A Tribute To Jay-Z

A lil search through E Music's digital download site, while attempting to locate Jay Dee's V.3 I stumbled upon the funniest things I've seen all week.

A Tribute To Jay-Z

Artist: Various Artists
Label: Cleopatra Records / The Orchard

Nuff said, you just check it out and get yahself a laugh!

The Basics EP

Bisc 1: The Basics EP

New York’s known for quite a few things; great food, drink and sometimes crime. The overwhelming amount of artists that either originate in the rotten-apple, or somehow make their way there in order to pursue their artistic careers is astounding. Sometimes, there’s just too much music; too much bad music. But there are some artists making their way up through the muck and shining rather brightly in the dark shadows of independent music, cast by a mainstream that seems to just not get it. The Basics EP is brought to you by Bisc 1, Mr. laid-back underground-circuit character, known in some circles more so for his talent in the visual arts.

The introduction track entitled ‘The Basics’ sounds like, an entrance into a dream that makes gradual well balanced changes from beginning to end, sprinkles of a black and white psychedelic backdrop, with raspy vocals poured into mold. The end result of what the chorus describes. One is for the work / 2 is for the love / 3 is for the life… I can’t get enough.

The less personal ‘Crumbs’ is meant to amp an audience behind stage barriers or beneath oversized earphone-Hiphop-tune sound providers. The track plays like an anthem challenging the listener to enjoy life despite the naysayers and negative vibes often tossed in the direction of those that go after their dreams. Livin life given a lil more the a f*$%. That’s what’s up!

‘2^nd Hands’ addresses the countless individuals that just can’t seem to focus on their own affairs. It’s obvious that Bisc 1 has issues with this, so much so it warranted a full length track on a 6 track EP. Hmm…

‘Pieces’ sounds like a journal entry after a long day of questions pondered. Answers that came through writing that could only be channeled through self, not through the experiences of another being. Part of life is actually living it through experiences.

A past of looking for love in all the wrong places, and admittedly, realizing that maybe his approach might not have been the best one, instead of complaining that a fair companion doesn’t exist is what ‘Lights Out’ reveals about this artist. He describes finding the ‘One’ and proceeds to deliver a story that men from all walks of life have shared at some point, lookin a good woman right in the face and not acknowledging her until it’s too late.

The final track in this culmination of thoughts deemed basic by it’s creator is funky- electronic I guess when it come down to the ‘Decompression’ of things this is the result. The cool airy chorus will stick with you. Bisc has a more forceful tone on this one. It may be one of my favorites.

The say all be all is that The Basics EP is not only worthy of coin but deserves your undivided attention. It’s like a cool conversation you might have with Bisc 1 outside of one of New York’s many music venues where this artist my be found delivering his tale of life through mics on any given night.

Raekwon: "State of Grace"

I salute the chef. Nuff respect for this one. "State of Grace" It's a realplayer file. So sue me!

Tzo: tha skitzofranic bandit

Who wants to live forever, go beyond the reality which we all know and make our own reality? It is possible, and this Bronx natives aim is to take the world on a journey to search for the truth and to influence these new ways of thinking that are actually as natural and as old as breathing. Loving Christian Jamaican parents set the strong foundation of love which he lives by and the streets helped him become the soldier that he is today. Despite his background he knows hip-hop has always been his religion, study, and practice, and he intends to balance the scales by bringing back versatility and originality whether it be mainstream or underground.. He says “Music is ours and we have the power. The world is yours to explore.”

Roots & Culture download song. Check out Blue Collar LLC for more music by Tzo.

F8 Featuring Art Deko - Personal References; The Dark Side

Free album dowload: click here

Slum Village: Slum Village

From the Slums of The D come two emcees that rightfully deserve a good word for an entertaining trip on mp3, audio disk, vinyl plate, or however you choose to take in your tunes. 13 cuts with enough kick and bang to keep even your most unenthused listener alert and cured from chronic a.d.d symptoms.

More in-depth overlook to come.

No Promotion: Part 1

Add some Samba Bassa Nova to your life...

Can't remember where I received this compilation cd presented by Putumayo described as "An alluring collection of contemporay Brazilian music from samba and bossa nova's new wave". I'll tell you one thing I'm sure of, there are a few cuts that solidify a peacful state of mind for me. My Spanish is rather non existent, though I am quite the well rounded and a learned fellow. But, you don't really need to know what the words mean to appreciate the beautfiul arrangements put together on this disk. I figured Free Hiphop Now could share this without any difficulty. This wasn't a 'for sale' disk. So they've uploaded it to their servers. Feel free to download. Oh and yes, but of course the album insert images are available to view as well, so you can read about the artists and get more info on the Putumayo catalog. Enjoy.

