Beautiful Music

Descry @ HeavyLA

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

Rap. Rap. Rap.

2011-03-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

There was a time when the DJ was called the backbone of Hip-Hop...a tastemaker that brought new content to listeners in a creative and unique way. Pioneers like Kool Herc, Africa Bambaatta, Grand Master Flash, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Grand Mixer DXT, and Jazzy Jay all introduced new music and captivated an audience even before there was a genre of music called rap.

So, I present to you my newest mixtape titled, Rap. Rap. Rap. In the same vein as the pioneers, absolutely free. No catch.

This project features no complex trick mixing or annoying “DJ” voiceovers because I made the focus to be all about the music, just like the pioneers. The artists showcased on this tape are a few of my own personal favorites--Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, Drake, Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Lil’ B, Raekwon, Blu, Pac Div, and Frank Ocean.

What is unique to this particular mixtape is that 47:55 features an exclusive snippet from my upcoming sophmore album As Serenity Approaches. The album will feature a few of my favorite artists like Danny Brown, Oddisee, Roc Marciano, One Be Lo, Raashan Ahmad, Tanya Morgan, Clara C, TiRon, Outasight, Theo Martins, MED, Y-O (of U-N-I) and of course my Subkrew team. Check for it dropping mid-April 2011.

Thank you for your support! Please spread the word if you enjoy the tape!
Mixtape download (click here)
For promotional purposes only. Mirror 1

An Interview with Malice of the Clipse

2011-01-28T15:18:00.001-08:00

I was wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked (filthy)

So much so, I had left my family forsaken

A troubled soul whose heart was often achin’

So much dough, but my spirit ever so vacant

Foul and fragrant I was taken off course

The road ahead should have ended me in divorce…

Last night what I’d seen made my life change…made my life change

-Malice

The Brothers Thorton (Malice and Pusha T aka The Clipse) have officially been in the rap scene since 1997 (when they first signed to Elektra), a time when rap was returning to a more “conscious” state. People were actively looking for Hip-Hop with intelligent content. Rawkus Records was starting to build serious momentum and two murdered legends, 2Pac and Biggie, were still fresh in people’s minds.

When one thinks of the Clipse, two things come to mind: cocaine and wordplay. Yes, Pusha and Malice mainly rap about serving that powder white, but they’ve both delivered their share of incredibly complex lines to elevate them beyond the average mainstream rapper. Throughout their discography, they have been critically acclaimed; however, it wasn’t until their mixtape in 2005, We Got it For Cheap 2 that solidified their place in middle America’s rap radar.

Come 2011, Pusha T now runs with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label (last seen delivering his lyrical ability on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), but the eldest Thorton, Malice, has taken a more passive role. He’s temporarily stepped aside from rapping and decided to independently release an autobiography. Wanting to share his experiences within the music industry with those who are willing to read, this is Malice—rapper turned author.

Your music career has taken you through an incredible journey. Starting with a vaulted first album, Exclusive Audio Footage, then critically acclaimed albums and mixtapes, to pop collaborations such as the one with Justin Timberlake you guys absolutely murdered…what was your motivation through the ups and downs during the early part of your career?

The motivation was always having a love for Hip-Hop. I never really thought we would take it as far as we did. It wasn’t until the Neptunes started to get their foot in the door that we started to take it seriously. Before that, I would always rhyme and freestyle and kick it…you know, with the homies that were doing the same thing or whatever. But growing up with Chad and Pharrell we said, “Hey, we might as well try to take this somewhere.”

Word, you guys should definitely be mentioned in the pantheon of the rap elite!

(laughter)That’s wassup! Appreciate that, thank you.

In your opinion, if there was anything you and Pusha could have done differently to get out there, what would it have been?

Hmm…differently…I really believe and am truly a believer that everything happens for a reason. I think everything happened the way it was supposed to happen. I never subscribed to the whole, Clipse is underrated, this; that; and the third. I think everybody gets exactly what they deserve and are viewed at the way they are to be looked at. I mean, I don’t think it’s cool to say “we’re underrated,” and then pout about it because someone else is mainstream and so over the top. Nah, I mean the end justifies the means to me. You know what I’m sayin’?

I know some of the fans want to say that we’re underrated or we should be this or we should be that, but yo…whatever comes my way—I humbly accept it. That’s just what it is. I never look at myself and say, I should be this or I should be that.

I completely understand. Where do you see the Clipse in relation to other Hip-Hop groups?

I think Clipse is definitely a rare…a VERY rare breed, if not the rarest. I think the intellect of the Clipse is something that you just do not find with most groups or solo artists for that matter. I do not believe that you get the true-to-life aspect too much in Hip-Hop. Most of the time somebody is basically wearing a façade, or maybe they can rap but they didn’t live what they’re rapping about, or maybe they can’t rap but they can fake it real good. A lot of the times it’s one or the other, but the whole Clipse story man, it’s an open book. [Every record] is an open book to everything about the Clipse, it’s definitely no fakin’.

You said in a previous interview, “it’s the hip hop that we come up on, it’s the hip hop that we love and it’s the hip hop that got us where we are” who were your inspirations in rap music?

Definitely…the Jay-Z, Biggie...whole kind of MC. That’s like right up our alley. That’s the hip-hop that we thought was everything. The Hip-Hop we identify with, street hustlers turned rappers. We love that. Even prior to them, Big Daddy Kane…Rakim, those kinds of brothers were straight lyrical.

Any Hip-Hop artists you’ve got your ear to?

I don’t really listen to too much Hip-Hop these days, but what I do hear...I like a lot of the stuff. I don’t like it for the Hip-Hop that I like, but I like it for...you know, when [I’m] out in the club and I see how everybody enjoys the music...the fun that they have, the dances that go with the songs, everybody recitin’ to the song and swag surfin’, and all that kind of stuff. I can enjoy that, I really do...and appreciate it, I don’t turn my nose up at the new stuff at all.

In your online video vignettes, you say you wrote a book because your life had changed, tell us about Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked. Why this title from Revelation 3:17?

Well, that title best describes the condition that I was in. I wasn’t even aware of it when I was in that condition. The things that I wrote weren’t easy. It’s not the cool thing or the convenient thing to do, but it is a must because I had such a wild experience. Matter of fact, I had the wildest experience...it’s such a phenomenon that I can’t even believe that I was even chosen to go through what I went through, but it does make sense because I have to share it with everyone.

The book itself entails my life--my childhood, life in the industry, my family life...this book is extremely personal and Malice is all the way exposed in this book. I left nothing back. I had to do it because everyone’s seen me in my splendor...they’ve seen me at the top of my game, they’ve seen me at my highest point so I’m sharing my lowest lows with them as well. I think it’s very important, especially to the younger cats that aspire to be in this industry, that they know the truth about everything.

There’s nothing wrong with Hip-Hop, there’s nothing wrong with having lots of money, there’s nothing wrong with gettin’ it...but you better have your head on straight because you’re either going to succeed or meet destruction, one of the two. I mean look at artists in the game now, you see them in rehab and facing alcoholism, drugs or going to jail...that’s a real thing. You can even attach that to successful artists. No one’s exempt, anyone can fall for any of that stuff. If you don’t have your head on together, money can destroy you. That all I’m sayin, I’m not badmouthing anything. You should get it, take care your family, help those that are less fortunate and enjoy life. You know what I’m sayin’? Enjoy life.

My whole movement and everything that I’m doing…it is not a movement to convince, convict or make people believe what I believe. I’m just telling my story, and when you hear my story…there’s no way anyone’s going to be able to deny it.

Definitely, man. You talk about taking care of your family, how do you find a balance between your work and family? How do you find the time?

Man…first things first, nothing comes before your family other than God. Other than that, nothing comes before your family. You know, you do what you have to do. I spent a lot of time on the road away from home, but that was to take care of the financial things that everyone has to go through. I’ve been fortunate to be very present in the lives of both my kids. I have a son and a daughter, and I give them all of the knowledge that is so essential to survival. I’m just glad I’m a present father to my children.

Speaking of God, we know you’ve been spiritual in your rhymes since Lord Willin’, but these days I come across the question, “What happened to Malice from the Clipse, why did all of a sudden he become religious?” How do you feel about that? What would you say to people who say that to you?

It’s not so much that I’m religious, I just believe in Christ. No one will ever really be able to say that [I just became religious], because if you listen to all of my work...I’ve always incorporated God into my work—always. In “Exclusive Audio Footage,” the first interlude is called “The Prayer.” I said, “Lord, if these words hurt more than they help...forgive us.” If you hear that interlude, there’s no way you can say that I just hopped on this [religion]. There’s another song on that called “Watch Over Me,” and if you listen to the lyrics on that, it’s nothing but us speaking to God. So I’ve always been on that, and really all I’m doing is basically…coming back home.

Where can people find your book? When does it get released?

It comes out on Valentines Day [February 14, 2011]. You can either go to my website http://mademylifechange.com/, some people know it as http://maliceoftheclipse.com/, but they both go to the same link, or you can go straight to http://thorn10publishing.bigcartel.com/. I did everything myself man, I wrote it, started my own publishing company to publish it, did all the videos and vignettes for the video blog that you see, marketed it...did everything myself. It’ll also be on Amazon so you can get the e-book for your Kindle and all that other good stuff, but it won’t be out until February 14th.

I also want to say, I can’t leave out my man, John Spruill. We went to junior high together, high school together, and he supported me throughout the entire writing process. I would write it and he would make sure all the punctuation was correct and vibe with me. He was my support throughout the entire process, but make no mistake: I had no ghostwriter. What you get is definitely coming from my bedroom straight to ya’ll crib. There’s definitely no middle man.

