Hoodzpah - That's Me (Promo Video)

[PROMO VIDEO IS POSTED AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE]

So then it began... Two south-coast Cali natives took to the streets of Boston to shoot a music video. 1 day available, basic 2 man crew. One with a baller camera, simple lavaliere audios, and a sense of direction. The other with an exclusive Ferrari-drivers pack full of fresh threads, and a boombox. Why would two people who have never officially produced music come to shoot a promo music video?? My best guess is the 24-pack of East-coast ale the night before when it had randomly occurred to us. Like typical drunken fools, we thought: "why not." But this duo goes way back through the terrain of time with familiarity. So much of our pent up potential toward a strikingly tantamount passion for music... always seeming to take an unknown direction. But direction, no doubt. Just a relatively conscious pair of headstrong hip-hop heads with nothing but the most pure feeling for the music and culture. Yet we never managed to materialize any original productions simply because of distance decay and that often-bitchy, black swan named, Fate. The newly purchased camera helped invigorate our video ideation, since "pretty fucking dope" for it is an understatement. That night prior, it made man look like a Valkyrie in rooftop shots.

So the next day we decided to make a promo grime tune. Yes, now it gets more random. It was an intoxicating stupid idea of course, since no one knows what grime really is in the U.S. And don't try and tell me you do, cause I barely know what it is and I know it better than you. No hype-- just reality (excluding UK). Shit, grime barely knows itself on its own terms. It's champions of the sound will concede it as the most ambiguous genre in the current moments of electronic music. That's also what makes it so fresh, exciting and open to new ideas whilst adapting and utilizing characteristics across the musical spectrum. Now it's even being influenced beyond its original stapled characteristic of UKG, dancehall, DnB, and hip-hop. Whatever next level trend develops, grime will have played a role, knowingly or not. I think that unseen legacy will have a bigger impact than its current receptions; similar to that of short-lived 2-step and speed garage had imprinted on the culture, which was so subtle, yet massive.



Now then... is what I do grime?? I have no clue. I would say yes, but if Logan Sama would say no, I would be inclined to take his word for it. The Kiss.100 DJ is after all a foremost figure in the scene. His own words do make me wonder what his actual take on my style would be: "As long as artists retain the attitude, vernacular, style, and slang they learned picking up the mic on pirate radio spitting to grime, they are still grime to me." I believe I execute those characteristics well on my end. I lived on the same block as the CB-1's well-established emcee, Simbad Fresh. Front-man of Cambridge's Restoration Camp, aka Merciless, Sim was a strong mentor. Man just dropped another versatile mixtape, "Smooth Operator," which you got to check out. Dwelling in the UK urban environment gave me an experience, and eventual knowledge, that just listening to and reading about abroad can never achieve. It's a culture thang. Attending events such as East-Anglia's infamous "WARNING!" as well as regular night-by night-travels to LDN on the weekends, which also increased my aptitude of the culture.

During over a year long stay through 2008, it was a post-pirate radio era in the UK. I would never pick up a microphone until the winter preceding 2010; on minimal back-up with SMOG's emcee, Kemst, at Santa Babylon's "Autumn Dubsfest", officially. But I studied the methodologies. I mean, I had wrote hip-hop for a couple years, (just like 1/4 the rest of the world). But let's rewind back to the UK-- vocal-bias aside, dubstep actually introduced me to grime. The first tune that truly broke my initial resistance to 2-step bass' foreign nature, was Plastician and Skepta's now classic FWD>> anthem, "Intensive Snare." I recall blasting Steppa's Delight compilayion with with my 38-year-old mate traversing the streets of London in an inconspicuously, conspicuous white moving-van. Memorably epitomized by a chest pound followed with a shout of, "BASS!", in inter-class cultural harmony. Authenticity.



Afterward, I would attempt to transcend those characteristics into a stateside style,without hijacking any "accents", or elements that should definitely remain in the British realm. Note to people: using British slang, or the linguistic vernacular of speaking/rapping in a UK origin, does not indicate an "accent" simply because you're used to hearing such words and speech in the original English tongue. As Kemst put it straight to me, "they're just words." Indeed... And as emcees they are our tools. Tré Mission, representing Toronto, is gaining recognition on both sides of the Atlantic for his North American grime. As far as I can tell, he is one of the few to realize grimes accessibility and adaptability outside of the UK and has built intelligently upon it. Keep a look out for him, and check out his free "Don't Think" promo release out now. I won't get too into the idea of grime being strictly British, or even as some claim, 'exclusive to London'.

Grime is going on 8 years now. In this exponentially accelerating information age, any original exclusivity is immediately globalized. (All aside, grime is an interesting study of localization). But for those naysayers of grime outside of its roots, I'd ask you to compare it to hip-hop's worldwide outreach. If you aren't American, it ain't hip-hop then, right?? Absolutely not.

After going back to Cali, I started writing strictly-hype party bars for dubstep parties, still devoting 90% of my listening time to grime and trying to translate it to dubstep. I love it, and it still commands a massive amount of my listen pleasure. On the other end, I don't listen to the amount of dubstep I should, considering my Santa Babylon clique throws the biggest pure bass parties in the 805. Bar none. But dubstep is not grime. And my foray into my "stateside grime"; state-grime or grime-state --whatever I choose to call it-- was never really imprinted upon me by dubstep's rise.

Flash-back, after hitting up a Zion I show in Santa Barbara, I got a minute to talk to AmpLive, a massively talented and recognized West-coast producer. Having just got back stateside to Cali in early 2009, I wanted to know his take on grime and if he thought it could explode out here. He brushed it aside almost laughably, saying that grime already hit here, further citing the likes of Dizzee's arrival and quick departures. Then when I asked him what he thought of dubstep, his attitude and feelings on the subject immediately changed. He was currently finishing up his dubstep album "Electro Wonderland Vol. 2" (which I believe has been renamed and released since under a different title). In my opinion, with all respect due, what Amp failed to recognize is that dubstep's continued rise can enable a massive amount of support for its ailing-sister sound. A re-ignition if you will, for grime's potential in the U.S and globally. Stateside bass emcees such as Los Angeles' highly rated Kemst, getting on dubstep are steady gaining artistic exposure outside of hip-hop. Across the Atlantic, P-money has used dubstep to quickly rise to the top ranks in the LDN scene. Aside from dubstep, grime icon Skepta just did a track with fucking P-Diddy. Sorry Amp, but I'm inclined to disagree... don't count grime out yet. Again, Tré Mission demonstrates a prime example of this theoretical process.



In addition to this thought, America loves the artist-centric aspect of hip-hop that it almost bleeds out of our modern youth. This is something dubstep purposefully lacks, and for good reason. Too much noise can filter out the pure sub-low sensation of a Funktion-1 system that the current bass-oriented starchild is strictly known and produced for. Grime is an usually identical-tempo 2-step version of that vocal, artist-centric American admiration. It can feed the needs of a US subculture that has been seriously tarnished after such a commercial, ignorant, and simply unimaginative period for so many years.

Don't get me wrong, I still am hip-hop. And there will always be those hidden gems in the depths of a city, and the corners of the globe. Big up Australia right now. Rhyme Sayers still on it as well. Unfortunately, I've become a bit too disconnected to the current US underground scene, that I shouldn't comment about it. Though I don't see any big changes, just look at "Rock the Bells." But that's not a problem, simply a well-earned legacy. Some people are understandably comfortable living in "golden eras." Others decide to progressively push the boundaries forward. Case and point: Theophilus London.

So grime became my ting. I didn't choose it, it chose me. My efforts could go far easier experimenting with other sounds, but "that's me" I suppose. For the promo video, I used a tune from my top rated producer in the scene: Maniac. A true-to-youth producing savant. Borrowed off his instrumental album from 2009, It's a pure, incontestable grime riddim. I really wish I could inevitably show it to the man... his exit out the game was critical for such a close-knit community and will truly be missed. Big up for being the best producer in your trade and BLESS.

