#fucu

Source: Edan / Instagram

A note from the writer: Beauty and the Beat is my favorite piece of music ever created. That isn’t to say there aren’t more significant works or artists, but as a complete body of work, Edan made something that connected with me almost immediately and still stirs my soul today. I had the pleasure of meeting him through my friend Dillon and the late Paten Locke in Atlanta at A3C 2013 where I got to tell him what Beauty and the Beat meant to me. He looked at me skeptically, but I earnestly tried to convey to him what place this album holds in my life. He was, as his nickname, humble and magnificent.

Edan Portnoy may very well be Rockville, Md.’s greatest MC. That’s said in slight jest of course but in reality, the producer, rapper, and DJ long ago eclipsed his days of being an indie darling and largely outside of the public eye, but not before delivering an opus that remains timeless. To understand the sonic leap Edan made as an artist on his second album, Beauty and the Beat, we take a look back at his debut album, the dusty and distinctive Primitive Plus.

In 2002, Hip-Hop found itself as a strange turning point with labels such as El-P’s Definitive Jux owning the underground and keeping the somewhat surging Anticon label at bay, while Loud Records continued its mid-major run. Debut albums from future legends such as Jean Grae and Royce Da 5’9 were among the offerings, and Roc-A-Fella Records still churned out the product for most points north while Rap-A-Lot Records, along with Cash Money Records, took care of the south. It was a time of transition and the shift to digital consumption of music was dawning.

Primitive Plus was a shock to the system in some ways. The album was indeed a callback to the 1980s and early 1990s; Edan rapped like a man much larger than his slim stature and commanded his rhymes with dexterity and confidence. It was traditional boom-bap in the best of terms, and lyrically it never got further than “rapping about rapping” that plagued many independent acts of the time. However, Edan’s perspective was fresh as it was clear that his vision was to both pay homage and carve a specialized niche for himself.

For all of the hazy snap, crackle and pop of his debut, Beauty and the Beat had a weighty promise of being something more. A chance meeting after a show in Baltimore back in 2004, Edan informed the writer of this piece that his next project was going to be rock-influenced but made specifically for music lovers. Rock and Rap have had fusions before but it felt as if that ship sailed along with Run-D.M.C.’s heydays. But in March 2005, the unexpected brilliance of Edan’s second album was anything but the loud, raucous frat-rap some may have been expecting.

To explain any further what Beauty and the Beat stylistically achieves would ruin it for any new listeners so we’ll avoid that here. We carefully suggest that the best way to approach this record is sober, clear-eyed, surrounded in sound and to let the album run through its 34-minute playing time. There is a thorough Hip-Hop lesson, screeching guitar riffs, and trippy sound effects that are all present. And because you will miss all the nuances in even the most focused of listening sessions, repeat plays will be necessary. The critics make the smart nod towards the album’s psychedelic, rock-tinged sound but the bombast of Golden Era Hip-Hop also rings true.

These days, Edan can be found in his adopted home of New York City spinning rarities at various bars, and his embrace of social media has allowed insight on his current activities. He still raps from time to time but appears to be content as a sparingly-used feature artist and producer, most evidently on the excellent EP with the gifted Homeboy Sandman and their Humble Pi project.

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Much love to each and every one of you. Let's try and transmute these unresolved emotions into excellence!

A post shared by Edan (@edanexists) on Jan 27, 2020 at 3:02pm PST

To use Edan’s preferred spelling, a “rapp” follow-up to Beauty and the Beat was teased but never materialized. Instead, the out-there mixtape Echo Party was released in 2009 with a warm reception despite the lack of new verses. Somehow, the world continued to spin without Edan giving us more and perhaps he said all he needed to. In many ways, this would make for a satisfying conclusion because few albums across any genre managed to retain its magic as well as Beauty and the Beat has over the past decade.

To experience Beauty and the Beat, check out the streams below.

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Photo: @EdanExists/Instagram

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty

That took long enough. Jay-Z and LL Cool J were among the musical royalty, including Tina Turner, who were formally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday (October 30) night.

Dr. Gloria Carter and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Cleveland, OH October 30, 2021 pic.twitter.com/ghFhvyhOFI

— Roc Nation (@RocNation) October 31, 2021

The induction ceremony went down at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. Besides the aforementioned, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class includes the Foo Fighters, Carole King, The Go-Gos and Todd Rundgren. Also getting their flowers were Clarence Avant (the Ahmet Ertegun Award) and Gil Scott-Heron, Charley Patton and Kraftwerk.

Longer version of JAY-Z's star-studded induction video. Epic #RockHall2021

pic.twitter.com/5PR2sveMpq

— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY_Z_Daily) October 31, 2021

According to the Associated Press, Jay-Z’s intro included a star-studded video of some famed fans espousing on his greatness like President Barack Obama, LeBron James and David Letterman. Hova was interestingly inducted Dave Chappelle, who reportedly said,  “He rhymed a recipe for survival.” Adding, “He embodies what the potential of our lives can be and what success can be.”

