tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29286926987531679432024-03-27T10:43:37.142-07:00It's Slangston Hughes Dude!!!Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-64449470744386194572011-10-06T17:41:00.000-07:002011-10-15T10:23:26.913-07:0024 Facts about Dollar$ & Daialogue (Pt. 2)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFUPX2CCPEY/TpnBHO7h-1I/AAAAAAAAAXU/WzPwjZ0sUM0/s1600/Dollar%2524%2B%2526%2BDaialogue%2BCover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFUPX2CCPEY/TpnBHO7h-1I/AAAAAAAAAXU/WzPwjZ0sUM0/s400/Dollar%2524%2B%2526%2BDaialogue%2BCover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663770336406141778" border="0" /></a><br />The follow-up to <span>our first EP</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, <a href="http://bit.ly/DAND1POINT5">Dollar$ & Daialogue 1.5</a> </span>has been received nicely over the past couple of weeks since its release with posts on Kevin Nottingham, Cluster Funk Collective and Hip Hop Wired blogs and positive feedback from listeners on both coasts (the Gulf and West respectively, lol). We've included twelve more factoids from the other half of the D&D duo, L'Daialogue DiCaprio. Check em out below:<br /><br />13. Most of the samples from the initial EP and new D&D projects consists of classic breaks from old Memphis & New Orleans based records.<br /><br />14. "Do It Tonight" was the first song recorded for <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollars & Daialogue</span>.<br /><br />15. At the urging of Mr. J'ai (founding Tygah Woods member), Slangston & L'Daialogue were advised to record an EP vs. an LP because the shorter length made for a better listen.<br /><br />16. <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollars & Daialogue</span> has been covered by many different publications such as Offbeat Magazine.<br /><br />17. <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollars & Daialogue</span> has also been covered by KevinNottingham.com, Clusterfunk Collective, Urban Orleans, the REUP Spot, & among other blogs.<br /><br />18. Each song off of <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollars & Daialogue</span> is an interconnected theme of money-based songs i.e. Payable To Me.<br /><br />19. Our muse for the ideal "girl" on the song "Ladies In The Crowd" was the actress/poet/emcee/DJ Amanda [Diva] Seales.<br /><br />20. Touted New Orleans DJ, EF Cuttin contributed to the project representing the legendary PsychoWard Crew which includes DJ Raj Smooth (Lil' Wayne producer), DJ Wop & DJ Bigg Cheeeze.<br /><br />21. "Payable To Me" was the last song recorded for the project featuring Lyrikill and a flipped sample from L'Daialogue's <a href="http://ldaialogue.bandcamp.com/album/wi-fi-connectivity">Wi-Fi</a>.<br /><br />22. "Rockin Out" was inspired by a recent Honda Odyssey TV commercial sampling Judas Priest's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQ-jRHeCW0">The Hellion</a>."<br /><br />23. An extended retail version is in the works for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollars & Daialogue</span> project(s).<br /><br />24. If you listen very closely...there may be ANOTHER hidden track<br />inside the other hidden track on the project.<span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);"><br /></span>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-54110700119256912462011-10-05T14:55:00.000-07:002011-10-05T15:31:37.434-07:00Hip-Hop... The Gift That Keeps On Giving...Hip-Hop has its fair share of ups & downs for an upcoming emcee, especially if you're putting on your own events & the majority of promo, networking, etc. However, that's another story for another time. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in a brief period of self-doubt, minute depression and disappointing show attendance et al detracting factors associated with the rap game. That was until I received this "treasure" in the mail from a colleague that reignited my fervor for my culture and my respective place in it regarding a recent performance I had at an elementary school.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eztDuk_Orco/TozYhNTMt-I/AAAAAAAAAXA/NudCFsecn-Q/s1600/Truman%2BStudent%2BLetter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eztDuk_Orco/TozYhNTMt-I/AAAAAAAAAXA/NudCFsecn-Q/s400/Truman%2BStudent%2BLetter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660136896715339746" border="0" /></a><br />Shout out to Byrone & his teacher at the time, Ms. Craven of Truman Middle School for the support the proverbial pick me up! I <span style="font-weight: bold;">DID</span> return <span style="font-weight: bold;">AND</span> performed at the gym in front of the majority of the student body just as Byrone hoped for with the big homie, DJ Rik Ducci the next year. I signed alot of autographs that day and can only hope Byrone got one.It was a moment I'll never forget and thoroughly enjoyed. We'll work on Byrone's spelling of my stage moniker for another time. As for now, I'm having a positive change of heart!Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-41551037670637159572011-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:002011-09-09T19:21:00.527-07:00Dollar$ & Daialogue 1.5 Tracklisting & Cover<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAL7ym5s3V4/TmrG_G7xTyI/AAAAAAAAAWw/0AbJFyog8uo/s1600/Dollar%2524%2B%2526%2BDaialogue%2BCover%2B1.5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAL7ym5s3V4/TmrG_G7xTyI/AAAAAAAAAWw/0AbJFyog8uo/s400/Dollar%2524%2B%2526%2BDaialogue%2BCover%2B1.5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650547469985074978" border="0" /></a><br />Stay tuned as the follow-up to <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollar$ & Daialogue</span>, (<a href="http://bit.ly/nJ0ayh">nominated for Hottest EP of the Year</a>) prepares to drop this month!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Slangston Hughes & L’Daialogue DiCaprio Presents: </span></b><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Dollars & Daialogue 1.5<br /><br /></span></b></span> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TRACKLISTING:</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Bruised Fruit * produced by Blaze the Verbal Chemist<br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">2.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m So Raw feat. Top Billion<span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">3.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Do It Tonite (SlumVillaDillaDawgRemix) </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">4.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Mike Swift Interlude </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">5.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Overworked & Underpaid feat. Robin Barnes <span>* produced by J-Snizzy<br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">6.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Paygrade * produced by Blaze the Verbal Chemist ˚</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">7.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Plankin On A 20</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">8.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Sallie Mae </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">9.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Slangston’s Plankin Interlude </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">10.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Tardy * produced by Brad M.˚</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">11.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Suck It Up Rmx feat. Tygah Woods (J-Dubble, Blaze The Verbal Chemist,<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mr. J’ai, Lyriqs da Lyriciss, D. Francis, O.T & Wes Beez) </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">12.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Debt Ceiling ˚</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">- Production by L’Daialogue DiCaprio & MiZUnderstatistic except<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">˚Additional live drums & Nord keyboarding by Nick "Soul Nick" Solnick<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"> and Andrew McGowan of Fo On The Flo </span></p>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-9833367390950586442011-09-06T22:22:00.000-07:002011-09-06T22:45:39.492-07:0024 Facts about Dollar$ & Daialogue (Pt. 1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCCKRQFps6k/TmcCEVTscyI/AAAAAAAAAWo/nItLjseoLDA/s1600/Dollar%2524%2B%2526%2BDaialogue%2BCover%2B1.5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCCKRQFps6k/TmcCEVTscyI/AAAAAAAAAWo/nItLjseoLDA/s400/Dollar%2524%2B%2526%2BDaialogue%2BCover%2B1.5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649486531022058274" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">With the impending release of the re-up to <span style="font-style: italic;">Dollar$ & Daialogue</span> quickly approaching, I decided to put together 24 random facts (D&D dropped on 2/11/11: 2+11+11 = 24) about the initial project. Check em out and see if you find out something you didn't know. Dollar$ & Daialogue 1.5 drops later on this month!<br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">1)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Dollar$ & Daialogue</i> was developed as an official follow-up to Slangston’s first mixtape, <i>Money & The Message</i>. The idea was to continue the discussion of money and how it affects, hinders, and stimulates us for better or worse.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">2)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The original idea was for Slangston to do all of the writing/vocals with a Daialogue verse or two at the most with him remaining behind the boards the majority of the project, but with the energy and dichotomy that came about as songs manifested, a collaborative effort was a better fit.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">3)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dollar$ & Daialogue</span> was recorded in four studios, Wes B’s Blu Deuce Studios, Inner Recess Recording Studios, The Hut Studios and L’Daialogue’s home studio.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">4)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">With Slangston’s <i>Blueprint</i> mentality, the only two features <i>for Dollar$ & Daialogue</i> are Hip-Hop Soul singer, Suave and fellow New Orleans emcee, Lyrikill.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">5)</span> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">If you listen closely, there’s a special <span style="font-weight: bold;">hidden</span> track at the end of this LP with a certain New Orleans flavor.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">6)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Despite the large amount of talented producers throughout New Orleans, Slangston chose extended Tygah Woods fam and Memphis native, L’Daialogue for this type of project because of the chemistry that developed in what Slangston calls “one of his best verses written” in the Tygah Woods x L’Daialogue collab “Marie Laveau” (<a href="http://bit.ly/odP2kh">http://bit.ly/odP2kh</a>).</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">7)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The artwork for <i>Dollar$ & Daialogue</i> was created the night before its February 11<sup>th</sup> release and features the same font that's used on each denomination of US currency.<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">8)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The first song written and recorded for the project was “Do It Tonight,” Slangston’s personal rebuttal to the pessimistic and negative Twitter posts ending in the phrase #FML or Fuck My Life.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">9)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Not an overtly avid fan of today’s bounce music, Slangston was surprisingly convinced to do a Hip-Hop track with a bounce beat after hearing L’Daialogue’s Triggaman sample flip and production on “Hands In the Air” (<a href="http://bit.ly/njIZcl">http://bit.ly/njIZcl</a>)<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">10)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The idea for “Ladies In The Crowd” came about after watching a Black Milk performance video that displayed a solid, enthused front row of female Hip-Hop listeners at one of his shows, something that isn’t often seen at Hip-Hop shows generally speaking.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">11)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Writing/recording for <i>Dollar$ & Daialogue</i> started around March/April of 2010.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">12)</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Olde Soul, longtime producer and L’Daialogue contributor, added the Jay-Z cuts from “Some Like It Hot” you hear on the title track.</span></span></p>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-77033084790732999562011-04-18T18:52:00.000-07:002011-04-18T20:00:45.328-07:00Two Years Strong & Nowhere Near Faltering...Within two years of booking artists, scheduling rehearsals, performing, learning new songs, designing flyers, editing photos, promoting online and in the streets, informing the unknown of what Uniquity, we've NEVER (and I mean <span style="font-weight: bold;">NEVER</span>) have had a crowd like we had on March 26th! The freshmen class of NOLA's Hip-Hop showed & proved with the highest grossing Uniquity in two years! Giving many thanks to our guest musicians, Cliff Hines, Kashonda Bailey and Sam Wiseman, Preston & Bricks of the Dragon's Den, all of our performers (Chels, Heata Best, Macniffy, Quest, D. Selina and Jakie Skellz) and everyone who embraced that sheeeiiittt! Check out some shots from the illness that was March's Uniquity.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626333966017%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626333966017%2F&set_id=72157626333966017&jump_to="> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626333966017%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626333966017%2F&set_id=72157626333966017&jump_to=" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /></span>As we proceed with the proceedings, brought to you in conjunction with Inner Recess Recording Studios, Uniquity's two year anniversary celebration begins a day early with a special beat sale called the Auction by featured artist & producer, DaiN. Many of DaiN's beats will be available for purchase at exclusive slash and burn prices for one night only. We'll also have some discounted pre-sale tickets available for Friday's show at the Auction.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F27U_OptW0I/Taz5Sg_kSvI/AAAAAAAAAWU/KJjRROuqiNY/s1600/Uniquity_Inner%2BRecess_The%2BAuction.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F27U_OptW0I/Taz5Sg_kSvI/AAAAAAAAAWU/KJjRROuqiNY/s400/Uniquity_Inner%2BRecess_The%2BAuction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597122533404199666" border="0" /></a>Keeping with the theme of two years, Uniquity celebrates its two year anniversary <span style="font-weight: bold;">THIS FRIDAY</span> with performances by featured artists, <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Soundclash Beat Battle producer/emcee, DaiN, seven time LEAF Poetry Slam Finalist and professional Spoken Word poet, Jon Brown and Rockspel artist and former BET Sunday Best top contender, Franklin IV</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">.<br /><br /></span>April's Uniquity is sponspored by the Right Brain Society and Humidity Skateshop, who will also supply some free giveaways. We'll have special guests performing throughout the night in addition to our special guest cohost and Uniquity alumni, Elliot Luv. If you catch any Uniquity, this is one you don't want to miss!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuEMJG_AXEg/Taz5hjOye6I/AAAAAAAAAWc/C-C6OOceCgE/s1600/Uniquity%2B4-22-11%2BMock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuEMJG_AXEg/Taz5hjOye6I/AAAAAAAAAWc/C-C6OOceCgE/s400/Uniquity%2B4-22-11%2BMock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597122791702952866" border="0" /></a>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-2122088795841902872011-02-26T18:44:00.000-08:002011-02-26T19:54:09.772-08:00I Couldn't Be Happier...I still look back on last Friday and try to decipher why I was so nervous and worried about the the show in general. The talent truly spoke for itself and this month's Uniquity was one of the best attended shows I've put on in the past two years! Giving many many thanks to our AWESOME featured artist, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, D. Selina, special guest hosts, Greg Banks and Robin Barnes, the Dragon's Den and the Uniquity staff. Check out the pics below for a glimpse into the night that was.<br /><br /><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626023368623%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626023368623%2F&set_id=72157626023368623&jump_to="> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626023368623%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157626023368623%2F&set_id=72157626023368623&jump_to=" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Proceeding with the proceedings, we up the ante with the March edition of Uniquity. Deemed the "Up And Comers Edition," next month's Uniquity features some of the brightest talent of New Orleans' Hip-Hop freshmen class. Performances include Element Movement's Macniffy (formerly of the I.C.U.), Off the Dome runner up and freestyle fanatic, Jakie Skellz, lyrical prodigy, Chels and the penchant punchline prince, Heata Best. All will be joined by live band, Fo On the Flo for a showcase the young spittas. Make sure you're at the Dragon's Den on March 26th to embrace that sheeeiiittt!