Deftones News: Tracklisting And Rocket Skates Music Video

Deftones has just released the tracklisting as well as the video for Rocket States as anticipation rises for their album, Diamond Eyes (May 18, 2010).


Deftones Diamond Eyes Tracklisting:

01 – “Diamond Eyes”
02 – “Royal”
03 – “CMND/CTRL”
04 – “You’ve Seen The Butcher”
05 – “Beauty School”
06 – “Prince”
07 – “Rocket Skates”
08 – “Sextape”
09 – “Risk”
10 – “976-EVIL”
11 – “This Place Is Death”

Epic: Behind The Scenes of "Drop the World" by Lil Wayne & Eminem

MAKIN OF "DROP THE WORLD" LIL WAYNE FT EMINEM from DERICK G on Vimeo.


So Erykah Badu brought up a great question the other day through twitter: What's the problem with Lil Wayne?

Lots of people in the "underground" community like to jump on the bandwagon of dismissing him as a lyrical rapper, and they have some good evidence. Radio hits such as "Lollipop" wouldn't be considered some of his most memorable tracks in terms of bars. But the guy has been doing this more than half of his life. and throughout those 15 or so years he's made more than a dent in the scheme of things. I remember always seeing that video for "Fireman" and changing the channel; I absolutely hated that song, especially the part where he calls himself the "Best Rapper Alive".  The kid really had the balls to say that while Jay-Z was still making music. But now that phrase could be a scary foreshadowing.

Personally, introspective songs like "Drop the World" just move me. From the eerie beat, to the very first lines "I got ice in my veins/blood in my eyes/ hate in my heart/love in my mind..." are examples of how a rapper can say a lot without using too many words. Critics in the hip hop community say his verses barely make any sense, but what about DOOM? People praise him for his sideways verses and crazy, derelict flow. In my eyes, these two artists share many similarities with their larger than life persona's, drug references, and unique styles.

Point is, music is music, good or bad. That is the way I divide all the music that passes through my ears. Not by skin color, tattoos, clothing, association, or history. This video is going to be ridiculous and I cannot wait to see the entire thing!

J. Dilla Documentary by Stussy

Part II & Part III

// AP: FEATURES - Web Cover Story: Exclusive! In online music reporting, is it better to be first or factual?

// AP: FEATURES - Web Cover Story: Exclusive! In online music reporting, is it better to be first or factual?

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When it comes to availing ourselves of the perverse pleasures of breaking the bad news, sometimes it doesn't even matter if the story turns out to be true or not. Considering a news story that we as music fans probably deem important--the rumored breakup of a favorite band--provides an example. Last week, music blog SupJustin.com posted news that Brand New are going on hiatus. It's not exactly national-security-level news, but disturbing nonetheless to thousands of their fans. AP promptly called a representative for the band to confirm the rumor. Turns out that's just what it was--a rumor.

It's a practice that's become increasingly common with the proliferation of music blogs, each one striving to make themselves noticed in a crowded marketplace; splash the page with an eyeball-grabbing headline, then report the story backward from there. In recent months, more than a few bands have found themselves in similar situations. At any given time Fall Out Boy, the Academy Is..., the Killers or Straylight Run have all been shuffled through the rumor mill in various states of dissolution, their membership status in a sort of limbo that extends from proposed hiatus to a minor break to official breakup to none of the above. It's become difficult to even tell which of the bands we follow are together even more.

Is Indie Dead? :: Culture :: Features :: Paste

Is Indie Dead? :: Culture :: Features :: Paste


In 2010, we again find ourselves in strange times. More than 20 years have passed since the punk movement and its offspring ground a steel-toed boot into the shin of America’s cultural consciousness, and in that time we’ve seen it rise up, triumph and retreat in an endless cycle, each time leaving shards of itself behind to float or sink in the mainstream. What we’ve called it has never been stable—it’s been known alternately as “punk” for its early attitude, “underground” for where it happened, “alternative” when the mainstream held it up as an antidote to its own poison—each of these picked up then sloughed off when the semantic baggage grew too unwieldy.

Most recently, “indie”—long thrown around as a signifier of how it got done (i.e. independently)—has become the nom du jour. “When I first heard the term ‘indie rock,’ it was about business practices,” says Slim Moon, who came of age as a punk fan in the 1980s, founded the Kill Rock Stars label in the ’90s, and now helms Shotclock Management out of Portland, Ore. “Major labels being publicly held corporations, their primary motive has to be to make money for stockholders. And the distinctions that I think indie labels were trying to make was, ‘We’re independent of that system so we have lots of reasons for doing this: We’re doing this for politics, we’re doing this for cool factor, we’re doing it for aesthetics, we’re doing it for community, but we’re not just doing it for money.’”

