“You’re Still Here?”

Well…I have some explaining to do.

No matter, new posts are coming, and that’s all that matters.

Better late than never, right?

Does anyone still read this site?

…My Bad.

I’ve been absent as of late. Life has been keeping me ridiculously busy…so, I’m sorry if you’re looking for new shit.

I’ve been playing the hell out of k-os’s new album “Yes!” I would highly recommend you checking that out.

Personal Favorite (and everyone else’s too it seems):
“I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman”
Bonus: story behind the strange song title

New Music: “Escaping Arkham”

Well, I think I’ve hit that point. Which point is that, you might ask?
The point of absolute STANNERY. In my mind, Sabzi, R.A. Scion, and/or Geologic can do no wrong. I’m seeing Common Market in Providence at Jerky’s on March 26th, so if anyone’s going to be there – let me know! I don’t care about Digable Planets, I’m going just for the opening act!

Anyhow, this is called “Escaping Arkham”, and it’s from their new EP entitled “The Winter’s End EP”, which will be released on March 24th, digitally. I might have to talk to some people – I’m not trying to buy digital files. I’d fork over a pretty penny for a physical copy, but I never really understood the buying of digital media. Anyway though, I’ll get off my soapbox, and let you listen to the track. It’s on repeat over here. (obviously!)

Common Market – “Escaping Arkham”
DIRECT MP3 LINK

Free Music Sundays: Kavemura

This beat-maker from Italy drops the hot shit for your free consumption. I’d easily recommend giving this one a spin or five. Let me know what you think!

(Cover image wasn’t working properly, but it’s right here.)

Anyway, check this guy out, it’s absolutely worth it – and then let him know you appreciate his work.

Download “Overlook” for free.

Only 19, But My Mind Is Old…

So, happy birthday to me! I’m the ripe old age of 19 today! I promise promise promise promise to post more often….
Be back soon!

Interview Session: Sabzi

Producer frrom Seattle-based groups Blue Scholars and Common Market. Real good dude, and you already know he makes incredible beats. This will actually be printed in the next issue of The Find Magazine, but I couldn’t keep this hidden for long! Enjoy!

1. First of all, thanks for taking the time to do this. It’s really appreciated! So, let’s pretend I had no idea who you were. Introduce yourself, if you don’t mind.
My name is Saba.  People also know me as Sabzi.  DJ/Producer, one half of Blue Scholars, and one half of Common Market.

2. Have you ever thought about creating an instrumental album under your own name?
I have absolutely thought about doing a solo record, or at least simply putting out more instrumentals that people can just bump in the ride.  I might just start making them available for download and not even limit them to only being on a record.

3. Will MassLine stay indie, or are you looking to move major?
Massline is a brand more than anything else.  It’s an identity that serves as a base for a handful of records, as well as events and community efforts.  As each of us develop as individual artists, we may find that we might want to do more in addition to all things “massline” related.  If that means being on a major, starting another label, giving up music and making movies instead… whatever, then so be it.

4. This question is really cliched, and I’m sorry – but how do you feel about downloading music?
I think it’s great.  The more the music gets out there, the better.  At this point it’s really up to the listener if they want to pay for music or not.  Either way, as long as the music is out there, bootlegged or bought, I’m for it.

5. Outside of BS / CM, who would you most like to craft a beat for?
Anybody who makes really good music.

6. Do you see yourself eventually working with other people? (Not that Geo/RA aren’t dope)
Of course.  I already have some projects in the works. =)

7. How do you go about finding and utilizing samples?
That’s like asking a skateboarder how they skate.  I dunno… I just do it? hahahaha.  I take whatever sounds dope and try to make a song out of it.  Really simple.

8. The Sylvers song used for “Loyalty” was also used in Foreign Exchange’s “All That You Are” a couple years prior. I love when people flip the same sample, others hate it – but did you know that the sample had been used, or did you only find out afterwards?
Good question!  I had that Foreign Exchange album when it came out and best believe I bumped it hard.  As for loyalty, honestly I don’t think I was conscious of it at the time I made the beat like “Oh this is the sylvers joint that FE used.  Cool, I’m gonna do it to.”  It was more like “hey that’s an ill sample, sounds familiar” and then later on I hear the FE joint again and I’m like “oh duh, that’s where it was from.”
I think Nicolay’s version is dope, definitely chopped it up more. It’s cool when two beatmakers flip the same sample but usually only when one does it different than how it was done before.  If somebody uses the same sample the same way in which it was used before, then that’s more on the lame side.

9. How long does it take you to craft a beat?
1 to 6 hours I guess, depending on what’s going into it.  1 hour for a beat, 6 for a real “song.”  And then of course there’s minor tweaking and stuff that happens later after further listening.

10. The piano solo at the end of “Tobacco Road” really ties everything on the great album together. Will you be doing things like that more often?
Absoluuuuutely.

11. I’ve noticed your brother Zia does plenty of video work with you guys. Is your whole family as creative as you two?
I dunno.  Time will tell.  I’m real hyped to see what kind of projects Zia finishes this year.  He’s got a few big things in the works… way bigger than Blue Scholars videos hahaha.

12.  What’s your favorite song?
Of all time or that we’ve made?  I can’t really answer the “of all time” angle; too many songs to list. As for what I’ve had the opportunity to work on, I think Loyalty, Bayani, Tobacco Road, and a couple other joints usually are battling for the number 1 spot.

13. Will you be doing more impromptu songs – similar to “Coffee and Snow” and RA’s sequel? That seemed like a lot of fun, and I know I enjoyed it.
100% absolutely yes.  This is the future of music.

14. In music, what is your ultimate goal? For you personally, what would you have to accomplish for you to sit back and say “This is the pinnacle.”?
Honestly man, I feel like I’ve learned that if I try to decide what the pinnacle of success is for me now, then I’ll only be limiting myself to just that. Regardless of your career, who you are or what you do, you never know what life has in store for you. It might be something far greater than the best thing you could have imagined for yourself. I love music and I’m really enjoying this music/entrepreneur lifestyle. My plan is to just enjoy it more every day. All I can tell you is that the pinnacle has yet to be reached.

15. If someone picks up an album that you were involved with in some way (production, etc), what would you say to make sure they bought it?
Ha, I dunno.  How about “I like it, maybe you will too.”

16. Do you think you have musical limits?
Sure I do.  I just try not to think about those hahaha.

17. Do you want to be a musical legend?
Lol.  John Legend is a musical Legend.

18. Thanks for stopping by! I, as well as everyone else, really appreciates your time! Best of luck to you and your team, any last words? Maybe any future projects you’d like to announce?
Just stay posted to bluescholars.com and you’ll hear about anything interesting we got goin’ on!  Thank you for the interview.

Free Music Sundays: Inverse

Direct swipe from QN5 BLOG.

I know this has been making rounds on the internet, but it’s dope, so here you go anyhow.
“

Tunji & Toby of Inverse are back with a another collection of tracks to cook your cranium Cali-style this winter. As promised, here’s the latest EP by QN5’s L.A.-cousins entitled So True.

With lush production by Kno, Decap and Cook Classics as well as guest appearances from Deacon The Villain and Substantial of QN5, this is a definite must have for Blue Schoolers & fans of soulful Hip Hop worldwide. Be sure to ride with them before their forthcoming debut album, Long Day’s Journey, drops later this year.

Inverse – So True [EP]
01. Rise and Shine – [Produced By Cook Classics]
02. So True (f/ Deacon The Villian) – [Produced By Decapbeats]
03. Sunnycalifornia Part 2 – [Produced By Adam Berg & Cook Classics]
04. Spark My Soul (f/ Substantial) – [Produced By Kno]
05. Beautiful City – [Produced By Cook Classics]
06. Goodnight Goodnight – [Produced By Kno]

CREDITS
Additional Production, Engineering & Mastering: Adam Berg
Asst. Engineer: Kyle Draper @ Manifest Music Productions
Photography: Nick Amrhein @ 3byOne.com
Artwork: DeChazier P. Johnson-Stokes @ Black Marmalade

Download.

New Music: “Coffee And Snow”

What a way to start the new year! I still love Sabzi. If you’re reading this Sabzs, I’ve been trying to get an interview with you for a while now…what’s the deal?

Blue Scholars: “Coffee and Snow”

VIDEO || AUDIO

On An Award Tour – 2008

It’s that time again! The year has six days left, and I’ve come to a final assessment, and I’m handing out “awards” for this year. To be honest, this was a lot harder than last year. There were not many stand out albums this year. There were plenty of releases that I had to listen through, and many of them seemed repetitive and didn’t hold my interest. I feel that there was some greatness, some horrible stuff, and in the majority – a mix of mediocre and average work. That being said, the year did result in some solid releases from many different people. Leave some comments, I KNOW people don’t agree with me.

Single of the Year: “Hero” by Nas
Song of the Year: “Winter Takes All” by Common Market
Video of the Year: “Children Sing” by Pacewon & Mr. Green
Guest Appearance of the Year: Saigon on The Roots’ “Criminal” (couldn’t find original – damn remix contest!)
Album Cover of the Year: Jean Grae & 9th Wonder – “Jeanius” (all four of them!)
Producer of the Year: 9th Wonder
Rapper of the Year: R.A. Scion
Hype Machine (over rated): Nas – “Untitled”
Dark Horses (under rated):
88-Keys – “The Death of Adam”
Shawn Jackson – “First of All”
Braille – “The IV”
Most Unique: Foreign Exchange – “Leave It All Behind”
Frustraters: Nas, Chaundon
Surprises: Kanye West, 88-Keys
Comeback of the Year: Jean Grae
Instrumental Album of the Year: Metaform – “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”
Mixtape of the Year: Wale – “The Mixtape About Nothing”

Albums of the Year:

10. The Roots – “Rising Down”
The album starts off and ends strong, but drags horribly in the minute. There was tons of unlocked potential in this album, but it’s still not a bad release.
9. Atmosphere – “When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold”
Slug is back at it, and producer Ant is just as adequate as ever. Some solid tracks, some duds, and a few spectacular ones. Slug shows maturity in his song writing, and it’s nice.
8. Elzhi – “The Preface”
An incredible wordsmith backed with lackluster production, this album shows sparks of genius throughout. It doesn’t have much replay value, and some songs don’t do much to differentiate themselves from one another. If you want top-notch lyricism, this is where to look.
7. Murs – “Murs For President”
2008 is the year of change. Released in the midst of one of the most important time periods in the history of the United States, Murs’ album is a call to action. Showing introspection, observation skills of society, and maturity, this is a great album, but not without a few mis-steps.
6. Jake One – “White Van Music”
All star producer Jake One finally gets his turn to shine in the spotlight and he doesn’t disappoint. There are a number of excellent tracks on here, courtesy of Elzhi, Little Brother, Brother Ali, Freeway, De La Soul, and Slug, among others. The only downfall is the questionable choice of some of the emcees, but Jake has the ability to make combinations work that you probably never even imagined could happen.
5. Lil’ Wayne – “The Carter III”
Yeah, I’m serious. I know many of you are bum-rushing the door with pitchforks now, but hear me out. He is not the greatest rapper of all time. He’s not the greatest alive, not even the best current. But alas, he is not horrible by any means. The man knows how to make solid songs, and if you removed some of the garbage filler, this could very easily take the top spot. Standouts include “Tie My Hands” and “Mr. Carter”. The man is the most polarizing figure in hip hop, but he released a solid album.
4. 88-Keys – “The Death of Adam”
An album about a man, chasing the stereotypical male goal: a woman. This concept album is full of comedy, from the opener of “Morning Wood” (yes, that’s what you think it is), to the Redman-assisted “Burning Bush”. Nice production from Kanye’s protege, 88-Keys, although his voice might take some getting used to. Solid album, and if nothing else, good for multiple laughs. Very enjoyable.
3. eMC – “The Show”
Super-group consisting of Wordsworth, Masta Ace, Stricklin, and Punchline. They rope in solid production backed by consistent wordplay. Highly recommended.
2. Jean Grae & BSBD – “The Evil Jeanius”
It’s unfortunate that this was not approved by either emcee Jean Grae or producer team Blue Sky Black Death. Providing haunting and ominous (in a good way!) backdrops for Jean and a few guests to rip lyrically. Jean’s as honest as ever, and the production team shines. Hopefully she won’t need Craigslist anymore.
1. Common Market – “Tobacco Road”
I wrote a full review about this, and I still love it to this day. Prolific wordplay over fantastic and diverse production makes this album great. It’s too bad – I’m not seeing this mentioned anywhere among the best of this year. Highly, highly recommended. Just make sure you bring a dictionary.

Free Music Sunday: Dan Johns b/w GOOD NEWS!

A quality mixtape (but plays like an album…) from Dan Johns, teaming up with DJ Forge for this one. Plenty of tracks for you to find some you like. It’s a recommended listen just based on the guest spots!

Tracklisting:
01. Top Rhymes
02.  How You Gon’ School Me!
03. The Hoax (ft. Akshun)
04. See The Edge
05. Think Twice (ft. K-Hill)
06. No Rewinds
07. Hall of Fame
08. Scavengers of Hip Hop (ft. iCON The Mic King)
09. We Make The Rules (ft. Supastition)
10. Can’t Kill Me (ft. K-Hill)
11. Hopefully (ft. Fat Rat Da Czar)
12. Why Don’t You Hear Me (ft. Brian Connor)
13. Same Page ‘08 (ft. Chaundon)
14. Front Line (ft. Saga Cash)
15. Now I Know
16. Midnight Express (ft. Amen and Akshun)
17. Rest In Peace (ft. Vahid)
Couldn’t find a cover online – but here’s the download link.

And, as promised, some good news. The RIAA has switched up their strategy as far as attacking file sharers. While lowering the number of crazy lawsuits, the strategy is to work with certain ISP’s (Internet Service Providers: Verizon, Road Runner, for example) and simply send letters asking the offender to stop. If compliant, there seems to be no further penalty. If not compliant, the ISP can severly slow the bandwith and even cut off the offender from the internet. To me, it seems much more civil and reasonable. I’m glad that the RIAA has developed a strategy so they won’t be as hated.

“Depending on the agreement, the ISP will either forward the note to customers, or alert customers that they appear to be uploading music illegally, and ask them to stop. If the customers continue the file-sharing, they will get one or two more emails, perhaps accompanied by slower service from the provider. Finally, the ISP may cut off their access altogether.”

Read the full article here (WALL ST. JOURNAL)