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Wich30HA8/TWm7Gz4o-wI/AAAAAAAAAVs/brJzmhQ59tE/s1600/Uniquity%2B3-26-11%2BMock%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Wich30HA8/TWm7Gz4o-wI/AAAAAAAAAVs/brJzmhQ59tE/s400/Uniquity%2B3-26-11%2BMock%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578195339156454146" border="0" /></a>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-32850856982488457502011-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:002011-02-12T19:01:20.862-08:00New Year, Same Ole Funk...The tone was definitely set for 2011 with great performances from Pyinfamous (Jackson, MS) and first time performers w/a band, Top Billion & featured artist, Dappa. Thanks to everyone who came out in addition to the Dragon's Den staff and Que Duong (http://queduong.com) for the photos.<br /><br /><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625871318283%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625871318283%2F&set_id=72157625871318283&jump_to="> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625871318283%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625871318283%2F&set_id=72157625871318283&jump_to=" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Uniquity returns on Friday, February 18th w/an all R&B lineup including D. Selina and featured artist, Tonya Boyd-Cannon. They'll be joined by special guest hosts, Greg Banks & Robin Barnes.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FObL6_GkJZQ/TVdJBoMPoaI/AAAAAAAAAVk/z3UcCtMvZtc/s1600/Uniquity%2B2-18-11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FObL6_GkJZQ/TVdJBoMPoaI/AAAAAAAAAVk/z3UcCtMvZtc/s400/Uniquity%2B2-18-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573003356211749282" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TU-GPpb10SI/AAAAAAAAAVc/l5zDfVTkpoE/s1600/Uniquity%2B2-18-11%2BMock.jpg"><br /></a>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-42975988349855345422011-01-21T06:48:00.000-08:002011-01-21T14:31:23.368-08:002010 Ends With A Bang<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTn0odn9pII/AAAAAAAAAUo/rl8zyyfAO7M/s1600/uniquity%2B12-18-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTn0odn9pII/AAAAAAAAAUo/rl8zyyfAO7M/s400/uniquity%2B12-18-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564747790577149058" border="0" /></a> If you weren't at the last Uniquity of the year on 12/18, you definitely missed one of the better Uniquity's of the year. With performances by Marcel P. Black, The Purple Bastard, Ensane One and featured artist, Elespee this month's Uniquity had an eclectic sound that definitely delivered.<br /><br /><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625876305506%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625876305506%2F&set_id=72157625876305506&jump_to="> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625876305506%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fsets%2F72157625876305506%2F&set_id=72157625876305506&jump_to=" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Make sure you're at the Dragon's Den on 1/29 to check out the first Uniquity of the new year w/performances by Top Billion, PyInfamous and featured artist, Dappa.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TToJIrMhFPI/AAAAAAAAAVA/HTSqAC3soEo/s1600/Uniquity%2BJan%2B2011%2B%2528Revised%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TToJIrMhFPI/AAAAAAAAAVA/HTSqAC3soEo/s400/Uniquity%2BJan%2B2011%2B%2528Revised%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564770334208496882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTn_UI6cz2I/AAAAAAAAAU4/EAmQEp-2zSo/s1600/Uniquity%2BJan%2B2011.jpg"><br /></a>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-42911751227203672892011-01-18T20:25:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:39:57.449-08:00Uniquity x DJ RQ Away Present Embrace The DreamI decided to start the year off right dropping music under the Uniquity brand. Along with the assistance of the homie, DJ RQ Away we present to Hip-Hop lovers & listeners a mix entitled "Embrace the Dream." In memory of MLK Jr. & released on MLK Day, "Embrace the Dream" features socially poignant & lyrically conscious emcees from New Orleans & Baton Rouge, LA, Memphis, TN, Jackson, MS and New York City.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> For those who might not be familiar with Uniquity. It's mission is to provide a monthly performance platform for both newcomers and seasoned veterans in the local Hip-Hop, Spoken Word and R&B communities, offering them the opportunity to push their musicality to a new level by collaborating with a jazz band on stage. Tracklisting & download link below.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTZq4FdXV0I/AAAAAAAAAUg/H27iV_-toO4/s1600/Embrace%2BThe%2BDream%2B%2528Front%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTZq4FdXV0I/AAAAAAAAAUg/H27iV_-toO4/s400/Embrace%2BThe%2BDream%2B%2528Front%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563751901433386818" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/huHARN"><span style="font-size:180%;">DOWNLOAD HERE</span></a><br /></div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTZn58_DyXI/AAAAAAAAAUY/qJ-PSElUcbE/s1600/Embrace%2BThe%2BDream%2B%2528Back%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TTZn58_DyXI/AAAAAAAAAUY/qJ-PSElUcbE/s400/Embrace%2BThe%2BDream%2B%2528Back%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563748634983647602" border="0" /></a>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-2636416333081034782010-11-06T13:22:00.001-07:002010-11-23T21:55:09.870-08:00Virgin Feet AND Flows Pt. 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNW5Jv0xBvI/AAAAAAAAATk/AL3Ef45Hncw/s1600/Green+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNW5Jv0xBvI/AAAAAAAAATk/AL3Ef45Hncw/s400/Green+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536534894029637362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Before I had ever written a rhyme and all I knew how to do was kick a garbage freestyle I was in Austin, TX (early to mid 2002) at the Mercury Lounge for Hip Hop Humpday, a weekly freestyle session running for over 3 years when the good homie Element7D (aka Deon Davis) invited me on stage to kick a verse. I kicked my little trash rap and was ready to exit the stage when Element7D grabbed me and said, 'you ain't done, we gotta go back and forth.' I was nervous but wasn't gonna say no. He went first and immediately referenced the fact we both had the same shoes on, navy blue GBX boots. All I had brought with me on the trip was a pair of Nikes, so my cousin let me borrow his kicks to get into the show, cuz they wouldn't allow sneakers in the club. The rest is history. - Gotham Green </span>(<a href="http://gothamgreen.wordpress.com/">http://gothamgreen.wordpress.com</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TOkiIU7Ke6I/AAAAAAAAAUE/U766ZYYXJnE/s1600/l_f2436996c983faa44a4aa3e72ad28fda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TOkiIU7Ke6I/AAAAAAAAAUE/U766ZYYXJnE/s400/l_f2436996c983faa44a4aa3e72ad28fda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541998342907263906" border="0" /></a>I can't remember what shoes I had on when I rocked my first show, but they where probably not that hot. I wasn't a sneaker pimp in high school. I was into CDs and reefer sacks. My first show was in high school at a high school talent show and the more I think about it, I was probably wearing standard and very basic timberland boots. I was in high school from 1996-2000 and wore boots most of the time, it's Colorado lol. I will say that right now in my life I'm way more into sneakers and I'm looking for every DOPE pair I can get my hands on. - Whygee (<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.whygeemusic.com/" target="_blank">www.whygeemusic.com</a></span>)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TOBf4JBANoI/AAAAAAAAAT0/U8U2Lk9BTMo/s1600/6488_1213416777542_1292460049_30650475_429095_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 370px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TOBf4JBANoI/AAAAAAAAAT0/U8U2Lk9BTMo/s400/6488_1213416777542_1292460049_30650475_429095_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539532959763150466" border="0" /></a>I have always loved sneakers. Growing up a poor kid I never had a nice pair. When I got older and got a great job I became a sneakerhead. I bought a pair of $500 glow in the dark air force 1's at a store in DC called Kickballers (which is no more). While I was there people were skating and a rap battle was going on. It was the first time I ever took the mic. The next day I got the mic tattooed on my arm. Me and the mic have a deep love, just as much as I love my sneakers. - Nastasjia<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TOBgtuHjQaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/7EY3g16MfLo/s1600/Phipster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TOBgtuHjQaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/7EY3g16MfLo/s400/Phipster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539533880255791522" border="0" /></a><br />My first show was in 2001 at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. I stared at the floor the whole time, smh. Can't remember the kicks but they weren't fresh. I was hurting. Came a long ways from there. Now it's cordless mics & Bo Jacksons on my feet. - Nesby Phips (<a href="http://www.nesbyphips.com/">www.nesbyphips.com</a>)Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-58022957673248659362010-11-01T21:15:00.000-07:002010-11-01T21:49:12.796-07:00Tygah Woods, Hottest Group of the Year<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-QoyC8qCI/AAAAAAAAARk/ozs3DTyiikk/s1600/DSC_0371.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-QoyC8qCI/AAAAAAAAARk/ozs3DTyiikk/s400/DSC_0371.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534801497364932642" border="0" /></a>Left to right: Wes B, Lyriqs da Lyraciss, Slangston Hughes<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-RqbPoD4I/AAAAAAAAAR0/dy3qqFEo6nM/s1600/DSC_0372.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-RqbPoD4I/AAAAAAAAAR0/dy3qqFEo6nM/s400/DSC_0372.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534802625115459458" border="0" /></a>L to R: Lyriqs, J-Dubble, Slangston Hughes<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-TRbjc2cI/AAAAAAAAASE/CPKuq4JWDn8/s1600/DSC_0374.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-TRbjc2cI/AAAAAAAAASE/CPKuq4JWDn8/s400/DSC_0374.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534804394725136834" border="0" /></a>J-Dubble & Slangston Hughes<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-S9Cc22WI/AAAAAAAAAR8/fScSZDnVKFU/s1600/DSC_0375.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TM-S9Cc22WI/AAAAAAAAAR8/fScSZDnVKFU/s400/DSC_0375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534804044389210466" border="0" /></a>DJ Mike Swift & J-Dubble<br /><br /></div>A couple of weeks ago on Tuesday, October 19th, Tygah Woods took home the Hottest Group of the Year Award at the NOLA Underground Hip-Hop Awards. It's always an honor to recognized by your peers and the general public for all of the hard work and dedication to the craft and the culture. An award like this is not the end but better yet a catalyst for many more great things to come including our first full fledged LP. Shoutout to all of my fellow Tygah Woods members, J-Dubble, Mr. J'ai, Blaze the Verbal Chemist, D. Francis, Wes B, Lyriqs, Rusty Lowdown & Coke. Many, many thanks to everyone who voted and all who scream our chant across New Orleans; FUCK YEAH!!!<br /></div>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-19910836416886755162010-10-30T18:48:00.000-07:002010-11-05T09:16:13.529-07:00Virgin Feet & Flows...<span style="font-size:100%;">Many performers (emcees, dj's, spoken word artists, etc.) can distinctly remember their first time onstage like it was yesterday. Looking around my bedroom a couple of days ago, I catch a quick glimpse of the Nike Air Force One (Tuxedo Pack) that I wore on Thursday, November 18, 2006 at Tipitina's, my first show. Pretty big venue with at least 200 new faces for your premiere performance. Though I and my group members (Spellbinderz) only did two songs and were terribly offbeat and nervous, this moment paved the way for the next several years of learning and progress in the art of emceeing.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNICQXiAEzI/AAAAAAAAASk/xuzg4U9haAc/s1600/A%2B+copy2+small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535489372209550130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNICQXiAEzI/AAAAAAAAASk/xuzg4U9haAc/s400/A%2B+copy2+small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I can only speculate on my first performance but I was probably in some Converse Chuck Taylors or Adidas Shelltoes. However, one of my first performances in New Orleans was in 2002 at the House Of Blues. I was rocking some classic brand new black canvas chucks (simulated in this picture). The band took most of the equipment from Loyola via streetcar. Yes, streetcar, maybe named Desire. While making our way from Canal street, freshly wet from some rain, I stepped in a disgusting puddle. That was no way to perform, but luckily there was a Foot Locker across the street where I promptly picked up a pair and played a very memorable show. Unfortunately both pairs of shoes were lost to Hurricane Katrina. To end on a brighter not, the population of my Chuck Taylor city has recovered and they continue to rock shows today. - Jermaine Quiz of Jealous Monk (<a href="http://jermainequiz.bandcamp.com/">http://jermainequiz.bandcamp.com/</a>)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNN8NwmUKDI/AAAAAAAAAS8/5G49vdY7KKQ/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535904942794221618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNN8NwmUKDI/AAAAAAAAAS8/5G49vdY7KKQ/s400/IMG_7044.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rockin out at my alma mater, Dillard University in the 2002 retro Jordan 9s, OG Colorway...as one-third of my group Euphonetiks. We were booked to headline a talent compeititon in Henson Hall. This was when I copped from Trill Will (now manager for Mannie Fresh's artist, The Show) at Foot Action in Gentilly Woods Mall. I remember a girl motioning for us to get off the stage and I immediately went into freestyle mode, directing the rest of my bars at her. She was definitely embarrassed. I saw her at a campus house party a couple days later. As soon as I came through the door, she looked at me and asked "Why did you do that?" - Lyrikill (<a href="http://www.lyrikillmusic.com/">http://www.lyrikillmusic.com/</a>)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNOKpRcyerI/AAAAAAAAATU/LWkkX-vqtFA/s1600/Lyriqs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535920808631892658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 325px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNOKpRcyerI/AAAAAAAAATU/LWkkX-vqtFA/s400/Lyriqs.jpg" border="0" /></a>Man, my first show was at Grassroots June, 6 2009. My sneakers were Radii, all red with black zebra stripes. I was extremely nervous but when "Amazin Dae" came on... I was ready! - Lyriqs da Lyraciss (<span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://lyriqs.bandcamp.com/">http://lyriqs.bandcamp.com/</a></span>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNIA-fD9fVI/AAAAAAAAASc/QjKaTYEIdqk/s1600/Get.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535487965481762130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNIA-fD9fVI/AAAAAAAAASc/QjKaTYEIdqk/s400/Get.jpg" border="0" /></a>At my first show as 7even: Thirty, I wore the Nike Vandals. They're significant because I wore them at my debut album release party in August '07, Jackson, MS. They're appropriately named, because that night I vandalized the stage. - 7even Thirty (<a href="http://vintagenoize.bandcamp.com/">http://vintagenoize.bandcamp.com/</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNOLTj2m5wI/AAAAAAAAATc/dCP0IKfLlt0/s1600/46240006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535921535126529794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNOLTj2m5wI/AAAAAAAAATc/dCP0IKfLlt0/s400/46240006.JPG" border="0" /></a>Actually, I don't remember the sneakers I wore for my first rap show at Mic Check 2001 (Spanish Moon, New Orleans). It was so long ago that I do remember wearing a FUBU baseball jersey, my hair was long and twisted up like Ginuwine. But many of the classic shoes I've ever had were debuted at my concerts. The most memorable pair were the Number 6 Gold edition Jordans. They were black suede leather with the gold accents at the bottom (I called them my Saints Jordans with the gold Jumpman). The runner-up would probably be the black Adidas high tops with the yellow stripes that Jon Jackson filmed for the Rock Box Movie. It's awesome when the stage lights shine on bright sneakers. - Mr. J'ai, The Mic Check King (<a href="http://mrjai.bandcamp.com/">http://mrjai.bandcamp.com/</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNH5_aVbzMI/AAAAAAAAASM/kAnG9r8D4QE/s1600/Mic+Skills+%2811%29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535480284811349186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TNH5_aVbzMI/AAAAAAAAASM/kAnG9r8D4QE/s400/Mic+Skills+%2811%29.jpg" border="0" /></a>I honestly don't remember my first show, but one of the earliest I can remember was 2006 at a secret show in the warehouse district. About 300 heads came out and I remember feeling more eager to prove myself than I was nervous. Was wearing all black Air Jordan 15 (at the time 6 years old) and I had heads asking yo "how'd keep them so fresh?" I felt like a superstar. - Mic Skills (<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/micskillstheillest"><span class="f"><cite></cite></span></a><a href="http://www.myspace.com/micskillstheillest">http://www.myspace.com/micskillstheillest</a></span></span>)<span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/micskillstheillest"><span class="f"><cite></cite></span></a></span></span>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-71596559036124454832010-08-03T19:57:00.000-07:002010-09-12T02:35:17.813-07:00September StockadeAfter an evening that included opening for Hipnott Records & NJ's own Cy Marshall Law, I'm here to inform y'all of the remainder of September's happenings...