Dopeness from an underground legend

Sickness

I considered titling this post "Hope".
Because the acts I've been running across lately
make me believe.
That music can mean something again.
That music can be art again.
That we are progressing.
But I didn't think it got across the feeling
that washed over me when I heard this.
His album is too sick.
Enjoy.

Remember Once Upon A Time

It's been a long time since my band, Crux, released music.
A lot of reasons for this.
I (aka NuSol) moved away to go to grad school in Richmond, VA.
Trey (aka spa3) moved to Austin, TX.
Rick (aka Rick Luv) is in his last semester of architecture school out in Lawrence, KS.
Geography alone would be reason enough.

And it is a shame.
But too our fans, both old and new, a good chunk of the wait is over.


Crux's very own spa3 released his solo album, My Life Right Now.
It is a great bridge of where we've been and where we are going.

Download here.

You will not be disappointed.

Crux is back. And spa3 is running point.

A New Chapter

As many of you know,
I am co-founder and member of the record label Stratified Vibe.
And although my contributions have been slim,
(with grad school eating up most of my time)
We are still around.
We're still making moves.
And in fact, we're in the middle of a rebrand and reposition.
We've changed the label's philosophy.
Details of which will be released at a later date.
We've hired business manager, old friend and one of our biggest fans, Jaime Zazove.
And we have big plans for this year.

One of our plans/goals has already been accomplished.
We've been blessed with Stratified Vibe artist, Nick West,
Releasing his new EP, "Future's Mystery," this past January.
He's shown tremendous growth as an artist.
And I'll be darned if it doesn't show.


Give it a listen.
And PLEASE GO GET IT!
(available on iTunes)

Be on the look out of what's coming next.

Why another music post

The answer is quite simple.
I miss my former life.
I miss late nights in the studio with the crew.
I miss the lettin' loose on the mic.
I miss the rush of hearing what pushing the line sounded like.
I miss it.
So, whenever I hear or see something that reminds me
Of my former "rock star" days, I can't help myself.
Call it nostalgia.
I call it love.

Enjoy Tony Williams' newest video.

Raw Talent

There's raw talent, then there's raw talent with swag all over it. That is what Ryan Leslie is. He's a producer, singer/songwriter, rapper and musician. And I know when I've been put in my place. B/c it just happened. watch.



I Know What You Like! from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

DJ's and drummers can be friends. Promise.

First and foremost, thanks for everyone's kind words and prayers. Please keep tabs on my little bro's journey at his blog. We can't fight cancer alone.

I've been on a bit of a mixtape kick as of late. The newest one keeps me from sleeping. All I can do is groove. Thus, I must share it with ya'll. I'd be a bad friend if I didn't.

The mixtape, "Fix Your Face," is a bomb jam session from Blink 182's tattooed drummer savant, Travis Barker, and under-rated DJ and Nicole Richie's heartthrob, DJ Am. All I have to say is, Damn. See for yourself. Download it for FREE here.

DJ AM aka Adam Goldstein and Travis Barker
2008 MTV Video Music Awards - Press room
Los Angeles, California - 07.09.08
Credit: Jody Cortes / WENN

Much respect. Pz.

Last night Lupe saved my life.

Last night, I decided I'd take a break from
the pressure cooker that is the Brandcenter.
And by break, I mean going to VCU's Homecoming.

Now after four hours of
ho-hum opening acts and dudes flipping on trick bicycles,
the show started.

What lasted a little more than an hour seemed like much more.
It was an escape. One that I was in dire need of.
Connecting to real music. To real stories.
To anything other than advertising.
And it was beautiful.

If you've never listened to Lupe Fiasco's music,
I highly recommend it. Examine every word,
not just his cadence and the beat. If it helps,
read them while he spits them.
Delve into what hip-hop means and what music should be.
Hell, you might even be surprised what you find out.
I guarantee it has nothing to do with Rims, Tims and video hoochies.

The Brandcenter has its good and its bad.
It makes the outside world disappear when life gets rough.
But, it also makes it disappear.
And its nights like last night that is a welcomed break.
And it reminded me why I love his music. It reminded me
why he's one of the greatest,
if not greatest musicians of our generation.

Hey, remember when I used to blog

Nothing says it is time to write like puddles adorned with rain ripples,
somber clouds and my girlfriend apprising me
all break that I “really need to update my blog, dang it.”
So, here it is. The first installment of the year.
Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause till the end.

First, let’s answer some common questions?
1) How was the 1st semester at Adcenter?
a: Hard as crap.

2) How’s the girlfriend?
a: Beautiful and amazing. She smells good, too. Lucky me.

3) How’s the fam? The lil’ bro?
a: Good. Silly. They smell good, too.

4) What’s been goin’ on all break?
a: Breakin’. Not the dance from yesteryear wherein I’ve gracefully retired. Nor the 80s cult blockbuster starring Shabadoo and Boogaloo Shrimp. Just the resting kind. The kind involving the opposite of working hard.

5) How’s the music thing going? How’s Crux (my band)?
a: Rockin’. Give it time. What’s up with all the questions?

There. All caught up. Well sort of.
There’s a lot more to say, but that’s after I learn how to say it.
But in the interim, please hold that applause.
You’ll thank me later.

Anyway, Happy New Year everyone.

In a different life, I'd be a warrior for Lupe

This is for me
And this is for everyone else
Please listen to this song closely
Very closely
'Cause music needs real folks for a change
Sure, the video is raw an unattractive
That’s the point
Let the words speak for themselves
Maybe you’ll find out something about music
where it needs to go, what it needs to do
Maybe you’ll find out something about yourself
But, who knows. I’m just a snot-nosed kid
Trying to find the real.
Maybe one day, right?

Rainy Wilbraham, MA

Remember in elementary school when we used to sing and taunt the rain to “go away and come again another day.” Yeah, well, in Wilbraham, MA, it ain’t going away. Not all day, at least.

I’m in my parent’s house. Granted, I’m not from MA, nor have I ever lived her for more than a month. Geez, they’ve only lived here a little over two years. So, what is there to do in a quaint township on the outskirts of Springfield, MA, which sometimes seems as generic as its Simpon’s-esque name?

Not a damn thing. And that’s good. Monday morning I will be a Richmonder.

So, in honor of a happier, more colorful time (that and I’m bored) enjoy this music video from Zero 7. I guarantee you’ll like it, unless you like “Pop, Lock and Drop it.” Then, I just can’t help ya.