Check the new Black Milk cut, "Welcome". Enjoy.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
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. - 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
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
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)
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
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
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.
twitter.com/VegE10Nerd
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Download ... Premonition "the build."
So, this project is dope. It's been in my inbox since June 22. That's my bad. Sometimes I wish I just had more time to check out dope music.
Anyway ... "The Build" from Premonition, with Willie Green as the executive producer is a solid listen from beginning to end. At 12 tracks this joint is perfect! One of my favorite cuts is "Wait" (approaching that age when I start to self reflect...)
And really that's what this project is about, as Prem explains in his press release, “It represents the progression of a young artist. The Build is a metaphor for the struggle of the artistic process, taking the good with the bad, which comes together to give you progress.”
With production from Willie Green, KO Beatz, Spills and Premonition, "The Build" is definitely worth the listen. Check it out!
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Check It ... @TheoMartins "20 Thousand Leagues | The Feather"
Theo Martins is a cool dude. His music is dope. Check the new track!
The year is 1931. Persistent rumors of a tentacled sea monster attacking ships in the Pacific Ocean have created fear amongst sailors, disrupting the shipping lanes and slowing trade. Captain Theo Martins and his assistant board their vessel and make their way to the deep blue sea to find out what is really going on.
After months scouring the vast ocean, the monster strikes, ramming the naval frigate. The ship’s hull is destroyed and Captain Theo is thrown overboard. He drifts in the ocean, eventually finding a strange-looking metal vessel, and realizes the “monster” is a man-made “submerging boat,” that has been deserted.
Blown far off course, Theo enters uncharted territory. In this new land there’s a great cave, and inside it lies “The Feather,” a treasure guarded by a great nest of giant squid for the last two centuries. If used improperly “The Feather” could harm millions.
As he nears the cave, a squid attacks, and he’s caught in its tentacles. Ned, having escaped from captivity in the struggle, jumps to Theo’s rescue and saves his captor’s life. Theo takes hold of “The Feather” and intends to share his gem of the sea with the world.
imjusttheo.com
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Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Check It ... The Extremities (Uncle Fester + Fresh Kils) “Dial Tones” (feat. Ghettosocks, LushLife, & Ambition)
Pretty dope track. Check it out.
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Check It ... @mynamecuey "If I Could Feel" (DJBooth.net Freestyle)
Check the homie OnCue's freestyle for DJBooth.net.
The 189th entry in our DJBooth.net Freestyle Series comes courtesy of OnCue, the Connecticut native who earned reader approval for mixtape cuts Friends and Crashing Down. On his brand new, exclusive If I Could Feel freestyle, the AtWork Management rapper flows over a Chris Webber-produced instrumental originally featured on Nas’ Surviving the Times. OnCue is currently preparing for the August release of his new, rock-themed street album, Mick Boogie, Terry Urban, Chris Truth & 2DBZ Present: Cuey Sings the Blues.
twitter.com/mynamecuey
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Check It ... @Vandalyzm “Self-Evaluation (Go In)”
The artwork for Vandalyzm's new project Megatron Majorz/Redux hit the net earlier today and then this track. MP (The Mad Bloggers Weekly Podcast DJ) put me on to dude a few months back. I dig his music. I dig this new joint too. I'm looking forward to the new project. Shout to TSS for the link.
twitter.com/Vandalyzm
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Check It ... @MelissaCzarnik Raspberry Jesus Release Party + Pre-Order
Melissa is like family. I'm excited about her new project. I had intended on attending this release party but because of politics at the 9-5 that wasn't possible. I'm wishing her well and will be bringing you music from the upcoming project.
Pre-Order Raspberry Jesus
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What I'm Watching ... Reflection Eternal - "Ballad Of The Black Gold"
You already know that the Revolutions Per Minute album is dope as hell. If you don't, then fix that issue. Check out this video that is speaking on the issues of the oil industry and the oil spill that we Americans are now dealing with. Pretty dope visuals to go with the lyrics Talib is spitting.
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Reflection Eternal "Ballad of the Black Gold" from Sam Ellison on Vimeo.
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What I'm Watching ... Zo! - "This Could Be The Night featuring Rapper Big Pooh"
Check out Zo! putting in work with this jam right here. Definitely feeling this. Can't wait for the album.
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The official music video for the first single taken from Zo!'s upcoming album SunStorm, in stores July 27 on +FE Music. Directed by Matt Koza.
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J. Period x Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival
O and I were there last year when J. Period took the stage for what we thought would be a normal DJ set. We figured he'd spin a couple of records and get the crowd hyped. He did more than that as he bought out a gang of guest artists. Apparently it's J. Period's thing to get the crowd hyped with special guest at BHF. He's on the bill again this year and he's got a few surprises in store! I'm excited to see who will be rocking with J. Period this year. Chea!
Brooklyn Bodega & Mixtape King J.Period (MTV Top DJs / Official DJ Hero™) are pleased to announce another exciting edition of theJ.PERIOD LIVE MIXTAPE—an electrifying 30-minute DJ set featuring a TOP SECRET LINE-UP OF HIP HOP LEGENDS – live onstage for the 5th consecutive year at BROOKLYN HIP HOP FESTIVAL (SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2010)!Check the Black Thought "Brooklyn Go Hard" video from 2009
The “J.Period Live Mixtape” brings the excitement of a J.Period mixtape to the stage – LIVE! – and has become notorious for igniting the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival crowd into a frenzy year after year! Previous “J.Period Live Mixtape” surprise guests have included: Black Thought, Brand Nubian, Crooklyn Dodgers (Special Ed, Masta Ace + Buckshot), EPMD, Smif'n'Wessun, Chubb Rock, O.C., Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew) & more...
Fans never know who will take the stage next - some guests are planned and some are completely impromptu - but the result is always one of the highlights of the Festival. When Black Thought took the stage for the finale of 2009's Live Mixtape, the roar of the crowd was deafening... and his freestyle over “Brooklyn Go Hard” was unforgettable.
This year, J.Period has assembled another all-star cast of hip hop legends guaranteed to bring BHF fans to their feet...but the secret is under wraps until showtime!!! Hints? One guest will pay tribute to a fallen comrade... One guest will keep the Native Tongues alive... One guest will illustrate how a real MC controls the crowd... And the grand finale...? We ain’t sayin nothin. Any guesses?
Join Brooklyn Bodega, Saturday July 10, under the bridge in DUMBO Brooklyn, for an amazing lineup of hip hop, with headlining acts including: De La Soul, Boot Camp Clik, Money Makin Jam Boys and The “J.Period Live Mixtape.” It’s guaranteed to be another incredible year at Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2010... Don’t miss it!!!
J.Period & Black Thought "Brooklyn Go Hard" (Live @ Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2009) from J.Period on Vimeo.
For more information about Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival: www.bkhiphopfestival.com
For tickets: www.bkhiphopfestival.com/ticket_prices.html
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Check It ... @LDrummonds "The Opposite of No"
I've heard the full project. Yeah, it's good ... mellow, smooth and dope! Check the first single from "Time and Space" from the homie Lance Drummonds.
It’s been a very long time coming with this album and I have learned so much. But today marks a first. The video below was shot during “The Fly Experience Volume II” @ BlVD and kudos to Char Loro for lovehard productions, who MASSACRED the editing and footage of the live performance. Shoutout to my band who continues to amaze and entertain. Shoutout to my co-writer Old Money, who helps me take songs to a new level. And Shoutout to anyone who posts this song or video, tells a friend about it and gets the word out that Lance Drummonds is someone to watch out for! But without further delay, May I present to you, “The Opposite of No,” the first single off of my debut album, “Time and Space.” May it take you on a journey and bring smoothness into your atmosphere.
Lance Drummonds - "The Opposite of No" by Lance Drummonds
ldmblog.com
Time and Space: The official debut album of Lance Drummonds (Facebook Group)
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