The BEATnik Chronicles

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 8 of 30!!!

2011-11-10T19:35:00.001-05:00

Today we're gonna talk about the PIONEERS!! The West Coast Sound is Popularized by the Likes of Groups such as N.W.A., SNOOP DOGG, CYPRESS HILL, KING TEE, ICE T, TOO $HORT & Numerous others. However, West Coast Hip Hop wouldn't come to exist as a genre without the Likes of 2 Very Important Rappers. Disco Daddy & Captain Rapp!! Who are they, you may ask... Well these 2 Gentlemen have the Lone Distinction of being having the 1st Recorded West Coast Rap Song in the History of the Culture with a Song called "Gigolo Rapp"

Captain Rapp was the first commercially released West Coast rapper and old school west coast hip-hop artist, along with his former rapping partner, Disco Daddy. The rap duo met at Magic Johnson's birthday party in 1980, and soonafter released 1981's "The Gigolo Rapp," under the name Disco Daddy & Captain Rapp. The people who gave Disco Daddy & Captain Rapp the chance to record "Gigolo Rapp" were Duffy and Jerry Hooks, who had a small indie label called the Rappers Rapp Disco Record Company. Captain Rapp would later release solo material and received notable local airplay and attention in 1983, with the release of "Bad Times (I Can't Stand It)." The track was featured on local L.A. radio stations like KJLH and KGFJ. The song was also a precursor to reality rap and gangsta rap, because it contained realistic portrayals of life on the streets, and the 'bad times' African American youth were encountering.

Without this contribution, it's not certain that West Coast Hip Hop wouldn't exist it definitely laid a solid foundation for the Region to make sure their Voice heard. So that is why We're taking the time to pay homage and salute Disco Daddy & Captain Rapp West Coast Pioneers!! My Name is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY #RESPECTTHECULTURE!!! #FOLLOWTHEHAT!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 7 of 30!!!

2011-11-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

Today's post is dedicated to an Incredible MC, Awesome Showman, Consummate Entertainer & Overall Good Person. Today we're paying respect to the Life & Times of Dwight Arrington Myers a.k.a. MC HEAVY D!!! Born in Jamaica on May 24, 1967, His Family moved to Mount Vernon, New York when He was 8 years Old

Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records; their debut, Living Large, was released in 1987. The album was a commercial success, though Big Tyme was a breakthrough that included four hits. Bandmate & Long Time Friend Troy "Trouble T. Roy" Dixon died at age 22 in a fall on July 15, 1990, in Indianapolis. Dixon's passing led to a tribute on the follow-up platinum album, Peaceful Journey. Pete Rock & CL Smooth created a tribute to Trouble T. Roy called "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" which is regarded as a hip-hop classic.

As a Musician, Heavy D was like no other!!!

Mr. Big Stuff

We Got Our Own Thang

Somebody For Me

Gyrlz, They Love Me

Money Earnin' Mount Vernon

Don't You Know

The Overweight Lover's In The House

Alright

Is It Good To You

Now That We Found Love

Don't Curse

Truthful

I Miss You

Who's The Man?

Jam

You Can't See What I Can See

Black Coffee

Got Me Waiting

Nuttin' But Love

Keep It Comin

Big Daddy

Candy Rain (REMIX)

Long Distance Girlfriend

Heavy D - Long Distance Girlfriend

Heavy D was & will always be regarded as one of the Best that Ever did it!!! He was an all around Friend to all in the Music Industry that He met and made a fact to never forget a Face!! There aren't many like Him in this Business and the Careers of Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, JoDeCi, Soul 4 Real, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Monifah. just to name a few can attest to that Fact!! He personified the best of what this Culture was about while offering a brief yet powerful glimpse of it's Glorious & Abundant future. I grew up as a Fan and ended up knowing Him as a Friend!! I will certainly miss Him!! His name was Dwight Arrington Myers the WORLD knew Him as MC HEAVY D!!! REST IN POWER - (May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011). My Name is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY #RESPECTTHECULTURE!!! #FOLLOWTHEHAT!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 6 of 30!!!

2011-11-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

Today's Hip Hop History Fact deals with Foundations or Cornerstones if you will. I wanted to highlight How a Single Piece of Music could cause a Spark that ignites an Entire movement. It is been said and is well documented that New Orleans, LA is the Birthplace of Jazz Music a Music that is tried & true to New Orleans. It has a Style that is all it's own. When it comes to Hip Hop, New Orleans has a Sound that is Uniquely its own. It is called Bounce Music & it is Very Southern, Very reminiscent of Mardi Gras, Very Louisana!!! What You probably don't know is that the Foundation of this Incredible Sound actually comes from New York City but it's not Planet Rock or anything like that. It comes from a Group by the Name of The Showboys and the Song is called "DRAG RAP"!! This song and shortly after "Brown's Beat" by Paul Cameron are greatly influential in N.O. Bounce Production!!!

The Showboys are a two-man rap group from Queens, New York, composed of Orville “Bugs Can Can” Hall and Phil “Triggaman”. They recorded several singles for Profile Records in the mid-80’s, including a song called “Drag Rap (Triggaman)” in which a twisted tale of revenge-seeking gangsters unfolded over a richly syncopated beat.

To give You an idea of just how underrated and influential this One Piece of Music is here is a list of some of the songs that sample "DRAG RAP(Triggaman)"

2 Blakk - "2nd Line Jump"
2 Blakk - "Let It Be Known"
2 Blakk - "Represent 4 Life"
2-Sweet - "Where My Old Man At"
2-Sweet - "Do The 2-Sweet
5th Ward Weebie - "5th Ward Weebie Pt. 2"
7th Ward Souljah - "Put It Up On The Wall"
7L & Esoteric - "No Shots"
39 Posse - "Ask Them Hoes"
Arkansas Boyz - "Trick Cut Yo Head Off"
A.S.P. - "Outro (In The House Groove)"
B.G. - "True Story"
Black Menace - "Goin Off Pt. 2"
Charlie Hanseen - "I Can´t Focus" feat. Pimp Dogg
Cheeky Blakk - "Bicht Get Off Me"
Cheeky Blakk - "Lemme Get That Outcha"
Cheeky Blakk - "Represent"
Cheeky Blakk - "Roll Call"
Cheeky Blakk - "Shake That Ass"
Da 9er´s - "Everyday Weed Head"
Da Real Choppa - "Get Out The Way" feat. Lil Wayne
Da Sha Ra - "Early In The Morning"
Da Sha ra - "Early N Tha Morning"
Da Sha Ra - "Bootin Up"
David Banner - "Like A Pimp"
DJ Duck - "Buss It Open"
Dj Jimi - "Where They At"
DJ Jubille - "It´s On"
DJ Jubilee - "Stop Pause (Do The Jubilee)"
DJ Jubilee - "Westbank Showdown"
DJ Jubilee - "The City"
DJ Mouche - "Fuck Dem Niggas Fuck Dem Hoes"
DJ Mouche - "Silly"
DJ Money Fresh - "Hustla Hustla"
Edward J - "Eastside To The Westside"
Everlasting Hit Man - "Bounce Baby Bounce"
Fila Phil - "Da Hustla"
Fila Phil - "For Real Mack Daddy"
Flesh & Blood - "On The Map"
FM - "Gimme What You Got"
Gregory D - "Get Bucked"
Gregory D - "S.W.A.C."
Hypnotize Camp Posse - "We Bout To Ride"
Ice Mike - "Mary Jane"
Jake One ft. Young Buck - "Dead Wrong"
Joe Blakk - "Where You From"
Josephine Youngunz - "Turn It Up"
Juvenile - "Race For The Money"
Kilo - "The Ward Song"
Kingpin Skinny Pimp - "Shake Ya Money Maker"
Lil Chuckee - "Where´s Wayne" Ft. Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Lil Twist & Jae Millz
Lil Flip & Mr. Capone-E - "Where I Stay"
Lil Goldie - "Bounce For Lil Goldie"
Lil Slim - "Bounce Slide Ride"
Lil Slim - "Bitches Ain´t Shit"
Lil Slim - "Intro (The Game Is Cold)"
Lil Slim - "Where Your Ward At"
MC Nero - "Do Da Nero Bounce"
MC Spud - "Undertaker"
MC T Tucker & DJ Irv - "Where Dey At"
Mia X - "Da Payback"
Mobo Click - "Brand New Funk"
Mobo Click - "Foolishness"
Mobo Click - "Ya"
Mobo Click - "Tru Nigga"
Mobo Click - "A Lil Something Something"
Mobo Click - "Soldier"
P.M.W. - "Big Man"
Partners N Crime - "So Attracted"
Partners-N-Crime - "Gucci"
Pimp Daddy - "One Girl"
Pimp Dogg - "Ya´ll Can´t Fade Me"
Pimp Dogg - "Set Up Bitch"
Pimp Dogg - "Run Down"
Pimp Dogg - "9th Ward Nigga"
Pimp Dogg - "Rooka Tooka"
Pimp Dogg - "Commercial"
Pimp Dogg - "Ike Them Hoes"
Project Pat - "This Ain´t A Game"
Red Money - "II Much Red Intro"
Shorty Mac - "Gankin Bitches"
Souljas Of Sorrow - "Souljas Of Sorrow (Interlude)"
South Coast Party Boyz - "Everybody Has 2 Party"
South Coast Party Boyz - "Uptown Twerkers / Downtown Twerkers"
South Coast Party Boyz - "The Twerk"
South Coast Party Boyz - "Diamond Rows"
Sporty-T - "Follow Me"
Sporty-T - "Go Get Em"
Sporty-T - "Let Cha Know"
Sporty-T - "Meet Me At The Bar"
Sporty-T - "Sporty 96"
Tear Da Club Up Thugs - "Push Em Off"
UNLV - "Another Bitch"
UNLV - "Boom Get Chopped"
UNLV - "Eddie Bo"
UTP - "Nolia Clap"
10th Ward Buck - "Faster Faster"
DJ Jubilee - "Stop Pause"
Lil Goldie - "Act A Donkey On A Dick"
Sissy Nooby - "Loopy"
Z. Blakk - "Second Line Jump"

Unfortunately, the group fell victim to the shady business practices of Profile, and they have never received the money due them for the many records sold in the South and the licensing fees paid to use the sample. In fact, they were unaware of the song’s runaway success in the South, only becoming aware of the situation when they received a phone call from a promoter in Memphis who “acted like he found Elvis alive.” the bad experience with Profile, the Showboys are honored that their record has played such a central role in the development of the local New Orleans style.

In short "DRAG RAP(Triggaman) by The Showboys is to N.O. Bounce what Trans-Europe Express by Kraftwerk is to Hip Hop! Simple without this Song the N.O. Bounce Sound doesn't exist. For some of the Younger (in Age & Knowledge of the Culture) readers think of it this way. Without this Piece of music, Mannie Fresh doesn't get His Group UNLV on. Which means there's NO Cash Money Millionaires, which means there's NO Hot Boys(B.G., Turk,, Lil Wayne, Juvenile), No Big Tymers(Mannie Fresh & Birdman), which means there's NO Young Money, which means there's NO Drake, NO Nicki Minaj, NO Cory Gunz. Which goes back to My Earlier point about Lineage and how it's closely related & almost necessary it is to Hip Hop Culture. All because of a 6 Minute Song by a Rap Group from Queens, New York.

So while I can't collect royalty checks for Bugs Can Can & Triggaman, I can take the time to acknowledge their Contribution to the Culture and let You know that You are appreciated. My Name is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY #RESPECTTHECULTURE!!! #FOLLOWTHEHAT!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 5 of 30!!!

2011-11-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

Today I'm gonna take the time to focus on a Subject that is all too often overlooked in HIP HOP Culture but without it, the Culture would not Exist. I'm speaking about the Female MC and in particular a Woman by the Name of Wendy Clark. For those that aren't familiar with Wendy Clark, You may know Her as LADY B. What You probably don't know is that She is The 1st Female Rapper recording as a Solo Artist in the History of Hip Hop

Born and Raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wendy Clark is truly a Hip Hop Pioneer, becoming the 1st Female Rapper to record as a Solo Artist. She transitioned Her Rap Stardom for a Career in Radio in the Philadelphia area. Her pioneering radio show “Street Beat” was one of the first radio shows in the world to prominently feature rap music. Her sheer presence at events secures total Hip-Hop credibility. Almost by herself, Lady B introduced rap music to Philadelphia. While at Power 99fm she had to fight to play groups like Public Enemy. They were considered too controversial and too political for the radio at that time.” Armed with the popularity of Public Enemy and the push of Def Jam and Russell Simmons, Lady B finally convinced Power 99 to concede. Her loyal audience loves her. Lady B is a fighter and we need more fighters on the radio. On her Radio show on 103.9 WPHI, she spotlighted local artists by interviewing them on her show and playing their music. She would also find diamonds in the rough. Independent local records that pleased her ear would actually find themselves in rotation. To win in radio, you have to stay ahead of the game. If nothing else, Lady B is a winner!

Here is LADY B's Only Single "To The Beat Ya'll" released in 1979

Here is a Documentary on Philly Hip Hop Starring Lady B

Lady B is now broadcasting for the premiere satellite radio entity –Sirius Satellite Radio. Lady B received the prestigious Philly Urban Legend Award in 2002 as a pioneer in Rap Music, the World Renowned Entertainment," Role Model of Excellence Award, two Lifetime Achievement Awards (including the Douglass”Jocko”Henderson award) and is also listed in VIBE magazine’s History of Hip-Hop as “Maybe the most influential female in hip-hop radio history” With a "Can't Stop... Won't Stop" Attitude that is synonymous with The Culture, Lady B can now be heard weekday from 3-7pm on “The Basement Party,” banging classic Hip-Hop and R&B! This is why Today We're celebrating Lady B, Hip Hop Pioneer, Pillar of Strength, Part of the Backbone of Our Culture. It's kind of interesting what One Person can do when You just possess a "Never Say Die" mentality. This is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a. FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY!!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik x NERVE.com - TALKING TO STRANGERS

2011-11-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN ARTICLE THAT I CONTRIBUTED TO A WHILE AGO THAT I FOUND ON THE INTERNET

Talking to Strangers

Nerve asks deeply personal questions to people we just met.

D.R.E.S. Tha BEATnik

What do you do for a living?I am an MC, human beat-boxer, and live-concert host.

Has that ever got you laid?
As a matter of fact, it has.

Do tell.
The craziest story I have took place in Xxxxxx, XX. I was actually at a club as a resident, and the nightclub put us up in a house as opposed to a hotel. So one of the nights I get done with my set, and one these ladies kept flirting, and flirting, and flirting. I'm like cool, whatever, I'm working, I'm doing my shit. So I get done about three o'clock in the morning. I get in the house about five, and like all the lights were off — but they were on when we left. I was like, oh shit, somebody broke into the house. So I'm turning the lights on and checking what's going on and I go in my bedroom and there is this young lady, naked, in my bed waiting with candles! I'm like what the hell?

Did you know her?
No, I did not know her. I'm like yeah, no, this is work, this is a black man in an Xxxxx land and I'm American; shit can happen. I don't want to be Michael Fay, that's all I'm saying. So I'm like, "You gotta go." She said no and just dropped to her knees and started blowing me right there in the middle of the room. And I'm like maybe...

Maybe you can stay.
Maybe you can stay for a second. And then I'm like, you know, maybe I can get in, get off, get done. So I'm like, the least I can do is buy you breakfast or something. And she's like, ugh, no no, and got up, put her clothes on, and left. I was like, before you leave at least take some of this: I tried to give her some mouthwash. At first she tried to refuse it, but I was like no, you need to take this. So she took a few swigs, gargled, and spit, 'cause I don't need a Tiger Woods walking around in Xxxxx as the result of a blowjob.

Did you ever find out where she came from?
It turns out someone who didn't like her had sent the girl to my place to try to get me "caught up," so it got nipped in the bud and a few days later I found out who.

What do you like in a lady?
Above all, intelligence, a sense of humor. After that it gets physical. I love long hair, a beautiful face — size or body type does not matter to me. I'm attracted to faces and hair. I'm not a booty man, but after that I'm into titties. Ds are better; I like to motor boat.

Do you have a weakness? Is there something where you are like, "Oh fuck, I'm going to fall for this one."

A woman who loves the Philadelphia Eagles, that's it. I'm from Philly originally. If she can name a player pre-Randall Cunningham — if she was like, "Bill Bergey was the shit" — I would be like, fuck, you know about Bill Bergey? Shit, oh oh oh. My knees would get weak and all of a sudden I would be like, I don't know what we are doing, but I have to fuck you right now. Who cares if we are in public.

Have you ever hard especially good dates or bad dates?
Not ones I'm about to indulge. Let's just say Seattle, Washington, is a great city.

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 4 of 30!!!

2011-11-05T21:10:00.000-04:00

Today we'll highlight One of the Most Important Instruments in Creating and Crafting this Culture of Hip Hop. It has been heralded as the "the most important musical instrument of the last two-and-a-half decades." Fans of the Culture have tried to stray away from it but It simply isn't Hip Hop without it!!! I'm speaking about the Turntable. And today We'll be speaking about the TECHNICS SL-1200 DIRECT DRIVE TURNTABLE.

The Technics SL-1200 are a series of turntables manufactured since October 1972 by Matsushita under the brand name of Technics. S means "Stereo", L means "Player". Originally released as a high fidelity consumer record player, it quickly became adopted among radio and club disc jockeys.

Check Out the Breakdown of the Ingredients of the Direct Drive Motor

Power Supply
First the power will be converted from 220V (*) to 30V AC.
Power regulation
After that it's regulated down again to a steady 21V DC by this separate Regulator. It's mounted with conductive paste to the chassis so it directs all heat that is created in this process away from the electrics.

The 21V is used for the Stroboscope, Popup Light (official name : Stylus Illuminator), Turntable Drive processor IC101 and the pitch control circuits around IC302.

From this 21V also a 9.4v stream is created to feed the other electronics (mainly the pitch circuits around IC301 and the separate fader panel).
Control Section: Strobe, Pitch, Play/Stop
The leads that leave the mainboard are connected to the Main Controls of the SL1200 and take care of Play and Stop function, the Strobe Light and the Speed Selector function.
Stylus Illuminator
The 2 wires that go into the chassis go to the Popup Light (Stylus Illuminator) and supply it's power. Be careful : the plug that connects these wires to the mainboard is located near the Power Regulator circuits at the back-end of the circuit board.

Pitch Control
Feeds the setting of the Pitch Fader back to the Drive Control IC and supplies the 0% LED with power.
Direct Drive Coils
Direct Drive gives you more torque at a continuous level in comparison to belt driven systems. In this center unit are the coils that measure the position of the Platter and also the coils that drive the Platter. All calculations are done in the 3 ICs of the SL1200.
Pitch Control IC301
Makes calculations to translate the setting of the Pitch Fader to a certain change in rotation speed of the Platter.
Pitch Lock IC302
Makes the calculations with the Quartz Clock to assure you a steady pitch.
Control IC201
These are actually the brains of your SL1200, from this IC all electronics are controlled and operated.
Turntable Drive IC101
If IC201 equals the brains, IC101 must be the heart of the turntable as it controls the electronic fields that make the Platter rotate.
Via 3 detection coils the IC measures the positions of the Platter, in reaction to this, the 3 drive coils are triggered to create torque on the Platter.

Check Out The Technics 1200 Go Mainstream with Grandmixer DST & Herbie Hancock performing "ROCKIT" at the GRAMMYS

While it is possible to tell the year (and the month) when the SL-1200 was manufactured from the serial number on the back or bottom of the turntable. SL-1200 serial numbers are in two different formats, depending on the date of manufacture. It isn't exactly possible to determine the decade in which the SL-1200 in question was manufactured, as the serial number contains only the last digit of the year. If the year digit is 8, the turntable may have been manufactured in 1978, 1988, 1998 or 2008. If the year digit is 0, the turntable may have been manufactured in 1980, 1990 or 2000. One rule of thumb is that old-format serial numbers belong to SL-1200s manufactured during the 1970s and 1980s, while new-format serial numbers belong to SL-1200s manufactured during the 1990s and beyond.

Old-format serial number: NHOJF20765 (SL-1200 manufactured 1982)The first digit shows the year when the turntable was manufactured. These serial numbers contain no indication of the month of manufacture. It should be noted that serial numbers in this format contain no letters following digits.

New-format serial number: GE4FB001154 (SL-1200MK2 manufactured June 2004)The first digit shows the year when the turntable was manufactured, while the month of manufacture is indicated by the letter following it. Months are coded as letters between A and L inclusive; A indicates January, B indicates February, and so on, so F indicates June.

Since its release in 1978, SL-1200MK2 and its successors have been the most common turntable for DJing and scratching. The MK2 presented several improvements, including to the motor and casing. Since 1972, more than 3 million units have been sold. It is widely regarded as one of the most durable and reliable turntables ever produced.

Then on November 1 2010, the Unthinkable happened...
Panasonic reactive statement - Production of analogue turntables has ceased
Panasonic has confirmed that it ceased the production of its Technics-branded analogue turntables this autumn. After more than 35 years as a leading manufacturer of analogue turntables, Panasonic has regretfully taken the decision to leave this market. However, Panasonic will continue to sell headphones under the Technics brand. We are sure that retailers and consumers will understand that our product range has to reflect the accelerating transformation of the entire audio market from analogue to digital. In addition, the number of component suppliers serving the analogue market has dwindled in recent years and we brought forward the decision to leave the market rather than risk being unable to fulfill future orders because of a lack of parts. Panasonic employees who have been working on the analogue turntable range have been redeployed elsewhere within Panasonic - many of them continuing to work in Panasonic´s Audio Video Business Unit.

What simply was created to play Records turned out to be a Formidable Instrument that changed the landscape of not just Music but the World!! The Turntable is a Legitimate instrument. All over the World The Turntable outsells the Guitar as the #1 Instrument of Choice!! Which is why Today we Pay Homage to The Turntable a Vital Instrument to the Advancement of the Culture of Hip Hop!!! My name is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik and this is My Hip Hop History Fact #KNOWYOURCULTURE!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 3 of 30!!!

2011-11-04T00:44:00.000-04:00

I'm a Firm believer of Family and Legacy and no where else outside of The Family does this become prevalent than in Hip Hop so for Today were gonna concentrate on Lineage.

The West Coast based LIKWIT CREW is one of the Most Respected Hip Hop Families in the History of the Genre

With Founding Father KING TEE

Tha ALKAHOLIKS

XZIBIT

DAFARI

J. WELLS

PHIL DA AGONY

LOOTPACK

STYLIZTIK JONES

DECLAIME

MONTAGE ONE

THE BARBERSHOP MC'S

DILATED PEOPLES

This Family Tree has many branches and is still growing and while there are many other Family Trees throughout Hip Hop History, this particular Tree has Roots that have sustained and weathered the Storm for more than 20 Years!! So Salute to The Likwit Crew & all of Your Fans for creating a Legacy of Quality music that is hard to overlook or surpass!! This is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a. FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY!!!

New Balance ‘2011 New York City Marathon’ 574

2011-11-03T15:25:00.000-04:00
So if You know Me You know that I am a Huge NEW BALANCE Head!!!

However I'm a Size 13 which is not always an Easy Size to find. Which leads Me to the Internet and literally trolling around trying to find the latest & dopest NB's. My Top Preference is of Course the NB 574 Shoe!!! It's Comfortable and Stylish!!

Upon My searches I found this Shoe... In honor of the 2011 New York City Marathon NEW BALANCE Offers this Shoe...

New Balance presents an exclusive colorway of their classic 574 running shoe to commemorate the upcoming New York City Marathon, going down on November 6th, 2011. The sneaker comes in a black/yellow colorway with white outer sole. Make sure to check out the race this weekend if you are around.

Take a Look at all that goes into the NYC Marathon!!! It's Amazing!!!

STAY TUNED for More Dope Kicks, Flicks & Pics right here on the BEATnik Chronicles!!! #FOLLOWTHEHAT

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 2 of 30!!!

2011-11-02T13:39:00.000-04:00
D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 2 of 30: The Year 1979 is and will always be regarded as a Pivotal Year in the History of Hip Hop widely because of this little known fact.

"King Tim III (Personality Jock)" is a song by NYC's Own The Fatback Band from the Disco Album "XII".

Released on July 25, 1979, several weeks before "Rapper's Delight" (which is widely regarded as the first commercially released hip hop song), this song is often cited as the beginning of recorded hip hop. The title refers to vocalist Tim Washington.

The Fatback Band or Fatback was the concept of Bill Curtis, an experienced session drummer, inspired to merge the "fatback" jazz beat of New Orleans into a funk band. In addition to Curtis, the band's initial line-up included guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, trumpet player George Williams, saxophonist Earl Shelton, flautist George Adams, and keyboardist Gerry Thomas. The band specialized in playing "street funk". The group also later included conga player Wayne Woolford, vocalists Jayne and Gerry, Deborah Cooper saxophonist Fred Demerey, guitarist Louis Wright and George Victory.

The song was originally the B-Side of the 7-inch single, with the A-Side "You're My Candy Sweet" a mid-tempo disco song. However, 'Candy Sweet' stalled at #67 after 4-weeks on the R&B chart and was replaced the following week with "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" on the chart. It peaked at #26 on the R&B chart and stayed on for 11 weeks.

Here is a Live Performance of King Tim III performed by The Fatback Band at The Capital Center in Landover, MD in 1980

Without this Record & Rapper's Delight by the Sugarhill Gang respectively The doors would never have been able to be open to Your Favorite Rapper's Favorite Rapper's Favorite Rapper this early in the Culture. Keep in mind that this is just a Short 6 Years almost to the Day after DJ Kool Herc played the 1st Hip Hop Jam at 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Boogie Down Bronx. Salute to You, Fatback Band for helping to break down the door and thus allowing This Culture become more sustainable & influential. This is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a. FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY!!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's HIP HOP HISTORY FACT 1 of 30!!!

2011-11-01T21:16:00.001-04:00
HAPPY HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH GOOD PEOPLE!!! For the Next 30 Days I'm gonna try to Post a Historical Fact about this Culture that I know & love called HIP HOP!!! PEACE to The UNIVERSAL ZULU NATION!!! #FOLLOWTHEHAT!!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Hip Hop History Fact 1 of 30: George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in downtown Brooklyn could very well be considered Hip Hop High School. With Alums such as
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr. aka Busta Rhymes

Earl Simmons aka DMX

Shawn Corey Carter, aka Jay-Z

and...
Christopher George Latore Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G.

it's kind of hard to imagine being able to eat Lunch in Peace with these Guys Battling almost Everyday in the Cafeteria!! If You got a HS that can boast more influential Hip Hop Greats feel free to Post!! This is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik a.k.a. FOLLOWTHEHAT and this is My Hip Hop History Fact!! Happy Hip Hop History Month!!! #KNOWYOURHISTORY!!!

2011-10-18T15:54:00.001-04:00
FOLLOWTHEHAT (ATL) - 10/21 FANTASTIC FRIDAYS at @MJQ_Concourse w/ @DJFudge, @DJMajestik & @DRESthaBEATnik http://ping.fm/nTzRr RT!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik x WheresMy40Acres.com x A3C Interview

2011-10-11T02:41:00.000-04:00
Watch this to get a better understanding of why You need to #FOLLOWTHEHAT!!! D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik droppin Jewels at the A3C Hip Hop Festival!! S/O to WheresMy40Acres.com!!!

Wm40A: Hip-Hop Minus The_BS...: D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik: Host of A3C Interview [VIDEO...: LEAVE A COMMENT!!!

The BLACK STAR ATL Concert Postponed till 10/26

2011-09-28T14:57:00.000-04:00
LADIES & GENTLEMEN.... Yes It is Official!!! The BLACK STAR Concert scheduled to take place in ATL has in fact been Postponed until October 26th, 2011. Factions on both sides have cited one another for the cause of the cancellation. Speculation of the TROY DAVIS Execution have also been cited as the Reason for the Postponement. All I can say is that ATL has been and was More than Ready for MOS DEF & TALIB KWELI to make their Voices heard on This Issue as well as Celebrating their Classic Album "MOS DEF & TALIB KWELI are BLACK STAR" Live on Stage!!! MOS DEF & TALIB KWELI will be Appearing on The COLBERT REPORT on COMEDY CENTRAL on 10/5 to Speak about the Situation and Set the Record Straight!!!
ALL TICKETS for the 9/28 Show WILL BE HONORED for the 10/26 Show!!! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!! Please Read the Press Release and Spread the Word!!! In the Meantime, Here's some Gems to help You get through Your Day!!!

BEATS BREWS & VIEWS 2011

2011-05-25T00:29:00.000-04:00

ATL's ONLY BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHT is back in Full Swing!!! BEATS, BREWS & VIEWS!! EVERY THURSDAY & SUNDAY Starting 5/15/11 and Running until LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2011 We will be screening a Movie, with Guest DJ's Creating a Great Vibe & Serving Refreshing Beer and Liquor. Hosted by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik!!! The only thing that's Missing is YOU!! Listed below is Our Schedule for 2011 Hope to see You & Your Friends out at the Movies!!

Beats, Brews & Views 2011: Movie Line Up

DATES/ DAYS/ MOVIE TITLE

MAY
05/15/11 - Sunday/ Natural Born Killers
05/19/11 - Thursday/ Blazing Saddles
05/22/11 - Sunday/ The Harder They Come
05/26/11 - Thursday/ Katt Williams: Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1
05/29/11 - Sunday/ Paid In Full

JUNE
06/02/11 - Thursday/ Law Abiding Citizen
06/05/11 - Sunday/ Get Him To The Greek
06/09/11 - Thursday/ This Is Spinal Tap
06/12/11 - Sunday/ Kevin Hart: Seriously, Funny
06/16/11 - Thursday/ Coming to America
06/19/11 - Sunday/ Die Hard with a Vengeance
06/23/11 - Thursday/ Old School
06/26/11 - Sunday/ Shottas
06/30/11 - Thursday/ Chris Rock: Never Scared

JULY
07/03/11 - Sunday/ Harlem Nights
07/07/11 - Thursday/ Training Day
07/10/11 - Sunday/ Step Brothers
07/14/11 - Thursday/ Dazed & Confused
07/17/11 - Sunday/ Martin Lawrence: “U So Crazy!!
07/21/11 - Thursday/ Belly
07/24/11 - Sunday/ Reservoir Dogs
07/28/11 - Thursday/ Wedding Crashers

AUGUST
08/04/11 - Thursday/ Eddie Murphy: Raw
08/07/11 - Sunday/ Love Jones
08/11/11 - Thursday/ Friday
08/14/11 - Sunday/ Fight Club
08/18/11 - Thursday/ Waterboy
08/21/11 - Sunday/ Original Kings Of Comedy
08/25/11 - Thursday/ Purple Rain
08/28/11 - Sunday/ Training Day

SEPTEMBER
09/01/11 - Thursday/ Boogie Nights
09/04/11 - Sunday/ New Jack City

******* NOTE LABOR DAY IS 9-05-2011

ADMISSION is FREE!!!

