24 Facts about Dollar$ & Daialogue (Pt. 2)

The follow-up to our first EP, Dollar$ & Daialogue 1.5 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:

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.

14. "Do It Tonight" was the first song recorded for Dollars & Daialogue.

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.

16. Dollars & Daialogue has been covered by many different publications such as Offbeat Magazine.

17. Dollars & Daialogue has also been covered by KevinNottingham.com, Clusterfunk Collective, Urban Orleans, the REUP Spot, & among other blogs.

18. Each song off of Dollars & Daialogue is an interconnected theme of money-based songs i.e. Payable To Me.

19. Our muse for the ideal "girl" on the song "Ladies In The Crowd" was the actress/poet/emcee/DJ Amanda [Diva] Seales.

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.

21. "Payable To Me" was the last song recorded for the project featuring Lyrikill and a flipped sample from L'Daialogue's Wi-Fi.

22. "Rockin Out" was inspired by a recent Honda Odyssey TV commercial sampling Judas Priest's "The Hellion."

23. An extended retail version is in the works for the Dollars & Daialogue project(s).

24. If you listen very closely...there may be ANOTHER hidden track
inside the other hidden track on the project.

Hip-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.


Shout out to Byrone & his teacher at the time, Ms. Craven of Truman Middle School for the support the proverbial pick me up! I DID return AND 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!

Dollar$ & Daialogue 1.5 Tracklisting & Cover

Stay tuned as the follow-up to Dollar$ & Daialogue, (nominated for Hottest EP of the Year) prepares to drop this month!

Slangston Hughes & L’Daialogue DiCaprio Presents: Dollars & Daialogue 1.5

TRACKLISTING:

1. Bruised Fruit * produced by Blaze the Verbal Chemist

2. I’m So Raw feat. Top Billion

3. Do It Tonite (SlumVillaDillaDawgRemix)

4. Mike Swift Interlude

5. Overworked & Underpaid feat. Robin Barnes * produced by J-Snizzy

6. Paygrade * produced by Blaze the Verbal Chemist ˚

7. Plankin On A 20

8. Sallie Mae

9. Slangston’s Plankin Interlude

10. Tardy * produced by Brad M.˚

11. Suck It Up Rmx feat. Tygah Woods (J-Dubble, Blaze The Verbal Chemist,

Mr. J’ai, Lyriqs da Lyriciss, D. Francis, O.T & Wes Beez)

12. Debt Ceiling ˚

- Production by L’Daialogue DiCaprio & MiZUnderstatistic except

˚Additional live drums & Nord keyboarding by Nick "Soul Nick" Solnick

and Andrew McGowan of Fo On The Flo

24 Facts about Dollar$ & Daialogue (Pt. 1)

With the impending release of the re-up to Dollar$ & Daialogue 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!

1) Dollar$ & Daialogue was developed as an official follow-up to Slangston’s first mixtape, Money & The Message. The idea was to continue the discussion of money and how it affects, hinders, and stimulates us for better or worse.

2) 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.

3) Dollar$ & Daialogue was recorded in four studios, Wes B’s Blu Deuce Studios, Inner Recess Recording Studios, The Hut Studios and L’Daialogue’s home studio.

4) With Slangston’s Blueprint mentality, the only two features for Dollar$ & Daialogue are Hip-Hop Soul singer, Suave and fellow New Orleans emcee, Lyrikill.

5) If you listen closely, there’s a special hidden track at the end of this LP with a certain New Orleans flavor.

6) 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” (http://bit.ly/odP2kh).

7) The artwork for Dollar$ & Daialogue was created the night before its February 11^th release and features the same font that's used on each denomination of US currency.

8) 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.

9) 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” (http://bit.ly/njIZcl)

10) 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.

11) Writing/recording for Dollar$ & Daialogue started around March/April of 2010.

12) Olde Soul, longtime producer and L’Daialogue contributor, added the Jay-Z cuts from “Some Like It Hot” you hear on the title track.

Two 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 NEVER) 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.



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.

Keeping with the theme of two years, Uniquity celebrates its two year anniversary THIS FRIDAY with performances by featured artists, 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.

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!

I 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.



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!

New 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.




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.

2010 Ends With A Bang

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.



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.

Uniquity x DJ RQ Away Present Embrace The Dream

I 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.

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.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Virgin Feet AND Flows Pt. 2

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 (http://gothamgreen.wordpress.com)


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 (www.whygeemusic.com)

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



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 (www.nesbyphips.com)

Tygah Woods, Hottest Group of the Year

Left to right: Wes B, Lyriqs da Lyraciss, Slangston Hughes

L to R: Lyriqs, J-Dubble, Slangston Hughes

J-Dubble & Slangston Hughes

DJ Mike Swift & J-Dubble

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!!!

