Best of 2010: Albums

We may be in the infancy of 2011, but 2010 was a decent year in music. These are my 5 favorite/ most memorable albums of 2010:


Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
Let's just get this one out of the way already. It's been named "Album of the Year" multiple times and it's no secret what a HUGE Kanye West fan I've always been. So it's no surprise that this album makes the list. In my opinion, this is one of Kanye's best releases to date in his very consistent music career. To me it even rivals his 2007 release "Graduation," which I consider to be his best work. Front to back, this album is amazing so forget your opinions on Kanye's character and give this album an honest listen, I guarantee that you won't be disappointed you gave it a try.



Janelle Monae "The Archandroid"
Janelle Monae could very well be the future of music. I was planning on saying she could be the future of whatever genre her music sounded like but her music goes beyond genres, it is a melting pot of different sounds from the 50's up until today. Powered by her amazing vocals, "The Archandroid" is 70-minutes of great music. Another really cool thing about the album is that it is a concept album that follows a story about an android on the fictitious planet of Metropolis. If that's not intriguing enough to you, give a listen to "Cold War" here:



The Ghost Inside "Returners"
This list needs a swift kick in the ass and I think Los Angeles, California's The Ghost Inside will be more than willing to be the ones to do it. "Returners" is a real treat to listen to if you happen to like aggressive, loud, energetic, and even sometimes melodic music. From beginning to end this album has me air drumming, head banging, and missing those days that I used to step into the pit. Check out their music video for "Unspoken," it has cameos from some dudes that are friends to the L&O crew and even one from the Loud& Obnoxious "Never Dead" fitted:



Rick Ross "Teflon Don"
I've liked a couple Rick Ross songs here and there but I never believed I would like an entire album by him. However this all changed when "Teflon Don" came out, because I LOVE this album. Unlike many hip-hop albums there are no filler tracks on here. With only 11 tracks it's short and sweet and features the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z, T.I., Erykah Badu, Drake, Trey Songz, Cee-Lo Green, Gucci Mane, and many more. Sometimes "Teflon Don" is hard as hell and sometimes it's silky smooth, it's those elements that make a perfect hip-hop album. Definitely worth a listen. Here's my favorite track "Aston Martin Music" featuring Drake and Chrisete Michele:



Letlive "Fake History"
Letlive ain't your average post-hardcore band and that's good because it's a genre of music that I have fallen out of love with. I wasn't too sure I'd enjoy this release but I gave it a chance and I'm glad that I did because it blew me away. "Fake History" is filled with sweet breakdowns, funky beats, passionate lyrics and vocals. Lead singer Jason Butler not only impresses with his vocals but makes you think "did he really just say that?" often times with some of his lyrics. In the end, "Fake History" might actually be my most listened to album of 2010 and I highly recommend giving Letlive a listen. Check out their video for the song "Casino Columbus" here:


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Best of 2010: Films

2010 was actually a really great year in movies. I actually had to cut out some films I really liked, such as Kick-Ass and The Town when compiling this list.

The Social Network
Yes, the Facebook movie ended up being a pretty damn good flick. I had mixed expectations because the trailer didn’t impress me too much (other than the choir version of Radiohead’s “Creep” as background), however I knew David Fincher was a quality director as he has directed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Se7en, and my personal favorite movie of all time, Fight Club. Fincher managed to make a movie that was completely dialog and litigation-based into something very intriguing. Who knew that the world’s biggest social networking site was birthed out of so much drama?


Inception
I hope those of you that watched this movie don’t have a dirty mind because it was definitely a mind-fuck. Christopher Nolan might have just won my heart as my favorite director with this psychological thriller. And I believe that Leonardo DiCaprio is the best actor of the past 20 years. That collaboration can be nothing less of amazing and though I had sky high expectations for this film, it exceeded those expectations.


Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
I will admit that I am a sucker for Michael Cera films, after his role as George Michael in the cult comedy hit Arrested Development, I will always have a soft spot for him. Yes, he will always be typecasted as the nerdy indie kid however I don’t really think anyone plays it better. This movie is the quintessential nerd movie and I loved every bit of it.


