The Atari 2600 and Me.

I like video games. One might even say that I love them. However, these days I don't have must spare time to rock out on a video game. I own a couple of systems with games for each of them. But they mostly just sit and wait for the day when I can really dive into my library. With this in mind I try not to purchase any new games or systems because I don't have the time, so why spend the money right? WRONG.

About a month ago I was invited to a friend's home for a BBQ out in Jersey. My boys from HHK were excellent hosts and one in particular started a small fire in me (pause). While in his room I noticed his Atari 2600 game collection. I haven't played one since I was a kid and even then I recognized the strength of some of those games. Sure graphically they weren't much but some of those games had great replay value. We went downstairs and played a little track and field and it was there that my love for the Atari was reborn.

Upon my arrival home I immediately went on eBay looking for a good deal on a 2600 system. I had one problem though. I knew that I didn't need any new/old video game system. Remember, I'm mister "I don't have time". The only way I was gonna get this Atari was it would have to be a great deal. So I found one. One person was selling an Atari 2600 with two controllers, two paddle sticks, full cord set and 14 games for 30 bucks. Plus they included a cracked class cover for the system. I went in bidding for it. I watched the time and carefully plotted my way to win this system. I decided I wouldn't pay more than 50 bucks for it and in the end that's what I got it for.

So I Dashaun J. Simmons am now once again the proud owner of an Atari 2600. Feel like playing some pitfall, or space invaders? Come on by.

Roger Milla: The Indomitable Lion

Another James Blagden banger! My brother James has illustrated a new video just in time for the World Cup. Enjoy and spread the love (video) around.

My DaM-Funk review on Fusicology

I was sitting at my desk doing some work, making it through a stressful day when I see an email from my friend Keiko. She let me know that the latest piece I wrote for Fusicology on Dam Funk was up on their site. This instantly made me feel better and a lil hyped. I'm doing what I've wanted to do for many years now, write and be recognized for it. Now if I could just be home in time to receive my Atari 2600 from UPS all would be right with the world.

Please enjoy and special thanks to Sandy Yap for making it happen.

DaM-Funk Review

Peep D://BOI at AfroPunk in Brooklyn

My boys Nerve and Surreal (D://BOI) are gonna be showing off their DJ/Electronic skills in front of a big Brooklyn crowd in about two weeks. Gotta love that. It seems like this years Afro Punk festival is just creeping up on me. I haven't been in a Game Rebellion mash pit in a while so I should be on deck for that. And this year the boy K-os is performing!?! If you don't go at least one of the three days for the festival this year don't speak to me...well we can speak but I'll be judging you.

Go here for all the info you need on the festival and here to learn more about D://BOI

Stadium Status

A great piece of work. Pay attention to these guys, the Internets Celebrities. I think there's something special going on with these three. They made it to great points in this film about the building of new stadiums in NYC with tax payer funds. This film is part comedy, part social commentary, part PLAIN RIDICULOUS because the video needed to be made.

Let me know what you think.

Stadium Status from Internets Celebrities on Vimeo.

No Romance Without Finance

*steps up to mic, clears throat*

You love who you love. Nobody should argue against that because it’s emotions and there’s no real logic there. HOWEVER, you have a choice regarding who you want to be with. Just because you love someone does not mean that you should be with them.

Call me crazy but I think if a man and woman are in a relationship they should both contribute to their livelihood definitely. Especially in these days and times where money is not so easy to come by for many folks. However maybe your family is dealing with some hard times, in that case I think the man of the house has to step up and make something happen. I still see the man as being the head of the household. Not the ruler, but the leader. Yeah I'm a little old school, sue me.

So ladies if you choose to be with someone who can’t take care of themselves financially, don’t be surprised when you start a family with them and your in financial trouble. Love who you love but think. When I was little I used to hear women talk about “what can that man do for me" and "I can do bad all by myself.” I initially took these statements to be offensive and making it too hard on men who might be good dudes but don’t have the money these women are looking for. I get it now. Sometimes folks want to do something nice, and if the damn cable bill is overdue 2 months, something nice is out. Some ladies I feel have lost their sense of self and allow guys that do nothing to be with them. To you I say don’t do it. Unless you want days and nights of financial stress which will stand in the way of your relationship being a happy one don’t do it. If he really loves you he will clean himself up, and get his stuff together for you. If you have time to play Xbox and Playstation you have time to find work.

Sorry, I needed to get that off my chest. I will now take questions from the audience.

Dallas Penn Takes On The Nets

My homie Dallas Penn in cahoots with his crew The IC's (internets celebrities *yes there's an s at the end*) shot a short film discussing the changing landscape of downtown Brooklyn. Specifically the crew looks at the impending Nets Stadium which is to be built upon the Atlantic Yards site. This topic has been the cause of much head and heartache by many residents who view the stadium as being just plan unnecessary. I share that view and have voiced it many times on this very blog.

Today at the Brooklyn Public Library (Grand Army Plaza branch of Special Ed - "I Got It Made" fame) the film will be screened. This is an event you wont want to miss. Dallas has a way with words that will definitely leave you thinking and laughing. The screening will start at 7pm and you can take the 3 train to Grand Army Plaza if you aren't driving or on a bike.

See you all there and if you haven't already gone peep DallasPenn.com
And Internets Celebrities

Gray Days The End of May Days

Yesterday was Nice and Smooth is Blazing Hot outside while today is cool as a cucumber. It's warm enough though, that you don't need a jacket which I can appreciate. However the lack of sunlight reminds me of school trips in elementary grades. Cloudy skies remind me of those great trips that were threatened to be canceled due to rain. Some times we still went on the trip even if the weather was questionable, other times we didn't.

This lack of sunlight makes me very tired. Very Very tired. Who needs a power nap?

Janelle Monae Performs Tight Rope on Letterman

She made me smile, that's all I can say. The homage to James Brown was super on point. I'll cop the album tonight and come back with my thoughts, I didn't want to listen to the leak and risk not purchasing.

The People of Hakodate Are So Nice

I turned 31 this year. Every year for the past 4 years or so I've had a party with some great people and great music, but at 31 I shifted gears. I decided for this birthday I would celebrate in Japan. So for my actual birthday Shino and I took a trip to Hakodate which is a southern city in the northern island of Hokaido in Japan. Hakodate is a port and actually was the first port in which the western world entered the country. At a time when Japan was a closed country, and still living in the shogun era, America "convinced" Japan to open the country. Do to the western influence many of the buildings have a western influence and can create quite a surreal backdrop. The city ultimately reminds me of San Francisco with it's many hills and trolley cars.

On the day before my birthday Shino and I took a trip to a public bath for some relaxation. Because our history with public baths were attached to hotels we thought there would be soap and shampoo provided, wrong...WRONG. So I'm in the male public bath rinsing off before getting in the bath (shaking my head). Once I'm in the bath I started soaking up the hot water as well as the atmosphere. A Japanese gentleman (Kowata san) approached me in the bath and started a conversation in English and a little Japanese. He was a very nice guy and when I was done with my bath he even offered some soap for me (which was much needed).

Once out of the bath and reunited with Shino, Kowata san told us about a lounge downstairs from the baths. We then joined both him and his wife for a very nice conversation about why we were in Hakodate. We were planning to have sushi that night as Hakodate is famous for it's fresh seafood. Kowata san and his wife invited Shino and I over to their home for sushi. We took them up on their offer as they were right in the neighborhood and not far from our hotel. This lovely couple treated us to a delicious sushi dinner and great company. We talked with them for hours, and watched a music special in Japan in which Kowata san was chosen out of hundreds of amateur musicians to perform in Tokyo. He is a mailman by day and trumpet player/band leader by night. I even shared a beer with Kowata san due to it being customary in Japan to drink (only a lil though). We finally bid them adieu around 1am and walked back through the quiet streets of Hakodate to our hotel. I was now 31.

Detroit Police Raid Gone Bad

The citizens of Detroit Michigan mourn the loss of a 7 year old girl Aiyana Jones due to a police raid gone wrong. The worst part is the apartment this little girl was in was the WRONG APARTMENT! I'm sorry but does this happen to any other community? These cops were filming an episode of "The First 48", and they felt the need to get wild? Politicians will attach themselves to this situation to get a better position in the future but will it be for actually changing things besides their bank statements? Seems like business as usual in the good ole US of A.