Virgin Feet & Flows...

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.


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 (http://jermainequiz.bandcamp.com/)

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 (http://www.lyrikillmusic.com/)

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 (http://lyriqs.bandcamp.com/)


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 (http://vintagenoize.bandcamp.com/)


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 (http://mrjai.bandcamp.com/)


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 (http://www.myspace.com/micskillstheillest)

September Stockade

After 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...

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. RSVP HERE: http://bit.ly/c2TMVQ

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.


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.

In addition, peep the latest & last track I'm releasing off of my upcoming mixtape release, Nu-Growth called "JMSH (Kid Dynamite)." It's an ode to my "full" rap name, James Mercer Slangston Hughes & one of my many aliases.

What 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?

- Mocca Java: Earthy and very full bodied, with hints of spice and gentle sweetness.

- Peruvian Organic: Certified organic... light, with floral acidity and subtle fruitiness
(Sissy bounce rappers maybe???)

- Raspberry Hibiscus: A symphony of color, aroma and rich character sure to leave an impression (THAT'S ME!)

- Espresso Roast: Full-bodied and well-balanced, with the characteristic flavor of fine espresso.

- French Roast: Our darker roast, intensely bold and full-bodied with a pleasant, smoky flavor.

- Colombia: A rich, balanced coffee, with a medium-to-full body and a clean winey flavor.

Develop your own description with some of the phrases below:
* traditional blend, smooth and aromatic, a confection..., preferred blend, velvety.

The Artistry of Uniquity

I'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.

"The Grassroots! Campaign" on VH1.com!!!

Host of the longest running NOLA Hip-Hop monthly showcase, Grassroots! (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!

VH1.com: http://www.vh1.com/video/truth-universal/530039/the-grassroots-campaign.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter

Spike.com: http://www.spike.com/video/truth-universal/3419494

"The Grassroots! Campaign" can be found on Truth Universal's recent EP release Guerrilla Business here: http://truthuniversal.com/guerrilla

Culture & Community Series: Interview with DJ E.F. Cuttin

SH: Aight, so for those who may not know, please let the internets know who you are...

EF: I go by the name of E. F. Cuttin, NOLA DJ, Producer, and Damn Near Big Deal.

SH: Indeed. Give us some detail about your origins in DJing. How and where did you begin your turntablin' journey?

EF: I always had record players and a collection from the time I was 3 years old. As I got older (around 7), Moms used to let me change the records at her parties and the people dubbed me "The DJ."

SH: What would you say propelled you to the next step in making DJing your life's work/passion?

EF: Watching Wild Style as an 11-year old kid. Grandmaster Flash had just dropped Adventures On The Wheels Of Steel and I was scratching my head trying to figure out how he was doing that. The movie gave me the visual I needed. Then when I hit middle school and started going to the dances, I watched the DJs and went home and emulated them.

SH: Flash continues to be a prominent fixture in our culture. With that being said, what do you consider your job or mission as a DJ?

EF: It depends on the assignment. If it’s a party, my job is to keep asses on the dance floor or at the bar dying of thirst from working it out on the floor. If it’s a show, the job is to keep the audience entertained until the show starts. If it’s a corporate gig/mall gig, my job is to provide the soundtrack to the activities...

SH: Scratching for every fashion, so to speak. That response brings about another question: how do you get your DJing style to mesh with everyone--from the backpackers to the upstart entrepreneurs at said corporate gig to the gangster rappers and beyond?

EF: Basically I have to read the crowd... The common denominator will always be solid music, even the Jeezy fan can relate to a Kweli cut and vice versa if presented in a palatable manner.

SH: Word, can definitely agree with that. Being an artist of any form--painter, dancer, emcee, DJ, etc--isn't always the easiest road. What keeps you motivated?

EF: Good music always inspires me, and seeing the youth embrace the purest form of hip hop and master the language of being fresh, fly, wild, and bold…word to Grandmaster Caz.

SH: Bet. Being established in the N.O. scene for almost two decades now, how would you describe the pre-Katrina scene versus the post-Katrina scene?

EF: The Pre-K scene was there, albeit more scattered and loose-knit. We acknowledged each other but rarely collab'ed...Whereas now the movement is thriving due to the unity within and universal hunger to succeed without compromise.

SH: It's always good to have that bridge, in my opinion, between the cats (like yourself) who have been doing it and the cadre of talented and hungry up-and-comers. What's your advice for new DJs and emcees trying to rise among the elite in this industry and make a name for themselves?

EF: You gotta pay dues. Ask questions, study those who came before you, and really be doing it for the right reasons. This initially was not a venture you went into for financial gain, it is about expressing yourself in the best way you can, so you gotta love the craft…even when it's not paying you.

