Friday, May 29, 2009

The Power of Action, Words, and Music: Interview with Macklemore!

Hip-hop just hurt me so good. It left me with an overwhelming sense of inspiration, encouragement, and affirmation. It reminded me that music and musicians can really change minds, lives, and worlds. I am a big believer in being involved with social justice and community activism, and nothing makes me happier than when these two things are combined with hip-hop to form the ultimate trifecta. It’s rare, but if a musician pulls this combination off with genuine sincerity and commitment, I’m a goner.

It happened with Macklemore, a Seattle-based rapper who just finished a tour with Black Clover’s Grieves and his partner-in-crime and producer Budo. First told about his music by fellow Lovefester Salina, I was properly introduced to Macklemore at the last stop of the “Falling Off Your Shoes” tour at the Knitting Factory in New York City. By the end of his set, which included songs from his 2005 “The Language of My World” debut, songs from his upcoming free hip-hop/rock EP with Seattle photographer and producer Ryan Lewis, and songs from his yet-to-be-completed sophomore release, I knew I had experienced something special. Here was someone who came not only to entertain concertgoers, but also to educate, impact, and challenge them. With each song, he effortlessly proved that he had the skills to write great rhymes and the energy to put on captivating performances. But with each song, he went on to prove something even more impressive; he appreciated the context, history, and culture of hip-hop, and possessed a sensitivity to the intricacies and ills of the society which initially birthed and today sustains the genre. The result was passionate and heartfelt personal reflections tinged with intelligent social commentary. And no, this was not on some basic “BUSH SUCKS!” or “OBAMA WILL SAVE THE WORLD!” tip.

Take, for example, “White Privilege,” a performance he prefaced with the recommendation that “if there is anything you take away tonight, let it be this song.” Picking up where Murs’ “And This is For…” left off, the song addresses the growing presence of white rappers in a genre that grew out of experiences of disenfranchisement amongst African Americans. Macklemore tries to come to terms with the fact that “hip-hop started off on a block that I’ve never been to / to counteract a struggle that I’ve never even been through / if I think that I understand just because I flow too / that means I’m not keeping it true”. In trying to find his place in a genre that he loves, he admits that “I give everything I have when I write a rhyme / but that doesn’t change the fact that this culture is not mine”. By describing both the original and current state of hip-hop, Macklemore does what very few rappers do; he presents the issue in such a way that it actually manages to cut across generational, racial, and mainstream and underground lines and encourage a constructive dialogue about race within hip-hop.

Couple performances like that with songs like “I Said Hey,” where he warns that “all the money in the world can help you look like a star / but money can’t buy you the heart to go put inside your bars,” or “Soldiers,” in which he addresses the flawed incarceration system and says that “what we need is people that actually get involved / that can educate / get their hands dirty / get in the institute and make a difference from the inside out,” or “City Don’t Sleep,” where he raps, “if you want to see change, then put your ones in the air / now point them to yourself because change starts right there,” I knew I had to pick apart this fella’s brain. And if he really held these views, then I had found my new best friend.


Because Macklemore’s subject matter is what spoke to me the most, that was what I was most interested in talking about. In addressing the process through which he creates his songs, Macklemore admits, “I make music to channel something greater than myself. When you’re trying to choose subject matter, you’re doing too much. My music in the purest form comes through me. My lyrics are sparked by listening to a beat, and the experiences that beat conjures up.” By focusing on specific experiences rather than general concepts, Macklemore stays away from clichés like the ladies song and the club banger. This organic process also forces Macklemore to provide uncensored and honest glimpses into his true self.

Because Macklemore refuses to sugar-coat his personality, everything about him is fair game for subject matter. He reflects, “I put all of myself – the good, the bad, the imperfect, the struggles – into my music because that’s when I’m most human.” In addition to addressing serious issues, he raps at length about his little friend Alfonso on the Type-esque “Penis Song.” He admits that while “humor can be a good way to lure people in,” it can also be strategic in that it introduces listeners to an album whose first full-length song is “White Privilege.” The diverse subject matter grabs different audiences and makes them all “think in a different way about issues they have not thought about before, or issues that they don’t want to address,” says Macklemore. By encouraging listeners to reevaluate their own perspective, Macklemore once more shows the purpose he brings to his music; just as he proved with his live performances, he again proves that his music serves for more than just to entertain.

Macklemore consciously strives to uphold that responsibility in all his music. In order to address serious social issues in his songs, he offers, “you have to live life in a way that’s conducive to your music. If you’re not involving yourself with social justice, if you’re not thinking outside of yourself, if your motivation for making music is selfish, then your music is going to reflect that narrowness.” For a long time now, Macklemore has been an active volunteer at prisons. In college, he co-facilitated a writing workshop in which he helped inmates craft rap songs. The inmates then performed these songs in a final cultural fair that was essentially a hip-hop concert. Since then, Macklemore has begun tutoring inmates and helping them get their GEDs. These volunteer opportunities are what bring authenticity to songs like “Soldiers”.

In addition to adding credibility to his music, Macklemore’s volunteer experiences allow him to think beyond his own music; “music is one side of a greater picture of who I am and what I can contribute to society,” he says. He envisions eventually starting a program that provides kids who have been through juvenile rehabilitation with a productive path forward. By giving them access to recording studios, he hopes to one day create a constructive outlet for their budding creativity.

With an appreciation for honest hip-hop, real-life experience in community activism, and a commitment to social justice, Macklemore effortlessly pulls off the trifecta. In this day and age of apathetic youth and misinformed figureheads, it’s so, so, so absolutely refreshing and downright inspiring to see that rappers like him exist. It takes only one musician and one listener to start a dialogue, and it only takes a couple people to start a movement… so the ball is in your court, world. Spread the music, spread the word.



[Photography by Hanifa Haris]

Where to go from here:
-If you like what Macklemore is saying, then buy his "Language of My World" CD directly from his Myspace, check out his blog, follow him on Twitter, and be on the lookout for his free EP this summer.
-If you want to take action and combine music and social justice by bringing Macklemore and fellow rappers Alexipharmic and Sadistik to your city for the American Beauty tour, a tour in
which the three rappers will donate 100% of their net profits to charity, then click here.
-If you like Macklemore's music, then check out music by El Guante, Toki Wright, and Substantial.
-If you like the idea of combining art and community service, then check out IMAN, Paper Planez (started by Hanifa!!), Hip Hop Against Homophobia, Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, and The Art of MCing programs by Big Quarters.




Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Little bit of Soundset....


Soundset weekend was huge and this is not the official re-cap but a little teaser...


I've been a fan of Grieves since I saw him as a scrawny little DJ on the Everybody Loves a Clown tour. Every since then I have made an effort to catch the show whenever he came to town. The biggest development in his music has been the addition of Budo.  Not only dropping an album together but performing as a group Grieves and Budo were an act  I was set on watching perform at Soundset.


I am a fan of a good live show no matter how you spin it.  Sage always kills it with nothing more then a discman. The dynamic of these two is not that of most Rapper and DJ combinations. Grieves has an intense energy about himself on his own; adding Budo to the mix incorporating things like a trumpet and guitar - is nothing short of impressive. I decided to take my chance and ask Budo a few questions, keep in mind kids - first time interview here....




Monday, May 18, 2009

Holy Mixtape Madness, Batman!






It's going to be a good summer. My favorite season. Poolside conversations, drinks with umbrellas, birthdays (holler, Cancers!), sunburns, and lots of air conditioning if you live in Phoenix, like me.

I define my summers by the jams I listen to, and this summer is not going to be a disappointment! There's a new trend going around to which I am never going to object:

FREE MUSIC!


The summer is off to a great start. Soundset. New artists. And mixtapes galore. Here are some gems that have recently come out that will surely give you something to bump to.

Prof and St. Paul Slim "Recession Music"

Mes the Jive Turkey "Stealing Stars"

Cage "I Never Knew You"

K. "Sangria Mixtape" (coming soon)

Brothers Backword "Stupid Intelligent Mixtape"

Drake "So Far Gone"

Cool Kids "Gone Fishin"

Themselves "Free Houdini"

DJ Hevehitta & DJ Unexpected "Flawless Hustle"

Lil Wayne "Red Rum"

Added: PPP "The Abundance"

Added: Girl Talk "Feed the Animals" (not necessarily free, but you choose your price)

Added: El Guante "Conscious Is Not Enough"

Added: Soundset Mixtape

Added: Rob Viktum's Snack Pack 2.5

Added: Jabee & aDDlib


I'm really stoked on the idea of free mixtapes and downloadable songs. Artists are beginning to branch out and away from depending on major record labels and music stores to distribute their material. The whole DIY vibe is much more accessable, realistic (it's hard to muster up the courage to spend $15 on an album unless I'm SURE I love it), and enables the fans to gobble up more releases from their favorite artists. Sure, losing the hard-copies of albums hurts artists like me a little bit, who depend on people buying the physical copies to display their cover art, but in the case of GahedinDIE, we always include the artwork to make the realeases more interactive.

Times in the music business are changing, but as far as I see it, differen't isn't necessarily worse!

Long Live Free Music.


(I'll edit this and include more mixtapes as I come across them in the next couple weeks, so keep an eye out)


-Jamee


P.S.- not sure what happened to the Kid Cudi mixtape. Can't find it anywhere on the net anymore! Anyone find a site hosting it? Or are we looking at a revoked leak?


Sunday, May 17, 2009

[SHOW REVIEW] Dessa in Staten Island + pics + video!

Let’s ignore the fact that I’m the most neglectful and perhaps laziest contributor on this blog, and cut to the chase. I saw Dessa last night, and I am now going to attempt to convey exactly how freaking ridiculously amazing the show was. My friend Rahel and I initially had concert and bus tickets to see Atmosphere, Brother Ali, and Attracted to Gods in Washington DC last night, but we decided that we could, should, and would skip seeing them a third time in a row (after Boston and Philly) in order to see THE Dessa.

Dessa posted about the show only a couple days before the date, so we all conjured up our own elaborate explanations about how this show came about and what the show would be like. Mike and I were holding out hope that Dessa would bring Cecil or Sims or another Doomtree-er out, and we were both convinced that it would be a really intimate setting that would make for a really personal and especially heartfelt performance.

The hypothesizing continued right up until the show started. My cousin Farzana, Rahel, and I arrived at the venue a good two hours ahead of time. As many of you know, I’m not the most mature person in the world so I proceeded to go wild over the fact that patrons were allowed to use crayons to color on the butcher paper table coverings. I colored my best (and still laughable) attempt wings and teeth and made my dream playlist, while Rahel got busy with the Doomtree stamp.



Keeping one eye on our artistic creations on the table and another eye on the door, I soon noticed a woman walking around with a Dessa shirt. I pounced on her, only to find out that she was Dessa’s aunt. This woman was so ridiculously sweet. She was so proud of Dessa, talking about how talented, intelligent, and beautiful Dessa was. It always makes me so happy to see family members talk about musicians. She told us how Dessa grew up with her aunts always harmonizing around her, and how that influences her music today. The pride that family members have, coupled with their insights about a musician, are just so interesting and adorable to me. Plus, this wom an was cheering like crazy during Dessa’s set. Family is the best.

Really though, it was no surprise that her aunt was having such a good time because Dessa’s set was absolutely incredible. I know that I have a tendency to reuse the same extreme adjectives to describe music and concerts, but I only do so because I am genuinely moved by all of these things. It may have been because the venue was a low-key bar, but Dessa performed more of her melancholy, slower songs. Listening to her on Kites, If & When, and on the singing parts of 551 was just mesmerizing. I would have liked to hear songs like Veteran or Scuffle (BECAUSE SALINA SAID SO OVER AND OVER AGAIN!), but I can see why she might have opted not do those. With every song she did, she put every last ounce of herself into the performance. From the way she held the mic, to the way she twitched her mouth or raised her eyebrows, to the way she looked at the crowd, you could tell that she was fully encapsulated by the song. I’ve noticed that Louis Logic does this too, but I think Dessa has absolutely perfected it. Every movement compliments the song, bringing her stories to life with such an authenticity and emotion that you can’t help but be in complete awe. And this is where the song selection makes sense again. They completely lend themselves to a dimly lit, intimate, bare/simple, and ultimately deeply personal performance. And talking to Rahel and Farzana afterwards, they both agreed that that subtlety is what makes Dessa so amazing. From the way she dresses to the way she performs, everything is so stripped down that you’re left just starring at her raw and unbridled talent. I think what made it all even more special is knowing how talented she is, and knowing that small performances like this are going to be so rare in years to come when she gets all the fame, fortune, and fans that she undoubtedly deserves. And if the new material she performed was any indication of what is in store for Dessa, then the world better watch out. The spoken word pieces she performed, and the two brand new songs she performed were just too freaking good.

