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https://rockthebells.com/articles/the-legend-of-charlie-mack/ CHARLIE MACK: PHILLY'S FAVORITE HIP-HOP FOLK HERO By Stereo Williams Published Wed, October 28, 2020 at 6:00 PM EDT - The Fresh Prince, "Charlie Mack (The First Out the Limo)" Charles Alston has been called "The Big Brother of Philadelphia." The man affectionately dubbed "Charlie Mack" has been a mainstay of the city as both folk hero and community leader for more than 40 years, and his longtime friendship with megastar Will Smith has made him one of the most intriguing "behind the scenes" personalities in popular culture. “He actually basically jumped in front of a bullet for me before," Smith said in August. "He literally, like, ran toward a guy who was shooting.” Mack has made a name for himself as one of the most impactful influencers in entertainment; and Will Smith has so much love for his old friend. The entertainment icon hired Mack as his security guard early in DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's run, and Smith shared this past summer that Mack would eventually save the young rap star's life. “In another country, I’d just be able to give him a goat and we’d be even," Smith jokingly said. "But for whatever reason here, I owe him my life.” A young Charlie Mack would host house parties in West Philly in the late 1970s, and made such a name for himself as a promoter that he landed an A&R gig for April Records. But he was heavy in the streets throughout the early 1980s -- at least until he met a young up-and-coming Philly DJ named Jeff Townes who was making a name for himself as DJ Jazzy Jeff. Jeff remembers how he first connected with the legendary Charlie Mack. "Charlie Mack has been at the epicenter of Philly Hip-Hop from the beginning," Jeff tells ROCK THE BELLS. "Even before Will, Charlie [booked] me for a show in Southwest Philly. I heard about Charlie and came and did it -- it was a great show. And we kinda established a friendship. When Will and I got together, and things started moving, I remember saying 'Yo, if we're going on the road, we need some security.' And I picked up the phone and called Charlie." "He always tells this story: I was like 'Charlie, I can't promise you the money that you made in the street. But I can guarantee that you'll see the world.' At that time, Charlie had gotten into some trouble and was like 'Yeah, I'm done.' Our very first tour, Charlie was on those shows. And he's been with us ever since." Jeff more than made good on his promise. As DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince grew from local sensation to bonafide stars on the success of their debut album Rock The House, Charlie Mack became the duo's head of security, and eventually evolved into executive assistant to the Grammy-winning pair. They gave their longtime friend a salute on their best-selling album He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper with the upbeat track "Charlie Mack (The First Out the Limo.)" The shoutout gave the world a glimpse of who Charlie is. But his work with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince was only the beginning. As Will Smith transitioned from platinum-selling rapper to TV star and movie icon, Charlie Mack was right there. And as he got more connected in the entertainment industry, Mack began to carve out his own niche and built a staggering resume and enviable reputation. He worked with everyone from Smith's Fresh Prince Of Bel Air co-star Tatyana Ali to Atlanta rap superstar T.I. and actors like Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx. Mack was an executive producer on the Chris Robinson film ATL. In his hometown, Mack became one of the city's most successful promoters; he hosted 2Pac's final Philadelphia show, put Lil Kim and Foxy Brown on the same bill early in their careers, and worked as a consultant with Electric Factory Concerts, East Coast Express, Clear Channel and Live Nation. Charlie Mack has done it all. "Charlie had something to do with the discovery of Boyz II Men. Charlie had something to do with the discovery of Meek Mill," Jeff explains. "Charlie has always been in or around Philly Hip-Hop, he's Philadelphia's Forrest Gump. He has the greatest picture collection with almost anybody on the planet. Nothing ceases to amaze me when it comes down to Charlie." Smith believes that his entire circle was focused on pushing forward, and Charlie came to embody that ethos. "We were all about growth. You couldn't be down with us if you weren't growing. [Charlie] started out with us in security and evolved into road manager," Will said. Along the way, Charlie Mack came to embody an up-from-the-streets hustler spirit as a Philadelphia success story. The leap from gun charges to red carpets is heady for anyone to make, Mack navigated it to tremendous returns. Everyone would eventually have a Charlie Mack story, as he became inextricably linked to so many movers and shakers through the strength of his tireless work ethic and engaging personality. And Charlie Mack's heart and soul have always belonged to Philadelphia. He relocated back to Philly in the early 2000s and his roots have never been hard to see. He founded the Charlie Mack Cares Foundation and his Party 4 Peace charity event would attract celebrities every year. He's been a manager or a consultant for Philly-based stars like Meek Mill and Empire star Bryshere "Yazz" Gray. Following a promise from Jazzy Jeff has led Charlie Mack down his own remarkable road. In August, during a YouTube interview with Jeff and Charlie, Will shared another anecdote about how he and Mack found themselves in a life-threatening dilemma. “We were in a situation and a police officer went to pull his gun on Charlie, and I grabbed the gun,” Smith said. “And wouldn’t let it go.” “He said 'let it go,' you said ‘I’m not letting it go unless you let that go,’” Mack confirmed. “I would not let go, I was not gonna let him point it at my man, yeah that was bad luck, that was bad times,” Smith said. “That’s when you know that—you know I love you, right? That proved it, that was a terrible day.” “Hey man, I love you back,” Mack replied. That love between those friends is an extension of the love Charlie seems to get from all who have come into contact with him. According to Jazzy Jeff, the man's success isn't tethered to anyone else -- it's just Charlie's way of being Charlie.