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TIh6-4tM7JI/AAAAAAAAARU/Rk2pwVOa9Ms/s1600/Concoctions+9-17-10+flyer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TIh6-4tM7JI/AAAAAAAAARU/Rk2pwVOa9Ms/s400/Concoctions+9-17-10+flyer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514792964507626642" border="0" /></a>We haven't done two Uniquity events in one month since December '09 but that long streak comes to an end as the first month of fall brings forth the Concoctions event. Brought to you by myself and GO DJ RQ Away, Concoctions is a fusion of music genres (soul, R&B, Hip-Hop), mixed drink specials (make sure you try the Slangtini or Tipping Point) and live music entertainment (RQ Away's turntablism and live band, Fo On the Flo) as Uniquity and the Tipping Point merge for one night with performances by Lyriqs da Lyraciss, Phat Word, Q.P., Suave & Robin Barnes. <span style="font-weight: bold;">RSVP HERE</span>: <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content"><a href="http://bit.ly/c2TMVQ" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/c2TMVQ</a></span></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TIh83ADCfWI/AAAAAAAAARc/S6G65WNXEc4/s1600/TheSwapMeet2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TIh83ADCfWI/AAAAAAAAARc/S6G65WNXEc4/s400/TheSwapMeet2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514795028062567778" border="0" /></a>The Swap Meet returns with a smorgasborg of the city's most talented R&B singers and songwriters hosted by yours truly with DJ Kidgo on the 1's & 2's. Check out the flyer above for further info and the full list of performers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TIh63dvjndI/AAAAAAAAARM/7ZpG6Q-3Xwk/s1600/uniquity+9-25-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TIh63dvjndI/AAAAAAAAARM/7ZpG6Q-3Xwk/s400/uniquity+9-25-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514792837010660818" border="0" /></a>And what better way for you to close out September than by embracing that sheeeiiittt! Uniquity continues on for the remainder of the year with a lineup of R&B/Soul singer/songwriters that is sure to impress. Jareen Austin, Evelyn Champagne and featured artist, Raion Ramsey all join live band, Fo On the Flo. Once again hosted by yours truly.<br /><br />In addition, peep the latest & last track I'm releasing off of my upcoming mixtape release, <span style="font-style: italic;">Nu-Growth</span> called "JMSH (Kid Dynamite)." It's an ode to my "full" rap name, James Mercer Slangston Hughes & one of my many aliases.Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-27427408181848868292010-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:002010-07-28T13:54:02.875-07:00What Kind of Rapper Are You???Every rapper these days has there own style (so to speak). With that being said, the following might help those who haven't exactly narrowed down their creative niche or perplex them even more than they were before. I decided to take two of my favorite things; Hip-Hop & coffee and combine them into a little "taste" test called: What Kind of Rapper Are You??? So, without further adieu where do y'all measure up?<br /><br />- Mocca Java: Earthy and very full bodied, with hints of spice and gentle sweetness.<br /><br />- Peruvian Organic: Certified organic... light, with floral acidity and subtle fruitiness<br />(Sissy bounce rappers maybe???)<br /><br />- Raspberry Hibiscus: A symphony of color, aroma and rich character sure to leave an impression (THAT'S ME!)<br /><br />- Espresso Roast: Full-bodied and well-balanced, with the characteristic flavor of fine espresso.<br /><br />- French Roast: Our darker roast, intensely bold and full-bodied with a pleasant, smoky flavor.<br /><br />- Colombia: A rich, balanced coffee, with a medium-to-full body and a clean winey flavor.<br /><br />Develop your own description with some of the phrases below:<br />* traditional blend, smooth and aromatic, a confection..., preferred blend, velvety.Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-62280270568123955962010-07-03T11:38:00.000-07:002010-07-03T11:43:13.782-07:00The Artistry of UniquityI've been blessed to work with a very talented artist by the name of Que Duong (http://www.queduong.com). Whether it's a camera, paintbrush, pencil or computer mouse, Que gets it in. He's been doing graphics for me specifically regarding Uniquity since last summer. Look for some of these to possibly be in print later on this year. Hope you enjoy as we'll have more flyers being created by monthly.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2F&user_id=51712315@N04&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpookeymalibu%2F&user_id=51712315@N04&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-1861622007962331162010-06-23T14:13:00.000-07:002010-06-25T06:36:39.987-07:00"The Grassroots! Campaign" on VH1.com!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCQ1x-oQ72I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ShgkwHfBE2Y/s1600/TU_Press1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCQ1x-oQ72I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ShgkwHfBE2Y/s400/TU_Press1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486569378785849186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Host of the longest running NOLA Hip-Hop monthly showcase</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >, Grassroots!</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > (since 2001) & New Orleans Hip-Hop pioneer, Truth Universal's video for "The Grassroots Campaign" lands on VH1.com & the Spike Channel! Check out the Another great look for the Mardi Grass Mecca and the "17 year overnight success" Please check out this video, shot by Larry Legaux of Onpoint Media Solutions leave a comment and spread the word!<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >VH1.com: <a href="http://www.vh1.com/video/truth-universal/530039/the-grassroots-campaign.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter">http://www.vh1.com/video/truth-universal/530039/the-grassroots-campaign.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter</a><a href="http://on.vh1.com/bpSOof"></a><br /><br />Spike.com: <a href="http://www.spike.com/video/truth-universal/3419494">http://www.spike.com/video/truth-universal/3419494</a></span><br /><br />"The Grassroots! Campaign" can be found on Truth Universal's recent EP release <span style="font-style: italic;">Guerrilla Business </span>here: <a href="http://truthuniversal.com/guerrilla">http://truthuniversal.com/guerrilla</a><br /></div>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-37847581856216772362010-06-22T15:09:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:39:21.194-07:00Culture & Community Series: Interview with DJ E.F. Cuttin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCE732Ll9_I/AAAAAAAAAPs/R4ca7D3ZRkE/s1600/EF+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCE732Ll9_I/AAAAAAAAAPs/R4ca7D3ZRkE/s400/EF+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485731651736958962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Aight, so for those who may not know, please let the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">internets</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> know who you are...<br /><br /></span><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: I go by the na</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> of E. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">F. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Cuttin, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">NOLA </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Producer, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and Damn Near Big Deal</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Indeed</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. G</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ive us so</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> detail about your origins in </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ing. How </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> where did you begin your turntablin' journey?</span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: I always had record players and a collection from the ti</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> I was 3 years old. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">As I got older</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> (around 7), </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Moms used </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> let </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> change the records at her parties and the p</span><span style="font-size:100%;">eople</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> dubbed </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> "The </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">W</span><span style="font-size:100%;">hat would you say propelled you to the next step in making </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ing your life's work/passion?</span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Watching Wild Style as a</span><span style="font-size:100%;">n 11-</span><span style="font-size:100%;">year old kid. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Grandmaster Flash had just dropped Adventures On The Wheels Of Steel and I was scratching my head trying </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> figure out how he was doing that. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The movie gave </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the visual I needed</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Then when I hit middle school and started going </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the dances, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I watched the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s and went ho</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> and emulated them</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Flash </span><span style="font-size:100%;">continues to be</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> a prominent fixture in our culture. With that being said, what do you consider your job or mission as a </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: It depends on the assign</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ment. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If it</span><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s a party, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">my job is </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> keep asses on the dance </span><span style="font-size:100%;">floor or at the bar dying of thirst from working it out on the floor</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If it</span><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s a show, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">the job is </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> keep the audience entertained until the show starts</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If it</span><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s a corporate gig/mall gig</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> my job is </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> provide the soundtrack </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the activities...</span></p><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Scratching for every fashion</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> so to speak. That response brings about another question</span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">how do you </span><span style="font-size:100%;">get</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> your </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ing style to </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">sh with everyone</span><span style="font-size:100%;">--</span><span style="font-size:100%;">from the backpackers to the upstart entrepreneurs at said corporate gig to the gangster rappers and beyond?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Basically I have </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> read the crowd... The common denominator will always be solid music, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">even the Jeezy fan can relate </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> a Kweli cut and vice versa if presented in a palatable manner</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Word, can d</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ef</span><span style="font-size:100%;">initely agree with that. Being an artist of any form</span><span style="font-size:100%;">--</span><span style="font-size:100%;">painter, dancer, emcee, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, etc</span><span style="font-size:100%;">--</span><span style="font-size:100%;">isn't always the easiest road. What keeps you motivated</span><span style="font-size:100%;">?</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCFDCfdmAWI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Y-hx-8uuFJ8/s1600/EF+6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCFDCfdmAWI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Y-hx-8uuFJ8/s400/EF+6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485739531198398818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>E</b><b>F</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Good music always inspires </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, and seeing the youth embrace the purest form of hip hop and master the language of being fresh, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">fly, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">wild</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> and bold</span><span style="font-size:100%;">…</span><span style="font-size:100%;">word </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Grandmaster Caz</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Bet. Being established in the N.O. scene for almost two decades now, how would you describe the pre-Katrina scene </span><span style="font-size:100%;">versus</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the post-Katrina scene?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: The Pre-K scene was there, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">albeit more scattered and loose-knit. We acknowledged each other but rarely collab</span><span style="font-size:100%;">'ed...Whereas now the move</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">nt is thriving due </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the unity within and universal hunger </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> succeed without compromise</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: It's always good to have that bridge</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> in my opinion</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> between the cats (like yourself) who have been doing it </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the cadre of talented and hungry up</span><span style="font-size:100%;">-and-</span><span style="font-size:100%;">co</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rs. What's your advice for new </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s and emcees trying to rise among the elite in this industry and make a na</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> for </span><span style="font-size:100%;">themselves</span><span style="font-size:100%;">?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">You </span><span style="font-size:100%;">gotta</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> pay dues. A</span><span style="font-size:100%;">sk questions, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">study those who ca</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me b</span>ef<span style="font-size:100%;">ore you</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and really be doing it </span><span style="font-size:100%;">for</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the right reasons. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This initially was not a venture </span><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> went into </span><span style="font-size:100%;">for</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> financial gain, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">it is about expressing</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> yourself </span><span style="font-size:100%;">in </span><span style="font-size:100%;">the best way </span><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> can, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">so </span><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> gotta love the craft</span><span style="font-size:100%;">…</span><span style="font-size:100%;">even when it's not paying </span><span style="font-size:100%;">you.