Good Morning Detroit!!

If you've ever spent some time downriver, there is a 99.9% chance you have ran into, saw perform or performed with Abstrakt Intellekt. I've known these guys for quite some time, and they have been putting in a lot of work.  Damo had a moment to kick it with me, so we chopped it up about what A.I.'s been doing and what musical plans they have going forward:

GMD: So what's been up with AI?

AI: Well, A.I. has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on our latest project. Which is kinda like a remix album of the Hip Hop Experience. OPM completely re-did the album, (which is FIRE) and we've been recording a few new songs just to freshin it up. Outside of that, we're featured on the new Source presents CD, but that's not out yet..... One of the new tracks from our new record is on Dirtymitten Vol 3, and I'm currently working on a new distribution outlet.

GMD: Cool... so whatever happened with protekted records?

AI: Well? Nothing....we never got a budget to record so we moved on. I'm not even sure if they're still around anymore. P-Live is a cool cat...I wish him the best. I haven't heard anything from or about them in about 3 years.  We're pretty much handling everything locally on our own now. Shadow Creek Entertainment is gearing up for our third and fourth release. Our new album and Cancer's Mixtape will fill out our 2008 schedule.

GMD: Damn... well, you have to keep it moving... Do you see the scene appreciating AI?

AI: Hmm....appreciate....thats a strange concept. We get alot of love from our peers, but we're not the first group contacted when someone's booking a "Straight outta the D" show. I'm not stupid, we're not a "Street" group...we're a hip hop act that borders on some commercial viability..so it really depends on what scene you're talking about. We've been playing well attended shows for the past 6 years. I guess I can't really ask for more than that. There's a ton of cats that's looked out for us since we started, our "scene"...so I guess to make a long answer short.....Yes. NOW BUY OUR NEW CD! [hahahaha]

GMD: That's what's up!!! So what's up with the Source cd? And tell me about this Dirtymitten feature

AI: Well The Source CD, is for Vol 11.....and the last I heard about it, tracks were still in clearance. You know when you're dealing with artists of that caliber it takes forever to deal with the logistics. Put it this way, the proposed tracklist I seen, I never in a million years would have figured that this kid from downriver would have been on a CD with people like that. But we'll see...I been playing music a long time to believe anything until it actually happens. So we're just crossing our fingers and hoping everything works out. This track on the Dirtymitten CD is Soundproof feat. our part time hype man Wes Freeman.

The beat is absolutly crack, and it was produced entirely by OPM.

GMD: Congrads man... sounds like you guys have been pretty busy...

AI: Yeah man, shits been crazy this year.....Not only is all the Shadow Creek shit going on..I'm now playing with the Disregarded, so my plate has been full as fuck this year.

GMD: That's what's up... so what's your take on the Detroit scene over the last year or so?

AI: To be honest...I haven't really checked out much. I've been writing so much, that I've been in my own little world. Quest has definitely grinded the shit out of the past year and is getting some much deserved shine...I gotta check The Light Project out. Past Due's record is some dope ass throwback shit....Dante had completely left the map...and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person. I really would have liked to hear the Marv/Quest mixtape..but I've never seen it anywhere. I'll tell you this though....My homie Aztek is getting ready to unleash some FIRE to you....straight up punch your gramma in the face music. Street Justice has been doin' there thing.....USM......I know I'm probably forgetting a bunch of people...but just chalk it up to the hangover.

Oh fuck...Guilty!  I have Guilty's record....and it's dope as fuck. Thats a big thing for us right there....He took the D, to parts of hip hop that ain't really been up on it yet.  So..hmm i guess I have been paying more attention than I thought.

GMD: So why do you think Detroit doesn't get much shine?

AI: To be perfectly honest man...back in the day, it was because no one was really dropping that "different" shit, the people that were, they got on just fine....also when you look at other cities....Like NY, Houston....all the artists worth their sand would have each others backs. But i dont really think it's any of that now...it's that the music climate has changed and no one really wants hip hop anymore. The cats who came out to the shows and shit ten years ago....now all got life shit there dealing with, and the kids would rather listen to bullshit ringtone rap.

I could be wrong...in fact...I HOPE I'm wrong.