Also worth noting, Jay-Z made sure to shout out his fellow Roc-a-Fella Records founder Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke during his acceptance speech. He also gave heavy props to Chuck D, KRS-One, Rakim, LL Cool J and, of course, Big Daddy Kane.

Jay-Z gives Dame Dash a shoutout during his Rock Hall speech

pic.twitter.com/sczxcvDSvF

— DatPiff (@DatPiff) October 31, 2021

If you want to officially peep the ceremony, you’ll have to wait until Nov. 20 when it airs on HBO.

Check out some glimpses of the festivities from around social media in the gallery.

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1.

Obama leads off the video tribute to Jay-Z #RockHall2021 pic.twitter.com/7mInBo2Muw

— Future Rock Legends (@futurerocklgnds) October 31, 2021

2.

Congratulations to Jay-Z on his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction! Not only do I love Jay-Z’s music, I love that he’s become one of the most successful and powerful businessmen!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 31, 2021

3.

Congratulations to tonight's 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees

Tina Turner JAY-Z Charley Patton Gil Scott-Heron LL Cool J Billy Preston Clarence Avant They round out the most diverse class of inductees in the history of the organization

pic.twitter.com/FOqaBqq2nk

— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) October 31, 2021

4.

JAY-Z and LL Cool J were joined by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Jennifer Lopez, and Dave Chappelle as they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

pic.twitter.com/nmuyGsuFDq

— Rap-Up (@RapUp) October 31, 2021

5.

While inducting Jay-Z into the Rock Hall, Dave Chapelle said Jay-Z recently told him “You must be under a lot of pressure to always say something funny.” Chapelle said “Well, you must always be under pressure to say cool things.” Jay-Z said “Nah, I just do.” #RockHall2021 @wkyc

— Denise Polverine Manoloff (@denisep) October 31, 2021

6.

JAY-Z and Dave Chappelle pic.twitter.com/IBzIqROzYs

— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY_Z_Daily) October 31, 2021

7.

Beyoncé and Blue Ivy in the video tribute for JAY-Z's Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame induction!! pic.twitter.com/8ocUcH6Btg

— Davalynnnn (@iprpleubhive) October 31, 2021

8.

“What’s better than one billionaire?”— Pharrell “Two!” — Beyoncé

#RockHall2021 pic.twitter.com/ZsxNofKAnF

— Beyoncé Access (@bey_access) October 31, 2021

Source: YouTube / Youtube

Alpo Martinez, the infamous Harlem drug kingpin, was reportedly shot and killed on Saturday night, early Sunday morning (October 30).

Born Alberto Geddis Martinez, a report about the shooting doesn’t yet mention him by name but the word on the street is starting to get out.

Reported the New York Daily News:

A 55-year-old man was killed in a drive-by shooting on a Harlem street corner early Sunday.

The victim was struck multiple times in the chest in a hail of bullets fired from a passing vehicle on W. 147th St. near Frederick Douglass Blvd. just after 3:20 a.m., cops said.

EMS rushed him to Harlem Hospital but he couldn’t be saved. His name was not immediately released.

According to the New York Post, the victim in the described shooting had a last known address in Maine. He was reportedly shot five times while in his 2017 Dodge Ram.

The New York Times confirmed the victim was indeed Martinez from an officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity. According to the police, he was carrying identification that said his name was Abraham Rodriguez.

Alpo Martinez is a wild mother fucker, the way he talks about killing Rich Porter

the saying "sometimes it be your own people" is fitting.

I'm still gonna watch the documentary though. pic.twitter.com/srBAy1vE9t

— Mr L (@untitled_one) November 3, 2019

Martinez was portrayed by rapper Cam’ron in the now cult classic film Paid In Full, which brought the story of fellow kingpins Azie Faison and Rich Porter to Hollywood. Many eyebrows were raised when after being released from prison, Martinez returned to (or at least was spotted in) Harlem after admitting that he killed his friend Porter.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Martinez moved his enterprise to the Washington, DC area. However, after getting pinched in 1991, he reportedly turned state’s evidence, dropping dime on his own organization including Wayne ‘Silk’ Perry in exchange for a 35-year sentence after facing life in the bing.

In total, Alpo copped to 14 murders.

#AlpoMartinez truck near 2756 Frederick Douglass Blvd. And it's confirmed from multiple sources that alpo was killed in a drive by shooting after leaving a night club pic.twitter.com/pevLSOTS5E

— Killmoenews (@Killmoenews1) October 31, 2021

Breaking News: Alpo gunned down in Harlem pic.twitter.com/ye9cCmMGjX

— MixHood.com (@MixHood) October 31, 2021

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A post shared by Choke No Joke (@chokenojokeofficial)

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Hearts are heavy across the Atlanta metropolitan region and the rest of the nation after news that Emmy Award-winning journalist Jovita Moore has died. Moore was an anchor for the city’s WSB-TV outlet and was upheld as a beloved fixture by not only viewers and colleagues, but those outside her industry as well.

