rockthedub: 6/1/08

Saturday, June 07, 2008

"A Millie" (rock the dub Mega Mix)

Tags Hip-Hop , mp3 , On That Leak , rock the dub

Tyga No Introduction [review]

From what I understand, Tyga is the cousin of Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy, and is signed with both Lil' Wayne and Pete Wentz' labels. Must be nice to have friends/fam in the industry...

"Diamond Life (ft. Crash)"
Wow. Big beat with some odd female on the hook. There's a shitload going on in this beat. In his lyrics? Not so much.

"Coconut Juice (ft. Travis McCoy)"
You ever been drunk on keg beer at someone's house party, and the DJ put on a track that you didn't particularly feel, but you saw all of the ladies getting really suggestive with their dancing to the joint? That's what "Coconut Juice" sounds like to me. Drunken college slut bangers. Travis' verse is so short, it's unnecessary. I guess you gotta sell units some way.

"Supersize Me"
"I stay puffed like the Marshmallow Man"? No thanks. Dude really sounds like everyone and no one at once. Patrick Stump produced this. That's probably not a good idea, no matter how cheap his in-house beats might be.

"Don't Regret It Now (ft. Patrick Stump)"
This beat sounds like the one previous, with weaker synths. Dude goes in a bit lyrically, but his voice and that synth make the message get lost in the sauce. I could do without that hook, too, but you know.

"Pillow Talkin'"
This beat puts me to sleep. I'm not sure if that was the intention, though.

"Aim"
Dude sounds like crap over hi-tempo and mid-tempo beats. I can imagine him in the booth, really getting into his flow... and it makes me laugh.

"First Timers"
I could see this being a decent single for the cool summer nights, with that guitar and laid-back beat. Nice summer love cut here.

"Cartoonz"
Wow. I'm surprised cats are still saying "no homo". Loads of cartoon mentions in here. I'm head-nodding to this beat, but it's definitely not that hot.

"Summertime"
I guess this is dude trying to be the Fresh Prince. Only he's underage and packing Patron.

"Press 7"
You gotta love how semi-decent tracks get ruined by that nasal white boy singing on the hook. Not that this track was that great or anything. I'm just saying, the hook takes it from a -4 to a -24.

"Woww"
I wonder what the extra 'w' is for. Dude said this is a new sound. Then he says "I can make a style out of nothing". Dude says "wow" like Kia Shine does, so I guess that whole "new sound" shit is bogus (especially when he says "I don't think nobody sound like this"; maybe he didn't cop that Kinfolk CD).

"2AM"
Hey Tyga! You wish you were in a coma? Listen to your CD, it'll be the perfect sleep-inducer for when your life's troubles are too much for you, dog.

"Est. (80's Baby)"
His "I"m an 80s baby" track. Punchy kicks in this beat, but again, too much going on in here.

At the end of the day, I am just not feeling this. I didn't have high hopes or anything... and that's probably for the better. I can't even imagine someone actually buying this, unless they felt "Coconut Juice" was REALLY THAT FLY. Which it wasn't. Anyone got Pete Wentz' number?

rock the dub gives No Introduction a 1.5 out of 5 stars. Not much going on here, which is sad, considering the company dude keeps. Whomever greenlit this needs to be fired.

Burn Deez: "First Timers", "Cartoonz"

No Introduction is in stores June 10th. You can preview the entire LP right now over at The Leak via MTV.

www.myspace.com/tyga

Tags Hip-Hop , review , track-by-track

Friday, June 06, 2008

[+/-]

Nas "Hero"

Tags Hip-Hop , mp3 , On That Leak

[+/-]

[rock the dub Interview]: Elemental Zazen

Elemental Zazen's The Glass Should Be Full was released on May 20th, and it was a seriously long-time coming. Most artists take four years to complete their albums because they hit writer's block. Most of them are not fighting brain tumors and house fires. Then again, Elemental Zazen is not most MCs...

khal: How did you get started rhyming?

Elemental Zazen: Well, like most kids in the early 90’s, I was listening to Hip-Hop. The first Hip-Hop tape that I fell in love with was the first Naughty By Nature album. Then came perhaps the record that influenced me the most, Apocalypse ’91 by Public Enemy. I was a 5th grader living in Al Taif, Saudi Arabia, signing along with songs like “By The Time I Get to Arizona” and “Lost At Birth.” I had no idea what Chuck D was talking about most of the time, but he was saying it with such urgency I knew it had to be important. From there I started writing little rhymes when I was bored in class and eventually started writing verses. After moving to China in ’96 I started freestyling and doing shows - pretty much by myself (Hip-Hop wasn’t omnipresent back then).

khal: Listening to your music, the term "revolutionary Hip-Hop" definitely comes to mind. I've also read that, while you are in the Boston area now, you have traveled the world as a youngster. What about your life has drawn you to speak out on the injustices worldwide?

Elemental Zazen: Growing up in the third world and coming back to the states is eye opening for several reasons - some of which you wouldn’t expect. For example, the socio-economic inequality in China or Egypt is more visible than it is here, but in actuality it is very similar in its pervasiveness. I knew there was something wrong when I saw people living on the streets when I was kid, and after hearing all of this “America is perfect” propaganda and returning here to the same situation, I felt a need to put my two cents in. I’ve always been sensitive to the needs of people, even strangers. I don’t know. I guess I just have an appreciation for humanity. I would feel like I was failing if I wasn’t doing whatever I could to make the world a better place.

khal: Your debut, The Adolescence Weapon, dropped in 2004. Now you're on the brink of the release of The Glass Should Be Full. Can you talk about what you've gone through in the last 4 years, and how these events have helped shape you as both an artist and a man?

Elemental Zazen: I could write a novel about the last 4 years. So many ups and downs: from finishing the record to getting a full scholarship for my PhD to house fires to brain tumors. Nowadays, I try to look back on the positive things that have happened to me in the last few years. Thinking about all of the things I have had to deal with can be depressing, and to be honest there are plenty of people that have had it worse. That being said, I feel like, if anything, I am increasingly apathetic about my own circumstances. I don’t get too excited about anything, or too down either. Music is the one place where I still feel I can express myself without having to wear the mask of personal tragedy.

khal: How is your personal health these days?

Elemental Zazen: I’m feeling better every day, though I have to be on the lookout for seizures. I had a slight one the other day, and that scared me pretty bad. I’m doing my best to stay away from alcohol and things like that…easier said than done, especially for a musician who’s at shows all the time.

khal: Break down your new album, The Glass Should Be Full, for us: who did you work with, what can people expect when they hear it, etc.

Elemental Zazen: Honestly I don’t know how to categorize the new record. There are some political songs, and some more introspective songs. I guess I’d have to sum up the album as “personal”. I was lucky enough to work with some of my favorite producers, such as Joe Beats, Kno, and Maker. I think the album is too dense to really get a lot from in one listen, but repeated listens will reveal the motifs prevalent throughout the album: dealing with death and insignificance, frustration with the state of the world, and coping with an altogether imbalanced existence.

khal: What would you say is the most intriguing thing about your MC skills? While, lyrically, your tracks are more focused on world issues, do you have tracks where you just let loose and flow?

Elemental Zazen: Yeah, I have tracks where I just flow but I figure I might as well try to say something while people are listening. If someone decides to check out my music, I want to leave he/she with more than just “that beat was hot.” Having some meaning in a song gives it much more depth. That’s what makes the early Outkast records so tight. The beats were on point, and Andre was killing it on the mic AND speaking about relevant issues besides drinking, smoking, girls, etc. When I first heard ATLiens, I wasn’t head over heels for it, but after taking the time to hear what was being said on the record, it stayed in heavy rotation for years.

khal: Who are you backing in this year's election? Are there any issues you'd like to see the candidates/American government focus on?

Elemental Zazen: I don’t trust politicians. It may sound contradictory, but the reality is that progressive minds are actually more in agreement with traditional republicans (NOT neo-conservatives like Bush, McCain, etc.) than contemporary democrats. This is because traditional republicans have one major focus, and that is keeping the government out of everyone’s shit. People like Ron Paul are tapping into this constituency. Being untrustworthy of politicians, philosophically I would lean more to that concept (limited government) with the caveat of believing is social welfare and universal healthcare. That being said, I’m not backing any of the major candidates. Pat of me thinks shit really needs to hit the fan before the fundamentals of the system change. Who knows though…technology may be conducive to reform change.

khal: The Boston area seems to breed some fine Hip-Hop talent, at least on a more non-commercial level. How rich is the underground Hip-Hop scene in the Boston area?

Elemental Zazen: I swear the top ten emcees in Boston could go toe to toe with the top 10 from any city. Most people just know about Lif and Edo G but there are a bunch of talented emcees and producers here, several of which I am lucky enough to have on my record (J.Ferra, Confidence, Gnotes, Afro DZ ak). The problem with the scene here is that artists always feel like they have to move in order to make it. It’s not like I can say much, though. I’m moving to Seattle this fall.

khal: Will you be going on tour in support of your new album?

Elemental Zazen: I have a few shows scheduled in the northeast in the next month or so, and then I am heading to Europe for a little over a month this summer. After that, I will be moving out west so I am sure I will get something set up out there for the late summer/early fall.

khal: One thing I recently read on the 'Net was a post asking where the revolution songs in Hip-Hop were. Why do you think so few artists speak on more concrete and "real" issues, as opposed to sticking to some of the fodder that is played on the radio?

Elemental Zazen: It seems to me like it is trendy now to speak out against the government, which is both a gift and a curse. I obviously want people to keep their eyes open about what is happening in the world, but if all of that energy goes unorganized, it will die out like what happened in the 1970’s. As far as popular music goes, the radio is slowly sinking into irrelevance…not a moment too soon. Artists obviously avoid speaking out on record if they want serious radio plays, because the idea of being against the status quo is exactly the opposite of what radio stations want to promote. When things change, they will no longer be able to pimp artists and labels in exchange for plays.

khal: What do you think Elemental Zazen's place in the Hip-Hop history books will be?

Elemental Zazen: Honestly, I think I will leave a larger mark on academics and class struggle than music. I love music, but my goals are bigger than simply making an album. I just hope that when people pick up an album of mine, they might feel inspired to change something about their life; whether it’s a viewpoint about something or an approach they take to an issue.

khal: Do you have any plans on a follow-up album?

Elemental Zazen: Of course. And the next one won’t take nearly as long as this one. I’ll be dropping the follow-up next fall, at the latest. I have been feeling inspired lately.

khal: How do you unwind?

Elemental Zazen: No different than the average man, although I party much less than I used to. I like to exercise and keep my thoughts clear. Besides that I go to a lot of shows and make music.

khal: Do you have any final thoughts/shout outs?

Elemental Zazen: Shout out to Gnawledge Records for putting out my album. A big thank you to Gnotes and Canyon for all of their hard work. Also, check for my label mate Afro DZ ak’s record Elevation which hits stores this fall.

Check out Elemental Zazen's video for "Handcuffs":

Props to Canyon Cody for hooking this interview up.

www.myspace.com/elemntalzazen
www.gnawledge.com
gnawledge.blogspot.com

Tags Hip-Hop , interview , youtube

[+/-]

DJ Kay Slay "Don't Take It There"

Tags Hip-Hop , mp3 , On That Leak

[+/-]

[video] Estelle "No Substitute Lover"

Tags RnB , WSHH

[+/-]

[video] Jordin Sparks "One Step At A Time"

Tags Pop , RnB , WSHH

[+/-]

[video] Khia "Be Your Lady"

Tags Hip-Hop , WSHH

[+/-]

[video] Towelhead Trailer

Tags Movies , preview , trailer , youtube

[+/-]

[rock the dub Interview]: Genr8

Stateside Drum & Bass, sadly, seems to be a term that Internets users like to frown upon, as if the tracks coming from American soul are, for lack of a better term, crap. With a crop of producers who, over the last few years, have been stepping up with some sick releases, it's good to dig in and chat with some homegrown talent. Genr8 is one of these producers; reppin' both coasts, Genr8 has gone from a guy who is just "fucking around with equipment" and seeing what happens to being acknowledged by veterans like the EZ Rollers, Maldini & Vegas, and a host of others, and is part of the new breed of American producers. I got to fling some questions at him, and he vollyed with precision...

khal: EZ Genr8, thanks for taking the time out to chat. Can you first introduce yourself: give us your affiliations, where you’re from and all of that?

Genr8: Whatup man, thanks for having me. Well, I started out in Miami Fl. DJing and eventually got into making tracks. I’ve worked with labels like Intercom, Bad Company Presents, Cartel, Incite, Human/System, Nemesis, Evol Intent and most currently with Project 51.

khal: How did you first get into Drum & Bass? Do you remember the first tape/CD/vinyl DnB release that you bought, and why?

Genr8: I used to go to raves to listen to breaks mostly; Drum & Bass started becoming the "other" room where shit was popping even harder than on the main floor. The first mixtape that strongly influenced me was from LP of the Soul Providers. From that same lot I later picked up on DJ Element's mixtapes, as well as events. Then I herd the infamous A.W.O.L. Live CD. That was the first time I heard a “massive”; it blew my mind. As far as production, some early names that pop to mind are Kenny Ken, DJ Rap, Mickey Finn & Aphrodite, Metalheadz, Hype & Zinc, Trace, Ed Rush & Nico, Ray Keith, Roni Size, Dillinja and Shy FX.

khal: I know you’ve been billed as being from Orlando, but your MySpace has you listed as being out in Los Angeles. In terms of DnB scenes, how similar/different is the Orlando scene from L.A.? Do you prefer one to the other?

Genr8: I've been setting up fort in L.A. the last few months. I've only been able to make it out to a handful of parties. The few that I have been to have been very cool, some serious junglists out here. Orlando was more of a small, intimate core of friends that just happened to also be die hard DnB lovers. I do miss Orlando sometimes, but I am very exited about my future here in LA and abroad.

khal: When did you start getting into producing? What is your setup like these days?

Genr8: I started off taking basic MIDI classes in college; then I got an MPC2000 and started fucking around with that. Eventually sorted a PC, updating to faster processors and better software. It has pretty much been the same until now. I recently had to sell most of my setup cause it was gonna be too much to ship it cross country so I am just starting to build it all back now. I work mainly in Nuendo on a PC. Before I sold everything I had Mackie 624 and JBL LSR43 monitors, Soundcraft FX16 Console and a PC. Some of the programs I’ve used in the past to produce Drum & Bass include Protools, Cubase and Reason.

khal: Many first heard your output from the work you did with Alliance and The Chosen. How did those crews come together, and what did you pick up from them?

Genr8: Both were incredible growing experiences as well as strong bonds with some unique individuals. Alliance was born out of a chance encounter at a local music gear shop where I went in to purchase my first serious studio setup. Ivan, who became my Alliance partner later, was the guy that was there to sell me the rig. Long story short, we decided to link up to fuck around with some beats and about 12 tunes came from that =). The Chosen happened a few years after when I took up a job in Orlando instructing audio at Fullsail. I met Darren SST and a few other DnB heads there. We very quickly gravitated into a group of four very motivated operators. These projects gave me the chance to experiment with other sides of DnB. Although we’ve hit rough patches, for the most part it was really fun and fulfilling. I would not hesitate to work with
any of these guys again in the future.

khal: You got some of your first good looks, release wise, from the EZ Rollers remix you completed as part of Alliance. How did it feel to tie for the top prize in that contest a few years back?

