BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN : YOUNG RJ RICE of BARAK ENTERTAINMENT

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN
YOUNG RJ RICE

What are you currently working on?

Right Now scrap & myself are Finishing up a few Touches on Slum Album & I have my "Deadly finger's ' Project also We preping for "Dirty District " Vol 4

Have you done any collabs since BNB last heard from you?  If so, who are you working with?

I currently have a Joint on LIL Brothers Album "What we are",I have a New Joint on Eric roberson new album "Further" Feat T3 of SVILLA & I Did 2Joints on Dela Soul

"Forever" & Morning Rise Feat Raheem Devaughn off the Nike R.U.N project.

BNB's forever gonna be a huge fan of yours, BUT who are YOU a fan of these days?

Well its too many to name dont wanna leave anyone out! sorry

If you could put together your dream tour, who would it include? 

De La Soul/SlumVillage/LiL Brother/Wu-Tang

Anything else you wanna say to the people?

Im Looking for new Talent like some Rock issh or Solo soul artist  if interested they can holla at ScrapDirty - ScrapDirty@Violatordjs.com

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN : ABSTRACT BUTTA FINGAZ

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN 

ABF aka ABSTRACT BUTTA FINGAZ

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a new full length project, I wanted it to be 80% collaborations with LA rappers, and Vocalists. So far the artists who have jumped on board are, MPRVS, Carmen Smith, Jimetta Rose, Shania D and there are other instrumentalists involved in it this time like Spel.

Have you done any collabs since BNB last heard from you?  If so, who are you working with?

Since 'Because I'm Beautiful' I released an EP on a Macedonian Label called 'The Sleeper'. It featured, K the I???? and singer songwriter Olga Montes.

http://bleep.com/index.php?page=release_details&releaseid=23049 

It got some love and a great review on BLEEP.COM so they asked me to deliver a full length Album. 'The Rise of the Elephant Kingdom' was released on 5/17/10 and it includes underground cats from a few different places. Ekundayo from Atlanta drops a cameo, Shania, ETC crew, Tamara Blue and a couple of MCs from Tijuana; Caveman and MC Vigo and of course Anodyne's own LA Organic MC, El Sufi/ Osirus. 

http://bleep.com/index.php?page=release_details&releaseid=24664

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE2MvECadIQ

I also worked on a very dope Jazz/electronic project called 'Frank Hill' with Alcendor, Foniks and Julien Winter (Germany). 

http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Hill-Ensemble/dp/B0026TKUUS

I am currently producing an album for the French born and raised multi talented musician Spel. It is a genre breaking album combining his influences in Hip Hop, Rock and Reggea with a hint of Dubstep. The message behind it is very powerful. Here's a clip from our last collaboration from his EP 'Cryosleep': http://www.amazon.com/Space-Station-4000/dp/B002BNUEVY

I am also working on a live electronic project/band called 'Chinatown'. We've been playing shows, rehearsing and writing songs and hope to be in the studio by July recording. The sound is a very Bass heavy slow groovy take on the Jam band concept and includes a guest saxophone and guest Bass guitar. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuSsWDzMMnc&feature=player_embedded

In collaboration with Alcendor, I just finished an album called 'Daddy Day Care' in celebration of our 1 year as stay at home Dad's. It will be released on Filter this year. Here's the promo video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l_rhwWcbkU

This summer, I am curating what will be a very dope compilation of some LA artists who will surprise, thrill and amaze you. Unfortunately I cannot disclose any information about this project at this time...

BNB's forever gonna be a huge fan of yours, BUT who are YOU a fan of these days?

Ras G has Landed on Planet Earth and folks ain't ready yet...haha

Ta'raach is doing his thing, and I been following his music for a few years and I am never dissappointed. Shit, I got an 'As one' Album featuring that Cat. Prolific is the word.

Samiyam's hard ass beats are always in rotation in my sets or in my headsets.