So we used his track with my bars as the promo video. The video ended up out of sync, from the vocals, probably cause we were too drunk by the time editing came around. Basically an introduction to Hoodzpah, the Santa Babylon resident dubstep emcee, finally unveiled from behind the curtain of chest pummeling bass at live dance events only. So Rebel-Elite hit the streets of Boston with only one day before heading off to rave out in NYC for 4th of July weekend. Banged it out quick, then let the chips fall where they may. We had no fucking clue what we were doing, but we also wouldn't have it any other way. Most importantly, we made it a party. I haven't had that much fun with a homie on train tracks since the vodka-induced days of my youth. Shooting music videos is actually really dope. So please enjoy the creation as much as I enjoyed creating it. If not, well... that's me. P.E.A.C.E.

**PS: Here's some Soundcloud links to other grime tunes I've made:
www.soundcloud.com/hoodzpah


Hoodzpah "That's Me" Promo from Jack Cearnal on Vimeo.
All video filmed and edited - Jack Cearnal
All instrumental production - Maniac
All audio mixdown and equalization - Jack Cearnal
All vocals recorded/overdubbed - Wabble & Hoodzpah

Booking Info:
Contact - Hoodzpah
805.252.4108
rob4goods@gmail.com
www.rebelelite.com
www.hoodzinacorner.com

Video Production Info:
Contact - Jack Cearnal
805.895.4391
jackcearnal@gmail.com
www.vimeo.com/jackcearnal

Santa Babylon 8.20.10

Rounding out the summer in raw fashion, the Santa Babylon clique is back on tricks. There's just two weeks until Black Rock City, when the physically temporary, yet soul-everlasting, metropolis is erected once again in the Nevada desert... Burning Man. So one last party for all the SB locals before the Burn was deemed necessary. Friday, August 20th @ Statemynt club, Santa Babylon presents Burning Man "Pre-Compression". With an all-city line-up of DJ's, this event will hopefully relieve the exciting angst all my Playa people are feeling as the closing countdown to the Burn comes nigh. Though I finally have the fiscal freedom to attend, Hoodzpah will not be hitting the Playa because of formal education responsibilities. Although, something dwelling within is telling me The Burn would educate a twenty-something kid exponentially more so than college ever could. Nevertheless, I feel a certain level of contentment creating a Pre-Compression event for the 805 burner massive. Since joining the Babylon crew, I've gained experience through observation and interaction on throwing parties. With this in thought, the dons of our bass team, Step Correct and ERS-One, allowed your boy Hoodzpah to take reigns and front-man this particular one-off. (Once again, bless you twos for that). Rest assured to the Babylon regulars, everything has been locked down and the usual bass-bombed chaos is sure to ensue on State Street once again. The guidance of the Step and ERS along with assistance from our lovely galdem is going to make this one poppin' party. So get that bass face engaged and ready to rage, Babylon "Pre-Compression" is gonna rock your fucking headtop. Bar none.

Three local crews collaborating with the Santa Babylon clique for this one. Underground Souls, coming off a wild, glammed-up summer, including an ridiculous July 4th event, will be represented with DJ Level. Taking you back with an all-vinyl Trip-hop and Acid Jazz, this will be a set of a certain rarity from one of SB's baddest DJs on the block. An EOS regular and underground legend, Level will have some wicked material to drop on your dome, in a form atypical to his usual club sets.


(DJ level always brings the party. All vinyl, all night, always).

Making his State club debut, Diamonds & Guns will represent the nascent burner crew The Family. True to the name they are a tight-knit group with arms wide open to those of a similar nature. Get at them at the party regarding where they will be camping at BRC. Familiar with his style, D&G will have some banger dubstep club riddims that will lay you out and keep the night progressing into madness. Talent unheard by a lot of SB locs, I guarantee the showcase with Santa Babylon by this Mexican selectah will surprise many. Be prepared for sonic assault.


(Diamonds & Guns on some beats, basslines and sunshine).

Headlining the night until the place shuts us down will be CityMavrick. Then proceeded in tandem by 9FeetOfSmoke, aka DrVktr, both soundbwoys representing D.F.H.Y. (DudeFuckingHellYeah!). D.F.H.Y. theme camp has gained a reputation on the Playa for their wicked party dome, supplying a musical range of Black Metal to Dubstep. They're camp will be located at 9:00 and Detroit and consists of Burners from all over the map. They are not too miss at this year's Metropolis on the Playa; it's a Black Rock City designated landmark insane asylum. True to fashion, CityMavrick will be dropping bombers at prime-time for "Pre-Compression". Followed up by his D.F.H.Y. blunt brother and Santa Babylon selectah 9FT to steady melt your face. Raw flesh off the skull making the dance floor slick in the darkness... tread lightly, but step hard.


(CityMavrick rocking w/ MC Kemst at S.M.O.G, LA).

Our Babylon Babes will be in full effect. This time we are taking it up a notch with six of Santa Barbara's sexiest dancers: Aya, Catalyst, Eeve, Coyote, Daisy and the illuminating Firefly. These go-go's love bass wobbles as much as us! We will have platforms set up in back area for them to demo their graceful hooping skills. Yet another attraction to inundate you throughout the night. They're hoop and poi aesthetics will also alleviate the traffic congestion on the limited Statemynt dance floor, which has gotten a bit hectic as the Santa Babylon reputation rises.


(Catalyst of Pyro Nation and straight outta Babylon).

In addition, for the first time we will be providing vendors as well. Our dancing girls, AyaPapaya and CoyotePheonix will be teaming up together to provide all the burners and fashonistas with wicked jewelry, headwear and other prime accessories to look fly on the Playa. Check out and even pre-order some of their gear on the tagged links. Nikki representing Save Rose Clothing will also provide some of her tees to sport. So don't for get that cash rules.


(Coyote's dance and design skills will be pulsating "Pre-Com").

This is sure to be an amazing night and proper send-off to all the SB burners. Chest pummeling beats will melt your face so hard, its gonna feel like Playa dust grinding your eyeballs. Don't forget to sport your desert gear! Moar Lasers. Moar Bass. MOAR LIFE. 805 represent!! Black Rock City or BUST. P.E.A.C.E.

)'(

Kulture - Steppin' Outta [Santa] Babylon

Love, Actually?

(Yup, that's me, still on that baggy, saggy jeans tip, haha. London, 2008).

Love at first sight? Ha. Certainly not. Recently I'm feeling like the idea of true love between people is just an expressive conduit we just label as truth because it fits so well. Perhaps those vividly brilliant moments of happiness, so often haphazardly swept upon us, are a reflection of the environment and personal reception with those we shared them with at the time. As for myself, such a particular experience came from an unknown city in a foreign culture. But this phenomenon may manifest at any occurrence of a shared, elated experience. A place that blossoms a sentiment of love toward one, or even multiple individuals. I would never usually believe in love at first sight. Standard. But c'est le vie... and it's one big trip. Those who have garnered a flash of instant attraction, which was then built upon into an ensuring relationship, and eventual eternity may seem so. After all, such an extended scenario undoubtedly seems meant to be. But I'm no high, late-night cynic blogger. I have experienced love at first sight... I think.

An instant, though no less strange attraction occurred absolutely. I was never to know if I loved her. Regardless of my inconsistent feelings that will continue to shift from yesterday into tomorrow, I know there was definitely love involved. If you haven't noticed already, my personal expression of love in the present has shifted with each word scrawled in this post. I should probably stick to music where I can relay those sentiments much better. No worries, there is plenty soul-striking music in this one 'ere.

