A+ feat. AZ - A+Z
I can't believe A+ was 13 when he recorded this with AZ. This was my song when I was .. uh.. 15.
I can't believe A+ was 13 when he recorded this with AZ. This was my song when I was .. uh.. 15.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cool Kids- Delivery Man
They stepped out of their off-beat drum phase. Finally/thank-god.
Shameless promo of my interview with them
Audio
Video
Shameless promo of my interview with them
Audio
Video
Yo-EV! (DJ Ev Starr) HipHopCanada
Toronto, ON - Yo-Ev! has put serious time into his DJ groundwork and he's well aware that this will separate him from his peers. Investing in himself young, he started working in clubs before he was of legal age and began his slot on the historical hip-hop radio show The Masterplan Show while entering University. Currently the main DJ on the Masterplan Show, freshly graduated, and well-prepared, EV recently dropped his summer 2008 mixtape What It Is. Personally having known Ev for years and catching an early glimpse of his hustle, it's no surprise to me that ears are catching on; his focus is unshakable. Way ahead of the rest, his taste of music can be seen in the playlist selections months before they become club bangers and chart toppers. Yo-Ev! AKA DJ Ev Starr has time, patience and dedication behind his branding and this is definitely a case where the music speaks for itself. I had the opportunity to have Ev break down his strategy, movement and future plans. Here's what he had to say:
Tara: You’ve been doing this for a while… how did you come up to being the main DJ on the Masterplan Show?
Yo-Ev!: I started off like everyone else, learning the basics. It was my ability to throw good parties at such a young age that started to really set me apart. Pretty fast things like corporate sponsorships and regular club nights started being presented to me. I learned from those around me, even their mistakes. I was smart about my moves and I really enjoyed what I was doing, it was natural – everything else with hard work falls into place.
Tara: What equipment do you use?
Yo-Ev!: I use Tech 12's, Rane Empath (but really want one of the new joints they got), SP404, Mac Pro/Desktop, Protools…
Tara: Are you all digital? Any vinyl left?
Yo-Ev!: I don’t think that I’ll ever sell any of my vinyl but it is definitely more sensible to be digital. Although vinyl has little benefit to me now other than sampling, I did benefit from many years of its use.
Tara: How so?
Yo-Ev!: It taught me how to be organized and think ahead and [it] improved my physical ability handling equipment. Mp3s are so easily attained and produced now that you are able to quickly get your hands on and customize infinite amounts of music. The era of tangible vinyl and CDs demanded a lot more time/leg work. Taking this labor out of the task of DJing, this puts us at somewhat of a paradox.
Tara: What do you mean?
Yo-Ev!: “Everyone’s a DJ my Grandma, she DJs, everyone’s a DJ with a lap top band.” Ya dig? Everyone is a DJ now- largely due to the increased accessibility of spinning, because they have a computer and a simplified program and a line on a mediocre music blog or file sharer. That defines a significant number of the DJs filling spots in Toronto’s main club district. It shortens the learning curve, reduces the amount of musical knowledge and research needed, as well as neglects many aspects of the science of DJing by taking much of the manual labor and thought out of the activity.
Tara: So you’re not playing clubs anymore?
Yo-Ev!: I love playing clubs but I’ve come of age and grown to realize the limitations often when you choose to do so... the audience dictates what the DJ will play at most venues unless the DJ is dictating who the audience is... is the person there to see the DJ and listen to good music? Or are they there for the two dollar drinks and inexpensive cover.
Tara: How do you deal with that as a DJ, what do you do? How do you get paid if you’re not in the clubs?
Yo-Ev!: You have to work on building a following of people who “get it”, people that appreciate you for what you are bringing to the table. Often that doesn’t equate well with a big business plan, but it is much more satisfying knowing you are building your own identity. In recent months I have been more selective of what work I do, I consciously booked more shows out of town and special events more off beat from what I had been use to in the past; I’ve grown much fonder of releasing material online (recently What it Is).
Tara: How do you feel about the state of Canadian hip-hop?
Yo-Ev!: Although hip-hop and rap as the dominant genre of young peoples seems on the decline, Canadian artists are attaining higher levels of success and exposure than ever seen before in my opinion. While some can be quick to rag on Kardi or write him off as been done, he is still gaining more success on a world scale daily. The noticeable amount of talk around the world on message boards regarding Drake as artist is evidence that Canadian’s can still come up. All in all the professionalism of our industry is coming along. While some artists may still be struggling with their production and brand – HHC has their digital label launching, Soze dropped me a line over the Stylus weekend that the Mayhem project was going to be seeing a new outlet, and other local group acts are now in positions to release music with large distributors.
