Author Archives: Locash Magazine

D.J.P Master of the Mix 2012 Champion ~ #TeamFlightCase

Team Flight Case stand up! Danny D.J.P Phillips of Springfield Missouri is the 2012 Master of the Mix Champion, and well deserved.  Danny won the internet voting every week and the judges respect.  It think it all started when Kid Capri asked him if he was going to pull a computer out of his flight case in the first episode, to which P replied “Nah, it’s all records man”.  By the end of that set all the judges were cheering and yelling Thank you! Amber Rose had his back the whole show and that was it man, 8 shows later P for the win!  Danny had a lot of respect for his competitors and gave runner ups DJ Msquared and DJ Yonny 10 grand each.  I caught Danny after some well needed rest and before he flies to New York tomorrow here’s what he told me.

Sikboy:  How was your Master of the Mix experience?

P:  “It was wild and crazy, it was very interesting and long and drawn out but very successful at the same time, so there’s no complaints whatsoever”.

How did you pick your final set?

“I just kinda went with it man, we were actually kinda handcuffed song wise through the whole thing till the end. There were a few things that I picked out but, with me using vinyl I didn’t really have a  chance to use a lot of the things I think about, that I could really go left field with.  I only used what I was allowed to use for the most part.  I just manipulated it the way I do and did the best job I could do and I got through luckily”.

You earned it man, me and my friends voted for you a bunch of times.

“Yeah man and that’s what really brought it down, I appreciate and give a shout out to everyone for voting because the voting is what really made me win in the end.  Because what Master of the Mix wanted to see I think was not just how skilled everyone was, they wanted to see how people out there felt about what dj they thought should have won.  There were over 50 thousand votes total and over 30 thousand came in for me,  which is breathtaking.   I didn’t realize I had that many fans out there that really care you know,  family, friends just everybody.  I knew there were out there but it never really surfaced like to where it slapped me in the face in a good way, like wow.  A lot of people really had my back and it’s much appreciated”.

Team Flightcase really came together, that was a cool concept.

“Yes it did, it really did, it suuuure did” (laughs)

We had a great time watching the show and everyone is really happy for you.

“Thank you, my love goes out to everybody that voted.  I think at the end Micheal Mcpherson (M2) had a really good set he’s a really good dj, Yonnie is a good dj too.  I think what it boiled down to at the end for the judges is they wanted to see who had really stood up for the culture for so many years and payed their dues and I payed my dues longer, it just was my time I think and with the voting I think that really showed America, Yo this dude is like, you know the Master of the Mix (laughing) so yeah it feels good”.

Did you get a big Amber Rose Hug?

“Oh yeah, Amber Rose is a sweetheart man she actually came up and gave me some really good advice and I respect her even more for that and she’s a really nice person”.

What was her advice?

“Kinda the do’s and don’ts about the money I won, and I appreciated that she was looking out for me”.

How does booking look this summer?

“I can’t even answer that right now my life’s crazy I got a new manager now Smirnoff has me for a year I got a full on contract with them so it might be kinda hard to jump around but we’ll see”. 

Check out what DJP had to say moments after his win was announced.

Congrats D.J.P. and Turntablism lives!!! as always you can keep up with D.J.P here www.djpmix.com


Big Boi ~ Sir Lucious Leftfoot, son of Chico Dusty

Big Boi ft. T.I. ~ Tangerine

As one half of Outkast, Big Boi (aka Sir Lucious Left Foot, Daddy Fat Sax, General Patton, etc.) has reveled in a career spanning over two decades in one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time. Six Grammy Awards, five studio albums and a greatest hits release later, Big Boi and Andre 3000 are both doing their own thing. After a three year delay, Big Boi’s highly-anticipated debut solo record, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, finally arrived in stores this July and hit number 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart immediately. His follow up, to be titled Daddy Fat Sax, is named after a generous dude at a New Jersey White Castle who used to hook the duo up with extra sliders in every 10-sack they bought. His unexpected passing prompted Big Boi to pay homage.

 As a member of Outkast, you’ve experienced more success than most emcees out there. What do you think accounts for your longevity?

