Official Co-Sign Vol. 9: Nakia Henry

So it's finally returned after a prolonged hiatus. The newest inductee into my coveted "Co-Sign" Hall of Fame is one of my favorite songwriters as well as collaborators. It's difficult to describe the Detroit native, Nakia Henry, but I'll try my best. She's one part Erykah Badu, another part Bobby McFerrin, one part Negro spiritual, and wholly "afromantic". I like to think of her as the soul/sensual/funk hybrid. Her vocal quality is equally beautiful as it is unique. Her perspective is inherently genuine, and it's obvious the songs come from real life experiences like "Gotta Remember You're Not Mine" and "Think Again" which openly discusses human insecurity. Her debut album, "Remember Me", is available on most online music stores and you can catch her incredible performances all over NY. Do yourself a favor and get up on it

Follow her:
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
Myspace

Offical Co-Sign Vol. 8

Guess who's back? Yeah I know he got the co-sign already, but the homie Graphic. Not only is one of the most talented producers I know, but he's always been one of the best rappers I know. I think he prematurely retired from spitting, but its good to see him back. There are very few people that I truly consider friends, let alone family, but he's one of them. Give it a listen, and pass the word along... its dope

My personal favs: "Energy", "Gut Feelin", "Summa", and "Not Gonna Last Forever"

Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com

There's no link to the download besides Datpiff, but I may re upload to sharebee

The Official Co- Sign Vol. 7

Really, 88 Keys is now my dude despite not knowing him. I think he has put things in perspective for all "Lo Heads". As a self proclaimed "Lo Head" myself I hate finding cats who don't fully understand or embrace the entire lifestyle Ralph has created around the brand. Oftentimes people only associate "Lo" with certain items from the early 90's, which was dope, but its like having tunnel vision. Open your eyes.. there are crazy pieces. I just copped this Purple Label jacket that is nuts. Most cats probably wouldn't even be able to identify it as a Ralphie piece, yet I firmly believe its the hottest thing I've copped all year. And yes,its ILLER than the new knits he dropped.

The President Elect

"I don't care what the naysayers may say
but I swear Barack Obama is the gateway
to black kids not following everything Jay say.
Not Jay Smooth, but Jay-Z or Kay Slay.
Not trying to sell drugs or AKs.
Not trying to act thug just to save face.
It'll be acceptable to pass 8th grade,
high school, college, and get an MBA
without ever shooting for the NBA
and I'll choose that option on any day"

-Destiny (Election '08)

November 4th marked a historic moment that will go down in the annals of world history. I've heard some people say "this election was easily the most important in their lifetime". Others have said "Obama winning is the realization of Dr. King's dream", and while I agree, I'm not surprised he won. President Elect Obama represents so much to so many, but the reason he won was simple. He embodies the spirit of a changing society, a changing world, and ultimately hope for a better future.

When an official government website url is entitled change, it becomes blatantly apparent that you're dealing with a man of the future. The paradigm has shifted, and all the archaic conventions of previous politicians, their practices, and fuckery are behind us. Similarly to Tupac, I am not going to prematurely call him a God-send, but I will admit that he is one with the times which keeps me optimistic. He seems to be on the pulse of everything that's relevant, and seemingly understands the needs of people. Whereas George W. played on our insecurities after 9/11 to secure another term, Barack seems to have a certain sincerity that has captured us all.

I'm hopeful for the changes that may be brought about during his tenure in office, but I'm most excited about the social impact he already has and will continue to have. So many times I've walked from the train station home, which is in the hood, and I see interracial couples. I usually think to myself that this is a beautiful sight because, at least in my estimation, we're 2 generations removed from a world where race will be a moot point. Although racism will still exist because there will always be extremist, we live in different times. We live in a world where technology has broken geographic and communication barriers which really creates "the melting pot" we've so long heard of. There's a kid in Queensbridge right now listening to French Hip-Hop, and chatting with a friend living in Russia who he/she has never met, but they are bound by similar interest. Barack Obama is like the physical manifestation of this very notion. He embodies the movement towards a focus on humanity rather than individuality, and that to me, is the key.

