EastOfLA’s own secret lover agent man and Applebird affiliate, SPEAK recently sat down and spoke with the folks at GrungeCake to discuss matters such as his many inspirations and future aspirations. As usual, the loquacious and effervescent personality of SPEAK quickly takes over as he lays down the law of how he views rap and his unique approach to his art;
GrungeCake: How do you feel about the direction of Hip-Hop?
Speak: I’ll leave the preaching and overly obnoxious ranting about the depravity of the culture and music to KRS-One. He enjoys the sound of his own voice and beating the drum for what is and what isn’t Hip-Hop. However, in my personal circle Hip-Hop is beyond alive and well. I can’t really speak on what everyone else is doing because it’s really no importance to me, and frankly, I think that’s where a big part of the problem comes in. Hip-Hop should go to city hall and legally change its name to “Focus on the next man.” I can’t name another musical culture or genre where so much emphasis is placed on what everyone else is doing. In no other realm do you find artist so intent on watching their peers fail. It’s a bit stomach turning. All I can do is sit back and enjoy the level of creativity coming from Pheo, Versis, Verbs, Intuition, and Stevie Crooks. As long as they are, challenging themselves and making fantastic music Hip-Hop won’t need a compass and Google maps to find its way.
It should be noted that SPEAK also drops hints surrounding a project he has worked on with homie, AFTA-1, in the form of an EP tentatively due in 2010 titled, “No Distance Just Grace”.
And if you haven’t already heard it, download SPEAK’s instant vintage classic: The Kite Flyers EP (25mb).
The Coachella Valley Art Scene Blog (link) is set to host the “Something From Nothing” music and arts event in Indio, CA on December 19th. Mark your calendars and made sure to bring some cash with you as you’ll enjoy the musings of Coachella Valley musicians (like East of LA’s very ownALF ALPHA) and artists such as the highly acclaimed Date Farmers. Other attractions such as a photobooth, skate ramp and art swap meet will also be available for your enjoyment as well. CVAS events pop off like none other so make sure you mark your calendars and bring some friends along (for a discount on entry). Be there or be square.
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If you’re not already familar with the work of The Date Farmers already, check out their collaboration with N.A.S.A., having done the visuals/art of the music video for “A Volta” (which has been recognized by Pitchfork as one of the top music videos of 2009):
We’ve all heard of the French indie-darlings Phoenix by now. If you don’t think you have, turn on your TV for even half an hour and you’re sure to see a fast-paced urban-inspired car commercial blasting “1901″. Their abrupt rise to fame isn’t a fluke and I highly doubt that even after the proverbial dust surrounding the band’s latest release, “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” settles, that we’ve seen the last of these dance-rock veterans.
And now, it’s their turn to share their music without all of the frills of post-production and electric instrumentation, as the celebrated documentary-styled music sessions La Blogotheque covers the band in their home-country of France (more specifically in the streets of Paris). Similar to how the band recorded a fun little video with the skyline of Paris in the digital backdrop of their Mac recording which they had posted to their blog awhile back, the Blogotheque sessions has given the band the chance to do it proper.
The production duo N.A.S.A. drops a very creative video for their track “A Volta” featuring Sizzla, Amanda Blank, & Lovefoxxx off their debut album The Spirit of Apollo which landed mid-February.
The folks over at Logan took the incredible & original artwork of The Date Farmers and brought it to life by creating an entire 8-bit, ultra-violent, drug-war-ravaged cityscape of corruption, deceit, and heavy narcotics.
The video is chock full of evil bosses, sadistic henchmen, vigilantes, important briefcases, ghetto birds, and piles of cash.
If you haven’t checked out artwork by the Indio (California) based, Date Farmers, you are certainly sleeping on your art game. You can spot our boy DJ Alf Alpha DJing their galleries & lacing their projects with tunes as he’s part of their crew.
Full album N.A.S.A. album stream after the jump, and “A Volta” mp3 attached below:
The Chef and Tony Starks do it again. The first track, Crimonology 2, is a strong song with a nice Scarface sound bite in the intro. The second track, Yes Sir, took me a few listens to warm up too. I am not a fan of Crooked I, honestly, but I think he did a pretty good job on this track. I know there has to be some die hard Crooked I fans out there so I hope you enjoy this track. So start your Saturday right and grab these songs. Peace!
KAWS first solo show in Los Angeles and it opens up February 21st, 2009 . If your a fan of pop-art and located in Southern Cali, this is something you have to stop by and check out. .
Honor Fraser Gallery
2622 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
LA is buzzin’ today, as is most of the Hip Hop scene it seems, as U-N-I’s newest mixtape drops today. Presented by Mick Boogie and featuring a plethora of producers including 6th Sense and LA own’s DiBia$e, this mixtape is a definite must listen. These guys are on a roll already and starting 2009 right. Get used to these guys, because I think they’re here to stay. Listen to the tracks below and do yourself a favor and download the mixtape.Download Here
Jay Electronica has been become quite a sensation over this last year. Thanks to the mixtape entitled “What the Fuck is a Jay Electronica” most people at least recognize the name and give him credit for a sound that reminds some of the good ol’ days of Hip Hop. To me, his sound is straight-forward with great production and lyricism that you should not be sleeping on. Check out his latest track below, I dare you not to nod your head.
So by now, if you haven’t heard Evidence’s new EP you’re missing out. Big Time. Featuring alot of dope cuts, The Layover LP is always a great listen on any day. Thanks to a head ups from a homie and the fabulous service that Twitter provides I have learned that there is a need for extras for the “For Whom The Bell Tolls” music video shoot. Courtesy of Phonte’s Twitter here is the information:
Calling all LA twitterbugs: Extras needed for Evidence, Phonte, will.i.am, Blu video shoot. looking for extras that can come to Altadena on Thursday at 1pm dressed for a funeral (suits/shirts/ties for men and dark dresses 4 women. email: samj...@hotmail.com for details and send your contact info, photo or height and age. use subject: Evidence video.
I unfortunately have to work but I hope that alot of our EastofLA fam makes it out. And if ya do, drop a line in the chatbox and let us know how it went. Don’t forget to take your best slacks!
“Interviews: Mr. J Medeiros (of The Procussions), Pete Philly, Nicolay (of Foreign Exchange) & Praverb Music: Q-Tip, Panacea, Giant Panda, People Under The Stairs, Surreal, Common Market, Jean Grae, Qwel (of Typical Cats), Foreign Exchange, Murs & way more… Art: Kirpy, Ghostpatrol & Matty -WTA
RT @SKYYxCARTEL: One of the most intelligent rappers in our area right now has got to be @elpheo without a doubt. 1 week ago
WOW only $30 - RT @HLLWY: Mos Def x Jay Electronica @key_club (LA) 2morrow nite in LA get yr tickets now at ILLROOTS.com before they R gone. 1 week ago
GrungeCake Interviews East of LA - Applebird’s SPEAK
LA is buzzin’ today, as is most of the Hip Hop scene it seems, as U-N-I’s newest mixtape drops today. Presented by Mick Boogie and featuring a plethora of producers including 6th Sense and LA own’s DiBia$e, this mixtape is a definite must listen. These guys are on a roll already and starting 2009 right. Get used to these guys, because I think they’re here to stay. Listen to the tracks below and do yourself a favor and download the mixtape.