 Big Boi: It comes to me every day.  The beats, the rhymes and ideas – they’re always there.  And I’m thankful for that. Also, believing in what you put out there and standing behind it and just making good music no matter what other people think.

 There is so much debate about rap vs. hip-hop, old school vs. new school and mainstream vs. underground. What is your definition of true hip-hop?

I don’t think it’s that cut and dry of a definition. I mean, I don’t think my style is all hip-hop. I mix in funk and rock and all different styles to create a unique sound.

When Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was released in 2003, was that kind of a definitive statement about the enormous differences between you and Andre 3000?

It shows our different styles and how diverse Outkast can be. You can’t really mold us just into one genre or style, but we know how to compliment each other.

Will Outkast ever reconvene on another album? Tour?

Well, Dre will be coming out with his solo album and then we have some Outkast in the works, but it’s a super top secret project we’re working on so you will have to wait to find out.

Why were there so many delays with Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty?

My old label wasn’t down with me making a solo album so they wouldn’t put it out. This album has been done for the past three years, but they wouldn’t release it so we went over to Def Jam to put it out.

Out of the four elements of hip-hop, which one do you feel has been the most exploited over the years- graffiti, break dancing, emceeing or DJ-ing?

DJ-ing. Everyone seems to be doing it these days. There are so many good cats out there that are talented at it though but just too many.

What’s your songwriting process like?

I’ll be out and about and it hits me or it depends on my mood and what I am jiving on. That reflects in my music. Sometimes it’s a collaborative thing.  I just get beats and rhymes in my head and put them down right away.

What have you been listening to lately and who are some of your biggest inspirations?

I can’t do without my George Clinton.  I do call upon his expertise for a reason.  I am totally digging on  Cee Lo Green bringin’ it the way he does. It’s hot, man! I’m still feelin’ some of Phantogram’s tracks too.

Is it difficult to balance family life with everything you have going on career-wise?

My family is super supportive and we spend a lot of time together and love to joke around. My wife is especially amazing and has had my back the whole way.

 Atliens and Aquemini are two of my favorite records. What kind of space were you in when you wrote such narrative lyrics as opposed to writing about the usual bitches, bling and Bentlys?

I have a bunch of different personas that reflect my mood. I incorporate these characters into my music and sound. Like my Daddy Fat Sax persona is a bit more funky. On Atliens, I am little bit in touch with my Southern roots and on Aquemini, my character is my zodiac sign, Aquarius.

~Interview by Kyle Eustice~


Reo Iammusic ~ STL young gunner

 

Reo Iammusic ~ Pursuit of Happiness

Reo Iammusic dropped a ton of videos on us recently from his youtube channel realresistencetv.  There are definitely a few nicely polished gems in there.  Revenge of the Nerds and Pursuit of Happiness are standouts for me.  There is always something awesome when someone melodically sings “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you.”  Both tracks are from his ambitious upcoming project The Collage. 

About Reo Iammusic in his own words.  “My style is diverse, I have multiple styles to meet whatever your musical preference is.  Im a regular dude that came up rough and decided to take the high route rather than the down hill slope that most of my peers take.  I love music, Fly ass cars, fre$h ass clothes and evolution…my team (T.R.E x WinnerCircle) is putting on for SaintLouis in a huge way!”  

Right, speak on it homie.  A lot of people say that though, you gotta show and prove right? This is the video that really grabbed my attention.

Any Questions?  Check out his new new shit here ~ PEACE, Sikboy

http://www.youtube.com/user/therealresistancetv?feature=watch


932 Crew on the rise ~ BLOODY BLVD. by Alleyes Manifest and Splitface

Alleyes Manifest – Mission Statement

932 Crew is sicker than your average.   Always coming slicker and more precise than the myriad of groups battling  for music fans attention these days.  Made up mostly of DJs and producers the production value on their projects is locked in professionalism and loaded with style.  This multifaceted crew can often methodically spark your brain with an approach that you weren’t aware that you liked, but now you know.  Some of the current 932 soldiers are Splitface, Alleyes Manifest, DJ Self Help, Hearz Kra-Z, Jonathan Jinx, DJ Sonryze and the Solkon Familia among others.

