If you guys remember I did a full series of video's with my boy CurT@!n$ during Black History month. In one segment in particular I touch upon his song "Black Folks." Well the wait is over. Here it is in all its Dopeness: Black Folks. The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: Dope For President is due out June 16th. I got a couple surprises on that so stay tuned.
Vote 4 "Black Folks" on MTVU.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hyphenated NY: CurT@!n$ - "Black Folks"
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hyphenated Vets: Eminem - "3a.m."
Here's the visual for Em's Second single, "3a.m." off of his long awaited return to Hip-Hop, "Relapse". "Relapse" is set to hit the streets May 19th. Welcome Back.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Album of the Week: Chester French - "Love The Future"
So, Chester French has dropped, and man...Can you say Future? These dudes are by far the cleanest rock act out right now, and I don't listen to much rock, so you can trust me lol. They are the first rock group to release a Hip Hop oriented mixtape prior to their album. If The Neptune backing doesn't get you, these guys got P. Diddy to do a mixtape song!!! I don't even think diddy did mixtape songs with Biggie...lol I'm lyin', but you get what I'm sayin'. Below is an interview my bruh Gax Mibson over at WineandBowties.com did with the duo. Catch the album after the jump...
Conducted over the phone, I was the first interviewer in a line of five for the day, and was given 15 minutes to chat with the band. One thing that I noticed about CF is their incredible self-awareness. They know they're good. They're also aware that they could be great. They probably really became aware once they became involved in an intense bidding war between Kanye, Pharrell & Jermaine Dupri to sign them...
CF looked back at the process and commented on the improbable situation, "They were all amazing opportunities for us so we couldn't really go wrong. But Pharrell & Startrak were just a great fit creatively. Because the Neptunes have sat on this boundary of all these genres for a long time. And the fans that follow them and look out for their music are similarly open minded fans of creativity."
With a record deal set, the group is currently touring the country, building a stronger fan base by connecting with fans at shows and impromptu autograph signings. When asked about achieving longevity within the industry D.H related the main objective, "The only thing that matters at the end of the day is how many people really support what you do and your ability to communicate with those people."
It seems as though this connection is what will truly matter in the years to come, as the role of the middle man (the record industry) falls by the wayside. IMO a much more authentic relationship is developing between musicians and fans, which previously might have been defined as a relationship between artists and consumers.
Often times I question those who travel off the beaten path to pursue their dreams. Before they have made it, what keeps them on track? What keeps them focused on their goals, and what compels them to continue when the light at the end of the tunnel is dim. To these questions, Max responded with a simple reality, "What we do is fun. So even if it sucks its ok."
When I asked the group about their upcoming projects, they told me about their most recent work, "Jacques Jams. We've got a mixtape coming out in the next week or two with DJ Clinton Sparks out of Boston. And its all original music, but instead of it just being us, we made it more of a hip hop mixtape where we produced beats and we've got collaborations with folks like Diddy Pharrell Travis Mccoy Talib JD and Janelle Monae. A bunch of artists who we really love."
Chester French will win if they continue to get their music into the ears of like minded listeners. Finishing the interview, CF commented on the transcending quality of their music, and the diverse make up of their fan base, "In our culture people are so type casted. Ok so you dress like this so you have to listen to this kind of music. Or you have to talk with this kind of dialect. And its all kind of arbitrary to us. We like all different types of people, which makes our shows so fun for us. We've got skater kids and punks and gang members so its like a complete mix. It's really great."
For more information on the group visit their website chesterfrench.com
Chester French - "Love The Future"
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated 1 on 1: DJ Chuck thE oLd SouL W/ H.O.P.E
So its 5:44 in the am. I got class at 11. Above is part 1 of a 4part interview Honor Flow's DJ Chuck thE oLd SouL in conjunction with Hyphenated Life conducted with H.O.P.E. on the release day of his debut album, "Follow The Leader". This was a funny FUNNY day (LMAO @Julien...No Twitter). The interview speaks for itself. Parts 2-4 under the cut...Vimeo > Youtube smh...Enjoi.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated L.A: H.O.P.E.- Follow The Leader (Album)
I introduced you guys to H.O.P.E. a while ago, you may remember him from the BMI Cipher. Now I bring you, a day late...I know, the highly anticipated debut from the Compton representative, "Follow The Leader" I sat down with H.O.P.E. on the big day to chop it up about the project and where he's headed in this music industry(Footage of that coming sooner than you think). Tracklisting and download under the cut...
