Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "rap"

Photos: New Year's Eve with Mickey Avalon

2012-01-03T07:10:46Z

Hollywood rapper Mickey Avalon headlined a New Year's Eve show at Ace of Spades on Saturday.

Supporting Avalon on the bill were 2ME, Richard the Rockstar, and producer Big Chocolate.

Wallpaper. at Ace of Spades

2012-01-03T02:48:13Z

A couple hundred people wanting to get an early start on 2012 partying headed down to Ace of Spades on Friday, where Oakland musician and frequent Sacramento visitor, Wallpaper., headlined an eclectic bill.

Starting the show was Chaotic Fusion, a drummer and DJ duo. DJ Oasis spun radio hits – "Teach Me How To Dougie," "Ghosts 'n' Stuff," "Last Resort" – while Radio 94.7 on-air personality Casey Lewis drummed along to the beat.

Performing next was Oakland-by-way-of-Panama Latin rap duo Los Rakas. Rhyming in Spanish over dancehall and hip-hop beats, the up and coming young pair were well-received by the slowly growing crowd.

Headliner Wallpaper. took the stage next, with the men of the group dressed to the nines in cheap tuxedos.

Wallpaper. is the solo project of Eric Frederic, who performs as Wallpaper. vocalist Ricky Reed.

Frederic received a music degree with a focus in composition from the University of California, Berkeley and now creates poppy party songs with lowest common denominator lyrics.

"That's a grown ass woman with a grown ass," is one example from the song, "Butt2Butt” (feat. Too $hort).

Although his two LP’s are called "Doodoo Face" and "#STUPiDFACEDD," the songs are well-produced and have sharp hooks. MTV uses Wallpaper. songs on shows like Jersey Shore, and sometimes this type of music resonates with everyone (see: LMFAO).

Kicking things off with the song, "Shotgun," Reed worked to establish a connection with the Sac crowd early, referencing past visits to the city.

"We're gonna take you right back to Press Club, Town House, Luigi's!"

Flanked by two drummers, a standing percussionist in the back and a female vocalist/dance partner, Reed and Wallpaper stayed hyphy the whole set and made sure the crowd did too.

At one point Reed lamented the fact that it was the day before New Year's Eve, and had the crowd do a mock countdown before performing the catchy, "Okay."

Later it was a short cover of Prince's "1999," played with a ukulele, before another sing-along ditty, "FUCKING BEST SONG EVERRR."

After Wallpaper. came back on stage for the encore, Reed let the crowd know that the band has a tradition where they finish a bottle of Jameson before coming back on.

Stupid, but fun.

Not bad for New Year's Eve eve.

Photos by Steven Chea

Say hello to 2012 at these New Year's Eve nightlife events

2011-12-29T22:06:32Z

Can you belive 2011 is practically over? New Year's Eve is this Saturday and if you're still searching for plans, we here at Sacramento365.com have gathered up some activities for you.

If you're looking for a great, family friendly New Year's Eve experience, complete with fireworks, be sure to head to Old Sac for the New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular.

But, for those of you who are looking for some adult celebrations--no kids allowed--here're a few options to greet 2012 (see even more in our Top 10 & Holiday Event Section). Sacramento nightlife is kickin'!

1. New Year's 2012 Bash with Mickey Avalon: Ace of Spades, 7pm
Hailing from Hollywood, Mickey Avalon is known to the world as one of the hottest underground American rappers and has become a fan-favorite.

2. New Year's Eve Gala: Chicago: Davis Musical Theatre Company, 8pm
Ring in the New Year with Broadway favorite: Chicago. The Tony Award winning performance of the “truth-is-stranger-than-fiction” play is opening for a special preview, accompanied by a catered buffet dinner, champagne, dessert, party favors, a live DJ, and more.

3. Townhouse New Year's Eve Party: TownHouse Lounge, 8pm-2am
On the 365th day of the year, The Townhouse presents a very special NYE party with some of your favorite DJs on both floors: Electro/House/Progressive with Mike Diamond & My Cousin Vinny & Indie/Pop/Dance with The X-GVNR (Pop Freq, Get Wet) & Jon Droll.

4. NYE at the Hyatt Regency: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 8pm-2am
Start the evening with a cocktail in the acoustic lobby lounge listening to the sounds of Quinn Hedges and Ryan Hernandez, then enjoy a gourmet four course meal in Dawson’s, followed by the big event in Sacramento’s largest nightclub with DJ Rated R and the Cheeseballs.

5. New Year's Eve 2012: The Golden Bear, 8pm
What better way to welcome 2012 then spending your evening partying it up at The Golden Bear? There is no better way! Live and direct--DJ Crook on the 1s and 2s spinning all your favorite joints and jams. Cheers with a champagne toast at Midnight, plus take advantage of New Year's Eve drink specials all throughout the night.

6. NYE 2012 Celebration: MiX Downtown, 8:30pm
Celebrate the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 inside Sacramento's favorite rooftop nightclub and lounge, which is also celebrating its third year of amazing parties and fabulous events. Complimentary champagne at Midnight, party favors, and lush decorations get you in the mood for a hands in the air night of dancing and partying with friends.

7. New Year's Eve Bash with John Nemeth: Torch Club, 9pm
John Németh is a rising blues star; a singer steeped in the tradition and reminiscent of B.B. King, Ray Charles and Junior Parker, and a harmonica player of riveting intensity and virtuosity.

8. NYE Dance Party with DJ Larry Rodriguez: Fox & Goose, 9pm
DJ Larry Rodriguez's Dance Party celebrates its 15 year anniversary on New Year's Eve with round, warm sould & funk. DJ Larry Rodriguez is bringing some of Sacramento's favorite dance party kings Mike C. and Tim Matranga to round out the night.

9. Roaring '20s NYE: Crescent Club, 9pm
Take a trip back in time to America's glorious Prohibition Era as you celebrate the New Year with gangsters, glamour, and gambling. The evening’s entertainment includes a Speakeasy Casino, Ballroom Swing Dancing, Gypsy Jazz, Blues, & Cabaret, featuring live music by the notorious Crescent Katz.

10. D30 New Year's Eve with DJ Serafin: District 30, 9pm-3am
In addition to the innovative sound of DJ Serafin, enjoy a huge balloon drop, dazzling confetti rain, complimentary champagne toast at Midnight, delectable confections at Midnight, and complimentary party favors.

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Find more detail on these events along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Ace of Spades gets "Jane Fonda" lesson

2011-06-20T04:33:02Z

Hollywood sleaze-rapper Mickey Avalon performed for a huge crowd of die-hard fans at Ace of Spades Friday night, whipping the young crowd into a lustful frenzy with his provocative sing-along raps.

Folsom rap duo Ill Effect kicked the show off with some tight rhymes and beats, sounding the best as they flowed over B.o.B's well-known hit "Airplanes," featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore.

After a 30-minute delay that had everyone wondering what exactly was going on, rapper Ty$ (Ty Dolla Sign) took the stage. Unfortunately there was nothing spectacular in his short set that made up for the long wait. Highlights included some call-and-response about which side of the crowd was louder and boasting about how one of his songs was "everywhere" (it's not).

Next up was L.A. hip-hop/pop group The Divine, who put forward the effort but didn't quite hit the mark for the Sac crowd, getting booed and inciting chants of "Mickey! Mickey!" in between songs.

"His voice was too high,” Folsom resident Andrea Wilson said of vocalist Shane Gelinas. “It sounded like Backstreet Boys behind a beat.”

With a seedy backstory straight off an “E! True Hollywood Story” episode – former male prostitute, ex-junkie and teen pot dealer – Avalon has a lot of interesting experiences to draw from for his rhymes.

He ran through several of his super catchy party raps: "So Rich, So Pretty," "Jane Fonda,” "Mr. Right" and "My Dick," accompanied on stage by his scantily clad dancer, Jillian, who turned out to be extremely flexible.

In addition to his filthy sex appeal, Avalon's strong points are his unique flow, hooky beats and sing-along lyrics: "One, two, three, four/ Get your booty on the dance floor/ Work it out, shake it, little mama/ Let me see you do the Jane Fonda."

Drugs, booze, sex – it's all there. Shirtless and sometimes chugging a bottle of wine, Avalon oozed sexuality as he slinked his way across the stage, using his salacious glances and pelvic gyrations to start a bra collection on stage.

"I like his raw style,” said Frank Cornwall, who traveled to the show from Grass Valley with some family and friends. “He's one of those guys who sings what he wants to sing and doesn't care who he pisses off. He's like a combination of Eminem and Snoop Dogg: smooth and rude."

And for all his bawdy raps, Avalon is actually a soft-spoken, friendly guy and loves his fans. After the show, he stayed until every last person could get a picture taken with him or get their breasts signed.

It's no wonder why they love him back.

Photos by Steven Chea

Sage Francis at Ace of Spades: photo essay

2011-05-08T01:07:50Z

Sage Francis played the Ace of Spades in Sacramento Friday night, headlining an all-ages show that also included Who Cares, Ricky James, and Verbal Venom. It was the Rhode Island-based political rapper's first show in Sacramento in ten years.

The show was part dance party, part consciousness-raising, and part therapy session. And judging by the crowd's reaction: all catharsis. During many songs, the crowd rapturously rapped his lyrics back to him in unison.

As connected as his audience is to him, Francis has an strong connection to his audience and frequently interacted with individual members during the show.

An update after the show on his Twitter feed stated: "Having a soldier in the crowd passionately singing along to Makeshift Patriot & Slow Down Gandhi was the highlight for me. Really love that." Those two songs, perhaps his most politically-charged, seem just as relevant in today's global political climate as they did when they were written. A sample lyric from 2001's "Makeshift Patriot" (written after the 9/11 attacks):

"I have to back pedal/
From the shower of glass and metal/
wondering how after it settles, we'll find/
who provided power to radical rebels"

Just as salient are these lyrics from "Slow Down Gandhi" from 2005's A Healthy Distrust:

"Making you think you're crazy is a billion dollar industry/
If they could sell sanity in a bottle/
They'd be charging for compressed air/
And marketing healthcare/
They demonize welfare/
Middle class eliminated/
Rich get richer til the poor get educated"

While throwing political bombshells in his lyrics, Francis also played peacemaker when he spotted an altercation near the stage and sat on the monitor at the front of the stage to try to restore peace.

The show was hard-hitting and visceral, but also interspersed with moments of levity, including Francis declaring he was tired of rapping and wanted to sing for awhile, and then proceeding to half-lip sync/ half-sing a few bars of Mr. Mister's 1980s hit "Kyrie" ("take these broken wings... and learn to fly again...") while dancing around the stage.

He describes another humorous moment on his Facebook page: "I asked all the mothers to raise their hands at the Sacramento show last night. I asked them if they had their kids with them. All of them said no. I explained how they are bad parents for depriving the youth of Uncle Sage's educational experience. It's not Mother's Day just yet!"

Francis spent a good half hour after the show signing autographs, hugging, talking, and taking pictures with fans.

The Grouch, Zion I and Blu at Tropicana, March 21

2011-03-14T08:00:34Z

The bar for underground hip-hop music has been set for 2011.

“Heroes In the Healing of a Nation” is the newest collaborative album by Zion I, comprised of producer and DJ AmpLive and MC Zumbi, and the Grouch of Living Legends. The album, which drops on March 22, is the follow-up to the first Zion I/Grouch collaboration, “Heroes In the City of Dope.”

Zion I and the Grouch will be touring to share the album from March 19 to May 1, making a stop in Sacramento at the Tropicana Club March 21 thanks to FUSE and TheMashUP.net.

The album is a working masterpiece, blending elements from all sides of the musical spectrum: Latin ,dubstep, reggae and more with the traditional but eccentric hip-hop beats AmpLive is known for. The ever-socially questioning, ever-powerful, but smooth and melodic raps of lyricists Zumbi and the Grouch make for a unique and captivating blend.

“It’s harder than the first album — more sample-oriented, and the subject matter is a little bit harder,” AmpLive said.

“It’s got elements from the first one, but definitely gone a step further,” the Grouch said.

When asked about the feedback he has received for this album, the Grouch said, “My wife and my daughter like it. That’s my main screening process.”

For the tour, rapper Blu will be joining for West Coast dates and One Be Lo on the East. The Shotgun Wedding Quintet and A.R.A.B. will also join for the Sacramento stop.

“It’s so hard to find direct support right now that’s actually going to help out the tour and not bring something negative,” the Grouch said. “But they’re both dope, positive rappers, and that’s why we chose them.”

The Tropicana offers a large stage and crowd area. Although it is an all-ages venue, there is a full bar available to those of age.

“The show is nuts, totally different stuff. — crazy machines I’m working with, visuals, horn players,” AmpLive said.

And yes, live music will be involved, something unusual for your everyday hip-hop show.

The new album will be available for purchase at the show, giving attendees the opportunity to listen before it hits stores.

All dedicated hip-hop fans and anyone interested in seeing a unique and exciting performance are encouraged to attend.

Papa Roach: Two-night stand at Ace of Spades this weekend

2011-02-25T01:01:56Z

No discussion on alternative rock circa 2000 would be complete without mention of Papa Roach and their radio-ready hit single “Last Resort,” especially if you were in high school or college during that time.

The Vacaville band (also known for singles “Scars,” “Forever” and “Lifeline”) broke out of Sacramento and went on to sell more than 10 million albums worldwide. They return this weekend for a two-night stand at the recently opened venue Ace of Spades, touring behind their seventh album, "Time for Annihilation."

More alternative rock than nu-metal now, the band can probably still be counted on to deliver a high-energy rock show filled with heavy guitars, sharp hooks and “guy liner.”

Papa Roach performs at Ace of Spades this Friday (with special guests Will Haven and Track Fighter) and Saturday (with special guests Middle Class Rut and Lonely Kings). General admission tickets are $29.95, all fees included. 7 p.m. doors and 7:30 p.m. start. All ages.

Note: Saturday's show appears to be sold out, but tickets are available for Friday.

Talib Kweli lights up Tropicana stage

2011-01-07T18:16:36Z

Nestled between a Party City and a Sports Authority on Arden Way, Tropicana Nightclub hosted one of the biggest names in underground hip hop Wednesday. Brooklyn’s Talib Kweli performed for a diverse, crowded and engaged audience.

The line to get in to Tropicana formed 15 minutes before the announced door-opening of 7:30 p.m. and maintained for over an hour as the nightclub filled out.

Stepping in the door, visitors entered a large, open space with vendor booths along the back and side walls and a large stage with two DJ booths. Also on stage was a Roseville tattoo artist named Jonas, piecing together a large, painted portrait of Kweli that reached its completion right as he took the stage.

Straight back through the front door was the entrance to the bar area, equal in size to the main floor. This separation allowed for an all-ages show and a comfortable experience for all concertgoers.

The show was hosted by former professional skateboarder, graffiti artist, DJ and MC Bukue_one, who held the audience throughout and kept things light and enjoyable, breaking out a skateboard on stage, throwing giveaways to the crowd and freestyle rapping between acts.

Two local acts, Soul Lifted and Lady Blue, opened the show as the crowd filed in. Soul Lifted, a reggae-inspired hip-hop group, put on a short-but-sweet set ending with a remix of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” that literally shook the walls. Lady Blue also put on a short but well-rehearsed and engaging performance. Both acts had members who weren’t allowed on the age-restricted side of the venue.

Cash Dreed, a hip-hop trio from the Bay Area, took the stage next. They showed a more experienced performance and fully engaged the adult audience. Drinks and lighters were held up high, the dance floor started it’s ambient sway and callbacks were finally returned from the audience.

Next was MyG and Rose, a duo currently touring with Talib Kweli. Rose took the stage and belted out a soulful and honest R&B song. MyG’s verse and the bassline came quickly after the last note of Rose’s powerful voice faded out. The audience was inspired by this blend, and the anticipation for the headliner reached its peak.

During the downtime as Kweli prepared to take the stage, local DJ Kodac Visuals hyped the crowd with an insanely technical turntable set.

With no introduction, Kweli’s voice came over the sound system, and he took the stage clad in diamond-studded, high-top Nikes, a leather jacket, sunglasses and a scarf.

Kweli chronicled his career, playing songs from the last 20 years.

Starting with solo songs from his early career, Kweli moved on to singles from duo Reflection Eternal, composed of himself and DJ Hi Tek.

Reflection Eternal’s first album, “Train of Thought,” released in 2000, and the much-anticipated second Reflection Eternal album, “Revolutions per Minute,” brought the crowd back to Brooklyn at the start of a new millennium and compared it with life and music that’s being made 11 years later.

Kweli also performed a song from the “Blackstar” album, in which Kweli is accompanied by artist, actor and activist Mos Def. Mos Def did not make the performance, but the crowd showed appreciation for a true hip-hop classic.

About halfway through the set, Kweli brought out a female singer named Res, who collaborated with Kweli to make the group Idol Worship. Res stayed on-stage until the end for a diverse and unique performance that ranged from genuine New York rapping to soul to blues and even a Beatles cover.

The audience demanded an encore and was fully satisfied with five more songs from the pair.

The show ran deep into the night, ending shortly after 1:40 a.m. Extended breaks between acts and the large number of local performers pushed the show right up to last call at the bar, and the only negative I can place on the show as a whole was how long it took to get to the headliner. Even though each act added a great deal to the evening, six hours is a lot of standing time.

The host, the openers and the headliner captivated the audience throughout, however, and all audience members seemed fully enthralled until they were asked to leave.

The show focused on facing personal issues, the importance of friends and family and a chance to escape reality for a night and let the music envelop you.

Photo credit: Eric Webb

"How the Grouch Stole Christmas" returns to Sacramento

2010-12-14T05:13:42Z

Corey Scoffern, a.k.a. The Grouch, an Oakland-native rapper and representative of the iconic rap group, Living Legends, will perform Tuesday night at Tropicana Club for this year's installment of the "How the Grouch Stole Christmas" tour.

Joining him on stage will be Brother Ali of the independent hip-hop giant, Rhymesayers Entertainment, label-mate and long-time music associate, Eligh and up-and-coming Oakland via Panama hip-hop duo, Los Rakas.

The Grouch spoke with The Sacramento Press about the tour and his recent work.

Sacramento Press: So this is the second, “How the Grouch Stole Christmas Tour,” is this something you plan on doing annually from now on?

Grouch: This is actually the fourth year of this tour, but only the second year in Sac. We've been doing it for four years now and we're going to continue to do it every year.

SP: Last year Mistah FAB headlined the tour with you, now it's Brother Ali; how do you feel about the change?

Grouch: Last year we brought FAB and Fashawn from Fresno. This year it's Brother Ali, Eligh and Los Rakas. We had a great run last year. This year I think we got a super great run.

I've known Ali for a long time and have wanted to do it, and this year we finally made it happen. Eligh has a brand new album out that he'll be performing songs from. Also, we're always bringing someone fresh and this year it's Los Rakas.

SP: Now you’re almost two weeks into the tour, how’s it going so far?

Grouch: I love the show. We've been selling out. People are really excited about the lineup and the show they've been watching. People have been saying, "Oh we came to see you; we've never seen before,” or “Oh, we came to see Brother Ali." A lot of people have been seeing either one of us for the first time and they're very excited about it and so are we.

SP: What should people expect when they come out to a Grouch show or how is it different from other hip-hop concerts?

Grouch: People should expect dope acts from the beginning of the night to the end. It's a lot of positive, uplifting hip-hop and an entertaining show as well. Real dope stage shows and presence, seasoned rap-spitters. People will get a good night of professional, independent hip-hop.

SP: Tell me about the recent tracks you released with Zion I, are there plans to release a second “Heroes in the City of Dope”?

Grouch: We got a new album tentatively coming out March 9, 2011 called "Heroes in the Healing of a Nation." We've dropped two singles already. "One" got a little buzz going and was featured in the “Step Up (3D)” movie. We're currently mixing and mastering the full album.

SP: “One” was on the soundtrack to “Step Up 3D”? How did it feel for one of your tracks to get picked up in a major motion picture?

Grouch: I honestly thought it was going to do a little bit more. I haven't seen the movie yet, but it feels good. It's a great tool to get it out there and get the music promoted. The point is to make the music so people can hear it, and anything where people can hear it is a good thing to me.

SP: Do you have plans for your next solo album?

Grouch: Definitely. I'm always working on solo projects. I don't have a title. I'm not too deep in to anything yet. I have songs I've recorded and songs that I like and plan to use. But the Zion I thing's first; me and Eligh also have some songs recorded and we'll be working together, too.

SP: Can we ever expect all of the Living Legends back on another full-length album?

Grouch: We'll see about that. It's hard to get eight guys together. There's talk of one, but I don't know about that yet.

SP: Are there any other tracks or projects that are being released soon that people should know about?

Grouch: I've been working with DJ Fresh a lot and doing the live show. Fresh is working with a lot of Bay artists. He's the one that put together the project with Yukmouth and Tech N9ne and myself. I've got my hand in a lot of different projects with a lot of different people.

SP: Who are some artists that you’d like to work with that you haven’t had a chance to yet, or are there any up-and-comers you'd like to put some light on?

Grouch: Los Rakas. They'll be opening for us tonight and were scheduled on the tour. Haven't recorded much with them, but I'd like to. Brother Ali made the beat for the Christmas song with Los Rakas and myself and that's become our official tour song. I definitely want to do more music with them.

SP: Los Rakas performed with MURS when he came to Sacramento back in October. Aren't they a Spanish-speaking group, and how does that affect making music with them?

Grouch: They're from Panama and live in Oakland. They speak some Spanish and some English in their songs. I haven't worked with them too much but I'm waiting to see them record. I like their energy onstage and their fire in their music

SP: For my last question, do you have any words on the Sacramento hip-hop scene?

Grouch: I've done a couple shows here. I always love coming to Sac. I love the vibe and the people. Last year, they were one of the cities that got the hypest for FAB and one of the cities that got hypest for me. I'm glad they can be in to the more mainstream and the independent hip-hop. I don't really like those titles but it's good to see that.

SP: You said you don't like those titles. What would you title your music as then?

Grouch: It's not that I don't like the title but they don't fully describe the artist. I don't think any words can fully describe the artist or the music they make. Good music is good music and should speak to the soul and mind and get people moving and excited and thinking. Dope tracks do that and that's it.

_______________________________________________________

Throughout the interview, The Grouch maintained a casual tone and nonchalant, yet interested attitude. This was unexpected as it is in contrast to the powerful and emotional music he is known to make.

The show will, no doubt, be as interesting and unexpected. A venue change from last year brings the concert from The Boardwalk in Orangevale to the Tropicana Club across from Arden Fair Mall. Last year's attendants will be the best judge of how the venue impacts the show and all are encouraged to attend.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tropicana Club is located at 1696 Arden Way
Tickets can be purchased for $22 online here, $22 at Dimple Records at 2433 Arden Way, or $27 at the door.

Photo by Arian Stevens.

Atmosphere, Rhymesayers Ent. come to Sacramento Sept. 28

2010-09-21T16:46:20Z

When you think of a “rap superstar,” what words come to mind? Gaudy? Violent? Subjective to women? How about humble, loving, and community-oriented? All of these words and many more could describe hip-hop duo Atmosphere, which will grace the University Union Ballroom stage at Sacramento State Sept. 28.

This unique outlook on music production and life in general has pushed Atmosphere, composed of Sean Daley (Slug) and Anthony Davis (Ant), to the forefront of the international hip-hop scene. Working together for close to two decades, the duo has produced dozens of EPs, tour albums and collaborative albums with outside artists, traveled the world and started the wildly successful independent record label Rhymesayers Ent.

The artists hail from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in Minnesota, where they were introduced by then-mutual friend, now-label-mate rapper Musab. Slug describes Minnesota as more accepting of cultural diversity than some places in America and as a place with a long history in musical success. For Slug and Ant, (both of whom are Caucasian) this was the perfect place to start a hip-hop lifestyle, and when the rap scene hit the area in the early '80s, both were eager to join.

Slug admitted that rapping was not his first love, let alone career choice. As a teen he tried his hand first in break dancing, then graffiti art, then turntable DJ and music production before he even thought of handling a microphone. But even when he started writing rhymes, making songs and hosting small-venue hip-hop shows, his music was only intended for the ears of the neighborhood kids. Even today, Slug revels in the fact that his music is being heard and his concerts being attended by people in Europe, Japan and all across America.

Since the days of playful music production in their youth, it has been their shared work ethic that has held Slug and Ant together as a duo throughout the years.

Slug said this has helped them grow and go through the phases every artist experiences without holding steadfast to any given identity. In his words, a rapper sticks to his style with any producer he works with, and vice versa, to try and maintain their consistency. Working with one person has allowed them both to grow together and try new things, but every new thing is still a product of “Atmosphere” as a whole.

This becomes obvious when you hear the feisty, almost angry tones of earlier albums “Overcast” and “Lucy Ford” compared with middle-stage albums such as “God Loves Ugly” and “You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having,” where drinking and life on the road began to take their toll.

Atmosphere’s newest albums, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint that Sh*t Gold” and “To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy” (the album on which their current tour is based), contain an air of adult responsibility and a reminiscent look back at what brought them to where they are today.

The idea for the “To All My Friends Tour” came about through a book project started by photographer Dan Monick documenting seven years touring with Atmosphere and Rhymesayers Ent.

Atmosphere decided to release an album with this name focused on the fun and friendship of life on the road followed by an album released later in the year titled “Blood Makes the Blade Holy” that discusses the pitfalls of homesickness, poorly received performances and traveling with people that they just didn’t get along with.

Monick’s book release, however, was pushed back to late October, so instead of keeping the original plan, which may have increased record sales, Atmosphere put both albums together with a list of tour dates to share the experience with the fans that would later be exposed in the book.

The tour features fellow Rhymesayers artists Blueprint, Budo & Grieves and DJ Rare Groove. Blueprint and Rare Groove have been longstanding members of the label and shared Slug and Ant’s feelings on tour life to make a perfect addition.

Budo & Grieves are a newer act, and Slug promised an amazing performance, saying that once people get a chance to see them, they will be remembered as a staple of the Rhymesayers lineup.

The group is very much looking forward to its Sacramento performance and has only the best things to say about previous shows here. Slug described Sacramento as “having the heart and energy of California without the plastic and fakeness, which is, to a performer, the best of both worlds.”

This article began asking about opinions of what rap or hip-hop is supposed to mean. But Atmosphere is one group that truly shows that what it’s supposed to mean and what it actually is are two completely different things. Hip-hop can provide an escape from reality or a reminder of what reality is to some people. It can show you a new way of thinking or simply remind you to have fun. The “To All My Friends” tour will contain a small part of each of these and is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Show begins: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 28 at The University Union at Sacramento State, 6000 J St.

Tickets available at http://www.rhymesayers.com/atmosphere/.

Photo Credit: Molly Mady (Left to right: Ant, Erick Anderson (keyboard), Nate Collins (guitar), Slug)

Dirt Nasty Should Clean Up His Performance

2010-09-11T00:21:54Z

When I read that the Boardwalk was bringing Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy to Sacramento, I was really excited. I was turned on to Dirt's music by a friend toward the end of last summer, and this was to be my first Dirt Nasty show.

Attending live shows has always been a way for me, the listener, to connect with the artist on a more personal level. Dirt Nasty's music is upbeat and party-oriented. His lyrics are a bit on the crude side and are intended to shock the crowd.

Anytime I have been in a party situation with friends and a Dirt Nasty song came on, the energy in the room intensifies. Dirt has a certain pentameter and delivery in his music that invokes those around to sing along, word for word. That’s why I became a Dirt Nasty fan – it's party music.

I arrived a little early to the show to get a feel for the crowd. I wasn't aware of Dirt and Andre's fan base, so showing up early and watching people arrive was a good way to feel out who else was a fan of the shock emcees. Well, that answer was a simple one: Women.

Turns out that Dirt has a charm that the ladies love. It’s a bit ironic, given his lyrical content.

Also, I noticed that more than half of the fans were under 21. Again, it’s kind of ironic, given his lyrical content.

If you have ever heard a Dirt Nasty song, then you understand what I mean. His topics range from sex and drugs to partying and, well, that is about the extent of it.

While sitting in front of the venue waiting for the show to start, as show times had been incorrectly listed, I noticed that more than a few people shared my frustration. Finally, the doors opened just before 9 p.m. (the Boardwalk’s website had said 6:30 p.m.), and a steady stream of people began to flow in.

I've always liked the Boardwalk as a venue. It's one part dive bar, two parts concert venue. I find it's smaller size to be quaint and induce some what of a house party feel into the crowd. You feel more connected to those around you. I have always felt that when you bottle the amount of energy put out at any rock or hip hop show inside a smaller venue, you end up with an explosive vibe that no larger venue can replicate.

First on the stage was Beardo, a Southern California-based emcee with a very unique style.

At first, I was bit unsure how to physically describe him, but during one of his songs, he nailed it for me – Screech! He looks like Screech from “Saved by the Bell” with some sort of a pseudo afro/mullet and a bushy, ’80s rocker mustache.

Looks aside, he is a semi-talented individual who makes party music. I hate to describe it in such bland terms, but I can not figure out any other adjectives to sum up his music.

Lyrically, his music was weak, and nothing particularly stood out in my mind. Between songs, he just kept repeating himself. "Who wants to fucking party?!" Seriously, that is all he said.

Beardo has the stage presence of a rock band, which, if you are a rock band, is great. As a band, your music speaks for you. However, Beardo is not a band. He is an emcee, and that means he is required to bring more of a stage presence to the table. He doesn't have the energy of a five-piece band to bring the crowd into a frenzy.

His music was almost too unbearable to listen to, and the only song he performed that was worth a damn was his cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right.” I lost interest after that and made a trip to the bar to clear my head.

Andre Legacy was apparently sick, so he didn't make it to the show. That was sad, because the dynamic that Legacy brings to Dirt's music is a huge part of why I like the music. I've seen Legacy perform with Mickey Avalon, and he has a stage presence that I feel Dirt Nasty needed.

In true rapper form, Dirt Nasty took the stage with an entourage that was five deep. No hype man, just five guys standing on stage, bringing nothing to the table. I can't figure out why.

I will say this: Dirt Nasty has a way with the ladies. The women swarmed from every corner of the venue to get as close to Dirt as possible. He opened his set with two tracks off his debut album (“Dirt Nasty”), which everyone in the crowd, seemed to know, word for word.

Dirt then performed Boom Box, a track from his newest album (“Nasty As I Wanna Be”). Boom Box has an ’80s hip hop/break beat feel with a bass-heavy Bay Area influence. It’s a great track to work up the crowd and get the energy flowing.

I noticed that it seemed as if nothing on stage was planned. Dirt's DJ, Killer Cam, appeared to lead the set, and Dirt just followed. If I didn't know better, I'd say Dirt was so out of it that he wasn't even aware of where he was at the moment. He kept looking back at Cam and asking what song they should play next.

Stage presence-wise, Dirt fell short. He looked dazed and just not into it. His songs were upbeat and made people want to get up and dance, but his demeanor in between just ruined the vibe. I expected more out of Dirt Nasty, especially with a new album in circulation. I know that indie rap music has seen darker days, I just hope that Dirt Nasty finds the light, and soon. He gets paid to do what he loves, so he should show a bit more enthusiasm about it.

Dirt Nasty's music was good and what I expected, but his stage presence was sub-par at best, and I think fans who pay to see a musician perform deserve much more than the lackluster performance that they received.

Photo Credit: Steven Chea

Sacramento Hip Hop is Cooley Mac'n

2010-08-09T17:44:52Z

Local hip hop artists Carey Johnson, RV Watson and Jonathon Bauman came together to make the newest movement in Sacramento rap.

Cooley Mac’n, as they have come to be known, is starting its pursuit of the rap music industry, playing local venues, recording and producing mix tapes and spreading the buzz about its scene.

Johnson, “Cooley Boy Fresh” and Watson “Mainy Manny” put melodic, soft-spoken yet hard-hitting lyrics over Bauman’s smooth and crisp instrumentals. Surprisingly catchy, the songs off Cooley Mac’n’s first mix tape, “From Scratch, Vol. 1,” are guaranteed to be stuck in your head after your first listen.

After gaining popularity, the single “I’m Cooley Mac’n” from the “From Scratch” mix tape had many wondering, “What does Cooley Mac’n really mean?”

Bauman said he feels “Cooley Mac'n is more then just a name – It's a lifestyle. It's pretty much just being young and active but at the same time chilled and relaxed.”

“It means just relaxing, chasing money, getting active, in no particular order.” Johnson added, “but Cooley Mac’n is more than that – it’s a lifestyle. It is about living life and enjoying it at your own pace. Because to me that’s the key to it all.”

As both artists said is a symbol of how the group came to be and what kind of music the musicians want to produce.

Watson and Johnson have been friends since high school. Johnson and his group of friends were known as the “Cooley Boys.” Watson’s group was simply called, “Mac’s.”

This blend of smooth-talking, fashionable popularity was the desire of many students and something the two were known for.

They have played shows at Club Silk, Pinky's and The Boardwalk and continue to book shows and produce new music. Their newest mix tape, “Different,” was recently finished, and plans for a third are already in the works.

“If I had the chance, I’d take this as a career. I love making music and everything around it.” Watson said.

The trio are currently considering a record label, but enjoy the freedom independent music production has to offer.

Find more information on live appearances and record purchasing here:

http://www.myspace.com/cooleymac39n
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001397252653&ref=ts

Tyga @ The Colonial Theatre

2010-06-26T04:47:27Z

The young rapper known as Tyga performed to a large crowd at The Colonial Theater (3520 Stockton Blvd) Thursday night, June 24th.

The twenty-year-old is signed to Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment, where his label mates include Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. He released his debut album No Introduction in 2008, and has an upcoming album entitled Careless World, featuring collaborations with artists including Chris Brown.

Fans in line wait to get into The Colonial Theatre before the show.

Local rappers warm up the crowd before the show.

More local rappers warm up the crowd before the show.

Tyga comes out to an screaming crowd around 11pm.

Tyga

Tyga pulls an excited fan from the front row and brings her on stage to dance.

Fans in the pit take photos and record video of Tyga with their cell phones.

Tyga interacts with the ladies in the pit while security stands by.

Tyga says goodnight to the audience.

Dance Company brings Broadway to Oak Park

2010-06-03T09:27:43Z

The 34th Street Dance company put on another high energy performance last Saturday at the Guild Theater. The theme was Fiat Lux, which is Latin for "let there be light. The show wrapped up with a tribute of dance routines to the late Michael Jackson, along with a heart felt and tearful ceremony to the seniors graduating from the company.

“Our mission is to use dance as a tool to build community and develop each dancer as a creative thinker, dance technician, and a leader” said Sheila Coleman, the founder and director of the company. The company trains in modern, hip-hop, and contemporary movement forms and for seven years, has shared its passion for dance with audiences all over California. The Sacramento-high based company is proudly led by Coleman , assistant director, Janay Hood, and dance coach and 34th SDC alumna, Rachel Hylton.

To view the photo gallery of the performance Click Here (photos by Ray Johnson/Npaphoto.com)

For more information on the 34th Street Dance Company, please visit Sheila Coleman's Facebook page

By Ray Johnson/Npaphoto.com

Chuck D to speak at Sacramento State

2010-02-03T07:43:03Z

Chuck D is a rebel without a pause. The co-founder of seminal hip-hop group Public Enemy is a rapper, author and activist. He refers to himself as a "raptivist," and "an ambassador for hip-hop."

Thursday night, D will give a free speech at Sacramento State, where he'll be talking about rap, race, technology and communication. The event will also be a celebration of Black History Month.

D likes to talk. Given that he writes a blog, tours the world on speaking gigs, and owns the SLAMjams music label, which recently threw together an iTunes album for Haiti, he is surprisingly available. He called me for an unscheduled interview, just a few minutes after I e-mailed him.

"You can't go through life afraid to speak your mind," he said. "That is what you have your mind for. You're not a robot. Companies make robots. You have the capacity to think beyond that."

Public Enemy holds itself to the same mantra. Including its debut, "Yo, Bum Rush The Show" in 1987, Public Enemy has released 10 ten albums, each one a complete reinvention for the group. It even released albums online before MP3s were popular.

Most importantly, Public Enemy defied listeners to remain open to different types of music and people. Their collaboration and tour with thrash metal group Anthrax is still groundbreaking. On top of that, Public Enemy was one of the first hip-hop acts to use songs like "Fight the Power," "Bring the Noise" and "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos," as political statements.

"I think that people want to be (politically) active, but the business, the music industry, has not encouraged artists to go far out of the box," he said. "It's kind of like a controlled state."

But the future has hope. D wants artists to reach inside themselves and form their own opinions, he said.

"I think the thing that inspires me is young minds, especially on the collegiate level," he said. "It's important to understand that a lot of young minds are not corrupted by the things that have plagued society — they're like an open book."

Relative fame and fortune aside, the nearly 50-year-old D is still humble. He still has love for his longtime friend and Public Enemy co-founder Flavor Flav.

"He's the same Flavor Flav as he was on day one," D said. "It's no different than Bruce Springsteen and Little Stephen. (We're) still in the same band."

When the earthquake struck Haiti last month, he threw together a Haiti benefit album in five days by asking artists on his label to contribute songs. D reasoned that any dollar he can donate will be a dollar more than what the Haitians have now.

Chuck D, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., CSUS University Union Ballroom, all ages, free.

Photograph credit Walter Leaphart

New Recording Studio!

2009-08-23T05:33:15Z

This past July a new recording studio popped up on Sacramento's radar. Sanctuary Recording Studios was founded by DJ Reason & Mr. Blap to provide musicians of all types with a very exclusive and private recording studio experience.

Loaded with talent and all the gear to feed it these guys are in a prime position to take Sacramento by storm.

When you walk in you insantly walk up some stairs to the Penthouse Suites of an office building/business park just outside of Downtown Sacramento. As you reach the second floor you are faced with 1700 square feet of creative space. At the far end of the hall you'll find their isolation booth...a comfortable 130 square feet and comes with an "in-booth" headphone pre-amp so that artists can adjust their own volume while recording. The Control Room is an astounding 550 square feet complete with 2 couches, a refrigerator, a microwave, and gear. The gear includes everything from a Roland Phatom to Mac Book Pro with Logic Studio. They've got rack mount midi synthesisers, an MPC 2000, Pro Tools LE, Technique turntables....you name it! These guys have what you need to get the job done.