Given the total sense of admiration and amazement I felt for her performance, it was an absolute pleasure to interview her for Hip-Hop Lovefest’s first ever vlog. I asked her some questions about her professorship, her collaborations with other Minneapolis cats, how she feels about being a female in a male-dominated industry (the creativity of that question really threw you guys off didn’t it?!), and what’s in store for Dessa and Doomtree. So check it out!

Alrighty, that’s all from me. If you can’t get through my beastly novel of a blog post, then this is the short version: DROP WHATEVER ELSE YOU’RE DOING AND SEE DESSA LIVE. IF IT MEANS SKIPPING ANOTHER CONCERT, DO IT. IF IT MEANS TRAVELING TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, DO IT. SHE IS DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY SOMEONE YOU HAAAAAAVE HAVE HAVE HAVE HAVE TO SEE!

PS: Rahel and I decided that we’re going to the Blowout. We have to. For cereals.


Part I



PartII


Photos (courtesy of Rahel!)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Stealing gas, buying music and taking names.

This morning I was lucky enough to sit down via aim with one of the hardest working men in the Northwest before he packed his bags to head off for Portland. Abadawn and I talk Seattle hip hop, digital and the death of hard releases, Camobear and what's next.


Salina: So you recently discovered you've had ten releases all before turning 21. Break those down for me.

Abadawn: 10 releases, that even surprised me. The first was in 2003 with my homie Assylum from California, we both went to a community school for expelled students, saw a lot of potential in eachother and began recording, we then released "Despite Rhythm: Chapter Won" under our own "label" Tactikz of Tongue. It was a very limited run...then I moved to Seattle and in 2004 released my first solo ep/demo "Earwig Romance" which caught the attention of indie label "Violent Art Records"...I still made music with my friends in California and we released the Tacktikz of Tongue Summer Compilation. In 2005 I put out another solo EP with Violent Art Records called "Kindergarten Dropout"..I also released a mixtape with my group then A.S.P. called the "Spare Change Mixtape."


Abadawn: after leaving the label due to unspeakable things the CEO pulled, I independently released another solo EP titled "Unfamiliar Ceilings", shortly after I dropped another backside EP to that "Unfamiliar Unreleased" which was strictly digital...in 2008 I teamed up with the label Elephant Memories, emcees Ariano and Mac Lethal, producers Sapient of Sandpeople, DiVinci of Solillaquists of Sound and tons more of my friends to put out the "Good Villain" LP.

Abadawn: then I released two digital mixtapes in 2009 called "Steal Gas Buy Music" volumes 1 and 2.... and that spells 10 releases.

Salina: Is there anything you wish you hadn't released? I know a lot of artists look back at their younger years and cringe.

Abadawn: Actually, no...I think I've become comfortable with my style, a lot of beginning emcees are on a journey to "find their style" but after a few releases I realized I've always had my style, and I'm at ease with it. I'm not completely satisfied with any of my releases so far...but that's part of being an artist and I'm perfecting it. I do not mind people hearing my old material though, some of it is considered my best work.

Salina: Walkman!

Abadawn: NUHHUHH!

Salina: Haha. Had to.

Abadawn: One thing I pride myself in is how hard I've made my releases to find. They're out there, I only own 3 of them...

Abadawn: and I'm not even gonna say how much some of my out of print material has sold for. It makes me mad.

Salina: Its insane how much obscure hip hop goes for on ebay. I'm a little ashamed on how much I've shelled out on a few releases myself.

Abadawn: you can't help it... I have a thing for First Edition Hardcover books.,..so I mean, to each their own.

Salina: Some of us ladies over at Lovefest HQ kind of have a grudge against internet only releases. Any plans for future SGBM mixtapes to have hard copy releases?

Abadawn: actually yes...I'm currently working on the third edition which will be physically released, and will accompany the new solo LP. Which has so many surprises in store that I really shouldn't even talk about it. but I am excited. after releasing Good Villain I felt like it would be hard to top...it's some great material, very heartfelt and personal.

Salina: Can we expect more ThirdEye Theory and other friends on Vol. 3?

Abadawn: oh yes... #3 will more than likely be a lot of ThirdEyeTheory collaborations, and tracks that are not making the LP's final cut.

Salina: Excellent, I think you guys work really well together.

Abadawn: They definitely bring out a different side of my lyricism, more fun, less serious, battle-esque stuff

Abadawn: plus they're fast rhymers, i'm more worried about pronunciation, so it's a good contrast on record.

Salina: How did you guys link up? I mean you can't turn a corner without tripping over a rapper these days. What makes you want to work with certain people?

Abadawn: back in the day I was down to work with anybody, a lot of rappers meet up and say "lets build, lets do this and that" but they never take action..I always have been serious about networking.

Abadawn: Recently I've been honored to work with more of my favorite artists, which is amazing on its own, but some people that are still struggling or are at beginning stages, but are hungry and determined to put in the work, always make me want to work with them too, feed off of that energy.

Abadawn: We actually met because I used a beat that i didn't know was stolen, and they used it too and said "wtf?" we were instant friends ever since. Oh yeah and they're dope. That is important too.

Salina: hip hop bffs

Abadawn: i have many!

Salina: You've done a lot of booking, helping route NW legs of tours, I imagine that helps a lot with the networking side of MCing?

Abadawn: definitely...I have to give major credit to that to Josh Martinez too...see, here in Seattle there's a certain booking giant, that is really picky about who they put on... they would NEVER book me, so I decided okay, it's time to do this myself...So I would look at who was coming through here, who should be coming through here and got in contact. After I booked and promoted a successful release party for Josh Martinez he was kind enough to tell others I was the go to guy for booking around here. Which gave me a lot of credibility and now people are asking me to help book dates rather than vice versa.

Salina: Seattle is tiny.

