Thursday, January 31, 2008

HHK on MSG Network!


Tonight MSG Network aired a great piece on the HHK Championship. Pretty much everyone of the participants had some performance footage shown and it also featured some really great interview footage with both the judges & the participants. It should air some more on MSG and we'll be sure to let you know when that is.

It should also be up on youtube sometime in the near future - in case you miss it.

The piece really showed the grandeur of the event and all of the great people that took part in it. Thanks to MSG & thanks to the 12 contestants for being so damn charismatic.

Wex

*edited from a previous "omg turn on your tv now blog post from earlier tonight"

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Championship Photos!



check 'em out here:

http://www.hiphopkaraokenyc.com/photos/pics39.htm

thank you to Rick Purcell for taking quality flicks, as usual.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Chef Lowe - "Warm It Up, Kane"

The HHK Crew will be bringing lots of photos, videos and whatnot in the coming weeks but whether you want to relive the night or didn't go, check out Chef Lowe's 1st round performance of "Warm It Up, Kane" as he went on to win the 1st Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship. Killin it, Chef.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

New York Times & Pancho

really great article & video segment - check it out:

CLICK HERE

my own personal highlight of the video is at about 2:42.

recap and more on last nights craziness coming soon!

wex.

CONGRATULATIONS.....

....to Chef Lowe, winner of the 1st Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship, January 25, 2008.



For those keeping score at home, Chef won the title with Big Daddy Kane's "Warm It Up, Kane", Tribe Called Quest's "Check the Rhime" and Dead Prez's "Hip Hop." We have more thoughts and thank yous after we get some sleep, but sincere thanks to those who came through and helped SELL OUT the Highline! And a equal thank you to the 12 competitors who poured their hearts into their performances.

- The HHK Crew

Friday, January 25, 2008

it's finally here.

only hours away at this point -


here's what's going down:

12 Hip Hop Karaoke "All-Stars" competing for the the title of HHK Champion and some great prizes:

1st Place receives a $1,000 cash grand prize.
2nd Place receives a Sirius Satellite Radio w/ FREE 3 Month Subscription.
3rd Place receives a great assortment of goodies that we've hand selected.

the competitors are to be judged by three LEGENDS from the hip hop community:

PRINCE PAUL

RALPH MCDANIELS

DRES (of Black Sheep)


you can meet the contestants by checking out their video profiles - found by clicking their pictures on hhkchampionship.com. make sure and check those out - you'll want to be routing for somebody!

Doors are at 9pm. Show starts at 10pm. Tickets will be available at the door for $15.

See you there at the Highline.

The Highline Ballroom is located 431 W. 16th St (between 9th & 10th Ave). The A/C subway stop is a block away.

Thank you to Metromix.com, HipHopDx.com, The Comebacks, and URB Magazine for their continued support!

HHK in NYTimes/Metro



Thursday, January 24, 2008

Guest Blogger: RDJ

holy shit. the championships are tomorrow night.

i'm REALLY hyped.

here to give the longest blog post ever about it all... is the one... the only... RDJ.

Time to get... NERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-vous!

See this face? It's the face of fearlessness, right? The ultimate in calm? The very picture of poise? The paragon of placidness? The champ of chillaxation?

Well, yeah, actually, I was pretty relaxed when that snap was taken (the day of the NYC Marathon, on Bedford Ave. Easy to relax when you're not running the thing. Unlike next year, when my girlfriend and I have vowed to participate... oh Jesus, what have we done.) However, you may see me tomorrow night at the Highline Ballroom with the exact same expression on my face, and meanwhile what will be going on inside my mind-body will be anything but tranquility. It will look more like Bugs Bunny flipping out on zoomers.

When the going gets public, I get stagefright. There, I've said it.

Actually it's more like pre-stagefright. The moments before a performance are excruciating. My already miniscule bladder shrinks to the size of a cashew, which is why you'll often see me pushing through the Knitting Factory crowd to get to the basement right when the song that's on before mine starts. (Panchito, you're gonna have holler extra loud so I can hear you from the can.) Meanwhile, my throat and mouth get dry. Basically, the moisture in my body gets its priorities all twisted.

I start thinking too much. "Oh shit, I've picked the wrong song." I get light-headed. Things slow down, or speed up. The moment when I get on stage can't come quick enough, yet I want more time!

It's not just at Hip Hop Karaoke, either, or even when I'm actually the one on the stage. Last Friday I was up in East Haddam, Connecticut, where my new musical The Trouble With Doug was being workshopped at the Goodspeed Opera House at their Festival of New Artists. (No, the show's not about Scoot McGoot.) I had every confidence in the performers, and I was totally satisfied with the rehearsal process. But damn, I was a mess, there in my seat, waiting for the house lights to dim. I could barely breathe.