Tara: Your Monday Mixes are being widely received in the dance music scene. Are you leaving hip-hop?
Yo-Ev!: (I) could never leave hip-hop, I’ve spent way too many years of my life living and breathing it. I grew tired of being pigeonholed as only one type of DJ despite having always grown up around such a broad selection of music. There was a period in my life when having headphones on was like wearing horse blinders and I was tight casting what I was listening to but it was only a brief moment of my adolescence. Changing technology has had a significant impact on the way we listen to music. There are few excuses for having a narrow selection of music, unless flat- that’s just your personal taste. Say goodbye to CDs, Vinyl… It’s not like back at the record store where you knew you had to spend money on that hip-hop track before dropping coin in the house, or reggae section. I’m a DJ that appreciates a good beat, call the beat whatever you want.
Tara: What advice can you give artists who want to get their music played?
Yo-Ev!: Djevstarr@masterplanmovement.com with the subject: Tracks For Masterplan/DJ Ev Starr. If I hit you back I’ve got to be honest – please don’t catch feelings if it’s not what you want to hear and I stress that people send music they’ve taken a good listen to (mixing and mastering is all part of the product, don’t just lay that vocal and call it a day). Also, check out http://www.myspace.com/djevstarr.
Tara: What’s next?
Yo-Ev!: Touring Europe, more Monday Mixes, the Radio, more Parties, the launch of Masterplanmovement.com. And just more work.HipHopCanada: Shout-outs?Yo-Ev!: DTS, Deeks, JB – The whole Masterplan fam, Rated R, Jug-E, Strizzy (What The Blogclot?), Richie, Chris J., Y.B.S.P, St. Woods. Clubbangaz.com and all those that have supported me/wouldn’t want their names listed here. Monday mix available at: http://doesitlooklikeigiveafuck.wordpress.com.
Editor's note: For more information on Yo-Ev! AKA DJ Ev Starr check out http://www.myspace.com/djevstarr and http://www.myspace.com/themasterplanshow.
Tara: You’ve been doing this for a while… how did you come up to being the main DJ on the Masterplan Show?
Yo-Ev!: I started off like everyone else, learning the basics. It was my ability to throw good parties at such a young age that started to really set me apart. Pretty fast things like corporate sponsorships and regular club nights started being presented to me. I learned from those around me, even their mistakes. I was smart about my moves and I really enjoyed what I was doing, it was natural – everything else with hard work falls into place.
Tara: What equipment do you use?
Yo-Ev!: I use Tech 12's, Rane Empath (but really want one of the new joints they got), SP404, Mac Pro/Desktop, Protools…
Tara: Are you all digital? Any vinyl left?
Yo-Ev!: I don’t think that I’ll ever sell any of my vinyl but it is definitely more sensible to be digital. Although vinyl has little benefit to me now other than sampling, I did benefit from many years of its use.
Tara: How so?
Yo-Ev!: It taught me how to be organized and think ahead and [it] improved my physical ability handling equipment. Mp3s are so easily attained and produced now that you are able to quickly get your hands on and customize infinite amounts of music. The era of tangible vinyl and CDs demanded a lot more time/leg work. Taking this labor out of the task of DJing, this puts us at somewhat of a paradox.
Tara: What do you mean?
Yo-Ev!: “Everyone’s a DJ my Grandma, she DJs, everyone’s a DJ with a lap top band.” Ya dig? Everyone is a DJ now- largely due to the increased accessibility of spinning, because they have a computer and a simplified program and a line on a mediocre music blog or file sharer. That defines a significant number of the DJs filling spots in Toronto’s main club district. It shortens the learning curve, reduces the amount of musical knowledge and research needed, as well as neglects many aspects of the science of DJing by taking much of the manual labor and thought out of the activity.
Tara: So you’re not playing clubs anymore?
Yo-Ev!: I love playing clubs but I’ve come of age and grown to realize the limitations often when you choose to do so... the audience dictates what the DJ will play at most venues unless the DJ is dictating who the audience is... is the person there to see the DJ and listen to good music? Or are they there for the two dollar drinks and inexpensive cover.
Tara: How do you deal with that as a DJ, what do you do? How do you get paid if you’re not in the clubs?
