If you follow Casanova then you know that the #SoBrooklyn Challenge has went viral. Artists from all over the country have got on this beat and repped their city. So since nobody has repped for Tulsa yet. We're starting the #SoTulsa Challenge

Rules:
1. Create a video rapping over #sobrooklyn beat
2. Upload a video to @Instagram use the hashtags:
#sotulsa
#tulsalines
#SoBrooklynChallenge
3. Follow @tulsalines.
4. Post with most real comments will win.
5. Tag @tulsalines in post
6. Winner will be announced Sunday at 9PM on Instagram

​Winner gets:
1. $50 cash prize
2. 1 song promoted on the site and social media

See the original post:

Also watch the video "#SoBrooklyn" by Casanova featuring Fabolous

Hip Hop as a culture is in all 50 states of the US, even more than that, it's global. Rap music in particular has taken over the airways and has forever changed how we listen to music, where we listen to music, and how we buy music. Some would don't know when was the last time they even bought an album. An artists would reply, "when you have listened to the album 1500 times?".  Which is a crazy amount of times to listen to an album no matter which generation you've lived in. Hip Hop has evolved the music industry and in the process itself evolved which is seen in Netflix's documentary series called "Hip Hop Evolution".

Just what is "Hip-Hop Evolution"? Hip-Hip-Hop Evolution is a Canadian music documentary series that originally aired on HBO Canada in 2016. Hosted by Canadian rapper and broadcaster Shad. But it wasn't until December 2016 that the first season streamed live on Netflix. The series shows hip-hop not just the music but the culture, and all the 4 elements of the culture working together to create what is undoubtedly the music of the people, and has been powerful enough to shake the world. The documentary is a celebration of the creators and those that keep the culture moving forward. The documentary has become so famous that there is even a Season 3 that is now streaming on Netflix. If you've binge watched every single episode by now you may be wondering which episode is Tulsa? If you listen close enough you'll hear Tulsa in very last episode of Season 3 called "The Dirty South". Just re-watch it and see!

Now that you've re-watched episode 4 you still might not have heard Tulsa in the whole episode, you've probably even counted the different 't' words. Finally, you might conclude that the whole episode is about Atlanta. Without a shadow of a doubt it's Atlanta. This is where I would say, "don't be fooled by what you see.". Tulsa is very much in there. If you listen close enough you see that Tulsa is all throughout there. It's no doubt that after Black Wallstreet was burned down that many looked to rebuild and migrated to different cities, one of those places being the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

Still not seeing Tulsa? Atlanta was never thought of as a hip-hop destination in the beginning. It had no infrastructure to support the hip-hop scene. More importantly it had no artist that had their own sound. There were no record labels there were no hip-hop media publications to support a hip-hop scene. Then came LA Reid and BabyFace with their record label LAFACE. And in 10 years the city had not only made it's mark but had become a hip-hop destination that could stand on it's on against California and New York hip-hop. What about Tulsa though? Tulsa is very much in the same position that Atlanta was in right before it became a scene. New money is being pumped into the city everyday, and the it's just a matter of time when record labels begin to look other places, especially as the need to acquire more talent comes essential to protecting the bottom line. This is already occurring in cities like Chicago and Memphis who have seen their hip-hop scenes begin to flourish and get national recognition. So why not Tulsa?

Another reason why Tulsa is in this documentary is because it takes time to cultivate a hip-hop scene and get people to recognize and take a chance in a new market. Highlighted in the film were artists who were attributed with starting the hip-hop scene in Atlanta. What's not unique to this story is that the creators are often times the ones who inspired the next generation of artists from that city that would go on to reach national attention and get the record deals. So in a way their effort, their story was being told through these artist. It was when the documentary focused on these pioneers that the grey hairs of began to tell the story of how time had all too often been not on their side. Often times just 10 years later meant the difference between being a global icon or a local rapper. But in the words of the great philosopher Chris "The God MC" Cain that said, "But in NY, Jay a local rapper,
In LA Snoop a local rapper". 

The city of Tulsa is changing so fast. Who knows what will be in Tulsa in the next 10 years. But there's no doubt in my mind that Tulsa will become a hip-hop destination. It's just yet to be seen when. But I do know that Tulsa will be on Hip-Hop Evolution. And that's when I'll tell the story of Tulsa hip-hop. 