I want people to know that. It’s not that I turn my nose up to the ghostwriting thing, because I actually tried that. But when I got it back, it wasn’t my words so I had to go back to the original plan. I think the book is really going to change lives, man. I already know it’s going to change lives because it already has. I mean, the comments and feedback I get on my twitter (@malice757) alone...people are giving me a lot of support and telling me that they went through a lot of the same things and can understand and relate.

Dope, dope. So, what’s next for you after the book drops?

After the book is the audio book, and we’re also writing another book with my man and manager [Anthony "Geezy” Gonzalez] who’s incarcerated right now. We’re going to be telling that whole story because that’s also going to be crazy. It’s going to be called 32, which refers to the sentence he got, 32 years [for drug trafficking]. We’re working on writing that together.

I didn’t actually know how sensitive that was to you, but wasn’t sure if I should bring that up about your manager...

Why not? It’s all out...all out. (laughter) Yeah, we talkin’ about everything. Let’s talk about everything, straight up.

Word, how has your manager being incarcerated affected you as an artist?

That situation has made me wisen up. It’s definitely a heartbreaking situation for our group...we’ve been together before the music. We came up together and we’ve always been [tight]. There are a few more homies that got locked up and caught up in this whole mess…it definitely affected the group. Personally, it affected me in my writing. You know, I just feel compelled to let everybody in on the full spectrum. Not just one side of it, but I gotta let everybody know the ins and outs, the good the bad, and that way once you know everything then you can choose what you want to do or how you want to be.

So before 32, will this situation be touched on in Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked?

Yeah, a lot of it is included in the book, but my story is very compelling and one that deserves its own spotlight. I touch on it a little bit.

Malice, thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it!

Nah, I thank you. Thank you for even being interested and even willing to share with your followers and readers and stuff man. It’s great, and I just really wanna say that it’s like we’re a real intimate community right now. Especially with my movement and the things that I’m doing and the things I’m talking about. So, like Descry, if you’re interested…this is my family right here. All of you are my family, for real. Real tight knit, and I’m letting you know that ya’ll are gonna be the first to be on something that is definitely going to impact Hip-Hop. This book is something that’s going to put a dent in Hip-Hop and all the fronting’s going to come to cease.

Before I go I just want to say, the book is a great read. It’s not some book you’re going to have to sit with for weeks or months at a time to finish it. It should only take you roughly like three to four hours to read it. There’s nothing long or drawn out that’s going to bore you. It’s poppin’ from the beginning. I want everyone to see what it is I saw cause I saw the wildest things, bro. I saw the wildest…THE. WILDEST. Things. But when you get the book, don’t expect this book to be a Clipse record in book form. You already know everything that the Clipse is about, but this is something different.

G-Koop & O-Man - Coltraney pt.1 featuring Prozack Turner

2010-10-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

My Subkrew family member, G-Koop (best known for his work with Jake One) showed me this little series he's working on with O-Man.

Built from scratch (no samples) Koopa and O-Man take you on a journey from a humble honky-tonk piano to a real smooth/jazzy R. Ayers/J. Coltrane type vibe.

Prozack Turner (Foreign Legion) also makes a surprise appearance and does his thing on the freestyle tip. Solid.

Wake Up In Neverland (Descry Remix)

2010-09-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://descry.bandcamp.com/track/wake-up-in-neverland-descry-remix"&amp;amp;gt;Wake Up In Neverland (Descry Remix) by descry&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

A little remix I did for Youtube sensation, Clara C. Hope you enjoy.

Closed Sessions: Outasight

2010-07-08T14:04:00.001-07:00

When I first interviewed Outasight, I had no idea what was going to happen almost exactly a month later. In October 2009, Outasight signed a major label deal with Warner Brothers Records (under Asylum Records).

When that news hit, it made me proud instantly. One of my peers got a foretaste of greatness. I was ecstatic…telling all of my friends that this guy was going to become one of the greats. Fast-forward to the present now with LRG and Warner behind him, he’s been steadily on the path to completing his debut album, “From Here to There.”

So, it brings me great pleasure to post the newest song from one of my favorite artists, Outasight. Closed Sessions featuring LRG and Outasight!

Closed Sessions: Outasight Edition from Ruby Hornet on Vimeo.

TiRon - Mstrd

2010-06-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite rappers and dude I like to do business with, TiRon, just released his newest auditory gem titled "MSTRD" DOWNLOAD THIS NOW!

And in case you missed it, Ketchup:

DOWNLOAD: TiRon – Ketchup (Mixed by DJ Low Key)

Futuristic - Flow Sessions v. 2

2010-05-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

I met Futuristic, 2/10/2010, when he opened for Binary Star at the Terrace in Pasadena. I was pretty impressed at his ability to command a crowd and really brought the art of MCing alive that night.

Since then, I've helped him rock a show and lent a helping hand on his newest FREE offering--Flow Sessions vol.2.

The tape is hosted by DJ Kris Stylez of Black Wallstreet and you can find me on two tracks, "Letter Man" and "Plauge Mics."

Check it (click image for download):

We're going international!

2010-03-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

Yep, right to the motherland--Korea.

Korea's an interesting place for me because my heritage is rooted there. Not many people know, but there's an almost eerie, parallel past to what certain Africans experienced in the early days of the United States' history. Not in the sense of specifics as it was "yellow on yellow" crime, but the Japanese-Korean struggle is something that is very much along the lines of enslavement and cultural erasement.

These kinds of issues can be further discussed privately or on a college campus, so what I want to focus on specifically is Korean Hip-Hop. The Korean Hip-Hop scene has exploded since the early nineties and a lot of great MC's have emerged from the industry boom. Artists like 3534, Seotaiji, Tiger JK of Drunken Tiger, Jinusean, 1Tym, and DJ Doc, have all pioneered Hip-Hop's integration into Korean pop music. Those early industry leaders spawned what I would tag the "new generation" of Korean MC's. At the forefront of this "new generation" you would have the The Quiett, Tablo of Epik High, Dynamic Duo, Verbal Jint, Palo Alto, and many others.

However, one artist in particular intrigued me--a gentleman known as The Quiett.

I was hipped to The Quiett in 2007 while I was vacationing in Korea. I was on a personal journey to find a record store that had wax so I could craft new beats...and I have to say, trying to find records in Korea was like mining for gold--near impossible. The records that I did find were mostly turds, so after a day of searching I got fed up and wandered into a tiny little CD store that was about to close. I still remember that day, the weather was terrible...I was soaked from the rain...and bummed out that I didn't have any music to bring back with me to California. I walked up to the register, and in my terrible Korean I asked..."Do you have any good Hip-Hop? Not like hip-pop, but...that boom-bap stuff." The guy at the register looked at me so confused, and thinking about it...if someone asked me that I would have just said "eh, I don't know."

Anyway, the gentleman at the register was kind enough to direct me to The Quiett's Music (2006 Re-issue). I checked it out on the listening station and I was blown away.

Did Korea just really bring that boom-bap?! This record had everything I love about underground Hip-Hop back home...scratching, hard thumping drums, samples...my face lit up with a huge smile. It hit me. Though it took me a while to understand what he was saying (the rapid fire delivery was faster than any Korean I was used to), I could relate to the music.

Recently, I was exited to hear about his upcoming 4th album (man, has it really been that long?), Quiet Storm: a Night Record. With production from heavyweights Jake One, Slakah the Beatchild, Kev Brown, and DJ Mitsu...The Quiett is poised to once again create some facemelting, true Hip-Hop. Check it out.

The Quiett - Quiet Storm: a Night Record
01 Welcome To The Show
02 Never Q.U.I.T.T.
03 Be My Luv
04 Stars (feat. Verbal Jint & Swings)
05 Lonely One
06 Q's Way (feat. 샛별)
07 Game Theory
08 Airplane Music (feat. Basick, Rimi, Beenzino, Fana & San E)
09 시간이 왔나봐 (feat. Dead'P)
10 Old Records
11 Love/Hate (feat. Jinbo)
12 Shine 'Em
13 Be My Luv Remix (feat. B-Free, 'NUCK'넋업샨, Paloalto & junggigo)

Releases: 3.11.10

What they're listening to v.2

2010-02-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

I felt as if it was time to do a new version of what people are listening to. The last one I did featured Flying Lotus, DJ Benzi...was almost 2.5 years ago! So, here we go...