GMD: Yeah, real life can definitely be something to deal with...

so when's the next show for AI? Any solo efforts from Damo? Are you still producing?

AI: Our next show is Sept 13 at TCs Speakeasy with the Disregarded. As far as a solo effort??? Well I've cut a few tracks, but that's been put on the back burner for the Disregarded..I'll get to it eventually. I've got another one in me still.....Me, Aztek and Cancer have been talking about doing a group EP for awhile, but that's never really got off the ground. I HAVE been making beats though in the meantime....I just finished one for the Disregarded, and one for Joey Beeps (one half of the Rising Sunz) most recently. Da Bash Brotherz took a couple and I got a new batch coming soon. 

I throw some things up on that site from time to time.

GMD: So with the way things went with protekted records, do you see yourself signing with a label again?

AI: Not really. I've been down that road twice now and it never really worked out. Its helped but the headaches involved with the process I dont see paying off for us in the current market climate... Don't get me wrong, someone wants to give me a big sack of money I'm down....

GMD: Do you find the market climate more favorable to an indie?

AI: Yeah for sure...because anyone who knows anything about the buisness knows that there is NO MAJOR spending money on talent development right now. The only way you'll get looked at is making some money on your own. You make enough money and they'll find you.

GMD: So how is that money made when indie's choose to have music available free for downloads?

AI: Well the key now is merchandise..that's where the money is...you can't DL a T-Shirt.....and if we get to the point where you can..fuck it I'm selling patio furniture.

If you are giving music away...moderate it...

This is for free...to get you hyped for this coming out...music has to be used as the business card now

GMD: I see... so does AI have ringtones?

AI: Yeah...... just hit up the myspace. as corny as it is....it's good promo....we got some tones and wallpapers for free on our myspace

GMD: Cool... anything else you wanna mention to the readers?

AI: Yeah, just keep following along, the bouncin' ball ain't stopped yet.....Shouts out to my SC fam Aztek, Cancer, Dime, Hex, Hush, Chief, The Naughtz, Raw C, USM, Da Bash Brotherz the Disregarded shit man...this will take too long. Shouts out to everyone we've ever shared a stage with, tipped a brew, or chopped it up with. SPECIAL THANKS to Dirtymitten dot com and Detroit Rap dot com for the love and support over the years, and also to YOU, homie...thanks for takin' the time to hear our story.

GMD: No doubt man, appreciate the time!

Good Morning Detroit!!!

First off, I wanna say whaddup and hats off to Invincible and Ill Uno, two very talented individuals doing their thing. Great show!!!

Now on to my disgruntlement.  I can't say that I have been anywhere in recent time where the night is full of Detroit music.  THE WHOLE NIGHT!!  Last night, I watched as DJ P Dog effortlessly was spinning local music, not sweating beads over not having enough GOOD music to spin.  Even still, if you have music that you wanted heard, he was willing to play it.  In a venue where the patrons have come to listen to local music.

So I don't know what whole in the wall that some of the patrons of this site were posted up at last night, but it becomes clearer everyday that the "scene" as much as people want it to be here, DON'T WANT IT TO BE HERE.  The majority stands to be reactive instead of proactive (as the responses to this blog will show).  An opportunity presents itself in what I believe to be an unbiased, non-clique-ish nature, yet it's like pulling teeth to get the artists to see it.  Why?  Because it has to fall in the lap of the lazy.

I bet you think this blog is about you.

The write-up about the event, the "much props", the "do ya thing", the hot air.  I kicked it with Ill Uno about what we were seeing last night, AFTER this dude ripped it on stage (which means he didn't bolt out the door after his set) and sure, we wanted to believe EVERYONE was at the Talib Kweli concert, and then we just looked at each other like, "Yeah, right."  You know why? This self gratifying scene will have no part of anything by anyone else.  No benefit, no support.  I know times is hard, and if that's the case, my head is harder and don't wanna hear half the new "hot shit" you claim you just recorded fresh out the studio.  Fuck that. Get out and do something.

I bet you think this blog is about you.

Quest MCODY tuned in from Florida!! As Jigga put it, "What More Can I Say!?"

