Things that make me happy... The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Things that make me happy... The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Just when you think you know hip hop it surprises you and reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place." - Sydney Shaw, Brown Sugar

Nuff said!!

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Album the Heist was released in August 2012 as a relative unknown but has built momentum month after month ever since. After appearances on Saturday Night Live, a concert tour, and much word a mouth this album is getting lots of recognition.

The Heist is a throwback hip hop album with strong lyrically content. Macklemore flow is so smooth and enjoyable that you might miss the message in many of his song. Some of his songs addresses gay rights, substance abuse, and trying to make it the music industry. But what makes this album stand out is the music. Although the album is straight hip hop he infuses R&B, country, and rock. You can enjoy playing the entire album through and get a different sound each track.

Another great characteristic of the album is the number of collaborations used throughout the album. Each add something different to the Album.

Album Song list

Ten Thousand Hours - Way to introduce "The Heist"
Can't Hold Us - Album's first big hit. Catchy tune and getting lots of airplay. Might be one of the songs of the summer.
Thrift Shop - The next hit. Fun another great hook... Best line of year "This is F@cking Awesome"
Thin Line -
Same Love - Political commentary at its best... on a great dope melody.
Make The Money- Soooo many ill rhymes! "Uncle Sam is
Neon Cathedral - Slowdown with the R&B feel but don't expect a let up on the verses.
BomBom - Why not a instrumental track... and its still hip hop. Genius.
White Walls - This could be remix potential dance hit.
Jimmy lovine - Another future hit... "...rather be a starving artist than succeed at getting f@cked!"
Wings - Another nice track. Good spin class "climb track"
A Wake - An indy feel. Another future hit.
Gold - A bit weak but might still be a pop hit. High school kids might love this one.
Starting Over - One of my favorites on the album. Kinda like therapy... Enimen style.
Cowboy Boots - Really?!? And its fun a song. Too funny!
Castle - Ok track
My Oh My - Nice tribute track...
Victory Lap - Shout out to Seattle. Every town needs an anthem.

Thrift Shop

Same Love

Can't Hold Us

My Oh My

NPR Tiny Desk Music Series (soo good) - Same Love and others...

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on SNL - Thrift Shop

On Letterman - Can't Hold Us

Pros
1. One of the best hip hop albums in years.
2. Macklemore flow is wicked and he's got something to say...
3. The music on this album can keep you listening for hours. This might be a classic in the making.

Cons
1. There are only 18 tracks on the deluxe edition. And we want more.

Fun album for the summer...

SF Guru

Things that make me happy... 2013 NCAA Final Four @ Atlanta

Things that make me happy... 2013 NCAA Final Four @ Atlanta

The 2013 NCAA Mens Final Four Basketball game was held in the Atlanta Georgia Dome this year. The four teams playing for the championship were Wichita State Shockers, Michigan Wolverines, Syracuse Orangeman, and Louisville Cardinals.

In the final game the Cardinal defeated the Wolverines 82-76 to finish a great weekend of basketball. Although the headlines were the final four games, there were so many things going on over the four day weekend it felt like the Olympics.

First there was Brackettown at the Georgia World Congress Center which featured sports related activities for all ages including dribbling and shooting camps, sponsors, music, and giveaways. 

After you explore all that bracket town has to offer, there are the three days of concerts in Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.  The Big Dance started on Friday night and included headliner Zac Brown Band. Saturday lineup featured Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Ludacris, and Flo Rider and Muse.  The weekend series ended on Sunday evening with Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Sting and Dave Matthews Band.  Over 150,000 people attended the concerts over the weekend bring downtown ATL crowds that might rival the 2006 Olympics. 

Sting - Roxanne

Sting - Message in a Bottle

Ludacris & Macklemore

And yes... The Harlem Shake invades ATL!!

Dave Matthews Band

Pros
1. You don't need a ticket to the Final Four to enjoy most of the activities during the weekend. The concerts, practices, and many other events were free. This year the Div II and III final games were held in Phillips Arena and were also free to the public.
2. Great weekend for sports fans in general and reconnecting with Alumni even if your team doesn't make it to the final four.
3. Even with the price of the tickets. You get three games and whole lot more for the money. A great deal.

Cons
1. Expect large crowds but the energy is great.
2. Plan early of lodging and tickets. Although you can get tickets while your there from secondary market the prices are higher of course.

The 2014 NCAA final four is in Austin next year. You have until May 31st to sign up for the lottery for tickets. They will charge your card for the tickets when you apply and refund you if you don't get slot.

SF Guru

Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem

Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem @ the Apollo Theater


Club Harlem is a variety show type performance set at the Apollo theater directed by Maurice Hines, older brother of the late Gregory Hines. The show recreates the atmosphere of 1930s and 40s Harlem with nightclub styled seating on the lower level of the theater (yes they removed the normal chairs) an servers bring food and drink to the tables.  The audience dressed up in the attire of the day while being entertained by a 16 piece Jazz orchestra led musical director David Berger and the conductor Daryl Waters,

The show feature jazz singers, dancers and the was led by the multi-talented Maurice Hines. At over 70 years of age, Hines still command the stage with his comedy, singing, and yes dancing. Just like his contemporary, Sammie Davis Jr., this triple threat performance was well worth the money.

Maurice Hines

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Pros
1. A fun night out experiencing what life was like in 1930s Harlem
2. Great performers including singing, dance, and comedy
3. Maurice Hines at 70+ is an inspiration... and still can entertain an audience

Cons.
1. Apollo wasn't meant for service so the drinks and food was a bit slow
2. The show was a limited run at the Apollo but they may feature at a theater near you in the future.



S.F. Guru