DMV

A Summer of Exploration

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ May 30, 2012 ⋅ 1 Comment

For the first time in a very long time, I actually have a social life. Not quite sure what happened, but I’m pretty sure it has to do with the fact that summer is here, I’m about to graduate college, and I actually have transportation. I mean of course you can easily get around in the DMV via train and bus, but having a car does make it easier for me to get to folks outside of moco.

Summer is basically here and I’ve already kicked it off by doing some fun things. I saw Reggie Watts in concert, Miguel Migs @ U Street Music Hall, and I even went Rock Climbing @ Earth Trek in Rockville, MD. Let me just, rock climbing was amazing! It basically cost 25 bucks to climb three different walls, but it was still a blast. I’m not terrified of heights, so it wasn’t super scary. I definitely plan on going again this summer.

Every weekend has been a blast so far and I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with my good friend. I’m also anxious to hang out with my boyfriend this weekend and give him a tour of D.C. Nothing crazy, just hitting the zoo, the museums, maybe dancing a little, and of course grabbing some frozen yogurt (I got him hooked on it.)

My goal is explore D.C. as much as I can, but this summer isn’t just limited to exploring Washington, D.C. I plan on going on some road trips, visiting the beach, playing paintball, laser tag, and going to some amusement parks. I’m going to try to have as much fun as possible, even working on some film and photography projects. I just want to capture every single moment and create some Facebook worthy pictures to remember the summer.

If I can actually save up enough money then I would even go on a cruise at the end of the summer. But that isn’t set in stone yet, so for now it’s all speculation. But at least I’m trying to piece together my plans and come up with a great summer filled with exploration and trying new things. So if you notice sometimes I don’t blog for a few days, then it’s because I’m out and about exploring the DMV and the East Coast. But don’t worry, I’ll still come back and share my experiences with you guys. Especially when I find good music.

Cheesy, but the perfect song to think of summer….lol

©Jasmine McGee.ThinkSoul25. http://thinksoul25.com

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New Mixtape | Hello Rello & Verse – ‘Double Trouble’

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ February 22, 2012 ⋅ Leave a Comment

I’ve moved around so much, but at the end of the day the DMV will always be my home. So whenever someone from DC or Baltimore hits me up with their music, I do my best to show some love for both cities (even though I grew up closer to Bmore.) So when Baltimore MC Hello Rello hit me up on Twitter in regards to his new mixtape with Baltimore MC, Verse, I knew I had to show some love & check it out.

I’ve written an article on Hello Rello in the past, but it’s nice to see that he’s released a new mixtape. Except this time, it’s a solid collaboration with Verse. The two teamed up to release a new project called Double Trouble, and the tracks are exactly what the title promises, double trouble. It’s one thing to have one rapper going in on a track, but the combination of two decent rappers attacking some solid beats makes for a classic mixtape that at least deserves a listen.

The mixtape has a variety of tracks, but then ones that I really enjoyed were: “This Is Why I Started Rapping,” “Blue Sky,” and “Work of Art.” You can check out the mixtape by clicking here. If you like what you hear, then be sure to follow Hello Rello on Twitter @_HelloRello_

©Jasmine McGee.ThinkSoul25. http://thinksoul25.com

Napoleon Da Legend – “Napoleonic Language”

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ January 31, 2012 ⋅ 4 Comments

DMV rapper Napoleon Da Legend has been making major (possibly legendary) moves lately, especially following the success of his track “Oxygen” with Raekwon. You can expect to see a video for the song hopefully within the next few weeks, but for now lets divert some attention to NDL’s new track “Napoleonic Language.”

The track is a freshly pressed song that allows Napoleon Da Legend to engage in some methodical wordplay, resulting in a track that is composed of “Napoleonic Language.” He doesn’t speak ebonics, he speaks “napoleonics.” I could easily sit here and try to break down every single lyric in the track, but I think it’s best if you head over to his bandcamp & give the track a listen for yourself.

