We Define The Culture
Event review #DOITOUR
The foundation tier which holds hip-hop afloat has more hunger and passion than the higher tiers have accumulated fame and wealth. The sacrifices artists make to allow their dreams to take life even for five to ten minutes is an astonishing showcase of our culture striving to shed light in a dark, damp, shadow ominously towering over the forefront. Hidden in the back of Amp Studios NoHo in a 20X20 so odd sized practice room; creativity, tenacity, and a wholesome drive to foster talent was breathing heavily. Sardine packed among artists, associates, fans, and workers one common goal was being set. The common knowledge that action is a catalyst for growth was prevalent and well seen; no matter the size of progression organic movement shall be paved.
"The funny thing about dreams is we all have them, we all see them, and we all want them. To many of us are to busy dreaming to actually grasp them though." -We Define The Culture
Walking down Lankershim with an iced espresso from Bob's cafe at 7:45P.M. was never on my original schedule, a spontaneous life always is. While on the clock I saw a flyer from Tim "First Dirt" Morales highlighting key notes for a hip-hop showcase.
< The guy cheesing front and center is Tim.
I've been here before many times, my old band use to practice in this very building, I walk in and skeptically ask: "Is there a Hip-Hop show in here tonight?" There surely was. In two hours I had the opportunity to watch and write on eleven acts! ELEVEN ACTS IN TWO HOURS, free might I add!
Honestly I was reserved when I stepped in the room and by the end of the night all reservations were set aside and I was glad I took the fifteen minute drive to see young men and women truly live. That's all it is really, individuals taking a short moment of time out of their normal routine to allow another man or women to live their dream... Isn't that a priceless act? Fostering an individuals deepest passion in my eyes is a valuable endeavor, I digress.
7:50PM:
My primary entrance into "studio f" was met with a young man performing a heavy bass style club track with a repetitive vocal loop.
"Drop low, drop it slow, where them big booties at?"
After looking around for them big booties I proceeded writing on the individual gracing the stage; "Yung Krazy Legz". A Chicago native who overcame the struggles of not being able to walk, stood tall. Clad in a King Tut tee, Louis V back-pack, sneakers, chain, and shades one would think differently than I did. I saw a man on stage who may not have been at the caliber of some of the other artists in the vicinity, yet I saw where he was and where others weren't. He earned his moment to showcase what he's passionate about and did so justly, that differentiates many.
The next act to hit the stage strolled on with her two supporting vocalists in all black and neutral hues; calm, collected, and charismatic. As soon as her first instrumental dropped, I adjusted my footing and thought, "Yup, she's on one." A solid stage presence, with a contagious energy, "Tia P" controls herself and time properly. Brandishing a strong female manner like a Rah Digga or Da Brat in the 90's Tia P set the tone for the rest of the night. ( She can spit too, heavy!)
My only critique would be vocal delivery. At times her high energy would conflict with her verses due to breathing and or vocal strain. Definitely will be watching for more of her music and events in the near future.
Following next was a young man by the name of "Marko Pave". As he waited for his cue to begin he seemed very comfortable, watching an individual on stage while they are not performing speaks volumes. His first song began with a solid piano based instrumental and he was off. Proper verse layering over the beat to elevate his delivery, stage movement, and crowd control. I was getting more and more excited for the night. Marko had a 2Chainz meets Trinidad James meets Big K.R.I.T. type of a style. (just imagine it, give me a break) As his set finished and the next performer began to set up, they asked Marko if he would perform another song, this was my favorite of all three. You can tell he's seasoned.
As Marko finished up at 8:18PM the next performer "Sloat Dixon" began to set up...Twenty minutes later, a giant banner, metal wash tub of some sorts, bull horn, and fur jacket, we're set. Demanding the crowd wasn't hyped enough he tinkered with some pedals while Danny Brown played in the background. Shutting off all the lights in the small performance room he began without lack of energy. Where he may falter in execution, Sloat Dixon definitely strives to fill his gaps with stage presence. Sloat carries a raspy yet strong voice and had great production throughout his set, the beats were dope. It was entertaining and definitely had me captivated throughout his time slot.
My critique would be not to cup the microphone, utilize his wealth of energy in a more controlled manner, and tighten the many tools he strives to use.
After Sloat finished we had a duo from Las Vegas, I know one individuals name was "Bodega Jones" not sure of the second. They brought dope boy/hood dream music and vocalized tracks many relate to on a large scale, not my cup of tea but they were having a great time. "I done touched so much work, I'm feeling a rush. We got that raw and uncut that's why they fucking with us."
9:10 hits and the tandem of Tim Morales and 60 East representing "First Dirt" hit the stage. They announced the backing behind the #DOITOUR and described the nine dates they've hit in the past few weeks.
"Supporting one another and creating our own environments as artists"
-Tim Morales
Their set was an influential, lyrical, story of their own life's and ideals. It was a mixture of music and meaning, needless to say I fuck with it heavy. Owning a solid vocal contrast on stage, a mixture of vocal deliveries, solid golden era style production, and crowd interaction you can see the time put in.
"Got love for the art was born a poet." - 60 East
My only critique would be to have the microphones checked prior, yet even with technical difficulties they handled their time professionally.
Once First Dirt wrapped up they introduced "Matisse Marie", GOOD LAWD. This petite, young female, in a wicker hat and shorts rained down like a hurricane. Honesty it was a sight to see, she owned her slot. I felt like marching and breaking down doors, seriously. Owning strong vocals to an almost slam poetry degree, Matisse performs with a message and a furry.
"Don't need a locksmith, keep my keys locked up."
"Feeling like a line wolf on this high cliff."
She came on with a timid humble manner grabbed the microphone and stole every ones attention.
Walking on right after Matisse was the Nor Cal native "J Styles". First reaction I saw was a slight hesitation, yet once the music began to play he zoned in. Utilizing crowd control he gave a solid performance in a structured manner. His vocals were tough to hear at times and he was stationary a bit, but he clearly held his own.
I love watching artists who organically love to entertain, these two were having such a great time on stage I had to join in. "Tru Steez" from Fresno has a great energy and brings a party vibe to their set. I could definitely see them setting it off at a Bay event and giving the crowd a run for their money. Both have solid deliveries and dance through each track with some priceless facial expressions.
"We on two different levels my team is profound." - Tru Steez
My only critique would be getting a better feel for each others space on stage and utilizing one another to boost the primary emcee while he's on and vice versa.
"AuxILLaree" Is a duo from Oxnard out of a heavy throw back hip-hop head must have. live MPC beats which are savage by the way! With vocals which are reminiscent of B-Real mixed with Vinnie Paz. I've seen these cats before in Santa Maria and both times they've been solid. SK ILL on the MPC is a beast, some of the finger patterns he hits during their sets are technically dumb founding. High technical vocal deliveries, solid planned schemes, and no nonsense attitude, they handle and finish.
As the night was coming to a close we still had more acts to see but time is never on the hip-hop side. The final two cats that were able to rock were an individual by the name of "Break" all the way from Tuscon, and a cat by the name of "MDS" or "Modern Day Soulja" from Santa Ana. The beautiful thing is they didn't get upset or even dispute at all they were grateful for any amount of time they received and both displayed dope vocals.
MDS came out with two accapella verses that were heavy. A clean delivery with layered lyricism, scheme, and slam quality to it he ended the night on a perfect note. Dictating a mixture of vocal imagery, bars, and poetry his accapellas were the cherry on top of the night.
Now any night without a cypher of some sorts is not a hip-hop night I want to be apart of, and this night didn't falter. Out side of the area in the lobby to the beat of hands, feet, snaps, oooh's and ahhh's these guys showed what it's all about. In the end the greatest aspect of this culture is unifying like minded people for a greater cause while expressing ones self. There is a lack of events like this and it's a sad fact I might say. To many artists want sold out nights with hundreds of heads they forget what it's like to even have a REAL show. It was a melting pot of hungry aspiring artists giving one-hundred percent to forty heads in a practice studio! Hip-hop survives because of the hungry, I hope you all eat well.
Jp
We Define the Culture.
