NYS Music 202​0

Tag: happy birthday

  • Happy Birthday Jay-Z, Hip Hop’s Big Brother

    When talking about the significant birthdays in hip hop, few mean more to the genre than Jay-Z’s. The Brooklyn-bred mogul has turned modest beginnings into a billion-dollar empire while doubling as one of the world’s most popular and influential entertainers. A product of Brooklyn’s Marcy projects, Hov has found success by being a forward thinker and staying ahead of the curve, something he has no problem reminding peers and fans alike. After all, who else could serve as Hip Hop’s “Big Brother?” So, as we wish him a happy 51st birthday, here are the top Jay-Z songs where he lets you know that he sets the trends, we just follow.

    Imaginary Players

    The fourth track off of his sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, “Imaginary Players” has stood the test of time as one of the premier “sh** talking” records in Hip Hop history. Hov spends nearly four-minutes reminding rappers that their records don’t sell as well as his, they’re not as fly as him and their money simply doesn’t stack up. As part of his earlier discography, it’s always fun to hear Jay – Z brag about cars, money and jewelry before his ascension to mogul status. The intro alone sets the tone for the whole record.

    I gotta be like the pioneer to this sh**, you know
    I was popping that Cristal
    When all y’all n***** thought it was beer and sh**, you know
    Wearing that platinum sh**
    When all y’all chicks thought it was silver and sh**
    I gotta really be the pioneer of this sh**
    Bottom line

    30 Something

    This is an interesting part of Jay – Z’s career. Hip Hop has always been driven by the youth, yet on this record, a 35-year-old Jay tried to convince the world that all the youthful materialism (rims, jewelry, gunplay) that had been a part of the rap culture for decades was now irrelevant.

    I’m young enough to know the right car to buy
    Yet grown enough not to put rims on it
    I got that six-deuce with curtains so you can’t see me
    And I didn’t even have to put tints on it
    I don’t got the bright watch, I got the right watch
    I don’t buy out the bar, I bought the night spot
    I got the right stock
    I got stockbrokers that’s movin’ it like white tops

    It was certainly gaudy of him to believe that he could single handedly shift hip hop’s culture to fit where he was at in his own life. But, the fact that he was able to turn this train of thought into an entire album — Kingdom Come — and not get ridiculed is impressive in itself.

    On to the Next One

    https://youtu.be/AQY7hivw67Q

    One of the lead singles off of 2009’s The Blueprint 3 album, this record continues the trend of Jay – Z letting rappers know that they simply do not have the connections that he does, so the moves he make will always be of a higher plateau. The Swizz Beats assisted record sees Hov double down on his new way of thought, letting listeners know that he’s only moving forward and since he’s used to setting trends, this would just be another one that the masses would eventually follow.

    I had Oprah chillin’ in the projects, Had her out in Bed Stuy chillin’ on the steps, Drinking quarter waters I gotta be the best,
    M-J at Summerjam, Obama on the text,
    Y’all should be afraid of what I’m gonna do next.

    He also continues his hilarious vendetta against throwback jerseys, which have been and always will be a staple of Hip Hop culture.

    Used to rock a throwback, balling on the corner
    Now I rock a teller suit, looking like a owner

    U Don’t Know

    One of the very best records from one of the best album’s in Jay – Z’s discography, “U Don’t Know” is the 6th track off of the original Blueprint album. The record serves as a reminder that Jay – Z’s business acumen was crafted from his time on the street. Backed by thumping drums and horns, Hov reminds everyone that if he’s nothing else, he’ll always be a hustler. From selling crack cocaine, to records, to clothing, he’ll always find a way to remain on top.

    I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell
    I am a hustler baby, I’ll sell water to a well

    His ambition alone should serve as motivation.

