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.

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.

Hip Hop Karaoke Tribute To Guru

If you know anything about the HHK family you know we love that good ole boom bap hip hop. One of the torch bearers for said genre Guru of Gang Starr has fallen on hard times and is currently in the hospital. Hoping for a speedy full recovery a couple of regulars got together and rocked a nice tribute for dude.

The video shot below was on an iPhone by the man the myth the legend Murray.

My Name In Lights Even When I Didn't Win

Photo by Shino Yanagawa

I forgot that while preparing for the first Hip Hop Karaoke Championship in 2008 I got called for a phone interview. In the mayhem that followed the sound check that fateful day at the Highline Ballroom I must have blocked out this interview. Needless to say it has been unearthed and I've made it available for your reading pleasure. It's in PDF form so you can see how it was intended in print for rather than a simple copy and paste. I think the article is pretty well done and with the new championship coming up it's kinda ironic.

Congrats to the contestants who have been picked thus far to compete for the coveted $1000 and bragging rights. Come check me out Dec. 4th (Ether Day) rocking the Mercury Lounge for the second regional HHK competition.

ENJOY

Hip Hop Karaoke Championship 1st Round

Tonight at Brooklyn's South Paw it's going down. My man Josh Diggs fresh from the altar along with J New and DJ Wex are giving us another HHK Championship. This time there will be qualifying rounds leading up to the big night. Tonight is going to be a lot of fun and if you've never experienced HHK I weep for you.

The sign up starts at 9pm and show starts at 10.
It's 5 bucks with the flyer and 8 without.

See you there and if you need convincing...