Money's Growing Like Grass...

...with the MASS APPEAL!! This shit was on my mind today.


One of the best videos ever- and I even found one with the curses. Those Primo scratches over the profanity are clever but you need to hear "No way you'll never make it/Come with the weak shit I break kids." That real raw NYC 90s steez. Nothing's more gangsta than going to the beach in the winter. Snorkels and sun block. It's amazing how simple and bare bones this video is. Great tracks don't need all those bells and whistles.

Bill Smith is a Jerk.

Are you kidding me?????? Omar must have put some Santeria shit on the dude, cause both the Yankees and Red Sox had better offers on the table. Hughes is better than any of those measly Met arms and Ellsbury is more valuable too. Sample size might be limited for both of them, but they've proven way more than Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Kevin Mulvey and Philip Humber.

Johan posing with the Mets' pitchers in Spring '07.

At least the Sox didn't get him. I guess the silver lining is that we have some young big league ready arms that will cause mayhem in the AL East this season. Bill, you fucking rookie.

I'm Fully LOX-ED and Loaded

BRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!!!

A little machine gun funk to go along with some bagel and lox. They rarely coincide, but today's an exception.

This isn't your run of the mill bagel and lox from any bagel store/deli. This is some Russ & Daughters next level shit. Along with Murray's on the UWS, the best appetizing spot in the city. There's a reason they were responsible for the spread at my briss. WOW. I don't personally remember that- my mother reminded me.

I hadn't had lox in a minute. I rarely keep it in the crib, and unless it's of a certain quality why waste your time. Plus this is some super fishy stuff. For the squeamish seafood haters, this isn't for you. It can get a little messy and your hands can get a bit stinky, so keep enough wetknaps or Purells in tow when eating on the go.



Once you get past that, it's pure enjoyment. I ordered the Classic- belly lox (belly is very salty- Nova is a bit milder and smoked a bit) with cream cheese, tomato, and raw onion. Unfortunately the tomato and onion were missing when I opened the wrapping. Not the end of the world. The cream cheese is light and flavorful, toning down the lox and serving as the perfect accompaniment. My only issue was that the lox weren't sliced thin enough. I figured they would be, but now I know to request that or just wait for a better Lox-smith- oh shit, this kid is clever.

Now, the conclusion...



Russ & Daughters is located on Houston between Orchard St. and Allen. All pertinent info is below. It's amazing that they're still doing their thing. Who would have ever thought that a Jewish appetizing store would be squished between an American Apparel and Burkina- the tiny hiphop shop selling CDs and clothing. Now that's a wonderful thing. Katz's is down the block so the old world is still repping theirs- and you can't forget Yonah Schimmel's going towards 2nd Ave. That's the beauty of NYC.

I've walked past R&D more times than I can remember, but never made it inside. Always took a look in and knew what was going on but kept it moving. It's a neighborhood throwback, an institution that has been there and will stay- hopefully. Plus, who wants fishy hands when you're looking for records or sneakers. What really inspired me to hit it up was the show on WLIW called The Jews of New York. So I hit it up with my shana punimed shiksa. You didn't think I spoke Yiddish- did you? After seeing that woman slice those lox, I had a calling- I needed to eat it. That shit is translucent- knife work is next level. Nothing was going to stop me. The footage starts at around 1 min, but watch the rest and learn yaself! Props to Texas Paul, a closet anti-semite, for hitting me with the link. Texas does some crazy shit to you.



Bonus question- which Brooklyn duo sampled Fiddler on the Roof? Must be Crown Heights osmosis.

Fuck it- peep the track below. You better know who this is.

Caca Cosa Vixen

To wash it down and keep it in the family- Dr. Brown's. Celery soda isn't as weird as it sounds. Sprite-ish.



Russ & Daughters
179 E. Houston St. (bet. Allen & Orchard Sts.),
212-475-4880
info@russanddaughters.com
Mon-Saturday: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM

I'm Sorry, but only 30 and older allowed in this Club.

I'm sorry if you're younger, but these are the rules. Jay should have mentioned a leather fitted along with a nice pair of jeans and a button-up when discussing the grown man M.O.

Peep the freshness. How Fresh? So fresh. I don't own any leather caps, but these are quite tempting. Until about a year ago, I wouldn't even consider leather.

