Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hip Hop Underdawg interviews Maryland producer A.Sesay
Ck: What inspired you to start producing ?
A.sesay: "I was a rapper first from 92-97 I was in a rap group with my boy Darren (R.Badwah & Murray pictures Sesay's right hand) he actually taught me how to make beats. He would come and pick me up take me to the crib and let me use his equipment he gave me a chance to grow as a producer".
Ck: Who are some of your influences ?
A.Sesay: "I love Dj Premiere and scratch Marley Marl Pete rock and Hi tek
and Havoc from Mobb Deep I could go on and on."
Ck: Where did you get the sample for sinking with the ship ?
A.Sesay: "LOL I can't reveal my sources ,but I get alot of cd's from the local library it's funny because the original song is very slow when it's says "sink ahead" during the verses but it really says something like salt on my head but I flipped you know. I knew it was gonna be a good track once I laid the bass line."
Ck: What is the state of hip hop in the DMV area from your perspective ?
A.Sesay "It's a crab in the barrel mentality nobody wants to work with you if you don't have a name or if your not affiliated with the right circle. I've been shut down by quite a few artist if they don't know you they won't give you a shot. I want to work with anyone who's talented regardless of who they are" .
Ck: Do you consider yourself a producer who just makes beats or are you fully involved with
your projects ?
A.sesay: "I'm not a beat maker I produce ... I'm very involved with every aspect I have a vision for a song or a project and I know who I want, and what I need to make it work. A lot of people can sing a lot of people can rap but can they sing or rap well and can they sing it they way I want to make it work."
Ck: I hear your originally from London do you plan to promote the A Special in the UK ?
A.Sesay "I would really like to do that at some point, I was born in the UK but my parents are from Sierra Leone and When I was two I moved to Maryland. I got some people out there checking out the EP so I'm hoping to catch a buzz out there."
Ck: what is the next project on deck for you ?
A.Sesay: "The next EP will be called the A Chronicles I'm not sure who I want on it yet,but I want it to be totally different from The A Special. I'm trying to cook up some organic/cathedral Gothic sounding ish for this one."
Shout to A.Sesay for the interview ! The A Special is available for free down Load on sept,7th @ http://www.asesay.bandcamp.com/
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A.Sesay's The "A Special" is keeping the DMV A-Float
It's been a long time I shouldn't a left u wit out a dope blog to read thru LOL...
What's good people it's your boy C.Knight
You smell that ? ..........
It's Chef A.Sesay in the kitchen cooking up his latest EP The "A Special" courtesy of SA-Loan productions. The Maryland Producer is working to gain his respect in the music game with a strong collaboration of D.C and Maryland artists like D.O.E cigapom Adversary and Napoleon Da Legend just to name a few. Sinking with the ship is my favorite dish on the menu. This track represents what happens when everybody on deck wants to be the captain. Artists refer to the crab in the barrel mentality which explains why a lot cities are sinking in a sea of hate. This record is proof that DMV hip hop is alive and well, and crabs filled with envy should keep their distance from this movement.
A.Sesay creates a clear vision for the listener on each and every track. The production on this album was properly navigated by Sesay's great ear for sampling music as displayed on "Don't leave me lonely"and "If the love was there". I applaud him on his versatility he proves you can still make good music without a voice samples on tracks like "Can't Hold Me Down" featuring Dave East Karnagie & Dagga accompanied by the sultry voice of Erika Anderson.
I really like the vibe on "All In Stride" Featuring Wordsmith and the final ingredient D.C crooner JnesmuziQ on the vocals. It's a very uplifting track relaying the message to live your dream, and no matter what happens in life try your best to keep it all in stride. It takes a lot of courage to be an individual and make the music that you love instead of killing yourself trying to please the industry. Shout out to A.Sesay and all the artists on the "A special". Mannrock, Mugsy Malone Mic Legacy Benji K-beta Infearion Bear witness and Born underdogz. Shout out to Dj Dublee for scratches on "If love Was There". Click on the link to see videos off the A Special EP. A Special available for free download on sept, 7th @ http://www.asesay.bandcamp.com/
Videos courtesy of R.Badwah &Murray Pictures
Sinking With The Ship http://vimeo.com/8416964
All In Stride
http://vimeo.com/12544338
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Dame Dash America Nu Magazine Launch with music by the London Souls
It's ya Boy C.knight I've been away for a few days so let me get you caught up.
Friday night I went back to the Dash Gallery for the america nu Magazine launch. america nu is Damon Dash's new magazine that focuses on Music Art Lifestyle and Culture with clothing designer Erin Featherston gracing the cover. The magazine covers Dame's new movement Creative Control and his artist New Orleans spitter Curren$y. Dame also executive produced the Blak Roc album with rock/soul group the Black Keys which debuted at #1 on the the Itunes charts. The album was a collaboration with some of hip hop's best Mc's over original black keys music in 11 days.....yeah I said 11 days. Rza Raeqwon and U-god from wu-tang clan Jim Jones Mos Def Billy Danze from M.O.P and Q-tip just to name a few. Be on the look out for a Black Roc 2 coming soon.