Uncle P said it in the interview regarding the Mixer, "People support music in the ATL because they dance to it, drink to it, smoke to it, kick it to it."  Detroit artists frown on it because it ain't "They man's and nem."  Fuck that. Get out and support something.

DDT, the most loyal cat I know in this music biz, has been an advocate for local music even when your shit sucked. When we met, he spoke adamantly about patronizing the places where the DJ's were spinning.  Why? Because if they don't have patrons, they don't have work.  Sound familar?

I bet you think this blog is about you.

I wonder if there was nothing going on for a whole month. Hell, some of you may think that already.  Maybe it is the same scenario all the time: Crews on top of crews show up and perform and leave. Bar maids are pissed because they don't make tips, the venue is concerned about losing money, the DJ is spinning OTHER rap besides "Ya man's and nem"... Whatever.  But just imagine for a minute that there was no outlet for Detroit music and a community in existence.  No Detroitrap.com, no Spark After Dark, no What's Next On The Menu, no Monthly Mixer, no nothing.  I guess then you'd REALLY BE COMPLAINING.

Why wait?

Because this scene is far from being proactive but instead, would wait for shit to be damn near impossible to find venues and events like the Mixer and other open mics. Or maybe you and and your music just ain't good enough.  Maybe that kick it track you did for "Your man's and nem" ain't up to the Detroit standard set by those before you.  With that in mind, Invincible definitely wasn't talking to y'all when she kicked her freestyle last night and we wanted her to "KEEP GOING!!!"

If you think this blog is about YOU, don't worry, IT IS.

AND THESE ARE THE BREAKS!!!

Good Morning Detroit!!

On my way back from the Shelter, I had a moment to kick with DJ Len Swann of the 12 Tech Mob to discuss where Hip-Hop is and where it's going, with or without the DJ.  Len Swann didn't hesitate at all when asked about the rap game:

DJLS:  I know Quest soundin funky wit the band!

DR: Oh yeah, the live piece was a great touch... So what's been going on in Len Swann's world lately?

DJLS: Still grindin out beats, playin the Bass and Cutt'in it up.

DR: Still in communication with tha mob?

DJLS: I talk to Riff and Dez alot, but I need to holler at Shotgun down in FL.

DR: That's what's up! So what's your take on the relevance of the DJ now? Do you think that the DJ will always be a critical component in hip-hop? The scratching in rap is so far and few between now....

DJLS: You hit that right on the head! Scratching is missing  from all that mainstream Rap! And even in Hip-Hop. but if you turn over the right rock you can still find it.  The DJ 's today are still very relevant, We're just segmented into different categories.(mix-tape,battle,scratch,radio,tour and ect.)

DR: Yeah this is true... a recent discussion came up about mixtapes... I remember back in the day, a mixtape was acapellas over different instrumentals, scratching and blending... now a mixtape is just a bad blended concoction. Similar to rappers coming out the basement with the laptop based studio... has technology saturated the industry to the point that finding the right rock is too hard for the consumer?

DJLS: You hear more scratching on TV Commercials and other mass media sound tracks. Back in the day the DJ had more of the spotlight, that made way to the MC. Now  the game is dominated by rappers. It's really on them to put US back on full blast mode!

Back when the 12 Tech Mob first started making tapes Detroit was full of talented Dj's who made mixes... We listened to DJ Storm (from Ghetto Celebrity Fame), Mystro, The Wizard and then later on other DJ's from other regions who were putting impeccably creative product out to the market !

DR:  Right, I remember the DJ's in the D making mixtapes, but most of all, they had a signature to them.  The Wizard.... MAN!!!!  From your standpoint, what would be the best way to actively have a DJ put back "on full blast mode" through an artist's project?

DJLS:  In order for the DJ to fully be effective in an artist's project they have to have the style and flair to be able to contribute.  Some cat's have only one thing to bring to the table.

DR: And what about the rap game now as we know it?

DJLS: The Rap Game will come back around to the Elements one day, and we all must be ready!  Hip-Hop was given to Us by GOD!!!! There is NO way we can let it go out like this!

DR: Any music you been bumpin' lately?

DJLS: I'm feelin that  recent Phat Kat album, DJ DEZ killed it with the cutz and scratches on every track!

