Check It... The Warm Up

It was click, click, boom, click and suddenly I had downloaded The Warm Up from The Away Team & Nervous Reck and hadn't even know much about the project. After listening, I can tell you that it's quality. Originally unreleased tracks, the crew felt like the music was far too good to waste and wanted to give the fans the dope free download. I've included two tracks below. I suggest you download the full album too.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

The Warm Up (Click to Download)

Who Knew The Flu Would Bring Out The Racist In People?

Saw this story on MSNBC. I don't know if I'm even surprised. Shocked, yes. Surprised? Probably not. Personally, I don't see racism going anywhere any time soon unless we find a way to live life like the blind. Literally. But then knowing the hate some people have in their souls, they'd find a way to discriminate on something else. Check out the story. Leave your comments. Express your feelings.


Amid swine flu outbreak, racism goes viral
Anti-immigrant hatred spreads on talk radio, Web sites
By Brian Alexander

“No contact anywhere with an illegal alien!” conservative talk show host Michael Savage advised his U.S. listeners this week on how to avoid the swine flu. “And that starts in the restaurants" where he said, you “don’t know if they wipe their behinds with their hands!”

And Thursday, Boston talk radio host Jay Severin was suspended after calling Mexican immigrants "criminalians" during a discussion of swine flu and saying that emergency rooms had become "essentially condos for Mexicans."

That’s tepid compared to some of the xenophobic reactions spreading like an emerging virus across the Internet. “This disgusting blight is because MEXICANS ARE PIGS!” an anonymous poster ranted on the “prison planet” forum, part of radio host and columnist Alex Jones’ Web site.

There is even talk of conspiracy. Savage speculated that terrorists are using Mexican immigrants as walking germ warfare weapons. “It would be easy,” he said, “to bring an altered virus into Mexico, put it in the general population, and have them march across the border.”

As about 130 cases of H1N1 virus, known as swine flu, have been confirmed across the United States, from San Diego to New York City, the growing public health concern has also exposed fear and hate.

Fear and blame are counterproductive and even dangerous in any disease outbreak because the more stigmatized any group feels, the more reluctant people in that group may be to seek medical care. That only helps propagate the disease.

The attempt to scapegoat Mexicans, immigrants, and Hispanic Americans is no to surprise Latino rights groups, who are now mobilizing a counter-effort.

'Ignorant beyond the pale'
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, called such comments “racist and ignorant beyond the pale … these so-called commentators shame themselves turning public health concerns into an immigrant bashing fest.”

“What we have seen is that the anti-immigrant groups are using this to shamelessly to promote their agenda,” said Liany Arroyo, director of the Institute for Hispanic Health at the National Council of La Raza.

While the war of words is mainly between the conservative commentariat and Latino advocacy groups, individual Mexican-Americas are beginning to worry.

"Our people are calling us and they are concerned," said Florencia Velasco Fortner, chief executive officer of Dallas Consilio of Hispanic Organizations, an umbrella of affiliated service groups. "Even our staff members are starting to get a little discouraged. There was anti-immigrant sentiment prior to this and this adds fuel to the fire."

The Consilio has mounted its own education campaign to teach Dallas-area Hispanic audiences proper disease prevention and hygiene techniques. Because many are uninsured and may avoid seeking medical care, the Consilio is also helping them find non-profit clinics and encouraging them to visit these immediately if they develop symptoms rather than waiting until they are severely ill.

As swine flu fears have spread, the backlash has also affected some Mexican restaurants' business, possibly fueled by disparaging comments like those of Savage questioning the hygiene of workers.

Jennifer Pesqueira, whose family has owned and operated El Indio Mexican restaurants in San Diego since 1940, said her business has seen a 20 percent drop in business since the outbreak began.

Activist groups have advised their communities to be aware and on guard. “Board members put an alert out,” said Jan Hanvik, executive director of Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center in New York. “It was a heads up, saying ‘pay attention.’”

Blaming 'the other'
Fear mongering and blame are almost a natural part of infectious disease epidemics, experts say.

“This is a pattern we see again and again,” said Amy Fairchild, chair of sociomedical sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. “It’s ‘the other,’ the group not seen as part of the nation, the one who threatens it in some way that gets blamed for the disease.”

Often, a disease outbreak is an excuse to vent pre-existing prejudices. “It’s fear of people we do not know or who look different,” said Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan and author of “When Germs Travel: Six Major Epidemics That Have Invaded America Since 1900 and the Fears They Have Unleashed.” “You take the fear of the unknown that already exists and then combine that with a real or perceived threat that is contagious disease and it’s explosive.”

