YouHeardThatNew.com | Diggy Simmons Part 1 from PhotosByRome on Vimeo.
Diggy Simmons is a pure product of his environment. Father? Iconic. Uncle? Legendary. And if you don’t know who neither individual is? There’s a problem. But I digress. This time two years ago, you probably couldn’t have convinced me Diggy would be on my site, let alone me having a conversation with him. But things change as do people. My first run in with Diggy wasn’t as pleasant as expected. But it wasn’t disrespectful either. My opinion on Twitter regarding Diggy’s skill set reached his eyes and ears causing the two of us to having a brief but positive conversation.
The outcome? A gradual fan was born. Now here we are: Three mixtapes, a plethora of shows, a headlining tour commencing in September, a clothing line, an absurd amount of co-signs and oh yeah, a record deal with Atlantic Records. Someone must be doing SOMETHING right. I sat with Diggy yesterday in the house Ahmet Ertegün built to discuss his new found fame, is it really what he wanted, how he actually got his deal with Atlantic and what we can expect from his debut project which is damn near done. Tooooo short for you? Not Diggy, guys, the convo? Don’t worry, part two is dropping Monday. Enjoy
VIDEO RESPECT: Rome
The homey Smoke DZA opened up for Kreayshawn at The Highline Ballroom recently and performed “Marley & Me.”
RESPECT: GFM
In the August/September 16th Annual Juice Issue of VIBE Magazine, Team VIBE breaks down Shawn Carter’s best album to date, I share this sentiment as well, The Blueprint. In “Built To Last,” John F. Kennedy, Steven Horowitz and Shaheem Reid take apart Jay’s The Blueprint limb from limb and break down some of the more intriguing gems we may have missed the first 1233243 times we’ve played it. One particular component that stuck out like sore thumb was “For The Kill”, Jada’s thoughts on the project, it’s timing and of course the barbaric war of words between Mr. Queensbridge and Mr. Marcy Projects. Check what Kiss had to say about Jay’s 6th solo set.
“In 2001, if you weren’t a warrior, you could’ve been smothered. Everybody was putting out music rapidly. When Hov puts out a project, if you ain’t a heavyweight, you gotta fall back and wait for the Wrath of Khan to go by or be swept like a tsunami. When The Blueprint came out, that was the Tsunami Era of hip-hop. I didn’t really like the “The Takeover” beat. But the words- you know what the words are! It’s like the Declaration of Independence on the battle tip. What he’s saying is crazy. I like “laaaaaayyyymmmee” part. It was heavy. I didn’t really think Jay was dissing The Lox on “Takeover”, but I could find some more songs where he was. But Nas’ “Ether” sits on the mantle when it comes to battle songs. From the production, to the way he formatted it, to what he was saying- he touched everything. It was an A + grade.”
RESPECT: VIBE Magazine
After a short hiatus, Out Da Box TV returns with an extra special new episode. This week, we feature the amazingly talented and accomplished Songstress “Erykah Badu”. Yes! we were fortunate to share the time in an intimate Question and Answer with the Queen of Neo Soul. Erykah spoke affectionately on everything from her love for music, balancing her career with life as a mother, embracing all that she is, despite previous stereotypes, and the depth and significance of the Window Seat Video.
Erykah also took the time to speak on the mind state of the people of the world, with regards to love and family in 2011. She stated “that people want to be seen as good in the eyes of whatever that made us. They want to be loved, they want to work with pride”. We were also fortunate enough to capture some amazing performance footage from her as well.
This entire experience with E Badu was probably the most important and fulfilling situation I’ve ever experienced since the birth of Out Da Box TV. We would not be able to accomplish this without the Most High’s Blessings and persistence to carry it through. We were actually trying to connect with Erykah for a little over a year and it finally happened. So this episode meant a lot to me, as far as recognizing the power of perseverance. We took our dedicated time to produce this, so that the presentation would be well recieved. I’m so proud and excited to share it with you. This is just a testament to the growth of Out Da Box TV and the wonderful things to come in the near future. We hope you are inspired!
RESPECT: Out Da Box TV
Big Sean let go “Memories” & “Ass” during his appearance at University of Central Florida’s “Taste Of UCF Concert” the other day. I swear when this kid performs “Ass” he goes APE SHIT. Not one single fuck is given. Finally Famous: The Album is in stores now.
RESPECT: iRockCollege
Probably one of the best debates/convos we’ve had as a crew. Today’s discussion revolves around the release, the production and the effect of Watch The Throne has had on the game thus far. Will other artists follow suit? Will labels find more intricate ways to release LPs? For the second half of the debate, we discuss the “Luxury Rap” elephant in the room when it comes to Watch The Throne? Are you tired of it? Oh you are? Turn the shit off. I ain’t rich, but I ain’t mad either lol. Sidebar: 03:21-4:37 is FUCKERY at its finest. NO PAUSE lol.
RESPECT: JoTV
Mellowed out with some potent bars from Asher Roth. We call this one “Ampersand” produced by Blended Babies.
Ahhhhh shit! Smoke DZA and Curren$y take you up to the residence of Cloud 9 for what these two kids do best: Slick talk & reefer rhetoric. I don’t smoke, but I could light one up to this shit. Rolling Stoned drops soon.
DOWNLOAD: Smoke DZA ft. Curren$y – Personal Party
The visual for K.R.I.T.’s “The Vent” off his ReturnOf4Eva project.
r.O.b & The More Loko Band Headlines The Back To The Futuristic Concert at The Samsung Experience, Hosted by LowKey from YouHeardThatNew.com & Sponsored by VitaminWater, GoodFellaMedia, YouHeardThatNew & 2DopeBoyz.