It's that damn anticipation of the moment, far more than the moment itself. Thinking is a bitch. I heard somewhere that we don't really think our thoughts, they think us. That's some real shit: so much of it is totally automatic. Just close your eyes for a sec and see what happens. "Blah blah blah". Did you choose to think all that stuff? Opinions, assessments, evaluations, predictions. It don't stop, y'all, and it just don't stop.

Anyway, my questions to you and you and you are: what makes you nervous, onstage or off? how do you usually cope with / deal with / conquer / hide it? For my fellow contestants, this is your chance to be vulnerable and reveal your weaknesses so I can exploit, I mean, be really sensitive to them.

Peace (of mind) out,

RDJ

HHK in NY Press


Great article on HHK in this week's New York Press that you can check out HERE. Look for HHK Championship contestant RDJ sneaking some trash talk towards the end!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Guest Blogger: Shawn J

ladies and gentlemen... welcome our guest blogger, Shawn J.

Hello all,

This is the one and only Shawn J. The Championship is almost upon us, and yes I'm STILL HYPE. However, as hype as I normally am, this time of year brings about a period of sadness and deep thought for me. And while there will be plenty of faces in the crowd that will cheer us on, there is one that I would give almost anything to have at the Highline Ballroom. My mom.
January 29 will mark the 8th anniversary of her passing on into the afterlife, and not a day goes by that I don't think of her.

So my question to you all is, is there anyone you would love to spend another day moment with?

And for the competitors, who would you want in the crowd to watch?

- Shawn J

Voice Choices.

grab a copy of the Village Voice today and check out the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship writeup in the Voice Choices section (that's good).

The sweat and dedication, the three years spent in the making, and the countless hours of perfecting the Beasties’ “Paul Revere” has come to this: 12 performers (I dare not call them amateurs) are trading in the Knitting Factory and its confines for Highline’s center stage to compete for the first-ever Hip Hop Karaoke Championship. Round one has each finalist performing a song; only six will advance to the second round, and a mere three will be selected for the final bout. The judges include De La Soul producer and DJ Prince Paul, Hot 97 DJ (and former host of Video Music Box) Ralph McDaniels, and Dres of Black Sheep. Besides bragging rights, there’s a thousand bucks for the winner. McDaniel has this tip for the contenders: “I think you have to have that swagger. It’s cool to memorize the words, but that swagger is what hip-hop is all about. Be loose—but at the same time, it’s a competition.” And as for getting the shakes? “Treat it like hip-hop . . . drink a 40 or smoke a blunt.” (CRUZ)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Trivia Contest Winner!

A little while ago, we invited our faithful readers to enter a contest brought to you by Hip Hop Karaoke and The Comebacks for the chance to win 2 free tickets to the 1st Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship. Congratulations to Jynne Martin for knowing that:

1. Dres's first appearance was on De La Soul is Dead
2. Spike Lee was the director who made a cameo in "Scenario"
3. Ice Cube produced Del's debut album I Wish My Brother George Was Here

For those of you who missed it, tickets are still available here.

See ya Friday!

Guest Blogger: Doni D

Doni D, another one of the 12 competitors for the First Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship, guests on the blog today. Doni's topic is...


Reinvention:

I was able to get my hands on Kwame's first album and it made me think of folks who have been able to reinvent themselves. Kwame was the polka dot & blond high top fade(i thought it was the continent of africa) design in his head dude from the golden era. Now he's a producer.

A few months ago I read an article and in the pic was one of my favorite hosts from my high school years, Mayheim, formerly of the New York Live show on 89.1 and a major contributor to the late 90's hits on Penalty records.

When Jay Dee changed his name to Jay Dilla, I wasn't a fan at first. I didn't know who or what Dilla was, then I heard the Frank N Dank singles and the Welcome to Detroit album and became an even bigger fan of Mr. Yancy.

In essence this post is about reinvention. I reinvent myself daily, but i realize this is not reinvention but elements of myself that grow and morph as time goes along. I use to be an emcee 10 years ago and in a few days I'll be performing in front of my largest crowd ever in NYC (which wouldn't be if I didn't bump into Josh & Gusto at the Radio City Hall, Roots show).

Where was this going, oh yeah, the older I get the more I realize you aren't just one thing. Music has always allowed folks the opportunity to not only reinvent themselves but express areas that only they know in private (we all have been or are shower singers and emcees) If your job sucks, your stressed because your bank account is not going to afford that flat screen tv for the next year or you just want to hear some good music and an opportunity to perform it yourself, drop on by and get it out your system.(Pause)

And what did this have to do with Hip Hop. Everything.