Click here to go listen to the track. If it’s any indication the direction his upcoming project Symphonies of a Lost Soul will take, then I’m loving what I’m hearing so far!

Follow him on Twitter @Napoleondaleg

If you still haven’t checked out “Oxygen” featuring Raekwon, then peep the track below.

©Jasmine McGee.ThinkSoul25. http://thinksoul25.com

New Release | Napoleon Da Legend ft. Raekwon – “Oxygen” (thinksoul25.com)
Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon Gives Props to Napoleon Da Legend (thinksoul25.com)
Napoleon Da Legend – Elixir (Ruff Kut Videoz) (thinksoul25.com)
Dosage of Truth | NDL – “Young World” (thinksoul25.com)
Can’t Help Myself - N.D.L ft La Femme Nikita (thinksoul25.com)
Hip Hop Tuesday: Napoleon Da Legend (progresstoday.wordpress.com)

New Release | Napoleon Da Legend ft. Raekwon – “Oxygen”

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ January 16, 2012 ⋅ 5 Comments

Following the high acclaim from Raekwon, Napoleon Da Legend has finally released his new track “Oxygen.”

The track features the solid rhymes of Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, and it’s a nice collaboration that could be possibly be a big break for NDL. Every rapper needs that one track that reaches the masses, and I think “Oxygen” could just possibly be that track that creates some major buzz for Napoleon Da Legend.

Check out the track over at HipHopDx, and be sure to follow Napoleon Da Legend on Twitter @Napoleondaleg . True fans of Napoleon Da Legend know that he is been grinding for years, so he is more than just a “newcomer” when it comes to music. But he’s still been steady grinding and captivating fans in an underground circuit, but I’m telling you that this track could be the one that puts him in the spotlight. *fingers crossed*

Head over to HipHopDx to peep the track, or download from NDL’s bandcamp

—-Listen to Napolean Da Legend f. Raekwon.

http://napoleondalegend.bandcamp.com/track/oxygen

©Jasmine McGee.ThinkSoul25. http://thinksoul25.com

Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon Gives Props to Napoleon Da Legend (thinksoul25.com)
Can’t Help Myself - N.D.L ft La Femme Nikita (thinksoul25.com)
Dosage of Truth | NDL – “Young World” (thinksoul25.com)
Hot New Release | The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol #1 (thinksoul25.com)
Napoleon Da Legend – Elixir (Ruff Kut Videoz) (thinksoul25.com)

Hot New Release | The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol #1

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ December 29, 2011 ⋅ 5 Comments

For the past few weeks & months we have been graced by some amazing tracks produced by Crazy Al Cayne, and featuring the lyrics of rapper Napoleon Da Legend. Every video has provided us with a mental flashback to the golden era of hip-hop. Every track has that 90s vibe (considering the fact all the beats were originally made by Crazy Al Cayne in the 90s).

It was great watching the videos, having a 90s flashback, and hearing more about the project, but I’m sure the thought that crossed many fans minds was “When will it be released?!” Well folks, after months of building anticipation, the wait for The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol#1: Napoleon Da Legend has finally come to an end.

The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol#1: Napoleon Da Legend has finally been released and it’s available for free download. Yes, you heard correctly…free download! The 10-track album has been released for free, so do yourself an ode to hip-hop favor and go download a copy. Support the momentum of originality that reminds us why we love rappers like Napoleon Da Legend and producers/directors/creative folks like Crazy Al Cayne.

Be sure to download your copy of The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol#1: Napoleon Da Legend from the link below and show some love by passing this article around. Tell everyone you know to check it out, because it’s a great after Christmas present that will bring 2012 in the right way; a 90s flashback to keep your hip-hop soul alive & well.

http://sugarcayne.bandcamp.com/album/the-sugar-cayne-experiment-vol-1-napoleon-da-legend

©Jasmine McGee.ThinkSoul25. http://thinksoul25.com

Napoleon Da Legend – Elixir (Ruff Kut Videoz) (thinksoul25.com)
Can’t Help Myself - N.D.L ft La Femme Nikita (thinksoul25.com)

Team Rawr | Kelow – “Let It Go”

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ December 21, 2011 ⋅ 2 Comments

There may not be a lot of female rappers making it big on the mainstream hip-hop industry, but the indie circuit has a lot of females that are doing their thing. In the past I wrote about one of my favorite female rappers MC Melodee, but there is another female artist out there that has caught my attention.

