Craig Mack One of Hiphop's authentic & unique styles will be Missed !

Just like Uniblab, robotic kicking flab
My flavor bidder badder chitter-chatter
Madder than the Mad Hatter
I bet you my shit come out phatter
I got the data to turn your body into anti-matter
And just like a piece of Sizzlean
You'll fit inside my stomach with the eggs and grits between
The king is what I mean, I mean 

During the height of the golden era, Bad Boy Records, was starting to rise, before the world was introduced to the Late Notorious Biggie Smalls, Before the LOX, Before the Ciroc, Puff Daddy's first major hiphop hit was Flava in Ya Ear Remix. A legendary Track, featuring icons this song has been bumping in speakers for over twenty years. In those years the question arises what happened to Craig Mack ? Why did Craig Mack leave the music industry to live a life not in the mainstream and to join a ministry group. 

Craig Mack, you were the first artist to release music on Bad Boy and gave us our first hit. You always followed your heart and you had an energy that was out of this world. You believed in me and you believed in Bad Boy. I will never forget what you did for hip-hop. pic.twitter.com/qvnxRTcdXv

— Diddy (@Diddy) March 13, 2018

I can only speak from my experience that the music industry has it wears and tears if you aren't careful, one must have balance to be successful in anything you aspire to due. Regardless of the rumors of him joining a religious cult or what drove him away from NYC city, the voice the talent is what I feel reigns amongst the fans. Craig Mack was one those guys you had to like, there really was no gimmick, no props, he was from the cloth of content aka Bars.. The man could spit. 

Craig Mack represents an era that created the blueprint to what we see now. World's Famous DJ Scratch from EPMD & ScratchVision touches on his personal experiences with Craig Mack via his Instagram. Below is also some footage from Future Flavas Radio with Legendary Dj Marley Marl & Tim Westwood where Craig demonstrates his ability to go off the dome and freestyle. Craig's impact clearly is being felt already when an Meteorologist in Atlanta is referencing his lyrics in the forecast. Craig Mack taught me to be original, to be myself he was a self reflection of hard work and most important on his later years he decided to dedicate his life to the God, he will be missed looking forward to this documentary that he was working on so we can see his work through his eyes despite the speculation. 

Craig Mack was one of the few people to strike lighting twice in Hip Hop. First with "Get Retarded" on Fresh Records in 1988, then with Bad boy. After his first strike of lightning, he went through a lot of struggles, a lot. He mentions his struggles in many interviews after he blew up with Bad Boy. You all know how cruel the public can be when someone falls off in Hip Hop. Unfortunately, that cruelty is ALWAYS by "Our People". Craig recently requested me to speak about these things in his upcoming documentary because I embraced him during his trying times after just meeting him. If I had to describe him with one word I would say "Innocent". He was sooooooo innocent, a dope MC, a hell of a beat maker & cool GREAT Dude. Craig was Hit Squad before K-Solo, Redman & Das Efx were discovered. Unfortunately Craig never got the opportunity to get his chance with the Hit Squad because EPMD broke up. Everyone's careers were in jeopardy & Craig was back on his own again. A few years later, EPMD's longtime bodyguard Alvin Toney took Craig Mack's demos to Puffy, Puff signed him & put Bad Boy Records on the map with the platinum single "Flavor In Ya Ear". I cried when I saw Craig had finally made it to superstardom because I saw the struggle, the set backs, I was extremely proud of him!!!! The underdog finally wins!!!!!! He's my definition of never giving up when you're going through it & he's an example of what can happen when you believe in someone regardless of their set backs. This industry is very cruel & backstabbing, I've saw my fair share of it & Craig has seen even more than me. So years ago he left the industry & gave his life to GOD. At that moment is when he was most happy, regardless if no one understood his life changing decision. This has hit home for a number of reasons. First, is because he's the first person in our camp to pass away. News that I wouldn't expect to hear for another 40 years. Second, because he passed away 3 days after Biggie. I won't say rest in peace, because he was already at peace before he passed. I will miss you Craig.