During the medieval Black Plague, Europeans blamed Jews, saying they poisoned the wells. In an 1892 cholera pandemic, the U.S. blamed immigrant European Jews. In the flu of 1918, Markel said, “Italians blamed the Spanish. The Spanish blamed the Italians. For HIV it was gay men and Haitians.”

Americans “have a history of trying to keep ourselves ‘pure,’” Fairchild explained. “You saw it after the Civil War when slaves were denied citizenship, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when we were alarmed over southern and eastern European immigrants. There were fears that they would pollute America’s germ plasm, make us a weak nation of imbeciles.”

Americans have time and again responded to emergencies by clamoring to shut the borders and pull up the bridges.

“I’ve blogged for years about the spread of contagious diseases from around the world into the U.S. as a result of uncontrolled immigration,” conservative columnist Michelle Malkin wrote on her Web site. “9/11 didn’t convince the open-borders zealots to put down their race cards and confront reality. Maybe the threat of their sons or daughters contracting a deadly virus spread from south of the border to their Manhattan prep schools will.” (The cluster of New York school students who first contracted H1N1 brought the virus back from Mexico. The school is in Queens.)

"People who do not really know anything are creating ideas that don't really exist," said Sergio Ornelas, owner of a bi-national publishing and advertising business in El Paso. "I am worried these kinds of articles and comments might create panic.”

Fighting racism with information
Blame-the-victim reactions can be fought with clear, accurate information about the disease and about how it is spreading, said Dr. Larry Kline, a San Diego physician and member of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission. “People get snippets of information here and there, and unfortunately much of it is inaccurate. That makes things ripe for blame and blame and fear never helped anybody.”

Tamping down blame and fear isn’t just the right thing to do morally, experts agree, it’s also the right thing to do medically. Germs, Markel stressed, don’t care about skin color or national origins or borders.

“These are naturally occurring events,” he said. “We expect flu pandemics every 30 to 40 years. It’s the cost of living in a world of emerging infectious diseases. That’s the folly of prejudice. They are wherever humans are.”

© 2009 msnbc.com

KRS-One Performs At Toad's Place

KRS-One ("Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone."), aka KRS-1 aka Kris Parker aka The Blastmaster aka The Teacha aka The Philosopher aka Kris, etc., a main staple in the hip hop community since the early 90's came to Connecticut's Toad's Place for the third time and I was fortunate enough to make this show. It's my second time seeing him here and nothing has changed. KRS-One puts on a great show. He's definitely from the old school and still has that amazing ability to connect to his fans to this day still.

He went through a bunch of his classics like Black Cop, Step Into A World, Sounds of The Police, to his verse on "Classic" that featured Kanye, Nas, Rakim and DJ Premier, My Philosophy, I'm Still Number 1 and The Bridge Is Over including many more. And they all had the crowd on their feet, hands high, reciting verse for verse. But as KRS-One does in all his shows I've seen, he also freestyled, a skill any real MC should have, for a good amount of time. Also got some of the crowd involved, inviting them on stage to participate as well along with the B Boys that were in hand to breakdance on stage while they all freestyled.

Overall, it was a great night for Hip Hop. Considering this was the place that he had a bottle thrown at him last time around, this night around ended in peace, fun, and classic hip hop from a legendary MC. I took some pics and some videos you can check out. And I apologize for the quality of them. Still working on upgrading that. Hahaha.











Video of KRS-One freestyling while breakdancing B Boys take the stage. (Sorry for the bass in the video.)

Journey Towards The Sun...The Rising Sun Quest

The Rising Sun Quest is a local MC I've known for a minute. I've heard his music and I can hear the growth in it. Very talented individual who has crafted his skill for over 10 years strong. According to Quest, he's performed many times in his hometown of Waterbury, CT and in venues such as Toad's Place, The Webster Theater, and Tuxedo Junction.

Personally, after listening to his albums, I wouldn't consider his style or music local. I think he definitely has the ability to go as far as he wants. I got the opportunity to chat with him recently about what's going on with him and his music. Check out the interview.


The Mad Bloggers: Where did you grow up?
The Rising Sun Quest: Waterbury, CT aka Brass City / Dirty Water. I lived on the south side of things but really chilled all over the city.


TMB: How long have you been doing music?
Quest: It feels like forever. I guess I started in 1993 but didn’t really get serious about it till '98 or so. It started on mix tapes over industry beats for a good while and then we invested in some recording and production equipment and it was a wrap from there. Early on I wrote verses but didn’t really focus on song structure at all. As time went on I developed the ability to create songs and saw the impact the right formula could have on people.


