What I'm Watching: John Graham "All Seeing Eyes"

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Or something like that. Ha! The homie John Graham drops an ode to his wife, child and life on All Seeing Eyes. Sometimes life is a struggle but family and other motivation keeps us going in many cases. I can dig it. Enjoy the visuals and track.

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What I'm Watching: John Graham "Speak Love"

The homie John Graham drops off the visuals to the Rayvon Red Dah Producah produced Speak Love. Enjoy.

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NEW RELEASE: John Graham "Magic: Blanc et Noir"

I remember when I first met John Graham. The dude hit me via twitter with his music. Usually I ignore the spam like requests but for whatever reason I reached out to John to provide him with feedback in how he approached folks with his music because I enjoyed his music. When offered the same information, some guys respond with a 'go to hell', but he took what I said and built on it. You could tell he was serious about his craft.

That was the beginning of our journey.

John has been featured on the site a gang of times since then. Now he's back with what he's calling his last album, Magic: Blanc et Noir. I had the opportunity to work with John on the project as Art Director/Designer for his album's artwork, which includes a pretty dope digital book with the download. Magic: Blanc et Noir is a solid album, with quality production and just the right amount of feature, as to not drown out John's extraordinary message. The dude is dope, with a lot to say. It's a powerful album. And if you feel a little uncomfortable with the content of a few of the tracks, a dialogue is what John would love to happen. Listen. Think. Enjoy. Chea!


Stream / Download Magic: Blanc et Noir.

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John Graham "Uncivil Rights"

Yesterday afternoon John Graham sent this track over to me. When I hit play, I was immediately moved by the MrMadflowTV Music produced cut. Uncivil Rights spoke to me. And by the end of the night, I pulled together the artwork for him and it was live on bandcamp. Now I share the end result. Enjoy. Chea!

"This song gives you a glimpse into what I believe to be a much needed dialogue with ourselves. Uncivil Rights is an uncomfortable look into race, religion, and class in the country I live in. If this song offends you then my mission is only partially accomplished. If I encourage you to examine yourself then my task is complete!"

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John Graham "Speak Love"

"It's a vent track addressing some of the issues I've been facing as a result of what some perceive as my success as an artist. I've never been able to fully understand the meaning of allowing haters to fuel your success until now."

The homie John Graham shares the first single from his upcoming project, Magic: Blanc et Noir. With production from Rayvon Red Dah Producah, Graham wants to speak love instead of hate. I dig it. Enjoy.



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What I'm Watching: John Graham "Dear Diary" feat. Esha J. (Prod. by Shade Cobain)

"The city of Philadelphia serves as the canvass for this vivid painting in motion. We all have private thoughts that the world may not understand, but there's always someone else out there who truly gets it!"

The homie John Graham delivers up the first set of visuals for his latest project Success In Retrograde EP. Dear Diary takes you through his writing process, which is always an interesting side to see in an emcee. Definitely a cool cut. Hit play and enjoy. Chea!

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What I'm Watching: Configa "Back 2 Basics" feat. John Graham

The homie John Graham hit me via twitter with his latest over the Configa produced track off of Configa Presents: Calm Before The Storm. Definitely a solid track and a cool video to match. Enjoy. Chea!

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Sizemen Vs. John Graham "Veterans Of Foreign Wars"

"John Graham's crazy quick whitty and smooth lyrics and flow, over French producer Sizemen super dope, african beat. Press play and enjoy the dopeness of this international collab..." -Word Is Bond

Soldiers in the armed forces and rhyme, John Graham salutes you. About a week ago Graham reached out to me for the artwork on this Sizemen produced track presented by Word Is Bond as a part of their Versus series. In order to really get my creative process going, I need to hear the music for which I am designing art. Once the track began and Graham started to rhyme, I was captivated. I knew this cut was a winner. After a second listen I knocked out two potential covers in just about 20 minutes. I gave it a third listen to make sure the art got the point. I really dig the track. I hope you enjoy it too. Press play. Chea!

  WORD IS BOND VS.: Sizemen Vs. John Graham - Veterans Of Foreign Wars by TheWordIsBond.com

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First Listen: John Graham "Mirror Music"

It was last June that I first introduced The Mad Bloggers' readers to John Graham. John was working hard on introducing folks to his project at the time, Ascension Methods. I liked Ascension Methods and the music John was creating.

At the time I wrote that his music is one with a poignant message. What John Graham does is creates music he truly believes in. He steps way outside of the box of what would be considered safe music and gives you the music he thinks you should hear. His music is driven by thought provoking lyrics, coupled with cool beats.

You have to respect John for his persistence in delivering his message.

Today, John releases his debut album Mirror Music. And again, he doesn't shy away from making the music he wants to make.

When I interviewed John last July he wanted his music "to inspire dialogue and discussion." I believe Mirror Music, much like  Ascension Methods, will do just that. John wants you to know who he is. It's part of the reason he shed the name J. Qwest. He said during that same interview, "I reached a point in my life where I felt that it was time to shed stage names and give the listener "Me" with no veil or anonymity."