Thanks to @teamRAWR on Twitter, they let me know that yet another artist from Baby Dinosaurs & CO. has released a new video. The artist I’m talking about is this dope female rapper named Kelow. If you haven’t heard of Kelow, then you’re missing out on some great music from a rawr-diculously dope indie artist that screams creativity.

Kelow is an upcoming female rapper from Maryland, but she doesn’t just limit herself to rapping. She’s a songwriter, a poet, a painter, and a fusion of eclectic expression that many wish they could be. Kelow is unique, original, beautiful, eccentric, and super talented.

Her debut project Colored Pencils was released by Baby Dinosaurs & CO, and thus far the project has received quite the acclaim. Simply put, it’s good music. High quality production, innovative expression, and abstract thought are what make the album such a success. A lot of the tracks give you a glimpse into different emotions and concepts that Kelow likes to express, but her song “Let It Go” is one that many can relate to.

The video for “Let It Go” just came out the other day and its yet another amazing video shot by BDCO’s creative director Ayinde7. It’s a song that gives Kelow a chance to show off an avant-garde spoken word approach instead of spitting some solid rhymes. It’s unique. Artistic. Refreshing. Bold. It’s Kelow….

Check out the visuals below & be sure to follow her on twitter @SuperKelow Also download her debut album Colored Pencils here

MC Melodee: A Super Dope Female MC (thinksoul25.com)
Check it Out: Justin W. “Something I Said” (thinksoul25.com)
Team RAWR | Miko Miko Bang! – “Get Back” (thinksoul25.com)
NEW VIDEO: Kelow (@superkelow) | Let It Go | Shot by @Ayinde7 produced by @MikoMikoBANG (hypetalent.com)

Avant-garde | Napeoleon Da Legend – “Phoenix”

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ December 20, 2011 ⋅ 2 Comments

As of late I’ve been listening to quite a bit of old school hip-hop, so I’m not really staying in tune with the current stuff being played on the radio. However, I’m always interacting with unique artists on Twitter & Facebook. I’m constantly running across new music from artists that might not be mainstream, but their music is still awesome.

My passion for good music and networking is why I’m always anxious to hear what DMV rapper Napoleon Da Legend drops next. We’ve been networking for almost a year now, and I’m glad that he continues to amaze me with such innovative lyrical combinations. His lyrics are always on point, but I will say that as of late his videos directed by Crazy Al Cayne have been exceptionally creative.

The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol. 1 is slated to drop real soon and the latest installment in the video series is a track called “Phoenix.” The beat was originally created in 95′ but NDL makes it quite relevant with his thought provoking lyrics.

Not only does NDL provide us with the usual heavy-hitting socially conscious infused lyrics, but the costuming and production of this video is quite avant-garde. NDL is wearing this amazing theatrical white mask that covers half of the face, and he pairs such an iconic mask with a fresh Adidas hoodie. His swag is sophisticated renaissance, which makes for a great combination when enjoying the visuals & the lyrics.

Yet again, Napoleon Da Legend is reminding us why he is such an amazing rapper that needs to be heard. He isn’t just doing the cliche music videos (thanks to the originality, professionalism, and creativity of Crazy Al Cayne.) NDL is continue to make a name for himself in the industry, and his latest video “Phoenix” is just a glimpse of the greatness to come.

For more information on NDL, Crazy Al Cayne, & The Sugar Cayne Experiment Vol.1 follow them on Twitter @crazyalcayne @napoleondaleg