Tuesday, April 30, 2013

E-roc: Jesusmoke - One of my first studio experiences!

THIS is just too reminiscent not to share with everyone! --- 

Martin Brazier (M.G! the Visionary) on the beats back when he was in 3NP! (Third Nail Productions) and when David Tapang (T.M.O. 'the mental oriental') was in the crew! I did all the scratching on all but one song... PLUS, back when I went by "DJ CHECKMATE," I spit my very first verse on "Hardkore Rap Act" with Bryan Leonard (then called "Charlie Brown") HAHA!!! WHITE WASHED (previous name to Comunalien) REPRESENT!!!




Monday, April 29, 2013

The Beginnings of Christian Hip Hop

THIS WAS THE SONG THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR ME!
LISTEN TO THIS!

The above song was from the first Christian Hip Hop album that I felt was on the same level as the secular hip hop that was coming out around that time... or at least the closest. Until this album, I hadn't heard anyone with more boom and bass behind their tracks. ALSO a BIG thing for me was this had legitimate scratching to it! THIS was the one album that gave me some hope that something from the Christian Community could be just as dope as anything I'd been hearing on the streets for so long... STILL dope too... Oldschool now, but dope just the same!!!

NOW check THESE joints out!


I remember when this joint came out. This is back when sampling Parliament and Zapp & Roger wasn't played out! It was a time when the message of the music was abundantly clearer than it has been recently. Also, I've noticed that there was a lot more unity between groups and emcees as individual. There seemed to be more of a comradeship than an "out for self" kind of "ministry"/ career. I remember there used to be a lot more crews too! The furthering of this style of music was encouraged rather than challenged. There was style and class behind the scene and it was viewed as a bright patch in the inner city circle it was being spread in. HBCU's and emerging Christian Events were featuring these artists and it wasn't a cheesy or corny expression of some left field doctrine. I miss these days.

Another main release was also by S.F.C. headed up by Sup the Chemist called "Phase III." I remember listening to this album and being completely amazed! After hearing the songs on this album is when I started to dream about getting into production. This was one of the dopest tracks I heard on that joint. Probably because of the use of the metal sample. This just has so much power behind it! I WISH I could've seen these brothers LIVE!!!!


The first show I ever did was opening up for Freedom of Soul in 1991. I was 15 years old and didn't know how to use REAL DJ equipment! I had a month to learn on someone else's gear. Didn't know how even by show time... Kind of funny, now that I think about it. The sound they had was spectacular to me... Freedom of Soul that is... I got to chat a little with their DJ at the time, DJ CARTOON, and he showed me how to do a few things. I loved his style and went home after buying their cassette than night and literally devoured the whole thing!!! One of the best songs on their second album was this one... Peep!

No one makes these kinds of tracks anymore and I believe it's high time we returned to what made this Christian Hip Hop culture so strong and wonderful to begin with! Don't you?

Friday, April 12, 2013

Soul the Interrogator | Prawdukt

The debut release from Soundmind Artists first signed artist! Soul the Interrogator has been the hardest working, most loyal emcee that has ever graced Soundmind's catalog. With determination and unending dedication to God, his family and his ministry, the lyrical efforts of this Seattle based musician cannot be and will not be ignored! If you end up only ever getting one album, make sure it's this one! Listen to his heart on this and you will be greatly impacted and encouraged. Don't give up! You're best days are ahead of you!


Monday, April 8, 2013

Nickels Hawkeye - Instrumental Trilogy

Nickels Hawkeye | WarShip | From the Foundation | Good For You
Soundmind Artists - 2013

This is a series of three albums that feature seven instrumentals each. Worship is easy when it's easily identifiable. When it's praise and worship in your deck, or if you're at church and the praise and worship team is playing, it's easy to "enter in" and plug yourself into God's presence. Everyday outside of those situation is where the test is. What are you doing when there are NO albums or bands playing, assisting you in your worship? What in and of yourself are you giving as worship? Sometimes this can be a straight up battle! Thus the phrase, "a sacrifice of praise." Well, for Nickels Hawkeye of Oldominion fame, his everyday worship experience is through giving of his ability to make music. These instrumentals weren't intended for any emcee in particular to spit on, but ironically, more emcee's are wanting to bless these instrumentals than ever before! Take a listen to Nickels, and his music, worshiping Jesus. I believe you'll see why they are considered as worship to him as well as to God. They're beautiful, as well as the other two, which are also included in this post. Take some time to appreciate these joints, and perhaps draw yourself into a worship experience with Nickels Hawkeye as well!





Sunday, April 7, 2013

This is GREAT NEWS!!! Check it out!



I don't really ever post things like this, but this is worth watching all the way through.
I know many of us don't go to church more than once or twice a year. Usually Easter and Christmas... THIS is the best Easter sermon I've ever heard, and I've been going to church several times a week since I was four years old. If you NEVER watch anything like this ever again, PLEASE watch this one ALL THE WAY THROUGH!!!! It's great news and INSANELY encouraging! 
GOD LOVES YOU 
NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Friday, April 5, 2013

Radio Interview Broadcast Details


Alright everybody, Soul the Interrogator, Prawphit on Point and myself (Nickels Hawkeye) were fortunate enough to be guests on a radio program yesterday! I wanted to let everyone know the times the episode will be broadcasted, so here are the details.

Saturday night 7pm - www.gojuiceradio.com
Monday morn 10am - Podcast releases on www.screwloosemusic.com
Tuesday night 8pm - re-airs on www.gojuiceradio.com
Thursday night 10pm - www.nwczradio.com

Let me know if you catch one of these and your thoughts about what we talked about... It'd be really appreciated. ALSO, check the show out in general because it's a REALLY well put together program! Great people, great fun doing this... THANKS GUYS & GOD BLESS!!! - WON - N