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.