Throwback Thursdays.

Kool G. Rap (ft.Nas) - "Fast Life"

...This is one of my favorite songs from 1885, and a true slept on classic. And to top it off, this video is also incredible for multiple reasons:

1. The awful acting in the beginning. It's comedically bad. How did Nas ever end up in Belly? Didn't Hype watch this video?
2. The awkward handshake between Nas and Kool G. in the beginning. Why didn't they re-shoot that? Was that really the best take?
3. Kool G. Rap running on the treadmill in Timberland boots. And jeans.
4. Kool G. Rap's multi-syllabic rapid fire flow on his opening verse is one of the most amazing things ever. And he does it all with a lisp. Incredible.
5. Nas's opening line in his verse is one of my favorite's of all time. It's simple, but so gangster.
6. Nas looks so uninterested in being in this video. There's probably 47 other places he'd rather be at that moment in time.
7. Nas wearing his socks in a sauna.
8. The awkward "Staircase" scene where Nas and Kool G. look like they're about to get married to each other as they walk down the steps.
9. The bassline in this song is ridiculous. It melts my eardrums. In a good way.
10. The dance that the guy who sings the hook does at the end of the video. I need to add that to my arsenal.


Looking back, this might be one of the worst videos ever. Most videos are supposed to make the song better. This does the complete opposite. If you had never heard of Kool G. Rap or Nas in your entire life, and somebody made you watch this video, you would lose respect for them based on this. But in a weird way, it makes me appreciate the song even more. And you should too. So here's the downloadable version to go bump in your whip.

[DOWNLOAD: Kool G. Rap (ft.Nas) - "Fast Life"]

Throwback Thursdays.

"The Anthem" featuring The RZA, Tech N9ne, Eminem, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Kool G. Rap, Jayo Felony, Chino XL, and KRS-One.

You know a posse cut is dope when every single person on the track is still relevant after 10 years (Well almost everybody. Sorry Jayo Felony). Every emcee was from a different background, and on a different style, but they all killed it just the same. The Wake Up Show knew what they were doing.

Now, to be a Throwback, it's gotta be at least 10 years old. That's my rule, so 1999 is the cut off year. This one barely made it, but don't fret...you get a little 2 for one today to make up for it. I originally wanted to post Sway and King Tech's "The Anthem" from 1999 (above), but in my YouTubing I stumbled upon this gem. It's the Wake Up Show Anthem from 1994 when they were on everyday Saturday night on 92.3 The Beat in Los Angeles. This was exlusive to L.A. If you're not from the City of Angeles, then you've probably never experienced this. But every hip hop head who has ever owned a radio and lived in Los Angeles is familiar with the dopeness that is this Anthem.

Personally, I forgot how sick it was, but the instant I heard L-Boogie go, "Uh-uh-oh...I'm coolin with my niggas on the Wake Up Show-uh-oh" I was instantly taken back to '94. This is some legendary hip hop shit right here. The song featured Lauryn Hill, Nas, Organized Konfusion (Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po), Ras Kass, Dred Scott, Shyheim, and Saafir. It's bananas. They're actually rhyming about the show, the radio station, it's call signals, the city, the hosts, and DJs. You know, some real relevant hip hop shit. And it's a full song, over 4 minutes. Throwback Thursdays is in full effect. Check the vibe, ya'll.