Sonny Bonoho w/ Flowmotion

Just received the show flyer for a Sonny Bonoho performance with a live band! Apparently the way the two connected was thru a jam session that Sonny had with Lee Oskar, a former member of WAR. In that session was a drummer who's in a group called Flowmotion who said that they wanted Sonny to be a part of their set. So far as I know, he'll be on stage for four songs and hopefully more. They rehearse again this Thursday and I'm sure some more days prior to their evening at Nectar on Friday, April 11th, 2008. Should be a fun night as we see Sonny Bonoho grow as an artist and add to his resume "live band" as oppossed to just being in a box as the "typical rapper."

Nectar Lounge
412 North 36th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
206/632-2020

Please Be Our Facebook Friend, DJ Drama

The Real is back with anutha! American Idol rejects turn to DJ Drama in hopes of hosting an upcoming mixtape!

Blue Scholars on Format Magazine

The Blue Scholars are featured in Format Magazine. Tone, a photographer, was flown out to kick it with BS and the Massline crew over a two day period. Click here for the article and to view the photos, press here.

Geo and I talked about the “conscious” rap thing and I asked him if he felt this was misleading. He replied “sometimes”. See, Geo is also a battle MCEE. In fact, that’s how he started, but he admits that working with Sabzi (Producer/DJ for both Common Market and Blue Scholars) has brought out another side of him. Sabzi’s music is heavily melodic with big boom bap drums and by Hip Hop standards, very complex arrangements. He has beat the likes of Marco Polo in beat battles and after listening to the newest unreleased Common Market CD I fully understand why. No wonder he inspires the cats he works with to soar, he is on a whole nother’ level himself.

U-N-I TV: Blog 001

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Friday, March 28th, 2008

Good morning. Maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself. -John MacNaughton
God is Love
Rev Run

Weekend Warehouse MEGA SALE @ Innerspace

Huge warehouse sale at Innerspace beginning tomorrow between 12-6pm. Then whatever is left for Sunday, March 30th, 2008. There'll be brands such as (NIKE SB, ADIDAS, LAKAI, MANIK, HUF, NEW ERA, TRIBUTE, BENNY GOLD, ROGUE STATUS and many more).

Macklemore Interview @ Seattlest

Macklemore recently got back from a European stint performing a number of dates. He sat down with Katelyn Hackett over at Seattlest for a little interview. Find out 'bout his love for shoes, the direction he's going with his music, being a local celebrity, and his favorite sammich shop. You know the drill. Click here for the full read!

What's it like to perform, and to perform the same songs so frequently?It’s a nervewracking thing, getting up there. And it should be! It should be. You should be getting those anxious butterflies. If you’re not getting those, you’re not doing your job right. You want o walk out there thinking, “This is exciting, this is new, who knows what’s gonna happen in this moment…” You don’t wanna go out there going, “this is exactly what I’m gonna do, this is all laid out, I have a perfect picture of how this is gonna go.” I did so many shows for Language of My World, and there were times where I was doing the same sets most of the time, maybe a slightly different order. But you gotta always be thinking of new things to do. That’s a crucial aspect of performance.

Everybody can rap, everyone can learn the lyrics and do a good job, but there’s relatively few people who can get on stage and really engage the crowd. How do you engage the crowd? How do you give people an experience outside of just going to another hiphop show? I want to give people an experience where they connect with the message and the music. You have to find meaning in the words you’ve written. It’s hard, some of these songs I’ve performed hundreds of times, and how do you connect to a song you’ve performed and listened to hundreds of times?

You have to look into the audience and find the people who are hearing it for the
first time, or maybe the song changed their life in a small or even insignificant way. Who knows? That’s something I really strive for. That’s extremely powerful. It’s like meditation or yoga. You can be just in a certain pose and in your head be having sex off in Utah, or you can really be in the moment and breathing into it, thinking about it. That’s what makes your presence on stage.

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Thursday, March 27th, 2008

On Confrontation and Change
Good morning. What you refuse to confront you cannot change.
God is Love
Rev Run

Everyday B-Girl is Hustlin

B-Girl has an album out now called Love or Fate. The artwork you see below was created by OneSevenNine. In the article, Erika Hobart, takes us from B-Girl's arrival to Seattle to her current thoughts of females in hip-hop. Particularly locals looking to participate in the culture and finding ways to support their journey. B-Girl is most certainly an advocate for the female gender passing on her experiences down to those wishing to continue the tradition. Click here for the full article.

DJ B-Girl lived with three roommates in the U District when she first came to
the city. Money saved on rent went toward purchasing high-end tables and
speakers to practice her craft. Days were spent working at Guitar Center, and
nights were spent relentlessly pursuing gigs. She works more now than she did
then, about 80 hours a week. Despite having a solid footing in the city's
hip-hop scene and her new album to support, she's got another agenda to keep her
preoccupied: helping other female artists find the connections she never had.

Last year, DJ B-Girl ensured she'd be getting even less sleep when she launched her own record label, B-Girl Media, and formed B-Girl Bench, a centralized forum (which meets at Oseao) for local women in hip-hop to meet weekly and research viable options to increase their visibility.