Descry:
1. One Be Lo - B.A.B.Y. (Being A Black Youth)
2. Kidkanevil - Basho Basho
3. Sonnymoon - Golden Age
4. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
5. Alicia Keys - Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)

Outasight:
1. Janelle Monae - Cold War/Tightrope
2. Vampire Weekend - Contra
3. The New Morning Benders - Excuses
4. Erykah Badu - Window Seat ft. ?uestlove
5. Freeway and Jake One - The Stimulus Package

Kevin Robinson (Uncovered 3rd):
1. Ayomari - PB&J Solution
2. Cam'ron - Boss of All Bosses 2
3. Bloc Party - Intimacy
4. Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream
5. J. Futuristic & Yung L.A. - Batman & Robin

Keelay:
1. The Jaspects - The Polkadotted Stripe
2. Johnny Polygon - Rebel Without Applause
3. Hudson Mowhawke - Room Mist EP/Butter
4. Emilio Rojas - Bold and Arrogant Remix
5. Robert Glasper - Double Booked

Daniel Chae (Feats in Inches/
The Nehemiah Band):
1. Kanye West - Graduation
2. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
3. Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
4. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
5. Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism

Aspect 1:
1. DJ Khalil - Chinatown Wars
2. Darkleaf - Beneath the Surface compilation
3. Afta 1 - unreleased LP
4. J.Bizness and Aiyro - Cali Fire Commission
5. Bobby Hutcherson - Dialogue

TOKiMONSTA:
1. Jimmi Hendrix - Purple Haze
2. Flying Lotus - Computer Face/Pure Being
3. Damfunk - Hood Pass Intact
4. Big L - Lifestylez Ov Da Poor and Dangerous
5. DJ Krush - Krush

Jackson Perry (A-Side Worldwide/Now On):
1. Miike Snow – Miike Snow
2. Empire of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
3. Yeasayer – Odd Blood
4. After The Smoke – Under The Influence EP (coming soon)
5. Denny Dreutron (Mayer Hawthorne + 14KT) – Black Future/People Change (coming soon on Stones Throw)

Incise:
1. Apparat - Fractales pt I
2. Shapeshifter - When I Return
3. Koushik - Nothings The Same
4. Apparat - Headup
5. Cranberries - Ode To My Family

Cook Classics:
1. Miike Snow - Miike Snow
2. The Beatles - Abbey Road
3. Common - Electric Circus
4. Jimmy Cliff - The Harder they Come
5. The XX - XX

Paved Paths f. Von Pea, MED, aDaD & Danny Brown

2010-02-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Illustrated by Jane Choi Design

I present to you "Paved Paths" off of my upcoming album "As Serenity Approaches."

The song was programmed by DJ Incise and features Von Pea of Tanya Morgan, Stones Throw's MED, Chicago MC ADaD, and Detroit MC Danny "The Hybrid" Brown.

My sophomore LP titled "As Serenity Approaches" will feature Oddisee, Dumbfoundead, Donwill, Ohmega Watts, Substantial, Raashan Ahmad, John Robinson, TiRon, Theo Martins, Nieve and more....Illustrated by Vanessa Maynard of No Heart

Check out the track HERE

Ninja Starz

2010-02-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Almost 9 months ago (6/14/2009, when the Lakers won the championship), I threw a concert featuring some of my friends/colleagues under the guise "Ninja Starz."

Being Asian-American, it was only natural that I would have called it Ninja Starz seeing as I'm a part of a crew called Shinobeats.

Anyhow, the show featured Rathmatixx, TOKiMONSTA, U-N-I, Tiron, Ayomari, Tunji, Diz Gibran, Dom Kennedy, El Prez, H.O.P.E., and 2dopeboy's own Meka. Each of whom I respect and am a huge fan of. I'm proud that Los Angeles is starting to make its comeback and as a part of LA's next generation, I wanted to share this night with you. Enjoy.

H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E - H-O-P-E (Live @ Mountain Bar in Los Angeles, 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

H.O.P.E - The Girlfriend Song (Live @ Mountain Bar in Los Angeles, 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

El Prez

El Prez & Basicali - Revolutionary Cali Muzik (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

Dom Kennedy

Dom Kennedy Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09 from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

Tunji (True Greatness programmed by Incise/recorded & cuts by Descry.)

Tunji - True Greatness (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

Diz Gibran

Diz Gibran - Run Around (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angles 6/14/09 from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

Diz Gibran - Capital D (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

TiRon & Ayomari

Tiron - Sydney feat Ayomari (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

U-N-I

U-N-I - Voltron (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

U-N-I - Castle Vee (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

U-N-I - Land Of The Kings (Live @ Mountain Bar, Los Angeles 6/14/09) from AlwaysHustle.com on Vimeo.

Cookie's are Classics

2009-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Meet one of dopest producers this side of the west coast--Cook Classics.

Born and raised in NYC, this LA transplant has already made huge moves producing tracks for artists like Diamond D, Pacific Division, Amanda Diva, Buff1, TiRon, Outasight, 6th Sense, and a whole slew of other DOPE lyricists.

I met Cook when I was chillin' with Tunji and we rolled to Cook's crib trying to finalize a track on Inverse's So Far tape...the track was "Sunnycalifornia." The beat came on and it was what I like to call...instavibe. Drums were knockin'...bass was thumpin'...I wanted to quit making beats if this dude was my competition. Wow.

Since then, I've been checking for his work and if you' haven't heard any of it...time to get up because the tracks are incredible!

You can find more of his work on these releases:
Diamond D - The Huge Hefner Chronicles (I Getz It In)
Nieve & Cook - Away With Words

Get to know him a little bit better with this past Hip-Hop Official feature:

Check, @olatunji

2009-09-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week I had a chance to interview one of my favorite MC's....Tunji. I interviewed him back in 2007-08 when Inverse was just starting to make some noise...what more do I need to say?

me: Last time I interviewed you was the end of 2007, tell us what's been goin’ on with you and your crew?
Tunji: Well, a lot has changed since then...My group Inverse put out two projects - So Far (The Collection) in early '08 and and So True EP in early '09 - and a music video this summer that won a big contest on MTVU. But we're actually working separately now, on solo projects. So I'm pretty much just focusing on getting my solo stuff out there in the near future and building the Tunji name and brand.

me: Solo project? Is that what you've got on deck next? Tell us about that!
Tunji: Well, I can't really tell you too much about it because I'm still very much in the beginning stages of planning and writing, but it feels really good right now. I'm working with a lot of the same people who we worked with for Inverse, and a bunch of new faces as well. I'll probably actually end up releasing a free project first, with some stuff people have heard and some new exclusive music, and then follow it up with a more official EP or album soon after. I'm still figuring it all out, but I'm pretty sure I'll put a project out before '09 is over.

me: Definitely excited about that. We've seen you feature on a few prominent LP's such as Keelay & Zaire's debut...what is the process you take for making collaborations happen?
Tunji: Man, honestly, I just work with my friends...I'm a pretty social person, and I actually work in the industry, so I just meet a lot of people who make music and end up becoming cool with them. Then they might hear some of my stuff and think its dope, and a collaboration comes out of it. I'm not the type to collab with people I don't know. There has to be some sort of personal connection with who I'm working with or it just doesn't feel right.

me: On that note, what kind of advice can you give to a fledgling rapper who's trying to make it in the business these days?
Tunji: Basically, work hard as hell. Both at your craft and your promotion of the music you're making. Meet every single person you can in your city, on every level of music. That's producers, promoters, other rappers, other musicians who don't even make hip hop...just meet EVERYBODY. Make connections, and get online. The internet is the greatest marketing tool in the history of indie music, but you have to take advantage of the tools provided and present yourself in a unique and professional way

me: Definitely. What are some of your highlighted albums of 2009?
Tunji: This has been the year of the mixtape. Drake, J. Cole, TiRon Pac Div and Diz Gibran all put out incredible mixtapes. Drake's is easily my most played and favorite hip hop record of the year... Some of the veterans came back with good stuff too. I liked Em's album, Rae's album is insane. I enjoyed the Slaughterhouse and Fabolous albums a lot too. Jay's album really disappointed me. But yeah, as far as my favorites...it's all those mixtapes from rookies. I know I'm forgetting something... Oh, I forgot about Brother Ali's EP. That was great too. and Mos Def's The Ecstatic. Right now I love this group from Sweden called Little Dragon...it's like really quirky trip hop, but superdope. Maxwell's new album is really dope. Mayer Hawthorne's album is absolutely wonderful.and I'm late, but The Wire is the greatest show.....EVER

me: I tried w/ the wire, but couldn't do it.
Tunji: :-o
me: Slept through the first few eps!
Tunji: :-o!!!!!!!!!!! :-/
me: I heard it picks up around s.3?
Tunji: Dude, season one is the ish...Season 2 was the boring one.
me: Forreal? Everyone was saying it was dope so I copped the whole series…couldn't get past ep 3
Tunji: man, are we talking about the same show?
me: The wire, right?
Tunji: cops drug dealers? in baltimore? hahaha
me: I have to recheck then
Tunji: You like Entourage, right?
me: Yeah, only show I'm following
Tunji: okay, we agree there then. haha
me: lol. Nah, i thought something was wrong ‘cause I was the only dude who didn't feel the first few eps…and I really like gangster flicks AND drug dealer entertainment. Anyway, thanks for the interview fam! Always fun.
Tunji: indeed

Check, @tokimonsta

2009-09-14T10:03:00.001-07:00

Today’s interview feature is with both friend and peer, Jennifer aka toki aka TOKiMONSTA. She’s known most notably as the first lady of Brainfeeder (Flying Lotus’ “squad” consisting of artists such as Samiyam, Ras G, Gas Lamp Killer, Mono/Poly, Teebs, Lorn, etc.) and is best known for her infectious melodies and creative glitch use. She’s definitely one to watch and it’s exciting to see her make moves in the LA scene.

State Ya' Name, gangsta:
TOKiMONSTA aka toki aka Jennifer Lee

What hood do you represent?
310 Southbay

Race/color/ethnicity all have no bearing on making great music, but to finally clarify to the people...what nationality are you?
Korean-American

What inspired you to start making Hip-hop? A form a music which is traditionally portrayed by the media as misogynistic towards women:
When you have an understanding for how the culture is, men show the biggest support for females that can hold their own. Hip-hop has this really magnetic essence that's raw and yet it maintains this nonchalant artistic integrity—I want to use my musicality to be apart of this.

Seeing as you're from the South Bay area, does your location factor into your creativity? Meaning, does the city you live in influence your music at all?
Well, the general South Bay area has been the home of many dope hip hop artists, but there's not much going on in Torrance. I think it's the lack thereof that has forced me to reach out and gain creativity from other areas---not just LA, but the world.