A post shared by Turntable Whisperer (@djscratch) on Mar 13, 2018 at 10:35am PDT

Pioneers Run Crew @PIONEERS

There is energy in the pack ! Running is growing worldwide, as the sport grows many are seeking to share this bliss with others. I believed this running high achieved and captured by The pioneers Run crew based in Dorchester(Fields Corner) caught my attention last summer of 2017. While I was conducting Junior Olympics for Boston United TFXC practice I saw a colleague of mine Brennan Bonner an assistant Coach at BC High was warming a group of energetic runners for an evening workout at Moakley park under the city lights. The group looked like they had a runners on different levels, never the less I concluded practice and carried on my merry way. 

Two weeks ago I was in Ronan Park, with my cousin EJ and we ended up bumping in the founder Sid Baptisa and he was just as energtic as the summer this time, he was discussing on the growth of the running crew and a sponsorship with Puma. In short I love with these guys are doing, especially this is right in my neighborhood. If you are in the Dorchester area I highly advised you check out the Pioneers run Crew .  Truth be told I am going to get off the couch and join the crew in a few runs. Motivation is osmosis check out the video below from Breaking Barriers Race featuring the Pioneers Crew Collaboration coming real soon

Wednesday (6:30 p.m. at Savin Bar and Kitchen)

We are getting hit with a blizzard on Tuesday so we plan on running straight up Dorchester ave towards Ashmont.  Mile options varies.

Every Monday there is an option designed for new to runners or those getting back into running. Bring a friend who wants to run!

Blarney Stone offers us complementary post-run appetizers! Parking is available behind the restaurant using Faulkner Street.  You may enter the restaurant through the back.

Run Everywhere: Kampala @RunJanji | #RunForAnother

Want to get in shape and change the world at the same time check out the latest Kampala Teaser.. Janji is a Performance apparel inspired by the places we run and the people we meet. Designed for running, built to support clean water. 10% of the sale of each piece goes to help fund clean water projects in various countries such as Uganda ,Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Tanzania, the U.S. and Kenya. 

As a Janji Corps Member, it's simple we use running to explore, connect with and positively impact the people + places that inspire us. Just as it is with every run, we are always improving, always learning from each other. The Uganda Collection just dropped, make sure you check them out.  

#Tokyo2020 400 Meter Specialists ? Michael Norman x Sydney Mclaughlin @Mike_Norman22 x @GoSydGo

If you haven't been paying attention but the running community is on fire right now, especially performances by the Poland Men's 4x400 at the World Championship.  We are truly fortunate to watch greatness executed, this past weekend Michael Norman from the University of Southern California, broke the world indoor record in the 400 Meters with a blistering time 44.52 then anchored the USC Men's 4x400 to a new world Record of 3:00.77. In the women's 400 Sydney Mclaughlin breaks her own World Record Under 20 in the 400 meters with a time of 50.36. 

If you aren't familiar with names of Sydney Mclaughlin & Michael Norman it's time to get acclimated. Both have been torching the track scene since there High School careers. Providing me and many others the excitement of a 2020 Olympics. Both are young barring injuries it maybe safe to say that the United States should make some noise in Tokyo in the 400 Meters. 

Poland Sets the World Indoor Record in the 4x400 Relay

First reaction was like no way, what happened ? Like most running enthusiast i had to find the video to actually see what happened. As a proud of American there are some stapled events that for the 39 years i have been living American Track & Field does very well in the sprint relays.

The Polish team of Karol Zalewski, Rafal Omelko, Lukasz Krawczuk and Jakub Krzewina won in 3:01.77. That shaved 0.36 seconds off the previous record of 3:02.13, which was set by the United States in 2014. via Press reader

 BIRMINGHAM, England — The recipe for defeating the United States in a 4×400-meter relay is simple: hold the race in England. <---- I disagree with that statement. As a Coach and athlete myself we train for results, we train for execution, I am not shock this is a way of life, this is a mentality. Yes the track world and America is in awe on how this could happen, and I say very simple, best explained by the second leg, Rafal Omelko.

