Throwback Thursdays: Foxy Brown

Remember Foxy Brown before the deafness and nail salon fights? Back when she wore long dresses and rapped with Jay-Z and was all about the Ill Na Na? Yeah, I miss her too. At least she left behind jams like Get Me Home, Candy, and I'll Be.

I'll Be (feat. Jay-Z) - Foxy Brown


There's just not enough choreographed dancing in rap videos anymore.

Bonus throwback!: Here's the original Foxy Brown, played by my idol, Pam Grier a.k.a. the HBIC.


I can't wait for the day someone pisses me off to the point where I get to say "Death is too easy for you, bitch."

-M

Songs of the Week: Kanye West & Silversun Pickups

Monica's Pick
The beautiful music video for Mr. West and Jeezy's song "Amazing" (shot in Hawaii) came out just a few days ago and I can't stop watching. Yes, I think autotune is the devil's work, but with Kanye it works somehow. It also helps that it's the official song of this year's NBA Playoffs. Go Heat!

Alex's Pick
I heard this song once and I was instantly hooked but there was only one problem...I didn't know who it was by. I was searching high and low for this song for hours and I retraced myself back to the crime scene song. "Hmm...the guy's voice is whiny...almost like a girl. Kind of sounds like the Silversun Pickups." Never ignore your instincts. Oh, by the way, the video is awesome and I am in total envy of the drummer.

Hello, Paul Dano

Former New School student Paul Dano covers this month's Nylon Guys. And even though Nylon is so 2006, I will walk to my nearest magazine shop and pick this up along with a pack of American Spirits so I can finally fit in at school. Wow, I am in a really sarcastic mood today. Lovely.

Many people may find Paul a bit pretentious when he talks about things he can't live without: coffee, movies, music, women, cereal and bacon. I find it honest,I can't live without Corn Pops and this cover. We'll be seeing a lot of him with Zooey Deschanel in Gigantic, Where the Wild Things Are which deserves it's own post, and Taking Woodstock with Demetri Martin.



-A

Rap + Children = Comedy

I watched this entire video with my mouth open. There are no words.



Ole girl in the back should just sit this one out. Little Red's got it.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!


I'm just glad his parents found the censored version for him.
I want a little dancing ginger kid, too.

-M

Throwback Thursdays: Rugrats

I'm taking a break from flashy bling bling music videos to talk about one of the greatest cartoons from the 90s. I'm talking about the Rugrats. Now I don't know how to describe the amount of awesome this show was but the intro alone gives me chills and flashbacks. I'll even admit that I watched the All Grown Up episodes -- not as cool.



Now only if I could get all the seasons on DVD on my Amazon wish list...

-A

UBH interviews Chester French

This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned Chester French at Unfriendly Black Hotties and probably won’t be our last. These two Harvard grads have made making music from scratch cool again. Their baby, which has been in the making for five years, is finally hitting stores tomorrow. So grab your mom, grandma and your neighbor with that weird lisp and carpool to your nearest record store to pick up Love the Future. If it’s anything like Jacques Jams, Vol 1: Endurance then it’s going to be hot. I had the pleasure to chat with Max and D.A. a couple weeks ago on their recent tour with Lady Gaga, their post concert antics and why they love the Jonas Brothers.

How are you guys doing today?
D.A: Great

How’s the tour going?
D.A.: It’s going well. We’re in New York right now. Several shows got canceled unfortunately because Lady Gaga is on American Idol but we’re a little disappointed that we couldn’t play for our New York, Philadelphia and D.C supporters.
Yeah, I got the dreaded phone call from Ticketmaster that the show got rescheduled to May 2nd.
Max: That was nice of them that they called you.

Yeah it was. How is this tour different from your past tours?
Max: There are more young girls and gay people.

So instead of 20 year olds there more like 14 year olds throwing their panties on stage?
Max: (Laughs) No, I don’t think they were that young.

Can Chester French fans expect a few surprises at the show such as fancy costumes or a few cover songs?
D.A.: Yes.
Max: Sometimes I take my shirt off, sometimes I wear wigs. Many of these things are liable to happen.

Are there any crazy tour stories you can share?
D.A.: Hmm...
Max: My mom made brownies when we came to Boston.
D.A.: Yeah that was awesome! And yesterday at Vogue we gave some of the people brownies which was a funny subversive way to endear them because they’re all about perfection and looks and those brownies are totally going to undermine everything they’re going for.

You guys have gotten shout outs from guys like Diddy and Kanye West. How does it feel to be embraced by hip hop heavyweights?
D.A.: It’s great. I mean we really respect those guys’ careers. To get their support is as awesome as anybody.

