Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Tales from Los Angeles 2012

It's been over a year since I last touched down in the City of Angels to finish recording my Sliding Scale E.P., and it felt great to be back reconnecting with friends, family, and the LA scene. Below are some highlights from my trip with photos, links to dope people, videos, and projects you should acquaint yourselves with, plus some extra.

Last year, I had the pleasure of being a feature artist at Natural High, so I was pumped to see the collective still in full effect. The same Tuesday night I landed at LAX, my sister, her friend Bailey, and I made the 40 minute strike to Industry Cafe in Culver City to check out the Natural High "Rock the Bells" Edition featuring AKIR (an NYC-based artist currently touring with Immortal Technique) and the beautiful Ashley Dominique (who upped the energy major with her track "Emerald Sunrise"). This August 28th, 2012, edition was co-hosted by Big Doxx, an emcee and Occupy LAer I "inter-met" via my girl Substance while organizing Hip Hop Occupies to Decolonize earlier this year, Oran Smith, an amazing vocalist and emcee, and Gia Scott-Heron, who wasn't afraid to politicize the space with grace, lacing the crowd with her insights on the RNC and reminding us of our role and work in capturing the hearts and minds of all in this crazy world. Like always, the par of the artistry was on point, and the open mic portion of the night flowed beautifully with a wide variety to poets, emcees, and musicians rocking to the improvisational stylings of the Natural High Open Band, led by the incredible Hank G (also known as the "One Hand Band"). Check out this video of Ashley Dominique, O'Smith, and Hank G doing their freestyle thang at a Leimert Park Artwalk, for a glimpse of these artists in their natural element. I even got the chance to do a few of my own tracks and free flow with the band, backed up by my little sis Ling.

Bailey, O'Smith, Ling, and Hank G outside Industry Cafe
Shouts to all the familiar faces of folks who held be down last time around, like emcee and promoter Spiv of GorillaMic, as well as new folks I met like Choize Areef and others. For me, the pinnacle of the night was delivered by an energetic powerhouse who went simply by QueenDressed in beautiful traditional regalia and head wrap, her chocolate skin adorned with painted ankhs and other designs, this 55 year old grandmother breathed affirmation and renewal directly into the souls of those who stayed long enough to see her through free verse and vocals. I wish I could convey in words how authentic and empowering her "crowd control" was. That phrase doesn't even begin to do justice to how this woman channeled and filled the space with divine energy both on and off the mic, as she went to each person who was there, touched their faces and reminded us all to never give up in this life. Amazing and inspirational. 


Mia Styles and I 
The following night, I headed to Hollywood to sit down with my fam Mia Styles, better known in the 206 as B-Girl, founder of our beloved B Girl MediaB Girl Bench, and some more dope shit. It was good to catch up with this woman who has done so much for myself and many others, and who we miss in Seattle so dearly! We talked about Project Blowed Recordings, which she is now reppin', future ambitions she is in the process of masterminding, and GaKnew Roxwel's multifaceted "Sound of Silence" Campaign that she is helping support. This album, book, and play from the LA emcee/activist is focused on health and community healing: a project worthy of attention. Please check out that last link and contribute to the campaign.




Jennifer Jahkova and Jiji Sweet
From there, I headed several blocks up the street where I met up with the homegirl and emcee extraordinaire Kandi Cole at Madam of the Mix, an all-women's open turntable night put on by Soul Spinner Society. This collective was co-founded by DJ Jahkova with the mission to provide support and opportunities for underrepresented groups through marketing and producing events that foster creativity, collaboration, and competition. Click here for DJ Jahkova's photos from the evening!



Brandi, Oracle, Kandi
There, I met two other emcees from  Kandi's all-women supercrew, THE (SIS)TEMBrandi Kane and Oracle Jayne Doe (who I would see every night I went out after that, this woman's grind is impeccable, subscribe to Oracle's YouTube here) and got to catch their DJ Jiji Sweet murder the tables. Download THE (SIS)TEM's free mixtape, entitled The Treatment here! I also met a gentleman who graciously put up my info on his site Los Angeles Music Magazine in the LA Music and Bands Section. Thanks for the shout Johnny Chronic!

Myka 9 killing it while we hold down the front row.
Photo by VidzAllDay, click here for more.


On Friday, Mia Styles brought Ling and I to the Chinky Eyed 11th Year Anniversary show at the Airliner, featuring Freestyle Fellowship, Akil of Jurassic 5, and a gang of LA guest crews including Cloud Makers, Misol Tribe, Speach Impediments, Stay Blunted Hooligans, and Black Cloud Music. I got a soft spot in my heart for a packed bill and 20 rappers on stage, especially when there's genuine talent and originality on deck. It takes me back to Project Mayhem days! Anyways, there I got to meet Badru, general manager of Project Blowed Recordings, the one and only Percee P, and more. Having never seen Freestyle Fellowship rock together as a group, I was super excited to hit this event up and pay homage to these West Coast hip hop legends in their hometown. When asked what it was like to be a part of such an influential collective, Self Jupiter replied, "It's been a long road from adolescence, maturity, praise, humbleness, to redemption, acceptance, understanding, perseverance, and moving forward..." Check out how moving forward manifests with Jup in his new project with Kenny Segal called the Kleenrz. Here's an animated video of the track "Filthy" from it!