Exit Through the Gift Shop
It’s a documentary about street artist Banksy, but it’s really not. Banksy drew me in to watching this documentary but excitement of the street art genre and the personalities that came along with it kept me watching. You meet Invader, Shepard Fairey, Banksy, and the eventual Mr. Brainwash. Something I especially liked about the documentary is that it also shows what I like to refer to as the “shitty hipster side” of art. If you want to see what I mean, make sure to check out this documentary.


Black Swan
If Natalie Portman doesn’t win an Oscar for this role, I’m going to be pretty upset. Who would have thought a movie that revolves around ballet would be one of my favorites of the year? Well director, Darren Aronofsky, made it that way for me. This movie is definitely fits the description of PSYCHOLOGICAL thriller and some of the more haunting images of the movie stuck with me for days. Above all, in my opinion Portman gives the most impressive performance I’ve seen since Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight. A definite must-watch.



Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Best of 2010: Sports Moments

New Orleans Saints win the Superbowl
Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and they have been trying to recover ever since. I’m happy that the fans in New Orleans finally had something to celebrate and cheer about. The game was also super exciting and I don’t really think you can find many athletes as humble as Drew Brees. Here was the game breaker; an onside kick to begin the second half. It was something I had never seen before and I'm still amazed they pulled it off:


Cain Velasquez beats down Brock Lesnar for UFC Heavyweight Championship
I may be a bit biased because me and a some of the L&O crew were actually in the building as this happened but I don't really care because it will continue to be one of the most memorable sports moments of my life. In this match, Cain Velasquez was a huge underdog as most felt like he couldn't match Brock Lesnar's power, athleticism, and overall size. However, Velasquez overcame all odds and became the first Mexican heavyweight champion in all of combat sports. The first video is our crowd reaction to Cain's victory and the second video is a video shot from up in the stands and shows the complete fight:



Blake Griffin is a highlight machine
Now this isn't exactly a specific moment in sports, but a compilation of moments. The Los Angeles Lakers aren't the only reason to love basketball in L.A. we now have Blake Griffin, Power Forward for the L.A. Clippers. And quite honestly Blake has to be one of the most athletic dudes I've ever seen for 6'10. Dude is straight nasty and this is his "official" rookie season. Watch out for him, he's a bad man:



Lakers win NBA Championship in close Game 7
Game 7, two of the most exciting words in all of sports. A Lakers come back victory in the biggest game of the season. 'Nuff said.


Anthony Pettis’ “ninja” kick on Benson Henderson
The thing I've always loved about sports are the moments where you ask yourself "did that just happen?" This is one of those moments. Even a couple weeks after this happened I'm still completely bewildered that such a maneuver can happen in MMA and after at least 60 times of watching it over and over, I guess it's finally sunk in. Keep in mind that this happened in the last round of a really competitive fight. In my opinion the fight was a complete draw up until that last round then Pettis brought out the kick that had every MMA fan jumping out of their seat. I've said it once and I'll say it again, Anthony Pettis is definitely one of the most exciting fighters in all of MMA and is definitely one to watch out for:


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Art is Hard.

I don't consider myself a connoisseur of art or anything. I don't even think I'm a real fan of what you would consider as traditional art. Never having picked up a brush myself, other than the forced painting and drawing of high school art class. However, street art is something that I can get into. There is something I've always admired about ninja-like tactics mixed in with can control.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego currently has a street art exhibit called "Viva la Revolucion: A Dialog with the Urban Landscape." Being a fan of Shepard Fairey and Banksy (Who isn't?) I had to check it out. So here's a short video I compiled of some of the pieces that they had there:



If you're planning on getting out there and checking it out; make sure to get there before January 2, 2011 because that's when the exhibit ends!

Another cool thing that goes along with the exhibit is that many of these street artists like Shepard Fairey, Invader, Swoon, and JR unveiled some of their art all throughout San Diego streets. I wasn't able to view all the sites, but I got to see Shepard Fairey's piece in Hillcrest and Invaders' throughout Horton Plaza in Downtown San Diego.