H.O.P.E.-"Follow The Leader"
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Friday, April 17, 2009
Hyphenated Vets: Reflection Eternal - "Back Again"
"This Is Nelson Mandela"....Visually Clean Piece From Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek. Welcome Back.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated at Its Best: MUTO
Walk with me for a second. So we're sittin' here watchin' this youtube, cuz we all fuck with clean youtube videos from time to time. We stumble on a video, courtesy of Gax Mibson. The title says "MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU". I fuck with art, you fuck with art; we watch. A hand pushes a brick out the wall, then more hands come out, then more hands. We keep watchin'. The hands become a guy, who becomes another guy, that then becomes some strange cube. At the 2:37 mark the robot kicks a log, yeah, he kicks the log. We keep watchin', then we realize.....This Shit Is 7 minuets LONG!!! I don't know what else to say but...Dope. Blu is definitely Hyphenated...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer Continue to full story......
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Hyphenated Canada: K'Naan
The music industry has run amuck with gimmicky acts and lackluster production, and it’s time for change. Out of Africa comes a refreshing new face for hip-hop: K’Naan Warsame.
K’Naan has seen it all: bombs, bullets, dead children in the street. Growing up in the war-torn country of Somalia made K’Naan tough.
As a result of his upbringing, K’Naan’s music “is really about me, rather than a persona. If I get to a stage in my career when I’m done with my biography, the stories in my life, then maybe I’ll develop something, but for now it’s just me.”
Due to this awareness and grasp of what really matters in life, K’Naan’s latest release, Troubadour, is motivational. K’Naan has created his own lane in music: passionate, rousing and entertaining. His music is a salute to the old school foundation of hip-hop with a new school twist; a nod to the eras of hip-hop where a dance party breakbeat was lined with socially conscious lyrical content and a human life meant more than a gold chain.
“Everybody has a different way they see the world. In songs like ‘[T.I.A] (This Is Africa),’ I’m trying to put things in perspective. I know the ’hood. I’ve lived in the ’hoods in America for half my life, but the other half I lived in a ’hood that’s like the mother of your ’hood. Everybody has their struggles, and that’s all legitimate, but I just see things differently,” he shares.
Thanks to his hard work mentality and lyrical wordplay on Troubadour’s lead single, “ABC’s” (a play of Chubb Rock’s “Treat em’ Right”), K’Naan has garnered buzz in the industry and amongst his peers, recently being featured as MTV’s artist of the week. However, with success comes hardship, and K’Naan is not exempt from the effects being on a major label has on a new artist.
He says, “When you put music out independently there are fewer opinions on your music than there is in major labels. The stakes are so high that a lot of people have a say on what you put out as a single and how your music sounds. I’m not egotistical about many things in my life, but I am about my music. It’s not easy for me to hear opinions.”
Though the industry can be stressful for most, K’Naan has used his past as an example that in adversity one can still rise to the top. His music is reflective of his life: raw and real. Every man has his story. The stage is set for K’Naan to tell his.
Troubadour is currently available. K’Naan will perform April 19 at Coachella. For more information, visit knaanmusic.ning.com.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated Vets: Method Man & Redman - A-Yo
Oh Yea, They're back...Blackout 2 Drops April 28th, 2009.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: U-N-I -"Hollywood Hiatus"
First Video for The Love Supreme Album. Simply Dope. T. Whittmore on the Direction.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Guess Who's Back, Back Again: Eminem Edition
The Visual is classic Em. The Flow Is Classic Em. The Beat Is Classic Em. Dare I call this a Classic? Probably not.....