    Could make 40 off a brick but one rhyme could beat that
    And if somebody would of told ’em that Hov’ would sell clothing
    Heh, not in this lifetime, wasn’t in my right mind
    That’s another difference that’s between me and them
    Heh, I’m smarten up, open the market up

    Otis

    I invented swag

    One of the very best songs of 2011, “Otis” is titled after legendary soul singer Otis Redding because of the heavy sampling of his voice throughout. But make no mistake, this song is 2:58 of unabashed braggadocio. The opening line sets the tone and from there on Hov and ‘Ye take turns letting us know that they’re the hottest sh** out and the biggest trendsetters in the game (and who would argue?).

    I made “Jesus Walks” I’m never going to Hell
    Couture level flow, it’s never going on sale
    Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses
    Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive
    I get it custom, you a customer
    You ain’t customed to going through customs
    You ain’t been nowhere, huh?

    After years of turning up his nose at those who would brag about women, cars and jewelry, Jay – Z sounded rejuvenated on this record.

    Poppin’ bottles, puttin’ supermodels in the cab, proof
    I guess I got my swagger back, truth
    New watch alert, Hublot’s
    Or the big face Rollie I got two of those
    Arm out the window through the city I maneuver slow
    Cock back, snap back
    See my cut through the holes

    We don’t know if Jay – Z will release anymore music, but his historic longevity has allowed us to see the maturation of the most influential figure out of New York City and for that, we can be grateful. While a few of these attempts at leading the charge have been hilariously head scratching, the impact, innovation and hustler’s mentality is something to be revered. Happy Birthday Hova!

    Happy Birthday Jay-Z

  • Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa Celebrates 51st Birthday

    It has been well established that Wu-Tang Clan remain to be one of Staten Island’s proudest musical groups. However, the groups most recognizable members such as Ghostface Killah, RZA, and GZA stand in the way of the groups lesser known but equally important members. Today, we focus on Masta Killa, one of the more obscure members of the famed Wu-Tang.

    Masta Killa

    Born Elgin Turner in Brooklyn, 1969, Masta Killa, though one of Wu Tang’s lesser known members, proved himself to be a mainstay throughout the group’s evolution throughout the 90’s.

    Masta Killa was the last to join the Wu Tang Clan and, subsequently, was not featured on the group’s debut single, “Protect Ya Neck.” The only Masta Killa feature on Wu-Tang’s debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (38 Chambers) can be found towards the end of “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’.” Killa was one of the only members of Wu Tang that had not had a technical background in rap with almost zero experience as an MC. While the rest of Wu-Tang was recording verse after verse on 38 Chambers, Masta Killa was concentrating his efforts on perfecting his flow.

    Masta Killa’s absence of rudimentary hip hop techniques led to him being taken under the wing of Wu-Tang founder, GZA. While the majority of Wu-Tang Clan’s members were known for their hyper and energetic flows, Killa and GZA in contrast had a much more relaxed and slow-paced, almost effortless flow. The similarities between the two are evident on the group’s sophomore album, Wu-Tang Forever, which saw improvements in Masta Killa’s technical ability. The two would continue to influence each other’s flow and delivery throughout the remainder of their both careers.

    Masta Killa’s solo career began in 2004 when he released No Said Date which was met with high praise from Wu-Tang fans. Songs such as “Old Man” helped to cement Killa’s solo career which would continue throughout the early 2000s with his latest album, Loyalty is Royalty, in 2017.

  • Happy birthday to moe. drummer Vinnie Amico!

    New York born and raised drummer for moe. Vinnie Amico celebrates his 51st birthday today. Amico has been behind the drum kit for almost 25 years, having joined moe. in November 1996 after Chris Mazur departed the band.

    vinnie amico
    photo by Paul Citone

    Vin was influenced by jazz thanks to his father, Sal Amico, playing bebop trumpet. At age 10, he received his first drum set, and, according to the Daily Gazette, ‘played a solo that rivaled the length of the 3 1⁄2-hour concerts for which his jam band, moe., is well-known.’ Amico would perform in events such as the Niskayuna High School Winter Jam and as a junior, he joined a Grateful Dead cover band, Dark Star.

