Musiq ..... : As The Beat Cycles On...

Another hot set of remixes and instrumentals from Sam Champ. I know you recall that last joint I put you onto. What was interesting was I discovered I had some of these remixes and had no idea who was creatin' em. Always great to put a name & story to great production. FEELIN IT!


"One Time" feat. The Roots & Phonte >> Phontigallo on a track of The Roots "Undun" album? What more can you ask for in great hip hop music?! Can't wait to go on head and cop this joint.....FEELIN IT!!


"Halftime" feat. Amy Winehouse >> From the late GREAT young and beautifully talented Ms Winehouse. Such great music she has always created. If you all are not familiar with work earlier than her acclaimed album, Back to Black, def go check out, Frank....FEELIN IT!


"You Already Know" feat. BLACK STAR >> Guess Who's Baaaack?!!! Yup with this joint produced by Oh No. So glad they are definitely coming back. We need it!


"If U Down" feat. yU >> this joint goes hard with good positive message. DC gotta another Diamond In the Ruff here. Check out his last LP, Before Taxes. FEELIN IT!

Common - "Celebrate" by ThinkCommon
Def a 2012 Summer classic song, haha. FEELIN IT!


"Prelude To A Murder" feat. Add-2 >> Been following this cat for a few years. He def likes using those horns and and knows how to use them properly as his nice signature piece to a lot of his production. FEELIN IT!


"No Place Like Home" feat. Phil Ade >> Phil Ade's production crew for sure knows how to pick great samples. I am still high off the fact he used my favorite Anita Baker song in one of his latest leaks. FEELIN IT!


Thundercat - Daylight by The Line Of Best Fit
This is off the album "The Golden Age of Apocalypse" by Thundercat. Def one of my top albums of the year! This is from a well known Bass player by the name of Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner. Infused with jazz, rock, electronic and r&b swing this album is just one you just let play all the way through and zone out. FEELIN IT!


"The Clean Hand" feat. Blu >> Straight good hip hop from great lyricist from the West Coast, but another great known surprise is the track is produced by the honorable, PETE ROCK! Hear that ever so familiar snare? FEELIN IT!


"Alive" feat. Art of Fresh >> If yall haven't heard about Art of Fresh let me put you on! The dynamic Canadian duo of Slakah The Beatchild and D.O. This is off their latest FreeP "When the Night Comes In." Slakah The Beatchild has been on my top producers list for the past few years. I have purchased and copped every production piece for anything he touches and have NOT been dissapointed yet; Art of Fresh included. FEELIN IT!!!
This is a list of all his productions: http://beatchild.wordpress.com/music/. Believe me when I say you can't go wrong with any of this music. "I PROMISE YOU BOO BOO" (Kevin Hart voice, haha)

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Old School for the Moment:

Can you hear Earth Wind & Fire all over this? Well if you can, its because it this whole album was produced by none other than EWF after Ms. Williams left the label with El Toro Negro (this is the alias for a living legend, thats all the hint you get, lol).

Kevin Clash holding his 2009 Day-Time Emmy Award with his created character of the Muppets, the infamous, ELMO

In lue of the current 'Muppet' movie, out in theaters now, I would like to inform of you of the man behind the of the most lovable puppets of all-time (arguably). Yes, I know most of y'all probably know this lil' tid-bit but you'd be surprise how many do not know. Kevin Clash, a native of Baltimore County, Maryland (DMV area stand up!), has won 9, I REPEAT 9, Day Time Emmy awards for his personally created character, Elmo.

I know some of y'all remember the "Tickle Me Elmo" craze way back when it started in 1996; doesn't seem so long ago does it?  I had a hard time find total number sales but I know for fact since then "Tickle Me Elmo," "T.M.X.", & "Elmo Live!" have sold MILLIONS but I don't know if Mr. Clash receives royalties nor am I 100% sure he has the copyrights to the character Elmo (but my intuition is telling me he definitely does), anyway, i'll let you "do the dishes" on that one.....