Prayers to that poor family who have to mourn the senseless death of their child. Stay strong Detroit.

Read the full story on CNN

Old School Mondays

People seem to forget what it is to truly be an artist so I'm gonna show you fools. Lets get a little reminder of when folks just went there.

Song of the Day : B.D.P. - 13 and Good

This song is from one of the BDP albums I actually don't own. I've always loved this song and the questions it poses. At the end of the song KRS doesn't give you his answer for what is right or wrong, you have to decide. I can dig that. Remember when you could put out a story song like this or the Lost Boyz song Renae and have it get play? Those were the days...

Jay-Z Saturday Night Live Medley

I can appreciate what Jay brings to the table when it comes to his shows. It's more about the his presence than the actual performance. The audience is immediately drawn in to him because they are watching Jay-Z. Hell I did my best Jay impression when I did Encore during the HHK Championship.

Watching him here on Saturday Night Live he still seems to be doing him. The lovely lady who joins him at the end to fill in for Alicia Keys is none other than Bridget Kelly. She's a new artist on Jay's Roc Nation label and fits in well for the performance. Her voice sounds pretty good and she's definitely easy on the eyes. I can't say as much for the vest Hov is rocking, but that's neither here nor there. Kudos to the band for doing 4 much on the 99 problems joint. Also on a side note, is that Young Guru Baseline's engineer DJing for Jay?

Enjoy the show people.

My Surprise Party In Tokyo

My second full day in Japan I was supposed to get dinner with my good friend Hiro, Shino and her sister Chiho (that's too many o's). Before going to Japan I decided that I would celebrate my birthday there this year. It would be like taking the Freaky Deaky Fun Fest on the road. So when I told Shino about this idea she told Hiro and he asked to receive a list of my friends in Japan so he could email them in Japanese that I was coming. I thought nothing of it at the time.

Once I actually arrived, one by one I kept hearing about another friend who would not be able to make my party. I scheduled it to be the Saturday before I was to come back to NY (a full week into the vacation). I didn't stress about it because I know people are busy and sometimes folks just can't make it out. I did get a little sad thinking about some friends not making it out but I was determined to have a good time.

As the evening came Shino, Chiho and I got dressed and ready for dinner. I was told that we would meet Hiro at our friend Ryo's lounge Ripple in the city and then go to eat. Cool. On the train ride over she told me that my friend Miwa just sent her a text that she would also not be able to make my party next week. Things just kept getting better... Once we got to Ripple, Hiro met us downstairs and pushed me to go up the stairs first. I didn't think much of it because most Japanese folks are extra polite so, not big deal right? WRONG. I get upstairs and there's a GANG of people up their and, one person as far as I knew was currently living in Arizona which freaked me out. I looked around and figured out what was going on. That's when everyone yelled SURPRISE!

I saw a bunch of my friends, some of which I was told I wouldn't see because they were too busy. I couldn't believe I was having the second surprise party ever in my life. My friend and writing partner Motoko even popped up with a cake(not inside the cake she held it). That threw me way off because Motoko was just in Japan about a month ago so there was no way I expected to see her there. She came just for my birthday party and helped plan it. I was stuck.

Hiro and Mo did a great job putting together the party. My hang out crew from my first trip to Japan 5 years ago were there and one of them is now engaged to be married. Then the music started and the food came out, as well as the presents. I'm normally not a guy for getting gifts because they make me feel awkward and on the spot. This year I got probably the most gifts ever for a birthday as an adult. Thanks to everyone for the time and thought power spent on me. I don't deserve it.

The guys from Funny-Brand put together a really dope performance piece for me. They are truly crazy. Hiro and the guys did a lil human pyramid building and at the end got me to join on top. It was awe inspiring. They are my family and I love those guys deeply. I can't wait til they come to NY so I can return the favor (no pyramids tho).

Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed a great night at Ripple with the birthday boy. Yall made 31 extra special for me. I'm still trying to get my hands on the video shot there and better pictures. Enjoy.