    Growing up in Niskyauna, Vin would meet future wife Debbie in 4th grade at Craig School. After moving from Utica, on the first day of gym class, Vin noticed Debbie and later that day told his brother Matt that ‘he saw the girl he was going to marry at school.’

    vinnie amico
    high school yearbook photo courtesy of Debbie Amico

    After graduating Niskayuna High School in 1987, Amico attended SUNY Buffalo, where he performed in bands including Sonic Garden (a Grateful Dead cover band), Acoustic Forum and Outer Circle Orchestra.

    vinnie amico
    Vinnie seen here holding Jerry Garcia’s Travis Bean TB500 guitar

    Later in college, the two would commute between Buffalo and Syracuse (where Debbie went to school) to see each other. Decades later, the couple are still together, having raised two daughters in nearby Ballston Spa, and recently spending Sundays during quarantine cooking up a storm in Vinnie’s Kitchen and performing live (socially distanced) music from his backyard. Check out Vinnie cooking up the famous Utica dish Chicken Riggies.

    Behind the kit, Amico is a force and the driving force behind the band’s flow during live performances.

    “Especially after Jim Loughlin returned to the band as a percussionist a few years later, Vinnie was able to help create one of the most unique and powerful rhythm sections on the jam-band circuit.” “At times, he has a gentle touch, too, helping guide moe.’s more Americana- and country-oriented songs and playing with moe.’s guitarist Al Schnier in their side-project Floodwood. That mixture of well-crafted songs and fierce improvisation has been one of moe.’s calling cards since their earliest days playing around the Capital Region.”

    Relix co-Editor-in-Chief Mike Greenhaus

    One memorable show to explore on Amico’s birthday is the ‘The Vinnie Amico Experience’ from Revolution Hall in August 2005. The thinly-veiled moe. show in the Troy, NY venue was a hot night both inside and out and featured Vin front and center, singing vocals on one-off performances of “Southbound,” “What I Got,” and “Casey Jones” amid an incredibly intimate performance from moe.

    Have a great birthday Vinnie! Photos of Vinnie over the years behind the kit courtesy of Debbie Amico.

    moe.down 2013 – photo by Jay Blakesberg
    Jamming in Jamaica – Tropical Throe.down 2015
    Red Rocks 1999
    Behind the kit in his backyard, 2020 – photo by Jim Houle
    photo by Jim Houle
    snoe.down 2010
    moe. in Las Vegas 2005
    The Chance, Poughkeepsie – December 1999
    Amico-Barady Quartet 2009
    Tropical throe.down, Punta Cana, DR 2011
    vinnie amico
    photo by Jay Blakesberg
    At home behind the grill – photo by Jim Houle

  • “Congratulations” to Post Malone on his birthday

    Austin Richard Post, known professionally as Post Malone, is celebrating his birthday today, July 4th. Born outside of Syracuse in 1995 and known for his combination of pop-trap and rock balladry, Malone has been one of the quickest rising stars of the past five years since his 2015 single “White Iversion” went viral after gaining recognition on SoundCloud.

    Voted “most likely to succeed” by his high school graduating class, Post got an early start in music learning guitar at the age of nine. Before making his first beats in the audio workstation FL Studios, Malone spent time in various heavy metal and screamo scene bands- a background that has helped fortify and define his style.

    Known for combining the music he grew up on, such as grunge and indie rock with trap-beat instrumentals and pop-rock song structures, Post Malone has earned numerous spots on the Billboard 100 and several Grammy Nominations. The cloud rap anthem, “Congratulations” featuring Quavo, off Posty’s 2016 Stoney album led the pop singer to nab his first Grammy nomination at the 61st edition of the Awards. Although passed up for the win, “Congratulations,” has garnered the Upstate native worldwide recognition.

    In Septemberr of 2019, Post Malone released his most recent album Hollywood’s Bleeding which included hit songs such as “Circles” and “Sunflower” featuring Swae Lee which was also part of the soundtrack for the recent Spider-man: Into The Spider-verse Marvel animated movie soundtrack.

    Most recently, Post Malone has been performing livestream performances including his full band nirvana cover set which featured Travis Barker of Blink 182 on drums.

