Illa J "R U Listenin'"

I love when my iTunes wakes me up with the exact song thats gonna get me up and get me goin'. Much love to my iTunes shuffle feature.

Slicker Than Most. R.IP. Guru

As I am sure everyone is aware Keith Elam better known as Guru passed away on 4/19/10. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, "Guru" was a wordsmith in the greatest sense, and also a cornerstone of modern day rap. I remember, I started listening to Gangstarr because I had heard they originally started in Boston. And for the longest time I told everyone this was so. By the time I had learned the truth, that the group had actually started in NYC I was able to look past my misconception and truly become a fan of Guru and everything he did. I also can clearly recall the day I listened to Guru's Jazzmatazz Vol. 1. I literally dropped my jaw after listening to it in its entirety. I could not believe live jazz and rap could run so freely together. It's a sad day just realizing that one of the most influential artists in the game is gone for good. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

R.I.P. Guru

We represent the pain that's real talk, what's y'all claim to fame? -Guru

Serendipity Flow...

I've been meaning to do a write- up of the Kid Daytona for quite some time now. This is one "kid" who's doing his thing and needs more people to notice. Right now, I hear all the opponents trying to claim his styles recycled maybe even borrowed. Well I can honestly quell all of these thoughts. Daytona is a throwback to more lyrical rappers such as Mos Def and Talib Kweli, or even Curren$y (little different, but still lyrical). Just listen to the production value on Daytona's mixtapes. Now granted all my readers know I am an established backpack rap fan. But the fact remains you don't have to be a gangster or fake gangster for that matter to make good music or sell records. We as listeners need to rally behind rappers like Daytona and help them revive the dying genre that is rap music. In addition to bringing a lot to the table himself he also works with a few established artists. Such as Bun B, Double-O, and 6th Sense. To get yourself started on some Daytona I suggest first downloading "Come Fly With Me" followed by his previous EP "the Daytona 500". Songs to start off with include but aren't limited to: Air Born, Flava Season, The Pit Crew, and The Wings.

Get Some.

Samson

You Wish...

Today Beck and Sam Cooke discuss a pressing matter, where it's at.

Do it Do it.

Samson

Time For Some Amateur Videos...

This one is a local band performing their first public set last night at the Sky Bar in Tucson, Az.

'Dragonfly' by the Les Murphy Band.

and second a video I've been slacking on putting up here's a clip from a Sound Tribe Sector 9 concert I went to at the Rialto Theater in Tucson.

and here is the dl link for both videos.

the Les Murphy Band, Dragonfly

Sound Tribe Sector 9

Enjoy.

Samson

New Young Money Member...

As you may or may not have heard there was a new member added to Young Money, today. Cory Gunz was announced to be the new member, by Lil Wayne via Ustream. I have on major problem with the fact that Cory is going to Young Money. Well first actually more upset at the fact that he's such a slept on artist. Especially considering he is the son of Peter Gunz. The main reason, however, that I'm upset about this announcement is due to the fact that no one on the Young Money label shines besides Drake and Nicki Minaj. Take Curren$y for example how long was he with Cash Money and Young Money and barely anyone knew he was. The only reason you would is if you saw him featured on a track with Weezy. Now that Curren$y is off Young Money he's making major moves. Hopefully some good comes out of this, at least with the move he's getting some more coverage. So good look to Cory Gunz over at Young Money now, do your thing.

Look Out.

Samson

Diggin' Through the Crates...

Was looking through my records for some inspiration. I know my writing has been pretty terse lately but I promise to get some dope stuff up soon, maybe if I get motivated enough, today. Anyways I was cruisin' my records when I happened upon a single from Mic Geronimo that came out in 1996, "Unstoppable". It's a sick little number and brought me back to his hirst underground single "Shit's Real". Mic Geronimo is a completly underrated MC and never really got appreciation for the nice tunes he was putting out. So here at the GrindStoned we are listening to Mic Geronimo all day, today. As should you.

Get Some.

Samson