And Mirror Music is just that. It's John Graham with no anonymity.

I personally dig John's more aggressive flow on tracks like "Light's Revenge", "The Re-Awakening" and "It's That Serious." But I also dig the more laid back flow on "I Want You" and "Words & Music."

John Graham is talented. Mirror Music is fresh. Give it a listen. And if you dig it, support it.

www.cdbaby.com/cd/johngraham

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Check It ... John Graham "Unsung Hero"

Check out the the forth and final installment to "John Graham Presents: The Reflection Series." Enjoy.




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Check It ... John Graham Presents: Mirror Image

John Graham is good people. And he makes quality music. I dig what he does. Peep the latest track in his The Reflection Series. He borrows a Neptunes produced track and delivers "Mirror Image." Enjoy the track. Oh and artwork by ThroatChopU (CHEA!)



Mirror Image (Prod. by The Neptunes).mp3

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Check It ... John Graham "Don't Stop Remix" feat. Prosthetik Intelligentz

New music from John Graham featuring Prosthetik Intelligentz. It's a pretty cool track. Enjoy.



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Check It ... John Graham "It's That Serious" prod by Kuddie Fresh

This is probably my favorite track from John Graham. Check out "It's That Serious" produced by Kuddie Fresh. It seems as if, well ... it's that serious. Enjoy.




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Check It ... John Graham "Extra-Terrestrial Thoughts"

New music from John Graham's upcoming project. The dude truly makes the music he believes in. You gotta respect him for that. Hit up the comment section with your thoughts.

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First Listen: John Graham "Ascension Methods"

My relationship with John Graham started in kind of a weird way. He had hit me up on twitter to check his track. I didn't know the dude from Adam but he was persistent about it. I hit him back telling him the appropriate way to send me music. We went back and forth via twitter and email. He's definitely a cool dude. His music, meaningful. It's music with a poignant message. This project MUST be heard. I reached out to dude for a Q&A and to go in depth on each track! I think it's important you understand where he and his music are coming from. Seriously, you gotta check this out!

The Mad Bloggers: Is John Graham your government name? If so, why that approach in your music?

John Graham: John Graham is the government name indeed. I used to go by the name "J. Qwest" up until this project. I reached a point in my life where I felt that it was time to shed stage names and give the listener "Me" with no veil or anonymity. This project is actually a mirror reflection of who I was and now who I am which is one of the reasons why I call it "Mirror Music".

TMB: What was the motivation behind Ascension Methods?

JG: I was asked by several of my close friends for quite a while to get back in the studio and record again, to which I would simply respond "I'm done with music." My last project "Hurry Up & Wait" was done in 06' but I never really pushed it. So I took about 2 1/2 years off from music because I was simply uninspired by what I was hearing. Additionally, I was going through quite a few growth spurts personally at the time (that's another interview:-). Fast forward to 2009 when I recorded "State The Deal". I think one of the most overlooked albums of 08' was 808's & Heartbreak by Kanye. Not overlooked in the commercial sense of the word but overlooked in the sense that Kanye exposed his soul on that album and a lot of people didn't feel it because they thought he was soft and wack for singing. That album touched me point blank! Then I hear Jay Electronica and his coverage of things both physical and spiritual in his lyrics was super inspiring. Then I hear the Drake mixtapes from his O.V.O. days (pre-Young Money). The level of self examination he showed on tracks was amazing, especially for someone of his age. It was after all of this that I felt it was time for me to speak.

I went through a great deal of spiritual growth over the course of the past 2 years that has impacted my life and the life of those around me in a severely positive way. So every subject that I covered on the album from health and well being, to your true power as an individual of the collective, to natural childbirth, and love are all topics that are near and dear to me. I have a life coaching practice called PurposeCoach (www.purposelink.com) that is focused on helping people become the best possible versions of themselves by working on the mind, body, and spirit. This project was simply a vehicle to do the same only through the medium of music.

TMB: You used a snippet from then President Elect Obama's speech on election night, why?

JG: I chose to chop up the victory speech of brotha Obama for a few reasons but mainly this. I remembered watching his speech the night he won the election and I vividly remember him telling the people quite plainly that this would not be easy. He was basically telling people that he's not the savior and that the work that needs to be done will and can not be done by him alone. However, I think a lot of people were so caught up in the feeling of having the "first" black president that they overlooked the meat of his speech. So I fashioned the clip in a way that spoke exactly to what I was hearing him say minus all the presidential fluff.

TMB: What would you like folks to get from listening to Ascension Methods?

