Estaban Tomas "theMoment" feat. Rosa Amor (Music Video)

And now to my most recent project, dropped just this past Independence Day (July 4 2012), the music video for Estaban Tomas's "theMoment" featuring his lovely wife, Rosa Amor, on the hook. I'm all for supporting family especially if it's dope and inspirational. That's what I get from these two. They're a dynamic duo in their own right and are definitely set on making waves. Trust, there will be more collabs between us. If I were still DMV local, I would already have filmed their individual EPK's. I also want to get both of them one some of my beats. I need the exposure... LOL. But for now, the cinematic and heartfelt, iTunes-available single and hopefully with some good push from new fans and a plethora of good-music-loving blogs and Web-sites, I present to you...

Estaban Tomas "theMoment" feat Rosa Amor [Music Video]:

Web: http://www.estabantomas.com
Twitter: @estabantomas
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EstabanTomas/226566227377248
Visit Estaban Tomas's YouTube channel

J.Nolan "Sharpen the Sword" (Music Video)

Ok, so here's the music video that I directed, shot and edited for ATL via Connecticut MC, J.Nolan (http://jnolaniscool.bandcamp.com). Filmed in various parts of the 5 Points section of East Atlanta, home to WRFG 89.3 (local NPR-affiliate station and home to the Beats N Lyrics show with JayForce and The Show with Ms. Dia) and a popular hotspot for budding artists/musicians and fellow music-lovers. I had a lot of fun shooting this video and editing it, all in support of this young artist and sharing his music to the masses.

Check out J.Nolan's "Sharpen the Sword" music video:

You can download the Chaos Theory LP that "Sharpen the Sword" is featured on by visiting his Bandcamp. Mind you, the LP dropped in 2011 so he's got more recent stuff. I'm hoping to hook up with him again on another vid real soon. Dude is talented...

Ok, I'm back...

Yeah, it's been a long time... again. I have seriously overlooked and undervalued the use of this blog as an outlet for all of the creative stuff I partake in on a regular basis. Aside from my usual Twitter and Facebook rants and some random Google+ appearances, I need to focus more on sharing basically. I usually do it all on the aforementioned but that doesn't really get me anywhere. It's a regular struggle isn't it; just like keeping your attention focused on beats and working on new songs when you've got other pressing responsibilities. But some people manage to do it and do it well so I just need to figure out how to work it myself.

So, how about updating this blog with my newest contribution, not only to the DC music video scene but also to my portfolio as a videographer and director. Last video I believe that I posted on this blog that I actually had something to do with was for Ryan Lucas. I may have posted J. Nolan's video but you know what, I don't think I ever did. I think I MENTIONED it but didn't post it. We recorded the footage for J.Nolan's video in the summer of 2011 but I didn't release the video until early 2012. Yeah, I need to get better at dragging my feet on dope stuff, cuz it was a dope song and a dope video. For Estaban Tomas, I stepped up my creative game.

So, what I'm gonna do is keep it chronological... you know about the Ryan Lucas vid from earlier. That's my Subwoofer Science fam (http://subwooferscience.bandcamp.com). Not sure of the status of the group since we basically disbanded when I moved back to ATL. It hurt for a little while but I guess it was necessary; we grow from pain... but I also went up to DC to be part of Ryan's video shoot for "Get Away" (featuring me on the hook) so all is not lost. All of us are soul brothers and we got each other's back which is most important. We all supported on each others projects; Boom's Bullets Over Romance EP, Ryan's album and vid and when I eventually do something, I hope they'll support me as well. I got some things in the works but typical me, I'm taking forever to finish it. When it's done, it's done I guess... not like anyone's really sweating it, so neither am I, LOL.

So to bring things current, I'll post the J.Nolan vid for "Sharpen the Sword" followed by Estaban Tomas's "theMoment" where I feel like I completely outdid myself; not that I don't have much room for improvement cuz I do. I'm just saying, the joint's bomb. I was inspired. If I could do that more often, I'd be... well, the bomb, LOL. So, as my Gra'ma says: "Anywho..." stay up.

Oh yeah, keep Incite Media Works (http://www.incitemediaworks.com) in mind. Incite Media Works is my media company that I'm partnering with my wife in. Will fill y'all in the details about that later on. For now, just follow the URL.

Outdated...