Abadawn: It is..the scene is massive, but everybody is connected and knows eachother in some way. my only complaint is...the somewhat favoritism. it seems that in this area what blows up is the opposite of what should be blowing up. a lot of great talent goes ignored, journalists will downright refuse to write about certain people...

Abadawn: maybe I'm just bitter because I seem to have a better draw anywhere other than Seattle. but that's how it works with local scenes.

Salina: I think every big art city is like that to a degree. Things get very tight knit and its hard to break through that sometimes.

Salina: It amazes me the local acts that don't have a bigger draw out here. I'll go out expecting a show to be packed and... nothing.

Abadawn: it's just overflooded though, certain people get this rep and get known, so then they are booked on the constant thinking they'll have draw but you can't play the same city every week and expect more and more people to show up.

Abadawn: I've always said my greatest fear would be landing a weekly...fuck that. once people have seen you they need some time to digest, nobody wants to see the same set 12 times in a row.

Salina: True, but it still shocks me when homecoming shows don't sell out. I've seen the kind of welcome home other cities give and it just doesn't seem right sometimes.

Abadawn: hip hop author William Upski Wimsatt claimed Seattle was the most ungenerous city, everyone has time and money but don't want to give you either. In past years I've learned that statement to be pretty truthful.

Abadawn: and another thing is, when you're a hip hop artist, your biggest fan base is other rappers, i mean let's face it, that is who is geeking out about underground artists. so the trick is, getting yourself on that level where other emcees want to see you.

Abadawn: I know in this city I'm kind of like a phantom

Salina: Ha, truth. I've commented more than once when I bring my metalhead/punk friend out with me that he and I are the only non rappers in the room.

Abadawn: haha it's and I've learned that my name is pretty known around the city, but people do not know me.

Salina: Of course he's not as nerdy as me and doesn't really see it but its true.

Abadawn: it's totally true, the average music listener is not going to be digging through underground artists and aren't going to be in tune with who is fucking amazing right now. rappers go to shows to cross their arms and pass judgement.

Salina: So who should average Joe and Jane be checking for this summer?

Abadawn: this summer? The Let Go...!!! I love these guys...I've been on a friend basis with them for a minute, I'm so happy they are working with the label I'm working with right now

Salina: Camobear! I love those dudes for real.

Abadawn: YES! they're going to do it big, I know it...Type has that determination that few other rappers have.

Salina: Type is probably one of the nicest AND hardest working rappers I have ever been fortunate enough to come across.

Abadawn: I think the only thing that's brought me this far is the determination, in this business you take HIT after HIT after HIT. to the wallet, to your emotions, even your physical well being. and a lot of people cannot put up with that. it's the thing that's brought Type, Grieves and I to where we are. Simply not giving in.

Salina: You've had a rough last year or so. Its been really amazing to watch and listen to what you've managed to put out under less than stable conditions. Energizer Aba

Abadawn: haha, it's been tough...my life has been a mess since 2006. maybe even before, but I know that's when real turbulance began. but it has also helped me musically, my music is an escape from what is going on in my life, a way to pen out that frustration.

Abadawn: and it also has made me more determined than ever, despite any circumstances music is the only thing I've been good at and stuck with, there's no way I can stop now, or let anything slow me down.

Salina: It can't be easy trying to find the balance between that and the business angle.

Abadawn: it is tough, when i'm in business/marketting mode I cannot write..I can only focus on that...but it's good it gives me a breather, time to focus on another aspect. and it's also a damn good thing to know.. some of the worst rappers have made careers out of knowing proper negotiating and marketing tactics.


Salina: A-dwiddy status.

Abadawn: pretty much.

Salina: You've been putting in work over at Camobear, what can we look forward to over there in the next year or so?

Abadawn: well...a whole new makeover, everything is going digital, we're making a whole new blog-style website...Camobears catalog (not even counting their subsidiaries) is so extensive and pre-dates the popularity of the internet, so we're playing catch up and getting organized, and once that is all done for, you better be ready for a slew of new releases.

Abadawn: I've been so honored to be given this oppurtunity. Josh has really put trust in me and I'm learning the entire back-end of running a label.

Salina: Digital... you're breaking my heart. Will there still be some physical releases?

Abadawn: yes, mainly short-runs printed in house. We're done dealing with outside sources, the plan is to be a self-sufficient label. so that we are doing absolutely everything ourselves. and though a ton of people still love physical copies, it is a dying breed...so we do need to cater to the interwebbers.

Salina: I think my cd collection alone is almost worth a small fortune already. I can only imagine what that could jump to in the future as more and more outfits go that route.

Abadawn: CD's will be the new vinyl...vinyl will be the old vinyl. the sad thing about digital really...is the quality. it's practically not worth mastering anything anymore, considering that giant protools session of massive wav's you're perfecting is going to be condensed to a 192kbps mp3 that's strictly listened to through earbuds..

Abadawn: the internet has made people more picky about what they listen to and pay money for, which is what is crippling the major labels and helping the indies. but then the cost-effectiveness of quality that's going to be ruined anyways is hurting the indies

Salina: We finally got Abadawn t-shirts this year. Is there more merch in our future?

Abadawn: ooooooh yes.

Salina: "Can't download a t-shirt"

Abadawn: lots of plans...it's just a matter of time really. I will be working with Someone Clothing, and I will be working with Camobear...and right now I'm spending time in the trenches, gaining favors...

Abadawn: plus I still feel like Good Villain needs it's time. I am very proud of that release, and I've always rushed material...so I'm taking my time...

Abadawn: this next one is going to be amazing though, I'm pretty much done with the first draft of it...waiting on a few features...and then I will build from there.

Salina: I wish more people would take time and play around with mixtapes. Save up for really quality official releases.

Salina: This isn't McDonalds you know.

Abadawn: haha it's true. I could package it up and release it right now...but it's not ready

Salina: No more McRap

Abadawn: I want every song to be individualized.. I'm working much more on telling stories...so you can expect that. as well as much more energy and up-tempo songs. I've always been proud of my versatility and have tried to show it with my releases but I think this one is definitely going to accomplish that...

Salina: Will I see you on the road this summer?