- Doni D

Monday, January 21, 2008

Guest Blogger: Axiom

Axiom, one of the 12 competitors from the First Annual HHK Championship is here to guest on the blog... take it over Ax:



The final countdown is here, baby bubbas. Leave your strobelite honies at home, powder up your Similac winners. The moment we’ve all be waiting for is right around the corner. As Busta might say, “There’s only five [days] left!!!!!!!!”

Okay, we all have our favorite live shows that we’ve seen over the years. My all-time favorite was the Victory tour, September 1984 in Philly, which was my first concert ever. The crowd was very big (60,000 strong I later learned); I was very small. But for this blog entry, now that I’m large and in charge, I only want to hear about memories of your favorite hip-hop concerts. Pick three, I guess. Tell me about the story surrounding the concert or the concert itself, whatever.

My two favorite stories both involve the same group. There was a time when I was a Roots concert junkie. I remember catching glimpses of them having bucket ciphers on South Street back when they were the Square Roots. (I always thought it must be an American hip-hop no-no to to call yourself “square” anything; that’s why they had to get their first major burn overseas.) When I went away to college, I went from casually enjoying The Roots to actively seeking them out. A handful of us arranged to have them come perform at my tiny New England college. I worked “security” backstage at the show, stage right the whole time, just watching their performance up close. I don’t think my lightweight self provided too much in the way of real security. After the show, while I was helping to break down the instruments, ?uestlove chatted with me and signed a Roots T-shirt for me.

Last but not least, I remember seeing The Roots perform at the Bowery Ballroom when the song “You Got Me” was very popular. I got in because my homie worked for a label and had an extra ticket. We stood down near the front. The show is memorable to me for two main reasons: 1. I saw Jill Scott perform “You Got Me,” which she wrote, for the first time. I guess Erykah couldn’t make it for whatever reason. Jill brought the house down. 2. It turns out The Roots were recording their live album that night, The Roots Come Alive. It’s unique to be able to relive the whole show every time I pop in my Come Alive cassette.

So, tell me about some of your favorite concerts. I’ve gone to my fare share of NYC free summer concerts – but I’m sure a native New Yorker can expound better on the topic. Or maybe a Canadian can tell me some stories about dope shows out in B.C. Let us know!

- Axiom

Peace.



Many of us have off from the 9-5 grind today - and i hope we can all take a moment to think back on Dr. Martin Luther King's truly remarkable legacy, as an American and as Human being. Peace to everybody.

-HHK NYC

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Ralph McDaniels, Chuck D, Rakim Tonight + HHK Contest

HHK Championship judge Ralph McDaniels is kicking off The Bridge Live in Brooklyn tonight @ Studio B with none other than Chuck D & Rakim. If you come through, you may see some of the HHK Crew milling around.




Also, today is the last day to enter The Comebacks' HHK trivia contest. If you know the answers to the questions below, e-mail us at

info at hiphopkaraokenyc dot com

with your name and the best way to reach you for the chance to win 2 free tickets to the Championship!

1. What album did Black Sheep's Dres make his debut on?

2. What movie director makes a cameo in Tribe Called Quest's video for "Scenario"?

3. What gangster rapper served as producer on Del tha Funkee Homosapien's debut album, I Wish My Brother George Was Here?

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Bring in Dee Phunk

"We did twenty takes and that was the best one."

- C. Montgomery Burns


We were a little unsure whether to post this one but if Hip-Hop can embrace Biz Markie, then HHK can embrace this man.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Weekend at Diggedy's - Volume 45

One week.

Next Friday.

This is bigger than Cloverfield people. Do you have your tickets yet?????

GET 'EM WHILE THEY ARE $12!! Remember, they are $15 day of show.

I'm back with another edition of Weekend at Diggedy's. In honor of my NY FOOTBALL GIANTS, this week will be focused strictly on New York emcees. My apologies to all rappers hailing from the Green Bay area. You get no shine on the blog this week.

On to the choice cuts for this Friday, January 18th.

The Arsonists - "Halloween"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/664374641b213b/

Unfortunately, this mp3 cuts off before the song officially ends, it's the edited version, and it skips at one point. What do you want from me? I didn't rip the mp3. But if based on all of this I'm still posting it, it must be good right?? I thought The Arsonists were destined to be the next Wu. Their live show was bananas. I guess it wasn't to be. But you should definitely check it out.

Trigger The Gambler feat DV Alias Christ - "Hitman For Hire" (OG version)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/66446959d551ae/

One half of the Smith brothers, this track is a different version than the one found on his hard to find LP. It's fresh. This received plenty of burn in the Diggedy walkman. Plus, you've got the east coast Nate Dogg on the hook and adlibs. You cannot go wrong people. Download it!