What music are you guys interested in lately?
Max: The last D’Angelo album that didn’t get released, our drummer gave it to me.

Is there a story behind She Loves Everybody?
D.A.: There’s not one story. It’s more of a combined take on females and it’s not to diss all women but there are certain guys and girls that like to get around and have the kind of baggage that compels them to do that. The song is about a slut. We tried to make it rock, you know?
For lack of better words?
D.A.: Best words.

What can fans expect on the new album? You guys have such a diverse sound. I’m wondering how you’re going to incorporate all of these influences into a Chester French original?
D.A.: We wanted to make an album. You know how it is when you go onto iTunes and there are two good songs on a record and there’s no reason to get the whole thing. We really wanted to make an album that you can listen to the whole way through. So it was really important to us that there weren’t any filler songs and everything we had was very unique and had its own flavor, but that together it would feel like one cohesive piece of music.

My fellow black hottie had told me that you guys are in love with the Jonas brothers?
D.A.: The JBs!
Can you tell us why them in particular?
Max: Nick, Kevin and the other one are just great guys. I mean, they show us that even in today’s world, a handsome white guy with Disney holding you back can still make it and we didn’t think that was possible.
Do you guys think you’ll be bigger than the Jonas Brothers?
D.A.: Oh yeah.
Max: I don’t know in general but defiantly in the teen or tween market.

I know you guys are named Chester French after the sculptor Daniel Chester French but what is the significance of Daniel Chester French to you guys?
D.A.: We just thought it was a cool name and we picked it freshmen year when we first started which was 5 years ago. It’s just a name we continue to like.
Max: It doesn’t have a meaning unfortunately. We just think it sounds cool.
Well that’s pretty honest
D.A.: Yeah, we wanted something that’d stick in your head and be unique and distinctive.
Yeah, I have people coming up to me and they’re asking “Have you heard of Chester French? That guy's pretty cool” and I keep telling them there’s two of them... that’s not their name.
D.A.: The biggest downside of the name is that after shows because I’m singing people assume that I must be a guy named Chester French which is such a revolting fucking name. I was getting pizza in Toronto and across the room some girl’s like “Oh my god! Are you Chester?!” and I’m like “No...”

What’s the craziest venue you guys performed at, where the crowd was insane and wanting more Chester French?
Max: Detroit, definitely. There were fucking panty droppers in Detroit, no bullshit.
D.A.: People really know how to have fun at concerts in Detroit, especially when we’re there.

What do you guys do after shows?
Max: We usually have a prayer session with the band.
D.A.: Sometimes we pump some iron.
Max: Doing a show, my pecs get tight so sometimes we alter between that and Pilates to even myself out, keep my core strong and flexible.
Yeah I would imagine it would be hard to carry around a Bowflex on the tour bus. Pilates is the way to go.
D.A.: Oh yeah.

Do you guys hang out with the fans after the show?
D.A.: Yeah we’ve always sold CDs on the street when we’re doing shows because it’s the best way to meet people and sort of hang out. And anyone like you who knows about us at this point in our career before we hit the radio, you guys are true supporters. There’s no one we’re more grateful to then the people who are riding with us now and the past few years. And outside of the shows is the best way to meet people and hang out. It's fun. Going on tour is a cool way to meet a ton of people. We’re making friends in all these cities. It’s awesome.
I like that you guys are keeping it old school by selling your CD’s out on the street.

One last question. Unfriendly Black Hotties has to know: is Chester French down with the swirl?
D.A.: Uhh..What?
Black and white... ebony and ivory?
Max: Yeah, obviously.
D.A.: Yeah. Like butter on rye.
Something like that...

Love the Future comes out tomorrow, April 21st.

Songs of the Week: The Twelves & The Submarines

Monica's Pick
I didn't know whether to credit New Young Pony Club, the original artists of the song, or The Twelves, who remixed it. In the end, I decided it was definitely the Brazilian electronic duo that absolutely made this song and created the beat I haven't been able to get out of my head.

Alex's Pick
I've been listening to the soundtrack from Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and it's pretty damn good. Xavia is the best song off the soundtrack and when I went to snoop a bit more on this band I found out that they were featured in the latest iPod touch commercials. So I want to let it be known that I'm not some hipster jacking songs from Apple commercials, but is it any better getting it from N&N's soundtrack?

Why the F*** Do You Have a Kid?

Some people should just never, ever procreate. Never. Those on the bottom rung of the Darwin ladder should be put on blast. Always.

At Why the F*** Do You Have a Kid?, you can do just that. You know that disturbing picture of your 8 month pregnant cousin grinding in the club? Or the one of that needy girl you knew in high school's baby sleeping while 19 year olds party around her? Send it in and share your horror with the world wide web. Maybe if you discretely slip them the link to their parental faux pas, they can learn the errors of their ways. Then the world will be a better place, right? Right?