    Have a great birthday Post Malone!

  • Lauryn Hill’s Final Hour

    Words are like honey; they can be sweet to hear but the message might not always stick. And over time, messages get lost in translation. Take the late great Muhammad Ali, who refused to fight in the Vietnam war because, as only he could put it, “no Vietcong ever called me n*****.” When Ali took his stance, he was stripped of his world championships, boxing license and was vilified by the public.

    “I am not allowed to work in America and I’m not allowed to leave America,” Ali said in February. 1968, the start of his first full year of exile from boxing. “I’m just about broke.” This is why the Kaepernick comparisons aren’t apt. While Ali struggled to afford groceries, Kaepernick is backed by a billion-dollar corporation in Nike. After Ali’s passing in 2016, revisionist history took over. Ali’s mid-career struggles were now celebrated. Despite being spurned by the very country that now celebrates him.  

    What does this all have to do with Lauryn Hill? Well, have you ever asked yourself how the first woman to be nominated in ten Grammy categories in a single year, and the first woman to win five trophies in one night found herself out of the spotlight a couple of years after her acclaimed solo debut? Well, I’m here to tell you this was coming all along, oh and she warned us about it. 

    Lauryn Hill

    Lauryn Hill’s Revelation

    The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a magnum opus of black music, encompassing the best of multiple genres. However, due to her lack of activity musically, Lauryn Hill’s presence in contemporary pop culture is now reduced to jokes about her punctuality, and not the sacrifice she herself prophesied. 

    On “Final Hour,” the album’s seventh track, she makes her priorities apparent, regardless of her status as a world-famous entertainer. In the chorus she raps “you can get the money; you can get the power. But keep your eyes on the Final Hour.” With the “Final Hour” representing religious salvation. She even raps later in the record “I’m making sure I’m with the 144.” The 144 is a reference to the Book of Revelations. In it 144,000 people are specifically chosen by God to serve as his agents. 

    Lauryn Hill
    by 1998, Lauryn Hill had taken the world by storm

    Lauryn Hill has always been open about her faith and spirituality yet, in her earlier work as a member of The Fugees, religious references were further and fewer in between. So, what changed? After selling millions of records, winning awards and being propped as the face of a generation of women, had Lauryn Hill learned new information that brought on this stance? 

    Decoding The Lyrics

    At the end of the first verse she says, “People feel Lauryn Hill from New-Ark to Israel (clever play on words here as she makes a reference to the “Ark of the Covenant” and she’s from Jersey). And this is real, so I keep makin’ the street ballads, while you lookin’ for dressin’ to go with your tossed salad.” Followed by the aforementioned chorus, these lyrics emphasize her stance on the music industry. After all, tales of the the entertainment industry’s sexual deviance are now far too common. Hence, the “dressing” and “tossed salad” lines. 

    Throughout the song, she juxtaposes her glamorous life with her faith. Symbolizing that one wouldn’t be there without the other. In the last verse she says, “now I’m a get the mozzarella like a Rockefeller / Still be in the church of Lalibela, singing hymns a cappella / Whether posed in Maribella in Couture / or collecting residuals from off The Score.” While it may seem braggadocious, she lets the listener know what she would choose if it came time for a decision by saying, “I’m making sure I’m with the 144.” 

    Hence why she denounced the “dressing” (a symbolism for opulence) because the cost is her spirituality and beliefs. Being Lauryn Hill of course, (at one time one of the world’s most popular entertainers) there may not have been an option to continue her career without politics, corruption and possible harassment (there’s Harvey Weinstein’s in the music industry too). 

    Aftermath

    It comes as no surprise that by the turn of the millennium, Lauryn Hill was out of the public eye. Yet, sehe returned in 2002 with her MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 live album. However, critics weren’t as kind this time around, as chic hip hop girlie Lauryn way to a spiritually devoted Mrs. Lauryn Hill. While her lyrics pick up where she left of on “Final Hour.” So, no. Lauryn Hill didn’t go crazy, she didn’t lose her rapping and songwriting abilities. She made a decision.

