The Legacy of Notorious B.I.G. Tribute

Not many artists in this business can lay claim to the title “Greatest of all time” and even be considered to be in touch with reality. Even fewer can be taken seriously if it is known they are in perfect mental health, however there are a few exceptions in the history of Hip-Hop. The late Brooklyn born Christopher Wallace is one of the select few that can even be acknowledged by the Hip-Hop community as one of the Greatest Rappers ever to touch a mic. Today Koncrete Messages would like to pay tribute to the self-donned Notorious B.I.G. AKA Biggie Smalls would change the face of Hip Hop and take the world by storm with his extremely potent, superior written rhymes that would bring on platinum hit after platinum hit.

Biggie was born May 21, 1972 in Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant to Voletta Wallace, and from the beginning showed signs of potential talent. Biggies initial dream was to become a graphic designer and with his scholastic abilities did not seem like something too far from his reach. Eventually he would become intrigued with local thugs and hustlers, and soon the allure of the street life became too much for Chris to turn away from.


In 1991 a tape was sent in to The Source magazine by a fresh new talent who called himself The Notorious B.I.G. The tape, which ended up giving Biggie the Unsigned Hype competition spot for, the magazine eventually won. This tape eventually came by the way of Uptown Records producer Sean “Puffy” Combs who immediately contacted biggie and singed him to his newly formed label, Bad Boy Entertainment. In 1992 Biggie had a song out that got a lot of attention. The song "Party and Bullshit" was the song that first got peoples attention toward biggie and his amazing rhyming ability.

B.I.G. eventually became a multi-platinum superstar. Biggies CEO and friend Puffy had been at the heart of East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry, which was headed by Puffy’s, N.Y. based Bad Boy Entertainment going against the notorious Suge Knight and his company, the L.A. based Death Row Records. What eventually raised the stakes for this rivalry was Biggies former good friend and rapper 2pac who in late 1995 signed to Death Row after posting bail paid by Suge Knight himself. The set up couldn't have been better if it was written for a blockbuster movie, Biggie on dominating East coast label: Bad Boy and 2Pac, who believed that Biggie was the one who set up 2Pac's shooting in 1994, on the dominating West coast label: Death Row. Tragedy was the only outcome anyone could see from this... They were right. On September 7th, 1996 2Pac was shot on the Las Vegas strip and died a week later. If that didn't strike enough grief in the hearts of the Hip-Hop world, just 6 months later another tragedy hit.



Therefore we pay tribute to Christopher "B.I.G." Wallace was shot and killed on March 9th in Los Angeles 11years ago. All of the music nation was stunned by the loss of two of the only artists that could have laid claim to the title "Greatest of all time" 

Not too long after all the tragedy Biggies sophomore album Life After Death hit the streets and became an instant classic in the eyes of the Hip- Hop elite. The Source gave the albums a 5-mic rating which is a very rare occurrence, the singles from the album dominated the radio, and the album itself would go on to be certified Diamond (10x Platinum). This album too brought on awards. R and B album of the year from billboard, another MTV VMA, Spin magazine named him the artist of the year, and multiple times Life After Death was named album of the year. An undoubtedly Hip-Hop classic which included the hit singles "Hypnotize", "Sky's The Limit", Mo Money Mo Problems", and "Fucking You Tonight" to name just a few. As said before Biggies death was a vicious shock to the entire music industry and sent shock waves around the world.



The Notorious B.I.G.'s public funeral, however, was anything but peaceful. Thousands flooded into his Brooklyn neighborhood to catch a glimpse of his hearse, jumping on cars and clashing with police; ten people were arrested. A private funeral held earlier was more cordial, with Queen Latifah and members of Public Enemy and Naughty by Nature in attendance.

Till this day the case of Biggies murder has not been solved. Voletta Wallace still searches for the murder(s) and the answer to the most important question: "why?" All over the world, the B.I.G. fans tend not to remember that a great man was taken from the Hip-Hop world, but more so that he brought an extremely prosperous and positive presence to Hip-Hop itself. For that he may very well be the greatest of all time.

America's Best Dance Crew: Thriller Edition

After watching some of the best dancers on tv right now I thought it would be great to share with the rest of the world. On the America's Best Dance Crew tv show it features dance groups/teams from all across the nation that receives challenging task to tackle while fighting for their spot on the show for another night. Since I've been watching this show the illest crews in my opinion is the Jabbawockeez, they definitely have the complete package when it comes to dancing. This is ranging from acrobatics, ticking, popping, breaking, precession, style, and uniqueness.

In the video below you can watch a full episode of the show paying tribute to one of the best dancers in the world "Michael Jackson". These teams are also willing to take it to the next level while performing wild and crazy stunts just to make it to the top! Also take notice to the judges which consist of Lil Mama, Shane Sparks, and JC [Former Member of NSYNCE) as they commentate on what they witness during every performance. ENJOY.

Tragic "Juvenile" Delinquent: Kills Immediate Family

The former Cash Money Records rapper Juvenile four-year-old daughter was murdered by her 17-year-old brother. It was later founded out that not only did he murder his baby sister but, he went on a killing spree murdering his 11-year-old siter and his mother whom stayed in the Gwinnett County section of Georgia. After a police investigated the area after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots by a house near by he found the bodies inside of the house on Feb. 28th. Anthony Terrell Jr. turned himself in, although he has not yet admitted to the police the location where he placed the weapon (a gun) with which he used to kill his immediate family. The police officer, David Schiralli, who is the spokesman for the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department said, "We do not have a motive at this time," in reference to the murders. Although Terrell is a sophomore at Central Gwinnett High School, he was charged with three counts of murder and three counts of aggravated assault and is being held at DeKalb County Jail.