Khryst Is Back ! But he never left...

"You Can't Run - DV Alias Khryst"

play HiFi (mp3)
play lo-bitrate (mp3) (dial-up)
download (2.68 MB)

"Nothing Gonna Stop Me - DV Alias Khryst"
play HiFi (mp3)
play lo-bitrate (mp3) (dial-up)
download (2.59 MB)

"Gals R Jealous"
play HiFi (mp3)
play lo-bitrate (mp3) (dial-up)
download (1.92 MB)

Decline: Producer Q & A.

Live & Direct from MSN Messanger, I briefly speak with Canadian producer Decline of Olive Hour Records.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

...

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Yo

Decline says:

Whats going on man?

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Chillen

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

What's good with olivehour ?

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Just visited the site.

Decline says:

Word. An indie label based where I’m from in Calgary, Canada. lots of good artists, I recently signed on with them this year...We do lots of promoting in the city ie. bringing artists through and playing at various venues.

Decline says:

Getting up on a western Canadian tour later this year

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Cool. Cool... So how'd you get involved with Olive Hour

Decline says:

Well, the hip hop scene in Calgary is fairly tight. we all know each other and try and work together...my old crew is on hiatus, so I started collaborating with everyone.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Makes sense. So what is it you're doing currently?

Decline says:

Myself? I recently made an entire album in 48hrs, lol....other then that I have a few projects on the go. Flying out to Vancouver in 3 weeks to record an album with an emcee by the name of Details. Looking to release it before the year is out. I’m keeping busy man, producing on 4 new albums coming out here in Calgary as well as a few others.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

That's a lot of work. What makes you capable of handling such a workload?

Decline says:

This seems like an interview, haha...I don’t know man. I just do it, to be honest. I’m lucky to be able to do it, people enjoy my stuff, so I'll build off that. It makes my life balanced I suppose.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

That's great man. Yeah and this is an interview. Ha ha ... Now isn't that something huh? A surprise interview... No one is safe. So what do you know about the world of digital music ? I mean distribution and all what's you take on it ?

Decline says:

I know that its changed the music industry. It gives the underdog a chance to market themselves independently...but it also takes some strength away from major labels. its making them really think about who they are willing to invest in since they see the amount of demand for other kinds of music (artists that labels wouldn’t generally take a look at). At best I think it is increasing creativity... meaning making people really take a second to realize logistics of what they are doing with their music.

Decline says:

Haha, surprise interview hey...I like it.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Always innovating with this digital age even through journalism. Hmmm. Do you think that in a way the now Big 3 kind of brought these occurrences on their selves. It's interesting how at the beginning of this change in the way music is being distributed to the masses, that these Majors were very much apposed to the change. Never mind the fact that with inception of p2p they attempted to place all of the blame of the drop in record sales on pirating of music when statistics actually revealed that these statements held no validity. Since payola is legal nowadays and the masses can hardly access new talent through mainstream methods they download. And it’s a good look for independents. A real good look. Such a good look now majors are offering downloads and taking advantage of uploading their artists catalogs for download. Your thoughts?

Decline says:

It’s hilarious...bandwagon is a term I’d use, haha. they were opposed to a new presence in their industry because it was alarmingly different...a new way of thinking. there is something to be said about established entities and how they deal with popular upheaval. major labels jump on the bandwagon because they found a positive from their side...I haven’t seen many published reports in regards to... labels pursuing legal action against downloaders anymore...why? because they’ve found a way to turn a profit....that being said, I don’t think its a bad thing. not at all...music needs to be heard, regardless of the method of which it is distributed.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

You know the sad thing is that a lot of artist these days don't even know what's actually going on with their music. How important is it to be aware of the politics of the business as apposed to just saying hey I'm an artist I don't have to worry about it. Are not artist supposed to want to control their music. Or are they supposed to just make it.

Decline says:

The definition of artist has changed over the decades...these days music encompasses more then talent. it’s image/marketability and lots of other things that tend to have little to do with the actual audio product. I have been fortunate enough to have been screwed around with my music at a young age/point in my career. I was able to see how harsh it is... Artists NEED to be aware of the politics without a doubt. I don’t really know what else to add to that... It’s a simple statement. If you love your music and are passionate about it, I would assume you should be looking out for your best interests...watch your back kids! haha

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

So what exactly do you do I mean everyone has their own label for their artist expression. What do you call yourself for let's say artist resume purpose. or simple magazine title sake?