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Real talk. Continuing on with a look back</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, g</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ive us your perspective on the longest running Hip-Hop showcase in the city, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Truth Universal’s </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Grassroots</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: It has truly been a blessing </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> be a </span><span style="font-size:100%;">part of Grassroots, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">although my Hookah gig keeps </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me from attending</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> [both on Saturdays]</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I was there from </span><span style="font-size:100%;">D</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ay 1 at the Neighborhood Gallery when we would actually be happy if </span><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span> <span style="font-size:100%;">people came</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. S</span><span style="font-size:100%;">o for it </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> be almost 10 years </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and still going strong is truly a blessing...<b><br /><br /></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCFJMxWd0NI/AAAAAAAAAQk/xevj7pU3i54/s1600/EF.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCFJMxWd0NI/AAAAAAAAAQk/xevj7pU3i54/s400/EF.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485746304868798674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Word, it's a pleasure to be a part of that continued history. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> people </span><span style="font-size:100%;">is</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> hard to believe in this day </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> age, but it just goes to show you the continued perseverance of Mr. Self-Determination & the Damn Near Big Deal.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Haha</span><span style="font-size:100%;">...word...</span><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> know how I do it...its a marathon, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">not a sprint.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: One of the quotes I continue to live by daily! I think so</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> people confuse or </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rge the "Twitter" E.F. with the actual </span><span style="font-size:100%;">man. Would you separate the two? A</span><span style="font-size:100%;">nd if so, what would be the key differences?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: I'm more reserved in person than I am on twitter. Unless I'm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span><span style="font-size:100%;">herbally</span><span style="font-size:100%;">”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> enhanced, then I'm that twitter guy</span><span style="font-size:100%;">…</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: HAHA... many don't know about your production credits and that you most certainly have bangers on deck. Let the people know a little more on the man behind the boards.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: I actually started producing at 19 when my friend had copped an SP1</span><span style="font-size:100%;">200</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I al</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ways had records, s</span><span style="font-size:100%;">o when I learned </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> take an old record and make so</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">thing new,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> I was hooked. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I really took off when I moved here and </span><span style="font-size:100%;">linked with my PsychoWard </span><span style="font-size:100%;">fam</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. W</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ith the arsenal of MCs, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and producers on deck</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> it made </span><span style="font-size:100%;">for</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> fun ti</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s always</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I produced half of our album, <a href="http://www.psychoward.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>www.psychoward.com</u></span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">but I think I grew frustrated of the lack of p</span><span style="font-size:100%;">eople </span><span style="font-size:100%;">who used my tracks, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">until I started working with Bionic Brown (</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rest in peace</span><span style="font-size:100%;">)</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Right on, d</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ef</span><span style="font-size:100%;">nitely planned on touching on those two topics. Le</span><span style="font-size:100%;">t's start off with PsychoWard, s</span><span style="font-size:100%;">till known as one of New Orleans' top Hip-Hop collectives that I know you take a lot of pride in. How would you explain </span><span style="font-size:100%;">PsychoWard </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and </span><span style="font-size:100%;">your ti</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> with the group to so</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">one </span><span style="font-size:100%;">who’s not familiar</span><span style="font-size:100%;">?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: When we were really grinding it out it was so</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> of the greatest ti</span><span style="font-size:100%;">mes of my life. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">We mobbed up, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">partied,</span> <span style="font-size:100%;">smoked, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">drank,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> joked, and made bangers daily. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Cats like Raj </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Smoove, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Mac, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and One-Eye stayed in so</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> public event and we had such pre</span><span style="font-size:100%;">sen</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ce due</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the numbers, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">we were the most intimidating squad around...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Speaking on that, Mac & Bionik are two of the most enigmatic </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> highly revered emcees in New Orleans. Give </span><span style="font-size:100%;">us</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> your insight on both. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Similarities, differences?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCE-kiE12nI/AAAAAAAAAQE/IXDVt3KSIII/s1600/EF+101.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 361px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCE-kiE12nI/AAAAAAAAAQE/IXDVt3KSIII/s400/EF+101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485734618457299570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: The similarities were the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">work ethic. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Both had that knack </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> just kill a track with little </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> no </span><span style="font-size:100%;">ef</span><span style="font-size:100%;">fort. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The key difference was Mac had an outlandish sense of humor, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">whereas Bionic was reserved, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">always in observation mode...</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Woulda never expected that from the lyrical assassin. Back to the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ing for a minute, what "formula" catches your ear when it co</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s to your breaking a new record?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">For</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> clubs, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I look </span><span style="font-size:100%;">for</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the perfect mix of beat, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">hook, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and rhy</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">/song...then I try </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> let the p</span><span style="font-size:100%;">eople</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> know that I like this record whether they do or not, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and they're gonna be hearing a lot of i</span><span style="font-size:100%;">t so get ready </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> deal with it. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Underground is 100x easier</span><span style="font-size:100%;">…</span><span style="font-size:100%;">we like good shit, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and are receptive </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> good shit from the 1st listen</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: True indeed</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. Another thing</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> many not know (</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> included)</span><span style="font-size:100%;">--</span><span style="font-size:100%;">your introduction into the GO </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s. Speak on that if you'd be so </span><span style="font-size:100%;">kind</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: The homie </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Black And Mild was rocking real tough with </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hi </span><span style="font-size:100%;">C (</span><span style="font-size:100%;">CEO) out of HTX, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and they felt it was ti</span><span style="font-size:100%;">me </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> have a LA chapter...so he hollered at </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> knowing HiC and seeing his grind, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I was with it off top</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TCE-kiE12nI/AAAAAAAAAQE/IXDVt3KSIII/s1600/EF+101.JPG"><br /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: W</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ould you </span><span style="font-size:100%;">mind letting us know what's on the horizon for Team Cuttin?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: We're on a mission </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> rebrand how we do music, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">business, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and networking...Bringing back the HIP HOP way as opposed </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the BS marketing </span><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> see right now...</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Fresh Tees are on deck, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">mixtape projects, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">all</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> kinds of stuff...</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Bet. Any shoutouts b</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ef</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ore we depart?</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />EF</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Big shouts </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> my Psychoward/PCO fam, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">my GO </span><span style="font-size:100%;">DJ</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s, the GrassRoots and Soundclash families, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">all the people out here gettin it the right way...</span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />SH</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: Fo sho. Thanks for </span><span style="font-size:100%;">this</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><span style=";font-family:times;font-size:100%;" ><b><br />EF</b></span><span style=";font-family:times;font-size:100%;" >: <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Thank </span></span><span style=";font-family:times;font-size:100%;" >you</span><span style=";font-family:times;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > famo!!!!! Be easy!!!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Catch up with E.F. Cuttin on the daily at <a href="http://twitter.com/EFCuttin">http://twitter.com/EFCuttin</a> and every Friday for A-List Fridays and Hookah Hip-Hop, Saturdays at the Hookah on 309 Decatur.</span><br /><br /></span></span>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-30869174673091174762010-06-11T14:18:00.000-07:002010-06-14T15:57:19.945-07:00New Orleans Emcee Lyrikill Delivers Ode to the GulfCheck out the recently released track by Soundclash host and New Orleans emcee, Lyrikill titled "Black Pelicans." Kill touches base on the recent tragedy caused by the BP oil spill that has greatly affected the Gulf of Mexico, low-lying Louisiana parishes' way of life, ecosystems and many peoples' occupations for years to come...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TBLQWzKbwPI/AAAAAAAAAPk/OCVLKZAqiRM/s1600/IMG_3647.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TBLQWzKbwPI/AAAAAAAAAPk/OCVLKZAqiRM/s400/IMG_3647.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481672786572984562" border="0" /></a><br /><object height="48" width="402"><param name="movie" value="http://twiturm.com/audio/twiturm_player_s.swf?soundFile=v3q6v"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://twiturm.com/audio/twiturm_player_s.swf?soundFile=v3q6v" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="48" width="402"></embed></object><br /></div><br />New Orleans, LA. – June 10, 2010 – New Orleans based artist/community activist Lyrikill delivers a heartfelt song discussing the Deepwater Horizon BP gulf oil spill.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">"So many people were overlooking what I felt was such a major issue, I wanted to do my part to continue raising awareness," said Lyrikill who has been actively involved in community development in New Orleans. "I am blessed to have a base of people that listen to me and my music. I felt like those people need to be informed and making moves concerning this issue."The track, produced by Washington D.C. native 3M (who attended Dillard University in New Orleans with Lyrikill), emits a feeling of "home,"as Lyrikill speaks on the present effects of job loss and economic failure as well as the premise that his area may be affected for decades. "Its tricky with the internet and information access we have now versus during Exxon Valdez. If we were to use Exxon as a control point, history shows us that this will impact our area at least two<br />decades."<br /><br />Lyrikill has been working with Southern Poverty Law Center on a youth music program for a couple months, creating "Song for Change" with children ages 12-17. In the wake of the Haiti disaster, he helped raise money for Konbit Pou Edikasyon, a program that pays for Haitian<br />girls' schooling. He assembled a crew to help Volunteers of America revitalize a playground turned FEMA trailer park in the St. Roch neighborhood. He worked with Operation HOPE to assist residents in outlying parishes affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. He and mentor Truth Universal, have been a symbol for positivity in the New Orleans hip-hop scene.<br /><br />In addition to major media outlets in New Orleans covering this song, national and international blogs are helping publicize the call to action. Plans for a rally on the capitol steps in Baton Rouge are in place as well as performances of the song during various events in Lousiana including Reflection Eternal show at House of Blues 6/15, NOLA Summer Jam 6/19, Junteenth Splash in Thibodaux, LA 6/19 and Sadies Nightclub in Lafayette, LA 6/30 among others.<br /><br />Please contact Ariel Goode at ariegoode@leira-pr.com or Orriel Richardshon at orriel@eupham.com for more info on Lyrikill's "Black Pelicans."<br /><br />Other links featuring Lyrikill as well as "Black Pelicans:"<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://kevinnottingham.com/2010/06/09/lyrikill-black-pelicans/">http://kevinnottingham.com/2010/06/09/lyrikill-black-pelicans/</a><br /><a href="http://www.offbeat.com/2010/06/01/soundclash-community-action/">http://www.offbeat.com/2010/06/01/soundclash-community-action/</a><br /><a href="http://lehiphopsurecoute.