Full Movie: Ice-T's "The Art of Rap"

FULL MOVIE: Something From Nothing: The Art or Rap, the Ice-T documentary on the origins of rap lyrics, MC's and the inspirational music that allows them to share their gift and skill with the world. Streaming now on VH1 so catch it while you can. Click the link above and get your learn on.

Some of the show highlights with Dr. Dre (via VH1) below

Dr. Dre - TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

More highlights with Redman and Kanye West after the jump:

Fine Art Friday: Mark Powell

U.K. Based artist Mark Powell creates simple but powerful drawings on vintage envelopes that help mimic the time-worn and mysterious people he uses as subject matter. Many of the figures in his work originate as average cell phone images to intentionally avoid the "egos and megalomania, no sense of self-importance or grandeur can be seen but simply a life being lived", according to the artist.

More info and images after the jump

Video Remix: James Brown - "It's A Man's Man's Man's World"

Some things are too awesome for words!

Check out this re-imagined music video (director's cut) for the iconic James Brown song "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" by Xavier Fauthoux of Shoot The Boss. This video was the winning entry in the  Saatchi and Saatchi sponsored James Brown Music Video Challenge series to commemorate the "James Brown: Live at The Apollo" Re-issue later this year.

Thanks to Ivan at hhir for putting me on to this!

VIDEO CREDITS: 
Produced and Directed by Xavier Fauthoux // Editing by Adrien Deleule
Character Design: Thomas Buron & Liza Lussiez //  Backgrounds: Marion Brunetto & Tristan Mercier
Concept Art : Alexandre Tissot // 3D Cam Mapping : Charles Blanchard
Animation: Milan Starcevic, Matthieu Fouchier, Marion Brunetto
Compositing: SKULL & Martial Coulon // Stagiaire : Benjamin Le roux, Clement Domergue

Download: Zion I - "We don't" ft. Grouch and Eligh

Zion I continues to build a catalog of quality music and recently released a promotional video and download for the track "We Don't" off the upcoming album ShadowBoxing (October 2, 2012). For the new single (and free download) Zion I teamed up with regular collaborator Grouch and his crew mate Eligh. Zion I always offers a balance of lyrics, experimental beats, and an overall positive mindset with their tunes and good vibes continue with this release.  If you have never seen Zion I live, they always put on a great show and will make you step your game up if you think you can "rock a crowd".

Speaking of having an intimidating presence, check out the write-up on The 10 Most Intimidating Rappers on TheBeeShine for a fun read.

Video: Brother Ali X 5 Fingers of Death

Brother Ali recently sat down with Sway and Heather B to discuss his album "Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color" and battle the house DJ on the random beat-fest known as the "5 Fingers of Death" in the studio. Ali manages to hang with a difficult track list of radio instrumentals from past and present including Nirvana, Azalea Banks, DMX and others. Though it would be an odd mix to have Ali actually record on some of these beats, his lyrical skills and dexterity shine through on this test from Sway and the Shade45 crew!

Video: Uptown XO - "Good Vibes"

Uptown XO keeps his steady mix of throwback sounds and street talk consistent and just dropped his latest song and video for "Good Vibes" off the upcoming "Color Grey"mixtape, dropping October 1, 2012. XO always brings a mix of tough talk, political themes and grimy soul music perfect for riding around your city and thinking about the state of your world, especially in DC.

Check out more from Mello Music Group and Uptown XO at:

Uptown XO's - Facebook Artist's Page and visit his Bandcamp

 

Mello Music Group:  Twitter  Facebook