Abadawn: I'm not absolutely sure at this point...touring is always something that for me is promised or planned, and then doesn't go through...I will definitely be doing shows all over...maybe not on specific routes but I do have midwest shows in the works as well as some californ-i-a

Salina: Georgia's couch is super comfy and her neighborhood has excellent breakfasts. If you don't at least make it to Cali it would be a shame.

Salina: Midwest! Take me with you please.

Abadawn: i think this summer I'm mostly going to be toying around with the new material...seeing what goes over well with the people

Abadawn: pack you up in my suitcase. I have a couple people that owe me touring... so it's on them.

Salina: Speaking of Georgia, I told her we were sitting down and asked if there was anything she wanted to know.

Abadawn: oh

Salina: She wants to know: "How much he loves us"

Abadawn: I love you guys soooooooOOO much. here to the moon and back.

Abadawn: plus you guys have put together the best new blog on the net, and I'm honored to have such awesome friends.

Salina: Haha I'd say we promise never to swear like sailors on your voicemail at 3am again but we'd be liars.

Abadawn: it's always welcome...if there's one thing i love it's drunk females harassing me.

Salina: Awe thank you, it means a lot that people are willing to support us as green as we currently are at this blog thing. We promise to get a little better every day.

Abadawn: You guys are already the best...now I need to go pack for Portland and get ready for label meetings and pimpslapping

Salina: Safe travels!

Abadawn: thank you and thank you

You can purchase Good Villain and download Save Gas Buy Music here.

It was all good just a week ago...

It was all very, very good. May fifth held a little something for everyone. These were my tope five.


My countdown to 5/5/09 started early last winter when word trickled down that this would be the day we'd finally be getting our ears on a new Big Quarters album. Thankfully I had my Big Quarters Direct subscription to hold me down until then. Five dollars for five new songs every month. In addition to that directors received the pre-order package (plus Mankwe's cd which I mentioned last week) for free. I'm pretty sure that anyone who's been to a show or visited the myspace or blog will attest Brandon Allday and Medium Zach are always looking out for their fans. The feeling is of course mutual. I'm really delighted by this newest effort and excited to see it bringing new fans around to share the journey with. Old favorites M.anifest, Crescent Moon and P.O.S. all appear on tracks as well as Mankwe Ndosi. (Are you getting the feeling you've only begun to start hearing this name yet?) I always have a hard time picking favorites but at the moment I'm going with Blessed, Wipe the Dust, One on the Lip and Barter System. As if the album itself weren't enough when you order a physical copy you'll also get a free month of BQ Direct. The official release party will be held at the Triple Rock in Minneapolis on the 23rd, hope to see some of you there.



Okay so a lot of us had our hands on this at least a good week early, Black Clover are definitely those dudes. In addition to finally releasing the 5th installment of the Love Potion Collection series and Special Reserve 5 Black Clover Records have also introduced a series of limited edition shirts. Series 1 & 2 are pictured above. A new spin on the classic logo t. Series 1 (the blue and white) was available as a pre-order bundle with LPC5 and sold out in less than 24 hours leaving several Lethalvillians without. Series 2, my favorite so far, is going fast and a few sizes are almost sold out. These are very limited runs and a new colorway will be introduced as each one sells out so check lethalville.net often or you may miss out.


But we're not here to talk about t-shirts (this time) this is about a love of mine called Love Potion #5. Favorites on this one include but are not limited to So Fly, Cherry Soda Pop Demo, Unfinished Love Song Thing and Heart Uvva Pig. Of course when you order this from Lethalville.net you also get Special Reserve 5 Town. Its eerie and pretty much amazing. There's no tracklisting on this one and when I inquired I was told "its kind of mysterious enough to not have a tracklisting." But for those who need to label it Town pt1, Town pt2 and the rest is just Town Noise. Thanks Willis!
The artwork alone is worth the $8 the extremely limited (only 50 copies made) for K.'s Responsive Chord cost me. All hand done by our very own Miss Jamee and all shipped out with an accompanying original coffee drip piece also by Jamee. This is definitely my favorite release by K. to date. Its still loud and chaotic but there's more of a balance between the "noise" and the vocals this time around. You can stream and/or download the whole thing and view the artwork for each individual track over at The Responsive Chord, those Gahed kids don't mess around. Its hard to pick favorites especially as short as this offering is but I'd have to say Band.Aid, Teething and Riderback.
Title changes, cover art switch ups, pushbacks, pushbacks, pushbacks but its finally here, new Abrude. This album makes me long for summer and wish I owned a hammock so I could laze around all day sipping lemonade and drifting away to it. The Haiku D'Etat track is by far my favorite and I cannot wait to see those dudes up in front of a festival sized crowd at SoundSet. As much as I enjoy their solo efforts I'll always love them more together.
Not pictured: Funcrusher Plus re-release. Get it. Its possible these guys influenced 80% of what's dope about your hip hop collection.

Stupid Intelligent...

So I may have found my summertime mixtape for 2009. I downloaded the Brothers Backward Stupid Intelligent Mixtape after seeing them perform a few weeks ago in Phoenix and was pleasantly satisfied.


Brothers Backward opened for Astronautalis in Phoenix,  I had never heard of them so really had no idea what to expect. Two guys walked on the stage, and well... they were complete nerds. Not even trendy hipster nerdrap nerds, but IT, programer, LAN party nerds. They ended up putting on an amazing show that gave hip-hop husbands Astronautalis and Bluebird a run for their money. The energy was high, the rapping was impressive, and they were memorable enough for me to check out later.


Now lets talk about this mixtape... first off it's a free internet download, which I am learning to really love. I had a hard time with the no hardcopy thing at first but I'm getting there folks really I am. The intro track Alert the Room, starts high and the energy doesn't stop through the whole mixtape. The entire album blends almost into one track that put simply makes you want to dance. And anyone who samples Seal and Ladyhawke on on album is okay in my book. 


My suggestion is to skip the mainstream club bangers this summer and get your dance on with the Stupid Intelligent mixtape and shit.


 http://brothers-backword.bandcamp.com/album/stupid-intelligent-mix-tape-1-individual-tracks

Monday, May 11, 2009

did you hear...

So I don't have any albums to review because I am terrible at finding new music.
I did see P.O.S. open for Cursive on Friday... I could talk about indie rock meets hip hop... but well that is a bit predictable.
I want to contribute and be a part of this blog, and if you have ever met me, you know I love talking about rap and have a million opinions.

