Pack FM - "Want What's Mine" (BTSTU Remix) Music Video

"Say PackFM!" Now say it again. Repetition is the key to memorization.

Far and away one of my favorite underground artists, PackFM has grown so much as an artist over the last 8 years. He's always been vicious as a lyricist but often struggled with finding the right sound to carry his name beyond the world circle of "backpackers." Pack's talent is much bigger than that. To see him perform live is to really understand and feel what he is capable of. 

With "IFHR" Pack took his work to new heights. Finally, he had a project as dope musically as it was lyrically. Fans were reinvigorated and critics were wowed. Continuing with that new energy and understanding we got this music video for "Want What's Mine" on the web today.

*Cue Pack's stage dive*

You know what to do....

Click Here To Download

2011 QN5 Megashow Mega Giveaway!

RoxFontaine.com is going to hook one of you up with some sick QN5 swag! Whether you're a long standing Baby Blue Schooler or just discovering the audible goodness of QN5 music, you are in the for the show of a lifetime. The entire QN5 roster is coming out to perform and YOU can be there courtesy of QN5 and RoxFontaine.com!

The Megashow is called such for a reason and this year the megashow should be called the Ultramegashow. Fans new and old will be treated to a near complete history of QN5 music. That's 11 years of music specially selected and put together for your enjoyment at one of NYC's finest venues. I'm most definitely going to be there and I wanted to bring some more Hip-Hop fans into the fold.

Here's what you'll win:


1. 2 Tickets to the QN5 Megashow

2. Mr. SOS - "HILTSWALTB" CD 

3. Kokayi - "Robots & Dinosaurs" CD 

4. Pack FM - "I F*CKING HATE RAPPERS" CD


and....


5. A QN5 T-Shirt in your size

Here's HOW to win:


- Leave a message in the comments. 

That's it!

Apparently twitter follows are worth more than gold, so in the interest of getting this out to the most people possible I've simplified the rules.

The winner will be selected at random and notified on Monday August 15th, 2011.


(Failure to adhere to these SIMPLE contest rules will result in a disqualification. Should you be disqualified for any reason, another winner will be randomly selected. You are responsible for your own travel to and from the venue.)

Fat Beats

Fat Beats has been a Hip-Hop staple in New York city over the last 16 years.  Unfortunately, the digital age has forced the record shop to close it's final storefront's doors for good.  Fat Beats as a company is still in business thankfully and those who still need their vinyl fix can find them at FatBeats.com.

The last week of face to face business was highlighted by in-store performances from some of the stores long standing friends.  I went out for Friday's performances/appearances by by Brown Bag All-Stars, Tonedeff, PackFM, J Live, Masta Ace and others.

The small store was very crowded and hot beyond belief but fans stuck it out for the love of Hip-Hop and what Fat Beats has meant to the Hip-Hop community.  It was cool seeing all of the regular patrons, fans and people just drawn in by the crowd vibing to the music and energy.

Today marked the final performances and there were some major names scheduled to show up, including DJ Premier and Just Blaze.  I opted out of going downtown again to catch them.  I never frequented Fat Beats but I've been to the store several times and it was always a very unique and classic energy in the building.  I hate to see stores like this close.  These types of establishments embody the heart and soul of our culture. 

Check out a few pics of the performances...

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Brooklyn Bodega really does a great job with this event.  It's a huge undertaking and while I'm sure there are hitches all over, it all comes together for fans of Hip-Hop.  You can't ask for much more than that.  You really get a great value for your money.

I took off from my home around 1 pm and traffic slowed me down considerably.  I didn't get there until 2:20 pm.  It should have only taken me 30-40 minutes tops.  Then I got there and couldn't find parking.  I was frustrated for a short while, but once I got into the park the positive energy made everything OK.  There were plenty of vendors and sponsors, lots of food and drinks and tons of good music.

I didn't stick around to catch headliners De La Soul perform, but I did get a chance to shoot them before they went on.  I'm sure they killed it as usual.  I slightly regret missing their performance though.

Trugoy aka Dave

Maseo (l.) and DJ Evil Dee (r.)