Percee P featuring Diamond - "2 Brothers From The Gutter"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/6645802fad5ab5/

Have you spent your whole life waiting, hoping, PRAYING, that someone would sample the video game Contra? Wait no longer. For years my little brother and I tried to beat the game without needing the 30 lives. Couldn't do it. My brother was the king of dying early and then taking over my leftover lives. Up up down down left right left right B A B A select start. And I can't remember sh*t about algebra. Don't have a one track mind. Download it? Yes, you may.

Have a good weekend people.

BIG BLUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeee

Thursday, January 17, 2008

when hip hop karaoke gets...

political?

"Philadelphia's mayor rocks "Rapper's Delight" with Questlove on the turntables"

he starts off a little rocky... but bounces back a-okay (for a mayor!):

We just called...

to say...

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

HHK Contestant Profile..... #12

last, but certainly not least... meet the fabulous Shawn J:

Videos on HipHopDx.com

our friends at HipHopDx.com have added the HHK video profiles to their video section.

RDJ next to Travis Barker = awesome.

Hip Hop Karaoke on XXLmag.com!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

A break.

take a break from thinking about the HHK Championship for approx 6 minutes and 24 seconds to watch Big Daddy Kane & Public Enemy performing at an anti-racism rally in Harlem circa 1989:

Contestant Profile #11

(editors note: missed posting this yesterday because of the Judge Announcement.)

meet Scooter.

he lives in Jersey with his brother K-Dot. they have a ridiculous amount of sneakers.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Wanna See the Championship for Free??

So if you haven't seen, see below for our special announcement on guest judges on the 25th. Prince Paul. Ralph McDaniels. Dres. Damn. That is a lot of legend on stage right there.

The good people behind The Comebacks want to take care of a couple of HHK heads. So here's the deal: take a look at the questions below. If you know the answers, e-mail us at

info at hiphopkaraokenyc dot com

with your name and the best way to reach you by Sunday, January 20th. The names of everyone with all 3 correct answers will be thrown into Diggedy's '86 Kangol and a random winner will win two free tickets to the Championship!! If you don't know the answer, go to the Championship page anyway for the link to get tickets. And no e-mailing Diggedy directly. Non-disclosure clauses are binding! (Oh, and no answers in the comments. That's just foul.)

1. What album did Black Sheep's Dres make his debut on?

2. What movie director makes a cameo in Tribe Called Quest's video for "Scenario"?

3. What gangster rapper served as producer on Del tha Funkee Homosapien's debut album, I Wish My Brother George Was Here?

Good luck and see ya on the 25th!

Judges!

So it's the early 90's...

A teenage Diggedy rushes home from Ryan Junior High School. He immediately puts on channel 31.

Ralph McDaniels video music box. Greatest show on earth. Video comes on. Camera shooting up a girls skirt as she walks up stairs. The Black Sheep "Choice Is Yours" video. He loves this song more than he can explain.

Video music box ends. Young Diggedy heads upstairs to his room. He throws in a dub cassette tape of "De La Soul is Dead". He didn't know it then, but 17 years later he'd be calling it his favorite album ever. One of his favorite songs on the album is a mellow track called "Pass the Peas", where the producer of the album stepped out from behind the boards to lend a verse: "Fourth pea is passed, I am known as (*scratches* Prince Paul), yo thanks mase".

A day many of us can relate to, right? So with that said...


Meet the Judges for the First Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship:


PRINCE PAUL



One of hip-hop’s most legendary producers, Prince Paul began his career as the DJ for Stetsasonic, the first hip-hop group to employ a live band, before delving full-on into production. As the man behind the boards for De La Soul’s first three albums, Paul’s kitchen-sink mentality for sampling and hilarious interludes set the blueprint for generations of up-and-coming hip-hop producers. Under the name Handsome Boy Modeling School (with Dan the Automator), the duo released two forward-thinking and innovative albums featuring everyone from Mike D to Cat Power to Mike Patton. On the solo tip, in 1999, he released the critically-acclaimed hip-hopera Prince Among Thieves, featuring Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie and Xzibit and returned with 2003’s Politics of the Business. Paul’s latest project is Baby Elephant, a collaboration with Don Newkirk and P-Funk’s Bernie Worrell.

RALPH MCDANIELS


Before Yo! MTV Raps, before Rap City, there was “Uncle” Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box, the first television show to feature hip-hop videos. Still going strong after more than 20 years, the show became a springboard for countless rappers including Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Black Sheep and De La Soul. Chances are, whoever your favorite rapper is, they made their debut on VMB. McDaniels is also the host and creator of The Bridge, a weekly show focusing on classic 90s hip-hop videos. An active member of the hip-hop community since it began, McDaniels can be credited for breaking some of hip-hop’s biggest names. An accomplished director as well, Ralph was behind the lens for some of hip-hop’s most unforgettable videos, including Nas’s “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.,” Black Moon’s “Who Got Da Props?,” and Raekwon’s “Ice Cream.” Ralph can be heard every Saturday afternoon as a DJ for New York’s Hot 97.