On an micro level, Barack as President will have a positive impact on inner city children. I've always said that Hip-Hop has a way of instilling ambition in people that come from situations that would likely not. However, its a misdirected ambition. Its ambition to be like a rapper, an athlete, or a false caricature of what they think a businessperson is: a hustler. For the 1st time in a while, we have someone in the spotlight that is willing to embrace their status as a role model and assume responsibility. For this reason alone, he gets my co-sign. Although it already exists, there will be an increased number of children growing up in poverty that will no longer see entertainment or sports as an easy out, but rather aspire to be politicians, journalists, psychologists, teachers, plumbers, or any other self respecting profession.

Part 2 of this blog-essay coming as soon as I collect my thoughts. 1

The Official Co-Sign Vol 6

Y'all know the drill. I highlight those that deserve their props. This is the "gear" edition.


When you talk about hometown love, you're talking about 37 Deep. If you've ever been in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, you've probably come across someone wearing a t-shirt from the line. Last summer particularly, the hood exploded when founder, G, dropped the "FL@TBUSH" shirt. It was brilliant, yet simple and there was a flavor to match everything in your wardrobe. The clothing line is truly a local movement, and even its name is symbolic of the founder's childhood block. CO-SIGNED!!


5FD is a t-shirt line that is inspired by all things from pop culture. Unless you have a watchful eye, and are old enough to remember things like NaS' classic "Illmatic", many of the designs may fly over your head. It shouldn't matter either way because the line is FRESH! Although many companies are throwing golden era
Hip-Hop symbols on their clothes, 5FD simply does it better. The shirt designs are inventive, fly, and the subtle details put it above the pack. CO-SIGNED!!

To find out more about either line, click on the respective pics.

The Official Co-Sign Vol. 5: The Sputnik Edition 8/12/08

The show was B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Despite being given the run around, when I finally did perform it was nuts. I gave the crowd a much needed boost of energy and wake up call. Instead of focusing on myself, I will tell you about the other incredible acts. Where do I begin....


Here's an artist who effortlessly combines Neo-Soul, Jazz, and R&B, all while playing the keyboard AND singing. Drea's sound is versatile, but last night's set was filled with sensual baby making music that had everyone open....especially the comedian and MC of the night, John Laster. From her lyrics alone, you can tell she draws from a ton of life experience. This songwriter/singer/producer is definitely someone to keep an eye on. Find out more about Drea by clicking on the pic. Officially Co-SIGNED!!


Dain Harris is next up to bat, and his soulful ballads had the crowd on its feet. His stage presence is slightly reminiscent of Maxwell, which by all means is a compliment. This crooner's music is refreshingly dope. Its executed incredibly well, and the combination of great production, fresh songwriting, and a smooth voice make for an enjoyable listening experience. Check him out by clicking on the pic. CO-SIGNED!


Jimi James is the TRUTH. You talk about charisma and star power, look no further. She fuses Hip-Hop, Reggae, R&B into one big explosion of dopeness. While paying homage to KRS, she had everyone singing her name.. "The J, the I, the M, the I, The J.....its Jimi, WORD UP!!" There's not much more I can tell you other than get familiar. Check her out by clicking the pic. Officially CO-SIGNED!!!


Paul Rivers Bailey is dope, and for a myriad of reasons. Here's a singer that has a certain grittiness to his style, but his music is also feel-good and inspirational. If Gospel & Hip-Hop had a child that sang, it would be Paul. At no point will you ever question if his music comes from a genuine place because you can't help but feel it. Check him out by clicking the pic. CO-SIGNED!!!

and finally... I rocked

The Official Co-Sign Vol. 4

In this day and age, its incredibly rare to come across emcees that embody the spirit and skill of legendary rappers from yesteryear. Its as if we share the same genetic make up of Juice Crew and BDP members while contributing something entirely new to the culture. Basically, Torae is the evolved version of what you already love. There are very few emcees that have forced me to elevate my game during a cipher, and without doubt, he is one of them. No need to talk him up anymore, he's dope!! CO-SIGNED!!! Click on the pic to find out more about him, and cop his album Daily Conservation.

