The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Haz Solo

I've been listening to Haz Solo tracks for the last few days. Both his rhymes and his beats have been playing constantly since Haz hit me a few days ago with seven different projects from his catalogue. That's right, seven. In between checking the work of other Milwaukee heads and compiling posts for The Journey to Hip-Hop Series, I've constantly gone back to Haz's joints. I mean, there's so many of them and I wanted to work my way through each.

The seven projects really paint a picture of who is his. He's a concept driven producer and emcee. Each project is well weaved together to tell an incredible story. He stays true to the concept, whether it's his beat tape, "June Bug" or his mix tape "SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT" (or any of his other mixtapes for that matter), Haz has an incredible gift to tell a story.

I had heard the name Haz Solo before. He was either featured on a track with someone else or someone was flowing over one of his beats. I am now officially a Haz Solo fan. His production tight. His rhymes solid. Get familiar with Haz Solo, immediately.

I reached out to him for a Q&A to get to know the emcee/producer a little better. Enjoy and peep the tracks below.

The Mad Bloggers: Where are you from? Where'd you grow up?

Haz Solo: I was born and raised on the north side of Milwaukee , WI. 14th and Meinecke to be exact.

TMB: How long have you been doing music?

Haz: From first rap written and and beat made, 10 years. Seriously? A little over 3 years.

TMB: What came first, producing or rhyming?

Haz: Rhyming came first. Producing came a few months after. I was like, "I need beats to rap over..." My pops is a musician, so he had a DR-5 for a drum machine. I used it to my best ability.

TMB: Does producing help you as an emcee or vice versa?

Haz: Kind of... I rarely write to my own beats.. kind of weird actually. Lyrically, I like to be inspired by someone else's track for some reason. And I like to hear what other artists come up with over my tracks.

TMB: Which one of your tracks would describe who you are as an emcee?

Haz: There are many.. "Swell Known" is one of my favorite joints tho. Gives you a taste of my character if you didn't know me personally. "They say I dress weird/ got a beard but he wears not turban"

TMB: Which one of your tracks would describe who you are as a producer?

Haz: Ask me a different question ... (lol) ... no really... I don't KNOW! One of my favorite tracks is ON MY MIND, OFF MY CHEST from the June Bug album.

TMB: In your opinion, what's the state of Hip-Hop music right now?

Haz: I think Hip-Hop is always gonna stay on the up and up. Whether it be Underground or mainstream. As long as the artist keep it true to themselves and true to their fans I don't see anything wrong with it. I don't have a problem finding good Hip-Hop music to listen to because it is there. Of course some artist are getting the praise that I THINK other artist deserve, if not more. All in all Hip-Hop is here to stay.

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?

Haz: GET THAT ALL JOKES ASIDE NOW!!!! I'm currently working on a few projects.... more than a few. I get sooo amped off a concept everyday which turns into a song/project (lol). Okay let's see ... I'm working with a group of amazingly talented cats from London. Their crews name is Anarchy (Propa, Lucchi, Omega, and more). You can get familiar with their work @ astarworld.blogspot.com. Also, I've been working with the LA Prize Fighter JIMIJAMES (www.myspace.com/rahrahgirl). Of course, Dylan Thomas and I stay working. Vinyl Richie coming soon (lol). I've been doing some work with Tay Butler, Signif, UMG, Rtystic, The Cranberry Show and D. Martin to name a few. Lastly, long time friend Bandana and I are launching some tunes in the near future. Gonna be CRAZY. Can't forget about my Bay Area homies F.A.M.E. Be on the search for those cats.

TMB: If there was one thing you'd want people to take away from Milwaukee Hip-Hop, what would it be?

Haz: I want the world to know that MKE Hip-Hop is brewed and ready to serve. There's a crazy roster of talent here and we will be heard. Oh... and to answer everyone's question, YES, there are black folks in Wisconsin.


MY LIKKLE DARLIN (Prod. by TE1)


"Swell Known" (Prod. by Count Bass D)


"MORIA" (Prod. by Dylan Thomas)


"Don't Have Much" (Prod. by Haz Solo)



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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Mailcious

Another great group coming from the good folks at Uni-Fi Records. Malicious has some dope music. Check their track "Not Your Average" below and their bio courtesy of Uni-Fi. You can catch more info on them (and other artist) at www.unifirecords.com

"The crew known as Malicious continues to evolve musically and raise the bar well over a decade into their existence. Driven by the smooth, calculated flow of sole original member T.R.E. and the explosive rants of fellow lyricist Kimma, along with the master production of Kid Krossova, Malicious boasts a musical catalog that runs five albums deep.

Together with their DJ, Ya Boi Pep, T.R.E. and Kimma exude a stage presence with an energy and intensity that can be matched by few others. Their style can be described as classic hip-hop with cinematic overtones that guarantee every track will be epic. They are also known for hosting the event "Drunk'n Cipher Saturdays", which now in its fourth year, is one of the city's longest running hip-hop showcase nights. After recently joining forces with local indie powerhouse, Uni-Fi Records, Mailcious is currently pushing their latest offering "Chasing Perfection". Triumphing in the face of adversity, whether it be the countless line-up changes and internal conflicts over the years, or enduring the ever-changing soundscape of hip-hop music, Kimma, T.R.E., and company are up for the challenge and show no signs of stopping anytime soon, proving that it's not all about the destination but the journey itself!"

"Not Your Average" Mailcious



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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: The Lab Partners

Peace to the good folks at Uni-Fi Records. I caught The Lab Partners over on their site. Impressed with the music. Check their bio courtesy of Uni-Fi. You can catch more info on them (and other artist) at www.unifirecords.com

"The Lab Partners is a collaborative effort between super producer, The LMNtlyst and emcee, Phantom Channel (Rusty Ps) that began as a random experiment. The result was a pleasant surprise. With no expectations and nothing confining them, the duo created a batch of unique musical specimens. Listening back on the session left them both excited by the prospect of being a part of something so different. The two partook in a few more extremely productive sessions that lead them to begin honing in on the sound they were going for; open and refreshing funk-based metamorphic grooves mixed with an experimental vocal elixir.

What you can expect to hear is a reprieve from the mundane, stereotypical music of late in favor of an honest approach to creating music. There are no samples, only computer manipulated live instrumentation. You won’t be inundated with round after round of lyrical artillery, nor will you be auto tuned out of your mind in an attempt to conform to the current trend in radio airplay. The Lab Partners sound is a lot like ice water on a 95 degree day, exactly what you’re thirsty for.

This project sees Phantom Channel branching out into the world of live instrumentation for the first time, sitting behind the drum kit and handling various other percussive instruments as well as the vocal side of things while The LMNtlyst handles everything from guitar to bass to melodica to keys and xylophone as well as the engineering.

The best music is not over thought, over analyzed or forced. It happens naturally. It’s not until you’re able to truly capture a moment musically that you begin to notice how unique each moment is. The Lab Partners are bottling those moments and pouring you a sonic cocktail."

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"Reach Out" The Lab Partners

DOWNLOAD ... @Donwill (of @TanyaMorgan) "Laura's Tape"

Donwill laughs at my videos over at ThroatChopUniversity.com and I dig his music. You should definitely head straight over to his BandCamp page and download "Laura's Tape"... IMMEDIATELY! It's dope. That is all. Oh and you're welcome in advance.

"It’s finally here folks. Included in the above Bandcamp link you will find Laura’s Tape, the Laura’s Song music video and a flyer with dates for our upcoming High Fidelity Tour with Kooley High and a few special guests. Thanks for your support and remember ‘Don Cusack in High Fidelity’ will be available on 3.23.10 at itunes, amazon, emusic and several physical retailers."

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What @LadyBlogga Will be Watching…

HBO is known for its Sunday night line-ups. There was a screening last night for “How To Make It In America” at Art Jail which only confirmed that they will have another Sunday night on lock.

