And another one...

I'm crankin out the self-portraits still...this is another one of my faves.

Anyway...I picked up Dilla's newest album yesterday, Donuts. The instrumental album is pretty out-there...meaning it ain't the Dilla most of us are used to. One thing pissed me off, though: I went up to Dr. Wax to pick up the vinyl copy...it didn't arrive yet (go figure, the album doesnt arrive on the release date--not just there, but other spots, too). So I calm down, take a deep breath, and let my anger subside. Then, I asked about the special 45 that was supposed to come with the album: no show...Now that took the cake...and made me livid.

Again, I soothed myself by spotting a mint copy of BDP's "Criminal Minded" Lp...so I didn't leave empty handed (i never do when I go to any record store). I ended up gettin the cd of Donuts (grrrr....) in the mean time, cuz i had been anticipating it for months--I couldn't wait any longer. There is no advantage to having the cd, as wax sounds better anyway, looks better, too.

So, I have to wait a couple of more days till the lp hits stores, but I'm blasting Donuts in the mean time.

In other news, I have been meeting a ton of people lately that are hip-hop heads just like me. When i dropped into Dr. Wax last nite, I met a lyricist by the name of GQ the Teacher. We got talkin after he saw me looking for "real" hip-hop, and instinctively asked if I produce. Duh....

During our conversation, he put me on to some artists that I had HEARD OF but never HEARD. I chose to listen simply because he was older--I am young, he knows more than I do...period. One of the artists he spoke to me about was Nicolay..they had a copy of his album "City Lights 1.5" for like $20 on wax....Sorry, today's Dilla's day. Apparently, he's a member of the Justus League with Little Brother, 9th Wonder, so on, so forth. He's half of the hip-hop duo Foriegn Exchange--the other half being Phonte of Little Brother. His music's pretty good...I listened to the tracks he has on his site.

I don't know why, but it seems as if alot of the "underground" peeps use the same style of basslines and off-beat but on-beat swing techniques: i.e. Kev Brown and just about everybody involved with A Touch of Jazz, 9th Wonder Y'all (i had to say it), early J Dilla, Kareem Riggins...the list goes on. I can't front, cuz I do the same thing alot. It doesn't take away from either producer in anyway whatsoever, it's just something that I've noticed.

Next artist: Primeridian. They are locals here in Chicago, as well as nationally. Part of the good ol' All Natural, Inc. label (that's where I heard their name). All Natural hosts beat battles at the Sonotheque up north...featuring some of Chi-Town's meanest...most viscious producers. I have no idea whether it's an invitation affair, or if anyone can sign up. I really wanna get into it, but the guy that runs it still hasn't emailed me back (bummer...)...but there are several months left, and i think i can get in touch with him before I leave in june (it's a year long battle).

What else...? Hmmm...

I'm awaiting response from Columbia College here in chicago, as I am hell-bent on getting into that school and taking advantage of every resource available there. I hear mixed reviews of the school, but in the end, it's all up to me. My choice? Columbia. I get a degree while I'm doing what I love to do? That's the selling point for me. Add to that: I get extra time to practice my craft? and I'm around like-minded people? TAKE ME NOW!!!

Other than that, I'm still ignoring school work and making beats everyday. I honestly think it's an addiction, and I get distracted with all of these records around in the same room that I do my homework. Its hard to concentrate sometimes...but all I gotta do is get a b or better in my classes, and I'm good.

welp, that's it for now....

peace