-juskev

Kool & The Gang's "Love & Understanding"

I have been assisting local underground DC DJ legend, DJ RBI, in mentoring kids on hip-hop and the art of DJing at the non-profit, Words, Beat & Life. I randomly select an album from my collection and then try to tie it in with the WBL's theme for the current session. The theme for this current session is Sun Tzu's "Art of War". Definitely a good way to teach the youth about how to handle both external and internal conflicts with themselves and society.

Just wanted to share little bit of the many things I get myself involved with, especially when it comes to music.

And in lue of this particular album, I will leave you with this:

With their Universal Sound, people Come Together with Love & Understanding during Summer Madness to share each other’s Cosmic Energy encouraging folks to Do It Right Now while giving sweet harmonies of music, Sugar, to energize people who want to get down on the Hollywood Swinging.

-JusKev

Musiq Mondays: Back to the Feature

"You got the love" feat. Gretchen Parlato (Sam Champ Remix) >> project produced by a Brooklyn native by the name of DJ Center. Def feeling this and his project from which this song comes from too...FEELIN IT!


Trouble by josejamesworldwide
"Trouble" feat. Jose James >> Jose James has made a good name for himself in the soul arena. good music here.


"Blame Yourself" feat. XV, GLC, Emilio Rojas, & Cassey Veggies >> feeling this lil' joint. Just good straight hip hop. FEELIN IT.


The Roots "Make My" featuring Big K.R.I.T. by okayplayer
"Make My" feat. Big K.R.I.T. & The Roots >> Def good ish!! What more can ya ask for, KRIT and The Roots on the same track?? Classic material, mos def. FEELIN IT


"College Girl" feat. Phil Ade >> first off I love this joint because the sample is using one of my favorite R&B artist of all-time and my favorite song of hers, Auntie Anita otherwise known to the rest of the world as Anita Baker.....FEELIN IT!!!


"Woo" feat. Anthony Hamilton >> this joint was produced by, ready?.....BABYFACE. I know right, I am asking the same thing, where he been since the 90s?? Def had to post that just to share that his working in the studio with Mr. Hamilton. Should be an interesting collabo.


"The Blessing" feat. SouL >> This is off of, The Foreign Exchange's co-founder, Nicolay's "The Dutch Master Vol.1" mixtape. I decided to go into my repertoire and just pull out some music i always enjoy listening to. In my opinion, just about all the music that comes out of The FE camp is great, quality music and Nicolay is ill on the remixes.


"Love Joint revisited" feat. Little Brother >> A very dear friend of mines posted some music on her fb page and so i was inspired to post an LB song...so to all my hardcore LB fans this "old but goodie" is simply FOR YOU.


"In the Ruff" feat. Diamond District >> DC's own is on it! Some good hip hop this past few years really been hitting the scene. Their album, In the Ruff, been on heavy rotation on my iPod for a good few months too. Album is a GREAT buy....FEELIN IT.

From the great city of Richmond, VA, my hometown, producer Ohbliv puts out his beat tape. I definitely went on ahead and supported the homie. This joint is just my type of flavor, so I wanted to share it in hope you might support it too. FEELIN IT.

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Old School For the Moment:




And the good hip hop that used it...love this joint!:

Funny Friday: Raphael Dela Ghetto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upniIg29Tcc
couldn't post the full poem so the link is above

So I just happen to see this ad for an up and coming reggaeton artist by the name of Raphael Dela Ghetto and IMMEDIATELY I thought of one of my favorite shows of all-time, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, with one of my favorite episodes.

Here is the link to the actual "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" inspired artist as well --> http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2011/10/24/albe-back-raphael-dela-ghetto-album/

Looking through the Opaque?

In the Examiner, one the free local DC metro area newspapers, I found this picture of Attorney General, Eric Holder and President Obama.

The title of the picture reads " A secret meeting on transparency in government was held by the Office of Information Policy in the Justice Department..."

Any time I've picked up the Examiner, I could hardly picked find anything positive on President Obama and his administration. So finding the pick of irony the paper found was no surprise but I found it funny nonetheless and wanted to share

Funny Friday: Pass the Joint in the Collection Plate....

I know it's been a minute since I have posted anything but I have been quite busy these past couple months and stayin busy....hope this give you all a few chuckles

9th Wonder/Phonte Album Listening party!

