Tuesday, August 31, 2010

8/31 Video: My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women & Hip-Hop


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Where did the voice of the female emcee go? Does anyone even care? They have been here whether some may like or not and I am pretty sure if the numbers go low based on commercial success, they meaning women will still remain. There is no doubt about it, this is a male dominated business but honestly you can't have one without the other. For those that missed the Documentary
 last night on BET, "My Mic Sounds Nice" here is an opportunity to see it commercial free and straight to the point. This I believe will restore respect in anyone that had lost it for females in music or store respect if you never had any.






The "Bugnanablogs" is a little different from the others if you didn't quite notice. With that said, we're not playing down the others either. We put up things that connect how we became who we are today and we show respect for it. For me (Phase One) I loved Queen Latifah and Mc Lyte because of how empowering and confident they were rapping. Which showed a lot about their personal character. Those two in particular were like if I were watching a female "KRS -1" with a little "Chuck D" to form a Latifah. Watching Mc Lyte was like having the rawness of a "Big Daddy Kane" with the smoothness in delivery as a "Lord Finesse." Again these are all my opinions and ONLY mine !!!

There is one thing that Lyte mentioned that caught my attention. She said this is an industry that is male dominated as mentioned earlier, where men bash females and speak of them in a lower standard gaining high sales off of it. With that going on, how can they (women) be looked at with respect enough so us as the consumer male or female can buy their records? and support them? I can't say I have listened and followed every female emcee but I do listen to them. In Hip Hop's subculture to others known as the underground, there are many who are nice enough to make you scratch your temples. Some that are filled with sex appeal mixed with lyrics and wordplay. Others that are just as raw as a Rah Digga is, the works.


Today, we have Nicki Minaj. Some love her, some hate her but she is following a blue print that has been done in the past that is working to her advantage. She is a hybrid of many in the past who set the  trend but to be successful today you must be that and greater to keep the attention of the masses. I can't say I like everything Nicki releases but she does have witty lines that I respect as a emcee. Its not until after all the facial expressions and quirky mannerisms when I can actually try to listen. That is when I would catch lines from her. I say that with no disrespect because all in all she is a very beautiful woman and very determined. One thing I can say is she doesn't take herself that serious but her career that is another story. I highly respect that aspect from her. Regardless of whether its good or bad she is preserving the race of female emcees in this era. Times change and so do the type of characters in it. I think this is a very informative documentary and worth the watch... Enjoy!!!

8/31 Rae & Ghost perform "Verbal Intercourse" Nas joins them!!!



Honestly, This is self explanatory!!! WU & Nas!!! Classic!!!

8/31 Lauryn Hill (The Fugees) Ooh La La La LIVE 8/28/10 Rock The Bells NYC Governor's Island



This is for all those folks that wanted to know about Lauryn Hill's performance on "Rock The Bells" this past weekend. The evidence is here so form your opinions. I'm just grateful to see her representing with the energy she gave. I truly wish I was able to go. Them ticket prices were to steep for what I am trying to get done. I would 've loved the show but it would not be the smart thing on my part for the ladder part of my grand scheme grind. Either way, I knew there would be clips of it I would catch. There were some special guests as well check it out!!!


 What you thought? That was it? Lolol check out this doozy!!!

8/31 Erykah Badu performs "Healer" @ House Of Blues in Orlando


Erykah Badu- "The Healer" (HOB Orlando) from seandammit on Vimeo.

This woman "Erykah Badu" is so bionic. You would be surprised seeing her live because she does not even need to move. She just sings how her soul interprets her feelings to then have her blast you away somewhere you have never been. Inspiration is an such an understatement when it comes to her. She is a mood shifter musically. She takes you from an ultimate high to definite low in a matter of minutes. This video will show you exactly what I speak of. I just cant get tired of her. I observe everything that I can when I go to a show of hers to learn and I'm an emcee but a dope show is a dope show. Whether it's Rock, Soul or Jazz. Anything picked up along the way can only enhance your craft. If you are an artist reading this, learn to enjoy and study the artist when you check them out and take what you have gained from them with you into the future. You might just be the next one someone posts on their blog about performances!!! Enjoy the video!!!

8/31 Phase Keeping his Promoting Alive!!!

Please excuse the tired look on my face in the video lolol...Little sleep would do that to a person but it won't stop the grind. We got to get it. Its the only way to make the dream actual...Peace for now!!!! *Don't cry to give up, Cry to keep going forward"

Monday, August 30, 2010

8/30 Jamiroquai is BACK!!!!


Jamiroquai - White Knuckle Ride by Hypetrak

For those that are into "Jamiroquai" this will definitely bring smiles to your faces. Personally, I've been a fan of theirs since the "Space Cowboy" era. When the band's front man "Jay Kay" was getting all interplanetary on our minds and souls. In all honesty I am a fan of anyone who is free spirited within their craft. Trust me when I say, everyone I know that has seen them live, knows they bring it as if it's their last. I consider Jamiroquai's music and say this with no disrespect, "Intergalactical digital disco"and that is for the more upbeat tempo tracks. I absolutely love it. It reminds me of the backdrop fashion shows would choose for the cat walk while people are drinking and mingling with camera lights flashing. This also brings me to NYC's SOHO district where great loft parties are had.

Don't get it confused, many producers sample Jamiroquai because of the soulful energy their music contains. Even when I would produce I wouldn't doubt that they didn't have a nice treat on their albums to flip lolol. Its been so long since we have received an album from them and hearing this sounds like they never left. That only tells me that they are that good!!! Enjoy their new leaked single "White Knuckle Ride"from their soon to be released album "Rock Dust Light Star"

Peace!!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

8/27 Phase One promoting for up & coming events!!! You should know about!!!

I had to take it back to the blackberry video specials I used to record when we were promoting Bugnanas for its release party. I do have a flip cam and could record it the same way with that camera but its something about that semi poor quality sometimes lolol and I have a different phone. The blackberry curve I had before my current blackberry bold's video quality looked like it could have filmed the 3 stooges but in color . Also, when you are promoting through twitter and facebook while using your phone as something to communicate vocally with people lolol, instead of switching just accomplish it all in one shot. Don't get it twisted that flip cam does comes in handy. 

After a long work day, it just does not end because if one is passionate about something they love, they continue while the rest are home watching "Jersey Shore" or any other programming that does just that program. Though some of it is indeed entertaining. This short clip is one of many more you will see for the promotion of Asa Buchanon and Myself video premier for our song "We Goin." We have told a lot of people and they are excited for us as if they were the artists in front of the camera and I absolutely love it. Be involved within this movement because it's just as much yours as it is ours. I'm glad that close family and friends will be in attendance but all I need is for each and every one of you coming that I may know, to bring 1 just 1 person we may not know to help bring awareness to the many things musically we are trying to accomplish through action. You won't regret it and your contribution to our progression will not be in vain. Promise you!!!


8/27 Da Circle "Bombard" Prod. By Dub-Z (Directed by Court Dunn)



Big ups to my dudes Fatz & Slim that make up "Da Circle." I appreciate these brothers for 1) Always keeping it RAW when it comes to Hip Hop & 2) For always keeping it RAW when it comes to Hip Hop. If you do not like them, it's very simple, keept it moving. In a day & time where being raw has to be exercised within certain limits to be appreciated, I admire these brothers for just being them and doing what comes natural to them. I remember "Da Circle" before I even knew what their names were and only recognized them by face. We would be out night after night, venue to venue supporting the Strong Hold movement that consisted of (Life Long, Stelf Index, Poison Pen, Breez Evah Flowin' & C-Rayz Walz) who were the original members. Later on new members came along (DJ Static, Wiz, Mic Da Terror & Immortal Technique). A lot of us indie artists had our humble beginnings that branch off some how from that STRONG HOLD family tree. In regards to the Da Circle, their growth is extremely evident the more you hear them. Fatz & Slim have shown how determined they are to make sure their story is heard. I don't blame them. They are so focused and what else can you really say about that? If you put the work in you will eventually get the greater work that results in the prize one has always pursued. Perhaps pursuit of musical happiness? Maybe. I respect that and I respect them. If you have heard of "Immortal Technique" then in most cases you have seen/heard the circle along side with him. Immortal, has a collective of talented artists he works and tours with called "Rebel Armz" & Da Circle is definitely a part of that family. This time around there will be a lot more in their arsenal so get ready.


They have an album Due in the fall entitled "Da 360 Deal" on Viper Records. Find more on them, www.viperrecords.com. I salute you brothers and await the moment we get to collab. For now enjoy this video from them "Bombard" prod. by Dub-Z who I call Dub Zilla!!! Directed by Court Dunn who has been on the grind with his "one shot video series"

Ps- On personal note, Please don't ever put yourself in a place to snap on them or crack jokes. These guys will make you feel like you are in elementary school with the dunce cap on!!! lolol Peace!!!!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

8/26 Tess' Debut Video “Luv U 4 Life” & Phase One & Tess "4AM" & "FINER THINGS REMIX"


Luv U 4 Life from Tess Boogie on Vimeo.

What's good Ya'll? Hope everything is going good and well. Today, I present to you a great friend of mine that has basically been right there side to side with the rest of our collective living the dream as many would call it. Her name is "Tess." She is an extremely talented artist with great spunk and beauty. Visually she is a blue print to a successful artist compared to what we see today. Tess' notoriety began when an artist by the name of "Jugganot" featured her, Joell Ortiz and Uncle Murder on a record entitled, "EnWhyCee" that received a good amount of spins on well known New York City radio station Hot97. Then was followed by a video which now allowed the world to know how the "Young Diva" as she was referred to then looked like.



Now,  just going by Tess, she has been on her respectable grind singing background for many independent artists to legends such as "J.T. Taylor"(Kool And The Gang) where she eventually became one of the focal front girls at most of his past tour dates from Africa to Malaysia. She was even chosen to sing with popular late 70's/80's group "Atlantic Starr" officially as lead singer "Sharon Bryant" and did a phenomenal job 2yrs ago in a filled arena in LA for Valentines day. It is quite apparent that Tess is no stranger to the stage and has an obvious gift she wants to share with the world. Only time will tell huh?











Her debut video, "Love U 4 Life" comes from her "Tess Goes Jodeci" album that was produced by "DJ Static and Dub-Z." This project consists of a collection of songs from Jodeci that was reproduced musically and has different vocal arrangement that makes this album very interesting to listen to if you are familiar with the original Jodeci records. She has been performing all throughout NYC promoting and bringing awareness to this project that needs to reach your ears as this video your eyes. Enjoy!!!

01 4am Phase One Feat. Tess Prod by TE1 productions by PHASEONEMUSIC

This 2nd entry is a song Tess and I recorded entitled "4AM" produced by TE-1 Productions from London. If you haven't noticed already for the most part everyone that is featured here on the "BugnanaBlogs" has some sort of connection to Asa and Myself. It gives you a sense of history so when you hear Bugnanas or any future music, you will have the story as to how it came to be.

Now, I met Tess a few years ago at a rehearsal studio in Brooklyn where a bunch of us were practicing for a show that my man AD was promoting and involved in. As time passed, I knew I needed to incorporate her somehow, someway on one of my records because her voice was simply incredible. So over some beers lolol, I presented the ideas I had for what I saw her singing and when we went into the studio it was wonderful experience!!! Which lead to her to be around a lot of our sessions where she got to see how Asa, Dub, Static Ariel Borujow (our engineer) put their work in. In that process the chemistry become greater and so did the music. For example, her and I recorded a remix for J Davey's "Finer Things" out of pure homage in which "Jack Davey" approved and gave us props for. Shows how just vibing in the studio could bring out great material. Check it out:



  J DAVEY-FINER THINGS REMIX (FEAT. PHASE & TESS) by PHASEONEMUSIC 

She added her vocals on many other records I've done with Asa/Static/Dub that now brings us to this point. On Bugnanas, she assisted me in a song we have called "Cosmic Strawberries" which is a favorite to most people that you will eventually see filmed as a video in the near future... Again...Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

8/25 Mascott & Doug Gillard video "Please, Please, Please" & "A Get Away" feat. Phase One & Mascott

Longtime friends Kendall Meade (a.k.a. Mascott) and Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices, Cobra Verde and too many more to list here) recently teamed up to record a new single. The digital-only “Please Please Please” was co-written by the two New Yorkers; Gillard played all the instruments on the track, while Meade handled the vocal duties. We are proud to premiere the Debora Francis-directed video for the song.


MASCOTT & DOUG GILLARD  Please Please Please from DEBORA FRANCIS on Vimeo.

Today's entry comes from a good friend of mine Kendall Meade who to the world is known as Mascott. Her and Doug Gillard came together to create this beautiful master piece entitled "Please, Please, Please." I'm not sure if this is a song that is part of a particular project between her & Doug but if you are not familiar with Mascott, please get familiar. She has two projects out "Dreamer's Book" and "The Art Project" the was release from her own indie label "Red Panda Records." She's also had her music played on television shows on NewYork's channel 11 while traveling across the U.S. showcasing her gift. In regards to her latest video, I truly stumbled upon this gem while surfing the digital waves we know as the internet today. According to the post by "Magnet Magazine" it seems that I caught this video in time of its release. For it was only on the web officially for 3 days. I posted on twitter today stating how glad I was to see all my peers that are successfully living their dreams against the odds in front of them. This case is no different. Find out more about Mascott look her up on: http://www.mascottsongs.com or on Facebook: facebook.com/kjmbook.

  A GET AWAY FEAT. PHASE ONE & MASCOTT (Prod. Dub-Z) by PHASEONEMUSIC

I had to add this 2nd entry to show you all the connection between Mascott and Myself. I actually met her as Kendall Meade in the work force other wards, we were coworkers. We've always shared great vibes and had all sorts of heart to heart conversations at our cubes about music or life in general. In conversation we would always say how we needed to work together because the contrast in our musical styles would shock our peers, friends or the world. I just felt, her from the folkish Joni Mitchell side of the things and me from a Hip Hop perspective the fusion would be incredible. Along with production from another great friend of mine "Dub-Z" we made this collaboration happen.

Whats crazy is when Dub gave me the go to use the track he made, I was writing to it while heading to one of Mascott's shows. It was a long time coming and I just needed to see how she was as a performer. Also, I needed to show my support. Once I heard her sing it was as if she was no longer there where the only thing that existed was her voice. Her song style and performance was raw, beautiful and pure. It just managed to stick in the hearts of all of us in attendance and all I could think of was "Damn I work with her!!!! Awesome!!!" The very next day I sent her the track I was writting to and showed her my profound interest in working together. We scheduled a day after work and went to her house to write the pieces of the song we had together. Pure magic!!! You can feel that good energy through out the track. The studio session for the song was another beautiful situation. This song was suppose to go on an album I was working on "De Ja Vu All Over Again" but just may end up elsewhere. All I am saying is this song needs to be with YOU all!!! Enjoy!!!

*If you feel the Dub-Z check other songs he has produced: http://www.myspace.com/jeffersonjacksonmusic

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

8/24 Video: A Tribe Called Quest @ Rock The Bells (West Coast)



Hands Down!!! Anyone that knows us knows we're tribe fans in a crazy way!!! You hear us you hear the influences but here is footage from there show in the West Coast for the the Rock the Bells Tour!!! Tribe Called Quest speaks for themselves. I don't have to write about it...

8/24 Another treat!!! Only the "Real" will stand!!!

REAL WILL STAND by PHASEONEMUSIC

Good morning ya'll. First & foremost I would like to say Happy Birthday to one of my best friends Kahlief. He has practically seen my growth to where I am now and is still around and I appreciated him for existing. Great dude!!!

Now on to this particular entry. This is an unreleased record from Myself & Asa that came from a darker era of our come up. Like all families and great friends, there are moments when people are not seeing eye to eye and are in disagreement. That very much applies here. What gets me is how the mood of the song from the track's perspective is smooth but has a level of darkness in it. Sorta of like an eerie feeling. Even though I may not have noticed it then, I probably picked a track that described the uncomfortable way I was feeling as a whole. Who knows. Going through this rough patch with Asa then of course meant we weren't hanging out/vibing as much but some how someway, we still managed to make music. Not in the way we do now but none the less making the music.

I was on the train last night and I kept rewinding parts of this record that had me like, "I said that? Wow" so from a record that is 3 to 4 minutes it turned out being 5 or 6 minutes lolololol. This record has a lot depth and meaning. A phrase from the chorus that I quote is, "When the dust and the sand clears...Only the real will stand and I am here...If its all good who's with me? Am I the only one standing?" It meant a lot for me at the time to write that because when its all said and done the only people that will be around you are those who are "REAL" whether it is family or friends or the best of both which indeed is an unavoidable truth we must adhere to. Enjoy!!!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

8/23 This is where a lot of it all began!!! THE IPA BEAT BATTLES!!!



Many may read this blog title and say, "What does he even mean by where it all began?" As mentioned in my last entry in speaking about Rugged N Raw, he used to compete in producer competitions where he won a few. This would classify as one of those battles, the "IPA Beat Battles." Of course everyone who was there in those times knew how deadly "DJ Static" was with the beats but there was an Asa Buchanon who brought the boogie to the competition that made everyone else forget why they were even there. That video summed up an era in my mind that in the hearts of others was extremely historic. If you still do not understand then you just had to have been there.

It was that very same competition where I met Asa Buchanon. Static who had won a competition already was given the opportunity to have a producer showcase the month after to present the artists that he worked with musically. I was one of the last to perform from our camp and while I was rocking, here comes Asa walking in the building not knowing who or what is going on or what he was getting himself involved in. All he could say about me was "Wow this boy has some energy in him." Who was to say that after that we would go on to have lots of music together or even an album? It's just funny how things happen. Asa went on to win 2nd place of his first competition. Then about two battles later won 1st place. This particular video was the promotional video at the time specially made of all the producers that won at least one battle that were now in the "Grand Championship." DJ Static went on to win that battle but it sure was not the end but rather the beginning. The beginning of a family that still lives today beyond the battle but only now creating epic music and incredible projects!!! Enjoy!!!

8/23 Hasan Salaam & Rugged N Raw Are Mohammad Dangerfield | The BBQ Joint Featuring Kendal Good



Well today is just one of them days for me and I need to share with ya'll some of the people we have genuine love for who are artists as well.  Them being Hasan Salaam & Rugged N Raw who make up "Mohammad Dangerfield". You may ask yourself Who/What is Mohammad Dangerfield? In that same Breath you will have to ask Who/What is Bugnanas? lololol Its just an idea that makes sense with time. These brothers separately been on their grind in a major way for years and I've personally been there most of the way to see them grow as they have for us. Hasan is very much a man that is for his people. Always willing to educate musically or without it to bring peace within the communities where he lives and abroad. He has Traveled all over the world with his message and it isn't stopping just yet. Don't get it twisted for a serious dude that he is, he sure as hell knows how to have a good time and this video shows that...

Rugged and I went to the same college together and spent endless hours freestyling with rest of up and coming artist there, beat making and even attempted Djing at the radio station that we were part of. I eventually left to persue work while still doing music but when he got out as well, we kept the scene alive the best way we could. The journey is like a family affair. Same tree where each branch tells a different tale. Rugged went on to win numerous producer competitions from NYC to the Carolinas and that also helped people recognize him for his slogan "I am better than YOU" lolol. Not to long ago, Hasan and Rugged had a chance to touch down in Europe and tested some of their new material out there and received a lot of love so just imagine when it drops. This is the first video installment of that album which is on a cool relax, summertime type element that almost anyone would relate and love..Enjoy!!!

*Ps-You might see Phase One and Asa Buchanon somewhere in the mix of that Vid...

8/23 BLACK MILK'S "DEADLY MEDLEY" FEAT. ROYCE THE 5'9 & ELZHI



Whats up ya'll? Hope for the most part you all had a wonderful weekend. As for me, it was light on my end. I handled a couple of things but also caught up on some needed rest. I felt compelled to post this video b/c of my love for what comes out of the Motown city. These brothers indeed inspire me in my movement and always reassure me just my peers do, why music is necessary and needed to reach all of you who are on the other side of the screen reading and viewing this. I don't know these brothers personally but I know their music personally and do not doubt Asa or Myself will get the chance to meet these brothers in some musical capacity in the future. Its all about time and place in my opinion.  Enjoy this!!! Comes from the same vein as the Bugnanamous Duo themselves!!!

Peace and Blessings!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

8/18 Good lawd my producer flashbacks!!!

02 Love by PHASEONEMUSIC

One can not be the future without an evident past. I'm here just going through the Phase vaults and stumbling upon some gems...Please excuse the levels on this particular beat but appreciate its raw sound quality yet soulful nature!!! I made this at a time I didn't have much but my MPC 2000 and had to create my own tricks to establish my style when it came to making beats...Sometimes I wished that I continued making beats but I know within myself I would not have been the artist I am today if I didn't stop but it sure was fun.The knowledge of production didn't go anywhere since I am still around it but enjoy this while you at it lol...

*Told you all the purpose of this blog is to you show you the journey of how it all came to be...Lets Go)))

8/18 A little treat!!!

01 OBLIGHETTO-Phase One & Jack McDuff by PHASEONEMUSIC

I did this some time ago but it sounds so plush and touches my soul every time I listen to it...These are one of those songs that I love to hear to under gray skies sipping on something special while kicking back thinking. Puts me in a very introspective mood...Hope you can enjoy this as much as I did writing it!!!
Peace...

Friday, August 13, 2010

8/13 Shenendoah video from "Lucius"


Lucius Shenandoah from Jessica wolfe on Vimeo.

Today, I would love to touch on these two beautiful, talented ladies who are personal friends of mine. These Ladies are "Lucius".  I met them through my engineer "Ariel Borujow" from "Stadium Red while he was mixing one of their records "Step Up". They record/sing together in the booth literally which is something I haven't heard of since the 60's and 70's and to me it's beautiful. This video for "Shenendoah" just floored me. I am still trying to understand it because I swear that there is a message through the visuals. Their vocals are angelic that would calm any beast and can bring peace to any mind that allows it. They have so much purpose to the music we listen to today and I feel this shows it. You would probably meet them and notice their fun personalities and never think they can do what they do but that is the very thing I love the most about them. Please check this video and become a believer and be sure to buy their album "Songs from the Bromley house". If you are up on "Bugnanas" they are on our song "Walk in the park."

Thursday, August 12, 2010

8/12 We Goin' video shoot (behind the scenes) Part 1



What's good ya'll? Just thought it would be a delightful treat to show you some of the behind the scenes footage we had from our video shoot this past Saturday. Thanks to my man Young Mischiff for taking the footage and doing a wonderful editing job!!! Also thanks to Azzie for posting the vid on vimeo and sending the links out so people can view them. I say this particular  road to success quoting the title of one of Talib Kweli's albums is a "Beautiful Struggle." It can not be accomplished alone. I hope all you enjoy this first installment of the behind the scenes and remember save the date "September 15, 2010" @ the "White Rabbit" (NYC). It should be a special night!!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

8/10 "We Goin" The music itself!!!!

03 We Goin' by PHASEONEMUSIC

Yesterday I posted some pics of the "We Goin" video shoot and decided to post the Mp3 for those that aren't familiar...Enjoy the journey as we step closer the release party for the video on September 15th @ the "White Rabbit" in NYC!!!

Monday, August 9, 2010

8/9 Photos from Phase One & Asa Buchanon "We Goin" Video shoot(8/7)!!!






This past Saturday was such a productive day!!!! We filmed our video for "We Goin" from our album "Bugnanas." It was a 14hr. shoot day but a very good one. We had a wonderful crew of actors and a great film crew. We are absolutely excited and patiently waiting for the outcome of this video. Everyone felt it had the essence of a mini film which indeed is a compliment to our director "J Sun Eb". I can't thank him enough for the support of this movement and being part of this team. His vision was incredibly on the money and was also able to execute ideas before we even mouthed the thoughts. Who can truly be mad at that??? I also have to mention one more time the crew we had with us. They were like soldiers to be on set from 10am-12am. They kept a smile on their faces and even kept me amplified to give that energy right back on camera and off!!! Its showed how much they love, respect us musically and personally. They also showed by being there and pushing through the heat from the lights and countless takes, how much they wanted this to be a success as well as us to become one. Asa and Myself are so appreciative for all those that came out because if it wasn't for them it couldn't have happened. Just like my friend said "Whoever shows are the people God intended to be there" so I shouldn't be worried about who is there or not. Believe it or not we made it happen with the people that came. Many promised to come and didn't. Many had other obligations that caused them to cancel which we can not be mad at. Either way the job was done and we were ecstatic. Stay tuned to more visuals from the shoot in days to come. Enjoy the pics!!!

8/9 I think about Feat. Bk Cyph, D.Ones, Phase One, Impaq (prod. Impaq & Asa Buchanon)

Friday, I posted a behind the scenes clip on an impromptu song we did at my man "Impaq's" studio. He was excited and liked the record enough to do a photo montage video of it. I really love the feel of this record because of its rawness. My true Hip Hop heads will totally understand and respect this. Bk Cyph, D. Ones, Myself and Impaq represented on here while Asa Buchanon and Impaq joined forces to create this wonderful gem. True Hip Hop will always find it's way onto the surface. Don't ever question it just accept it. You may learn something!!!

Friday, August 6, 2010

8/6 An impromtu productive evening @ Raw Impaq Productions


So...last night I went to my friend/producer/engineer/business man "Impaq's" studio to vibe out with another colleague of mine D Ones and Bk Cyph since it has truly been a long time since I seen them. They were laying down a record that will hit the blog scene sooner than later but since they finished in a record time, I brought up to the crew of people there about writing/recording something if no one is in a rush to go. Prior to me arriving to the studio, Asa and Impaq themselves were also on a creative trip and made a beat that was still in its rough stages but contained a raw sound that caught our attention. We just zoned in and made magic happen and recorded it...You'll probably hear the beat lightly in the background but I'll be sure to put you onto the song once its mixed. Here's a clip of the evening...I tell you some of the best things happen when you do not expect them too!!!! 


Psst!!! Little secret..don't tell anyone but I had a little Bacardi in my system so I was feeling wonderful (which is why my eyes where a little low if you can't tell...lol). I figured why not I wasn't working on music but then I eventually did..Don't judge me...lolol Oh well!!! It was classic!!!


Monday, August 2, 2010

8/2 Breez Evahflowin-THE BATTLE RAPPER,THE EMCEE, THE LEGEND, THE MAN A MENTOR (TO ME)

http://www.trendsettin.com/?p=2565 

Wow...How should I even begin. Today's blog entry is about a man who embodies hip hop 100% and with pure skill alone went against tremendous odds within the indie scene and won. By saying "won" I don't mean he received a tall trophy or championship belt (though he deserves it). What I mean is with the successes combined with the upsets, at the latter point of his career he was able to recognize who he was and who he "is" today. This man is Enrique DeSilva also known to the world as Breez Evahflowin.

I remember the first time I saw Breez' live. It was in 98'  I was working at Macy's at the time and one of my best friends/producer "DJ Static" left a message on my beeper (yeah I said beeper lolol) saying that I need to come out to see him spin for Breez'  and so I did. It was such a liberating experience!!! What was crazy to me at the time was how I was already in the process of taking my craft seriously and Breez' was the first to critique my record recorded and gave it a bad critique. What he said about my record was true but I wasn't trying to hear that then lol.  I must've said a bunch of negative things about his flow and songs(of course didn't mean it) before meeting him just because of his opinion but all he was trying to do was set me on the path of greatness. After I met him I was floored with his showmanship and his ability to improvise which to me was magnificent. The only people I have seen in my life then that were able to do that were the older kids I grew up with in the projects but this was next level to me because it was on a stage with an audience. That is also when I was introduced to his super group "StrongHold" where each member represented a finger on the hand (brilliant concept).

After that I went to many shows, studio sessions or plain ol' hang out spots. Back then I was always a little quiet around people I was getting to know or didn't know. With that being said me and quiet received a chance to familiarize with the man behind the name and the man with the indie fame. He was all about the love but was also about his business as well. I learned the basics of commanding of a stage show performance to certain freestlyling tricks from him. I was never the battle rapper but even Breez' would tell you I had the makings of great performer. He also gave my boy "DJ Static" his first experience on the road where now DJ Static has been around the world and back. A crazy thing that was told to me about Breez' was his composition books of rhymes. It almost told a story. Breez was very much into drawing and could illustrate any visual like a comic you would see in the stands and has some of his work floating in certain comic books around the world. His composition books would consist of part rhyme, part drawing. When he would memorize his verses he would remember them quicker due to the picture on the pages. That is borderline genius and Psycho lol ...That's just begining...CHECK OUT the link to get an in depth look from the man himself!!! (I could go on but I know People love videos coming from the source itself lolol)