A couple of years ago, I was studying for the GRE and decided to make up a rap to learn the common vocabulary words found on the test. I recorded the song a while back and recently threw together a video for the song using stop motion animation and some choppy footage I took when I snuck my video camera into the library. As a public service for those who may be taking the SAT or GRE in the future, we bring you “Wordsmithin’” - a video guaranteed to teach you a new word and/or give you motion sickness. Ironically, I still haven’t applied to grad school or used one of these words in a conversation. The guys over at Flocabulary have turned educational raps into an art form, though I’m sure they’d probably have something to say about the pedagogical soundness of this video.

Read on for a full list of words in the song

Are you crestfallen because another politician has tumbled from glory due to a sex scandal? Were you planning a Summer cruise vacation and then suddenly realized that once the ship was three miles out to sea, all human waste would be pumped into the ocean? Are you troubled by a recent study that suggests that levels of American narcissism are at an all time high? Do you need to be cheered up?

When I’m overwhelmed by the world, I take solace in amazing performances such as this one: Zapp & Roger performing live in 1989!

People who know nothing about rap music like to say that rap music has no meaning. I’d say that is true of about 90% of what is played on the radio these days, but it was the fun and social messages in rap music that attracted me to it as a young person (which we spoke about in our last episode). These days, there are plenty of great artists who are putting out music with a message, but they just don’t get the exposure that your 50 Cents and Little Waynes get. Some great, idea-oriented artists that I’ve been listening to these days include Brother Ali, Pete Miser, and Lupe Fiasco. I thought I’d put together an all-time top-ten list of my favorite rap songs that don’t have to do with booty, bling, or bb guns. This is by no means a “well thought out” list, so let me know if you think something has been omitted etc. (Note: Links pop up into Youtube videos of the songs)

1. Trees – Dr. Octagon
2. New World Water – Mos Def
3. Stop The Violence - Boogie Down Productions
4. Keep Ya Head Up - 2Pac
5. An Open Letter to NYC – Beastie Boys
6. Minority Report – Jay-Z
7. Tennessee – Arrested Development
8. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos – Public Enemy
9. U.N.I.T.Y. – Queen Latifah
10. Hip-Hop - Dead Prez

In this show, the Green Rapper heads to the Mission in San Francisco to catch up with Jon and Mimi of Mijuanito. As we vibe to the melodic sounds, we also find out how their green record label Parks and Records is making a difference. A concept that blends their two passions, music and mother nature, they share with us their 4-part mission to build a community of like-minded musicians and fans, release passionate indie-pop/ noise-rock albums, reduce waste through 100% recycled/reused packaging, and support organizations dedicated to making our planet greener.

Check out tracks from Parks and Records’ newest release, Carcrashlander on Myspace.
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This video was shot in 2007 during various trips to National Parks on the West Coast. After hearing the buzzword “Watershed Event” thrown around in the political arena, we put this song and video together to shed light on environmental issues and personal responsibility. This was put together before Greenrapper.com had come about, and is slightly political, but if you’ve gotten this far, you probably won’t be offended.