FALL 2012

S.A.C.soul anchor collective Soul Anchor Collective’s blog is dedicated to serving the community through journalism that covers hip hop’s present and future, seen through the lens of her past, with authenticity, passion and tact. It is our hope that we, the community/culture, will mature as the genre does.

A Quarterly Publication Issue No. 2 - Fall 2012 Letter from the Editor Album Spotlight: Collectively: Visual: Video Reviews Audio: Album Reviews Events: Concert Review is Mourning In America And Homeless Get Gone and Ryan Dreaming in Color feat. K.Raydio and Lewis tour the globe to others... promote their debut LP, The Heist

Passion vs. Duty - As Swerve - The life’s responsibilities SD’s Mr. Brady is Barrelhouse LP and mount, inspiration/ solidifying his more... desire to pursue our... legacy... Page 1 Pages 2-3 Pages 4-7 Page 9 Page 10 Pages 10-12 + extras

PassionA Letter from the vs. Editor Duty

1:22 a.m. and my weary fingers frantically one of many possible catalysts that might dance among they keys of my keyboard push them over the edge of moonlighting as my mind juggles the SAC fall quarterly, thePiecemakers’ (Antonio emcees/producers to professional artists PAZ-1 and myself) first EP, my who are able to provide themselves, and sophomore album, my writing career their families, with a living in and which has been made manifest by God through their art. via GoodVibeSD and TRUE Magazine I suppose, though, that at that point the (and a lil dedication and hard work), not artist is then faced with the paradox of to mention my lovely wife, our one year finding fun and joy in your passion that old son and our family and friends, oh has now become your duty. For some, as yeah, and by day I teach high school we the listeners can attest, once this step English to 10th-12th graders. is taken, some of the life is sucked out of Now, I am not looking for a pat on the their music and their new job becomes as oppressive as their former. back in sharing this, rather I am merely Seems that I have been drinking way too much of painting the picture in which passion and this lately, to get me up and to keep me up! Peace and Love, duty coexist in a delicate tension that can

be difficult to grasp peace in. The above intertwined in the hustle of a blue collar NathanAnthony title may be a bit misleading, as it pits artist. them against one another, when, in SAC typically covers the music of artists reality, the two are beautifully in a similar situation, in hopes of being

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 1 ALBUMCOLLECTIVELY SPOTLIGHT

Album Spotlight: Brother Ali | Mourning In America And Dreaming In Color

For his fifth full length album, Throughout his career, Ali has delivers gritty, personal, upper Brother Ali trades longtime not only proven to be echelon flows, while maintaining production partner for fellow immensely talented but also the air of a southern preacher labelmate (and one of the most one of the most genuine, (albeit one that would swiftly slept on beatsmiths of the last introspective, and socially “rain knuckles on you” should ten years), Jake One, who has aware artists in hip hop. The you disrespect him). On produced for the likes of De La Minneapolis emcee consistently “Mourning in America and Soul, , MF Doom, 50 Dreaming in Color” Ali takes his Cent, and Ghostface Killah to trademark sound, steps to the name a few. The two previously pulpit and turns the message up showcased their chemistry back to 10. While he’s made a in 2008 along with on career of bringing the listener in the heater, “The Truth”. With with touching personal insight. “Mourning in America and he switches it up this time Dreaming in Color” they prove around as he takes the spotlight that chemistry was no fluke as off himself and shines it on the

Jake is able to perfectly lay the nation. The result is a thought landscape for the journey Ali The album art itself tells a good provoking critique of our takes us on. portion of the story before you government, our struggles and even dip into the music. ourselves.

