetypes, Illiterate Skills, Driemanskap, Reason, Mothipa, Zuluboy, Prokid, Tumi, Kenzhero and the Music Atlast DJs are on stage.

Above: Ill Skillz

The Back to the City Freedom Day Festival is from 10am to 11pm on 27 April under the bridge next to Ritual Stores on the corner of Bree and Henry Nxumalo Street in Newtown. Entrance is R50.

April 21, 2010

Made From The Best Stuff On Earth



Yes, this is yet another theblagg post that has to do with J. Cole. Except, it's got way more to do with Snapple. Yes, that drink that Tommy always used to grab from Martin's fridge when he tries to play Dr Phil. Or lie about having a job.

Here we have the making of "Hold It Down" - one of The Ordinary Girl's favourites off Cole's second mixtape, The Warm Up. The behind the scenes clip is insightful - naturally. But why is there a random ass guy talking ABOUT SNAPPLE over the making of this song? Yakking on about wanting an endorsement. Why?

If anyone should be asking for endorsements on camera it is the artist, J. Cole. But he's not. Why? Because he is making music! What he is supposed to be doing! Why are there always these dudes in the studio who neither rap or play yet they are the loud mouths? What are they supposed to be doing? The answer is not in a swab of Kat Stacks' saliva is it?

Oh well, enjoy the making of Hold It Down. We did :)



Oh and we love Snapple - ask the Engen petrol attendants. It truly is made from the best stuff on earth. But so is J. Cole. And that's exactly why we wouldn't be acting a fool in his recording session!

The Need


Girls are needy. Hip hop is worse. And sometimes the music has the girl as head cheerleader. But mostly, they refuse to co-exist. It seems when it comes down to it, you can find another Tahiry (or better depending on what team you're on) anywhere. He doesn't need that. He needs the music more than he needs a Mrs. Always. Another slice of a day in the life of a rapper.

hi-tek - all i need is you by theblagg

"Come see you at night and in the morning you're alone."

April 16, 2010

21.43

"Catch me on your doorstep/You see me let me in/All I wanna do is eat/I'm like a freaky lesbian"

These are the sort of things we contemplate at times like this. Thank you Cole.

Oh and this is what we stare at Enjoi while we contemplate

The Vent Part 1



Why is it that girls with small breasts grace (if we can call it that) the cover of top-selling magazines bearing all but when a girl with big boobs in a bikini does it it's considered soft porn?



VS




Granted, it's not the type that etv would promote - this is too tame. But still...

Sigh. This shot is timeless, and perhaps it's because it is shot in black and white but Damita Jo has tig ol bitties and it just is what it is. Does not having a nosejob exclude everyone else from art?




- T.O.G

Friday Favourites - DJ Babu


You thought we forgot huh? You thought it's all cheapline soccer T-shirts for theblagg's start of the weekend? No sir, we stay on the grind and we do our best to deliver. So there you have it, just what you ordered: a Friday Favourites by one of our favourites, DJ Babu of the Dilated Peoples.

theblagg spoke to the master behind the decks while he was on his South African tour. We then went home and watched his iphone-created short films and let's just say Babu was on a cloud nine when making them. Hit up youtube to see what we mean. For now though, don't go anywhere, check out our chat below:

Nike Japan Free Run Music Shoe

Nike Japan has just dropped one of the coolest videos in a while yo. The video features the DJ duo called Hifana doing some sick stuff with running shoes. These guys even use them as samplers - as in beatmaking samplers (NO JOKE YO!!). This showcase took place in Tokyo and we've got it for you right below. Too Dope!! Peep it.

April 15, 2010

Pledge Your Allegiance


This is not a Broke Phi Broke frat. This is not a cheesy intro. Ahem. This is fratpack all lowercase!) and their take on The Kills' Sour Cherry. Made up of three Vaal Triangle dudes: me, Mr Mr Calibre The Boy With Infinite Skill as well as Hytone (not pictured) the crew has been doing their thing for a bit now. You might have heard of their Far Out Mixtape - or not.

But theblagg is going to make sure you hear their second, as yet untitled, mixtape which is going to hit a site near you on May 27. For now though, enjoy Sour Cherry.

Fratpack - Sour Cherry by theblagg

Oh and let us know what you think.