  This uncommon crew had a very common and humble beginning I asked Co-founder Splitface how it started to which he replied ”932 was founded in 2002 when we hosted a weekly emcee battle in a basement in Belleville, IL. Eventually people were driving from St. Louis to come and hang out and let loose on the turntables and microphone every week. I think it worked because we accepted any and all, let them party and kept it free. That’s how all of the original members met including where I met Michael Bridgmon a.k.a. Alleyes Manifest.”

932 has since moved out of the basement, some of them out of the midwest and they have definitely moved into other artistic areas.   A strong visual presence has emerged, from live lighting presentation to video directing and graphic design.   They have also always maintained a strong graffiti art presence to keep the word literally on the streets.  When I asked Splitface “What’s up with today’s 932?”

 He replied “I was talking to a friend and frequent music collaborator from St.Louis, Jus Time last winter when the idea came up to make the crew into a record label.  It felt like the natural next step for 932. I brought the idea to Michael (Alleyes) and he was immediately onboard.   He became the label’s aesthetic administrator.   In 2011, Crew 932 began functioning as a small record label.  Since 932′s roots are in hip hop, electronic, punk, hardcore and so forth that helps keep us diverse and open-minded. The vision is to focus on releasing great music from a variety of genre’s while putting an emphasis on mirroring regional spirit and becoming a resource for fans and artists.”

The latest release from the Crew is the joint effort Bloody Blvd. From Alleyes Manifest and Splitface.   The duo flow through the 8 track EP like the ocean, with even melodic flows and also exciting violent crashes.  Moving through verses and breaks symbiotically, it’s quite obvious  these tracks and rhymes were constructed for each other and fit like a well-tailored suit.  Split’s sonic mastery resonates from a million directions as Alleyes explores both the raucous and righteous sides of a revolutionary mind as he raps and sings his way through this project.  When I asked Alleyes how he balances those sides of  his persona he said “I see what goes on around tv, people, and capture that emotion. I love God so that will always shine in” righteous indeed.  Alleyes also handled the slick contemporary graphic design for the hard copies that comes with a couple stickers inside (at least mine did).

Here’s the break down, Track 1 Mission Statement is just that, split brings it back to that old boom bap with a rebel rock flair and Alleyes rocks it with aggression and solid lyrics standing strong with the confidence of a Chuck D or Nato Caliph.  No.2 Lost and All Alone is a modern-day hip-hop blues song haunting piano lines and harmonica (I think) with Alleyes crooning about losing his soul he seems to channel Howling Wolf himself.  I envision this record crackling through a phonograph while Alleyes drinks whisky on a rickety bayou porch, debating with Beelzebub over his mortal soul.

No.3 Wicked and Witty is a bragadocious track about St. Louis.  Alleyes and special Guest Mathias of Indyground both come off, you know the steez on this one, can’t fuck with STL.  No.4  Reading Life Split is sounding like late era Gravedigga’s on this one, Alleyes keeps the art of story telling alive taking you through the strife of existence.  No. 5 Life on the Road this ones for the artists as well as the fans if you have ever been on any kind of tour, this ones for you.  The freedoms and the restrictions of road life are told from a first hand view, with verses from STL alumni J-Toth and Jus Time.  This should be on every touring crews road trip mixtape. 

No.6 is called Bloody Blvd and is also on the EP, not my  favorite one, judge for yourself.  No.0 7 Fly Away  is straight up beautiful, whether you’re a thug or not or a Thugernaut (yes I make up words) if you don’t think this is a cool track you should broaden your horizons.  No. 8 time for some classic Splitface shine this instrumental makes me want to cop a bag of shrooms and drive through the desert in a stolen Camaro Firebird, check out the promo video by Jonathan Jinx. 

Bloody Blvd: Chased By The Wind (promo) from 932 on Vimeo.