Does identifying as a Korean-American, play a significant role in your life as an artist? Being Korean myself, I remember being forced into piano lessons and hating music when I was young. Have you experienced much of the same?
The 10 years of retarded classical piano lessons actually turned out to be one of the best things I was ever forced to endure. Being K-A is probably the driving force behind my mentality towards my music. Without trying to generalize, the Korean culture is very pride-based and we tend to feel the need to prove ourselves to the rest of the world—disprove of any doubts regarding what we are capable of. I think that’s what happens after centuries of oppression and control by outside forces. I will never be able to shake the feeling that I need to affirm that I'm a legit producer and not just a gimmick.

What it is like trying to do music full time? Do you get pressure from your parents at all (as typical Asian parents expect you to graduate from college and have a flourishing career as a dr. or lawyer) to just get a day job and do music for fun? What would you say to those who look to you as inspiration? Meaning, if there's another Korean-American female who wants to pursue what you do, what would you say to her?
My family was tripping in the beginning, but now they are fully supportive of my music. Especially since they know that I've tried the white collar work route—working 10 hour salaried corporate positions—and it just wasn't cracking for me. I have to admit the money was nice, but now I'm 100% in love with what I do. If there's anyone of any nationality that has a passion they want to pursue, just do it. It's cliché, but don't live your life wondering, "What if?" If you fail, you will make due with your losses and move on with life as it would've been.... but you will know you tried.

As a gearhead myself, what are you using to make your music?
Without getting too into specifics: PC for production, Mac for live performances, vinyl, an array of diff midi controllers (pads, keyboards, effects), mixer, portable digital condenser mic for real life sampling, my clarinet, piano, these 2 weird wooden wind instruments, SP404, and anything I can bang on for percussion.

I've recently noticed that you're repping the Brainfeeder crew. How did you come to hook up with Flying Lotus and co.?
I guess it was just the course of nature bringing like-minded people together. I didn't see it coming though. It's made a big impact in a short period of time and I'm really appreciative of everyone.

What does it feel like to get recognized in such a short amount of time? Do you get recognized walking down the street these days?
HA. Most people still have a hard time grasping that I make beats. Also, LA is flooded with talented people. You can go anywhere and see your favorite emcee/producer/dj just floating around in the crowd—If you even know what they actually look like.

Now that you have the outlet, when should we expect a full length TOKiMONSTA LP?
I can't say I know exactly when, but I'm hoping sometime early next year. I have a few other things coming out in the meantime, but I realize none of these are stateside. So, I may do a private press/digital release in the meantime

I saw that you've also done tracks (in FlyLo fashion) for local LA rappers such as Surrilla and Dumbfoundead, but do you differentiate what beats become TOKi tracks and which ones become rap beats?
To be honest, I don't work with emcees lately because of the nature of my music. Surrilla and Dumb are great friends of mine, so I've made exceptions to contribute to their body of work. The music I contribute to emcees is different than my personal instrumental work--it's more boom bappy. I haven't grown out of that style either.. I go back here and there. I have musical ADD.

Do you have any other passions other than music?
I love to cook and bake. I'm a foodie in the least pretentious sense of the word. Also, I draw and paint--which is my refuge from my occasional music blocks. In addition to all that, I'm big on fashion. I think I check more fashion blogs than music—what can I say? Fashion and shopping is another creative outlet.

Thanks toki!

Check, @14KT

2009-09-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today was spent interviewing an mc/producer from the Athletic Mic League (my favorite Michigan rap crew), 14KT.

You can find his quick biography here.

Descry: State ya name and where are you from?
KT: 14KT, I'm from Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Descry: You spoke to Potholes briefly about the album with Othello, how far is that in terms of being released?
KT: We're still developing concepts for songs, but we do have a title and were about 8-9 joints deep! Should be done by top of next year hopefully!

Descry: Speaking of new one...you just dropped Nowalataz which received alot of praise on twitter. How do you feel about the immediate access you have to your fans through social media?
KT: Much love to EVERYONE who showed love on the nowalataz album! I think that the immediate access to fans is a great networking tool. I actually tested the nowalataz album out using nothing, but social media to get the word out. I was hoping that if people liked the album, word of mouth would carry it into its success. So far so good. Thank you everyone!

Descry: From a producer to another producer, what are equipment are you using? Do you quantize? What are some of your go to pieces?
KT: I'm using adobe audition, a few synth vsts, motif, turntables, bass, guitar, percussion, and still getting feet wet with Reason. Naw, I don't quantize. My go to pieces are records. I try not to sample sometimes, but vinyl is my vice.

Descry: Do you have a day job? if so, how do you juggle between life and music?
KT: Naw, no day job. Since 06', when I finished college, nothing but music full-time and boy has it been hard..

Descry: Do you have any other passions other than music?
KT: That's a good question. I'm still in the soulsearching phase, but I do have a love for God so I've been thinking of ways to apply whatever my skills are to living more for God. Also, I have a passion for investing and entrepreneurship. I like coming up with ideas/concepts for businesses and projects.

Descry: What's some advice you can give to other producers? Any particular ways to give out beat CDs or the like?
KT: My only advice is to embrace your uniqueness as a person and learn how to incorporate that into your style of production. Also, learn music theory so you can expand on your ideas with production and work better with other musicians.

As far as beat cds, I've tried many methods and some work for different situations. I usually work on beats for a certain artist and send them the joints personally. If I don't do that, I make a small batch of beats and send them to a list of cats. Not really up on just giving out beat cds bcuz cats just leak/bootleg the ish, therefore making it hard for you to get work bcuz artists already heard the. That's something I really hate about the music production game.

Descry: Thanks KT, always a pleasure!
KT: Thank you for taking time out to interview a brother. I really appreciate it!!

Check, @6thSense

2009-09-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

New York City...birthplace of hip-hop. The standard makers for the music I fell in love with--hip-hop. Today features an interview with a Bronx born MC/Producer named 6th Sense who is definitely on the next level.

Co-signed by everyone from Mick Boogie to internet tastemakers like Eskay, 6th Sense is definitely someone you should be checking for!

me: We've been seeing you on a lot of production duties lately. Are you starting to shift your attention away from MCing?

6th: I started off '09 with a resolution of sorts to give the proper attention to my production. I still rhyme though. There are small pieces here and there that have popped up, and there's more to look forward to.

me: Word, I've seen a mpc1000 in a couple of the videos online. Is that your main weapon of choice—any other pieces that you co-sign?

6th: Yeah the MPC1000 is the baby. Not to knock the software out there, I just like the mental process of sequencing drums on the MPC as opposed to clicking the mouse. It's also easy to travel with. I use Reason to play sounds into Pro Tools. There are some other odds and ends that I dabble with, but that's pretty much the core for my basement setup.

me: Any swing settings or other tips you recommend for newer producers who want to get a mpc1000?

6th: None in particular.

me: I'm from the west coast, so besides the cats you work with like Outasight, Fresh

Daily, and Kid Daytona...who else should I be checking for?

6th: That's funny you mention Fresh, cause me and Fresh never did anything together, although he did play me something he did to a beat of mine. Maybe we'll do some music in the future. As far as other folks to check for, just check for everyone that will be on "It's A 6th Sense Mixtape Yo!!" that will be coming out soon.

me: Hmm, I think he showed me that track as well. Didn’t know you didn’t get up in the lab with him.

6th: I think it was called "Gutter Man"

me: Yeah, something like that.

6th: Shout out to Fresh Daily and the whole AOK, great people.

me: Do you have an exact date for the new mixtape?

6th: Not at the moment. Just tying up the last bits and pieces of it. There's a whole lot of material on it. I'd say it's looking at a late October release.

me: Word, thanks for the time homie!

6th: Not a problem. Any time.

Check, @OneBeLo

2009-09-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was chillin' w/ the homie One Be Lo, and we got into a discussion about various projects/trading ideas to see how we could smash on you foos for 2010. What resulted at the end of that discussion is this a quick impromptu video interview (conducted with my Blackberry Curve, so excuse the poor quality).

In the video he talks about his anticipated album entitled, B.A.B.Y. (being a black youth), a new Binary Star project (of which I'm helping engineer some of the beats... 'Lo produced some incredible joints), an album with Black Milk (the bonus track on Black Milk's Popular Demand is a track from these sessions), Bean One, a project with Zumbi from Zion-I, various other collaborations, and a brand new show set in the works that I can guarantee will blow your mind.

As was leaked early in September 2009, Pigs is a track that was recorded during the B.A.B.Y. sessions and features Mike Posner on vox. The album itself is amazing and hasn't left my car stereo since 'Lo dropped it off a week ago. It's gonna be released on the MYX Music label and features a host of great underdog MC's and vocalists. Rappers like Freeway (it's the ROC!), Phonte, Jean Grae, Longshot, Supastition, and other dope, DOPE cats rip their features with swift ninja-like skills. Producer Eric G is a relative new comer to the scene, but he contributes ALL of the beats...ALL of them. A few live musicians were contacted as well to really the album some edge, guys like Miles Bonney easily weave through Eric G's production and add great sparkle to beats that already shine...anyhow, enough about that...onto the interview!

Check, @_INSIGHT_

2009-09-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today's interview is with quadruple threat (programmer, DJ, MC, producer), Virgin Island born, hip-hop artist--Insight. He has been releasing music since 1997 and has a staggering 60 releases under his discography. He has done music for and/or recorded with: KRS One, Consequence, Ed Og, Mr Lif, Edan, OC, Opio, AG, and more.

