VIDEO: Author Alvin Blanco Explains His New Wu-Tang Clan Biography

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The good folks over at Fuse TV’s “Hip Hop Shop” interviewed me about my book, The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip Through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers. Wouldn’t call it a “bio” since the book deals more with the Clan’s music as opposed to their come up, but biographical content was definitely included to add proper context to the sounds from Shaolin. Consider the book more like “the ultimate guide to the labyrinthine musical world of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan,” as the esteemed Brian Coleman described it.

Kendrick Lamar “Reagan Era”

New Kendrick Lamar joint called “Reagan Era” that features vocals from the RZA (produced by Tae Beast). Only person that shouldn’t be appreciating this heat is Marcus Camby. Off Kendrick’s forthcoming #Section80 mixtape, out July 2. [Nod to Rap Radar]

DOWNLOAD: Kendrick Lamar “Reagan Era” [via 2DopeBoyz] | Mediafire

VIDEO: GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, RZA on Rhythm & Soul (1991)

“Been doing it for a long time, tearing up parties, waxing MCs, just anything you can name as far as emceeing.”—The Genius (in 1991)

The Genius promotes his debut Words From the Genius on a public access show called “Rhythm & Soul” with ODB, RZA (aka All In Together) and some cat who probably had warrants and didn’t want to show his face—in tow. What, you didn’t know that Liquid Swords was GZA’s sophomore album? Then you should read my book—The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip Through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers. I know, I know, I didn’t set that price, I swear. GZA/Genius’ “Come Do Me” video below (Red Alert is the bartender), directed by Ralph McDaniels and Lionel “THe Vid Kid” Hampton. [Propers to Nah Right via J-Zone/Ego Trip]

The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers

Book written by yours truly dropping April 30th, 2011 via Praeger. Stay tuned for more info while I get my self-promotion (ugh) game together. Big up to HipHopIsRead.com.

VIDEO: RZA, GZA & Bill Murray x Coffee and Cigarettes

“And you’re Bill Murray…Bill Groundhog Day, Ghostbusting ass Murray!”—GZA/Genius

“Are you a bug Bill Murray?”—RZA

Was reading a feature story on Bill Murray in GQ and his OG film Stripes happens on television at the moment—all which reminds me of the greatness of the above scene from Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes.

The conversation revolves around the RZA’s prowess with herbal medicine, Bill Murray experiencing delirium and the GZA decrying the effects of too much caffeine. It all makes perfect sense, really. Chill on the citric acid, ya know?

Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Fridays Artwork

UPDATE, YET AGAIN: Added “Take One For The Team” and “Don’t Look Down” artwork.

UPDATE, AGAIN: Added Child Rebel Soldier “Don’t Stop” [via LupEND].

UPDATE: Added the latest G.O.O.D. Fridays delivery, “So Apalled” & “Christian Dior Denim Flow” below.

After his Taylor Swift and Hennessey inspired hiatus, Kanye West has returned with a vengeance. XXL Mag cover, outlandish Horus chain, buzzworthy VMA performances and of course, getting quizzical shots fired at him by Dipset.  While the hoopla continues to swirl about Mr. West, I’ve come to appreciate the graphic design of the artwork for his singles (black background with the occasional watermark and bold red lettering). Check your Twitter feed and you’ll see many avatars either swiping them or using them as inspiration. And of course, would be MCs are jacking them wholesale for their own work.

Here is all of Kanye’s artwork for his G.O.O.D. Fridays leaks with download links for each song. Said links probably won’t last very long. So get them while the getting is G.O.O.D. Except for that ish with Beiber—I wouldn’t share that with my worst enemy. Kanye’s fifth album Good Ass Job Dark Twisted Fantasy My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is now due November 16, for now.

Kanye West “Don’t Look Down” f/ Mos Def, Big Sean & Lupe Fiasco

 

Kanye West “Take One For The Team” f/ Kanye West, Pusha T, & Cyhi Da Prince & Keri Hilson

Child Rebel Soldier “Don’t Stop!“

 

Kanye West “Dior Denim Flow” f/ Kid Cudi, Pusha T, John Legend, Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie

VIDEO: Ol’ Dirty Bastard & RZA x 1991 Talent Show

Talent show footage (Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the beatbox, the RZA on the rhymes) from two thirds of the All In Together Now crew circa 1991. The RZA’s rhymes are the same lyrics the late Dirt McGirt  kicks on “Don’t U Know” from his debut, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.

Cappadonna “’97 Mentality”

The Source Magazine - June 1997

Cappadonna “’97 Mentality” off that Wu-Tang Killa Bees compilation. This joint was always ill. Still is.

Produced by the RZA, ya know, the Wu-Tang Clan Abbot that Raekwon tells Vibe will not be contributing to his Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, due in September. Sigh.

Born is 9, and God is 7. You’re welcome if you never figured that out before.

VIDEO: Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA on Beats x iDrum

The Abbot of the Wu-Tang Clan speaks on the iDrum, the iPhone app he’s endorsing, and offers insight into his production techniques in general. Yeah, he started as a DJ.

Shouts to my panin Martin Berrios for the find. My fav RZA beat, of the moment, “Ice Water” from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…

Bagua x Wu-Tang Brand Slip-On Shoe

"...cop a couple of these..."

Only rock these if you’re kung-fu game is supreme. Or, if you’re actually in the Wu-Tang Clan. Designed by Oli “Power” Grant and the RZA, and flipped by Bagua Shoes for Wu-Wear Wu-Tang Brand.

Only 360 of these slippers are being made. A black and yellow bathrobe would make the cypher complete. Cop a pair if you happen to be in Paris on April 14. [Peeped at High Snobiety]