THANK YOU DILLA

It was four years to this day that James Dewitt Yancey a.k.a. J Dilla left us, but his memory lives on in the iPods, on the turntables, and in the ears of hip-hop heads everywhere. He was one of the most influential producers of this era, and a big reason why I love hip-hop. I don't think a day goes by that a Dilla joint isn't blasting in my headphones while on the bus. There's just something about a Jay Dee beat that makes me forget about everything else going on and just focus on the music. It takes a special producer to do that, and I just want to say thanks and rest in beats. J DILLA CHANGED MY LIFE

In honour of one of the greats, here are a few of my favorite Dilla tracks. Enjoy.

Common - The Light (2000)

A Tribe Called Quest feat. Faith Evans - Stressed Out (1996)

The Roots - Dynamite! (1999)

De La Soul - Stakes Is High (1996)

Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli - History (2009)

IT'S BREESY BABY!

The biggest sports event of the year was yesterday and saw the New Orleans Saints stick it to the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 for their first ever Superbowl. Drew Brees came away with the MVP trophy and silenced all the critics who say he isn't an "elite" quarterback. I have never heard the "Who Dat" chant more in my life than yesterday, and I don't mind it one bit. Just as much as I enjoyed watching the Saints win and the city of New Orleans rejoice after all it's been through, it doesn't compare to the feeling I get seeing Peyton Manning lose. I have nothing against Peyton, I think he's one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, it's just I hate him because he deserves to win (if that doesn't make any sense, don't worry about it). After this Superbowl, the term "Pick 6" will never have the same meaning again, especially to number 18.

Darrelle Revis Tracy Porter with one of the greatest interceptions of all time.

GRAMMY FAMILY

This year's Grammy awards were this past weekend and I've learned a few things. Beyonce wins a lot, I know little to nothing about country and alternative music (who the hell is Zac Brown Band), and rap super groups love to steal the show. Take 2009 for instance where four of this era's most notable rappers appeared (with an about to burst M.I.A.) to perform "Swagger Like Us", undoubtedly one of the hottest tracks of that year. 2010 was no different when everyone's new favourite rapper, Drake, appeared along side Lil' Wayne and Eminem to perform "Forever".

I know what you're thinking, "Where was Kanye?!" I have no idea, but I'm sure you can make your own Taylor Swift related joke to account for his absence. Both performances helped make the near 4 hour show a lot more entertaining, and give hip-hop heads like me something to look forward to. I wonder who will be taking the stage next year? Wu-Tang reunion? The Fugees maybe? Shoot i'd be happy if they did a Murder Inc. tribute. I guess we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime enjoy the performances without CBS's over the top censoring.

Drake x Lil' Wayne x Eminem - Drop The World/Forever



Kanye West x Jay-Z x Lil' Wayne x T.I. x M.I.A. - Swagger Like Us