This guy was the first one to ever teach me about the music business (back in...2003) and how to keep moving in such a fast paced industry. I owe alot of my industry knowledge to this guy! Check out a quick conversation we had in AIM (AOL Instant Messsenger) about what he's been up to lately.

Check out his site or blog for more info!

me: Yo, ‘sight

insight: Yooo. Sup kid, I’m in France

me: haha, I knew you were somewhere—world traveler

insight: lol. I’ve been busy programming a VST that has an iPhone version, but its 16 tracks with time stretch, automation and a sampler.

me: sounds similar to FXpansion’s Guru?

insight: This is a step sequencer with swing settings that is touch based. It also has an internal puncher, compresser, and effects and a sequencer. I’ve been [working on this project] so I can do music 100 percent without worrying about financial stability.

me: So, your vst, you're a programmer and a rapper? How do they go hand in hand How did you get into programming?

insight: I started out as an artist, DJ and producer. Instead of simply being a producer, I wanted to create a machine. Instead of being limited to functions in particular software, I wanted to develop my own. There is nothing wrong with having goals greater than your reach. By working towards those dreams, I still arrived to a new territory. I believe that since music will become more interactive, programming builds the bridge to it's future. Society is ready. Music files should include other interactive forms of media…especially since we have devices capable of handling and syncing technologies. When I say that the music should be interactive, it's that simple

me: Will you also be including new insight music in the VST package?

insight: I will feature some songs in the vst as demos

me: How did you come to learn programming languages? Which ones are you most adept in?

insight: One big thing that got me into programming was a C toolkit called Juce.

But now I only code using C, C++ or Objective C. I started programming php, mysql and actionscript when Flash was Flash Paper. That was almost nine years ago. Three years ago I started learning C, and I also started programming basic midi applications. Although my goal then was a full fledged sequencer, I didnt know how much information I’d really need. So, I started programming basic windows applications. A year an a half ago, I got a mac, and learned objective C

insight: No doubt bro!

me: What's your direction after the VST is finished?

insight: Some big companies want me to develop applications based on music synthesis. But another Insight album will drop at the same time due to the unsteadiness of the music industry. Something like a co-release with the VST will greatly help the marketing of the new product.

me: Are you still using the mpc 3000?

insight: Yes 3000, although I've been using whatever I'm around.

me: What're some tips you can give to a cat who just finds himself on the 3k or any other drum machine?

insight: Use swig functions more!

me: What're some swing settings you'd recommend?

insight: Experiment with adjusting start time offset to allow drums to punch more, but understand that simply syncing sounds with the machine using midi, wont actually give you the benefit of the machines quality. Understand that simply syncing sounds with the machine using midi, won’t actually give you the benefit of the machines quality.

me: Do you shift in step edit, or do you do it manually?

insight: That depends. I prefer precisely placed patterns so I do drums manually, then go in and manipulate things further to match the samples.

Thanks for the time! Always appreciate it ‘Sight

insight: No doubt bro!

insight: No doubt bro!

Check, @imOutasight

2009-09-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

The first interview of the series kicks off with my dude from NYC, Outasight. This east coast native has seen a lot in the past few months. There's so much back story about the past few months...where do I begin?

In any case, he just dropped a new track yesterday (September 02, 2009) entitled "Downtown In My Mind" produced by D/Will...so, I took the time to catch up with him this morning.

What's up OU? Right off the bat as a fan....I gotta ask, where's your album [From Here To Eternity] at? I was hoping my summer bbq's would be filled with your music playing in the background.
Well, thank you for the props…The album is just taking time in terms of distribution and getting the right people behind it. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait. When I drop my album, I want it to be done the right way, so as many people as possible can hear it….

You leaked Downtown in My Mind yesterday, what's the story behind the track?
Downtown in My Mind is a joint that reflects when someone who wants to get away from everything, including their own thoughts. I’m a New York City cat, so downtown is a place of vibrancy, a place that is different than say the usual drudges of everyday hustle. Going downtown in your mind is basically opening yourself up from those routine moments…

We've seen you and 6th Sense collaborate on a ton of tracks, how did that initial meeting come about?
6th and I met last December through a mutual friend by the name of Black Element. We live in the same area and are both music geeks, so we hit it off right away and have been making music ever since.

We've also seen a good friend, Cook Classics, on a few of your tracks as well. Matter of fact, I think "What I Know" is my favorite song in 2009. How did that relationship develop?
Cook and I met through 6th actually, as Cook was in NYC at the Knitting Factory at a small show 6th had put together. I rocked a song or two and afterwards Cook and I chopped it up. He sent me some joints the next day and I knew he was a monster from then on. We got a lot of dope joints people haven’t even heard yet, some really big stuff. Cook is definitely the homie too for allowing 6th and I to crash on his couches for over a month this past winter as we mixed and recorded records!

In your pictures of shows and your last mixtape [From Here to There] cover, you're dressed very differently that an average hip-hopper--almost gq-ish. what's your inspiration? Are there any brands you recommend to someone who's trying to get their gentleman game up?
I have always been into more classic styling’s. Basically, a no logo approach. I figure that you should be in style today...what if someone took a photo, 40 years from now? There are a lot of great brands out today, from J Lindeberg, APC, and Dior. But times are hard, so people can even hit places like H&M or Banana Republic and piece it together. The key to fashion is to be yourself, and wear $-!t that fits well, never too baggy and never too tight either!

What are some of your passions besides music?
I’m and avid sports fan-Knicks, Yankees, and Giants. Football is great because it’s once a week so following is way easier than the day in day out grind of baseball or basketball. I play basketball still, regularly, great exercise and I can shoot…

I also enjoy reading and fashion as well.

I am a simple man in a complex world ahaha!

How's the daily grind? Do you currently hold a day job? How're you surviving in a city that has a notioriously high standard of living?
I have not had a day job since October of last year! I am a working artist, via writing, placements, and of course putting out records. I am surviving pretty well. Truly I feel blessed that in these hard times I am able to make a living doing what I want to do. I am thankful on a daily basis!

Time to get tourist. What are some of your fave spots to grub in NYC?
If I were to visit, what kind of food would I be looking at?
First off, you gotta get Pizza. I recommend a spot called Stromboli’s on St Marks and 1st Ave in the East Village. Totally Underrated.

Then on 2nd ave, there’s a spot called Paul’s Burgers. Insanely greasy, insanely delicious.

Sunday brunch at 7A on 7th street and Ave A is where it’s at, just get there before 1 if you want to sit outside, and have a bloody mary, they're delicious!

And if you can, travel up to the Bronx and have authentic Italian food at a little spot known as Patricia’s, their Gnocchi Bolognese is beyond incredible.

Lastly, what will we be seeing from you in the couple of months?
Well I got a new project I’m going to drop September 28th, called the Brand New Day Sessions, which will have a slew of new stuff for the listeners to enjoy. It’s a way to keep people in the know and happy as we prep the album. I’m also rocking the A3C festival in Atlanta and look forward to doing some more show across the land as time goes on. Oh, and the video for Brand New Day!

Artist on Artists Series (Pause)

2009-09-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

The next series of posts will be interviews with some of my friends. Check soon for interviews with Reyn @ potholes in my blog, One Be Lo, Jern Eye, The Farralones, El Prez, Trek Life, Tunji of Inverse, and loads more! Be on the lookout!

Descry - Experiences in Full Duplex

2009-07-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Descry
Experiences In Full Duplex: Episodes
[2006, no label]

In 2005, I collaborated with Swamburger from the Sol.illaquists of Sound (if you're not familiar, check them out here: Epitaph Site and Solilla Site). It was my 2nd year into production, and I was extremely excited to work with such an incredible MC.

At the time of the release, music was going through a transition phase. Hip-hop was starting to see a return to form through Common's "BE," and other incredible albums were released that year such as the self titled Clap Your Hand Say Yeah LP, Sufjan Steven's "Illinois," Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm," and the proper revealing of John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk's live performance at Carnegie Hall.

Thinking about it, 2005 was a great year for music.

In any case, check out the tracks which saw a limited release of 200 copies.

Artwork was helmed by David Chun

Enjoy!

Music

2009-04-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry folks, I've been MIA for quite a while...alot has happened since.

In mid October 20080, my garage was set ablaze by the Porter Ranch Fires. It's about mid April 2009 I still have yet to move back into my home....

No worries though, God is good and He is sovereign so I don't stay up worrying.

Since my departure, I've made sporadic posts here and there and can definitely say that I can now devote a chunk of time back into the blog. I'll start doing audio equipment reviews and the like.

In the meantime, there's a great deal of music released by artists that I respect. I won't post links because there are loads of blogs that can supply you with the needed information (ala 2dopeboyz.com).

The first being U-N-I. Their debut album entitled "A Love Supreme" is heralded everywhere from Okayplayer to XXL and boy what a release this is. Production completely handled by Ro BLVD, these cats (Thurzday and Y-O) definitely have a bright future ahead.

The next is Outasight's "From Here to There." Outasight delivers my favorite mixtape so far in 2009 and is one of the artists I'm watching out for when the summer hits.

Third, we've got Cook Classic's "The New Classics." The homie Cook delivers some heavy hitters with this Vimby collaboration. This is one of those albums you can play it on repeat and discover something new every time.

Lastly, Print - Comic Book: Unlimited. This is THE BEST concept album to date this year. It features an awesome lineup of all stars and is based upon every 80's/90's kid's dreams...comic books. This is one you don't want to miss.

More to come...

2009

2009-01-26T15:20:00.001-08:00

It’s definitely been a while, and I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with the blog

Definitely changes will be coming.

Happy New Year.

FREE!

