Day Of Reflection

I don't even feel like posting really, but I found this day to be quite poignant and so I couldn't resist. When I woke this morning, I fully expected the onslaught of hype on the interwebz regarding the death of Osama bin Laden. Even before I learned any details of his death, I felt acts of celebration, conspiracy, and pure ponderance would immediately come forth. Sure enough, they did. Though it became quite annoying, I very much understand the significance of this event, no matter however symbolic it may have been. Knowing the transformative power they hold, I've tried to gauge the effects of social networks over the past year. Today, it was my lens to view the fallout following the death of the America's public-enemy #1. I've learned to curtail my political statements over the last few years, but observing the diversity of viewpoints was just as entertaining as participating. Amongst the conspiracy statements, the lack of photos topped the list with complete disregard for any sensitivities of the gruesome images and their repercussions, especially when issues of national security are invovled.

I watched a daytime host talk about how she wanted her child to watch today's events so she understand the significance. Do we really need a viral image of a man with his head blown off, especially when the glamourous photos of Prince William's wedding still in circulation?? Also amongst the hype was burying him at sea. Beside eliminating the manifestation of a shrine by his followers, the government chose to respect the religious process. This may seem so outlandish for such an evil person, so perhaps you personally may not respect such things, likely being a completely secularized and consumerist individual much like myself. But it was not out of respect for OBL, but more critically, the growing 2 billion Muslims the world over do care... Bin Laden may not have shown us any respect in his fueled hatred, but does that mean we should respond with equal hatred? In a time when America's image in the Middle-East has been heavily tarnished, the government's handling of the incident had to be carefully accessed from all respects. And the rapid burial? Muslim law dictates it must be buried in 1 day... so, c'est vie, mon amis. I hope the forthcoming information allays these suspicions... but I haven't seen it all myself, either. Honestly, my position on conspiracies, not that I don't believe governments are capable of mad shady shit, but rather, I'm more into cover-ups that serve the open, usually stated interests of their sources. In an interview I saw today, the legendary Immortal Technique said, "I myself, *laughs*, don't like to get into conspiracy, so I just say that, while I can't come here and say to people, 'oh I know exactly what happened', then I know that the govenrment's version [based on these gov't fallacies] is definitely not true." --This well-put statement encapsulates my outlook very well. I've gotten the opportunity to witness Tech grow positively, as both a revlutionary artist and individual. They are clearly one in the same for him. He's a true inspiration. Check that interview, here.

(Revelers take to the streets outside the White House).

But enough on that, that's just my 2-cents. As I've said, I'd prefer to avoid the of geo-politics on this (note: I'm also quite passionate about it). When I was watching the celbratory remarks in the day's media, I was a bit disheartened. Not to suggest people shouldn't feel as they do, I mean, who's to say how another should feel? This abstractness is especially true on such complex issues the world offers us today. But alongside the vast displays of celebration, I found some very refreshing commentary as well, such as a friend Lydia who said simply and beautifully, "I don't celebrate the death of anyone. Fuck. That." Considering that 70,000 people die in a day this remark was blatantly regarding Bin Laden which solidified a few things for me. First, the bare significance of this event, as well as the power of social media, and finally the normally odd celebration of someone's death. Then there were the more poetic remarks, my particular favorite being an MLK Jr. quote which I saw numerous times today, which apparently was made up and circulated as the civil rights leader's words. Like I said, 'the power of social media'.

‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." -- Unknown, Martin Luther King, Jr Impersonator"

This is how I felt today. And I was nowhere near expecting it. People that know me, know my passion for all the circumstances involved in global events, Islam, and politics. Instead of lighting a fire within, surprisingly, I was immediately saddened instead. These celebrations of the ultimate demise of such a maniacal and sinister person, who sowed so much unnecessary carnage and misery... brought nothing but emptiness to me. But as I think about it, is Osama bin Laden really any worse than the some of the people we lock up around the world? Although the powers that be block all UN resoultuions banning capital punishment under international law, only 53 countries still practice the death penalty, with 95 having abolished it all together. Aside from any statisitcs, it was simply a human emotion that clocked me. Following these few inspirational words amongst this 'negetive-celebration' throughout the day was inspiring. Feeling this energy I do what I always do: Blast some tunes.