Man, I gotta do a better job keeping this blog updated... so many things to maintain: family, job, Web sites, Web sites at work I actually get paid for, beats, occasionally lyrics when inspired... ugh! Time management, something I've always lacked skills in; will have to make a point of getting better at this.

On the upside, Jason "KnowMassive" Atkins, who has hooked me up with Azilee Lareuse at OnTheRise Magazine for an interview as a part of his 1/1000 Music roster. Nothing really in the works at this moment but that day will soon come. KnowMassive used to live in the Atlanta area and made a name for himself in the local indie hip hop scene back in '04 with Creative Loafing making high remarks about his album at the time. Truly on some other stuff, I appreciate his grind and am thankful for the opportunity and exposure. If anything, would be a great opportunity to work with a dope MC and overall good fella.

Check the interview out here: http://www.ontherisemagazine.com/2011/10/24/zyrus-campbell-soulful-mature-inspired-emcee

We released the Ryan Lucas video to the intro to his debut album, "A Letter from the Chief Musician" back in September. I hope he has another video in the works but if not, it's not like he's not constantly busy either performing or collaborating with other talented people. He's also partnered with some guys to start an inspirational T-shirt line called PIO (Power In One) Clothing (http://www.pioclothing.com). The man is gettin' it!! Go Lucas!!

Visit his Web site to keep up with him: http://www.ryanlucasmusic.com. Check out the album intro video here:


Boom88 ain't sitting around, neither... Following the release of the Bullets Over Romance "Jukin" EP, cuz is still developing on his passion for blues music and experimenting with ways to incorporate it with modern-day hip-hop/urban themed music. He's got some dope stuff coming down the pike, most definitely. I hope he laces me with some bluesy, smash joint that I can get lyrical on. I've been through his library; he's got some dope samples in the vault. C'mon cuz... LOL.

Other than that, I've been working on a couple more videos recently, namely for local ATL MC, J. Nolan for a song off his recent album "Chaos Theory". Dude's got bars for days... originally from Connecticut, he's been down here in ATL these past few years networking, trying to focus mainly on making music and getting his name out. I offered my video services to him and he suggested doing a video for the song, "Sharpen the Sword"; no concept, just lyrical wizardry at its best... still got some edits to do but I think it's gonna turn out well.

Then on deck is another cuz of mine, Roger Rudder aka Estaban Tomas, who has returned to the mic after a nice hiatus. A fellow Web Developer, MC and Producer, check his Web site out at http://www.estabantomas.com. You can check his music out on Bandcamp as well. The song that we decided to do a video for is "TheMoment" featuring his lovely wife Rosa Amore' on the beautifully sang hook (http://estabantomas.bandcamp.com/track/themoment). I kinda went crazy playing around with the camera's slo-mo features but I think it's gonna turn out well. If it don't, I'll just fly back up to DC and shoot another one with them cuz the song is dope; not trying to mess that one up...

And it's funny cuz I'm not really trying to get into videography big-time. I've always just had ideas about how videos could be done. I didn't capitalize on that when I was still in DC and things were really sailing with my group, so all of this is just a means for me to stay productive and creative. It's all about networking and having fun, basically. I'm not trying to be the next Hype Williams or Spike Lee. I'm just a creative guy looking for various outlets. Ha, I was on Soundcloud at work earlier today thumbing through my favorites, envisioning how I would do videos for some of those songs if I were given the chance. I've approached a couple of those artists, nobody's really taken me up yet, probably because of my lack of experience and unwillingness to really dive into video FX. Some of my favorite videos don't have any... they just look really high-quality, intimate and personal (and that's not for R&B videos). With me, it's all about capturing the moment...

Eh, I could see myself doing some short films eventually; maybe even some action sequences, but I'd def need help in doing that. Some of that stuff in the theaters has gotten too cliche', too modeled and systematic. Like no one wants to take a slightly different angle on how it might happen, you know? Who knows? Only time will tell...

I hurdled my writing block a little bit and wrote some lyrics to my instrumental, "HighlightOfLife" (http://soundcloud.com/audibleintegrity/highlite-of-life). My crew didn't want to jump on it and I know it's a dope 2-step/hand-dance song which they're not really into like I am, so I'm a just have to curry it... LOL. I need a new solo anyway... been too long. And I hope to maybe do a video for it as well. THAT would be real dope...