2008-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

So, it's definitely been a while since I last updated...but I hope you excuse me with the offer of FREE MUSIC!

Dragon Fli Empire - Intermission EP
DOWNLOAD

Kid Cudi - A Kid Named Cudi
DOWNLOAD

The Cool Kids - That's Stupid
Download

More to come...

2008-02-20T16:27:00.001-08:00

this is it...the evolution in music instruments? amazing.

Jazz Liberatorz

2008-01-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

Yeap, you have no idea about these cats. They're three French beatmakers (DJ Dusty/DJDamage/Madhi) that are bringing back jazzy hip-hop! With the rise of French Indie-Disco (the Ed Banger crew to be exact), the French have proven that they can make music to move crowds.

The Jazz Liberatorz have just released their debut album entitled "Clin d'oeil." It features a plethora of really great American hip-hop artists ...Buckshot (Black Moon), Sadat-X (Bran Nubian), Tre-Hardson (ex-Pharcyde), Stacy Epps, T-Coil, Tableek (Maspyke), Fat Lip (ex-Pharcyde), J-Sands, Lizz Fields, Raashan Ahmad (Crown City Rockers), Apani B Fly, J-Sands (Lone Catalysts), and J-Live. Not to mention live instrumentation from some of France's finest jazz musicians.

This is definitely something you DON'T want to sleep on if you're a fan of jazz and "golden era" hip-hop.

FatLip, SlimKid3, & Omni - Ease My Mind

J-Sands - When The Clock Ticks

HELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO 2008!

2008-01-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

2008 has arrived, and what better way to celebrate it than free music? Zip, zero, stingy with denero.

Anyway, check these out:

Inverse - So Far: The Collection
http://www.zshare.net/download/6080236e9cb005/

K-Def - American Gangster Remix Album
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PSJK68OG

Lil Wayne - The Leak
http://rapidshare.com/files/80001803/Lil__Wayne_-_The_Leak_EP.zip

Crown City ROCKERS!

2007-12-22T01:21:00.000-08:00

Whatch'all know about this crew?

Formerly known as Mission, this quintet is one of the West Coast's finest Hip-Hop bands. There's really nothing to say...just watch the video.

Since the video two things have changed.

One, there used to be two MC's--Raashan Ahmad and Moe Pope. Moe had left the group in order to stay in Bos
ton (where the group originated from) and raise his daughter. However since his stay in Boston, he's joined two groups: Electric and Project Move (an offshoot group from Electric...like how Souls of Mischief is to Hieroglyphics) and they are both dope hip-hop groups in their own right.

Two, Kitundu is no longer their DJ.

Crown City's upcoming album for 2008 is entitled "5 Gold Stars," and they've been hard at work crafting a gem. This 2008 offering is different in that they are no longer midi sequencing their work.

What does that mean? Traditionally, the staple of hip-hop production is an Akai Midi Production Center or MPC (note: the MPC will not make you a dope beat maker). With the MPC, one is able to trigger samples through midi enabled pads and allow you to put together (or "sequence") sounds. Basically, with the MPC you're trying to create a musical collage of sounds you've discovered.--the MPC is the glue while your samples (in layman's terms known as sound snippets) are the paper.

Since Crown City is no longer creating their music off of rhythm based machines, this new album will have a total organic feel ala The Roots with "Phrenology." So for you, the listener, you get to experience something not many hip-hop groups are doing these days...playing music. So be sure to look out for "5 Gold Stars" in 2008!

UPCOMING RELEASES:
Raashan Ahmad - The Push
The Mighty Underdogs - Dropping Science Fiction
Crown City Rockers - 5 Gold Stars

Out now from the Crown City Rockers:
Mission - One
Mission - Everything But The Album
Headnodic - Headnodic Beats v. 1
Crown City Rockers - Weekend Soul EP
Crown City Rockers - Earthtones
Plate Fork Knife Spoon (Headnodic, Kat, Max, Eric Krasno of Soulive, Charlie Roberts and David Boyce) - Plate Fork Knife Spoon
Raashan Ahmad - B-Sides, Bootlegs & Rarities: The Official Mix Tape
Kat 010 - Natural Phenomenon

Other releases you'll find them on:
OM Records - Deep Concentration 4
HVW8 Presents: Music Is My Art
Kajmere Sound Recordings Presents - Impeach The Precedent
J-Boogie - J-Boogie's Dubtronic Science
Descry - Experiences In Full Duplex
The Mighty Underdogs - The Prelude EP
Moe Pope & Headnodic - Megaphone

Tracks:
Kat 010 - Natural Phenomenon Snippets

Crown City Rockers - Sidestep ft. Destani Wolf

What they're listening to v.1

2007-12-12T17:40:00.001-08:00

Today I asked some of the homies for their top5's. Check it out.

Descry:
1. Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab
2. Choice37 - Diligence
3. Dela - Atmosphere Airlines
4. Johnson & Jonson - Powders & Oils
5. The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - Together

G-Koop:
1. Joe Cocker - Mad Dogs & Englishmen
2. Miles Davis - The Cellar Door Sessions 1970
3. Public Enemy - Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Back
4. Freeway - Free At Last
5. Bilal - Love For Sale

Tunji:
1. CunninLynguists - Dirty Acres
2. Freeway - Free At Last
3. Blu & Exile - Below The Heavens In Hell Happy With Your New Imaginary Friend
4. Saigon - The Moral Of The Story
5. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights

Toby:
1. CunninLynguists - Dirty Acres
2. Jay-Z - American Gangster
3. Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth
4. John Legend - Once Again
5. Melee - Devils & Angels

Flying Lotus:
1. Burial - Untrue
2. Radiohead - In Rainbows
3. Daedelus - Live At Low End Theory
4. Broadcast - Ha Ha Sound
5. Flying Lotus - Los Angeles

John Robinson:
1. Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab
2. Jill Scott - The Real Thing
3. Herbie Hancock - Fat Albert Rotunda
4. Archie Schepp - Attica Blues
5. Dwight Trible - Living Water

Incise:
1. Radiohead - In Rainbows
2. Daft Punk - Alive 2007
3. Mylo - Destroy Rock & Roll
4. Kraftwerk - Autobahn
5. Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life

DJ Benzi:
1. Kid Sister - Switchboard (off of the Kid Sister's "Pro Nails" single)
2. Kid Cui - Day 'n' Nite (Joker's On The Scene Remix)
3. Estelle - Wait A Minute (Sinden Remix)
4. Kid Sister - Pro Nails (Benzi Remix)
5. Freeway and Rick Ross - Criminal Opera (off of Freeway's "Free At Last" album)

Mr. Rath:
1. Ice Cube - AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
2. Curtis Mayfield - People Get Ready (Live)
3. Isley Brothers- Harvest For The World
4. Diamond D - Stunts, Blunts and Hip-Hop
5. Ghostface Killah - Ironman

INVERSE!

2007-12-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Inverse--two emcees (Tunji & Toby) straight from the westside. CA...ALL DAY! They're related to the QN5 family (Cunninlynguists, Extended Famm, etc.), but these dudes make GREAT music in a style all their own.

"Honest music.Soulful production. Straightforward lyrics. Hip hop...that pushes forward. Something new." -myspace.com/inversehiphop

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing these two fine gentlemen.

Descry: What's up guys? Introduce yourselves to the world.

Tunji: I'm Tunji, representing Inverse, from Cali. I grew up in the bay, but I live in LA now...I've lived all over, though - Oakland, Nigeria, Massachusetts for high school, then I went to Pomona College in southern Cali and moved out to LA afterwards.

Toby: I'm Toby...I grew up in LA pretty much my entire life...except for about half a year when I lived in Ecuador. Pretty simple answer.

Descry: When did you guys figure out music was something you wanted to do professionally?

Tunji: When I was about 17, and really maturing as a writer, I knew I either wanted to be a rapper or work in the music industry. I'm doing both now.

Toby: Well, I loved music from the time I was little. I was always singing and dancing, albeit poorly.

Descry: Word, word. How did you both get together to form Inverse?

Tunji: We actually met on a hip hop messageboard in like 2000...We were both just starting to write songs and get better as MCs, so we just would show each other verses and what not, and we just kept in touch...then when I came to southern Cali for college, we eventually met up at a show - Atmosphere I believe. We made a song the very same day over a Soul Supreme beat, and then came up with the name a few weeks later.

Toby: We liked a lot of the same music and I had some beats that I was working with at the time from a producer named Soul Supreme...so we ended up writing our first song together the day we met.

Descry: Do you guys have certain themes carried out in your songs? Have you developed the Inverse sound since that early beginning?

Tunji: Umm...I think, first and foremost, we're both songwriters and really focused on lyrics...so you're always gonna get some well written and thought out words from us...But overall, we just try to make really honest music with a soulful vibe. The songs are usually pretty personal too, but we try to keep the hooks real catchy and memorable as well.

Toby: I would say that I don't think we particularly try to carry any specific themes in our sound....there's some combination of the music mixed with our life experience that leads us in one direction or another....so that can carry us in a lot of different directions...as long as we're being honest and it's done well...then I think we're doing what needs to be done.

Tunji: Our songs are about life...and we try to make soulful, honest hip hop.

Descry: Honest hip-hop...hmm. What artists inspires the "Inverse sound" as a group?

Tunji: Waaaaaay too many to name....I mean, all the people you would expect...OutKast, Jay-Z, Nas, Common, etc. But also, all the really dope artists around us who we are friends with and learning from like Brother Ali, CunninLynguists, OneBeLo and whatnot. I'm also inspired by great songwriters like the Beatles, Bob Marley...all the Motown era soul groups, Sly Stone, Stevie, I could go on forever. Music is like oxygen to me, I'm listening 24/7.