For all your fitted info peep Strictly Fitteds, always keeping you abreast of the flyest head gear.

You Guys Are Late!!!!!!!!!

Stop reading this shit and LIIIIIIIIIINE UP!! Fucking maniac. But he's got some snacks in the book bag so he's good. Even if I could master arithmetic like Foxy Brown...

Keys is one and two-fifth, so how we flip
Thirty-two grams raw, chop it in half, get sixteen, double it times three
We got forty-eight, which mean a whole lot of cream
Divide the profit by four, subtract it by eight
We back to sixteen, now add the other two that ‘Mega bringin through
So let’s see, if we flip this other key
Then that’s more for me, mad coke and mad leak
Plus a five hundred, cut in half is two-fifty
Now triple that times three, we got three quarters of another key
The Firm baby, volume one uhh

...I don't think I could tabulate a formula that would justify waiting in freezing cold weather for around 100 hours. To keep them for yourself is one thing- determination I suppose, bordering on some sort of mental disorder, but to flip it, your time might be worth a whopping $4 an hour, if you're lucky. I could be wrong though.

This is what got the pigs squealing. Titanium blue Air Jordan XX3. 23 stores are selling 23 pairs making a total of 529 pairs. Now if you wear an 11.5 you have to think each store would only get 1 pair that size so there are only 23 pairs in existence. Doesn't it make you want to go out and cop?



Photo and video courtesy of Kixandthecity.

Pass the Patty Pon the Left Hand Side

I said, Pass the Patty Pon the Left Hand Side, and eat your grub.

Play this shit to get the party started- props to Nahright for the treat. I think Ghostface over No, No, No was a little grimier.

Cam'Ron- Pass The Dutchie

There are going to be 3 gems in this post so pay attention. Back from the Yard (White Plains Rd. between Gunhill and 233rd) and my patty game is back in business. The other day I mentioned the Kingston Tropical Bakery, but I don't think I fully articulated how incredible these pockets of divinity are. That's TRUE MOTHERFUCKING STORY. It was a Sunday too- I thought they were closed but Sellasie I looked out for me.

Beef patty

1 beef and 1 chicken = 1 happy Howfresh. I stopped messing with chicken patties for a minute- the Golden Krusts and other bakeries just don't do it right- sloppy meat and all that. But after this one, I might only fuck with the pollo. Be clear that the beef are the best out, but the chicken patty had me at hello. Shit was incredible. A little sweet, a little savory- and the crust was on some Ghostface you sexy motherfucker damn what's the recipe steez. I would eat the crust alone- but they don't sell it.

The beauty of this patty is that there is minimal flaking. Chicken seemed to flake a little more than the beef, but nothing major. You know when you're driving and chomping on a patty you're yellow crumbed out. Shit gets everywhere and you need to get out to sprinkle off. Not these- they stayed in tact and behaved.

The consistency of both the chicken and beef were perfect- not too chunky and not too pureed. None of that hot beef liquid oozing out the side burning the roof of your mouth. They feel substantial, not a brick, but far from too delicate. This is the perfect patty.

Chicken patty

As if putting you on to this wasn't enough, the following album will force you to go out and buy a tank top with mad holes.

DJ Double R- Old School Reggae # 1

Kingston Tropical Bakery Incorporated
4000 White Plains Rd (226th St.), Bronx, NY 10466
(718) 798-0076
2/5 Train to the 225th St. stop
I think they're open 7 days a week, but call first.

Moodie's Records is down the block on 225th for the most recent reggae 45s as well as hiphop upstairs.

This is for La Raza

As Kid Frost pumps in the background. My Mexican hiphop knowledge is extremely limited to 1 artist- possibly 2 or 3 if you add B-Real, Sen Dog and Psycho Realm. I'm not apologetic for it, that's just the way it is.

What I am sorry about is that it took me so long to fully appreciate Mexican cuisine and not this watered down Tex Mex garbage most of the US is accustomed to. Taco Bell and school lunch tacos were my first introduction to este comida, and while some of that shit tastes goods- remember Meximelts in highschool mixing the Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper- it is doesn't come close to what the real deal tastes like. I've never seen a hard shell taco on a menu, and a taco should be served 1 way- in 2 small tortillas with the meat - chopped cutlets or steaks for the most part not doused in sauce, onion, cilantro, a little lime juice, maybe lettuce and tomato, some of that Mexican cheese or white cheese sauce, and some salsa verde or roja depending on what you prefer. I wouldn't say we've been duped, we just haven't tried hard enough. Well I'm trying. By the way, this really doesn't apply to the West Coasters- you know what time it is- or at least you should.