DR: Yes indeed.... What do you think of the CD mixers? Do they give you the same feel as the 1200's? How do you think technology has effected the DJ?

DJLS: Technology is great!  Serato rules, You can cut any thing up on mp3!  CD'z are a little slippery, but I'm just glad vinyl is still around in the capacity that it is.

DR: Yeah, it's easier now to get things worth scratching on a cd than it is to get 1-2 pieces of vinyl pressed... Are you working on any projects now?

DJLS:  Tha Paypa Boiz Street Newz will be released today Aug 12th.  Arcane and Big ISZ are the core members of the group. The Album features a gang of tracks by myself DJ Len Swann plus Elzhi, Lady Blade, the Outlawz and Breed.  The Paypa Boiz and The Outlawz will be shooting a video  at Belle Isle Park on August 21, 2008 for a song on Street Newz called "Shine". This is the Lead single so every body come thru and support!

DR: That's a bet!!! Any mixtapes from DJ Len Swann on the horizon?

DJLS: As far as Mixtapes I still got Classic copies of the RawDog Series, Styles 98, Skillz 97 and Back in the Days! Plus the 9 Milli Mixx from our ATL era in '94. Riff got the Original 12 Tech Rap Mix that we did at Mark and Jeff Pinn's studio off 6 Mile and Tele with B-Def, Dice, Sniper rapping over joints we did in between classic's such as Boss's "Deeper" and a shit load of other classics at the time.  I think I got a few Mixxes left in me!

DR: I'm sure you do...

DJLS: Dez did a classic in the back of WestSide Music on Grand River back in 2001!!!! Proof, Obie, Supa, and Gino rapped live on it, in between those blessed verses Dez put together a plethora of hip hop mastery!  Ask around about that one!  Shots out to TJ the Trouble Man for playing a portion of My Rawdog 3 (the Redman blend) on the air back in the day! Shout outz  also to Billy T and Phil Black for letting us get down early on!  Also a big Whut up doe to you Detroit Red for reachin out! P Dog,Uncle P,Wolf Pac, Almighty Dredz, Malaki the Most Hi, DJ DDT, DJ Babe, Miz Korona, the Zone Crew and everybody in the D that's still holding it down for the love of hip-hop's sake!

DR: It's all we know man!! We all came up in a community that we longed to have our voices heard, and hip-hop was that outlet. And just as you put it, we can't let it go down and out without a fight!!  I do appreciate your time and looking forward to choppin' it up with you more when you touchdown in the D

DJLS: Cool, also check me out at these links         

http://www.myspace.com/djlennswann

http://www.paypaboi.com/index.htm

http://www.youtube.com/user/leoswann

Holla!!

Often it has been a question as to where the DJ fits into the mix of music these days.  Are you really a DJ if you can't scratch? I guess that notion is no different than asking what good is an m.c. if he can't flow?

With technology emerging at every corner, how creative must one be to get into the genre of hip-hop/rap?  Of course there is the great debate between hip-hop and rap, but we'll save that for a later date.

I had the luxury of kickin' it with DJ Lenn Swann about the DJ's place in the music, how technology has hurt and helped the music and what position emcee's play in the resurgence of DJ's.

So I ask you this: How relevant is the DJ on the creation side of a song/album? How relevant is the DJ for your show? Are DJ's just as important as the producer? Are DJ's better producers? Or has the need of DJ's regressed to family reunions and blending old school CD's with no scratching?

Until tomorrow...

Detroit Red

If you haven't checked out the events lined up for this week, you wack.

Now that I got that out the way, WHADDUP DETROIT!!!

It's been a minute but being busy is not easy, just ask Quest M.C.O.D.Y., but we'll get to that in minute. 

Tonight (7/28) as always on Monday nights, you got Movement Monday's, open mic at The Bullfrog, hosted by Reddbone with DJ Babe.  Did I mention that it's free?!

This Wednesday (7/30) is the Beatz 2 Rhymes showcase at the Lager House.  Check out some of the producers around the area, freestyle and live performances!

Thurday (7/31) Red Bull is on tour doing the Red Bull Big Tune producer beat battle.  Touching down here in Detroit at the Majestic Theater with featured producer Mr. Porter and featured emcee Guilty Simpson.  Hosted by Vitamin D and J. Moore with DJ DV One on the wheels, doors open at 9pm, 18+ w/ID, $5 cover. 