SH: Real talk. Continuing on with a look back, give us your perspective on the longest running Hip-Hop showcase in the city, Truth Universal’s Grassroots.

EF: It has truly been a blessing to be a part of Grassroots, although my Hookah gig keeps me from attending [both on Saturdays]. I was there from Day 1 at the Neighborhood Gallery when we would actually be happy if 20 people came. So for it to be almost 10 years and still going strong is truly a blessing...

SH: Word, it's a pleasure to be a part of that continued history. 20 people is hard to believe in this day and age, but it just goes to show you the continued perseverance of Mr. Self-Determination & the Damn Near Big Deal.

EF: Haha...word...you know how I do it...its a marathon, not a sprint.

SH: One of the quotes I continue to live by daily! I think some people confuse or merge the "Twitter" E.F. with the actual man. Would you separate the two? And if so, what would be the key differences?

EF: I'm more reserved in person than I am on twitter. Unless I'm “herbally” enhanced, then I'm that twitter guy…

SH: 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.

EF: I actually started producing at 19 when my friend had copped an SP1200. I always had records, so when I learned to take an old record and make something new, I was hooked. I really took off when I moved here and linked with my PsychoWard fam. With the arsenal of MCs, DJs, and producers on deck, it made for fun times always. I produced half of our album, www.psychoward.com, but I think I grew frustrated of the lack of people who used my tracks, until I started working with Bionic Brown (rest in peace).

SH: Right on, defnitely planned on touching on those two topics. Let's start off with PsychoWard, still known as one of New Orleans' top Hip-Hop collectives that I know you take a lot of pride in. How would you explain PsychoWard and your time with the group to someone who’s not familiar?

EF: When we were really grinding it out it was some of the greatest times of my life. We mobbed up, partied, smoked, drank, joked, and made bangers daily. Cats like Raj Smoove, Mac, and One-Eye stayed in some public event and we had such presence due to the numbers, we were the most intimidating squad around...

SH: Speaking on that, Mac & Bionik are two of the most enigmatic and highly revered emcees in New Orleans. Give us your insight on both. Similarities, differences?

EF: The similarities were the work ethic. Both had that knack to just kill a track with little to no effort. The key difference was Mac had an outlandish sense of humor, whereas Bionic was reserved, always in observation mode...

SH: Woulda never expected that from the lyrical assassin. Back to the DJing for a minute, what "formula" catches your ear when it comes to your breaking a new record?

EF: For clubs, I look for the perfect mix of beat, hook, and rhyme/song...then I try to let the people know that I like this record whether they do or not, and they're gonna be hearing a lot of it so get ready to deal with it. Underground is 100x easier…we like good shit, and are receptive to good shit from the 1st listen.

SH: True indeed. Another thing many not know (me included)--your introduction into the GO DJs. Speak on that if you'd be so kind.

EF: The homie DJ Black And Mild was rocking real tough with DJ Hi C (CEO) out of HTX, and they felt it was time to have a LA chapter...so he hollered at me, and me knowing HiC and seeing his grind, I was with it off top.

SH: Would you mind letting us know what's on the horizon for Team Cuttin?

EF: We're on a mission to rebrand how we do music, business, and networking...Bringing back the HIP HOP way as opposed to the BS marketing you see right now.... Fresh Tees are on deck, mixtape projects, all kinds of stuff...

SH: Bet. Any shoutouts before we depart?

EF: Big shouts to my Psychoward/PCO fam, my GO DJs, the GrassRoots and Soundclash families, all the people out here gettin it the right way...

SH: Fo sho. Thanks for this.

EF: Thank you famo!!!!! Be easy!!!

Catch up with E.F. Cuttin on the daily at http://twitter.com/EFCuttin and every Friday for A-List Fridays and Hookah Hip-Hop, Saturdays at the Hookah on 309 Decatur.

New Orleans Emcee Lyrikill Delivers Ode to the Gulf

Check 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...

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.

"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
decades."

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
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.

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.

Please contact Ariel Goode at ariegoode@leira-pr.com or Orriel Richardshon at orriel@eupham.com for more info on Lyrikill's "Black Pelicans."

Other links featuring Lyrikill as well as "Black Pelicans:"
http://kevinnottingham.com/2010/06/09/lyrikill-black-pelicans/
http://www.offbeat.com/2010/06/01/soundclash-community-action/
http://lehiphopsurecoute.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/lyrikill-black-pelicans/
http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2009/07/local_hiphop_1.html
http://www.sendspace.com/file/4f1u4m (Lyrikill, Prospek & DJ Jay Skillz present A Time To Kill FREE DOWNLOAD)