I saw Snoop perform last night in Boston. It was the first time I have seen Snoop live since the Up in Smoke Tour back in 2000. It wasn’t your typical hip-hop show (311 was the headliner), but Snoop won over the crowd. Watch this clip of him performing “Deep Cover”.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXVX-2v4eZo]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN27zri-yrk]
My favorite part of the concert footage is when Exile goes crazy with his MPC. It starts about 30 seconds in.

Concert Review by JJ Lydon of Hiptics.com.
Although seeing Talib Kweli hop on stage unannounced to perform with Skillz was cool, I have to say Blue & Exile and Wale really lived up to the hype at SOB’s last Sunday. Of course you already know I’m a big Wale fan but this kid Blu really impressed me. Before the concert I happened to be outside when he walked out of the venue to catch a bite. The two guys standing with me immediately lost it, blushing like pre-teens. While they were finally getting the chance to meet Blu I just stood there, awkwardly lost in the value of meeting this 22 year old, skinny guy from Inglewood. After seeing his performance and listening to Below the Heavens, I realize that I should have been blushing as well.

Blu’s music sounds like it belongs in the early 90’s: political, Public Enemy type verses flow with beats that exude tremendous amounts of energy and ingenious samples. Below the Heavens is truly an album; top to bottom it progresses through the talents of this young MC, showing off his flexibility and originality. I would recommend the album in it’s entirety but if you are feeling too cheap to spend ten bucks on iTunes then look up First Things First and Soul Amazin’ (Steel Blazin’) on youtube.

Good to be back on Hiptics, JJ out.

Decided to post both and see which one everyone prefers. Honestly, they are both classics and my favorite would probably depend on my mood. “Crooklyn” is a haunting track that features Special Ed, Buckshot and Masta Ace. A very depressing, but real track that tackles a lot of issues and provides a reality check. Special Ed really starts it off discussing atheism, nihilism and the depressing life kids in Brooklyn live.

“Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers” has a similar vibe, the beat is provided by Premier (favorite preemo beat). Features Chubb Rock, OC and Jeru Tha Damja. Another depressing track discussing real issues. Favorite is when Jeru is describing the scene in Brooklyn and how everyone is corrupt. Jeru’s verse is possibly one of my favorite verses ever.

Overall, I would say I enjoy “Crooklyn” more because i prefer the combo of MC’s, but Jeru shines on the return and I always anticipate his verse and have to replay it most times cause it is so dope. “Chips that power nuclear bombs, power my sega”. Since the tracks are used in Spike Lee movies it is only right they are deep and thought provoking. Spike has always displayed good taste in his music through his movies.

“Crooklyn”

“Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers”