it starts life chaotic, a flare
scrawled furiously on a napkin
translated in a language
of scribbled beats that few can speak
from that point on, the words
struggle to take shape and form
a smudged blot of ink here
pounded into a kick, the next a snare
connect the dots
take it slow
the rhythm within them starts to show
a crash, a hat, staccato flow
before
you know
you have
control
rein in the noise
the scratch work patchwork of melodies
and basses and keys
and riffs and hooks and samples
and strings and fills and breaks and builds
and loops and choirs and drums and horns
the snatches of songs
penned desperately on
notebooks, sheets, receipts and wrappers
reign in the noise
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Show Rap Up: Navi w/ Mighty Heard, Mello-D and the Rados, Bomani Armah
Happy November, kids! Lots of new updates in the life, but I'mma limit this entry to a show rap up of the show on the 30th at the Red and Black in NE DC.
I've known Lee - the drummer from the Mighty Heard - for a while now, and when he invited me to open up the Live Funk and Hip Hop show on Hallow's Eve, I jumped at the opportunity. I mean, shit, I'd have to work Halloween (Cypress Hill at the club) and partying with the Heard and the extremely talented Bomani Armah and Mello-D and the Rados the night before sounded amazing. And it was.
A lot of up and coming musicians fear playing to an empty/unresponsive room. It's understandable. I've seen a lot of bands freak out about this and it is a very scary idea - being up on stage (in some cases, alone) and trying to warm up a crowd that a) doesn't care and b) isn't there. I've seen other bands sweat bullets over these things and as a result it doesn't bother me. Before I went on, there were maybe ten patrons at the Red and Black (thanks to all my people for showing up and supporting me!). I hopped on stage and once those lights blinded my eyes, it didn't matter if there were ten or one hundred people. Being on stage is something I love. My music is something I love. The crowd is just along for the ride.
My set went extremely well. Managed to prevent myself from getting fucking drunk before going on stage (always a plus) and killed every song - in my inflated opinion. The crowd built up by the time I was finished, and I feel like they enjoyed my last songs (Snakecharmers -> This Room is a powerhouse combination). Got back on stage during Heard's set for an encore cypher of Hasta Manana (download the audio here). Looking forward to rocking with all of the other musicians again!
We (Sleeper Cell Productions) have a show coming up at the Velvet Lounge on Nov 10th. It's going to be live as hell, featuring Reemstarr, myself, Flex Mathews, as well as DJ As 1 spinning a routine, freestyle cyphers and an all around good time. Make it out if you can, otherwise I'll see you soon!
I've known Lee - the drummer from the Mighty Heard - for a while now, and when he invited me to open up the Live Funk and Hip Hop show on Hallow's Eve, I jumped at the opportunity. I mean, shit, I'd have to work Halloween (Cypress Hill at the club) and partying with the Heard and the extremely talented Bomani Armah and Mello-D and the Rados the night before sounded amazing. And it was.
A lot of up and coming musicians fear playing to an empty/unresponsive room. It's understandable. I've seen a lot of bands freak out about this and it is a very scary idea - being up on stage (in some cases, alone) and trying to warm up a crowd that a) doesn't care and b) isn't there. I've seen other bands sweat bullets over these things and as a result it doesn't bother me. Before I went on, there were maybe ten patrons at the Red and Black (thanks to all my people for showing up and supporting me!). I hopped on stage and once those lights blinded my eyes, it didn't matter if there were ten or one hundred people. Being on stage is something I love. My music is something I love. The crowd is just along for the ride.
My set went extremely well. Managed to prevent myself from getting fucking drunk before going on stage (always a plus) and killed every song - in my inflated opinion. The crowd built up by the time I was finished, and I feel like they enjoyed my last songs (Snakecharmers -> This Room is a powerhouse combination). Got back on stage during Heard's set for an encore cypher of Hasta Manana (download the audio here). Looking forward to rocking with all of the other musicians again!
We (Sleeper Cell Productions) have a show coming up at the Velvet Lounge on Nov 10th. It's going to be live as hell, featuring Reemstarr, myself, Flex Mathews, as well as DJ As 1 spinning a routine, freestyle cyphers and an all around good time. Make it out if you can, otherwise I'll see you soon!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Shows in All Area Codes!
Show Updates!
10/16 @ AXUM - 9 in the PM
10/30 @ Red and Black - 9 in the PM
11/10 (?) @ Velvet Lounge - in the works
Everything is starting to come together as far as doing the live music, but I'm still dragging my feet on the album. I dunno if it's the change of scenery (temporarily moved back in with my grandma after three years of partying hearty in College Park), the shitty weather, the binges of lethargy I have after days of working at the club nonstop, or just a creative hole that I'm in, but it's all adding up. Fuck it, though. This album is going to sound great when it's done.
See you tonight at AXUM!
10/16 @ AXUM - 9 in the PM
10/30 @ Red and Black - 9 in the PM
11/10 (?) @ Velvet Lounge - in the works
Everything is starting to come together as far as doing the live music, but I'm still dragging my feet on the album. I dunno if it's the change of scenery (temporarily moved back in with my grandma after three years of partying hearty in College Park), the shitty weather, the binges of lethargy I have after days of working at the club nonstop, or just a creative hole that I'm in, but it's all adding up. Fuck it, though. This album is going to sound great when it's done.
See you tonight at AXUM!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Showcase Vol. 32
THE SHOWCASE VOL. 32
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!
GO TO WWW.COAST2COASTSUBMISSIONS.COM
TO GET YOUR SONG ON THE NEXT COAST 2 COAST MIXTAPE!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Hip Hop Professionalism
Working at a major DC venue, I have the privilege of interacting with artists from all over the musical spectrum: aging rock stars, big name pop sensations, eccentric DJs, a constant slew of up and coming 'sounds like' bands who might get famous, and of course, rappers. Despite my dedication to the hip hop genre as an artist and a fan, working with rappers is a constant, aggravating test of patience and temper. At my club, there is an unwritten code of standards regarding rap shows: no one will be on time, no one will respect the staff, no one will follow the rules the staff tries to enforce, etc. Although I have worked with a few notable exceptions (Q-Tip, the Beastie Boys, ?uestlove, Atmosphere) time and time again, I encounter this extreme lack of professionalism and it always messes with my love for the music. Producing and working a rap show is a big. fucking. pain. in. the. ass.
Most recently, I had the pleasure of working the DMV South fiasco on Saturday night. This show, to me, was the culmination of all the worst aspects of planning, promotion, and performance at rap shows. First off, the show line up was billed as: Bun-B, Wale (feat. UCB), Tabi Bonney, and many others. By the day of the show, Wale and Tabi, both DC artists, had dropped off the bill. Bun was still confirmed to play. Throughout the day, the many other rappers and their many other crews kept showing up but there was no real sense of order and no one person in charge to keep our house crew informed and organized. Only a sheet of poorly typed information I got from someone who might have been important with set times for over ten different rappers and DJs and the prophetic words: 'this will be a tight schedule'. Of course.
Show time comes around and no one is on time. The crowd is smaller than some hip hop posses I've seen crowd up the stage (Wu Tang, I'm looking at you) The promoter has shown up at this point, but there's still no rhyme or reason to the night. The first act goes on around 11 pm, an hour after the tight schedule predicted. Rapper after rapper, each comes out for two to three songs, and leaves. No mention is made of Bun B. Throughout the night, staff are ridiculed in the usual rap show fashion: shouted at, questioned for no reason, intimidated, etc. Same shit, different day.
The debacle drags on and the crowd thins out a bit more. People are antsy to see any of the acts they paid 35$ to see. Around midnight, the big box truck with the flat screen on the outside parks by the club, advertising the night's show. Bun B's face is plastered across the front. Come 2:30 am and thats the most Bun B the crowd is going to see. People start to get angry. I've seen a similar scenario play out at the Kool Keith/Project X shitshow last year, and I already know where this is headed. Fans, drunk, confused and angry shouting for refunds. Same shit, different day. As my co-worker Chris put it, people paid for an overhyped over priced open mic. They got abused and swindled.
Which brings me to the subject of hip hop professionalism (or complete fucking lack thereof). Working with most major rock/pop/insert genre here groups, I get to see the various levels of experience and professionalism that bands and their crew display. The oldhead musicians usually run a tight ship, working off years of touring and shows. There are bands who come through in vans with gear stuffed and cluttered in the back and a vague semblance of whats going on, but even they're not too much of a pain to deal with. At least they can change their own strings. With these rap shows however, the professionalism is like a cheap handjob in a porta john - there's no love and it smells like shit. DJs that don't know how to setup and work turntables (or CD-Js, or anything that's not point and cue Serato), tour managers that don't manage their acts, groups that don't know how to do a soundcheck or even really care how they sound, the list goes on and on. Apparently, what it boils down to is rappers just don't give a fuck about their fans, the shows, the venue...nothing beyond making money and smoking weed in the greenroom. Apparently.
If artists want to keep talking about 'hip hop isn't dead' and 'we make music for the fans' then they should take a lesson from the older rock stars and get their shit together. Music sales are in the suck and concert tickets are still money makers. Fans will be influenced by your shitty attitudes on stage. I saw Mos Def show up three hours late to a sold out double show. The next time he came back around, he barely sold a quarter of the tickets he had the last time. Point being, the fans don't have all that extra money to throw around any more. If you don't treat them well, they won't show you any love. And then you won't be able to get the expensive VSOP and food platters in your dressing room anymore.
Grow up and treat this shit professionally or no one will take your music seriously.
Most recently, I had the pleasure of working the DMV South fiasco on Saturday night. This show, to me, was the culmination of all the worst aspects of planning, promotion, and performance at rap shows. First off, the show line up was billed as: Bun-B, Wale (feat. UCB), Tabi Bonney, and many others. By the day of the show, Wale and Tabi, both DC artists, had dropped off the bill. Bun was still confirmed to play. Throughout the day, the many other rappers and their many other crews kept showing up but there was no real sense of order and no one person in charge to keep our house crew informed and organized. Only a sheet of poorly typed information I got from someone who might have been important with set times for over ten different rappers and DJs and the prophetic words: 'this will be a tight schedule'. Of course.
Show time comes around and no one is on time. The crowd is smaller than some hip hop posses I've seen crowd up the stage (Wu Tang, I'm looking at you) The promoter has shown up at this point, but there's still no rhyme or reason to the night. The first act goes on around 11 pm, an hour after the tight schedule predicted. Rapper after rapper, each comes out for two to three songs, and leaves. No mention is made of Bun B. Throughout the night, staff are ridiculed in the usual rap show fashion: shouted at, questioned for no reason, intimidated, etc. Same shit, different day.
The debacle drags on and the crowd thins out a bit more. People are antsy to see any of the acts they paid 35$ to see. Around midnight, the big box truck with the flat screen on the outside parks by the club, advertising the night's show. Bun B's face is plastered across the front. Come 2:30 am and thats the most Bun B the crowd is going to see. People start to get angry. I've seen a similar scenario play out at the Kool Keith/Project X shitshow last year, and I already know where this is headed. Fans, drunk, confused and angry shouting for refunds. Same shit, different day. As my co-worker Chris put it, people paid for an overhyped over priced open mic. They got abused and swindled.
Which brings me to the subject of hip hop professionalism (or complete fucking lack thereof). Working with most major rock/pop/insert genre here groups, I get to see the various levels of experience and professionalism that bands and their crew display. The oldhead musicians usually run a tight ship, working off years of touring and shows. There are bands who come through in vans with gear stuffed and cluttered in the back and a vague semblance of whats going on, but even they're not too much of a pain to deal with. At least they can change their own strings. With these rap shows however, the professionalism is like a cheap handjob in a porta john - there's no love and it smells like shit. DJs that don't know how to setup and work turntables (or CD-Js, or anything that's not point and cue Serato), tour managers that don't manage their acts, groups that don't know how to do a soundcheck or even really care how they sound, the list goes on and on. Apparently, what it boils down to is rappers just don't give a fuck about their fans, the shows, the venue...nothing beyond making money and smoking weed in the greenroom. Apparently.
If artists want to keep talking about 'hip hop isn't dead' and 'we make music for the fans' then they should take a lesson from the older rock stars and get their shit together. Music sales are in the suck and concert tickets are still money makers. Fans will be influenced by your shitty attitudes on stage. I saw Mos Def show up three hours late to a sold out double show. The next time he came back around, he barely sold a quarter of the tickets he had the last time. Point being, the fans don't have all that extra money to throw around any more. If you don't treat them well, they won't show you any love. And then you won't be able to get the expensive VSOP and food platters in your dressing room anymore.
Grow up and treat this shit professionally or no one will take your music seriously.
Monday, September 14, 2009
First post, RoboNation wrapup, and the state of things to come!
First post on the new Swami Sessions blog!
If you're just tuning in, my name is Navi and I am a hip hop musician/artist living just outside of Washington, DC. When I'm not slaving in the studio, I work at one of the most prominent club/music venues in the DC area. If you're looking to download some of my older material, feel free to check out my website and download what you can (click on the keyboard).
So first order of business on the agenda, Robonation! Despite Murphy's Law in full effect (no bass rig, iPod shuffling up the setlist, set time mis-communication) everything went pretty well. My half hour set stretched out a bit longer than myself or the event planners predicted, but when you're caught up in a freestyle session with live instruments, time slips by a bit too fast...Had to skip two songs on my setlist to make up for that. That much said, I had a fucking blast and I can't wait to do it again! As soon as I get some pictures or video, I'll post them up!
Next order of business, the album. Grayscale, originally slated to be released free online on September 1st, has been delayed due to (lack of) studio time and my own hectic work schedule. I have five songs left to record for the album, though, and I'm hoping to have it out by the end of this month. I'll keep my fingers crossed. However, the Grayscale Trailer mixtape is still available on my website, so you should go download it.
Although the album has been delayed, I've still had time to record some tracks on my own bootleg recording setup . On top of Asher Roth's I Love College beat, I do my own little story take on college. This'll probably be the first installment in a series of short story songs. You can download it here. Hit me up and let me know what you think!
That much said, check this blog for site updates, news, info, and (most likely) stories and bitching from work...until then!
If you're just tuning in, my name is Navi and I am a hip hop musician/artist living just outside of Washington, DC. When I'm not slaving in the studio, I work at one of the most prominent club/music venues in the DC area. If you're looking to download some of my older material, feel free to check out my website and download what you can (click on the keyboard).
So first order of business on the agenda, Robonation! Despite Murphy's Law in full effect (no bass rig, iPod shuffling up the setlist, set time mis-communication) everything went pretty well. My half hour set stretched out a bit longer than myself or the event planners predicted, but when you're caught up in a freestyle session with live instruments, time slips by a bit too fast...Had to skip two songs on my setlist to make up for that. That much said, I had a fucking blast and I can't wait to do it again! As soon as I get some pictures or video, I'll post them up!
Next order of business, the album. Grayscale, originally slated to be released free online on September 1st, has been delayed due to (lack of) studio time and my own hectic work schedule. I have five songs left to record for the album, though, and I'm hoping to have it out by the end of this month. I'll keep my fingers crossed. However, the Grayscale Trailer mixtape is still available on my website, so you should go download it.
Although the album has been delayed, I've still had time to record some tracks on my own bootleg recording setup . On top of Asher Roth's I Love College beat, I do my own little story take on college. This'll probably be the first installment in a series of short story songs. You can download it here. Hit me up and let me know what you think!
That much said, check this blog for site updates, news, info, and (most likely) stories and bitching from work...until then!
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