Now back to my original concept about love initiated, or even just developing, "at first sight". My ambiguous idea (as if I can think straight on this) suggests those heart-felt moments of love are more so based on the connection of 'loving life' (happiness), and allowing that to transcend into a connection with those people you're surrounded by and sharing such energy. That's quite obvious on itself. But that undeniability reels out of control when the idea of a soul-mate style love between two individuals is put in the spotlight. Could cupid really aim efficiently on a crowded, smoke-and-laser filled dance floor, in a dark labyrinth after downing a couple pints of pilsner? Really??

So then the hasty memory proceeds. Dancing to some dirty bass after being surprisingly swept off a back-alley concrete curb by what seemed like a sleek vampire in true fashion who likes to watch things burn. Super sexy in her dancing threads; black pants, on black skate shoes, on a black top. So simple. Her true physical elegance was yet to be witnessed... like goddess status-- no joke. With barely words spoken we kissed. There was no emotion at all. But my drawl toward her remained. "Who the fuck is this?", kept leaping through my head. After that night, her image would be a primary thing revolving in my mind for weeks. However, I was giving little concern to the environment I was in. A U.S. kid in a foreign country connecting in a wordless world of the illest-electronic beats on the planet, and sharing this moment with another foreign stranger carrying the attitude of a Russian bad girl in her graceful 2-step. A multiculturalist named Rozé, who was actually quite sweet when tastefully sampling life's nectar on her own terms. She owned her element and anyone that tried to step into it. Being used to plastic Cali girls in my native upbringing, this one was everything I never got to see and single-handedly changed my perception on my type of woman. Her other hand was holding a cocktail.

Without getting easily carried away with my recollection, I can't help but feel it actually derives from the particular time and space I was in... and a blessed nostalgia that continues to follow. That personal place in the world that will never be replaced and can never be brought back. That was the love I was longing for and that I found in her. That's perhaps why I feel such strong feelings for someone I met 3 years ago. I barely even knew her. I had much longer and"intense" relationships (in the traditional-contextual sense of the word) around the same time period, but Rozé had the ability to erase all of those lovely women in a heartbeat. Little did I know our last kiss that night would be one of the very few in our ever so strange relationship. Two planet's colliding but only one takes the hit. Her lukewarm reception was blatantly evident, often frustrating and mind-bending at times. Yet I was allured by it, never really knowing if I even warmed to her. But to not be requited didn't matter in the end. It was that illicit pleasure I craved for. I mean, for no one else could I imagine buying my own packs of cigarettes, which happened to be her favorite brand, just to share one with her... and I don't even smoke. Because just like a cigarette, I wanted that momentary high with complete disregard for the consequences.

All I know is those memories of that city will never be the same without her. I don't think I loved her, but then again I've contradicted that numerous times already in this story. For someone who enjoys controlling a situation, this adorable and perplexing creature was the most interesting, exciting and enticing person I've ever met... and I had absolutely no grasp. Who will come next, Jah only knows. But that city I love so much, and those people I also cared for so dearly, which created moments in time that will never be completely captured; these are all encapsulated in Rozé. So if that's what love a first sight is, then it most definitely can happen. And it ain't no long ting, trust me. Bless.

- - -

Below is a song I've been hooked on ever since I was shown it earlier this summer. Definitely my favorite joint so far this year. The rapidly rising artist, Theophilus London via Brooklyn, NY generates sounds of earlier hit genres like funk, eletro, soul and punk, melding them into progressive reusability, while maintaining that be-easy signature hip-hop vibe. Certainly not one to take your eyes off in the near future. A charming man indeed. My south-coast creepers can catch Theophilus London at HARD Summer 2010 this Saturday, August 7th in Los Angeles.

In pure rhythm with my post, his spectacular video "Humdrum Town" is about how going back to a certain place -- a country, a city, a street -- can and will be forever altered once that one you loved it with is gone. I originally got into this tune in Brooklyn coincidentally. Authentic yes, but I'd I'll prefer to take it back to the CB-1 and blast my headphones on a badboy BMX. Thinking of her it's a different city, but change is the only thing that's constant.... so ride on. P.E.A.C.E.


This video says everything I can't...



Felt - Woman Tonight