“How To Make It America” is a show set in NYC that follows the lives of two guys from Brooklyn. They are doing what they do to hustle up and make things happen. The show is set deep in downtown NYC, SoHo, Chinatown, LES and all the spots that are alive and well in the city. Watching this show, you get a feel for life in the Big City. The show has an Entourage feel to it but it’s the flip side of the story. Entourage shows what happens after the grind while “How To Make It…” shows the grind side of the story. It captures the nightlife and day movements as they happen. Shooting on location is hot. I saw a few people I know in the atmosphere, including those RSNY boys from my hood. Those boys are EVERYWHERE! We all know that making it in New York City is tougher than tough. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere (cliché I know… sue me).

The “How To Make It…” Mixtape [click to check it out] is on point too. Tracks from Jadakiss featuring Sheek Louch, Kid Cudi, Lupe featuring Kenna, Johnny Polygon and Green Lantern completes the mix. Tough.

Bryan Greenberg (Ben Epstein) and Victor Rasuk (Cam Calderon) capture the hustle, bustle and determination of their characters well. The supporting cast includes the likes of Martha Plimpton, Lake Bell, Scott Mescudi a.k.a. Kid Cudi, Luis Guzman, Shannyn Sossamon and Eddie Kaye Thomas. The production skills of HBO Entertainment is on point. Mark Wahlberg is one of the Executive Producers and you can tell because the series has a signature flare to it that only he can bring.

The first Episode will be airing on Sunday February 14th. If you aren’t out with your love on Valentine’s Day, dinner and “How To Make It In America” at home on HBO makes a perfect quality time activity. Here is the full 30-minute episode, compliments of HBO. Enjoy!


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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: KingHellBastard

Dana Coppafeel, DNA, Clark Beez, and DJ 1L collectively are KingHellBastard. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I reached out to the homie Dana Coppafeel and he hit me with their bio. Check it. Plus check out their music. We'll be bringing you more artists from Uni-Fi records too.

(via unifirecords.com)

This is Milwaukee Hip-Hop. Dirty and honest, rugged and passionate, individual and committed to what made it great. KingHellBastard represents the culmination of over a decade of accumulated history in the Milwaukee underground hip-hop scene. Formed by members of previous groups such as The Intel Agents, The Pizdamen and The Rusty P's, the combination of experience serves as the foundation for the continued expansion of KingHellBastard as a respected touring group, as well as a constant connection to the city and the roots that make it all possible.

The music combines the funk and immediacy of live instrumentation with the sample-based propulsion of gritty hip-hop and a barrage of swaggering lyricism.

Over the past year the members of KHB have independently recorded and released four albums, received extensive regional airplay, toured the country and rocked around150 shows throughout the Midwest. Some of the major Hip-Hop artists KHB has opened for include Common, Q-Tip, Souls of Mischeif, Sadat X, Mr. Lif, Akrobatik, RA The Rugged Man, Eyedea and Abilities, J-Sands, El Da Sensei, Count Bass D, All Natural and many others.

KingHellBastard continues to bring raw, energetic, creative Hip-Hop to an ever-growing collection of stereos and stages.

"On Our Way"

"DANGER" Music Video by KHB from Uni-Fi Records on Vimeo.

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The Journey To Hip-Hop...Milwaukee: JC Poppe

Back when I first reviewed Sleep Therapy by JC Poppe, I had said the following quote about the CD; "Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, JC Poppe delivers a solid effort in his newest effort, Sleep Therapy. If this album should be any realization, with quality tunes like this, how can you get any sleep?" But there's a lot you don't know about JC; he's currently with HiPNOTT Records, and is getting ready to keep the plethora of material flowing with another album aptly titled Tea Party. Here you get to see JC speaking on a ton of stuff, so without further adieu, here we go!



Egypto Knuckles: Talk about your first memories of music, especially Hip-Hop. What was the exact moment in time where you said "This is what I want to do"?

JC Poppe: I first heard Hip-Hop music in 1987 when I was 5 years old. At that time, everything was new to me of course because I was so young, so my love for Hip-Hop wasn’t a conscious decision as much as the result of being surrounded by it and growing up with it constantly in my life. I wish I could pinpoint the moment I fell in love with it, but it just has always been with me. I don’t honestly remember a ton from back in those days but I do remember being a huge LL Cool J fan and I had to see the movie “The Hard Way” with Michael J. Fox and James Woods just because LL was in it.

