Illin' in the Basement!!!

Building

2012-01-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

More Progress

2012-01-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Ra Scion Beg Borrow Steal EP (video)

2012-01-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

Ra Scion has finally unearthed his "Beg, Borrow, Steal" EP for us all to enjoy. On his site we've been blessed with a DL of the audio and a short film/video for the entire project. (SOPA what?)

Take a listen and enjoy the tracks produced by MTK, DJ Phinisey and myself. It's honestly dope to hear an emcee that I respect take a beat of mine and do some next ish with it.

The Stranger -Lineout

RS Scion (Common Market, Victor Shade) has also just dropped a video for his superb EP: Beg, Borrow, Steal.
The track "Borrow" (produced by DJ Phinisey) is the cookie; "Steal" (produced by Dawhud) revives 93 (a peak year for hiphop), "Beg" (produced by MTK) does the job. It's good to see RA Scion in top form.

Hurry Yo A$$ Up Homie!!!

2012-01-23T11:57:00.001-08:00

Progress

2012-01-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

Vintage Dope... It's Brewin'

2012-01-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

Where'd the Drums Go?

2012-01-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Word. People have been hitting me up about the drums I uploaded for cats to DL because the links are dead etc. Please know I'll be uploading them for you all shortly, but I'm in the midst of unpacking the new place and seeing my records for the 1st time in at least 1/2 a year.

New ish coming. (drums, music, etc.)

From the Depths

2012-01-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Big thangs poppin'? More like heavy liftin' boxin'.

Starting off 2012 with a new place and my records finally seeing the light of day after being locked up in storage for so many months.

Auntie D Christmas Cribs Special

2011-12-25T23:45:00.000-08:00

Auntie D dropped in for a Christmas Special.

The Rap-Up

2011-12-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

At this point of the year everyone is throwing out their top 10 lists. They're kind of cliche, but they serve as a recap/snapshot of the last twelve months. I honestly don't have 10 LPs or songs I could come up with, but I do have some great highlights for 2011.

Best Summer Jammie/album (tie)

Polyester The Saint - "The El Co"

Polyester The Saint dropped one of the best summer time anthems I've honestly heard since "Nuttin' But A G Thang." Please believe that I HATE AUTOTUNE. I think it's one of those corny sounds that's going to define the last couple years like how you can tell a movie is from the late 70s when you hear disco music in the score. Regardless... Polyester The Saint's "The El Co" is an example of just using something like that to add to the mix and not carry the song. I stumbled across this cut over the summer and it quickly became one of my favorite tracks to listen to these last few months. His LP, "Sumthin Ta Creez To," was an album packed to the brim with warm weather car bumps and late night cruising.

Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik - "Cashin' In"

Naptown held it down this year. Indy's hip hop scene is one of the things I truly miss after heading back home to the 206. Just as I left the 317 a slew of releases came out of Indianapolis that I hope will put the town on the map. Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik's "Professor & Hustler" LP was one of them. "Cashin' In" was another song that demanded to be played with windows rolled down and BBQs in full effect. I can proudly say that I dropped that track on KAOS 89.3 and injected the PNW with the dope ish that has been bubbling out of The Nap.

Up and Coming Artist (solo)

Mr. Kinetik

Mr. Kinetik has been doing his thing in Naptown for a minute, but 2011 was when he became an artist that could not be ignored in Indy's hip hop scene. (or any other for that matter) With the back to back projects that were being released out of Naptown this year, Mr. Kinetik was part of at least 5 of them. (and they progressively got better as the year progressed) 2011 started off with the collab "Green Hornet EP" with Eratic, then was followed with the ATFU comp and the Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik "Professor & Hustler." When most artists loose steam with back to back releases Mr. Kinetik rounded 3rd base and brought it back home with his opus "Sounds of Soul" LP and "Clockwork" mix. "Sounds of Soul" is the kind of album that would fit in nicely next to your Mos Def, Bilal and Common albums and has the potential to be just as classic. Easily one of the best albums to come out THIS year and easily one of the best albums I've heard in a LONG time.&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://mrkinetik.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-of-soul"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Sounds Of Soul by Mr. Kinetik&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Up and Coming Artist (Group)

The Proforms

Once again, another heat rock from the 317. Made up of four members from other well established Indy acts, The Proforms don't come off as a "super group/collab" project, but as their own group with their own distinctive sound and vibe. All four members have each released solid material, but as The Proforms I honestly think they have all found their groove and truly developed as artists. Their LP, "Atavism," is like that tape you had in your system that you'd play nonstop with end to end burners. I only hope this release will give Ace, Skittz, Joe Harvey and DJ Spoolz the attention that I know they deserve with their LP. Strictly raw golden age boom bap to slap suckas silly.

RA Scion track "Steal" prod by Dawhud featured on Planned Parenthood comp

2011-12-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

Various Artists | Sex Positive: A Benefit Compilation for Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest | CD Baby

Hear a better/clearer snippet of the track I produced on RA Scion's upcoming "Beg, Borrow, Steal" on this Planned Parenthood comp.

Check track 7, "Steal" produced by... Dawhud.

That's Hammer... (proper)

Vintage Dope on Tumblr & Twitter

2011-12-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

www.vintagedoperap.tumblr.com
@vintagedope

More ish coming soon...

The Proforms - Atavism (review)

2011-12-10T22:15:00.001-08:00

Atavism

GET READY!!! The lead single and 1st track off of The Proform's debut LP "Atavism" is nothing but a wake up call for cats to prep for the group's classic blend of beats & rhymes. The group consisting of Joe Harvey, Ace One, Big Skittz & DJ Spoolz have all established themselves within the Naptown scene in separate or prior projects, but have joined together to not form a "super group" but as a NEW group. With their varying backgrounds and sounds in other projects, each member brings a different vibe and element to the project that adds to the overall flavor instead of fighting against itself.

The production is headed up by Joe Harvey and when comparing it to prior efforts like "Twilight Sentinels," he's grown as a producer/beatmaker with a more polished/developed sound. Although his prior work has proven to be a quite impressive resume, this project is some of his best work yet. Schooled in the art of "golden age" hip hop, Joe Harvey is able to keep the production classic AND relevant without it sounding too dated.

On the mic, Harvey also puts in his two pennies, but Ace-One and Skittz round out the group's emcees killin' every track they rip. Although I've seen Ace and Skittz murder guest spots on tracks and live sets, the three emcees focus on building their brethren than outshining one another. Each member of the group is a key element in their sound and their is no question that they all are well rounded and schooled emcees.

Sonically "Atavism" is a cohesive and classic blend of soul, reggae and jazz to create an end to end tape burner of dope boom bap. The Ace-One solo "Mind Over Matter" is reminiscent of Da Youngstas' "Mad Props" and not only highlights the powerhouse that Ace is, but has the potential to go the distance as a solid 12" or single track.

Another one of the stand out cuts on the LP is actually an interlude/dedication to DJ Mpozi, "Suite for Mpozi." The interlude does more in what it doesn't say than what could be done if Joe Harvey, Skittz or Ace dropped a verse to it. Although I moved to Naptown a year to the day he passed, it was obvious HOW much he meant to the scene. And despite never meeting or knowing him, Skittz and Joe Harvey pieced together a dedication that damn near brought me to tears as the vocal sample says, "I'd bring you back if I knew how."

Atavism is an example of well rounded emcees, production and DJ skills coming together to make a solid LP instead of the sloppy unfocused albums that have flooded the market the last few years. The Proforms have put together a debut that has added to Naptown's steady list of dope releases and can easily be included in 2011's top ten lists. (period)

Don't sleep.

Ra Scion "Beg, Borrow, Steal" EP live preview (Dawhud production)

2011-12-06T19:09:00.001-08:00

After returning to the PNW I began reconnecting/networking with artists I knew or knew OF from Seattle before I left or while I was in Naptown. One of the artists I hit up was Ra Scion (Common Market, Victor Shade) and I asked if he'd be interested in working on something. I sent him a handful of beats and one of them was for a track I had already written and started recording called "Gears In Motion." Although I had technically started working on the track I thought I'd send it his way anyway and if he really wanted the beat, he could use it. A couple days go by and I get a text from him saying that that's the beat he wants. (Boom!!!)

We hit each other up over the next couple months and here we are as he preps for his EP "Beg, Borrow, Steal." This is the live preview he did of the EP at the Cornerstone and my track is the last in the set. (at the 8:04 mark)

Check Ra as he murders the ish!

"Take IT BACK!!!"

Vintage Dope is...

2011-11-29T21:19:00.001-08:00

Dawhud
Luvva-J
Ryan Fresh

Stay tuned...

Vintage Dope...

2011-11-23T20:25:00.001-08:00

...

Dub Styles tape cover (sneak peak)

2011-11-15T19:59:00.001-08:00

Big ups to Po' Safe!!!

Live from I-5 w/ KRS-One (Cipher Sessions)

2011-11-13T08:20:00.001-08:00

FRESH... for 2011... you SUCKAS!!!

KRS-One recently came through Seattle, Tac-town and the "O" for a lecture/concert tour hitting up universities and clubs. I had the privilage of not only going to the show in Tacoma, but the show and lecture in Oly. KRS, being "The Teacher" and a hip hop icon was all I needed to know when planning out the couple days he was in town.

Knowledge... was... dropped.

A week leading up to the events my man Luvva-J had KRS drop some science on his show on KAOS 89.3FM. The interview he gave on air was a condensed version of the lecture I sat in on.

Class is in session.

Got it, Got it (teaser)

2011-11-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

This is a teaser to the flip Ryan Fresh and I are working on of "Gucci" called "Got it, Got it." We are snatching up your records homie! (Ski mask way)

Your records aren't safe.

Got it, Got it (1 vs demo teaser) by Dawhud

J Bels Roxwell - How to Stop a Runaway EP (coming soon)

2011-11-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I posted a track from Jingle of YAGGFU aka J Bels Roxwell's upcoming EP featuring production from Moka Only titled, "Things Hoped For." J Bels has blessed us with another track off of the project along with a promo and an unreleased YAGGFU track.

"The Long Stretch," produced by YAGGFU cohort Daranged & Damage, is a jazzy headnodder with a timeless groove. Simply put Jingle is in it for the long stretch and if the rest of the EP is anything like what I've heard... you are gunna get f*cked up if you front.

HOW TO STOP A RUNAWAY EP PROMO Track by ERIC CHILDS by J Bels Roxwell of YAGGFU
LONG STRETCH Produced by DRANGED&DAMAGE by J Bels Roxwell of YAGGFU Why? -- UNRELEASED YAGGFU by J Bels Roxwell of YAGGFU

Cipher Sessions in the works. Peep the tracks and stay tuned.

2011: Return of the B-boy & B-girl

2011-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Official B-boy stance for 2011!!! BEE-YATCH!!!

Rusty Redenbacher - The Tinkerer (5 track preview)

2011-10-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Rusty Redenbacher has blessed us with another preview of his upcoming project, "The Tinkerer." He uploaded 5 tracks on soundcloud and gave us a track by track rundown.

Plug in and take a dose.

On the real ATFU...

Rusty Redenbacher (#ATFU) - Tracks from 'The Tinkerer' by RustyRedenbacher

1) ‘The Tinkerer’
The second track I made when I started what ended up being an album called ‘The Tinkerer’. I’d had those drums laying around for a minute and had been dying to rap on them. I made the drum break to mix behind other records when I spin, but I knew it was too good to keep letting everyone else have all the fun with it. The title and concept just kinda came to me. I thought it would be cool to give it a science-fiction feel to match the vibe I was getting at home.

“I can’t believe I’m actually playing these keyboards #nshit on this damn laptop! Why didn’t I try this before? I got breaks ERRYWHURR…I think I’m gonna make an album here, man. Right here in the crib…just knock this stuff out. I BEEN wanting to make tracks and God bless Steve Jobs, cuz now I can.”
I knew I was gonna dedicate this album to my Mama (God rest her soul, keep watching me, Mama. I’m doing it), Muhbabay (She gave me the space to create this thing, never complaining once about all the noise I was making and my being stuck in the ‘Iron Man Monster Factory’ all day and night.) and Steve Jobs (cuz without this technology he gave me, I wasn’t gonna be able to do this AT ALL. The whole album is produced, recorded and mixed in Garageband.)

Total budget to record this album…$29.98, for a spindle of CD’s to burn the rhythm beds for transferring into the computer. I hadn’t taught myself to sample in Garageband yet, so I mixed all the beds live as ‘blends’. All the samples and drums you hear on every track except for ‘Dunwiddit’ and ‘Shake’ were laid live from the wheels of steel to the burner, then the baselines, keys, and ‘sprinkles’ (as Tyler would say) were added via Garageband.

