The Audacity of Dope

Lost in all the (well deserved) mania about Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ recent success is the fact that Allen Stone has taken the world by storm as well.  The Northwest native has been touring and performing non-stop for months, much of which is documented in his new video for “Sleep.”  This is the number one reason I could never do tour life.  I am NOT about that sleepless life.

Apologies for the delay, but here’s our backstage interview with Kendrick Lamar from KUBE 93’s Summer Jam a few weeks ago. Kendrick spoke on balancing his journey to stardom with his focus on the music, his Top Dawg Entertainment family behind the scenes, tour life, “The Recipe” and finding the right single, and his upcoming album. When “Cut You Off” came up in discussion, I had to ask him about his motivations behind that one too since it’s one of my favorite records of the last 5 years or so. All around, a very cool dude and I know we’re all rooting for him to breakthrough and have mainstream success when the next album drops.

Ah yes, the list that generated enough tweets in the Seattle hip-hop community to trend the other day has reached its conclusion with the release of the #1 video above.  For those unaware, D-Money of Juice Radio put together this project inspired by the MTV “Hottest MC” debate where he asked several media figures in the Seattle/Tacoma area to submit lists of their top 15 “freshest MC’s.”  The panel was comprised of myself, Casey Carter, Sara from Fresh N Def, Sermon from Sermon’s Domain, DJ SupaSam, DJ Swervewon, Josh Rizeberg, and DJ Iceman.  A final slot was reserved for fan votes collected on Juice Radio’s website and you can view the entire list and the accompanying videos here.

We were told to construct the list using specific criteria focusing on solo MC’s (not groups or singers) and their accomplishments within the past year.  The various categories we were instructed to key on ranged from sales/downloads to radio play, from concert draws to media recognition, and every variable you can think of in between.  In the end, even with the criteria, the idea was to make picks based on who we felt were the overall “freshest” in the NW, which is obviously subjective to each individual.  Not surprisingly, we had fairly different lists, and also not surprisingly, it was revealed during the course of our discussion that some of the panel did not follow the criteria or fully understand it.  What’s a hip-hop list without some controversy from the very start (and the inability to do the most basic tasks correctly)?

The format allowed for the panel to bump up artists if we were convinced during our discussion that they had been voted to an incorrect slot.  Personally, I would have preferred the panel to simply fill out their lists accurately from the jump and then we could stick with where someone was voted.  If you’re deemed knowledgeable enough to be on the panel, you should be able to construct a good list and defend your picks without getting swayed during the discussion to vote someone up or down.  That said, when Macklemore was revealed as #3 on the list, I was happy we’d have a chance to vote him to his correct position at #1 because it’s clear that with the criteria we were told to use, nobody has excelled more than him in the past year.  It’s not even debatable in my opinion.

I was disappointed that the list didn’t unanimously have him at #1 to begin with, but I can’t speak for the selections of any other panel member.  All I know is that only 6 of the 15 artists I selected made the final list (though they only revealed the top 10, so I suppose 5 were never going to make it).  Of those, I think the most startling omissions were Geologic (aka Prometheus Brown) and Ish (aka Palaceer Lazaro of Shabazz Palaces).  To conclude a “Freshest In The NW” list without two of our most successful and influential artists, who continue to release great music to widespread critical and consumer acclaim, seems like a travesty.

Regardless, it seems the list accomplished what it set out to do, which was to generate conversation about all the talent we have in the Northwest.  Were there things I would do differently if this were my project?  Absolutely, starting with the fact that I would never do it to begin with.  However, this is Juice Radio’s creation and I enjoyed giving my two cents in the discussion.

That said, I’m troubled by the reactions of many people, mainly because they seem to be attacking the idea that this is some sort of definitive list.  Of course it’s NOT a definitive list!  I thought that would have been common sense, but yet again, for the 24823948239423424th time in my life, I’ve overestimated the intelligence and comprehension levels of the general public (though if I continue to do that, it’s really more my fault than theirs).  Individual lists are fine, but it’s the idea that combining a group of lists, from anyone, somehow transforms these individual opinions to fact that is completely absurd.  I assumed everyone would understand that, but I was wrong.

I hope you enjoyed the debate and the videos, but I’d advise you do yourself a favor and don’t take it too seriously.  Then again, that’s also just my opinion…

I’ll readily admit that I’ve been sleeping on Allen’s music (unaware, even), which is especially embarrassing because he’s from the NW. In any event, I’m asleep no longer! Check out this live performance of “Unaware” to hear his incredible voice and see his mom’s living room decor.

After coming through the Sound Session studios for the web chat with fans that I posted a few days ago, J. Cole took to the main stage at the Bumbershoot Festival to perform alongside Drake and Mary J. Blige.  J. Moore and I hosted the show, so I grabbed some footage from the stage as Cole battled the rain and performed songs like “Blow Up,” “Who Dat,” “Lights Please,” “Grown Simba,” “A Star Is Born,” and more.

I’ll be posting up the interview we did soon as well, but enjoy the live show for now.  You gotta love the girls in the front row going crazy for Cole and also how hard the crowd rocked when “Grown Simba” dropped (at 8:27).  “Bitch, I’m about to blow up!”

The homegirl DJ Heat has been putting in work in DC for a minute, and she just released the third volume of her Mumbo Sauce mixtape series.  For those unaware, mumbo sauce is what they put on fried chicken out there in the other Washington.  While I can’t say I’ve tried it, I have sampled Heat’s mixes before and I recommend y’all check this one out for some of the dopest talent in the DMV area.  It features appearances by people like Wale, RAtheMC, Raheem DeVaughn, Thad Reid, XO, and more. Peep the tracklisting and download link after the jump!

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Wow. I can’t believe we’re here: less than 24 hours from Election Day.  After all the hard work everyone has put in over the past year (and more for some of y’all), it’s finally time to go to the polls and vote for change.  By voting for Barack Obama tomorrow, we’re telling the world that America is ready to turn the corner on the last 8 years and move into the future with the right policies, strategies, beliefs, and behavior.  It’s time to regain our position at the head of the table and make the world a better place.  We’ll lead by example from here on out.

Throughout the election cycle, hip-hop has played an important and influential role, one that future generations will look back upon and recognize much more than we do right now.  Yes, at times, our culture does more harm than good, but overall, hip-hop continues to be the voice of young people around the world.  It drives popular culture and was synergistically tied into Barack’s entire campaign, providing an ever changing soundtrack throughout the primary and general elections.

On last night’s Sound Session, we ran an entire prObama show and played nothing but songs written for and inspired by Barack.  Big shout to all the artists who used their platform to speak on such important issues and apologies to those who we didn’t get to play on the show due to time constraints.  It may seem corny, but everyone who has made Obama songs over the past 2 years has really played a part in this campaign.  Somewhere, somebody was moved by the art you created…and that’s what it’s all about.

Another huuuuuge shout to Michelle Gregoire, daughter of Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, for coming through and co-hosting the show.  She broke down exactly why Barack and Michelle Obama have endorsed Gov. Gregoire’s bid for reelection, and why we all need to vote for Gregoire when casting our ballots for Obama.  This may be a “change” election nationally, but here in Washington, Gov. Gregoire has done a great job and deserves another 4 years…especially with like-minded people coming into power in Congress, the Senate, and the White House.  With everyone pushing progressive policies, we’ll see a lot of great things happen in the next 8 years, both nationally and at home here in Washington.

Lastly, many thanks to the founder of Hidden Beach Recordings, Steve McKeever, for calling in to talk about the Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement album they released in conjunction with the Obama campaign.  Be sure to check out the full interview through one of the links below.

Download this episode of SNSS and spread it around to anyone who’s fired up about this historic time.  If you’re waiting in line tomorrow at the polls, bump this in your mp3 player and remember what you’re doing this all for.  Change is coming and it starts with us.  GO VOTE TOMORROW!

Show #179 (11-2-08)
**Co-Hosted by Michelle Gregoire**

1. Big Boi ft. Mary J. Blige – “Sumthin’ Gotta Give”
2. DJ Green Lantern – “Stand Up (Interlude)”
3. Dres (of Black Sheep) – “The Choice Is Yours (Taster’s Choice Remix)”
4. 6th Sense – “Ignite The People (Like Obama)”
5. Daytona – “Can I Kick It”
6. Jay Smooth – “A Poem For The Young Voter”
7. John Mayer ft. Twista & Joe Budden – “Waiting On The World To Change (DJ Green Lantern Remix)”
8. M.anifest – “Age Of Obama”
9. Kidz In The Hall ft. Talib Kweli & Bun B – “Work To Do (Change Remix)”
10. Cocoa Tea – “Barack Obama”
11. DJ Green Lantern ft. Gabe Real & Jay-Z – “What We Need”
12. Wyclef Jean – “Obama For President”
13. Nas ft. Johnny Polygon – “Black President”
14. Joell Ortiz ft. Dante Hawkins – “Letter To Obama”
15. H-Town All-Stars (Bun B, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Cory Mo, & Trae) – “Obama ‘08”
16. **INTERVIEW WITH STEVE MCKEEVER (CEO OF HIDDEN BEACH)**
17. Malik Yusef ft. Kanye West & Adam Levine (of Maroon 5) – “Promised Land”
18. DJ Green Lantern ft. Jay-Z – “Lick A Shot”
19. Ludacris – “Get Buck Freestyle (Politics (Obama Is Here))”
20. DJ Noodles – “Division & Fear (Interlude)”
21. RAtheMC – “Ready Or Not”
22. DJ Green Lantern – “Find Ur Dreams (Interlude)”
23. Alpha – “Obama ’08 (Do The Knowledge)”
24. DJ Green Lantern ft. Wale, Rhymefest, Christina K, & Royce The 5’9” – “Black President (Remix, Pt. 2)”
25. DJ Green Lantern – “1 Mic, 1 People (Interlude)”
26. Rock City – “Paper Planes Freestyle (Ride For Obama)”
27. Nappy Roots – “Good Day (The Barack Obama Yes We Can Remix)”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?di3x3z2oynz
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/513827915293195f/ )

Link to download the full interview with Steve McKeever – http://www.mediafire.com/?zryzqgfj2nu
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/50825349e7680eb2/ )

If you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

If you weren’t able to make it to Tacoma last Sunday to hear Joe speak, here are a few short highlights.  It may sound trite, but he’s right.  Every vote really does count, especially here in Washington where Governor Gregoire needs your support.

If you have your absentee ballot, vote now.  If you have some free time in the next 10 days, volunteer to help out right here.  And that’s not just empty rhetoric, I’ve been volunteering since the start of summer.  Get out there and help bring us across the finish line.

New unofficial video for Tip’s “Gettin’ Up” single swiped from OKP.  Speaking of Q-Tip and Rock The Bells, despite a bit of a scare, it’s now confirmed: A Tribe Called Quest WILL be performing at RTB in Washington! Whew, that was a close one.  September 6th at the Gorge, be there!