OUTSIDE FOOD & ALCOHOL is NOT PERMITTED!!!

GATES OPEN AT 6p!!!

ALL MOVIES BEGIN PROMPTLY AT SUNSET!!!

*SEATING IS LIMITED SO BRING A LAWN CHAIR*

***PROGRAMMING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE****

*BEER & LIQUOR WILL BE AVAILABLE*

*PLEASE DRESS COMFORTABLY*

For More Info: 404.399.7187
TWITTER HASHTAG: #BBnV

FOLLOWTHEHAT (ATL) TOP 10 for 2010

2010-12-13T18:46:00.001-05:00
‎D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik 's #FOLLOWTHEHAT (ATL) Top 10 for 2010! These are the Top 10 Local Acts that have killed it on stage & in the Booth... For 2010
(in No Particular Order)

A.Leon Craft

Tom P.

Pill

The Wheeler Boys

Graham Knox

FKi

Noot d'Noot

Sean Falyon

4IZE

Boog Brown

* = Honorable Mention
Hollyweerd
Yelawolf
Gripplyaz
Judi Chicago
The 54
Vonnegutt
Breakroom
Chantae Cann
Stanza
Mighty High Coup

Keep in Mind that I'm a Lover of Music!! My 1st Love is & will always be Hip Hop but I fell that I'm fortunate enough to live in a City where there is Influence & Inspiration around every corner. This list comes from a Genuine place and is not designed to slight anyone. Nor is this list the STANDARD for which all other shall aspire to. I just want to introduce My Fans to Artists that keep Me going when I feel like this Music Shit ain't for ME any longer. We don't have the conversation anymore in this Town and I wanna hear what You think. Did I leave anyone out? Was there someone(s) that should've been included? I feel that DJ's in this City need to play more of Our Local Indie Artists than they do. I also feel that We as Artists need to make Music that Club & Radio DJ's will want to play. We're about to begin a NEW DECADE and if we all don't step Up we're gonna get left behind!! See You guys in the New Decade and as always #FOLLOWTHEHAT!!

IT'S HERE THE GRAND CONDUCTOR is RELEASED TODAY!!!

2010-05-07T12:28:00.000-04:00

Ladies & Gentlemen...

The Day has come... After Years of contemplating, recording, performing and honing My Skills. I'm pleased to offer You My Latest Album THE GRAND CONDUCTOR!! This Album is a Collection of My Journeys in this Hip Hop game. I'm a HUMAN BEATBOXER, MC, HOST & PRODUCER and You'll hear every facet of that on this Offering. With Guest Appearances from KILLER MIKE, ANTHONY DAVID, THE THUNDAKATZ, DJ RASTA ROOT, MINAMINA GOODSONG, CYPHER LINGUISTICS, ISHUES, TEABAG da HERBALIST, SLICK & ROSE, INFINITE DoP, QUALM SCOTT, G.A.G.E. MONEY & British Philosopher ALAN WATTS!!!

With Production by The BEAT BULLIES, RICKY RAW of DROP BOMBZ, THE THUNDAKATZ, PGNUT of MINAMINA GOODSONG, ANTHONY DAVID, Top cat of MASS COMM, Mr. RASSLIN, HANO LEATHERS & JORMA STARRETT of ATTICA SOUND & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik!!

THE GRAND CONDUCTOR

1. SURROUNDED BY GREATNESS – Cypher Linguistics & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced By Ricky Raw)

2. MICROPHONE FITNESS SESSION (LIVE) – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced By Anthony David / Cuts by DJ Rasta Root)

3. MY PART OF TOWN (LIVE) – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Originally Recorded by TUFF CREW)

4. HOW I MAKE MY LIVING (Skit) – Denzel Washington & Cynda Williams
(Excerpt from the Motion Picture “MO BETTER BLUES”)

5. ELEVATION – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik f. Infinite DoP & G.R.E.A.T. SCOTT
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik & Top Cat for MASS COMM Prod.)

6. STOP BITIN’ – Ishues f. Teabag da Herbalist & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Hano Leathers & Jorma Starrett for Attica Sound)

7. THE SURE SHOT – G.A.G.E. Money f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik)

8. B.E.A.T.N.I.K. – D.R.E.S tha BEATnik
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik/ Cuts by DJ QUIZ/ Intro by DJ MAFIOSO)

9. SLOPPY UP – MinaMina Goodsong f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by PGNUT for Plainswalkerz)

10. SHININ STAR – The Thundakatz f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Mel for The Thundakatz)

11. SIGHT BEYOND SIGHT –
D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik f. Infinite DoP, Nickel Bag Shag & Crimson Jihad
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEAtnik)

12. RAP IS DEAD – Killer Mike f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by The BEAT BULLIES)

13. ATL SUNSHINE – Anthony David f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Anthony David for Soup & Sandwich Prod.)

14. RENDEZVOUS (Interlude) – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik f. CoCo Sex-C
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik & Anthony David)

15. RENDEZVOUS – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Shawty Plx for Mr. Rasslin Prod.)

16. MILK & HONEY (LIVE) – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik f. Slick & Rose
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik)

17. A GAME THAT’S WORTH THE CANDLE – Alan Watts

So in Honor of this Extraordinary Album... We're offering the GRAND CONDUCTOR ALBUM + The LIMITED EDITION D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik x FOLLOW THE HAT T-Shirt & The FOLLOWTHEHAT Pin for $30!! BUY NOW!!! This Offer will not Last Long!!!

The BENEFIT:

With The Album: You get a great Collection of Music from an Artist that actually thinks about what He says before He actually says it!!

With The T-Shirt: You're supporting an Artist/Host that stands for something instead of falling for just anything!!

With The Pin: You get Exclusive Access to Events, Parties & Concerts that feature D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik by becoming a part of the BEATnik Appreciation Society!!

CLICK TO FIND YOUR SIZE THEN CLICK THE ADD TO CART BUTTON TO GET IN ON THIS TODAY!!!

SIZES

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's CHILDHOOD SONG OF THE DAY!!

2010-05-06T13:29:00.000-04:00
From The SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK Collection... The Classic "CONJUNCTION JUNCTION"!! Celebrate Your Inner Child at least once a Day!! You'll be glad You did!!

short film of the day - 1/6/10

2010-01-06T19:38:00.001-05:00
Good Day family? I wanna turn You guys on to a wonderful Short Film that I came across called "VALIDATION"... It's a fable about the magic of free parking.

Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer - Kurt Kuenne. Winner - Best Narrative Short, Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Jury Award, Gen Art Chicago Film Festival, Winner - Audience Award, Hawaii Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Comedy, Breckenridge Festival of Film, Winner - Crystal Heart Award, Best Short Film & Audience Award, Heartland Film Festival, Winner - Christopher & Dana Reeve Audience Award, Williamstown Film Festival, Winner - Best Comedy, Dam Short Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Film, Sedona Int'l Film Festival.

Enjoy because You are the best at what You do... and even if today may not be the day that You feel that way... Maybe this Film will give you a bit of a Pick-Me-Up!! As always... LIVE HARD, LOVE LIFE & FOLLOWTHEHAT!!!

peace,

DRES

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's MOVIE DEBUT!!

2010-01-06T19:16:00.000-05:00
What up Family?...

I've been putting a lot of work in to find and realize new opportunities for Me as an Artist... A lot of ups & Downs in 2009 and the Fruits of the labor are in FULL SWING to become realized in the 20X (20X = 2010)!! Here is a trailer for My Movie Debut. The Movie is called "BATTLE"... in the Movie, I play the Host of a BEAT BATTLE(No Stretch there... LOL!!), named MIGHTY MOUTH(once again... No Stretch there... LOL!!) Here's the Trailer... I hope that You enjoy it... Pass the Word on and when it comes out make sure that You support... I think that this is a Very Powerful Story about Life, Love, Passion & Hip Hop

Battle - Trailer from REEL ONE TV on Vimeo.

The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT (NYC) The Entire Series

2010-01-06T18:49:00.001-05:00
Here's the Complete Series of The BEATnik Chronicles (NYC) Edition - This is the series in it's entirety... Every Episode!! With Special Guest Appearances by Stone Ford(theCouchSessions.com), DJ Aktive, Hezekiah, Craig G, J.J. Brown, Tanya Bonique, Jonathan Ames - Creator of HBO's Bored To Death, Ralph McDaniels - Creator of Video Music Box, Missy B of SwurvRadio.com, Sahr Ngaujah of FELA & The Legendary Roots Crew!! Co-Starring Scotty_LO. This edition of the BEATnik Chronicles is definitely Fun for Fans & Friends of D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik!! This is a wonderful adventure!!

The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT (NYC): Pt. 5

2009-12-01T19:42:00.000-05:00
This is the 5th Installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT NYC Edition. In this episode Our Hero, D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik heads to His Hometown of Philly to rock with DJ Aktive @ VANGO Lounge & Skybar!! As always D.R.E.S. never ceases to amaze crowds with His ease & ability to as He puts it "Makes sure everyone gets to the same destination at the same time"!! Also, check out His patented club closer ASSHOLE MODE(TM), as He let loose as only tha BEATnik can. Guest Appearances from recording Artist Hezekiah, Promoter Extraordinaire T-Bonique, Ms. Nicole Chatmon & Filmmaker Troy Chambers. So Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Show!! And a Always FOLLOWTHEHAT!!

The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT (NYC): Pt. 4

2009-11-27T22:17:00.000-05:00
This is the 4th Installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT NYC Edition. In this episode Our Hero, D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik takes to the Streets & Boroughs of the BIG APPLE to find His Piece of the Pie!! It's after The WORLD FAMOUS ROOTS JAM SESSION at The HIGHLINE BALLROOM and D.R.E.S. is headed to one of His favorite After Show Pastimes - Goin to the Nearest Diner to grab a Bite to eat before He heads to Philly to Rock with DJ Aktive!! Crowd reactions & Good vibrations from His Set are all a Plenty... So Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Show!! And a Always FOLLOWTHEHAT!! http://www.twitter.com/dresthabeatnik or http://thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com

The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT (NYC): Pt. 3

2009-11-25T15:55:00.000-05:00
This is the 3rd Installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT NYC Edition. In this episode Our Hero, D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik takes to the Streets & Boroughs of the BIG APPLE to find His Piece of the Pie!! It's Showtime at The WORLD FAMOUS ROOTS JAM SESSION at The HIGHLINE BALLROOM and D.R.E.S. has been tapped to take the Stage... Equipped with only Himself, His Hat & His Lighter ETHEL, D.R.E.S. literally RIPS through an Amazing 9-song set in under 10Mins backed by THE LEGENDARY ROOTS CREW, much to the Amazement of the Sold Out Crowd!! Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Show!! And a Always FOLLOWTHEHAT!! http://www.twitter.com/dresthabeatnik or http://thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com

SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO - 11/23/09

2009-11-24T19:08:00.000-05:00
This is the November, 23rd 2009 Episode of SMART IS THE NEW COOL Radio!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL Playlist 11/23/09

Hova Needs This – Alex Goose
Harlem Shuffle – Bob & Earl
All Caps - Madvillain (VIDEO)
The Melodians – By The Rivers Of Babylon
Untitled – Q-Tip
Commercial Break #1(EVIAN)
Lil Young – Masta Ace & Ed O.G.(VIDEO)
SKYPE INTERVIEW: The GRAND EMPERIAL DJ MAJESTIK
Leflaur Laflah Eskoshka – Heltah Skeltah f. O.G.C.
Just Me & You – Tony, Toni,Tone
Take Off The Blues – Foreign Exchange(VIDEO)
There’s Always Something There To Remind Me - Naked Eyes
Commercial Break #2(SONY)
Feel Good, Inc. – Gorillaz(VIDEO)
SMART IS THE NEW COOL PERSON OF THE WEEK: Harpo Marx
Dumb It Down – Lupe Fiasco f. Gemini(VIDEO)
Beautiful(Remix) – Mary J. Blige f. Black Star
END SHOW

The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT (NYC): Pt. 2

2009-11-23T08:17:00.000-05:00
This is the 2nd Installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT NYC Edition. In this episode Our Hero, D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik takes to the Streets & Boroughs of the BIG APPLE to find His Piece of the Pie!! Special Guest Appearance by The Legendary Roots Crew, Pupu Bajah, Y-O of U-N-I, Sahr Ngaujah Star of FELA!, Ginny Suss of Okayplayer.com and even some "Celebrity Look-a-likes"... LOL!! Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Show!! And a Always FOLLOWTHEHAT!! http://www.twitter.com/dresthabeatnik or http://thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com

The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT (NYC): Pt. 1

2009-11-22T09:15:00.000-05:00
This is the 1st Installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - FOLLOWTHEHAT NYC Edition. In this episode I'm taking to the Streets & Boroughs of the BIG APPLE to find My Piece of the Pie!! Special Guest Appearance by the Legendary GRAIG G of the JUICE CREW makes an Rare & Unforgettable Appearance! Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Show!! http://www.twitter.com/dresthabeatnik On faceBook & Twitter Look for the #FOLLOWTHEHAT Trending Topic to find out where tha BEATnik will be Next!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO - 10/5/09

2009-10-05T20:09:00.000-04:00
This is the October 5th 2009 Episode of SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO... Enjoy!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL 10/5/09
______________________________

What's The Difference? by Dr. Dre (Instrumental)
Something About You by Level 42
Little Bit by Likke Li
A3C Discussion
Go All Out by Buckshot & 9th Wonder
Sweet Freedom by Michael McDonald
All Is Love by karen O & the Kids
Groove Me by Guy
Tom's Diner by Susanne Vega & DNA
KeiOpensDoors Call In
Holy Are You by Rakim
A Night to Remember by Shalamar
So Damn Down by Tanya Morgan
Genius Of Love by Tom Tom Club
The Big U by The Blow
Everything She Wants By WHAM!!
DJ SPS 2008 DMC Championship Routine by DJ SPS
I'm Still Standing by Elton John

SONG OF THE DAY! - 10/3/09

2009-10-03T11:47:00.000-04:00
In Light of the last 24 Hours... I wanted to offer this song!! It's by Robbie Nevil the Song is called Ces't La Vie!! Enjoy and Comment!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO - 9/28/09

2009-09-29T17:19:00.000-04:00
SMART IS THE NEW COOL - 9/28/09

This is the September 28th, 2009 Episode of SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO!! We're Back people... with a new attitude, new direction and new purpose to Win!! You can check Us out Each and Every from 4p - 6p on http://dresthabeatnik.ning.com and click the SMART IS THE NEW COOL tab on the Site!! Till then enjoy this weeks show and support the Artists on the Playlist!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO Playlist 9/28/09

______________________________________________

Golden Void by Alex Goose
3 Words by The Reservoir Dogs
A Star Is Born by Jay-Z & J. Cole
Bread Sandwiches by Bernard Wright
Healer (Remix) by Erykah Badu f. Pharoahe Monch
Baby Phat '09 by Skillz f. Colin Munroe
D.O.A.(Remix) by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears
Reelfire by Foreign Beggars
Owner Of A Lonely Heart by YES
Close Call by 88-Keys f. Phonte
Could Heaven Be Like This by Idris Muhammad
New Wu by Raekwon f. Ghostface Killah & Method Man

THE GRAND CONDUCTOR is HERE!!!

