Rhyme Fest La: Noa James X Curtis King. "Flying with legends."

We Define The Culture
Rhyme Fest La 8/16/14
Noa James X Curtiss King

Flying with legends.

"The Inland Empire Strikes Back"

        Noa James and Curtiss King fly steady through turbulent heights in an era diluted by dissociated volume levels and misinterpreted clutter. Discovering their own way while molding the ground work to stand on brick by brick these men are truly orchestrating the foundation to an empire on the rise. 

       As humble fans on and off the stage we shot hip-hop theology back and fourth reminiscent of Will Ferrel and John C. Riley in "Step Brothers". (I'm not saying we've all become best friends... but I'm not NOT saying that.) While thumbing through mental files, memory vaults, and individual experiences; synopsises were firing. Moments such as these are the reason individuals like myself enjoy working events, besides the free snacks...obviously. \

       Standing outside of Fox Theater Pomona after another high energy set catered to the fans, the duo known as "Pterodactyl Jones" encapsulates what living in this industry is...work. "You have to be a pillar," states James, "You have to put in the hours and really work at it." Nothing in this industry is ever plainly given and the individuals whom truly understand this fact have begun paying it forward in the most organic way. "We started Common Grounds years ago for everyone, we had to protect what was around us." Creating a plethora of outlets for artists at every level they've persistently made strides forward while building a base that not only believes and supports them, they know them. "We went to this birthday party, it wasn't a big deal, but it was." It's more than music now and days in an era dealing with the decline of album sales, fan hesitation to purchase merchandise, and the waiting game for Goliath sized events to attend; true connections are priceless.

"Vanilla Coke right? There's all kinds of types of Coke now but you don't hate anyone for picking the other Coke over the original." - Curtiss King

     

Chopping verbal lumber which could clear an LA skyline sized opening in the middle of a South American rain forest; bold statements were apparent to me. "Hip-hop" is not any individual persons, there is not a guideline/definition to what "hip-hop" is, and Wrestling ring style ropes create pandemonium. (You'll understand some day) A specific dialogue between myself and Curtiss King hit home, it still stands out. Curtiss explained the layers to connecting to a fan base and the reality which occurs. The reality that when you create music expressing ones hardships and struggles you attract a certain follower. The crowd relating to that general music associates with it heavily yet isn't able to support the artist at all times and any music deviating from that particular avenue falls into the realm of "selling out". As a culture which quickly states which artists they "love" and which artists they "hate", it's wild to see how fast an individual can turn on said individual they love. Isn't love unconditional?

      "Imagine rappers as SIMS characters. You know the thing above their heads in SIMS? If that was a price tag, you'd be shock at the number it would need to be for certain rappers to sell out." - Curtiss King

       Immersing one's self around men and women who make a living off of music opens your eyes, it truly does. You start to see that every piece of merchandise, every second on stage, and every night out performing isn't a dream it's their life. That every crowd reaction fuels that passion burning within as a log on the fire of ones soul. The firm confirmation that every second, minute, hour, and year has been worth it. In a genre which still holds a negative stigma men and women are shining light through the darkness. In the heat of Southern California an empire is striking back.

Support Noa James, Curtiss King, and their whole camp here at:

www.bricktoyaface.com

D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Festival Saturday, August, 23rd!