Sabrina from Localluv spoke about the Red Bull Big Tune event as "an excellent initiative that everyone should support. It's one of the few of its kind that provides a dynamic platform for music producers to showcase their skills, network and gain valuable opportunities.  This is the first time it graces Detroit and with our rich music history, our sound and talent, I hope everyone takes advantage and support those who have entered the competition and those who pushed to have the spotlight shown on our unique music seen."  As said by Warren G on Snoop's Doggystyle: "Fool, you betta come on in!!!!!"

Friday (8/1) we got Abrasive Method delivering a show at The Berkley Front with special guests Skrapz, D.Allie, & Ella Duval.  Uncle Paulie on the wheels.  21+, Doors @ 9PM, $5 cover.

Saturday (8/2) when the sun goes down and you looking for the Searchlight for the hottest event going down this weekend, head over to The Shelter at St. Andrew's Hall for Quest M.C.O.D.Y. live with the Gorilla Funk Mob, giving you The Light Show live and direct! With featured performances by Guilty Simpson, Marvwon, Buff 1, Miz Korona, Invincible & Finale!!! Doors open at 9pm.

This is how DETROIT GET'S DOWN!!

TONIGHT

"THERE WILL BE LIGHT"

Be there TONIGHT for the Making of Detroit History As QUEST M.C.O.D.Y. Rocks the crowd @ St.Andrews Hall in Detroit's Hip Hop Mecca " The Shelter"

This show will be sold out . Leave your excues at home an be there in support of one of our own

"QUEST M.C.O.D.Y."

"THE LIGHT PROJECT"

TONIGHT AUGUST 2ND

431 E. CONGRESS

DETROIT MICHIGAN

August 2, 2008, Quest MCODY sheds some “Light” …

Download the Detroit Rap Exclusive "The Light Project Sampler "

Detroit, MI –  Known locally as Detroit’s front man and globally as one of Vibe Magazine’s 51 Best Unsigned Rappers (December 2007 issue) in the United States, Quest M.C.O.D.Y, born Kimani Graham, will be the first to tell you that he is a walking miracle.  Quest suffered a skull fracture in the near death car crash which resulted in a permanent and at some points of his life, embarrassing scar across his head, and the untimely deaths of his Grandmother and two of his aunts.  Never forgetting that fatal day, Quest has become one of the hardest working, up and coming artists in music today. “I lost everything! I had to learn how to walk, talk and see again. I was basically blind for four days until they flashed that light in my eyes.  Seeing that light was the happiest moment of my life,” Quest says. “I want the same thing to happen to people when they listen to my music.”

For years Quest MCODY has earned the respect of millions including Interscope Records’ music mogul Jimmy Iovine by traveling across the country solidifying his name as one of the best battle emcees in the world.  We have heard him over our airways, seen him on our televisions and read about him in some of our favorite magazines and news papers.  He has graced the stage with some of hip-hops leading artists such as 50 Cent, Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Eminem, D12, Talib Kweli, Slum Village and many more.  He’s also been featured in Showtime’s “The Next Episode,” MTV’s True Life: I Am A Battle Rapper, countless mixtapes, DVDs and most recently JumpOff TVs World Rap Championships. He has gained international notoriety by turning Quest M.C.O.D.Y into a brand that that represents hard work, integrity and perseverance.  

Hip Hop has been in the dark, waiting on someone to shine the light of individuality.  On August 2^nd @ Alvins, located on 5756 Cass Ave, Quest will celebrate the release of “The Light Project”, an album that goes against the current trend of music today.  He will blend live music, courtesy of Detroit’s own Gorilla Funk Mob, with the soulful production of Michigan’s soon to be most sought after producer Yung Viz. Paired with Quest’s open and honest lyricism and topped off by guest performances by Guilty Simpson, Marvwon, Buff 1, Miz Korona, Invincible and Finale the concert dubbed as “The Light Show” will be a historic night for Michigan hip hop.  “The Light Project” is destined to be a classic for years to come. 