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/lyrikill-black-pelicans/">http://lehiphopsurecoute.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/lyrikill-black-pelicans/</a><br /><a href="http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2009/07/local_hiphop_1.html">http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2009/07/local_hiphop_1.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/4f1u4m%20-%20Lyrikill,%20Prospek%20&%20DJ%20Jay%20Skillz%20present%20A%20Time%20to%20Kill%20FREE%20DOWNLOAD">http://www.sendspace.com/file/4f1u4m </a></span>(Lyrikill, Prospek & DJ Jay Skillz present <span style="font-style: italic;">A Time To Kill </span>FREE DOWNLOAD)<a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/4f1u4m%20-%20Lyrikill,%20Prospek%20&%20DJ%20Jay%20Skillz%20present%20A%20Time%20to%20Kill%20FREE%20DOWNLOAD"><br /></a><a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/4f1u4m%20-%20Lyrikill,%20Prospek%20&%20DJ%20Jay%20Skillz%20present%20A%20Time%20to%20Kill%20FREE%20DOWNLOAD"></a></div>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-12344825452298750462010-06-06T09:20:00.000-07:002010-06-06T10:38:25.658-07:00Impigaleaux Interview Part Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvcVIie4LI/AAAAAAAAAPM/W_1wCNI3-nI/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvcVIie4LI/AAAAAAAAAPM/W_1wCNI3-nI/s400/IMG_0431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479715627253817522" border="0" /></a><br />Slangston Hughes (SH): When it comes to mc'ing what do you feel is your crowning achievement? What has given you the most pride?<br /><br /><div>Impulss (I): I think having the Head 2 Head MC Battle at One Eyed Jacks was great for the rebuilding effort because when they offered me a monthly there, I wanted people to be able to say, "hey, there's something back home cooking and I want to be a part of it." As many cyphers as I've been in, battles I've participated, shows I've hosted, giving the ability to host something that was about bringing a community together was the most important in my estimation.<br /><br />SH: How do you feel the birth of your children & the building of your family have affected your music/writing?<br /></div><div class="im"><br /></div><div>I: I know it has made me who I am today. There's nothing like the total envelopment you feel when you create family. There was a time when I had no one else. I'm an only child. My parents divorced when I was 13. My father went to Oregon when I was 16 and I didn't hear from him but a few times until I was 26. When Rita and the boys came into my life it gave me the sense of foundation that made me want to live more than ever. It's the feeling of stability and being loved and loving in return that transfers a sense of value into everything I do. It's the greatest feeling in the world and I believe you can hear how lucky I feel when you listen to my music now.<br /><br />SH: Who or what would you say has provided the most inspiration for your musically?<br /></div><div class="im"><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvXhjICiwI/AAAAAAAAAO0/zQPU0_7mUH4/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvXhjICiwI/AAAAAAAAAO0/zQPU0_7mUH4/s400/IMG_0455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479710342990957314" border="0" /></a>I: I'm not really sure where it comes from. I suppose the wisest thing I would imagine is that it's a little bit of all the events that came to pass and all the music I've heard; everything I've experienced alone or with others. I think one can have a picture in their head of what they want to project and look at those they admire and hope to display something like that and call that an influence. I think I've come across enough different influences, absorbed so much random external stimuli...<br /><br />SH: You have a nice cadre of well-known and diverse emcees, producers and dj's that you have been blessed to build with over the years. What tips would you provide aspiring up and coming rappers when it comes to building that type of rapport with those who can assist in getting their name out and to the right people?<br /></div><div class="im"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvZabVF4EI/AAAAAAAAAO8/SEu4hIhlZH4/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvZabVF4EI/AAAAAAAAAO8/SEu4hIhlZH4/s400/IMG_0454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479712419662389314" border="0" /></a>I: I guess when you're on the same path as other like minded people you will intersect. It's a big world but we tend to narrow ourselves down into small genres that gather into even smaller venues. I guess I could say go to places that those people congregate. When I was 18, I paid a grip for a pass to the BRE Convention (Black Radio Exclusive Magazine Convention) because I wanted to make connections. Don't be scared to spend money. I would fly to ATL for Jack The Rapper, stay up in the hotel and the same important people at BRE were at Jack and they'd see me there too. So to them I must have had some level of importance or I couldn't have been there at all the functions they go to. Go to shows, holla at the DJ. I was fearless and would be in anyone's face. When you are respectful about your approach and you actually have something, you make contacts. And as a conversation tip, don't just talk music, music, music. When you're talking about other things, you could make a friend. When the conversation is just about music, they know you're just trying to get put on. Talk basketball, history, electronics, whatever. Become a pal.<br /><br />SH: Name one thing about Impulss that you wish people/listeners knew, but don't.<br /></div><div class="im"><br /></div><div>I: I'm not sure what people don't know about me. My wife says I have a weirdness about me that I don't carry outside when I'm among, say, a Uniquity crowd. I was walking like a dinosaur today with my son and a song came on TV so I started doing a goofy/sexy dance but still standing like a T-Rex. My wife was like, "Oh Lord, if those who go to your shows could see you now. They have no idea." I'm not sure if I want people to know that or not, or care not. Yay weird.</div><div class="im"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvaD5G31sI/AAAAAAAAAPE/jlH3ZN1tilM/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/TAvaD5G31sI/AAAAAAAAAPE/jlH3ZN1tilM/s400/IMG_0440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479713132030449346" border="0" /></a>SH: How do you describe your "sound" and since you produce, record, mix and master the majority of your own music, how would you describe that process?<br /></div><div><br />I: Whatever works.<br /><br />SH: What are your thoughts on working with live band Fo On the Flo for Uniquity?<br /></div><div class="im"><br /></div><div>I: They are quick and will be kidnapped and forced to play at gunpoint behind my wife as she sings in public. Honestly, they are talented beyond what would be expected for their ages. I'd love to work with them again.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For more info on Uniquity's featured artist for the month of May including his most recent release, </span><i style="font-style: italic;">Marie Laveaux's Hustle</i><span style="font-style: italic;">, check out the following links:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://mcimpulss.bandcamp.com/" id="iz3h" title="http://mcimpulss.bandcamp.com/">http://mcimpulss.bandcamp.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/impulss" id="c-dk" title="www.myspace.com/impulss">www.myspace.com/impulss</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/mcimpulss" id="utod" title="http://www.facebook.com/mcimpulss">http://www.facebook.com/mcimpulss</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/impulss" id="n1d:" title="http:/twitter.com/impulss">http://twitter.com/impulss</a><br /><a href="http://impulssblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://impulssblog.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />* Photos courtesy of Larry Legaux of Onpoint Solutions (<a href="http://www.onpointwebsite.com/">http://www.onpointwebsite.com</a>)Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-58607524542194287022010-05-25T13:00:00.000-07:002010-05-25T14:58:39.025-07:00Impigaleaux Interview Part One (May Uniquity's featured artist, Impulss)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S_w6K8ZgMXI/AAAAAAAAAOE/PrhSAUzsoW4/s1600/Uniquity+5-29-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S_w6K8ZgMXI/AAAAAAAAAOE/PrhSAUzsoW4/s400/Uniquity+5-29-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475315206661878130" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>Slangston Hughes (SH):</b> So, for those that may not be familiar with the Impigaleaux, tell us a little bit about yourself. Who you are, what you represent, all that good stuff...</span> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>Impulss: </b> My name is Impulss. Born and raised in Michoud. Been MCing for a very long time and chances are your favorite MC has given me dap for how I do my thing at least once.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> Indeed, one of the things I've always appreciated about you is the fact that you often infuse various New Orleans references within your lyrics. In essence, what does New Orleans mean to you?</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>I: </b> New Orleans is the epicenter of everything that has made America cool and interesting. It is the original U.S. bohemia. Beyond music, just the ambiance of the city is what led writers to come here and get creative. Painters, musicians. New Orleans has always been the place creative people come to get their chops up. Not for competition's sake, but rather for the sake of expression which only leads to greater creativity and soul fulfillment. So many people that live here don't understand the freedom of self that one can let loose here without judgment. A place like New York, with all respect, you can let yourself loose because no one is going to see you due to overcrowding - no one has time to look at you. But in </span><a href="http://n.o.la/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>N.O.LA</u></span></a><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >. you will get seen and judgment will not come to pass. That's why this is the only place you can have a celebrated gay rapper scene with straight fans. Try doing that anywhere else. Won't happen.<b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> Very true and a helluva point. Mos Def said something to a similar extent about our city when he said, "what would America even be without Louisiana?” </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">I: </span>They'd be still whistling Yankee Doodle Dandy out their asses. Think about it. Rock ‘n’ Roll. That was the soundtrack to how many revolutions of thought across the world? How many times did it morph? They weren't doing anti-Vietnam demonstrations to Bluegrass. Feminism didn't have a voice in classical music. That all came as Rock and Roll, a New Orleans musical form…took hold of the nation and everyone else took it and ran with it.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> In a recent interview I did with artist, Lyrikill (<a href="http://bit.ly/bRv27h">http://bit.ly/bRv27h</a></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >), he stated similar sentiments about the South. Most importantly, New Orleans not getting credit for our various influences on present pop culture & the music heard today. What are your thoughts on this "shake and bake" tactic?</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>Impulss: </b> I think we get lumped into the whole South. When I first got to Atlanta, I met Lil' Jon and he was a DJ at this club called The Phoenix. We got along with each other and he always played DJ Jimi and T Tucker in his sets. The South has a lot of hot artists right now and at the forefront of that is Atlanta, but anyone with any attention out there knows they were heavily influenced by Bounce. Jon did with Bounce what The Rolling Stones did with Rock and Roll. But we get lumped in, even though I can show a million differences between our culture and the South. I think Jay Electronica said out loud what everyone with an open eye down here said amongst ourselves about jacking our slang and the rest. I think it's all coming to light. People have been taking from New Orleans since the Louisiana Purchase. It's nothing new. But I don't think it's necessarily a terrible thing.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Understand that New Orleans culture has permeated every segment of society for over 200 years. Not only our bohemia, but our business, what comes through our port, department stores, the first movie theater, we have a lot that started here and moved on<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">SH</span><b>:</b> As they say, the light will find its way to the surface all in good time. I think light is slowly but surely being shown more prominently on the city we all know and love.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>I: </b> Light's been on us. Go to Japan and ask them to name 3 U.S. cities. They'll say New York, Los Angeles (maybe) and New Orleans.<b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH: </b> Let's switch gears and focus that microscope on what many are seeing as a Hip-Hop renaissance in New Orleans. Your thoughts?</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>I: </b> I got a lot to say about that. I don't think Hip Hop ever left New Orleans. Think back to before there was Bounce. You had Tim Smooth, Bustdown, Gregory D...there were lyricists. Battles. Cyphers everywhere you went. People beatboxin' in The Plaza bathroom because the acoustics were crazy and all the cold rappers knew each other. People used Bounce when it came out as a springboard to get out there but as soon as they had the opportunity to rhyme they did it. At some point I think the focus got lost. But when you would talk to those cats one wouldn't necessarily consider within their pre-set tunnel vision of what Hip Hop is supposed to be, that cat would start naming names like Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, etc, as their influences. Then you had a whole new generation that's around K. Gates' age that grew up on a new wave of lyricists like Biggie that had them trying to spit because a new bar was set. They got radio play down here. No one that was lyrical could get on the radio and influence minds here. Plus there was no internet for them to get new music like recently!! What happened to us is the same reason why in Japan, with all their wonderful culture, they try to do things like Americans. I also think Katrina changed our patterns. People were displaced, a lot of young dudes were 16-17 in '05 and now are 21, 22. While they were in ATL, Chicago, wherever, they got influenced. And when they got back home they started to look for the Scene. Then they saw a Soundclash flyer. Done.</span></p> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S_xByjZyuKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3CyE0AOsoHQ/s1600/Impulss+Video-49.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S_xByjZyuKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3CyE0AOsoHQ/s400/Impulss+Video-49.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475323583728367778" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> I guess a better word to use would be “reinvigorated” more than a “renaissance,” so to speak. For those still looking to pursue a career as Hip-Hop emcee or just starting out, what advice would you give them?</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>I: </b> As a career, I would advise them to read some books on guerilla marketing. And don't ever think someone is going to put you on. You are not going to make it in the music industry without a healthy appetite for rugged individualism. And don't be scared to spend a few dollars. Never follow what is the perceived path to success. When you see one guy successful with what he does, he did it. He has all the money that style will allow being earned. Why would they listen to you when they can listen to Jay-Z? They will listen if you have something else to offer. Prosperity equals drive + talent. You can have all the talent in the world, but without the drive you will only get so far. Conversely, you can have all the drive in the universe but without talent you'll hit a ceiling. Now when you have both, you get a megastar. You have people with extra drive that makes up for a lack of some talent, and that will carry them, but eventually they will hit a wall and can't go further. Be aware of who your market is. Know your audience. Don't try to be everything to everybody. Narrow your focus. What does your customer like? What do they talk like? What do they drive? DO they drive? What is their worldview? You can do all of these things well and remain true to yourself as an artist. Then work 20 hours a day.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> All very pertinent parts of the game. As always, being an artist/emcee/rapper/performer is about putting out a quality product. Take us through your discography over the past couple of years and how each was crafted.