Checkout the series trailer of Hip-Hop Evolution:

Alexander Hamilton. I met him. If you look at his Wikipedia pages you may be wondering how did I meet Alexander Hamilton when he died in the 1800s? Firstly, anybody can write anything on Wikipedia. But also people do curate the pages for accuracy. So yes! It's true he did die in July 12, 1804. But it's also true that on September 1st, 2019 I did meet Alexander Hamilton. But not only that, I relived his life. How you might be thinking? Through the musical play "Hamilton". Inspired by the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by historian Ron Chernow. Writer Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote a musical that included music, lyrics, and a book. What's most significant about this play is that it is hip-hop. The play also incorporated other musical styles like R&B, pop, soul, traditional-style show tunes. But for the most part this was Hip-Hop's. This was for the culture. By the culture.

Another noticeable characteristic of Hamilton was the characters. They represented the culture. There was a culturally diverse representation of Blacks, Latins, and Asians. These were minorities front and center on the biggest stages that normally don't let minorities shine. Places where you were more likely to be the help than the actor/actress. And having this representation was pivotal and paid a major part in the importance that this musical succeed. I know Thomas Jefferson wan't black, but in that instance he was. And in this instance he was cool. As opposed to the dry, boring, figure that is portrayed in history books and History Channel movies. He had flavor. So did the other characters in the musical. Maybe that's why some of the stories in the history books don't stick is because we never saw ourselves in them. But in Hamilton we did! 

This play was like no other version of history being told I've ever experienced. Many would say that it was because of Hip-hop. I agree. The play lasted a total of 2hrs and 25 mins with a 20 minute intermission. But without the uptempo spittin' used this play would've lasted over 4hrs. That's The Avengers time. Hip-Hop is what made this story seem more relateable. Of course it was a story of a white guy in the 1700s, so a minority had no slim to no chance of duplicating his success. But hip-hop helped tell the story in a way that made it seem like a kid in the hood right now could do the exact same thing. Hamilton was a kid from the slums that through the power of his words was able to rise above his situation and get a seat at the table. If that don't sound like Get Rich Or Die Tryin' I don't know what does. Not only that but also were the small things like the dances on Songs like "My Shot" incorporated Jim Jones "Ballin" jumper, or the "Bernie Dance".  Also it was our talk and our words were being used. Right on a Broadway Musical. Some would say that since it was written for entertainment that there are some artistic liberties that were taken or even going as far as to say that it wasn't really as historically accurate. But in my opinion this isn't the first time someone re-wrote history. But J. Cole puts it more eloquently than I can in his song "Brackets".

My biggest takeaway from the play was Legacy. Alexander Hamilton was obsessed with his legacy. There's a part in the play where his wife repeats "Why do you write like your writing out of time?". It's because he knew with his words that he could rewrite history. He could control not only the narrative, but his destiny. His LEGACY. And in some cases he was so adamant about being the one telling his story that he would do it before others could have the chance (especially with the Reynolds Affair). To sum it all up, this musical does a great job of showing the legacy of Alexander Hamilton. But even best thing that this play showed was that hip-hop can stand toe-to-toe with even the greatest musicals and make an impact that will last for generations. 

I suggest anyone go see the play. Until then here's a sneak peek of the musical Hamilton:

Champagne. A celebratory drink that has been around for centuries. But to even be considered Champagne your drink has to be produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France and in the European Union it's against the law to even label your drink as Champagne if not grown there. The drink is so culturally popular that it even has it's own etiquette for all to follow. Hakeem Eli'juwon has similarly grew up on an etiquette and code that he talks about on his new track "Keem Home".

There's plenty of Champagne on the road to success, there's also plenty hard times. And it's these hard times that are what teaches you the most. It's easy to be everything you say you are when everything is up. But about when your are truly tested. That's when you show your true colors. But as Nipsey said "Never let a hard time humble us." I remember videochatting with Keeng Cut while he was in the studio.  We chopped it up for a second and then a few moments later he pressed play, and as the studio speakers began to play a familiar voice began to explode out of the speakers. The voice began to fade in and out of the track. As the voice spit the first bar I knew that Hakeem Eli'juwon was back. His words saber through the beat through like a knife opening a Champagne bottle. Anyone that knows the process knows that you don't use the knife to cut, You use it to apply pressure. That is exactly what Hakeem is doing on this track. Applying pressure to the people who counted him out. To the people who thought he wouldn't get back.