Toby: I loved Michael Jackson! My dad listened to country and blues while my mom listened to more classic rock, Beatles, etc. I listened to radio rap growing up, until i was about 12--some kid from my school (he was 17 so i looked up to him) made a copy for me of Resurrection by Common and Illmatic by Nas...and man that shit blew my mind. I was always a fan of words and writing stories and poems and shit like that...but it wasn't until I heard that stuff then it all came together. Those two albums opened the door to a LOT of dope stuff...94 was a great year for discovering hip hop....Nas, Common, Outkast, Wu-Tang, Dr. Dre, Goodie Mob, etc. All kinds of stuff came out that year and I was obsessed. You know, I actually started trying to write like Common.

Descry: Haha, I bet those early tapes are dope. Your inspirations have taken you both a long way. Now, you're a part of the new reformed LA Hip-Hop scene--how do you feel about all the new talent emerging out of LA?

Tunji: It's amazing, man. I feel lucky, because there is so much talent here...I feel like we're in the middle of something huge. The world is gonna see in the next few years, and it's already starting to happen. I feel like a lot of the people around us are really going to be a part of hip hop's future. You've got artists like Blu, Exile, Aloe Blacc, Pacific Division, TiRon, U-N-I, J Davey, Noah King...all young, hungry and creative. All making honest music, and unafraid to have fun with it. Also, there are lots of transplants from Detroit [Ta'raach...House Shoes...etc.] who are really putting some life into the local scene as well. Then you've got the new generation of Project Blowed cats who are ridiculous [Nocando...Dumbfoundead...etc.]. LA is too dope right now.

Toby: It's a beautiful thing really....it feels like everyone is fairly conscious and respectful of what everyone else is doing....there's a whole lot of really dope music being made that's been absent from the LA scene for a long time.....everyone Tunj said...Blu, Pacific Division, Tiron, Noah King, and i'm sure some others i'm unaware of or forgetting right now....most of us are friends or at least acquintances...and we work together....out of respect for each other's talent..and with the understanding that we can all come up together.

Descry: Being musicians, did either of you play any instruments growing up?

Tunji: I played the clarinet and the trumpet a little bit...but I was fucking terrible at it. I gave it up by the 7th grade. But I always loved music and I've been writing lyrics as long as I can remember. I definitely wish I knew more music theory...I had a chance to take a class in college, but I think I took an art class instead.

Toby: I did play the guitar for about 3 years when I was younger...probably around age 7-10 or so.. I really loved it. My parents would force me to practice for an hour every night. Sometimes I would want to play for 3 hours, but sometimes I wouldn't want to play more than a half hour if anything at all. I would tinker around and come up with my own melodies. I doubt any of them were good, but I thought they were dopest shit in the world at the time. I had a lot of activities going on when I was younger, so I was just stubborn and being told what to do sort of took away from my passion for it..and eventually I just said screw it. I regret doing it now, but ah well..c'est la vie. I'm thinking of learning how to play the piano now...if I could only afford to buy a keyboard or something.

Descry: Tunji, you seem to emphasize your education. With mainstream artists like Kanye West proudly admitting that he was a college dropout, do you feel as if your college education has inspired you musically?

Tunji: Well, I was making music all through college, and it was great because it was always easy to get people to come see us perform, or spread new music around. Plus, I met a lot of folks in college who are helping out when it comes to my music these days. I was a Media Studies major, so that helped me get a music industry job when I graduated and make most of the connections I have today. I'm glad I went, although paying back these loans is a bitch. As far as what I learned in the classroom making me a better artist, I wouldn't really say that's the case. The other great thing about college was it was my first time with high speed internet. My freshman year was the year Napster blew up and I learned how to find music online, and I learned so much about hip hop and other music that way...I never would have heard a lot of my favorite music if I hadn't had that high speed connection, haha.

Descry: On that note, do you advocate piracy as an artist? Do you see it becoming this virus the RIAA claims it to be?

Tunji: At this stage in our career, it's a huge benefit. Most people who hear our music are going to find out about it on the internet or download it randomly. I think if you make great music, it's not going to matter in the end whether people download it or not. I hope that people support artists in other ways if they really love them. If you're gonna download an album and you end up loving it, go see the show when the artist comes through town, or buy a t-shirt, or at least tell a bunch of people about the great music you heard.

Descry: Speaking of which, that's actually how I heard your music the first time. I downloaded the Cunninlynguists' "Sloppy Seconds 2 mixtape, and was impressed by the lyricism you guys brought to the table. How were you guys able to hook up with the QN5 team?

Tunji: I think Kno used to steal music from me when I was in college...And we started talking around the time the first CunninLynguists album dropped in '01. Then in '03 I got a bunch of money from my college and threw a show with CunninLynguists, Little Brother and Cee-Lo, so we all became better friends after that. That show lead to them getting Cee-Lo on A Piece of Strange, and as they started to get bigger and come do more shows in LA, we were always there and helping out behind the scenes. Everytime QN5 is in LA, we're there.

Toby: Well...I got some beats from Kno over 7 years ago actually. They never ended up anything, but we stayed talking from time to time. When Tunji put together the hip hop for charity show at the school... Cee-Lo, Little Brother, and Cunninlynguists came through and slept on my floor. We helped transport them around....Tunji being the show promoter and me just trying to help. We just sort of built with them from there. We gave them a place to stay when they were out here, and help them get around when we could. We just built a real friendship from there, and after doing lots of shows with them (and them having heard some of the stuff we were working on)....Kno allowed us to be on Sloppy Seconds 2. That seemed to be well received so we did a song for Asterisk 4 as well.

Tunji: Those guys are really our hip hop big brothers, and they really looked out by letting us appear on Sloppy Seconds 2 and Asterisk 4 - a lot of people know of us off those two songs alone. Not to mention they're making some of the best hip hop around. Plus, they give us good advice and are helping us out with our music and decisions we make. Deacon and Kno are executive producing the Inverse album, actually.

Descry: Wow, speaking of the Inverse album...when are you going to introduce the world to a proper full length?

Tunji: We're putting out a project called So Far on January 1st...It's not quite an album, but it's not a mixtape either. It's all original songs and beats, and collaborations, some older stuff and a little bit of new stuff. Kind of like a sample of what we've done and where we're at now, just to let people catch up and give them a glimpse of who we are before we drop the album Long Day's Journey later in '08. But yeah, So Far...we're definitely proud of it. We put it together like an album. Some of our close friends are on it and we've got production from Kno, M-Phazes, Styalz Fuego and our boys Oren Yoel and Cook Classics.

Toby: Yeah, So Far is a project that consists of a few songs that had been released, a few songs that we had made in the process of working on Long Day's Journey and we felt didn't fit in musically with the flow of that album, and then most of it is new songs that we made specifically for this project. Though it will have, I believe, 14 tracks...it's not the real album. It's basically a way for us to introduce ourselves to the audience, and letting them see what we're about and what we're capable of doing. Basically, something tangible for people to take home from shows so that people are ready and excited for Long Day's Journey when it comes out.

Descry: Dope! Besides music what else do you guys do?

Tunji: Even when I'm not making music, most of my social activity revolves around music...most of my friends are rappers, DJs and producers, or involved in music somehow. So I'm usually doing something music related. I spend a lot of time going to shows, chillin with the homeys and writing non-music stuff. We just started a blog that I'm kind of obssessed with too. Oh, and I puff mad trees.

Toby: I work...I teach kids gymnastics...my free time is pretty minimal these days.....if i'm not recording music...and i'm not occupied by work or exercise....I'm usually thinking about music....or writing it in my head.....I guess my only nerdy hobby is that I love languages....and I'm always trying to learn new languages or get better at the ones I speak. I got crazy respect for people that can speak like 5, 6,7, 8, + languages fluently...shit is awesome and I'm jealous. I speak 2 fluently...and 2 more conversationally, and then just a bunch of random words in a whole bunch more.

Descry: Fresh, my pops is like that. He knows almost 7 languages, it trips me out. Asides from all that, any last plugs, shouts or things we should be on the look out for?

Tunji: Ummm....look out for the Spitkicker mixtape that I'm helping put together with my boy Fizz and DJ Lowkey from Colorado. Look out for the new DJ Hyphen mixtape that I'm featured on. Look out for the new album from DJ Incise that we're working on. Look out for the new CunninLynguists album Dirty Acres, and Substantial's new album Sacrifice. Look out for the next generation of cats from LA. Definitely look out for Inverse, and check the blog to see what we're up to. Good lookin out.

Toby: I did a verse on a song on the Mudluscious album that came out last year. I think I'll be doing some guest spots on some of our friend's projects when those come out, but other than that it's just Inverse. Trying to get stuff done is time consuming when you have to get everyone together at the same time when myself, Tunji, and the studio engineer all have full time jobs. I would love to do more song writing for singers. That's something I really enjoy, but for no getting this Inverse stuff done is numero uno.

Descry: Thanks alot guys, we'll for sure be on the look out for ya'll in the near future!

Tunji: Fasho!

Toby: Yeah, no problem.

Inverse - Constellation feat. A-Dub & Nieve (produced by M-Phazes) [Download here!]

Inverse - 'Til The End (C.A.L.I.) ft. Trek Life and Deacon the Villain

Albums you're sleepin' on!

2007-11-30T03:41:00.000-08:00

A-Love - Ace of Hearts. [Crookneck Records.2007]

Female MC's are lacking as of late, but this debut album from Melbourne's queen of hip hop is a refreshing reminder that girls can rap too. Released on November 24, 2007, this is definitely something you should try to get your hands on. Single handedly produced by BVA while A-Love gives that beautiful female touch.