So lets go ahead and talk about why I like rap, what kind of rap I like, just so you know where I fit into this little clan of ladies.
I noticed a pattern when Salina asked who my favorites are; I listed Aesop, Sage, Astronautalis, buck 65 and Cecil... nerd rap? backpack rap? call it what you will - that's where I fall.

To break it down really like words, I really love storytellers, and I really enjoy laid back beats.
Never been much of an instrumentals girl unless they really hit me... I don't play any instruments so I'm harder to pull in.
I really relate to a good story, some well told words and well if you have some rasp in your voice it's over.

I've always loved a litte twang, and a deep voice. I think I came into hiphop with a totally unconventional outlook.
Anything with interesting instruments, or unusual samples will pull me in.
If you have a female vocalist featured on a track I will be smitten.
I don't care how many big words you use, how fast you flow, and I wont lie I don't really listen to the rap classics.
I grew up on Tom Petty, The Beatles, Don McLean, and the like...

My taste in music is all over the map when it comes to non-rap.
I'm rooted mostly in punk - typically things out of Chicago. I guess I've got a midwest heart...
Currently - listening to a lot of the Gaslight Anthem.. the '59 sound is on repeat in itunes as I write.
I rekindled my love for them after a heavy stint of K's The Responsive Chord, and Astronautalis The Mighty Ocean and the Nine Dark Theaters.
I'm one of those girls who will play an album on end for weeks without changing it up.

My favorite thing in the world is to drive around listening to a new album.
I hear things the best in my car.. with the windows down. I always volunteer to drive, needing radio control.

Basically I just wanted to put my taste out there, and show what part of the little rap love fest i fit into.
If you ever have something i should check out tell me - I always will.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Strange Reads


I always used to LOVE Shel Silverstein's morbid children's stories. Hey, here's a thought: does anyone else think he looks like a creep?












ANYWAYS. I've always wanted to create a children's book, and when Chris and Sean (collectively called "Nag Rapah" like nag champa the incense) began working on a two-day project of sound and rap mash-up, I got inspired! While they toiled away in the studio, arguing about guitar riffs and screaming in the mic, I did a little drawing. You can download the ten-minute project with the art as a package for free at:

www.gahedindie.com (the nag rapah ep)

Here is a sample of the artwork. ENJOY!



I hope you check it out. The short story has a funny ending and I worked real hard on the pictures. I had a great time making it to the strange music they made, and will most likely be taking this children's book thing a step further in the future.


Friday, May 8, 2009

Gone Bar Huntin'


After a hectic afternoon my accomplice and I arrived at the High Dive late enough that the bar was already crowded but early enough to grab a drink (okay two) before the opening act. It took the crowd a bit to warm up to Waves of the Mind but after a day of grey and drizzle we'd have been frosty to anyone. I hadn't seen these cats before but their energy was great. "We may be opening but we're not an opening act." Thanks guys, I really do enjoy my rappers with a touch of braggadocio. One song that stood out was they said a remix of a Murder Dice beat. Shit was ill, I'll be looking for that later, believe. Also a big fuck you to dudes who not only plant themselves directly in front of short girls but have no regard for personal space and almost mangle your toes while doing so. Stay classy.

Next up was Tulsi who I actually have seen a handful of times. I'm a little ashamed to say this was the first time I walked away with a lasting impression. I really wish Crista could have been out with me, she loves a good nerdy white rapper. The beats were what really had me hooked and I was bummed at the dj-less set up for all the acts that night. He's got a June cd release at Chop Suey, hopefully I'll be in town for that. If you're catching the Bar Hunt tour this month get back at me, I'd love to hear what you all think of him. I'm looking at you Cali fam.

Let Go, Let Go, Let Go, Let Go! Sorry but it has been way too long since my schedule has linked up to let me catch a Let Go show and to say I was pumped is a gross understatement. There are groups that are just straight up a good time and the Let Go definitely near the top of that list for me. How can you not love a rapper who gets up on stage in footie pajamas and a ski mask with a mustache on it? I dare you to go to a Let Go show and not want to dance around like a fool and rap along, dare you. New material was played, record label announcements were made... Oh you didn't know your boys are messin' with Camobear? That's whats up Northwest. From what I've been told and what they played from the new album tonight... Oh man, look out kids we're in for a treat. Big time.

So the second the Let Go hopped off stage I bolted to the ladies room before the Louis Logic set where I waited listening to two girls slur about "some other dude, some rapper" who was playing next and whether they should stick around. If they didn't, they missed out. When I dashed back to my spot just in time to see Louis take the stage it was like stepping into the boys club. Those pesky Let Go fella's must be more handsome than I give them credit for. I'm sure we all know by now that Louis is AMAZING, if not ask Samiha sometime. He played some Spork Kills stuff which I was apparently way too excited for. Awkward. If you're shy but excitable, never be the only girl in the front row. Luckily for me it was about this point that the Birthday Girl made her appearance. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that she was feeling reeaal good on this her day of birth. She began by announcing her special day and then inviting herself up on stage for a few songs and then again later for two more songs at the end of the set. I've included pictures because words cannot describe this magnificent event. I apologize that they are blurry crap cellphone quality but its the best that I could do. But you know who can do better? Griff J that's who. So check out his flickr page for this and other hip hop moments captured on film. Meanwhile I am going to attempt to remember to scowl and mean mug the Let Go next time I see them for bringing Louis Logic out and not doing Party Crashers... if I'm not too busy grinning.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

This April it POURED


I am a creature of habit. Every December approximately a week after the Blowout I burrow myself a nest under my comforter and piles of half packed/unpacked clothes scattered across my bed and bunker down for the winter. I begrudgingly leave my hibernation headquarters only to go to work or retrieve supplies (food.) I resent anyone who attempts to drag, trick or force me into social interaction. The few times I am dragged kicking and screaming into the daylight only have me clinging harder to my hermit den in the coming weeks. This lasts until March. I peel myself out of my pajamas, wash and tease my hair, scrub my face and go blinking wide eyed into the sunshine of Paid Dues. The world is shiny and new, the raindrops smell fresh and sweet, spring has sprung and I anticipate Summer in a whirlwind of excitement. Not this year. This year the world unceremoniously booted my ass out into the shivering wonderland of February for the Never Better tour. (Minneapolis in February, really? What was I thinking?) And then a slew of releases, shows and lovely company followed one on top of the other and before I knew it Paid Dues had come and gone and here I was staring April in the face. And April stared back. Hard.