There is a hotbed of Mexican spots all over Spanish Harlem or Little Mexico- I would say 116th to 100th from Park to the East River, primarily the 103rd and Lexington area. Once I stared venturing out there spots kept popping up. Recently I've seen several restaurants close- I hope this isn't a trend and that new places emerge. Ciela Azteca right above the 103rd St. 6 train stop was delicious- tacos, steak, chicken, you name it. Just the other day I noticed that it's no longer there and a Carniceria (butcher shop/meat store for the gringos) opened in the location. That's a shame. Another restaurant diagonal from Ciela, which I never tried, closed as well.




But we're not here to mourn. We're here to celebrate y tener una fiesta. With that I bring you Puebla's Chula on 106th between Lexington and 3rd Ave. The place changed their name from Taqueria something, but the chef said that only management changed hands and everything else was the same. I was a little nervous when I approached, but those feelings were assuaged shortly after biting into the torta- that's a Mexican sandwich, again for the gringos/as.



We ordered a Torta Bistec Asado, a Mexican Sandwich served on a roll with grilled steak, lettuce, tomato, beans, cheese (a slice with a soft consistency similar to mozzerella), onions, cilantro and mayo, and 2 orders of flautas, one with pollo asado and the other with carne asada. Flautas are crispy tortilla rolls stuffed with your choice of meat served with lettuce and tomatoes, a light sour cream and some crumbled white cheese. The cheese has a slightly sweet consistency. Somewhat bland by itself, adding some green salsa, or the red which has a chipotle smokiness to it, really gives the dish a boost. The torta is a great sandwich- winner of the most underrated award. It kills Boar's Head.




Communication was a big problem. The waitress wasn't so fluent in English, and I, even though I murdered the Spanish Regents back in the day, wasn't getting my Latin point of view across. I ordered Pozole de pollo, which I hear is a chicken soup/stew, but it never came. It was on the specials board outside and I wanted to try it, but for some reason it never made it to the table. It was even written on the check- not charged- but it never mustered the courage to introduce itself. There was also a problem ordering the flautas, I cancelled the steak but it came anyway. Turned out to be a good thing since the 4th dish never showed up. We washed the dish down with some Tamarindo Jarritos, authentic Mexican soda.

On my first trip we ordered some tacos, pollo asado and carne asada- both were extremely on point. I wouldn't let the communication issues deter anybody's mission of getting their Comida Mexicana on- we're lucky to have access to all this great food and culture so deal with it and learn a little.

When the weather gets nicer ordering some tacos and going to Central Park's Harlem Meer, or the Conservatory Gardens- a little south of 110th Street- is the move. This is some great date shit. You can take credit for it- I won't mind. Museum mile starts up there and you have the Museum of the City of NY and El Museo Del Barrio. A lot of really fun things to do in a neighborhood that isn't appreciated enough.

For the hiphop head into sneakers, fitteds, and graf- a quick itinerary. For hard to find kicks, shirts and fitteds hit up Goliath on 105th between 3rd and Lex. The best fitted spot in Harlem, Jiggy Sports aka Pegasus is on 109th and 3rd- the colors will make your mind bug- seriously. And the Graffiti Hall of Fame is on 106th and Park- always has something pleasing to the eyes.

Puebla's Chula
167 E. 106th St. bet. Lexington and 3rd Ave.
212-534-4873
Monday to Friday- 7am to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm

Blogger's Block is Blocking the Blog.

The kid's experiencing some major Blogger's Block. Or it could just be exhaustion. All day I was excited that it's Friday and I kept singing Zhane in my head. It's Friday night and the weekend's here...It's here and I'm toast.



I still couldn't come empty handed. The new Buckshot & 9th Wonder joint has been popping up throughout the blogosphere and it's crazy. Their first collabo "Chemistry" was a great album. By the look of things, their new album "Formula" due to be released April 15th will follow suit. Buckshot over dope beats is always a success.

Buckshot & 9th Wonder- Go All Out

REWIND SELECTA!!!!!

