A wise man once told me that, “Whatever you focus on will become stronger in your life.” I heard that as a youth, but it’s concise wisdom has stuck with me through my evolution into a man. It is a simple axiom, yet carries profound truth and insight. In this day and age, it is necessary to be aware of such an idea.
What does focus mean to you? It is probably different for everyone that is asked such a question. For me, focus is simply where my attention lies. If I happen to be on twitter all day, I’m pretty much focused on interacting and sharing in the thoughts of a varied population of people. If I am spending my time at the yoga studio, then my focus is on the development of a mind-body connection. You see, where we place the gaze of our mind’s eye will inevitably lead us in that direction.
This understanding is the pillar upon which marketing and advertising are built. These disciplines have realized that by shifting the focus of viewers, that they are able to captivate the imagination. Take a moment and think about how you are focusing your attention.
Are you being mindful of where your third eye resides? Is your reality a conscious selection, or are you passively focused on the whirlwinds of the world around you? These are questions that only you can answer. But, bear in mind, whatever you are focused on will grow stronger in your life. Choose well my friends…
1. 24-7-365- Gang Starr
2. Peace- the Burnerz
3. So Fresh, So Clean- Outkast
4. Victory ft. Nas & John Legend-DJ Khaled
5. Feel Like Making Love-Roy Ayers
6. Knowledge God-Raekwon
7. I’m a Leader-Zion I & the Grouch
8. Come Fly- the Burnerz
9. Afro Connections at Hi 5- De La Soul
10. Jus Sayin-the Burnerz
11. Nautilus-Bob James
12. Golden-Jill Scott
13. Coffy is the Color- Roy Ayers
America, the beautiful, was born out of necessity. In many ways, our country represents a new age experiment in diversity. As exemplified in the old School House Rock skit, we are born out of a melting pot of cultures. The natives of America still live and breath throughout our culture, though we struggle to recognize their influence. The old country is represented through the vast array of Europeans here: Italians, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, Greek, etc. Africa is alive and well in it’s ancestors who were brought to these shores by force, and in turn have shaped culture by our very essence and being. Both Asia and Latin America course through the veins of the US, having been present since our inception. We are all apart of the story of America. Thus, the 14th amendment seeks to recognize that anyone born in this country has a right to contribute a chapter in it’s history.
Yet, today we see that there is a growing backlash against the very tenants that we are based upon. It seems that smalls minds from coast to coast are mounting on attack on liberty. The “birther” movement seeks to oust the President from his seat, because they claim that he was not “born” on American soil. The battle around immigration has also been a hotbed for protest against what the 14th amendment calls for as equity. These people have obviously forgotten what America was, and is built upon. Without all of the diverse gifts from around the world, we could not have come this far. Quite possibly, we would not even exists without the blood, sweat, and tears of the global community living within our borders. To push back against the 14th Amendment, is to denounce the essence of what America is. Out of ignorance and fear, some seek to wipe away our history and create a new monoculture. I am sorry people. It won’t work. That just isn’t the American way.
1. Party Mix-Vinroc
2. One Thing-Amerie
3. Beautiful-Snoop Dogg
4. Juicy-Biggie
5. Party Mix 2-Vinroc
6. Drop it Like Its Hot-Snoop Dogg
7. Southern Hospitality-Ludachris
8. Lean Back-Fat Joe
9. Party Mix 3-Vinroc
10. Like Glue-Sean Paul
11. Shake-50 Cent
12. Love Like-Busta Rhymes
13. Brand New-Beenie Man
14. Got It Twisted-Mobb Deep
15. King of the Dancehall-Beenie Man
16. Ohh-Ciara ft. Ludachris
17. Move Ya Body-Nina Sky
The collaboration is a unique aspect of hip hop. This tradition is directly descended from the jazz roots that are a part of the gumbo that came together to form our culture. The technique of joining different groupings of musicians to expand into new directions is necessary to the evolution of the music. These pairings have been used to mentor musicians, as well as create new styles, and genres. It is thus, an essential aspect of the perpetuation of music which represents the feelings of the people.
Thus, Zion I & the Grouch decided to link up for our first album in 2006, entitled Heroes in the City of Dope. I learned a lot in the process, as I am used to writing albums by myself for the most part, outside of editing ideas. Yet, working with the Grouch is much more of a collective effort in terms of forming concepts around songs. It is always inspiring to get a fresh perspective or idea that I would not normally think of on my own. The collaboration is a creative push, a challenge to go further and see what level of beauty can be achieved.
On today’s show, we get to chop it up with all the homeys on a more intimate note about technology, the future of music, and staying centered in a world gone wild. AmpLive holds down the tables, blessing up with choice selections, and the Grouch and I chop up game about life. Tune in..tune up..and evolve.
1. Silly Puddy Remix ft Coldplay-Zion I ft the Grouch
2. 1940- Submarines (Amplive Remix)
3. Better Man- Chali2na
4. Hot Right Now- AmpLive ft. Zumbi, Grouch, Fashawn, Eligh
5. Get Up-Dilla ft. Common
6. U Neva Knew- Heiroglyphics
7. Passin By Me- Pharcyde Remix
8. Last of a Dying Breed- Aesop Rock
9. One Love (Remix)-Nas
10. Childhood Drama-Goapele
Fear. What is this thing? Is it an emotion, a feeling, or a need? I’m not sure exactly how to categorize it, but I feel as though this thing called fear is a tool that is used to pollute our thoughts and minds. A conspiracy you say? Hardly, its just that misery loves company.
I notice this trend when I browse the internet and read the commentary below videos and news articles. The comments posted generally have a negative tone to them. They are often accompanied by racists quiffs, when appropriate, and a blatant disconnection with human suffering. Quite possibly all the autonomy online has exposed the true level of fear that, we humans still possess. It’s scary right? Ah, not so much.
Fear, as far as I know, is an instinctual response that was developed as a means for survival as we developed as a species. In modern life, it still serves its purpose, yet we seem to crave it more than is necessary. It feels that we are constantly pumped full of things to fear thru the media: recession, violence, the BP spill, war. You get the drift. But, what do we really have to fear?
I propose that we relinquish our need to fear anything. To respect is good, to fear is to paralyze one’s self. Just take a moment and imagine what our world would be like if we no longer feared one another because we looked different. What if we were no longer afraid of different religions and cultures? Could we possibly move unto a higher level of awareness as a collective? I think that is very probable once we do away with fear. The best way to treat fear is to turn around and face what is haunting you. It’s never quite as bad as we think it is, and if it truly is that dire, you might as well get it out of the way sooner than later. Releasing it will allow fresh energy to flow in and through your life. Now, go into the world, with courage as your guide.
Morning Sunrise-Twennynine with Lenny White
Good Old Music-Funkadelic
stimela -Hugh Masekela
Rude boy-Lee Perry & Prince Jammy
Flashpoint-Music DeWolfe
Drama Blackcloth-Alan Lew
Overjoyed-Stevie Wonder
What You Won’t Do For Love-Bobby Caldwell
I Walk on Guilded Splinters-Johnny Jenkins
hells kitchen-syd dale
Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth-24 Carat
Remind Me-Patrice Rushen
Remind Me-Patrice Rushen
We Can Make It If We Try-The Sylvers
Boogie Back-Roy Ayers
Boogie Back-Roy Ayers
Wind Parade-Donald Byrd & the blackbyrds
Buck’em Down (Remix) voc/instr-Black Moon
I once read a metaphysician’s quote that said “The world is as we see it.” Hence, stating that we color the world around us with our own unique perspective. However, I would like to change it to “The world is as we think it.” Indeed, our thoughts are powerful tools. So powerful in fact that they can build just as quickly as they can destroy. Why aren’t we being taught the power of our thoughts? Well, that my friends, is a question that has been asked throughout time immemorial.
It could be due to the fact that the mind is where power is defined. Thus, as stated by Carter G Woodson, “If you can control a man’s thinking, then you do not have to control his actions.” Sadly, this statement still rings true today. The “powers that be” recognize this fact and use it to their full advantage every waking moment. This is the idea behind advertising. Most people feel that they are unaffected by it. They talk about how they watch TV for 4-5 hours a day, and that it is simply entertainment. But, they obviously don’t understand the nature of the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is like a vast storehouse of energy for our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Whatever is fed to the subconscious influences the how we feel, think, and act. By constantly remaining a passive witness to society’s ideals and impulses, we allow ourselves to be casually programmed. Does this sound unbelievable? Check any basic psychology class, and it will break down the basic blueprint of how the mind works. What you will find is that, the subconscious is a more powerful determinant of behavior than the “conscious” mind, which consists of what we normally think of as thoughts. The subconscious is the ground from which our thoughts take root and flower.
So, what happens when one no longer accepts the programming of their subconscious mind? New thoughts, feelings, and beliefs are unleashed when we unplug from the vast web of influencers in our environment. In a way, we are freed to explore the inner workings of ourselves, the great vastness within. Thus, the true revolution begins within. To change the world around us, we must first change the world inside. This is the essence of struggle and resistance. The struggle to free the mind of senseless babble, while resisting the lure of the world of senses around you. Your mind is the center of this battlefield. Fight the good fight.
Theme From S.W.A.T Rhythm Heritage
The Champ Mohawks
Darling Darling Baby The O’Jays
Skew It On The Bar-B Outkast
Out the House (Fresh Check) The Honor Roll
nushooz i cant waitfunky remix nu shooz
out in cali country DJ SwiftRock
Topsidin’ feat. Moxmore Trackademicks
Beat Box Art of Noise
Doowutchyalike Digital Underground
New Jack Hustler Ice-T
makossa #3 main/inst che che makossa #3
The Seed Cody ChestnuTT
The Seed 2.0 The Roots
Thought at Work The Roots
Miami Will Smith
Single Life Cameo
Give Me The Night George Benson
What A Tribe Called Quest
CaliWay (Platurn Party Break) DJ Vinroc/Dj PlaturnCaliway (grown folk version)
J Billion feat. Spank Pops & 1O.A.K Bounce (INST) Vaughn Mason & Crew
As humans, enthralled with all the wonders of modern life, most of us are constantly caught in the spin cycle. We have responsibilities and aspirations, let alone biological needs that we must care for. We have jobs to work, and food that we must put on the table. With all of this going on, it is easy to forget that we are living out history day by day. At times, great opportunities lunge our way, but our attention is absorbed and thus, we miss the chance to participate in the history which is being created around us. Today, is one of those moments when we have been called to that moment, to include ourselves in the rapidly changing world around us.
This show begins with Vinroc and I, doing our normal thing, breaking down the good word, and playing some music to ease the soul. Yet, by the end of the segment, we are told, while on air, that the Oscar Grant verdict will be released a mere hour after our show ends. As we finished the show, Youth Radio was already shutting down in preparation of the “civil unrest” which was in my opinion being indirectly encouraged by the media. The mood of the entire building suddenly turned somber and expectant. Vin and I left the building, and as we did it was obvious that the entire city of Oakland had received the same news. Cars were rushing towards on ramps, and traffic was already building up. Well well, the news sure did a good job of rustling up paranoia. As I navigated thru the streets towards my next destination, I could not help but notice the vast differences in the way that people were responding. Some folks enjoyed a quick pick up game of soccer not a 5 minute walk away from downtown, while others were already scrambling to get to the what would eventually the epicenter of the ruckus, 14th and Broadway. This show captures a quick moment in history that we should not soon forget.
1. Radio Daze (Feat. Blu, P.O.R.N., Dice Raw) The Roots
2. Dear God 2.0 (Feat. Monsters Of Folk) The Roots
3. My Way Nas - The Lost Tapes
4. Dear Summer(Feat. Jay-Z) Memphis Bleek
5. Hold You Down (Instrumental) The Alchemist
6. Hold You Down (Feat Prodigy & Nina Sky) The Alchemist
7. leflah vocal/instrumental The Fab 5
8. Kick Push Vinroc remix Lupe Fiasco/Vinroc
9. trials of love mobb deep (prodigy)
10. The Realest Mobb Deep
11. mobbin (foxy gitars,mobb single remember) Vinroc
12. LIFE mix 1.0 J Billion/Vinroc
13. Ready Set Go feat. Moe Green TRUTHLiVE
The concept of society is based on rules and agreements. The authorities constantly program the people with ideas that they can either accept or reject. Acceptance breeds inclusion and greater degrees of comfort if you will. Rejection, on the other hand, is basically tantamount to declaring all out warfare on the system. When the rules of society are not obeyed, we have police and the legal system which are supposed to deal with the corruption. However, what happens when the authorities themselves make a mistake in perpetuating their precious societal mores? How do the people governed by, and accepting of these laws react when they are attacked by the very same authorities that are supposed to protect them? These are the questions that surround the Oscar Grant verdict coming up this week.
The anticipation hangs in the air, thick that the rapture of swollen vines. Windows are already boarded up here in the studio and throughout downtown Oakland in case rioters take to the streets. There have been whispers that OPD is calling in back up from as far south as LA, in addition to many of the surrounding suburbs in the Bay. It feels as if everyone is expecting the worst reaction possible. Do they know something that we don’t? If justice is truly served, and Johanne Meserhle, the murderer of Oscar Grant is convicted, than there is no reason to protest. Oscar’s life can never be given back, but a ruling of manslaughter would at least acknowledge some degree of negligence. I am concerned that Meserhle is acquitted. In that case, there is definite reason to be angered. We were angry already, but this is the stuff that destruction is made off.
I wonder if this had been a young white man shot face down on the Bart in San Francisco would it even be a question as to the guilt of the murderer. No, what is being called into question is the value of black life in American society. How easy is it to kill a young black man in cold blood, and without reason? It seems that they are telling us what they think of us with every deliberation and negation of justice that takes place. I understand the rage, but please, breaking the windows of small shop owners downtown will not do anything to bring redemption. Calm and cool minds will prevail.
Tune in to this week’s show as special guest J Period, Robert Collins, Amp Live, and 1-O.A.K. discuss the importance of how we handle the verdict.
1. 7-Zumbi X Bannon
2. Casio Training- Flying Lotus
3. Come Together-J Period ft. the Roots & Zumbi
4. Subliminal Minded-J Period ft Black Thought
5. Rumble in the Jungle-J Period ft Q Tip, Busta Rhymes, & Lauren Hill
6. Red- Dilla
7. Mister Magic- Grover Washington Jr
8. Whats the Difference- Dr Dre
9. Ova the Woods-Outkast
10. the Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers-Crooklyn Dodgers
11. Road to Zion-Damian Marley
12. Ur the Man-Nas
13. Can’t See the Soldiers-J Period
14. Cell Therapy-Goodie Mob
15. Cold as Ice-MOP
16. Testament-Cormega
17. Hip Hop-Dead Prez
I once read somewhere that sports were a metaphor, of war. If so, then we are living in violatile times, although the World Cup, is more of a grand spectacle. Being that, the whole world is involved, the political and social ramifications of the “football” can hardly be denied. Honestly, I haven’t been interested in “football” since I was a youth. But since the World Cup in ‘06, I’ve been riveted by the collective attention which it demands. In many ways, it’s bigger than the Olympics. There is much greater parity, which makes the competition all the more thrilling. Although juggernauts like Brazil and Argentina feel pre-destined to dominate, smaller countries like Uruguay, Switzerland, Ghana, and the Netherlands are able to eek their way onto the world stage. It is truly fascinating when we consider how many eyes and minds are focused on this one event.