Who: Quest M.C.O.D.Y live w/The Gorilla Funk Mob, Guilty Simpson, Marvwon, Miz Korona, Invincible and Finale

What: The Light Show (Album Release Party for Quest MCODY’s “The Light Project” )

When: August 2^nd

Cost: $10

For tickets and more information go to: www.questmcody.com

DOWNLOAD P.H.E.A.R MIXTAPE HERE ON DETROIT RAP.COM...

 The ReUnion Show Mixtape Now Available For Free Download!!!!!!!!!!!   HERE

http://detroitrap.com//link.php?id=3

Available NOW ON DETROITRAP.COM

Courtesy of Shannon "Tru 6'2" Devries

No stranger to the Vans Warped Tour stage, Detroit’s Dante will be headlining the Code of the Cutz Skull Candy Mix Stage at Warped for the first time this year. When he first got the news, he said it was a “familiar reaction — gratitude; humility is the cornerstone of my progress.” Dante has been on small legs of the Tour in the last four years and has made many contacts across the nation, but this will be his first time in it for the long haul.

He won’t leave us in the Mitten without our own ear candy when he hits the road for the two month tour. Dante will be releasing the anticipated Fixtape 2: Still Broke, on his way out of the city at Alvin’s on Friday, June 13. The first Fixtape, co-created with friend and Ann Arbor DJ, Deckmaster D, was a success nationwide. It dropped before last year’s three-week stint on Warped and featured Deck and Dante’s version of “Icky Thump” by the White Stripes.

“Hopefully there is no disrespect taken by the White Stripes or Jack White directly on including something like [the "Icky Thump" remix] on that mixtape, but I love them,” declares Dante. “I would love to work with them. It would be ridiculous.” The second Fixtape includes another White Stripes remake, “Hello Operator,” remixed as “Hello D.A.N.T.E.” and a De La Soul cover/tribute, “Euro Trippin’." The second tape is also chockful of special guests, including Detroit notables Octane, United States of Mind and others.

Although, technically, Dante’s musical style falls under the rhythmic beats and flowing lyrics of hip-hop, he states, “When you tell someone you do rap or hip-hop, they have to get a pretty distinct image in their mind … especially being a white guy.”

Hip-hop, in general, sometimes gets a bad rap with the content of today’s commercial lyrics, but with influences like KRS-One, Prince and De La Soul, Dante says, “I’m not here to hurt your family or make out with your wife or girlfriend, I’m doing some sincere hip-hop, some sincere music. I try to compare it more directly to music in general instead of just this specific image or idea of hip-hop that people [have].”

Dante also released an album, Roaming Empire, independently late last year and it pushed to the prestigious Number Two slot on CMJ charts earlier this year in January. The album will be nationally re-released in July with a newly penned distribution deal between Dante’s Havoc label and distributors IRIS.

The lyricist has also toured Europe three times in an 18-month span and is making plans for a fourth trip. “The Detroit part of [music] is really appreciated in a lot of parts of Europe. Whatever the mixture is [that] we got going in Wayne County, it's right — people love it,” Dante says of touring overseas. He also opened for Ice Cube at SXSW in Austin, Texas this year.

With contacts worldwide, it is a surprise everyone in Michigan isn’t aware of his music. Although Dante performs a lot around the city, he said he doesn’t really realize how much he appreciates our Detroit local scene until he comes back from a tour. Don’t miss his Detroit stop on the Warped Tour this Friday at Comerica Park.

Good Morning Detroit!!

DJ P Dog The Turntable Bully, Origix & DC, DJ Razorblade, Deep Water, Big Herk, Black Sun, Quest M.C.O.D.Y., Du Tyme, Detroit Red, MC Tay, Street Justice, FM 98 WJLB, Raw Collection, 3rd Rail Records, DJ Babe, Uncle P, Tru 6'2, Redd Bone, Outfit Boyz, Crown Vic, 89.3 FM The Zone Radio, 3M Modeling, DDT, Resident Advisor, Real Detroit Weekly, Metro Times, The Spot Runners, Localluv.com, 2Raw4FM, P.H.E.A.R. and Young Miles.

These were some of the attendees/representers to the first DetroitRap.com Monthly Mixer.

SO WHERE THE F*** WERE YOU!??!