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 2 ALBUMCOLLECTIVELY SPOTLIGHT Among the bevy of heavy you want to rise up and join the subjects he touches on are fight with him. issues such as race (“Letter To My Countrymen”), While Ali is no stranger to institutionalized poverty (“Only controversial political messages Life I Know”), the hypocrisy of (“Uncle Sam Goddamn” and violence in U.S. politics “Letter to the Government” from (“Mourning In America”), and 2007’s Undisputed Truth as our history of exploiting prime examples) “Mourning in minorities in entertainment America and Dreaming in Color” (“Won More Hit”). However, as marks a decisive turn for the if to keep the listener close and Rhymesayers resident paying attention, intermixed with preacher. He appears acutely the weighty political topics, he aware of his new found position makes sure to remind us why and fully prepared to embrace we became fans in the first his role as political activist and a place and gets personal with voice for civil rights. On intimate stand out tracks “Stop “Singing This Song” he the Press” and “All You Need” encourages us to join with him as well as the hungry battle with the lines “when we raise mode bangers “Say Amen” and our voices we’re joining a “Dreaming In Color” (bonus chorus, you’re not a solo the track on the deluxe version). harmony is enormous”. Whether you’re on board with With a release just shy of two the message or not you can be months before the impending certain that Brother Ali will not election, the album seems be silenced. Regardless of the precisely crafted to challenge topic, he commands attention, our thinking and to encourage and with Jake One providing the us to recognize the power we beats the result is a powerful, hold through numbers. No track thought provoking addition to exemplifies this and captures his catalog. So do yourself a the overall theme of the album favor… grab a set of better than “Gather Round”, headphones, raise a fist and where the Brother’s sermon is gather round… service is about in full swing as he seems be to to start. calling us all to stand up, unite, and bring about the change we -Freedumb Fighter long for. Amir Sulaimon puts an exclamation point on the track, delivering a portion of his powerful spoken word piece “Danger” and hammering the message home with the lines “so I say down with Goliath, I say down with Goliath”, making

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 3 PERSPECTIVESCOLLECTIVELY

Mr. Brady: Solidifying my Legacy

In hip hop, as with any be - loyalty to the oral tradition, our history heritage is what ties all is passed from one real hip hop heads storyteller to the next. together. Sometimes stories are told with hands and San Diegoʼs Mr. Brady turntables, other times Mr. Brady’s hustle paid off in 2012 (there’s more too) (bboy/emcee/producer) is they are told with spray most definitely a purist, cans and fat caps, still but his laid back other stories are told with progressing culture. more of the elements. demeanor and focus on oneʼs entire body, and, Each member of the Purists stress the his craft prohibits elitism. often, hip hopʼs story is culture seeks, in some importance of using the Being one of told through voice. This way or another, to leave narrative that has been underground hip hopʼs collective story, this his/her mark; essentially passed down as the renaissance men, legacy, is comprised of he/she seeks to validate foundation for all “new” breaking, producing, the individual legacies of his/her place or role as a stories being told, no emceeing, and mixing members of hip hopʼs participant and matter how progressive tracks, seems to be dynamic, ever- contributor to one or an individual artist may treating Brady well.

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 4 PERSPECTIVESCOLLECTIVELY

With three completed projects complete, itʼs when I take a few every day from school and set up already this year, he is on par to days off... Iʼm a work horse, [this] her record player and put my compete for Mursʼ self-given title is all I do every day... pretty much speakers on the porch of our as the “hardest working man in the my whole life is just music. apartment in east Daygo and I underground game”. It is mind used to break every day - bogglingly refreshing to see the NA: So now we have an cardboard and everything, rate at which Mr. Brady is understanding of the man here breaking outside. And also when I releasing new material, while not and now. Can you take the saw Beat Street for the first time. I becoming dry and monotonous. readers back a little bit, to when went to go see it after school one As Mr. Brady seeks to solidify his you first got into hip hop? day, [on my own], and it, um, blew niche in hip hop, you can feel the me away. I was sitting in the legacy of Rakim, KRS and Nas in Mr. Brady: In the early 80ʼs I had theater and after the movie the his lyrics and that of J.Dilla and DJ aunties (pronounced un-tees) that credits ran and everybody rushed Premier in his production, yet his danced and uncles that used to the stage and started breaking music maintains a unique sing; my auntie used to dance on right there while the credits were character. Soul Train, they used to enter a lot running. I was kinda intimidated; I of competitions and things like was a popper and a breaker then, While a typical, warm, sunny that. The meeting point was my but I had never seen anything like Wednesday afternoon becomes a grandmaʼs house. Itʼd be like that, ya know. That was pretty beautiful evening in Long Beach, a every day, everybody would be much a big, defining moment for unique character with the moniker there: [from] cousins, to aunties, to me. Mr. Brady effortlessly strolls up the uncles, you know, [they] donʼt three steps onto our stoop and into have those family values any NA: Hip Hop, at that time, was our dimly lit dining area. We share more, but back then, thatʼs how it really just beginning to grow a couple of Blue Moon Belgian was. Everybody would meet up at and evolve and now everyone White Ales and engage in the grandmaʼs house [and] uncles has something to say about telling, nay, retelling of the the would be singing, aunties would where the culture has gone; story that has been told for thirty be teaching us dances, playing what is your perspective on plus years, but narrated in a way records - funk records, soul what the pulse of the culture is unique to Brandon “Mr. Brady” records, you know. So they got right now? Crowel. me into that; I was heavily into dancing. Music was always Mr. Brady: Depends where youʼre NA: Mr. Brady, you do it all. around me. It was always music looking. Thereʼs a lot of pop-ish You are one of undergroundʼs and sports. I thought I was either stuff out right now... and I donʼt like renaissance men. Can you sum gonna do music, or become a a lot of it... because it dumbs you up who Mr. Brady is in a few professional baseball player. I got down, but at the same time, Iʼm sentences as we get things looked at by a few pro teams back not completely upset with them, under way? in the day, but music kinda took because the music is straying over. away from the violence, though Mr. Brady: I kind of breathe and [that has its place too]. The only live music and hip hop every day. NA: Was there a turning point? thing I do hate about it is that Iʼm the type of person, that, if I Was there a reason you chose these kids are growing up a little donʼt do music every day I started the music over the sports? faster, so theyʼre getting into things to notice now, when I donʼt do a little earlier, like the drug scene music, I start to feel down, Mr. Brady: A defining point for me and popping pills and all that. depressed. When I am doing was when my mom took me to Thatʼs one side I donʼt like about it. music all the time, thatʼs when I Warehouse Records back in the But also, there is a real big scene know Iʼm exactly where I need to day and I picked my first record, of a lot of producers now; thereʼs a be. Itʼs a weird feeling, I never Planet Rock - that was huge for lot of really good producers right knew that when I felt like Iʼm not me. And I would come home now in the game.

