Blue Scholars

I've said before that I enjoy some rap and hip-hop.  The best of it, in my view, combines smart, clever lyrics with slick rhythms.  Beyond that, if the lyrics are funny and/or if they show some sense of social/political awareness, then I'm generally sold.  This one falls into the latter category, with a somewhat unexpected angle on (urban) life in the Pacific Northwest and modern race relations in general.  These guys are sharp, and I'm going to hunt down more of their s... MORE

Pacific Northwest hip hop duo, Blue Scholars, have a new video out for their song "Joe Metro" off their 2007 release Bayani. Currently, the new vid is only viewable on MTV's website: MTV U website "Back Home" is also from Bayani which you can view right here:
Blue Scholars - Back Home
Uploaded by homhom

I've always told my kids that I don't have any conceptual problem with the underlying premise of hip-hop music. The connection between poetry and music is so old, that it would be unfair to simply dismiss hip-hop offhandedly. So, when my daughter said she thought these guys were worthwhile, I needed to follow through on my word and investigate them. And, you know what? She's right. Now, there's a lot of conscience rap out there, but I also have to admit that, with a... MORE

This one is definitely not a blip on the mainstream radar, but that's not a problem at all. Besides, there are so few songs that are popular AND awesome! My college roommate suggested this group to me and I simply was too lazy to listen for a long time (that's a weird thing to say, actually). Once I did, I discovered this great song off a pretty good album. The rhyming in this song isn't at all what stands out, but the beat certainly does. What's more interesting is ... MORE

The Ave. From the album Blue Scholars see post below

When you hear this group, you wonder why they're so underrated. Its rare to come across hip hop like this, but its enjoyable when it happens. They have a contest running right now where the top 5 colleges with the most demands (votes) get a show at their school. I need some help from San Diegans to make this happen. I'd love to see them. http://www.eventful.com/bluescholars

Album "Bayani" drops June 12th on Massline/Rawkus. Don't sleep on this new movement of hip hop!!! Blue Scholars Video: "Back Home"

Blue Scholars have a brand new video for the first single off their BAYANI album. "Back Home" is an excellent track about bringing soldiers home to their families. A slow and smooth melody, no angst, just sadness and a desire to be reunited with brothers and sisters. Definitely take a look: BAYANI officially drops on June 12th.

Blue Scholars LINKS

Official website Bayani Album Release Info

Powerful words from a powerful group. I'm pretty sure this is my favorite song off of Bayani -- it certainly has the most memorable hook.

Blake Lewis makes a surprise appearance with friend RA Scion (of Common Market)in the encore at the Blue Scholars release party for their albums "Bayani". http://www.masslinemedia.com

Blue Scholars are about to drop their second full length album, BAYANI, with Geologic on the mic and Sabzi kickin out the beats for some good ol' fashioned Pacific Northwest hip hop. That's the coastal Washington state area, for those not from around 'ere. The duo are local favorites, who take the real, everyday situations of living in this day and age, and discuss them. No gangsta rap here, just economic oppression, and spiritual liberation. As the PNW free weekly pap... MORE

i was noticing that left coast wasn't getting much love so this time i'm posting about a group that i just discovered within the last couple of months. they're the blue scholars from seattle, washington - another dj/mc duo. these guys formed at the university of washington. take a listen - they've got a good, old school vibe. and you thought seattle was only full of coffee drinkers and hippies...
create your own visited states map or check out these Google Hacks.... MORE

Album "Bayani" drops June 12th on Massline/Rawkus. Don't sleep on this new movement of hip hop!!! Blue Scholars Video: "Back Home"