Juicy Justin's Daily Song: The Grouch "Artsy"
Always loved the lyrics to this song and the video is pretty cool too. Just listen.


-Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Renegades.

The other day I read that Rage Against the Machine was working on a new album set to come out in 2011. This news means a lot to me because I can honestly say that Rage Against the Machine was the first band I loved growing up. I used to print out album covers and pictures off their website and put them all over my notebooks throughout high school. I even memorized and read a poem by singer Zach De La Rocha for my English class. When they announced their break-up, I can call it the first real loss I've had in my life. However, I still had 4 great full-length albums to remember them by.

Rage Against the Machine wasn't just a band to me, and it wasn't just their music. They TAUGHT me to question authority. To not believe in all these bullshit George Washington chopped down a cherry tree stories that have been planted in our minds since the day we started to school. To think for myself and make attempts in not letting others influence my morals and beliefs. They spoke to me.

And to be able to hear new music from them will be an absolute treat. They haven't written original music since their 3rd release, "The Battle of Los Angeles," which came out in 1999. So now that I've lost faith in "Detox," glad there's a new record I can wait on pins and needles for. And I'm definitely hoping for a tour sometime in 2011 so I can finally see them live.

Here are three awesome stunts that Rage Against the Machine has pulled off in the last decade and this is why I love them so damn much:

Back in 2000, George W. Bush and Al Gore were campaigning to be the next President of the United States and the Democrats had decided to hold their National Convention in Los Angeles. Los Angeles being home to Rage Against the Machine, they decided to hold a concert/rally just across the street from the convention. I remember watching it going on on TV and begging my parents to drop me off there. My parents weren't about to drop a teenager off at such an event, but it is one thing I wish I had been a part of. Well besides the part where the LAPD shot rubber bullets at everyone after the performance. Anyway, check it out here:


In 2008, the Republican National Convention was held in Minnesota. The plan was to have the same kind of performance as the previous Democratic National Convention. However, after arguing with state officials they weren't able to perform quite the way they wanted. Being a band of action, Zach De La Rocha grabbed a bullhorn, asked the crowd to be quiet, and performed 2 songs A Capella. If that's not Rock 'N Roll, I don't know what is.


Most recently, last year around this time they had an interview and performance on an early morning BBC radio show. The show had several discussions with the band about performing their song "Killing in the Name Of" without any profanity. However, in true Rage Against the Machine fashion as well as in vein of the actual song they were performing De La Rocha belted out "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me" so many times they cut them live and created a whole mess of controversy. But honestly, was it really any surprise?


FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME.

Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

The Challenge: Chuck vs. Alcohol

For a couple months now I've been thinking about doing some kind of web-series, so here is my first attempt at one. I'll let the video do the explaining:



So if you have an idea for a challenge or you're willing to do a challenge then hit me up on one of the various forms of social networking that I listed at the end of my video!

Juicy Justin's Daily Song: Saves the Day "Firefly"
This song encompasses what it's like to be young, dumb, drunk, and in love more than any other song. It brings back so many fond memories and is a guaranteed crazy sing-along if people know the words. Saves the Day pretty much got me through my awkward adolescent years and performed at some of the most memorable concerts I've ever been to. Here's a toast to the past...

Diamonds are Forever.

Last night I made sure to DVR The Daily Show with Jon Stewart because I knew Jay-Z was going to be a guest on it and it was a solid interview. Jon Stewart is excellent at interviewing and you don't get the un-educated fluff questions you normally get when hip-hop stars are interviewed. Stewart doesn't dumb down this interview as well by assuming Jay-Z is some kind of dumbass, and he actually asks him real intellectual questions about hip-hop and it's culture. Much respect to Stewart and Hova on this! So here it is along with the extended interview that didn't air on television last night:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Jay-Z Extended Interview
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Rally to Restore Sanity

Juicy Justin's Daily Song: Jay-Z "Jockin'Jay-Z"
Out of respect for the best rapper business-man in hip-hop, I've gotta rep one of my favorite Jay-Z tracks. I've always found Jay-Z to be particularly weak when it comes to rhyming but on this track he's pretty good, plus the beat is one of my personal favs from the last couple years. It's a damn shame this didn't make any of his albums though!