A-Love - Love Is

Choice37 - Choice37 [Untapped Sounds.2007]

Beautiful debut album from Captions (formerly Longevity Crew) member Choice37. The album was titled "Diligence" overseas, but the US release features ALL NEW tracks and a brand new cover! The sounds...beautiful, soulful, introspective, and thought-provoking. Definitely one album you NEED to pick up this year.

Choice37 - Back To Cuba ft. The Earl & Lauren Santiago

Hyde Out Productions - 2nd Collection [Hyde Out Recordings. 2007]

The Hyde Out production team returns with another masterpiece, and a new beat crew member--Emancipator. The album holds true to the Hyde Out sound (which is Japanese influenced), and features the usual suspects--Nujabes, Apani B, Substantial, Uyama Hiroto, Pase Rock, and more! If you're looking for smooth jazz hip-hop styling, this is a something you need.

Nujabes - Sky Is Falling ft. C.L. Smooth

Ohmega Watts - Watts Happening [Ubiquity Records.2007]

Ohmega Watts is one of my favorite DJ/Producer/MC's to date. This triple threat is a member of the west coast's Lightheaded crew, and returns with straight heat. This time around Ohmega flexes his talent to put live jams together, and it works! Reminiscent of Madlib on the boards, this multi-talented musician offers something special to those that are more than fans of Hip-Hop.

Ohmega Watts - Triple Double ft. Theory Hazit

Y Society - Travel At Your Own Pace [Tres Records. 2007]

Insight and newcomer Damu the Fudgemunk unite to form the Y Society. Insight is definitely a beast on the mic, but what most of you didn't know was that he was one of my earliest mentors in the rap game. I owe a lot to this guy putting me on, and this album reminds me why.

Y Society - What's Next?

G-Koop!

2007-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

There's a buzz on the streets, and it's all coming from the name G Koop. Hailing from Boston, and residing in Oakland, G Koop is a producer/musician that molds classic sounds with live instrumentation.

His music is forward looking, while embracing the sounds of the past; combining styles into a sound that is only his own. As a result, Koop's production is quickly gaining him recognition among those in the know.

"I try to keep my sound evolving. There's a lot of amazing cats out there that I have to compete with and fuel what I'm doing. "

The last year has seen Koop working with Fiber, Prozack Turner, Foreign Legion, Sub Krew, Nerve, Oh No, Roc C, Shania D, and Damariz Pairo. In addition his playing has graced the recordings of Jake One, Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Nelly, 2Pac, Venison, Emile, and Veterano. The future is looking bright for G Koop.

"Even though time has shown that there's gonna be a lot of ups and downs in this industry, I try to rest easy knowing that no matter what, I'm just gonna keep doing what I'm doing!"

Today, I got the privilege to speak with G-Koop

G-Koop: SUP MAN!

Descry: Wassup man, what’s crackin’?

G-Koop: How you been?

Descry: Pretty good, how bout you?

G-Koop: Can’t complain.

Descry: To start it off, what’s your name and background?

G-Koop: I’m a musician, come producer, come engineer, come…music scholar.

Descry: Did you play any instruments when you were younger?

G-Koop: I started playing music when I was eight years old. I picked up the flute. I always to play guitar, but moms wanted me to try flute for some reason. It did not last. It lasted for about a month, and then I got my first guitar—it was off from there. I started off with guitar, went to bass, keys, harmonica, what else…synthesizers.

Descry: What equipment are you working with?

G-Koop: Production-wise, I use Protools, Recycle, and Reason. [I don’t sample from records], but I use Recycle to loop my own audio recordings. I play all the instruments myself, so I’m basically sampling myself and using Recycle to input the sounds into a sampler in Reason. I also have a large selection of vintage equipment—old synthesizers, guitars and amps, classic mic preamps, and microphones that help me achieve that vintage sound. I do a lot of sample interpolation work for a lot of other producers.

Descry: Sample interpolation? What is that exactly?

G-Koop: Basically, other producers come to me when they have a sample they want to work with, but they want a particular element of the sample. For instance, they might just want the keys, bass, or guitar sound in the sample and be able to have more freedom to work with it. On the other hand if they can’t clear the samples (maybe because they don’t have rights to use the master recordings) and they still want to use it, they’ll come to me and I’ll replay all the parts for them here in the studio.

Descry: How did you first get started on interpolation work?

G-Koop: Um…really, I guess the first guy that used me for sample replays was Jake One (G-Unit/De La Soul). He came over to the studio, saw that I had crazy equipment, and said “I’m about to put you to work man.” So it started like that, and from there the word just spread out…through referrals…the internet…stuff like that.

Descry: Who are some of the artists you’ve done interpolation work for?

G-Koop: I’ve done replays for 50 Cent, Lil’ Scrappy, The Mighty Underdogs (Gift of Gab, Lateef the Truthsayer, and Headnodic), Lanz a new artist on Interscope, and various other artists whether they be on indie or major labels.

Descry: If a producer wanted to hire you for sample interpolation work, how would they go on about doing that?

G-Koop: They can get to me on the website: http://gkoop.com/. My email’s rob[at]gkoop.com, and I’m also on Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/gkoopmusic)

Descry: Aside from the sample interpolation work, do you do any other production work for artists?

G-Koop: I just did some work for Nelly on his new album called “Brass Knuckles” called Self Esteem featuring Chuck D (Public Enemy). Got some production work on the new Foreign Legion album called “Night Moves.” Fellow Subkrew member Nerve is about to release his debut album “Deliberate Thoughts.” Jake One has a record coming out as well called “White Van Music,” I’ve also got some stuff on there.

Descry: Is there anything we, as listeners, should be looking out for next year?

G-Koop: I’m working on a record right now with Marc Stretch from Foreign Legion called the “Handclap Technicians.” It’s gonna be all original stuff, collaboration with me and him and other cats in the fam. Look for that maybe Summer ’08. I’m trying to get a new G-Koop mixtape out, but I’m so busy working with all of these other artists. Also look for Mista Town’s new record, it should be dropping mid ’08 as well.

Descry: What are your songs mostly about? Do you cover any specific themes?

G-Koop: Unless I’m working with a specific artist, I go off of music that inspires me. I try to pull influence from different directions and mold it into my own sound somehow. It all comes back to the live instrumentation that I work with, and what kind of sound I can pull out of the equipment.

Descry: Who are your inspirations musically, and what do you have banging in your box?

G-Koop: Definitely Miles Davis. I’ve got to give my respects to him, and listen to ANYTHING he’s done and all the cats that worked with him—Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane. You know…that heavy jazz influence. As far as Hip-Hop goes, I listen to J-Dilla, Madlib and Jake One…um…Prozack Turner, Marc Stretch, Mr. Rath, Nerve, Mista Town, and DJ D-Sharp.

Descry: Do you do anything else besides play music on your freetime?

G-Koop: I like to watch movies…tv…cook and eat good food. I try to work out when I can to put my body in shape, but overall music keeps me pretty tied up.

Descry: Word, any last plugs or things we should know about?

G-Koop: Hmm, I dunno. Don’t think I can think of anything at this point.

Descry: Word, it’s all good. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk.

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Oh No & Foreign Legion - Kali Distortion (Prod. G-Koop)

Lil Scrappy ft. 50 Cent - Ni**a, What's Up? (Prod. Jake One, Sample Interpolation. G-Koop)

Mr. Rath ft. Nerve - Knight Life (Prod. G-Koop)

GHOSTFACE

2007-11-28T14:29:00.001-08:00

Ghostface. You know him--member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan... but did you know he's releasing a new album though? Did you also know wanted to bring rap and Wu-Tang back on the map? His answer, the "Big Doe Rehab." The album is set to arrive on December 4th (a week before the slated new Wu-Tang Album "8 Diagrams")

My review? It ain't no Supreme Clientele (of course), but for 2007...it's mighty solid. Granted MF DOOM is nowhere to be found on this record, he is fairly substituted by Grind Music producers Sean C and LV (aka Bad Boy's reformed production team, The Hitmen--SEE: Jay-Z - "Roc Boys"). Yeah, the same dudes who produced six tracks on Jay-Z's "American Gangster" have produced six tracks for Ghost on the "Big Doe Rehab" ("Toney Sigel," "I'll Die For You," "We Celebrate," "Paisley Dart," "Shakey Dog," and *...see the credits) Although the bulk of the album is produced by The Hitmen, this is not to say that the other tracks aren't smokin' hot. Mixtape king Scram Jones, produces a beautiful...yet eerie, string piece (see Yapp City" below) perfected for that Wu sound. Another veteran, Anthony "Acid" Caputo [Ghostface's engineer], contributes three bangers as well ("Walk Around," "Supa GFK," and "Killa Lipstick") . Though the veteran's def got some nice play, that's not to say the newbies didn't get to shine. Up and comers Frequency ("White Linen Affair"....check out his DOPE joint on Snoop's last album, the Blue Carpet Treatment), Ant-Live (Yolanda's House) and Baby Grand ("Rec-Room Therapy") help Ghost extend that soul sound to the masses.

All that aside, here are a few previews of the record. If you're feelin' it, go buy it cause dude deserves our support! The Big Doe Rehab. 2007. Def Jam Records.

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Yapp City ft. Trife & Sun god

Yolanda's House ft. Raekwon and Method Man

The First Post

2007-11-28T13:55:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new blog by Descry of the Beatcrafters. New music will be introduced shortly.