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>Impulss: </b> I started releasing material in '04 with <i>The Lagniappe Mixtape</i>. Just stuff that fell on the cutting room floor while recording <i> Impulss' Beats and Lagniappe Social and Pleasure Club</i>, my first LP, which came out in '06. They were both the accumulation of material done between '02 and '06, in N.Y. and N.O. I had features like Bionik Brown, Mr Khaliyl from the Bush Babies, Akon, N.O.R.E. I was really into how De La, Black Sheep and the like would have really funny, inventive skits in their music so that influenced me. And I like the idea Kevin Smith, the director, had about having recurring characters in his films that all told a story. They all were interwoven with each other. So I had Pookie Ray, Charmaine Juicy Juice, Charles St. Charles, etc. After that I had some time for reflection and decided I would grow up a bit. A lot of subject matter changed. <i>Category Shybe</i> came out in '09 and was fun, but not as wild as the former records. Then <i>The Lagniappe Pt 2 - The Pressure Principle</i> mixtape came out 4 months later. And I put out an instrumental CD called <i> Music Inspired By Timecode:NOLA</i>, which is a TV show I did the music for on Cox 4 which is dedicated to the independent film industry down here. Now <i>Marie Laveaux's Hustle</i> is arriving and I have two more in the chamber, like this LP with Bazooka Joe, <i>Bronx, New Orleans: Respect Where It Started</i>...</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> The proof is in the pudding. The listeners will definitely find a wealth of N.O. knowledge, some comedy, plenty of creativity when it comes to subject matter and variety. That answer brings up two things I wanna touch base on...the first being Pookie Ray (as one of my more popular aliases is Pookey Malibu). How did this specific character come about?</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>I: </b> Pookie Ray is a real dude. The name, at least. When I was in ATL, there was this dude from New Orleans, Demaris, who did funny exaggerated NOLA accents. I started to do them with him, too. I'd pull it out of my pocket from time to time. When I was doing <i>The Lagniappe</i> <i>Mixtape</i>, I started clowning on the mic alone in the lab one day and I brought Pookie's name up and that voice together in a skit that clowned on that which people did, but was unacceptable to young Pookie. It went over really well so I made him a recurring character. Now I do Pookie on every record I do. I ran into the real Pookie in Slidell one day in McDonald's. I was like wow...he has no idea I used his name and gave it a very small cult following. I'm waiting for him to hear it one day on his own and be like bruh...</span></p> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S_xDRzFD_qI/AAAAAAAAAOc/YgrYLAeey3o/s1600/Impulss+Video_crrct.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S_xDRzFD_qI/AAAAAAAAAOc/YgrYLAeey3o/s400/Impulss+Video_crrct.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475325220023959202" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>SH:</b> Right, Pookie usually steals the show (at least the skits) on your projects. The second person I would like to touch on is someone who I'm sure will be spoken about for many, many years to come when any of us converse about New Orleans Hip-Hop: Bionik Brown.What has his friendship and presence in the underground scene of the Mardi Gras Mecca meant to you personally?</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>I: </b> Nate was/is an exceptional lyricist and person. His charm and aura filled any spot he was at. When you went to PoZazz or any other place you, for some reason, always knew if Nate was there or not. And he was an in-and-out kind of guy. He'd get on stage, do his thing and you'd turn around and he'd be gone like freakin' Batman. His friendship personally meant a lot because a lot of people weren't his friend. He'd do music with people, go to poetry spots, roommate, whatever and still keep a distance. So when he expressed what we were really friends I think I allowed myself to be influenced by how he did his thing more and there was mutual respect. He always came to me for beats and would lift my confidence as an artist. Most people don't know I made at least half of the beats for <i>Platinum Thoughts Aluminum Budget</i>. I knew him for a long time. Even my mother liked him, and my mom doesn't like hardly any of my friends. So that says a lot. Bionik Brown laid a lot of the foundation of what Hip Hop scene all of you enjoy today. I'm waiting for a wall-sized mural to be erected in his honor. Or just take that statue down in Lee Circle and throw up a Bionik Brown Statue. Through everything he did with music or otherwise, Nate wanted to help you be the better you that you could become. He wanted to better the city by being a better example. He wanted us all to be better examples for society and he'd do what he could to help you with that. His overall movement was for the advancement of society.</span></p><p style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Look for part two of my interview with Impulss, where we touch further upon his music, family and more later on this week. Impulss will be performing along with Black Sheep's residential dj, Bazooka Joe and live band, Fo On The Flo this Saturday at </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b><i>the May edition of Uniquity at Dragon’s Den. 10pm. $5.</i></b></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></p>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-71485554804115302692010-05-10T12:42:00.000-07:002010-05-10T13:30:44.640-07:00Hip-Hop Down In New Orleans...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S-hiA3znKQI/AAAAAAAAANs/csNrtnNFU40/s1600/TRAFFIC-CTR+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S-hiA3znKQI/AAAAAAAAANs/csNrtnNFU40/s400/TRAFFIC-CTR+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469729514561415426" border="0" /></a>Another not to be missed event by Traffic Boutique & the Supreme Street Team with performances by rising indie Hip-Hoppers, Mickey Factz and Chip Tha Ripper as well as awesome local talent, Aquaforce, A. Levy, the I.C.U. and TheSeKondElement(T2E). T2E will also be releasing her LP, The Kommencement today! Pre-sale tix are available and going fast. Contact @OnPoint_El or @KAMMSTheACE to get yours today.<br /><br />That same night pre-sale tix will be available for the following...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S-hiSj0DREI/AAAAAAAAAN0/cu7Sh8rX3Q4/s1600/Uniquityflyer1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S-hiSj0DREI/AAAAAAAAAN0/cu7Sh8rX3Q4/s400/Uniquityflyer1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469729818432193602" border="0" /></a>Uniquity returns for its anniversary show with a stacked line-up of New Orleans Hip-Hop performers. God's Gift, b.k.a. Lil' Dee & the Parish President, MC Jay join featured artist and respected New Orleans Hip-Hop cultivator, Impulss to complete this diverse bunch of emcees who will rock live band, Fo On The Flo. In addition, DJ Bazooka Joe, best known as the dj for the legendary duo, Black Sheep will accompany Impulss during his set fusing his the musicality of Fo On The Flo with the scratching of a tenured turntablist.<br /></div>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-69877901567333373632010-04-04T16:00:00.000-07:002010-04-04T17:59:52.242-07:00A Slangston Hughes Filled WeekendThis upcoming weekend is a busy one for <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">THE</span> Connoisseur of Fine Rhyme. For all those in or around Mississippi, catch me and members of the Tygah Woods collective at the Back 2 Basics monthly event.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7kgohA5-mI/AAAAAAAAAMk/OTiOpvmYP3g/s1600/SOUNDCLASH+APRIL.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7kgohA5-mI/AAAAAAAAAMk/OTiOpvmYP3g/s400/SOUNDCLASH+APRIL.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456428303965092450" border="0" /></a>It's been a minute since I've rocked appropriately at Soundclash. Add in performances from Brasco, A. Levy and Codac with some of the city's best producers, this looks to be another great moment in Soundclash history.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7khma4QVkI/AAAAAAAAAMs/4SCtDc433Zo/s1600/HIHOFLYERFINAL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7khma4QVkI/AAAAAAAAAMs/4SCtDc433Zo/s400/HIHOFLYERFINAL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456429367470085698" border="0" /></a>Last but certainly not least, finish up your weekend with a funk filled Sabbath at the Hi-Ho Lounge with performances by Gov't Majik, Flow Tribe and my band, Fo On The Flo w/special guest dj's throughout the afternoon as we celebrate the bdays of Prospek and Cali Obzerver.Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-55918659133362765292010-03-30T20:11:00.000-07:002010-03-30T21:26:07.608-07:00Glimpses of Uniquity: 3-27-10It was quite the night this past Saturday as the lights went out on Frenchman for almost an hour & then returned with performances by the Twen Bumbs, S-PYnage & featured artist, Lyrikill at Uniquity.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7K-xc1PcTI/AAAAAAAAAKc/voB9Lg_LphI/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7K-xc1PcTI/AAAAAAAAAKc/voB9Lg_LphI/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454631855461462322" border="0" /></a>Blackout cypher by J-Dubble & Soul Nick et al<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7K-mA_OveI/AAAAAAAAAKU/u7XG_OOJg2o/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7K-mA_OveI/AAAAAAAAAKU/u7XG_OOJg2o/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454631659008605666" border="0" /></a>Hip-Hop Soul revivalist, Suave & Darkplay Graphix' own Krystle Ophelia<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LAnZUI6uI/AAAAAAAAAKk/UexiFkPKfyA/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LAnZUI6uI/AAAAAAAAAKk/UexiFkPKfyA/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454633881741880034" border="0" /></a>Drummer & leader of Fo On The Flo, Soul Nick<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LA2ZU65pI/AAAAAAAAAKs/8EypPbAB_gQ/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LA2ZU65pI/AAAAAAAAAKs/8EypPbAB_gQ/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454634139443193490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LGkT2Up_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/caXDkb0bxaw/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LGkT2Up_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/caXDkb0bxaw/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454640425804802034" border="0" /></a>Great shirt courtesy of Grant of SC Apparel (<a href="http://www.scapparel.net/">www.scapparel.net</a>)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LEK45ZjTI/AAAAAAAAALk/rJis-NwWnSk/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-54.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LEK45ZjTI/AAAAAAAAALk/rJis-NwWnSk/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-54.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454637790049963314" border="0" /></a>Shoutout to Kory (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Twaites">@Twaites</a>) of TheIMMEG.com for making my arm look good. Lol.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LBkf_6qyI/AAAAAAAAAK0/uPKDeBWKXO0/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-59.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LBkf_6qyI/AAAAAAAAAK0/uPKDeBWKXO0/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-59.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454634931508128546" border="0" /></a>Mr. Straight To The Point, S-PYnage<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LB7nJPGtI/AAAAAAAAAK8/0vItddI8Aro/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LB7nJPGtI/AAAAAAAAAK8/0vItddI8Aro/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454635328563256018" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LCa62GHRI/AAAAAAAAALE/KwvYCKrQzzw/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 379px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LCa62GHRI/AAAAAAAAALE/KwvYCKrQzzw/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454635866427628818" border="0" /></a>The flyest Caucasian I know, lead guitarist of Fo On The Flo, Mark Weliky<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LC0n6qLWI/AAAAAAAAALM/BHJy2E0oVlE/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-35.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LC0n6qLWI/AAAAAAAAALM/BHJy2E0oVlE/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454636308023094626" border="0" /></a>Twen Bumbs lft: Juskwam & rt: Dubla<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LDUpnbIzI/AAAAAAAAALU/p7feV-XP7MI/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-71.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LDUpnbIzI/AAAAAAAAALU/p7feV-XP7MI/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-71.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454636858235102002" border="0" /></a>Dubla of the Twen Bumbs playing hypeman at Uniquity<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LDfHxUAAI/AAAAAAAAALc/YbwebR0pSfM/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-81.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LDfHxUAAI/AAAAAAAAALc/YbwebR0pSfM/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454637038128332802" border="0" /></a>Juskwam rocking the mic backed by Fo On The Flo<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LFOofQrfI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ssczKi18MHc/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-98.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LFOofQrfI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ssczKi18MHc/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-98.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454638953876467186" border="0" /></a>Featured artist for March's Uniquity, Lyrikill<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LFwndKheI/AAAAAAAAAME/iz5fok3kzes/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-95.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LFwndKheI/AAAAAAAAAME/iz5fok3kzes/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-95.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454639537714791906" border="0" /></a>Suave joining Lyrikill for a jawn off of the new project, <span style="font-style: italic;">More Heart, More Sole</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LE5pNQ-gI/AAAAAAAAALs/mCHF0M1Nldc/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-88.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LE5pNQ-gI/AAAAAAAAALs/mCHF0M1Nldc/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-88.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454638593292171778" border="0" /></a>The show intro seen round the world, from one pair of Jordans to the next.<br />New Orleans' No. 1 kick- copper<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LFp9Ss48I/AAAAAAAAAL8/A_3TbDGQjVE/s1600/Uniquity-Watermarked-93.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S7LFp9Ss48I/AAAAAAAAAL8/A_3TbDGQjVE/s400/Uniquity-Watermarked-93.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454639423317402562" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.theimmeg.com/">TheIMMEG.com</a><br /></div>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-66652267539573893112010-03-20T14:48:00.000-07:002010-03-20T15:38:04.837-07:00Interview with March Uniquity's featured artist, Lyrikill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VM78v76LI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/nnppuP4VeyU/s1600-h/IMG_7007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VM78v76LI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/nnppuP4VeyU/s400/IMG_7007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450847516805032114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:'times new roman';" ><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Slangston Hughes</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> so... without further adieu</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> introduce yourself to the people</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> who MIGHT not know who you are…</span></span><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Lyrikll:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I am Lyrikill, which in my native language means "he who purchases many </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">oes"</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">…</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">emcee, promoter, hip-hop culturalist dedicated to reforming southern rap music</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Without question</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. In terms of</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> being a culturalist dedi</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">cated to reforming southern rap, I’ve </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">been doing a little research and </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">found a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">quote from you </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">that </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">says:</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">"the New South Movement is about putting our art and culture back in the hands of the people who care about it and aren't just out to make a dollar."</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ndeed</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Care to elaborate or take </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">that </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">further when it comes </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">to your place in the New South</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">m</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ovement?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">It just seems that in the 10 years or so, the southern region has made many advancements in the music industry. However, many critics, myself included, would say that the South's business acumen has not resulted in the body of musical work that the region </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ould have produced.