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Monday, April 6, 2009
Young Money: "Every Girl"
"I Wish I Could Fuck Every Girl In The World"
Pretty Much...
Behind the scenes footage courtesy of Tha Bizness after the jump...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Hyphenated BAY: Stickup Kidds: "Turf Banga"
When I think of Oakland, this is what comes to mind: Fly cats,dipped to the toe, Chicks wit Gaws to the Tee, hittin' it in the parking lot. "Put some heels on ya like diamond cuzzin' ebony...". This is a Turf Banga...
More on the Stickup Kidds @ http://www.myspace.com/sukmob
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated BAY: Young Bob- Skinny Jeans
The bay has been in a slump for a while. Short and 40 are really the only cats doin' it, but they're vets... It's time for the youngin's to take this shit back. I introduce you to Young Bob, East Oakland Representa, front man of Go Dav, my bruh bruh from anotha mum. In this Aris Jerome assisted video, Bob brings the Gaws of the Bay back on the scene. Young Bob has never stopped grinding, and won't do so soon. Bobitto, your are Hyphenated...
more on Young Bob at myspace.com/robertocabobby
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: U-N-I A Love Supreme
Its been a long time coming to say the least. U-N-I has grown a lot since their last album "Fried Chicken & Watermelon". From LMU, to sneaker pimps, to MTV, U-N-I has been on their grind. I'm proud to be one of the many folks to present this album to you. The production is solid, lyrics are on point, and Lauren London is sexy lol...Download link and Album Release party info after the jump...Enjoi.
Sendspace "A Love Supreme"
Zshare "A Love Supreme"
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hyphenated Canada: Shad K
Shad- I'm Back (freestyle)
K-OS, Kardinal Offishal, K'Naan, Swollen Members, Drake. Canada has a knack for pushing out great talent, and Shad is no exception. Born Shadrach Kabango in Kenya, to Rwandan parents, Shad started his journey through Hip Hop at an early age, being raised in London,Ontario...
Known wide as Shad K, his debut album "When This Is Over", was self-made and financed with entrepreneurial spirit and the $17,500 worth of prize money he won from Canada's 91.5 The Beat's Rhythm of the Future talent competition. His debut album is recognized for focusing on social causes facing the world. In 2007, he was signed by Black Box Recordings and released his second album, The Old Prince. In 2008, The Old Prince received a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize. If the freestyle above was not enough for you, peep the vids below. Shad is a heavy Hitter and a Heavy spitter. Shad K, you are Hyphenated...
Shad - The Old Prince Still Lives at Home
Shad - Brother (Watching)
For more from Shad K visit: http://www.shadk.com/whenthisisover.html
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: Rob Roy "Fur In My Cap"
LA Fresh Via Jacksonville. Not much to say about the video above other than Dope. Big E put his foot in this one. Peep Y.O. of U-N-I making a cameo towards the end.
For More Rob Roy Visit http://www.myspace.com/robroy
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Monday, March 16, 2009
Hyphenated BK: CurT@!n$ HHO Interview
My By CurT@!n$ (its a bitch to spell his name btw) sits down with HipHopOfficial.com to chop it up about his beginnings in the industry and where his name comes from. Black Folks coming soon!!! Hit the jump for part II of the interview...
Bonus CurT@!n$-"Everybody Move"
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
CurT@!n$-"Everybody Move"Hyphenated Flicks: 88 keys- Stay Up! (Viagra) feat. Kanye West
I always say that when I get old i'm gonna be slayin' as much young tail that comes my way. I just hope I don't need that blue pill. Clifford and Rufus (Keys and Kanye) kick it with Pete Wentz of FallOut Boy after the jump...
The things we do for some Ass & Titties. Man...
Bonus:Jay-Z & Kellz- "Power of Pussy"
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: H.O.P.E Nightlife (Behind The Scenes)
I set this video up and should have been in it, but when your immobile shit happens(Insert Sad Face). Anyway check out behind the scenes footage from H.O.P.E's music video shoot for "Nightlife" courtesy of 2dopeboyz.com and MyCypher.com. My boy Flip(Director) and H.O.P.E chop it up with Mycypher after the jump...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated Nights: Dub Frequency
I've decided its time to let my folks know what's poppin' in my city. My boy Ian over at Dub Frequency hit me with a couple events they have going down this weekend. The first is their new weekly at The Purple Lounge inside the Standard of Hollywood going down this Friday night. The second is their spur of the moment Pool Parties atop the Standard in Downtown. Nobody raises the Standard like DF. More info after the jump....
Who: Dub Frequency
What: The Purple Lounge
Where: Standard Hollywood (8300 W.Sunset Hollywood, CA)
When: Friday (weekly) from 10PM - 2AM
Free with RSVP: Ian@dubfrequency.com
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: The Standard Downtown LA
Street: 550 S. Flower St.
City/Town:Los Angeles, CA
DJ Sets by:
The VIllains
Cosmic Kids
Original Bozak
Chris Santiago
There will be free giveaways fromBarracuda
Make sure to
RSVP
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, March 5, 2009
CurT@!n$: Dope Boy C For President Episode IV:Malcolm X
Well folks we have come to the end of Black History month & our Dope Boy C For President series (A week later, but hey, CP time?). Anyway, in this last installment CurT@!n$ speaks on one of his main influences from the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X. Its been a pleasure to further introduce you guys to my boy CurT@!n$. He is definitely the next up. Stay tuned for the premiere of Black Folks, coming very soon.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: H.O.P.E
Its funny what can occur when an unsuspecting journalist pulls out his HD Canon to video tape his boys freestyling:
I never knew that bringing out my cam would turn into the catapult it has for the artist in the video (not saying its because of me, but this shit was fire). Each of these cats are my boys and I'm proud of what has been accomplished since this video was taken. With that said I bring you H.O.P.E. Leading artist of the Fresh 2 Def label, H.O.P.E is on his way to the top. Below is his latest release Nightlife off of his upcoming release "Follow The Leader" as well as one of my favorite joints from him, "H-O-P-E", produced by my boy Three-1-Zero. You'll hear more from H.O.P.E in the future.
Hope-*NightLife*
Hope-*H-O-P-E*
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated at Its Best: Wayne's World
Like the title says, dude has been making his rounds as of late. Above is his recent release Prom Queen off the "Rebirth" due out May 19th. Check out his interview on Jimmy Kimmel below...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: The Formula Presents:"The Lab"
(Click Picture to enlarge)In an effort to bring you guys the best and brightest artist LA has to offer, I bring you "The Lab", A night of Real Hip-Hop on the open mic. "The Lab" will feature members, friends, and affiliates of The Formula: United Producers of LMU club in live performances, Producer Showcase, Guest DJ Sets, and many more on-stage surprises!!! This is a evening you don't wanna miss!!!
Who:The Formula: United Producers of LMU What" The Lab(Open Mic Night Done Right)
When: Thursday March 5th, 2009
Where: The Living Room at Loyola Marymount University
Cost: "It's a Recession Everybody Broke"-Young Jeezy
Scheduled To Perform:
Trey Billion
Hugh Augustine The MC
Honor Flow Productions
Speak + Pheo of The Applebird Music Foundation
And many more Producers, MC's, Singers, And Musicians!!!
Catch the artist doin' there thing and driving directions after the jump...See you Thursday...
The Lab Line Up
"Trey Billion"
Driving Directions
From the Los Angeles International Airport:
Travel north on Sepulveda Blvd. Remain in either of the left two lanes and merge onto Lincoln Blvd. Follow Lincoln Blvd north past Manchester Blvd. Turn right onto LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.
"Hugh Augustine The MC"
From the South:
Travel on 405 North, exit on La Tijera, make a left onto La Tijera. Take La Tijera until Manchester Boulevard and make a right (traveling west). Stay on Manchester until you reach Lincoln Boulevard and make a right. On Lincoln Bouelvard, proceed for approximately 3/4 of a mile until you arrive at our main entrance on the corner of Lincoln and LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.