Cop this twice, limited edition hard copies and itunes version are available from the 932 site, check out the vast array of 932 ruckus while your there, peace out ~ Sikboy

http://crew932.com/thelatest/2011/11/1/new932-alleyes-manifest-bloody-blvd-n32-001-released-today.html


A Birds Eye View ~ from A Cool Stick

I always considered my self blessed that I grew up in the golden era of Hip-Hop and Alternative rock.  The 80′s and early 90′s produced legendary acts like RUN-DMC and Public Enemy to Jane’s Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Every generation will have their greats but I will never hesitate to say that we had it Gooooood.  One of my favorite parts of growing up with a brand new genre and culture such as hip-hop, is watching it grow and expand its horizons.  After catching the top videos of the week, shaking my head in dismay, I received an e-mail like a refreshing breeze from the band A Cool Stick complete with their new EP A Bird’s Eye View.

This Baltimore quartet have definitely taken Hip-Hop down their own path.  Vocalist Luke O’Brien puts down life affirming, party raps with a relaxed melodic flow.  Recently discovering he could also sing added a new level to the EP, which gives it a new sound from previous projects.  The band is composed of well-rounded artists.  Princeton music student Matt Wong is on Bass, Guitarist Sean Mckeon  still takes weekly lessons even though it’s obvious he doesn’t NEED to and Drummer Brian Aranda started the spark and vision with Luke back in 09, and have they’ve been building ever since.

The power of live instrumentation is on full display on tracks 1 and 2 Water and You Are.  Track 4 Smile has a Jamiraquai-esq live disco vibe, sure to get the ladies dancin.  Besides the new EP the band has been busy showing their live skills with a recent New York album debut, performances with Sam Adams and Citizen Cope also a hot opening spot for Beck and Stalley in their Baltimore and D.C. shows.  I recently got the chance to ask them a couple of ?’s about all the new Cool Stick buzz, here’s what they told me.

Sikboy: What elements and/or experiences went into the new EP?

ACS: ”We’ve grown A LOT since our first EP.  Since then we’ve had some line-up changes in the band, and Luke put out his solo project, The Dopeness.  This was our first opportunity to get something that was really representative of where we are in our lives, and as musicians.  This is a much more mature, thought out product than our first release, and we’re extremely proud of it.  Overall, recording is always a great experience, and we’re looking forward to writing and writing and writing”.
 
How was the recent New York debut?

“The New York debut was definitely dope, plus it was black-tie, so everyone was looking crispy.  We all have a lot of friends from school and life that ended up in the city, and the fact that it was our release only made the crowd even crazier.  We ended up not performing because of some logistics, but we partied hard with our fans to celebrate the release of the album, it ended up being a blast, and people were loving the new music.  We love NY.”
 
The Hippie Girl video looked fun, are there plans for more video’s?
 
“The Hippie Girl video was a blast, and there’s definitely plans for more videos.  We want to make a video for every song on this EP, and those are in the works”. 
 
 
 
What do you guys have going on right now, how can people find it?
 
“Right now we’re working on booking again.  We’ve got to where we are by playing a ton of shows, and getting our name out there.  We’ve been performing less frequently, since we’ve been working on this EP, but we’re filling up our schedule as we speak.  So aside from looking for us in your hometown, be on the look out for some videos, and you can always find the newest-latest on acoolstick.com
 
I’m looking forward to watching A Cool Stick take flight.  In the meantime I can always twist one and vibe to A Birds Eye View when I need an escape.  I highly recommend everyone do the same, the hustle and bustle of the world isn’t going anywhere, here’s the link.
 
 
 Take it easy friends ~ Sikboy 
 

G~Eazy – Welcome to Endless Summer.


G-Easy is one of my favorite new artists period.  His self producing, self promoting, indie grind is a testament to artists everywhere.   Producing his own tracks, his sound is a finely tuned vision. Lacing his own work with slick raps, his finished projects radiate good vibrations like the Beach Boys, in 2012 mode.  It’s been a minute since I’ve seen someone successfully create something so uniquely fresh.  When producing he can be found dusting off decades old records from a golden American music era, and converting them into hip-hop form.  The romanticism and swing of 50′s-60′s Doo-wop and classic rock staples, are captured and blended into a modern sound, without losing their original appeal.

