I love this because it is NYC RIGHT NOW. The video is something I hope to show my kids one day. Maybe another city can do their version?

A crowd sourced creative collaboration series by Lemon Andersen and Rik Cordero

What should we do next? We’ll listen.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Imp…

Welcome To The Imperial” is a 1-minute viral video from Brooklyn born spoken word poet and actor, Lemon Andersen and Queens-bred filmmaker, Rik Cordero to the millions of New York City basketball fans. It features a mixture of Rik’s eye for iconic New York City sights and faces seamlessly combined with the richness of Lemon’s poetry. In essence, the Big Apple exerts a powerful influence over those who live here and those who play here. Welcome To The Imperial…

“…It represents two artists on their way to the throne. It’s Majestic. It’s us. Now when you hear “Welcome To The Imperial” you will hear our stamp.” – Lemon

“…What we’ve done only scratches the surface of what Lemon and I are capable of but ultimately we achieved our goal with Imperial: to visually capture the essence and magic and complexity of New York City.” – Rik

Gilbere Forte is on another level. WOW. This guy’s music has blown me away.

Listen to his music at Band Camp.

The irony of Kanye spitting about the ageless racism of many white people while at Facebook HQ—where there is nothing but white employees. I dig the round of applause at the end. I wish I could read the minds of the onlookers.

BTW this video will probably be taken down within the day, so enjoy while you can.

props @miles_k

Rik Cordero is one of the best music directors of my era. Salute! I’m looking forward to what he does next.

The Roots LP, How I Got Over, is in stores now. Video directed by Rik Cordero.

“The Fire” chronicles a post-apocalyptic death march set in 1945 during the final stages of World War II in Europe. After a cataclysmic event renders the war futile, a paramilitary splinter group — led by a Kurtz-like figure known as The Commodore — forces the transfer of young men who will be used as labor…and food. The last survivor of the march receives a mysterious White Box which holds the key to survival. – Rik

I’m proud of this dude. In his words:

As many of you know I have done almost 100 interviews with people like Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent, Justin Bieber, and many more. I’ve always had a passion for telling stories and highlighting some of the people that help influence culture today.

I’m so excited to announce Jabari Presents, my new documentary series that will take you into the lives and minds of people in entertainment, art, and sports. Our guests this season are amazing and I’ll reveal who they are in the coming weeks.

The series is sponsored by fashion/design company, NOOKA. It’s great to see a company that I have worn and respected for years embrace the future of branded content online.

When I asked NOOKA’s president, Matthew Waldman, his thoughts on Jabari Presents he said, “NOOKA promotes a philosophy of universal communication and the exploration of new forms in all fields. We are therefore proud to be a sponsor of Jabari Presents which explores new happenings in music and pop culture”.

What up Matt?

Jabari Presents Season Premiere Teaser:

Shout out to head coach, Arjay Perovic and assistant coach, Amir Younesi for letting us film such an amazing group of talented young men.

The City played in the AAU National tournament this past weekend. I will let you know how it turned out. These boys are the future of basketball and society.

Do you know how long I have waited for this? You must have no idea. I am Jamiroquai‘s #1 U.S. fan (Trust, they go even more HAM overseas).

Enjoy!

I will BUY the new album the same way I bought Thank Me Later.

Santos “Our Studio 54″ NYC from slick jackson on Vimeo.

This is what happens when you attend a Madbury Club BBQ, then meet cool new people, then leave SoHo, and lastly, here about how dope of a birthday party a new friend had. Next year…We in that. Happy belated birthday Saint.

Video: Slick Jackson Film

Music: Jesse Boykins III – B4 The Night Is Thru [Produced by Machine Drum]

I’d like to thank everyone that came out this past Friday to celebrate my birthday aka G-Day. It was a wonderful evening of laughter, drinks and music. I’d like to thank Larry & David @ Santos for being such great hosts. Chad & Promise for holding down the door like they always do. The GFCnewyork family for their commitment and loyalty over the years. And The Black Apple for reminding us why everyone comes here to pursue their passions and dreams. This story is only beginning…

props GFC NY

[Drake - Verse 1]
Money just changed everything
I wonder how life without it would go
From the concrete who knew that a flower would grow?
Lookin’ down from the top and it’s crowded below
My fifteen minutes started an hour ago
Truth over fame, you know I respect the blatant shit
When I ‘em hear talkin’
I just don’t know what to make of it
Hate is so familiar to me
I’m slowly embracing it
Doesn’t come natural
Bear wit’ me it could take a bit
Yeah, and my dreams are who I’m racin’ with
You can see I’m pacin’ it so that I’m always chasin’ it
Wayne put me right here
That’s who I get the paper wit’
I hope that my success never alters our relationship
Yeah, this life is somethin’ I would die for
October’s Own, but it’s lookin’ like July 4
I just wish they’d let you try it first
This time I’m really goin’ off, fireworks

[Drake & Alicia Keys - Chorus]
Oh, today it begins
I’ve missed them before, but won’t miss them again
I keep having the same dream
And I think that I just realized what it means
[Alicia Keys]
All I see is fireworks,
All I see is fireworks
Every night it’s fireworks
Every night it’s fireworks
All I see is fireworks
All I see is fireworks
Taking off like fireworks
Taking off like oh-ah-oh-oh

[Drake - Verse 2]
I’m just such a gentleman you should give it up for me
Look at how I’m placing all my napkins and my cutlery
I can tell it wasn’t love I just thought you fuck with me
Who coulda predicted Lucky Strike will have you stuck with me
Damn I kept my wits about me luckily
What happened between us that night it always seems to trouble me
Now all of a sudden these gossip brags wanna cover me
And you makin’ it seem that it happened that way because of me
But I was curious and I’ll never forget it baby
What an experience you coulda been the one but it wasn’t that serious
Their was smoke in the air before now its me clearin’ it
That felt good, all and all I learned a lesson from it though
You never see it comin’ you just get to see it go
Yeah, I shoulda looked up in the sky at first
Now I can see it in her eyes
Fireworks

[Chorus]

[Drake - Verse 3]
Everything the same but it feels different
My dad called me up knowing that I still listen
And he’s still got his foot out, guilt trippin’
It’s been years, though, I just learned to deal with it
For real, me and my realtor we built up a better rapport
Got my mother in a place with some better decor
She searched the entire city I let her explore
And now she’s sayin’ she more lonely than every before
How many of our parents’ marriages lasted?
I was only five, I bet I barely reacted
I’m flyin’ back home for the heritage classic
Searchin’ for that feelin’, tell me where is the magic?
Let’s stay together till we’re ghosts
I want to witness love, I’ve never seen it close
Yeah, but I guess I gotta find it first
Yhat’s why I’m really goin’ off, fireworks

-Drake

The dance culture in Oakland, CA is amazing. They are constantly innovating and getting no credit. This “turfing” freestyle is an example.