I’m not saying it’s better than the original, I’m just saying I can’t stop playing it. I’m talking about the Colin Munroe remix to “Flashing Lights”, “I Want Those Flashing Lights.” As with most undeniably crazy songs that are released, everybody and their mama wants to add their two-cents to it, spit a couple bars, single a couple of verses and call it a remix. Canadian artist Colin Munroe flipped the script, and his version is the one that’s currently got the internet going nuts. Munroe added an electric guitar, ad-libs that transformed the hook, lyrics from the opposite side of the fame spectrum and in turn gave the song a whole new meaning - all the while retaining its soulful essence. Yep, it’s a banger. Don’t get it twisted though, even though I’ve been gushing about the song’s sickness for the past 100 some odd words, I’m not insinuating that it’s better than Kanye’s version, I’m just saying “Those Flashing Lights” is bringing the heat too.

Public Enemy, The Roots, Dead Prez, Everlast and Stanley Clarke will literally be bringing the heat during this cold season. The aforementioned performers are headlining Artists for Heat, a benefit concert trying to give a helping hand to the 6 million low income Americans who will be without heat this winter. These artists are stepping up and putting the power of music to a good use. If you’d like to contribute to the cause while enjoying what is sure to be a dope show, make sure you’re in Philly on January 31^st. They’ll be rocking the mic at The Trocadero, one of the city’s legendary venues, where doors will be opening at 7:00pm. So get your ticket ASAP, support a great cause and enjoy that crazy lineup!

While ’06 was the year in which hip-hop’s lifeline was the main topic of conversation, 2007 was the one in which society’s ills were attributed to culture. Enter Ice Cube, the legend who also happens to be a pioneer in the genre and has decided to give his two cents on the finger-pointing conversations surrounding the art form. He is doing it not through highly publicized debates, but through the outlet that made him famous: rap… Gangsta rap that is. The thought provoking Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It is the first single from his upcoming album Raw Footage. The song and video are vintage Ice Cube, powerful lyrics, a hint of sarcasm and an ominously melodic beat that accentuates his angry but patient delivery. Ice Cube turns the mirror on everybody who jumped on the ‘blame Hip Hop bandwagon’ and suggests (that’s putting it nicely) that they back off.

The Motor City has sparked up Hip Hop’s engine many times over the years. It’s blessed the game with one of the world’s most famous (and nicest) MCs in Eminem, along with other exceptional artists like Royce Da 5’9, Slum Village and the late J Dilla. Lately, “newcomer” Black Milk has been the one making the most noise as he snuck his name into many an unofficial all-city Hip Hop teams. He dropped his first official LP Popular Demand in March to reviews and praises that would make most other artists salivate, and he’s giving the people what they want two more times this year. With Popular Demand Instrumentals, he’s giving you an opportunity to dissect his out-of-this-world beats, straight outta the Milky Way (you know I had to throw that in there). That’s not it though, get another dose of ebony lactose (get it?) with his newest album Sound of the City.

TONIC is proving that responsible consumerism can be a catalyst for social change. Its organically-made bamboo tees directly support a variety of important causes. From the Net shirts that will each fund the purchase of 3 mosquito bed nets to help limit the spread of malaria in Africa, to the Fresh tees which will each provide a person in Nepal or Honduras with clean water, latrines and hygiene education. Additionally, every Tree shirt that is sold will fund the planting of 25 trees in North America to help revitalize forests, while providing safe habitats for its animals. And last but not least, each School tee will help finance a full year’s education for 3 children in India. The website is where these exclusive pieces can be bought, and while you’re shopping you can also see how many people in each project have been helped so far, all the while getting a sense of how much more aid is needed. Now the ball is in your court and you have a chance to put your money where your heart is. Stay fly and help make the world a better place, one shirt at a time.

Check them out here.

If you’re anywhere near Philly, the Trocadero is where you want to be tonight: Funk Doctor Spock will be in the building. The Brick City representative is coming to town to support Muddy Watters 2, the follow up to what many consider to be a hip-hop classic. The LP was a prime example of what happens when his energetic flow, comical punch lines and straight up rawness come together in synergy. It solidified his spot in the game and proved that he was here to stay. The thing is, Redman doesn’t “just” make sick albums, nah, his live performances are sicker, so if you’re in town, you’re in for a treat. Oh yeah, heads up, Red is a frequent stage diver.

If you treat being fly like an art, you’ll need some Acrylick for your style’s canvas. Coming out of the L.A area, the clothing company makes shirts with a message and ensures that every piece they create is a reflection of what its founders believe in. Acrylick is the result of two ardent lovers of art and philosophy, coming together to make fashion statements that have the potential to make a positive impact. Some of their new shirts include a remix of the “Drop Beats Not Bomb” tees as well as the “Lucy” piece which they define as a visual representation of the beautiful struggle: a beautiful girl armed to the teeth, with headphones on her head “that way she can fight the man and listen to good music.” Rock on!

2007 has been a great year for Chicago’s star MCs. It all began in the summer when Common was Finding Forever and took listeners on a sonic quest for the abstract. It continued in the fall as Kanye’s Graduation cemented his status as one of the illest in his class in a way that no amount of honors could. And now for the winter, The Cool Kid whose Food & Liquor spiced-up hip-hop’s taste buds with oh-shit-I-didn’t-even-get-that-the-first-time lyrics is back with a second serving. The Cool hits stores December 18th; that should leave you with just about enough time to catch the similes in his new singles before you get an album-full to digest.

Addis Ababa-born and Virginia Beach-raised artist Kenna, released his critically acclaimed debut New Sacred Cow in 2003. Produced by Chad Hugo of the Neptunes, the LP’s blend of rock, pop & funk snatched the ears and hearts of many and the follow up Make Sure they See My Face is sure to do the same. Released last Tuesday on Startrack, the album’s title is a reference to Kenna’s lack of face-time during the previous promo run and Pharell’s recommendations for higher visibility. You can see Kenna’s face on the tube courtesy of the Hype Williams directed Say Goodbye to Love or better yet if you’re in Illadelph you can check him out live at the Fillmore tonight at 9.

Hip Hop isn’t a science, yet MC and producer still need chemistry to concoct something potent. Enter Blu (the spitter) and Exile (the instrumentalist): L.A’s latest gift to Hip Hop. The pair released their debut, Below The Heavens, during the summer, but the L.P. is for all seasons. Blu’s introspection is limitless, as he freely opens up on family troubles during childhood, the growing pains that ensued, and the realities of an independent artist’s life. He doesn’t complain about his underground MC status though, he treats it like a badge of honor and takes pride in his mic skills. Blu has a lot to say and Exile’s classic beats have a soulful feel to them that complement Blu’s sharp flow perfectly. Saying the pair has great chemistry is an understatement, but don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself and take a trip Below the Heavens.