2009-09-11T01:34:00.000-04:00

This is the Tracklist for My Latest Offering to the World... The Album is called "THE GRAND CONDUCTOR". This Album is a Collection of My Journeys in this Hip Hop game. I'm a HUMAN BEATBOXER, MC, HOST & PRODUCER and You'll hear every facet of that on this Offering. With Guest Appearances from KILLER MIKE, ANTHONY DAVID, THE THUNDAKATZ, DJ RASTA ROOT, MINAMINA GOODSONG, CYPHER LINGUISTICS, ISHUES, TEABAG da HERBALIST, SLICK & ROSE, INFINITE DoP, QUALM SCOTT, G.A.G.E. MONEY & British Philosopher ALAN WATTS!!!

With Production by The BEAT BULLIES, RICKY RAW of DROP BOMBZ, THE THUNDAKATZ, PGNUT of MINAMINA GOODSONG, ANTHONY DAVID, Top cat of MASS COMM, Mr. RASSLIN, HANO LEATHERS & JORMA STARRETT of ATTICA SOUND & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik!!

THE GRAND CONDUCTOR

1. SURROUNDED BY GREATNESS – Cypher Linguistics & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced By Ricky Raw)

2. MICROPHONE FITNESS SESSION (LIVE) – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced By Anthony David / Cuts by DJ Rasta Root)

3. MY PART OF TOWN (LIVE) – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Originally Recorded by TUFF CREW)

4. HOW I MAKE MY LIVING (Skit) – Denzel Washington & Cynda Williams
(Excerpt from the Motion Picture “MO BETTER BLUES”)

5. ELEVATION – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik f. Infinite DoP & Qualm Scott
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik & Top Cat for MASS COMM Prod.)

6. STOP BITIN’ – Ishues f. Teabag da Herbalist & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Hano Leathers & Jorma Starrett for Attica Sound)

7. THE SURE SHOT – G.A.G.E. Money f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik)

8. B.E.A.T.N.I.K. – D.R.E.S tha BEATnik
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik/ Cuts by DJ QUIZ/ Intro by DJ MAFIOSO)

9. SLOPPY UP – MinaMina Goodsong f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by PGNUT for Plainswalkerz)

10. SHININ STAR – The Thundakatz f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Mel for The Thundakatz)

11. SIGHT BEYOND SIGHT –
D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik f. Infinite DoP, Nickel Bag Shag & Crimson Jihad
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEAtnik)

12. RAP IS DEAD – Killer Mike f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by The BEAT BULLIES)

13. ATL SUNSHINE – Anthony David f. D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Anthony David for Soup & Sandwich Prod.)

14. RENDEZVOUS (Interlude) – D.R.E.S. tha BEAtnik f. CoCo Sex-C
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik & Anthony David)

15. RENDEZVOUS – D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
(Produced by Shawty Plx for Mr. Rasslin Prod.)

16. MILK & HONEY (LIVE) – D.R.E.S. tha BEAtnik f. Slick & Rose
(Produced by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik)

17. A GAME THAT’S WORTH THE CANDLE – Alan Watts

CLICK THE LOGO to DOWNLOAD!!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik's Power Supply

2009-09-01T14:08:00.000-04:00
This is from THE ATLANTA CREATIVES PROJECT... Check them out at http://www.theatlantacreatives.org

Dres tha Beatnik's Power Supply

please click image to enlarge

Atlanta has long been a diverse music hub for aspiring musicians everywhere. Sure the city is known a bit more these amongst music circles for the catchy hip-hop coming from the city's studios but this city gives music lovers much more than that. We sat down with Dres the Beatnik recently to talk music.

Dres tha Beatnik first met Atlanta in 1991. He came here to attend Clark Atlanta University but due to the ever so infamous financial aid woes, Dres spent two years at the University before transferring to Temple and returning to Philadelphia. But Atlanta wasn't quite ready to just let Dres go like that. After receiving his BA in Marketing from Temple in '95, Dres was offered a job with a market research firm which he accepted. That same job brought Dres back to Atlanta shortly after, well Dunwoody, and he's been here ever since.

Dres tha Beatnik is someone that many would consider to be an avid music fan. He really listens. And he should be listening closely as Dres tha Beatnik is not only a hip-hop lyricist but a beatboxer as well. Not to mention, his current favorite toy (his iPod) has over 27,000 songs.

"Music has always been in my life. I grew up with it in my household. Jazz, Motown, TSOP, some gospel... that was in my home," says Dres, "It's always been there it's just [that] I grew up in one of those households where you couldn't really pursue what you wanted to do until you did what you had to do. Hence going to college, getting a degree."

But it wasn't until college that Dres realized he could probably really do something with his passion for music. Though he had a brief stint in Atlanta his first go round, when he came back to the city he really began to explore his passion more. Dres was quickly soaking up the music scene and making himself a staple amongst the local hip-hop crowd. Twelve years later, Dres is still making music and increasingly becoming more involved with Atlanta and the Atlanta music scene. There's even a portrait of him hanging in the Barbershop on Tyler Perry's "House of Payne".

"I like to think that I'm blessed in the fact that I'm able to walk into many different circles and I don't take it for granted. All of those experiences help me. There's a side to atlanta that i know everybody doesn't know about, I think atlanta has influenced me in the fact that this is a town that is comprised of immigrants and natives and there's a pretty decent marriage between the two. In regards to hip-hop, there's a whole different war but it has nothing to do with some of the artists, has to do with media and that's sad," said Dres.

When asked about his favorite artists in the city, Dres provides a long list of both veterans and new faces. His list includes: Noot D'noot, Jaspects, Proton, Binkis Recs, Senor Kaos, Brittany Bosco, Algebra, Le Castlevania, Van Hunt, Anthony David, Hollyweerd and Sean Falyon.

"It's crazy, I've actually managed to play with all of my favorite artists in Atlanta. But really anyone who's doing it and doing seriously [is a favorite]," said Dres.

And of course Dres has his list of other Atlanta favorites. Like his favorite toy, Simon. Of course other favorites he wasn't so willing to give up.

"My favorite place to go get a drink is The Independent. My fortress of solitude is the patio of Caribou Coffee at Peachtree and Piedmont. My favorite place to look at the city is actually a rooftop of a business office on Means Street. My Favorite sandwich shop is Marcos Pita though no one can ever fuck with the chicken sandwich at The Local (a lot of my hang out spots involve food, forgive me). Favorite place for brunch is Gravity on Dekalb ave. Aside from that home," Dres said.

Neda was inspired for her portrait of Dres by one of his very own childhood photos taken by his mother. It's the infamous photo of a young Dres singing into an extension cord that can be found on his MySpace or Facebook.

"According to my mom, she wasn't feeling good that day and I wanted to cheer her up. So there was an Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) song on and I started immitating EWF for my mom. I started lip synching 'Reasons' by EWF and she said it made her feel better. And my mom was the biggest shutterbug ever, she had to take pictures of everything," Dres said.

Dres finds his inspiration to continue through his 9-year-old daughter and describes his signature sound as love. His creative process is simple: just listening. These days you can currently find his listening to a few retro tunes.

"I'm in my Retro kick right now. [Laughs] Listening to "New Life" by Intro, "Searching for Tomorrow" by Switch and a few others," Dres said.

Now, Dres is getting ready to head to Shanghai, China with stops in Maccau and Hong Kong. He has residency at Club BonBon in Shanghai. He will be conducting beatboxing clinics and lectures while also emceeing and DJing. Visit dresthabeatnik.ning.com to learn more.

Photo by: Neda Abghari
Interview by: Hadiyah Daché

ATL UNDERGROUND NEW MUSIC HITLIST

2009-08-13T16:28:00.000-04:00
Here is a List of the top 10 NEW JOINTS that are a BUZZ in the ATL UNDERGROUND that feature ATL UNDERGROUND ARTISTS for 2009!!! ENJOY, GET FAMILIAR & SUPPORT THESE ARTISTS!!!!

SMKA f. SEAN FLAYON - "BIG CITY NIGHTS"

HOLLYWEERD f. Colin Munroe - Oil & Water

KHAOS DA RAPPER - My Place

BRITTANY BOSCO - Blues For Blue/Black & White

SENOR KAOS - Automatic Classic

4IZE - Do It For The Haters

SUPREEME - I'm Crazy

COLLECTIVE EFFORTS - Crazy Things

THE CONSTELLATIONS - Felicia

STACY EPPS - Floatin

BEATBOX GUM COMMERCIAL!!!

2009-07-16T00:07:00.000-04:00

The BEATnik Chronicles - The RETURN to Shanghai Pt. 2

2009-06-14T14:50:00.000-04:00
This is the latest installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - Shanghai Edition... This episode follows D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik as he returns back to the place of the Origin of the Series, Shanghai, China... This time He's joined by DJ's Martin2Smoove of Ministry Of Sound in the UK and DJ J-Cue... This is Opening night of My 6-Week Residency ... This is the closest that you'll come to seeing exactly what D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik does in China!!! ENJOY!!!

PROPS WHERE IT'S DUE...

2009-06-14T14:36:00.000-04:00
What's goin on Family? Now as you know when it comes to Beatboxing I don't give a lot of Cats shine... Mostly cause I take what I do Very Seriously and I regard it as Musical Art... I believe that a Human Beatboxer should create Music not just an Amalgamation of Random Noise and Sound Effects... That being said... I have to take this time to give Human Beatboxer Maïté credit where it's due... This is a Video that was posted online about 2.5 Years ago which is a testament to the Creativity and lasting Power of the Piece itself... I won't spoil it, but I will say that this is a very Creative, very Intricate Human Beatbox Piece indeed... ENJOY!!!

Beatbox Fame Game
by loranger

SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO - EPISODE 4

2009-06-10T13:37:00.000-04:00
The SMART IS THE NEW COOL MOVEMENT!!! We have to take back the Intelligence in MUSIC, ART, FASHION & CULTURE!! Change is Here!! This is Show #4 of the New Online Radio Show that's Taking the WORLD by STORM!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL Radio Episode 4 from Dres ThaBEATnik on Vimeo.

The BEATnik Chronicles - The RETURN to Shanghai Pt. 1

2009-06-08T14:41:00.000-04:00
This is the latest installment of The BEATnik Chronicles - Shanghai Edition... This episode follows D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik as he returns back to the place of the Origin of the Series, Shanghai, China... This time He's joined by DJ's Martin2Smoove of Ministry Of Sound in the UK and DJ J-Cue... This is our First meeting and we're doing a little Bonding over A Tribe Called Quest & visiting Cheap Pu Lu in Shanghai... ENJOY!!!

The BEATnik Chronicles - Savannah part 2

2009-06-05T17:37:00.000-04:00
This is part 2 of The BEATnik Chronicles from Savannah GA... D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik & Co. took a Trip to Savannah for some Good Times, Good Vibes & Some Great Shows... for More episodes log on to http://thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com

The BEATnik Chronicles - SAVANNAH, GA Pt. 1

2009-05-30T20:45:00.000-04:00
This is the Latest Installment of the BEATnik Chronicles... The SAVANNAH Edition!! Join D.R.E.S. alongside The GREAT WHITE & That Dude DIRTY as they take You on a Tour Of Beautiful Savannah, GA. and meet a number of Characters & Drink a Lot of Alcohol along the Way!!! GOOD TIMES, MAN!!! GOOD TIMES!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL Radio VOL. 3

2009-05-20T16:44:00.000-04:00
The SMART IS THE NEW COOL MOVEMENT!!! We have to take back the Intelligence in MUSIC, ART, FASHION & CULTURE!! Change is Here!! This is Show #3 of the New Online Radio Show that's Taking the WORLD by STORM!!!

SMART IS THE NEW COOL Radio VOL. 2

2009-05-14T19:39:00.000-04:00
The SMART IS THE NEW COOL MOVEMENT!!! We have to take back the Intelligence in MUSIC, ART, FASHION & CULTURE!! Change is Here!! This is Show #2 of the New Online Radio Show that's Taking the WORLD by STORM!!!

VIDJO OF THE DAY!!!

2009-05-04T13:40:00.000-04:00
This is the NEW JOINT by CHI-Town's Own RHYMEFEST off of His Upcoming Album "El CHE" called "CHICAGO" Shout out to all My Fam up in the Chi... I'll be there to see Ya'll very soon...

Peace,

ThaBEATnik

SMART IS THE NEW COOL Radio on DIRadiocast.com

2009-04-27T09:41:00.000-04:00
Sup Family...

This is the first step in what I hope will be a Wonderful Journey for Me and the team... This is a Milestone for Us here... We're on Radio, not as Artists but as the people that actually Play what You hear. This Show is at the Cornerstone of a New Consciousness with regards to Taking Responsibility in being Accountable. The SMART IS THE NEW COOL MOVEMENT!!! We have to take back the Intelligence in MUSIC, ART, FASHION & CULTURE!! Change is Here!! "WE ARE ROLE MODELS" and I wear that with Pride... The Show is called "SMART IS THE NEW COOL RADIO" This isn't for Everyone but it is for You... The Show WILL get Bigger & Better and We welcome You to grow with Us...

Nyle - Let the Beat Build

2009-04-20T18:25:00.000-04:00
If you want to know how to "Let the Beat Build", check out this video from Nyle.

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

VIDJO OF THE DAY!!!

2009-04-14T10:45:00.001-04:00
This is a Long Time in the Making... Shout out to My BATTTERY 5 Family, My Lavish Life Social Club Family, My Labrats Family, My SMKA Family & My Motion Family Family... This is the Video for a Song that I have a Cameo in the Video for... It's off the SMKA presents The 808 Experience Vol. 1 - The Song is called "CADDYS" featuring GRIPPLYAZ, T.R.I.M.M. & A.LEON CRAFT... Also Today T.R.I.M.M. Just relaeased His First Project -"EVOLUTION OF THE MACHINE" Do Enjoy the Vidjo and I'll talk to You soon...

VIDJO Of THE DAY

2009-04-11T13:46:00.000-04:00
Thanks to @AFRODISIAQ for allowing Me to bring this to You all.. this is my little piece of Sunshine on a Rainy day... Enjoy!!!

Interesting Article - The CURIOUS CASE OF BATTLE MC'S

2009-04-10T11:40:00.000-04:00

I found this Article on XXL.com Yesterday and thought that I'd share it with You and get Your Thoughts about it... As a Promoter & Host of a Prominent Hip Hop Battle Show... I do see Trends & Changes and more often than not some of these things that are percieved as novelty or trend actually end up becoming essential, hovever the masses or even the minority at times dosen't appreciate it until it is not longer available. Such as the Art of Freestyling wheter in a Battle Setting or in an Actual Performance Setting the Ability to improvise over a Beat and effectivly communicate to an Audience is an Art. There are a lot of MC's, managers of MC's & Record label Execs of these MC's that will try to make you believe that FREESTYLING is Unnecessary... Hell they took the Booth out of RAP CITY & We see what the end result of that was... NO MORE RAP CITY on BET(Coincidence... I think not). I hear it all of the time "I DON'T FREESTYLE or I DON'T BATTLE" Well Why not? If You TRULY Believe in Your Heart that Your The SHIT then SHOW & PROVE that's HIP HOP... PERIOD, POINT BLANK, END OF STORY.

- ThaBEATnik

BLOG: The Curious Case of Battle MCs
Thursday Apr 9 10:43 AM CDT posted by xxl staff

The battle MC is an interesting character. While freestyle battles are a good way to get your name out there, more often that not, these rappers don’t break much ground. The careers of some of the more recent battle artists have gone nowhere fast - Jin, Poster Boy, Murder Mook, Serius Jones (who I really think just talks, not raps, in his battles)… And did someone win the 106 & Park Freestyle Tournament yet? I stopped watching.
I thought Jin had great potential and while he did make a little splash, “Learn Chinese” didn’t exactly top the charts. When he accepted that Ruff Ryders chain on 106, that was pretty much the height of his career. “At the end of the day,” he didn’t have the right formula and I’m not sure he was capable of making great songs even with Swizz Beatz production. Sometimes it’s hard for the battle rapper to break out of their tit-for-tat style of rhyming, but there are some success stories. Guys like Cassidy and Eminem (maybe the biggest success story) were able to make it big after breaking in on the underground battling circuit. But it’s hard to find an artist who can diss you and then turn around and make a great radio record and then turn around and also make a solid album.
Serius was signed to Disturbing Tha Peace for a while before that deal fell through. I’m sure the labels just don’t know how to market these guys. The main problem/argument is that just because you can spar on the streets doesn’t mean you can make a song with the right arrangements, production, hook, melodies, etc, so many battle rappers tend to be one-trick ponies. Is battling still what it used to be? Can new rappers still break in this way? -clovito

music review: salutes get busy remix tapes

2009-04-07T00:45:00.000-04:00

and now introducing salutes...

how did you come up with your name, salutes?

I WANTED TO THINK OF A NAME THAT SYBOLIZED BEING IN CHARGE. I THOUGHT OF THE ACTION LIKE 2 SALUTES A SUPERIOR AN I WANTED PPL 2 SALUTE ME IT HAD A NICE RING SO I BECAME SALUTES.

how long have you been doing hip hop?

I BEEN DOIN THIS SINCE ABOUT 14 SO THAT WOULD B ABOUT 9 YRS

who was the first hip hop artist that you can remember?

WELL MY POPS ALWAYS DJED WEN I WAS YOUNG THE FIRST RECORD I REALLY LIKED AN WOULD PLAY WIT ON THE TABLES IS LOL BEASTY BOYS PAUL REVERE

what made you decide to become a hip hop artist?

I DID IT FOR FUN AT FIRST BUT THEN REALIZED I WAS REALLY NICE AN HAD SOMETHING TO BRING TO THE TABLE

who are you a fan of (any musical style)?

HONESTLY TREY SONGZ

describe your style (musical)?

I FEEL I AM A BALANCED MIX OF COMMERCIAL AN STREET.. IM LIKE ACGS I CAN WEAR THEM WIT A BUTTON UP OR A CHAMP HOODY LOL

tell us about the mix tape you just released.

THIS WAS BASICALLY CREATED TO SHOW MY VERSITILITY AND MY RANGE NO TOPIC WAS TO COMMERCIAL OR STREET I CAN DO IT ALL .. AND DELIVER IN A RESPECTABLE WAY

where can people see you live or get your music?

THEY CAN CHECK WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SALUTES5 , WWW.SALUTESBLOG.BLOGSPOT.COM , AND LUTESVEGAS.COM/BLOG WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION .. DONT FORGET CONSTANT UPDATES ON WWW.TWITTER.COM/LUTESVEGAS

what are your plans/goals?

MY MAIN GOAL SHORT TERM IS TO BECOME A RECOGNIZED FORCE IN THE GAME LONG TERM TO HAVE A LONG SUCESSFULL CAREER

finally, any shout outs you wanna give?

SHOUT OUTS TO MY SOS CLICK DOTT DOLLAZ AND CRITTY DA YG AND TO THE STATE 2 STATE CYPHERS AND EVERY ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT..I AM HISTORY ONE DAY AT A TIME

and here's my review of it all:

don't sleep on this dude. nuff said.

just kidding! i would have to say that i was more then a little skeptical of this fast talking, quick qitted character that hit me up on twitter. we chatted about his mix tape dropping and again i was skeptical. i mean, everyone thinks that their music is the best or really good. but truth be told, i wasn't disappointed with this.

it takes some talent to be able to rock multiple styles, genres, etc but salutes does it well. i didn't know what i was in store for with his remix tapes. there is some r & b, reggae, and of course, hip hop. his flow on each of the tracks is natural and there is a seemless transition from one genre to the next. the content of his rhymes varies depending on the content of the track. his voice isn't annoying like some other artists.

overall? i liked it. like a lot. and it will be rocked through the sounds of my bose sound system AND iphone. favorite track that will be getting bumped loudly? track: #3 the "blame it" remix. i LOVE jamie foxx's new album and salutes verse on here only adds to my liking of the song.

well ladies and gents, i encourage you all to download the "get busy remix tapes" and get busy for yourself. look out for great things from this up and coming artist. after you give him a listen, come back and share your feedback.

xoxo

me

CHINA CANCELLED... SAVANNAH SAVED ME!!!

2009-04-04T16:53:00.000-04:00

Well it's official as of Friday April 2nd, 2009... I had My Bags packed and was about to head to Atlanta Jackson Heartsfield International Airport when... I decided to check My Gmail for the last time before I went to Shanghai for 6 Weeks and this is what I found...

"Hi mate,

Bonbon is officially closed as of yesterday. A brand new venue would be up n running in summer. The boss has fallen out with the partners n would like to run a club of his own. We were all informed yesterday evening. Since then, my mobile hasn’t stopped ringing, and emails haven’t stopped flooding in. I have so much to do, it’s not that I do not want to get in touch.

Whatever that is happening now is not within my control. I have been trying to re-schedule and/or cancel shows as my international dj line-up has gone as far as June. I haven’t closed my eyes a bit since I learned of the news. Have been explaining myself over n over again to different people and have meeting after meeting to resolve issues that popped up as a result.

I hope to gain your kind understanding now that I am not only dealing with only one person, but 120 staff + 12 djs n agencies. We could talk later on msn if you are available.

Best regards,

Xxxxx"

Needless to say I wasn't feeling too good about any of this... I mean I've put a lot of things on hold and in some cases even cancelled things as well. But that's Show Business!!! I'm gonna miss Club BonBon but I know that this New Club IS gonna be bigger and better than ever... I hope Shanghai is ready for it and I really hope that Shanghai is ready for Me when I get there.

So instead of not going on this trip to China & sitting around feeling some type of way about it... I under the advice of Management took a trip to Savannah to Spread Love at an Event called TASTE ART EVENT(http://www.tasteartsavannah.com)... The weekend was a Blast and I'm making plans to get back there already. Shouts to Josh & the Good People at jabberpics.com, the Meddin Emerging Artists Theater, The Crew from Dope Sandwich(don't worry help is on the way!!!) and Terry & Christine Thurston & especially TEAM BEATnik and Dirty & the Great White for the R&R!!!

New CHRONICLES Coming Soon!!!

Method Man Freestyle

2009-03-31T02:26:00.000-04:00

The BEATnik Chronicles - 03/14/09 pt. 2

2009-03-29T23:12:00.000-04:00

This is one of the reasons why I love My life... I get the opportunity to be able to be around people that not only Inspire Me but that also inspire the World and I get to on occasion get to dance with them as if the world dosen't even exist. Janelle Monae is one of those people... She not only was in attendance at the J*Davey Concert on this particular night but seen that this wasn't My gig to Host and felt what was going on enough to come on stage on a night that she wasn't even supposed to be "on the Clock" and helped me keep the party going... Thanks Baby Girl your Credit is always good with Me... LOL!!!

the BEATnik Chronicles - 03/14/09

2009-03-27T18:47:00.000-04:00

D.R.E.S. tha BEAtnik vs. ALI-en @ SUGAR HILL - The XPERIENCE featuring J*DAVEY, BRITTANY BOSCO, DOLL DAZE... This is the FUTURE in LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!!!

iPod versus iPod

2009-03-26T01:12:00.000-04:00
I won.

tonite at the world famous mic club a new and ingenius concept was presented. iPod battles.

free admission into sugar hill brought out new and more people willing to participate in this battle. just because you can't spit a hot rhyme or make some dope beats doesn't mean you don't know music and tonite's events proved that you can be a listening master and still win.

Franco and I participated in the battle to which he lost. encompassing genres from rock to reggae and everything in between all members of the audience felt right at home. everyone jammed out to oldies like crazy by aerosmith and bobbed to jay-z's reasonable doubt.

needless to say, good times were had by all. 'Twas a great ice breaker and I look forward to seeing this concept hatch into the mother bird.

-- Post From My iPhone

xoxo
ladebelle

The BEATnik Chronicles - 03/13/09 Part 1

2009-03-18T19:21:00.000-04:00
Hey family... Here's the latest Video... Enjoy... WORD TO VOLTRON!!!

VIDJO OF THE DAY...

2009-03-17T11:15:00.000-04:00
This is footage of Myself and Drummer Extraordinaire ALI-en on Stage @ SUGAR HILL opening for J*DAVEY!!! This was the First time that either one of us had performed together so it was DEFINITELY the Beginning of Something Great!!! Thanks to Goldi Gold for Capturing this!!

DRES THA BEATNIK VS ALIEN from Goldi gold on Vimeo.

More of the J*DAVEY CONCERT To Come!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAX!!!

2009-03-15T21:10:00.000-04:00
Today is My Brother Jax from BINKIS' Birthday... I wanted to post an entry that I did back in November reflecting His passing... This is My Video tribute to a Great friend of Mine, My Brother Christopher "JAX" Thurston of ATL's Own BINKIS RECS... He passed away early on Nov. 4th, 2008 and I wanted to say goodbye in my own special way!! Happy Birthday Homie!!!

The BEATnik Chronicles - Thurs 3/12/09

2009-03-15T13:01:00.000-04:00
This is the First installment of the Daily Series The BEATnik Chronicles... You can hang with D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik as he walks through the many destinations that He travels to... Good Times & Vibes to be had by all... You can catch this and more at http://thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com

More To Come!!!

VIDJO OF THE DAY...

2009-03-14T19:07:00.000-04:00

There was magic brewing on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles ton February 22nd the kind that puts a love spell on everyone who walks into its path. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and his 40-piece orchestra managed to set the entire Luckman Fine Arts Plaza afloat on Sunday night with Timeless: Suite for Ma Dukes, their gorgeous re-imagining of J Dillas best known works. Surprise guests filtered in throughout the night, including Common, Talib Kweli andPosdnuous from De la Soul. Dillas inspiring mother was a beacon throughout the performance, small in stature but mighty in spirit.

If you listen closely to the music, the possibilities are endless
Ma Dukes (February 22nd, 2009.)

The energy onstage was infectious, and the audience was just as emotionally invested in the performance as the musicians. One could feel the grand swoops and shimmering intricacies of the music just by the motion of Atwood-Fergusons hands. When Dwele came out to do Angel, he had to stand back in awe for several moments to take in the beauty of what he was about to sing over.

In true Dilla fashion, one classic begets another, and we got to see that progression take place right before our eyes.Diana Moreira led us through the bossa nova lilt of Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfas Saudade Vem Correndo,containing the famous hook Dilla sampled into the Pharcydes Runnin. Minutes later, the orchestra changed tempo and transformed the bossa nova mood into Dillas inspired jam with vocal contributions by Amp Fiddler, Bilal andShafiq Husayn of Sa-Ra. Bilal then sang Reminesce and brought the crowd to the verge of rapture.

The night rounded out when Posdnuous surprised everyone and did his verse of De la Souls Stakes is High, and then brought on Talib Kweli to do Doves verse. The chorus which included OhNo, Alchemist, Illa J, Frank Nitty, Rhettmatic, Ma Dukes, J Davey, Houseshoes sang out the refrainLove, Vibration - eventually turning the mic over to the audience to sing along. An encore of Slum Villages Fall in Love left everyone with the sweet high that only falling in love can bring about.

People will be talking about this majestic performance for years and blessed are the ones who were able to see it bloom firsthand.

Jaspects & Friends Concert

2009-03-13T09:33:00.000-04:00
if you've never been to a jaspects concert you're missing out.

i'm a lover of pretty much all music (with the exception of yodeling and stuff) but i LOVE hip hop music. and these dudes did their thug dizzle on stage.

the concert was held at sugarhill in the underground atlanta. upon arriving there (early), sav and i were greeted by a line wrapping around all of underground with atliens that had come to show support of their home town group.

after standing in line for what seemed like an eternity, one of the members of the jaspects came out to inform us that there was some flooding issues inside of sugarhill and that's what the hold up was. flooding? wtf? i was just here last nite AND we've had beautiful weather! nonetheless, we got inside and found a makeshift stage on the ground. i mean, i'm all for makin it do what it do and that's what they did! good job sugar hill for improvising.

first up was hollyweerd. i'm a hollyweerd fan. i love them. i remember when they were just tattoo artists making jokes in the shop. in fact, my cousin and my tattoo artist apprenticed under one of them. after some technical difficulties, they rocked the house leaving women wanting to know what it's like to "make love to a weerdo" and men wishing they were "weerd".

up next was chantae cann. i've never seen her perform live before and once i did, i realized that i was missing a huge chunk of my life. this sister can BLOW!!! she is a cute, sassy lady who's vocals are reminiscent of an older jazz singer mixed with the modern day urban soulist. i was in love and swooning over every word she sang. when her set was over, i was sad and disturbed because i could listen to her all nite.

rahbi was up next. now, if you've never seen him perform, you are in for an experience. the first time i saw him perform, it was at the "jdilla vs prince tribute concert" and i saw then why he performed as prince. this man is talented as all hell and flexible as the pretzel man. i LOVED his set. he's such a classy dude that even when some girl tried to play him during his first song, he turned that into part of his show and she too fell in love with rahbi.

naturally the only performance that could follow this was the jaspects themselves. i didn't want them to end. there music is hip hop infused with jazz or maybe it's jazz infused with hip hop but either way, these are some talented dudes. i mean, they danced, they got the crowd hype, they rapped, WHILE playing the trumpet, saxophone, keyboard, guitar, and drums. i mean, i was tired by the end from watching them! btw, their album drops on april 18th and if you have the money, you need to get it. they're going places.

algebra came on after them. she's a pretty well known underground hip hop artist and i had never experienced her either. she's AWESOME!!! i loved her outfit which consisted of a strapless prom-esque dress coupled with none other then DUNKS! naturally she rocked the "stage" as well. her birthday is coming up and she'll be having a pajama jam birthday party kid n'play style and yours truly will most definitely be in the place.

the last performance was with pj morton who also did his thug dizzle.

jaspects and friends kept the crown hyped, excited, and engaged from start to finish. i have yet to encounter a concert where i was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire thing. the jaspects are a humble and uber talented group who made it very clear last nite that they are going places. i'm proud to say i saw them in concert and cannot wait for their album to drop!

signing off...

xoxo
ladebelle

THE NEXT LEVEL of MIC CLUB

2009-03-12T16:45:00.000-04:00
So by now a lot of You have been wondering what's going on with The WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB @ SUGAR HILL!!!

What are we doing?
How's the show coming along?
Who's coming thru to the Show?
What's Next?

Well after a lot of Blood, Sweat & Tears here's what we've been working on...

The WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB has been experiencing a bit of Growing Pains getting Adjusted to our new home... We've been @ Sugar Hill for about a Month and the Show is growing moderately... We've had some good moments and some not so good ones. We absolutely love the Staff @ Sugar Hill and we're bringing the show back in Phases...

PHASE ONE: To bring back the MIGHY MIGHTY BEAT DOWN & CROWD CONTROL PERFORMANCE BATTLE... We feel that these events are more suited to the Environment that we're in being at UNDERGROUND ATLANTA.

PHASE TWO: To make sure that Hip Hop is respected again in Atlanta especially at UNDERGROUND ATLANTA and to expose those that are looking to find an outlet for their art an actual place that they can call Home and to Build MC's that can master all the Disciplines of their Art(FREESTYLE & WRITTEN)!!!

PHASE THREE: To Bring Our Live band back to MIC CLUB... the Live Music Element is actually the Cornerstone of what separates Us from the Rest of the Pack. The Newly formed A.S.O.(Audio.Science.Orchestra.) is the name of our band being as we couldn't take B.F.D. with Us to Our new Location we feel that with a new Start comes New Energy.

PHASE FOUR: To bring some notable names to Atlanta that the City wouldn't see at any other location.

and Finally...

PHASE FIVE: To stretch the Boundaries of what a HIP HOP BATTLE EVENT is Supposed to look like. We were the First event to Bring the PRODUCER BATTLE Concept to ATL & the First to Introduce the Hip Hop Performance Battle Concept to ATL... Now what I'm about to layout is the NEXT LEVEL of the HIP HOP BATTLE... Pay close Attention...

We're applying & incorporating this into The WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB... in a new event called the EXCHANGE!!! We're dealing with The Essence of MUSIC with this Event & giving you the Opportunity to contribute & share Your Passion... We're having a ORIGINAL SAMPLE/UPDATE VERSION HIP HOP Battle!!! We're launching this in ATLANTA on WEDNESDAY MARCH 25th, 2009 @ MIC CLUB(SUGAR HILL/UNDERGROUND ATLANTA) & To put a little more on top of the Cake we're bringing Legendary Hip Hop Artist CL SMOOTH to Perform Live @ this Event backed by a Live Band... The A.S.O.!!

This is an Example of what we're talking about with the EXCHANGE...

The Original...

The Update...

CL SMOOTH...

See You at the SHOW!!! http://www.miclubnation.com

KRS-One: the man behind the music

2009-03-12T03:05:00.000-04:00
I can't remember how long I've been a KRS-One fan but I know that for as long as I can remember, I've thought nothing but the highest of high things of this talented man. a fellow vegetarian and fighter of violence, the man also know as the teacha or the philosopher is quite the force to be reckoned with.

tonite at the world famous mic club, KRS-One stopped through and rapped with dres about the possibility of some future collaborations. I don't know if I'm ready to admit that I was star struck but seeing this humble legend did put a smile on my face and some pep in my step. and the possibility of working with him down the line tickled my soul.

how could he do all this right? well, KRS-One was one of the definers of hip hop. I agree with what stands for and is a well balanced person. on stage he's an explosive shot gun ready for blast off but outside of that environment, his easy smile is comforting and his soul an old one. I promise that I'm not swooning over this man who has been both the subject of controversy and recipient of lifetime awards, but he does leave a refreshing taste in my mouth--figuratively speaking--and gives great hugs.

at the end of this day, I'm honored to have been in the presence of greatness and look forward to any future endeavors with this quiet storm of a man.

-- Post From My iPhone

xoxo
ladebelle

VIDJO OF THE DAY!!!

2009-03-10T20:04:00.000-04:00

My Weekend...

2009-03-09T12:55:00.000-04:00
What's going on Family? I wanted to take the time to say to all that have been partying with Me this Weekend... Thank You soooo very much!!! I wouldn't have made it through without Ya'll! There was too much drama going on this weekend outside of the normal work drama that would have taken Me off My path had it not been for You all!!! Now for the recap...

My Weekend Started on Wednesday... YEAH THAT'S RIGHT I SAID IT WEDNESDAY!! LOL!!!

WEDNESDAY: The WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB @ SUGAR HILL(UNDERGROUND ATLANTA)
We had our Monthly PRODUCER & PERFORMANCE BATTLE on the Same Night... The MIGHTY MIGHTY BEAT DOWN & The CROWD CONTROL PERFORMANCE BATTLE The CROWDS are finally starting to show Up @ SUGAR HILL & I'm happy about it!!! Thanks to Ladebelle, DJ Edward Scizzahandz & Razah, the Staff of SUGAR HILL & all the Producers & Performers that attended. The PRODUCER BATTLE Final was down to DAILY BREAD & ILL GAIMEZ with ILL GAIMEZ emerging Victorious!!! The PERFORMANCE BATTLE Final was between ISIS PRODUCTIONS out of MEMPHIS & MAJA DEACON... With ISIS PRODUCTIONS emerging Victorious!! This coming Wednesday is looking to get Bigger & Better!! http://www.miclubnation.com

THURSDAY: I DO MUSIC @ APACHE CAFE
Now for those of you who know Me & My Story You know that at this point even mentioning Apache much less going there for anything is a trip in and of itself... That being said, My good Brother Oh Zee Banga asked a simple request of Me and I couldn't refuse Him because he is one of those people in ATL that takes care of Me when I need it. He asked Me to come out to I DO MUSIC and Sit on a Panel Discussion for the I DO MUSIC WEEKEND!! The discussion was about Digital Marketing & Promotions for the Digital Age urban Music Artist... On the Panel was Myself, Tai Saint-Louis of AllHipHop.com, GYANT of SOHH.com, B RICH (Manager for B.O.B.), Digital Marketing Guru Chuck Woo of EARWAX RECORDS & ChuckWoo.com & Big Yu National Account Director DIGIWAXX.com This was a well produced event filled with People that were looking to get some insight on perfecting their craft... That being said this event has OUTGROWN it's Present Venue... NO HATE... JUST TRUTH!!!

FRIDAY: The FRIDAY NIGHT FIXX @ MJQ
This is one of My Residencies here in ATL... the MJQ Concourse is the EPICENTER of THE COUNTERCULTURE here in ATLANTA!!! We were celebrating DJ LORD of PUBLIC ENEMY'S Birthday!! the Crowd of about 425 had a great time... MJQ has been doing some upgrades to their Sound System and I know that by the time that they finish that it'll be the TRUTH in ATLANTA. I had a great time myself and STRONGLY ENCOURAGE anyone that is looking for something different in their ATLANTA HIP HOP CLUB EXPERIENCE to come here at least once... You'll be glad you did!!!

SATURDAY: THE FUNK LORDZ ANNIVERSARY PARTY & B-BOY BATTLE, The TWELVE HOTEL & D'JANGO with the 1128 PROJECT!!!

now this is one of the Reasons why I feel I'm as good as I am not to sound to KANYE but I AM THE TRUTH WITH A MICROPHONE and I WAS BUILT FOR THIS & here's Why!!!

THE FUNK LORDZ ANNIVERSARY B-BOY JAM(SKILL4SOLE 3)
I was asked by b-Boy Quic of the ATL FUNKLORDZ/ZULU NATION to host a B-Boy competition @ The RELAPSE THEATER and can I tell you that this is one Element of Hip Hop that I wish I would've held on to a little longer... I mean these B-Boys & B-Girls got some MF'N HEAT with them!! The jam was great and literally a Who's Who in the ATL B-Boy Community was in attendance for this I hosted the Prelims to the SKILL4SOLE Battle... Where the Losing Crew had to literally Give Up their Shoes hence SKILL4SOLE!!! I even brought My Daughter Ashanti out to see this cause I feel that the Youth need to embrace this facet of Hip Hop Culture in a BIG WAY!! Exercise... Exercise... Exercise!!!

THE TWELVE HOTEL @ ATLANTIC STATION
I had to leave the B-Boy jam to head to the Twelve to host a Private Birthday party for My Boy Christian... I was expecting a pretty Decent soiree but nothing prepared Me for what I saw... People all dressed to the Nines looking Oh SO SOPHISTICATED and feeling Good!!! The Live Band was on Point the Hospitality was also on point and after the Cutting of the Cake... it was time to get to work!! I alongside DJ Rasta Root came to Shut Shit Down!! All that were in attendance had a good time(no Requests at All!!)LOL!! I had to have seen perhaps the longest SOUL TRAIN LINE in My Life at this Party... LOL!! It was GREAT!!! Big Up to Christian happy birthday Boy!!and Michelle for Putting the Event together.. you did a GREAT JOB!!!

THE 1128 PROJECT @ D'JANGO EVERY 1st SATURDAY
Now This was the final Event of the Evening... The GRAND EMPERIAL DJ MAJESTIK & I make up a Collective called the 1128 PROJECT and We change lives through the Music!!! LITERALLY!!! We have a Monthly @ d'JANGO and it is definitely a moving Experience!! DJ MAFIOSO got the festivities started upstairs and I have to say on the low He is by far and away one of the most talented & precise DJ's in the World and I feel blessed to be able to work with him whenever I can!! We got set up and started Downstairs around Midnight and came to bring the pain... We went everywhere with the music... The Crowds that usually come to d'Jango now come to hear the Radio... WE ARE SOOOOOO ANTI-RADIO it's not even funny!!! After the Crowd of Regulars got the memo everyone got down to doing their Job so that we could do ours, which was giving the People some good music and a great experience!!! All in all I think we did a GREAT JOB!!! This is a DEFINITE SURE SHOT!!!

and on the 7th Day....

THE BEATnik RESTED!!! See You Soon!!!

Art Nouveau Magazine-Art is Everywhere

2009-02-20T13:03:00.000-05:00
Art Nouveau Magazine-Art is Everywhere This is an Article published By Art Nouveau Magazine on D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik... ENJOY!!!!

The Latest & Greatest...

2009-02-18T23:38:00.000-05:00

THE MAIN INGREDIENT 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT
MJQ CONCOURSE
736 PONCE DE LEON PL. NE
ATLANTA, GA. 30306
FRIDAY FEB. 20th
DJ's EDWARD SCIZZAHANDZ, RAZAH,
SKOOTER & The GRAND EMPERIAL DJ MAJESTIK
DRUMMER MARC MAYS
Hosted By D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
DOORS OPEN @ 11PM
COVER: $12
For More Info 404.399.7187 or http://www.myspace.com/tmiiyatl

THE INFAMOUS FRIDAY NIGHT FIXX
EVERY FIRST & LAST FRIDAY
Hosted By D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
MJQ CONCOURSE
736 PONCE DE LEON PL. NE
ATLANTA, GA. 30306
DOORS OPEN @ 11PM
COVER: $10
For More info http://www.mjqatlanta.com

THE WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB presents
THE CROWD CONTROL PERFORMANCE BATTLE
Hosted By D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
WEDNESDAY FEB. 25th
SUGAR HILL NIGHT CLUB (UNDERGROUND ATLANTA)
50 UPPER ALABAMA RD. SW
ATLANTA, GA. 30303
DOORS OPEN @ 10PM
COVER: $10
REGISTRATION FEE: $25
REGISTRATION BEGINS: 8:30PM NIGHT OF EVENT
For More info http://www.miclubnation.com or 404.399.7187

THE WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB presents
THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BEAT DOWN PRODUCER'S BATTLE
Hosted By D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
EVERY 1ST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
WEDNESDAY MARCH 4th
SUGAR HILL NIGHT CLUB (UNDERGROUND ATLANTA)
50 UPPER ALABAMA RD. SW
ATLANTA, GA. 30303
DOORS OPEN @ 10PM
COVER: $10
REGISTRATION FEE: $25
REGISTRATION BEGINS @ 8:30PM NIGHT OF THE EVENT
CALL 404.399.7187 for More info
http://www.myspace.com/themightymightybeatdown or http://www.miclubnation.com

THE 1128 PROJECT is
The GRAND EMPERIAL DJ MAJESTIK & D.R.E.S. THA BEATnik
presents THE USUAL SUSPECTS
with SPECIAL GUEST DJ MAFIOSO
THE GREATEST 1st SATURDAY OF THE MONTH PARTY
EVERY 1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
D'JANGO GYPSY KITCHEN & BAR
495 PEACHTREE ST. NE
ATLANTA, GA. 30308
DOORS OPEN @ 10PM
FREE COVER & DRINKS BEFORE 11PM
DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT
COVER: $10
FOR MORE INFO 404.399.7187

These Events are sure to sell out... EARLY ENTRY IS A MUST!!! THIS IS THE SURE SHOT!!!

THE 4KINGS ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER VOL. 11

2009-01-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

THE MAIN INGREDIENT @ MJQ 12/19/08

2008-12-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

Honestly, last night's MAIN INGREDIENT was pretty cool!! RAZAH, SCIZZAHANDZ, MAJESTIK & SKOOTER all brought some great tunes to the table. The Performances were The SHIT!!! Life The Great showed Us what the Future of HIP HOP is goin to sound like & I Like it!! HEED Showed Us what a LIVE SHOW is supposed to FEEL like, DUKES OF DaVILLE are READY to be the NEXT BIG THING to come out of ATLANTA!! & ZERBY definitely showed Us that You Can't JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!!!

When I do these shows, it's an Overwhelming process especially when You're doin it by Yourself... and it just lets me know that I gotta learn to ask for some Help. But when its actually going down and You see the People that are in there that get exactly what we're doing... it makes it WORTH IT!!!

We'll have Pics up very soon... in the meantime log onto The MAIN INGREDIENT on MySpace and let Us know what You thought about Last Night's show and other MAIN INGREDIENT Shows that You've been to. Also we're in the Lab working on the MAIN INGREDIENT Vol. 1 a Compilation of the Best of the Best performances of the First Year of the MAIN INGREDIENT!!!

Stay Tuned

20 Classic Hip Hop Album Covers in LEGO!!!

2008-12-12T01:58:00.000-05:00

What's going on Peoples? I just came across this and I thought that this was some very dope shit!!! This is from the Good People @ formatmag.com... Enjoy!!!

20 Classic Hip Hop Album Covers Recreated in LEGO
Dec 11, 2008 – – by Nick Hanekom

After 50 years as an industry leader, LEGO has become a staple in any kids toy box. In more recent times the mini-figs and legendary building blocks have been used to recreate famous landmarks, classic photographs and now: 20 Classic Hip Hop Album Covers Recreated in LEGO.

Mos Def — New Danger

The Game — Doctors Advocate

De La Soul — 3 Feet High and Rising

Common — BE

A Tribe Called Quest — Midnight Marauders

Gangstarr — No More Mr. Nice Guy

Ghostface Killah — The Big Doe Rehab

Dr. Dre — The Chronic

EPMD — Back in Business

KRS One and Marley Marl — Hip-Hop Lives

Nas — Stillmatic

Jedi Mind Tricks — Violent By Design

Method Man & Redman — Blackout

Outkast — Stankonia

Wyclef Jean — The Carnival

Run DMC — King of Rock

Slick Rick — aka RickyD

Alkaholiks — Likwidation

Beastie Boys — Hello Nasty

Biz Markie — The Biz Never Sleeps

TI — King

Big Pun — Capital Punishment

Super Lover Cee and Casanova RUD — Girls, I Got ‘em Locked

Old Dirty Bastard — N***a Please

Shot in the Format studio by Nick Hanekom with styling/art direction by Jaici Chen and layout/design work by Glen Manucdoc.

KID CUDI vs. CROOKERS - DAY & NITE VIDJO - UPDATE!!!

2008-12-10T05:59:00.000-05:00
Now as you all know a couple of days ago I posted a Entry about KID CUDI's video for DAY & NITE(CROOKERS MIX) and I thought that it was All Good... I mean KID was finally on His way into the World of Video. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! The following is an entry from CUDI's WEBSITE and I want You to read it... Nevermind the grammar just peep how the Industry is trying to F%#K Him Over!!!

"KID CUDI CROOKERS REMIX VIDEO NOT APPROVED BY ME, PAT, EMILE, G.O.O.D. MUSIC, NOR THE CROOKERS

SEE, THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS I HATE THIS INDUSTRY….MUTHAFUCKAS GET CONTROL OVER YA MUSIC AND YA IMAGE AND DO WUTEVER THE FUCK THEY WANT TO DO WIT IT….THIS CROOKERS VIDEO WAS NOT APPROVED BY ANYONE ON MY TEAM….WE JUS EXPRESSED TO THE PEOPLE WHO SHOT THE VIDEO AND TOL THEM WE DIDNT LIKE IT AND WANTED TO TRY SUTTIN DIFF, NEXT THING U KNO WITHIN HOURS ITS ALLLLLLL OVER THE FUCKIN INTERNET….NOW, SUTTIN SEEMS FISHY HERE…..ID B WRONG TO START PUNCHIN MUTHAFUCKAS IN THE JAW BONE (AND IM REALLLLY NOT A VIOLENT PERSON, I HATE VIOLENCE ACTUALLY) BUT DATS HONESTLY HOW I FEEL RITE NOW….PEOPLE R TAKIN SUTTIN I CREATED, SUTTIN DATS SPECIAL TO ME AND PUTTIN IT OUT CUZ THEY WANT TO….MUTHAFUCKAS R SIGNIN OFF ON SHIT AND NOT LETTIN ME KNO ABOUT IT….IM WRITIN AND SAYIN ALL DIS SHIT SO YALL CAN REALLLLLY SEE HOW SHADY THIS GAME IS, LIKE 4REAL 4REAL, NIGGAZ JUS WANT TO USE U AS A PUPPET….AND DATS HOW I FEEL RITE NOW, LIKE A FUCKIN PUPPET….IAM SOOOO BEYOND UPSET THERES NO WORD TO DESCRIBE HOW I FEEL AT THE MOMENT…IM ALL THE WAY IN AUSTRALIA AND CANT DO SHIT ABOUT ANYTHING

BUT I ASK EVERYONE ON EVERY BLOG, IF U SUPPORT ME AND ARE A TRUE KID CUDI FAN IAM ASKIN THAT IF U POSTED THIS VIDEO TO PLEASE TAKE IT DOWN…BY POSTIN IT UR LETTIN THESE SNAKE MUTHAFUCKAS WIN AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A ARTIST U GUYS ALL FEEL….I REPEAT, IF U REALLY GIVE A FUCK ABOUT ME AND MY MOVEMENT THEN PLEASE TAKE THE VIDEO POST DOWN…IF I SEE IT ON YA BLOG THEN I KNO U MUST JUS B THIRSTY FOR HITS OR SUTTIN AND NEED THE ATTENTION AND I WONT EVER SUPPORT YA SHIT

AT THIS POINT AFTER READIN MY WORDS I DONT CARE WUT ANYBODY MAY THINK ABOUT HOW IM REACTING…IF U DONT UNDERSTAND THEN OH WELL, BUT IMAGINE SOMEONE TAKING SOME SHIT U WORKED HARD TO CREATE, SUTTIN FROM UR HEART DAT U MADE AND MANIPULATING IT THE WAY THEY SEE FIT CUZ SOMEONE (NOT ANYONE ON YA TEAM) SIGNED OFF ON SOME PAPER WITHOUT UR CONSENT AND GAVE DAT RIGHT TO THEM…SHIT IS FUCKED UP YO AND I SWEAR I GOT MY LAWYER ON DECK FOR WUTEVER SO ITS FINNA GO DOWN AS WE SPEAK….
LIKE THE LOX SAID ON A SKIT FEATURED ON WE ARE THE STREETS “NO MATTER WUT U DO, U CANT ESCAPE THE RAPE”

MAN, I WANNA PUNCH SOMEONE RIGHT NOW….I WILL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS, BUT IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE TAKE THE POST DOWN YALL

PEACE,

FURIOUS CUDI

P.S. IT WAS NOT SEMTEX DAT LEAKED THE VIDEO FYI SIDEBAR EVEN THO IT MAY SEEM THAT WAY"

KID CUDI vs. CROOKERS - DAY & NITE VIDJO!!! FINALLY!!! b/w MOS DEF'S PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH!!! Funny!!

2008-12-06T12:30:00.001-05:00
So I'm checking out YouTube and I happened to come across a Video for Day & Nite by Kid Cudi and I'm like Fuckin Finally... He Did a Video!!! The song was a banger over the Summer of 08 and even Prompted Wack Ass Jim Jones to try to Remix it. (You Can't improve upon a Good Thing to save Your Career, Dumb Ass) So With out Further Adieu Ladies & Gentleman here is Kid Cudi... And Yes I'll be trying to get Him to ATL for a Show Very Soon!!!

Also, We have a Good friend of Mine, Mr. MOS DEF a.k.a. Black Donte musing on what would change if He Were President of The United States... President-Elect Obama - PAY ATTENTION!!! It's actually a Video Clip from the People a GOOD Magazine for a Video Campaign called appropriately enough "IF I WERE PRESIDENT" (Big Up to The PHARCYDE!!! If You don't know Do Your Homework!! LOL)

PAIN WITHOUT BORDERS... Pay Attention!!!

2008-12-02T05:17:00.000-05:00
This is perhaps the most thought provoking and incredible thing I've seen in a long while... This film was made for a french N.G.O called "Pain without Borders/ Douleurs sans frontières". The campaign has started in France the 20th October for the global day against pain. The goal of this campaign is to increase the public awareness to "Pain" in its various forms and then have enough signatures (petition on line) to give the possibility to the french government to present a resolution at the U.N before the end of 2008. In this film you see a young boy walking and facing in life hard and painfull situations : - loss of his mother - earthquake, destruction of his hometown - war - psychological pain - injury Information regarding this commercial :

Title : Arrêtons la douleur / Stop the Pain
Duration : 63 sec
Directors : Philippe GAMER and Fred REMUZAT
Production and postproduction : SPACE PATROL
Agency : TBWA MAP (FRANCE)
Client : Douleurs Sans Frontières / Pain without Borders

My NEW BALANCE Addiction!!!

2008-12-02T04:40:00.000-05:00
Those that know Me, know that I am a NEW BALANCE Head!!! I'm probably the biggest NEW BALANCE Head in the ATL!!! Now, when I say that I LOVE New Balance... I mean I LOOOOOOVE New Balance!!

(Photo by TTColes)

I'm constantly on-line looking for new styles of New Balance cause I'm on the hunt... LOL!! This is what I came across in my most recent hunt... I just hope that I can find these in a Size 13!!!

More styles to come... Let Me know what You think

peace,

DRES

The BEATnik Chronicles SHANGHAI EDITION VOL. 1

2008-11-30T00:03:00.001-05:00
Today I'm going to give You a Revisit of My Journey to the PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC of CHINA... This is an OLD SCHOOL VOLUME of The BEATnik Chronicles until the New Episodes are ready... So sit back, relax and enjoy!!!

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik

THE MAIN INGREDIENT 3RD FRIDAYS @ MJQ (ATLANTA)

2008-11-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

D.R.E.S. Tha BEATnik Article on XTM Online

2008-11-23T12:03:00.000-05:00

D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik
Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 9:05PM

I was first introduced to D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik when he hosted Aquafina on the Bricks (a concert series in Centennial Olympic Park) during the Summer of 2004. From MC'ing to beatboxing, D.R.E.S. put on a show that I would never forget. I hadn't heard anyone like him performing in Atlanta before. A year later, I ran into him again at the MJQ Concourse on a Friday night, where D.R.E.S. was hosting Atlanta's #1 Hip-hop party. It was another incredible performance.

D.R.E.S. has been "puttin' on" for Atlanta for over 11 years with his company 4 Kings Entertainment. XTM caught up with D.R.E.S. last week for an exclusive interview and got the scoop on what it's been like for him consistently going against the grain in Atlanta for over a decade.

XTM: What brought you to Atlanta?

D.R.E.S.: I first came to Atlanta in 1991 to attend school at Clark [Atlanta University], but I ended up transferring back home to Philadelphia and got my degree in Marketing at Temple University. I returned to Atlanta in 1995 with my vision of 4 Kings Entertainment.

XTM: So how did you get started hosting events?

D.R.E.S.: The first show I ever produced was Dred Poets' Society back in 1997. We held it at what is now known as the Vortex in Midtown.

XTM: What kind of response did you get?

D.R.E.S.: Well, you know we just watched 48 hours ago (interview was conducted on Nov. 6yh, 2008) that people are willing to embrace change. So with any new production we knew that we had to be consistent with how we did things. We couldn't do a show once a month because, if there's nothing to stimulate that hunger from point A to point B, then there's always going to be a problem. But the feedback was good. We started the show in late May of '97, and by the end of the Summer we had a hit. Things were going good. And then we showed up one Sunday and the owner tells us he sold the place.

XTM: What? Did he let you know that he was selling the place?

D.R.E.S.: No. Basically what happened was he got caught up with an extra-marital affair. So to prevent the affair from coming out he had to sell the place to the woman he was having the affair with. Things were so bad, I couldn't even counter the offer.

XTM: Why not have Mic Club at a venue like Compound or any other nice club in Atlanta?

D.R.E.S.: Because, honestly, it brings out the wrong MC. It brings out that "rapper" versus bringing out a "MC".

XTM: And what "MC" are you looking for when you host Mic Club?

D.R.E.S.: Someone who actually wants to do it, and not because they feel as though they're entitled because of their skin color.

XTM: Now break-down what you just said, because a lot of people would say that a MC and a rapper are the same.

D.R.E.S.: Rappers have wish-list and MC's have a do-list. A rapper wishes for the things he wants and you can hear it in his music. MC's, on the other hand, talk about real life stuff and they bare their soul in their music.

XTM: So how do you see 4 Kings Entertainment within the change that has been slowly taking over Atlanta?

D.R.E.S.: I think that with what we are doing right now we're in the best position to rise up. And I think that, after 11 years, a window has finally opened. And I'm not just talking about 4 Kings Entertainment, but with underground artists, as well.

XTM: Lastly, how does one keep up with new up-and-coming Hip-hop artists?

D.R.E.S.: To be honest, by keeping their ears to the streets.

There aren't that many people that "put on" for Atlanta the way D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik has been doing for the past 11 years. So make sure you fall through MJQ on Fridays and SUGAR HILL NIGHT CLUB in UNDERGROUND ATLANTA on Wednesdays beginning January 14th, 2009. It will be a night you won't soon forget.

ANTHONY DAVID & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik @ SUGAR HILL NIGHT CLUB (UNDERGROUND ATLANTA)

2008-11-22T16:56:00.000-05:00

LIVE on STAGE @ SUGAR HILL NIGHT CLUB (UNDERGROUND ATLANTA)TONIGHT Saturday Nov. 22nd, 2008 is a night of Great Music featuring Anthony David & D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik(That’s right I do more than just Host Concerts... I, actually perform, LOL & this is the first time that the 2 of Us have been on Stage since His Album Release of RED CLAY CHRONICLES. This is a show that You defintely don’t wanna miss. For more info log onto www.sugarhillatl.com or call 404.658.0068. PASS THE WORD!!!!

4KINGS NEWSLETTER VOL. 9

2008-11-13T20:36:00.000-05:00
If You've never seen me perform here are a couple of Chances to check Me out... If You can't make it out to see it live... Don't worry it'll be posted up on here very soon!!!

By Far & Away Some of The Funniest Shit I've Ever Seen!!!

2008-11-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

JAX FOREVER KING

2008-11-12T16:40:00.001-05:00
On Tuesday November 4th, 2008, I lost a great Friend & Brother of Mine in this Music. Christopher "JAX" Thurston of BINKIS RECS. was 32 Years old and was in the Prime of His Career. An Innovative Businessman, Entertainer & All-Around Great Spirited person.

His Group, BINKIS RECS. was one of the First acts that I promoted through My Company 4Kings Entertainment. We waxed poetic on all things Hip Hop, from Rare Grooves to latest trends in the Music that drove our Culture and everything in between. All that I am, with regards to this ATL HIP HOP Community that I love, is a result of People like JAX trusting Me to protect their Art and their Careers and for that I am truly grateful. I feel like I'm helping an artist fulfill their potential with every event that I produce & promote with them, but I also feel like they are helping me reach My full potential by being allowed to do it. He is the second person that I've lost way too soon & it frustrates me to no end. But I have to keep in Mind that JAX left us doing what He loved to do, sharing His Art, His gift with the World and His Music will be here for a long ling time. This Blog is dedicated to the One and Only never be another He was My Brother... JAX FOREVER KING!!! It's Like that Ya'll and I'm Out... Later!!!!

THE WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB Returns to the MASQUERADE!!!

2008-10-30T22:11:00.000-04:00
I want to talk to you for a moment about the MASQUERADE and exactly why We @ 4Kings Entertainment chose to move Our event THE WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB to this Venue.

1. We felt that the MASQUERADE is a Venue that is seeped in what We're about(and NO IT IS NOT A FORMER SLAVE AUCTION BLOCK!!! But in fact click this link You can get the FULL STORY - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DuPre_Excelsior_Mill)... Historically, the MASQUERADE has been host to a great Number of Hip Hop Shows that cater to the Underground Hip Hop community here in the Southeast. With shows such as these...

2. The Parking is FREE!!! No BOOTMAN!!! NO HOMELESS PEOPLE!!! - When you come out to the Masquerade, you can actually park near the Venue and leave your Car and not have any hassle or worry about your Car!!!

3. The Bartender's can pour drinks & get them to You quickly. Now at the Apache that wasn't a problem and for that we were truly grateful. But here the drinks are Good and Worthy of Your Patronage and Gratuity!!!

4. Now every show isn't gonna be a SCION Live Metro Concert event but, we will make sure to actually listen to you and trust you to let Us know what Artists You want to see at MIC CLUB.

5. The Economics of the Deal - We got a better deal from the MASQUERADE up front than we would've gotten from the APACHE in the 6+ Years that we were there... You know our track record & You know what we did at our Former Home.

6. The Room is bigger which means that we can bring in Bigger Shows and find Sponsors to help assist Us in making these shows a reality. We can hold a Crowd of less than 500, as well as, a crowd of More than 1,300 Inside and nearly 5,000 Outside!!!

7. We have one of the Best Sound Systems in the City!!! - I know that alot of You, really don't care about how an event Sounds. It's kind of like a given thing, right? Well, No.. if the sound ain't right then You're not gonna feel it, period.

8. The Essence of The team is still here!!! - DJ's Edward Scizzahandz & Razah are still here... We tapped our Friends The MOVEMENT to be Our House Band and of Course I'm here as well. LOL!!!

9. The SHOW WITHIN THE SHOW - All of the Events that make The World Famous Mic Club a cut above the Rest are here, too.
THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BEAT DOWN & The BEHIND THE BOARDS Series

The WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB FREESTYLE BATTLE

SPECIAL GUESTS like...

SEAN PRICE

10. The overall Morale of ATLANTA'S HIP HOP UNDERGROUND is at an All Time Low!!! We love this music and the Artists that create the Music, but when it's time to go out and support it, either due to the Economy or what have You... The People just don't seem to show. Unless it's a FREE EVENT!!! Now I can understand going out to a Free Show, I do it myself. But, Damn People... they all can't be FREE! Case in Point in the past month, COMMON, The ROOTS, N.E.R.D., ATMOSPHERE, GYM CLASS HEROES, M.O.P., SEAN PRICE & ILL BILL have all come to ATLANTA, only the M.O.P. Concert which was a Free Show was attended. Which is actually why we thought that now is the time to bring the show back to Atlanta. Now I know that we're not gonna change the scope of ATL Hip Hop alone, which is why We need your help. check out the show one time and if it's not for You then that's totally fine but, if it is for You then, please tell someone about it.

Till then Good People REMEMBER the Role or Responsibility of an Artist is to advance Civilization as WE know it!!!

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME... WE SHOULDN'TVE LEFT YOU WITHOUT A DOPE SHOW TO COME TO!!!

2008-10-22T15:06:00.000-04:00
Ladies & Gentlemen...

To the Hungry Hip Hop Masses that didn't feel that the BET HIP HOP AWARDS were for them... We have 2 Shows coming up that should be worth the Price of Admission...

First up!!! on SUNDAY OCT. 26th, 2008 @ The LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St. NW; Atlanta, GA. 30309... TAG RECORDS presents SURVIVAL OF THE FRESHEST - An Open Call MC BATTLE where the Winner will recieve $5000 & a DEMO DEAL with TAG RECORDS and JERMAINE DUPRI!!! Hosted by Our Guy from Up Top TAMIR Z. BROWN of LYRICS2GO & The #1 HIP HOP CONCERT HOST in The COUNTRY & Founder of 4KINGS ENTERTAINMENT & The WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB - D.R.E.S. tha BEATNIK!!! DJ's DON CANNON(APHILLIATES) along with DJ's WRECKINEYEZ & ALI-EN will be Providing the Soundtrack for LYRICAL MAYHEM!!! KONSOLE KINGZ will be showcasing the latest Games for all You Gamers out there!! HANNIBAL MATTHEWS will be making sure that the Room Looks beautiful with His ART & MARCO'S PITA will be making sure that Everyone gets Fed!!!

THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS EVENT ESPECIALLY IN THESE ECONOMIC TIMES THAT WE'RE IN IS THAT THIS EVENT IS FREE!!!

Doors open @ 7p Registration begins @ 6:30p DAY OF THE EVENT!! For more info log on to http://www.tagrecords.com

Then on TUESDAY OCTOBER 28th, 2008... After a very Tumultous 7 Month Break...

4KINGS ENTERTAINMENT in association with The MASQUERADE presents ILL BILL & SEAN PRICE of HELTAH SKELTAH LIVE IN CONCERT for the GRAND RE-OPENING of THE WORLD FAMOUS MIC CLUB @ The MASQUERADE 695 North Ave. NE; Atlanta, GA. 30308!!!

The SHOW is DEFINITELY BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER & MUCH FASTER!!! NEW BEATS... A BIGGER VENUE... FREE PARKING... CLIMATE CONTROLLED ROOMS... HIGH POWERED SOUND SYSTEM... & A MORE FEROCIOUS ATTITUDE!!!

ALONGSIDE ILL BILL & SEAN PRICE is something that You just don't see at HIP HOP SHOWS ANYMORE... LOCAL SUPPORT from 2 of THE BEST IN THE ATL UNDERGROUND - SENOR KAOS of VINTAGE IMPERIAL/ THE KAOS EFFECT.com & The ALPHA NOISE PROJECT (DROPBOMBZ.com) will be Opening the Event. Hosted by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik alongside DJ's EDWARD SCIZZAHANDZ & RAZAH...

DOORS OPEN @ 7:30p SHOW STARTS @ 8p.. Tickets are $15 in ADVANCE & Available @ http://www.ticketmaster.com For More Info log onto http://www.masq.com or

4KINGS ENT. NEWSLETTER VOL. 8

2008-10-14T01:50:00.000-04:00
I actually enjoy working... I was having a conversation with a Couple of Friends of Mine not to Name Drop but one was Big Zak & the Other was Cee-Lo of GOODIE MOB & GNARLS BARKLEY Fame and we were talking about fan relations & the business of being Personable with the Public when You sometimes don't want to... And through this conversation I had an epiphany that I thought I'd share with Them & I'll share with You... "There are times when I don't like the interruptions in Public during "Private" moments. Like sharing a Meal when I'm out with My Girl Nicki or hanging out with My Guys or even doing My best to be a better Father to My Daughter Ashanti. But at the end of the Day when it's all said and done... I am blessed to have this life and have this Career. I mean think of it like this... Imagine what You could actually be doing if You weren't involved in this business." Everyday at some point I have to remind myself that I'm being allowed to have a Semi-Charmed kind of Life through my Art and everyday I'm more and more thankful for it. I get to communicate with People and add something to their lives and it's Great!! With that said here is where I'm going to be at in the next couple of weeks hopefully I'll see you there and have a meaningful conversation. Take Care & Be Well...

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6838/4kingsnews8ui6.jpg

To Improve Your Marriage, Be Quiet! - FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS!!!

2008-10-02T02:38:00.000-04:00
I found this on MySpace and thought that it was worth sharing... The Original Poster is a Woman and after reading this I feel like I've gained some clarity and I hope that You can too... ENJOY!!!
To Improve Your Marriage, Be Quiet!

I was taught that the only way to a good relationship was through discussion, and discussion, and more discussion. So that's what I did early on in my relationship with my husband. Somehow, though, it didn't work out quite the way I was taught that it would. It wasn't leading to better bonding. And why I thought it would work is beyond me, since my parents had about the worst relationship imaginable, and they discussed everything incessantly, at the top of their lungs.

So I went radical on myself, and tried shutting up. It worked FAR better than all the discussions ever did. I worried that it would result in us drifting apart, and becoming strangers. But my fears, so far, have not been realized. So I'd say it worked out pretty well. Much better than the discuss, discuss, discuss tactic I'd held onto with irrational fear my whole life.

And today I found an article on CNN.com that confirms what I found by my own marital experiment. Here's the article. I thought this revelation in my own life was very important, and now that I have someone else to back it up, I think it's worth sharing.

By Barbara Graham
(OPRAH.com) -- Forget everything you've heard about frankness, sharing your feelings, getting him to express his. New research into the male mind makes it clear that discussion may be the fastest way to shut down communication. (Oh, you noticed that, have you?)
Men see discussion of "issues" as criticism and feel shamed, author says.
When I first heard about the book, I thought it was a gimmick. "How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It" sounded like a title somebody's prankster husband dreamed up after a rocky couples' therapy session.

When I mentioned it to Hugh, my own husband -- who in 22 years of marriage has never once said, "Honey, we need to talk" -- his face lit up like the Fourth of July.

Needless to say, I was suspicious. What about the vast repertoire of communication skills women have spent decades perfecting? Were Patricia Love and Steven Stosny, the psychotherapists who co-authored the book, advising us to forget everything we've learned and rethink how we relate to our partners?

The answer is yes -- and they're not kidding.
"The number one myth about relationships is that talking helps. The truth is, more often than not, it makes things worse," says Love, a tall, lean redhead with a down-home Texas twang and a generous smile. She is co-founder of the Austin Family Institute and leads workshops around the country when she isn't making television appearances or co-writing books, including the best-selling "Hot Monogamy."

"Talking about feelings, which is soothing to women, makes men physically uncomfortable," says Stosny, the Maryland-based author of "You Don't Have to Take It Anymore" and an expert on male aggression. "There's literally more blood flow to their muscles. They get fidgety, and women think they're not listening."

We're relaxing in the sunroom of my house in Washington, D.C., on a golden autumn morning. I learn that it was Stosny's research into the core emotional differences between the sexes that radically altered his thinking, as well as the way he works with clients. When he shared his findings with his friend and colleague Pat Love, they rang true to her, even though they flew in the face of the verbal problem-solving approach she'd been using for 30 years.

Like electric shock and sugar blues

According to Stosny's analysis of several hundred human and animal studies, male and female responses to stress are distinct from birth.
"When a baby girl hears a loud noise or gets anxious, she wants to make eye contact with someone, but a baby boy will react to the same sound by looking around, in a fight-or-flight response," he says. What's more, while newborn girls are much more easily frightened, boys have five times as many "startle" reactions, which are emotionally neutral but pump up adrenaline. Boys need to intermittently withdraw into themselves to keep from becoming overstimulated.
These differences hold true for most social animals and correlate with our biological roles: The female's fear response is an early warning system that serves to detect threats and alert the males of the pack to danger.

As girls grow, they go beyond needing eye contact and refine a coping strategy identified by UCLA psychologists as "tend and befriend." If there's a conflict, girls and women want to talk about it.
Boys and men, however, need to pull away. A man's greatest suffering, Stosny says, comes from the shame he feels when he doesn't measure up -- which is why discussing relationship problems (i.e., what he's doing wrong) offers about as much comfort as sleeping on a bed of nails.

So, I wonder, does this explain why, when I reach out and tell Hugh I'm feeling isolated from him -- on the assumption that this will foster closeness -- he gets defensive or withdraws? Do my verbal attempts to re-establish intimacy make him feel inadequate? Is that why he gets that glazed look in his eye and is suddenly compelled to watch men tossing balls on TV?

Yes, yes, and yes, replies Love. And our responses aren't all in our heads. When a man feels shamed by a woman's criticism, his body is flooded with cortisol, a stress hormone with an effect that is decidedly unpleasant.

A woman experiences a similar cortisol rush whenever her husband shouts at her, ignores her, or otherwise does something that scares her and seems to threaten their bond. Love compares the sensation that accompanies the sudden release of cortisol to sticking your finger in an electric socket, followed by the sort of "sugar blues" crash that occurs after you polish off a few too many glazed doughnuts.

"A cortisol hangover can last for hours in men and up to several days in women," Love says. "It's no wonder both sexes try to prevent it."

Compassion more important than love

Okay, this makes sense, but if talking about relationships makes men twitchy and drunk on cortisol, then what's the alternative? Charades?

"It's the connection, stupid!" exclaims Love, quickly adding that it's not me personally she's calling stupid. "Everyone -- men, women, myself included -- needs to learn that before we can communicate with words, we need to connect nonverbally. We can do that in simple ways, through touch, sex, doing things together. The deepest moments of intimacy occur when you're not talking."
Stosny puts it this way: "We need to stop trying to assess the bonding verbally and instead let the words come out of the bonding." Interestingly, he adds, "When couples feel connected, men want to talk more and women need to talk less, so they meet somewhere in the middle. Being aware of the fear-shame dynamic helps."

To illustrate the point, Love tells the story of an afternoon when she and her husband were lying in bed naked after showering. "I was wondering if he'd initiate sex, when all of a sudden in my mind I crossed over to his side of the bed and got a sense of what it was like to be him, never knowing if he's going to be accepted or rejected. It was terrifying. I understood then how deeply ashamed that must make him feel," she recalls. "It was an epiphany that changed my life." She immediately began emphasizing compassion in her work with clients, and has come to believe -- as does Stosny -- that it's even more crucial to the success of a long-term relationship than love.

The tricky part is that men and women must empathize with vulnerabilities they don't feel to the same degree -- namely fear and shame. To do this requires what the authors call binocular vision, in which each partner makes a conscious effort to consider the other's point of view. "The problem is that when you're angry, you're wrong even when you're right because you can't see the other person's perspective," Stosny says. "That's when you lose the thing you long for most, the connection."

Okay, I get it: Connection rules. But it's hard to imagine most people being capable of reaching out to their partners in the heat of an argument. Love and Stosny acknowledge that it's a tall order. Still, they say, for couples to productively address the hurt that underlies anger, it helps to have a previously agreed-upon signal such as a hand gesture to keep disagreements from spiraling out of control. This doesn't mean they should try to ignore their feelings, but instead find a way to convey that the other person matters more than whatever they're resentful or anxious about -- and then talk. The beautiful part, Love says, is that "it takes only one person to make the gesture. The partner will feel the impact, even if he or she can't drop the anger right at that moment."

Admittedly, this approach is most effective for couples in a precrisis state, Stosny says, "when there's still time for the man to step up to the plate and stop withdrawing or being reactive, and for the woman to understand that her husband really does want to make her happy and to stop being so critical. Men are better able to stay in the room and listen to women if they don't think they're being blamed for their distress."

But ultimately, Love adds, "couples have to decide that the relationship is more important than all those things they do that annoy each other."

"Even when Hugh throws his sopping wet towel on the bed, forgets to put gas in the car, or stares into space when I try to tell him something that really matters to me?" I ask, only half joking.
"If you give him positive reinforcement instead of criticizing him, he'll start doing more of the things you want him to do," Love says.

The next night over dinner, I give it a whirl. "I love it when you put gas in the car and hang up your wet towel," I say. He looks at me like I've gone off the deep end. "What's up?" he asks suspiciously. "Why are you being so nice?"

But a few days later when I'm distraught over a potentially scary mammogram report and he jumps in too quickly to reassure me that everything will turn out fine (it does), I decide to try out the binocular vision that Love and Stosny recommend. That's when I see that Hugh feels like a failure because he wants to make things better and he can't.

So instead of my usual knee-jerk irritability at what I perceive as his lack of sensitivity, I say, "I'm terrified and I just need you to listen." Which he does, patiently, lovingly. After I've finished reciting my laundry list of fears, he holds me close and neither of us says anything for a long time. We don't need to.

It's the connection, stupid!

By Barbara Graham from "O, The Oprah Magazine," February 2007

The Power of D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik...

2008-09-29T20:31:00.001-04:00
What's good Family...

I wanted to start off the Journey with an introduction of who I am and what I do...

This was shot by a Great Friend and an Awesome Director, Orlando Vicente II of Paper Bag Films in Atlanta. I've been Beatboxing since I was 16 and I have to say that it has allowed Me to see a lot of things in life and I'm grateful for every moment. Before this clip was filmed I had won the World Amateur Beatboxing Championship and some of the elements from My Championship Competition Routine were incorporated in this Set. Hope You enjoy...

The First of Many

2008-09-26T23:07:00.000-04:00
Whassup Fam... This is the first time that I've ever done something like this and I want to take the time to thank You all for coming and checking Me out on Here...

A good friend of mine suggested that I share experiences in my life with those that choose to follow my Career... So here it goes.. This is the First installment of The Beatnik Chronicles - A look into the life & times of D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik... Through this BLOG I'll give You insight into who I am as a Man, Father, Son, Nephew, Musician & Activist, as well as, tryto share some of the funny, Sad, Sick & True as I see it. I'll also give You some backstory behind what You see and hear and welcome Your Questions, Comments & Concerns about any & everything. I hope you enjoy!!!

peace,

DRES