“It is a big shock and surprise for us,” Omelko said. “We were targeting the European record, but really did not expect a result like this and never dreamed about the world record.” As far as I am concern Dreams Are Tangible Goals.. Here in the States many are baffled some have gone as far and conducted research check out How Four Polish Guys Beat the US to Break the 4×400 World Record (3:01.77)  

The race was in control by the US, I will give always props and credit when it's due and earned. The first and second leg of Poland did their job keeping the US in eye sight keeping the race close and most important giving the 3rd & 4th leg an opportunity for victory. Below is the race let me know your thoughts ? US will be back as always but for now salute to the four men who didn't pull an upset they just worked hard and achieved the possible. Dreams Are Tangible Goals

Here’s a look at how the Poles and Americans stacked up, leg-by-leg:

Poland

Name                   Outdoor PR      Indoor PR  Unofficial Split

Karol Zalewski     45.8                  446.2          45.85

Rafal Omelko       45.14                46.08          45.10

Lukasz Krawczuk 45.65               46.26          45.90

Jakub Krzewina   45.11                 46.26           44.93

USA

Name                 Outdoor PR     Indoor PR     Unofficial Split

Fred Kerley       43.7                  44.85             44.84 (FAT)

Michael Cherry  44.66              45.53              45.27

Aldrich Bailey   45.19                45.59              46.05

Vernon Norwood 44.44          45.31                45.67

#PRhyme2 @Royceda59 x @REALDJPREMIER Freestyle90 w/ @funkflex

It's Flex Fault ! Hilarious i can take personal claim that I slept on Royce DA 5'9.. Huh yes i admit I slept more like i always respected his catalog but I just never gave him a honest listen. When it comes to the art of freestyle I take it serious thou. For me there are two acceptable forms of freestyle. 

1st form of freestyle in Hiphop culture would be considered would be when an MC (Master of Ceremonies or Move Crowds or Mic Controller) off the dome or off the top ebonically speaking would be where one would spit  a rhyme that was organic and created in the moment.

2nd form of freestyle in hiphop culture would be considered when an MC would use pre-rehearse material, or written music on different beats showcasing delivery, cadence and most important how he or she rides the rhythm. 

Royce DA 5'9 in this freestyle showcases his genius by reaching into his book of rhymes proving he is a titan on the mic, plus it's always a pleasure to see one of the greatest DJ/Producer's still active Gangstar's own DJ Premier. When you get a chance check out Prhyme2 pre-order available now.. 

UGANDA Collection Janji @RunJanji Spring 2018 is Online #RunForAnother

Click Here to Explore the UGANDA Collection: 

It took one blistering hot race day to remind us how important water is to keep doing what we love. It got us thinking: How many people in the world lack access to this human right?

The answer: 
1 in 10 people worldwide.

We’re runners We make performance running apparel. 10% of the sale of each piece goes to help fund clean water projects in various countries. Janji sells apparel with designs representing Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Tanzania, the U.S. and Kenya, the countries in which Janji has ongoing efforts. Part of the profit from each sale goes toward charities based in that country. "Janji" means "promise" in Malay, and refers to Janji's promise to "run for another,"

DROP 1 of our Uganda Collection focuses on transit, hustle and all the unexpected moments in-between those bigger moves that can lead down some amazing paths.

Jericho Jackson - Khrysis & Elzhi Are Jericho Jackson

Remove your hiphop card, don't consider yourself an Hiphop aficionado, lol. Honestly music is measured how it touches one's soul. Hiphop Culture has been with me through my existence, the soundtrack to my life. A product of the culture, I was influenced since my adolescence. The art form that originated in the South Bronx that changed the world. Since this is my blog, my opinion honesty is the best policy I wouldn't share music or recommend you to purchase something I don't co-sign. Furthermore your blog is good as your word nowadays. 

I am working on a ranking systems on how I review, so for now let's say out of 5 stars, I give this four stars. If you aren't familiar with Elzhi he is a member of Slum Village & Khrysis producer from the Rap collective from North Carolina the Justice league.   

Itunes Link: Jericho Jackson - Khrysis & Elzhi Are Jericho Jackson