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 5 COLLECTIVELY

Thereʼs a lot of good emcees in NA: You are from SD, and have keep moving to stay relevant - I the game too, but you just gotta relocated to Long Beach - why put out a lot of music, I stay busy find it - thereʼs a lot of dope young the move? every day. cats out there. [Right now] Elaquent is one of my favorite Mr. Brady: I didnʼt feel I was NA: As you were saying, you producers. progressing, and I always said I are putting out a lot of music was gonna make the move to right now - why the sense of NA: What does your music [Long Beach], the Bay or New urgency? have to contribute to the game York. I always wanted to make right now? that move, but itʼs hard to do it... I am kind of on a mission this year. you know... itʼs sorta like youʼre LMNO definitely put that push in Mr. Brady: I always look at myself never [fully] ready... like having a me. Thatʼs like my brother right as evolving. I try to never stay the kid. You just have to do it some there. Thatʼs pretty much my Long same. I progress with the music. I times and I did it. Itʼs been great Beach best friend. Me, LMNO, see a lot of people my age, the for me; I donʼt know as many and Moka [Only], weʼre like work “Golden Era” age, and they stay in people up here and there arenʼt as horses, you know, thatʼs all we that sound and they get left many distractions for me up here. do... Iʼm trying to put out at least 8 behind. I tend to keep [the albums this year, okay; Iʼm trying foundation] with me, but I move NA: So, what are some of the to solidify my legacy this year. Iʼm with the times, you know what Iʼm similarities an differences trying to make people say - sayinʼ. I know how to reinvent between San Diego hip hop and pauses- what can you say, Iʼm myself; I have reinvented myself LA/Long Beach hip hop? putting out quality music, Iʼm so many times in my career: from putting out an abundance of it, my before Battle Axe, to Battle Axe, to Iʼve noticed that they go a lot work ethic is strong - Iʼm trying to DeepRooted, to now - so many harder up here; they take it a lot solidify my future and my legacy reinventions of myself I have to do more serious up here. Itʼs not a this year. to stay relevant in the game. game and you can hear it in their passion and their voices. Itʼs just NA: While we are talking about NA: Okay, as you grow and a different feeling; you can feel it in LMNO and Moka Only, you have reinvent, do you find yourself the air, when you go to shows, done countless collaborations. able to best express yourself as thereʼs just a little more passion. What have been some of your a producer or an emcee? Not to take away from San favorite collabs as a producer or Diego... since Iʼve left I am really as an emcee? Mr. Brady: Hmmm. I love seeing San Diego thriving right producing a lot, but thereʼs nothing now - thereʼs a lot of dope cats in Mr. Brady: The me and LMNO like expressing yourself on a mic. San Diego right now. Everybodyʼs project, Banger Management, was Depends where Iʼm at [though], I still a little cut throat right now a great, effortless project. The me make moody music, so whatever though. People are not as - and ABJO [Welcome to the City] mood Iʼm in... pauses- they move a little slower project was effortless as well. Um, in SD. Nowadays, you have to recording the Second Coming

6 Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 PERSPECTIVESCOLLECTIVELY album [DeepRooted] was an epic and getting offered everything... I was I just speak for myself from time. The me and Elaquent album bugginʼ; It made me appreciate things experiences and where Iʼve been and too; we are actually working on more. Itʼs weird... I havenʼt even where Iʼm at, and I think thatʼs why it another one. worked on much music since Iʼve comes off [as spiritual], ʻcause I speak been back, itʼs like, Iʼm absorbing from my soul. NA: Letʼs delve into you a little what I felt there. Iʼm not really feeling more now. San Diego is so laid how we are here; though we have NA: As you take this collection of back, does that play a huge role in more, weʼre a little colder out here. It experiences, such as traveling, your laid back demeanor as a made me take a step back a little bit working with a wide range of other producer and as an emcee? before I even do anything. artists and branching out from your home town and blend them Mr. Brady: I think it does... your NA: Your answer nicely moves us into your music, how important is it environment makes you who you are. to the next question. Your music to represent San Diego? This is me, Iʼm a pretty laid back FEELS very spiritual to me, do you dude. You know, I can make some think that there is a spiritual Mr. Brady: ALWAYS. I always rock more ra-ra shit if I want to, but I donʼt element to your music? my Daygo fitteds and everybody want to force anything, if it comes knows where Iʼm from, everywhere I then it comes. Mr. Brady: I think I have a lot of go. Thatʼs where Iʼm from. I energy. Some people show it more appreciate where Iʼm at and I rep NA: Our readers have gotten a feel overtly, but mine I think, itʼs weird. them as well, but Daygo is always for the interpersonal influences in Yeah, I feel it too. Itʼs very weird. home for me. your music, but what about other When I am on stage sometimes I get artists - who has inspired/ a feeling when I connect with the NA: Any last thoughts for the influenced you artistically? crowd. Like when I was overseas, readers at GoodVibeSD? um, I never had a feeling like that Mr. Brady: - their before, where the crowd was yelling Mr. Brady: Just support! Donʼt be originality. Things like NWA back in so loud when I was performing that I afraid to get behind things like what the day. Um, Tribe [Called Quest], just stopped and put the mic down Iʼm doing. Donʼt be afraid to show me Rakim, Nas, Prodigy - a whole bunch and just looked at ʻem and almost had love. I still need that push. The of cats really. The Red Alert mixtapes a tear in my eye. Itʼs crazy, but they longer youʼve been in the game, the back in the day. back in donʼt do that in the states like they do more difficult it is to stay relevant. I the day. And I grew up near Kutfather it over there. But, I think my music is want my city behind me. - he was a big influence. A lot of a little spiritual, itʼs a connection. Iʼm Acknowledge what Iʼm doing right people from the Golden Era. When I always trying to connect with people. now. Iʼm telling everyone, Iʼm think back, itʼs a trip you know. I think I think I have a heightened sense of securing my legacy right now. I just back and hip hop has been, music connection with people. want to flood the people with quality has been a part of my life forever, you music right now. I need my city when know. I tell my mom that too, you NA: In connecting with people I come home and everybodyʼs with know, this is who I am, and they have through music, how important is it me, you know. started to accept me for who I am. to have a message/meaning/ purpose? Peace and Love, NA: Often experiences like traveling will influence the music I think that whatever you are saying NathanAnthony as well. You have just returned IS a message, no matter what kind of from Jamaica, right? Did the trip music it is. I donʼt sit down to write Please support Mr. Brady here: inspire you at all musically? and say “Iʼm gonna change this or Mr. Brady: Yeah. One thing I really that”, it just sorta happens. Iʼm glad Bandcamp.com enjoy over there is how nice you told me that because Iʼm not sure everybody is, how real everybody is. how my music comes across to Facebook.com Nobody sugar coats it, but everyoneʼs people. Now, is [having a message or very [welcoming]. Everybodyʼs hustle purpose] important? I think that *The originally posted interview can is so strong though, itʼs almost thereʼs a time and a place for be found at GoodVibeSD.com HERE overbearing. I say its equivalent to everything. You donʼt want to be how TJ is, walking down the street preached to; Iʼm not the preachy type.

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 7 VISUAL

featured video: “Im coming for the throne so I can kick it on its side, And set fire to the palace while we eat the king alive.” -Homeless

Homeless - Get Gone feat. K.Raydio

Homeless - Get Gone feat. K.Raydio Blu & Exile - Maybe One Day feat. Black Spade Phora - Just Like My Father

The haunting instrumental intro to Give Me My Flowers... may have Phora rechops The Menahan Street this track prepares the viewer for the gotten overlooked due to, well, I Band’s The Traitor (the same track even more haunting truths and witty don’t know why the latest album by sampled for Cudi’s Solo Dolo) and social commentary - e.g. “you don’t your favorite modern classics Blu & drops some needed bitter medicine make it in America, you make it out Exile hasn’t gotten the notoriety, or at for all who hear. He takes his own alive” - shared by Minnesota rapper least a good fraction of it, that Below elixir, prescribes it to those around HOMELESS. This song/video is one the Heavens did. The album is chock him and allows his listeners to sit in of my top ten singles for 2012 without full o’ soulful samples, warm drums the tension between accepting things a doubt. The excellent use of visual and your boy Blu sharing the life on as they are and taking action. There economy, complementing the the inside as it relates to life on the truly is something special that this production of Big Cats! and the vocals outside and can be purchased HERE. emcee possesses and in his words, of both Homeless and K. Raydio, is Well, back to our purpose, the duo “get used to [him]; he’ll be here until provided by Adam J Dunn. (more released the inviting, noir-esqe here until [he's] dead, [he] ain’t from Adam HERE) Homeless has visuals to Maybe One Day feat. Black leavin’”. Share this music! been spewing forth clever wit and Spade on the chorus, and it is every Watch/listen HERE powerful poetics for years and hasn’t bit as dope as it should be. Daily life yet garnered the attention he deserves shared in an artistic way seems to be YET, but do not confuse popularity the formula musically for the team, so with quality, talent or authenticity. why wouldn’t they apply the same Watch the video by clicking the link concept to their videos. It works. below, and if you enjoy it, click HERE Click the link below, relax, select full to download all of his music and screen, and enjoy four minutes of please support independent hip hop sound and sights that are guaranteed by SHARING with others. to provide enjoyment and escape.

A must watch/listen: Click HERE to watch Another must watch/listen: Click HERE to watch

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 8 AUDIO featured album:

Macklemore & - The Heist The debut album from the duo has been warmly received and hit #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard charts, proving that with a little elbow grease, creativity and the drive to put in your 10,000 Hours, you really can live your dreams.

The Heist - Macklemore & Swerve - The Barrelhouse LP GENERIK - Sweaters in The Brother Ali - Mourning In EQ - Fractions Ryan Lewis Summer America and Dreaming...

Fans waited with excited Some say that nothing in life I first met Generik and Anek “This is not a practice life, this Fractions by (b)east coast anticipation for the Oct. 9th is free, while others maintain at Urban Underground when is the big game, we gotta emcee, EQ, dropped today release of THE HEIST. The that the best things in life are it was hosted at the Kava attack it right” -Brother Ali and SAC heavily recommends album has been weighed, free. Regardless of which side Lounge. The duo (LNC) put Jake One quickly sets the heavy rotation of the entire measured and has definitely of the argument you tend to on an energetic, entertaining serious, focused tone for mixtape. EQ announced that not been found wanting! fall on, it seems that some of set and obviously had a local Brother Ali’s Mourning in Fractions will be the last of a Macklemore delivers the best hip hop in recent following. Both artists were America And Dreaming In Color long list of mixtapes that have everything hip hop lovers days can be attained at no cost super down to earth and were with the introductory bass been released recently, at least could want in a project - to the listener... legitimately. I more inviting than one might line and chopped vocal for now. And he assured us lyrically, conceptually and am sure that 2dopeboyz.com imagine well known locals to sample. Brother Ali then he would keep our appetites musically are all served with a incurred some costs in be. Generik's beatboxing was humbly, which is a sign of appeased via "collaborations, health portion of raw talent. making The Barrelhouse LP certainly a refreshing element significant growth as a man singles and videos". Seems Ryan Lewis’ production available to the listening for all in attendance. But it when compared to the good economics is yet another carries Mack’s lyrics well. public, but as far as I am wasn't until the Typical Cats swaggering braggadocio of arrow in the young The opener, 10,000 Hours, concerned, I just got some of show that I would realize just Shadows on the Sun, admits marksman's quiver - build a reels listeners in with the best hip hop currently how much of an underground that the polarization of strong demand with a quality emotion, storytelling and a available for free fifty free. staple was. When TC calls up America as bad and good is product and then limit the fitting musical backdrop - a local boy to rock the mic immature, and that it actually supply. here Mack tells fans the story Swerve introduces the album alongside them, you know he paints an inaccurate picture of Fractions opens up with a of perseverance that has with the track All I Have - a must have a rep - one he our dynamic country (but slow, emphatic beat with a landed the duo where they bare-all tale of a disjointed undoubtedly upheld. please do not read blind healthy balance of synth and are. The beats range from childhood and a young man All that to say, Generik is patriotism here either). orchestral elements... upbeat club to somber who made sense of life dope... introversion; the album is as through the lens of hip hop. Read NathanAnthony’s full Finish the review HERE good as it is diverse - get it! Finish the review HERE Finish the review HERE review for TRUE Magazine -h HERE Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 9 EVENTS

The Heist World Tour Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hit the road with Xperience, Dee-1, Ray Dalton, Mary Lambert, Wanz and Evan Roman

Seattle Seattle San Diego Santa Ana

Long time friend and collaborator, Xperience (XP), gets the show under way in true emcee fashion, brandishing phenomenal production, polished stage presence and the crowd control of a tour headliner. It was just a year ago that Xperience opened up for Macklemore with Champagne Champagne at San Diego's intimate, all ages venue, The Epicentre. He was a solid act then, but since has gone from a good hip hop act to a well-rounded entertainer who commands the attention, energy and respect of all in attendance. The set that XP and his DJ put together was perfect for the tour and the performance was seamless. The production for the first track was RI DIC U LOUS! and definitely pulled the onlookers in. XP then took us on a buffet style journey through some of his catalogue, showing off lyrically, vocally (yeah, he sings well too), and he showed that he can touch on just about any topic while maintaining the integrity of real hip hop. If openers are something like appetizers, preparing the audience for the main course, then XP did his damn job - he undoubtedly made new fans and left all hungry for what was to come. New Orleans up and comer (don't get it confused, he has been doing his thing for quite a while now), Dee-1, was second in the line-up for the night, carrying the weight of being the artist to

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 10 EVENTS finish preparing the stage and the at The Epicentre; he just seemed desire for the working man's audience for the headliner. Dee-1 "off" (which he even commented poetry and emotive production did a great job of such and showed about during the Santa Ana show) from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. a great level of composure, crowd which made the set feel disjointed The movement from track control and variety - especially for and lackluster compared to a year to track and emotion to emotion the tour youngster, which ago. One who had not seen him was seamless from 10,000 shouldn't be a surprise since he before might have walked away Hours to Irish Celebration. The used to be a middle school math feeling that the show was energy of everyone on the stage teacher - if you have good excellent, and it was, but it just was infectious and that energy classroom management, chances wan't Mack's "all". Not sure what was passed from performers to are you can manage a group of factors played into such, but the audience members, back to people who ALL want to be in following night in Santa Ana he performers and so on, in a cycle attendance. Dee-1 seems to have a completely redeemed himself - of mutual appreciation - deep sense of purpose, similar to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Macklemore's appreciation and Macklemore, and he shared that it each of their bandmates/features delight in the attention (though was a mutual respect for one were absolutely electric on Friday not in what seems an egotistical another's mission/vision that night, October 26th. way) is tangible during any of landed Dee-1 the spot on the tour. The band (cellist, fiddler, his many "soaking it in" The Louisiana accent is thick and trumpeter) calmly get into postion moments wherein he stands Dee's personality follows suit; he is - the crowd is already at what seem with eyes closed, an confident yet humble, honest yet to be peak levels, then Ryan Lewis unmistakably content smile and inviting, making him a tough act jumps up behind his co-pilot's a gentle nod to the rhythm of not to like. The highlights of station and triggers the ambient his fans' praise. That praise is Dee-1's set were his calling up an build up that will become 10.000 much deserved as Mack and co. audience member to freestyle a hours - they cheer even more, and champion the cause of many an verse in his I'm the Man in My then, in a Memebers Only-esque underdog and tell tales of the City and his closing track which jacket with a dead rodent around beauty that there is to be seemed to fully embody his talent, his neck, Macklemore struts up discovered in life's daily up's and purpose for using such, and onto stage, turns his back to the and down's. the last track was the perfect segue audience (cue the spot light and As the up's and down's in into Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. then seconds later drop the beat) - life often seem to have a SAC had the privilege of the audience belts out with its rhythm, the set list mirrors this catching M&RL's set in San Diego remaining decibles of praise and rhythm as Macklemore brings and the show, in its entirety, in with hip hop's universal symbol of the crowd up and down and Santa Ana, CA. Without being adoration/support (one hand/fist back up again on a musical and negative, but while being honest, moving in rhythm with the kick emotional roller coaster. He is Macklemore's set in San Diego fell and the snare) every soul in the not alone in this endeavor. The short of his show the previous year place shows his/her loyalty to and cello, fiddle and trumpet each

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 11 CONCERT REVIEW play a role in both the up's and the as powerful without his entire down's and add a touch that a DJ team, from band, to features, to by him/herself simply cannot do. openers and on to sound, stage Also, Macklemore has brought an and lighting engineers - this entire team of features with him concert was one which allows on the tour bus - Mary Lambert attendees to transcend their lives provides onlookers with for an evening to dwell in music, goosebumps as she more than only to return to the grind with a sings the chorus for heightened sense of purpose and and ironically brings tears to resolve. listeners' eyes as the words "not Thank God for the unique cryin' on Sundays" dance off of her qualities and characteristics He lips at the end of the song, has designed music to have and for baritone Wanz reminds us that we those who He has gifted and can "pop some tags" even if we chosen to use as instruments of only have "20 dollars in [our] His beauty and grace, wether pocket[s] on , Evan consciously or unknowingly. It Roman gives us a treat on A Wake would be a shame for one to have with her silky, Lykke Li-like vocals the opportunity to experience The (this was a special moment Heist World Tour and miss that because it was the first time they opportunity, so please head over to had ever performed the track live) Macklomore.com and find out and a dapper young man with a when and where the tour stops voice like an angel, who is near you and get a ticket NOW, responsible for some of the most especially since both the San Diego powerful build ups in My Oh My, and Santa Ana shows were sold Wings and a few other songs, and out, as are many others already. whose name, despite seeing him at This is music at its best, this is hip three concerts now, has managed hop, this is beautiful. to escape me (someone please comment so that I can edit this Peace and Love, and include his name). While Ben Haggerty possesses an uncanny NathanAnthony measure of both charisma and passion, the concert could not be

Soul Anchor Collective was created in response to a live show. Concerts have a special place in the heart of each of us here at SAC and we would love to come out to support and to cover your event. Please contact NathanAnthony at [email protected] if you would like us to review your show(s). Thank You.

Soul Anchor Collective Quarterly, Vol. 2 12 SEQUOIA CLUB

A Tragic Dichotomy State of the Art Something that I’ve been struggling with I feel ill equipped to address the state of hip- lately, which has proven to be one of the hop as it is today, seeing as how I listen to hardest things that life has thrown at me, is more country music than rap these days. I how to spend my time. Meaning, I’m trying know many a hip-hop head would discount to !gure out where I should focus my efforts. my opinion due to that fact (and rightfully And even though I genuinely believe that so) but I feel my opinion can (50) still be of God has a plan for me and He is where I some bene!t nonetheless. I grew up in what focus my efforts, I still feel accountability, I feel is the greatest era of hip-hop, the 90's. duty and responsibility with respect to my Not only were some of the greatest rap future. The last few years I have been albums made during this period (Illmatic, battling with two worlds that, for some Muddy Waters, Low End Theory, etc...) but reason, I never thought could converge. Law the 90's gave us, arguably, the greatest MC's and Music. It seems as though I have created (50) to ever bless the genre (Nas, Big L, a tragic dichotomy. Coming from a !rst Redman, etc...). These artists broke new generation, and moderately traditional, ground verbally, stylistically, and crafted Lebanese family, it’s de!nitely hard to come verses I can still quote verbatim, over ten home one day and tell your family that you years later. I suppose what stands out to me would like to pursue a career in music (I’m the most however, is that rhyming was still sure this goes for just about any person with considered an art! With few exceptions, (50) any cultural/ethnic/religious background). you couldn't get signed, let alone get You start to feel as if you’ll starve doing respect, if you couldn't spit! An Mc was anything but Engineering, Law, or Medicine. measured by his ability to put words The funny thing, however, is that no path is together, his originality and so on. And there sure!re. I spent the last decade or so very in lies the problem with today's hip-hop, dedicated and immersed in my studies; I just artistically, there's no standard. That's not to recently graduated from UC Irvine with a say there is no standard, just (50) not one degree in Economics and Political Science, that would compel aspiring MC's to actually yet music has always been a subtle but perfect their craft. Nowadays, an artist is powerful undertone in my being and in my judged signi!cantly on his ability to make life. Today I am a graduate with a strong money, now I don't believe making money is degree under my belt, but I’d rather sit in a wrong but when the becomes the standard, room and stare at a blank wall for 50 years the art suffers as a result. I could go on, but than pursue something that I don’t believe I'm busy listening to Toby Kieth right now. in and that I don’t believe to be truthful to the mind, body and soul. I am not entirely -Jared Wilson sure what my next step is, but I have strong faith that God will not lead me in the wrong direction. I have been starting to take my musical gift more seriously lately and it feels more right than it does wrong. So we’ll see.

-Justin “J.Ham” Hamady

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