Talib Kweli Rocks Out S.O.B.’s for MLK
(AllHipHop News) Last night at the world famous S.O.B.’s, Brooklyn’s finest Talib Kweli delivered a powerful performance in front of a sold out crowd. Surrounded by a live band, Kweli dedicated the concert to the lives and memories of Civil Rights revolutionaries, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gil Scott-Heron. Kweli was proud to carry on the tradition Scott-Heron set forth in celebrating the memory of Dr. King, by celebrating them both. Opening acts Cory Mo. and Kris Kasanova held their own in front of packed crowd. Setting the stage for Kweli to make his entrance. Everybody went crazy for Jay-Z’s favorite rapper. The drummer clicked his sticks four times, then Kweli stormed into new and classic hits with a technicians’ flare. A crowd full of Hip-Hop heads sung along to every lyric, participated in hooks and kept their hands where he could see them. Clearly, the energy was of soul music… not pole music. After an hour of reigning supreme, Kweli closed the show with his 2002 critically acclaimed hit ‘Get By’. However, he couldn’t get by AllHipHop.com backstage for three questions. AllHipHop.com: Talk about your history here at S.O.B.’s. Talib Kweli: The first time I came here (S.O.B.’s), ever, was to see Gil Scott-Heron perform when I was fourteen years old. It’s a beautiful thing to continue on his tradition. The first time I performed here was Lyricist Lounge. Q-Tip was hosting. It was me and Rah Digga, as well as Young Zee. One of my favorite works from Gil Scott-Heron is “The Spirit”. Tell us one of your favorite works. My favorite Gil Scott-Heron piece is “Rivers of my Fathers”. Can we expect a new album from you in 2013? Definitely, there’s a new album on the way. Javotti Media is the label. The title is “Prisoner of Conscious”. I’m looking for to what this year holds. Outside of Mos Def, who would you like to see Talib Kweli collaborate on an album with?

Tech Review: Zipbuds CHOICE Headphones
I love my music the same way a stern parent lays down the law on their child, “Loud & Clear”. By the end of this review, you’ll know whether or not Zipbuds’ CHOICE, a premium tangle-free headphone is worth the hype. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Zipbuds are well known for their stylish, innovative take on cabling. Their patented ‘Zipper Integrated Cable’ transfers optimum sound through silver plated copper alloy. And for the people who tear up every pair of headphones they’ve own, the military grade Aramid and Maeden tinsel technology infuses high level protection with ‘on the fly’ style. In other words, they’ve done everything possible to separate their brand in an ever-growing headphones market. So how does CHOICE stack up on product appearance? The CHOICE is available in white and black, both with a grey Zipper Integrated Cable. DJ’s will love the 54” cable; great for maneuverability while performing, fully adjustable headphones with 2” extensions for each ear, and unlike the leading competitor on the scale of this product, CHOICE doesn’t need batteries to operate. If you’re not a DJ, and let’s say 5’6” tall, you’ll have a lot of cable to try to stuff in your pocket. So how does CHOICE stack up on Sound? Yes, the most important question to be answered. My favorite test song for any pair of headphones is “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson. The BAD album, without a shadow of a doubt is the greatest album of all-time for sound engineering. ‘Smooth Criminal’, from the opening deep heart beating of bass, syncopated bassline and merciless guitar play, soft synths and Michael’s classic vocal highs, combined with an extraordinary mix-down, if any of those sounds bleed together, your headphones are junk. On a scale of 1 to 10, without the use of an EQ, CHOICE narrowly passed with a 7. Increasing the volume, from minimum to maximum, I couldn’t separate the sounds in my mind. I shouldn’t have to equalize a perfect mixdown. On the Hip-Hop side of things, my favorite test song is “In The Club” by 50 Cent. I won’t go into as dramatic detail to explain why. I’ll just say a little birdie from Los Angeles put me on to the fact this song was used in the early stages of tweaking their headphone empire. On a scale of 1 to 10, CHOICE passed with an 8. Depending on your choice of EQ, the ranking could reach a 9. Overall, I give the CHOICE by Zipbuds a 7.5 out of 10. If you’re a devoted Apple fan, CHOICE is compatible with the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Sorry, Droid users. Noise Reduction is second-to-none. And the carry case is efficient. Is it worth the $199 price tag? For quality, durability, competitors in that range, and style, yes it is. But if you’re looking for the best headphone on the market, not quite.

Michael Vick’s Foundation Raises Money, He Looks Forward to Next NFL Season
On Monday night, NFL Quarterback Michael Vick and his “Team Vick Foundation” gathered at the Tashan Restaurant on 777 South Broad Street for a “Charity Cocktail Party” to raise awareness and money to benefit people in need. Supporters in attendance included John Dorenbos from the Eagles, NFL athlete Raheem Brock, Mike Jerrick and Shenielle Jones from FOX, Miss Pennsylvania Jordyn Colao, Film Producer Charlie Mack and many others. The Philly event was structured around the #7: Michael Vick’s jersey number, the starting time of 7pm, the date of January 7th, and the location (777). The jackpot came in the form of extraordinary items auctioned off for a great cause. “The Team Vick Foundation represents who I am by giving back to the community and creating as many activities I can to inspire our youth,” Vick expressed to AllHipHop.com. “We must give them insight and share our time and our experiences with the youth so we don’t lose them.” While Vick’s organization raised thousands of dollars last evening, the 2012 NFL season was as fruitful to Vick. The Philadelphia Eagles finished at the bottom of the NFC East with a 4-12 record. Vick played in 10 of those games, winning 3. And Andy Reid, the man who took a chance on Michael, was fired then hired by the Kansas City Chiefs in the span of 7 days. However, Michael is extremely optimistic about his future with the Eagles. And he didn’t back down from his stance following the end of regular season, claiming a few of his teammates checked out on him. “I feel that my best quality on the field is being a dual threat at any time, any moment in the game,” said Vick. “Next season, it’s all about having the best supporting cast around me to give our team the best opportunity to succeed, without all the pressure being on me. I feel I deserve that.” Visit www.TeamVickFoundation.Org for more information.

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ABSOLUTE REASON: ALL TURKEYS ASIDE, I’M GIVING MY HIP-HOP THANKS…

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VIDEO/FLICKS: ALL ACCESS WITH JOE BUDDEN IN PHILADELPHIA

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