DRES (OF BLACK SHEEP)


As a founding member of Black Sheep, Dres helped pioneer the witty, clever side of emceeing in hip-hop. The group’s debut album, 1991’s A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, has long been in the canon of hip-hop’s favorite albums, with tracks like “Strobelite Honey,” “Similak Child, “Flavor of the Month” and the classic “The Choice is Yours” fixtures of countless compilations and DJ sets. As part of 90s hip-hop collective Native Tongues (with De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest and Queen Latifah among others), Black Sheep’s eclectic samples and concepts helped foster in a new era of hip-hop that continues to influence to this day. Most recently, Dres can be heard on Handsome Boy Modeling School’s “First…and Then” and 2007’s 90s remix of Nas’s “Where Are They Now?”.

Wooooord!

- Wex.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Contestant Profile #10

getting close to the end of our preview of the 12 contestants video profiles... #10... meet robin:

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Contestant Profile #9

his name is daniel.

you know him as RDJ aka Robert Downey Jr. aka but not THAT Robert Downey Jr.

for this filming - we met outside of the Canadian Consulate. he was there to try and get some support from his motherland for the HHK Championship. mad losanges.

enjoy:

Hot 97



Diggedy, Newmie and myself, Wex, just got back from the Hot 97 studios - where we taped a HHK segment with Cipha Sounds, Mr. Cee, Uncle Ralph McDaniels, and Peter Rosenberg.

for real.

ain't that some shit?

so yea, we taped the segment this afternoon - but it airs about 8:40am-9:00am tomorrow morning on 97.1 - so be sure to try and tune in (if you're an early riser). you'll hear us promoting the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship and talking with Cipha & Peter Rosenberg about what Hip Hop Karaoke is all about.

i'll say this...Ralph McDaniels and Mr. Cee got pretty wild with their rendition of "Twinz." Check it.



And not to be outdone, Cipha Sounds & Peter Rosenberg take on this Brooklyn classic:



BIG SHOUTOUT to Cipha for having us on - and for being an all around good dude.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Contestant Profile #8

say hello to your boy Pancho.

this was the first video profile we shot - we met Pancho down in Soho and walked around in the freezing cold looking for a good locale, before just giving up and settling in a cafe....

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Contestant Profile #7

meet K-Dot.

he thinks star wars is an "ok" movie, at best.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Please Welcome Our New Friends

As tight-knit as the HHK community is, we always welcome newcomers down with the cause. With that, please welcome some new friends that are helping us advance the movement and are supporting the 1st Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship January 25th at Highline. Did you get your ticket yet?

URB – Ill music magazine based in LA covering everyone from Ghostface and Prodigy to Amy Winehouse and Justice. Be sure to check out the Oral History of Hip Hop Karaoke on their site now.

Hiphopdx.com – One of the HHK crew’s daily morning visits for latest hip-hop news, reviews and features. Peep the site daily for news about the Championship and more. We're digging this right now.

Metromix – Many a cool NYC event has been discovered by the HHK crew through this site, which combines event listings with special features on cool things to do in the city. We officially co-sign (way before they did this nice write-up on HHK).

The Comebacks – One of the biggest battles between HHK management is taste in movies. Some of us lean towards art-house nerd and foreign films. Some of us lean towards the Hollywood blockbuster. One rainy day last year, the crew took a break from empire-building to check out The Comebacks and, shockingly given our diverse palettes, we all dug it. The DVD comes out January 29 if you wanna check it.

Contestant Profile #6

meet elizabeth.

things you might not have know about her prior to watching this clip:

1. real estate appraiser
2. comic book writer/illustrator
3. bought first hip hop tape at sears w/ her mom (ll's "radio")

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Contestant Profile #5

Let's all take a minute from admiring Dee Phunks excellent blog post below... to meet Doni D:

Guest Blogger: Dee Phunk


MEET THE HHK CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTANTS!

The Oh-So-Official Dee Phunk Edition

Happy new year bitches! It's your favorite man-around-town / Internet heartthrob Dee Phunk. I'm single and I'm a Libra. I represent a section of Brooklyn known as East Flatbush, where the air reeks of a pungent-yet-exotic jerk chicken aroma year-round. And yes, I am also a Hip Hop Karaoke regular. You may know me from such classic performances as Ill All Skratch's "Where My Homiez," (featuring a not-as-raspy but equally pimpish Diggedy), Wu-Tang Clan's "Protect Ya Neck" (where I played the role of The RZA) and Crooklyn Dodgers' "Crooklyn" (featuring the infamous surprise appearance by Masta Ace that made K-Dot scream like a pre-pubescent girl at a Bow Wow / Omarion show).