The Official Co-Sign Vol. 3

Yeah, by now you should know the drill. I'm an elitist, but I'm still a fan. So here's a few more people that I genuinely like & support. It's the AOK edition

Nola Darling:

The tandem of Aziza & Alex fuse Hip-Hop, Dancehall, and R&B in a way that hasn't been seen or heard before. Just as their namesake did in Spike Lee's debut, they exercise their independence and creative freedom, while having fun at everyone's expense; you gotta love it. On their song "Who is Nola Darling" the two defiantly dismiss wackness while simultaneously empowering women with lines like "We don't care that you got a magic stick". OUCH!!! Citing Tanya Stephens as an influence would have gotten a co-sign anyway, but with such high energy, high octane, in your face bravado, its hard to deny these two bombshells of their just due. Check them out by clicking the pic above or reading their blog, here. Officially CO-SIGNED!!!

Homeboy Sandman:

I 1st heard about Sandman while sitting on the 2 train staring at nothing in particular, only to notice flyers which stated my favorite emcees would approve of him. After doing my research, I was pleasantly surprised that he was right. Whether he's flipping alliteration in a whimsical rhyme scheme or spitting verses that will chop someone's head off, you can't deny how inventive his wordplay is. He literally stands above the rest in stature, but also when it comes down to pure emceeing. I firmly believe he has an incredibly promising future ahead of him. You can find more on Sandman by clicking the pic or following the link, here. Officially CO-SIGNED!!

The Official Co-Sign Vol. 2

Ok, so you know the deal. This is the 2nd installment and the producer special

Graphic:


There are few people whose musical ears I trust, and Graphic is one of them. Having made the transition from a lyricist to a producer, he's aware of all the intricacies and nuances of pairing beats and rhymes. This Bed-Stuy native provides bangers upon bangers which will make your head nod until it falls off your neck. His sound, in my personal opinion, can be best described as melodic boom-bap. Bottom line, he has HEAT!!! If you dare question how dope he is, dig up his Jay-Z "American Gangster" remixes. You'll definitely question why he didn't make the credits. Be sure to check him out by clicking on the pic above...I CO-SIGN!!

Rob Love the RL:


So here's a dude who exudes soul in every kick, snare, and bass line he produces. His sound has been compared to JD, which by all means is a compliment, but believe me when I say he IS The RL. His sound is distinctively unique but has the ability to recapture the feeling of something you previously loved. In an era where kids simply try to emulate their idols, he reinvents what you knew and creates something entirely new. This is feel good Hip-Hop. Be sure to check him out by clicking on the pic above....CO-SIGNED!!!

The Official Co-Sign Vol. 1

Ok, I'm an elitists. I don't like many people, and for the most part I run by myself. However, there are couple of talented individuals whose talents and vision I believe in. So starting today, I will periodically "put you on" through the 1st entry in....."The Official Co-Sign"

BK Cyph:

The evolution of street savvy is upon you. Dude, like many of us from the hood, "Never Sold Crack". If you can't co-sign that, go take 9 like 50 and keep trying to prove your street cred. Not only is the song ill, but it comes from a daring perspective that sheds light on experiences most "real" people can relate to. I've rocked with Cyph for quite some time and will continue doing so. I BELIEVE.... Check him out by clicking on the pic above or visiting www.myspace.com/bkcyph

Scritch and Scratch:

The dynamic duo of urban art is here. The tandem of Scritch and Scratch (what up Vee) push the conceptual boundaries of pop art while still keeping it (in)credible. They're on to something BIG. So when you're child's bedroom becomes covered in their artwork or your friend has vinyl figures from the duo on display, DON'T act like I ain't put you on. Be sure to check out their site either by clicking the pic or going to www.sritchandsrcatch.com/blog
officially CO-SIGNED!!!!