Immediately coming to mind was my favorite D&B tune by Shapeshifter. I was put onto the New Zeleand group by a good friend of mine who caught their live sets while visiting down-under. Tripping on acid, my boy told me of the group's singer and his soulful voice of a demi-god. Shapeshifter is predominately a live band and as such, their recordings are akin to that of a typical band. The end-product creates a genuine, live atmosphere in their music in an era where computer-based studio music is the standard. The video here is actually not Shapeshifter, but a cover by Portuguese group Afro-Reggae. I chose this because today demonstrated our need to come together, irrelevant of cultural belonging, language barriers, or national borders. We can only bring change to the world for the better if we can step in unison. Afro-Reggae's version is a perfect reminder of a universal message which can transcend time and space through music. The lyrics are translated in the video, so please give them a read. Also, I've put up the original Shapeshifter version below as well. Today was an emotional day for many people, but we must examine ourselves following this symbolic event, to find a way forward. If we can work toward this, hopefully we will never again have to celebrate the death of any human being with such zeal. P.E.A.C.E.

Shapeshifter - Bring Change (Original)

Hoodzpah - Pop Prospectus (Mix)

**Proto-Practice Mix**

So I got the oppurtunity to record my 2nd mix today. Still a proto-mix get learned on this tip. Check the 1st one, here. Recently, I've been entranced with those fringe, shifting boundries between commerical, mainstream urban music and the indepdenent, underground realm; the latter of which I'd always been a fervent endorser. Having ridden the wave of dubstep for a few years now, the observable success of the genres standing in popular culture has been incredible, primarily because it ascended on it's own. The impact of dubstep has hit the the charts heavily in the UK and now steadily seeping in to the US market (Google trends: Skrillex v. Skream). The list of massive bass acts at Coachella was daunting. The multi-day festival is as one of America's largest, and most influential; still regarded as an all-popular music platform. Now, aside from the phenomenal success being enjoyed by these dubstep heroes (or foes if you like), dubstep is not generally DJ'd in the club-oriented, popular fashion. It's either dropped to close out electro sets, or other various styles/speeds of pop music, or rather, it's played with horribly-produced remixes that are selected and championed because of the sample choice of the original. However negative I view this trend, the general public, (generally listening on desktop speakers as well), eat it up. As consequence, average up-and-comers find an easy route to popularity virally via YouTube and blogosphere outlets... and the cycle continues. The other tacit delivery of club-oriented dubstep, is the traditional form of straight bangers and anthemic raters for the bro childrens. This hardcore style is what I'm avoiding as I'm already a participant in that scene, and looking to promote other aspects of UK urban bass music from which dubstep derives and provide to it people who are normally put off by dubstep. Now, with enough danceable 140 bas tunes in the top 100s, I'm inclined to try a different style. It's actually surprising different, since it revolves around very popular tunes. I think coming from an underground background enables for it, Fruther, being an emcee; my obvious trend toward vocal oriented bass music, which typically chart over instrumental product. Talk dubstep's prominence all day, but the transgression of grime emcees becoming pop-stars has been equally impressive. Despite the degradation of those artists' original fan-base, they quickly embrace swaths of followers in the commerical atmosphere.

My recipie: I sought to combine all the previously mentioned types of popular music belonging to, or influenced by dubstep and grime's rise into the spotlight. I used other types of top tunes and half-step bass charters (predominately from the UK charts). I also used remixes; however my remixes are by well-respected, ace producers in the scene. When I used a popular wobble track, I found more harmonie in the overall tone of the set by excluding many of the heavier dubstep drops. This sound idiotic I know, but some of those tunes are very well structured, until the mid-range wobble drops and destroys any subtle beauty. Intertwined with the other types of Bass-Pop tracks I've employed, it creates a darker appraoch to club music, yet maintaining a very familiar Pop-appeal throughout. Whether or not this is something people would be interested is beyond me, but this being only the 2nd mix I've done, my technical ability probably overshadows my track selection and execution. Anyways, understanding this concept, I hope you'll enoy the selections regardless of my nascent abilities. I'm just an emcee, yo! Also, Kate Middleton and Prince William finally got hitched eariler today, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which happens to be the former stomping grounds where I discovered the wonderful world of dubstep and grime. I wanted to give my sonic congratulations, and as these are predominately UK-Pop tunes currently hitting the charts, I felt it was appropriate. Please enjoy the selection as well as your weekend.