Alcendor put out a sick CD called 'End of an Age' 

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-end-of-an-age/id334481725

NSOK's 'Make your own god' on Filter. Slow smoked out beats, like DJ shadow on an acid trip http://www.digital-tunes.net/news_articles/nsok_make_your_own_god

Ravage Beats, Pasadena resident who carves out some of the most hard hitting sensitive shit I ever heard http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ravage-Beats-2012/141283702931?v=info

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZZJiLeXng

Fishscale, a vicious beat making crew with legendary DJ Plan 9 on the helm http://fishscale.bandcamp.com/

If you could put together your dream tour, who would it include? 

a dream tour would include my favorite MC's like, Trek life, NOCANDO, Alpha MC, BlackBird, Immortal Tech, Ta'raach, Blu, Madlib, Quasimoto, Amiri Dialect, Rootsmanuva etc. With producers like Ras G, Alcendor, Samiyam, GB, Prefuse, Mr Scruff, NSOK, Foniks and I would totally accept an invitation to join these cats...

Anything else you wanna say to the people?

FIGHT THE POWER!!!!!

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN : MAGESTIK LEGEND

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN

MAGESTIIK LEGEND

What are you currently working on?

Hey! I'm currently (w)rapping up "To Be Continued... Chapter 2" and checking the masters for my upcoming album.


Have you done any collabs since BNB last heard from you?  If so, who are you working with?
I've worked with a few different producers like 14KT, Black Milk, Waajeed, Apollo Brown, the ARE, Bean One, J-Bizness, Audible Doctor, Aspect 1, Slop Funk Dust, Rhettmatic etc

Also, I've been doing a lot of side-project work with T.Calmese aka iLLite, Buff1, T3 of Slum Village, Jordan Rockswell fka SnowManJack who produced "In & Out" on my "FREE" project and of course my main producer Astronote. Astronote and I have been creating an extensive archive for our super-group ((CLASSIC STEREO)).


BNB's forever gonna be a huge fan of yours, BUT who are YOU a fan of these days?
Honestly, I don't have much time to be a "Fan" these days. I'm trying to catch up on the "New" music now. Not too impressed though...I got Mos Def, Gnarls Barkley, Fyza, Fashawn, Badu, Big Tone and Fes Roc in my current playlist.

If you could put together your dream tour, who would it include? 

Hmmm..my Dream tour would be CRAZY NUTS! We'd have to get Method Man, Ice Cube, Jill Scott, Nas, Outkast, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Pete Rock, Dj Jazzy Jeff and Dj Premiere with yours truly. Can we make that happen???

Anything else you wanna say to the people?
I want to say Thank YOU for everything. Thanks to All who support me like my life depends on it. I appreciate you. My daughter just said "Thank You!" too. Hahaha! She's watching me write and reading the words out loud. Lol

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN : VAL THE VANDLE

 BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN

VAL THE VANDLE

 

What are you currently working on?

One of the biggest ventures I've been working on is "LAStereo TV" (www.LAStereo.TV) It's video web-series that I, and my partner, M-Boogie(SHE'S BEASTIN' THE VIDEO GAME) have been grindin to get to the forefront of this multi-media industry. Trying to release the next volumes of my Taste Buds mixtape series (peep www.thespliffla.com, to pick up the first 2) , organizing the re-emergence of my monthly showcase, The SPLIFF LA - still pushing this LA movement! Residencies @ Little Temple Bar (Every Last Wednesday-Grasshopper), @Blue Goose Lounge(Every First Saturday-GetUp). Consulting for a bunch of different artists, I feel like connecting the dots from producer to MC, song structure to concepts, etc. is a very important aspect of music and I'm here to help however I can. Currently helping a duo that goes by the name of Belvi & Richard Wright. Check out for them!!! I'm also working on getting out to different cities in the states/world to spin and connect with the people (ATTN Promoters - Holla at me for booking, haha)

Have you done any shows/ tours/ collabs since BNB last heard from you?  If so, who are you working with?

Held down the PAID DUES outdoor stage this past Spring. Shout out to everybody that ripped the show...Currently on tour with U-N-I / Strong Arm Steady / Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek on the Revolutions Per Minute tour. I've been working closely with Diz Gibran / Moonshine (www.diznmoon.com) on a mixtape to release some unreleased material (think Nas' The Lost Tapes). Recently, I've been collaborating with a bunch of FRESH new artists out of Riverside Inland Empire area-  Killer producers like J Bizness, Curtiss King, Jansport J, etc. MC's like Speak / Pheo. / Noa James / Dre Biggity & a real DOPE group called Tomorrow Yesterday. Constantly collabing with other DJ's - Printz Paul / Spintelect / C'est La Vie / LP / Tommy Blak / Joelskee

BNB's forever gonna be a huge fan of yours, BUT who are YOU a fan of these days?