JG: My ultimate desire for those who listen to Ascension Methods is for them to recognize their own power and potential to create their reality as they see fit. I want them to hear my story and know that if I can do it, so can you. I want them to know that the self imposed limitations that we put on ourselves every time we use the words "Can't, Won't, or Don't" often times create the negative circumstances that we face in our lives. I wish for them to see that 10 minutes out of their day spent in meditation/contemplation can serve as the canvas to paint the world they wish to live in. I want people to become more conscious of their thoughts and actions and to turn off their auto-pilot responses and behaviors simply by getting in tune with the divine within. Lastly, I wish for this project to inspire dialogue and discussion. We are taught from an early age to notice and judge others by our differences. There are far more things that we as a people (human) have in common. Considering the times we're in we need unity more than ever, not just in the black community but in the world community.

TMB: John, I think it would be important to give people a breakdown of each track. Can you do that?

JG: It's funny you should ask for that. I'm in the process of writing a book to compliment the music with that exact purpose of delving deeper into each track and the motivations behind them.

1. A Call to Ascension (Intro)
- I took the audio from President Barack Obama's Chicago victory speech in 08'. This is how I interpreted his speech minus the fluff...

2. The Last Glimpse

- This song only gives a peak into some deeper concepts every 4 or so bars and then I change directions. I do this to sort of dip my toe in the water if you will. Probe the listener for their level of awareness on various subjects as the rabbit hole only gets deeper from here on out.

3. Meditation Staycation
- This song is highlighting some key benefits of incorporating meditation into your daily routine. You have the power to paint your reality on the open canvas of the universe through meditation. I truly devote 10-20 minutes every morning before I go to work to meditation. This is how I plan my day and my future.

4. Thru Time & Space

- This song captures the "We Met, We Fell, We Married" journey that my wife and I have encountered. Every lyric in that song is authentic, even down to the Range Rover, and Ford references. LOL!

5. Innocent Girl
- This song was meant to inspire young ladies and young men to remember their virtue. I've seen so many young women get caught up in the party scene only to be used and tossed away like objects. I've also seen young men who only objectify young women and use them for their own selfish purposes. This song really used some situations that are quite real but can serve as a lesson in action and consequence.

6. Business of Being Born (Interlude)

- I think this one speaks for itself. However, my wife and I are choosing to do a natural birth at home. When I tell people this, they usually balk and give me the "Why would you do that face". I remind them that for millenniums there were no hospitals deliver your child. Women have been giving birth naturally for ever and only within the last 100 years has it become institutionalized. It all comes down to information and that was the intent of the interlude.

7.Absolute Power
- This song served as the Trojan horse for the entire album. The beat was entrancing, and it spoke to me. This song is plainly telling the listener that there is duality in life (+/-). You have the power to choose either side of the coin, but your choices do come with consequences. Basically stated, think before you act and know that you have the power to change the world if you choose to.

8. State The Deal

- This song was my first song back after 2 1/2 years of not doing music. I wanted to expose my inner thoughts on this one and let the listener know my feelings on music and where I was with it at that point in my journey. I gave my views on where the music industry is headed and why. P.S. No disrespect to Lil Wayne or Soldier Boy

9. The Index
- This song was a "vent" song if you will. I was feeling pretty strongly about how the genre of hip-hop has fallen from grace in my eyes. The overinflated ego, the money machine that creates a false desire for unhealthy music and then saturates the market place with it, and various other issues. I also talked a bit about my struggle with wanting to do music but on my own terms.

10. The End of The Beginning
- Honestly, I've been doing music and free-styling for over 15 years but it seems that with the release of "Absolute Power" it's finally being noticed. I realize that it's only being noticed now because I'm ready for it to be so. However it seems that so much time has been put into music and now it's only just begun. I featured one of my partners on this track as well by the name of Tron (@hiphoptron) who has one of the dopest projects I've listened to in a while "Person in My Position".

11. Brilliant Sights

- This track is an actual account of a vision I had about a past life experience as well as wisdom that has been revealed to me in this journey. I know it's a bit out there for most to digest, but it's a very personal track for me as I've been on an accelerated path of spiritual growth over the past few years now. Interestingly, I've met so many people along the path that have also encountered their own past lives. We're out here! 

12. Good Food (Interlude)
- I went from 315lbs to 220 in a years time primarily because I changed my lifestyle and my eating habits. It all began first by educating myself on the food I eat and how it affects our bodies. I decided to use a bunch of clips from the documentary "Food Inc." because they capture so accurately the ills of the commercial food industry and how the consumer has no idea about what they're eating. Food for thought: When you look at a hamburger on TV, do you see the finished product, or the animal it came from? Just checking, LOL!

13) Extenuating Circumstance
- This happens to be my favorite track because it is literally my "Mirror". I tell my coaching clients that you can't begin to improve yourself until you come to grips with all of your flaws and hideous character traits. This was simply me saying "Hey, I know it's hard! I've been exactly where you are or possibly worst, but if you change your mind you can change your life"

14) Brave New World (Outro)
- This sample was taken from an interview with the creator of the popular truth documentary "Zeitgeist" Peter Joseph. He really spoke to the possibilities of our future if people decide to unite and put down the capitalistic models that keep us subjugated and struggling on an individual level. 

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