G-Easy hails from Oakland California, which comes through in his music’s breezy demeanor. Currently chillin in New Orleans (but showing up everywhere)  I’m sure the Big Easy adds to the heavy party vibe his projects are laced with.  He has been steadily building a fan based following through midwest club dates and has also graced arena shows with the likes of Lil Wayne and Drake.  G is currently working on finishing school and on a nationwide tour with Mod Sun and Shwayze to self-promote his new album Endless Summer .  Check out the slick first video Runaround Sue.

 

Fan reports from the road say he’s killin every show.  You can check the tour dates on the official website here.

http://www.g-eazy.com/

Download Endless Summer and the whole G-Easy catalog here and name your own price! how cool is that.  ~ stay classy everyone, Sikboy.

http://music.g-eazy.com/

 


Pancho Rucker ~ Kurt Cobain Music

     

       I had never heard of Pancho Rucker untill I met him this summer, now every time I hear one of his tracks I say to myself “Damn! how did you miss this guy?”  Pancho is an intelligent smart ass, which is the most dangerous kind.  He likes to cuss, drink, and rap, and he is masterful at all three.  P Rucks is back this fall and about to drop, in my opinion, his most polished project to date the affectionately named Kurt Cobain Music.  I was privileged enough to get an advanced copy from Shogun Music Group.  The album left me with a feeling similar to when Courtney Love showed me and 10,000 other people her ripped pink panties (while in them) at Lollapalooza 95,  kinda shocked, a little scared, but definitely into it. 

      While a lot of artists in Hip-Hop spend too much time trying to act like they don’t have feelings.  Pancho was busy pouring his into his music with no holds barred and nothing is off the table.  Laughter, anger, love and pain (or lack thereof) are all put in a blender and set to liquify.  The highs or so high that you might need oxygen and lows are beautifully low, I’ve never had this much fun being depressed, this project is impeccably balanced.  If you’re not bipolar now, you could be after you get this album, but hey join the club, it’s fun to laugh and cry at the same time. 

      Lyricly Pancho laces fearless poetic flows with melodic tracks like they were made for each other, because they were.  Producing 10 of the tracks himself he doesn’t skimp on the bass kicks or the rock,  The Red Hot Chili Peppers and System of a Down are nicely sampled and have never quite bumped like this.  14kt and Ola Beatz also contribute musically as Pancho takes us through many of curses and rewards of life including society, relationships, government and religion.  The official release date of this project is Nov. 1st but you can preorder it and check out a couple of tracks on the link below.  This album makes me happy like I found my friends and their in my head, I give it 5 suicide notes written to imaginary childhood friends.  ~ Sikboy

http://panchorucker.bandcamp.com/album/kurt-cobain-music 

Album release party link

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=203888936348053


Occupy STL ~ Promise meets Progress.

      

       The Occupy Saint Louis movement has received written support from the President of the Missouri AFL-CIO (The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) Mr. Hugh McVey,  the St. Louis Labor Council President Robert Soutier, The Saint Louis LGBT will join the Oct 14th march and even Saint Louis Mayor Francis Slay has shown support(Kind of).  Every sunday at Keiner Plaza includes a lecture from retired Washington University Economics professor Frederick Raines, which we are very proud of.  Local labor unions have also brought hot coffee and donuts to Keiner Plaza in support of the movement. Donations continue to come in from Businesses and citizens alike, including a laser printer to help us print flyers.  They are not slowing down, they are picking up steam! 

          In his reply to an official statement sent by the Occupy STL team, Mayor Slay states he is sympathetic to the cause and thanks the Occupiers for raising these issues, then promptly states “Please obey the law”.  But of course sir, We can always look to the shining of examples of congress and better yet, those who have congress in their pocket as a moral compass, right?  Sadly no, we can’t.  All sarcasm aside the Saint louis branch of the Occupy Wall Street movement is indeed true democracy at work, with a daily general assembly.  The organization includes a Medical Team, a Foods and Supplies Team, Security, and a Media Team.  Also recently added is a Sanitation Team to keep the Plaza clean, they do not want to disrespect city property. 
 
