March 24, 2009
For their first full-length album as The Ritz, Apoc and Rel showcase their ability to explore a diverse array of styles while still creating a cohesive and affecting hip hop record. Exploring the possibilities of a concept album but not going the whole nine yards so not to confuse their audience, Apoc, having shown age and weathered with wisdom on exhaustive travels for shows across the country, and Rel pulling out all the stops with incredible range and production inspiration, this album goes from 1940’s gangster to 1990’s gangsta at the flip of a coin. Spitting fast raps over soulful tracks or long storytelling-style lyrics against darker samples. The Chi-town natives prove that once more coming from Chicago, a city of that boasts “no-coasts” is a breeding ground for new and exciting talent. If you picked up Apoc’s Shipwrecked Salesman or Gods and Ghosts you won’t be disappointed. Featuring guest appearances by Racecar of Modill, Psalm One and DJ Onceamonth on cuts and scratches! I’ve said this before but fans of Aesop Rock will dig this, Apoc’s voice and flow is sometimes uncanny but reminds me of just how good he is regardless of the similarity.
LINK
March 23, 2009
What has always set The GZA apart from the ordinary is his ability to create complex images with simple context. In the same way it’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words, Genius assembles his words to create thousands of vivid pictures. “I don’t like to just be simple,” he explains. “Even though some of my stuff can seem simple at times, I like to write in a way that when you listen to it over and over again, you hear something new and it requires you to think.” Legend Of The Liquid Sword does just that. Whether the listener gets captured by the vocal acrobatics of Santi White (who has written songs for Res) on GZA’s Stay In Line or the authentic old school soul production on the masterpiece Animal Planet, Genius weaves satisfying brain food through his lyrics. In his phenomenally cerebral use of metaphors, The Genius flawlessly equates human city dwellers to animals in the jungle on Animal Planet, which was produced by rhythm doctor Bink (who has produced heavyweight joints for Fat Joe, Nate Dogg, Mr. Cheeks and Faith Evans). With beats by fellow Wu Tang brother RZA, Jaz-O (Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album), DJ Muggs (who has produced for Cypress Hill, Mobb Deep), Wu producer Mathematics (Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Sunz of Man), Arabian Knight and other sonic masterminds, GZA’s talents come across even heavier. On the adrenaline raising Hip Hop call to arms, Knock, Knock (the album’s shining debut single), The GZA asks on the chorus, “knock, knock, who the f*** is banging at my door, is it abstract, commercial or hardcore?” In his signature way of ill rhyme construction, GZA further defines the parameters of what rap music should be.
LINK
March 9, 2009
Sources say after listening to Chicago hip hop duo Apoc and Rel’s newest album The Night of Day, actor Joaquin Phoenix became so obsessed with Apoc’s lyrics he began reciting them day and night. As the weeks progressed the actor began believing he was Apoc himself. Although Apoc has been known to be seen frequenting local bars and pinball machines in the Los Angeles area he is not at the moment any where near Southern California. If you do see this man consider him armed and dangerous. Call the proper authorites immediatley as the police are on the search around the clock for this deeply troubled individual.
-Moodswangz
February 10, 2009
Don’t Hate Them Because They’re Hip
One of Chicago’s hottest scenes has attracted the inevitable backlash.
By Miles Raymer
June 5, 2008
In late May the old-school hip-hop site Unkut.com put up a post called “The Search for the Biggest Douchebag in Hipster Rap.” Site curator Robbie Ettelson defines the hipster-rap scene as a “new wave of ‘ironic’ rappers who seem hell-bent on achieving new levels of sucking,” dismissively calls their style “Party Rocking,” and complains about the “gimmicky, calculated vibe” of everything they do. “Whether it’s wearing 80’s gear and garish print hoodies, rapping about skateboards and BMX bikes or making songs about nail polish/lip gloss, these wacky young ’uns are poised to take ’tarded rap to the next level.” The post ends with a poll, “Who Is the Biggest Hipster Rap Douchbag [sic],” and five of the eight contenders presented are from Chicago: the Cool Kids, Kanye West, Kid Sister, Lupe Fiasco, and Kidz in the Hall.
LINK
February 9, 2009
Not too long after I published yesterday’s post about Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco’s lovers quarrel re: this year’s presidential election, I received the following email from one of my Chi-town correspondents. Come to find out, not only is everything you ever suspected about Chicago hip-hop true, but it gets worse. Way worse. I was even warned about mentioning this shit, lest I end up the next Nailah Franklin. But whatever. I’m willing to take certain risks to bring the truth to the light.
emailing from chicago again. you want to see some bullshit on how these two dudes complaining is the fakest thing. see if you can catch…Gangland on history channel. They have a segment on GD’s in chicago and BD’s. It talks about the gang influence in chicago and how the BD’s where working with jihadist since the 60’s and shit and how the BD’s are “muslims”, sponsor businesses (aritsts), jesse jackson and others. the BD’s is the one you want to see.