Yo-Ev!: You have to work on building a following of people who “get it”, people that appreciate you for what you are bringing to the table. Often that doesn’t equate well with a big business plan, but it is much more satisfying knowing you are building your own identity. In recent months I have been more selective of what work I do, I consciously booked more shows out of town and special events more off beat from what I had been use to in the past; I’ve grown much fonder of releasing material online (recently What it Is).
Tara: How do you feel about the state of Canadian hip-hop?
Yo-Ev!: Although hip-hop and rap as the dominant genre of young peoples seems on the decline, Canadian artists are attaining higher levels of success and exposure than ever seen before in my opinion. While some can be quick to rag on Kardi or write him off as been done, he is still gaining more success on a world scale daily. The noticeable amount of talk around the world on message boards regarding Drake as artist is evidence that Canadian’s can still come up. All in all the professionalism of our industry is coming along. While some artists may still be struggling with their production and brand – HHC has their digital label launching, Soze dropped me a line over the Stylus weekend that the Mayhem project was going to be seeing a new outlet, and other local group acts are now in positions to release music with large distributors.
Tara: Your Monday Mixes are being widely received in the dance music scene. Are you leaving hip-hop?
Yo-Ev!: (I) could never leave hip-hop, I’ve spent way too many years of my life living and breathing it. I grew tired of being pigeonholed as only one type of DJ despite having always grown up around such a broad selection of music. There was a period in my life when having headphones on was like wearing horse blinders and I was tight casting what I was listening to but it was only a brief moment of my adolescence. Changing technology has had a significant impact on the way we listen to music. There are few excuses for having a narrow selection of music, unless flat- that’s just your personal taste. Say goodbye to CDs, Vinyl… It’s not like back at the record store where you knew you had to spend money on that hip-hop track before dropping coin in the house, or reggae section. I’m a DJ that appreciates a good beat, call the beat whatever you want.
Tara: What advice can you give artists who want to get their music played?
Yo-Ev!: Djevstarr@masterplanmovement.com with the subject: Tracks For Masterplan/DJ Ev Starr. If I hit you back I’ve got to be honest – please don’t catch feelings if it’s not what you want to hear and I stress that people send music they’ve taken a good listen to (mixing and mastering is all part of the product, don’t just lay that vocal and call it a day). Also, check out http://www.myspace.com/djevstarr.
Tara: What’s next?
Yo-Ev!: Touring Europe, more Monday Mixes, the Radio, more Parties, the launch of Masterplanmovement.com. And just more work.HipHopCanada: Shout-outs?Yo-Ev!: DTS, Deeks, JB – The whole Masterplan fam, Rated R, Jug-E, Strizzy (What The Blogclot?), Richie, Chris J., Y.B.S.P, St. Woods. Clubbangaz.com and all those that have supported me/wouldn’t want their names listed here. Monday mix available at: http://doesitlooklikeigiveafuck.wordpress.com.
Editor's note: For more information on Yo-Ev! AKA DJ Ev Starr check out http://www.myspace.com/djevstarr and http://www.myspace.com/themasterplanshow.
Interview With DeuceDeuce (HipHopCanada)
Ottawa, ON – Deuce-Deuce doesn't do anything on a small scale. From the get-go, the MC duo comprised of Harvey Stripes and Nelson Down have had a massive sound and presence. Their 2005 acclaimed release The Paperboys EP featured a then largely unknown A-list Canadian producer Beat Merchant and let listeners know there was a new confident team on the block. When I ran into Harvey and Nelson at the Stylus Awards, their entire camp was in full-effect pushing their new single "So Fly" hard. The team, the talent, the ambition, the star quality – they have that.In your face and honest about their goals – making music and making money – Deuce-Deuce knows exactly what they want and what it takes to get it. Check out what they had to say.
Tara: Peace Nelson, Peace Harvey. Thanks for speaking with HipHopCanada.com this afternoon! In 2002 we featured you in an article as "up and coming", and then in 2005 we did our first Deuce-Deuce article. Introduce where you're at now, three years later.
Nelson: We are the exact same in terms of us being 50/50 in our business. We've definitely matured and learned a lot from our own personal ventures, we've grown in music and in our own lives. I'd say we're the same, just grown with crazier energy.
Harvey: We're good right now. We're bringing the energy and making music that's been defining who we are, plus we've been on the grind. A lot of people assume we have investors because of our lifestyle but we don't. We make music and get money. It's in a position now where it's do or die for us, this is our future...we've got so much more on the way.
Tara: “So Fly” is the new single, which was released at the Stylus Awards. The response has been wild – Hakeem featured on the track, Beat Merchant on the production. How did it come about?
Harvey: Beat Merchant produced "So Fly". Shout out to Beat Merchant! We've been working ridiculous with him... in the studio 4/7 days of the week. We've got 100-plus Beat Merchant tracks that are still unreleased, plus the 22 that are on Double Or Nothing. As for Hakeem, we banged the track out at 6AM, no sleep, just a bottle of water and some Grey Goose with no chaser. The response has been bananas, people are in love with the track. [Click here to listen to “So Fly”]
Nelson: We've put our work in, the response has been effortless. People just love it, people are feeling it. It speaks for itself. We've got more joints about to drop too, I'd say that are even better than “So Fly”.
HipHopCanada: You were both full force at the Stylus Awards with your camp in the “So Fly” t-shirts. Any plans of getting into the fashion game?
Nelson: Definitely, definitely. Our company, D&D Music Group, covers music and fashion. For fashion, we’ve got Shake Safari who is crazy in the fashion game, his vision is bananas. Veno from Incradouble Inc. is the dude who turns our ideas into real life.
Tara: What else does D&D Music Group handle?
Harvey: We don't hold back. We've got the A&R's, production (Beat Merchant), stylists and artists. The entire team is set, so fly.Nelson: We don't do things small, that’s not our style. We're full force.
Harvey: We're ready for all opportunities.
HipHopCanada: We see that. Another opportunity you've been making use of is the mixtape. With so much controversy surrounding 'em – what's your take?
Nelson: The mixtape is a beautiful thing. The mixtape DJs job is to promote and push new music 150%... that's their hustle. Where else do you get that mass scale promotion? We started coming up in mixtapes, we got to pick and chose what went where. Mixtapes are a beautiful thing that we definitely use.
Tara: How have mediums like college radio and the internet advanced your careers?
Harvey: We had the options to push our music elsewhere first but we go right to leaking it on the internet, then college radio. We could have pushed our tracks right to Top 40 radio but the politics are too much. The internet is our tool though… just Google "So Fly- Deuce Deuce" and see what's up. You'll see search results from international sites pushing our tracks… international.
Tara: What's your take on the state of Canadian hip-hop right now?
Harvey: We're at a stand still. Everyone is stuck in 1998's NY era – we're supposed to be growing and it's stuck with limitations. Why is everybody afraid to grow? Don't get me wrong, we love our Nas and Tribe but we also need to grow to offer what we are. We're a breath of fresh air, using our creativity giving the best we can .We don't want to be labeled as just a Canadian group, our music speaks for itself.
Nelson: We obviously learned from the Golden Era of hip-hop… that's where we learned our foundation. I will, we will, always pay homage to that but it has to evolve. Hip-hop isn't dead; it's very alive and making money. In the 90's we weren’t where we were in the 80's, and right now we need to be in 2008 not the 1990's. We understand both sides.
Harvey: As for Canadian hip-hop, we need to catch up. Everyone is afraid and embarrassed to talk like we don't have the same money and culture as in the States. I don't get that... has anyone been in a club in Canada? People are making up their own moves and dances here just like across the border.
Nelson: We have the same hustle as well. I really don't get it... people have money, have flashy cars, have girls just like America. I'm sure you know people who sell drugs to get by, it's everywhere. How come we're afraid to talk about that in Canada?
Tara: Got you. As a crew making national noise, do you have any advice for those looking up to you?
Nelson: Nothing happens without a lot of work and motivation. We can't express enough how a strong team makes a difference, everyone needs that. Don't stop evolving and keep working.
Tara: What's next for Deuce-Deuce?
Harvey: We've been working with Papoose, Uncle Murda, Mayhem, Trinity Chris, Andreena Mills, Rochester, lots of people. We work with everybody, we’re real cool people.
Nelson: We’re confident and I think people think we’re too cocky but we’re real people. Get too know us, we’re cool.Harvey: “So Fly” is officially out and Double Or Nothing will be out this summer. We’ll be releasing a new single every two-three months; next is “Keep It A Secret” with Adreena Mills.
Taraa: Dope. Thanks for speaking with us today. Any shout-outs? Where can you be found at?
Deuce-Deuce: Shake Safari, Malcom the Mac, Beat Merchant, Veno, Incradouble Inc, Neville Paul, Hakeem, JP, Colin & Pistol Pete, Won-Elevan. Make sure to check out the websites: http://www.deucedeucelive.com/, http://www.myspace.com/deucedeucelive and even hit us up on Facebook: Deuce-Deuce Live. “I'M SO FLY, YOU SO FLY!”
Tara: Peace Nelson, Peace Harvey. Thanks for speaking with HipHopCanada.com this afternoon! In 2002 we featured you in an article as "up and coming", and then in 2005 we did our first Deuce-Deuce article. Introduce where you're at now, three years later.
Nelson: We are the exact same in terms of us being 50/50 in our business. We've definitely matured and learned a lot from our own personal ventures, we've grown in music and in our own lives. I'd say we're the same, just grown with crazier energy.
Harvey: We're good right now. We're bringing the energy and making music that's been defining who we are, plus we've been on the grind. A lot of people assume we have investors because of our lifestyle but we don't. We make music and get money. It's in a position now where it's do or die for us, this is our future...we've got so much more on the way.
Tara: “So Fly” is the new single, which was released at the Stylus Awards. The response has been wild – Hakeem featured on the track, Beat Merchant on the production. How did it come about?
Harvey: Beat Merchant produced "So Fly". Shout out to Beat Merchant! We've been working ridiculous with him... in the studio 4/7 days of the week. We've got 100-plus Beat Merchant tracks that are still unreleased, plus the 22 that are on Double Or Nothing. As for Hakeem, we banged the track out at 6AM, no sleep, just a bottle of water and some Grey Goose with no chaser. The response has been bananas, people are in love with the track. [Click here to listen to “So Fly”]
Nelson: We've put our work in, the response has been effortless. People just love it, people are feeling it. It speaks for itself. We've got more joints about to drop too, I'd say that are even better than “So Fly”.
HipHopCanada: You were both full force at the Stylus Awards with your camp in the “So Fly” t-shirts. Any plans of getting into the fashion game?
Nelson: Definitely, definitely. Our company, D&D Music Group, covers music and fashion. For fashion, we’ve got Shake Safari who is crazy in the fashion game, his vision is bananas. Veno from Incradouble Inc. is the dude who turns our ideas into real life.
Tara: What else does D&D Music Group handle?
Harvey: We don't hold back. We've got the A&R's, production (Beat Merchant), stylists and artists. The entire team is set, so fly.Nelson: We don't do things small, that’s not our style. We're full force.
Harvey: We're ready for all opportunities.
HipHopCanada: We see that. Another opportunity you've been making use of is the mixtape. With so much controversy surrounding 'em – what's your take?
Nelson: The mixtape is a beautiful thing. The mixtape DJs job is to promote and push new music 150%... that's their hustle. Where else do you get that mass scale promotion? We started coming up in mixtapes, we got to pick and chose what went where. Mixtapes are a beautiful thing that we definitely use.
Tara: How have mediums like college radio and the internet advanced your careers?
Harvey: We had the options to push our music elsewhere first but we go right to leaking it on the internet, then college radio. We could have pushed our tracks right to Top 40 radio but the politics are too much. The internet is our tool though… just Google "So Fly- Deuce Deuce" and see what's up. You'll see search results from international sites pushing our tracks… international.
Tara: What's your take on the state of Canadian hip-hop right now?
Harvey: We're at a stand still. Everyone is stuck in 1998's NY era – we're supposed to be growing and it's stuck with limitations. Why is everybody afraid to grow? Don't get me wrong, we love our Nas and Tribe but we also need to grow to offer what we are. We're a breath of fresh air, using our creativity giving the best we can .We don't want to be labeled as just a Canadian group, our music speaks for itself.
Nelson: We obviously learned from the Golden Era of hip-hop… that's where we learned our foundation. I will, we will, always pay homage to that but it has to evolve. Hip-hop isn't dead; it's very alive and making money. In the 90's we weren’t where we were in the 80's, and right now we need to be in 2008 not the 1990's. We understand both sides.
Harvey: As for Canadian hip-hop, we need to catch up. Everyone is afraid and embarrassed to talk like we don't have the same money and culture as in the States. I don't get that... has anyone been in a club in Canada? People are making up their own moves and dances here just like across the border.
Nelson: We have the same hustle as well. I really don't get it... people have money, have flashy cars, have girls just like America. I'm sure you know people who sell drugs to get by, it's everywhere. How come we're afraid to talk about that in Canada?
Tara: Got you. As a crew making national noise, do you have any advice for those looking up to you?
Nelson: Nothing happens without a lot of work and motivation. We can't express enough how a strong team makes a difference, everyone needs that. Don't stop evolving and keep working.
Tara: What's next for Deuce-Deuce?
Harvey: We've been working with Papoose, Uncle Murda, Mayhem, Trinity Chris, Andreena Mills, Rochester, lots of people. We work with everybody, we’re real cool people.
Nelson: We’re confident and I think people think we’re too cocky but we’re real people. Get too know us, we’re cool.Harvey: “So Fly” is officially out and Double Or Nothing will be out this summer. We’ll be releasing a new single every two-three months; next is “Keep It A Secret” with Adreena Mills.
Taraa: Dope. Thanks for speaking with us today. Any shout-outs? Where can you be found at?
Deuce-Deuce: Shake Safari, Malcom the Mac, Beat Merchant, Veno, Incradouble Inc, Neville Paul, Hakeem, JP, Colin & Pistol Pete, Won-Elevan. Make sure to check out the websites: http://www.deucedeucelive.com/, http://www.myspace.com/deucedeucelive and even hit us up on Facebook: Deuce-Deuce Live. “I'M SO FLY, YOU SO FLY!”
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Murs & 9th Wonder
I'm shocked this didn't get more attention- however, I don't like it.
http://www.mursand9thwonder.com/download.html
1. The intro
2. Are you ready?
3. Nina Ross
4. Free
5. And I Love It
6. Pusshhhhhh
7. It’s For Real
8. Marry Me
9. Love the Way
10. Murs Inatra
Cool Kids Interview - Version 1
"Yo, Canadian immigration is the worst.” “It was worth it though, I crowd surfed for my first time last night!!!”
Hipsters and hiphopsters alike gushed at the Cool Kids show last week on Queen West, but little do they know how excited they made Mikey and Chuck.
“I just closed my eyes and eased into it. There’s an art to crowd surfing, you know.”
For a duo with world tours and leaked albums under their vintage Gold and A Pager tighten belts, crowd surfing would seem like a given. They proved me wrong. I had an early morning interview with the guys after their sold-out show on the way to their next stop in Australia. They were exhausted yet extremely considerate and easy-going, filling me in on the new found fame.
Chuck: We like Toronto.
Mikey: Last night was crazy.
Tara: And you had to drive here, didn’t you?
Chuck: Yeah, man. But we did it..we don’t disapoint.
Tara: Crowd surfing?
Chuck: I did it!
Tara: What don’t you guys do?
Chuck: Ha. We’re in a good place right now, lots going on.
Tara: Break down the label situation.
Mikey: We’re with an indie label in Chicago.
Chuck: Yeah. That’s a whole other situation. Suits see money, they’re our means to get what we want but their bottom line is dollars. We’re in control though.
Tara: The leaked album, how does that feel?
Mikey: Means we’re hot.
Tara: What else do you have coming up?
Chuck: We’re collaborating with Joe Madden, working on our live set, touring.
Mikey: But we still check our MySpace!
Chuck: Yes, down time is My Space time.
Tara: You write back to all your fans?
Mikey: Oh yes. We hit everybody back on there- and on Facebook too if you can find me.
Tara: You guys met on the internet.
Chuck: Yes, yes we did.
Tara: Fate?
Mikey: Ha! Seriously, though, I hate changing my Facebook status
Tara: What are you going to change yours to today?
Chuck: Crowd surfing in Toronto!
Hipsters and hiphopsters alike gushed at the Cool Kids show last week on Queen West, but little do they know how excited they made Mikey and Chuck.
“I just closed my eyes and eased into it. There’s an art to crowd surfing, you know.”
For a duo with world tours and leaked albums under their vintage Gold and A Pager tighten belts, crowd surfing would seem like a given. They proved me wrong. I had an early morning interview with the guys after their sold-out show on the way to their next stop in Australia. They were exhausted yet extremely considerate and easy-going, filling me in on the new found fame.
Chuck: We like Toronto.
Mikey: Last night was crazy.
Tara: And you had to drive here, didn’t you?
Chuck: Yeah, man. But we did it..we don’t disapoint.
Tara: Crowd surfing?
Chuck: I did it!
Tara: What don’t you guys do?
Chuck: Ha. We’re in a good place right now, lots going on.
Tara: Break down the label situation.
Mikey: We’re with an indie label in Chicago.
Chuck: Yeah. That’s a whole other situation. Suits see money, they’re our means to get what we want but their bottom line is dollars. We’re in control though.
Tara: The leaked album, how does that feel?
Mikey: Means we’re hot.
Tara: What else do you have coming up?
Chuck: We’re collaborating with Joe Madden, working on our live set, touring.
Mikey: But we still check our MySpace!
