New P.O.S. Track

Off his upcoming album "Never Better." Check out the track here. The full album drops February 3rd and there will be a tour kicking off 2 days after! yeea boi!

Cal-Hi Senior Pics

So I dusted off my old year book and took a trip down memory lane. Where did all the years go?

Luis Carrillo

Xzibit Vs. Non-Prophets

I made a mash-up of Xzibit's "Paparazzi" with Non-Prophet's "Bounce." Check it out on my myspace here:

http://www.myspace.com/sictransitwhittier

Aretha Franklin - "Cry Like a Baby"

Maybe it's the fact that I've heard Atmosphere's "Tears For Sheep" so many times I consider it a classic, but damn can that girl sing. Amazing song, taking it back to the old school.

Stare Case

A lot of things led up to recording this song and the actual name of it, too. I remember discussing samples with my fellow peers back in high-school. We talked about how most people aren't aware of sampling because you can always get away with it as long as it's some obscure and rarely-known artists you're borrowing from. I mentioned how if any "rockers" (by rockers I mean the kids at school who had long hair, smelled like they didn't shower very often and just smoked weed while listening to Jimi Hendrix) found out of a Beatles sample, or Led Zeppelin sample they would have their asses on a platter. I was never a big fan of huge classic rock acts. Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, etc. never caught my attention. I was far too absorbed by the true alternative types of music. I was all about Television and Gray Matter while everyone else would wear their Metallica shirts.

One day, about a year-and-a-half ago I was bored and stumbled across a video for Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven." The intro guitar I envisioned would sound great with a bassline that was also descending in notes. I sliced the intro and looped it, added some drums and bass and I was finished. It sounded good but I thought I would never use it. Not because I wasn't satisfied with the outcome, but because I figured if I recorded myself rapping over it everyone would hate me. I saved it and basically tossed it away. Fast-forward to a couple of months later; I was rapidly becoming more and more depressed. It was around the time of my school finals and I had a lot on my plate as far as work and personal struggles go. I was fucking up in both. I was overwhelmed with work, stress, and a looming loneliness that only seemed to grow worse and worse. I was realizing that everything I had planned out; how I would get my degree in computer science and settle down with a nice girl who would also have a job so we can get a nice house, was in vain. First off; I couldn't even get my basic general education and second, I couldn't find a girl who could compel me enough to give me the inspiration to go through with. I was a mess and I knew it. I was losing myself. I had never felt like such a worthless and ignorant person.

I also knew that a huge distraction for me was my ex. We had been broken up for just about a year yet I still thought about her everyday. I wondered how she felt about me. I wondered how she was doing and if she changed her look at all. I would get sporadic and scarce text messages from her, they usually had no underlying meaning either. Just a simple "hey" followed by a "we're never gonna talk again." To me that showed how in control of the situation she was. While I was over here feeling like my world had come to an end she was completely unphased. It was like a fresh start for her, and never better. This did nothing to help me at all.

I had purchased a Samson condenser microphone from Sam Ash but my only real recording was "Love and Happiness." I had been listening to a lot of Sage Francis and Alias. Any of the early Anticon, really. Which is what I consider to be their golden age and peak. I decided it was time for me to put out some new material. I couldn't find a beat that I thought was ready, until I opened up the instrumental for stare case. I heard it in a new way that I hadn't before. The majestic plucking of the strings with the rough sounding drums and overpowering bass. Suddenly I didn't care that it was a Led Zeppelin sample, or what people might think and the backlash from it. I connected to it, finally. I got to writing the lyrics immediately. The overall feel I was giving off from the song was one of desperation and distress. I really did sleep naked sometimes, and I would always wake up incredibly tired from not being able to sleep the night before. The flutter of feelings was rushed onto my wordpad as I recorded line after line, verse after verse. I used a quote by one of my favorite philosophers of all time, Socrates. "The only thing I know is that I know nothing." I named it "Stare Case" because of the reoccurring theme of staring in it.

I'm sleeping naked again. The pillow is my best friend. I thought i didn't have to bare it all, but now off my bed I crawl. I want it all and by all I mean everything that I'll never have. I'll never find some piece of mind but I find my mind is left in pieces. It decreases the amount of time before I quit. Everyday is a so-called "chance to do your best" but my whole life has been a mess. As I'm staring at the mirror, I can't even see a reflection and as I go one way my heart's led off into a different direction. You admit it's not my fault, then point the finger at me. You don't have t justify why you leave me, I already know that I'm ugly inside and outside. The only thing that I hide is a fucked up smile. I'm glad to see that you're doing better so I guess it was worth the while because you learn from your mistakes, while all I do is repeat. And another piece of me dies inside, every new time that we meet. I'm starting over. Sometimes I wonder why I'm even sober, I'd rather forget that I'm so hopeless and just wait for it to be over. I'm tired of work, everyday is the same routine and yes there's a difference between being honest and being mean. I guess that I'm neither, I wish I could believe her and if I really knew that she hated me it would be easier to leave her or her to leave me. Marking scars on my body. Take a trip-down memory lane in my car and call shotty. The only time that I felt like a man was weird as hell, I can't understand most of the shit that I think so I guess there's a missing link. And all I know is that I know nothing. Walking away but still chasing after something. I can't look at myself cause I'm embarrassed by my face and I almost fell down the bottom of the staircase. Is it in me or in you? Or which one of us would continue? I'm seeing your face in places that I've never even been to. The nighttime is the best time to be honest with yourself. I'd love to talk to you, but it's too bad it's bad for my health. Midnight walks don't get me rattled, I'm staring at my shadow. Envisioning my future well is my biggest battle. But once I'm done with this I can move on. Hope to look past all of the bullshit but I know I'm not that strong. It's been too long since I had a goodnight's dream, I know sometimes it seems within my reach but I've never been one to preach. Or give advice or anything I would take with a grain of salt. This is personal, and who knew could pass it off as art? Do I sound smart? I fall apart at the sound of a single tear drop. But I play it off well and tell everyone to fear-not the end. I wish I would never lose any of my friends and I hope they get the message that this song is trying to send. It's clear to see, you can't change me 'cause I'm a failure for life.

Atmosphere Diss "Soul Sella" by Spawn

a.k.a. Rek The Heavyweight

LINK REMOVED

I don't wanna jump to conclusions, but I think it's kinda lame that he did this. The beat is tight, his flow is kinda tired. I'd love to know the reason behind this, besides the alleged missing royalties.

Update: I was contacted by Rek The Heavyweight's record label and told to remove the link. According to them, the track came out in 2001 and there is no more beef between him and Slug.

Oba-llin' Up

The 44th President of the United States

Barack Obama

Special Voting Message From Atmosphere

We realize that the majority of bulletins you receive from us are about shows and releases, etc. but we want you to consider
this one a personal message from us.

We're Endorsing Obama for President. Eight years of embarrassment is enough, it's time for change, get involved, get informed and vote TODAY for change on a national and local level.

Here is a website to find out about the elections/candidates in your area www. vote-usa. org

If your here in Minneapolis, stop by the Fifth Element and pick up a FREE copy of z-trip's “The Party for Change” MixCD while supplies last.

On the eve of a great turining point in US history, heres a Free MP3 from Abstract Rude: A special November 4th Mix of "The Government" from his upcoming album Dear Abbey dropping Spring '09: "The Government" (right click to download...)

Thank you for taking the time and concern to read this.

- All of us here at Rhymesayers

P.S. For everyone in Minnesota's 6th District, make sure Michele Bachmann isnt in office this time next year.

Last thoughts before election day

I really wish I could have gone to the polls and witness what is sure to be an amazing turnout, but I mailed in my ballot because of school and work. Regardless of your voting method, it's important you go. And before making that last decision, just think:

Are you content with the way the country has been run the past 8 years by the Republican Party? Does life seem easier for you and your parents, about the same, or worse? Do you feel it is time for a change? A different political party? Or are you content with the way things are going?

Please cast aside all issues of race, religion, and falsehood propaganda. Forget Bill Ayers and even forget Palin's 150,000$ wardrobe. Focus on what's really important not only for you but for your children and grandchildren. We are part of history. We are history. I'm going to await these upcoming hours very anxiously, but I have hope. Thank you.

Vote.

My little brother was Fry for Halloween

Yep.

I was a mere Warewolf. And Tony, well, He was just Tony.


And me and my lady during a fun night at Knotts Scary Farm. I'll admit it, I'm scared of Silver Bullet :[

R.I.P. Madelyn Dunham

October 26, 1922 - November 3, 2008

Obama's Grandmother, Madelyn Dunham has just passed away. One day prior to election day. She was one of the most important persons in his life, and according to him:

"a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world"

It would have been a beautiful thing for her and him both, I'm sure, to see her Grandson become the President of The United States. Can you imagine the joy? It's gonna be an emotional time for Obama, whether or not he wins. Hopefully he does win and somewhere out there she will watch and rejoice like all of us. Hang in there, Obama. My condolences go out to you and your family.

edit: thanks, mike gomez. I can't believe I put 1992 on accident :[

Whittier Prop 8 Protest Nov. 3

Please come out and help support equality for everyone. There will be a No On Prop 8 Protest today, November 3rd from 1pm-5pm (give or take). The location is on the corner of Whittier Blvd. and Painter. You can get your No On Prop 8 signs at the Democratic Headquarters on the corner of Greenleaf and Hadley (right next to Crepes and Grapes Cafe in Uptown Whittier). Once again, please come out and help fight the great injustice that is Proposition 8. You'll find me there.

DJ Z-Trip Free Obama Mixtape

This guy is great. If you haven't checked out his work, I encourage you to. No better way than with a free mixtape download of his showcasing his skills and also supporting our favorite Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.

Download Here

Vote for Change and Coffee

This Tuesday is election day. Remember, it's not necessarily who you vote for, it's the voting that matters. Make your voice heard, and then stop by Starbucks where you'll get a free cup of coffee if you let them know you voted (only on Nov, 4th). It's refreshing to see big business' give these sort of incentives to people who are making a difference. I might still hate the fact that you practically control the Coffee Service industry, but this is a good check in my book. A pat in the back for you, Starbucks.

Why? - "Close To Me"

A beautiful rendition of a very famous Cure song. The original is more upbeat, and while the lyrics are identifiably sad, sounds happy and cheerful. Yoni nailed this cover by reflecting the lyrics with the musical elements. The contrast of far, distorted guitar along with optimistically-sad lyrics being droned out in a muzzled voice is great. I love it. Check it out:

http://www.myspace.com/whyanticon

"Everbody Get Dangerous"

Well, not only can the McCain camp not even run a decent or respectable campaign, they apparently can't spell either. Spell-Check, idiots? How can you make an Ad, run it, and have spelling errors? Come on

A Friendly Reminder

In case you haven't seen or heard already, there are people supporting a Yes on Prop 8 and protesting gay-rights on the corner of Whittier Blvd. and Colima here in Whittier. If you believe that everyone should be treated equal regardless of orientation, please help protest against them and show your support for equal liberties by showing up there tonight. They will be there at around 6-7pm. You'll find me there, arguing with that ignorant, religious, self-righteous group of people.

Whittier Is Officially Blue

That's my house with an Obama/Biden yard sign. A humble, yet (hopefully) effective way of getting a point of support out. I figured there's no reason for me not to own one, including the fact that having a fence would make it harder to steal.

What I find inspiring is that Whittier is a small city that tends to lean Republican because of, of course, Richard Nixon being born and raised here. That has changed dramatically. Registered Democrats now outnumber Republicans in Whittier just as of this year. According to the Whittier Daily News:

"During the first nine months of 2008, Democratic registration in Whittier increased to 17,886, while Republicans have gained a mere 88 for a total of 15,247, according to the latest numbers from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office."

An impressive accomplishment. The Whittier Republicans even go as far as blaming the Dem's for being "too aggressive"

Selma Minerd, who runs the Whittier Republican Headquarters, said part of the problem could be that Democrats are more aggressively registering voters.

Of course, that isn't true at all. The reason we are seeing so many people voting Democrat here in Whittier is because for the first-time the youthful generation feels compelled to go out and vote. They need affordable health-care. They need help paying off their tuition. They are sick of paying so many taxes while the richer and more fortunate enjoy leisurely tax-breaks. They are tired of Bush's policies that McCain is set to adopt. They care about people's freedoms remaining intact and are tired of being dug into such a sink-hole while the GOP pushes us further down and strips people of liberties that we as humans are all entitled to.

It's a beautiful thing when Hope hits close to home.

Full Whittier Daily News article can be read here.

horrible joker costumes

Just like everyone expected, this year's Halloween is gonna be chock-full of Joker costumes. *facepalm* listen, by choosing to be the Joker this Halloween you should probably attempt look a little or somewhat like him. If not, you just look like a douche. Here are some of the worst ones I've come across:

Wow, I wasn't aware that the Joker was a fan of Hot Fuzz! And apparently he's also overweight and still lives with his parents. Maybe he's sad because they canceled his subscription to NetFlix.