Egypto Knuckles: Being a figure in the Milwaukee scene, talk about some of your history in Milwaukee. What life experiences shaped your world view and helped shape your subject matter in your songs?

JC Poppe: I mentioned that I have been listening to Hip-Hop since I was 5. Honestly, the reason for this is because I attended a school in the inner city of Milwaukee. Edward A. MacDowell on 17th and Highland. The 5 years I spent at that school set the tone for the rest of my life I suppose because diversity was a part of my life from like the get-go. Because I was bused in from the ‘burbs I got to go to my safe home with hot food every day, but I become very aware of the fact that that wasn’t everybody’s reality. I learned a ton about socio-economics and the racial tensions Milwaukee and the metro area had…and still has unfortunately.

I guess growing up knowing all that stuff as well as all my other life experiences has driven me to make real music and not fluff. I mean, there’s enough fluff out there and in my opinion there is not enough “look at yourself in the mirror” music. I’m a Hip-Hop artist so I do my fair share of rapping about rap and smack talking, but I really try to be transparent in the hopes of giving the listener something more than just music…maybe a connection. I know that not everybody shares the same experiences, ideas, and beliefs, but maybe I’ll catch someone that falls close to the shades I choose to paint my pictures with.

Egypto Knuckles: What are some of your thoughts on the Hip-Hop scene in Milwaukee? What makes it unique?

JC Poppe: The Milwaukee Hip-Hop scene to me is like LeBron James in his senior year of high school. There is so much talent there, but it hasn’t converted into the pro levels quite yet. I strongly believe that it will. The future may prove me wrong, but until it does, I’m holding on to the belief that Milwaukee can hold its own against any other city and will compliment what the established scenes of Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit, have already done for the Midwest.

What makes us unique is that we all know each other to some degree…I mean for the most part. You can’t know everybody of course. But I mean, I just took a few moments to go through my phone and I can’t believe the amount of numbers I have from people connected to the Milwaukee scene. I’m guessing everybody else is like that as well but I can’t speak for them of course. We just have so much accessibility to each other. I don’t know if other cities have that so that’s what’s unique about Milwaukee.

Egypto Knuckles: Talk about your discography here. What projects have you released and what makes each one its own body of work?

JC Poppe: This is great, I just wrote a song about this actually. Well, back in 2004 I made an unofficial entry into the Milwaukee Hip-Hop scene through my first EP called “The Anger EP”. It was a little 4 song demo that I was hoping to get attention with…and it did, but mainly just with my friends who honestly had always made fun of my wanting to rap up to that point.

I tried to get that project into people’s hands all over the place but I wasn’t part of the club scene so I had to kind of piggy back off of the producer/engineer of the project whenever he had a show. He was a Christian artist so I kind of had to watch myself since he was playing to lots of church groups and stuff like that. Honestly, it helped me to really use my vocabulary better when writing songs because as long as I was working with him I couldn’t swear.

Well I kind of started paying my dues right away. Milwaukee had this GREAT Hip-Hop show called The Late Night Hype Show from like 1998-2008 (that’s an approximation…but it’s close) on 91.7FM WMSE. It was every Tuesday night and it was a huge goal of mine to get onto that show. Well I gave them my music and the DJ, Aaron Wade, dug it enough to play it and maaaan did one of the co-hosts (Bobby Brewski) rib the hell out of me. He refused to say my name right and kept saying I was a nobody that came out of thin air, stuff like that. It was harsh but I understood it. Nobody did know who I was. I wasn’t insulted, but it was definitely a “get yo mind right” moment for me. Years later I got a chance to talk to Aaron about it and we laughed over beers. I’m sure Bobby Brewski STILL has no idea who I am. Maybe my next album will change that.