Hosted by your truly, DJ LookUp

Given up the Green, For the Community

Larry Powell, a Fresno California school superintendent gives up his $230,000+ salary and for the same job is now earning $31,000.  Mr. Powell will be done with his term in 2015 and is also retired.  He is taking the pay cut because he knows budget cuts towards education will be fierce in California; chippintg to do his part to save education.  I think this is EXTREMELY commendable and deserves all the praise in the world.

But I don't know what his current living situation his allowing him to do such a noble

Is he in a position where he is able to take that kinda pay cut and be just fine as opposed to others who can barely survive with that type of salary? Probably so.

I just don't want folk to not forget that folk who are truly struggling.  So at the same time, I would like to share the positives in the world, as I usually attempt to do, but also raise the issue of education and lack there of, within impoverish communities and the teachers that are truly unpaid.

A respectful bow to you Mr. Powell BUT a salute to all the teachers, especially unpaid, out there in the world....

~juskev

Musiq Monday: Put this in ya Auto's Tune.

"Black Thought Stir It Up Remix" >> this is simply for me and my true ATCQ fans out there. I recently saw the Beats, Rhymes and Life documentary and it was GRRREAT!



"Got Damn" feat. Add-2 >> the Chi-town native going in on this joint. Been feelin Add-2's production and creativity for a good min. He keeps bring that fire. His upcoming project, Save.Our.Soul, should be a another good listen. FEELIN IT!



"Same Folks" feat. Evidence & Fashawn >> a good hiphop head-nodda for ya.



"Only want to give to you" feat. Elle Varner & J. Cole >> I like Miss Varner's voice; gives me feelings of those like Chrisette Michelle, Corrine Bailey Rae and the late Miss Amy Winehouse. Don't know too much about her music but she comes from a well off background of sound writers and music enthusiast. Along with one of NC's finest blessin the track, def makes it a nice lil joint. FEELIN IT.


Trackademicks presents Halfway feat. Phonte & Carlitta Durand by The Honor Roll
"Halfway" feat. Trackademics, Phonte & Carlitta Durand >> this joint is pretty smooth. get ya grown and sexy on! FEELIN IT.



"Hip Hop & Love" feat. Tabi Bonney & Murs It was rumored that 9th wonder and Murs were working on there last album together...hmmm we'll see. I like this joint though. Real simple.



"Times Change" produced by K-Def >> no lyrics to this just the music. I was really feeling how the producer shows the structure changes with chords and horns but notice, the snare always remained... FEELIN IT.



"I Want You" feat. Cee-Lo & Tawiah >> Cee-Lo always sounds like he has so much fun in making his music...you can feel the joy no matter what he is talkin bout.



"Thinking of You" feat. Frank Ocean >> yeah this cat has been out and doing his thang for a looooong min and has people's radar for a minute. Extremely talent song writer and producer. Bring some different feel to music on the r&b side of things I am still jammin to his mixtape, nostalgia/ultra. He also got a cut on Yeezie and Jay's "Watch The Throne" album.



"Not Here Anymore" feat. Phontigallo & elZhi >> yessir! straight fiya!!....can't wait til him and 9th's album solo albums drop on September 27.


"The Words" feat. Emanon (Aloe Blacc & DJ Exile) >> I def slept on this from way back in 2005. This is off their 2005 mixtape, The Waiting Room, ...and this joint is ill! My type of vibe...FEELIN IT!


Kendrick Lamar - Hol' Up #Section80 by TopDawgENT
"Hol' Up" feat. Kendrick Lamar >> my favorite cut fresh off the his Section 80 LP. good hip hop.



"Been in Love" feat. Eric Roberson & Phontigallo >> this is off of Mr. Blue Erro Soul's debut album "Left" from 2007. I am a HUGE fan of Roberson. He runs EVERYTHING himself, own label, own production, own manager and he quite successful with building his fan base. I'm also jammin to his last album "Music Fan First" from summer of 2009. Def recommend him to any soul lovers....FEELIN IT.



"In the 336" feat. Phontigallo, Charlie Smarts & King Mez >> this is a hot lil' track. Especially, since Phonte is on the mic. The other cats spittin'some fiya on the mic are also outta NC...FEELIN IT!