"HFP"
From the North:
Travel on 405 South, exit on Jefferson Blvd., and turn right. Head west and make a left onto Lincoln Blvd. Head south and turn left into the campus on LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.
"Speak"
From the East (using the 105 Freeway):
Travel on 105 West, exit on Sepulveda Blvd., and go north. Remain in either of the left two lanes and merge onto Lincoln Blvd. Follow Lincoln Blvd north past Manchester Blvd. Turn right onto LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.
"Pheo"
From the East (using the 10 Freeway):
Travel on 10 West to 405 South, exit on Jefferson Blvd., and turn right. Head west and make a left onto Lincoln Blvd. Head south and turn left into the campus on LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Continue to full story......
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: TiRon - 3 Drink Minimum (Ft. Ayomari)
Quite possibly my favorite track off Ketchup. If you missed it, grab the Mixtape here
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hyphenated L.A: TiRon-Ketchup
I first introduced you guys to TiRon with the Hip-Hop official interview. Now I bring you guys his latest piece of work: Ketchup. Looking at the tracklisting, this one is gonna be Dope. Catch the stats and link after the jump... Shout out to Kev. for the link.
TiRon is a young musician that has worked with the likes of Pacific Division, Blu, Dom Kennedy, etc. The year of 2009 is going to be a monsterous year for TiRon. He has already been picked for the BET Rookie Class of 2009, and he has also been the Hip Hop Official Artist of the Week. He is much more than a hip-hop emcee; TiRon is a true student and connoisseur of music in general. With his debut mix tape, "Handshakes & Pounds," he recorded "Never Happy" (produced by Madlib) where he shows the universal truth that we all as people go through: wanting more than they truly have.
He recently was on the "The Exactly Presents: Your New Favorite Mixtape" with his dope single, "Throwing My Money" where we explains the struggles of a young man trying to balance buying new clothes and shoes and keeping the bills paid.
Ketchup has an array of music produced by Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Cook Classics, Swift-D, and others. The subject matter on Ketchup has something for everyone to feel. Ketchup is more than just "feel-good" music; Ketchup is a collective of songs to take you on an auditory journey that deals with the life and times of a young musician that has the gift of music for his listeners to feel on a real level.
TiRon: Ketchup
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated at Its Best: Jaime Foxx- Blame it Feat. T-Pain
This video is dope on soooooooooo many levels. I mean, Ron Howard???? Enjoy.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hyphenated at Its Best: The Stable Quartet
(Click on the Horses to get started)Here at Hyphenated Life we pride our selves on finding the most abstract use of music around. Chances are if its dope and involves music, its here. Today I bring you The Stable Quartet. Now these Horses may look goofy, but man can they jam. Don't believe me? Click away and see what concoction you can come up with.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer Continue to full story......
CurT@!n$: Dope Boy C For President Episode III: "Black-on-Black Crime"
Welcome back for another installment of Dope Boy C For President. In this episode CurT@!n$ discusses one of the biggest problems plaguing Black America: Black-on-Black crime.
Peace.Love.H-Life.
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
CurT@!n$ - Black Folks: Trailer pt.1
Here is the first look at the long awaited Black Folks Video. If you don't know, CurT@!n$ is one Hyphenated Brutha...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hyphenated at Its Best: The Man, Exile to Be exact
I was going to add this to the Blu post, but this right here, this is some monumental SHIT!!! For starters ya boy gullied his way to the stage, shout out to Evidence. Two, this is Exile....Rapping....Good. I'll spare you the Kanye reference, because there is none, Exile is Exile, Ye is Louis something absurd. The best part about this video is the fact that Exile is a HIP-HOP RAW alum, at which he murdered the akai. Now If this isn't a statement of massive proportions, then I don't know what is. Exile, you ALREADY know your Hyphenated G. Be sure to cop that Radio album. Shit is FIRE!!!