Maaan! I can't even front. Jay Electronica is one of those dudes I really been checking for. Ever since House Shoes put me up on game....another ill group I'm buggin over is SA-RA Creative Partners-they're kinda like the home-town heroes, Shafiq is doin his THANG! Banging abuncha Mayer Hawthorne / Dam-Funk & Master Blazter, these guys are changing the way people listen to and feel music.

If you could put together your dream tour, who would it include? 

It's funny, i was on my way to San Diego and I was playing a BlacknBling playlist i created on my iPod. A bunch of DJ Quik, DILLA, The Roots, & Tony Toni Tone was bumpin thru the speakers, and i thought "Damn! What if these guys toured together? It would be MASSIVE"

Anything else you wanna say to the people?

Uhhh yeahhhh, If you see me in the streets, say what up....I'm not the VANDLE you may think I am, I'm a pretty nice guy.  PEACE!!!!!

*Attachment*  Skeet (of DKLA) - "What What (No Fuzz)" (Produced by DJ Val the Vandle)
FREE DOWNLOAD - DJ Val the Vandle presents "This Is LA Stereo" Mixtape - http://www.mediafire.com/?jomtxy1eimz

www.twitter.com/valthevandle
www.thespliffla.com
www.lastereo.tv - Join the community!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/LAstereoTV

BNB ARTIST CHECK-IN : JBIZNESS

BNB Artist Check-in
JBIZNESS

What are you currently working on?

Basically, doing what I wanna do for a change. I produced track #12 (Before The Night Is Over) on Little Brother's last LP, LeftBack in April 2010. That was an unexpected blessing.

ALSO: I'm doing a monthly segment on the OkayPlayer site, FWMJ's Rappers I Know called J. Bizness' 3P Series. 3 new songs, every month, from 1 different artist, all produced by me. We started in April and now we're heading into month 3 (June).

Aside from those, we'll see what the future holds.

Have you done any collabs since BNB last heard from you?  If so, who are you working with?

- I solely produced a project with Trek Life called Rhymes Within Reason which was released at the end of March 2010. I'll also be featured on Trek Life's new LP, Everything Changed Nothing (produced by Oddisee), in July 2010. I hoping to finish collaborations with a few different artists this year. Can't say much until things are finished. I just ended a mini tour called The Cali Famous Tour w/ Trek Life, Basicali, and Hawdwerk & Jansport J.

BNB's forever gonna be a huge fan of yours, BUT who are YOU a fan of these days?

Mr. Sobers aka Maestro Montana, Richard Wright, Skeem Price, Tomorrow Yesterday, Diamond District, Strong Arm Steady, The Foreign Exchange, Grizzly Bear, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Mic Holden, Mykestro, Willie B, Hawdwerk & Jansport J, Buff1, St. Vincent, Toro Y Moi... Countless others.

If you could put together your dream tour, who would it include? 

Most of the names above would make for a GREAT tour. Mr. Sobers aka Maestro Montana, Richard Wright, Skeem Price, Tomorrow Yesterday, Trek Life, and Diamond District for starters.

 

Anything else you wanna say to the people?

I'm just thankful for the opportunity to share music that I like with like-minded folks. I'm VERY humbled by people's interest in hearing from me & my folks and I hope everyone continues to tune in. Thank YOU again, BNB, for reaching out to little ol' me. 

http://www.illregularinstrumentals.com / http://www.rappersiknow.com

BNB ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - KRIS PERRY

 Kris Perry | sometimes called Kphoto

"...and 'm here to document real Hip Hop!"

BNB: What would you say is your greatest strength and biggest weakness creatively
KRIS PERRY: i would have to say my greatest strength is being able to see the shot right away,and also being patient to capture what i want. my weakness is not giving more direction during bigger shoots.


BNB: If you would to win a million dollars, what would you do with it?
KRIS PERRY: by me another Canon 7D for backup,and take off to document music all over...
 

BNB: Your momma always said...?  

KRIS PERRY: don't let the fear of success hold you back!

BNB: What is the most memorable moment you've had on your creative journey?

KRIS PERRY: shooting Tribe and De La Soul at Rock The Bells! Thats just one of many!
 

BNB: You thank GOD everyday that (other then you're alive)...?