"High School Love" feat. Anthony Hamilton >> I like this tune from Mr. Hamilton. Nice and smooth.


aiight, that's enough for now, I plan puttin yall onto some more artist from my music collection past that I am pretty sure you have not heard of and it's GREAT music.


Old School for the moment
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People still care...

I'm always in search for some positive in the world and there is plenty, it's just no one really reports on it (as most of us know)...

Every now and then, I purchase a newspaper from, Street Sense; a local newspaper in DC, run by the Homeless. That is where I found the picture of this street sign from Toronto Seeing folks who are less fortunate still strive to make a living and making efforts to get back on their feet shows great determination. Some truly are not able to take care of themselves but MANY are not looking for hand outs, just some assistance to start over again...

SORT OF hits close to home for me...

Street Sense >> http://www.streetsense.org

-juskev

Musiq Monday: Stock Market Crash? Get Ya Loose Change & Invest in Gold.

Sooo the stock market crashes well, how bout some Loose Change and some Yellow Gold to make ya feel better?  haha.  This is another hometown 804 special edition of my blog.  I will be getting back to some more music in a few weeks as I am still catching up on some things after being away on vacation.

ANYWAY, to the music....

First Up:

The homies Nickelus F and producer Ohbliv came wit on the "Yellow Gold" mixtape at the beginning of this year.  I think the production on this is GREAT, especially with creative uses of the samples.  Nickelus F's lyricism on this is def at his best with joint.  That feel good, chill, hardcore kinda hip hop we all love and sorta miss from the 90's.  This is proof we are trying to keep it going, straight outta my hometown "hood." I don't have a particular favorite, which is a good thing because I let the joint play and rock wit it.  FEELIN IT.


Next:

My good homies, the brother duo,  Mike Millions and Name Brand along with another ill lyricist, A Plus, on the "Loose Change" mixtape.  All I got to say if y'all knew what I knew about these brothas from way back when, you'd be hella proud of 'em like me, too! Always impressed by how Mike and Name Brand seem to be raising the bar, being better than themselves with each move, at the same pace with each and every piece.  On the real, with these production pieces, my homie Name Brand is def one of my favorite local producers of the DMV (and yeah I am a bit bias about it, and WHAT?!).  Again this is another feel good, raw Richmond, hip hop joint.  FEELIN IT.

Iceberg finds New Found Land.

Photo by Gene Patey

This picture takes place up north to our Canadian neighbors in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. If you know science and the history of our planet then you know another possible ice age is inevitable but us humans pretty much just sped up the process of the cycle...this is one of the many living proving examples of that.

Thought it was interesting enough to post...

Musiq Monday: Stop Frontin. Just B (Be), Boy.

"Back for More" feat. Ayah >> Mad excited about this album produced by the Legendary and my number 1 favorite DJ, Jazzy Jeff. They make a great team! FEELIN IT.



"What it is"(Apollo Brown remix) feat. Trek Life >> I have like what I have heard in production from Apollo Brown in the recent years. Straight hip hop here.




"Lucky" feat. Blu >> this joint is just ill for the beat itself; Blu being on the track is def a bonus. FEELIN IT.




"Mario Kart" feat. Theo Martins >> I am personally a huge fan of young Theo. Most of all his music is of his own production and writing and recording. Been rockin to him for about 5 years now....FEELIN IT.



Came across this smooth cat looking a post on a friend's Facebook wall. S/O to Dre' of on.us.tees of the Do Better Movement. This is definitely a smooth soulful artist and looks to have been doin his thang for a good minute. Lovin his sound and he did a joint off J Dilla's "Donuts"! Most of yall know by now, I am a huge Dilla fan. I showed the brotha some love and copped the album, I truly think you will enjoy it....FEELIN IT!



"Make it Last" feat. Ayah >> aiight yall it's here! The DJ Jazzy Jeff callabo with Toronto's soulstress Ayah! I don't have a link but will update this joint with a link soon....
Update: here is the link to the "Back For More" mixtape!


Old School for the Moment:
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Musiq Monday: On my iPod, iSing

"Notorious" feat. Ayah >> I been feelin' a lot of music coming from Legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff's protege....love her voice and flow....FEELIN IT.



