So I'll start this entry off by saying; I'm not a huge huge huge Jay Z fan. Don't get me wrong I definitely grew up listening to Jay Z, I enjoy a lot of his songs, but not enough to ever want to see him live or anything like that. I think he's a great rapper but a lot of his stuff is either hit or miss with me. A lot of this stems from me not being a HUGE fan of Rap music in general. I listened to "Run This Town" a few times since it leaked online. I will say I like NO I.D. as a producer, he's definitely making his mark. The song itself is sort reminiscent of T.I.'s "Live Your Life"---maybe it's just me. Similar tempo & feel + plus Rihanna is featured on both tracks. It underwhelms me. The video I really like. Anthony Mandler directed it. This year he directed Robin Thicke's "Dreamworld" video, The Killers' "A Dustland Fairytale", and recently Maxwell - "Bad Habits". Let's not forget the visually stunning video he directed for Rihanna's "Rehab".
Personally, I'm a huge proponent for the post-apocalyptic aesthetic. I have an obsession of sorts with media related to the subject. This video is sort of a modern take on Tupac's "California Love which was a modern take on the eighties movie "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" which was probably a modern take on something else. I like Mandler's use of fire and light. The colors are crisp and dark. The looks/wardrobe are befitting; stylish and contempo but still true to the theme. Overall I like the video way more than I like the song.
'Spaceship' was definitely one of my favorite Kanye cuts from "College Dropout". I don't know too many people who can't relate to this song--especially now. "I directed this video four years ago but I wasn't satisfied with it so I never released it. But now looking back at it I like it." ----Kanye Here's the video:
p.s. If you're interested here is the actual finished version of the PARANOID video.
"The only and official record of one of the most highly anticipated tours of the year. Including a USB drive of previously unreleased music, the book is both a memento of the tour and an object conceived by the artist himself—entirely collectible on its own. Appearing alone on stage for almost the entirety of the show with huge Star Wars-inspired spacescapes behind him, West’s Glow in the Dark Tour is both a musical and a visual odyssey of Kanye as a true pioneer. This deluxe landscape volume promises to be yet another creation of this multifaceted artist and will include his original sketches and concepts; 3-D models and construction of the stage; concept art for "J.A.N.E."; costume designs (including his Grace Jones-inspired outfits for opening act Rihanna); and blog of his journey. The gatefolds and special edition USB drive put this artist’s innovative and signature stamp on an already visually radical piece." pre-order here
The Grammy Award show is sort of a gift and a curse. Sometimes you're proud and elated when hard-working artist receive the accolades they deserve, then sometimes they just fuck up. This year was no different. Alicia Key, Prince, Rihanna, and several other notable artist all sported this cockatoo chic hairstyle...I think it works...*avoids eye contact*...Tina Turner looked like the poster child for Botox and Boobs...Beyonce did ok, I wasn't really impressed...Kanye's performance was visually stunning, and is a great preview for his tour I'm assuming, plus Daft Punk is the shit...Alicia Keys was spellbounding...Aretha Franklin was ummm, let's just say she had a lot of stage presence. I hated how the producers of the show cut Kanye off during his speech...but then again, he doesn't really have much respect for people during their speeches, remember that fiasco with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. at the MTV Europe Awards...All the same, it was kinda messed up.BUT Amy Winehouse's acceptance speech was the BEST! The BEST! Click here to see it. [thanks Michelle, for the link] I just love the awkwardness of this photo below:
‘Ology’ comes from the Greek word logos, meaning the “study of” something. Chaseology on a basic level means the study of Chase. Not necessarily me as an individual, rather the things I’m inspired by. I have a divine appreciation for musicians, designers, artists, producers, directors, writers, and poets who give of themselves---offering something layered, unique, and bright. I’m inspired by so much on a daily basis the possibilities are boundless, though music stands at the forefront, I firmly believed anything can inspire. Art helps me appreciate the world, and encourages me to explore its different dimensions. This blog is my means of honoring and sharing the individuals whose creative works I exalt.
The content (mp3's, photos, videos, etc) shared on this site are taken from the web. If you own the rights to any of them, and or if you do not wish for them to appear on this website please contact me and the infringing material will be removed post haste. chaseology@tmo.blackberry.net