KRIS PERRY: That he has giving me a gift to share with the world, and for my family who supports in all i do!

BNB ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - C-MINUS

C-Minus

 Fantastik 4our |  DJ for Lexicon | Producer | Remixer 

 And I play a helluva game of South Park Uno!

DJ with the Fantastik 4our(w/Mr. Choc, JRocc, & Truly OdD) and for Lexicon, produce(Lexicon, EODM, Team Sleep, etc) and remix stuff and things(Deftones, Queens Of The Stone Age, Serj Tankian, etc)

BNB: What would you say is your greatest strength

C-MINUS: my greatest strengths is my knowledge of music and knowing how to blend with good timing as a DJ. Its science..

BNB: Your momma always said...?

C-MINUS: It never hurts to ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is no. Or my Grandma always says, 'the only 2 things you have to do in life are die and pay taxes. Everything else is an option.'

BNB: What is the most memorable moment you've had on your creative journey?

C-MINUS: Its a 4-way tie! 

a. Becoming the Fantastik 4our with Choc, J, and Truly. 

b. Playin to 85,000 people in Hyde Park in London along with The Foo Fighters, Motorhead, Queens Of The Stone Age, Juliette & the Licks, & Angels & Airwaves. It looked like I was playing for the big battle scene in Lord of the Rings. It was HUGE! 

c. Knowing the one & only Jay Dee and getting to watch him create in a few of his classic eras. 

d. Producing and mixing my 1st full album with Lexicon. It took 3 & 1/2yrs to complete. But I learned a lot about my sound and what I want to convey to the audience more and more. Hopefully that will be accomplished on my solo LP.

BNB: You thank GOD everyday that (other then you're alive)...?

C-MINUS: When I hear a good full record from beginning to end, like Deftones 'Diamond Eyes', Strong Arm Steady's 'In Search Of Stoney Jackson' or Them Crooked Vultures self-titled debut. They don't make albums like those as much.

BNB: You hate it most when people..?

C-MINUS: 2 things come to mind: when people assume. To assume makes an 'ass' out of 'u' & 'me'.. Or when people feel themselves too tough on Twitter. Its Twitter. A virtual universe that doesn't really exisist. Use it for promotion of yourself and your art, but don't get caught up.

BNB: SO...WHAT ELSE?

C-MINUS: I'm right smack dab in the middle of the making of my record. 6 songs in at the moment. It will be 1/2 instrumental and 1/2 vocals. Leaning a bit more towards my rock side of my personality as well as my weird Stereolab side. But Hip Hop will always be my backbone. Its what graduated me to other forms of music. Its what taught me timing and bars in music. So expect that to always be previlant in my music. Shout out to the Beat Junkies(my DJ Family) and any other DJ who puts it down for what you believe in and love. Words!..

BNB ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - I, Ced.

I, CED

producer | songwriter | arranger | and now: artist.  

Some people say I am a comedian but I don't know.  You be the judge.

BNB: Tell us about your lineage as far as hip hop is concerned (who you're affiliated with + where you fit in)  

I, CED: I am affiliated with Black Spade, Gotta Be Kariem, Rocky Knuckles.  Now I am affilated with Hawthorne Headhunters, J1, Dam Funk, Shafiq and Sa-Ra.  I might be missing out of a few others.

BNB: What would you change about the path your career has taken?  

I, CED: All of the bullshit that people want to throw at you.  People don't keep their word, holding people to what they say can hinder you getting to your destination.  I am learning still to keep creating your paths.

BNB: Your momma always said...? 

I, CED: Every tub has it's own bottom.

BNB: What is the most memorable moment you've had on your creative journey?  

I, CED: Dealing with good people on my path.  Making music that gives me a mental orgasm. Working with people and learning about things I didn't know what I could do.

I, CED:  I thank God for the gifts that he has blessed upon me, me continually learning about life and what is cometh unto me.  I am thankful for seeing the sun in the day and moon at night.  I am thankful for the people that are on my team and the ones who are against me (hopefully, that is not many.) 

BNB: Speak on each of these words a bit with regard to you / your mission through creativity

I, CED: "create" // "elevate" // "participate"  I mission is to create something that people will feel good.  Whatever I do, I want people to feel good and be happy about life because we are here.  Why stand up on the wall when we can ball?