What could we accomplish as human beings if we all got together and focused on ending poverty and oppression in the same way, and with the same passion that we view sports? I think we could truly change the world. Just a thought. Science of Breath…on the move.
1. Ghost Town-the Specials
2. Friends-Nas X Damian Marley
3. Never Been- Wiz Khalifa
4. Mezmorized-Wiz Khalifa
5. Highs N Lows-Kid Cudi
6. I’m Beaming- Lupe Fiasco
7. Flying Kites- Cool Kids
8. Dear God 2.0-the Roots
9. Beamer Benz or Bentley-Lloyd Banks
10. Window Seat-Erykah Badu
11.How Many Mics-the Fugees
12.Candy Man-Jay Electronica
13.the Burnerz-the Burnerz
14.Cannons-Currensy
15.Mathematics-Mos Def
16.the Edge-the Burnerz
17.Ghost Children-Deuce Eclipse
18.Go Hard-Zion I
19.Ride-Nappy Roots
20.Nautilus-Bob James
21.Hold Yuh-Gyptian ft Nicki Minaj
22.Gadgets Go Go-Chali2na
Whoa! World spin..begin..faster..FASTER! That’s how I feel y’all. I know..intense right? Indeed. No worries..we’ll be good. I just got to let it out every now and then. There seems to be so much going on these days. At the tip of my mind remains the tragedy of the BP spill. What have we done? I have a distinct feeling that we’ll be dealing with the aftermath of this for the remainder of our lives. I read something that said that the leak was spilling over 2 million gallons a day!! What? That is completely impossible to fathom in many ways, but it sounds like its easily the worst environmental disaster in history. How will the ocean be effected by such negligence? It’s scary to contemplate the ramifications. Still, we keep on pushin’ thru. I pray for the good of all people, that we may learn from this. We cannot continue to repeat this type of behavior, the Earth will not allow it. Remember, we are blessed to have this environment which is perfectly suited to our beingness. Pray for healing..pray for peace. Bless…
Perception-Electric Wire Hustle
Party For Your Right To Fight-Public Enemy
Jungle Love Inst-J Dilla
E=MC2 Inst-J Dilla
E=MC2 Featuring Common, Jay Dee
Tha Cipha-Triple Threat
Stakes Is High-De La Soul
You Never Knew (Album)-Hieroglyphics
My Philosophy-Boogie Down Productions
Ready Set Go feat. Moe Green-TRUTHLiVE
Ova Du Wuds-DJ Vinroc
Listen Up-E-Rule
Get A Hold-A Tribe Called Quest
Miss Me (Ft. Lil Wayne-Drake
What’s Beef?-Notorious B.I.G
U Don’t Know-Jay Z
All For The Cash-Gang Starr
Do Your Thing (clean)-Camron
Ain’t The Devil Happy-Jeru The Damaja
Sound Bwoy Bureill-Smif-N-Wessun
The word xenophobe means “fear of outsiders”. For me, this can mean foreign people, foreign ideas, or extraterrestrials…take your pick. On this week’s show, house DJ Vinroc and I build on two very pertinent topics. We begin by touching on the tragedy of the BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast region. The persistence of our world leader’s to use oil and gas as the staple of the world economy has lead us to yet, another crossroads. Will we ever learn from our mistakes? Oil is not a renewable power source. It is also finite. We will soon come to the end of our oil supply worldwide. Some say that this will happen within the next 20-50 years. What are we waiting for? Armageddon? Don’t get me started.