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
CurT@!n$: Dope Boy C For President Episode II: "Black Folks"
Welcome back for another installment of Dope Boy C For President. In this episode CurT@!n$ discusses the premise behind "Black Folks" and what We must do to preserve the future for our children. As an added bonus I've added a link to the song and the first episode after the jump...
CurT@!n$- Black Folks
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hyphenated LB: Blu-HerFavouriteColo(u)r.
Had to change the destination this week for my boy Blu. With a couple of dope albums under his belt and a 1,2, combo in the Johnson and johnson and Blu and Exile series,Blu is definitely the next to smash the scene. Link to the tape after the jump...
Download:Blu-HerFavouriteColo(u)r.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hyphenated at its Best: Dustin McLean
Dustin McLean is an award winning animator and aspiring filmmaker whose work has reached a very large audience online as well as on several TV networks...
His animations range from fun musical shorts to spoofs and parodies, and he even performs and records original music. He is currently senior animator for the TV show “SuperNews!” on the cable network Current. Dustin McLean, you my friend are Hyphenated. As an added bonus, check out his version of the classic Aha song "Take On Me", in which they change the lyrics to fit what's actually going on in the video.
Visit Dustin at Dust Films for more.
ViaLumenEclipse
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hyphenated at its Best: Toronto CN Tower Timelapse
(Roll your mouse over the photo to see the day change)
Once the pouring of the concrete was completed on February 22, 1974, the final stages of building the world's tallest Tower were about to begin. The last thing to be added to the Tower was the 102 metre (335 foot) steel broadcasting antenna, consisting of 44 pieces - the heaviest weighing 7.26 metric tonnes (8 tons).
Before the antenna could be lifted, however, the giant crane used for four years of round-the-clock service to build the Tower would have to be dismantled and brought down.
To do all this moving, "Olga" - a 10 ton Sikorsky helicopter used primarily for industrial lifting - was flown to Toronto. And on her first trip, tragedy almost struck.
As Olga was removing the first piece of the boom, the crane lurched, twisting and seizing the supporting bolts.
Now hovering about 1500 feet up, Olga was basically attached to the Tower, with 50 minutes of fuel (the job was supposed to take only 12 minutes). The crane couldn't just be released, either. The operator was still inside.
Steel workers scrambled up and burned off the bolts, finally releasing the crane from the Tower.
Olga landed with about 14 minutes of fuel left. After this brush with danger Olga performed the rest of the work flawlessly. As each piece of antenna was raised, workers would stand at the top and help manoeuvre the new piece and bolt into place. And all this where the Tower is only 5 feet in diameter and with gusting winds and freezing temperatures.
It took more than 3 1/2 weeks before the final piece of antenna was secured by high rigger Paul Mitchell on April 2, 1975.
He even danced a little jig to celebrate. 1815 feet above the earth. To view a movie about the topping of the Tower just click here. Film available for sale in The Marketplace retail shop.
Today, the antenna broadcasts over 30 Toronto television and FM radio signals across Southern Ontario in addition to wireless paging and cellular telephone signals. But more importantly to us, the antenna makes us the tallest building on the planet.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated LA: The Circuit
Straight out of the P, Town of Pimp's, I bring you my boys The Circuit: Marvel, Sha'boy Malloy, and V.I.Be Eazy. Equiped with lyrical venom and witty word play, The Circuit is def. next in line. With a mixtape with Mick Boogie under their belt, these Hip-Hop Raw Alums return with another classic mixtape, this time its for the Ladies. In conjunction with The Press Play Show, illroots, and the Xclusive Zone, The Circuit presents Where's The Love?, A valentines day affair. Catch the track list and dl after the cut.
The Circuit-Where's The Love?
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Friday, February 13, 2009
Mixtape of the Month: Drake- So Far Gone
It's Finally Here.....Track List and dl after the cut...