Here's a Behind-The-Scenes look at the making of "Keem Home".

Hakeem Elijuwon has always had a way with words that told stories that were wise beyond his years. In this instance Hakeem's words seemed more impactful and more deliberate. It was as if he had never even left. Lines like "Niggas hollerin WELCOME HOME like I been down for 20 years", express a sort of what else would you expect attitude. And what else could you expect? His flow is on point. His bars still clever. He was even more in his pocket. This can be attributed to his many collaborations with producer Seriously K 5ive. Who was instrumental in in getting the record from idea to it's digital form. It started with a DM about a record. But not just any record. A record that celebrated life. That was exactly what the record that he provided. It's how the beat builds that takes the listener on a journey. Then it's Hakeem Eli'juwon who narrates the listener in this journey of success. Lastly, as the beat played out and his verse finished, I remember hanging up the phone and thinking to myself. "KEEM HOME" .

Checkout the song "Keem Home" now streaming everywhere:

Streaming Links: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1JLZfGhwNIGfStaB6FrChs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blgnixL2S4Y
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/track/115493391
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1476665781?ls=1&app=itunes
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1476665781

Make sure you follow Hakeem Elijuwon's social media:

Instagram: @hakeemelijuwon
Twitter: @EZyunglyfe

We are also selling t-shirts to commerate this single. 

Send an email to : tusalines@gmail.com
OR DM on Instagram: @tulsalines

If time is of the essence Detroit artist Ang is making sure to make every second count with her single "Tick Tock". The Detroit rapper dropped 3 track project called "Wanna Move" on her SoundCloud page. The nursery-like intro is fitting because this track is slept on. But it's the hard pounding 808 bass kick that really wakes up the track. The 3 part bass drop has influences of West Coast Bay Area production that can be heard in songs such as "Thotiana" and "Bounce Out With That". This makes it easy to you lose track of time which isn't long being that the track comes in at just under 3 minutes.

King Spencer for mayor! Some may think this is a bold statement given his inexperience in politics. However, politics doesn't mean change. As Barak Obama put it "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."  Change is what King Spencer didn't wait for. Change was what he became. Never was this more apparent than at his 6th Annual Hoop2Help AllStar Game fundraiser that happened at the Salvation Army West Mabee Boys & Girls Club.

​Recently we were on the road with World Culture Music for their Tour De' Culture tour this past month. The cities included Oklahoma City as well as a Texas run of Abilene, Dallas, and Houston. The first stop was Oklahoma City at the Hubbly Bubbly Hookah & Cafe where World Culture Music  opened the night with some dope performances.

​I know what your thinking. "I thought this was a place for rap to be shared and explored and annotated.". To which I would say is still very true. It's been a labor of love crafting out the perfect post and recreating the exact feelings and expressions that came with hearing a song for the first time. But we are so much more than a blog site. My vision for this has never been just to be a blog site. We are also a fashion site that sales merchandising (check the  About page). We also do consulting and executive producing. In the end we are a brand. A name that is distinguishable and that holds weight. And dropping music has always been the vision for the Tulsa Lines Brand.

​The World's Most Interesting Man. Some would say they miss the old guy that was always dressed in suits and told tall tales. But to those that know Keeng Cut know that he we wasn't even close. Keeng Cut, artist, entrepreneur, and also most would say trend-setter. But even that would be an understatement to his influence and cultural impact. Nearly a year ago he introduced the world to Flavio Cûtore, a smooth, fly, and debonair who is polar opposite to the rapping Keeng Cut. But now with the release of Keeng Cut's latest release "Stay Flavored My Friend", Keeng Cut learned that both could co-exist on the same project and if anything else it would be fully flavor!

We are back! Your favorite podcast "Tulsa Lines Podcast" with another guest comedian\entrepreneur Demetrius "Juice" Deason. He's recently partnered with Russell Westbrook and Tyler Locket to bring to Tulsa the Why Not? comedy show that will be here July 11 at the Cain's Ballroom. We were excited to sit down with him and get the rundown on the event.