Secondly, being that we at the Science of Breath pride ourselves in thinking outside of the box, we discussed the concept of aliens making contact with humans. Many may view this as sheer science fiction. However, anything is possible when we consider the fact that our galaxy is almost completely unexplored. We haven’t even thoroughly analyzed the ocean. Are we truly the only “intelligent” life in the universe? I highly doubt that. It seems that our self proclaimed importance is a symptom of our ego, and creating the idea that reality bends around our need to be the center of all things. We question what it would be like if extraterrestrials actually made themselves known to us. How would humanity respond? I assume there would be dramatic upheaval, both philosophically and psychologically. How would you react? Join us for an inside look at the future…
Me Or The Papes (LP Instrumental)-Jeru The Damaja
Biz Markie - Just A Friend
Caught Up-Metro Area
Love Junkie (Remix) f. Wallpaper and The Park-Donwill
love is the message cuco edits-mfsb
Running Away-Roy Ayers Ubiquity
WALK INTO THE SUN (Vocal / Inst)-Organized Konfusion
International Zone Coaster (Re-Remix Edit)-Leaders Of The New School
Lowdown-Boz Scaggs
Evil Vibrations-The Rebirth
Full Moon (Feat. Common)-Armand Van Helden
Opposite People-Fela Kuti
Beng Beng-Fela Kuti
Take Your Time (Do It Right)-S.O.S. Band
Strobelite Honey-Black Sheep
In respect of our great ancestor El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, I dedicate this show to the incredible work that he did in order to uplift our people. Davey D blasted out a great tidbit on his twitter yesterday. This is vintage audio of 2 FBI agents actively trying to coerce Malcolm into snitching on his own organization, the Black Muslims. With rare eloquence and resilience, we hear how Malcolm cleverly rebukes their feeble attempts. It is one of the best old school audio gems that I’ve heard in ages. To hear him break down the fidgety embargoes of the agents is priceless. Yet, this was recorded in 1963. The brother was assassinated a short 2 years later in 1965. It seems that the government tried one approach, and once they saw that it wasn’t working, they went to their old faithful. Straight up murder. Go figure. All praises to the brother. They killed his body, but they couldn’t end his legacy. Science of Breath on the move…
1. Stillmatic-Nas 2. 9am in Dallas-Drake 3. the Moon & the Stars-Young Chris 4. Crib on the Moon-Zumbi 5. Umi Says-Mos Def 6. Nuthin Like This- J Dilla 7. Reunited-Old Dirty Bastard 8. Check it Out-Guru ft. Zumbi 9. You’re Da Man-Nas 10. By Any Means Necessary-Malcolm X 11. Black Steel-Public Enemy 12. Un-thinkable-Alicia Keys ft Drake 13. Hold On-Dwele ft Kanye West 14. Gadget Go Go-Chali2na 15. What Goes Around-Nas 16. Zambezi (Fools Gold remix)-Tinashe 17. Ala Il Hanash Madgouga-Omar Souleyman
The music industry is in total disarray. Let the heads roll. It is better for us, the artists, this way. Why you ask, as you shake your head and roll your eyes? There is less control of the “system” now, then ever before. No longer do major labels hold complete sway over the marketplace. I am not a fool, I recognize the great influence that labels still have on the mass consciousness of the people. Yet, at the same time, I feel that independent musicians, filmmakers, and authors have opportunities today, that simply didn’t exist 10 years ago.
There is enough technology available that anyone can damn near craft a record and release it. This is a beautiful thing. Artistic expression is at an all time high. The only thing that can hold you back in this moment is you. If you want it, the world awaits your passion to possess their attention. What will you say when you finally have the blogosphere at your beck and call? The only limit is your creativity. This is your time. To quote Nas, “the world is yours, the world is yours”. The independent route of releasing your own music is not an easy one, but it is a liberating one. Be free of the machine, express your inner soul, and ride the current of wild creativity that pulses within your heart. Do not hold back, and do not be scared. Instead, practice fearlessness. May the force be with you. Churrrch…
1. Waken Baken- Wiz Khalifa
2. What We Be On-Devin the Dude
3. Lemon Kush-Currensy
4. Never Been-Wiz Khalifa
5. Funky Freestyle-Devin the Dude
6. The Takeover-Jay Z
7. Watch Dem (Murderer)-Barrington Levy ft Snoop Dogg
8. Beamer Benz or Bentley-Lloyd Banks
9. Wozani Mahipi-Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens
10. I Sivenoe-Melotone Sisters
11. Zol!-BLK JKS
12. Flauta Magica-Mark Knight
13. Coastin- Zion I
14. Champion- B.O.B.
15. In the Cut- Wiz Khalifa
16. Billie Holiday- Miike Snow
17. Trizzy Turnt Up- A-Trak
The islands of Hawaii are magical. With it’s raw beauty and ancient culture, it is hard to find anything in the West that compares to it’s natural elegance. We were blessed to be able to spend last week there, both working and chilling. The first half of the trip was spent on Maui, deep within the Grouch’s rain forest hideout studio. Complete with hordes of geckos, mosquitos, flying roaches, and cane spiders (which are the size of a large man’s hand..), we sunk into the landscape and fed off of the simplicity and silence which was ever present. We were able to really sit down and concentrate on the new Zion I & the Grouch album. It felt good to be in that creative space where time feels like it’s standing still. The cellphone felt obsolete, the TV was nonexistent. I believe that this is the best way to connect with the inner voice and create true art. We freaked about 5 songs in two days. I can’t wait for y’all to hear the gumbo that we’ve been cooking up. The album is roughly slated for release in February of 2011.
The second half of the trip was spent in Oahu. Compared to Maui, Oahu felt like New York. Maui is so stripped down and simple. It feels like only Earth, Sky, and Ocean exist there. While, in Honolulu, I was transported right back to downtown SF with a quickness. We rocked a show out there at the Next Door which went off. After that, it was time to chill. After sleeping the entire next day away, I was finally prepared for some adventure the following day. I was rewarded with a dope trip to a secluded, almost private beach on Oahu’s gold coast. Next, my highest wish was granted, when our homey Chris said that he would take us surfing.
We hit the surf with a fury, as I struggled to keep up with my guide’s staggering pace. He leapt up on wave after wave, and I guess he must of inspired me, because I had the best day I’ve ever had of surfing. Pretty soon, however, my arms started to go limp from all of the paddling. I was getting worn out. I missed three good waves in a row after paddling with whatever was left over of my strength. Consequently, I found myself washed out into a lonesome patch of ocean. There were no other surfers in the immediate vicinity, so I took the opportunity to just kick it, and enjoy being in the water. Suddenly, I saw a long patch of olive grey skin rise out of the ocean. What the hell is that? I tried to calm myself down by telling myself it was a seal. Right? I waited with bated breath as the swollen mass sunk down into the deep blue. When it re-emerged, a beaklike face jutted out of the rippling surface, and slowly a turtles head began bobbing up and down whimsically. A giant sea turtle! I was stunned, both terrified and excited at the same time. I had never encountered such a large creature so close to me in the ocean and admittedly, I was shook. I pulled my legs out of the water and onto the board, and just sat there watching the turtle go up and down for air. At first, I wanted to shout out a warning, but my mind consoled me that turtles were not known to be dangerous, it wasn’t a shark after all. The deep orbital eyes gazed at me, almost as if laughing at the uncomfortable way I was now sitting on the board. I almost laughed at myself. Yet, I continued to stare at the peaceful being for about 5 minutes. I began to feel as if I was having some type of spiritual communion, with the mix of fear, revelry, and adrenaline all going off at once. Slowly, I relaxed out of my trance as I realized that time was going by and I was not catching any waves. I slowly turned around and paddled away. It was time to return to the shore. I had gotten everything that I needed out of the experience. The next thing I knew, I nice wave was upon me. I paddled hard and caught the best ride of the day, almost all the way in to the shore. Mission accomplished. From this point on, I will feel a special connection with the giant sea turtle. It felt as though an old friend had come to say what up. What a wonderful memory. Bless…
1.Get Dis $-Slum Village
2.Annakin’s Prayer-Jay Electronica
3.Lights Please-J Cole
4.Changes-the Burnerz
5.Return of the Boom Bap-KRS One
6.the Return-UNI ft Zumbi & Talib Kweli prod by Lee Bannon
7.Montara-Bobby Hutcherson (Madlib Remix)
8.Window Seat-Erykah Badu
9.Girl I Love You-Massive Attack
10.Hold Yuh-Gyptian ft Nicki Minaj
11.Smoking My Ganja-Capital Letters
12.Da Style Deh-Busy Signal
13.It Was Written-Damian Marley ft Capleton
14.Mad Izm-Channel Live
15.Damn Right I Am Somebody-James Brown
Broadcastin’ live from the beautiful island of Hawaii this week, I’ve been soaking up the mellow vibes of the ocean and recording a grip of music. We’re out here recording music for the new Zion I & the Grouch album, which will be out in February. It’s always interesting to travel and then record in a new locale, because the new location inevitably brings about new feelings and expressions. Add that to the fact that we were on Maui for most of our stay, which is extremely chill compared to the hustle mode of the Bay. I’ve been having a grand ol’ time of getting acquainted with nature, and having the chance to listen to my thoughts without outside interruption. Needless to say, it’s been a much needed respite.
This week, I had to dedicate half of the show to Guru of Gang Starr, who finally succumbed to what they are calling cancer last week. Unfortunately, the drama has yet to cease, as his “partner” (?), Solar produced a scathing letter supposedly written by Guru on his deathbed which basically dissed DJ Premier and completely downplayed the Gang Starr legacy. It feels like this guy Solar wrote the letter, which is wack as hell. Why would anyone do such a thing? Weird. To add to that, Sway interviewed him and questioned him about the whole situation with Guru, and Solar came off very defensive and nervous. The dude just seems like he’s lying. Why, I don’t know. It’s sad that such a legend had to leave with an ackward departure. Regardless, of his attempts, Solar could never throw shade on the Gang Starr name. R.I.P. Guru, you live on thru music and memory.
1. Destroy & Rebuild-Nas
2. I’m Beaming-Lupe Fiasco
3. Africa Must Wake-Damian Marley & Nas ft K’naan
4. Friends-Damian Marley & Nas
5. Maybach Music-Jay Z
6. Born Free- M.I.A.
7. Flyest-Nas
8. Dwyck-Gang Starr ft Nice & Smooth
9. New York Straight Talk-Gang Starr
10.Mass Appeal-Gang Starr
11. Mostly the Voice-Gang Starr
12.The Place Where We Dwell-Gang Starr
13.Brainstormin’-Gang Starr
14.Code of the Streets- Gang Starr
15.the Militia-Gang Starr
Big up all massive and crew! Thank you for tuning in for another week of exciting new styles from across the world. This week, I’m broadcasting from sunny Los Angeles, CA. We had a show at UCLA last night at the annual event, the Mighty Mic. Each year, they throw a well organized concert in order to bring awareness to injustice in any form. This year was focused on the Congo, and how the country has been destabilized since the mid 90’s. One startling fact is that nearly 6 million have died in the country since ‘98, but yet, the western media is not even willing to sneeze about the tragedy which is occurring there. Congo is rich in many minerals which provide the basis for electronics and technology. If these resources suddenly begin to dry up, we’ll probably start hearing the Congo referenced on the news. But in the now, know that our brothers and sisters across the water need help. The show was dope last night, except for the fact that I busted my lip on the mic whilst leaping around. Definitely not an enjoyable experience, while broadcasting I was alternating between icing my golfball lip, and selecting the tunage. All to the good…enjoy..tune in..and tune up!