        As critics of the Movement call them Hippies, burnouts and try to portray them as punk kids complaining about the man.  This is truly not the case they stand next to Labor leaders, college professors and grandmothers.  Their ranks are made up of indebted college students and middle class members of the work force with families and jobs.  They include all races, religions, and nationalities.  They are tech savvy, intelligent, organized and not afraid to move forward.  This revolution WILL be televised, but not privatized.  They will move by harmony, not their money. 
 
           To join the cause head down to Keiner Plaza and ask how you can help, they will welcome you.  If that’s not an option for you general donations can be made here  https://www.wepay.com/donate/113766 which will be used directly for everyday supplies.  The Occupy Movements are well read, with plenty of street cred and that’s a potent mix.  Like all good movement you can’t get your voices heard without making a little noise, and it goes a little somthin like this. 
 
 
Keep up with the STL front here http://www.occupystl.org/ and join the revolution with
<<<Locash Magazine>>>

Occupy San Franciso – West Coast Warriors.

             In the late night/early morning hours of Oct 5th, SF Police converged on the Occupy San Francisco camp after a 30 min. warning and deemed the infrastructure, tents , tables, chairs a violation of city ordinance. The SF Occupy staff reached out to nearby Occupy Oakland announcing the police were there to take down their camp, and the SF cite numbers doubled within half an hour, Go fuckin OAKLAND!!!

              Still the riot gear outfitted police formed a perimeter around their supplies preventing the Occupiers from saving anything while Public Works employees confiscated everything throwing it all in city trucks.  Eyewitnesses say many of the officers and public employees obviously looked sympathetic to the cause, but one officer (#4014) alledgedly told multiple protesters  ”I can’t wait to get the chance to bust your face in.”  Check out these photos from the incident, they are from the whole day the police show up about half way through.   Photo’s by occupier Smedly  

http://gallery.me.com/mactechs#100273                                        

              Several trucks were loaded with Protesters personal property and supplies, even their food and water.  As the trucks were set to roll out they were blocked by the SF/Oakland Occupying force chanting ” This land is our land, We will not be moved!”  The Police eventually rolled away with the goods, even after SF board of Supervisors member John Avalos showed up to defend the right to peacefully assemble.

              Here’s the # to the Lawyers Guild for all occupySF protesters 415-285-1011.  Donations are needed immediately to rebuild the camp which THEY ARE STILL AT !  A recent paypal account was shut down, but visit the home page for more info and updates.  Let’s get behind our fellow Americans as they battle for economic justice in California, one of the top 10 largest economy’s on earth. 

 http://occupysf.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Occupy-San-Francisco/216437765085799

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Occupy-Santa-Barbara/261202993919785

http://www.occupytogether.org/


Occupy STL – Show Me State Soldiers.

 

                   Saint Louis is doing what it does best, showing and proving.  An amazing, well-organized occupation of Keiner Plaza in downtown STL is deepening it’s roots and preparing to settle in.  The Organization already has a few marches under their belts and planning continues daily. 

         The main stream media will repeatedly state that the nation wide Occupy movement has no central message.  The message is very clear to most, and the protesters in Saint Louis lay it out very well with no chance of confusion.  Younger and Older Americans of all races are coming together to make their voices heard.

                                                         Occupy STL Mission Statement

WE, the 99% are hereby taking action against the greed and corruption of the richest 1%; the bankers, politicians, and corporate persons that govern our nation. Like our brothers and sisters in Tunisia, Egypt, Greece, Spain, and Iceland, we plan to harness the power of mass occupation to restore democracy and justice in America.

We reject the economic violence perpetrated against the people of the world and encourage the use of nonviolent means to achieve our ends and maximize the safety of all participants.

We proudly stand in solidarity with those whose peaceful Wall Street occupation seeks to expose the greed and hubris that has sold off the “American Dream” in exchange for executive bonuses and political kickbacks.

We do this for the unemployed, the elderly, the foreclosed, the indebted college student, for the future of the children, and for our fellow working citizens who have been unjustly denied their equal human and financial rights by a system run by, and for, the richest 1%.”  – Occupy STL

Get involved here, Join them if you’re in the area – Sikboy

http://www.occupystl.org/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/OccupyStLouis

 


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