Looks like the Joker always wanted to pose for an album cover in a Bon-Jovi-esque manner. He should have probably tried getting a closer-shave so that his shitty face-paint job wouldn't have been so noticeable.

"Hey Joker, say cheese!" Looks like this Joker needed help applying his lipstick. Or is that his eye-shadow?

"Myyspaaace!" I guess after a long day of plotting to destroy Gotham City the Joker likes to relax and unwind by taking pictures of himself and posting them up on his myspace. He's not so different from us after all. Maybe he just needs more friends.

A rare photo of Joker taken during his high-school years. Judging by the ugly blue jogging pants, it looks like he was on the track team and he also had nice hair.

Why so serious? Looks like a tough yet sensitive, alternative-metal Joker. He was probably mad because his mom wouldn't let him go to the Disturbed concert. Sorry, buddy.

This one is actually my uncle, Danny. Sorry uncle, but I'm pretty sure the Joker wasn't Mexican. I hope you still invite me to your parties with the taco guys, though.

Oh god! Look at Joker's smooth, flawless skin complexion. Not to mention hair parted so neatly that it would have made Zach Morris jealous! It also looks like he ditched the green vest and purple jacket for a preppier purple button-up from American Eagle Outfitters. Btw, the only problem with painting your face so white is that we can see how truly nasty your dirty-ass teeth are.

Ever wonder how Joker manages his attacks and coordinates his fiendish plots so well? It's cause he texts all his goons with his T-Mobile sidekick! This proves that Joker is a myspace whore.

This...I don't even have anything to say about this...

nuh-uh

So I finally decided to get this thing up and running, this time for real. I'll start off with a fairly in-depth post I wrote about gay marriage and what I think about it. I figure it's pretty relevant because of this Prop 8 madness that is going on. Taken from my myspace blog:
Over the last few decades our "great" country has seen it's fair share of landmark triumphs and overtures that are reflected upon as moments where equality and righteousness prevailed. Minorities were accepted and gained equal rights, segregation ended, women's suffrage came to play, etc. Looking back on it, most people would think, "Wow, It's a shame that the nation was naive enough to not have granted all these rights in the first place, but we're a modern society now and much more accepting and intellectual."

Not so much, IMO.

There has to be a healthy balance of faith and knowledge that you can perceive. I.e, I can leave milk and cookies out overnight for Santa Claus to eat. I go to sleep with faith that he will come into my house at night and enjoy them. The next morning I wake up and they're gone. My faith is rewarded and expands. What I am not aware of is that while I was sound asleep my dad woke up and ate the milk and cookies himself, but it doesn't matter because It's not something I witnessed, therefore I will believe what I want.

What happens when you find out there's no Santa Claus, he doesn't exist and your dad has been eating the cookies all these years? That's kind of what the wonderful world of science has done to religion.

Regardless of what your pastors and crazy, religious aunts tell you, being gay is not a choice. You don't wake up one day and say, "Hey, from now on guy's butts will drive me nuts." It doesn't work like that. How do I know? Well first of all, I am not gay but I am understanding, something religious nuts aren't. There are a variety of factors that determine this. It's mostly a mixture of genes, prenatal hormones, and brain structure. Simply put, their pheromone structure is identical to the opposite sex's. There's obviously more factors that aren't completely concrete or proven yet, but this is all derived from what we know and have evidence to help back up.

What I'm simply trying to say is this: gay people don't choose to be gay, the same way blacks don't choose to be black (except for Micheal Jackson) and women don't choose to be women (except Marylin Manson).

One of the basic fundamental rights that we as humans enjoy is the right to love. There are certain places where you don't really have a choice, but for the most part you do. What better way to express that love than by joining as one for life? Marriage. Women can love, Asians can love, even people with disabilities can love. The majority of animals also love.

Why would you want to ban gay people from vasking in this right? Is it because your old and hundred-times revised bible says it's wrong? Or cause you're not used to thinking about it? Maybe you just want to tell people what they can or can't do.

That's incredibly ignorant and hateful.

They are human. They deserve to do what they want so long as it hurts nobody. They deserve to be recognized as a legal union. They deserve tax breaks and benefits, joint-incomes, the right to each other's properties if one of them becomes deceased. They deserve not only to be practically married, they deserve the right to choose to be married. It sickens me that people feel so insecure that they have to resort to attacking and stripping people from their rights. Does god love certain people more than others? Does the fact that god made so many people gay make him a little gay too? Let's demean and lessen his worth too!

In the immortal words of Sage Francis,"That ain't right"