1.#9-Lee Bannon
2. Mr. Brown-Bob Marley
3. Tenement Yard-Jacob Miller
4. Hold Yuh-Gyptian ft Nikki Minaj
5. Hold the Line-Major Lazer
6. Any Dub You Like-Buju Banton
7. I Can’t Handle It-Devin the Dude
8. Monday-the Glitch Mob
9. We One-J Cole
10. Public Service Announcement-Jay Z
11. Window Seat-Erykah Badu
12. Afro Connections at 5-De La Soul
13. Is There Any Love-Kid Cudi ft Wale
14. Portuguese Love- Bah Samba ft Alice Russell
Live once again, from your traveling bard/MC/host! I’m dropping this one from a hotel in the higher heights of Whistler, Canada’s snow flecked mountaintops. I was really enjoying being home, but yes indeed, I’m right back out on the road. There are pros and cons to everything in the universe. This is the subtle balance often referred to as the yin and the yang. There is definitely a rare beauty in being able to travel the world performing music and rocking crowds. Yet, it does not come without struggle, hard work, lack of sleep, and countless hours driving into distant towns, cities, and villages. Let me not wax too philosophically though, this tour seems like it’s going to be fun. I really enjoy Canada, especially Vancouver. The layout is reminiscent of San Fran, but the architecture feels more edgily modern, and the ever-present mountain range sets it distinctly apart. I was feeling easy doing this set, and the music reflects that. I drop some reflective hip-hop tunes, alongside some soul music I’m feeling, and towards the end gallop into some progressive house. You know my steez!!! Tune in and tune up…Ites!
1. Riding High- Faze O
2. Vibes- J Period ft Zumbi (ATCQ Tribute)
3. Cuban Chronicles-Avenging Eagles
4. Mathematics- Mos Def
5. I C U (Doin It)- A Tribe Called Quest
6. Rollin’-Pac Div
7. Tell Me RMX- Bobby Valentino ft Lil Wayne
8. The Blast-Reflection Eternal
9. Say Something-Nivea ft Drake (Zumbi RMX)
10. Hold On-Dwele ft Kanye West
11. She Knows What She Wants-Gang Starr
12. Back in the Day-Erykah Badu
13. Go Hard- Zion I
14. Lemonade- Gucci Mane
15. One More Chance-Biggie Smalls
16. Cada Vez- Salome de Bahia
17. Rock Wit U- Jazzy Jeff ft Erro
18. You’re No Good for Me- Gareth Wyn
When I called Vinroc to see if he could come thru today’s show, I had no idea what the topic of the day would be. Yet, when I asked if he had any ideas, he replied quickly with “Let’s talk about the water problem which is facing the world right now.” Water problem? Do you mean the California drought? Hardly. The problem of drinkable water, is being discussed as one of the most foreboding dilemmas that will soon plague humanity. No, this is not a doom and gloom show, it’s all about communicating information and raising awareness. In many 3rd world countries this problem is already being felt. We in the “1st world”, are kept ignorant to the cold reality of private corporations attempting to takeover the water supply, and sell it back to us in bottled form at a higher price. It’s pure insanity, and the systematic corporate greed which endeavors this type of philosophy is unsustainable. Vinroc and I discuss different ways that people can inform themselves and spread the word about this insidious trend. Tune in and UP!!
Playlist:
1. Home-Jay Z 2. One Blood- JR Reid 3. Thief in the Night-John Holt 4. Express Ya Self-Leroy Sibbles 5. You’re Mine-Dwele 6. Falling in Love- Flying Lotus 7. I Don’t Know Why- Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder 8. Sally-Supercat ft 3rd Eye, Diddy, & Biggie 9. All I Can Be-Biggie 10. Who Shot Ya-Biggie 11. Summer Rain-Donald Byrd 12. Buck Down-Black Moon 13. More Bounce-Zapp 14. Water Get No Enemy-Fela Kuti 15. Freestyle-I n I 16. Successful-Drake ft Trey Songs
There are some musical legends that are of monumental influence, yet still manage to fly under the radar of commercial popularity. Throughout the late 80’s and 90’s Gang Starr was a staple of Hip Hop culture. With Guru on the mic, and DJ Premier commanding the boards like a titan, the crew blazed trails of authentic street music for over 15 years. Yet, somehow in this day and age , they are often left out of conversations regarding Hip Hop’s illest crews. In my humble opinion, anyone who doesn’t recognize Gang Starr is not a true head.