The show that ended up taking over for Late Night Hype was the MadKids and they kept the tradition alive of bringing great Hip-Hop to that Tuesday night slot. However, the DJ who runs the show, Kid Cut Up, actually tossed that first EP in the trash at an underground Hip-Hop show that I was working merch at for my producer/engineer friend. He stopped by to give me his mix CDs and so I gave him my EP and I watched him pitch it later on. I’m sure he doesn’t even remember this, but again, that was another “get yo mind right” moments. I really needed to make sure that my skin was tough enough to accept stuff like that. And again, there’s no beef…Cut Up has played my music on his show and had me come on for a great interview and he really does support local music. He probably didn’t have room in his pockets for it that day.

It’s just been a long time since 2004 and I have to send a shout out to B. Reith for all his help. He’s down in Nashville and signed to Goatee Records and has been doing his thing for several years now. He gave me my first shot and I’ll always be grateful for that.

I have a ton that I could say about the two failed EP attempts that followed “The Anger EP” and I could talk about Sleep Therapy again, but I’m sure this answer is already too long.

Egypto Knuckles: Say you were showing a person around Milwaukee and its different locales for Hip-Hop. Which places to you are worth frequenting?

JC Poppe: Well with me, nothing is worth doing on an empty stomach and regardless of the fact that it’s not a Hip-Hop spot, we’d have to stop at AJ Bombers for the best burger in Milwaukee. Then after that your best bet would be to hit up Center St. in the Riverwest section of the city. There are several places on that street that are dedicated to hosting Hip-Hop shows and DJs. Mad Planet is the place to go if you care about sound…everything sounds good there. Stonefly is the place to go to be seen. The sound is shitty but it’s big, the drink prices are decent, and it’s a decent chill spot. Quarters is generally where you want to go if you are looking for the hood shit but it’s pretty small and can get crowded ASAP. If you like hood shit Texture would be more up your alley…it’s an actual club and not just a spot. If that fails, The Highbury in Bayview or BBC/Live on North on the Eastside are places you can typically find some dope shows or DJs. The Jackalope Lounj use to be the spot but they’ve cut back. And then after all that, you have to get a late night meal and all depending on the day it’s either Oakland Gyros, Pizza Shuttle, Streetza Pizza, Jimmy Johns, or AJ Bombers again.

Egypto Knuckles: Anything else you'd like to tell the folks out there?

JC Poppe: Yes. Basically, if people have taken the time to read this interview and really don’t know anything about the Milwaukee Hip-Hop scene, get familiar with it STAT! There’s too much talent to bypass. Start with the Yo! MKE Raps compilation I put together…you can just Google that or grab it from HipHopDX (they sponsored it)…it’s free and does a decent job of just giving the listener a taste of what’s out there.

Lastly, if you like an artist from MKE, buy our music. Most of us are on iTunes or CDBaby.com. We don’t have label budgets and a marketing department. We just have our love for the music. Big shout out to all who support the small guys (and girls) and peace to every Milwaukee artist trying to do it the right way.

Oh yeah, one last thing...I have a new album coming out this May/June called Tea Party so keep an eye out for that...as well as my homie SPEAK Easy's new album So To SPEAK...not too mention the new solo joints A.P.R.I.M.E. and Raze (both of the House of M) are going to drop...and go and get that new Dana Coppafeel that just came out on CDBaby.com.


"Get Live With It (Remix)" Featuring Guilty Simpson; produced by Dave Audiopilot Derrilykt


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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Misen Lync

Aooowwwwww Milwaukee’s on the set!! And as usual, The Mad Bloggers are bringing you the music that you need to hear. We are notorious for sharing good music. No SPAM!! Milwaukee is doing big things folks. If you haven’t seen our featured artists, I suggest you check them out.

The Umbrella Music Group is set to deliver another bangin’ project. If you are not familiar, check out UmbrellasUp.com and see what they are all about. Misen Lync is a group of three UMG artists - Maal Himself, Toine Jay and TKS. They are getting preparing to release "Both Sides of the Mirror" soon.