Finally, I was able to connect with ethemadassassin and Veteran Eye whose powers combine to form the group Veteran Assassins. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, these seasoned emcees and talented videographers recently relocated to LA, where they released their newest album Paint the Town Red. Check the video for the title track "Paint the Town Red" right here. We first met VA when they came to rock the Rat and Raven a few years back while on tour with Kandi ColeVeteran Eye has since released a dope solo project called Corona, and you can find the link to an amazingly shot video of the track "Afrika and the Baambaataa Effect" featuring Kandi Cole here. I also got a sneak preview of ethemadassassin's freshly completed solo project called Soul on Fire, which is due for release very soon, so keep your eyes out for that. Also, if you're lucky enough to be in LA September 19th, be sure to hit up TOP SHELF at Bar Lubitsch, where you'll catch live performances from Veteran Assassins, The (SIS)TEMDJ Jiji Sweet, and more!

On my final evening, I rolled out with Veteran Assassins and Shannon Williams (the lovely stylist, community advocate, and founder of STRIDE Empowerment Center's youth fashion program in Washington DC) to B.L.U.E, a loft party monthly thrown by Kandi Cole and her comrades in downtown LA.  There I met more (SIS)TEM emcees, Tommy Lockhart, and some other folks. The venue was stylish and spacious, the vibes were great, plus $20 covered entry PLUS all-you-could-drink tickets! If you live in LA and haven't been yet, I highly suggest you click the link above so you can get info on the next one! This edition, called the "Labor Day Soiree" was also thrown to celebrate the birthday of another (SIS)TEM emcee DawnGun, who recently dropped a solo single entitled "Mad Nice". Check out the video for the track right here, and be sure to share it with your people.

ethemadassassin, Brandi Kane, Veteran Eye and me at BLUE
So that concludes my LA trip, and I want to thank everyone who made it what it was. Despite the above Hip Hop adventures, my main reason for returning to California this time around was to visit my grandmother, Sandy Schulman, and help her move from her home of decades into assisted living care. This, as you can imagine, can be an emotionally challenging endeavor. Luckily, I have a wonderful, caring family. Thank you to Linda, I can't imagine this trip without you there riding with me lil sis, Dad, Kim, Uncle Mark, Aunt Lisa, baby cuzzo Zade, and my Mom, who although wasn't there, always lends a well-needed listening ear and grounding perspective. In addition, I was able to balance out packing, moving, and going through years of memories in my grandparents' home (RIP Ben Schulman) with fun times and good folks from the Hip Hop community in Los Angeles. It was truly a blessing, and y'all helped me more than you know. Enjoy the random flicks below, I'm sorry my phone camera sucks, and until next time, much love LA! I'll be back real soon!

Gia Scott-Heron and Hank G at Natural High
Akir at Natural High
Live art in full effect
Big Doxx
Brandi Kane, Oracle JD, Kandi Cole, Charlie E Fela, and Jennifer Jahkova at MOTM
Queen Kandi Cole and I at MOTM
Jiji Sweet at MOTM
Mia Styles and Linda at Freestyle Fellowship Show
Linda, Optimus Prime and I
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!
Linda, Bumblebee and I at Universal Studios
Three awesome blondies! Grandma, my baby cousin Zade, and Aunt Lisa
Grandpa's grave...first time visiting.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Hip Hop at Hempfest 2012

Hella People.
If you're not hip to Seattle's legendary Hempfest, it's only the world's LARGEST Cannibus Culture celebration/protestival EVER, and since it's humble local beginnings in 1991, under constant attack from all municipal angles, it has managed to not only survive but grow and thrive, all while perserving its roots as an all-volunteer, utterly organic community effort in innovative resistance.  


Hempfest's continual success draws tens of thousands of people from all over the world to Myrtle Edwards Park on Seattle's waterfront each summer, making its"Share Parker Memorial Mainstage" a coveted venue for any artist to rock. Thus, I was honored to be a part of the Hempfest 21st year celebration last Sunday, and ecstatic to share the stage with some of my favorite people: Sista Hailstorm, Suntonio Bandanaz, DJ Seabefore and Daisy Chain. It was a beautiful day! Check out the footage below, courtesy of Ready Roxx Media, to see some of the action:





So in acknowledgement of the folks that got us there and that held it down, big ups to Jim Goettler (the permit guru of Seattle), Vivian McPeak (Hempfest founder and executive director, be sure to check out his book Protestival: A 20 Year Retrospective of Seattle Hempfest), Levi Lyon (LyonPride Music, Hempfest entertainment committee organizer, and golf cart crowd-navigation extraordinaire), and of course to the countless other Hempfest organizers and volunteers, all of whose combined efforts make this possible year after year. You guys are amazing. I also want to shout out 206 Zulu's King Khazm Jocie Luv, Jessica Diaz, DJ Audeos of Crisis Clothing NW, Hollis of Hollis Photography & Ian Wiggers of Everything Rap Bremerton, DeRox of Ready Roxx Media, Heidi Jackson, Nicodemus, Korvus Blackbird, Jai Bird, Zaim, Charys, Lingda, Daway, CB3, Felisha, Josh Rizeberg, Matt E., Rufio of Ruf-Top Productions and all our other official and unofficial sponsors, endorsers, homies, and fam who came out and supported us on Sunday. Also shouts to Potluck, Jay Barz, Funky 2 Death, Kokane, Traffik, and Goodybagg featuring the amazing Olisa "Spyc-E" Enrico, always a pleasure to see her murder it up there. The lineup was heater. 

The Random Bonus Editorial "Hip Hop at Hempfest"

Context: I was asked by Vivian to write a few words on this topic that might help fill potential social or generational gaps in understanding between diverse groups of cannabis advocates. I found this to be a fun and challenging exercise on a few different levels, but I was happy and honored that the result was printed in this year's program. In case you didn't catch it and are curious, here it is. Excuse the corny ending:


"Rap music and weed-smoking has long been linked in the mainstream consciousness. Unfortunately, this association often paints an inauthentic (or at the best, incomplete) picture of both Hip Hop and cannabis culture. The synergy between the two is deeper than the glorification of blunts and a few contagious marijuana anthems.

Cannabis repression is rooted in colonization, racism, state-instituted socioeconomic violence and the oppression of common people. It is from these very forces that Hip Hop emerged as reclamation of space, voice, autonomy, & freedom of expression. The cultural legacy of Hip Hop, like that of jazz, blues, and reggae, is creative resistance, and this collective memory is transmitted through the artistic practices of tried & true DJs, b-boys/girls, graffiti writers, & emcees. That’s why Afrika Baamaataa, Godfather of Hip Hop Culture, cited “knowledge” as the 5th element of Hip Hop way back in 1973, when he unified street tribes of youth in NYC by founding Universal Zulu Nation.  

Hip Hop is of the struggle, of the movement, and most importantly, of community. Despite what you see in the mainstream, it’s not just another product you consume from corporate media or an image to be bought /sold.  It’s a vast & diverse network of amazing creators in your city you should get to know  & support as we continue to build the 21-year-Hempfest Protestival community of resistance.

This year at the Hip Hop Review, acts such as Sista Hailstorm, Suntonio Bandanaz, & DJ Seabefore not only exemplify artistic excellence on the stage. They actively work every day ground-level with youth, families, and grassroots organizations to embody the message in the music. That’s real Hip Hop. So whether you already knew or want to learn, whether you’re looking for those true school breaks or hood slaps, or whether you just want to kick back to an incredible soundtrack, join us for our Sunday lineup. I got 5 on it you’ll be glad you did."


Leilani, Hailstorm, Bandanaz, Jules C Before the Set

Merch Table Set Up


Ready Ready!

Golf Cart There

Golf Cart Back
Daisy Chain, Hailstorm, Cheeks, Ilyana

The one and only!
Heidi, Joc, Khazm

Bandanaz and Hailstorm Rocking
Bandanaz Goes Maniacal

B-Boy Zaim, youngest member of Alpha P Goes Maniacal


Merch Table in Full Effect



Hailstorm and Rufio

Seabefore, Hailstorm, Homie
Good times.


Until next time, stay up! Drop a comment on the blog. 





Monday, February 27, 2012

What is Hip Hop Leadership?

A writeup on Seattle's conference, and some more thoughts.

It is 2012, the third year of the annual Seattle Hip Hop Leadership Conference. A lot has happened in the world, and Hip Hop has played an undeniable role outside of entertainment news. Hip Hop artists in the Middle East were instrumental in spreading the energy of resistance in The Arab Spring, a youth-lead revolutionary swell of organizing, demonstrations, marches, rallies, and protests, that has shifted the political environment of the world, challenging governments in over a dozen countries in North Africa, completely overthrowing four, and inspiring & reinforcing similar movements across the globe, Occupy being one of them. It’s no surprise that in this context, the US government, as well as governments in Europe have ramped up the usage of Hip Hop in their foreign policy. (AP Photo of protests in Dakar, click "Y'en A Marre & Elections in Senegal" on AfricanHipHop.com to learn more)

Luckily Hip Hop doesn’t belong to any government anymore than it belongs to corporations. Hip Hop belongs to communities, and intrinsic in its cultural and artistic heritage is its drive to challenge, innovate, galvanize, and empower. But different artists, academics, bloggers, organizers, activists, veterans, youth, patrons, and supporters from different circles, industries, elements, subdivisions, businesses, and crews have vastly different perspectives on what their personal relationship to Hip Hop means in the context of culture and community, especially in our cozy corner on the tip of the West Coast. Here lies the strength and challenge of the 2012 Seattle Hip Hop Leadership Conference, which brought together approximately 200 people from all over the city. One question that arose and remains is: Who among us is willing to answer the call for social accountability and collective action, and who is here just to rap?