Decline says:

I consider myself a producer... I started out djing, but beat conducting is the path I’ve ran with. I still dj here in town, but I spend more time locked away making beats, haha.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

What do you use to produce currently? And why do you use what you do?

Decline says:

I use software...always have. I honestly started with fruity loops about 4 years ago because I broke my ankle skateboarding and I couldn’t walk for 9 weeks. it started out as a way to pass time. I’ve moved up, working with random pieces of equipment. mpc2000 and Korg Tritons, however I stay with fruity loops because I’m comfortable with it.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

any other pieces of equipment you have your eye on for future purchase. I know a lot of producers have this thing about being surrounded by various gadgets.

Decline says:

I’d like to stay simple, haha. There’s no reason to have 10 different mixers and channel outputs that all control the same volume level, ha ha. I’d like to get a new chair for my studio room though. I’ve got ape-like posture.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

I used to drag my feet when I was younger. Would wear down my shoes a bit too quickly. I realized it and corrected the problem. I don't drag my feet as an adult as a result of my realization that I had a problem. First you must acknowledge the problem, which you have. The next step is executing a plan to correct it.

Decline says:

You are a wise man, I’m sitting up straight as we speak

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Great. I'm proud.

Decline says:

And a new chair will further the process.

Decline says:

Ha ha

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

So. Are you caught up in the Family Guy craze

Decline says:

Semi. I have an old DVD...I haven’t had a television in my house for the last 3 months, so I haven’t really had a chance to get into the new season. It's hilarious though. Smart comedy.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

TV rots the brain. You’re missing nothing at all. Be happy books are the new technology. Speaking of books what's the last one you read... all the way through...

Decline says:

Last one I read all the way through was the Da Vinci Code actually...really good read. Made me think about things I wouldn’t normally. challenged the reader.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

The movie's coming out. Any plans of catching it when it's released

Decline says:

Totally...as much as tom hanks is one of my least favorite actors, I will give it the benefit of the doubt. its a good storyline...I hope hanks is able to pull a Jamie Foxx and lose the viewer in the subject.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Still remember him screaming and crying out for Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllsssssssooooooooonnnn! in Castaway. Long way from dressin in drag on a sitcom.

Decline says:

Ha ha ha, so true.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Speaking of movies. Kinda hard to have a great film without a well arranged score attached to it. Have you done any production for film in any facet or do you have any plans on taking your music in that direction.

Decline says:

Umm, well, for the last 2 years or so I’ve lent my music to this TV show here in Canada by the name of Ride On. It’s an extreme bmx show on global television. I idolize Quincy Jones, he’s one of the reasons why I wanted to make music. I’d love to one day do what he has done.

Decline says:

Q is dope...period, hah

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Quincy Jones is definitely a serious force of importance in music. You ever see that Bio flick where he speaks on taking his ensemble overseas and being broke?

Decline says:

Yeah man, I did. I was entranced to say the least.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

No doubt...

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Favorite magazine ?

Decline says:

I don’t really read magazines to be honest. but if I have to pick one it would be...adbusters.

Decline says:

Reverse Propaganda is nice to read every now and then

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

hmmm... console games

Decline says:

I had a playstation 2, but I sold it to pay off my credit card

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Debt is a cancer

Decline says:

Yes, and its eating my insides.

Decline says:

Right now.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Cure... Bank heist..

Decline says:

Possibly, I haven’t ruled it out.

Decline says:

Hey man, I hate to stop the chat, but I have to take off here.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Was bout to say the same...

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:

Any last words ?

Decline says:

Well, I’ll do the obligatory shout outs and promo. Olive Hour Records has a bunch of heaters being released in the last months of 2005. Overits new album is out October21st, available on the website. I produced a track and did all the dj work on it, it’s going to make waves, I swear. Stay tuned to olivehour.com for more! Thanks and peace to the Middle East.

www.olivehour.com
www.myspace.com/declineunseen

Dope Folks 1...

There's quite a few katz out there these days that don't follow the let me do what they tell me I ought to do approach. This guy you're looking at right now is one of'em. The whole point of being you is doing what you feel, to express yourself and affect others. Dyalekt, hailing from the island of St. Croix is doing whatever he wants. Whether it be freestyling in the tri-state over terrible soundsystems or performing his one man show in dark theatre houses in Manhattan, there's no limit to the man's talent and creativity.

Kayne West : Late Registration

Zzzzzzzz... Zzzzz...

Go ahead and get mad. Wake me up when this one is over. Don't get me wrong there are some impressive pieces of production scattered about. Some smart collaboration attempts. And Gold Digger is that amper. Nas puts down a nice verse. About time. But this late registration just makes me sleepy, drains my seratonine levels, clouds my vision a bit. Feels like six months of darkness or something, I may need to install sun lamps in my living quarters to revive my spirit that Kayne unpurposely depleted.

I'll probably be poked with sticks and beaten with cast iron rods for my statements against hiphop's media darling. But I can only be honest. Don't you want that ?

Kayne is starting to remind me of Eminem in the fact that they both seem to partake in the creation of an innovative song here and there but the content of their albums doesn't stray to far off the beaten path. We know you love yah mom Kanye. We respect that. We know that life was hard and people gave you a hard time but inspite of that you made it through and you're much better then all the rest. We also know you just love the ladies and you never neglect to mention you enjoy and expect fellatio from dem hoes. But dude I really don't care and I'm not sure who else but a listening groupie hoe does.

I digress,
shot out to Killah Cam. Though I'm sure you couldah come better on that track and sizzled it just that much more.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

The Grind Date : De La Soul

This is grown folks music , not to be confused with frivilous speak and emcees that lie, never practice what they preach, patience has been breeched across this globe, something don't smell right like if you don't agree, seems to me somethin's wrong wit yah nose.

Posers get exposed as if under the black light, stop actin like these frauds rap tight, pollutin the record pool, rap alchemist? right, these dudes is diggin for fools gold... Les-tor Manchestor wreck shop with present day hiphop... What you didn't know?

Hey even Les gets motivated to drop a bar or two once that vinyl spins the tunes of these perfect models for what emcees ought to embody. Sheer confidence and lyrical dexterity not to mention the ability to rock hole in the wall clubs to NYC ultimate Summer Stages.

The Grind Date consists of an assortment of rough tracks for your ears and lyricism that's uncomparable to any other. It's ridculous how De La Soul has stood the test of time and on every album the group comes consistant with hiphop quotables as far as this Manchestor is concerned. De La Soul is not the first you hear mentioned in Hiphop discussions of utter dopeness. Seems that even self proclaimed hiphop gurus don't acknowledge the living Native Tongue Legend's as being amongst the illest to ever breath rhyme. They sorta get forgotten like the quiet kid on field trips. But I guess that's just sometimes how it be.

One wonders what would have become of the careers of these musketeers of real talk had they not early on dealt with sampling issues (Took an L for sampling the Turtles). Where some groups would have probably, ceased breathing after such a dilemma. De La Soul continued on despite that and many flucuating situations pertaining to their label home. These young men from LI aka Strong Island over the years have grown into close to perfect blueprints for fatherhood of rap seeds cultivating diverse sound beds with the right amount of this and that for fruitful releases to sustain hungry and eager audiences.

It's like junior high still for me awaiting a new De La release. Big Wizards performing spells worldwide and in your local cd's disk player.

Yeah but what about The Grind Date ?

Well er uh cop it and listen for yourself you don't need me to describe each track. The album is dope and you oughtah be ashamed looking for critques.

Encore : Layover

Stop Sleeping on the West. Just stop it. Encore provideds listeners with a honest record that deserves attention. This is grey area rap! Real dude. 'Real Talk' like the title of one track featuring Ladybug Mecca that holds her weight like she's weightless. No gunplay no overly righteous speak either just true to the heart hiphop lyrics and groovy beats to accompany them as they enter your ear holes.

More to come... Possible interview... We'll see.

Turf Talk - The Street Novelist

Man you gottah love it when a dude does what he does with no regard for what you or the rest of the world may think they think about his music. It's unfortunate that in New York City during prime time on the 2 main so called 'Hiphop & R&B' playin stations (Snot 97 & No Power 105) that you won't hear any of this airtime deserving record's spin.

More to come shortly.

Real Rap : Lightnin' Rod - Hustler's Convention

Don't act like you know when you really don't!
Lottah kats these days claim to know the real but when it comes down to it, they damn sure couldn't prove it. I stumbled upon this priceless jewel at the second hand record store, as I like to describe it. It had been a minute since I found an audio crown that I could vibe with. See I don't deal credit, but luckily, I just so happened to have my debit, and I proceeded to buy it. I'm really a mellow dude, attitude smoooooooth, never weeded or violent. Damn kat I'm slippin, I forgot to mention, the disk I copped at the shop was Lightnin Rod; Hustler's Convention.

You probably heard Common Sense speak of a Hustler's Convention during that ho/pimp track on Like Water For Chocolate. But didn't know about why he said it. You wouldn't even know to give credit to Lightin Rod (backed by Kool & The Gang) for this classic album vivdly detailing what went down at the Hustler's Convention.

Lightin Rod, tosses brilliant stories in yah ear bout, dice games, pretty hoes & shoot outs. Rude dudes with even ruder attitudes and joes that got their sooooooooooooooooouls aired out.
Wouldn't be surprisin, if you end up memorizin these lines like bible verses for old school morning chapel services. Just don't ever be a poser, spit these lines likes use suppossed tah, cause it won't be nothing cool about the gang, comin to expose and fold'yah.

If you've never heard this album. Things ain't gonna be right till you do.

Kindergarten Dropout

This Kinder-kid probably dropped out because he was simply bored with the same ol routine. He wanted more then just orange juice that tastes like grapefruit. Perhaps there was something that suited him outside the lines he was suppossed to color in between. He decided that he'd pursue it. His pursuit came in the form of an album. An EP to be exact.

The Kindergarten Dropout speaks about the album, life without a highschool dilopma & BET Uncut...

Les-tor Manchestor: How'd you come up with the the title 'Kindergarten Dropout'? And who's the little fellah stealing the show ?

Abadawn: Haha! that's my little brother all over that thing...I've been blessed to have him in my life, and after being through what I have I hope that I can show him better. The title Kindergarten Dropout was just an idea kind of playing off of College Dropout as a joke. Then I noticed that the title really started to make sense. I was really against the school system since a very young age. I tried repeatedly anything in my power to drop out, to get kicked out, whatever I could to stay out of the classroom. Don't get me wrong, I love learning, knowledge and wisdom is essential in this life, but I ended up dropping out of high school/community college, so it was a bit later than Kindergarten, but I really might as well have. I guess the title is my way of saying, live life the way you need to.

Les-tor Manchestor: Hmmm... How old are you man ?

Abadawn: 17.

Les-tor Manchestor: 'Self Taught' is the opening track and I think one of my personal favorites. How long did it take you to put that together and was it the actual first track you recorded for the album?

Abadawn: Yeah, I actually wrote Self Taught the first day me and Ire Flux had decided to do the EP. It was only this year that I decided to drop out and a lot of people (friends, teachers, parents) were really freaking out on me, and that song was me expressing why I really had to leave the school system and pursue what I needed.

Les-tor Manchestor: So... You totally dropped out ? No going back for a GED or Anything. Consequently, getting a GED is actually harder, so I've been told.

Abadawn: My plans for my education are to go and get my GED. I plan on taking that test, and some people actually look at GED's as better than High School Diplomas...but no more classrooms, unfair teachers and rediculous social structures for me. I'm really doing way too many things musically to take 6-8 hours a day to listen to a rambling professor with no personal attachment towards you and your work. I work full time and that's hard enough to get by with. Plus, not bragging or anything, but I have more knowledge than most graduates on multiple subjects. It's sad but this school system let's some pitiful minds through to make good money. No offense to those dedicated learners out there with a premise for being there!!!

Les-tor Manchestor: Yeah well the system is the system. And it wouldn't continue to be the system if they taught us how to defeat the system. And that quite simply would start through education.

Abadawn: Ha ha very true.

Les-tor Manchestor: Alright back to the album. How did you go about choosing the tracks you ended up using. Were there a lot to choose from. Did some recordings no make the cut. What was the process?

Abadawn: Me and Ire Flux had discussed doing a project with eachother when he first started Violent Art. Me being on another label caused a little trouble but soon everyone worked everything out and it was possible. Flux sent me a good 12 beats or so for the EP, pretty much beats of his that he wanted to hear me on.

I began writing and recording immediately. We had a deadline of before he moved so I pretty much HAD to get it done as quickly as possible. all together with writing/recording and mixing...it took me about a month and a half to complete. There were a few tracks that just didn't make the cut, a few I wrote and just personally didn't feel, a few I recorded, shared with some people and it just wasn't working. The basic process was trying to create an eclectic of styles that I could share with the public. I wanted this album to have at least one track that everyone from all sides of hip hop could enjoy. And hopefully something people could enjoy as a whole.

Les-tor Manchestor: Cool. It's funny because I just recently heard another emcee make a statement concerning the fact that it seems that emcees these days spend so much more time focused on wanting the masses to feel them and hear them, that they basically have forgotten one the main things about being an emcee and that's reaching the audience to make them feel good. Seems that a lottah guys rhyming these days crave attention. Like they didn't get it coming up so now using emceeing as their place to vent we must suffer the ultimate consequence. Something sorta like an emcee AA meeting.

Abadawn: HAHA! oh wow I feel you man...it's very true, very true...It's really not that I'm craving attention from the masses, I listen to so much different music, and I know people that have such different tastes with what they like and don't, I kind of wanted to show that there is so much that i can touch on and do. It's impossible to please everyone, so I'm not trippin on that, but I did wanna do to my best ability, to show what different kinds of music and rhymes I could come up with than what the public masses are used to. I feel rhyming and hip hop can be therapuetic as well as pure fun. So many people either take the side of "rhyming is my therapy" I do it to get shit off of my chest, or people say they rhyme just to spread knowledge to those that listen, or some just rhyme because they like it and it's fun. The only problem is, people only take one side or approach

Les-tor Manchestor: Yeah.

Abadawn: Think the Kindergarten Dropout EP really shows that rhyming can be all of the above. Therapuetic, fun and creative, and just pure knowledge dropping.

Les-tor Manchestor: Yep. It defintely should be if possible.
Les-tor Manchestor: What's good with that Walkmen track. It's serious. Real tough man. But man you're 17, what do you really know about a walkmen?

Abadawn: Ha ha! first of all, I love that track...second of all, I couldn't afford a discman until just recently. I was rocking the walkman with big ass headphones since about 2 years ago when I finally got a discman as a gift, I'll still record a tape and rock that shit though...

Les-tor Manchestor: I knew the world had gone to hell when I walked into the Wiz a few years back asking for singles on casette and the dude at the store looked at me like I was an idiot.

Abadawn: Ha...shits sad man, technology and everything is moving so fast these days, I mean it is good because we can make so many advances as a society to progress, but I think we all need to remember where we came from and what made us what we are today.

Les-tor Manchestor: Listening to Razor Wings right now... You really walk with a razor under your tongue man ?

Abadawn: Ha ha, that Sarx, he's one crazy fella!

Les-tor Manchestor: Don't incriminate yahself...

Abadawn: Sometimes I feel like I am man, when it's one of those nights when you really could just spit through an emcee.

Les-tor Manchestor: There's medicine for that ...
Les-tor Manchestor: So does your lil brother rap ? HE's looking serious in that picture.

Abadawn: Actually, I got him into it. If he's home when I'm recording he'll always come and spit on some shit.

Les-tor Manchestor: Ha ha.

Abadawn: It's usually just mumbling, but I taught him the basic "yo" and what not. He just recently started saying "fo sheezy" tho so I had to take the mic away. Man, the look in his eyes when I freestyle stuff to him is amazing, I really want him to get the good side of hip hop while he's young, so when he's older he can decipher through the bullshit that'll be around him.

Les-tor Manchestor: You're tellin on yahself... I know you accidently left BET Uncut on and he was watching.

Les-tor Manchestor: Bad brother. Bad.

Abadawn: hahah! oh god!
Abadawn: No wonder he's always lookin for some booty.
Abadawn: Nah, dudes really into Star Wars and Ninja's right now...that shit makes me proud.

Les-tor Manchestor: So... When's the touring start ?

Abadawn: well, after the release i'm going to start doing local shows, around Washington and Oregon, but I REALLY wanna branch out into other states and cities so if ANY show promoter or venue owner is reading this EMAIL ME!!! (abadawn@yahoo.com) this year is going to be full of recording multiple projects for other people, but hopefully by next summer (or even earlier) we can get enough cities and dates lined up to get on the road...i'd like to go on a small tour to promote this record in a couple months, but that takes some planning and like i said, i need some help from venue owners and what not, but definitely next summer, it's From Vancouver BC down the Westcoast, and then all the way over to NY.

By that time my Solo LP may be done! !!! it all really depends on how people recieve this EP...too early to mention that stuff tho so I'll be quiet.

Les-tor Manchestor: So when you get on stage you gonna be rocking some ol shiny suit or what ?

Abadawn: Hahaha! man...when I first started performing I always wanted to dress up and wear shit that I would NEVER really wear...but nowadays, when u see me on stage, it'll be beanie, jeans and t-shirt. I used to try to have some image of someone that's different, but really i'm just another head daydreaming on the bus ride, and when people see me I want them to realize that...it's when you listen tho, that's where you hear my "difference"

Les-tor Manchestor: You're Jewish ?

Abadawn: HaHa! No? Where'd u get that from? I mean...it's really strange because I've been asked that a few times this past week.

Les-tor Manchestor: You said beanie...

Abadawn: Oh! Haha...yeah...that beanie that my brothers sporting in the cover. Ihat's my magic beanie...it's glued to my head.

Les-tor Manchestor: Oh. A knit hat.

Abadawn: yep, good ol' skull cap.

Les-tor Manchestor: Okay. No Shalom then.
Les-tor Manchestor: Well still peace but you know what I'm saying.

Abadawn: Haha word, got you.

Les-tor Manchestor: So what's your take on religion since we stepped over there.?

Abadawn: UH OH! haha...this subject. Well I grew up in a STRANGE situation. My father wasn't really too religious but his family consisted of very strict Baptists...my mother on the other hand, she was a Jehovah's Witness. So that meant, no birthdays, no christmas, no nothing....until just recently really. So it was a really weird situation for me, and once I got older I really delved deep into religion, questioning existance and just wanted to see what else was really out there. Everything tho, in my opinion...was relevently the same beliefs, just a bit more twisted...or this instead of that and it really just all seemed the same, so lately, I soak in everything, from Taoism and Buddhism back to Jehovah's Witnesses and Christianity, I just take it in and apply what makes sense to me.

Les-tor Manchestor: Sounds like a plan... So what are you playing in you disk rotator other then you?

Abadawn: Haha...let's see... Sleep - Christopher (really amazing album by a local cat from Oldominion)
Slug & Murs - Felt 2 A Tribute to Lisa Bonet
Heretic Skeptic - A Pop Tosis
Gorillaz - Demon Dayz
the Rza - as Bobby Digital

All make for some wonderful listens recently. Scratch that, make for wonderful listens. PERIOD.

Les-tor Manchestor: No doubt.
Les-tor Manchestor: You do any producing ?

Abadawn:I have in the past, right now I'm really focusing on mixing and mastering, that alone is a time consuming art. I'll be moving in with a friend that does production (Dj Eon Two) with alot of other things, and I'll probably get into some serious production then. but for now...I let the producers do their thing. So many nice beats out there that just need to be complimented correctly. so if any producers are reading EMAIL ME!!! haha.

Les-tor Manchestor: So Abadawn. You got a woman, or are you looking to just handle the influx of groupies headed your way when the album gets noticed?

Abadawn: hah, well actually I am involved with somebody right now (that poor, poor girl)...I really love women though, not in a player type of way. but just women in general kinda make me feel good and are fun to talk to, I've always had close female friends. If there are too many groupies to handle, I have plently of decent and lonely friends that can intercept for me..(ladies, just pretend like they rap like me).

Les-tor Manchestor: Are you going to teach your children at home. And will they be getting vacinated ?

Abadawn: Haven't really decided...When I do have children, I will decide. The human micro-chipping they're doing nowadays in the UK really freaks me out though, and hopefully I can find a doctor that I really trust for that kind of stuff. As for teaching, I would like to homeschool them, I was homeschooled for two years of my life and learned more then, than I have in all my other school years put together. People say that by homeschooling you lose the social aspect of education, not true...that's what public library children book readings and carnivals and going to the park and just meeting people in real situations are for. School just locks up way TOO many personalities together to clash.

Les-tor Manchestor: Amber alert is the validation that america needs to put chips in kids.
Les-tor Manchestor: Inmates, animals and old folks already have them.

Abadawn: See that man, messed up...
Abadawn: I just don't trust it, don't trust it at all.

Les-tor Manchestor: Yeah you definitely shouldn't...
Les-tor Manchestor: So tell me who's your favorite comic hero ?

Abadawn: Spider Man then the Hulk
Abadawn: Not the movie versions though, the actual comic books from back in the day
Abadawn: Stan Lee is pure genius.

Les-tor Manchestor: Hmmm. Archangel... Silver Surfer for me. Some of the best heros didn't get the light. Stan Lee. Ha ha Stan Lee was a master/pimp.