Thanks to Maal Himself and Toine Jay, they were able to push us a preview copy. The Mad Bloggers were able to catch a sneak peek at what they were putting together and as expected, Misen Lync delivered solid tracks. “Chasing Success” is one of my favorite tracks. Lyrics with substance are a big thing for me. I appreciate a track with lyrics that make me raise my eyebrows and say… “Word?” Another one of my favorites is “Dual Reflections”... “The Future Is Me” These songs focus around success and the hard work and struggle that comes with attaining it. And the beat is definitely head nod worthy. I can’t give up anymore because then you’ll have nothing to look forward to. The completed project drops February 15th and it will be postd on UmbrellasUp.com.

This Project is definitely on rotation in my iPod!!

"Chasing Success"



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Kidz In The Hall - Jukebox (Video)

Check this video out by Kidz In The Hall titled "Jukebox" off their upcoming album "Land of Make Believe. This video was directed by BB Gun.




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The Journey To Hip-Hop...Milwaukee: Frankie Flowers

He's a storyteller from the Midwest. Rarely do you run across people who give you music that is truly a reflection of themselves and their thoughts. Frankie Flowers is one of those people.

He released his sophomore album, "New Beginning," which is more and more showing why people should look to Frankie to provide a great deal of knowledge and guidance in his music, and it shows in his craftsmanship. Here, Frankie tells us the creation of two of his most important songs; "Black In America" off "The Storyteller," and "Chasing Dreams" off "New Beginning." As a note from me; the words here are of Frankie Flowers. No alteration has been made.

Black In America



I just left from the studio in North Hollywood heading home. I was sitting on the couch with my laptop going through CDs full of beats that an engineer wanted me to check out. This track came on with this sample that touched me deeply. All I kept hearing was the sample repeating in my head “try…to understand…the way you feel…the world for them…is too unreal…so you’ll only hear………only hear…”. Right then I began breaking down the sample into meanings.

1. “Try…and understand…the way you feel”-I had just finished talking with someone who asked how did I like being out in Los Angeles, being that I’m from Milwaukee. The move was a culture shock because out in LA I rarely saw many blacks outside on a daily basis, unlike in Milwaukee. The blacks that I did encounter were very bourgeois or standoffish, and at times were nonsocial to an outsider like myself. Then dealing with other ethnicities became a hassle as well because they were either making fun of blacks, or believing everything they had seen from TV about blacks, mainly BET or UPN.

2. “The world for them…is too unreal”-my experience out in California felt like the MTV show Real World. It was surreal at times. Most people whom I met from Cali never had to leave so they thought that partying, shopping and being at the beach all the time was the way of life for all. On the flip side, “the world for them is too unreal” was taken into context of “them” being black people. Even now more blacks are enslaved through the prison complex and are in a mental state of solace.

3. “So all you hear…”-I sat and thought about what a man told me while riding the bus and subways a few nights before. He said “none of us was ever supposed to be free”. He felt that the actions of blacks in modern day were outrageous. Lack of unity, low morals, no respect for self and no motivation to help our own gave the rest of the world reason to believe the stereotypical images from all media outlets. As “only hear…” repeats throughout the song, I thought about what I’ve heard throughout my life about what people thought “being black” really means.

So throughout the song, I give my opinion on what being Black in America is as a black man. I touch on issues the black community face like black men running away from the responsibility of fatherhood, black men trying to make a quick dollar from the sale of drugs, and trying to prove their toughness or machismo by having guns.

Chasing Dreams



I was on a flight back home to Milwaukee looking out the window admiring the greenery. As I looked out the window, I thought about all the ups and downs I’ve experienced while living out there, and was trying to decide if I wanted to return. The song opens up with me asking the listeners “would you believe or doubt someone if they told you a year from today your life’s going to change if you follow your heart?” That is what I was told prior to moving out west. I chose the title “chasing dreams” because a lot of naysayers said it would be foolish for me to leave my job and everyone I knew, to move across country chasing a dream.