By drawing from her personal experiences and knowledge in digital distribution, DJ B-Girl hopes to help propel Seattle's female hip-hop artists into the limelight. The
greatest hurdle for many aspiring artists (including herself early on) is that they aren't always well-versed in the business side of the music industry, she says.

Wizdom in the Seattle Weekly

Kevin Capp over at the Seattle Weekly covers Wizdom and talks a bit about new music from the forthcoming album that drops in late Spring/early Summer. Check the excerpt below and then click here for the full article.

However, all of this honesty stuff seems like some left-field shit when you first meet Wiz. He cuts an imposing figure, like a shorter Fat Joe, complete with a heavy head shorn of most of its hair and shoulders that could carry a family of four. Thing is, for all his physical heft, the dude is sensitive. Not in a cries-during-Bambi way, but like a nerve ending forever flicked, aware of the bane and pain of everyday existence. Macklemore, whose studio served as ground zero for Wiz's 2007 debut, Book of Wizdom, says that Wiz knows "it's important to be personal and to also address music and a social context." But, he adds, "He doesn't take himself too seriously."

The Physics - Ready For We

The Physics are out with a video for their lead single, Ready For We. Dope visual directed by Marty Martin & Zia Mohajerjasbi.

Rock Paper Scissors New Era Samples

Rock Paper Scissors (Capitol 1524) appearss as though they'll be carrying some New Era store branded fitteds. The black on black is lookin sharp and the red version is not too shabby either. spotted on Rock Paper Sneakers

Arif Gursel Interview @ The Evil Collector

Arif Gursel recently got interviewd by The Evil Collector. If you don't know 'bout this cat, you need to know. He heads up Invisible Man Entertainment and currently is the Technical Evangelist for Microsoft. I first learned of Arif at the Northwest Urban Lifestyle Conference back in the summer of 2006 at Seattle Central Community College which was hosted by Seaspot. He was on a panel that I can't quite remember what for, but I believe the discussion was about producing music. The dude wears many hats in addition to his J-O at the software giant, he produces and manages a stable of artists. Below is an excerpt. Click here to read the full article on this cat who hustles hard!

TEC: You’re CEO at Invisible Man Entertainment, right? You make beats?

AG: Yes, I produce as well. I’ve done independent film. I have a couple of R&B acts. You see, I run a production company, as well and it’s a lot of hard work paying off. I started off with myself, but with all of what I do, I don’t have the time to be in a studio. So, now, I’m hiring a young stable of producers to have that sound. My R&B acts, Cameron Lewis, this brotha from Chicago and Anjalae Rose are next up. Ms. Rose was on American Idol the same year as Jennifer Hudson. She learned the language in Russia, went on their version of Idol and won. This is a sista from Brooklyn. Very dope! We’re working on a bunch of things at the moment.

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Wednesday, March 26th, 2008

Love
Good morning. If you would be loved, love and be lovable.
God is Love
Rev Run

On Your Assignment
Good morning. What you hate reveals what you were created to correct.-Mike Murdoch
God is Love
Rev Run

Xola Malik (Kid Sensation) Interview

Kid Sensation has an interview up on Wake Your Daughter Up. He now goes by Xola pronounced "cola". I had a friend back in college who was working on some tracks with this Seattle hip-hop pioneer. She was telling me that Xola was producing music for her. I thought to myself, "Who the fcuk is Xola?" She later said that he once was Kid Sensation and I automatically remembered Seatown Funk being on the evening countdown on KUBE 93. It must've been since the 90's since I last heard his music on the radio. Xola made an appearance at the 2006 Bumbershoot show with Common Market which was the last time I saw this cat live. Below is an excerpt from the interview conducted by WYDU. Click here for the full read.

W: People tend to overlook the whole Northwest region when it comes to hip hop. I know you are pretty instrumental in the history of hip hop in Seattle,
how did Hip Hop come to be in Seattle?
X: I was definitely one of the ones to help put Seattle on the map and make that happen, but to be honest, Seattle always had a nice little hip hop scene bubbling on the underground. You know how Texas or Atlanta had their own defined sound, well Seattle didn't really have that. LA had a particular sound back in
those days, you know with the bass and electro thing and New York had that
gritty and uncut flavor. Seattle had just a variety of different sounds. You can tell we are influenced by a lot of different musical influences. Now some guys are starting to make some noise developing a unique 206 sound. Don't sleep on 253 either, Tacoma is really doing their thing as well.

W: Who exactly made up that crew in the early days? You always heard names being dropped on the albums and such.
X: It was myself, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Maharaji, and a cat named Attitude Adjuster. We were the main four. There were other dudes he mentioned on tracks, like PLB, DJ Punish, MC Fury, E-Dawg, Strange and a lot of cats that he had around him that were a part of the influence on how his sound developed and how it became. So yeah, there were a lot of cats that helped him become who he is.