A great setting, great atmosphere, great drinks and great music.  It was a good time and seeing all these people together, conversating, exchanging information, promoting their works...

- Street Justice Mixtape out... Young Miles Mixtape enroute, Quest M.C.O.D.Y. album release at Alvin's August 2nd -

This is what Detroit Hip-Hop is about.

The Birthday boy, DDT, came right in the door and got on the turntables like he was in a DJ battle competition.  Even the sophisticated ladies of H-Pilla could appreciate the scratching.

By around midnight, the place was packed and P.H.E.A.R. was ready to take the stage.  Here's the thing about this that I could appreciate: The atmosphere was like that high school party in the gym, everybody kickin' it, some dappin' up the DJ, everybody wants to make sure they say hello (but not for the "I need to be seen" reasons), and really enjoy the time out. I witnessed alot of artists with NO EGOS kick it and even appreciate the other artists performing and the music that PDOG was spinning.

Because the gathering itself was quite intimate, it was nothing for everyone to come front and center to watch the performers rock out.  The sound man was on point and P.H.E.A.R. ripped it.  Introduced and deejayed by DDT, the energy of these dudes revitalized the crowd.  I'm watching all this go down and realized that EVERYTHING that was played that night was Detroit music!! (Except when DDT left the stage for the next act playing Soujah Boy...)

Next up was Young Miles. I seen dude a few times battling, but I was quite impressed with his stage show.  Following up P.H.E.A.R., Young Miles kept the energy and hands up in the air. A great performance by both last night.

Quest M.C.O.D.Y. (The Light Project, 08/02/08, Alvins) rolled through and toasted DDT on his birthday with a shot of the "goodnight" juice.  DJ RazorBlade was outside representing Hood Hard Radio to the fullest. 

When the night was over and it was all said and done, I saw that there were no cliques of artists, no ego driven emcees, no DJ's displaying favoritism. I saw a collection of people working hard to achieve a goal and gaining the respect of those around them.  There was no wall. (However, DDT did say he was not f***in' with you if you're not up to the quality standard of your style whether it be underground, street or commercial.)

To all the artists out there in internet land, peel your ass off the screen and get 3D. There's nothing like building relationships and this was a definite building block.  Funny thing is, all shows or Hip-Hop events are building blocks, but too many bricks on shoulders makes for hard communication.  The Monthly Mixer was the opposite of that.

For those that think all Hip-Hop events are violent, this one took place in a venue with no security. As Diddy would say, "Take Dat!"

Look out for the playlist of last night's Mixer, courtesy of DJ P Dog The Turntable Bully!

Detroit Red

Good Morning Detroit!!!

I read a few articles this weekend, including one by D-12's Kon-Artis, regarding Detroit, it's fallen soldiers and it's prospects.  What Detroit has to offer resonates through everything you find in print nowadays.  The formula for success has always been delicate, the real question is how do you sell a formula surrounded by creators and not consumers?

I spoke with my manz Hash about his endeavors and his move to Phoenix.  I first saw Hash perform at the Bullfrog and was quite impressed with his one man show. I thought I would shed some light on the emcee known as Hash:

DR: Aight... So let's get down.... How long you been in the game?

Hash: I've been writing since 1990...Been takin it serious since 1997.  But i really dont consider myself "In the game"

DR: Why would you say that?

Hash: I say that because I havent had my Chance yet.  I've been in the damn Development league forever!!  Im tryna get to the NBA....Feel me?

DR: No doubt... You feel like you with a good team? One going for the title?

Hash: I've been on a Couple teams...But never started....I was always playin the bench and the starters would ask me for advice.....But the coach never put me in.

DR: So you got something brewing to shoot the blood out the rock now?

Hash: Yeah....I went and made MY OWN team.

DR: That's what's up!! Is that what prompted the move from the D? Better prospects?

Hash: Really.....I came to a point were i didnt see shit happening for me in Detroit....And Phoenix is like a central location with it being in the middle of LA and Vegas....Plus it's SOOOOO much money out here!!

DR: I've been hearing that for a minute now, so I guess the money train is still rollin out there?

Hash: I havent even been out here a full year yet....And i have more Equipment and more DRIVE since ive been here. I came out here with nothing.  No equipment, no family, no nothing. Just my music and my person

DR: That's buildin from the ground up fa sho...

Hash: Yup... But i got a big edge on niggaz,cuz i know what Im lookin for and im not new to it.  You learn alot being on the bench listening to the coach and studying plays, learning from other peoples' and my mistakes.

DR: That's where the true knowledge comes from... do you feel like you have extended your fanbase more since your change of residence?

Hash: Definitely....People out here don't even care that im not from AZ...They KNOW I'm from the D....I let it be known...They just wanna appreciate Good Music.

DR: That's what's up... So when can we expect something from the Franchise player and what's the name of the new team?

Hash: The team Is STILL IDASH....Forever.....Its just weve branched out more on our own...Zo is in Kansas City...Reag is in The D.......I just have a diffrent position.  I got a dude from the east coast named Torn and a dude out here named Blane.  I got a Damon Dash and a Biggs now so to speak.  I'm workin on a solo album "LONG AWAITED" and i will release a mixtape in September and another in November.

DR: Staying on the grind no doubt...

Hash: Clearly.  Basically every couple months until i release the album.

DR: Gotcha...So what do think about the outlets like myspace, tagged, and even Detroitrap.com?

Hash: I think they're great outlets...I think RapGodfathers is fuckin' awesome.

DR: What advice do you have for anyone getting started in this business? Should they find a D League first?

Hash: They should pray and pray and say....Is this REALLY WHAT I WANT TO DO....Seriously.  Oh, and shout out to everybody who ever said anything foul about me ....Without them I wouldn't be the same..

DR: And that is what I call the end of the sermon!!

Look out for "That's Listen...The Advertisement" Hosted by DJ Young Mase... you can find it here.  Of course ya boy Hash is doin' it in a major way!!

Detroit Red

Good Morning Detroit!!

There are so many reasons why people get into music.  "My family's been doing music for years", "Music saved me", "Because nobody's better than me", "To get this money", "I do it for the love", "I have a message", "WOMEN".... No matter your reason, if you could get the help you need, what would it be?

In talking with Hash, he said people should "Pray that it's something they really want to do," and without getting too religious, a prayer in this business is warranted.  But do we dodge the team by making up excuses?? "Me and the coach ain't get along, so I quit." I made that statement once about basketball. Truth is, I didn't love it enough to work harder and beyond the BS that presented itself in the form of a coach.

"If you build it, they will come"

So that was the thinking behind this site.  Give the artists all kinds of features and capabilities to be very independent.  Maybe the site is a little quirky.  Maybe it's just plain difficult to use.  But so is anything that you have to work at and work for.  The difference here is that you are not alone.  The sounding board is available, but few use it.  How many conversations can we have about "the scene" on a come up and doing big things?

Okay, maybe we are on a come up since THAT scene, but what can we do to build on what we have?

"Numbers don't lie"

I want to thank all of the visitors and the artists and the members that visit this site.  It makes my writings worthwhile.  What the artists may be unaware of is the number of people that visit this site looking for YOU! However, no picture, no music, no bio, no nothing, makes you just that: nothing. Nothing in the sense of a nonexistent entity to a potential fan or person intrigued by you.  Marketing and promoting is critical, no matter what your reason is for doing music.  DJ's coming up had Techniqs because of the marketing.  Producers tote MPC's because of marketing.  What can DetroitRap.com do beyond what is already in place to help you market yourself?

From the previous forum, you may recall me asking about promoters, etc.  And here's the spin.  I have been in this business for quite some time, I have successes and I've had failures, but most of all, I have knowledge. I am willing to share that knowledge to anyone and everyone interested, but I (alongside DetroitRap.com's Management) need to know what will benefit YOU.  I can tell you what the vistors want to know:

1) Who are these wanna be rappers? (perhaps an interview might help? Hit me up!)

2) What do they look like? (Get a picture of yourself up!)

3) Do they have anything to sell? Where can I buy their music (Set up your store)

4) When and where are they performing? (Update the events section with your gigs, not the forum! People ARE looking!!!)

So before the next artist, next city, next state gets to "Stylin' on you", step up to the plate. Stay on the team.  Give it a shot.

Holla at me!!

Detroit Red