Or maybe you can just log on for a quick laugh.

See how long you can go without cringing at http://whythefuckdoyouhaveakid.com/

-M

Songs of the Week: Cat Stevens & Regina Spektor

Monica's Pick
I saw Harold and Maude for the first time this week (which I loved, by the way), and while Cat Stevens provided the soundtrack for the entire movie, it was "Trouble" that really stayed with me after the credits rolled.

Alex's Pick
Everyone I know is in love with this beautiful Russian songstress. She's working on a new album and I can't wait to pick it up. For now I'll stick with the classic, "Fidelity". Make sure to check out the video if you haven't seen it.

Throwback Thursdays: Busta Rhymes

If I had to choose my favorite rapper as a child, there would be a good chance that Busta Rhymes would make the pick. He was funny, unique, and original. This song, along with the video's shoutout to my favorite childhood movie, Coming to America, stole my 7 year old heart.

Now he's making Arab Money. Oh, where is the Busta Rhymes I love? I still maintain that he lost his mind ever since he cut his dreads.

Here's one for the road--

Chester French in Miami

Chester French, if you don't know by now, are touring with Lady Gaga currently. Unfortunately for fans of either in South Florida, the show was sold out with a quickness. So Chester French, being the fan friendly group they are, decided to have an "intimate," acoustic set - free of charge - at Miami's Design District sneaker boutique Culture Kings.

They came in a smidge late, but all was forgiven after DA explained they were up all night putting the finishing touches on their mixtape, Jaques Jams, which they were determined to get out today. Throughout the show DA was charismatic as always while Max looked a bit high (just a bit), and gave us songs like "Jimmy Choos," "C'mon (On My Own)," "Not Over You," and of course "She Loves Everybody."


Click photos to enlarge.

Max warming up...

...while DA had a quick interview outside.



Note the "P" on Max's finger. Hmm, I wonder what that stands for...


DA and a super unflattering photo of yours truly.


Download their free mixtape Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance, out now.

-M

Like A Boss

Once again The Lonely Island has blown us away with their new video Like A Boss featuring Seth Rogen who is looking good these days. He still has the laugh of an 80 year old, I love it. I won't be satisfied until they make a video for their song Boombox featuring Julian Casablancas. That's pure gold right there.

-A

Songs of the Week: Alka Yagnik & Britney Spears

Monica's Pick
I've been taking this Bollywood dance class for the past month and one of the dances we'll be learning is from this movie called Lajja with this really great dance scene performed by Madhuri Dixit. I don't know how else to describe this song other than just pure fun.

Alex's Pick
I was watching "Someday (I Will Understand)" and I noticed that this is the last video that we see Britney Spears in her true form - a quirky pop princess that sang beautiful cheesetastic songs. This song wasn't necessarily a hit being that it debuted on her show Chaotic. Remember that hot mess? I wish I didn't.

Sexy People

We all have our share of embarrassing Sears' Portraits that we've attempted to burn and/or steal and hide from our parents wall. You know that saying, "One day we'll look back and laugh?" Well today is that day.

At Sexy People you can submit your, your grandmother's, your brother's, or any one else's embarrassing pictures from the past. Maybe they had a mullet in '87 or some torn acid wash jeans in '92. Or maybe, like Tom over here on your left, it's just plain sad. Honestly, the less attractive the better.

Submit your mom's prom pic at www.sexypeople-blog.com

-M

Throwback Thursdays: Aaliyah

Since we slacked on last weeks throwback Thursday we have a double whammy for you. Totally didn't see that coming, I know.

I love Aaliyah and I can't believe it's been 8 years since she died. I think her and Tupac are chilling somewhere in New Mexico where no one knows about their secret love. This song will forever be my jam and I want those leather pants.

Notice a young Mark Ronson on the turntables.

This song is one of Aaliyah's first and definitely one of her best. I still jam to it, especially after finding out a guy you're talking to has a girlfriend. You can contemplate whether or not to tell her while Aaliyah croons.

All I do is party!

I am so excited for Friday that I am playing MSTRKRFT's new CD Fist Of God to death. It is going to be absolute insanity and it's the perfect way to kick off my weekend. If you're in New York City you must come to MSTRKRFT/The Bloody Beetroots show. It will be one of the best shows you'll see all year and you can meet this fellow BH. We can chat, smoke cigarettes, talk about music and our existence on earth, you know any typical Friday night conversation. Here's a preview for what I'm about to experience. I hope you can join me on this trip.



-A

(photo courtesy of Nicky Digital)