Pop Prospectus by Hoodzpah

Santa Babylon Spring Roll Call

(© HighBird Productions).

Spring is now blooming, and into 2011 Santa Babylon continues ‘booming’ in reciprocity. Since solidifying a firm standing in Santa Barbara through 2010, the clique has broadened their regional scope toward our passion for all types of bass music. Situated on a periphery to LA, 2010 saw Santa Babylon infiltrate heavily into State Street’s top venues, working with DJ Mackle & Sabatage’s Nightowl Brotherhood team, as well as the Jungle Juice Krew, to hold down the city. We also hosted a few nights in EOS’ goddess lounge, and last month hosting 6BLOCC at Tonic. The crew has sought to provide a balance between new listeners, adoptive because of the sound’s evolution of recent, and those who preferred skanking out to unheard sonic innovation, in dark, near-empty rooms; days now gone. For 2011 we our continuing that connection and forward momentum as we linked up with the highest rated up the central coast, while continuing to bring you big names from Los Angeles.

This Saturday, we kick off our first spring appearance alongside our bass-weight brother Danny Style, at the 2^nd annual Good Vibrations Festival. If you caught Santa Babylon’s “Whiskey Wobblers” show a couple weeks back, you’ll remember the SLO selecta shaking bottles back-bar. Hosting parties under the name “Syncopation”, Style with affiliate Dionysius, are steady building a scene up there, having made their night a staple event, which we had the pleasure of experiencing in February. Big up. And in an ill display of trans-county unity, we will be going b2b with man at HighBird Production’s “Good Vibes” at Earl Warren show-grounds.

(© HighBird Productions).

A massive 3 stage festival holding headline acts such as 6BLOCC, E-40, Ray Fresco, Passion Pit (DJ set), and LAZRTAG. SB Snaps, amongst numerous others will be covering the 6,000-capacity event. Tickets can be purchased from either their strong street team, many still offering pre-sale prices, HighBirdProductions.com, or at CRSVR’s SB storefront on State St. We looking FWD>> to rocking out for our supporters on this massive venue and system, rain or shine. (I kinda wanted to get hype in the rain, but it looks to be shine!). Outs to HighBird for the opportunity. Keep an eye on them for future events as they do it up proper. Oh, did I mention the main-stage will feature a full Funktion-1? Proper.

Following that weekend, we’ll be headed to Dubsonic where a young, but determined few, operating as P.R.I.M.3., have set up shop in Santa Maria. With a huge reception --highlighting the party-hungry atmosphere up there-- it would seem these cats are carving out a good niche in their respective locality. April 1^st, Dubsonic 2 presents Step Correct w/ that badboy Hoodzpah. Additionally, they are bringing down Lytic to rinse out the Santa Maria steppas. This one is gonna be hot.

(© P.R.1.M.3. aka P.R.I.M.E.)

DJ Lytic, alongside our Syncopation affiliates, is one of the top dubstep selectors in SLO at the moment. Lytic has had a phenominal run this past year; throwing sick parties, elevating within the central-coast DJ circuit, and similar to us in the south, facilitating the ascension of an EDM scene within his regional purview. True to rep, he is throwing a wicked party in mid-April, called “Bass for Boobs”. I must give a nod of commendation to Lytic (EltroLytic Productions), for combing a non-profit charity organization with an EDM event. (Something I’ve always wanted to do). This event is in partnership with the Keep A Breast Foundation’s “Music for Awareness” program, set for April 15th . Good intention aside, the line-up is packed solid with 2-stages of amazing talent. The event will feature nationally recognized We Bang, Lucky Date, and K-Theory. Santa Babylon crew will be in full effect, closing the night out at the bass stage.

(© KipGFX & ElectroLytic Productions).

After a busy April, we then gear up for summer, heading into the coming months preparing Santa Babylon shows throughout SB, as well as continuing up and down the south-coast. Check us at Apocalypse in May, featuring headliners Direct Feed and Rob Bliss (check this wicked mix featuring with my favorite stateside-dubstep MC). The two co-founders of the Relentless Audio label will be featuring alongside Santa Babylon crew for a night of madness. We'bve also locked down a State St. location for our next resident-event. Keep posted with the home team, and we look forward to seeing you on the dance! P.E.A.C.E.

Santa Babylon Roll Call (Confirmed Dates Only):

3/26 - Good Vibes Music Fest - 6BLOCC // E-40 // Passion Pit // +++
[Santa Babylon on Reggae/Dubstep Stage @ 3:15-4:20PM]
4/01 - DubSonic 2 - [Step Correct x MC Hoodzpah] // Lytic
4/15 - Bass for Boobs - We Bang // Lucky Date // K-Theory // +++
[Santa Babylon closing out Bass Stage at 3:00AM]
4/20 - *Blunts Up*
4/27 - Santa Babylon - 21+ Event, SB 805 [MOAR T.B.A.]
5/28 - Apocolypse - Rob Bliss // Direct Feed // [Step Correct x Chadillac x MC Hoodzpah]

New Decade, Moar Bass

"Here's to a deep, fearless and beautiful 2011... Forward we march." Burial (via MAH)

Happy 2011 world! As seasons change and cycles start anew, we enter a new decade. What it shall bring, only jah is privy. But if the analysis of last year amounted to any indication, it’s that dubstep --and Santa Babylon along with her-- is rolling deep. First, our 2010 recap:

It’s hard to say which skyrocketed first, the 2010 brostep takeover, finally reaching into the mainstream rave scene, or rather, was it Santa Babylon’s explosion, situated in a peripheral city which is currently undergoing an EDM-slanted club-music revolution of its own. It’s clear they are definitely linked... and co-dependently. Our crew broke into a steady traction through mid-2009 at our favorite local café, Muddy Waters. Hype and anticipation would inevitably outgrow the place. A wonderful spot, but fire permit limits, wasteman extraordinaires, and SB’s growing EDM evolution forced us -blessedly- to search for a new residency in 2010. (To be honest, hippie B-Boys centered in a cipher of moshing bros, with fine artwork on the walls of a narrow café, is not a good business model either).

*To end 2010, we decided to pay homage to our beginnings by building a monument*

*Santa Babylon Bass Bins @ Muddy Waters, SB.*

Santa Babylon closed out the '09 year with "Autumn Dubfest", a two-room Dubstep~Reggae collaboration featuring Pawn and Kemst of SMOG. That momentum would propel us into uncharted territory for bass music in SB. In just this past year, the sound has come so far, being able to adapt to an expandable franchise section of Santa Barbara’s mainstream entertainment market; more so than Jungle/DnB ever managed to at least.

And so the year began... it seemed in an uncertain state after leaving MW, as we were setback by failures on two initial-venue procurements. Luckily, as last resort, Statemynt had nothing planned that night and was willing to give it a shot. Little did we know it would blow off so proper. All-crew-only line up. We were blasting filth out of bass-bins into Santa Barbara’s up-scale city-center, State Street. Though changing at the moment, the club option standard in SB remains commercial, radio music. For a Santa Babylon party, I’d often go outside to watch the puzzled, perplexed, and curious expressions of pedestrians as they passed our by our venue: Lights on low, lasers on high, and an omnipresent sub-bass that pummels unrelentingly. 2010 would feature us exploding into our own, elevating those viral-spreading excessive rave wobbles that dubstep had become. However basic the sound production and DJ selections have become --or for an unbiased neutrality; “different" than it had been-- it unabashedly still destroys at the raves. Now, one can catch global megastars, like LA’s homegrown 12^th Planet and his SMOG crew taking stage on-line ups featuring Rusko or Bassnectar at places like Coachella, as well as LA’s select, ultra "massives".

*Video-work courtesy, Akaider*
©

As a Santa Barbara's premiere bass crew, we held our 805 flag high, representing our musical talents and style, up and down the Cali coastline from San Luis Obispo multistage outdoor-undergrounds, to Los Angeles premiere dubstep events such as “I ♥ L.A."

Back home, we continued to expand beyond our residency at Statemynt, playing Tonic’s seasonal “Summer Sunday Session” as well EOS multiple times, taking dubstep head-on into direct competition with the commercial chart-toppers at SB’s primary clubs. And it wasn't easy mind you, losing some of our core-supporters who some how believed we had "sold out", when the only thing that was 'out' was our own billfolds. Then there were those typical club-goers who just weren't having it. No respect... But FWD>>we marched.