Bomani Speaks Satirically on Barack

Bomani Armah, also known as the guy who told you to read a book, wrote a piece in the Washington Post this past weekend satirically stating Barack Obama should show the "whiter" side of himself. What do y'all think? Below is an excerpt. Click here to read the full house.

Black people all over the country felt liberated: Finally they could support an African American who wasn't guaranteed to lose. In fact, I personally take credit for helping Obama solidify the black vote, because every time someone asked me that asinine "Is he black enough?" question, I would quip, "What do you expect the first black president to be? A dashiki-wearing, Afro-with-a-pick, fist-waving ex-Black Panther?" Little did anyone know that Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., is a dashiki-wearing, fist-waving, might-as-well-have-been-an-ex-Black Panther (not sure, I'll call the FBI to check).

Def Jam's Secret to Success

The homies over at The Real have released another video.

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Monday, March 24th, 2008

On Prayer
Good morning. A day without prayer is a boast against God. -Owen Car.
God is Love
Rev Run

Friday, March 21st, 2008
True Success
Good morning. While striving for success I always try to live by this important principle.... Great success is attainable without negotiation of one's character, integrity, morals and values.
God is Love
Rev Run

CultureMob Talks Blogs Is Watching

Everyday, I usually go thru my morning routine of checking emails, surfing the net, and peeping out blogs out there on the internets. One of them is a website called CultureMob which is a Seattle-based startup. It's a site that lists events that are happening within the greater Seattle area. Through a proprietary technology they've developed, the site suggest events that fit your interests. I was first introduced to CultureMob back in December by Chris who is the co-founder. Since then, I've been following them just as much as they've followed me.

The homie, Cedric (Artists and Communities Manager), posted a blog this morning about Blogs Is Watching and I've gotta say that you're too kind my friend. In the spirit of DJ Khaled, I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm the best (appreciate the love though), but Seatown is the best! "Who? We! We the best!" You got one thing right though, if blogging wasn't fun for me, I wouldn't be doing it. I most certainly am excited by the local hip-hop scene which motivates me to post as frequently as I do. In that way, hip-hop has saved my life.

So, for those who does the hip-hop thang, holler (contact info on upper left hand side), and let me know of what you're doing. I'll most likely talk about you, but of course, only if I feel your sh!t. No hate 'round here, just a SOYGNH, if I don't dig your steez.

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Thursday, March 20th, 2008

Good morning. Some people talk about finding God, as if He could get lost. -Anon
God is Love
Rev Run

Sonny Bonoho - Mary Jane

Mary Jane by Sonny Bonoho just leaked on Digiwaxx and from the sound of the track, this confirms a conversation I had with him previously, the album certainly will be uniquely different than anything else he has put out. Can't wait for it to drop. According to Sonny, he'll be taking his time in putting the album together. Keep us posted Sonny!

Peter Rosenberg in Duke Fan Stan

Duke Fan Stan


Why Duke Sucks

Cancer Rising Video Footage @ Nectar on March 13th, 2008

Evryday Bidness


Wait A Minute


EXTRA
The Program @ Neumos on Sync Live

DJ B-Mello Video Blog 3

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

It's Your Choice
Good morning. I've got good news!! You can choose to be happy today!!!! You can choose to walk in peace today... You can choose to be undisturbed by any circumstance today!! A wise man once said... “You can't control every situation, but you can control how you respond to every situation.� Have a happy day!! The choice is yours...
God is Love
Rev Run

DJ B-Mello at The Program @ Neumos

Maxim Magazine Review Kidz In The Hall & 9th Wonder/Buckshot Albums

Disclaimer:

In light of the recent allegations made against Maxim Magazine by the Black Crowes and Nas for printing LP reviews of their respective forthcoming albums without actually hearing either of them, Buckshot/9th Wonder and Kidz In the Hall gladly volunteered their upcoming albums to receive the same treatment. We would also like to invite Maxim to attend any Kidz In The Hall and Buckshot and 9^th Wonder show, or any of our artists in general-- attendance is of course only optional!!

These mock-ups are by in no way intended to attack Maxim Magazine’s credibility, or incriminate them in any manner; it’s all in good fun!

Kidz In the Hall and Buckshot/9^th Wonder Plead With Maxim Magazine

To Review Their Respective LP's Without Hearing Them!

The Real - The Year of the Pale Elephant

REV RUN: Words of Wisdom - Monday, March 17th, 2008

Trying To Control Others?
Good morning. The key to a happy life:::: Live and let live! :-).
God is Love
Rev Run

Friday, March 14th, 2008
On Being Kind
Good morning. Be kind :-)
God is Love
Rev Run

Thursday, March 13th, 2008
Give Abundantly
Good morning. The scripture says..
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty..... The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
God is Love
Rev Run

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
Self Control
Good morning. He who hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. -Proverbs.... Anger is only on letter short of danger. -Anon. Without discipline, there's no life at all. - Katherine Hepburn
God is Love
Rev Run

Gabriel Teodros - No Label (Esma Remix)

Gabriel Teodros
"No Label (Esma Remix)"
Lovework (MassLine, 2007)
Produced by Sabzi & Moka Only
Directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi