For Those Who Can't Sleep On Hip Hop

Elevaters: Bringing Classic Soul to a Live Hip Hop Stage

September 6, 2010

Los Angeles based Elevaters have been illuminating stages with their classy live shows for years. The six-man ensemble is one of the most impressive bands to come along in a while. Their dynamic sound is best described as a cross between Earth, Wind, and Fire and J5. In an era where a typical hip hop show consists of a DJs, rappers, and possibly dancers, the live side has been stagnant to say the least. With live percussion, brass, and strings, Elevaters literally elevate the game typically limited to beats and rhymes. Melodic, lyrical, fun, and diverse, Elevaters is a shining example of what it takes to excite an audience and expand the genre. -Raven

{ Comments }

System D128 Presents…Dame Lo-Mexicans With Guns by C73

September 5, 2010

This is a really sick  short film by my brother from another mother System D128. Throughout the years, I’ve watched D128 progress into one of the dopest overall artists. He’s dabbled in many other ventures and it seems he’s found his passion in film. Here’s proof how on much he’s developed as an artist in the form of his first short film entitled “Dame Lo-Mexicans With Guns”.   In my personal opinion, I have not seen a film shot in this style before. Check  it out:

http://vimeo.com/13786446

{ Comments }

EX2 rises again! by CyPher777 a.k.a. C73

September 3, 2010


EX2 (ENDANGERED ELEMENTS)- Resurgence ABOLANO RECORDS

With a fully stocked stable of MCs, EX2 is a group composed of super abstract lyricists characterized by superb breath control, vivid imaginations and more than adequate oratory skills. Although it doesn’t follow a strict path or storyline, their 3rd installment entitled “Resurgence” flows well from track 1 to the 13th track and vice versa, keeping the listener interested even after it’s been played through. Having adopted flows every bit as esoteric and labyrinthine as their tracks, the MC’s (Gel Roc, Vyrus, Syndrome & Regret) seamlessly weave their intricate, mercurial cadences with the complex textures of their production delivered superbly by Mascaria.

Aptly named “Resurgence,” this LP brings a much-needed infusion of intelligent wordplay to hip-hop, and moves miles beyond the standard “jewels, guns and ho’s” subject matter that a lot of rappers are mired in. The tracks throughout the album show the precise intelligence in EX2’s lyricism whether it is socially conscious or expressive, and avoids being preachy or sounding too full of their own brilliance, which is a problem some conscious rappers have.  Gel Roc, Vyrus, Syndrome & Regret deliver each syllable with irrepressible conviction, a quality that remains a rare commodity in an era of plastic and cosmetic music.

EX2 put the poetry back in hip-hop and the best thing about this album is how passionate they are about their craft. Every track has conviction, and the production fits the themes they embody perfectly. “Resurgence” remains a fiercely creative, defiantly intelligent record that boasts a musical vision on par with many of today’s most inventive luminaries. Each artist shows the intent to create something worthwhile with taking their time to really have all aspects of a track connect and make sense, and their intentions are met. Like the best hip-hop songs, the lyrics stick with you, the production entrances you and each listen provides an opportunity to unravel their language and discover something new. There’s no gibberish cut on here and that’s rare in hip hop today.

[click to continue…]

{ Comments }

The History of Up-Rockin’ as told by original Hip Hop B-Boys

September 2, 2010

Hip Hop veteran Popmaster Fabel provides firsthand insight into the history of uprockin’ with his new revealing and free documentary. This is a great opportunity to absorb some Hip Hop history as told by some of the originators of the culture and art form. They reveal its initial growth as a means to get out of a world of gangs and negativity and into a world of positive self-expression, recognition, and creativity.

[click to continue…]

{ Comments }

Finally, a real story about the inner city, Hip Hop, and the realities of the music industry

September 1, 2010


P-Star Rising is a multidimensional film. It’s about family, drug addition, dreams, show business, and Hip Hop. During the ’80s, Jesse Diaz was an up and coming contender. He toured with some heavy hitters and began to get his feet wet as a performer struggling to get out of New York City’s slums. He was an inner city Hispanic teenager who had a passion for Hip Hop and was able to get a taste of the limelight, and then dropped out to deal with life, and raise a family. The mother of his children was addicted to drugs, and he stepped up to care for his daughters. Unfortunately, in the process of attempting to make a living, he made some poor decisions and ended up having serve jail time. When he got out, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his children. His younger daughter showed interested in performing Hip Hop. Jesse’s passion for the spotlight was rekindled, and he worked with his nine year old on her craft, and was successful in getting her signed to a label. The rest you’ll have to learn by watching P-Star Rising, a documentary that touches the heart, sheds insight into the struggles of urban blight, and provides a slice of what it’s like to break into the music industry.
[click to continue…]

{ Comments }