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

That New New.

College application season is in full swing and because of that and all the other things at school I've had to get done; my blog has definitely suffered the most from neglect. However a slew of new music has released/leaked in the past month and I've definitely gotta share it with all of you.

Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
This was a given. So far it's been one of my favorite albums of 2010 and could quite possibly be my favorite album of the year. It's inventive and unlike anything I've ever heard before. It even rivals my favorite album by Kanye "Graduation" which came out in 2007. Start to finish, it's amazing. Definitely pick it up when it releases on November 27th. My favorite tracks are "Dark Fantasy," "Blamegame," and "Lost in the World" but the entire album is amazing! I know I posted the "Runaway" film already but it does include a lot of the music from the album so check it out again here:


Hellogoodbye "Would It Kill You"
Isn't Hellogoodbye that really horrible power-pop band that got pretty big like 3 years ago? Yes they are. However they are all grown up and released a pretty infectious album named "Would It Kill You" and I must say they are once again a guilty pleasure of mine. The songs are just too cute and way too catchy!
"When We First Met"


A Day to Remember "What Separates Me From You"
Speaking of guilty pleasures, here is A Day to Remember. I've liked these guys since they released "For Those Who Have Heart." There's just something about breakdowns and writing songs about girls that just revs my engine, I guess.
"You'll be Tails, I'll be Sonic"


J. Cole "Friday Night Lights" (Mixtape)
This mixtape released last Friday and I must say it is one of the pleasant surprises of 2010. It is honestly better than most hip-hop albums I've heard in 2010. Lyrically, J. Cole isn't even in the same galaxy as his previous single "Who Dat" released earlier this year and he has one of the smoothest deliveries in hip-hop right now. "Friday Night Lights" also features appearances by Wale, Drake, Kanye West, and more. Download it here.
"You Got It (Featuring Wale)"


underOATH "Ø (Disambiguation)"
Much like Abraham Lincoln, I cannot tell a lie. So I'd be lying to you if I said I have been listening to this album. I've been listening to so much different music that I haven't had the time for it. However I've been a huge fan of the band for years and the reviews for the record seem to all be pretty positive. Some are saying that it's the best album of their careers. The single is pretty sweet so give it a listen here:
"In Division"


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

People are awesome.

Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

A dream come true; UFC 121 at the Honda Center.

A couple of us in the Loud& Obnoxious crew were lucky enough to attend UFC 121: Lesnar Vs. Velasquez on October 23rd at the Honda Center in Anaheim. We owe the biggest gratitude to UFC President, Dana White, for being a real man of the fans and giving out tickets at the Block in Orange on Friday night. Two of our buddies, Jase and Fef we're the most fortunate as they scored 8 tickets in total.

To say the least, it was an experience I'm sure that we'll never ever forget and we also witnessed history as the first Mexican Heavyweight Champion in all of combat sports was crowned. Later on in the night we hit up Verdugo Bar in Los Angeles to celebrate the homie, Kris G.'s birthday. Check out the video here:



Juicy Justin's Daily Song: Kanye West "Runaway (Full-Length Film)"
Kanye West gets a little ambitious here and the end result is something more ridiculous than I could have ever imagined. I can honestly say that even if Kanye is my favorite hip-hop artist that I don't really know how I feel about the film. There are some real cool parts that look amazing visually and also others that look like they're from a bad B-movie. There are parts that I find to be really innovative and others that are just plain weird. It's 35 minutes of "man Kanye is an interesting dude." Best part about it is that you get to hear a lot of the new music he's been working on. Some stuff has already been featured on his "Good Friday" weekly download blog, and other tracks have yet to be heard. In my opinion the music is the most impressive part of this venture, but check it out for yourself and you be the judge.



Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Let Loose and the Elevator Odyssey

Last night, the whole L&O crew came out and partied for our buddy David James Pugo's birthday as well as the event he threw, The Noise Academy Presents: Let Loose. It was an all around good night, well besides being stuck in an elevator for an hour and twenty minutes. Check the video out here:



Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Hollywood for DJ Serts' birthday.