BNB: WHAT ELSE? 

I, CED: I have a 7" coming out on Recordbreakin' in the summer and a whole album out in the summer/fall.  It will have various artists on the album.  Peace to DJ Junior.  I produced a 7" for Coultrain, which is out on Recordbreakin' right now on iTunes and various stores.  I am working with Black Spade on his mixtape "Build and Destroy".  That will be out real soon, should be out before SXSW.  Please enjoy your life because you got one, so live it to the FULLEST.  Peace, I, CED

[ ++ love to FROLAB for the froto ]

DOWNLOAD I, Ced ft. Coultrain "Love...Meaning" here

BNB ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - ARNOLD RANDALL.

Arnold Randall 

I use a brush, paint and some non conventional materials 

to make my thoughts tangible.

 "Procrastination and laziness are habits that become dream killers!" - ARNOLD RANDALL

BNB: What would you say is your greatest strength

ARNOLD RANDALL: I’m not restricted to do’s and don’ts when it comes to this art game, and most of my art is a result of me sitting in front of my canvas for a couple of minutes with my eyes closed and then BAMM…seriously!

BNB: What things about you are often misconstrued?

ARNOLD RANDALL:  That I’ve been painting forever, I started taking it seriously this time last year, I’ve been sketching since birth but painting is very new to me. 

BNB: What is the most memorable moment you've had on your creative journey?

ARNOLD RANDALL: By far the most memorable experience was going from talking about doing a show to actually doing it.  I put on a solo art show alongside a dope musician, producer, DJ and amazing food and wine.

BNB: You thank GOD everyday that...?

ARNOLD RANDALL: I make the best of the day.

BNB: You hate it most when people..? 

ARNOLD RANDALL: Doubt their abilities, everyone’s blessed with a gift, some people never open their package…

BNB: Anything else you wanna say to the people?

ARNOLD RANDALL:  Thank you for the opportunity KW.  Art is something that has always been a part of my life so it’s an amazing feeling to finally be doing what I love.  I challenge everyone to explore your gifts and put them to use.  In regards to future shows, I’m blessed to be an artist at Project Ethos on the 19^th of March, also check out my work on Arnoldrandallart.com.  Bling or Die.

BNB ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - RIO DATA.

      MARIO "KHALIF" BUTTEFIELD aka RIO DATA

      GRAPHIC DESIGNER | PHOTOGRAPHER | VIDEOGRAPHER | RAPPER 

BNB: What things about you are often misconstrued?

RIO DATA: I OFTEN AM MISTAKEN TO BE THE "HIPSTER/GEEK" DUDE... NOPE... I'M 7MILE AS FUCK!!!

BNB: Your momma always said...?

RIO DATA:  "SLOW DOWN"... I NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD WHAT SHE MEANT BY IT... 

      I THINK I GET IT NOW... HOWEVER, I STILL KINDA CAN'T SLOW DOWN... BUT I KEEP IT IN MIND AND TRY TO STAY MORE CONSCIOUS ABOUT ALL OF THE MORE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF LIFE

BNB:  What is the most memorable moment you've had on your creative journey?

RIO DATA:  HMMM... MY MENTOR (whether he know's it or not) WAAJEED (also, my partner that i started my graphic design company with "SkinnyBoysGraphix™) USED TO BE THE MOSSSSTTTTTTTTTTT CRITICAL PERSON ON THIS PLANET THAT WE CALL EARTH aka WORLD aka GLOBE!!!  I COULD REMEMBER BEING LIKE 17 AND DOING FLYER DESIGN ON CLIP ART PROGRAMS/ TYPEWRITERS/ILLUSTRATING THEM... I WOULD BE SOOO EXTRA SUPER HYPE AFTER I SPENT ALL KINDS OF DUMB TIMES AT KINKOS PRINTING THESE DUMB ASS BLACK AND WHITE FLYERS... THEN I WOULD SHOW HIM... AND HIS BEGINNING RESPONSE WOULD ALWAYS BE LIKE "MAN... THAT'S KINDA WACK" ... HE DID THAT FOR A FEW YEARS BEFORE WE ACTUALLY STARTED THIS PARTNERSHIP... THEN I REMEMBER I DID A CASSETTE COVER FOR SOMEBODY (CAN'T REMEMBER WHO) AND I SHOW WAAJEED... HIS RESPONSE THIS TIME WAS LIKE "MAN, THAT'S DOPE"... FROM THAT MOMENT... I KNEW THAT I COULD OFFICIALLY DO THIS DESIGN SHIT.

BNB:  You thank GOD everyday that...

RIO DATA:  I HAVE BOTH OF MY PARENTS, MY DAUGHTER, FAMILY AND MY MANY "REAL" FRIENDS!!!

      AND OH YEAH... MY LIBERATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BNB:  Talk to the people..

RIO DATA:  HEY, I'M RIO... FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER ON MY RAP SH!T @RioData

UPCOMING FUN SHIT FOR MYSELF: APRIL/MAY: "4STARTERS EP" -Rio Data

OH YEAH, I RAP TOO... WHY? UMMM... CUZ I GREW UP LIKE THAT!!!

CHECK THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE.COM: "TOTALLY AWESOME" MarvWon feat. Rio Data

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSs-WrdGCKc

      

      www.skinnyboysgraphix.carbonmade.com kinda outdated... i'll update soon, sorry

BNB ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - SOUP.

Christopher Cervantes a.k.a. SOUP 

manager/buyer of FAT BEATS LOS ANGELES | vinyl collector |  local DJ (when it suits me)

BNB: What is the most memorable moment you've had on your creative journey?

SOUP: probably sharing a joint with DJ Premier and listening to him tell
hiphop stories for hours inside headqcourterz studios, which used to
be D&D Studios where countless classic hiphop albums have been made.

aside from that on the creative tip, it would have to be DJ'ing for
thousands of kids in one room multiple times back in the late
90's/early 00's when a lot of the electronic music festivals used to
book hiphop stages. it's pretty cool to hear a thousand kids buggin
out at once over a routine you made.

BNB: You thank GOD everyday that...?

SOUP: that i am ME.

BNB: You hate it most when people..?

SOUP: when people want to be a part of this industry but dont want to support it.
Also when artists and labels dont recognize how important indie record stores still are to this industry. ive given countless artists new fans by just enjoying the process of putting the general public up on new material. people are quick to forget that there are still lots of
buyers out there who don't have the time to scour the internet/itunes/blogs all day for whats good.

BNB: What else?
SOUP: check out Fat Beats LA at myspace.com/fatbeatsla and twitter.com/fatbeatsla

Waajeed on the Beat Machine Tour!!!

I just heard bout this sick tour! Peep it!

A Review of Shafiq Husayn's En' A-Free-Ka

[taken from Vapors Magazine, written by Andres Reyes aka @sweeneykovar]

Shafiq Husayn – Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka
Plug Research Records
Rating: 4/5
Words by: Andres Reyes

You’ve probably heard this ad nauseam at this point, but Los Angeles is the current musical mecca of the western world. While the rest of the domestic musical climate is stuck on tight jeans, soul-less snares, auto-tune and the death of auto-tune, the city of Angels has its collective vision on the future. Shafiq Husayn, of the much buzzed about Sa-Ra Creative Partners, is the next L.A. resident to break through to the surface with his debut solo album Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka coming out on Plug Research October 6th.

Rather than present you a collection of songs made over a given time, Shafiq would like to take you on an experience. The title of the record draws on ideas of freedom and exploration, Ka means mind or spirit in Kemetic, so being in A-Free-Ka literally means a free state of mind. From the first couple of bass lines and snares, it is apparent Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka is coming from, and headed to, a different place. The urgency in the percussion of “U.N. Plan” is electrifying and there is something unnerving about the space in which “Cheeba” exists, with its haunting vocal feature from underground powerhouse Bilal. The lead single “Lil’ Girl” featuring UK newcomer Fatima is perhaps the closest the record gets to a straight-forward song, but even beneath the aesthetic sweetness of the ballad the songs lyrics cry to something more complicated, “eventually you shall embrace the last day/ time is running, better choose the fast way.”

“No Moor” plays like a musical history lesson, chronicling the hardly-mentioned Moorish history in North America. The journey that is En A-Free-Ka hits its darkest points with “All Dead” and “Evil Man,” two songs that seem to accompany each other in theme and structure. Another highlight is “Major Heavy,” a tune so sweet that if ever clouds were assigned a melody, this song is where it would happen. The ballad boasts a sung chorus by underground Hip Hop veteran Count Bass D and verses by L.A.’s Sonny Coates.

