"Jumpers Sports Unlimited" by DeFakto & Stress
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Jumpers Sports Unlimited
Attention all: Please be aware of, take heed to and/or support the indie brand and company Jumpers Sports Unlimited, which primary specializes in sporting apparel. This company also serves to uplift through community events. Though it's not mine, I encourage folks to support indies, small businesses and upstarts that can meet your wants and needs and this is no exception. During such economically strained times where most are cutting back, it is very courageous and commendable to even launch a venture like this. My music partner, Stress, and I (DeFakto & Stress) were granted the opportunity to create the promo theme song for Jumpers Sports Unlimited. The link to that song and the info for the brand are below. Enjoy.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
D-Vine Intervention
“What a coincidence!” We’ve all heard it before in reference to a striking chance occurrence involving a couple of similar or seemingly related things. Well, my fellow music mate D-Vine is a player in a quite a coincidence that he discovered first and brought to the attention of Stress and myself. We all recognize this as chance and find it slightly humorous if anything with no bitter accusations involved or any foul play suspected (which may be obvious later).
Jay-Z. American Gangster. The album. Late 2007 I believe it was? Yeah. Prior to its release, D-Vine (who does not really keep up with contemporary hip-hop on a crazy level as far as getting leaks and catching everything that comes out and etc.) flipped the same sample that we’d eventually hear in “Sweet” by Jay-Z. D-Vine composed a faster version with heavier drums and it was a pretty dope number. I remember D-Vine using a basement boom box to make the comparison between what he created and that of Diddy, Sean C. and LV who produced Jay’s version. In situations like that, you just have to chuckle and conveniently embrace the phrase “Great minds think alike.” That was that. Same sample being flipped…happens all the time.
Fast forward from around that time to this 2009 summer. Our Box & Won crew is in the lab with D-Vine. We just finished meeting to map out our Allmanact / Box & Won set for an upcoming show and we were going through some beats to use for our project to end the night. D-Vine played something that caught Prince G.’s ear. Prince’s marquee “nod factor” kicked in, as it always does when he’s feeling an instrumental. Very concisely, everyone stated their feeling on the track on we moved on. One week later, The Blueprint 3 leaked. Yes. Jay-Z’s new album. The same sample that D-Vine used and caught Prince’s attention was the skeleton for one of my favorite tracks on The Blueprint 3 album: “Empire State of Mind.” While I thought D-Vine did a more favorable job with the first coincidental matching sample, I did enjoy the Al Shux composition better in this second instance. Still, I found it to be a bit of a trip that D-Vine would flip the same two samples used on two consecutive albums by the same artist who is widely accepted as the premiere hip-hop tastemaker and arguably the greatest hip-hop artist ever might I add. Perhaps Jay-Z should just cut the chase and give D-Vine a call when he starts working on his next album. Talk about “Third time’s a charm.”
Jay-Z. American Gangster. The album. Late 2007 I believe it was? Yeah. Prior to its release, D-Vine (who does not really keep up with contemporary hip-hop on a crazy level as far as getting leaks and catching everything that comes out and etc.) flipped the same sample that we’d eventually hear in “Sweet” by Jay-Z. D-Vine composed a faster version with heavier drums and it was a pretty dope number. I remember D-Vine using a basement boom box to make the comparison between what he created and that of Diddy, Sean C. and LV who produced Jay’s version. In situations like that, you just have to chuckle and conveniently embrace the phrase “Great minds think alike.” That was that. Same sample being flipped…happens all the time.
Fast forward from around that time to this 2009 summer. Our Box & Won crew is in the lab with D-Vine. We just finished meeting to map out our Allmanact / Box & Won set for an upcoming show and we were going through some beats to use for our project to end the night. D-Vine played something that caught Prince G.’s ear. Prince’s marquee “nod factor” kicked in, as it always does when he’s feeling an instrumental. Very concisely, everyone stated their feeling on the track on we moved on. One week later, The Blueprint 3 leaked. Yes. Jay-Z’s new album. The same sample that D-Vine used and caught Prince’s attention was the skeleton for one of my favorite tracks on The Blueprint 3 album: “Empire State of Mind.” While I thought D-Vine did a more favorable job with the first coincidental matching sample, I did enjoy the Al Shux composition better in this second instance. Still, I found it to be a bit of a trip that D-Vine would flip the same two samples used on two consecutive albums by the same artist who is widely accepted as the premiere hip-hop tastemaker and arguably the greatest hip-hop artist ever might I add. Perhaps Jay-Z should just cut the chase and give D-Vine a call when he starts working on his next album. Talk about “Third time’s a charm.”
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Introducing...BOX & WON (New Music!)
As if being a solo artist and member of the Allmanact trio isnt enough, allow me to introduce the raw hip-hop group BOX & WON, which includes Prince G., LR, S.T.L. and myself.
This is the same cast of emcees from the "Peace of Mind (Remix)" on the Allmanact album, which is where this group idea began. Before checking out the group live together for the first time at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA on Sept 26th, give these songs a listen (and certainly right-click to save them for your Ipod pleasure)!
"And Won" - Box & Won
http://www.defakto-music.com/mp3s/AndWon.mp3
"Stuck On You" - Box & Won featuring D-Vine
http://www.defakto-music.com/mp3s/StuckOnYou.mp3
"Maintenance Man" - Box & Won
http://www.defakto-music.com/mp3s/MaintenanceMan.mp3
Enjoy!
This is the same cast of emcees from the "Peace of Mind (Remix)" on the Allmanact album, which is where this group idea began. Before checking out the group live together for the first time at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA on Sept 26th, give these songs a listen (and certainly right-click to save them for your Ipod pleasure)!"And Won" - Box & Won
http://www.defakto-music.com/mp3s/AndWon
"Stuck On You" - Box & Won featuring D-Vine
http://www.defakto-music.com/mp3s/StuckO
"Maintenance Man" - Box & Won
http://www.defakto-music.com/mp3s/Mainte
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Three Times a Lady
After enjoying a Saturday free of obligations and commitments, which was the first and last in a good while, I decided to jump on the notebook PC and get some work done two nights ago. I got a ways into my work when my phone suddenly rang at nearly 2am. No big deal. I have 24-hour open call policy for any and all (doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to answer). When I checked the Blackberry face though, I was suprised by the name that popped up given the time. It was a good friend; a really good brother that I went to undergrad with who moves in the same social circle as I do. One might suspect bias here, but he's also genuinely one of the biggest fans and supporters of my artistry.
When I answered the phone, all my guy said was "Man, you are inspiring people. You are inspiring people out here." I had no idea what he was talking about. Then he said "We are out here at this cookout and your [Allmanact] album is playing. Some people want to speak to you." I'm silent, as an extremely pleasant woman whom I never have heard of, seen or met takes the line. She, in a beautiful speaking voice, instantly told me something to effect of she loved the music, had no idea who [DeFakto / Allmanact] was and encouraged me to keep on doing my thing. I was taken aback and just thanked her a few times for the positive feedback. She then passed the phone on to TWO more ladies who had their own unique yet similar message for me regarding the ALLMANACT album that they were hearing for the first time. This was not wreckless late night drunk-dialing either. As if their words weren't enough, the sincerity and anxiousness that translated was striking. It sounded like the ladies prompted the call rather than my friend and they wanted to be sure that they got their messages to me. My homeboy could have easily spoken on behalf of the three women, but it was meant for me to connect with them directly, even if just briefly.
When you love creating and spreading music, it is a relationship similar to that involving two people. There are times in relationships where you have doubts, question, reevaluate and/or reconsider stepping out, stepping away, and moving on, even when love is there. The same applies to music, especially since there are so many x-factors that effect an artist's presence and existance in music whether small indie or major. I personally was not feeling any negative thoughts about my music and related ventures when I received the phone call, but heartfelt encouragement like that is always timely. Being an artist is tough by nature and nurture, so we need little such stimulants every now and again. They lift us to just the right height and hold us up just long enough. I dont allow myself to get souped by praise or positive feedback, but it is very important to appreciate it all and keep it in perspective. I certainly do and, with that said, want to thank those three strangers. Perhaps we may meet, but we've already connected if we never get the chance to. Thank you.
When I answered the phone, all my guy said was "Man, you are inspiring people. You are inspiring people out here." I had no idea what he was talking about. Then he said "We are out here at this cookout and your [Allmanact] album is playing. Some people want to speak to you." I'm silent, as an extremely pleasant woman whom I never have heard of, seen or met takes the line. She, in a beautiful speaking voice, instantly told me something to effect of she loved the music, had no idea who [DeFakto / Allmanact] was and encouraged me to keep on doing my thing. I was taken aback and just thanked her a few times for the positive feedback. She then passed the phone on to TWO more ladies who had their own unique yet similar message for me regarding the ALLMANACT album that they were hearing for the first time. This was not wreckless late night drunk-dialing either. As if their words weren't enough, the sincerity and anxiousness that translated was striking. It sounded like the ladies prompted the call rather than my friend and they wanted to be sure that they got their messages to me. My homeboy could have easily spoken on behalf of the three women, but it was meant for me to connect with them directly, even if just briefly.
When you love creating and spreading music, it is a relationship similar to that involving two people. There are times in relationships where you have doubts, question, reevaluate and/or reconsider stepping out, stepping away, and moving on, even when love is there. The same applies to music, especially since there are so many x-factors that effect an artist's presence and existance in music whether small indie or major. I personally was not feeling any negative thoughts about my music and related ventures when I received the phone call, but heartfelt encouragement like that is always timely. Being an artist is tough by nature and nurture, so we need little such stimulants every now and again. They lift us to just the right height and hold us up just long enough. I dont allow myself to get souped by praise or positive feedback, but it is very important to appreciate it all and keep it in perspective. I certainly do and, with that said, want to thank those three strangers. Perhaps we may meet, but we've already connected if we never get the chance to. Thank you.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Nod Factor
No, this is not an ode to Skillz's 804-area classic first single from the golden era of hip-hop. I am obviously a true music lover, not to be confused with many who say they love music and dont (which is way too common and almost offends me) or people who like music a lot. See, to hear music, listen to it and feel it are three different things. You can hear music without really listening and you can listen to a song but not really "hear it." There is nothing like feeling music though, which brings me to this: One of my favorite things about music is when people are feeling a song and head-nod in unison! I love it!
In retrospect, I guess I have always felt this way but never really thought to make a mention of it. I've always been one to nod my head to the music regardless of what type of music it is and where I am when listening. I know many who are the same way to where riding in the car can feel like being at a live concert when we're together. In the studio last week, the host played an infectious instrumental and the nod factor naturally took over for all four of us guys to where we were partly subconsciously grooving and couldnt stop if we wanted to. The energy was so ill! Given some of the music situations I've been in, I'm here to tell you that if synchronized head-bopping was an Olympic sport, Michael Phelps would be nothing to talk about.
Everyone from the 5 year-old kid to 65 year-old grandparent and each of us in between is, in my opinion, instantly cool in the moment of nodding to a groove. Not bouncing, not snapping...HEAD-NODDING! On the flipside though, there are many who couldnt be more wrong in thinking they are too cool to feel music and fight the feeling. Lame. Give me a person with no rhythm zoning out on their own accord over anybody who resists the nod factor. So the next time you find yourself on the couch, in the car, at a show or wherever you may be bobbing your head to something that feels as good as it sounds, think of me because I'm probably doing the exact same thing wherever I am.
In retrospect, I guess I have always felt this way but never really thought to make a mention of it. I've always been one to nod my head to the music regardless of what type of music it is and where I am when listening. I know many who are the same way to where riding in the car can feel like being at a live concert when we're together. In the studio last week, the host played an infectious instrumental and the nod factor naturally took over for all four of us guys to where we were partly subconsciously grooving and couldnt stop if we wanted to. The energy was so ill! Given some of the music situations I've been in, I'm here to tell you that if synchronized head-bopping was an Olympic sport, Michael Phelps would be nothing to talk about.
Everyone from the 5 year-old kid to 65 year-old grandparent and each of us in between is, in my opinion, instantly cool in the moment of nodding to a groove. Not bouncing, not snapping...HEAD-NODDING! On the flipside though, there are many who couldnt be more wrong in thinking they are too cool to feel music and fight the feeling. Lame. Give me a person with no rhythm zoning out on their own accord over anybody who resists the nod factor. So the next time you find yourself on the couch, in the car, at a show or wherever you may be bobbing your head to something that feels as good as it sounds, think of me because I'm probably doing the exact same thing wherever I am.
Friday, July 10, 2009
No Comps (The Most Gratifying)
With the ALLMANACT album afloat for a bit now, I am proud to have contributed to creating the project and extremely pleased with the feedback. The reception has been great thus far. The group angle was unexpected and the packaging of the album has been a pleasant surprise per many. Lots of people have expressed an appreciation for the relatable content and the lack of explicit, vulgar lyrics. Tastemakers, loyal fans and casual listeners alike all have their favorites. There is one understated compliment that has been the most gratifying to me though.
For one online retailer that carries our project along with other indie albums, we were required to select three established/major groups who have a comparable sound. After a short deliberation, we were stumped. I then figured it would be best to ask listeners who had given the album several listens by that time. It was a string of "uhhhh," "hmmmm," "good question," "I gotta think about it," and "I dont know"'s. Outside of two or three people throwing out names and discrediting their own answer seconds later with "Thats not a good one, but thats all I could think of," it dawned on me that our sound couldnt really be accurately boxed in with other notable groups out there. Granted, I get the whole "Nothing is new under the sun" thing and I know we are not the first rappers/singer combo group. The originality is there though on some level and I feel good about that as much as anything else surrounding the album. It means a lot to know that we are not a carbon copy conceptually, sonically or content-wise and I'm thankful for that affirmation.
For one online retailer that carries our project along with other indie albums, we were required to select three established/major groups who have a comparable sound. After a short deliberation, we were stumped. I then figured it would be best to ask listeners who had given the album several listens by that time. It was a string of "uhhhh," "hmmmm," "good question," "I gotta think about it," and "I dont know"'s. Outside of two or three people throwing out names and discrediting their own answer seconds later with "Thats not a good one, but thats all I could think of," it dawned on me that our sound couldnt really be accurately boxed in with other notable groups out there. Granted, I get the whole "Nothing is new under the sun" thing and I know we are not the first rappers/singer combo group. The originality is there though on some level and I feel good about that as much as anything else surrounding the album. It means a lot to know that we are not a carbon copy conceptually, sonically or content-wise and I'm thankful for that affirmation.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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