Of course, the term “indie” is troubled now, too. Indie is, at once, a genre (of music first, and then of film, books, video games and anything else with a perceived arty sensibility, regardless of its relationship to a corporation), an ethos, a business model, a demographic and a marketing tool. It can signify everything, and it can signify nothing. It stands among the most important, potentially sustainable and meaningful movements in American popular culture—not just music, but for the whole cultural landscape. But because it was originally sculpted more in terms of what it opposed than what it stood for, the only universally held truth about “indie” is that nobody agrees on what it means.

What's the Fuss 'Bout Liking Someone?

I believe that I like her, but I’m not sure how, when, and if any relationship will develop. As I spend my days and nights daydreaming about her, my thoughts drift from the first time I met her, the first time I learned from friends of how she is as a person, and to fantasies on how a relationship between us would be. When you’ve a crush on someone, there’s a thin line between sanity and believing that you’re in love even before you’ve the chance of meeting the person.

Then, what’s so difficult about me telling her that I like her?

On many occasions, I’ve witnessed my friends, both female and male, who agonized over someone they had feelings for—a crush—never share their affection or follow through with taking one step closer with that person. Yes, it’s obvious that sharing your affection with anyone can be nerve-raking, intimidating, and come with a high level of anxiety and uncertainty. While some crushes are easier to move past than others, I’m deciding to face my fear as opposed to waiting for a fairy tale scenario to happen.

So, I had a dilemma and believe that the posted video says it all. Over the last few months, I wanted to put an end to me chasing after this girl I once knew from ballroom dancing class. Two years ago, my friend Mike dragged me along a couple of times to attend Ballroom Dancing with him since he couldn’t dance and was very nervous. Soon he realized that I was probably the only black man in America without rhythm and couldn’t dance either.

With my head under water, my heart beating rapidly, I would often stand to the side until someone on the dance team needed a partner to follow through with dance steps for competitions. I literally made myself into the “last resort” because I didn’t want to stand in the way, especially considering that I wasn’t an official member of the dance team. I’m one of those technical dancers (e.g. think of a robot) that needs to be told exactly what to do rather than feel my way into the rhythm of the music. Times were hard and I would often walk home pissed at myself for messing up.

All that changed when I first saw her and she decided to dance with me. I started off nervously; stepping on heels, palms sweaty, and not being “dominant” when I signaled a turn. In Ballroom Dancing, the man takes the lead and when he wants his partner to turn or switch places, he presses hard into her back. I was such a disaster that the instructor had to come over multiple times and show me what to do. After some coaching, my nerves were finally calmed and I gained some confidence. I stopped thinking from my mind and did incredibly better. After we finished dancing, I knew that experience would be the spark for me to improve my dancing and possibly get to know her.

A few weeks later I got my lucky break when I found out she needed a dance partner for this dance competition at Rutgers. Both of us agreed to be partners if we could get rid of our previous engagements. I immediately contacted my friend Justin who was more advanced than myself and taught a dance class. He agreed to show me everything he knew and not make it apparent that I had two left feet. Nevertheless, I couldn’t get out hosting my first party which I hyped all semester long. Later, I learned she couldn’t get out of work.

Eventually, I got the dance lessons I needed to increase my level of confidence, got my own place to host my own parties, and attended almost every Salsa night that the dance team hosted the following semester. She was nowhere to be found. I found out from a friend that she quit the dance team because it conflicted with the amount of time she worked.

I tried my best to move forward with my life; knowing full well, there was little chance of contacting her and small hope of seeing her again. No matter how many conversations I started with random female strangers or how many times my friends would encourage me to talk to their single friends, nothing replaced the thought of this mystery woman.

One may conclude that I fear expressing my affection toward this mystery woman due to the fear of rejection. They’re correct with their presumption, but they’re only scratching the surface. If she rejects me theoretically, my daydream is over, the fantasy is gone, and I’ll have to live with the consequences of that reality. No woman stood tall over her because I was able to project my imagination onto her. Why would any one want to sacrifice living in that daydream? Insecurities are bound to appear, and second guesses surmise to could, should, or didn’t.

The reality is there’s no perfect way to tell someone that you like them. While friends may boost your confidence or laugh and nitpick at your faults, there’s no perfect outline to getting someone you desire. The truth hurts and the truth is she may not be as interested in me as I am into her. No matter how many dating books, dating advice columns or friends providing insight and secrets on how to escape this reality, there’s no guarantee that their advice will succeed.

Call me crazy or obsessive, but I’m tired of witnessing my friends live in regret about the one that got away. Excuse me if I can’t and refuse to bottle my emotions; but, I believe if I’ve confidence and put on my best performance, eventually I’ll be able to create that perfect moment and reach the heart of the woman I desire. The perfect way to make peace with yourself when faced with those circumstances is to face the fear: My fear is asking for one last dance.