*Rins'em out each and every bassline.*

*Step Correct + Hoodzpah aka 'Each & Every'*

*Check the first WIP from Ea'N'Ery:*
Undertow - Each and Every (Step Correct & Hoodzpah collab)


We also reciprocated the inter-county connections, putting on parties with headliner acts such as: KNORSQ (SubChamber//6K), Emu + Dustmite (SMOG), APX-1 (Tonz of Drumz // GhettoLife). In addition to, Dumbsteppaz (Dubfront), Blang (Bell Ringer), Direct Feed (Jungle Riddim//Relentless Audio) and Portland boss-man, Jon A.D. (LoDubs). In addition to LA’s heavy hitters, we established strong local ties with 805 DJs Professor West, Mackle, Pursuade, Lowkey, Diamonds & Guns and SB’s wicked new talent: Chadillac.

*Video Courtesy of Dustmite*
©

We are kicking the year off correct with an all-out bass assault through January. First off, we invade Whiskey Richards alongside Chadillac. Hailing from Kansas City, man is quietly expanding his sound throughout the city in addition to icing some ink into people by day as a tattoo artist for 805 Ink.

Chadillac remains humble, yet confident in himself, exploring his new-found locality within our south-coast paradise. Pure love for his selections bleeds through speakers with original style and technical edge. You can expect big collaborations with Chadillac + Santa Babylon for 2011, as well as his solo efforts around town and all the way back to K.C. Chadillac holds a weekly dubstep night, "The Sunday Grime" @ Whiskey Richards. Our Sabylon event is this Friday, Jan. 14, 2010 and will feature Cadillac and W.R. co-resident, MI².

*"Holy shit!! Is that DJ Chadillac?!" Naa... just Jesus :( *

*Chadillac @ Santa Babylon's Halloween Special: "Night of the Living Bass" Statemynt, SB*
*DJ Chadillac @ Whiskey Richards, Sundays Weekly*

Proceeding that local-oriented event, we head back to the goddess lounge at EOS. Always exciting to play there, the venue retains a well balanced formula of elegance and class, combined with an unpretentious, carefree atmosphere that one should expect on a night out. That will take place on the 1.21.10, a week to the day of the Whiskey Dicks debut. Following that we will participate in a huge night put on by the Nightowl Brotherhood. The supreme college-night collective will bring you LowKey, Santa Babylon and APX-1 on 1.27.10. Our boy APX got a taste of Santa Barbara when we featured him in June (here), and the city surely wanted him back. Now you got it. Following January, we are off to San Luis Obispo for “Syncopation”. Put on by Danny Style and Dionysius, with sound provided by DJ Lytic's FunDip Productions. The SLO scene has been steady expanding from its nascent EDM roots which favored electro, into a more eclectic diversity now including popular dubstep, glitch and DnB events. We are looking forward to showcasing ourselves once again for the SLO steppas who always come ready to party. Keep out for Syncopation’s DJs coming down to SB to rock out in the near future too <-Big-up! *Don't forget to style up for EOS. Alongside the house slelecta, DJ Hogg, droppin' on some underground 4x4! That's 1.21.10 in the Goddess Room. Sparx holding down the front *THIS FRIDAY.*



*Santa Babylon @ Syncopation, 2.2.11* *Library Lounge, San Luis Obispo, CA*

In addition to spreading the bass virus up and down the west-coast, Santa Babylon has also turned our focus to the production-side. Both Step Correct and 9FeetofSmoke have been separately putting tracks together, and it seems 2011 will finally have their respective first releases put out. Following a summer promo video, Hoodzpah has opened some doors to collaborations with various producers, (check vid here). Aiming to make 2011 a breakout year, there also looms a possible collaboration with his British bredren, Simbad Fresh (Restoration Camp), representing Hoodzpah’s former residence in the United Kindgdom via CB-1. He has also began spinning, and will have a set on Universal Sound Stream radio soon. (TBA). 9FT has teamed up with his his DFHY brother, RTRD (formerly CityMavrick) to bring you "Blunt Bothers Radio" every Tuesday night, 6-10PM. Our crew also put out a mix featuring sets from all 3 Santa Babylon selectas! Check that mix out below. So that’s a wrap… we are all looking forward to a progressive year of bass music in the Santa Babylon crew... we hope you'll join us.