"Summer Madness" feat. Common >> hot off the press from production of infamous producer No I.D. off the EP, No I.D. presents Cocaine 80s...I am def gonna be checking this joint out soon....FEELIN IT.



"Family First" feat. MacMiller & Talib Kweli >> smooth cut from the Wiz Kalifa protege and Kweli. I am just now getting into Mr. Miller's music after recently seeing him on the "Single Ladies" TV show on VH1, and naw, I am no regular on watching that joint even though Stacey Dash remains elegantly sexy as she never ages, lol.....FEELIN IT


THURZ - Prayer by #92CREW
"Prayer" feat. Thurz >> I'm always down for good beats and uplifting messages, though I find it interesting, that they are cursin' and what not talkin' bout prayer, lol...don't think this is "traditional" gospel as the track title may fool you....FEELIN IT!


Kendrick Lamar - Hol' Up #Section80 by TopDawgENT
"Hol Up" feat. Kendrick Lamar >> Raw. Smooth. Chill. Hip Hop. Nough Said. Mr. Lamar continuing to do his thang. Couldn't find a download for this one. His latest LP, Section 80, coming July 2nd....FEELIN IT!


Prophet (Better Watch It) by Rizzle Kicks
"Prophet (Better Watch It)" feat. RizzleKicks >> Ello lads. This rather raunchy tune is from the great imperial country of the U.K. (in my best english accent lol). This is just a tad bit out of the usual sounds of things that I post but I still think it is good music and been feelin this song for a min....FEELIN IT.


The Stuyvesants - “Stoops Parks & Rooftops” by Algorythm
"Stoop Parks and Rooftops" feat. The Stuyvesants >> I haven't much from these cats since I last downloaded there previous joint, Brooklyn's Finest. They make some pretty smooth tracks if ya ask me. Brooklyn stand up!


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Old School for the Moment:

I recently found this album while doing the $1 bin vinyl shopping (my vinyl heads now bout that)....definitely one of my favorite albums to play on my record player!

Music Monday: Listen to the Summer Breeze

Jamiroquai - "Smile" by Jamiroquai1
"Smile" feat. Jamiroquai >> Jamiroquai is one of my favorite groups from across the way and just in time for the Summer and my annual European trip. Lovin this joint...FEELIN IT!



"Mama's Boyfriend" feat. Kanyeeezie >> I am not the biggest fan of this song but i thought it was entertaining and I don't ever get tired of Kanye's sampling.


*NEW!!* "Top Five" - Rapsody ft. King Mez & Laws (prod. by Amp) by JamlaArmy
"Top Five" feat. Rapsody, Kin Mex & Laws >> just wanted to give ya some raw hip hop from the B-Girl Rapsody and crew. DEF lovin Rapsody in the game right now....Female MCs stand up!!...FEELIN IT.



"All The Kisses" feat. The Foreign Exchange and Amber & Paris Strother >> loving this joint. I am huge fan of both The Foreign Exchange and King, the group the Amber and Paris are apart of. What a great callabo!....FEELIN IT!!!



"Brilliant" feat. Truck North and The 3rd >> straight hip hop.



"Summer in America" feat. Stalley & Rashad >> Stalley continues to come with that "Intelligent Trunk Music" haha.....FEELIN IT!


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Old School for the Moment:
Weldon Irvine's "Morning Sunrise"

Musiq Monday: "Just Let Your Souuuuuul Gloooooow"

"Detroit state of mind pt II" feat. elZhi >> elZhi is always bring that raw head bangin good hip hop. FEELLIN IT!
Bonus: If you don't have his ode to Illmatic, Elmatic, you TRIPPIN. A Classic mixtape that Nas was be proud of. Listening to this joint is now part of my weekday morning routine.



"See it to Believe it" feat. J. Cole >> fiya as usual. nuff said. hip hop at its best. Can't wait for the his album in the summer! FEELIN IT!


"Can't Deny" feat. Illvibe Collective, Ishe & Dave Ghetto >> smooth joint from a group reppin' Philly very well....FEELIN IT!



"Return of Simba" feat. J.Cole >> Blllladat! Yall already know Cole gone bring it as always. FEELIN IT!!!



"Hiii Power" feat. Kendrick Lamar >> joint produced by RocNation's own J.Cole, Bllllldat! This is just some straight Hip Hop for ya. The actual video is pretty good too, check it out....FEELIN IT!



From the homie Oddisee off his current album, Odd Seasons. I havent given a listen yet but he always produced straight tracks....FEELLIN IT!



"Analogue Monsta Mix" by Tokimonsta >> I just thought this was an ill mix so I had to post. It's a little long, but pretty good and well worth a listen. Don't know anything about this cat honestly, just....FEELIN IT!



"A Long Time" feat. Mayer Hawthorne >> Mr. Hawthorne coming with the smooth tunes. His mixtape, The Covers, was excellent. I know he has got some treats on his upcoming LP, A Long Time.....FEELIN IT!!!


Chevys & Space Ships by Stalley330
"Chevy & Space Ships" feat. Stalley >> Personally think the mixing and production on this is pretty sick. Stalley bringin' it as usual...FEELIN IT.

Hometown highlights: Double the Value

Photo by LINDY KEAST RODMAN of TIMES-DISPATCH in Richmond, VA

While doing my usual cruising through the hometown newspaper website, http://www.timesdispatch.com, I came across a story on two high school students from Richmond, VA out of Armstrong High School; a set of identical twins that were co-valedictorians. Both have full scholarships to North Carolina A&T State University.  Congratulations ladies!!

I wanted to share this story to shed light on the youth, especially of color, for encouragement to others that you can do it.

In the words of my people over at On.Us.Tees, they are definitely "Doin' It Right."

Read more here...

Musiq Monday: Yo E, Q the Hi and the Low

"Why Don't We" feat. Kaya >> off her FreEP, Imperfections. Excellent work I must just from my first listen, I was impressed. I see you, Kaya! FEELIN IT!



"Yes" feat. Musiq Soulchild >> this is the Musiq that I am definitely used to hearing. I am a HUGE fan but the last album, Radio, just didn't do it for me thought I appreciate he was trying something a lil' different.....FEELIN IT!



"Cold Hearted" feat. Blu & Exile >> this is from one of my top 10 all time classic slept on album, Below The Heavens. Some of you may already know about this joint and if so, good for you!! Such INCREDIBLE production and lyricism on this album. I definitely can't rave about it enough...FEELIN IT!
Here a bonus from the same album as well:




"Lead the Way" feat. Szjerdene >> smooth, soulful, relaxing...FEELIN IT!



"I Had to Go Away" feat. Young Gliss & Dice Raw >> good beats, good rhymes...what more do you want?



"This Is Your Life" feat. MED & Blu >> fresh track produced by Exile (still think Below The Heavens is an all time classic). FEELIN IT!



"Go" feat. Santa Gold & Karen O >> at first I was not feelin' Santa a few years back when she came out but after listening to a mixtape of her's, I jumped on the bandwagon and apparently so did Jay Z because she is signed with RocNation...word...FEELIN IT.


Jill Scott - So In Love by missjillscott
Jill bringing back again! This is apparently rumored to be off her highly anticipating upcoming album.


Animal Farm ft. Talib Kweli "Test of Time" by AnimalFarm
>> Nice lil's soulful joint from Talib and Portland's Animal Farm.



"Down" feat. Slakah the Beatchild >> Lovin the nod-ya-head soulfulness of this brotha. Slakah is definitely one of my favorite soul artists making a great name for himself for the last several years. Hails from Canada. This song is off his album, Something Forever, not currently sold in the U.S. His first EP, Soul Movement Vol. 1 is still in heavy rotation on the ipod. FEELIN IT!



"Human Nature" feat. Chris Young the Rapper & Nikko Gray >> definitely love this joint. I'm sure you all recognize the sample....FEELIN IT!



"Return of the Mack" feat. Zo! and Phontigallo >> Last of the recent music post, I'll leave you with there extremely comedic but yet still soulfully smooth rendition of Mark Morrison's infamous single. If ya don't haveZo! & Tigallo Love the 80's apparently you can't go get that cause it is nowhere to download it or purchase not sure what happened but i def got my copy when it was release. Get at me if you really want it. I might be nice. FEELIN IT!
Bonus:



old school song of the moment: