TIME FLIES IN TAIPEI

Blast Massive, 
It’s a rare pleasure that I get to invite y’all to an extremely special event.  Featuring ‘Oakland’,’San Francisco’ based ‘graffiti’ artists ‘Optimist’ and ‘Stuey’,this Bay Area duo bring you an exhibit of mixed media pieces documenting their time in Taiwan.   Full of color, character and commentary, this show is certainly one of the most unique and intriguing shows to come through Taipei in a very long time.  If you’re visiting this side of the world anytime in the next 3 months, be sure to stop by AMPM Gallery and check it out.  

 
For more on TIME FLIES IN TAIPEI, check the synopsis below or CLICK HERE for the Facebook invite.  

See y’all on the 19th! 

Salute.

::::::::::

‘Time Flies in Taipei’
Opening May 19th 2012

‘AMPM Studio’ invite well known ‘Oakland’,’San Francisco’ based ‘graffiti’ artists ‘Optimist’,and ‘Stuey’ to collaborate on an art installation exposing a glimpse of their wild lives and experiences  in Taipei.

Together they’ve created a montage of mixed media pieces, documenting unique cultural aspects encountered during their adventures in Taipei. As well as an interesting comical insight into the world of two outsiders living, and working in Taipei Taiwan over the past six years.

Absorbing the highs, and lows of living in a foreign country and contributing a new artistic element and expression to the city through their street works, has left both artists with profound impressions and experiences of Taipei.  From this exposure they gain they’re inspirations for this new body of works.

The major concepts, and materials collected in these creations were all discovered through foraging in abandoned areas ,construction sites, and roaming through the lonely streets of ‘Taipei’ nightly.

Incorporating these elements together within their composition, and utilizing an array of associated imagery of it’s locals and landscape, while combining some comedic dialogue between the ‘English’, and ‘Mandarin’ languages from a “foreigner’s” perspective, makes it possible for them to fully express a unique connection and representation of their love, and interest for ‘Taipei’s’ “urban experience.” At the same time continuing to create an interesting atmosphere for viewers to immerse themselves in visually ,as well as intellectually.

To continue to show they’re love and support for the people of ‘Taipei City’, the “Time Flies In Taipei” exhibit is working with a non-profit organization to help with women and children exposed to domestic violence, and abuse .

‘AMPM’, along side artists ‘Optimist’ and ‘Stuey’ wish to develop a special donation fund from works sold from the show to later go to the less fortunate people affected by these negative social circumstances.

The proceeds from the show will be donated to the ‘Foundation for Battered Women and Children’,so please come by and show some support!’

FEATURE FRIDAYS: BARRY

In my near 2 decades of actively participating in Hip-Hop culture, it’s inevitable that some of the taste of today’s youth seems like an entirely different world from what I know as ‘Hip Hop’.  The culture of Swag has overshadowed the art of Spitters and now the ability to write a catchy hook holds exponential stock compared to it’s lowly competitor of being able to touch your audience with 16 bars of life.  

This is why, in a time where the world is smaller than it’s ever been, it’s exciting to see cultures who have no pioneering roots in Hip Hop take pieces from both Swag and Skill lanes and combine them into something altogether new.  Traditional Hip Hop may still ultimately lie in the hands of its forefathers, but the fact has never been lost that whether 1976 or 2012, Hip-Hop is still taking cues from it’s Freshmen class.  

The Blast had a chance to sitdown with one of Taiwan’s current leaders of the new school and pick his brain about his start, his inspiration and his future.  

BLAST是否可以介紹你自己,和你所代表的特質?


BARRY : 大家好, 我是Barry, 來至How We Roll Music. 

我自己覺得我代表的是, 一個沒有資源和太多的幫助, 還有身邊週遭充滿質疑的眼光或是言語, 經歷了低潮與挫折下的一個年輕人抱著堅定信念 , 還是努力的實現的自己的夢想



BLAST你從哪裡來?跟我們說一下在你的城市的音樂環境或文化。

BARRY : 台北 三峽鎮 

老實說三峽沒有什麼音樂環境, 在我週遭的朋友, 他們都聽例如 羅百吉或是電音比較多. 有時候我自己都覺得我自己會喜歡HipHop也蠻不可思議的…哈哈哈

我覺得三峽的文化就是樸實, 街坊鄰居人都很好大家都互相認識, 可能在南部街坊鄰居認識是很正常的事, 可是現在的台北我會覺得三峽很特別! 

BLAST什麼時候開始踏上音樂這條路?又是什麼原因讓你開使創作?

BARRY : 剛開始嘗試寫詞的時候是在國中.

國中時期的我內心比較憤怒, 總覺得自己講話好像都沒什麼人會聽, 所以就把它寫下來, 感覺心情會好一點. 所以國中寫的東西大部份都是在罵人, 哈哈哈 



BLAST為什麼是嘻哈?嘻哈對你來說是什麼?嘻哈在你當時的世代又是怎樣?

BARRY : 因為嘻哈比較簡單和直接, 不需要花太多的錢.

當時嘻哈在台灣來說, 還是街舞發展的比較蓬勃, 饒舌只是小眾. 可是現在我感覺的到, 饒舌在台灣已經有越來越多支持者, 大家的的水準, 技巧也都提升了很多, 非常棒!

BLAST:買第一張唱片的時候是幾歲?是哪張專輯?

BARRY : 14歲, Eminem - 8 Mile 電影原聲帶


BLAST最尊敬的歌手是誰(過逝或現在的都可)?
BARRY : 2pac 


BLAST跟我們聊聊你現在最新的計劃?它跟以前有什麼不同之處?
BARRY : 新的Mixtape

這次除了新歌之外, 還會有一些之前累積, 沒有公開的作品, 有點像日記的感覺, 記錄當下我腦中的想法還有所有的感覺, 妳可以在這張Mixtape聽到一些在EP或是比較正式的作品裡面不會聽到的東西. 我覺得會很酷! 

BLAST說說你最喜歡的漫畫卡通人物。如果可以有一種超能力,你會想擁有哪一種?
BARRY : 達爾 (七龍珠) 

飛行能力


BLAST請說出一首是你從來都不好意思開口跟任何人說的歌曲。

BARRY : 以前寫的一首歌 “Gangsta Set”  哈哈哈

BLAST:未來還有什麼計劃?有沒有什麼建議是想跟新一代的說?

BARRY : 未來我最想做的是一張完整的專輯

新一代的朋友們, 繼續努力, 有時候你可能會覺得很氣餒, 可是皇天不負苦心人, 只要Work Hard沒有什麼不可能, 加油!!!

Be sure to check BARRY’official mixtape release party this Friday in Taichung featuring The Blast’s very own DJ SERPICO.  

Check out BARRY’s newest single TAKE OVER.

Salute y’all. 

Big K.R.I.T.推出了最新MV “I Got This”,還蠻跳的一首歌,收錄在他即將在6/5在Def Jam發行的首張專輯Live From The Underground。

posted by DJ @llenblow

Large Professor推出了最新MV “M.A.R.S.”,找來當紅的Cormega, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano與Saigon共同合作,收錄在他即將發行的新專輯Professor @ Large。

posted by DJ @llenblow

來自Brooklyn的波多黎各與菲律賓裔美國人後裔,身兼饒舌與製作的Agallah a.k.a. Don Bishop,之前隸屬於哈林區The Diplomats那一掛的團體Purple City,除了自己的音樂之外,他也幫Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma, The Diplomats, Guru, Sean Price, Saigon, Mobb Deep與Big Pun等人製作過,不過都是在幕後,也就是所謂的ghostwritter,這是他的最新MV “Max Julien” ft. Sean Price & Ike Eyes,製作人是Sicfuc,收錄在Red Velvet專輯中,這首歌是向1973年推出的知名黑潮電影The Mack中飾演主角Goldie的演員Max Julien致敬。

posted by DJ @llenblow

武當派Ol` Dirty Bastard的兒子Young Dirty Bastard推出了最新MV ”Son”,中間還來一段武打片橋段,感覺起來他沒有老爸那麼crazy,但還蠻搞笑的。

posted by DJ @llenblow

由來自芝加哥的emcee Scheme與來自賭城Las Vegas的DJ Scend合體的Two Turntables and a Mic系列最新是向Pete Rock致敬,將Pete Rock的經典beatz重新演繹,中間還來一段”Jump Around”,超靠悲的,本系列是由Molemen Records X SRNC X Ruby Hornet共同呈現,影像的部分則是由Beast Factory Films打理。

Learn more here

posted by DJ @llenblow

 Summer Tuesdays

Following a relatively quiet first third of the year for hip-hop outlets, the release schedule looks to heat up as we enter summer.  Sure, there was a few memorable releases from January to April, but it’s no secret that the hottest names in the game target summer releases as the greatest opportunity to make a bigger splash.  Being responsible of “The Summer Anthem” has become a pass to industry untouchability, for better or worse.

So who is in position to dominate the summer with their upcoming releases?  Your Humble Narrator has taken a look at the projects slated for release this summer and now brings you the five records most likely to bring the heat for your local summer celebration, be it barbecue or block party.


Big K.R.I.T. - Live from the Underground
Scheduled for June 5

With one of 2012’s hottest projects already under his belt, K.R.I.T. is looking to continue his meteoric rise through the ranks of not only The South, but the entire genre.  Due to the depth and complexity of past projects, it’s a little misleading to call this a debut, but it will be K.R.I.T.’s first studio LP under the Def Jam banner.  It makes sense, then, that K.R.I.T. has been said to be bringing out some radio friendly names for the project, including Rick Ross, Big Sean, 2Chainz and even B.B. King.  Mississippi’s Finest is also primed to handle production duties for at least the majority of the project, which ensures top notch soul-infused beats throughout.  Though damn near every head knows Live from the Underground is a surefire banger, it remains to be seen how much impact the project can made on a grander scale. Time for K.R.I.T. to show and prove.

Nas - Life is Good
Scheduled for July 17

It’s surprising that, with his legacy so firmly entrenched in the annals of hip-hop, Nasir Jones has yet to say “hi” to 40.  For his tenth studio album, it looks like Nas is ready to rebound from his perplexing 2008 project and has been rumored to be working with damn near everyone in the game.  There are rumored collaborations that I hope come to fruition (AZ, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Q-Tip, Jay Electronica, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Exile, RZA, K.R.I.T) while others would likely find a more appropriate home on the cutting room floor (Odd Future, Swizz Beatz, Hit-Boy, Diplo, Bangladesh).  Long accused of hypocrisy, seems once again Nas has a decision to make: Is he is targeting his long-term fans through a time-tested formula or the new generation though radios and dance floors. If the three early releases are any indication, Nas is taking a more traditional approach to Life is Good, and I couldn’t be happier.

Rick Ross - God Forgives, I Don’t
Scheduled for July 31

As one of the more polarizing figures in the industry, there is a lot of debate about the value of Ricky Ross’ contribution to hip-hop. But whatever your feelings are regarding the quality of the Officer Ross catelouge, there is no denying that his releases have become something of an event.  If 2009’s Deeper Than Rap proved to be The Bawse’s coming out party as a legitimate emcee, it was 2010’s Teflon Don that established Ross as an undisputed industry superstar.  The overwhelmingly positive critical response to the album was almost comical, with one New York Times writer naming the project the best of the year.  Not that it wasn’t dope, but there was certainly room for improvement, and now - almost two years later - Rozay looks to defend his heavyweight crown with God Forgives, I Don’t.  Not much is currently known about official plans for the project, but we can expect a guest list filled with the biggest names in music, as well as contributions from Ross’s newly-assembled Maybach Music Group roster.  While improved sales figures are almost a guarantee with Ross’ stature in the current landscape, I’m interested to see if Ross can continue his evolution as a rapper and create his masterpiece now that expectations have been raised. 

A$AP Rocky - LongLiveA$AP
Scheduled for July

Though an official date is yet to be determined, Dat PMF has announced that his debut studio LP will be hitting shelves sometime in July.  And really, the timing couldn’t be any better.  With people still buzzing about LiveLoveA$AP, Rocky has unquestionably solidified his position as New York’s Next, complete with co-signs from The God Emcee himself. Now, LongLiveA$AP’s Hit-Boy-produced lead single “Goldie” appears poised to burn up your local radio outlet this summer, and Rocky looks to spread his A$AP movement worldwide.  Rocky has been in the studio with damn near everyone during his accelerated rise to fame, but we are unlikely to get too much official word on collaborations until close to release time in hopes of maintaining anticipation.  Of course, there are concerns that with grand expectations, Rocky will flame out on his major label debut, perhaps selling out his slowed dripped out sound for something more commercially appealing.  But if his tweets are any indication, Rocky seems likely to take full advantage of the creative control granted in his unprecedented record deal and continue to do things his own way.

Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid in a Mad City
Currently Unscheduled

I’m a little bit hopeful in assuming K. Dot’s project will see the light of day over the next four months; indeed, no official date has been set by the good folks at TDE/Aftermath/Interscope.  Still, coming off one of the highest-regarded projects of 2011 and an early contender for Song of the Year, it seems unlikely that Kendrick and his camp would miss out on this opportunity to shake up the industry.  We know that he’s been in the studio with Pharrell, Busta, RZA, and of course Dr. Dre, but the truth is that young Kendrick had the whole industry at his disposal; there are very few names in hip-hop that aren’t itching for the chance to put in work with The New King of the West.  But in the end, I’m hoping Kendrick continues the TDE tradition of keeping things largely in-house: It’s up to the leaders of the new school to set trends, not follow them.  Here’s hoping that Kendrick’s proven recipe of Charisma, Stubstance, Lyrics, Uniqueness and Work Ethic is enough to convince label heads that now is the time.

——————

As for this week, a delay of the latest LP from Oh No keeps the scene rather depressing at your local record store.  The big wavves on the Internet scene come from MMG representative Meek Mill, who Monday dropped his new mixtape Dreamchasers 2.  The DatPiff numbers (more than 2 million downloads in the first 24 hours of release) prove that this one was pretty highly anticipated.  But after a couple of spins, I fail to see what all the hype is about.  No question, there are a few heaters on this one: “Amen” with The Kitten Whisperer Drake is a butter-smooth celebratory anthem that has radio written all over it, while “Real” finds Meek at his most ferocious over a Jeep-ready production from SAP.  Still, the highlights are not enough to make up for an otherwise-boring tape.  

While most artists have been using pre-album mixtapes as a platform to display versatility in attempts to broaden appeal, Dreamchasers 2 does little to paint Meek as a musical chameleon.  In fact, it does quite the opposite; I’m left wondering if Meek has anything in his arsenal other than an always-aggressive, often-irritating delivery of cliche subject matter.  Three songs in and I’m sick of being yelled at.  There are times when it works, but they are few and far between.

Seems, though, that I’m in the minority in my disinterest in Meek Mill.  2 million downloads don’t lie.  For now, it seems that Ross and company can do no wrong.  But if they don’t tighten up the material, they could find their reign ending more prematurely than Shawn Kemp.

This Saturday, The Blast once again emenates from The Dirty South as Serpico and Leo take their act to Tainan to join DJ 2Hands for Make Room 9.  If you read my illustrated recap of the Make Room 7 or have attended any of the Make Room parties, I’ll spare you.  But for any of you who don’t know?  Now you know: Do not miss this party under any circumstance.  Hope to see ya’ll out. It’s The Blast, ya’ll.

Noakes

djserpico:

Kickin it with @pismo, Juzzy Orange and #theblast family (Taken with instagram)

djserpico:

Kickin it with @pismo, Juzzy Orange and #theblast family (Taken with instagram)

djserpico:

Gettin support from the monk village #taiwan #theblast #djserpico #monk

djserpico:

Gettin support from the monk village #taiwan #theblast #djserpico #monk

evanader:

The third single release from LEO37’s Fanfare EP!

There’s a feeling of self-realization every time I listen to his songs. Maybe a different message from the artist, but that’s the effect on me. Makes me want to do more worthy things, become a more sensible being. Incredible piece again.

On Gorgeous, it tries to put into my mind the abnormality of humanity to conform to current society’s image of beauty and power. Do I allow it, do I succumb to it? A question only I can answer.

You’ll hear an extended version of Gorgeous in its mp3 form. Either way, the video fits the scene the music conveys.


More good music by LEO37 to listen to on his website. Download the EP in its full form too!

Salute to all our fam in the Philippines!  We’ll be back soon.  Salute.

Extraordinary swag and a mouth full of gold.  

Rocky puts in work behind and in front of the lens while in Paris for the new visuals for “Goldie,” the Hit-Boy produced single from his forthcoming debut album.  LongLiveA$AP coming in July.  No relation to another Harlem representer, but it sure is gonna be a hot summer.

-Noakes

Fan-made promo video for 5/5 Useless Brotherhood Presents BACK TO DA TRU SKOOL with PISMO (USA)

Film by Juzzy Orange

Go to facebook event page here

Buy advanced ticket here

posted by DJ @llenblow

Official promo video for 5/5 Useless Brotherhood Presents BACK TO DA TRU SKOOL with PISMO (USA)

Film by Kurtis Yeh

Featurin`
黑人音樂社
Juzzy Orange
DJ Vicar
Heartbeat Attack 

Go to facebook event page here

posted by DJ @llenblow

由The Alchemist與Oh No一黑一白的超強組合Gangrene前一陣子才發行了新專輯Vodka & Ayahuasca,接著又推出一張免費下載的EP Odditorium,這是EP中的MV “Walk Hard”,影像不改惡搞的本性…,這兩個人的組合還真是多產呀。

Download Odditorium here

posted by DJ @llenblow