Wow, it's really surprising how this board has changed. That's a super lukewarm reception to an exciting rumor!

Title tells me its a ****e attempt to stay relevant, but still looking forward to it.

https://hiphopdx.com/news/dmx-posthumous-no-1-song-surprising-category?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Gaq0otEQxhCuKOrz97Q7YmP2jGrSTgPes_wziRlF4Zp5tWggmPDkR9D0_aem_AWW7YLa8MqRNAcRxkdj_a6Gf5yUYBDj8xmPfJDlZ40kHAN9GdDQ1PLG1vHvq9LpMYLP9yAXnRcihR_-FEXbvr7Pm DMX GETS POSTHUMOUS NO. 1 SONG IN THIS SURPRISING CATEGORY by RUTH HAWKINS DMX has achieved a new career milestone by securing No. 1 song in an unexpected category just days after the four year anniversary of his death. During a recent interview with Loudwire Nights, guitarist Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch discussed details surrounding the release of a deluxe version of the group’s 2022 album Afterlife. The project’s lead single, “This Is the Way,” happens to be a fusion of the band’s “Judgement Day” and X’s “The Way It’s Gonna Be.” “I was always a fan,” Bathory told host Chuck Armstrong.. “Ivan [Moody] loves DMX, so there was always a conversation where we’re like, ‘How cool would it be if we could work with DMX.'” Bathory went on to disclose that although the discussion about collaborating with DMX arose nearly six years ago, their schedules never aligned. Then, tragically, in 2021, the “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” rapper passed away. “Eventually we got an opportunity with some of [DMX’s] master recordings,” Bathory told the outlet. “We got a green light on that — we can use these verses, these lyrics. So we had the masters and we basically reverse-engineered it. There was music under it, we took off the music and wrote new music and then sort of melded it with our style.” The song appears to be what fans have been eagerly anticipating, as this week, Billboard announced that “This Is the Way,” featuring DMX, topped the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales category, securing the No. 1 spot. The surprising achievement comes just weeks after the Ruff Ryders made a pilgrimage to the late MC’s resting place in Yonkers’ Oakland Cemetery to honor his life. “You already know what time it is,” a member of the crew said in a video of the visit while pointing his smartphone camera at all the motorbikes and buggies present at the gravesite. “Got the whole pack out here, ya heard? Rest in peace, DMX.” Some of those in attendance reflected on the legendary rapper’s distinctive position in the music industry and his unwavering authenticity throughout his career. “Let’s give it to X because he stayed true to himself and he never sold out,” one person said. “He kept it real till the casket dropped, y’know what I’m saying? You don’t get real cats like that, that represent from the beginning to the end.”