    Lauryn Hill is now 45 years old. She still tours and performs medleys of her most popular songs (oftentimes restructuring the entire song and keeping the lyrics). She never regained the same level of stardom and probably won’t ever grace the covers of Time, Rolling Stone, Vibe, People or Entertainment Weekly ever again. Yet, it seems to have been a conscious sacrifice, preferring to sing her hymns for those that are keen to listen for their education and enjoyment. Not because the machine tells them to. 

  • Happy Birthday Billy Joel!

    Happy 72nd birthday to the piano man himself, Billy Joel! Born in 1949 in the Bronx, Billy Joel has risen the ranks in musical talent and cemented himself as one of New York’s proudest songwriters.

    Growing up with his family in Hicksville, Long Island, Joel got his start playing piano in high school but didn’t seriously consider music as his life path until a lack of credits in his senior year led him to drop out of school, despite his good grades. Recalling his decision back in the early days to pursue music, Joel was quoted in Hank Bordowitz’s biography Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man (2006) that rather than spending his summer in school trying to make up credits, he would instead begin a career in music saying, ‘To hell with it. If I’m not going to Columbia University, I’m going to Columbia Records, and you don’t need a high school diploma over there’. Although Joel did eventually graduate in 1992, his legacy in music far outreaches the dreams and aspirations of the average high school student.

    Since then, Joel has become one of New York’s most recognizable musical prodigies. Despite his rise to global fame, Joel still has a sweet spot for where he grew up. In his song “New York State of Mind” from the 1976 album Turnstiles, which has become almost an anthem for New Yorkers, Joel reminisces about unique experiences only a true New Yorker would resonate with. Filled with lines about long greyhound bus trips, the Daily News and the Hudson River, the tune has become synonymous with both New York City and Joel himself.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30yU6CtlWV8&feature=youtu.be

    New York has remained at the center of Joel’s life, currently still residing in the great Empire State, Joel has indeed become a staple of New York and remains at the center of many New Yorker’s hearts. The fate of Joel’s upcoming tour is still up in the air but, until then, crack open a beer and propose a toast to the Piano Man’s 71st.

    birthday billy joel

  • Happy Birthday Pete Seeger!

    Legendary New York folk music icon, Pete Seeger, was born on this day, May 3, in 1919. Hailing from the small town of Beacon, Pete Seeger is remembered for his contributions to American folk music and activism. Armed with a banjo that read “This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender,” Seeger performed to numerous audiences from his first years active in the late 1930s up until his passing in January of 2014.

    Seeger, the lifelong resident of New York, started playing folk music at a young age, learning from his father, Charles Seeger. Seeger went on to inspire several generations of musicians including Bob Dylan and Tom Morello who have both cited his work as an inspiration. His musical impact is far reaching no doubt, but Seeger is also remembered as an activist, often calling for social change, and as a teacher. Seeger lived his life passing down knowledge and teaching music with the upmost promising and reassuring outlook; encouraging people to do the right thing and to take a stand for what they believe in.

    Seeger never showed signs of slowing down. Even one of his last performances, the 2013 Farm Aid benefit at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Seeger remained hopeful of social change. During his performance of “This Land is Your Land” Seeger added in a new verse singing, “New York is my home, New York is your home. From the Upstate mountains to the ocean foam. With all kinds of people, yes, we’re poly-grown, New York was meant to be frack free”. Not afraid to mix music with politics, Seeger always made a point to stand up for what he believed in. 

    Seeger will always be remembered. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the recipient of several awards including the honorable Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award along with nine other Grammy Awards for a total of 13 nominations. Last year, in 2019, Seeger’s 100th birthday was remembered and celebrated with the Pete Seeger Centennial at The Egg in Albany, NY. With performances by Arlo Guthrie, son of bluegrass legend Woody Guthrie, and several other artists, it’s clear that the flame that Seeger ignited and the torch that he bore will continue to be carried on by generations to come.