WSB-TV anchor Justin Farmer delivered the news with alarming professionalism and poise, despite speaking of not only a workplace partner but a dear friend of his. Gamely, Farmer delivered the news out of sheer obligation and perhaps a will of steel as the production team put together a collage of videos featuring Moore at work.

Moore, a native of New York City, obtained her undergraduate degree from Bennington College in Vermont and worked as an intern at the New York Times, according to the accompanying report from the WSB-TV team. She later earned a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University ahead of joining WSB-TV in 1998.

Three years into her tenure at WSB-TV, Moore won an Emmy for a piece titled “Women and Fibroids,” detailing her own journey with the health issue. That would lead to many more Emmy nominations and wins, and Moore has covered high-profile events such as President Barack Obama’s first inauguration among other events.

Moore suffered from a rare form of brain cancer that was determined to be terminal after a diagnosis. She kept her colleagues and viewing family updated regarding her progress up until the very end. According to Farmer, who said he visited with Moore weeks ago, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.

As shared by WSB-TV, Moore is survived by her son, daughter, and stepdaughter, whom she called her greatest accomplishments, and her mother. She was 54.

As Jovita Moore’s name trends on Twitter, we’ve captured a number of loving responses. May she rest powerfully in peace.

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Photo: Getty

1.

Very sad news to learn of Jovita Moore’s passing. Jovita had such a good spirit—beautiful inside and out—and I always enjoyed chatting with her. Sending light to @WSBTV and all who loved her. She will be missed, and may God’s peace and her life lessons abide with her children.

— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) October 29, 2021

2.

Mayor @KeishaBottoms' statement on the passing of Jovita Moore. pic.twitter.com/P72mTyINxa

— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) October 29, 2021

3.

I literally don’t know an Atlanta without Jovita Moore. This is absolutely devastating, and my heart hurts for her family. She touched the lives of so many every day and her legacy will live on even in death. Rest In Peace Jovita Moore. pic.twitter.com/AL3dinMNvT

— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) October 29, 2021

4.

So many of us grew up watching the news with Jovita Moore. May she rest peacefully

— Kae

(@_BellaBlu) October 29, 2021

5.

Heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Jovita Moore after a courageous battle w/ brain cancer. An Atlanta broadcasting legend and more importantly a mom and friend to many! Pls send love and light to Atlanta today. Its a somber day. pic.twitter.com/A2faCDM8mk

— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) October 29, 2021

6.

Just like every single person in the metro Atlanta area - I grew up watching Jovita Moore. A true broadcasting legend who had an infinite amount of knowledge and poise. One of the most graceful people I’ve ever met. What a loss. Rest In Peace. Sending love & prayers to her family pic.twitter.com/lsq7VyWzT8

— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) October 29, 2021

7.

Thinking of Atlanta's Jovita Moore and her family today. She will be so missed. pic.twitter.com/KZi9UolhbT

— A Shady Dame From Seville (@SorayaMcDonald) October 29, 2021

8.

so much grace, beauty and elegance all around, Rest In Peace Jovita Moore

pic.twitter.com/4PQw6gK5CQ

—

(@ShynJAmero) October 29, 2021

9.

A beloved member of the Atlanta community. Rest In Peace, Jovita Moore. pic.twitter.com/jxpPRlgxrE

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 29, 2021

10.

I will miss you, Jovita. Rest, sister. #JovitaStrong #JovitaMoore https://t.co/OyogRM2un7

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) October 29, 2021

11.

Gutted by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Jovita Moore. Jovita passed last night with her family by her side. She was a beautiful soul who loved Ch. 2, her friends and family and always repped the ATL. Please send your love and prayers to her family. Love u Jo

pic.twitter.com/5XnMLGDaGP

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) October 29, 2021

12.

@JovitaMoore you have made it through to a place where you are healed, where your are loved and where you can keep shining a light on your children, your community and all of us who will miss you.#jovitamoore pic.twitter.com/yZ6bgSPpcX

— Jorge Estevez (@jesteveztv) October 29, 2021

13.

Jovita Moore We know you fought with all you had! I will miss your beautiful smile and warm laughter, let alone seeing you in my living room everyday. You will be missed greatly my friend. Many heartfelt prayers to your family. May your soul travel well! Life is but a moment. pic.twitter.com/y8OzKznNaf

— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) October 29, 2021

14.

Jovita Moore has passed away after a battle with a rare form of brain cancer. She is survived by her children. There are countless people she positively impacted during her life. I will miss her sense of humor.

pic.twitter.com/mecZ4lCNAl

— Nicole Emmett (@Nicole_Emmett) October 29, 2021

15.

Sen. @ossoff Statement on Passing of WSB-TV Anchor Jovita Moore pic.twitter.com/NEjC0Pazw1

— Ossoff's Office (@SenOssoff) October 29, 2021