So I recently picked up a pocket video camera to do a little experimenting with my blog and just media in general. If I utilize it the right way; I definitely will seek an upgrade in equipment. But for now this is all apart of some elaborate experiment. Hope you like the things I document and as always I'm open to constructive criticism, so send me an e-mail to justin@loudobnoxious.com if you have any criticisms or suggestions!

Hollywood is a very surreal experience, if you've never been there then you've gotta party there at least once! Me, @BrianObnoxious, @chuckpreme, and @mattastrophic went on a little Hollywood adventure for @djserts birthday. @djserts is a friend to the brand and he actually spun the Loud& Obnoxious 3 Year Anniversary Sale. So happy birthday to him and check out the video of our crazy night here:



Juicy Justin's "Daily Song": Kanye West Featuring Kid Cudi, Pusha T, John Legend, Lloyd Banks, and Ryan Leslie - "Christian Dior Denim Flow"
On this edition of the Juicy Justin "Daily Kanye West Blog" we've got a song that has been my latest obsession. I believe this track is one of the strongest that Kanye has released recently and John Legend is on it so you know it's gonna be beautiful. I really can't wait to hear the album/s Kanye is going to release in the next couple months, it's going to be insane.


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.

Kanye West is on another level.

That's all you need to know.




He can also poke fun of himself.


Juicy Justin's "Daily Song": Kanye West "Through the Wire"
The song that introduced the world to Kanye West and the song that remains to be one of my favorites from Kanye. The fact that he sampled Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire" is the work of a genius to me and it fits in so well. Expect a lot more about Kanye in this blog as we near the release of his much-anticipated 5th studio album!


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin

The baddest man on the planet.

There could only be one person I'm talking about; the incomparable "Iron" Mike Tyson. More than any other boxer, I grew up watching and idolizing Mike Tyson. He fought guys much bigger than him but brought a ferocity, speed, and power never before seen for a heavyweight. As with most great fighters; he lost speed, tenacity, and the defense it took to continue to be an elite fighter. And the tail end of his boxing career wasn't the most graceful, to say the very least. However, since his surprise role in the movie 'The Hangover' and through his ability to poke fun at himself, he has transformed himself into pop-culture relevance once again.

Recently, "Iron" Mike, Wayne Brady, and Bobby Brown collaborated on a parody video of the Bobby Brown Classic "Every Little Step" on funnyordie.com and of course hilarity ensued. Don't act like you're not impressed by Tyson's dancing. Looks like he still has the footwork!

Every Little Step with Mike Tyson & Wayne Brady from Mike Tyson

In 2009, a documentary titled 'Tyson' was put out and it was riveting to say the least. I highly suggest that any sports fan watch this film (it also happens to be on Netflix instant queue if anyone is interested). It is a very eye-opening film and Tyson reveals many things that are bound to make your jaw drop. So many times I'd have to rewind certain parts just to make sure he really said what I thought he said. Best part is that "Iron" Mike pretty much narrates the entire thing and pulls no punches (no pun intended). And more than anything you have a better understanding of his psyche, it's a look in the mind of one of the most misunderstood figures in all of sports. Here's the trailer:


You either love him or you hate him. Mike Tyson definitely defines the word polarizing.



But nothing will ever beat when Mike Tyson screwed over "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and aligned himself with "The Texas Rattle Snake" Stone Cold Steve Austin:


Juicy Justin's Daily Song: Puff Daddy featuring the Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes "Victory"
I'll be the first to say it; I loved Puff Daddy growing up. Dude was a born entertainer and entrepreneur. And I've gotta say that "Victory" is one of hip-hops most underrated songs ever. It's been in like every work-out pump-up mix I've ever made and it's just an all-around great song. It's got full orchestral accompaniment (which is something I'm a complete sucker for; love the violin) in the beat and one of the most epic (and expensive) music videos ever; featuring the likes of Danny Devito and Dennis Hopper. So check out this blast from the past, it is a gem:


Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.