Brown Bag Allstar Emcee and BHF Alum, Soul Khan was featured recently on MTV2's Sucker Free Countdown. In the interview, the Brooklyn by way of Woodland Hills, California artist describes his motivations for moving east and his upcoming solo project, Soul Like Khan.
"Even though the West Coast has a rich history", Soul Khan says, "I just felt like a lot of people take the easy route. I felt like I needed to go on something like a pilgrimage East to establish myself in the Mecca and if I could prove myself here then I was really worth something."
Brown Bag's resident battle rapper decided to take rap more seriously when he realized that the "shelf like is kind of short".
"You don't have too many people over the age of 25 or 26 really doing it", he says. "I gotta get in while I can and make my mark and hopefully I can do that."
Entitled Soul Like Khan, Soul Khan's solo offering features production from fellow Brown Baggers J57 and Audible Doctor, and appearances by Koncept (also of BBAS), Homeboy Sandman, 8thW1 and others.
"It's an introduction but I don't say that on the album", describes Soul Khan. "I don't get into that trap where it's like 'this is part one of this incredible saga that you have to follow for the rest of your rap life'. It's really my attempt to relate to the audience on subjects like music, women, politics, you know just everyday life."
This just in from the good homies over at Brown Bag Allstars. Soul Khan's official...Brother Ali's soulful vocals with BK lyricism. Peep the release:
Soul Khan Presents: "Soulstice"
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the first track in Soul Khan of The Brown Bag AllStars' blog campaign, "Soulstice," where he will be leaking tracks consistently leading up to his debut album release this summer. Stay alert for more new Soul Khan joints in the near future.
Also The Brown Bag AllStars "The Down Under Remixes" digital 12inch drops Tuesday May 4th on iTunes and all other digital music stores. Side A "The League Of Intoxicated Gentlemen Remix" produced by M-Phazes will be featured on M-Phazes' upcoming remix project "Phazed Out" on Coalmine Records.
The-Quotable.com chopped it up with BBAS right before their amplified BHF09 performance. Read on as we addressed Brown Bag Season, Sprite Zero, and the pros and cons of a Fat Beats cosign.
TCM: The-Quotable.com, chillin here with 5 members of Brown Bag Allstars, man. How do you guys feel? J57?
J57: We are feeling good, man. Ready to go out there and destroy the stage.
TCM: Thats whats up. Now, I’ve heard a lot of new tracks off of Brown Bag Season. Soundin’ pretty good. What can we expect from that project?
Soul Khan: Thank you.
Audible Doctor: More of the same stuff.
Soul Khan: Theres going to be some curve balls. Pause. Theres gonna be some curve balls.
TCM: OK
Soul Khan: Theres gonna be some stuff that knocks people for a loop. I’m not gonna divulge anything but we’re definitely doing some different stuff coming up. And a lot of its coming from, like, one of our secret weapon - not so secret anymore - um, Marink who we’ve inducted as a crew producer. And he’s, if you follow the Brown Bag Season joints, he’s produced a number of them. And he’s got more dope ones coming up.
TCM: Whens the release date on that?
J57: On the...
TCM: On Brown Bag Season?
J57: Its gonna end in September. 2 tracks a week until September. Thats what we’ve been doing.
TCM: Are you going to release that as an actual album?
Koncept: Yeah, as a mixtape. We’ll probably put it out as a free download. Um, free CD.
Soul Khan: We’re actually giving some of the songs away today on CD. For the stuff thats already out, given that we have it on that one CD, we’ll probably put it on a Rare file or ZIP file and upload it for the people getting on Myspace. Put it up on blogs. Um, they should’ve got them all up anyway. But if they haven’t, its time to recap.
TCM: Thats whats up. I have a question for you Koncept and Soul Khan. I see you guys more often than I see everyone else. Is that just coincidence? Whats the reason why I see you more often?
J57: They have projects coming out.
Koncept: Yeah, we have projects coming out. [Soul Khan] has Wrath of Khan coming out, his solo mixtape. I’ve got my second solo mixtape as well as an EP coming out. So, uh, I guess thats really the main reason.
Soul Khan: I’m going to speak for Audible Doctor and J57 because I feel like doing that right now. Audible Doctor and J are both incredible producers so their working on a lot of production heavy projects right now. My homie J57 has 2 instrumental albums coming out in the future on Balance Records. And they’re very dope. AMD, has stuff I’m not going to mention because he may not actually live up to it and doing something else instead. Uh, but he has a surprise that I convinced him to do. So watch out, August or September he’s got a surprise. Classic surprise.
Koncept: And even though you see, like you said, ‘I see you and you the most’ its not like that because, regardless, J’s producing the track, or Audible Doctor’s producing the track. So, its not like you’re just seeing us. Like, they’re just as much in the spotlight as we are.
Soul Khan: Or I order the pizza over at J’s house. Or..
Koncept: And he has Sprite Zero or something...
Soul Khan: Exactly. I don’t wanna put him on blast for having Sprite Zero in his fridge. He lives with his fiance. Its a beautiful relationship...
[Laughs]
TCM: On the production side, how does it actually work? I know you guys have a stable of producers...How do you guys go through your creative process?
Audible Doctor: For making the beats or picking the beats?
TCM: Both. Picking beats, making beats.
J57: Uh, I guess...with making the beats - whatever inspires me at the time. You know? A lot of incredible producers I’m happy to be friends with - like Marco Polo - cats like that. You know, they‘ll play us their new shit that nobody’s heard yet. And I go home and I’m like ‘Gotdamn, I’m making new beats.‘ Straight up. Shouts to the homie Marco. He should be here any second. Thats how I do it. But as far as picking the beats, me and Audible Doctor or Rink we’ll play our new beats for the whole crew at Fat Beats where we all work. And, if only Koncept’s there or Soul Khan’s there, they’ll hear our beats. Or if I’m there, I’ll hear it - Audible Doctor playing his new beat - we’ll hear that and run over to him and be like ‘don’t do anything with that beat. Don’t send that to any of the million artists you’re working with. We’re using that for Brown Bag. For Brown Bag Season or the album depending on how crazy it is.
Audible Doctor: Thats pretty much how it works. Whenever either one of us makes something new we play it for them, or send it out or whatever. And its pretty...its usually pretty unanimous. Like, everybody’s like ‘yes we’re going to use it‘ or everybody’s like ‘no, we’re not going to use it’. Its usually a pretty even vote, you know what I mean?
TCM: Absolutely. And my last question - given that your group is so large and that you guys work for Fat Beats, which is an institution - what access has that afforded to you? Has that been a benefit to you? Or have you guys been pigeon holed because you work for Fat Beats and people think that you get things handed to you?
Soul Khan: Let [Audible Doctor] speak on it.
Audible Doctor: I think. I mean, it goes both ways. I think it really goes both ways. Pause. Um, its definitely a benefit. Just being there you meet a lot of people. Its a great place. Like, we all met each other there. You know? Thats where we formed Brown Bag was Fat Beats. But I think it also hinders you because...its...some people tend to over look you because...they’re trying to get something out of it and they’re not necessarily looking at the artistry of it. You know? So it really goes both ways. Like, today for example, we had to literally close Fat Beats cause Brown Bag is here performing, you know? Like, Fats Beats the store is close right now because we’re here. This is the first time I think ever that they’ve closed because the staff is performing at an event.
TCM: Congratulations. You guys already made history today.
Audible Doctor: Thank you. [Laughs]
TCM: Anything you guys want to say to your fans? To Quotable Nation?
J57: Mighty Healthy. Shouts to Mighty Healthy Clothing Company for lacing us with all this nice gear for the show - sponsoring Brown Bag Allstars. Thank you guys.
Soul Khan: Shirts upon shirts upon shirts upon shirts!
J57: And also shouts to Brooklyn Bodega cause you guys put us on!
Soul Khan: Wes!
J57: Wes Jack!
TCM: I know you guys have your set coming up. What can we expect from you set?
J57: Energy! Energy! Energy! Oh my god, I’m gonna lose my mind on stage!
TCM: Ok! Energy and cart wheels.
Audible Doctor: I’m doing back flips!
J57: I don’t mean to cut you off. I‘m going crazy right now cause I know we’re up next. I’m gonna, like, do a headspin and like propeller kick. Kick these heads off their bodies. On some real ish, I’m not cause today I’m love and peaceful. Cause I’m on some Woodstock but for Hip Hop ish. But I’m sayin - Energy! Oh my god, we’re goin in! You have no idea. We’re going to show some people some ish.
TCM: Well, thats what you guys are known for. We appreciate it.
Brooklyn Bodega President, Wes Jackson highlighted a startling fact midway through the third leg of the Show and Prove series: the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is the only annual Hip Hop Festival in New York City.
Now, we're talking about festivals of size, all-day-Hip-Hop-events. Festivals with local and national artists. International acts. Cats like Ghostface Killah, KRS-ONE, Big Daddy Kane, Fat Joe, Lupe Fiasco, etcetera, etcetera. Festivals like the legendary HOT97 Summer Jam. Or the ubiquitous Rock The Bells festival series.
I'll say it again...just to make sure it sinks in. The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is the only annual Hip Hop Festival in New York City.
FACT.
Lets put it into perspective: HOT97's Summer Jam is held annually at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NEW JERSEY. Rock The Bells festival series is held each Summer in Jones Beach, LONG ISLAND. And that’s dope. Both organizations host premiere events. Live Hip Hop is a blessing anywhere you can get it.
But this is New York City. Hip Hop's birth place. The Mecca. Logic would dictate that this City, complete with a history as rich this one, would have Hip Hop festivals littered in parks and venues throughout the 5boroughs. Ironically, and unfortunately, that just isn't the case.
Despite the fact that BHF is the lone Hip Hop festival within The City limits, fiscally speaking, three major festivals within the tri-state area is serious competition for any ambitious promoter - especially in this economy. People are stretching duckets as far as possible. How many fifty-bucks-plus tickets can the average head afford?
And thats what makes Brooklyn Bodega and its endeavor to further The Culture so significant. The Bodega Fam has managed to assemble the top shelf Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival for 5 years - gaining in notoriety while maintaining an emphasis on affordability. A ticket to this year's BHF - featuring Pharoahe Monch, Dead Prez, DJ Premiere, Styles P, J.Period and a "group of Emcees that are gonna fuckin blow your mind", Marco Polo, Brown Bag AllStars, and who knows who else - is only 10 bucks. And the Bodega just started charging anything at all a couple years ago. Back in the day, you could register online, wait for the confirmation email, and pick up your ticket - FOR FREE - at Halcyon, or Fat Beats. The BHF has been a labor of love since its inception. Brooklyn Bodega is the only organization in The City doing it this big, in this manner. That you must respect.
That you must support.
What's most appreciated is that Bodega shows are no longer limited to the annual BHF. The Show and Prove series is now one of this region’s most consistent underground events - providing a venue for the next wave of hungry Emcees to show skills. What started as a three-part competition series awarding the right to rock the main stage at this year's festival, looks to evolve into a regular event even after the festivities. April was quality. The collection of artists did not disappoint and The Mayor, Homeboy Sandman, shut it down as featured artist. Only great things have been said about March (which TQ missed). And May may be the tightest competition yet. Sleepwalkas, Brokn.Englsh, Those Chosen, and 8thW1 are all noticeably talented. All four came A-game equipped. Each act deserves a presence at this year's BHF.
FACT.
"These dudes up here, these are our Stevie Wonders. These are our Marvin Gayes. These are our Teddy Pendegrasses. All that shit that yall grew up with that yall parents listen to - we are creating it right now. This is history making right now." - Wes Jackson at the May 21st Show and Prove
Sleepwalkas
The "Best Guerilla Marketing Campaign To Get On Brooklyn Bodega's Show And Prove" award goes to the Thoroughest Borough duo, Sleepwalkas. Along with their bourgeoning reputation, Brooklyn Emcees K.Gaines, Cyph Diggy, and DJ Polarity hustled into the showcase by distributing lime-green fliers at the March and April shows, urging people to email BrooklynBodega.com, demanding their inclusion in the May Show And Prove. Some ‘old school street-team’ shit. "Grind" is synonymous with their name. Sleepwalkas have rocked everywhere from the Iguana Lounge, to EODUB, to the Knitting Factory. And from the moment they touched this night's stage, it was clear they were here with a purpose.
Sleepwalkas opened with the head-nod inducing, "Take That" - kicking ill cypher-rhymes over a thumping, horn-heavy soundscape - commanding the crowd to DJ Polarity’s beat. "Number 1 contender. / avatar-word bender." These cats were lyrically ready, locked and loaded with energy. By the time K.Gaines' exclaimed "Put your hands up for the hood sensation" on the closing verse to the nostalgic "Holiday”, drinks hit in the air like money shots. And chances are most of those in the house had not previously heard the song. Add that to the fact that they opened the showcase! Every audience is sleepy (pun intended) in the beginning. Not a problem for K.Gaines and Cyph Diggy. Dope beats plus dope rhymes equals immediate attention. Sleepwalkas captured the crowd from jumpstreet.
I gotta say this though: Sleepwalkas truest example of showmanship came when the duo guided the audience through a brief tour of BHF history, MCing over beats from performances past (Fat Joe, KRS-One, etcetera) while providing a glimpse into this year's festival (Pharoahe Monch).
"If you wasn't there something's wrong with you!! " – K.Gaines
Whether or not this is comparable to kissing up to the teacher is irrelevant for two reasons: (a) nostalgia plays well with live audiences, especially when rocking crowds unfamiliar with your music; and (b) in a broader context, their tribute highlighted the growing legacy of the BHF itself. A 5th-annual-anything is a significant milestone and a testament to vitality. The down side, like any other interlude, crowd energy was lost due to the break in the action (Sleepwalkas picked it back up on their final track, “Nuff Said”). That aside, their tribute was necessary and appreciated for many reasons, regardless of the motivation. Dope shit.
Brokn.Englsh
Brick City’s Brokn.Englsh continues to make a name for itself within the 5boroughs, having rocked the Knitting Factory and Sputnik Bar this side of the Hudson. The-Quotable.com first met (1/3 of the trio) Myk Dyaleks during the April Show and Prove but had yet to experience a live performance. Judging from their entertaining BE Diaries webisode series – Dyaleks, Cion Buris, and Lyriq2Go ooze chemistry – they genuinely enjoy kicking it with each other. As if they’re actually having fun together. Hopefully that translates into their live set.
Brokn.Englsh jumped in with the soulful, bass-heavy “Right About Now” (Cion Buris suitably crooning the hook), raucous energy and natural chemistry on full display. The tone carried through the sublime “I Remember My First Time / First love was kinda my first rhyme” before peaking on the anthemic “Make Some Noise” (the audience erupted immediately as BE broke it down into a back-in-the-day House Party dance. Not the classic Kid and Play dance from House Party. But the Kid and Groove dance where Groove passes out drunk right after the spin move. Again, nostalgia plays well to live audiences).
All set long, BE seemed to innately play off one another, complimenting each other on stage. Clearly these three enjoy rocking together, making their performance more engaging to watch. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as too engaging, and BE reached that point near the end of “Make Some Noise.” Following the dope old school dance break down, Lyriq2Go jumped down audience level to kick his last verse. Now in a stadium style venue this would translate more effectively. But in Public Assembly, where the audience is all on the same level, those in the back can’t see the action and therefore can’t feed off the energy. In fact, I looked away as Lyriq first left the stage and surprisingly couldn’t find him when I looked back. At one point I thought he was on stage lying down!
With that aside, the crowd felt the performance. BE commanded a high energy show complete with memorable songs and memorable moments. And their overall style is a great fit for the BHF. Stiff comp. Stiff comp.
Those Chosen
Those Chosen certainly made the longest commute to Public Assembly. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Japetto, Kornbread, and Foreshadow trekked cross-country to compete in this night's Show and Prove. Watch out for these cats. Those Chosen has a sizeable following out West and continues to work with major industry players. Not only have they rocked stages along with Slick Rick and Little Brother, but their upcoming mixtape - Steamulis (The Watts Riot Effect) - is hosted by Mick Boogie (available June 15th).
"Don't speak on how I live / and our grind ain't the same." - Those Chosen
Those Chosen probably had the night's most balanced performance. No interludes. No choreographed dance moves. A solid show nonetheless. Set openers, "Own Lane" and "All In All" felt like classic boom-bap-type-tracks, and "The Feelin'" fulfilled the night's nostalgia quota. Dope. All three. TC wrapped with the thumping "Soundclash," rounding out a well assembled performance.
To be honest, The Company Man was a bit surprised at the crowd response, or lack thereof, during TC's set. I mean, their energy was consistent. They went hard all the way through. Songs were dope. The beats were dope. Rhymes were dope. Something just didn't resonate. Don't get me wrong, no one in the audience threw tomatoes - Sandman didn't sweep them off stage Apollo-style or anything. The crowd was certainly receptive. Heads nodded throughout.
No doubt.
It’s just that given the overall quality of their performance, a greater crowd reaction would've been expected. Maybe it was because their performance didn't yield more opportunity for participation. Maybe regional bias. Maybe their set was too balanced in comparison to the two previous acts. Who knows the reason? Nevertheless, Those Chosen did their thing. Anyone not checking for them in the future is starving themselves.
FACT.
8thW1
Arguably the least known member of the AOK Collective, New Jersey native 8thW1 left a significant mark on Show and Prove. Hitting the stage with an aggressive, unapologetic, b-boy demeanor – 8thW1 was the only non-group competing tonight. Decked in D&G reading glasses, white T-Shirt flashing the logo for his most recent LP (LoveMoneyandMusic) across the chest, and khaki cargo shorts – 8th roamed the stage like an Emcee is supposed to. Each syllable spilled confidence. Every lyric spit with a purpose.
“My name’s 8thW1 and I’m tired of wack shit!” – 8thW1
From mic to plug, 8thW1 maintained ardent energy and animation throughout the set. Opening track “Some say its vision / some say its sight” (not sure of the actual title) provided a head-knocking lyrical introduction, and his ensuing sick acappella-16 garnered instant crowd reaction - "35 and older say we need 'Pac. / I listen to me. I think not!"
“My name’s 8thW1, and don't put no fuckin sugar in my food!” – 8thW1
Eighth displayed his ability to command the crowd at the beginning of the impressive “The Pressure” – where he (presumably) botched the lead-in to the first verse and started off beat. Before it became obvious to the audience, 8th stopped the DJ, turned to crowd as if we did something wrong, and initiated a commanding call and response – “When I say Pressure, you say ‘WHAT’!” The crowd complied immediately, and then it was back to the track as if that was part of the song. Tragedy averted. The audience remained unaware. Exactly how its supposed to be done. Bravo.
“I don’t gotta dumb it down, this is how I talk! / Passionate! / with a lisp. / I use / literal figuratives / to make a point like a finger tip!” – 8thW1
Along with displaying professional crowd command, 8th delivered diverse song selections, both lyrically and sonically. "Sugar", with its anthemic production and infectious hook ("They claim we sellin' crack / but you be doin that!"), touches on the addictive level of sugar found in just about everything we consume ("Sugar sugar sugar won't you give me give me more / of your sweet elixir until my liver gets sore"). Ironically, the HARDEST track of the night. And "Drunken Saturday" is a happy ode to his favorite buzz-inducers, complete with a hook Professor X couldn't remove for your dome if he tried. Ill. Simply ill.
"I'm the favorite. / Fuck pretendin!" 8thW1
8thW1 shut it down. And he knew it. You could tell by the way he vacated the stage. No salutations. No shout outs. No 'hit me at whateverwhatever.com'. He simply placed the mic back on the stand and exited stage left - only leaving behind audience adoration.
And deservedly so. 8th's lyrical one-man-show was packed with energy and diversity. His track choices were on point. His delivery and word-play translated clearly throughout this live performance. He was the only solo artist and the only one without a nostalgic track - distinguishing himself from the comp. Honestly? The total package. This was the type of show that forces you to immediately buy the performers product. And thats exactly what The Company Man did (LoveMoneyandMusic review coming soon).
The Wrap Up
Brooklyn Bodega has done it again. Another good night. Another quality array of talent. Again, asking for anything more is straight Bernie Madoff (greedy).
Seriously though, choosing a winner out of tonight's performers is not an easy decision. There's so much to consider. All four maintained high energy throughout. All four came lyrically prepared. Sleepwalkas hit hard with 'Take That' and 'Holiday' and somehow fit in an absolutely necessary BHF tribute. Brokn.Englsh arguably had the most energy of all, earning the loudest crowd response with the House Party break down. Those Chosen's overall balanced set was more than Worthy (like James). And 8thW1's stellar song selection, lyrical creativity, and brash showmanship shut it down. Tough choices.
Queue the Jeopardy theme music.
From our perspective, its a push between Brokn.Englsh and 8thW1. BE's live performance, crowd appeal, and flare for the nostalgia would play well at the BHF. 8th's overall creativity plays well with people in general. Both deserve the opportunity to be pitted against previous Show and Prove winners, Children of the Night and Brown Bag Allstars.
But since this is a competition, there must be a winner. And the winner is...
Brokn.Englsh.
Based primarily on live audience appeal and ability to jump start the crowd for the rest of the day's festivities, Brokn.Englsh's high octane performance, dope track listing, and flare for the nostalgic is a perfect fit for the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival.
As for the overall winner of the Show and Prove series - and I say this without witnessing Children of the Night's March performance - has got to be Brown Bag Allstars. Like we said before, "The crew's highly energetic live set and crowd command is bred for rocking live shows. Theirs is the type of show that the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is now known for." BBAS will make sure the BHF starts off correct.
FACT.
Once again, we leave you as Show and Prove left us...with an ill cypher featuring Homeboy Sandman, Prezzure, Brown Bag Allstars, Mr. Beatz, and several other of tomorrow's best.
***Editors Note: Congratulations to Brokn.Englsh for winning the May Show and Prove as well as Brown Bag Allstars for taking home the overall Show and Prove Crown. No doubt these fellas will represent.***
Slightly startled as I faux swagged out the cab - caught off guard by the sound of my moniker - I look up urgently to see who's shouting me out.
You see, most people call me J Hunte. Or Justin, as I'm known to my family and the government. And, although I'm accustomed to seeing The Company Man written in emails and all over The-Quotable, hearing it audibly and unexpectedly is something I'm not used to.
"Huh? What?...Who?" I muttered to myself, scanning the scattered faces littered outside of Williamsburg's Public Assembly. Its a beautiful Brooklyn night. Slightly cooler than the nights to follow. The type of night where people feel obligated to step outside for a quick nicotine fix. The type of night where non-smokers don't mind chilling with the fiends. Towering above a small collective stood the six-foot-five-inch Homeboy Sandman looking over at me with a welcoming mug.
Cooling in an early 90s purple Lakers Starter jacket draped over a black T-shirt fresh with a Murakami-esque cartoon face sporting a Louis-rag masking its mouth hanging on top of his marine-green cargo pants, Homeboy Sandman has become somewhat of a mayor of NYCs underground Hip Hop scene. His gregarious personality and passion for The Culture, along with his envious work ethic and lyrical ferocity, has garnered the respect of fellow Emcees, fans, industry-types, and the like.
Its impossible not to gravitate towards him. You want to like him.
Who else would shout The Company Man out?
We politic for a few as 'Boy Sand splits time texting and chatting it up with a slender cat rocking Malcolm X glasses, Brooklyn Emcee Fresh Daily, and a naturally beautiful brown skinned woman to be named later. The cue comes through his hand held - Mr Beatz is about to hit the stage. Brooklyn Bodega's April "Show and Prove" is about to jump off. Time to go in.
Husband and wife tag-team, Wes and Ebonie Jackson are the founders of Brooklyn Bodega, an online blogazine carrying the torch for Hip Hop since its 2006 inception. Brooklyn Bodega is the mind share behind the beautifully expanding Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. The 5th Annual BHF takes place June 18th through June 20th. The Main Day is held annually at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in BK's Dumbo section. GhostfaceKillah, KRS-One, Lupe Fiasco, Big Daddy Kane, Blue & Exile, Homeboy Sandman, Little Brother, Kidz in the Hall, CL Smooth, Chubb Rock, DJ Premier, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera have all graced the BHF stage years past. This night's event is the second leg of the Bodega's "Show And Prove" series taking place at Williamsburg's Public Assembly on March 19th, April 16th, and May 21st. Each night's winner becomes a finalist for the right to rock as the opening act in this year's BHF. Westchester Emcee Mr. Beatz, Fat Beat's own Brown Bag All-Stars, and UK Born Cymarshall Law are competing for the crown tonight. Stakes are high.
Mr. Beatz
So the five of us traipse through the dark corridor leading into the spot. Theres a five dollar cover charge tonight but the doorman stamps us through without question. Obviously, since The Tall Man is performing later, they are exempt from paying the toll. Me? I slide through with the crew and get stamped for free. What else would you expect? I'm walking with The Mayor.
We round the corner headed into Public Assembly's backroom just in time to catch Mr. Beatz at the beginning of one of his off-the-dome-live sets. He's decked more throwback than hipster (rocking a rather conservative white-T with a 'microphone + MPC = Mr. Beatz' image emblazoned across the front, black hat, and dark jeans in direct contrast to the colorful contingent filling the venue). Although this is The Company Man's first Mr. Beatz live show, judging by the crowd, the start could’ve been smoother.
But it was all love, still.
Beatz transitions into his crazy nostalgic single "Plain and Simple", immediately reclaiming the crowd. A Dope dope track (the video's cool too). He wraps with a trunk rattling, base-heavy cut that I can't seem to find online anywhere...But the hook goes "Mr Beatz is an Emcee / Movin' on the MPC" (or something close to that. Like I said, I can't seem to find it online to verify) in homage to his dual hat as both lyricist and beat maker. The track knocked. The crowd felt it. Neck snapping spread like subprime mortgages throughout the venue. The nastiest part was that last verse where he stumbles through the rhyme as if he forgot the lyrics then brings it back on time for the return of that ill hook..."Mr Beatz is an Emcee / Movin' on the MPC!" Dope shit.
Brown Bag Allstars
My homegirlEnid arrives just in time to man camera duty for the next contestants - Brown Bag Allstars. Hailing from different regions of the country, J57, Koncept, The Audible Doctor, Soul Khan, DeeJay Element, DJ E Holla, and DJ Goo all met through NYC’s ubiquitous Fat Beats record store (where the crew works). That’s right, these dudes run the shop by day, rock the mic by night.
BBAS bum rushed the audience almost instantly after hitting the stage. Set opener “Step down, we step up / You let down, we next up / Who the best now?? / Brown Bag, GET UP!” and the contagious “Gimme the Booze, Gimme the Booze (in a Brown Bag)!!” coerced the crowd crunk. I mean, these guys were all over the stage – weaving in and out of each other physically, sonically, lyrically, in sync, and on time. Impressive. Even their between track adlibs were dynamic enough to engage the crowd while guiding us into the next song. Unfortunately BBASdidn’t rock their anthemic “League of Intoxicated Gentlemen”, but so far they have to be the front runner for tonight’s competition. Their combination of energy, showmanship, lyricism, and crowd involvement is built for the live audience. And if I’m organizing a Hip Hop Festival, or any other live performance in any genre anywhere, that is the first thing I'm looking for.
Cymarshall Law
The crowd thins briefly as BBAS exits the stage. Heads need to drink something. Heads need to smoke something. Heads need to step out into the tranquil evening and recap the first two-thirds of tonight’s semifinal. Enid and I snag the opportunity to slide stage right for an up close view of the third performance, England-born, NJ based, Cymarshall Law.
Cymarshall has been in the game for a minute. He's already released two full length LPs (Hip Hop in the Flesh, and Hip Hop in the Soul (review on the way)), toured the UK and the eastern US, and received Rookie of the Year honors from Sucio Smash over at WKCR's 89.9 Squeeze Radio (2004). For an artist as established as he, competing in "Show and Prove" seems a bit out of place. At the same time, its a signal of his love for the craft and hunger for The Culture. And that you MUST respect.
Decked in a black, red, and white Addidas jacket, jeans, and a black hat tilted to the left, Cymarshall opens his set by calling four women on stage for an acapella rendition of "A King With 4 Wives" - an ill extended metaphor about the four wives in all of our lives (Body, Possessions, Family, and Soul. Wife number 1? The naturally beautiful brown-skinned shortie chilling with 'Boy Sand before the show). Packed with energy and animation, this is clearly the night's most creative opening set. And to be honest, his entire set was packed with energy and animation. So much so that, by the time he reached the end, his Addidas jacket was tossed to the side, hat turned backwards, sweat pouring from his dome, and he's rocking with two mics! Cymarshall is a lyrically clever emcee - and his live show is a direct translation.
The Wrap Up
Tonight was a good night. The music was great. Each act brought its A game. The weather was the best its been in months. Brooklyn Bodega assembled a quality array of talent. Asking for more is straight Bernie Madoff (greedy).
Plain and Simple.
And although Mr. Beatz and Cymarshall Law all came tight, The Quotable's money is on Brown Bag Allstars. The crew's highly energetic live set and crowd command is bred for rocking live shows. Theirs is the type of show that the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is now known for.
A perfect fit.
And with that, I leave you as "Show and Prove" left us...with another hype performance from The Mayor, Homeboy Sandman.
