In-depth conversations with folks from the worldwide hip hop community talking about life & sharing their thoughts & feelings on ‘spirituality’ and creativity. Includes conversations with: Questlove, Gift Of Gab, MC Zumbi, Jahn Illuminati Congo, DJ Qbert, MC Sha-Rock and many, many more to be announced… Watch this space… *questions? contact Bianca Valentino @: http://conversationswithbianca.com/Tumblr (3.0; @hiphopinsight)http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lypfr42jNb1qczpijo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://jhonnyhobo.tumblr.com/post/16856825523/wasnt-happy-with-the-quality-of-the-photos-i-had">jhonnyhobo</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>“The Search for Rhyme or Reason”</strong></p> <p><strong>by Jhonny Russell</strong></p> <p><em>(acrylic on wood panel)</em></p> </blockquote>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16968735170http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16968735170Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:07:44 +1000Jhonny Russell<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lycnduXpJd1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2 class="title">Morbski: Hip Hop Inspiring Betterment</h2> <p>As a teen US emcee Morbski a.k.a. Amun Morb/Naja Gemini found himself in Mountview Juvenile Detention Center facing felony weapons charges. After many more years spent in and out of incarceration Morbski started writing once more, purchased a 4-track, found a microphone, borrowed electricity from the neighbors and wrote some jams–hip hop helped change his life. Morbski has since had many releases: The Dandelion, Speech Therapy, Dyspnea, Love, Etc., Limbo’s Mezzanine, Rebel Rouzah. Plus releasing Snake Whisper under moniker Naja Gemini. He is a part of the Revolt Motion Recordings family and is co-creator with Son of Saturn in Akashik Ancestorz.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/11/08/morbski-hip-hop-inspiring-betterment/" target="_blank">Read Morbski Hip Hop Insight…</a></strong></p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16459248953http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16459248953Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:20:18 +1000Akashik AncestorzConversations With BiancaMorbskiNaja GeminiSnake WhisperSon of Saturnhip hopRevolt Motion Recordings<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lycn7tyZCd1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2 class="title">A Conversation on Def Jam with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin</h2> <p>I spent this morning watching a live stream of a conversation with Def Jam Recordings founders <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Simmons" target="_blank">Russell Simmons</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Rubin" target="_blank">Rick Rubin</a> presented by the <a href="http://www.nypl.org/" target="_blank">New York Public Library</a> and facilitated by Paul Holdengraber the library’s Director of Public Programs. They were there to chat about 25 years of Def Jam and to support the release of book, Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label. Holdengraber praised the impressive tome – a comprehensive history of the label – as “utterly magnificent” and “absolutely outstanding” before adding that he believed the book to be “produced in the most exquisite way… the level of passion… the power of the writers.”</p> <p>Rick and Russell were introduced to the sold out audience using seven words of their own choosing. Russell offered a haiku: Def Jam showed me power of faith. Rick chose: Rick Rubin is a fan of music—both introductions simple and humble, yet powerful; an apt reflection of both men who have “led the way in transforming hip hop culture from a projects-based art form to a popular phenomenon.”</p> <p>Proceedings kicked off with (a shoeless) Rick Rubin requesting that they begin in a certain way – he asked that everyone in attendance, including himself and Russell, close their eyes for 3 minutes and focus on breathing – inhaling and exhaling, to focus on the breath – a meditation of sorts. He said that the goal of this exercise was to bring everyone together and to give thanks, to create a space in the room for something new. After the 3 minutes silence was up, there was a big collective breath and stretching, Russell asking the audience “isn’t that much better than angel dust?” continuing by explaining how Rick was the first person he ever meditated with adding, “20 minutes twice a day makes you high as hell.” Rick enlightened that, “there’s a power when a big group meditate together.” They have both been meditation practitioners for well over a decade. You can read Russell’s thoughts on meditation here: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-simmons/why-i-meditate_b_474689.html" target="_blank">Why I Meditate</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/10/15/a-conversation-on-def-jam-with-russell-simmons-and-rick-rubin/">Read more…</a></strong></p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16459197528http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16459197528Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:16:41 +1000Rick RubinRussell SimmonsDef JamNew York Public LibraryDef Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record LabelmeditationConversations With Bianca<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lycn2fMCj91qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>US hip hop artist Atma is one of my favourite emcees. I find his pursuit of self, spiritual and ancient knowledge as well as quest for cultivation of peace within inspiring. He believes in and lets the following guide him: love, truth, peace, light, creativity, joy, spiritual, inspire, service, relationship, listen, learn, teach, forgiveness, contentment, courage, integrity, gratitude and acceptance. Follow the link to <strong><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/10/22/atma-cultivating-a-deeper-connection/" target="_blank">read an extract from my interview with Atma</a></strong> for my forthcoming book, Hip Hop Insight.