LINK
February 8, 2009
February 7, 2009
This day long event begins with a free “Winter Block Party,” celebrating Chicago’s hip-hop arts. Featuring a live mural painting by Revise CMW, one of Chicago’s finest graffiti artists; an open mic showcase; music by DJ Itch13 and DJ Issues; and a debut gallery exhibition of works-for-sale by some of Chicago’s most notable contemporary artists. Participating artists include: Krista Franklin, Zeph, Brett Neiman, Kane, Novem Studios, Roper, Revise CMW, The Cartel, Rebekah Raleigh, Sam Adams, Stephanie Land, James “Casper” Jankowiak, Sandra Antongiorgi, David Robinson, Rebecca Crouch and Kuumba Lynx.
LINK
February 6, 2009
Kanye West- duh. Numerous albums with amazing hit singles, sweet sunglasses and his fame beginning with an almost tragic car accident. Kanye might have a few attitude adjustments to figure out but don’t we all?
Common**- double duh. Smart and pensive lyrics make me really respect him. Right on, Common.
J.U.I.C.E.- or MC Juice respectively, he’s “the illest warrior of all time in rap music”, or so says the intro on his myspace page.
CopperShot- Made up of emcee LongShot and producer Copperpot, Coppershot is a little less abrasive than most mainstream hip hop out there today. More smart lyrics make the listener actually live up to their name and LISTEN. The song “Save Me” is really good.
White Boy- Chicago- based ICEE Records’ own has been wowing crowds since 2004 with his amazing and energetic music.
Nacrobats- consisting of Pugslee, Thaione, Psalm, infinito and Cosmo, Nacrobats bring the sounds or early hip hop with today’s technology and present something totally cool.
Lupe Fiasco- “Superstar” anyone? Enough said.
Lord 360- Straight out of Rogers Park, Lord 360 incorporates loops of creative sounds with hypnotic rhymes that captivate the listener instantly.
Common Sense- ** This is actually what Common was known as in the early ’90s. Youtube Common Sense and you’ll probably die laughing.
LINK
February 5, 2009
Hip-Hop’s Demilitarized Zone
Andrew Barber’s Fake Shore Drive forum has room for every faction of the local scene.
By Miles Raymer
January 29, 2009
Like most hip-hop events, the party Mikkey Halsted threw on inauguration day to celebrate the launch of his new Web site was awash in networking—cards were exchanged, demos pressed into hands, phone numbers typed into Blackberries. The rappers and producers in attendance included quite a few with at least modest national profiles (GLC, No I.D., Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, Mic Terror), and together they formed a cross section of Chicago’s diverse hip-hop scene, which makes room for commercially inclined gangsta types, conscious backpackers, and skinny-jeans-wearing so-called hipster-hoppers. And almost everybody there took a second to swing by and say what’s up to the scruffy-looking white dude whose blog, Fake Shore Drive, has become a vital nerve center for that scene.
LINK
February 4, 2009
Obviously the history to Chicago’s Hip Hop scene is much more complex, intricate, and extensive than can be covered in this article, a magazine special or even a series of stories. This is merely an attempt to spotlight some of the key names, places, and events that helped shape it into what is has become. For more info on the Chicago Hip Hop scene (past, present, and/or future), as well as any of the artists or information in this piece feel free to contact: formless21@hotmail.com Information sources & inspiration: J-bird, Bomb The Suburbs, E.C,, The Molemen, Upski, Flypapers, Jesse De La Pena, Kingdom Rock, Third Rail, PLEE Fresh, Slang, Trixster, Denz, Demon, Zore. The earliest stages of the Hip Hop scene in Chicago don’t differ much from most other areas outside of New York. It began by listening, admiring, bonding, and ultimately imitating it. The roots of Hip Hop date back to somewhere in-between the early to mid 70’s. Its story can be told by a variety of means. I’ve always found it best to visualize it as a series of chronological eras:
LINK
February 3, 2009
Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative services are available to all, but our programs are planned and facilitated by our members, and managed by our Board of Directors. Membership is open, and we are always looking for headz across the city to become active C.H.I. members, joining us in community organizing at various levels. There’s always something to do, and there’s something for everyone. In 2003 we drafted a resolution which was presented to the City Council of Chicago on our behalf by 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. to recognize the month of July as Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month. The resolution passed, and now Chicago has an entire month to celebrate hip-hop culture.