But anyway, will keep y'all posted...

.holla.

Co$$, "Spaceman" music video

My man, Jeff Johnson put me on to West coast MC, Co$$... well, actually he didn't. I can't really remember how far back I've seen his name or heard his material but I know the standout project (IMO) that he was featured on was the Cook Classics mixtape, "The New Classics" (link featured on Vimby.com: http://nahright.com/news/2009/02/18/vimby-x-uponthingz-x-cook-classics-the-new-classics-mixtape-stream/).

I met Jeff on Facebook after commenting on a post by local radio personality Ms. Dia (WRFG 89.3) after a Boog Brown show here in Atlanta last fall. We been chatting back and forth about music ever since. Turns out he actually manages Co$$ and is a dope MC/producer, himself... ALSO used to live not far from where I grew up in MD. I almost begged him to manage me (as a producer) and Subwoofer Science but I figured I and my crew just need to grow more into ourselves. When the opportunity arises and the right person comes along to support our movement, then we'll get a manager.

Anywho... so Co$$ has been doing his thing for a while now; someone at LA Times thought very highly of him, he's worked with Blu (for those into underground hip hop lyricists, I don't have to say anything...) and a slew of dope LA-based producers, to name a few. He's got a few projects under his belt and is due to release a solo album titled, "Before I Awoke" this summer. Recently, in preparation for the album release, he dropped the "Sleepwalking" mixtape just to give people a taste of what to expect; dope lyrics, jazzy yet hard yet undeniably West Coast production yet not so gangsta that underground heads won't like yet not so underground that ppl that cater to the more commercial sound can't nod their head to, either. That's quite a call, right there but Co$$ manages to pull it off well. Definitely looking forward to "Before I Awoke" when it drops. Oh, and did I mention that someone at About.com named it as one of their Top 10 hip hop releases? That's definitely worth mentioning.

At any rate, to promote the new mixtape and add to the exposure/push that Co$$ is aiming at, he released the video for "Spaceman". Check it out:



Download Co$$'s, "Sleepwalking" mixtape:
http://www.prefixmag.com/media/coss/sleepwalking-mixtape/52768/

Versis, "Life Story (Story of My Life)" music video

Y'all know I support me some Versis (http://versis.bandcamp.com). Lil' young buck got flow... personality... and he's progressive unlike a lot of his counterparts in the recording industry who are drones to the system, spittin' constant nonsense and getting the greatest marketing pushes as if what they're talking about really needs to be heard...

This guy needs to be heard. Check out his new video and if you haven't support good music by picking up his, "iLLCANDESCENT" LP from his Bandcamp.

Ryan Lucas, "The EP"

"It's been a long time, shouldn'a left you..."

I wonder how many times I'm gonna be posting that after brief hiatuses from this blog. Life is busy... constantly busy. And hectic... not even sure where the hectic-ness comes from but it's just hectic at times. So, it all adds up to me not updating this virtually unknown blog as much as I really should. Doesn't mean that I don't keep finding, posting and exposing people to new stuff; just means I'm not doing what I should be doing HERE.

That said, I def need to make mention of a new project from within my Subwoofer Science camp. Fellow MC/producer Ryan Lucas, who has been really grinding as of late, performing, touring, recording, making beats, getting songs mixed, planning, running in marathons, working out, eating healthy, etc, etc... also found time to recently drop an EP of remixes to songs that will be featured on his upcoming debut solo, "A Letter From The Chief Musician" due out later this summer. He selected six (6) tracks and remixed them on his own, adding a new flair and sound to his production style. Still has that grit that we all know and love him for; hard beats, soulful sample chops, moody basslines and lyrics to go.

Ryan definitely has a way with words... he's able to tell stories in compelling and insightful ways, able to be transparent as a young man dealing with real situations living a real life. Absolutely no gimmick in the Subwoofer Science camp; no need to be nothing but ourselves in this life and the music that reflects it. What you end up with is a true to the core, developing and progressive project that will truly bless your ears and much more in your life.

I'm really looking forward to Ryan's debut solo album. I'm featured on a couple cuts, yeah, but Ryan is definitely on another level withi this stuff. It's exciting to see him grow in all areas of his life and use his gift to spread love. He's been through a lot this past year but you wouldn't be able to tell with the projects he's releasing. Head and fist raised high, he's championing the cause of forward movement, forgiveness, faith, love, hope and triumph over all. Support this young man on his mission.