Lastly, we’d like to thank all the talent who have participated in providing Santa Barbara with quality bass music on the regular. Outs to our homeboy, DJ and videographer, Akaider. The rudeboy has been our strongest link to Los Angeles, and a true supporter of our crew from the get-go... We will certainly want you back soon, brother! In the meantime, holla at them Brazilian galdem, booom! Outs the all the talent, local or outsourced, for converging together for the simple goal of putting on a good party, and showcasing our subculture to the mass-culture. And finally, big shout out to all the SB steppas who have come out. Old-school junglists, OG dubstep massive, and all those, "never heard it in my life, but that bass drew me in" people. Without you all, it would not be possible. Big tings for 2011 so keep on the look out. All Santa Babylon 805 Bass represent! P.E.A.C.E.

Santa Babylon Roll Call:
1.14.10 - Santa Babylon hosts Whiskey Richard's, SB
1.21.10 - Santa Babylon hosts Goddess Room, EOS, SB
1.27.10 - SB Nightowl w/ Lowkey, Santa Babylon, APX-1
2.2.10 - Syncopation presents Santa Babylon, Library Lounge, SLO

*Santa Babylon Crew Mix (Chrono):*
*9FTofSmoke, Step Correct, ERS-One*

Bass Invades State

Alright, alright. It's time to get back to what this blog thang was about in the first place. Hype men. Time to big up my Santa Babylon crew. Haven't gotten into them on the interwebz since I first linked-up with the hometown brethren. Back when I was just a bass head having withdrawals from living in the UK. (Check out one of the first Rebel Elite Union post in early 2009 promoting Santa Barbara's underground bass scene, here.) A lot's changed since then. As much as the multifaceted faces of dubstep itself, I suppose.

These boys have gained the city's attention in just a year's time. From the cramped quarters of Muddy Waters café, filled with intentionally overloaded bass speakers, it seemed destined to remain an event well under radar. Recent turns in the Pacific current have placed us on the State Street scene, without forgetting the intentional overload of bass speakers. State is our high street for those who don't know, and in a paradise like S.B. it's a difficult task to bring effective underground music events to the city inhabited by the likes of Oprah and Ty Warner. You only get there once you tap the inner flex of the city.

By doing it blatantly, and in complete disregard -- straight dirty -- Santa Babylon opposes the typical appeasements of the masses. Ever tired of a night out on State and hearing the reverberation of Top 40 in every direction... we bring the BASS. One of our front men got socked in the kidney by some waste girl at the first State event in January cause she couldn't handle this shit. She started crying to herself. Her mascara dripped. Then my man played some more bass.

By mixing the true steppa's supporting since 2006 with those typical state street goers and friends of years past, Santa Babylon is making some serious moves. Who would have thought go-go's would ever work for a dubstep show? Yet, strangely we've pulled it off, even if their exact role is uncertain. The last event at Statyment, was the second and most rocking yet. Finally playing their own productions alongside dubstep's global bangers, my mandem is getting felt from the inner-shock waves to the most subtle vibrations.

Keeping it local since invading State with the talents of DJ's Professor West and Mackle, the seed has been sown. Past collaborations with friends up and down the Westcoast, from Portland-based LoDubs to LA's heavy hitting S.M.O.G. crew, the Santa Babylon syndicate is ready to trigger this earthquake everyone keeps hyping up. Basslines so deep it's putting tension on the tectonic plates. The fault line is Babylon. Invading your city one bass at a time.

Lastly, I want to big up everyone who contributed to our vision. First my Santa Babylon crew: ERS-1 a.k.a. DJ Magneto. We know how consumed you are in your life's priorities and appreciate your continued presence which is always desired and often a necessity. Step Correct, he'll guarantee that he's a good guy... while steadily melting your face. As well as City Mavrick and 9FeetOfSmoke, the burning man soundbwoys known to throw down the dopest dubstep parties on The Playa as DFHY; I can't wait to find out this summer. Music aside, these cats command a tremendous amount of respect from me personally when things got sticky last summer. So safe, y'all.