I've been digging some early 90's dancehall lately. Especially on some When I See You Smile steez. Mega Ud style for my boy Stevie Z. Do me a favor and play it at least 8 times in a row.

I recently dug up this Reggae mix tape- DJ Rob Shock- from 2/12/94. Just converted it to MP3 so enjoy. Doesn't have all the classics- but it will suffice for now. I have this dope Double R reggae cd somewhere. I'll find it and lay some treats on you. In the meantime you better bogle or do the dutty wine over to the coffee machine and butterfly that bitch.

DJ Rob Shock- Reggae Mix V- 2/12/94 Side A

DJ Rob Shock- Reggae Mix V- 2/12/94 Side B

And I know you don't want to talk beef patties. Golden Krust always does the job. Though I've heard people say that the GKs in West Indian neighborhoods are better and the rest are garbage. But the real deal is on 227th and White Plains Road- Kingston Tropical Bakery. Hold the coco bread.

I'm a Pizza head, I eat Calzones that excite the feds.

I love calzones. But I didn't eat them for a long time. Finding a good one wasn't easy. Half the time they were too doughy or too cheesy and didn't make for a pleasurable dining experience. So I quit. Just a slice or a hero from the pizzeria and I was gone.




Then a couple of years ago playing ball, a Riverdale hoop legend named Al Pine (that's really his name) put me on to 3 Boys From Italy Pizza on Burke Ave. and White Plains Road. I don't even know how it came up, but he swore by their calzones, and that was all I needed. Since then I try to get there at least twice a month. The calzones are serious. They're big, filled with plenty of meat or cheese, and thin and crisp on top. These fill up the biggest eater. I'm not even sure what else to write to convey how good they are. The $3.50 cost doesn't hurt either, $4 for the chicken.



You can choose from Cheese (ricotta), Sausage & Peppers, Meat & Cheese, and Chicken Parm. I usually go with the meat or sausage & pepper, but they're all delicious. The pizza is no joke too. And if you want a great salad, the chicken cutlet salad is the BEST salad I've ever eaten from any pizzeria. Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, black olives, red onion, mozzerella cheese, and a generous amount of grilled chicken cutlets, doused in oil and vinegar. This was my Sunday night HBO salad for 2 for years. I have people visiting me from the Midwest just for this salad.

Three Boys From Italy Pizzeria
704 Burke Ave. off White Plains Rd.
Bronx, NY
718-882-2009

NO DELIVERIES.

If you're not driving, the 2/5 train Burke Ave. stop is 20 feet away.

Is Freestyle making a comeback??

The good people at Brooklyn Bodega are spreading the word on the Freedom Anniversary Bash at BB King's this Sunday, January 20th, 2008. An interesting and dope mix of artists including Lisa Lisa, Chubb Rock, Nice & Smooth, and Slick Rick. Everybody should see Slick Rick on stage dookey chained out doing the wop just once in their life. But the real treat is Lisa Lisa- wow. How old is she now? Who cares- I Wonder If I Take You Home is timeless. No work on Monday so get biz.

The Freedom 5 Year Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, January 20th (MLK Weekend)
BB King’s Time Square – 237 West 42nd Street
11pm – 4am
Tickets: $35 online, $45 at the door
Hosted by Freedom’s own DJ Herbert, Marc Smooth and DJ Cosi

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
www.thefreedompartynyc.com

Hyperlink 101

Random little piece of info. I don't like when I click on links, and the page your viewing becomes the link you clicked. I rather a new page open so as not to interrupt my e-flow. Even here I noticed all my links opened in the same page. Why would I want to inconvenience all you good people? It had to stop immediately. And it has.

After a little research, I found the answer. When typing your link add target="_blank".

For example, here is the link to the Best of 2007:

a href="http: howfresheats.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-so-many-records-to-choose. html ">Best of 2007
To make it open in a new page it would be:

a href="http: howfresheats.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-so-many-records-to-choose. html "target = "_blank">Best of 2007 /a.

Wow- this took me forever to post- kept getting error messages because it kept reading it as a link. Hope this helps. Now you can call me HOWFRESH HTML.

Nike Air Force 1- VOTE OR DIE!!!!!!!!