#Also, I didn’t have a keyboard yet, so I played all the parts on the keyboard I am typing this blog on right now. I just think that’s cool as shit. #PUNKROCKTHISSHIT. It’s about how you use what you got, getting it done, and getting it to the world like “Yeah…YEAH…YEAH!“…
That’s kinda what this song is about #aswell. I’m playing a scientist, attempting to create something outta what is laying about. I look at these records and hear music and most of the time I think…
“What could I do with that…? How could I make that, if not better, at the very least, mine, and offer it to the world? How can I take this record and these thoughts and reshape them into an entirely new beast? I’m gonna FREAK that shit right THERE.”
“I think I’m Nikolai Tesla, yo…”

#maby Dr. Frankenstein, too…

and Rick Rubin mixed with Steve Albini, but with more #swag…
woo.

2) ‘The Funk’
The track originally was gonna be real simple. I was wanting to do something that was just reeeeeal simple and fonkay; the example that was in my head was EPMD’s ‘You’re A Customer’; just a two note baseline, some sick drums, and some vocal samples/scratches. The first version was exactly that…but I didn’t have the vocal samples. Just some fonk…

The rhyme is all about the soul artists that I LOVE. The artists referenced in this song are the foundation of soul music, and thus, the foundation of hip-hop. A brutha just had to pay homage to the elders early in the process to make sure the whole thang was blessed. Word.

3) ‘My Migraine’
This is one of my favorite tracks on the album, man. Another one of my ‘blend-beds’ that really didn’t need a lot. I had this one on deck for about two years. I added the organ, the bassline, and the little bells, then wrote a tune around it.

You ever been all about something…with everything you got…and start to wonder why you even bother? I mean, like anything. You give and give to it and realize it’s nothing but a headache and a drag and you’re not getting back what you put in, but you love it. So what do you do…?

You can’t cut your head off, so you lay down or you take a pill and try to concentrate on feeling good somehow. That’s what that is there, man. Everybody has felt like that about something. I have felt like that about a lotta things, sometimes I feel like that when I am writing and recording song at 1:30 in the morning immediately after a night of DJing…

…but I ain’t about to cut my head off.

“Another pill glues me shut where my head was split.”

4) ‘Add On’
There’s a couple of short pieces that keep the narrative of the album flowing. When you hear the full album, you’ll be able to hear something of a storyline. I always think of the projects as complete pieces, even when I’m using spare parts.

Before producing the music for this album, I always felt one of my strengths was in arranging vocals. I’ve been recording my own vocals for the longest, so I’ve got a process and have developed a sound with it. I #ALSO appreciate being able to do that myself at the crib now too…I wanna try things once I get the lead done and while I ain’t Lutha or Marvin or nothin, I can get my harmony on here and there.

In this case, I was kinda playing around, learning some new effects that I hadn’t used. It’s also at a point in the album where the ‘monster’ needed to get his thang off a bit. The ‘monster’ had to show that he’s down with the program and nothing to be scared of.

(In fact, The Tinkerer doesn’t see a ‘monster’, he sees a ‘man’. Why, if more people could see what is going on at the ‘Iron Man Monster Factory’, I bet they’d be amazed and astounded.
…they can’t see me though…yet.)

I continue my work…

5) ‘The Nocturnal Stomp’
Continuing the ‘WATFU’ theme from ‘Cashin In’, this is a jam produced and written towards the end of the process. ‘WATFU’ is OUR radio station, man. The internet and social-media are basically a radio station for your personality. That’s why you see and hear me on here so much, baby. Radio don’t stop.

Radio is there when you wake up and will be there when you fall asleep. ‘WATFU’ is ALWAYS on the air. We are ALWAYS in communication with our people and we are always tryna give them something new for their personal radio stations, which in most cases are called ‘iPods’ or ‘Smartphones’
I grew up on the radio, man. The radio was about the people and the personalities presenting the music. The voices carried the personalities of real people, not robots. I love that. I used to make tapes as a kid where I would record myself introducing the songs, like a radio show.

One of the biggest influences on ‘The Tinkerer’ is my beloved Mama and a note she gave me outta the blue one day. I hadn’t seen it in years and it was returned to me this year…on Father’s Day.
Amazing, just amazing.

She was telling me to never give up on myself…and how proud she was of me. I was really in the dumps that day, y’all. As a ‘new orphan’, those holidays and birthdays just ain’t the same to me. I go through some real blues on those days cuz they ain’t here. It will NEVER be the same. No matter how old I get, no matter what is going on in my life, those days will always bring about some blues. *shrugs* They just do…

Getting this note was really like a message from Heaven. I honestly believe that. I honestly believe there was divine intervention that went on that day. I won’t ever forget it…and this note will never leave my side again. Ever. Ever. EVER. And it shouldn’t have in the first place, but when you hafta move fast, some things get left behind.

(That a whooooole other story though…)
(a whoooole other story, man.)
#ANYWAYDOE
“Mama said never quit, so I never quit/Mess around on the keys for a little bit./Space Funk, when I tinker/Deep thinker/You WILL respect it/Accept it/I get no sleep, in the deep hours of the night/Paranoid, tawgmbout…”Is my thyroid alright?”…”

You think of some wild stuff in the darkest hours, especially when you feel like you can’t sleep. You worry, you trip. Your mind never stops.

I just happen to make it rhyme and Mama said ‘GO!’, so I ‘GO!’.

…and now Rusty’s On Ya REAL Radio in #Naptown, every day at noon in the mix and on the mic on the weekend.

Radio don’t stop. Mama said never stop. Perfect. #Science. #Faith.

That’s about it, y’all. I’ll be announcing a release date and some video promos soon, so just stay tuned cuz ‘The Tinkerer’ is coming and it’s an ALBUM, baby. I really hope y’all enjoy this sneak-peek and I leave you with this.

Thank you.

All Together For Us…
#ATFU
RR

The Proforms (Cipher Sessions... the writtens)

2011-10-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I posted the two lead tracks from The Proforms upcoming LP "Atavism". (out now) I was able to have all four members of the group sit down, talk about their LP, Naptown boom bap and the best compliment an artist can ever hear.

First off... all four of the members have been rather prolific and worked on otherNaptown projects. (Mudkids, Twilight Sentinels, Breakdown Kingsetc.) How did this group come about and is this a one time project or doyou have plans for further releases?

Joe: Twilight Sentinels were working on an EP, featuring a differentperson on every track. At some point in time, we were gathered at a local hookabar- to talk, write, and listen to beats. We outgrew that space, andSkittz coerced everyone to come to his crib to hang out. Out of all ofthe people who hung out, the three of us (Joe, ACE & Skittz) were the onlyones who continued to regularly get together. Eventually, we said fuckit, why not form a group?

Ace: Firstly, we do plan on future projects. The Proforms is anactual group. Stories may differ, but here's mine: Long ago before the"Great Flood", Joe Harvey always talked of forming a collective ofemcees & using the name Proforms. Michael Graves aka Mike L. Knight,Shogun, etc. Of Twilight Sentinels always spoke of wanting to rock w/Skittz,myself, & Son Of Thought on a track/tracks. DJ Top Speed was on board atthe time. We all began to kick it on the regular at The Egyptian Hooka Bar& Skittz's pad(before the "Great Flood). Nutshell: We started writing& recording w/ourselves(3 emcees), Shogun, Son Of Thought, & Topspeed;some cats stayed & some split, but we're all still real close; longtimehomeboy DJ Spoolz(The Dirty Thirty) joined the fold & SHAZAAM! Here weare.

Spoolz: The Proforms were established before I ever joined the group,but I knew everyone prior to joining (seeing Ace & Joe at shows and talkinga lot, same with Skittz, plus doing cuts for the Rhyme Strong, Volume 1album... check that shit out). Last summer, Joe said they needed cuts forthe album, then eventually asked me to join the group. I still doscratches for other artists, but I rep The Proforms... this is who I buildwith, whether it's music, or life, or whatever. I can't wait to startputting in work on this next project.

The Proforms: We plan on doin' mo' shit.

First time I met you all it was when I first moved to Indy. I rememberI went to a Mudkids show and Ace was standing next to me. He nugged me and waslike, "Yo, do what Rusty is saying... snap yo fingers, tap yourtoes." After the show I found myself talkingwith Skittz about being new to the scene and networking. Ihad a similar experience with Joe Harvey at the MLK center whenhe preformed with the Twilight Sentinels. From theexperience I had in Indy, the scene was very welcoming and WANTED tonetwork and build itself up unlike other cities and scenes where there was a"crabs in a barrel" effect. Has that been the same experiencefor you?

Skittz: Yes, Indy has been very welcoming, and the artists here arehungry to get the city on the map, as far as hip-hop is concerned. Thereis a large, loosely connected network of mc's and dj's in the city that allhold each other down... and are all pushin' to get themselves out there and repIndy.

Ace: I agree w/you, because you were apart of that experience Dawhud.That was beautiful time that you speak of, bro. That's where I'd like seeIndy's music scene be, but 20 to 100 fold.

Spoolz: Absolutely. There are a ridiculous amount of talentedpeople in this city, and most everyone is down to help and contribute to theoverall goal of getting Naptown on the map.

Joe Harvey headed up the production. Was there a certain vibe you weregoing for or was this just a project that evolved as the three of you beganworking on it?

Joe: My idea from the beginning was to make a project that was harder edgedthan the Twilight Sentinels album. You know, a little more grimey but, at thesame time make it better sonically. I'm quite obsessed with trying to improvethe quality of my music.

I know in a lot of cases, asking what a producer used to create their music canturn into a "d!ck measuring contest" and I am one that knows itdoesn't REALLY matter what you have, it's how you freak it. BUT, I alwaysfind in interesting to hear how a beatmaker works on their product. Thatbeing said... what was your inspiration when working on the production andwhat sort of software/gear were you using to develop your sound?

Joe: I just wanted to make some hard hitting, golden era, boom bapbanging shit. Majority of Hip Hop music to me nowadays is too damn soft.
I use Acid Pro 6.0, Sound Forge7.0, a turntable, vinyl...and the power cosmic. Oh yeah, I did use a AkaiMPC-60 for one track.

Last time I ran into Joe Harvey he was saying you were thinking about a vinylpressing. Is that still a possibility?

Joe: Yes- anything is possible.

Ace: Whatchu got on our vinyl, Dawhud??

What's your opinion about how over the last couple yearsindependent releases have almost been strictly digital, i.e. bandcamp,free and physical copies have become almost non-existent?

Joe: On one side, it's awesome as an independent artist to be able to getyour music to a wider audience. The downside is that it makes musicdisposable in most consumers eyes... anyone can post something online these days,and it detracts from the overall quality of music.

Skittz: RIP Steve Jobs- this is the era of easy access. The"digital age" has provided listeners with such a high volume ofmusic... it has opened things up to where artists aren't getting the attentionthey used to get when vinyl and cds were popular.

Originally I know "Get Ready" was going to be this UBER possie cut,but as your project progressed it's obviously turned into just a joint with thethree of you. In the past I've worked on a track like that and honestlyit was a scheduling nightmare. Was it a decision like that or did youmake decide that you wanted to focus the track on the main emcees in the group?

The Proforms: Scheduling played a small part, but ultimately, we wanted itto be the first track on the album, and we decided to make it with just thegroup members.

The Proforms "Get Ready" by bdtb

"Hold On" has that reggae/dub vibe, which I dig. There'ssomething about that ish that's on some party rocking ish. What were youtrying to do with that track?

Ace: Exactly what we did... made a joint to getcha lifted.

Skittz: Ditto on that! The message in the song isuplifting...we go from a general artist PSA about not quitting and staying trueto your craft, to holdin down your crew/fam, back to the PSA thing with adifferent flavor to it.

The Proforms "Hold On" by bdtb

Prior projects you've worked on have had some great production, but it seemsthat this project seems sharper and more in tune with itself, what's youropinion?

Ace: Yes, yes it is. We really tried tomake this project a "step up" from all of our previous work. That'sthe way it should be.

Skittz: Depends on who you are asking that question...both ACE and Ihave been involved with a high variety of production...Joe handles his own...Ido state that Joe is my first choice because he's a drum junkie and that's myshit...but this project should seem sharper regardless though...I think we haveall evolved and gotten much sharper with what we are doing. We definitelymake each other better.

The name of the LP is "Atavism," meaning to revert to ancestraltype, is that a nod at bringing it back to a "Golden Era" typestate?