April 13, 2010

Podcast Put On


An exchange between The Ordinary Girl and "Vaal Triangular Son, To Be Particular" originator X-Rate on an early April morning.

The Ordinary Girl: What is the Nauts and Crosses Podcast II? Do you and producer, Ootz, present or just rap?
X-Rate: It's really songs that didn't make the album [that Ootz and I are working on]. We are just showcasing our work on this podcast...yameen?
T.O.G: So how does it work? Are the songs just played non stop or is the podcast in radio format with breaks in between songs?
X: Well...it's a medley of songs so how it works is that, basically, you can't skip a track because all the songs are presented as one mp3. So you just play the mp3 and you'll find about 14 tracks on it.
T.O.G: What exactly is on the podcast?
X: Those are songs we did just nje! Plus some of the older songs we did in our individual capacity just to show what we do. We feature Zubz, Battlekat, pH, Nthabi, Reason, Eli and more.
T.O.G: The podcast is great but when can we expect a X-Rate and Ootz album?
X: Sooner than soon. Its finished its just admin now...

Uh-huh, we've heard that one before. Download Nauts and Crosses Podcast II for FREE here and here.

And yes, although we know what Brotha X was saying theblagg cannot advocate the use of "yameen" in public or around small animals.

Something For Your Ears


Meet Al da 3rd (right) and Ra's Rayz (left) - odd names, even for rap (we know, we know) but stick with us this is going somewhere. Promise. Together these producers/rappers are Audiophiles. If it weren't for an unfortunate incident involving a hard drive that wouldn't cooperate for the greater good of hip hop, you'd probably already know of them.

But don't despair, theblagg has a little something something that should serve as a good enough introduction. The song is called Brighter Day and although Al is rumoured to be the better producer of the duo, having produced Reason's You Aint Sny, he doesn't feature on the song. At all. Yup, Ra's Rayz - said to be the better rapper - is on both verses. Peas that make sense for the pod, right?
Audiophiles - Brighter Day by theblagg

This, ahem, "leak" (can we still call it that if it comes from the artists and lands in your inbox, encouraging you to upload it everywhere? I digress) is a nod to that awesome Ronny Jordan song of the same title. See?


So anyway, the Audiophiles version of Brighter Day won't be on the album that they've had to rework. It is, as Ra's Rayz puts it "just a teaser for the fans." Yeah, that means you can download it to your hearts content. It doesn't seem like you'll have to wait a long time for their album to drop though. This is not Detox. Ra's Rayz reassures: "We are recording some of the old songs we lost but mostly new material. We plan to release during the last quarter of the year, around October/November."

What do you think of this joint?

April 9, 2010

Friday Favourites - J. Period

It's been a while since we hit you with a Friday Favourites video so here you go. We linked up with J. Period when he was in Johannesburg to play alongside K'naan and the Mixtape Assassin graciously let us in on his favourite sneakers:



Oh and here is a closer look at those Qustom Queen kicks that were especially made for him thanks to his unsurpassed success with his The Best Of Lauryn Hill mixtapes. Dope, right?

April 6, 2010

Taking The Mickey Out


of the sneaker game or is this some dope childhood throwbacks? Are Jeremy Scott's adidas Originals (also seen on Ciara's lanky legs) dope noma iskathi sa ma popeye si pelile? You tell us.

Dilla Joints


You know you're a legend when the Legendary Roots Crew does a mixtape of their renditions of your greatest hits. This is the case with J Dilla. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, J Dilla must be smiling down for this one.

April 1, 2010

2nd Round K.O*



"Shout out to the bootleggers who supply my shit and fans online trying to find my shit"
The Ordinary Girl: Yo! You think J. Cole is talking about us in that line?
Dude: I'd bet good jelly beans that he is...

Drake may be on the cover of such-and-such Magazine and blah blah blah. Look, Jermaine gets Jay-Z's co-sign but more importantly he gets theblagg's. Yep. Because we know you love to front like a si ni tshelanga, we will say it again (for the 111000000000 time!) J. Cole is the truth in the booth and elsewhere. Oh you don't believe us... ok, we'll just forward you the links when you hit us up like "yo, theblagg, have you heard of this new J. Cole kid?" For now though, enjoy:


*Yes we know Canibus is in South Africa. This is not about him, but you've probably noticed by now.