Last weekend, Guru had a cardiac arrest and as a result fell into a coma. Twitter lit up almost instantaneously with updates and prayers for the suffering legend. Many of us began dropping quotes, song titles, and other Gang Starr trivia as a way to remind ourselves of the crew’s true greatness. It felt good. I hadn’t thought about some of these songs for over 10 years. It was then that I decided to dedicate the show to the crew, in the hope that the positive energy would aid in Guru’s recovery. Indeed, prayer is powerful and thoughts are things. This is a quick overview of one of the most prodigious groups that Hip Hop has ever known. Sit back, burn one and enjoy…Gang Starr y’all. The Real. Hip Hop.
1. 24-7-365-Gang Starr
2. Curtains- Little Brother
3. Criminology 2.5- Meth, Rae & Ghost
4. Lizz-Raekwon
5. Premo- Gang Starr
6. Soliloquy of Chaos-Gang Starr
7. Code of the Streets-Gang Starr
8. Manifest- Gang Starr
9. Take 2 and Pass-Gang Starr
10. Suckas Need Bodyguards-Gang Starr
11. Premo-Gang Starr
12. The Planet- Gang Starr
13. Royalty-Gang Starr
14. Mostly the Voice-Gang Starr
15. You Know My Steez-Gang Starr
16. DJ Premier is in Deep Concentration-Gang Starr
17. Above the Clouds-Gang Starr ft. Inspektah Deck
18. I’m the Man-Gang Starr ft. Lil Dap & Jeru
19. Moment of Truth-Gang Starr
Oh the joys of traveling. I speak of incredibly long drives, occasionally terrible food, and the inspiration of finding new locales that feel like home. In this case, on this tour, I’ve been most impressed by New Orleans. Out of the 28 cities that we’ve passed thru, the jewel by the bayou is the one that has really stood out for me. This was my first visit back since Katrina, and I was more fascinated than surprised by what I encountered. Bourbon Street was still the same, drunken revelry at every turn. Yet, it seemed like the rest of the city was under reconstruction. There are vacant buildings and for sale signs everywhere, and the inevitable decay of the 18th French architecture is prevalent. At the same time, people bustle to and fro, intoxicated by the fragrant aroma of the New Orleans lifestyle. Being one of the oldest cities in the US, it is apparent that the roots run deep. It stands alone as a symbol of the trials and tribulations of African Americans, and the history of the states in general. I could feel the presence of the Spanish and French colonizers there. Although, I’m sure it will never be the same as it was before Katrina, there are still horn lines and delightful cuisine in the hearts of those strong enough to persist on thru the hard times. Hats off to the people of the New Orleans. For the record, I’m glad the Saints won, they deserved that, at the very least.
1. Soul Rebel Dub- the Wailers
2. 24 Hour Karate School- Mos Def
3. Designer Music-Self Scientific
4. Paisley Darts-Avenging Eagles
5. Drummer- Avenging Eagles
6. All My- Lee Bannon
7. B is for B.O.B.-B.O.B.
8. Transformations-Jay Electronica
9. Sorrow, Tears, & Blood-Fela Kuti
10. Any Dub You Like-Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder
11. Young Gunz-Million Stylez & Joey Fever
12. Can’t Stop Me Now-Pretty Lights
13. Down the Line-Alix Perez
14. Skydiving-Twizzle (SRC Remix)
15. Moonraker skit-JahDan
16. Some Supafly Ish-Opio ft Del & Guilty Simpson
17. Harlem Streets- Immortal Technique
18. Nautilus- Bob James
Yee! Barely got this show together…but the music gods were looking out for ya boy. I’m coming in live from the backstage of a club in Tampa, Florida, with subs and bass kicks raging in the background. Hey, we do the best we can with what we have. This week features a gang of rare gems from across the boom diaspora of music, specifically the legendary crew Massive Attack. Starting back in the late 80’s, this crew has defied musical categories, and instead have pushed the limits of varied genres and styles. The remixes on the show are melodic dub landscapes sprinkled with lush vocals, their classic trademark. Many of these jams are brand spanking new, having just been discovered thru in-depth bloggery. Enjoy family…more to come. Stay tuned. Mind-Body-Spirit. ONE
Playlist: 1. Paradise Circus- Massive Attack 2. Sound of Siren- Busy Signal ft. M.I.A. 3. Collie Field- JahDan ft 77Klash 4. Stylo- Gorillaz ft. Mos Def & Bobby Womack 5. B.O.B.-Down for Yall 6. Early Grave- Wu Tang 7. Who Got the Props- Black Moon (Smooth Mix) 8. Strong Will Continue- Damian Marley & Nas 9. I Learned the Hard Way- Sharon Jones & the DapKings 10. She’s the One- James Brown 11. Knock on Wood- J Cole 12. Girl I Love You- Massive Attack 13. I See, I Know- PZ ft. Zumbi 14. Infinite (inst)- Lee Bannon 15. Miike Snow- Billie Holiday 16. Nothings Wrong-SubScape 17. I Remember- J Majik