This is a mere example as to why we as African Americans need to get back to loving our families and raising our children in a respectable manner to prevent instances like this from occurring. Simply because there is no reason why a child should ever get to the point of killing off his family members in an insane state, such as using violence as a way to relieve stress and anguish. We must learn from this situation and understand that life is sacred.

We here at Koncrete Messages would like to send our condolences to Juvenile's family and friends for their lost.

The Future of Music!: Janelle Monae<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Janelle Monae is one of the baddest and hottest artist on the rise and has nothing pulling her back. Just recently signed to Bad Boy Records Ms. Monae is on her way to the top with her ground breaking lyrics, unique style and lovely voice which can be a blend between opera, pop, and classical creating her own genre. Ms. Monae is from Kansas City,Kansas and has a very original style that is needed in todays music which is growing more towards "Generation X" era. Not only does this great performer do a great job at what she do but, she has a very unique style that will attract the masses not just in the USA but across the world as well.

Therefore I think P. Diddy is very excited about his newest member to his Bad Boy Empire where he is also currently working with his other two newest editions to his record label Danity Kane and Day26. Although he is working hard to keep them two groups inline he wont have to worry about Janelle Monae because she is determined and on her grind when it comes to her music career. When I asked a friend what they thought about Janelle Monae he stated, "After seeing her at the HU Homecoming Fashion Show I had to buy her CD!"...he also went on to say, "Shes like the female comparison of Andre 3000 (Member of Outkast)"

Moreover, Janelle Monae is soon to be one of the best artist to have ever picked up a mic and record some of the hottest music ever heard on the planet! When you get a chance definitely check her out and buy her album because its nothing more than straight up Crack! And when I say crack I mean addictive because once you listen to it the first time you wont even want to turn it off or put it down.


Check out one of her live performances above^^^^^^^^^

Hilary Clinton MADtv Parody: Why can't we all just get along?

Kudos to MADtv for offering some humorous relief to the current campaigns of Democratic Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Aside from the tense debates between the two candidates, people all over this country have been debating whether or not America is ready for a black man or a woman in office. This country is quickly becoming divided over the issue. This parody of Rihanna's hit "Umbrella" has been long overdue. Finally, we can laugh about the debates, campaigns, etc... Thanks to MADtv which airs on FOX.

The Hottest TV Show Intro: Fatherhood [E!]

The new Snoop Dogg show Fatherhood which shows on the E! Channel, has one of the freshest television introductions ever to be put on tv in a longtime. Honestly I think the last time there was a television intro that was as cool as The Fatherhood intro was back in the 80's when The Cosby Show was very popular lol. But furthermore the Hip - Hop Icon Snoop Dogg has proven that his television intro is one of the best yet to come and hit the tv screens across America.

The intro has a hot Hip - Hop sound and with Snoop's lyrical rhyming about his family makes it cool and fresh at the same time...therefore who ever the Executive Producers for his show knows how to entertain and cater to Snoop's cool, laid back and smooth style: to attract his fans. Therefore I believe this is one of the best TV Intros in the year of 2008 thats actually fresh and hip.

Etch-A-Sketch Genius

After watching a Guy use an Etch-A-Sketch on the news the other day it made me say wow, everybody on this earth has something that they are great at doing. Little did I know that anybody would be great at putting together compositions on an Etch-A-Sketch and actually be able to make his hobby of using a childhood toy a hustle. George Vlosich is a young and professional Etch - A - Sketch artist, who has done work for just about every kind of entertainment ranging from NBA Players to Politicians. Not only is this guy just talented but he spends about 72hrs on each piece and has even been invited to the White House to show of his great talent!



This also proves how we sometimes are around some of the greatest talent when we are running around in a mall, on a train or plane for a long trip, or simply in class/at work with them everyday. I say this to say that you never know who you are around you could be sitting next to the next big time singer, graphic designer, cook, president, etc. So be sure to treat everybody with kindness and be open to meeting people, because you just might met somebody that will change your life. With out further do be sure to check out the Video and witness some of his great talent.

THE GOLDEN 13

Have you ever heard of "The Golden 13"? Maybe not...but if not you definitely should educate yourself and pay attention. Everyday is black history for there is so many great things that black people have done and accomplish that was not recorded or written down due to racism, illiteracy because of slavery, and various other reasons. Today I want to bring recognition to one of the most intelligent men who served to be apart of The Golden 13 in the early 1940's.

The Golden 13 was station near the Great Lakes and had a lot against them because they were African American but, simply because they were determined and strong individuals they did not let anything stop them from being apart of the Navy. They stuck it out through every difficulty. Finally, the day came for the final comprehensive test of Officer Candidate School. When their test results went to the Pentagon, there was consternation and disbelief. The Golden 13 had scored the highest grades that had ever been recorded in Navy history and still stands as the best Record ever recorded in the Navy.

Because of all the hostility and racism that occurred during that time it was unbelieveable that black men could do so good on the test. They (Whites) did not want to believe that it was possible for 13 young black men to achieve scores far beyond those of the young white men taking the same test to become naval officers.

The poisonous legacy of generations of Jim Crow had seeped into the WHITE American mindset. The Golden 13 were challenging that mindset, and in the process, challenging segregation, Jim Crow, and the entire status of African Americans in the United States.
The officials still did not want to give props to the Golden 13 that scored greatly on the test and a order from Washington, D.C.: made them take the test again! Although the new test was harder and tougher the Golden 13 scored higher than they did before and so they remain at the top.

So this goes to prove to you that African Americans are some of the most gifted and intelligent individuals on the planet and we will always be able to do whatever we put our minds too!