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many people</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> got lost in the </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">uffle of mak</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ing a living from music and for</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">got the principles upon which the culture was original built. I am in no way disowning the business achievements, but I am sp</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ear</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">heading a local movement to make and promote roots hip-hop culture.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">That movement starts in New Orleans and expands globally.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Word, that's somethi</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ng that any true fan of Hip-Hop––</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">whether it be a listen</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">er, fellow emcee or culturalist––</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">can appreciate (including myself).</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">In addition, I'm assuming when you say our business acumen, you might be inferring various dance moves, flows/rap deliveries, etc. being absorbed by non-Southerners & then taken on as their own</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> right?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Absolutely. The southern region is the birthplace of culture. It</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s no secret that New Orleans is so thick in culture because with it being a major port during the transatlantic slave trade, it was one of the first places in America that Africans gathered to sing and dance.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">All of these qualities still exist in different ways today.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">My mission is to let people know and understand the authentic side of southern life and how hip-hop is i</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">n</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">terrelated.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm definitely not disrespecting either coast or any other region, I just want southern people to be known more for hospitality, cooking, and celebrating than cars, rims, and 808 drums.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">True indeed, I think that's something we ALL can appreciate. With that said, give us a little history on your beginnings with</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">in</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> the rap game...</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I began rapping when I was in 6th grade, that was '91...that was the first time I ever wrote a rap. I would record on this tap</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">e</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> player over these horrible keyboard beats but I always maintained a message.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I always used rap as a means to express the things that I wanted to say but would be super boring if I just talked about them.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I came to Dillard University in '98, I had been doing talent </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ows, ciphers, battles and the like in high school.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was always true school, conscious, and heavy into the culture during a late 90s era of Death Row and Master P. I would say this made most other rappers feel like opposition.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">But when I moved to New Orleans to attend Dillard in '98, I linked up with some other talented emcees from the Southern region and formed the group Euphonetiks.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">We did a trilogy of campus-based mixtapes, getting other emcees around the campus.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">We took the mixtapes wherever we went and battled and ciphered with anyone who would rhyme with us, and that</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s how I met Truth Universal at a cafe on Xavier's campus and he gave us a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ot to start performing outside of campus at local venues.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">From there we did an album called Sick? Muse. Entertainment and performing and selling albums. We were all solo artists, so soon after releasing the group album, I started working on solo material and just took the natural</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">progression of being a serious emcee.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VMMnOXHlI/AAAAAAAAAJs/FzU-6JpHfQo/s1600-h/IMG_7001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VMMnOXHlI/AAAAAAAAAJs/FzU-6JpHfQo/s400/IMG_7001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450846703573212754" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> No doubt. Anyone </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ould be able to see the time & energy invested. You bring </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">up</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Truth Universal, who i</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">n my opinion</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> is "the godfather of New Orleans' Hip-Hop" presently. Tell us how the joint collab of Soundcla</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> came about, what it means to you personally & what's on the rise for the crew this year?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Originally, my music company Eupham consisted of 3 producers and 3 emcees, so I was trying to think of an event or situation to be able to promote the artists I was working with.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I went out to DC to record 10 songs with my producer Zach, who was in Euphonetiks with me.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Zach is from DC and we met while </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">we were </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">at Dillard.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">SO, while I was there, my manager, who lives there too, tells me to check out this Redbull Big Tune beat battle.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I go there with my man Words Axis and my producer Zach. We have a great time and I am in awe at this event.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I ciphered with some cats in the line, met Oddisee (a very talented pr</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">oducer/emcee from Maryland) and </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nick da 1da (who did a couple tracks on Truth's Self Determination album)</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I just kept imaging how great an event like this could be in New Orleans. It combined the production, with emcee performances during the intermission and served as a great venue for networking between people in the industry.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I came back to NO and wrote a proposal and </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">opped it to a few venues that all either refused to meet with me or thre</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">w</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> out ridiculous prices.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">So I hit up Truth, like "what do I have to do to get a venue?" Truth told me that his brother, DJ Def D, had been to some events in Atlanta (where he moved after Hurricane Katrina) and had a similar idea.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I finally caught up with both of them at a Grassroots! event and we put the wheels in motion, and we haven</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t stopped.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">This year, we are taking the event to the next level by bringing in record label executives and influential producers to continue to build a growing scene in New Orleans.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">In February, we had legendary New Orleans producers Ice Mike and Crack Tracks in </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">M</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">arch we will have world renowned producer/DJ Pete Rock and executives from the Blacksmith label (owned by Talib Kweli)</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> [NOTE: PETE ROCK RESCHEDULED TO LATER IN THE YEAR]</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">The entire focus is to build an international</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ly</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> recognized independent hip-hop music movement in New Orleans.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Understood, B</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">eing a cultivator, firm believer in the talent of New Orleans & previous Soundcla</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> performer on several occasions, I definitely support the movement.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I recognize that and appreciate it greatly. It would not have grown without the support from people such as yourself.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Chu dat. Support next to notoriety & profit are more than likely the holy trinity when it comes to having </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hip-Hop career. What does support mean to you</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and how do you think aspiring emcees</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> get more of it?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Support can mean a variety of things and can vary in its levels.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are people that support by posting an</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> event online, promoting it via</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> blog and/or retweeting.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I think the most important form of support is the kind that forces one to make a sacrifice in time and/or money.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">As an artist and promoter, I take risks weekly in organizing events to promote the scene, culture, and local artists.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">The only way to continuously present these events is by the target audience attending and buying tickets/merchandise.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, to me, if you don</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t attend, buy a ticket, buy a drink, buy a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">irt, buy a cd, etc., you are saying that you don</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t care if this type of event is presented in future.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Most of the people in our area of business are not financially capable of consistently losing money.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">As far as artists garnering that support, they have to be in tune with their target audience and present the type of situations that their target audience sees value in.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I think artists have to remain consi</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">tent in their work and take time perfecting their craft.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">The have to invest in themselves, take risks, and take themselves seriously as business people and public personalities.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">As an artist, you </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ould always plan to be where you want to be, and work towards your goals as if you have already achieved it.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">When you take yourself seriously, you know what type of level of support you will need and how much of that support will keep you in business. From there you can develop goals and objectives to get you on the path to being successful according to your standards.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Rapbiz 101 for the up & comers...</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> didn't mean to be so thorough on the topic, but it is one that it very dear to me.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> No prob on that. It </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ould be of great assistance to many rappers who want to make this a career.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">In addition to that, I often speak with </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">DJs,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> artists and promoters on the scene who woul</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">d agree that there is a stigma</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> of sorts att</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ached to Hip-Hop in New Orleans w</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">here many venues & venue owners see Hip-Hop an</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">d</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> instantaneously think </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">rap</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">,” with the bad connotations associated</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">How do you think we go about changing that ignorant perception?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> don</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t really separate rap from hip-hop as some people do.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hip-hop is a culture and rap is just an element of that culture.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">KRS-One said it best: "rap is something you do. Hip-Hop is something you live."</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are so many subgenres of rap music, I can't really keep up with them...so I know a club owner/promoter can't.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I just try to focus on myself and other likeminded artists that are serious about their craft and pay respect to the culture.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I think </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">it’s</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> more</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">about all of these types of artists combining their reach and resources to be able to compete with the major label artists--</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> see the divide being more indie vs. major label</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I think out main mission </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ould be what WE bring to the table...putting us in a TAKE mode instead of an ASK mode</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I don</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t care too much about bargaining with a venue...I'd rather tell them, I have 5 groups that are serious about promoting and performing, we will bring out 300-500 people and there will be no violence...these are all measurable and not opinionated statements</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. F</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">rom there, we build our names as not only being talented and creative artists, but also business minded and consistent</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I look at it as ch</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">anging the negative stigma</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> starting with myself and those around me.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VMyhvJFcI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/-qsw0GPxstU/s1600-h/IMG_7044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VMyhvJFcI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/-qsw0GPxstU/s400/IMG_7044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450847354935121346" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Gotcha. Let's talk music for a sec. Who or what would you consider your greatest influences for not only picking up a mic but also stepping into the booth?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was very heavily influenced by Wu-Tang</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, Ice</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Cube, Nas, early music like Too </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">$h</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ort, NWA, even local cats like Bust Down & Juvenile</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I've been into hip-hop music and </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">oes for as long as I can remember, but my 9th grade Engli</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> teacher Mrs. Howard developed me into a public speaker. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> don</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t think I would be able to do what I do without that element.