In 2007 Nike celebrated the 25th anniversary of their most celebrated sneaker, the Air Force 1. Beginning in November 2007 Nike began the 1Vote campaign where the I-95 cities (NYC, Philly, and Baltimore- all of which are given credit for the sneaker's worldwide fame) get a chance to vote for their favorite model. Baltimore voted in November, Philly in December, and NYC is currently accepting votes.



Baltimore chose the Ueno Sakura, a very hard to find sneaker released in 2005. The shoe has cherry blossoms lasered on the front in recognition of the more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park, in Tokyo. I imagine the appeal is due to the super limited quantity and rather excessive cost. I've seen pairs go for more than this.



Philly elected the 2003 Mark Smith Lasers, another rare and hard to find sneaker. Limited to 2,500 pairs, many people weren't able to get their hands on this one. This was one of Nike's first 1-piece designs, where the sneaker is made of only 1 piece of leather, and the swoosh and "stitch" are lasered on.



Now NYC, it's up to you to decide which Air Force 1 truly represents this great city. It's a close call so far between the 2006 Stash/Futura Insideout forces, the all purple highs from 1993 (copped them from Foot Action in Cross County when they dropped), and an all gold high top also from 1993. Disclaimer- The photo is not mine.

You might look at this and think it's just a gimmick by Nike, but some people are taking this very seriously, voting up to 600 times at a time. If you have some free time, and I emphasize free, take a glance at this tomfoolery.

Don't get fooled by all this caucus and primary talk. This is the real vote.

Check out the site for more info and up to the minute standings- Nike 1Vote.

You can vote at Jimmy Jazz on 125th St., Transit on Broadway at Bond Street, Nike Town on 57th Street, and Brooklyn USA on Fulton Street. Voting ends 1/31/08. Please make it count.

La Sa Tom! La Sa Who?!?!?

I envision Amil singing that like La Sa Tom- La Sa Who?????????

Before you click that X on the top right corner, let me assure you that I'm not bugging. If you would have had it you'd be singing the same tune. La Sa Tom- curry shrimp soup with coconut milk, vermicelli, herbs, and some fire- from Saigon Grill on the Upper West Side. I could have this dish as my appetizer, entree, and dessert, and that's Real Talk or True Story, whichever you prefer.

When that craving for Vietnamese grub hits, Saigon Grill always satiates the largest appetite. Extremely affordable, aka cheap, and a quick commute from uptown or the Bronx, this place should be on your radar. The space is huge, always has a crowd and the turnover is very quick. Only had to wait 5-10 minutes for a table tonight around 8pm.

I didn't care what we ate after the LST, that was all I wanted. However, what followed further reinforced why I will keep coming back. Those that know me know I love seafood. I have posters of oysters and crawfish on my wall- fucking weirdo. I moved to Charleston after eating shrimp and grits. But I digress. I'm always intrigued by the whole fish dishes at Asian spots. Filets and steaks are easier to eat, but the whole fish is an adventure. And an adventure it was- just look at this little motherfucker with huge lips.




The dish is called Ca Chien, crispy whole sea bass. Sliced on each side to take apart easily. Crisp on the outside, and moist on the inside. AIIIGHT. In a sweet and sour sauce with scallions, onions and garlic. A lot of bones, but big enough to spit out before you start choking. I regret to inform you that I didn't eat the marachino cherry eyes. I was stuffed by the time we got to the dome.



Also had the Beef Bun Xao- a staple Vietnamese dish, similar to Thai's pad thai. Stir fried rice noodles with vegetables, scrambled egg, and beef. It was alright- wouldn't get the beef again, only chicken or shrimp.

Other recommended dishes are Zuong Nuong- 3 flavorful porckchops, Ga Xao Gung- sliced white meat chicken sauteed in a ginger honey sauce with bell peppers and onion, and the any of the satay appetizers. If there are other dishes out there that people like, let us know.

There is another location near Union Square, but I've never been. Plus I hear they have some problems. Full disclosure, I was unaware of this until I started to scribe this. I don't know if this would have deterred my quest for some La Sa Tom anyway. Doubtful, very doubtful.

Saigon Grill
620 Amsterdam Ave (SW corner of 90th Street) New York 10024
11am - Midnight 7 days a week

Phone: 212-875-9072

Best of 2007- So Many Records to Choose From...

WOW- this blogging shit ain't easy. Uploading, emailing, writing- this shit takes forever, but I'm not trying to half ass this, so I'm putting in work.

