Where I've Been...

It's been several days since I last updated the blog. I apologize for the lapse in content. I have very good reason. Allow me to explain...

1. Work is bananas! - So there's a whole mess of drama in my workplace that I can't get into publicly but know that it has been REALLY stressful. I've just been focusing on staying on my A game and keeping clear of the nonsense. It's really drained a lot of my creative energy. Things are beginning to simmer down so I can operate with a more clear head now.

2. My wife's birthday. - I had to put some time and energy into giving my wife a joyous birthday celebration. We had a great dinner with friends and family in Harlem over the weekend and I gave her a few gifts on her actual birthday and we went to see 'The Hangover II' to close out the festivities. (That was a horrible movie, by the way.)

3. Preparing for LA. - I had to make my final promo push for votes in the 2011 Black Weblog Awards. Voting closed on the 17th. Now that that is all behind me, it's just a matter of saving money for my trip. I'm really hoping I can pull of at least a single win. It would be really cool to accomplish that and dagnabbit I deserve it. I worked pretty hard this year and I'm continually looking to learn, grow and evolve.

4. School is ending. - My son is in his last week of school. They have half days all this week and on the last day of school they get out at 9:30 am. What the hell!? Why even bother going? There's absolutely no point in going to school for 1 hour. In any case, I'm trying to spend some QT with him as he's traveling to Japan for the summer.

5. I need a new videographer. - My friend and videographer Christine got accepted into a really great Masters program in the UK. She's currently in South Africa doing to volunteer work. That leaves me without a videographer to shoot and edit video. She introduced to someone to pick up the slack but I've not had time to meet with him. I can hopefully accomplish that this weekend and then I'll be back in full swing.

So as you can see, aside from life's usual ups and downs, there was a lot bubbling at the same time the last few days and I hide to adjust my focus accordingly. I'll be digging for some fresh content for y'all to make up for lost time. Stick with me....

Hippie Sabotage Vol. 2

Click Here to Download

The duo of So Crates and Sour Beats known as Hippie Sabotage just released their second instrumental compilation. When I tell you these fellas put on for California, I mean like police helicopter spot light in Compton put on. They will capture you with their sound. I was pulled in on Vol. 1 and have been chomping at the bit for Vol. 2 and here it is finally!

If you're an MC or just a fan of instrumental music and looking for some a new sound to rock out to, these guys have just served you 21 tracks of gold. Click the link above to download and PLAY IT LOUD!

Fev vs. Royce Castro

In the spirit of friendly competition, I'm trying this series on for the blog to pit hot indie artists up against each other to see who readers think had the better take on their respective covers, remixes and instrumentals.

In this first matchup, we have rappers Fev from Harlem and Royce Castro from Lawnside, NJ delivering rhymes over the instrumental to Mickey Factz' "Paradise".  I don't know what to call the series yet so, for now it's just Fev vs. Royce Castro.  Let me know who you thought had the more interesting rendition in the comments!

VS.

Random Axe - "Black Ops"

Random Axe's debut album releases tomorrow! Better believe I will be picking up a copy for myself. Check out this new leak released just hours before the album is made available.

Random Axe has 2 shows coming up this month for NYC fans:

June 21st at Highline Ballrom with Smif N Wessun & Maino & guests. Tickets: http://tktwb.tw/jtfVhp

June 22nd at Southpaw with Black Moon & Skyzoo. Tickets: http://tktwb.tw/mTdKSC 

Woodkid - "Iron"

The power of music is incredible. I just heard something that made my bones stir. I haven't been this captivated by a new sound in a long time and THIS feeling is why I love music. This song may have just changed my life.