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> That's wsup! </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">out out to Mrs. Howard & all the cats on that list. Your ability to craft material & projects swiftly is something to be admired. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Changing directions…w</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">hat's the process you undergo in attacking a beat?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I write to metronome mostly</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">or I might hear a beat on a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">CD</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, like I heard the first beat on Freeway and Jake One's album yesterday and song just came out of me.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">F</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">rom there, I will go into the studio and either go through beats to find one that matches or help create one that works.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I do write to beats in the studio, but mostly, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> come in with a notebook full of writtens and flow over beats to find a match...Prospek makes beats pretty quickly, so there are times when we just create f</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">rom </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">scratch</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Speaking of Prospek, he's definitely one of the hottest producers in the city</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> at the moment. How did one of </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">09's most slept on releases </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">(</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Heart & Sole</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">) </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">come into fruition?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was invited to </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">his</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> studio by DJ Skracthmo after a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ow I did with Prospek's crew GPC and Soapbox, who I've known since like '99. A mutual friend who was working with Eupham with me had been doing music with him and we went over to the spot. He put on a track and I wrote two verses on the spot, we dropped Bred Winner, he gave me some beats to take home and I came back and laid those and we just started hooking up every couple weeks and laying out songs. It was just a mutual agreement that we came up with like "this </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ould be an album." I had recorded many of the tracks earlier over another producers beats that was leaving Eupham, so we just relaid them over Pro's beats and started gigging and pu</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ing the album release.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our chemistry came easy because we are both no frills, just good beats and rhymes. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">W</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">e both work fast and like to record and move on to the next one, so we would drop 3 or 4 songs in the span of a couple hours easily.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Can't k</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">nock the work ethic there. So </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Heart & Sole</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> dr</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">opped last fall followed up by </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Dope Music</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> with DJ Mike Swift at the top of the year. What's next for Lyrikill?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">More Heart More Sole</span></i></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">is </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">the follow</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">up</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, produced </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">totally by Prospek</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> again. W</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">e've done maybe 30 tracks since H&S</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> [</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Heart and Sole</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">]</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> dropped</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">M</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">e and my man DaiN are doing a </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ort album called </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">MLKTKRS</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">me and DaiN on vocals, DaiN on production</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">and me and DJ Jay Skillz have a mixtape entit</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">le</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">d </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">A Time to Kill</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">F</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">irst single from </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">MHMS</span></i></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> is </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Treat Her Like A Lady</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">”</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> featuring Suave</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">W</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">e're going to </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">oot a video for that one in the next couple weeks, it going to be fun</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> To say things will continue to pu</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> & progress for Lyrikill would be an understatement. Since we're talking kicks, what would be your top 5 purchases & how does kick copping influence what you write about & your everyday life?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Top 5 purchases this year...2000 Infrared Jordan 6's...Laney Jordan 5s...Copper Foamposites...25th Anniversary Jordan 1s...Bo Jackson Trainer 91s Retro (OG Colorway)</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. That’s </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">5 I already have</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">5 that I will get</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Eggplant Foams, White Cement Jordan 3s, Cool Grey Jordan 11s, OG Jordan 2s, and a random pair of dope SB highs that I haven</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t seen yet</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">The </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">oe thing is just me, so many people are doing it for the fad, and that</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s cool but I 'm always searching for that "first day of school wearing new kicks feeling" and I get it whenever I rock a fre</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> pair, so that</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s just my life that comes out in my music.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">I had Co</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">nverse Weapons in first grade. W</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ho was thinking about </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">oes in '86 at 5 years old? Me, thats who.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">OG Black Jordan IV's in 3rd grade</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ha.</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I can still remember coming to class in 7th Grade with those navy & white Grant Hill Fila's w/the strap. Good times...</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> The homie Skipp Coon said this rap game is just high school, we get </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">fresh & spit raps</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">to </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">impress our friends</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VNtIChFLI/AAAAAAAAAKE/AAraA08Llj0/s1600-h/Uniquity+3-27-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S6VNtIChFLI/AAAAAAAAAKE/AAraA08Llj0/s400/Uniquity+3-27-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450848361649345714" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> It's definitely a part of the equation,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> bigger to some than others, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">but I can relate to that statement.</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">On to upcoming appearances…</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">being Uniquity's next featured artist, how do you feel your music and rap prowess relates to a live band performance?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">It</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s a chance to vibe with different energy during a performance...my DJ</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, DJ</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Tony Skratchere</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> makes me take my performance to different level with his turntablism, so it'll</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> be a chance to vibe with multip</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">le people and present that energy to the crowd...it</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s truly great for all parties involved and I have really enjoyed the twist that the band has provided for so</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">many talented artists. I am really looking forward to it.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">SH</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Fo </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">o though, I'm excited as well to observe what Fo On The Flo </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">[band] </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">does w</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ith </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Prospek's production & your rhymes. In closing, how can the peeps stay in contact with Lyrikill?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">L:</span></b></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Find </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">me at </span></span><a href="http://www.thesoundclash.com/"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><u><span style="font-size:100%;">www.thesoundclash.com</span></u></span></span></a><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, on</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> fb, twitter, myspace</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> all </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">under L</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">yrikill</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">and you can def</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">initely</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> find me in New </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">O</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">rleans at </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">all </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">the hip-hop events...I'm at Grassroots </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">at Drag</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">on</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">’</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">s Den</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> every first Saturday of the month</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Howlin Wolf, </span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Soundcla</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">every second Saturday of the month,</span></span> <span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">our shows at</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> SXSW</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and of course</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">, the upcoming</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Uniquity</span></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> show.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Catch Lyrikill performing at this month’s Uniquity showcase:</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saturday, March 27th, 10 p.m., $5</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Vaso, (former Hookah Cafe location) 500 Frenchmen Street<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/UNIQUITY32710">www.tinyurl.com/UNIQUITY32710</a> (Facebook RSVP)<br /></span></span></p>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928692698753167943.post-74685904556105138802010-02-12T17:21:00.000-08:002010-02-12T23:24:36.721-08:00Full Week of Flows<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Aight, people if you haven't checked out the Great Slangtini (b.k.a Slangston Hughes) or the Go Hard Gang (b.k.a.) Tygah Woods, peep out what you've been missing Mardi Gras week. When the floats have passed and the beads swept away we'll be rocking. Mark your calendars appropriately...</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3X_StrMraI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3z3vkA8_aYw/s1600-h/NOHH.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3X_StrMraI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3z3vkA8_aYw/s1600-h/NOHH.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3X_StrMraI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3z3vkA8_aYw/s400/NOHH.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437532822083251618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Thursday night, Mr. BNHH (Brand New Hip-Hop) & Tygah Woods affiliate, Wes B brings you his new monthly event, New Orleans Hip-Hop (N.O.H.H.) with performances by Lyrikill, Truth Universal, A. Levy, Skipp Coon & Mister Nick (Jackson) & yours truly! With an awesome line-up of the city's best emcees and a FREE NINETY-NINE admission price why would you wanna miss this one???</span> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/WESBXCEL">http://tinyurl.com/WESBXCEL</a>(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Facebook RSVP</span>)<br /><a href="http://caltweet.com/4kd">http://caltweet.com/4kd</a> (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Twitter RSVP</span>)<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3X_mgsl7vI/AAAAAAAAAJE/IXbpD8ee9So/s1600-h/2-19-10+Flyer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3X_mgsl7vI/AAAAAAAAAJE/IXbpD8ee9So/s400/2-19-10+Flyer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437533162196823794" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pose Models & Grand Jury bring you the Venus vs. Mars Fashion Show w/performances by D Strong, Elliot Luv, Lyriqs da Lyriciss & Tygah Woods. Couture meets cadence, flows meet fashion in this alternative to your usual entertainment. Pre-sale tix ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!!<br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://tinyurl.com/VENUSVERSUSMARS">http://tinyurl.com/VENUSVERSUSMARS</a> (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Facebook RSVP</span>)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://caltweet.com/58i" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://caltweet.com/58i</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Twitter RSVP</span>)</span></span><br /></div><br />On Saturday, the Go Hard Gang invades Chalmette or "The Parish" to us locals along with Truth Universal, Billsberry Flowboy and the Parish President, MC Jay at his monthly event, ELEMENTS. Info is as follows:<br /><br />The WhereHouse<br />1351 East St. Bernard Hwy.,<br />Chalmette, LA - 10 p.m., $5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3YHnCpC3CI/AAAAAAAAAJM/77wvCDOrUm4/s1600-h/CreCityColgetour_Fin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4T-MiPI_h9c/S3YHnCpC3CI/AAAAAAAAAJM/77wvCDOrUm4/s400/CreCityColgetour_Fin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437541967401770018" border="0" /></a>The Kickoff Show for the Freshman Class of New Orleans emcees' college tour begins the last Sunday in February (2/21) w/performances by Suave, Lil Dee, The I.C.U., Bzy Bee, Bundy, Linx & Codac. Hosted by Lyrikill & myself.<br />http://tinyurl.com/ccctkickoff (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Facebook RSVP</span>)<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><a href="http://caltweet.com/52l" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://caltweet.com/52l</a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"> </span></span>(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Twitter RSVP</span>)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Slangston Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288997249338567999noreply@blogger.com0