I have been waiting, and waiting... And WAITING to hear more from F. Stokes since I first caught him opening for Hand Over Fist last summer at the Entry. I watched the other faces in the front row and witnessed that exact moment some of them fell in love. Beautiful. And what better way to chase away those April showers than with certified Lazerbeak lava bangers? If "Tickle Me Mars" doesn't get you moving you are dead inside. Still no sign of this on iTunes but readily available from our friends over at doomtree.net. Stokes is on the come up people.

Speaking of releases that I've been waiting on, I was practically camped out at my mailbox waiting for my Black Blondie cd to make its way to me. Being hard working ladies I've managed to catch them a handful of times during my visits to Minneapolis and it was a total case at love at first sight/sound. To be completely honest I gave up on stalking my mailbox about an hour after I placed my order and then downloaded the album from Amazon. Shortly after I frantically texted the first person I could think of that would enjoy it half as much as I was and badgered him into check them out so I'd have someone to share my excitement. Being friends with me is an exercise in patience. You can still check out their track Candy Cigarettes over at City Pages but I really urge you just to pick up a copy of your very own. The wait paid off this disc is solid from start to finish.

April also brought Mr. Lif back to Seattle. This made me very happy for several reasons. One, its has been at least two years since I've caught Lif live. Two, he brought a new cd with him. Now its not on a Mo Mega level but I enjoyed it. Three, Monday night rap shows are my favorite way to start the week. Monday nights weed out the kids just looking for something to do while getting sloppy drunk and you find yourself in a room full of people really digging the music and having a good time. That said by the time I laid my little head on my pillow that night I was indeed sloppy drunk. Fail.

Later that week, on Friday in fact, I spent the evening not getting sloppy drunk at the Sodo for the When God Gives You Ugly tour. Last summer I narrowly missed seeing Attracted to Gods (at I want to say the Hexagon?) so I was very glad to get my second chance. So all you kids running on rap time and showing up late to the Atmosphere show, don't. Be on time, catch the openers its completely worth your while. I really probably don't have to say anything about P.O.S. but I really do love me some Never Better. The chemistry he and Bill have just makes for a fun time. I wore peep toed flats in the center of the mob. Bye bye pedicure, I may still have bruises. Picked up a copy of Mankwe Ndosi's ep and ATG's new cd before retreating to a safe spot in the bar for Atmosphere's set. Those kids play rough man. In the bar solo, (my fella's do not have the same fear of teenage girls that I do) head nodding I noticed a familiar t-shirt make its way towards me. Money, Paper, Loot, Scrilla. I of course had to stop the young man because I couldn't believe my eyes. Was that really a Muja Messiah shirt here in Seattle? He named dropped the Nomad and I felt heartsick. Seattle and Minneapolis really should be neighbors.

Honorable mentions for things I threw cash at that stuck this April include the new Kill The Vultures, Rick Ross, The FREE Houdini Mixtape and Dyme Def's new ep. April came hard but May isn't messing around either people you know you have a big sloppy red heart drawn around May 5th. Fess up.

Welcome to the block (blog)

On Friday I was lucky enough to steal a few minutes of Crista's time so we could finally properly introduce her into the blog. (Cody you're next!) As I've mentioned before Crista is one of my favorite people ever (I think that goes for all the girls) so when you get the two of us together we get very excited and its hard to stay focused. So below you'll find what is probably the least organized of this series of aim interviews. I left it pretty close to how we discussed things, editing out only a few tangents because I think it really shows Crista's personality and passion well. We got cut a little short on this one so if there's anything we didn't touch on drop a comment and Crista will get back to you. Enjoy!

S: You go waaay back with the blog thing, like Livejournal back. What drew you to doing a collaborative blog?

C: a collaborative blog was something i have never taken part in - and blogging has been huge to me. I thought the concept was really great, I don't know a group of better ladies in the hiphop scene to be a part of something with. There wasn't anyone else out there doing this, or at least that I have found. As you know I have a lot of stories, I think when I get into it this is going to be a great outlet. i've loved rap for a long time.

S: I've seen the photographic evidence, exactly how far do you and rap go back? What was your first hip hop show?

C:oh man that's so hard - i really don't know. It's going to date back to when i was around 15 so about 8 years ago... Taking the 21 bus to uptown. I have a lot of memories of this is when I saw who, kind of. But really no idea what sparked it. It was one of those things the kids talked about. I got into it and it consumed me. Growing with the greatest music I have ever heard at my fingertips was lucky. I was really lucky to fall into what I did.

S:You grew up listening to a lot of these artists most of us have just started talking about over the last few years, what's it like seeing all these different hometown secrets becoming more known?

S:That was the worst run on sentence in the history of my life btw.

C: still a good question

S: I have too many words

C: it was crazy - it still is crazy. I feel proud. i saw some of these kids bust there asses for so long. I've seen atmosphere at the triple rock, and the entry. I've seen doomtree shows with less people then I can count on one hand. I think doomtree is who I saw grow the most. And I still can't get over it. And now I am watching some of my friends do it - my generation. It took a lot of these people until there mid to late 20s to start rattling the trees. I am excited to continue to see growth. I am excited to see what comes out of the woodwork next.
Ahh I thought of another one, I saw brother ali play a block party in the Minneapolis warehouse district once... the smallest little stage in an an alley ever... and now he is selling out venues. it's insane.

S: Who should I be checking for to bust loose in the next year or two?

C: oh man i don't even know, this is where i disappoint myself and admit I don't look for music like i use to. Some of my friends are doing some things that i'm excited to see progress.

(at which point we dissolve into a gushy love letter to the Nomad until...)

S: Sound Set! Who should people be checking from the local stage?

C: I'm really stoked on Guante right now, check him out for sure. His spoken word is goosebump worthy. You can tell he is still learning the ropes but its endearing. I've only caught him a few times but he seems like a stand up guy. Which is refreshing.