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16459153644http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/16459153644Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:13:27 +1000AtmaMasta Buildasspiritualityhip hopHip Hop InsightGZAKillah PriestApakalypse<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltm1qjBNSv1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight from prolific US emcee and producer APAKALYPSE!</p> <h2 class="title"><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/10/25/apakalypse/">Apakalypse: Truth, Big Dreams, Hard Work & Legacy</a></h2> <p class="title">*Plus download Apak’s The Ascension EP for FREE! :)</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/11900682500http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/11900682500Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:20:43 +1000Hip Hop InsightApakalypseApak MastersMasta BuildasE.F.S.follwing your dreamship hopsuccessIll Flow/Universal RecordsConversations With Bianca<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsiwuq0SD51qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Awesome lady emcees from Washington D.C. Akoko:</p> <h2 class="title"><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/10/04/akoko-creativity-writing-from-the-soul-killer-tofu/">Akoko: Creativity, Writing From The Soul & Killer Tofu</a></h2>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/11010832738http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/11010832738Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:08:00 +1000AkokoWashington D.C. hip hoplady emceescreativitykiller tofu<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsio09odDt1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2 class="title"><strong>Words of Wisdom:</strong></h2> <h2 class="title"><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/10/04/son-of-saturn-finding-positivity-in-times-of-adversity/">Son of Saturn: Finding Positivity in Times of Adversity</a></h2></p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/11002237584http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/11002237584Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:57:45 +1000Son Of SaturnRevolt Motion Recordingship hop insightpositivitymeditationcalm<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lscw48vBnJ1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Words of Wisdom from:</p> <h2 class="title"><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/09/20/illuminati-congo%e2%80%99s-jahn-creating-your-reality/">Illuminati Congo’s Jahn: Creating Your Reality</a></h2>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/10861788634http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/10861788634Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:07:20 +1000illuminati congoJahnigga da Baptistconscious hip hopconversations with bianca<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lscw1ezmFd1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Insight from:</p> <h2 class="title"><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/09/27/emcee-rush/">Egypt’s Emcee Rush: Raging Against The Machine Using Music</a></h2>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/10861722631http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/10861722631Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:05:38 +1000egyptian hip hopEgyptian RevolutionRushArabian KnightzArab League Recordslauryn hill collaboration<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lscvrsj9Wk1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>A chat with Australian-based Spanish Filipina emcee:</p> <h2 class="title"><a href="http://conversationswithbianca.com/2011/09/27/sammy-g-mad-kix-swagg-crazy-violent-sweet-god-you-wanna-explode-flow/">Sammy G: Mad Kix, Swagg & Crazy Violent Sweet God You Wanna Explode Flow</a></h2>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/10861499524http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/10861499524Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:59:52 +1000sammy gconversations with biancahip hopAustralian hip hop<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg4eybivkq1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight enjoys the art of <a href="http://noahbdesign.deviantart.com/">NoahBDesign</a>.</p> <p>Afrika Bambaataa. Check out <a href="http://www.zulunation.com/afrika.html">Universal Zulu Nation</a>. Lots of interesting ideas and educational information.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/4757993327http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/4757993327Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:20:47 +1000Afrika BambaataaUniversal Zulu NationNoahBDesignHip Hop Insight Art<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljtkerDEwD1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>A few days ago I attended Snoop Dogg’s only Australian press conference on the Gold Coast, Australia for new album Doggumentary. Check out the questions asked by the Australian media at <a href="http://www.collapseboard.com/the-12-worst-questions-asked-by-australian-media-at-snoop-dogg%e2%80%99s-only-australian-press-conference/comment-page-1#comment-33982">Collapse Board</a>…</p> <p>Example: Would you rather lick Vegemite off a dingo’s nose or eat kangaroo testicles?