“Hip Hop: Tool, Toy or Weapon?” was the fitting title of the opening plenary, and it featured a star-studded cast of Jake One, Njuguna of the Physics, Dj Hyphen, General Wojack, Moorpheus Magnetic, Redskin, Larry Mizell, Toyia Taylor, Emilio, & DJ Infared. Due to a delayed start, we didn’t get much farther than introductions, but hearing such a diverse group speak on how Hip Hop has evolved and their story with it is always enlightening and highly relatable. The role of Hip Hop in personal identity development was a recurring theme. A highlight was Toyia, who emphasized the power of Hip Hop in connecting to young people and the nature of it to “encourage the evolution of every single generation.” Kawan of Sweatshopfreelife captured this footage of the panel.This sentiment was an apt transition to the next session I hit up.

“Hip Hop & the Art of Critical Pedagogy” was a smaller workgroup featuring Jose “DJ Luvva J”, Third Andresen, Cochise “Chief” Moore, Stephany Koch Hazelrigg, Max Hunter, Wyking, and several students from UW and SCCC. The dialogue explored Hip Hop as a collective approach to education, community building, social change, and personal transformation. At the same time, Rahwa of Hidmo did a presentation called "Hip Hop World Order." Thanks Sweatshopfreelife for capturing this footage of the workshop. There are three parts.

At lunchtime, Emily of Food Not Bombs and Kawan surprised attendees, coming through with delicious hot vegetarian cuisine. People continued to arrive and break bread while a number of artists took to the open mic, including J. Infinite of Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center, and an excellent emcee duo from the Bay, The MasterS, who were in town on tour.

Energy from the lunchtime cipher flowed into the Hip Hop Occupies panel at 1:30. Featuring Maria Guillen, Gregory Lewis, Tabitha Milan, Anelise S., Henry Luke, and Matt E., the panel touched on the power of arts and culture in revolutions, the decolonization framework emerging from Occupy, movement work vs. career activism, the role Hip Hop has played thus far in the movement, and where it is going.

After my session, I slipped late into “Art vs. Commerce”, facilitated by Sam Chesneau (and later Luvva J). This firey exchange was carried by DJ Topspin, Suntonio Bandanaz, Vitamin D, The Goodsin, Dox, David Pomeranz, E-Dawg, OC Notes, and many more. When I came in, the conversation was focused on the moral dilemmas people do or don’t/should or shouldn’t face commodifying art, the work ethic and integrity of artists, and the local industry. From there, it traveled to corporate dominance over local arts and entertainment markets, and whether or not collective action can or should be taken by the community to reclaim them. A lot of the fire of this discussion carried over to the closing plenary of the conference.

So how did we do on our mission this year? David Pomeranz, of Members Only said, "There is a community within hip hop that cares, but also a community with lack of leadership. When I go to conferences like this (which I do often) I like to walk away with tools to do what I want to do (in this case lead)." Njuguna of the Physics reflected, "The Northwest Hip Hop Leadership was an amazing event and a truly inspiring experience. I'm confident that we all came away from the event entertained, energized, and enriched. I especially appreciate the emphasis we placed on building relationships and continuing the conversations we started after the conference so that we can create results that will benefit Northwest Hip-Hop as a whole." Wyking, organizer of the conference wrote, "The essence of Hip Hop provides a model for self-determination and community building in the face of extreme adversity. Our goal now with the Umojafest P.E.A.C.E. Center is to build a sustainable model in Seattle based on the positive values of Hip Hop culture."

To bring it back around to the global movement, Pioneering Kenyan Hip LinkHop artist Kamau Ngigi, currently in Seattle, emphasized Hip Hop's universal language, saying, "Coming from Kenya, I find no culture shock as long as I link up with people in Hip Hop because we are all in the same mind set all over the world. When it comes to Hip Hop, you are never alienated." But he also made some critical observations on the difference in radical energies of the US and Africa. "Hip Hop in Africa is able to express itself freely. It is not radicalized [in the US] fully because of the corporations which put money on valueless rappers and coin it as Hip Hop. Society is confused about what Hip Hop stands for in America." Seattle, are we part of the confusion or the solution?