Chuck: Yes, down time is My Space time.
Tara: You write back to all your fans?
Mikey: Oh yes. We hit everybody back on there- and on Facebook too if you can find me.
Tara: You guys met on the internet.
Chuck: Yes, yes we did.
Tara: Fate?
Mikey: Ha! Seriously, though, I hate changing my Facebook status
Tara: What are you going to change yours to today?
Chuck: Crowd surfing in Toronto!
2007 Hip-Hop Rap Up
While everyone else was ranting about hip-hop being dead/commercialized/too-pop, I spent most of the year completely in-love with it.
Canadian Top 5 Fav:
Canadian Top 5 Fav:
- Pull Up-Rochester// Boi-da is a monster on this track, Rochester pulls off the energy live as well
- Hell In A Hand Basket-Crown A Thornz// Bone-chilling hook gives me goosebumps
- T.O/O.T-Point Blank// Infectious Canadian anthem
- Don't Holla-Tona & S Roc// FINALLY.
- DueceDuece-Paper Chaser// This song makes me pop my collar..yesssir
The biggest disapointment for me was Wu Tang, Beanie Sigel and KRS ONE but I was surprisingly satisfied with Freeeeeeway!
Best concert of the year wasn't even a concert..it was Large Professor. The crowd didn't even know who he was-it was a surprise-but he played Live at the Barbeque.
Songs of the Year
- **Outkast- Art of Story Telling P4When DJ Ev Starr first played it on The Masterplan Show, that Andre 3000 verse had callers going craaazy. That verse, and the "Player's Anthem" verse made 3000 one of my fav lyricists all over again.
- **Can't Tell Me Nothin-Kanye WestThis song was the reason I made some of the moves I made in 2007. Line for line, it's easily one of Kanye's best EVER.
- **C'mon Baby-SaigonSOOOOOO much better than the remix, Saigon KILLED it. Too bad "the greatest story" will never be told. Just Blaze, you get a white-girl thumbs up for this. Too bad the video bombed.
- **Ignorant Shit-Jay ZI feel like everyone had their own "OH THATS MY SONG" on American Gangster. Mine was easily Ignorant Shit..G'head Jay Z, show em Beyonce didnt take away your swagger.
- **Little Girl Gone-Lil Wayne/Devin The DudeWhile I thought this was the weakest of Lil Wayne verses on his 483093tracks this year, I still liked the track. Can't go wrong with Devin The Dude. Dream collab.
- **War-Kardinal Offishall/Marco PoloDJ Miss Kittie and I were stopped at a traffic light in Manhattan BLASTING this, and the car next to us rolled down their windows, nodding their head. That sums this track up. Beat is bananas, Kardi's energy kills it. I love Canada.
- **Sound The Alarm-Black MilkMaybe because I have the hip-hop taste of a 17 year old boy, that I love the aggression of this single. I didn't like the album as much as media hyped it up, but thought this track was fiiiyah.
- **Man's World-Guilty SimpsonPlain and simple, I like the raw emotion/honesty.
- **Push-Pharoahe Monch Sidenote: If you haven't seen him LIVE, do it. do it. do it.The whole album was one of my favs, but this song stands out to me with the horns + Showtyme.
