Lane Makers Documentary: 19 February 2012

#MsLMstatus: RIP Whitney Houston, Funeral Dedication Performances (VIDEO & BLOG) (Feb 12th-18th)

Everyone is well aware of Whitney Houston's downfalls and shortcomings if you followed her career. Regardless of those, no one could ever doubt the unprecedented talent of her vocal ability. Whitney was a part of an era where a lot of R&B Soul artist began crossing over to pop records. Most notably, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. The king and queen of pop music. The words that can be said for Whitney's talent and accomplishments could write books upon books. Something that stuck out to me is how many people were truly affected by her death, even the people who were children during her prime. Many of us looked at her as an aunt, mother or friend. Those who knew here personally and spoke about her as if she was angel put here to affect their lives, just through her consideration and kindness towards them. Yet through all of the great things she did for others she was the one full of pain and despair. Its a shame that people continue to badmouth her even when she is resting in peace but in response to the aftermath of her death, I'm proud to give some light to women who deserve the real credit because we can't let more and more of these angels waist away way too early.

RIP Lamont "Big L" Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999) (VIDEO & BLOG)

I need y’all to excuse me for a second, as he has been and probably always will be my favorite MC of all-time. I’m not saying I think he is the best of all-time but he is definitely my favorite. Its real sad that his career had to get cut short, especially being murdered but his legacy will live on together. I think L is my favorite MC ever for many reasons. First, his rhyming style is used by every one who was around his era by emphaszing the two-word at the end of the lyric significantly! For example “In a street brawl I STRIKE MEN/quicker than LIGHT-NING/you seen what happen in my last FIGHT-FRIEND/IGHT THEN” which is something that is protocol these days in Hip Hop! Even though L didn’t start it, he definitely took that style and patented it. Another reason I love L as an artist is because I was living in Harlem during the summers in 95’-00’ and even got a chance to meet L on 125^th street when I was 11. I let him know I was a big fan and even spit him some lyrics from his song “M.V.P.” and the #1 message I remember from that conversation was him telling me “stay in school”. RIP Big L, he’ll never be forgotten, his influence is etched in stone and as the years go on he should be celebrated more and more.

#MYOL News: Jeremy Lin Covers TIME & Sports Illustrated “Against All Odds” (VIDEO) (Feb 12th-18th)

#MYOL News: J.Cole & Lupe Interview With Mother's On The Grammy Red Carpet by Toure (VIDEO) (Feb 12th-18th)

#MYOL News: “The Throne” Dominates At 2012 Grammy’s (BLOG)

Best Rap Performance
WINNER: "Otis" - Jay-Z & Kanye West

Best Rap Song Collaboration
WINNER: "All Of The Lights" - Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie

Best Rap Song
WINNER: "All Of The Lights" - Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie

Best Rap Album
WINNER: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West

Throughout their whole careers Jay-Z and Kanye West have been loved, hated then loved again. It seems like an ever lasting trend amongst the Hip Hop and Pop Culture markets. Why Hov first stepped into the game with "Reasonable Doubt" many people "didn't really appreciate it, until the second one came out" and today there is no question it is a Classic Hip Hop Album. Even Jay-Z haters well tell you they respect the way he carries himself as a businessman and may have even indirectly influenced them. Nowadays, Mr. Carter is Hip Hop's newest father and waisted no time expressing it in his music with "Glory" featuring his daughter's Blue Ivy Carter's first cry. Not to mention dropping some of the hottest verses of 2011 on Watch The Throne.

Then there's this other musical genius who no one gave an opportunity to rap. He wouldn't take no for an answer and offered his crazy beats as a way to kick in the door of his dream of being one of the biggest artists in the world. Mission accomplished! Hip Hop loved Kanye West and his surviving a car crash story when he dropped his first single "Thru The Wire". After fans became more in tune with his brand, many of the Hip Hop heads that were feeling his rhymes weren't feeling his style. Colorful, high designer suits and clothing were not fly in the era of throwback jerseys and button ups. A lot of people weren't feeling Kanye but there was no denying the genius in his music. Then after his incident(s) with George Bush, Amber Rose and Taylor Swift he became public enemy #1.

There's no debate that these two MC's have been the most influential rappers, brands and businessmen in the last 10 years in Hip Hop. In a day in age where Hip Pop and authenticity in music is often missing, it is never something you have to be concerned about with Kanye and Jigga. Say what you want about either of these guys but they are on top of their game. Jay-Z does it just to show you who's been doing it for years and Kanye does it to prove it his time to dominate. That he did at this years Grammy's and it is a great thing to see the awards not only go to two true MC's but real artists who encourage millions of people with their stories. With such a soulful, Hip Hop album like "Watch The Throne" as their most recent work its great to see the game being led in the right direction.

-#HMIC (@TheOtherJayMYOL)