Drake-So Far Gone
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hyphenated LA: Nipsey Hussle
When the Game first hit the scene, I was hyped, but a bit skeptical. Beef and ten 50 Cent Disstapes later my worst fears were confirmed. Every time a rapper emerges out of the West with a flag flyin' on their left side, yeah that's the Crip side, I get a little anxious. I'm always hyped to see a cat from the same corner i'm from get on and actually have talent to back up his Gangsterdom, but with recent fails *Cough* Spider Loc *Cough*, and the fading talent of vets like Snoop, It's hard to put all your trust in the crooked letters. So with that said, I am once again hyped! World meet Neighborhood Nip b.k.a (No Crippin') Nipsey Hussle. 
Now from first glance one might draw resemblance to a young Snoop, and for good reason. Nipsey Hussle is bringing back that feel good Gangsta shit you felt the first time you heard Gin & Juice. What makes me even more excited for the success of this cat is his believability. Every rapper has a hood behind them, but Nipsey is one of the first in a while to come off as an authentic LA hood nigga. In the broken English of "The Wood", "That Nigga's a Crip" (you get my point). Hood, Lyrical, Crippin'. What more could you ask for. As a bonus to his first single Hussle in the house (Above), I've added the behind the scenes footage from the shoot. Nipsey, I look forward to workin' with you, Def. Hyphenated.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
CurT@!n$: Dope Boy C For President
In conjunction with CurT@!n$ and High Society Life, Hyphenated Life brings you Dope Boy C for President. Watch as we discuss Black History Month and the problems facing African American's today. CurT@!n$ discusses the Civil Rights Movement and touches on his militant side.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Video of the Week: Lidget Green Position - Sick Day Feat Craig G
Live from Bradford,England I bring you the debut video from the UK's own Lidget Green Position entitled "Sick Day". These guys reached out to me and the music spoke for itself; Not to mention the vid. was shot in my back yard of Los Angeles. The vocals feature the legendary Juice Crew affiliate Craig G. LGP is in the works of a collaboration album featuring the Bay Area’s Shaya , set for release this year. Stay tuned. For more from LGP check out their myspace:http://www.myspace.com/lidgetgreenposition
Peace. Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated L.A: OverDoz .
Next out the Gate we got OverDoz. of We Major Ent.(No Kanye). OverDoz. hails from all over LA and is comprised of three talented dudes: Rapper Brett A. Bailey, aka "Sleezy",Rapper/Singer Khallid "Listen!" Muhammad, aka "Kent Jamz",and Rapper Jess Willard, aka "Nutt". Their mixtape "Bowties and Rosaries" has been making it's rounds on the blog circuit, and for good reason, shit is fire. Below is there first video off "Bowties and Rosaries":Creamie Says. I've also included behind the scenes footage from the shoot, as well as a link to "Bowties and Rosaries" after the jump. OverDoz. is Def. Hyphenated. Enjoi.
OverDoz. "Bowties & Rosaries"
More from OD @ www.myspace.com/bowtiesandrosaries
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Hyphenated LA: Mick Boogie & U-N-I: Before There Was Love
I've Been Tellin' Y'all about my boys since day one. Now is the time to pay attention. Inglewood and Seattle connection in full effect here along with Mick Boogie and pretty much every MC in LA. Shout out to Thurz & Y-O, Three-1-Zero, H.O.P.E,2dope the list goes on like the mp3's on this joint. Track Listing and link after the jump. Enjoi
Mick Boogie Presents U-N-I - Before There Was Love
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hyphenated Pimpin': "A Nigga Made A Pizza" A message from Mr. Chi City
The homie Chi City teaches you how to get the ladies. Preach! More from ya boy after the jump.
A Brotha VS A Bug
Mr. Chi City, Hanging out with one of the Biggest/Softest/Nicest/Thickest Booties in Chicago
Enjoi
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hyphenated LA: TiRon
I'm a little late on posting this. Let me introduce you to Tiron if you don't know by now. By far one of the smoothest cats out right now. Now this cat ain't just hooks (Paper, She). No Sir the rhymes are on point. Above I've posted an interview he did with Hip Hop Official, and for a little taste of what Tiron is bringing to the Game I added one of my favorite joints out, been out, "Throwin' My Money" after the Jump.