Posdnuos

Smif n Wessun (aka Cocoa Brovas) also came through to represent Boot Camp.  Black Moon was also in the building.  I even saw Rockness.  It was good to see them out but I was only looking for Sean Price who did not show.  Sue me. 

Tek

Steele

I wish Babu had a solo.  When I started learning to scratch back in 2002, I was big on the Invisibl Skratch Piklz.  Especially Q-Bert and Mix Master Mike.  I knew I would never practice enough to get to such an advanced level, but I loved watching and listening to masters.  Then I discovered Babu.  He almost instantly became my favorite.  His style is so effortless and funky.

DJ Babu feat. Rakaa with the screw face

I missed Kalae All Day's set due to the afore mentioned traffic.  I did catch up with her at the show though.  She was stuntin' hard in her self designed Utta K.A.O.S. shades.  Also ran into YC the Cynic giving love and support to Kalae.

Kalae All Day

YC the Cynic

Fashawn came out representing Cali as well as that "Golden Era" Hip-Hop.  Definitely check out that 'Boy Meets World' album.  He really held it down on stage.  It's a shame that everyone had such a short amount of time to perform. 

Fashawn

At some point during the day, I took a short break to go get a drink and I ran into Grind Time battle rapper Soul Khan.  It was weird seeing him outside of his "I can beat any battle rapper...any time...any where." mode.  He's a real laid back guy and he even smiled for his picture.  I still wouldn't challenge him to a rap battle.  Hell, most people who do shouldn't.

Soul Khan

I had a really good time.  I cut out a little early to go cover another event but I got to see and talk to some great people.  The homie Pack FM was there for a guest spot with Those Chosen.  Mr. Mecca berated me for not smiling enough.  I caught Hip-Hop pioneer Marley Marl walking around with his son/upcoming producer M. Will the Shogun.  Craig G was hanging out backstage.  Curren$y and Trademark were in the house.  It was just overflowing with talent.  A great mix of old and new schools.  The crowd was into the whole experience and the brief rain couldn't change their mood.  I'm definitely looking forward to next years Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

PackFM 'I F*cking Hate Rappers' Album Release Party

It was back to Brooklyn last night for PackFM's album release party.  Public Assembly was the venue and wack rappers were on the menu.  Pack and his special guests and label mates tore the house down!

If you have not heard this album, you are doing yourself a horrible disservice.  Hit up the IFHR site to listen to and download the lead single "Nasty" for free.  Buy the album and support independent Hip-Hop!  HipHopDX rates the album 4/5 stars.  Above Ground Magazine gave the album a near perfect rating, $19.00 out of $20.00, and called it "clearly one of the best albums of 2010."

Don't let the album's title fool you into thinking this is a bitter pity party.  This album is about preserving the art form and respecting the craft.   You will truly enjoy Pack's music if you give this incredible album a chance. 

Here are more photos from the party.  Of course, you can hop over to my Flickr page to view the full set.

PackFM & Mala Reignz

Substantial 

 Ruste Juxx

PackFM and Tonedeff

Mr. Mecca

Session

Mala Reignz

Be sure to check out the QN5 website for more info on the artists and music.  Check out and follow PackFM here:

Twitter

Facebook

Myspace

Canibus at Southpaw Brooklyn

The underground was on fire last night!  I almost didn't make it to this show as I was tired as hell and didn't feel like driving 30-40 minutes to Brooklyn.  I forced myself to get up and out on my grind and I'm most glad that I did.  This show was on point.

Here are a couple of shots that I snapped throughout the night.  Enjoy.  Lite commentary after key moments.

YC the Cynic

I had a chance to speak with YC briefly.  We're going to link up for an interview in the very near future.  Stay tuned...

 St. Joe Louis

PackFM and MCMI backstage.

PackFM giving it his all during the Dominion set.

 

 
 

  

Stomp!

 

  

  

  

  

Canibus 

Check for Canibus' new album Melatonin Magik in stores TODAY!

Pack FM - "Happy Days" Video

My man Pack goes in on all of the happy-go-lucky  platinum douchebaggery plaguing our culture today.  Catch the interview on HipHopDX and the video below.