CURBSERVICEMUSIC.com

Taking myself off-line for the rest of the week (and then some). Happy holidays to you and yours. Enjoy this Christmas classic and treat each other right.

Here's a throwback gem for you - "Rock Box" from Run DMC's self-titled 1984 debut. The video intro is ridiculous. This was when they adopted their new street tough, leather clad personas - a contrast to the disco image that early hip-hop had. Dig.

Back in the day I used to memorize evey album I bought within days of the purchase. The particularly dirty raps (N.W.A., Geto Boys, etc) were stictly played in headphones to avoid my parent's wrath. But for tamer acts like the Beastie Boys, L.L. and Run DMC I was able to cover most obscenities with a well timed cough or by bouncing a basketball when my folks were within earshot. Found this video this morning of a thirty-something couple playing N.W.A for their son. Killer.

One of my favorite holiday jams, "Christmas in Hollis" was recorded for the Very Special Christmas compilation in 1987 (which went to benefit the Special Olympics). In the video however, we see Santa (who is already behind schedule) give up his "judging seat" to a punk-ass little elf who proceeds to mark everyone as "NAUGHTY". Exlains a lot.

Coincidentally, I received my favorite gift from my parents in 1987.....tickets to see the Bulls and Pacers play. Michael Jordan - in the flesh. He averaged 35 points a game that year - the highest of his career - but that night he was off, dumping in just 14 points and missing two dunks. Didn't matter - still my favorite gift.

*this is the poster that I had on my wall in '87.

By the late 80's Def Jam had become the go-to label for all my hip-hop needs. Run DMC, The Beastie Boys, L.L. Cool J were all well established. Then came the political movement with acts like Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions. In 1989 BDP dropped Ghetto Music - fusing boom-bap and reggae with overtly political rhymes. This was my favorite cut on that album.