Potholes In My Blog » Mike D

24 Rappers We Would Listen to Recite a Phonebook

Andrew Martin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:22:50 +0000

When writing about certain rappers, there are immediate qualities that are difficult not to point to in a description. There’s the flow, the way the MC rides (or doesn’t ride) the beat, and perhaps the most powerful element: his or her voice. While it’s true that you could argue that most rappers have at the very least a “good” voice, there is a select group of MCs on another level entirely. And if you have read enough music magazines, blogs, and the like, you might have seen a writer state that he or she could listen to said rapper recite a phonebook and still be entertained.”

From Slim Thug’s booming bass to Andre 3000′s infectious drawl, there’s no denying that voice is an inescapable factor in what makes a rapper mesmerizing. With upcoming album releases from two of our favorites–Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg/Lion/Tiger–we decided to put together our favorites here. Who’s your all-time favorite?

Navigate through the pages below.

Beastie Boys’ Mike D Serves Up Free Food To Sandy Victims

David Reyneke — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:31:35 +0000

After the devastation left behind Hurricane Sandy, Mike D of the Beastie Boys thought he needed to play a role in the recovery. Along with restauranteur Robert McKinley, the two started Rockaway Plate Lunch, a food truck that has now served over 19,000 free meals. The truck keeps things healthy, as it serves the coastal neighborhood known as the Rockaways.

Watch a video below about the great deed, and read more over at Rolling Stone.

Video: ‘Finding The Funk’ Kickstarter Featuring Dam-Funk, Questlove, Nile Rodgers & More

Andrew Martin — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 18:52:42 +0000

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love funk or one of its various off-shoots? Seriously, how could anyone not at the very least least appreciate the music from guys like Dam-Funk, Nile Rodgers, Bernie Worrell, Peanut Butter Wolf, the Beastie Boys, Diplo, Sly Stone, D’Angelo … the list goes on. Go on, I’ll wait for a hater. I thought so.

But funk music isn’t just some genre we can all agree to adore. It’s also got a rich history. That’s where Finding the Funk, a new documentary by filmmaker Nelson George and legendary producer Arthur Baker comes in. They have interviewed each and every musician I listed above—and many others—to trace the story of funk. Oh, and they got Questlove to narrate the damn thing.

I don’t have to already tell you that this looks awesome, but yeah, it does. And if you want to help it come to fruition, head to the Finding the Funk Kickstarter to show your support. You can watch the trailer below.

Watch the Beastie Boys’ Mike D Give A Tour of his LA Art Installation

David Reyneke — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:40:51 +0000

While he isn’t crafting music with the boys, Mike D has taken on another ambitious role, spearheading his own art installation in Los Angeles’ Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The 17-day installation is being called “Transmission LA: AV Club” and it is filled with all sorts of fun multimedia exhibits from a wide range of artists. Along with the art, Mike D has also invited a number of notable artists to perform at the installation, including Thom Yorke, DJ Harvey, Santigold, James Murphy, and more. Check out the four-minute clip and share your thoughts below. [via]

Mike D of Beastie Boys & Peanut Butter Wolf – Stones Throw Podcast 73

David Reyneke — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:29:21 +0000

The Stones Throw podcast series continues today with number 73, featuring Peanut Butter Wolf and Mike D of the Beastie Boys. After joining the rock-and-roll hall of fame, it was only right the prestigious label invited the hip-hop pioneer to spin some tracks, all of which are incredibly dope. I am not going to lie, though, there is some pretty obscure stuff on here. Give this mix a listen and let us know what you think. Download over at Stones Throw.

TRACK LIST:
1. The Light Sailer- London Philharmonic Orchestra & Wendy Carlos
2. Musique Non-Stop- Kraftwerk
3. Beat Bop- Rammellzee Vs K-Rob
4. Howlin For Judy – Jeremy Steig
5. Step Into A World (Rapture) – KRS-One
6. Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic – Isaac Hayes
7. Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos – Public Enemy
8. P.S.K. (What Does It Mean) – Schoolly D
9. Guns Of Brooklyn- Santigold
10. Shack Up- Banbarra
11. Temptation – New Order
12. Set it Off – Strafe
13. Al-Naafiysh (The Soul) – Chris Cut
14. Adam Ant and Bow Wow Wow
16. Ital Corner- Prince Jazzbo
17. Rumors- Gregory Isaacs
18. Moody- ESG