Lena Horne R.I.P

A beautiful woman from the planet of Brooklyn, Ms. Horne was a woman who was simply before her time in regards to film. However maybe the world just didn't deserve to enjoy her huge talent. Ms. Horne's singing was great but what I will most remember about her was that smile. She had one of the most amazing smiles I have ever seen.

I first saw her in action on the Cosby Show when I was a kid. I knew about her because she was pretty famous and I guess I did see her in the The Wiz before then BUT it was the Cosby show that put me on to her. That showed me that she was an icon. That single appearance gave me a glimpse into her personality and why people idolize her.

May Lena Horne be remembered and rest in peace.

Back From Japan With Tales to Tell

Peace True Believers,

I returned from Tokyo, Japan Monday night feeling refreshed and ready to accomplish all. My time was well spent with friends whom I now consider family. I've been learning to read and write hiragana and katakana as well as a little kanji and it helped a lot with reading signs. I have so many stories to tell and they are so dope, I want to get each their own shine.

My first full day in Tokyo, Shino took me to a flower festival in Ueno. The view was simply beautiful. There were a lot of people there taking pictures and purchasing things from the vendors. We walked around for a lil bit while being closely trailed by a mother and her energetic son. The little boy repeatedly left his mother behind as he was eager to cover more ground amongst the large group of strangers. They day was rather sunny which was a big contrast to the gray cloudy weather I arrived to a day before.

After a nice walk through we found a cool cafe for some tea while we waited to meet up with Shino's sister Chiho. Once we were all linked up we walked down a number of streets, taking in the sights of Ueno and it's many different flowers. At one point we found a type of puppet store where there was a man using a hand puppet to illustrate a woman's face. He did a very good job and captivated everyone who walked in.

After the puppet show we felt it was time to head back home but decided to take the long way. So we walked down to Ueno park which had tons of people in it that day. On the way to the park we passed what seemed to be a large school facility. The architecture was striking and the gift shop located in the rear was very nice. After walking through the park we got back on one of the many Tokyo train lines and went home. It felt good to be back in Japan.

I'll have plenty more stories about my trip to Japan so just stay tuned people... stay tuned.

My Interview with Shing02

Photo by Richard Louissaint

On April 18^th the Museum of Natural History held a joint exhibit involving the embrace of Bollywood and Japanese Anime by the American public. Amongst the walls which house dioramas of ancient civilizations in North America and other parts of the world, a Japanese rapper named Shing02 was rocking the mic with his DJ Icewater on the decks. It makes sense for Shing02 to perform in this venue due to his song “Battlecry”, which is the opening theme for a popular anime series “Samurai Champloo”. I got the chance to sit down with Shing02 to discuss the meaning of some of his lyrics, his relationship with the late great producer Nujabes, and how he likes his Japanese cuisine. Being that I just got back from Japan I'm just getting this up but, enjoy.

Pt. 1

http://www.zshare.net/audio/75165744afc62e5f/

Pt. 2

http://www.zshare.net/audio/75166057c192e524/

Tanya Morgan - Bang + Boogie (Official Video)

Tanya Morgan continues to keep the Brooklynati movement moving with their new video Bang + Boogie. One of my favorite joints on the album (Just Not True is my absolute fav). This video showcases why we need more acts like these brothers on the scene. Also, peep Von Pea rocking that good MG Performance Shell. Looks fly right? You want one don't you? Hit us up so you don't miss the bus.

TANYA MORGAN - BANG + BOOGIE from AAC FILMS on Vimeo.

R.I.P. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal (GURU)

What can I say that hasn't been said? The man from Boston who blessed Brooklyn with his presence is now gone in the physical form. Being a hip hop head from Brownsville, Brooklyn I've always loved the music of Gangstarr. How two folks with origins outside of NY could come to Brooklyn, and create musical heaven is beyond me. East New York mourns the loss of Guru the great.

What is his legacy? I wont comment on the uncertain things out there regarding a certain producer. What I will say is, because of GURU I know that lemonade was a popular drink. Some would say that its "mostly the voice" that cements his legacy. I think it's a man who thought to push boundaries beyond what the corner cats would dig and still kept them with him. Jazzmatazz was a great idea that he made a reality. Let us celebrate the life of Keith Elam aka GURU.