Classifying Shafiq’s music is self-defeating. The album spans the range from R&B to soul to electronic to afro-beat. There’s hardly any rapping on the album yet the sound is firmly rooted in Hip Hop aesthetics, but Shafiq also enlists the help of numerous talented instrumentalists on the album like Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner and his fellow Sa-Ra partner, Om’Mas Keith. The list of collaborators on the album is large, yet there is somehow more cohesion on this than most modern albums. It is as if Shafiq gathered a village of musicians and singers and led them with his MPC. While many are stuck looking towards the past or each other for direction, Shafiq enlists the best of the past to craft a bold new sonic future for himself and those around him. Truly a Master Teacher.

Check out Jeffery Johnson's album promo.

bnb loves him.
album drops on itunes in dec 09.
handle.



<3 bfk

Frank Nitt on Power 106 / LA Leakers

Last nite Frank Nitt stopped by Power 106 and chilled with the LA Leakers....
They talked to Frank about his new project with Delicious Vinyl, DILLA, and women.
Definitely take a listen. Also check for songs from Diz Gibran, H.O.P.E., Nipsey Hussle, & Curt@!n$ - Click below for the download!

Frank Nitt on Power 106's LA Leakers

Animal Kingdom x HVW8 Present “STARSHIP 27”

Animal Kingdom x HVW8 Present
| “STARSHIP 27” |

∆ Featuring ∆

aLiVE • Snowman Jack • P.U.D.G.E. • J1 • devonwho • ComPUTER JAY • Teeko ft. Dwight Trible • Dâm Funk • Ras_G • Proh Mic • Dibia$e •
J. Bizness • Moonsatellite • Black Spade • House Shoes

Available AUGUST 11TH

"Just A Guy With A Camera" - an artist spotlight.

who IS that guy?

In the age of "instant vintage", greatness will always stand the test of time. BNB has stumbled upon another great, at least in our humble (yet huge) opinions. The latest bit of talent that has swept into BNB territory comes in the form of an imaging specialist. Yup! a photographer.
We've already fallen in love with the works of other photo-heads like Pinkee and Robshot, and Verbs (and that one girl kyLA...she's aight too), but this new dude seems to really have something special to him. And I think Ive figured out exactly what it is. It's his simplicity. It speaks through his photos and within his character as well. Complex in personality, he carries himself on a very simple plane, and its dope. He is as refreshing as his images. And he just goes by the name "AL".
You can find him at the Do Over, camera or two in tow. He'll tell you he's just "a guy with a camera", but once you've seen his images, you'll see that hes much more. Ripe with raw talent and strapped with limited technical knowledge of his camera, Al brings a fresh perspective to the Do. Much like the BNB images from Do Over years 2-5, we just did it for the fun, the atmosphere and the memories. Al's in it for all the same reasons. He's just there for the music and the good people. We love that. A veteran of all things great, especially in realms of music and culture, Al brings new light to the LA scene through his images. Whether it be at the Do or in an inanimate object, Al somehow finds grandeur in everything through his simply composed but perfectly executed photos.

Check out some of our faves from LA photographer Al:

for more from AL, check out his site by clicking HERE

Beats By The Pound 2NITE!

Make sure you come out to this crazy line-up of producers & DJ's!!!


Here's a couple tracks to get a vibe for each producer:

Moonshine & Diz Gibran - "Capital D"


Dibiase & UNI / Black Milk - "Castle Vee Re-Up"


Vann Clayton & Chris Phillips - "Get Large"


RC - "Amilli Remake"

Karriem Riggins + Virtuoso Experience

This is something you don't want to miss.
KARRIEM IS A LEGEND!

I was so starstruck back in 2003 when I first met Karriem on Common's "Electric Circus" Tour...He was part of Common's band at the time...I drove some odd miles to House of Blues Anaheim for the show. I remembered Talib Kweli & KanYe West opening up...I walked up to Karriem after the show and thanked him for making Electric Circus dope! I can't believe that was 6 years ago.

Karriem Riggins "Soul On Top"

This has got to be one of the sickest tracks I've heard in awhile.
Something about the drums just hypnotizes the mind...
Plus anything Karriem touches is grand in itself.


DOWNLOAD Karriem Riggins "Soul On Top"