And on Friday, January 25th, you can catch me NOT on stage at the Highline Ballroom. However, you can definitely join me somewhere near the front with the rest of us fun lovin' hip-hop herbs cheering on the wisely-picked twelve contestants on stage. I'll be the gentleman of color with the snazzy glasses and some sort of import beer in my hand. I feel something of a closeness to the folks you will see on stage that evening. When you go to HHK on a monthly basis, it's inevitable that you will end up socializing with other regulars like yourself who share common interests. In this case, folks who enjoy getting on stage and spitting their favorite hip-hop joints for the low price of $FREE.99. So for the benefit of those who have only been to HHK a couple of times or, perish the thought, NEVER, and are wondering who in the eff the contestants REALLY are, I give you my quick guide. Here they are in no particular alphabetical order.

Axiom - I can't say anything more than what the Wu-Tang video clip above already has. He played Ol' Dirty Bastard in that. The man came on stage with a plastic butcher knife. If you remember the "Protect Ya Neck" video correctly, ODB had no weapon of ANY SORT in his possession. Sooooo, yeah. Axiom takes this very seriously, has a profound love for his karaoke craft and often thinks outside of the box. I'm sure Ax is going to come with some kind of grand surprise to shock the crowd. Will it involve plastic cutlery? Maybe. Maybe not. I can't wait. Regardless, he might leave with your girlfriend.

Camille - Truthfully, I don't know Ms. Camille that well.

She's one of the newer regulars. But all I can say for now is the obvious: she's
sexy. Watch her YouTube bio if you think I'm playin'. I would not sleep on her if I were the other contestants. I think she's got something up her sleeve, for real. And I will also have something up my sleeve: a brand new pair of Banana Republic boxers to throw on stage during her performance. And I am going to spray them with Marc Jacobs cologne.

Chef - Ever since KRS-One's "Brooklyn keeps on takin' it..." line from "The Bridge Is Over," Brooklynites have lived up to that generalization to the fullest. And I'm sure Chef is going to take that motto into the proverbial ring with him at Highline on the 25th. You gotta respect a guy who wears a dookie rope 24/7. Chef is just a real dude. Period. If for some odd reason he gets caught up in some sort of tiebreaker situation and the only way to break the tie is slapboxing, it's a wrizzy for the other person. Flatbush, bitch.

Dashaun - Now I've known Dashaun since way before Hip Hop Karaoke (back when I thought it was corny before I even set foot in my first one). Thanks to M.O.P., I used to think anyone from Brownsville was angry 90% of the time and shot people for fun. Dashaun singlehandedly crushed that rumor. He's actually the exact opposite, with his happy dancin' ass. You are to expect nothing but unadulterated kinetic energy from this man. The other contestants better start poppin' some Red Bulls from NOW. In his free time, Dashaun likes to instant message me to trade thoughts on the current state on hip-hop and jedi mind trick me into doing the singing hooks for his karaoke performances. You're on your own this time, dunny.

Doni D - Doni personifies Harlem. You can just see it in his swagger. And cats from Harlem don't back down easy. Ever since he scared the shit out of me (in a good way) with his dead-on Smooth B imitation at his HHK debut (Nice & Smooth's "Funky For You"), he's been one to watch for on a monthly basis.

He will not disappoint. Warning to those of you who will be in the front row at Highline Ballroom: if he breaks out that wacky beatbox-and-rap-at-the-same-time trick, bring some Handi-Wipes. Or even an umbrella-ella-ella-ay-ay-ay. The mic only blocks so much.

Elizabeth - The first time I saw her perform at HHK I was like "Wow, shorty REALLY likes Eric B & Rakim." I think her first like three times on stage were Eric B & Rakim songs. So I was an instant fan. And I really don't want to see anyone else do De La Soul's "Rock Co Kane Flow" except her. Ever. The young lady's taste in hip-hop is impeccable. For some reason, I am picturing her in the bathroom right before she goes on at Highline staring at herself in the mirror. She then yells "COME OOOOOOON!!!" at nobody in particular and then proceeds to punch the mirror. And out of nowhere, the beat for "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" plays. I'm not the only one that just pictured that, right?

K-Dot - I don't know what else to say other than I don't think I have ever seen this man fuck up a line once at HHK. The only man with big enough cojones to do "Can We Rock (What's Up Doc)" by the Fu-Schnickens featuring Shaq. ALL FOUR PARTS. I am sure all eyes will be on him and whatever sneakers he decides to pull out for this special occasion. This guy has the highest risk of someone doing a Tanya Harding / Nancy Kerrigan to his throat piece. Diggedy, double check on backstage security, please.