I would have preferred posting this a week ago, but it's still relevant in my opinion- only the 10th. By next week it would be stale and moldy.

So here are my favorite/most listened to tracks from '07. I'm not going to do a countdown or put them in order. They're all dope- some more than others. Maybe you've heard some, maybe you've heard all, or maybe you have no fucking clue what's popping and haven't heard any. If you think I missed anything and can provide a detailed analysis as to why it should be in HOWFRESHEATS most dopafied tracks of 2007, the forum is yours. I have to say that 2007 wasn't such a great year for hiphop. Not many standout albums but some decent product. Holla.

We Roll- Pete Rock ft. Jim Jones and Max B
"Sundays is my Day/ well it's Sabbath/ Known as Ferrari Day." Yeah Jimmy- I know exactly how you feel. Hate him or love him (Mr. Jones), this Pete Rock track is BANANAS- smooth and hard at the same time. Off of NY's Finest coming this year.

Yolanda's House- Ghostface ft. Method Man and Raekwon
Best track off Big Doe Rehab. Beat is serious and these dudes are hilarious. "Should have knocked before you came in the spot/ Ghost you wrong."

Desire- Pharoahe Monch
Dope record off the solid Desire album. Sounds like some MOP in the background.

Popular Demand- Black Milk
Got put on to this dude this year- repping Detroit, he is one gifted cat. Some Dilla influence but definitely has his own sound. Title track off the LP- peep it.

Sufferin'- NYG'z ft. Lil' Fame & Rave
First time I heard this was off Evil Dee's podcast. Thought it was Primo, but later learned it's Emile. Fame gets open on some real personal shit.

125th St. Part 4- Joell Ortiz
Another cat I got put up on this year. Off Bodega Chronicles- a dope album- shows Joell at his finest. Real honest track.



So Amazing- Termanology
Had to have some Primo in hear. Looking forward to hearing more from Term in '08. Peep the video.

It's New York- Jugganot ft. Joell Ortiz and Uncle Murder
Didn't get much burn, but a hot track. Can't hate on a NY dedication.

Everything Man- Talib Kweli
First track off Ear Drum and it sets the tone right.

The Hardest- AZ ft. Style P
AZ and Styles over a Large Pro beat. Exactly.

Child of the Ghetto- Cam'ron
What's a best of 2007 without a Cam track? I definitely could have thrown more on here, but this shit always got me open. Cop Public Enemy #1.

Saigon Meets Just Blaze- Saigon
I think I played this 140 times in a row. First Sai track to make me want to here more from him. Showing Spring Valley some love.

My Corner- Raekwon
Forget where or how I found it, but glad I did. Rae gets loose on some soul shit. True true true true.

Drivin' Me Wild- Common ft. Lily Allen
This was probably the album of the year. Great follow up to Be. Good to see Common getting the props he deserves.

Key to the City- Alchemist ft. Prodigy and Nina Sky
Peep it and you'll understand. I don't need to hear Alchemist rhyme, but this beat more than makes up for it.

That Ain't Love- Little Brother ft. Jozeemo
This shit is crazy. If you're not up on LB, now you are. Produced by Khrysis.

The Glory- Kanye West
I listened to this album in order to justify why I didn't like it, but was pleasantly surprised. He can make some beats.

Brookline- Skipp Whitman
You need to see the artwork on this dude's shit. Guaranteed you wouldn't even bother listening to it. Dope track though and he can spit. Props to whentheyreminisce for putting me on.

Nostalgia- Marco Polo ft. Masta Ace
Just a solid record. After seeing Ace years ago at Tramps fucking up a freestyle and getting close to booed off stage, it's good to see him back in the mix. Check out Marco Polo too- the new wave of Rawkus.

End of Time- Jim Kahn
Definitely gave this record a lot of burn. And still do. Do yourself a favor and listen again.

Throw Some D's- Richboy
I loved this shit when it dropped. The way the beat comes in and how it rides is crazy. Can't always understand that Mobile drawl, but it was refreshing to hear a southern cat not named Wayne or Jeezy.

International Player's Anthem- UGK ft. Outkast
The Summer Record of 2007. West Side Highway, windows down and this shit pumping. RIP Pimp C.