Not to mention their prices are reasonable. $45 an hour with an Engineer and they even sell discount blocks of time for those who are certain that they want to create music here. This is definately a space where I will be making my music...and not just because I own it...

- Peter Cole
[aka: DJ Reason]

A. B. Quintanilla and Kumbia All-Starz to perform in Sacramento this weekend

2009-07-24T00:27:10Z

It's a good year, so far, for Abraham Quintanilla III, known to many as "A.B." Quintanilla. This 45-year-old entertainer was heavily embroiled in a nasty court battle that dragged on for years until finally winning back the Kumbia Kings this year. This victory came after the loss of a long-time friendship with Cruz Martinez, much negative media buzz, and a hefty legal price tag. At last, he can put it all behind him and concentrate on his current band, Kumbia All‑Starz.

Many know Quintanilla first as the brother of legendary Queen of Tex-Mex, Selena Quintanilla, who was murdered in 1995. After her untimely death, Quintanilla took a four-year hiatus from his career.

When he emerged in 1999, with newly formed band Kumbia Kings, it was clear that he was going to push the bar to a new level. Kumbia Kings erupted into the scene with a trademark style of fusing cumbia with rap. It was a hit. Was it any surprise? It was Quintanilla who was writing, co-writing and producing the music of Selena, an artist whose life story gave J.Lo her big break in the world of acting. (Jennifer Lopez portrayed her in the biographic movie Selena.) It was Quintanilla who had dedicated his life's work to creating hit songs.

When Quintanilla left Kumbia Kings in 2007 due to rumors of money mishandling and disagreements with bandmate Cruz Martinez, his fans were in shock. Martinez, who had been Quintanilla's righthand man since the group's inception, retained rights to the group name. This scandal caused great tension for Quintanilla and was the start of the legal battles to recover the Kumbia Kings. Those who followed Quintanilla's career were certain this was the beginning of something new. Others feared Quintanilla would walk away from it all. He didn't.

That same year, Quintanilla re-emerged as leader of his newly formed group, Kumbia All-Starz. Chris Perez, husband of the late Selena, joined the band. His fan base quickly followed suit. All these years, Quintanilla has consistently given his fans what they wanted to hear – a hit song. And although Quintanilla has recently won back the Kumbia Kings name, he's already proven that he doesn't need it.

What made the hit songs then is the same ingredient that makes the hit songs now: A.B. Quintanilla.

Kumbia All-Starz continues the theme of fusing cumbia and rap and then some. Quintanilla knows there is no limit to pushing that bar and shows us this when he performs alongside his group. With well-known hits like "Chiquilla" and their latest hit "Por Ti Baby" (featuring Flex), its no wonder that Quintanilla will be riding proudly into Sacramento.

Kumbia All-Starz will be performing this Sunday, July 26, in concert at the Empire Events Center, 1417 R St., Sacramento. It is the band's first appearance in Sacramento. Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $40. Normal dress code requirements are not enforced on concert nights, so come dressed comfortably and prepare to dance, dance, dance. The energy and sound that radiates when this group of ten are in a room will lift you to your feet before you can say "cu-cu[uuu]."

Photos courtesy of Quintanilla's MySpace page.

Grind Hard ENT. – Showing the world Sacramento is serious about Music

2008-12-12T00:59:40Z

As most of us know, Sacramento is a City that continues to expand and display its talents through many avenues. Whether it may be through local artwork, musical artists, or the film industry, many Sacramentoian’s, are continuing to bring the spot light to the Capital City. With this topic in mind, I wanted to share a recent story from a local music production company from our very own City of Sacramento.

Grind Hard Entertainment (G.H.E.) is a company that was created by Jose “Flowmatic” Jimenez, after the disconnected feeling he experienced while being a part of a music company that did not allow him to voice his ideas and took control of his desired projects. This is commonly seen in the music industry.

He also felt that those who were responsible for producing, and providing the creative talent of post production where not given the proper recognition. This unfortunate reality helped motivate the beginning of Grind Hard Entertainment which has been independently owned and operated since its establishment in 2004.

G.H.E. and its production team has completed, and contributed work with several local and nationwide hip-hop artists, such as: The Game, Jim Jones, Brotha Lynch Hung, Keak Da Sneak, The Federation, Skee 64, T-Nutty, Krytykal, and Doey Rock just to name a few.

This exposure has created a buzz in the Hip-Hop world of music coming out of Sacramento, and has brought an interest in their production team, specifically to one of their Master Producers who just recently turned 18, but has been composing music for the last five years. He is known in the industry as Armando “Complex” Jimenez, who has been highly instrumental in the company’s success.

The talents of Grind Hard ENT. caught the attention of Deon Taylor Enterprises, which is a local film production company out of Sacramento that has been featured in the Sacramento Film Festival, and currently has numerous projects that are in the works.

This lead Grind Hard Entertainment in composing the score for Deon Taylor Enterprises, film: Nite Tales, which aired nationwide on the B.E.T. network hosted by Flavor Flav on Halloween Night. They are in the process of composing additional scoring work for projects that have yet to be released.

Flowmatic CEO of Grind Hard ENT. stated “Our main goal is to continue to advance Sacramento in the Music and Entertainment business and expose the talents that come from the Sacramento area through Films, and Music Albums”.

The experience that I had with Grind Hard Entertainment was very professional and the company was really focused on showcasing Sacramento as a prominent place for local art and talents. You can learn more about the company or if you have questions about the work that they do simply visit their website at www.grindhardent.com

As we continue to expand as a City it is important to welcome local companies or individuals who are exposing Sacramento through the talents that they bring, showing the world that Sacramento is serious about Music and Entertainment.