LINK
February 2, 2009
A brief history of Chicago hip-hop. Rap is the first truly urban, avant-garde folk music, a story-telling vehicle that uses turntables as an instrument. Though it emerged in the South Bronx in the mid-1970s, a number of American cities (and even a few in Europe) have put their own distinctive spin on the music and the broader hip-hop culture that surrounds it. Chicago has a long tradition of hip-hop, but for decades it stood in the national shadow cast by rap epicenters such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston and Atlanta. There are a number of theories about why this happened, among them the primacy of house music in the South Side clubs and the lack of local labels and recording studios devoted to hip-hop.
LINK
January 30, 2009
…chicago musician charlie cooper of the electronic duo telefon tel aviv was found dead this week….you can read the story here ……
…we here at lab-o are mourning the loss of an amazing musician and member of the chicago electro scene…..if you are not familiar with telefon tel aviv’s music, please rectify that by visiting their myspace
….their 2004 release Map of What is Effortless has influenced a number of our artists and is considered to be a masterpiece of the genre by many a critic…..their new album Immolate Yourself is currently gathering accolades and shaping up to be just as influential…..charlie, you will be missed….
December 5, 2008
My Night’s Your Day
a transatlantic romance (ADR post-sync)
my_nights_your_day__-a_transatlantic_romance_adr_post-sync
 My Night's Your Day [5:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
November 24, 2008
friend of lab-o and all around good feller han danley is currently traveling india…a mysterious sort, he travels under the alias jack eschaton……jack is many things (a mystic, a cosmic ringleader, a damn fine pinball player), the least of which is an amazing writer…..and in accordance, he has been sending the most fortunate among us updates about his travels that are chock full of tales of wonder and intrigue complimented by staggering images hes been collecting along the way…..after digesting some of his correspondences, i felt that it would be irresponsible of me to be miserly with such a wealth of stories and experiences..so…..i’ve decide to share them with you all via this blog…….here is the first installment….enjoy!
…………………………………………………………..
might as well talk abut the arrival.
i was being hustled and i knew i was being hustled and i near constantly protested the hustle but was unable to get out from under it.
cabbie at the airport cabbie stand says he’ll take me where i wanna go. seems pretty straight-forward. that’s what cabbies do.
says i gotta pay his manager man before we split. that’s the only part i regret. i shoulda refused. said, i’ll pay you when we get where i wanna be. walk away from the cab if they protest. cuz…
the whole way there he says, i don’t really know that hotel.
i show him a map. it doesn’t help.
maybe we stop at this “tourist information center i know has very good—”
i say — no. no. no better hotel. no “info” center. take me to the Pearl Palace hotel.
we’ll maybe we —
no. take me to the pearl palace hotel.
this back and forth happened no less than 28 times. no shit. no exaggeration.
and wouldn’t you know it– we pull up to the ‘tourist info place’
god dammit.
i’ve been on planes/ in transit well over 24 hours. their 2 in the afternoon is my 2 at night. i just wanna fall onto a bed.
smooth talking, gold chain wearing dude comes out of the joint. he lived in jersey for awhile hisself. he’s gonna tell the driver where to go. i just keep sighing and pointing to it on a map.
say they’ll call the hotel for me. find out exactly where it is. i know this is just bluster. they call someone (even put me on the line) who says “yeah. i’m that hotel. no. we’re all full up.”
keep inviting me in to the office. “have tea. just for a moment.”
no. no. i JUST want to got to the hotel. i don’t wanna book a trip to kashmir. i don’t wanna stay in some other hotel is more better. no tea now, thanks.
this goes on for awhile. they call. it’s “full”. i say i don’t care. just take me there.
and all the time–out my window is an old woman with a baby in her arms who keeps poking me in the shoulder and then making the “food goes to mouth” begging motion and then poking me again. the whole time.
cabbie and i drive off. he’s wandering listlessly. (if a cab can do that )
i say, screw this. there’s a thirty hotels on this block. it’s gotta be near. i’m walkin’.
went into another every corner “tourist info” which is really just a hungry travel agent.
he tries to sell me a few different package deals. (come with me to my houseboat in kashmir!) and then informs me that
I”M NOT EVEN IN THE RIGHT SECTION OF TOWN!!!
i wanted to be in the pahar ganj
god only knows where i was.
dude didn’t even drive me to the right part of town.
so i took a hotel at random. fell down.
next morning– caught the first auto rickshaw (tuk tuk) buzzed by and said– pahar ganj.
close to the markets. close to the train station.
and here i am.
when i say– india is a fever dream.
i mean– it’s hot (93 degrees when i landed)
it’s confusing (i’ve lost my way back to hotel on two different occasions)
demons rush fast past on the wind and quick dissipate (better pay close attention ALL the time. there’s a motorbike coming up fast behind you. there’s bull horns on your left. shit on the road.)
but now it’s day three just ending and i’m smiling near all the time. getting into the rythmn.
spent today in old dehli. took the metro train to get there. tourist stuff. take some pictures of the red fort.
hired a bike riskshaw young dude to take me around. two hours for two dollars.
we stopped in a narrow alley. he asked, you wanna check the Janis temple down the way?
i did.
it was three stories. all marble and gold. indescribable. so beautiful. deserted.
just me and an old man monk dressed all in white took me around and pointed out stuff.
my god but they know how to venerate their gods.
huge altars made from one immmense piece of marble. intricate painting covering EVERYTHING.
an inset base relief of marble, jade and gold of the maharata standing perfectly still with demons above his left shoulder, a tiger leaping from lower right, spears, arrows, elephants all threatening– that was me favorite.
indescribable. and they won’t let you take no photos.
monkeys did their thing on the rooftops all around.
came out and my driver said– man. you need some new pants. (if you saw me before i left– you know the ass is all torn out. if you didn’t see me before i left– you can pretty easily guess)
so i stop at a blanket on the road in the pants section of dehli is one immense never ending market and look at some pants. i am then immeadiatly surrounded by about fifteen curious dudes wanna watch me –what? buy pants? i guess. they sure did get a laugh out of it.
the rickshaw young turk pedaled me all they way back to the main bazzar.
bonus bit—–
“The Doctor Fox Lecture: A Paradigm of Educational Seduction,” a 1973 article still widely cited by critics of student evaluations, Donald Naftulin, a psychiatrist, and his co-authors asked an actor to give a lecture titled “Mathematical Game Theory as Applied to Physician Education.” The actor was a splendid speaker, his talk filled with witticisms and charming asides — but also with “irrelevant, conflicting and meaningless content.” Taking questions afterward, the silver-haired actor playing “Dr. Myron L. Fox” affably answered questions using “double talk, non sequiturs, neologisms and contradictory statements.” The talk was given three times: twice to audiences of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, the last time to graduate students in educational philosophy. In each case, the evaluations by the audience were highly laudatory. To these audiences, Dr. Fox was apparently articulate and intellectual, not a fraud.
it’s all about keeping your chin up.
people will believe most anything if you smile when you say it.
here endith the lesson
there’s something all night click buzzing in my bathroom. i can’t track it down. is it a cricket? mouse in the wall?
it stops for awhile when i open and slam the door
i was gonna tomorrow take a 2 hour express train leaves at 5 in the morning trip to agra. check out that there taj mahal
but today is sunday and i didn’t secure a ticket early enough so….
we’ll just see
be seeing you
jack eschaton
hello there disenfranchised masses!!…
its your old uncle Apoc again…..as always a lot has been going on in the worlds of Apoc and Rel….but don’t worry…..i won’t burden you with all of the mundane details……..just the meat of it!!…..
FIRST OFF….
we have a new video for the song “Heartless” by The Ritz (Apoc + Rel)
you can view it here…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIZX4_gCktM
..the video was shot in september in chicago and was directed by adam pray…who also did the video for the song “Langston Bukowski” by The Ritz featuring Racecar of Modill…..for those of you who still haven’t caught that one, or just wanna peep it again…..heres the link for that…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3InX7AxeAY
…both songs are from the album “The Night of Day” out now on Lab-Oratory Records…which you can buy right here: www.itunes.com/theritz/thenightofday or right here: http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=16106
SECONDLY…
… last week i was interviewed over the phone by Mark Devlin, a hip hop dj in the uk who has a show called Just Buggin’ on Passion FM 107.9 in Oxford……..i know…..you missed it……don’t sweat it…….you can download the first part of the show right here……
http://www.sendspace.com/file/bb8t4f
….for those of you who are impatient and don’t want to listen to the whole show, the interview begins shortly after the 40 minute mark…..n for those of you who are really diggin the show n wanna listen to the second part of it…..that can be downloaded here……..
http://www.sendspace.com/file/bfufhs
..hope you enjoy…
…..that’ll about do it for now……big ups to my man Longshot who just won the Jake One/Rhymesayers single contest….doin it big homie!!!…..if y’all ain’t familiar with his music, you can check it out here…
http://www.myspace.com/mclongshot
see ya next reel
Apoc
sanibel fl
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