I Get Money Remix- 50 Cent ft. Diddy and Jay-Z
Don't hate- this beat is NUTS.

P-Body- Sean Price
First single off the Jesus Price Superstar. Sean P doing his thing over some 9th Wonder.



My Drink N' My 2 Step- Cassidy
Don't ask, but this shit grew on me. Believe me, I hate Swizz singing, but it's on. Get the Petron doggie.

No Holding Back- Statik Selektah ft. AZ and Cormega
Off the most slept on album of 2007. Was bumping this before I knew it was off this album. On some jet-setting to the Caribbean.

Sunday- 9th Wonder ft. Keisha Shontelle and Chaundon
It really does feel like a lazy Sunday. She got a real nice voice and the Boogie Down's Chaundon does his thing. Off the Dream Merchant Vol. 2.

The Sun- Lord Jamar
I think this dropped in 2006, but I didn't hear it till late '07, and I make the rules. First time I heard this was at the Kurious/Brand Nubian show at the Knitting Factory and once the beat dropped this shit had my attention.

Never- Scarface
Scarface hasn't disappointed in a while. What would this be without an H-Town track? Screwed version coming soon.

Stop, Look, and Listen- Statik Selektah ft. Styles P, Termanology, and Q-Tip
Another banger off the Spell My Name Right album. Odd mix of talent, but it works.

Get It Done- Skyzoo ft. Torae
One of the best 12"s I copped in 2007. The B side- Click- is another heatrock. Both produced by Primo. The Skyzoo "Corner Store Classic" is worth a listen.

Risin' Up- Kool G. Rap
Close to 20 years since Road to the Riches and G Rap is still doing it. The beat caught me- then throw in the flow and lisp and it's a wrap.

When They Remember- Freeway
It's usually love or hate when it comes to the Broad Street Bully. I used to be on the hate side, but after "Where You Been" I fucks with the Philly cheesesteak eater- Hallal of course. When I first heard the soul sample and the drum hit, the shit had me. "Nobody but the Prophet Muhammad Islamic Scholars HOLLA/I'm bout a dolla HOLLA."

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

After all these years of thinking I know my shit, I was humbled by this little find. A mid 90's DMX record calling out Ms. Blige for basically being a ho and turning her back on Yonkers. I always heard Mary wasn't as demure as she appeared and now Dark Man X confirms it. All you Yonkers cats can elaborate if you'd like. Anything sounds good over the Scenario remix.

DMX- Fuck Mary J.

BUT WAIT!!! He must have had a change of heart since he dropped a verse on this gem. "Bark at your dog baby and I'll hold you down." Damn X- make up your mind. That pipe makes you say some crazy shit.

Sincerity- Mary ft. DMX and Nas

Oak? Damn. No wonder he wore them fly zoot suits. With how bad the Knicks are playing, this might be exactly what they need. Mary- give Zeebo or Steph a call.

Props to Icedotcom for digging this one up.

Like Brother, Like Brother.

I don't always enjoy other people's pain or problems, but when my brother emails me and tells he feels like shit for copping a pair of kicks for $190, I can't help but get filled with joy. It must be the genes. You done good baby, you done good. Dope kicks though.

"got the huaraches for 170, that was my max too, so 190 with shipping, this is my biggest ever, and i feel awful, now i know how you feel. I love those joints."

On the grand scale 2 bills for kicks isn't much. Assholes are dropping a G or 2 for hyper strikes or PEs, but when a regular dude who has been out of the shoe game for a minute goes in hard, it's worth mentioning.



I had to shed some light on the original Air Trainer Huaraches- the white with purple and hunter green. I remember having these in 1992. I know Oz had them too. One of the dopest summer sneakers ever. Props to Jerry for the photo. Too bad you had to let them go.

OH SHIT!!!

Coming up on something like this turns a shitty Monday into a, well, still a shitty Monday, but gives Tuesday some hope since the HPod will have some TREATS. Not just any treat- but some Double R # 14 buttahs. After all this time of not knowing how to come across the early Double R and G-Bo tapes, our prayers have been answered. Listening to this shit now- WOW- army jackets and iditarods. The beginning of Side B- those blends got me jumping over my leg and doing the wop- that Entouch shit is BANANAS. Can't wait to get my hands on # 13- some Yes You May remix and When I See You Smile. Peep the info below.