You can grab Tiron's mixtape Handshakes and Pounds here
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Hyphenated LA: Thr33zy McFly M3NAC3 III SOCI3TY
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I've decided to start promoting my up and coming brothas out of L.A. I know kind of late, but who cares. The first out the gate comes from my boy Thr33zy McFly out of the Language Artz camp (PicasoxJ. Hyphen on the way). Here we have a collab effort between him, his new home Myspace Records, and 2Dopeboyz.com entitled M3NAC3 III SOCI3TY. Tracklisting and links after the jump.
Zshare
MediaFire
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hyphenated Thought: Obama: What does it mean?
As I sit back on this Inauguration day blasting Young Jeezy’s “My President is Black” obnoxiously, I can’t help but be proud to not only be an American, but an African American who has survived to witness the ever elusive and long sought after dream of the first African American President. The eerie coincidence of this event falling on the day after Martin Luther King Jr. day adds to the volume this presidency holds....
However, on this day, as I can’t help but be proud, my satisfaction level is equivalent to that of years prior.
On one hand I find myself optimistic of what an Obama presidency, or non-Bush for that matter, will accomplish. However, the cruel voice of reason has forced me to see that, though we have made a major stride this election, our problems are far from gone. Unfortunately, we are a nation of humans, and the human condition is one of great complexity which cannot be easily changed overnight by the casting of ballots.
Our nation, the world, has a lot of growing up to do, and it will take a while before the dream of a just world will be, if ever, manifested.
However, if there is one thing the past year has shown us it’s that when backed against the wall, the dormant will arise and band together for change. Looking forward, I can only hope, pray if you will, that we can continue to come together as one and “awake” from this state of misinformation and laziness that we love so. So what does an Obama presidency mean? Who knows....
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Monday, January 19, 2009
Five Years From Now:Barack Edition
I Got Dibs on Obamalama...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Friday, January 16, 2009
Rappers who Grind my Gears: Young Berg Edition....
I really have no words for this piece of smhness. There's something about degenerate artist that pisses me off. Come on Young Berg? WTF you doin?
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Video of The Week:CurT@!n$- The DoPE SupremaCy
My boy CurT@!n$ is back again with another video off of his mixtape The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C. This one uses the same Director as the first,Lance Drake. Concept is ill. Colors are ill. Lex is in the back lookin' like a Monkey so its all good lol. Peep the first vid off DBC after the jump...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hyphenated at it's Best: CurT@!n$
Today my boy CurT@!n$ released his long awaited mixtape The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: WHSL Rebel Radio. He only has three features on it :Kurupt, Mickey Factz, and Smoke DZA. My boy Redwine also has some tracks on there. Download and Tracklisting after the jump. 
Rebel Radio
Enjoi...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
My President is Really REALLY Black....
Saw this over at my boy Max's spot. Pay close attention to the 1:05 mark in the video. Now, from jump I knew dude had swag out of this stratosphere, but the above just confirmed it. "Nah We Straight"!!!! MY MAN! Now If this isn't the most down to earth man. Harvard, but still a lil' Hood. My President is Blizzack....
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Song Of The Week: Far-Pony (Ginuwine Cover)
I first peeped this song while on the way home from Roscoes C&W. Sounded so clean that I had to share it with my folks. Above is a mashup vid featuring Ginuwine's Video and Far's Cover. You can grab the mp3here. Peep the Making of Pony after the jump...
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer
Friday, January 9, 2009
Hyphenated at It's Best: Smokey Robinson
"Since We affectionately call each other Nigga, I affectionately say Nigga Please..."Got Put up on this by my boy Brian. Smokey speaking the truth at DPJ. Lost me a little when he started to talk about Africa, but still a very Hyphenated moment.
Peace.Love.H-Life
-J. Poakwa The Writer Continue to full story......
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