Obviously I'm excited to hear new music. I'll remain open minded, but I'm not looking forward to a "modern" sound, if that's what he's bringing. I can only associate that with mainstream urban radio, and I find that sound boring, even annoying. Lyrically, I welcome serious subject matter, but I don't want to miss out on his comedy and story telling. I can't say I want to hear him cuss on the album much. I kind of share the mind state that his grandmother had; that makes someone sound common, less intelligent. It makes you wonder...what is his audience these days? I think it's safe to say that those who are checking for his music are generally looking for classic hip-hop, fun music, and something you don't have to second guess about playing around young people. All I want is a classic JJ+FP record.

I’m glad to hear that and I hope he’s working with some bigger name producers. I felt like he’s kinda shunned embracing more of the hip hop world on previous albums. You look at guys like LL working with Pharrell, Timbo and what not. I’ve always wanted to see what Will could accomplish with that level of production behind him. Trackmasters were fine for the hits, but for some real hip hop I wanna see him branch out.

It’s gonna be straight hip hop Jim but more modern hip hop like Joyner Lucas and the Will remix not old school hip hop. I’m curious what the tracks will sound like I’m thinking probably like the Will remix.

I'm over the whole swearing thing. Guys - he's 55 years old. It was cute for the time but it wasn't really something for Will to make a big deal about. The title is weird to me. Almost fearful it's a pop title for an album. I just hope it's Will really rapping and going in hard. No more Latino vibes or weird experimental half-singing/half-rapping crap - just rap and spit bars! and....why ain't Jeff involved?? C'mon.

I don't know how to feel about Will swearing on the new album. I got no problems with swearing but to hear it coming out of Will's mouth on a hip hop track is gonna sound weird to me. Also seeing a Will Smith album with the Parental Guidiance sticker on it will look strange. I'm excited though

I mixed it with the drums from King Of Rock. https://traxsfv.bandcamp.com/track/still-t-r-a-x

Loved this performance!

Joyner Lucas says it is a lot more serious and Will swears on the new album. Sounds like it’s more for the streets. Also J Balvin says he has heard the album and wants to be on it. To be honest I’d prefer this over the Latino vibes or dance music like Get Lit Will was doing about 6 years ago. This sounds like a hip hop album. Of course no involvement from Jeff I always find bizarre.

I've subscribed and received a video. Maybe the intro to his new album?

Great performance! Let's hope this is the start of some more music related stuff.

Joyner Lucas and J Balvin have been talking about his new album and new music. So let's hope we really get something this time.

If that's the album title, it's interesting. I gives the impression that there could be some heavier, series stuff mixed with fun, upbeat stuff.

JBalvin sort of mentioned it in his last instagram post as well.

Looks like we have a new Will Smith album coming called, "Dance in your Darkest Moments." Omar who does Will's music is using the hashtag #danceinyourdarkestmoments , Will has a new phone number you can sign up to get updates, similar to the old JJFP hotline which will probably alert you to the drop. <- Also Will has changed his Instagram profile to this pic - which has also been updated in WIll's Spotify. Also Joyner Lucas has been talking about the music Will has been doing saying he's been sitting on it waiting for the right temperature to release it and for all of Will's people to be on board. Looks like things have been set in motion. I suspect it will be released close to Bad Boys 4 coming out.

Looks like we have a new album coming called Dance in your darkest moments.

Will just launched a text service. You can sign up here: https://willsmith.ffm.to/signup or text 215-244-9455. There's a WhatsApp option, too. I suppose this is his new attempt to keep in touch with his supporters, following the app he launched back in 2016.

The appearance was a good look. Just a fun, light moment. The MIB-accurate suite is on point. I'm not sure why the first video was removed. Here's one from the audience. He sounds great.

J Balvin posted this on Instagram thanking Will for coming out, and in the caption put..."Also I heard the album, Don't leave me out of it".....Could something be brewing? https://www.instagram.com/jbalvin/reel/C5zDX_ayyD6/?hl=en

Just great to see him popping up on stage a bit more consistently. I just wish I knew where/when he was going to perform next.