- Honorable Mentions: Long Way To Go- Joe Budden, Hip-Hop- Joell Ortiz (RMX),Gutted-Beanie Sigel, Can't Forget About You-Nas
November 2007 Reviews
N.O.R.E.-Noreality
By Tara Muldoon
N.O.R.E. has been putting time into the hip-hop game for over a decade and like many of his colleagues, switched to an independent label to experiment with a new sound. With his signing to Babygrande, the anticipation grew for his comeback, especially with word of the Kanye West, Jadakiss, Peedi Peedi and Three Six Mafia appearances. Noreality starts with the welcoming banger "Set It Off," produced by Swizz Beats, which matches the quality of the only other standout track, "Throw 'Em Under The Bus." The rest of the 13-track disc tries to cleverly be creative and fails, especially with its more aggressive reggaeton influence. "Pop A Pill" and "Drink Champ" are lacklustre attempts at being comedic, while "Paternity Test" just suffers from downright bad lyricism. However, Noreality does earn bragging rights with its roster and selection of singles. The old N.O.R.E. charisma peaks out occasionally but the rest of the album sounds like he's having an identity crisis. (Babygrande)
Chamillionaire-Ultimate Victory
By Tara Muldoon
Chamillionaire has definitely been a recent music industry shocker: he won a Grammy, made a public announcement that he'd reduce swear words in his music and has created a worthy sophomore album. Ultimate Victory is surprisingly smart, with an array of features and content. "Hip-Hop Police" and "Evening News" attack those who blame hip-hop for social destruction, "Rock Star" is the shinning club track, while "Pimp Mode" is unexpectedly haunting about relationships. Although a common theme to the album is bitterness — at money, at girls, at the industry — it's not redundant. The downfall to Ultimate Victory is that the top-notch guest spot verses from Lil Wayne, Devin The Dude and Slick Rick outshine Chamillionaire. Ultimate Victory is by no means a classic but Chamillionaire pulls off being mediocre in a refreshing way. (Universal Motown)
Souljah Boy- Souljboytellem.com
By Tara Muldoon
Souljah Boy would be easy to dismiss if he wasn't on every media outlet possible but unfortunately, he's the new teen sensation of crunk music and he's embracing every catchy beat of it. Lead single "Crank That" is based around steel drum production, which represents the sound of his debut album Souljboytellem.com At 17 years old, Souljah Boy is making music his friends can snap, pop and drop to. Souljboytellem.com is 14 tracks deep of wholesome subject matter ("Booty Meat," "Donk") and is ultimately a bass-heavy party album laced with simplicity. Check out Souljah Girl and please, avoid the temptation to listen to "She Thirsty." The catch to Souljah Boy is that he produced and wrote almost the whole project. How many artists, let alone 17 year olds, can take credit for that level of creative control? He's clearly an ambitious young man and should be respected for that, if nothing else. Save him while he's young. (Collipark/Interscope)
By Tara Muldoon
N.O.R.E. has been putting time into the hip-hop game for over a decade and like many of his colleagues, switched to an independent label to experiment with a new sound. With his signing to Babygrande, the anticipation grew for his comeback, especially with word of the Kanye West, Jadakiss, Peedi Peedi and Three Six Mafia appearances. Noreality starts with the welcoming banger "Set It Off," produced by Swizz Beats, which matches the quality of the only other standout track, "Throw 'Em Under The Bus." The rest of the 13-track disc tries to cleverly be creative and fails, especially with its more aggressive reggaeton influence. "Pop A Pill" and "Drink Champ" are lacklustre attempts at being comedic, while "Paternity Test" just suffers from downright bad lyricism. However, Noreality does earn bragging rights with its roster and selection of singles. The old N.O.R.E. charisma peaks out occasionally but the rest of the album sounds like he's having an identity crisis. (Babygrande)
Chamillionaire-Ultimate Victory
By Tara Muldoon
Chamillionaire has definitely been a recent music industry shocker: he won a Grammy, made a public announcement that he'd reduce swear words in his music and has created a worthy sophomore album. Ultimate Victory is surprisingly smart, with an array of features and content. "Hip-Hop Police" and "Evening News" attack those who blame hip-hop for social destruction, "Rock Star" is the shinning club track, while "Pimp Mode" is unexpectedly haunting about relationships. Although a common theme to the album is bitterness — at money, at girls, at the industry — it's not redundant. The downfall to Ultimate Victory is that the top-notch guest spot verses from Lil Wayne, Devin The Dude and Slick Rick outshine Chamillionaire. Ultimate Victory is by no means a classic but Chamillionaire pulls off being mediocre in a refreshing way. (Universal Motown)
Souljah Boy- Souljboytellem.com
By Tara Muldoon
Souljah Boy would be easy to dismiss if he wasn't on every media outlet possible but unfortunately, he's the new teen sensation of crunk music and he's embracing every catchy beat of it. Lead single "Crank That" is based around steel drum production, which represents the sound of his debut album Souljboytellem.com At 17 years old, Souljah Boy is making music his friends can snap, pop and drop to. Souljboytellem.com is 14 tracks deep of wholesome subject matter ("Booty Meat," "Donk") and is ultimately a bass-heavy party album laced with simplicity. Check out Souljah Girl and please, avoid the temptation to listen to "She Thirsty." The catch to Souljah Boy is that he produced and wrote almost the whole project. How many artists, let alone 17 year olds, can take credit for that level of creative control? He's clearly an ambitious young man and should be respected for that, if nothing else. Save him while he's young. (Collipark/Interscope)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Termanology- "drugs, crime, gorillaz"
Termanology- "drugs, crime, gorillaz"
Dirty production, crazy Freeway verse, Termanology in his element.
Dirty production, crazy Freeway verse, Termanology in his element.
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