For the second part of the night I ventured down to the basement where their was a recording studio and a performance space for band London Souls a rock fusion phenomenon. I'm not really into rock bands,but I found myself headbanging to this group. I was so impressed by their ability to fuse country and soul into the rock n roll sound. Shout out to the drummer who implemented hip hop kicks into his solo's while the other two guitarist blended it all together on the strings with hendix like riffs. The lead singer kept the crowd riveted with his vocals but all three band members were on point bouncing lyrics from on band mate to the other. To check out music from the London Souls go to myspace.com/londonsouls. To book go to snmanagement@gmail.com
Shout out to Dame Dash and the Creative Control family for the invite !
Friday, April 23, 2010
Dame Dash Pop Up Film Festival 22-25
Thurday night I attended the first of four nights Pop up Film festival at the Dash art Gallery and it was pretty dope. Ricky Powell a world re known hip hop photographer was in the building last night. Ricky was a photographer for def jam records covering the lives of artists like Run DMC The Beastie Boys and LL cool J need I say more.... Yeah he also took photos of Wu tang having a session Rakim killin it on stage and Krs 1 shooting a video in the BDP days in Manhattan. He gave us a slide show of some of his work which was very impressive I mean seeing photos of Run DMC in Paris next to the Eiffle Tower or a photo of Andy Warhol on the streets of New York.
As if that weren't enough he also gave hilarious commentary for each photo... well almost every one. His honesty about how some of these historic photos came about were crazy like eating a bagel while taking the Eiffel tower picture of Run DMC or strong arming a jerkoff photographer (In his own words) for a photo of Public Enemy.
Ricky Powell is a legendary photographer who captured hip hop history in the making on his camera not for himself ;but for a generation that will come after him.Think about it without photos of that time period in hip hop it wouldn't be long before we forgot it completely. I suggest you true hip hop heads google him and check out some of his prints you won't be sorry. I didn't get his website but try rickypowell.com don't front look him up yo.
The second part of the night was in the hands of Dj/Producer EDAN. His skills and knowledge of hip hop is off the charts. He's unleashing his Dj skills with the collabortive project "Echo Party" with filmaker Tim Fitzgerald called "Echo Party" A visual montage of the 70's and 80's party scene from go go dancing to Break dancing provided by Fitzgerald. I enjoyed being taken back into time with Edan's musical score which really coincided the visuals of the filmaker It was clear they saw eye to eye on this project. Be on the lookout for the Echo Party on CD and DVD.
Shout to EDAN! If your up north like New Hampshire hit up his next show at Vassar College.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
DJ JUNE WOMEN ON THE WHEELS OF STEEL
I'm not gonna lie I was really impressed that an Japanese female was holdin it down for a room full of black and Latino hip hop heads. It's just goes to show you that hip hop has no boundaries if you got skills you will be respected no matter your race color or creed. I always wanted to interview her to talk about how she became a Dj. I saw her on the 6 train and I was surprised at her humble demeanor she was so cool so I interviewed her last night after her set.
Interview with Dj June
Ck: How did you get your start as a dj ?
June:I started out as a beat maker in japan I wanted to be an engineer, so I was eighteen I came to came to NYC to study at the Institute of Audio Recording. I didn't wanna be a DJ at first the thought of lugging records and crates was to much for me. I worked at a record store call Beat Street for seven years as a record buyer/Dj and I started to build my network meeting almost every Dj from clark kent to Tony and scratch find the records they need and they returned the favor by getting me a gig for a Nike event over seas. There were no turtables ( for security Lol) so I had to spin the records for them lol. I eventually started spinning with scratch at this spot called 667 and it just took off from there. So I guess you could say I got lucky
Ck: What female Dj's did you look up too growing up ?
June: I would have to say Jazzy Joyce.
Ck: Where did the name DJ June come from ?
June: It's my real name I thought about changing my name but DJ June just stuck with
my peers.
Ck: What is it Like to open up for a legend like Tony Touch
June: I look up to Tony he is one of my mentors were like family.
Ck:What type of music do you like to spin?
June:I like all genres but mostly hip hop reggae and R&B here at Sutra people hate hearing commercial radio same rotation of 10 songs no top 40 here.
Ck: I know we can find you every Tuesday at Sutra lounge spinning old skool, where else can your fans find you spinning ?
June: Well, I don't spin a whole lot in NYC but I do have two Internet radio show online right now www.scratchradio.com with DJ scratch. They can also find me @www.stickam.com/Breal of Cypress Hill. I also spin on the west coast for playboy events and I will be spinning in the virgin Islands this weekend.
Ck: last Question as a dj in the hip hop game how are you dealing with Guru's passing ?
June: It's really sad I actually knew him and hung out with him from time to time so it's hard losing a friend especially a hip hop icon like him.
Shout out to Dj June for the interview !
Tony Toca Tuesdays @ Sutra Lounge Guru Tribute
Tuesday night I went to Sutra lounge on first ave and Houston st. Since I moved from the Bean to New York it's been one of my favorite spots to listen to real hip hop and R&B. Tony toca Tuesdays is always poppin and you never know who's gonna roll thru. You might be at the bar with B-real from Cypress Hill or rubbing shoulders with Dj premier and close enough to pay homage to Pete Rock with a nod of the head. Last night was very special "The Finisher" Mista Cee came through to show love for the late Guru from Gangstarr. For those of you who don't know he passed away on Monday due to cancer related issues. We had a moment of silence with Mother Queen who has been a mentor to both Krs 1 and Guru over the years to say a prayer. Then we mourned as only true hip hop heads know how to do when a legend passes, play his music and reminisce. Mista cee killed it on the wheels of steel playing Gangstarr classic's almost coming to tears as he spun. "Don't be afraid to let somebody know you love them" says Mista Cee. It resinated with me as he told us to throw a peace sign in the air for Guru and love ones lost.
I was overwhelmed by the love and respect for the Boston native in NYC. Guru Left home to pursue his career because NY showed him love and recognized his talent. As a youngster I hated the fact that he left and didn't represent his city, but as I grew into a man I realized that you have to go where you can make your dreams come true. It's exactly the same reason I moved to NYC to pursue my acting career. Guru will always be a Roxbury Native but I know I have share him with NYC. RIP Guru !
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Fat Chops "What'cha Life Like" mixtape
Dj Nemoz "New York Crimes" LP
collaborated with emcee's from all over new york. He has spun at places at club Hiro and other smaller venues. Nemoz can spin anything from techno to hip hop reggae and neo soul,but he has taken a break from the club to work on his LP New York Crimes. This LP is a mix of Spanish and English speaking emcee's who are on the come up. with artist like Why G from Zulu nation on the song "pro act" and Ares who's graces the majority of the album with his dope lyrics on What time is it and F--K the money ft Kash EL fame and Mr truth. Others artist on the LP are Warchild, PJ and daja lahin. To hear some tracks from New York Crimes go to www.myspace.com/djnemoz or if you wanna holla to do a project go to www.facebook.com/djnemoz shout out to DJ Nemoz I got you bro !
Dj Edan & Ricky powell @ The Dame Dash Gallery 4/22/10
I got a dope event The pop up Movie festival is starting Thursday april 22nd-25th @ 7pm at the (Dame Dash Art Gallery ) 172 Duane st. NYC photographer Ricky Powell will show a slide show of his classic hip hop and street photography. Also Up and coming Dj and producer Edan will show his new film "Echo Party" where he collaborated with Director Tom Fitzgerald on the music score. Edan will then spin some of the hottest old school hip hop and R&B you never heard trust me he's the truth.
It's a 10 dollar donation at the door,but you get a fresh new T-shirt and chance to rub shoulders with some of NYC's up and coming film directors and photographers. Actors film directors photographers come out and get your network on and support your peers !
Shout out to Edan and Dame Dash for the invite !
Nine11Kevin Brain on Bud 11 mixtape album release
Monday, April 19, 2010
Dj Nomadic Soul Klore event @ coco 66
event to bring New York and Boston artist together to network and perform. It was cool to see emcee's from my hometown come out and represent.
It started with an open mic followed by three featured artist Boston Artist Letia lerok singer/rapper sensation who lyrics are very powerful and uplifting for young women with songs like "That Real" and "Misunderstood". She also showed love to big L when she spit over "who did I offend".
BK rapper K-Swift from zulu Nation kept the people engaged with his strong presence and hot lyrics.
Last but not least Beantown native Jonny Voltec who rocked with a band and two beautiful singers and an African dancer. He was a rockstar in a rapper's body using original beats over a live band with a drummer and a electronic keyboardist. Not really my thing,but I respected his style and originality. Soul klore will be happening once a month @ coco 66 next one is May 16th if you rhyme or if you just love hip hop come out and support.
open mic @ the pyramid sundays
They really started the show off right with a 15 min freestyle where they bounced off of each others last word. Spitting about anything from the pyramids to movies like the empire strike back to keanu reeves bad acting in a good movie (the matrix) lol !
Shout out to Dj Ronin the kid's grind is crazy he just finished up the scratchin the surface mixtape hosted by himself and superstar jay. He organized the Sav killz "God Like" video shot by jon jon outside the spot to promote the mixtape with two jvc mini cams. It's a pretty hot track be on the look out for that on hiphopworldstar.com. Also Dj Ronin's II Elements vol.II hosted by jadakiss from the Lox check out his work @ myspace.com/jronin.