Outs to Akaider, the man with the cam always holding down the Los Angeles connection. Keep us reeling, rudeboy. Professor West and DJ Mackle we know this is the begining of something big for all of us. Respect requites respecting and you guys always throw down the weight proper! Big up's to my galdem KiT, Aya and Anom, our go-go-fire-playin'-poi-slingin'-hoopers. I've just been introduced to your wicked styles but you really livened up the place. To all my 'round the world girls getting low with the subs. And to all my Santa Barbara bass heads, old and new, who came just to skank up the night... Bless.

Be sure to check us out at the Play With Fire Productions' "Neverending Party" in San Luis Obispo April 10. Santa Babylon will be hosting the Dub stage the entire night with talent from throughout the central coast. Professor West will also be making an appearance on the main stage. We'll be back at Statemynt on the 4.16.2010 and then we'll be bringing a little smoke to Ghetto Life and Tonz of Drumz' "I Love LA" 4:20 Celebration Day, 4.18.2010. Check SantaBabylon.com for upcoming events. P.E.A.C.E.

Santa Babylon @ Statemynt 3.19.2010:


Event Link: SantaBabylon.com


Play With Fire Productions presents... "The NeverEnding Party"
All Night Dubstep Stage hosted by Santa Babylon.
4.10.2010 @ Private Location. San Luis Obispo, CA:

Event Link: Play With Fire Events

Santa Babylon will be back at our current residence for Round 3.
4.16.20.10 @ Statemynt. 519 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Kulture - Steppin' Outta [Santa] Babylon

Mamy Rock

Came across this 69-year-old British grandmother ripping up the Parisian club scene. DJ Ruth Flowers mixes techno, electro and dance hits with a dash of old school rock classics, garnering attention from Paris to Cannes. She is currently slated for an upcoming tour and a single in the works. It came as no surprise to me she's hails from Bristol; the people who always shake it up no matter the generational divide. It's not likely you'll find this geriatric superstar blowing up any massives, but her sunglasses at night chic certainly puts Corey Hart or Skepta to shame.





Skepta - Sunglasses At Night

Forever Young

The Elitist Rebels are back at it again. Our holiday was sick, including a wicked 2-day Electric Daisy Carnival featuring a heavy world-class line up. Basspod rocked! Looks like summer's here to kick it for a while. Verbal is still finding his inner child down in South America somewhere. Last he checked in, man was posted up in Salvador for Bahia's Independence Day, bumping some Immortal Technique in the moment: "Viva La Revolución!" Once he's back in he mix, I'm sure he'll have some wicked material and insight into the massive culture popping off in Brazil and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere. But for now you'll have to deal with me.

First things first, the death of Michael Jackson has shocked us all and captivated our thoughts. EDC had some amazing tribute sets throughout the weekend. The remixes and clashments of his tunes exploded worldwide in literally every genre you can imagine. This man was truly an extraordinary musician and person. I feel blessed to have been able to live in the same era, and breathe the same air of such legend who will never be replicated. What's disappointing to me is the perception of Michael in the eyes of my generation (Gen Y Millennials). That's why I feel his London comeback would have been something absolutely amazing; a chance for a rapidly changing world to once again witness his incredible talent and energy, many for the first time. The perception of Michael to the majority of my generation portrayed the rather unfortunate circumstances of his later life. As a result, so many people in my age bracket, unknowingly caught up in media interest, quickly mocked or insulted this extraordinary individual based on baseless charges and slander.

It saddens me to think the message and soul of his music, which positively empowered million upon millions of people the globe over, will potentially be lost on rising generations who were not of age to have felt Michael's magic for themselves. Instead many will associate MJ with a series of confusion and circumstantial conflict within the man's tumultuous personal life. Like most of us, he just wanted to be a child again, hoping to recapture the youth he was never blessed to have. I'd like to end this post with the final stanza of Santa Barbara's poet laureate and my personal English professor, David Starkey. I'll also be following that up with Sway's touching MJ tribute. So big love for the King of Pop who must now kneel before the King of Kings. Today he will be laid to rest as the world becomes a little less special. Never to be forgotten and forever to live on. Michael Jackson, I hope you have finally found your solace. Rest In P.E.A.C.E.

"All that's left now is to take
your first step into timelessness,
that magical kingdom
you've longed for since childhood
where no one ever grows old."
--Excerpt from David Starkey's "Prayer for MJ"

Sway - The King Full Stop (Michael Jackson Tribute)