</p> <p>*Hip Hop Insight enjoys & appreciates the art of Chronic artist <a href="http://www.chronic-art.com/">Cliff Maynard</a>.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/4702148102http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/4702148102Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:11:15 +1000Collapse BoardSnoop DoggDoggumentaryAustralian mediaCliff MaynardChronic ArtHip Hop Insight Art<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljtjxlefWD1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hi Friends,</p> <p>Hip Hop Insight has a Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hip-Hop-Insight/213549715338039#!/pages/Hip-Hop-Insight/213549715338039?sk=info">here</a>! Please head on over, check it out & share! :)</p> <p>Thank you!</p> <p>B</p> <p>xo</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/4701867281http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/4701867281Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:00:00 +1000Hip Hop InsightFacebook<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg69egdVJ11qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight enjoys the art of <a href="http://seankernick.com/r3/html/work/blackalicious.html">Sean Kernick</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blackalicious.com/">Blackalicious</a>. For an interview with Gift of Gab with an Australian magazine click <a href="http://www.scenemagazine.com.au/index.php/category-table/858-gift-of-gab-interview">here</a>.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3263192363http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3263192363Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:20:36 +1000Hip Hop Insight ArtBlackaliciousGift of GabSean KernickIllustrationhip hop art<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lf7ogsr83p1qac97bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight enjoys the art of <a href="http://www.behance.net/Molloy">Michael Molloy</a>.</p> <p>?uestlove.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3184346791http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3184346791Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:31:00 +1000?uestloveAhmir ThompsonQuestlovethe Legendary Roots Crewthe RootsMichael Molloy<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg4dtmeH981qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight enjoys the art of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/29385649/grandmaster-flash-limited-edition-art">Lake Illustration</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.grandmasterflash.com/">Grandmaster Flash</a>.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3179329380http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3179329380Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:16:04 +1000Hip Hop Insight Artlake illustrationgrandmaster flash<iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mAYTQ6AB_AU?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight (live) Song of the Day - Knights of the Underground Table by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/defwishcast">Def Wish Cast</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Def_Wish_Cast">Def Wish Cast</a> are one of Australia’s original hip hop acts. The track comes from album of the same name—it was Australia’s first full length hip hop release.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3167865365http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3167865365Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:44:32 +1000hip hop insight song of the dayDef Wish CastKnights of the Underground Tableaustralian hip hop<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg8ekeKlsZ1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight enjoys the art of <a href="http://solo-rm.deviantart.com/">SOLO-RM</a>.</p> <p>Also, you can peep a brand new interview with De La Soul that was just posted <a href="http://www.thevine.com.au/music/interviews/de-la-soul-_-interview20110207.aspx">here</a>.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3159197768http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3159197768Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:14:38 +1000SOLO-RMHip Hop Insight ArtDe La Soul<iframe width="400" height="299" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BN9-K0aZXRg?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight (live) Song of the Day = The Message by Grandmaster Flash & <a href="http://grandmastermelemel.ning.com/">Grandmaster Melle Mel</a> & the Furious Five live at the Tube 1983.</p> <p>Melle Mel was recently featured in an Australian car commercial, you can view it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN2Q7HTyPZQ">here</a>.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3158726879http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3158726879Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:45:00 +1000hip hop insight song of the dayThe MessageGrandmaster FlashGrandmaster Melle MelMelle Mel Australian car commercial<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg4fc9FaeF1qgu51xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Hip Hop Insight enjoys the art of <a href="http://dantat.typepad.com/dantat/">Dan Santat</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://beastieboys.com/">the Beastie Boys</a>.</p>http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3153574658http://hiphopinsight.tumblr.com/post/3153574658Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:59:42 +1000Hip Hop Insight Artbeastie boysDan Santat