TMB: Is music your career or do you have a "day job"?
Quest: Music is my passion and I love it. It doesn’t pay the bills though. Getting people to spend money on a CD is like pulling teeth. So yeah, I do have a day job.


TMB: Where do you want to see your music go?
Quest: I would love for my music to be in the minds of all hip-hop lovers. So far I’m happy with the way my music has been received by those who actually have heard some of it. I’ve gotten the type of props that most MCs now won't get. People have told me that my songs have saved their lives or gotten them through tough times. That it truly relates to them and their situations. So for me, it’s all about reaching more people and showing them that there are artists out here that still do it for the love and not the money.


TMB: Who are your musical influences?
Quest: Well I’d say Nas, Big Pun, Canibus, Wu-Tang, Black Moon, and Redman just to name a few. 'Illmatic' to me was the perfect album and Big Pun's Capitol Punishment was the type of lyrical ability and delivery I strive for. I love all music though. Spanish music was a big part of my life growing up and R&B is a must when I need to mellow out and escape.


TMB: In your opinion, what's the state of music?
Quest: It is what it is. Music constantly changes but as we get older our perspective never changes, when it comes to music anyway. So it’s easy for us to reject the new trends and new artists. I’m stuck in the early 90’s and rarely do artists of today bring that type of rawness to the table. The music industry, on the other hand...awful.


TMB: What's the hardest thing you're experiencing that deals with your music?
Quest: Just how hard it is to be heard. I know I’m good at what I do and I know the quality of my art. Yet I’m still in Waterbury with my “day job” and it feels like I’ll never get a chance to show my stuff on the big stage. But I try not to focus on that and just continue to do what I do. I can’t just give up because the few people that do follow rely on me to be their escape from the flashy 'ringtone' rap.


TMB: What's your favorite part of doing your music?
Quest: The listeners who take in what I spend hours of my life working on. When somebody is really feeling my song I love it cause it's like I get to experience it all over again like it was brand new to me. Sometimes I get sick of my own stuff only cause of how many times I hear it before it's done. Considering I mix down most of my stuff I hear it over and over, but when I play it for somebody and see their reaction, it's truly all worth it.


TMB: What projects are you currently working on?
Quest: Right now, I’m working on an EP and I plan to have like 8 to 10 tracks on it. I got about six written right now and I have a few beats gathered up so I’m looking to get in gear with it real soon and try to put it out there by summer of 2009. It will be my 4th project. I have Stellar Evolution (10 tracks), Surviving Life (15 tracks), and Journey Towards The Sun (16 tracks). (According to Quest, the new music he's created is still untitled.)


TMB: Have you performed at any shows you consider memorable?
Quest: A lot of memorable shows, yeah, but more so due to the crowed being amped and not the headliners. The AFA Hip Hop Summits we put together are always live. I got to share the stage with Chubb Rock, which was dope. I remember doing a show with Evil Dee of Black Moon in Danbury, which was big. I performed out at EOW in Manhattan, which is a big Open Mic in the city and also recognized worldwide. Rocked the crowed and represented CT lovely, which felt great.


TMB: Any artists you're looking to collab with?
Quest: I’m willing to work with anybody but right now no names come to mind. Plus I wanna knock this next project out the box before I start building with heads unless of course a real notable cat is willing to work with me. It would be foolish to turn that down, you know.


TMB: Any upcoming shows?
Quest: Right now there is nothing big on the horizon. I regularly rock my crews open mic every third Friday of the month at Cousin Larry’s in Danbury. I got this B-Boy Jam this Saturday, May 2nd at Kriola's in downtown Waterbury, CT but I haven’t really booked anything. I’m trying to cut back on the showcases loaded with rappers and I'm looking to do bigger things if the opportunities arise.


Contact Info:
www.myspace.com/risingsunquest
www.risingsunquest.com
http://antfarmaffiliates.ning.com/
http://antfarmaffiliates.ning.com/profile/RisingSunQuest


Music Links:
www.cdbaby.com/risingsunquest


iTunes Link:
The Rising Sun Quest on iTunes



Music Videos:
Why I Write - www.vimeo.com/1982679

The Rising Sun Quest - Why I Write from Elasticbrand on Vimeo.

Rock to the Rhythm - www.vimeo.com/1896262

Rising Sun Quest - Rock to the Rhythm (Official Video) from SNARE (Jose Martinez) on Vimeo.