Joe: Yes it is.

Skittz: Joe Harvey is the Hell Boy of Boom Bap

Joe: ... and boom goes the dynamite.

Skittz: Bringing it back? Nah..we doing our part tomake sure it holds it's place...it aint gone nowhere contrary to whatsome believe.

Spoolz: I suppose you could say that... we're just weirdos that likeour hip-hop with lyrics that rhyme and mean something, over bangin' beats, withdope scratches. (laughs)

The dynamic of the three of you on the mic is reminiscent of how Wu was ableto have this collective of different styles and allow them to mesh togetherinstead of having these emcees all over the place. Ace has thispowerful/commanding delivery that is mixed with a drawl, Skittz has thatcipher/battle rapper vibe and Joe Harvey brings a lot of introspective thoughtprovoking lines. I honestly find this combo really entertaining becauseyou're able to bring something to the table for everyone and keep the musicinteresting to the listener. Was this something you were thinking of whenyou formed the group and developing songs or was this something that justformed organically?

Joe: It's something that just happened organically and we did noticeit when the album was complete and we all listened to it. The reason in myopinion it works is because we all come from such different backgrounds whichmakes our approach to music individually diverse. But when it comes to ouroutlook on Hip Hop music and how it should be done and/or handled, we are incomplete agreement. So that synergy is what makes The Proforms, The Proforms.

Skittz: Beee..eeaaasy mayne! I hate battle rappers...that ain'tme! Ha! Organically indeed...we focus on the notion of in some cases youhave to be able to have a personal, friendly bond to manifest....we weregetting used to one another, kicking it...writing a bit...more making sure wewere on the same page with concepts of songs...trusting that we all hadsomething of value that would be dope. It's just how we are and what wedo....been at this for a minute. Later in the process, Spoolz was addedto the mix and brought that raw cut we wanted to add consistently. *patsBradley (Spoolz) on the shoulder*

It is so nice hearing a DJ on a track. (period) How importantwas it to bring that element into the fold?

Joe: I personally think it's a waste of time. just kidding. I think it's oneof the most important parts of Hip Hop and being in a Hip Hop group that getsoverlooked or pushed to the side. A DJ's role in a group is more than justplaying your music and standing in the back. A DJ is the band leader, it'stheir job to dictate the pace and mood of a show and to make sure shit runssmooth. I believe a good DJ can make or break a performance.

Skittz: Ohhh so sorry...please see above for more but Spoolz basicallyis our show manager and has been able to bring that dj element as a perfectcompliment to the lyrics...vocal samples that he brings are better andbetter...that is his input lyrically for us...he likes to find things that havesubstance with the content of the song, and not just something that he thinkshe can scratch well over...he works at it because we do too and it's not alwaysan easy transition into that...gotta figure out how to cut/scratch it and makesure it sounds dope.

Spoolz: What's crazy is I often have people approach me after showsand say the same thing... it's nice to see that people still appreciate what aDJ brings to a show.

What's the best compliment/review you've ever heard regarding yourmusic?

Joe: I don't know. That "your music makes my pussy wet" comment ispretty difficult to top. I was speechless when that happened.

Skittz: I would say it is the constant encouragement we get from ourlocal peeps leading up to all of this...there has never been a doubt that weare supported and heads are anxious and READY for what we have to offer. We are all respected and have individually and collectively pioneered some hiphop nostalgia. From the previous groups mentioned to small bits ofinroads along the way....Imma say the intro to the album says it all...socop it and listen..hearing that is a compliment to me because it speaks to howthis all came together....the wet kitty comment never hurts...this is not sexmusic but if it add moisture to your lift *HIGH FIVE*

Hit 'em with the product.

The Proforms debut album "Atavism" will be available 10/25/11 at:

iTunes
Amazon Digital
eMusic
Napster
Rhapsody
Spotify
Zune
Juno Digital
Beatport
Rdio
Thumbplay
Simfy
Medianet Stores
iMusica
Mobile Outlets

Plus we will have physical product (cd's, digital download cards...and possiblyvinyl) available at shows and online.

Check us out at:
www.theproforms.com
www.facebook.com/theproforms
@TheProforms
@ACE_ONE_
@djspoolz
@proformjoe
@skittzformpro

Mr. Kinetik - Clockwork 10:22

2011-10-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Just a couple months ago Mr. Kinetik blessed us with his opus, "Sounds of Soul" and in a short period of time he is back to bless us once again. This time we're being treated with a "Donuts" style instrumental/mixtape project titled "Clockwork 10:22." In this project we find Mr. Kinetik tackling the concept of time with a mishmash of classic soul samples, loops and movie clips.

And as usual... he doesn't disappoint. Ring the alarm and break yourself off with Mr. Kinetik's new joint.

From the Mr. Kinetik and ATFU's blog.

"I present to you, "Clockwork." This one is free for y’all, as a token of my appreciation for your support of my musical endeavors. This is a musical journey with a focus on…..well, just listen to it and let me know what you think."

"Clockwork" is a musical suite that relates to time, 10:22 (am or pm) to be specific. My homie and soundboard brotha Romer has this thing about the number 10:22 on the clock. Apparently, he sees it on the clock at very significant moments in life…repeatedly (Metaphysical stuff, see I Heart Huckabees for more). At any rate, 10:22 was the name of Romer’s blog (that Romer doesn’t really touch these days but that’s another conversation) and when we lived at our old spot, where I recorded much of the first bits of music anyone ever heard from me as a solo act, sure enough 10:22 would pop up randomly from time to time. The whole thing is really odd to me and I used to think Romer was fried, but really, it all makes sense and ties together. "Ebony & Ivory: Broken Keys Bear Sound" is a project I did that echoes the same ideology, along with "Saving All The Good Beats For Myself" (which will be released in time for the holidays as a remaster via Bandcamp and "Sounds Of Soul" as well."

Dollabin - Interview (Cipher Sessions podcast debut)

2011-10-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 1st edition of "Cipher Sessions," a new feature here. For our 1st edition I sat down with DJ Ian Head & Verbal Math aka Dollabin to discus their genesis, their music and their podcast, "Fresher Than Your Father."

In the digital age that we live there is a glut of music that is available through forums, blogs and social media sites. The ability to drop albums, singles and videos are not as financially burdening as they once were for many independent artists. Technology has also proven to be a double edged sword. On one hand, great artists are able to get their music out to their audience without needing the budget of a record label, but on the other hand... it's just as easy for bad artists to do the same.

Hit the hyperlink to DL their debuts EP

But, as Ian says, "There was a lot crappy music that the industry put out back in the day." Regardless of your opinion on technology, music and how we consume it, one of the dopest hip hop groups I've happened to come across in the last few years is Dollabin. A DJ/emcee duo made up of Verbal Math and DJ Ian Head that combine their love of record collecting and hip hop into some dope boom bap.

In 2006 they released the "One More Crate" EP, an 11 track introduction to the group featuring solid rhymes & production on tracks like "S.A.T." "Beautiful, " "Pragmatic," & "Heavyweights." When artists were releasing "mixtapes" with 35 songs, Ian and Verb followed the blueprint of Nas' "Illmatic" and kept it short and simple with rewindable/repeatable quality cuts instead of overkill.

Hit the hyperlink to DL the digi 12"

Roughly a year later we were given a short taste of what the two were working on when they dropped the "Cold Chillin" digi maxi single. The single only wet our appetite while we were waiting for their full length "Styles You Can't Afford." "Cold Chillin" was a quick shot crate diggin' anthem leaving suckers black and blue like the digi 12"s cover. On the b-side we were treated with an upcoming track from their full length, "Dreams" feat. Gabriel Teodros, along with an interlude and "Rusty Shovels pt 2" featuring Omega Jackson. It would have to do until their LP would be released.

Classic Material

Finally after long last "Styles You Can't Afford" was released. The album was a much more focused/polished project than their debut, but maintained the same vibe that made their earlier work so dope. Tracks like "Get There," "The Drummer," & "City to City" displayed how Ian & Verb progressed with their writing, beatmaking and mixing.

With only two releases the duo has built a catalog that can't be touched by a lot of artists. (period) Do yourself a favor and check these releases along with the other offerings available at Everydaybeats.net.

Click here to listen to the debut of "Cipher Sessions."

Cipher Sessions (coming soon)

2011-10-15T16:05:00.001-07:00

Cipher Sessions podcasts & interviews.

Stay tuned!

4 Real - Just to Survive (1992)

2011-10-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Luvva-J (Live from I-5/KAOS) and I go back like Dr. Emmit Brown & Marty McFly. I met him through my friends Keith & Kenneth's older brother Leonard. We were young kids that tried rapping, but Leonard and his friends were looked at as the OGs. They freestyled, rocked the Hi-Tek boots, the s-curl gumby fades... they literally looked like the rappers we saw on the tape covers.

While the twins and I were in middle school working on our chops, their older brother and his crew were recording tracks in studios. The demos they cut, in my opinion, could have got them signed to some sort of label deal. The group was called "4 Real" and it was made up of Leonard Woolridge, Jose (Luvva-J) Gutierrez, Robert (SP) Spruill and Kortez Eaton. Whenever they would hit the studio and record a track, Keith and Kennith would sneak into their brother's bedroom and let me hear the tape that Leonard had of their latest demo. To this day I still remember some of the punchlines and lyrics the four of them dropped on their demos. (and I honestly haven't heard most of them since the early 90s') Robert was my favorite member of the group and he had this one line from one of the cuts that went, "I make dollars, f**k making pesos!!!"

They had about an EP worth of tracks and as far as I know, this is the only track that still exists. The other tracks they did may be on some cassette buried in a box, but I have no idea. This joint, "Just to Survive," was saved because Luvva-J had the reel to reel from when they recorded it at Zoo Studios in Lakewood, WA. (back in 1992) Luvva-J was the lead producer on the cut and blended Gregorian chants with "The Message" panting a rather dark street theme. This was one of my favorite tracks they recorded and I hope it can now get the shine it deserves.

Rhyme Commission - Hall of Famers (feat Dawhud)

2011-10-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

"Hold it down in Sea-town, I wear the crown/
Call it the 'Kingdome' ya'll rookies are lame clowns"

When I was a kid I was really into sports, collecting cards, stats, soccer, football, basket ball... all that ish. As I got older all of that interest went into music. Honestly, if I'm not physically at the event or taking part in a game, I could care less about what's going on. Doesn't mean I hate sports... I'm just not into it as much. What's really odd is that some how keep up with what's going on. (go fig)

About a month ago Po' Safe and Fletch hit me up to see if I wanted to get on a track for the Rhyme Commission called "Hall of Famers." The gauntlet was thrown down and I stepped up to the challenge. I sat down, grabbed my comp book and wrote a 16 mostly about the Seattle sports teams, players and card collecting.

Dig!

Rhyme Commission - Hall of Famers (feat. Dawhud) by Po' Safe Beats

Skittz - Rhymestrong

2011-10-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Rhymestrong... yes indeed!!!

Yes indeed!!!

Indy has REALLY been bringing the heat this year with so many dope releases and Skittz' long awaited LP, "Rhymestrong" is another addition to Naptown's slew of ill hip hop for 2011. Skittz has been holding it down in Indy for a long minute through several projects including The Mudkids and his recent work with The Proforms. "Rhymestrong" is almost a who's who of Naptown's finest beatmakers and emcees and serves as a preemptive strike to The Proforms "Atavism" LP that's set to be released later this month.

Big Skittz' flow is that of an aged battle rhymer. He's paid his dues and doesn't need to prove he's worthy of the crown... because cats know. Schooled in the "Golden Age/Era" of emcees Skittz brings a level of lyricism that's been missing in a lot of hip hop for a number of years. In an age when emcees are relying heavily on their perception of what swagger is, Skittz simply spits with ease in one bar what many can't do in 16, a track or a whole LP.

Much of the production is schooled in the same fashion as his flow. 317 statesmen, Elp Mass & Joe Harvey, contribute to a large portion of the production on the project building a solid foundation of breaks, samples and 90s boom bap grooves. Tracks like "Ohhhkay," "Let's Go" & "All I Can See" are reminiscent of the days when Rakim, Lord Finesse, Masta Ace and Black Moon blessed our tape decks.

In the spirit of Wu/Bootcamp, a majority of the guests on this LP serve as an appetizer for The Proforms' upcoming album as all members drop two pennies on several tracks. (production, rhymes & cuts) If Skittz' LP is any hint at what "Atavism" will be like, you will want to stay tuned.

"Rhymestrong" is a solid release from a solid emcee. Don't sleep.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://skittz.bandcamp.com/album/rhymestrong"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Rhymestrong by Skittz&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Proforms - Get Ready

2011-10-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Proforms are a group hailing from Naptown consisting of Joe Harvey, Ace-One, Skittz and DJ Spoolz. All have established themselves respectively in the 317 through other Indy hip hop groups like Twilight Sentinels, Breakdown Kings, Mudkids and Dirty 30. In many instances, a group made up of members of other groups with such varying styles would have an end result of mediocre music. (A case of too many cooks in the kitchen.) BUT, The Proforms are no doubt an exception to that rule. Instead of letting their varying styles sound jarring to the listener, the group highlights their different flavors to cook up their own gumbo and drop some dope "Golden Era" Boom Bap.

I first heard of this project a couple years ago when I was invited over to Skittz apartment to work on what were supposed to be a couple UBER possie cuts. One of those cuts would be trimmed down into the three emcee version track that is now their lead single, "Get Ready." And that's exactly what you need to do!!!

The track is set off by Spoolz' ill cuts and Joe Harvey's 1st verse telling you to get "on mark, get set or at least GET READY!" Skittz and Ace follow with verses that build this no hook jammie into a fever pitch that proves an ill show jump off to get the crowd hype.

The Proforms "Get Ready" by bdtb

The digi b-side, "Hold On," is another track that is a sure shot crowd pleaser with it's dub/reggae samples and ill bass grooves. Ace, Harvey & Skittz hold it down as they rip through this party rocker.

The Proforms "Hold On" by bdtb

The Proforms plan on releasing their LP "Atavism in late October and I'm hoping to have an interview with them shortly. Till then... "Get Ready."

www.theproforms.com
www.facebook.com/TheProforms

Follow them on Twitter.
@theproforms
@proformjoe
@skittzformpro
@ace_one
@djspoolz

Blake Allee - My Best Friends Are Machines

2011-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Blake Allee (Ali) is a producer/emcee hailing from Naptown who recently released his project "My Best Friends Are Machines." Blake's project is an examination of technology, our relationship with it and... sounds as such as he paints a soundscape with a mixture of synths, software and samples.

To promote his 1st single and LP he did one of the coolest promo items that I've seen in a minute by putting it out on floppy disk. Honestly one of the best ways I've seen someone incorporate their LPs concept through a promo/single release.

Check the LP and plug into Skynet.
&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://blakeallee.bandcamp.com/album/my-best-friends-are-machines"&amp;gt;My Best Friends Are Machines by Blake Allee&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

J Bels Roxwell... YAGGFU

2011-09-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

You Gonna Get F*$ed Up If You FRONT!!! And honestly there are a lot of people that are fronting.

YAGGFU Front was a trio in the early 90s that repped North Carolina WAY before Little Brother picked up the mic. They dropped the "Looking For A Contract/Slappin' Suckers Silly" 12" and followed it up with the slept on classic, "Action Packed Adventures" on Mercury Records. It being the early 90s and the glut of dope hip hop that was coming out at the time, PLUS the lack of label support, YAGGFU got lost in the shuffle for a lot of cats. They were a group that had a Pharcyde/De La vibe that kept it serious, but also knew to have fun without coming across like a joke.

Time passed, Mercury Records disolved and after their debut LP almost nothing was heard from the crew. Around 2002 a project called "The Secret Tapes" was released and that sounded like a mixture of cuts left from "Action Packed Adventures" and newer tracks. But after the release of "The Secret Tapes" almost nothing was heard from Spin, Jingle and Damage.

So here we are. It's 2011 and J Bels Roxwell aka Jingle has been putting together a project/EP. The lead single is "Things Hoped For" and it's produced by none other than the prolific Moka Only. Jingle hasn't lost a step and in many ways sounds as hungry and on point as ever. He now seems to have a sense of maturity, focus and "Grown Ass Manism" that he didn't have before. And although tracks from their debut were rich in content, Jingle has aged like fine wine as he sets it off talking to Spin & Damage." It doesn't hurt that Moka's production is able to keep Jingle relevant but still draw from what made YAGGFU Front so dope back in 94.

I'm honestly amped to hear the rest of this project.

Don't FRONT!!!

Things Hoped For Produced by MOKA ONLY by J Bels Roxwell of YAGGFU

Dee Supreme beat tapes.

2011-09-24T11:32:00.000-07:00


Hit the hyperlink to DL Dee's Creative Wealth sickness!!!

Dee Supreme is my dude. If you don't know, he laced "Come Equipped" along with "Swing" from the "Dub Styles" project and we've worked together on a few other tracks. In many ways his beat for "Come Equipped" was what REALLY kicked that project in motion and it honestly is one of my favorite tracks I've recorded period. Hailing from Finland and Armed with an MPC2000XL Dee puts out some serious heat.

A couple years ago he dropped the "Creative Wealth" beat tape that was full of quick beats and goodies in a "Donuts" like fashion.

But...

Time passed, life's happened and outside of a few videos a lot of people haven't been broken off with much from Dee Supreme. Oddly enough I was thinking about him the other day and reached out to see what he was up to. Then I hit up the STMB forum and to my surprise Dee just dropped two instrumental EP/beat tapes. (Can't Stay For Too Long & Always Halfway to Somewhere) Needless to say within minutes I was DLing the joints and listening to them. In the time that has passed we can tell he's matured and his sound has changed. And all for the better. Although Dee has always been on a laid back/ jazzy vibe I can tell his instrumentation has improved and he seems more comfortable in his shoes. (so to say)

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://deesupreme.bandcamp.com/album/always-halfway-to-somewhere-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Always halfway to somewhere EP by DeeSupreme&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://deesupreme.bandcamp.com/album/cant-stay-for-too-long-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Can't stay for too long EP by DeeSupreme&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
Check out my man Dee Supreme's beat tapes and chill... "till the next episode."

Rusty Redenbacher - The Tinkerer title track & inst EP

2011-09-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Rusty Redenbacher, Mudkids/ATFU/Prof & Hustler, dropped the title track from his forthcoming LP, "The Tinkerer" to get our mouths watery. If the snippets he's dropped and this track are what the rest of it will sound like it will be a MUST cop!

"Rock to the title track from my forthcoming self-produced album here. It’s still unmastered, but I’ve been talking about it all day and I wanted to let you hear a bit of what it’s on, yo…leave some feedback, repost if you want. When I get this thing mastered, we’ll start with some official drops.
…plus I just finished it last night, so I gotta let y’all hear SOMETHIN…right? We tryna build something here…" Rusty Redenbacher

Rusty Redenbacher (#ATFU) - The Tinkerer by RustyRedenbacher
To also prep for his project he released a free EP of beats to DL called "5 On the Black Hand Side." Do yourself a favor, check it out & chill to some badass ish.

Eratic - Negative Balance 10/4/11

2011-09-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Eratic is one of Naptown's slickest emcees and reps that grimy, dirty, dusty boom bap. On October 4th, Eratic will release his latest project "Negative Balance." Earlier this year he put out the tasty "Green Hornet" EP alongside Mr. Kinetik to wet our mouths for future projects. In the last few months we've seen Mr. Kinetik murder several releases and NOW... it's Eratic's time.

This is a quick promo video about the project with a track over a Doom flip.

And don't forget to check out Eratic's "Post Eratic Syndrome" LP.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://eratic.bandcamp.com/album/post-eratic-syndrome"&amp;gt;Post Eratic Syndrome by Eratic&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Late Nite Blues - DJ Ian Head

2011-09-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

DJ Ian Head is always coming correct and this lost gem from the Aretha EPs he he was working on back in 07 with Evol-One is no joke.

"Here's a cut I left off the Reborn Soul EP I did with Evolve-One awhile back - "Late Night Blues," just something simple chopped directly from the record - no added drums or sounds. It's basically a little exclusive as I enter the Bandcamp world, getting my stuff together before a couple upcoming releases."

And if you missed the original work, check out the product at everydaybeats.net.

Ol' School Beat Tape... get it while you can.

2011-09-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was notified that my link on Rapidshare for my Ol' School Beat Tape will expire in a day or two. Cop the DL while you can.

"Free DL, click the hyperlink above.

This is a collection of early beats made on my SP1200 and SU10. (mostly from the SP 1200) Some of these beats were later developed into remixes or tracks on the "Basement Sessions" LP.

(Note: The cuts on this beat tape that became tracks from the LP are ones that are NOT available on the "Basement Sessions" instrumental version.)

The majority of these beats were made between 1999 - 2001 and while I was developing my production style w/ the SP. During this period I thought it was far easier to go digging, sample, sequence and make a beat than it was to sit down and write a song. (or maybe I just wanted to make beats and DJ... or was bored with emceeing at the moment) Who knows?

This was basically the 1st beat tape I circulated to people around the way and it really WAS a beat tape. I would usually record all these tracks to a tape or minidisk and listen to them in my car. (usually tape) It wasn't until a few years later when every cat had a CD burner that I was able to bust it out on disk. (which is what this rip comes from)

Please NOTE: THESE TRACKS ARE NOT MASTERED AND WERE ROUGH DEMO MIXES."

Brothers From Another - Quality of Living

2011-09-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Brothers From Another...

Whatever these cats do, it's "good times" music. When listening to their voices you can ALWAYS tell they are having a great time and smiling. I first heard of this duo a year or two ago and thought, "damn... these kids are in high school doing this ish." Now they're in college in Cali, but they come home to kick it and Beeba Vision Part. II is a prime example of how they do.

Amongst their studying this duo obviously had the time to put together an LP with a who's who of Seattle beatmakers. Quality of Living dropped on the 1st of September just in time for Labor Day weekend and for everyone to get in their last chill session before summer ends. And it's just that... sipping Corona's and windows rolled down or a soundtrack for your BBQ.

Do yourself a favor and check out their latest project while you can still catch the hipster bus and say you dug them before everyone else did.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://brothersfromanother.bandcamp.com/album/quality-of-living"&amp;gt;Quality of Living by Brothers from Another&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

DJ Ian Head Quick 45 Mix

2011-08-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

The homie DJ Ian Head is that dude... on the beats, on the cuts & on the rhymes. He's been behind one of my favorite groups I've heard in the last ten years, Dolla Bin, and some of the illest mixes that drop every month on everydaybeats.net. If you're not hip to it... get it.

D.Thraxx OTIS Freestyle/REMIX (the blog is famous)

2011-08-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

The Basement Addicts blog is featured in the new D. Thraxx youtube clip. (and that's what's up) If you missed D. Thraxx, you better tune in because she... is... sick... on... the... mic. I have missed hearing female emcees that can stand amongst MC Lyte, Jean Grae and MANY other male rappers. She is SERIOUSLY bringing something to the table that has been missing in SO many emcees. (period)

Rusty Redenbacher - "The Tinkerer" promo and DL

2011-08-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Rusty is quickly building the steam with his "The Tinkerer" project. Check the promo vid he released and the DL that was posted on the ATFU Tumbler page.

From Rusty off of the ATFU/Tornado Alley Tumbler page.

"#ATFU #IWantYou #TheTinkerer #FreeDownload
Cover version of Marvin Gaye’s classic, done in a Tinkerer style…
I change things. I reshape them. Everything doesn’t need to be fixed, but I am a scientist…I will experiment…Maybe I will create something great and different, a cure, perhaps…maybe I will totally fail, but I will do it for science and @ATFU_
I just felt like singing and playing around a bit today. Thought I’d share it with y’all. Believe me, this is a whole new world to me too, so I’m trying to give you peeks into it before I drop ‘The Tinkerer’ and me and @MrKinetik start working on the follow-up to ‘The Professor And The Hustler’ (which is still a free download, so you should hit that link!)"

And you can't forget the Caillou ish!!! Props to Got Sole in Indy!!!

#ATFU The Tinkerer & Snippet tape

2011-08-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been following the blog, then you've been catching zzzzzz's on a lot of dope ish coming out of Naptown. Seems like the moment I head back to the 206, ish is bubbling.

Rusty Redenbacher, Mudkids/#ATFU/Prof & Hustler, put together an LP called "The Tinkerer" in a very short period of time and dropped some snippets on his tumbler page. From the snippets he threw on his blog and the soundcloud track, you can tell this is going to be some dope boom bap. Get ready for "The Tinkerer" because this is bonified boom box & Walkman ready. (yeah... I said Walkman... that's what's up)

High Chops Dub Mix (The Tinkerer's Extended Dead Disco Dub) by RustyRedenbacher

From Rusty Redenbacher's Tumbler page

"Here’s another snippet tape from ‘The Tinkerer’. I just crafted this because I am mad excited about this album and before I start dropping full tracks, I want you to get a feel for how the album grooves. I gotta say this, everyone I have played a few tracks for says “Man, this is different…”, so I’m really geeked about what I did here, yo.‘The Tinkerer’ just happened, man. It was an amazing experience putting this thing together, which is how I feel about everything #ATFU affiliated. I just love making this music and what’s great about ‘The Tinkerer’ is the full budget for recording is about $29.99. (bought a spindle of CD’s to make it happen…I’ll tell you about my production process for this album later.)
DIY, BABY…you ain’t gotta have all them pretty mics and fancy lit-up gadgets to make music. You gotta have grit, ideas, inspiration, and some soul don’t hurt.
Watch #ATFU’s Tumblr tomorrow."

Sum Rap Sheet

2011-08-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Physics - Love is a Business

2011-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

In a very short time The Physics have proven to be one of the MOST consistent groups out of Seattle and this LP is another example of that. The title in itself speaks volumes and fully describes the sound of the record. It's one of those jammies that would serve as a soundtrack for the warmer months... BBQs, driving with the windows rolled down and head over heels in a summer romance. Love IS a Business and a VERY dope record.

"Since cutting their 2007 LP Future Talk, the Physics (MCs Gathigi "Thig Natural" Gishuru and Njuguna "Monk Wordsmith" Gishuru, and producer Justin "Just D'Amato" Hare) have been quietly winning the hearts of Seattle's townfolk, organically achieving their own buzz—warm and cognac-smooth. They're simply one of the most vital crews doing it around here." Larry Mizell jr. The Stranger Magazine and KEXP 90.3

And for those of you outside the city of raindrops, Thig announced on Facebook and on their site that The Physics were going to be touring with The Blue Scholars. (even heard of a NY show)

09/17 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Market (all-ages)
09/20 – Eugene, OR – Wow Hall (all-ages)
09/21 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom (all-ages)
09/24 – Belllingham, WA – Wild Buffalo (21+)
10/15 – Los Angeles, CA – Key Club (18+)
10/16 – San Diego, CA – Casbah (21+)
*also 9/10 in Vancouver BC w/ Macklemore (all ages)*

Ring the alarm and don't get caught sleeping.
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thephysics.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-a-business-album"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Love Is A Business (Album) by The Physics&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Token Folk - The Vibes

2011-08-16T09:08:00.001-07:00

Token Folk, a boom box & Pike Place.

Diggin' card revoked

2011-08-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

Like a Blo$$!!!

2011-08-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Aug 23rd. Sadistik presents...

2011-08-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

The White Rabbit in Fremont will host a night of hip hop with sets from Sadistik Inspired Flight, Dawhud &amp; Mike Champoux.

Tue, August 23, 2011

Doors: 9:00 PM / Show: 9:30 PM

$5.00

This show is 21+, proper I.D. is required for admission

Sadistik

Sadistik is not just another rapper, he is an artist in the deepest sense of the word. Hailing all the way from the scenic gloom of Seattle, Washington, Sadistik has quickly gained the hearts and ears of listeners by opting for a more personal and heartfelt brand of music by carefully circumventing the limiting cliches of rap music --- all before the age of 25. By combining caustic honesty, lyrical wit and technical innovation, Sadistik has crafted a sound that he can truly call his own. His lyrical endeavors are not without the help of some of the most talented producers in the underground scene, however, as he has worked predominantly with Portland-based instrumentalist Emancipator. In addition to their work together, Sadistik has meshed his sounds with the likes of the prolific duo Blue Sky Black Death as well as Chicago native Kid Called Computer. From his work with such talented multi-instrumentalist producers, Sadistik has created a signature of unpredictable and complex song structures draped with densely layered combinations of intricate sample work and live instruments. Sadistik's collaborations are not limited only to the powerhouses of the instrumental scene, however, but also some of underground rap's most revered wordsmiths such as Eyedea, Cage, Mac Lethal and Sage Francis, to name a few.

www.sadistikmusic.com/live

Inspired Flight

Rooted in hip-hop with branches of indie rock, electronica, downtempo, dub, and dance, Inspired Flight gives life to a hypnotizing and influential new musical experience that listeners are finding refreshing and authentic. iF's use of turntablism and sampling along with live instrumentation and vocals, all centered around innovative songwriting, has given birth to an independently-released debut album featuring high-profile MC's and sparking global attention, and a live show that has compelled audience members to scream, "Where have you been all my life!?"

Homegrown in San Diego, California, Inspired Flight fuses the talents of master turntablist, OpenOptics (Eric Poline), and seasoned guitarist/songwriter, Chavez (Gabe Lehner) who both discovered a passion for music at a very young age by falling in love with golden-era hip-hop. As teenagers OpenOptics became obsessed with turntables, collecting records, and DJ’ing, while Chavez became fixated on blues guitar, British rock, and songwriting. The two traveled their respective musical paths with true dedication and passion, honing their skills as musicians, and in 2006 they met when Chavez hired OpenOptics to do scratching on an electronica album he was making under the name of Mechanical Cats. With their shared love of hip-hop, electronica, and recording and producing music, it didn’t take long for the two to collaborate on their own project. The fusion of personalities, backgrounds, and musical interests provided the perfect balance for creating fresh, thought-provoking sounds, and what began as a casual collaboration quickly evolved into Inspired Flight.

Adding a third dimension to the iF live show is vocalist/pianist Ashley Marie Mazanec. Ashley not only sings on four tracks of iF's debut album and one track from their earlier EP, but was the vocalist for Chavez's Mechanical Cats album, the prior musical project that lead to OpenOptics and Chavez meeting. With a unique voice and a talent for playing piano nurtured since the age of five, Ashley makes a strong addition to the sonic and visual aesthetic of iF's live show.

An Inspired Flight show features live vocals and performance on guitar, keyboards, turntables, kalimbas, and melodica, used with multiple laptops and MIDI controllers. The euphoric, dance-inducing beats of an iF show merge what is mostly original production with tasteful and strategic sampling, leaving audiences "blissed out" and craving more.

www.inspiredflightmusic.com/

Mike Champoux

Upcoming NW artist Mike Champoux is going to tear the roof off with his collection of self written and produced tracks. Nuff said.

www.mikechampoux.com
www.reverbnation.com/mikechampoux

August 23rd The White Rabbit

2011-08-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Possible set at The White Rabbit in Fremont on the 23rd. More details as the venue is confirmed.

Stat tuned!

Malice & Mario Sweet - Speed of Light

2011-08-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

Malice & Mario Sweet are Physics related crew. (or the closest thing to it) Although they are not a hip hop group, they provide some ill soul R&B with a little hip hop vibe to it. Dig the vibe and check the EP.

"Get ready to take a private journey aboard a music fueled spaceship to a place with no borders, rules, or sorrows. Malice and Mario Sweet have chartered a direct flight to a musical celebration for the open-minded lover in all of us.

Several genres are visited throughout this commemorative EP while upbeat, soulful and tangible love rings through each melodic twist and turn. This married duo have no other intention but to channel your inner musician and help you let it all go. Happy 2 Year."

Mr. Kinetik Sounds of Soul

2011-08-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

In the process of a year Mr. Kinetik has been part of some of the illist ish that has been dropping out of Naptown and in hip hop period. In February he set off the year with The Green Hornet EP alongside one of Indy's sickest emcees Eratic. Then the ATFU/Tornado Alley project/movement began bubbling and taking over. Then in May alongside Rusty Redenbacher from the Mudkids they released a collab effort titled "The Professor and The Hustler," which was once again nothing short of SLAMMIN'!
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://audiorecon.bandcamp.com/album/the-green-hornet"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Green Hornet by Eratic &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Mr. Kinetik&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

How do you follow it up? How do you stay consistent? In this day, artists turn out music to keep a buzz going instead of making solid projects. Over the last 8 months, Mr. Kinetik's projects seem to be as dope or doper than the last. So... here we are in August and Mr. Kinetik does it again with his "Sounds of Soul" project which, according to Mr. Kinetik, "has been carefully crafted over a couple of years." (and you can tell) This is NOT a sloppy collection of tracks with no theme like what many mixtapes have become. I could tell from 1st listen that this project was a fine tuned and well oiled machine. A lot of albums have peaks and valleys, but "Sounds of Soul" is nothing but consistent all the way through in the fashion of many classic hip hop albums. Time will only tell, but this LP and artist have the potential to go far.

&amp;lt;a href="http://mrkinetik.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-of-soul"&amp;gt;Sounds Of Soul by Mr. Kinetik&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Follow on Twitter @MrKinetik and @RustyMK2
Tumblr: TornadoAlleyMusic.Tumblr.com, MrKinetik.Tumblr.com, and RustyRedenbacher.Tumblr.com

Pete Marriott's - "The Champ is Here"

2011-08-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Pete Marriott dropping "The Champ Is Here" doing some good old fashioned boom bap. Peep this ill joint.

“The Champ Is Here” is the new single from DJ/producer Pete Marriott. The 20+ year hip hop veteran who hails fromSeattle, Washington has hooked up with the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina group Full Time Grind to transport listeners back to the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Sampling the line that Muhammad Ali made famous, “The Champ Is Here” is as diverse, innovative and influential as hip hop was in its heyday."

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://hipnottrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-champ-is-here-digital-single"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Champ Is Here [Digital Single] by Pete Marriott &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Full Time Grind&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Seatown Approved!!!

2011-08-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

The High Dive... all the way live!!!

Those of you that were unable to make it out to the High Dive on the 27th... it was a dope show. (period) My man Ryan Fresh was on the 1's & 2's and Just Be picked up the mic again to rock the stage one more time. It felt good to not only be back in Seattle, but to hit the stage here once again.

We were the opening act at The High Dive & despite the placement kept it "top shelf" for the crowd. We blessed the people with tracks from "Basement Sessions," "Dub Styles" and the "TransAtlantic" project. The last time I did a show here in Seattle w/ Just Be it was 2008 & the tracks felt like we hadn't skipped a beat.

The gig was refreshing to connect with new artists in the 206 & to dive back into the scene. (a reintroduction so to speak) Although I've been aware of what's been going on in the scene, things have changed. So, it was nice to see new faces doing what they love on stage and giving it their all. (French Letters, Vice Versus & Token Folk.)

Just Be & Dawhud... From This Moment ON!!!

Although this gig was a homecoming for myself, it's served as a catalyst to spark interest in music for my friends. Does that mean Just Be is going to get back on the mic? I can't answer for him, but it was nice to share the stage with him again and do some of my favorite cuts together. As for Ryan Fresh... I know he said he's interested in doing more shows & that's exactly what I want to do. (more shows)

This gig is just the 1st of many now that I have returned to the land of raindrops.


Your official when you're on a dive bar wall!

Peace to all the people, friends and the artists that came out. French Letters, Vice Versus & Token Folk... ya'll rocked the spot!!!

Peep the vid.

Rusty Scorsayzee Presents '#ATFU: Poonaroo '11'

2011-07-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tribe...

2011-07-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the "Beats, Rhymes & Life" doc that's coming out I have these rare Tribe demos.

This is the original demo that Tribe did. Some of the tracks are what were featured on their debut LP and some are unreleased gems.

The demo version of one of the greatest possie cuts ever. This version features Pos from De La and Mr. Lawnge from Black Sheep. Classic!!!

Best Wack Movie in a Minute. (The Room)

2011-07-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

The infamous "The Room" billboard in LA.

It's been a while since I've done a post about bad movies and this is a special edition.

I first heard about "The Room" when reading an article about the movie in "Entertainment Weekly." In it they were talking about how it's become the new "so bad it's good" film and a Hollywood insider joke. After reading about it and hearing it supposedly referenced in television and film I had to watch it. If I was in LA, I would have simply gone down and watched it, but alas I had to wait for it to hit DVD. Fast forward to the other day when I was able to get this movie on Netflix.

This... movie... was... EPIC!!! I honestly haven't seen a movie SO bad, but SO awesome in a long time. Where do I start? This film fails on every level... writing, acting, directing, score/music etc. (almost all done by Tommy Wiseau.)

For instance, I give you the flower shop scene. (staring Tommy Wiseau)

The movie in a nutshell is about Johnny, a banker who takes care of his friends. His girlfriend is cheating on him with his best friend. Sounds simple enough that a soap opera could make a decent story arch out of. Well... not here and mixed in with that simple plot are little scenes that make no sense at all and do nothing to help push the story along.

For instance, I give you all of the football scenes in the movie.

Honestly this isn't one of those movies where you're 30 minutes or halfway through the film and you think that it THEN goes downhill, it is one of those movies that goes downhill at the opening scene.

It is a beautiful crash and burn that I honestly would LOVE to see in a theater with a "Rocky Horror" type crowd, throwing footballs, wearing wigs and watching Tommy Wiseau cock his head back and laugh after he says EVERY line.

This is a BAD film, but it is a GREAT bad film.

The Champ... he did it!

2011-07-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you've seen this...

Then you should see this...

People's Champion: Behind the Battle from Trent Babbington on Vimeo.

Dawhud Naked Tracks (Acapellas)

2011-07-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Check it out!!! Here are vocals from select tracks from "Basement Sessions" & "Dub Styles." I'd love to get a remix project going. (Dawhud - Remix Sessions) So, get at me all you beatmaking cats!!! Lets do this!!!

Dawhud Acapellas Coming Soon

2011-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

Ditty says, "SWAG!!!"

While getting stuff together for my upcoming show I started wondering if cats would possibly want acapella versions of some of my tracks. I'm working on putting some folders together and will post them up shortly.

Hopefully there will be a "Dawhud Remix - The Remix Sessions" comp in the works with all of these files.

Do as Ditty says, "SWAG!"

It's going down homie...

2011-07-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Official. I know I've mentioned it before, but this is going to be a dope show. July 27th. doors at 8pm $5. I'll be dropping a set, but be sure to check out these cats too.

Token Folk

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tokenfolk.bandcamp.com/album/stuck-in-the-trees"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Stuck In The Trees by Token Folk&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Vice Versus

French Letters

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://frenchletters.bandcamp.com/album/dead-letters-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dead Letters EP by French Letters&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Once Again... Mr. Kinetik & Rusty Redenbacher - "Over"

2011-07-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Once again, Mr. Kinetik and Rusty have blessed us with another dose from "The Professor & The Hustler" project. This was a quick vid they did in their hotel as they were waiting to do their gig that night. The last video they did for "Cassin' In" was a nice dose of Naptown hip hop.

I can't push this project enough. Check it out and follow the Tornado Alley/ATFU on their Tumbler page.

July 27th, mark your calendars!!!

2011-07-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

It is going down at The High Dive in Seattle/Fremont on July 27th. I will be doing a pseudo homecoming set featuring tracks from "Basement Sessions," "Dub Styles" & possibly the other projects I'm working on.

This will be one to NOT miss. Just Be will be coming out of retirement for this special show to rock a jammie or two.

Connections (TransAtlantic) by Dawhud

Bo$$ Player!!!

2011-07-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

OG tricycle from back in the day. I'm about to throw some Daytons on this bad boy.

The Physics... don't stop!!!

2011-06-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Physics are one of Seattle's illest groups, period. I have been checking them out for a long minute. Before they released their debut, "Future Talk," I was trying to get them to perform when I was doing a show at Numos Bad Ju Ju lounge. They weren't ready to start performing their material and had to pass on the gig. (all good) In the time that I left Seattle for Indy and came back they have become one of Seattle's hip hop fixtures and I'm SO happy for them because they seriously make some DOPE music.

They've just released a video for their track "These Moments" and it's another example of how The Physics make solid music.

Don't forget to check their music & their site.

Auntie D: The Chinchilla Strikes Back

2011-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Auntie D is back with another vid as Kath and I are house sitting for a friend of ours. After one vid, she's decided that she wants to become some internet sensation, so expect more from her as time progresses.

Back in E.F.F.E.C.T.

2011-06-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

Back in the PNW and it feels SO good. In the short amount of time I've been back I've been plugging back into the scene, networking and reconnecting with friends and artists.

A lot has changed since I left and a lot is still the same. When I left, hip hop in Seattle was starting to turn heads thanks to Blue Scholars, Jake One, The Physics, Vitamin D, Common Market, Grayskull, The Let Go etc. Now the country and world is looking, but even in that short period of time, the music soundscape has changed. What's inevitable is that new artists will enter the scene and remold the sonic textures of the city's sound as tastes change. Charles Mudede from "The Stranger" referred to this by describing the different "waves" and styles of hip hop in Seattle. Although I was reading about this through 206proof.com or "The Stranger" back in Indy, I was still aware of what was developing in the Seattle scene while I was gone.

Now I'm back... a lot has changed... do I fit in the soundscape? Did I ever? I honestly have no clue and don't give a sh!t. I DO know I was able to connect with a lot of cats when I was here and in my absence. Right now it's a time to reconnect and JUST GET DOWN. I may not have sonically fit with other artists here, but cats respected the art. (And that's what's up) My music has ALWAYS been highly influenced on 90s Boom Bap and that honestly has never been Seattle's sound. It has it's roots but... well... I could go into a long rant on the environment and sound texture of hip hop here, but I wont. What I will say is if there ISN'T a difference in sound available... then the scene is boring. I'm glad to be back and I'm glad to bring my music back to the mix here.

SO...

July 27th at the High Dive in Fremont Seattle I will be preforming with Token Folk, Vice Verses & French Letters. This is going to be a dope show and a return home for me. As the date approaches I'll keep you all posted. Keep it locked and don't forget to check out the music from the fellow artists that I will be sharing the stage with.

&amp;lt;a href="http://tokenfolk.bandcamp.com/album/stuck-in-the-trees"&amp;gt;Stuck In The Trees by Token Folk&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik "Cashin In" Video

2011-06-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I posted up the project from Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik - "The Professor & The Hustler" project. Here we are with the FRESH & official video of "Cashin In" from the project. For those of you not familiar with Indy, this video pretty much sums up a lot of the hip spots.

Hit the link, check the video and support indie Indy music!!! (word)

So just ill... till the next episode.

Where the Ladies At?

2011-06-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dope female emcees seem to be a dying breed. I miss the days of MC Lyte standing amongst Kane, G Rap and other emcees of the day. Jean Grae is pretty sick, but it seems that she's having to hold the torch for ALL of the women in hip hop. I honestly don't count acts like Nicki Minaj that use their image to sell their "pop tart" music as emcees. (but that's a whole other rant)

Anyway...

I stumbled across this group through my forum on Stones Throw. One of the members, Taza-One, produced the track and threw the video up to see what people think. What blew me away when I first started watching the video was the fact that the first verse was not only being done by a female emcee, D-Thraxx, but that she's only 16 years old. And... she... will... stomp you lyrically. In this day and age I would expect to see the same type of carbon copy Nicki Minaj flow/style coming from a teenage emcee, but this time we're given a dose of lyrics I honestly didn't think a 16 year old was capable of writing Maybe it's because of Odd Future/Tyler the Creator getting a lot of spin in the blogsphere... I don't know. What I DO hope is to see more from this emcee and ish like this period.

On the other side of the spectrum we have Whitney Coleman, who I stumbled across when Eratic was promoting a show at Locals Only in Indy. I came through and was simply blown away. Whitney Coleman embodies the Neo Soul movement of the late 90s and early 00s. I know she will be compared to Lauren Hill no matter what, but that's a good thing. I have truly missed this sound and I honestly think it's just a matter of time before she's at SXSW and blowing up.

Adventures of a Sub Conscious Mind (blast from the archives)

2011-06-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

The following was a blog post I wrote a few years ago based on a dream of mine. I originally posted this up on my blog that I had through myspace. (aka the net's abandoned amusement park) I was thinking about this dream/blog post a while ago and decided that it needed to be shared once again. So, consider this a "diggin' in the vaults" edition. I understand it's a bit of a read, but it still makes me laugh to this day.

Adventures of a Sub Conscious Mind

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Alright my personal thoughts on posting blogs about my boring life or the ish I’m going through are well stupid. But, on this occasion I will make an exception.

I had a dream the other night. One of those dreams that was so funny, you wake up laughing from it.

First off, I was not actually in the dream or not an active participant in the dream. It was a dream of me watching an old video. (What a comment on society when you watch a video in your dream.) This was a video tape I found titled "PROPS" and all of the letters were made of dudes in b-boy stances. But, it wasn’t what you’d think. It wasn’t a video of guys breaking or emceeing, it was a video of an old talk show like Riki Lake from the early 90s. By the video quality and what happened in the video, Id say it was about 90-91.

This was one of those episodes in which they have somebody that’s uber poor, ugly or ignorant and treat them like a movie star. They had this kid that they were going to give him a makeover and treat him like a pimp.

It was your average trashy white kid from trailer land. Dirty, clothes tattered with pictures of monster trucks and a mullet that would have made Bigfoot proud. Kid had what looked like originally was a mullet, but after 6-7 months turned into this wookie crazed ape-drape.

He didn’t know he was being filmed and was fussing because his stereotypical white trash parents were trying to take him to the salon to cut his hair. The kid was thrashing for dear life like as if he was Sampson and they were going to take away his strength.

Once he realized he was on T.V. the kid settled down and let the stylists do their job. Magically the child was transformed from a trashy, dirty, tribble of a boy to an early 90s preppy white kid with a bowl cut and Lacoste polo. They then bring the kid out and the crowd is amazed at his transformation.

But wait the days not over. The host of the show asks the child if he has a favorite singer or rapper. The kid bashfully nods his head and the host then says, "Could it be this person?" A wall on the set opens up... you know, the one that usually has some guy that says the baby isn’t his. As the smoke clears, none other than Vanilla Ice emerges and enters the stage. The crowd... goes... CRAZY and the kids mouth drops. He then starts jumping up and down in his seat the way children do when you tell them you have candy. Vanilla Ice walks over, completely in character, "Yo, what up, what up! Yeah!!!"

The host then explains that Vanilla Ice was going to spend the rest of the day with him and take him to his concert later that night. Excited and elated they send them off with a camera crew to document their day together.

Here’s the best part.

As the day progresses Vanilla Ice raps everything they’re doing. Example: they’re eating pizza and Vanilla is rapping about them eating pizza. “Yo, me and my man, chillin a Pizza Hut/ Eatin bread sticks and puttin food in our gut! YO!!!” All day, he’s doing this. Later on that night, as they’re hanging out at the after party, Ice starts giving out lyrical beat downs. He just starts rhyming like crazy, spitting, red in the face. He then falls to the floor, rhyming and writhing on the ground. Red in the face he keeps rapping, showing the world what a lyrical giant he is.

Seeing Ice on the floor convulsing like he’s having a seizure, the kid gets incredibly concerned and worried about his new best friend. “Mr. Vanilla!!! Mr. Vanilla!!! ARE YOU OKAY MR. VANILLA!?!!!” Screaming at the top of his lungs thinking Ice is dying. Vanilla Ice ignores the kid and just keeps rhyming on the floor. “MR. VANILLA!!! MR. VANILLA!!!” tears streaming down the child’s face as his pleas fall on deaf ears.

I then burst out laughing, which quickly woke me up. I only wish I could have seen this thing unfold. I then told my wife about the dream. Her reply? "You’ve got a vivid imagination," she says trying to hold back the laughter. Just thinking of this dream still makes me crack up.

So this is my exception to the rule as for blogs. But, as you see it wasn’t a ramble of my boring life, but of an odd tale from the depths of my sub conscious. I just wonder what this dream means. Am I the kid? Am I Vanilla Ice? (Hope not.) Maybe the two represent some deep ying and yang thing deep within my soul. Or maybe it was just some crazy ish my brain thought was funny.

Word!!!

2011-06-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

Can't front "Computer Love/More Bounce to The Ounce" 12"! Word up!

Dub Style Drums & Some

2011-06-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Alright kiddies... here's another dose of drums for you cats to DL and use. These are from "Dub Styles" and other projects I'm currently working on. Unlike the last two kits I put out, this one is a mixed bag of MPC, EPS, SP1200 and ish I ran through Acid Pro. A lot of them were layered with several different hits and EQ'd to make their own unique sound.

DL the drums, make them you're own and don't be afraid to hit me with your ish.

Dawhud Project Drums

^^^Click on the hyperlink for DL.

And if obviously... if you haven't checked it, hit "Dub Styles" and hear how I used these joints. (DL on bandcamp)

&amp;lt;a href="http://dawhud.bandcamp.com/album/dub-styles-walkman-redemption"&amp;gt;Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption by Dawhud&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Let the Drums Hit 'Em

2011-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Lower the BOOM!!! Not a shocker, but some of my most popular posts were from when I threw up drums from my SP1200 and my EPS disks. If you missed them for some reason, here ya go.

Dawhud drums from the SP1200

Dawhud drums from the EPS

Since I put my SP1200 drums up I've heard several cats use them on their tracks and where a lot of cats would get pissed and scream that they were biting, I'm actually flattered. I honestly enjoy hearing how cats flip the drums, layer them or straight use them as I did.


Ian Head & Gabe... that's Hammer (proper)

Check Ian Head and Gabriel Teodros' "Lentil Soup" EP track "Sweet Revive" for an example. When I heard it I honestly was proud that Ian would use some of my ish for that project. (it's a good look)

If you use the drums... hit me. I honestly would LOVE to post up tracks that are made up from my drums.

And despite all my ish being up in storage while I'm getting settled, I'm hoping to put up drums from projects like "Dub Styles" for cats to peep.

Stay tuned...

Auntie D and the new digs

2011-06-02T10:37:00.000-07:00


Auntie D wondering where Fleishcmann is.

We're getting settled and figuring out what we're doing back in the PNW. So for those of you that don't know who Auntie D is... long story short she's Kath's aunt and we decided to "take" her with us on our migration back to the PNW. (see pic for example)

The other day we decided to give a tour of the place we're staying at while we figure everything out. Who better to give the tour than Auntie D herself. The rest is history and was done in one take.

Feel the Vibe

2011-05-23T08:32:00.002-07:00

Been a minute... the move and getting situated has been keeping me busy. For those of you that checked the "Dub Styles" project my man Josh G produced the track "Q & A." (which was one of the 1st tracks recorded for the project) Now to bring you up to speed... I'm not sure if "Basement Sessions" had officially dropped, but I did some vocals for the "Spacebound" project he did with Jon Wayne and he hit me up to see if I was interested in some beats. I was starting to work on what I was calling "Walkman Redemption" and had just started to get a little bit of an idea of where it was going.

Find more artists like Spacebound at Myspace Music

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://dawhud.bandcamp.com/track/q-a-prod-josh-g"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Q &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; A (prod. Josh G) by Dawhud&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

He laced me with that track and in exchange I dropped some rhymes for a project he was working on. He sent me a couple beats and I picked the beat that was used on the demo version. After I sent him the demo version and the vocals he hit me back with an alternative version of the track which I REALLY think is pretty dope. At the time this joint was going to be used on the "Purple Faze" project he was working on, but was shelved for another project. Time passed, our lives got busy and I honestly didn't think much of the track till I was applying for some jobs the other day and found the tracks in my inbox. I never put any of these tracks up because I didn't know what Josh G was doing with them and didn't want to step on his toes. I hit him up via Twitter the other day and asked if it was cool to put these up and he said no doubt.

Please note: both versions of the song are demos and not final mixes.

Dawhud Feel the vibe DEMO (produced by Josh G) by Dawhud

Dawhud - Feel The Vibe (Alt version) prod. Josh G by Dawhud

Mr. Kinetik & Rusty Redenbacher "The Professor & The Hustler"

2011-05-08T22:59:00.001-07:00

Mr. Kinetik & Rusty Redenbacher dropped another gem in the form of "The Professor & The Hustler." Kinetik recently put out the "Green Hornet" EP with Eratik and has been putting in his 2 cents with the Tornado Alley #ATFU project. Despite being as busy as he is, ill ish is being dropped.

Do not sleep on this joint effort.

I may not be in Nap-town anymore, but I will rep the scene as much as the 206.

Download The Professor and The Hustler here (MediaLink).
Follow on Twitter @MrKinetik and @RustyMK2
Tumblr: TornadoAlleyMusic.Tumblr.com, MrKinetik.Tumblr.com, and RustyRedenbacher.Tumblr.com

Lifestyles of the Broke and Moving

2011-04-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

About ready to head back to the 206/360.

Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption (It is here!!!)

2011-04-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Po Safe for the coverart.

This project is long overdue, but IT IS FINALLY HERE. Almost a year ago I let a select few people hear the album, but as the warmer months were wrapping up and I continued to add tracks to the project, I decided to shelve it until the following spring. Honestly, an album with a theme and sound like this would not go over well during the middle of winter while everyone is freezing. Now that I have had the time to polish the project, add tracks and give the it the feel/sound I wanted, I present it to you.

Originally this started as the follow up to "Basement Sessions," but as it progressed I found I had two distinctly different projects. One followed the boom bap sounds of "Basement Sessions" and the other blended reggae/dub samples with 90s b-boy anthems. I wanted the two sounds to blend together, but they ended up just fighting against each other. Finally when realizing this, I decided to totally go with the reggae/dub concept for an entire project and save the other joints for a TRUE follow up to "Basement Sessions." The result is "Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption."

This LP/mixtape is sandwiched within the universe of the "Basement Sessions" LP and serves as the mixtape briefly mentioned on the album. (hence the opening skit being a revisit of what was on "Basement Sessions") I wanted to make an ode to all of the mixtapes I grew up on and felt that I only briefly did that with the original version of the title track that was on "Basement Sessions." This project allowed me to fully expand on those concepts, thoughts and opinions. In this day of Serato laptop DJs and mixtapes that are really just sloppy albums, I wanted to bring it back to the tape hiss. I tried to even incorporate hiss and other elements I remember growing up with when making, listening and enjoying tapes.

To put it simple... dub as in mixtapes and dub as in the sample sources.

This project has also helped me take some steps back and let some DOPE beatmakers put in their two cents on the project. Although I did a majority of the production some of my favorite cuts were produced by other beatmakers. (Dee Supreme, DL Orion, Dr. Peppersauce aka Max Power & Josh G) I'll be honest and say "Come Equipped" was one of the 1st beats I spit over that I DIDN'T make in almost... damn... since I started making beats.

I hope you enjoy this project. I had a lot of fun working on this and I'm actually planning on doing a Vol. 2 because I simply just loved working on it so much. Click the links, DL the project and vibe out.

(you can name the price... i.e. you can DL it for free if you wish.) And don't forget to check out the other projects available here or on the bandcamp page.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://dawhud.bandcamp.com/album/dub-styles-walkman-redemption"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption by Dawhud&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Gabriel Teodros & DJ Ian Head "Computer Parlor"

2011-04-19T17:52:00.002-07:00

Video off of their EP.

Wednesday...

2011-04-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

The countdown...

April 20th. (4/20)

www.basementaddicts.com
www.dawhud.bandcamp.com

Production from Dawhud, Dee Supreme, Josh G, Dr. Peppersauce, DL Orion and featuring Pacewon.

Alpha.live The Come Up (promo)

2011-04-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Holding it down for Indy, Alpha.live. Peep.

Green Hornet.... And Yo Mamma Too

2011-04-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Eratic and Mr. Kinetik chop it up about the "Green Hornet" EP.

And if you haven't copped the joint... BLAM!!!

Arablak "The Deed"

2011-04-14T04:50:00.000-07:00

This started off with a tweet that I saw about a month ago. It ended up leading to the Reverb Nation page for Arablak. The tweet originally said "Fundamental #BoomBap hip-hop at it's finest." No doubt. Follow Arablak on Twitter w/ @Arablak

Beastie Boys (revisited)

2011-04-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

One of the best concert experiences I have EVER had was when I went to see the Beastie Boys when "Hello Nasty" dropped. Tribe was opening for them, although they were about to break up and Mixmaster Mike was DJing for the Beastie Boys. I was really getting into DJing and to have someone from ISP DJ for a group like the Beastie Boys was sick. Long story short, we had some of the crappiest seats in the WHOLE place but found ourselves in the right place at the right time and snuck our way into GA four people back from the stage. It was SICK. It was SO cramped and hot that I completely sweat through all of my clothes. Who knows how much of it was actually mine. (nasty)

Anyway... dig this vid to promo the Beasties new joint.

And that's word! Dub Styles in your Soundwave!!!

2011-04-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

EverF-R-E-S-H Stay Dipped!!

2011-04-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

April 20th!!! After you turn in your taxes, you can mellow out. (And that's word.)

Here's a little promo w/ one of my favorite cuts from the project, "EverF-R-E-S-H." Enjoy the sh!tty jpegs. HAHA

April 20th... inhale

2011-03-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

2011-03-28T16:34:00.001-07:00

April 20th... "Dub Styles". Keep it locked!!!

One, Two Yo! (feat Pacewon) prod by DL Orion

2011-03-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

The other day I threw up some snippets from DL Orion's upcoming project featuring Moka Only and Pacewon. This is the song he produced for the "Dub Styles" project featuring Pacewon. This was a VERY last minute addition to the project, but it was totally worth it.

On the real, "Dub Styles" will be coming VERY VERY SOON! In the meantime, peep this joint.

One, Two Yo! Feat. Pacewon by Dawhud

Circle City Classic... droppin' deuces.

2011-03-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm soon going to thinking about Indy like Dr. Oop. The 206 is calling and we're officially going to head back to the left coast. The scene here has been real, but ultimately we need to migrate back to the land of raindrops.

Peace to Rusty, Ace One, Joe Harvey, Eratic, Mr. Kinetik and all of the cats I've met here over the last couple years. It has been ill.

It's Magic!!!

2011-03-25T06:59:00.001-07:00

The other night the Jazz Kitchen had the Dilla Tribute show with Black Milk. This was honestly one of the best hip hop shows I've seen in Indy. The band, Native Sun, played reinterpretations of classic Dilla beats as 317's finest dropped bars over the heat. This clip was from one of the best joints courtesy of Rusty and Mr. Kinetik. (It's Magic!)

DL Orion (snippets feat. Pacewon and Moka Only)

2011-03-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

My man DL Orion has been working on this project for a minute. I helped with some vocals on two tracks and gave him my two cents when he asked. He also produced one of the joints that will be on the "Dub Styles" project. (stay tuned for that)

In the meantime, check these snippets from his upcoming project featuring Moka Only and Pacewon.

You can also check the joints up on Amazon.

Peep!!!

Vampire Movies that Suck (BLAH!!!)

2011-03-22T16:47:00.003-07:00

It would be REAL easy to jump on the bandwagon and talk about how much the "Twilight" saga sucks and who knows... I may, but I'm at least going to start off on some other films. Vampire films are all different because they don't all subscribe to the same mythology. (like lumbering or running zombies) Some films have vampires that hate crosses, some can't withstand silver and some sparkle like Adam Lambert & Ziggy Stardust when they get in the sun. (crap... I've already started talking about Twilight)

Where to start...

Well... for some reason people in Germany and the Ukraine visit my blog, so I'll start off with a movie directed by a German that was most likely shot in the Ukraine.

Bloodrayne

Uwe Boll, hate him or really hate him, has made a name for himself by making films out of video games, using loopholes in German tax laws to finance his films and being just a plain old douche bag. But, with his "Ed Wood" like film making he has made a career out of bad cinema.

"Bloodrayne" is one of those movies that when reading the cast list you think, "WOW this should be pretty decent." Wrong... wrong... oh so wrong. I remember when this movie came out, it was one of the 1st times I saw a review in EW get an "F." I for one couldn't believe that Ben Kingsley would be in a vampire movie and one that would get such a horrible review. Just a few years prior he was in "Sexy Beast" playing one of the most menacing assholes in history... how could this be? Well... it be and he be not the only one. Granted Michael Madson has never had an amazing career, but he's worked with Tarentino on a few films, so you'd think he wouldn't be down for a movie like this. Michelle Rodriguez had all that hype from "Girl Fight" and was building a solid resume, why this project? And Kristanna Loken just did "Terminator 3," shouldn't her clout go up just a little? (despite her acting) I do not have answers for any of these questions.

The story, if you can really follow it is as follows. Rayne is a half vampire half human who's father is technically the "king" of vampires. (Ben Kinglsley) He raped her mom and killed her. About twenty years have passed and she want's to get her Inigo Montoya on. She links up with some vampire hunters and there's something about a secret thing that can do something crazy. (i.e. vampire body parts of the original vampire)

Wait a second... I thought I saw this movie before with Wesley Snipes? Oh... this isn't "Blade"? Oh... my bad... continue.

Michael Madson's Mullet is EPIC!!!

^^^Ok, so that part where it says "she lusts," it is honestly the most over the top gratuitous sex scene I've scene I've seen in a long time. Not to ruin any plot points, but then again there isn't much of one, the vampire hunters throw her into jail and for no reason what so ever she just jumps this guy and takes her top off. It's ment to be hot, but actually looks more like a broke ass porn on Cinemax that takes place in a medieval prison/dungeon. I honestly started laughing my ass off and my wife just said, "WHAT?!"

From the horrible dialog, fake looking swords, almost non-existent plot, Michelle Rodriguez slipping in and out of an accent and Michael Madson's mullet, it's one of those films that seems to have had GREAT ambitions, but failed at everything. Oh... I can't forget resident cool guy Billy Zane. (do you REALLY think he'd be Zoolander's wing man? Billy Zane is only Billy Zane's wing man)

Well, if this movie wasn't sh!tty enough there was a straight to DVD sequel and a 3rd one that was filmed at the same time as "Blubberella."

Dracula: 2000

The title in itself says it all. Dracula... IN THE FUTURE!!! Well, it's not really the future, but it was 2000 and they wanted to revamp, no pun, the whole take on Dracula. (so it ended up with a B-list title)

Full disclosure, I ONLY saw this move because my co-worker at Hollywood Video said Vitamin C was naked in it. (anybody remember her?) In all honesty I hardly remember much of this movie. I even forgot or knew that Gerard Butler was in it as Dracula, but I will say he does have one great line. "I don't drink... coffee." And homie bangs Vitamin C on the ceiling, straight Lionel Ritchie style. How baller is that?! Flying sex!

Gerard Butler's hair is also EPIC!!!

I actually had a movie pass that I used for my friend Carlos and I to go see it and I remember when it was over I could only think, "damn... a free movie and I saw that sh!t?" Now, although I can't really remember much of the movie I mostly just remember the AMOUNT of disappointment I had after watching it and my co-worker saying it was such a cool vampire movie. I will most likely have to cop this joint again to fully enjoy it. (or not)

Finally to add to this trio of bad hair vampire movies...

Vampire in Brooklyn

In the early to mid-90s in Olympia there was a $1 theater that would show all sorts of movies and they didn't care how old you were if you wanted to go see an R rated film. This theater is where I saw "Pulp Fiction" and "Heat" when they came out. Growing up, half the time my parents would want to go see one movie that I could care less about, so I'd check something else out that I was mildly interested in. Enter "Vampire from Brooklyn."

Eddie Murphy... the most EPIC hair of all!!! Jerry curl mullet!!!

I honestly can just imagine the pitch in the studio office. "Well... Coppola did 'Dracula,' so to get the black demo, lets redo it with Eddie Murphy! First he was looking for a bride in Queens... now he'll be looking for a bride in Brooklyn!" High fives all around guys... high fives.

The thing is, that pretty much sums up the whole movie. But, it's modern... as in the 90s and like many Eddie Murphy movies made after "Coming to America" he dons all sorts of make up to play different characters. What does this mean... well see for yourself because the whole thing is up on youtube. (see below)

A lot of people argue that if this was released now it would have been a lot more successful. I'm not sure. Although Eddie Murphy was in slump at the time, pre "Nutty Professor," the film as a whole couldn't find it's niche. It wanted to be a horror, it wanted to be a comedy, but couldn't find it's footing in either. You ended up with an hour and a half of "meh."

What's really lame is that Wes Craven did the last two movies I mentioned. Honestly fam... I know you can do good stuff, but those were pretty lame homie. Been caught slippin' I guess.

And what do ya know... I didn't even go on a rant about "Twilight."

Shillelagh!!!

2011-03-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wack Movies IN SPACE!!! (echo, echo, echo)

2011-03-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

Here we are once again with another installment of crap cinema. These are a couple films that I've enjoyed in the past, but honestly are some bad films.

Let's start off with "Starchaser: The Legend of Orin." I saw this movie in the theater when it came out. It was originally in 3D, before the over the top fad of 3D dominated everything in theaters. Then 3D was such a rare treat that when they'd show some wack John Wayne movie like "Hondo" on TV in 3D everybody would run out to where ever they were selling the glasses and buy them up. So, here I am... about 4 or 5 and waiting in the snow outside the movie theater to see this movie. I remember they actually had someone tell us that the print of the film was delivered late and they were putting the reels together as we stood in line. (no time to make sure all of the reels were there or if it was put together properly... there were people waiting)

I remember we went inside and got our glasses. (which were closer to the popular 3D glasses they use now instead of the classic red and blue joints from back in the day) The movie started and honestly all I remember was that it was a complete and TOTAL rip off of "Star Wars." Even at such a young age I was sitting there thinking, "so... he's Han, he's Obiwan, he's Luke... that's a lightsaber etc." And after that... that was it. I totally forgot the name of the movie and a majority of the storyline. I always remembered seeing this 3D sci-fi movie, but couldn't remember the name of it and no one I knew had any idea of what I was talking about. (except my dad) So... now that we are now in this beautiful digital age of search engines, forums & youtube, I simply typed in "Star Wars rip off cartoon 3D" and BLAM there it is. "Starchaser: The Legend of Orin."

From simply looking the film up on youtube, it looks like you can watch the whole movie in several parts. I've just thrown a few up so you can check some of it out. If you remember "Fire & Ice," "Heavy Metal," "Wizards" or "The Lord of the Rings" animated films, you'll see a similar style.

It isn't hard to believe that this film is pretty rare. About a year or two ago I was able to get a copy from Netflix and watch it, but upon looking for it again, they don't have a copy. (probably because someone "lost" the few copies they had or it just got damaged) And by the way... when I did get that copy a year or two ago, I didn't even make it through the film. I ended up passing out after 30-40 minutes only to wake up 5 minutes before the credits rolled and the "Obiwan" character is telling Orin that the "not copywritten force" was in him.

(Review from Netflix by someone who worked on the film)

"Yeah, I was a production assistant on this movie for 3 years. I am also the voice of "Boro" the Mandroid in the swamp sequence. "I get his arm!" This was one of the first post-TRON movies to use computer generated ships. We had plotters drawing each ship on paper for both left and right eye views. Given the limits of computing power of the time, this took forever! The story was a rip-off of every Sci-Fi film out there but the 3D was cool to see in animation. If anyone has those glasses that you use for some T.V. shows that give you a faux 3D feel they work quite well for alot of the movie. The quality of the animation shifted so much because we did some of it better to get investors in the film....As production went along money dried up, quality suffered and re-takes didn't happen as it had to get out to theaters. Oh well! Good film though, nice to see if finally on DVD in widescreen instead of the dreadful VHS pan and scan!!!!"

On to the next one. This film has been a guilty pleasure forever. I am talking of none other than "Ice Pirates."

Like "Starchaser" this story begins with waiting in a long line outside only to have someone say that there was something wrong with the print and they couldn't show the film. I honestly don't know how or when I ended up seeing it. Most likely I ended up seeing it on video, but I do know it was a staple on TBS alongside "Beastmaster" that I watched on the regular. So bad... but so good.

Brief synopsis... the universe is running out of water, so it becomes the next big currency... space & pirates are involved. What more do you need? Robots, space herpes... this is a craptastic popcorn movie for a Saturday night.

In fact...

A week ago I was with my wife at a Big Lots and I just happened to walk by there DVDs and see this staring me in the face with Robert Ulrich's pretty eyes. No words were spoken, I simply grabbed it and made a B-line to my wife. Upon showing it to her she simply uttered, "YES!" with the same amount of excitement I had when discovering it. (and that's why I love her)

Ensoniq EPS Classic!!!

2011-03-12T13:51:00.003-08:00

Thinking about putting this baby up if anybody is interested in it. Ensoniq EPS classic fully expanded memory with the 8-output expander. (pretty rare my friends) Original sound library, manuals and a ton of disks with drums, synth sounds etc.

If you don't remember, I threw these drums up a few months ago from my EPS disks.

If you're interested in getting some ill 12bit crunch without having to PAY SP1200 prices, this is a joint for you. You can use the filters on it to make some real grimy ish. (ol' school RZA 36 Chambers type beats)

If you're serious, hit me here or on my email.

This is my baby, but I need to downsize.

Mergence - Foundation feat. Dawhud

2011-03-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Po'Safe of Mergence asked if I wanted to get down on a project he was working on with his crew. It originally started of with a tweet asking for a one word idea/concept for a track. I gave him a couple ideas along with "foundation." By the end of the weekend he tweeted me and asked me if I wanted to throw down a verse on the track. No question... it's on. Before he even sent me the beat I had pretty much mapped out what I was thinking about writing for my verse. What was my foundation? What started this? The verse pretty much says it all. To quote Dead Prez, "it's bigger than hip hop," but at the same time, hip hop played a big part.

Don't sleep on this project. Eratic , from The Green Hornet EP, also threw down a nice verse for the project. Slick beats, slick rhymes... a refreshing dose of boom bap as these cold months draw to a close.

I STUCK!!!

2011-03-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

Ladies dig this pic. I think it makes their ovaries hum.

This is the homie Zack. He is my... 2nd cousin in law. (I guess that's what you'd call it)

He's a cool cat, as you can see. Honestly, what other 2 year old can rock a Kangol like that huh?

Sam Jackson ain't got nuttin' on Zack! And that's word!

One of the cool things about living closer to Kath's family is being able to kick it with cool family. (and it's NICE actually having family that likes being with each other) So, whenever any holiday or 3 day weekend occurs, my path usually crosses with Zack. And whenever our paths cross, it's comedy or I'm playing superhero as seen in the above picture. (I literally picked him up a split second before he did a faceplant on the pavement... it makes for a cute picture) Even when I'm not around it's comedy.

Roll clip...

AG feat 950 Plus - Coctail Party Talk (Dawhud remix)

2011-03-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is a remix I did for an upcoming AG project titled "South Bronx General" that Iller is putting out. I'm not a huge fan of remixing joints, but the chance to do something with AG from DITC was too cool to pass up. Iller will be putting the remixes up for vote shortly and when it's time to vote... help a bro out. The winning remix will get the placement on the new AG LP.

AG feat 950 Plus-Cocktail Party Talk (Dawhud remix) by Dawhud

DJ Ian Head & Gabriel Teodros - Lentil Soup

2011-03-05T04:39:00.000-08:00

Latest release from Everydaybeats.net! FREE DOWNLOAD. A few songs DJ Ian Head and Gabe have done over the past couple years, compiled for your listening pleasure.

City blocks, good friends, old records, late-night recording sessions, and lentil soup. Over the past two years, Gabriel Teodros and DJ Ian Head been on the move, but always managed some musical adventures whenever they found themselves in the same city.

The LENTIL SOUP EP is sampling of these journeys, that often found us back in Brooklyn, NY eating red lentils and freshly-baked pita bread.

We hope you enjoy!

The Lentil Soup EP.
Church
Computer Parlor
Airports
Diamonds (featuring El Dia)
Breathe (At Your Mom’s House Version)
Faith is a Muscle
Sweet Revive (featuring alSarah)
Produced by DJ Ian Head
http://everydaybeats.net

Written by Gabriel Teodros
http://gabrielteodros.com

Mastered in Seattle, WA by Dume41 @ The Legion Of Dume
http://legionofdume.com

The Coolest Fuggin' Thing in a Minute!!!

2011-02-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not a hardcore gamer. In-fact, growing up I ALWAYS felt like I was behind the 8-ball. By the time I got a Nintendo, a year later the SNES dropped and all the friends I finally bonded with, dumped my ass for a MUCH cooler system. The story was replayed again and again as each system was upgraded or replaced by an new platform. So, what did I do? I just got down with the latest joint at my friend's houses instead of trying to keep up with the "Jones'." (safe bet... save the cash and cop records instead)

X-Box, Wii, PS3... pha-git-a-bou-dit. Now, when cats come to my spot they're geeking over the old school joints I've got. I remember when Louis Logic, Johnny October and Type spent the night at my house after a gig, they started flipping when they saw all the old school joints I have. In a way it's like an SP1200 now. When the MPC dropped, everybody quit the SP1200 like a bad habit. Now, MPCs are a dime a dozen and beatmakers want the SP1200 sound again. Anyway... those old school joints MAY be dope, but they take up a gang of space that has to compete with the blu-ray player etc.

SO, the other day, I copped one of these bad boys for roughly $50, the Retron3 by Hyperkin. You can play NES, SNES & Genesis games all on one system. You can also use your old controllers with the system instead of being forced to use the 3rd party controllers, which was the sell for me. (side note: The SNES controller is by far my favorite controller of all time) It has AV and S-Video outputs, but the NES will not work with S-Video. Despite NES not being compatible with S-Video, the SNES and Genesis games look sick through the S-Video. I've heard people complain that you can't play "Castlevania III" with it, but you can play some of the import SNES games with the system, which is pretty dope. I don't have "Castlevania III" or any of the import games, so I don't really care. The only thing that really matters is if the "Contra" code works. So, what did I do 1st when I hooked up this bad boy? Plugged in "Contra" and up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, a, b, start. Works. Ballin!