Valentine's Day Countdown: Late Pass/ Ketchup

Sorry about not updating yesterday with a countdown selection. So for today I'm gonna hit you with TWO thought-provoking love songs. And who else should I feature other than Kanye West?!

The master of modern day shock-value (sorry, Timbo) never disappoints. Whether it be with his rude/bold/insightful remarks on TV, his more-complicated-than-thou music videos, or the way he dresses? I really respect Mr. West for really realizing how meaningless it is to worry about what other people think of him and just being/living himself. If I was with Amber Rose, I'd be typing in all caps too.

But I digress. "Love Lockdown" is a very strong message about finding value in yourself and using that leverage to cut off that bad connection. "I'm in love with you, but the vibe is wrong. And that haunted me all the way home."

Not many people want to reveal that fucked up part of their thoughts that Kanye isn't afraid to admit.



The next submission into the V-Day Countdown is "Climax" by Slum Village.
I love this song mainly for the braggadocio that SV present to the ladies, with taste. They are letting girls know they are into freaky stuff, but without disrespecting them or talking down to them. This is probably the last rap song recorded that didn't use derogatory phrases to speak to women sexually. Everyone including myself needs to take tips. Once again, we're in a Realm of G's.

Tune in tomorrow for more fun features from your Internet Valentine, Bulletproof Tiger!

Countdown to Valentine's Day: Saosin - "3rd Measurement in C (Piano Version))"

Today's entry was a surprise to even myself but a few hours ago. While I was outside shoveling out my steps, sidewalk, and driveway, I had the trusty iPhone on deck with Pandora Radio blasting out from a station I've proudly crafted for well over...3 to for years, dare I say? And a song I had never heard before began to play.

Turned off the snow blower, just stood there listening to a beautiful song by an obvious Saosin. I must say, Cove Reber really was the perfect replacement for Adam Green. His voice really is amazing in it's own right, and hes not Emo and afraid to get signed to a major label.

Speaking of Emo, this song is so powerful to me. The emotions behind the words play to me like a bow to a violin.

"3rd Measurement in C" speaks about reliving memories, and trying to get over someone even when it hurts. Here are the Lyrics (these lyrics are from the original version, so Reber changes some of the words/phrasing in this version)

Taking back, overdone
Free and safely
Souvenirs, go out of style
You're right in front and right on
you do it so, I'll be mad, and you'll be gone

And I'm sad that you'll be alone
on my bed
and tango with daddy and separate only
smile my only, smile my right to passage

Only you, can mark my words
to get engaged in California

And I'm sad that you'll be alone
on my bed
tango with daddy and separate only
smile my only right to passage

Don't say that I'm the one you want to lose
Don't say that I'm the one you want to lose
I want to know
Don't say that I'm the one you want to lose
Don't say that I'm the one you want to lose
Don't say that I'm the one you want to lose
Don't say that I'm the one you want to lose

Countdown to Valentine's Day: Video collection

Welcome loved and loveless ones! In honor of the upcoming holiday, BPT is gonna feature a video every day until V-Day that reminds us of the trials and tribulations of relationships. Anti-Valentine's Day? I wouldn't say that.

Real Love has many layers to it, we just want to remind everyone of the less-obvious ones. This video is a musicANDmuffins production; a stop motion animation inspired of "Love Is A Losing Game" by Amy Winehouse. XOXOXOX

Flying Lotus Goes Cosmic on New Album This May

Flying Lotus Goes Cosmic on New Album This May


Cosmogramma comes out May 4 on Warp.

Tracklisting:

01. Clock Catcher
02. Pickled!
03. Nose Art
04. Intro//A Cosmic Drama
05. Zodiac Shit
06. Computer Face//Pure Being
07. ..And the World Laughs With You ft. Thom Yorke
08. Arkestry
09. Mmmhmm ft.Thundercat
10. Do the Astral Plane
11. Satelllliiiiiteee
12. German Haircut
13. Recoiled
14. Dance of the Pseudo Nymph
15. Drips//Auntie's Harp
16. Table Tennis ft. Laura Darlington
17. Galaxy in Janaki

Editorial : For 2010: The Death Of The Mom and Pop Record Store

Editorial : For 2010: The Death Of The Mom and Pop Record Store

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Excerpt:

Eventually, the major retail stores pushed back, and through effective business and political lobbying, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) began to issue ‘cease and desist’ orders to record stores that were selling mixtapes, even though record labels (who were also members of the RIAA) were endorsing, and assisting with the creation and promotion of mixtapes, and had direct relationships with these same record stores (by some measures these independent record stores were responsible for at least 30% of all sales in Hip-Hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s and the industry was dependent upon them to push certain records).

When the ‘cease and desist’ orders failed to stop the mixtape phenomenon, the RIAA, and its lawyers, influenced local police departments and the FBI to conduct raids on these record stores. They even began to work with state legislatures to pass stiffer laws aimed at shutting the mixtape down.

Wendy Day: The Ever-Changing Rap Music Business

Wendy Day

If you want to know what happened to Hip Hop from an industry perspective, do yourself a favor and read this article. Click on the link.

Excerpt:


2009 marked the end of a decade and there were many changes that occurred in the music business.

When Don Diva called and asked me to write about the changes I’ve seen over the last 10 years, I started writing this before I even got off the phone. It’s easy to write about something you live and are passionate about. In fact, it almost wrote itself. I’ve been in the music industry for almost 20 years now (March 2010 marks the beginning of my 19th year) and there are very few people left who started back when I did or who’ve been in it as long as I have. I chalk that up to the continual changes and to insanity—ya gotta be a little nuts to stay in this industry any length of time. Especially the folks like me who do this for the love, and not solely for the money!

Since The Dawn Of Hip Hop

Before I talk about the changes over the past decade, there are two changes that have occurred over the past two decades that I need to mention first: the music and the industry people. The music went from being an art form in the 80s and 90s, to being a business. When Hip Hop began in the late 70s and early 80s in the Bronx, it was art. Artists made music to express themselves, tell stories, and entertain fans. And although artists today also do the same thing, the motivation has changed drastically. Artists rarely make music today solely to entertain fans, express themselves, or tell stories. Almost all well-known artists try to make music that is marketable, fits a radio format, and will sell to the masses thereby bringing revenue and income to the artist. It went from being an artform to big business. Many years ago Chuck D said “Rap is the CNN of the Ghetto.” Today, it’s the new dope game—everyone is trying to hit a lick and make a quick buck in the music industry, it seems.

The Art of the Steal Documentary

This documentary will be released on February 26, 2010 in association with IFC Films.

When The Casket Dropped: An Obituary For Conscious Rap | Discussing Lil' Wayne, Drake & Many More Hip Hop Artists

When The Casket Dropped: An Obituary For Conscious Rap | Discussing Lil' Wayne, Drake & Many More Hip Hop Artists

BPT Interview with People Like Me! Creator David Ayllon

Welcome to Bulletproof Tiger V 2.0!! Many thanks our brethren David Ayllon for doing a great job on making our little blog look a bit more official and appealing to our readers. Comment and let us know what you think!

For our champagne bottle breaking post, Jay B sat down with Designer/Creator David Ayllon, who just so happens to be my good friend and business partner of the clothing line People Like Me! The company officially launched today, and both camps thought it would be good to sit down and give you a better look inside the man behind the shirts.


WARNING: Darth Vader was the cameraman during the video taping, so yes that is the sound of him breathing. That barking you hear in the background is his dog Bella.

Be sure to visit People Like Me!'s website and online store, because that shit looks bootyful!

http://www.peoplelikemeshop.com

Behind the Suit & Tie Documentary

Unlike most music documentaries that tell the stories from the music scene or music artists themselves, Behind the Suit And Tie tells the stories of those that sit behind the record label and share their stories on how the digital age and downloading is affecting the music industry. Those that worked in the heavy metal industry for decades such as Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records) and Doug Keogh (Roadrunner Records) among others also respond to tough questions on how the industry is ran and what artists have to do today and in this age.

Behind the Suit & Tie Documentary will be released on DVD soon. Further information is provided in the link below.

http://www.myspace.com/behindthesuitandtie

Throwback Thursdays: Smashing Pumpkins Tonight, Tonight

The Smashing Pumpkins ~ Tonight Tonight

Scarlet's Songs | MySpace Music Videos

BPT wants to wish you a Happy New Year.

Good Night, 2009. Good Morning, 2010!

May this year treat you well and we shall continue to be hard at work with our efforts to provide the best material possible to our fans, our audience.

Throwback Thursdays: Bloodhound Gang's The Bad Touch

Throwback Tuesdays: R. Kelly's Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)

Listen girl you want me but he needs you
Yet you're tellin' me that everything is cool
Tryin' to convince me baby to do as you say
Just go along and see things your way
--R. Kelly

This video reminds me of every girl that I pursued in the last five years that I later found out that they had a man and wanted me to be their secret lover. I choose not to violate their relationship and fit into that other guy role because I always feared that when the guy found out, I'll end up like R. Kelly at the end of this video. Some women are just not worth it especially when they're someone else's.

Throwback Thursdays: TLC Creep

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

Remember when this video came out? Oh yeah, that's right, you were too young to remember. I had to choose this video for Throwback Thursdays because it's just fresh and reminds me when Hip Hop & R&B first blended into a single art-form and represented an attitude that's far different than today.

Shoutout to my best friend from a another mother, Donnell and his sister Crystal. Without them, my days wouldn't have been spent being exposed to early Hip Hop.

Piece of advice: And if you're creep, keep it on the down low because no one's suppose to know.