Genr8: It was a great opportunity to showcase not only our talent but many others that I’m sure went on to make quality music. It was an awesome confidence boost for us to know that we had just been singled out from countless others around the world. It was also very cool to know that we where selected by the people instead of just a few judges. Up until then we where just amateurs fucking around with beats to play at parties.

khal: Now, what’s ill about you is that you went from being virtually unheard of to collaborating on tracks with the likes of Craze, Infiltrata and Counterstrike. How does it feel to make that leap, having tracks out on labels like Evol Intent, Cartel and Bad Company Presents?

Genr8: Well, I had already been rolling the ball strong under Alliance so it was easy to work with these cats from there. With the help of AIM, it was pretty simple to directly hit up the people that I was interested in working with, as well as have people hit me up to collab or sign a tune. I've also been lucky to have a small but influential group of people that dug my music and wanted to see me succeed. People like Mr. Mendez, Jae Kennedy, Vegas, Craze, Infiltrata, Suga-B, Influx Datum and most recently Peer Pressure. I’m very grateful to you all.

khal: What do you have on the horizon in terms of releases? You working on any EPs, albums or any special remixes?

Genr8: It’s been a bit tricky to stay in the game with the big move to the west and having to get rid of all my gear, but I managed to get some studio time in with my laptop and make a few things happen. I got in the studio with the Koldfront trio (Jae Kennedy, Karl K, & Kaos) and will be putting out a 12” early next year on their own Saints & Sinners imprint. I also just finished a tune titled "Counter Culture" for Gridlok's P.51 label, for which I am also putting together an EP for. From The Chosen lot we got our long awaited "Faith of the Fallen" coming out on Ohm Resistance this fall. On the remix tip, I’m looking forward to working on a
“Vice” remix for the Koldfront guys and an undisclosed remix for the forthcoming Bad Taste Remixes EP.

khal: Do you have any favorite tunes that you’ve created?

Genr8: "Thru My Eyes" from Alliance and "Faith of The Fallen" from The Chosen are the two that stand out in my mind.

khal: You’ve recently mixed the latest DnBTV podcast. Can you tell us a bit about this mix – was there any running theme? Is this an accurate example of your DJing in the club?

Genr8: Basically some of the tunes that I am digging at the moment combined with some of the work I've done this year. There's a little bit of each tip that I am interested in developing at the moment. The mix has its progression from start to finish with a few ups and downs throughout. As far as comparing it to the live experience, I would have to say yea, its pretty much what you would hear from me for the exception that in the club it would be more based on the immediate feedback I receive from the crowd and perhaps more top secret shit that I am not allowed to post online ;]

khal: Do you have a current top 10 for June?

Genr8:

Gridlok - The Media Is a Joke
Atlantic Connection - "Soul Musiq"
Alliance - "Jive" (GENR8 VIP)
State Of Mind & Concord Dawn - "The Deviants"
Quadrant & Cease - "Blood On Our Hands"
Gridlok - "Lab Rat"
Genr8 - "Invaders"
Koldfront & Genr8 - "Broka"
Origin - "Nonsense"
Jade & Matt U - "Cracks In the Ceiling"

khal: Before we wrap this up, do you have any shout outs or words of advice for the massive?

Genr8: Yea, keep focused on your goals but don’t determine your ultimate happiness on them. Thanks to every one that has supported what I do over the years. Hold tight for the next phase ;)

For more info on Genr8, including audio and further info on his budding carrer, hit up his MySpace page, www.myspace.com/djgenr8. Shouts to Matt PPR for the hookup, and one love to all DnBTV crew (Grayfox, I see you)!

Tags dnb , interview

[+/-]