hip-hop journalism.

 

There was a time before internet blogs, before websites, before forums. There was also a time when all these internet media, applications and uses were sharing the space with the good old newspapers and magazines. Ah, magazines... Those were the good old days. But the thing about the old days is "they the old days".

And now, even more with the closure of the Wax Poetics adventure on paper, quality magazines about hip-hop are nowhere to be seen.

So it was a good surprise to see that Pitchfork published an article on the days when hip-hop journalism played a major role in the culture. Remember that quest for the "5 mics" status ?    

education and knowledge.

For those who understand French, and possibly German, English, Polish or Spanish, Arte constantly publishes new documentaries, about one hour long each, on fascinating topics including pictural arts and of course music. 

As they are only available on streaming for a short period of time, Arte's website is worth regular visits. 

At this moment, interesting documentaries include one on Jean-Michel Basquiat, the bursting disco phenomenon in Europe, as well as one on the queen of dirty funk, Betty Davis. Another series is dedicated to the beginning of the graffiti scene. 

great things from Belgium.

Belgium is the birth place of many great things. French fries (I know, the name is wrong), Magritte, Tintin, Eddy Merckx, the saxophone, Brueghel, Horta... and a lot of music, more than most know. 

Recently, Boiler Room dedicated a documentary to the revolutionary electronic movement that was the New Beat, first developed by innovative Belgian teenagers and geeks. 

"The Sound Of Belgium" is a well made trip into the eighties, as well as an instructive dive in the factors that allowed such a trend to emerge. 

It's not all. Belgium, and particularly Brussels, is home to numerous independent labels such as the eclectic Crammed Discs. Not a reissue label, Crammed Discs does a great job at giving a world exposure to local acts accross the world. It's no wonder that their catalog include current music from Africa, Eastern Europe, South America etc. 

To be honest, I don't know if this label has any limits in terms of genre or geographical area, which is confirmed by founder Marc Hollander in an interview with Noisey (in French). Note that Mr. Hollander regularly provides mixes available on Soundcloud, notably showcasing the music of the label. 

More great things from Belgium soon... 

 

Prince on Wax.

Wax Poetics is dead, long live Wax Poetics. 

The paper version you could buy for around 10 euros if you were lucky is no longer. Due to the increasing prices of printing and other expenses to maintain their business model, the team behind the reference music publication decided to transition to a new format : fully digital, that you can also receive printed in your mailbox, on demand. Not a bad idea, even though it may be a bit pricey. 

This announcement came as a shock for some, especially those who were waiting for the Prince special issue. Well, here it is, available for pre-order.