From G Bo's myspace-

If you are interested in ordering the G-Bo & Double R tapes on CD they are being released in 2 sets. The 1st set includes 9 thru 15 and the 2nd goes from 16 thru 21. Each set is $50 payable thru paypal if you send me your e-mail address to gbothepro1@gmail.com or via money order. Send the money order to: G-Bo Vazquez Throggs Neck Station P.O. Box 393 Bronx, NY 10465 Please indicate which set you want 1 or 2 or both. Please add $8 for shipping. G-Bo The Pro P.S. Feel free to repost...I don't have 10,000 myspace friends...Good Lookin!!!

Definitely go cop and support. This is some quintessential hiphop shit.

And for your listening pleasure...
G-Bo The Pro & Double R - Tape # 14- Side A
G-Bo The Pro & Double R - Tape # 14- Side B

Props to DJ Soul for enlightening us.

The Mighty H

Some Sunday morning freshness. One day I hope to only rock H joints- with exceptions to a crisp Yankee fitted. Speaking of baseball, the stadium sign says 41 days till pitchers and catchers. I can't fucking wait. Fantasy baseball will ruin my life again. Fuck all the bullshit- we need Johan. Hughes, Kennedy, Jaba- great, but Johan gives us a ring. We get a powerful # 1 and the the rest of the rotation is fine. I love A-Rod. So should everybody else. Props to the Mets for signing Pagan. Another genius move by Minaya. He'll be scouting in the DR by 2009.

"Basically, there's nothing basic about me"- Jim Kahn

With a new year, comes new beats. Jay's too busy with Apple, Lupe's too busy being cool and Lil Wayne's too busy being terrible, so who better to take a crack at the throne than the Bronx Bomber himself, Jim Kahn. For years the inner circle has known about the skills and the flow, but we got tired of being selfish and wanted to let the world in on this one. Dude's been grinding for years and it's his time to shine. As he says, "I'm 30 and I'm spitting like this- can you tell I've been wasting my time or what???" Not any more doggie.

Peep the tracks. Rather Unique was just recorded, paying homage to the 90s. End of Time was recorded in mid 2007 and is a more reflective personal track. Make Room is Jimmy getting loose and Anchorman is on some Ron Burgundy shit. This is just a sampler. A lot more to come. ENJOY!! Leave some comments and let us know what you think. Also peep the myspace and support.

http://myspace.com/jimmykahn

Jim Kahn- Rather Unique freestyle

Jim Kahn- End of Time

Jim Kahn- Make Room

Jim Kahn- Anchorman

Cause it's 2008, Time to Set it Straight...

...Know what I'm sayin'? And Ain't No Half Steppin'- Word, I'm Ready!!



Do you believe that Long Live the Kane is turning 20 this year? And it still sounds so fresh. 11 years old and rocking that shit. I hope Allen forgives me. Fuck that- lil man's a lawyer so my influence must have paid huge dividends. Just hit me with a wing in your mini mansion- preferably on the eastern side to see the sun rise.

Happy New Year to all- 2008's going to be our year. I feel it. In all honesty, it was a really anticlimactic new year. The streets were empty, the bar was pretty empty, and there was no feeling of excitement. Nothing like previous new years that I've experienced. I was with good people, but it felt like any other night. I would have been happy at home in front of the 42" Sharp Aquos (good looking D) with some cham-pa-na (put the squiggle over the n) and someone else.

With that said, I'm looking forward to this year- even excited about it. More than I can say for years past. Time to make shit happen. This right here is a start.

My final meal of 2007 was a Piper's Kilt swiss bacon burger. No pics- my bad. 2007 was the year of the burger- mad spots opening everywhere, and celebrity chefs throwing their hat in the burger ring. And while I read so much about all these new spots and all the premier burger spots, not once was PK's ever mentioned. I haven't had many burgers that even come close. More burgers for us I guess. I always order medium rare with a slice of tomato and raw onion. Never add ketchup cause the meat doesn't need any extra flavor. The blood from the medium rare provides that little extra, and it even enhances the fries. Full disclosure- yesterday's burger wasn't cooked to my specifications- more on the medium side. A little disappointed, but the grill man must have started partying already. This is the only time the burger was ever overcooked in all my trips there. I'll let it slide.

For the burger heads, peep this... A Hamburger Today. Dope site.