Pancho - His Kanye West "Stronger" performance still stands out in my mind like it was yesterday. The song wasn't even on the list yet and fairly new and he managed to tear the house down. He made me wanna lift heavy machinery for no reason after he got off stage. Good things come in small packages. And he will probably have the most expensive outfit out of all the contestants. Bape won't go out of style until Pancho says so.

Robin - All I know of Ms. Robin is that she's a good friend of Camille and they roll Thelma & Louise tight. Have you ever seen a female do a Sticky Fingaz impression? No, you haven't. Unless you were at the Southpaw-edition of Hip Hop Karaoke where she closed out "Slam." Instant dope. The only thing that was missing was a molotov cocktail and a couple of machine guns. And I STILL would have stayed and been like "Sooooo...lemme ask yoooou...do you have a boyfr...wait, wait nevermind. No seriously, nevermind. OH MY GOD YOU SO WERE STICKY FINGAZ UP THERE."

RDJ - Canadians always get a bad rap (excuse the pun) here in the States for a number of silly reasons. RDJ is one of those cats who is trying to kill that noise. And doing it successfully I might add. When once asked how much he liked a certain hip-hop album, he naturally responded with an even deeper question: "Well what do you mean...just to chill out to or like, cook dinner to? I mean, there's a difference." Well played sir. Well played. And if this doesn't work out, there's always Iron Man this summer.

Scooter - Enter K-Dot's evil younger brother (insert Vincent Price laughter here). Hands down, with the exception of surprise appearances of actual established rappers, no one has received a bigger ovation for a performance than when he did Twista's "Overnight Celebrity." That's my favorite Scooter moment. That should tell you alot. I'm sure whatever he has stored will be something special, with disorienting neon day-glow sneakers a back-up plan to hypnotize his opponents in case of emergency.

Shawn J - The master of the point-to-the-back-of-the-room-and-sway-from-left-to-right
move. Everything is done with emphasis. He's a walking exclamation point. If Blanka from Street Fighter was a Black man from New York with less hair, you have Shawn J. If you see him in the corner with his hood on and mumbling to himself, stay away. He has just entered his zone. Be very afraid...contestants and audience alike. Consider it game time when you hear two words: "I'M HYPE."

To all the contestants, good luck. I give you this gift. Play it in the morning before you leave the house on January 25th and have it on repeat ALL DAY. Peace.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Urb Magazine looks at the history of HHK NYC


New, Diggedy, and I sat down (at our computers) and talked (emailed) with URB Magazine about the history of Hip Hop Karaoke NYC.

and don't listen to Diggedy, my GI Joe themed b-day parties were the shit. check it out:

"Hip Hop Karaoke :: An oral history of NYC’s rapper’s fantasy camp"

http://www.urb.com/features/648/HipHopKaraoke.php

Contestant Profile #4

meet Dashaun - live on location at Junior's BK.

edit: turns out Dashaun has some big support via Brooklyn Bodega. watch out now!

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Guest Blogger: K-Dot

It was all a dream. . .

What’s up everyone, its K-Dot!! While the HHK staff was busy putting the finishing touches on the 1st Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship (Get your tickets now!!!), I snuck in the back door, and decided to post a blog of my own!

When I take the stage at an HHK event. . . it allows me to fulfill a dream. For 4 ½ minutes, I get to become a rap star. . . become that hip-hop legend I dreamed about. I get to step into the shoes of some of the greatest MCs to ever bless a mic, and for that short period of time. . . I am that person. I know there are other HHKers out there who feel the same way. You can hear it in their voice, you can see it in their performances. . . they take the stage with a passion like no other. Some of us had long forgotten dreams of being rap artists. . . and Hip Hop Karaoke allows us to relive that dream.

But what if that dream was a reality? Who would you work with? Who would you want to take stage with? Would you collaborate with anyone in particular? What would your dream show, or recording session be like?

Growing up, I was a huge Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth fan. Anytime I thought about becoming an artist. . . the idea of performing on a Pete Rock track was the pinnacle. I could just picture myself riding the beat, and hearing Pete’s adlibs throughout the track. Nowadays I am into the live band sound. I’m big into The Roots. The energy that the band brings to a stage show is awesome. I’ve recently had the privilege of performing with a live band, and its pretty unreal.

So if I were putting together my dream show. . . I’d start with the two founding members of The Roots, ?uestlove on drums, and Black Thought (doin’ his best Diggedy impression as hype-man!) Now that Hub is gone. . . I’d have Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass, and then I’d get Vernon Reid from Living Colour on guitar. And for the final touch. . . on keys and supplying vocals. . . the one and only Stevie Wonder. I think we could rock a crowd.

So. . . what about you?

(Oh yeah. . . and when the cd drops. . . you know R. Kelly’s gonna do a remix!)

- K-Dot

Contestant Profile #3

a visit to Flatbush, Brooklyn with HHK Championship contestant CHEF...



go to the official Championship page to view all of the contestants video profiles.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Contestant Profile #2

Meet Camille.

says Deephunk: "This whole clip is psychological warfare. The glasses, the desk, the calm demeanor...I'm amped now".

you be the judge.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Contestant Profile #1

as many of you know, we've been compiling a bunch of video footage of each one of the 12 HHK Championship contestants - trying to get an idea of where they're coming from, what they're all about, what they think of the Championship, etc.

and now it's time to start showing the world...

starting today, and for the next 12 days, we'll profile each of the contestants video bio's on the blog (starting in alphabetical order).

ladies and germs... i give you... Axiom:



ps- also be sure to check out another dope edition of weekend at diggedy's, below-

Weekend At Diggedy's - Volume 44

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!

It's been a while!

Did you miss me???

No?

F*ck you then.

What's up world. Hope everyone had a very delicious holiday, and a wonderfully happy new year.

We're looking to do big things are at the HHK Headquarters for the 2008 and beyond. We hope you come along for the journey as we look to preserve our childhood one mic at a time.

On to the choice cuts for this cold, but not as cold as yesterday, January 4th.

Ali Shaheed Muhammad featuring Chip Fu - "Lord Can I Have This Mercy"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58932562b712d4/

I have to give the world's biggest shout out to my man Drew Boogie on this one. I had heard this song as a snippet a couple of years ago, and was never able to find the full version. Drew punched a few keys, and boom, here it is. It almost gets him off the hook for "borrowing" my Timbs in college. By borrow, I mean, took them home during Christmas break. In 1997. Haven't seen them since. That was also the same break that he left the iron on in a milk crate over our fridge before he left. We came back from the holidays and there was an iron size hole in the crate, the iron had fallen to the floor burning through the fridge's plug, shorting it out, thus destroying the fridge yet miraculously not burning down the building. And yet, the iron continued to work just fine, save for the rubber we had to scrape off of it. You have never seen anyone iron their shit more than Drew and I. That was probably more important to us than the fridge working again. Sure it was hard going through the rest of the semester keeping sodas on the window ledge to keep them cold. But damn our gear was wrinkle free. Where the f*ck was I? Oh yeah, "Lord Can I Have This Mercy". Crazy beat. Chip Fu kills it. Download it!

Xzibit vs. Radiohead - "Paparazzi"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61841418d7634e/

Shout out to DJ Wexington Esquire III for this track. This is off of a record Wex has of Danger Mouse's early production work. Track is crazy. I was a huge fan of the original version. One of my favorite concert moments : I somehow ended up at Jones Beach for an Eminem concert (long story), where Xzibit was the opening act. The crowd was only just starting to file in (they were in the parking lot waiting for Papa Roach and Eminem). I was towards the front, and the section was basically empty. X gets towards the end of his set, and a sound I never expected to come from the speakers began to permeate the air : violins. He launches into "Paparazzi", and I went ape-poopy. I stand up and start reciting the lyrics like this was 5 years later at HHK. I cannot imagine what the uninterested people rows behind me were saying. "Who is this d*ckhead, and why is he acting like this song is 'Lose Yourself'?" After someone threw Dippin' Dots at me, I took my seat. But it was a wonderful moment. Download it! (The song, not the moment. That's in my heart. Which can't be downloaded. Unless you're Samantha Micelli. Call me.)

Blue Scholars - "Inkwell (Crashed Cop-Car Remix)"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61844640d76331/

Blue Scholars are a duo out of Seattle. Get familiar! This is a dope track sampling Modest Mouse. Download it!

Enjoy the schmorgusborg of tracks.

Enjoy your weekend.

Go G-men.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

HHK on Sirius Radio TOMORROW MORNING

check out HIP HOP KARAOKE NYC on Sirius Radio tomorrow morning, on the Cipha Sounds Morning Show on Shade 45.

the HHK staff will be on-air sometime around 10:30am for an hour or so. we'll talk hip hop, hip hop karaoke, and most importantly, talk about the January 25th Hip Hop Karaoke Championship at Highline Ballroom.

i think we'll also talk some of the in-studio dj's into doing some of their favorite hip hop songs on-air!

last time we got Robin Thicke to do Gang Starr's "Dwyck" on-air.

true story. proof:








www.hhkchampionship.com