What I'm Watching Right Now...Robin Thicke

This song by Robin Thicke titled Dreamworld is an amazing song. He sings with passionate lyrics over such a smooth and soulful production. Feels like it takes you into the world he sings about if you listen with your eyes closed. Dude is nice. Official R&B music right here. Rhythm 'and' blues. The few verses that catch my ear make such a strong statement. Check it out...


"...I would tell Van Gogh that he was loved, there's no need to cry /
I would say Marvin Gaye your father didn't want you to die /
There would be no black and white, the world just treat my wife right /
We could walk down in Mississipi and no one would look at us twice /
That's my dreamworld, that's my dreamworld, it's more than a dream..."

TELL 'EM WHY YOU MAD: News from the Road or Just a Little Road Rage Part II

About a week ago I did a similar piece about some things that frustrated me while I was on the road (Part I). Again, I ran into a few things today and figured since I couldn't tell those folks, I would write about it here again. I'll probably do this every so often I suppose.

Hey big guy in the green Mustang... I know it’s a fast car but thanks for proving it to me again today. It was so awesome the way you revved the engine. How'd it feel flooring it and then getting stuck at a red light 10 seconds later? Clown.

Excuse me Miss driving the purple Pontiac Sunfire ... Nice Taz plate. Even nicer Taz stuff animals blocking up your back window. Those were nice Taz stickers on the rear windows. And by the way, nice Taz fire streaks on the side of your car too. So, I couldn't figure it out... you're a Looney Toons Taz fan? Right?

Hey, person in the tan Toyota Corolla... I found myself looking in front of you to see if some how we were in a funeral procession because you were driving so slowly. Nope, there was no hearse in sight. Your hazard lights weren't on either, so I don't think there was anything wrong with your car. So I'm really not sure what the deal was. Then you had the nerve to put me in an awkward spot cause I was constantly braking to avoid smashing into the back of your car because you were going like 4 mph. The guy that was riding behind me is probably blogging about me somewhere calling me the bad driver. Thanks a lot jerk.

Hey, old guy in the silver Hyundai Sonata... you kept your turning signal on for so long I never thought you were going to turn. When you drive like ten blocks with a signal on, the signal kind of looses its purpose. I mean it's like crying wolf. I was actually surprised when you finally turned. Thanks for the advanced noticed though on your turn 15 minutes later. Can never be too cautious.

No One Has Swagga Like ...

Are we really having this conversation? Seriously?! I wonder what this meeting looked like when they said they were going to include this segment. Had to be an awkward moment. Then they looked at the black guy in the room and probably said, "you got this right."

No doubt the President is a cool dude. Sure he chills on the sideline at a basketball game, tells jokes and appears on ESPN to go over his NCAA Tournament bracket and even talks about putting a court on the grounds of the White House. Yes, the President always appears cool, calm and collected. He's got that chill walk and is confident but do we need to use the term "Swagga" to describe it? And if we do, does a black guy have to intro the piece for CNN or be the resident expert on the term? And furthermore does the song "Swagga Like Us" need to be playing in the background. Pretty funny moment for CNN in my opinion. Talk about a news segment that went wrong.

A bit of sports... Is There a Better Starting Five?

A friend of mine posted these five as the starting line up on a dream squad: Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. This team is obviously based on these players at their prime and not if they suited up today. I thought that it was a pretty serious starting five. If you look at these players and their attributes and it's hard to argue that there is another starting five out there that would compare. Thought that I would post the team here and open it up for another five. Who you got? I'm down to start the debate.

What I'm Listening to Right Now... Melanie Fiona

Listened to Melanie Fiona yesterday after a post from Questlove on Twitter. She has some good, good music. Had to share it today. Check her out.

www.myspace.com/melaniefiona

Check it... Peter Hadar

Peter Hadar must have grown up in a house listening to real R&B and soul music. You can hear it in the inflection of his voice and the soultry feel of his tracks. He mixes soul music with a little edge. The result is dope. This my friends is the definition of baby making music (be careful... haha). Perhaps it's the reason his EP, available on iTunes, is named "She's 4 Months". He definitely brings that heat in his music. When I heard Watermelon, I said to myself "uh, oh".

Check him out, he definitely has quality music.

www.myspace.com/peterhadar

What I'm Watching Right Now!

An older joint but worth the watch. Shad does his thing! Pay attention to the lyrics.

www.myspace.com/shad

Why I'm Laughing ... The Three Day Rule

I don't even watch this show but came across this link. I don't know if heads wait three days or anything anymore (or if they ever really did for that matter). Most are probably throwing a text the next day. Thought it was a funny clip. Had to share.