S: Haha I'm a little embarrassed by my recent Last.fm playcount

C: haha i've never done the last.fm thing but i am really hooked on that genius shit on itunes - it owns me.

S: I missed Guante opening for Muja last summer, I was running on rap time and showed up way late. So I'm glad to have a second chance

S: Oh man I can't get into Genius

C: i think his face is going to keep coming up - he has big things to say and a lot of passion.

C: I LOVE GENIUS. I'm one of those I only listen to this one album 25 times a day. So this adds some random into my life but keeping the same flow. Addicting.

S: I think Guante has something ridiculous like 500 plays from me on last.fm this week. I'm currently combating all that conscious with some Rick Ross.

C: i've been listening to the responsive chord a lot.. a lot a lot... and astronautalis the mighty ocean and the nine dark theaters... just those two that's it....

S: Ah! I was so hoping my copy of Responsive Chord would arrive today.

C: you are going to love the responsive chord

C: I was a lucky little bird and got it a couple weeks ago

S: You've had that for a while now, how does it compare to K's other releases.
I think I noticed a few tracks from my beloved "Does it Matter"?

C: he's loud, he will always be loud. But he is growing. that kid has so much talent. i'm really lucky to call him a friend. his music honestly blows me away and would even if i didn't know him. kid has worked hard. i'll say that. But this album just seems polished, thought out and is solid. the site is going to be amazing too - botzy has been cranking that shit out. the entire package they put together for this release is amazing.

S: So excited, I listen to that mix Botzy burned me on the regular.

S: You mentioned someone from my region earlier, Astronautalis. You and Jamee caught him in AZ, what kind of reception is he getting on the road?

C: honestly i was shocked i think the crowed was better in arizona then in mpls. mpls it was the uptown bar and 21 up, i loved it but it wasn't a huge draw. I think for cecils set it was me maybe 5 others and astro watching. In AZ it was at this little coffee shop/art gallery with a live in cat. Everyone who was there was there to go to that show, they weren't watching a show that happened to be going on at the bar they were drinking at.

S: That's so weird to me, wasn't the AZ show on a Sunday night too? Those kids must be starved.

C: Yeah it was a sunday night, he played a saturday night here.

S: I think here in Seattle and sometimes you guys in Minneapolis take for granted how much there is to do and how much talent we have in our cities.
Who do you see getting more love in your city touring acts or local folks?

C: Oh i know i do, on the regular. My job actually wants me to move to San Diego, and one of the really big things holding me back is the culture out here. I'm so comfortable and so used to any act I want to see being at my fingertips. I was talking to one of my good friends the other day about acts we haven't seen that we want to and my list is small really small. I'm insanely lucky.

C: oh any RSE homecoming show is pure chaos.

S: Haha I've had battle wounds that will attest to that!

C: And it just depends on the tour. Most touring hiphop acts are going to pull some locals on as openers. But that's a great thing about hiphop in general. I LOVE how much they support each other in other cities. The other kind of strange spin on it is most of my favorite rap isn't from mpls.

C: yeah i will not do crowed for homecoming shows anymore - save me a seat at the bar.

S: I like the action, keeps me young

S: Lets talk favorites, who are you die hard for?

C: as far as hiphop goes? Aesop Rock is always going to top the list, Sage Francis has said some of the best words I've ever heard, I love Buck 65 & Astronautalis. And at the top of my minneapolis list - Cecil Otter. Sense a theme here?
and that's really just skimming the surface, the list could really be endless.

S: Godbless nerdy white rappers

C: hallelujah.

C: reading these interviews with the other ladies - we are all so different. it's crazy.

S: Yes! That's why I wanted you guys specifically because everyone has so much to offer but its all so different. I don't want us sitting here gushing about the same shit every week.

S: There's such opportunity for great discussion... I can't wait.

S: So last month there was kind of a big announcement, no Scribble Jam this year. I know you've gone to that several different years, do you think it will be back or has it been outgrown?

C: stab me in the heart. scribble jam is some of the best times i have ever had in my life. they've talked about ending it for a few years now so it really wasn't that shocking. it was never a huge pull. but it was a completely different sense of community. people started on that stage. i've seen almost every hiphop act i ever care to see on that stage. i've met some of my best friends because of that festival. i hope it comes back, i really do. I could go on about this forever - i'm cutting myself off.

S: You've seen me I get so nerdy/overexcited talking music

C: talking to you about it i'm getting super hyped too, can we please have a hiphoplovefest meet up in my living room?

S: Yessss!

C: i think combining us girls in one room might be one of the most insane experiences of my life.

S: That would be bliss

S: You and me have that travel bug, we could be very dangerous together.
I was eyeing my duffel bag last night and was sooo tempted to start packing. I think three weeks in advance is too early.

S: You mentioned community and I know we've talked about this before but our little universe keeps getting smaller and smaller thanks in large part to the web etc. Do you think that's a good thing or a bad thing?

C: i think it's got its ups and downs. i've meet some great hip hop friends through the internet. damn i had two kids from london fly over to stay with me and drive to Cincinnati for scribble one year, only knowing one of them from live journal. it's a way of meeting great like minded people and for artists to really network. you and i have the luck of living cities that do have culture, but damn those people living in population 300 cities - f that noise.

S: And yet we're the ones always desperate to break out of our cities

C: i know i have friend moving to NC in august and wants me to come out. and i still wanna see Seattle!

S: Yes! Seattle!

C: sometimes it's overwhelming, shows in other cities are different because no one knows you. I can't go anywhere without someone knowing me here. Really nowhere.

S: I think the best way to rekindle a romance with your city is by sharing it with someone new.

C: or going somewhere with no culture

C: i love minneapolis every time i get back from phx
that last trip really refreshed me
i'm stoked on my city again

S: I know I see so many of the same faces at Mpls shows

C: and it's not just shows. the coffee shops, the bars, the record stores.
walking down my street...
hahah my neighborhood is tiny

S: Haha I mostly frequent shows out there
But yeah I've had people come up to me on the bus etc. in midtown/uptown a few times like "hey you!"

C: i think i will end up leaving eventually for a period of time, but i will definitely settle here. it's a good city.

S: I think I'll end up somewhere truly random I'd never expect

(this is where we dissolve into tattoo talk and then have to bail)