Dope Ish - Vanilla Sky (2001)

I'm definitely late on this cult classic, Vanilla Sky, but after watching it recently I felt that it was worth mentioning. The movie, as a whole, is pretty damn dope. What caught my eye the most however was a particular scene in which the protagonist, played by Tom Cruise, is hosting a birthday party at his apartment. Instead of hiring a band, he displays a holographic image John Coltrane playing some of his best cuts. Something tells me that this was a bunch of Hollywood smoke and mirrors and physics doesn't allow awesome shit like this to actually exist, but a man can dream. If this is actually real, please put me up on game. Money is no option...I ball.

This is absolutely the most baller shit I've seen in a very long time. Well played, Vanilla Sky.

-Soultrane

The Greatest PSA Of-All Time

If this was the actual PSA's for Everest, all of my homies would be in college by now...Absolutely amazing.

-HoodRich

"Top 60 Ghetto Names"

And another one...

-Mr. Strayhorn Fritzington

"No One Can Do It Better" Prince v. Alicia Keys

So we were over here louning' and lampin' as always. Per usual, we got into a heated discussion over people swaggerjacking other peoples samples. This led into a fight about people covering songs they really don't have any business covering. From there, we started comparing songs and a post was born. Introducing the first "No One Can Do It Better" post.

In our first battle we have Prince's 1982 "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" versus Alicia Key's 2001 cover version, "How Come You Don't Call Me."

Take a listen:

versus

Styles Davis says, "Hands down it's Prince. This isn't even close. Alicia doesn't have the vocals of Prince or the performance skills."

Johnny Soultrane says, "Alicia Keys used to be my baby, but she went and stole Mashonda's man. Not sexy. Prince wins, cuz he would never steal someone's man...they would probably walk into his open little arms." #shotsfired #pause x10000

Mr. Strayhorn Fritzington says, "Prince is the consummate showman and musician. Ms. Keys is quite talented in her own right, but she clearly has many miles to go before even entering into the same musical stratosphere as Sir Prince Rogers."

Yao Mingus says, "This isn't really fair. If we took the studio versions of each performer, it would be a completely different story. Alicia's more layered version destroys Prince's attempt at musical subtlety. Plus Alicia is slightly prettier. Alicia Wins"

Buddy HoodRich says, "I gotta cosign [The Mingus]Dynasty. The studio versions are completely different. Clearly Prince is the dopest performer of all-time. But when Alicia and all that thickness get in the studio, it's a wrap. I got my girl Alicia for the win."

Prince wins 3-2.

-The Styles Davis Quintet

Tragedy Strikes Again

As many of you may know, the recent events in Haiti have shocked the world. The outpouring of help and assistance has truly been a testament to the unity and togetherness of our global community.

Unfortunately, however, tragedy has struck again. Whilst attempting to assist in the Haiti relief efforts, various important members of the music industry came together creating an explosion that has once again rocked the world.

Below we have footage of the events at hand. It is imperative to let you understand that this video may not be suitable for all ages. No matter what your age, this shocking footage can and will test even the highest of thresholds. View at your own risk.

Many victims were taken in the opening wave of the event, as the immediate presence of teen-pop idol Justin Bieber was simply too overwhelming for many. Others were taken amidst a vicious and unexpected chorus of rappers, ranging from LL Cool J to Swizz Beatz, who inexplicably took over the song.

The people of Haiti have already begun relief efforts in assisting those effected by this tragedy. "We wanted help, but never this...never this." said one Haitian youth.

Various organizations have also stepped up to get involved by aiding all of those affected by this event. UNICEF has been collecting copies of Michael Jackson's Thriller album as well as original versions of "We Are The World" to send to victims.

"I really don't blame Quincy Jones, I swear to God man...it's not his fault.," said one victim who managed to fling himself out of his window before being overwhelmed by the collapse.

We here at So Called Twenties want to give our deepest condolences to all those affected by the events of "We Are The World 2010" You are in our prayers. God Bless.

-The Styles Davis Quintet

Thank God for my uppity Talented Tenth parents

I plan on giving my future seeds super dope names, but this is doing a bit much. Shouts to my brotha's and sister's in the struggle...for pronounceable names.



-Mr. Strayhorn Fritzington

Supra Skytop Heartbreaker

Not bad. I'd rock these. Looks kinda like canvas tho. That's a big turnoff. If I was down with the whole red thing on Valentine's Day (or down with V-Day as a whole...) these would mos def be rocked hard body. Nevertheless, for $120, these might get copped.

I feel like I'd have to call "No Wayne" every time I put these on my feet.

-HoodRich