Lupe - Kickin & Pushin to the Top

Lupe Fiasco is my favorite hip hop artist ever. I just wanted to get that out there now so there are no questions in the future as to why I post so much about him. The guy is just one of the coolest, realest, most conscientious, most intelligent people to come around in a while.  I wish I could think of some more adjectives just to sneak more incredible links in here. 

Lupe's one of those guys you listen to even if you hate hip hop. Lyrical wizardry aside, perhaps the most impressive thing about him - he knows how to use his spotlight. Check out the video below to find out more about the best rapper alive and how he recently earned a Character Approved Award from The U.S.A. Network.

The Character Approved Awards honor the characters of the U.S.A. who are changing the face of American culture. Character Approved honorees are innovators in their field who influence our opinions, our style, and our view of the world. They surprise and inspire us with fresh ideas. They are celebrated by their peers. And they have an authentic style that's all their own.

Langerado Time of the Year!

I last went in '06 when it was held in Markham Park and finally got to see my boy Ben Harper.

There are a ton of good artists scheduled to perform this year.  

Here's who I'm particularly interested in seeing: 

Death Cab, Modest Mouse, Ryan Adams, Matisyahu, Broken Social Scene, Cold War Kids, Mute Math, Deerhunter, Tokyo Police Club, The Gaslight Anthem and Murs.

(Feb. 3 EDIT: Langerado cancelled :/)  

Oldie But Goody - Pearl Jam

Band: Pearl Jam

Song: Black

Album: Ten (debut album in 1991)

So I just spent way too much time on Youtube looking for the best performance of this song, and trust me this is the best one you'll ever come across. 

Even if you don't care for Pearl Jam, fast-forward the song to about 4:00 and let it ride til around 4:30.  

The strength in Vedder's voice is just absurd.  Just think about how many ways he could’ve expressed those lyrics. I’m glad he picked this way, too.  

I know someday you'll have a beautiful life 

I know you'll be a star

In somebody else's sky

But why can't it be mine?

If you like this, check out:  Pearl Jam - Given to Fly