Purchase Ryan Lucas's, "The EP - A Letter From the Chief Musician":
http://ryanlucas.bandcamp.com/album/the-ep-a-letter-from-the-chief-musician

New Movement: Starving Artists Are Dead...

I met this guy named Khem Nak'hi when he was doing some work for my kid's Godmother over in the fall. I was over there to help move the furniture just in case. We chatted a little bit on his way out, turned out he was heavy into music and was about to start his own movement initiative real soon.

Months later, he would begin promoting blog posts and videos for "Starving Artists Are Dead". The whole premise is to educate up and coming artists on self-promotion, music business principles and believing in your craft, despite what the croons will tell you that you need to sound/look like. He's making an attempt at leveling the playing field that these large labels have set up for those of us that can actually make a difference.

Best description:
A movement guiding musicians to: create success driven mindsets, build their brands and fan bases, as well as discover and explore the science of money.

Check out this intro vid:


Check out Starving Artists Are Dead at http://www.starvingartistsaredead.com

You can also follow via:
Twitter: @artistsaredead
YouTube: ArtistsAreDead

Dope producer, ESTA...

All I know is he's linked up with the folks at TheSoulDojo.com

Check it:

Sample find!!

A producer that I'm following on Facebook posted the YouTube page of one of my favorite samples from Dilla and Madlib's iconic collaboration "Champion Sound" from back in 2000. Come to find out, it's a straight jack (loop) in terms of what Madlib did to the sample, but I honestly can't blame him. It sounds just THAT dope as is.

Here's the YouTube vid with the original recording:


I was gonna post the resulting song that came from this original sample but those that know, already know. I don't have to say nuf'n...

Ju-Ar, "Orange Air" LP

Some dope music coming from across the Atlantic in the form of Germany's Ju-Ar and the free release of his "Orange Air" LP with accompanying video. Check out the visuals below and get the free knock while you're at it.

Download Ju-Ar's "Orange Air" LP:
http://morgen-noi.bandcamp.com/album/orange-air


Ju-Ar - Orange Air LP from Morgen Noi on Vimeo.

Has-Lo "Utero" music video

I've become a big fan of MelloMusicGroup and it's artist roster, which includes Apollo Brown, Boog Brown, Oddisee (of course) and Diamond District, Trek Life, The Left and it's most recent lyricist/producer, Has-Lo. I kept hearing his name mentioned on the Scrunch Face podcasts but only recently heard some of his material. He is definitely my kind of writer, someone that meticulously paints vivid images with his wordplay, weaving patterns up, in and around the listeners' imagination to convey what he's ultimately trying to express. That's artistry for ya... LOL. IMO, he definitely harkens back to some of the best days in hip hop.

Check out Has-Lo's vid for "Utero" and get his album...

Purchase Has-Lo "In Case I Don't Make It":
http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/in-case-i-dont-make-it


Has-Lo "Utero" from Mello Music Group on Vimeo.

Lost another one: RIP to Nate D.O.G.G.

That voice, not much you can really say except "that voice..." LOL. Nate DOGG, popularly known for his contributions to West Coast hip hop back in the 90's, and even some contributions post-millennium; think Pharoahe Monch and Mos Def's Rawkus Records track "Oh No" which surprisingly stayed on commercial radio for a little bit. Nate had a way of making any track feel good and make us all want to sing it, whether we could or couldn't actually sing.

He had two strokes, one in '07 and another in '08 that he never fully recovered from. Speculation is out about the actual cause of death but we all pretty much know it had something to do with that. At least now, he's at rest. His family and numerous fans can celebrate and honor him.

A good friend of mine commented that it's funny that people don't really honor you until you're dead. Maybe we should all spend more time doing that while they are alive and still with us. What you think?

From MTV: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659986/nate-dogg-dead.jhtml

Hazel, "The Lost Tapes"

Some of the dope folks that I follow heavily on Soundcloud and Facebook have been talking about this French cat named Hazel who is very talented. I Googled him and found some Youtube vids not too long ago where he's doing a live production from start to finish; beat-boxing into his sampler, looping it up, playing keys and singing. Definitely a talented young man. Per moovmnt.com, he's done some work with some big names in the industry already. At any rate, he put out a beat project recently called "The Lost Tapes" on his Bandcamp for sale. If you like talented individuals that are trying to push this artform, definitely support Hazel and get this project. And while you're at it, Google him too.

Buy Hazel's "The Lost Tapes" here:

http://hazelbeats.bandcamp.com/album/the-lost-tapes

Hazel's Youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/hazeldizzy

Oddisee feat. Toine of DTMD, "Different Now" video

Featured on MelloMusicGroup's "Helpless Dreamer" compilation, this video was filmed back sometime in November 2010 when Oddisee still had braids... just a laid back, reminisce track and the video pretty much complements that capturing the guys chillin' at local spots around DC. I def miss home... check it out.

Oddisee feat. Toine of DTMD - Different Now from Oddisee Music on Vimeo.

Knxwledge, "Mango EP"

A big fan of the Klipm0de Krew, consisting of Suzi Analogue, Mndsgn, Devonwho, Knxwledge, I'll post pretty much anything I find from any one or all of them at the same time. Their stuff is just that dope to me. I found a post about Knxwledge dropping a 4 track EP called "Mango" and without even previewing the Bandcamp tracks, I DL'ed it cuz dude is just that dope.

Download Knxwledge's, "Mango EP":
http://loveonthebeat.bandcamp.com/album/mango-ep

Pharoahe Monch, "Clap (One Day)" extended music video

Anybody that knows me well, knows daggone well how much I am a fan of this elite lyricist, Pharoahe Monch. It's funny cuz I can never get the placement of the 'e' correct in his name... LOL. Anyway, this is a 10 minute long, mini-move/music video for the single "Clap (One Day)" with a pretty deep storyline. Usually the one known to spoil the secret, I'll keep my mouth shut while y'all watch the video. Let it buffer up before you start watching it tho. I imagine most of y'all don't have super fast bandwidths to be letting it load while it plays; just like me... LOL.

Check it.



Pharoahe's album, W.A.R. coming soon...

Apollo Brown, "Clouds"

For those that keep up with the underground scene pretty well, you will definitely recognize the name Apollo Brown. Hailing from the Motor City, Detroit MI, where some of the illest underground MC's and producers have come from, he's definitely making his mark. Apollo's first appearance was on Finale's "Pipe Dream and a Promise" album (which I still don't have). From there, he inked a production deal with Mello Music Group out in AZ and put out 3 albums in 2010, his introduction to the world "The Reset", "Brown Study" with Boog Brown and "Gas Mask" with his group, The Left (named one of 2010's best hip hop albums by About.com!!). So, Apollo starts the year off strong with his new release, "Clouds", audibly a different angle for the typically dark production that we've come to associate with his sound. "Clouds" has a slightly softer feel to it than some of his other work prior, but still dope nonetheless. This time, floaty guitars, stringy rhythms and uplifting vocals complement his characteristic choppy drums. If you're interested in going places without leaving anywhere, this is what you need... definitely.

Download Apollo Brown's, "Clouds":
http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/clouds

Cortez, "The Journey"

Sometimes I wonder what a plug from a bigger name in the music community would do for me and my crews. I'm sure that day will come; I just have to keep bearing my torch and believing in my craft and what I have to offer. Up til this point, I had never heard of another artist from the DMV named Cortez (again, I'm not the know-all-end-all of active and involved artists from the DC area) but like I mentioned earlier, if you get a plug from Oddisee, whose name holds much weight for me, I'm bound to receive it as a dope co-sign. Such is the case for Cortez's current and freely downloadable project, "The Journey". And with production boosted by the likes of DMV's SlimKat78 (another local name I'm a big fan of), then this just happens to be one of those joints I must check out.

Download Cortez's, "The Journey":
http://dccortez.bandcamp.com/album/the-journey

Nameless, "Adobe Dillastrator: CS1"

Detroit's MC/Producer Nameless, who I've been looking out for since hearing his 16 Bit project earlier last year, drops a tribute project to the late/great Dilla, amicably entitled "Adobe Dillastrator: CS1". As a Web developer, I'm amused at the title and interested in seeing where he takes this. From his past work, I'm expecting some serious heat. Free download too.

Download Nameless, "Adobe Dillastrator: CS1":
http://nameless.bandcamp.com/album/adobe-dillastrator-cs1