Les-tor Manchestor: You remember the Image coup.

Abadawn: Haha yeah...
Abadawn: Man, I loved Silver Surfer, but wasn't quite a real favorite...Galactus is one crazy mutha fucka tho.

Les-tor Manchestor: That would be the movie to do.

Abadawn: Hollywood couldn't pull it off right now.
Abadawn: They'd ruin it.
Abadawn: But I would LOVE to see a Silver Surfer movie in the near future.

Les-tor Manchestor: Well... we can only dream...

Abadawn: Haha...sooo many dreams...

Les-tor Manchestor: Because they have single handedly destroyed enough of my child hood favorites.

Abadawn: Did you see Fantastic Four?

Les-tor Manchestor: Not yet .

Abadawn: Wait till it's on video, thank god Jessica Alba is good looking tho.
Abadawn: It was entertaining, but not what it could have been.

Les-tor Manchestor: That my friend can not save the movie.

Abadawn: Hollywood thinks it can, and sadly enough, it works for most of America

Les-tor Manchestor: Oh well... Not gonna even go there.

Abadawn: Haha word, I actually do need to be heading out for work soon.

Les-tor Manchestor: Anyway anything we haven't discussed concerning the album or anything else you wanna say?

abadawn1: only thing I can really say is that I hope people give Kindergarten Dropout a chance and a good listen. I know 5 dollars is a lot to pay when you can download endless amounts of music for free...just keep in mind that this 5 dollars goes to alot more than some A&R in a big office getting paid thousands for nothing. All money goes towards the furthering of our journey in hip hop. Kindergarten Dropout has something for you all, and I really am satisfied with it. Props to the Violent Art Records fam, Guttersnipe Records fam, my man Conscious and www.freehiphopnow.com That is the EXACT mission. To free hip hop NOW, and every last one of you can help. PEACE.

Les-tor Manchestor: No doubt man it was good to catch up with you. Have fun at work.

Abadawn: Haha will do, thanks and ill get at you later man
Abadawn: Peace

Apoptosis - Artist: Heretic Skeptic

‘You've got the right to be disgusted’, the vocal sample croons on Fade to Black ft. Grizz, accompanying Heretic Skeptic as this dynamic duo collides to merge with ear friendly strings, and neither one of these beings is Burt Ward. On freshmen approach, to an album independently floating in the midst of a stagnant mainstream record pool that’s funky in a bad way, Skeptic escapes freshmen day unscaved, posing as one of Hiphop’s many unearthed super-seniors.

It won’t be long before the burgeoning emcee parts from the west coast to invade the other 3 corners of the US, droppin priceless jewelz from city to city, leaving a gleaming trail of enlightening and uncontrived scripts of insight and genuine emotion. On a couple of tracks Skep sounds slightly shaky in a sorta subtle Ghostface way, but it only serves to add more character to the LP. Skep epitomizes ‘no punch in’s or cut and paste edits. Besides, he’s more then likely playing games with your mind because he rips through the majority of ‘Apoptosis’ with undoubtable confidence.

I promise you, that you will not stumble across any frivolous speak or corny filler lines during your auditory experience. You will be satisfied with your investment in this rap IPO gone public. One Shall Stand’s production is enough to make any child of the eighties shed tears on first listen to the beautifully arranged Transformers samples and the bouncy chorus sung by a mystery female vocalist (Tracey).

It is obvious that Heretic can hold down an album by his lonesome, but having guest on record that can rip it as well is an added bonus. Where some artist’s albums fail because of awful cameos by equally awful emcees, (likened to the bosses incompetent nephew he’s somehow obligated to employ) the recruits assembled to complete this mission Apoptosis, leave Hiphop’s battlefield highly decorated and unharmed with spotless fatigues. The end all be all is, hopefully through the distribution of Heretic Skeptic’s Apoptosis, he along with that crew of Violent Art artist and extended family will do what the album defines; shed unwanted rapper cell’s and form a more potent and physically, equipped rap body.

Purchase Apoptosis online now at www.consciousbootleggers.com

The Genesis : Enter Les-tor Manchestor...

Greetings, reader...

Let me first start by saying, I dearly appreciate your present company. You are welcome to stay as long as you'd like in the confides of my digital lounge and browse upon the text. You may stay as long as you wish. There is only one condition. You must invite at least one guest upon returning.
I am quite the lonely fellow. That possibly explains why I spend so much time listening to music alone, and writing album reviews. With that said, enjoy your stay. Get comfortable.