I was angry and frustrated for numerous reasons. I had gone from a place of comfort to an unknown land. I had no support from my uncle who initially convinced me to move west, and ultimately abandoned me after deals did not go through. Eventually I became homeless and ended up doing whatever I could to make it. Being homeless was a humbling experience. I learned valuable life lessons and also it allowed me to control my emotions at the same time express myself more poignantly. So when I started writing this song, I wanted people to be able to relate to pain in general. The pain of not having, of feeling betrayed, of feeling like a failure, and even questioning ones faith. I thought that my hometown had it rough during the beginning stages of the recession, but while out west I witnessed poverty on another level. I couldn’t foresee other people’s hardships while living in a secluded environment such as Milwaukee.

“Once I opened up my third eye I knew what it’s like there” is a reference to me finally waking up to the reality of many living in harsh conditions everywhere, as stated in the second verse. I also wanted people to have a sense of hope after fully listening to this song. Many of us all have heard “be careful for what you wish for, because you just might get it” growing up. Sometimes we go searching for something not realizing it’s been right in our face all along. I felt I had to leave to fully find what I was looking for. But had I not taken that chance and followed my heart, I wouldn’t have seen all that I’ve seen nor would I have a better understanding about life’s quest for us all. Maybe chasing dreams isn’t so bad after all? Only you can make that decision though.

You can check out Frankie Flowers here:
http://www.myspace.com/frankieflowers2
http://www.twitter.com/frankieflowers2
http://www.youtube.com/frankieflowers86

His albums; "The Storyteller" and "New Beginning" can be copped here:
http://cdbaby.com/artist/frankieflowers

Thanks again to Frankie Flowers.

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: SPEAK Easy

Our journey to Hip-Hop continues with Milwaukee born and raised, SPEAK Easy. I dig SPEAK Easy's music. It's real. I was impressed by his "Well Spoken" album and look forward to his new project, "...So To Speak". Catch a leak off that joint below.

I reached out to the homie for a Q&A.


The Mad Bloggers: Where did you grow up?

SPEAK Easy: North/North-West side of Milwaukee. My grand parents were tremendous providers.

TMB: How long have you been doing music?

SPEAK Easy: I've been spittin for over 14 years from cyphers to talent shows to albums and venues.

TMB: I know you have a "9-5" trying to influence young people, how does that impact your music?

SPEAK Easy: My 9-5 is to serve youth in Milwaukee with mental health concerns and their families. My music paints a picture of something they can relate to all the while maintaining artistic integrity.

TMB: Which one of your tracks best describes who you are as an emcee?

SPEAK Easy: On my new album '...so to SPEAK' I have a song called "Who Am I" where I really open up about who I am as a man first and as an emcee second. Off my last album 'Well Spoken' I have a track called "Ice Cold" that you guys put on your site speaks to my lyricism. Another track off that project is called "The Difference" and its an open letter to Black America addressing several things we encounter.

TMB: How would you describe your sound?

SPEAK Easy: Lyrical, inspiring and insightful messages over really dope beats. Essential Hip-Hop Music.

TMB: In your opinion, what's the state of Hip-Hop music?

SPEAK Easy: Hip-Hop music is great. When I can play Little Brother, Mos Def, Reflection Eternal and Slaughterhouse projects non-stop they have to be doing something right artistically. However, the "industry" of Hip-Hop music is suffering due to various reasons. One being that there is no balance/exposure of ALL types of Hip-Hop.

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?

SPEAK Easy: I'm working on my new album titled '...so to SPEAK.' It's put together by myself and my great friends at Grown Man Collective.

TMB: If there was one thing you'd want people to take away from Milwaukee Hip-Hop what would it be?

SPEAK Easy: That we have a lot of quality music here and we're not to be taken lightly.


"Outta your League"



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Check It ... @VVBrown "Crying Blood" (Acoustic Vid)

Check out VV Brown's acoustic video for "Crying Blood".




VV BROWN LIVE DATES:
February 15 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl (Free!)
February 18 Philadelphia, PA @ Mar Bar
February 19 Washington, DC @ DC9
February 22 Boston, MA @ Great Scott

VV BROWN:
www.vvbrownus.com
www.myspace.com/vvbrown
www.twitter.com/vvbrown
youtube.com/vvbrownus


Follow the madness: twitter.com/madbloggers
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers