The Audacity of Dope

The new homey Q from The Mad Bloggers was kind enough to feature an interview with yours truly on their site.  Here’s the quick Q&A session…learn something about your boy, TAOD, SNSS, and more:

Where does “The Audacity of Dope” name come from?
The Audacity of Dope name comes from a play on Barack’s 2nd book, The Audacity of Hope. I founded the blog in May 2008 as a home for our Sound Session interviews and episodes, which was also around the time I started working in a fellowship program for Obama’s campaign. It seemed like a natural fit to tie my political interests with passion for music. Plus, I like that people have to spell ‘audacity’ to get to the page. Those who can’t shouldn’t be there anyway.

What’s the inspiration behind the show “Sunday Night Sound Sessions” and why you do it?
Sunday Night Sound Session is the brainchild of myself and my co-host, J. Moore. It started when KUBE 93 approached us to take their Sunday night new music show into a new direction, preferably something a little more focused on the ‘underground’ side of hip-hop. Having hosted a college radio show for four years previously, I knew I wanted to make Sound Session similar to my Beats, Rhymes, and Life college program, but take it to a new level with the increased wattage. J and I are inspired on a weekly basis to give some shine to deserving artists that may not be getting the exposure they deserve through traditional media outlets. In other words, we support good music, across multiple genres, because most commercial media outlets are more concerned with turning a profit than promoting art. We understand that it’s ultimately a business, but we think there should be more of a balance, and hopefully Sound Session provides some of that.

Why aren’t there more programs like “Sound Session” on other stations?
There aren’t more programs like Sound Session because the current business model with commercial radio doesn’t allow it. Plain and simple, radio at this level is a business designed to make as much money as possible for large corporations. There’s nothing wrong with that from a capitalist level, but from an artistic perspective, it’s a huge detriment to the music. Large corporations sell hip-hop the same way they’d sell shoes or pizza. Whatever they can do to make money, they’ll do it. This translates to media outlets across the country promoting the most base level human interests in their entertainment packages, which is particularly evident in hip-hop. If big budget action movies depend on explosions and flashing lights, hip-hop radio tries to sell sex, drugs, and violence. They’re the easiest topics to sell because they require the least amount of education. When you have a rapper on our show talking about socio-economic issues and gentrification, you’re automatically going over the heads of at least half of society. It’s sad but true. It all starts with education.

Who are three ill artists right now flying under the radar?
The first artist that pops into my head is my dude Shad. He’s insanely talented lyrically, makes great songs that everyone can relate to, and takes pride in his sound and his message. That’s pretty much my criteria for who I want to listen to, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets the recognition he deserves. Along those same lines, there’s a MC from the Bay/LA named Tunji that I’ve known for almost a decade now. He’s one of the most talented artists I’ve ever seen and like Shad, he takes so much pride in his music and what he represents. He’s going to make some classic music sooner rather than later. Lastly…hmm…I’ll throw a curveball and go outside of hip-hop. There’s an indie pop/R&B group from Sweden called Little Dragon that makes some incredible music. I don’t know too much about their story, but their music is a great mix of all the best elements of pop, soul, R&B, and even some hip-hop influences. I definitely recommend people to check ’em out.

Definitely check out their site, they’re doing some great work and highlighting artists that deserve the shine.  Keep it up fellas!

Another week, another dope edition of SNSS in the books and now on the blog for y’all.  We ran new joints from folks like Pac Div, Skyzoo, Defari, Chali 2Na, Asher Roth, B.o.B, Kid Cudi, Shad, Outasight, U-N-I, Drake, and more, plus we were joined in the studio by one of the dopest up and coming producers in the game, Kuddie Fresh.  Y’all know the drill…

Show #203 (4-19-09)

1. Crooked I & DJ Wicked – “Jackin’ For Beats 2009”
2. Pac Div – “Pac Div (What It Is)”
3. Nipsey Hussle ft. Slauson Boys & K. Young – “Roll The Windows Up”
4. Defari – “Show Some Luv”
5. Skyzoo ft. Wale – “Freshfest”
6. Grynch – “A Dream Undeferred” (Local Artist)
7. Chali 2Na ft. Talib Kweli – “Lock Sh*t Down”
8. Stepbrothers (Evidence & Alchemist) – “It’s Coming Down”
9. Big Pooh – “Rear View Mirror”
10. **INTERVIEW WITH KUDDIE FRESH**
11. Asher Roth ft. Miguel Jontel – “His Dream”
12. B.o.B ft. Devin The Dude – “Gettin’ High”
13. Sharam ft. Kid Cudi – “She Came Along”
14. Chester French – “C’Mon (On My Own)”
15. Dyme Def ft. Saigon – “Pick Up Ya Flow” (Local Artist)
16. Jadakiss ft. Raekwon & Ghostface Killah – “Cartel Gathering”
17. Shad – “Get Up”
18. Outasight – “Even Say Goodbye”
19. Common Market – “Escaping Arkham” (Local Artist)
20. Kidz In The Hall – “I Got It Made (Reebok Classic ’09)”
21. U-N-I – “Lauren London”
22. Drake ft. Lloyd – “A Night Off”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?zjwznhl3w2m
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/5895088060a5bf87/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

Hands down, my favorite part of hosting a radio show for the last decade (wow…i’m old) is helping shine light on folks who aren’t getting the respect they deserve.  Now, those within the industry obviously know how talented Focus is, but the general public is still a bit behind.  Recently, they’ve started to learn as he’s unleashed his “homage” series of songs dedicated towards some of his biggest inspirations (DJ Premier, J Dilla, and Pete Rock so far).

We had the chance to catch up with Focus on Sound Session and talk all about how that series came together and who will be next up to receive a homage production.  We also talked about his background (his dad was the bass player in Chic…what!?!), what it’s like working with Dre on Detox, his creative process, the development of his artist, Kida, why there are more good beats than good rappers, and much more.  You can even hear Kida’s new track with Focus, “Must Be Nice,” included in the interview.  Peep it:

Focus on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?u1ekwyj4zmn
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/5867236469e95e65/)

Be on the lookout for the next homage to drop real soon and please stop sleeping on this dude.  He flips every style better than most producers flip their specialties and he’s also taking music in his own direction at the same time.  Get familiar now or play catch up later.

What up world?

You ever have those moments where some things in your life are going [Andre] fantastically well [/3000], but because of them, you’re also incredibly busy?  Well…yeah, I’m there right now, so this recap will be short.

This week we ran some great joints from folks like Wale, Crooked I, Kid Cudi, Asher Roth, Chester French, the new homies Pac Div (what up fellas!), and gave Diz Gibran and Trackademicks their SNSS debuts.  We also world premiered the new single from Seattle’s own Dyme Def, “Pick Up Ya Flow” featuring Saigon, played a snippet of our interview with producer Focus (full version will be posted on the blog this week), and gave out a bunch of Nipsey Hussle mixtapes.

In short, another average night of excellence.

Show #202 (4-12-09)

1. Diz Gibran – “New Religion”
2. Fashawn – “The Outer City”
3. Trackademicks ft. MoxMore – “Topsidin’”
4. Wale ft. Lady Gaga – “Chillin’”
5. Dyme Def ft. Saigon – “Pick Up Ya Flow” (WORLD PREMIERE) (Local Artist)
6. Crooked I & DJ Wicked – “Jackin’ For Beats 2009”
7. Pac Div – “Pac Div (What It Is)”
8. Tanya Morgan ft. Blu – “Morgan Blu”
9. Drake ft. Trey Songz – “Successful”
10. Shad – “I Heard You Had A Voice Like An Angel”
11. **INTERVIEW WITH FOCUS (SNIPPET)**
12. Focus ft. Big Pooh, Sha Stimuli, & Kurupt – “Homage To Pete Rock”
13. Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West, Common, & A-Trak – “I Poke Her Face”
14. Roddy Rod ft. Phonte (of Little Brother) & Carlitta Durand – “This Time Around”
15. Big Pooh – “Rear View Mirror”
16. J. Pinder ft. Fatal Lucciauno – “Crossfire” (Local Artist)
17. Common Market – “Slow Down Moses” (Local Artist)
18. Asher Roth ft. Cee-Lo – “Be By Myself”
19. Chester French ft. Wale – “I’m Sorry”
20. Nipsey Hussle ft. Slauson Boys & K. Young – “Roll The Windows Up”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?2w20tyvink3
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/58625472993645b2/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

In case you aren’t aware, the Red Bull Big Tune event is the brainchild of our very own J. Moore, along with the big homies Vitamin D, Jake One, Marcus Lalario, and DV-One.  Saturday night, the 11th, you can watch an excellent special on this past year’s competitions on BET at 7:30 EST/PST.  Don’t miss it, for real.  206 stand up.

Fresh off last week’s 200th edition of SNSS, we’re hitting you over the head with another dope show, this time, packed full of exclusive joints that I believe we world premiered Sunday on KUBE.  In today’s internet age, the traditional idea of ‘exclusives’ has pretty much gone out the window, and regardless, I’ve never even been that big a fan of the whole notion anyway.  Simply because a DJ plays something first, doesn’t make it worthwhile (“NEW SOULJA BOY!!!!”).

Instead, this past week, we ran some great songs that the general public just hasn’t heard yet, but everyone will probably have soon.  Some of them will be included on our upcoming Cornerstone Mixtape (with some other exclusives), but who knows if they’ll leak before that drops in May.  Speaking of which, DJ B-Mello, J. Moore, and I finished up the mixtape last night (shout to Taybot and L for the engineering assistance!) and it sounds fresh.  Looking forward to y’all hearing it, but for now, peep the show and some world premieres from Fashawn (prod. Exile), Roddy Rod ft. Phonte & Carlitta Durand, Asher Roth, and Tanya Morgan ft. Blu.  [Kanye] Good music definitely in the building! [/Yeezy]

Show #201 (4-5-09)

1. Donnis – “Party Works”
2. CunninLynguists ft. Khujo Goodie & Killer Mike – “Georgia (Remix)”
3. Drake – “November 18th”
4. Kid Cudi – “Rollin’ Freestyle”
5. Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West, Common, & A-Trak – “I Poke Her Face”
6. Melanie Fiona ft. Talib Kweli – “Give It To Me Right (Remix)”
7. J. Pinder ft. Shawn Starr – “Havin’ Problems” (Local Artist)
8. Crooked I & DJ Wicked – “Jackin’ For Beats 2009”
9. Bishop Lamont – “Friends”
10. Method Man & Redman – “Mrs. International”
11. Fashawn – “The Outer City” (WORLD PREMIERE)
12. Outasight ft. The Kid Daytona & Donny Goines – “Fame & Fortune (Remix)”
13. Shad – “Exile”
14. Illa J ft. Grynch – “Showtime (Remix)” (Local Artist)
15. Roddy Rod ft. Phonte (of Little Brother) & Carlitta Durand – “This Time Around” (WORLD PREMIERE)
16. U-N-I & Ro Blvd – “Lauren London”
17. Pac Div – “Shut Up”
18. Common Market – “Escaping Arkham” (Local Artist)
19. Scratch ft. Musiq – “Tonite”
20. Asher Roth – “La Di Da” (WORLD PREMIERE)
21. Keelay & Zaire ft. Supastition & Slo Mo (of Fortilive) – “Trapped”
22. Tanya Morgan ft. Blu – “Morgan Blu” (WORLD PREMIERE)
23. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?mxjmgntmwmy
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/58302299c213a043/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

Across all genres, there might not be an artist with more buzz right now than Asher Roth.  Sadly, it seems like most people, industry or not, are stuck on the smash single, “I Love College,” and the image that track represents.  In reality, Asher is much more than a one hit wonder responsible for the new frat boy anthem.  Instead, he’s a really dope MC, a thoughtful businessman, and an all around cool ass dude.

He took a minute from his busy schedule last week to call into Sound Session right before we all headed down to SXSW.  In the interview, we talked all about his upcoming Asleep In The Bread Aisle debut, the misrepresentation that “I Love College” brings, his producer and secret weapon, Oren Yorel, why being a white rapper is like being the Highlander, and much more.  Plus, we ran his new “Lark On My Go Kart” track and reminisced about everyone’s favorite Saved By The Bell moment.  You can check it out right here:

Asher Roth on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?yiw2fzdilyo
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/578401220336b51f/)

If you’re still hating on Asher, I hope you can peep Asleep In The Bread Aisle with a clear mind, because the music and talent are there in bunches.  Don’t get it twisted.

Whoooo…I know I’ve already mentioned it a ton on the Twitter and on the blog, but SXSW was incredible last week.  Basically, it was a high school field trip with all your closest hip-hop buddies.  Damn near everyone in the industry (well, at least indie hip-hop) mobbed down to Austin to enjoy 80 degree weather, free food & drinks, and more live music than you can possibly imagine.  While the performances were insane, the best part was just meeting with so many like minded folks.  Hip-hop ain’t dead in the least.  You just might think so if you aren’t looking in the right direction.

Shouts to everyone we ran into down in Texas, let’s run it down real quick…*deep breath*…Heavy Hitter, Blue Scholars, Common Market, Grynch, DJ Nphared, Budo, Grieves, David Meinert, Jessica @ Spectre, Exile, the whole Rhymesayers camp, Brother Ali, Jake One, Abstract Rude, Deep Rooted, U-N-I, the Agency Group, Jon Kim, Jonathan @ Om, Fresh Daily, Blu, Theresa @ the Musebox, 6th Sense, Outasight, Daytona, Freeway, Peter Rosenberg, Mazzi, Homeboy Sandman, Lanna @ Dada.net, Chelsea @ CO Clubs, Syntax Records, New West Records, JJ @ Foundation, Now On, Haircut/Mayer Hawthorne, 14KT, Buff1, Stephanie @ A-Side, DJ Graffitti, ID @ Interdependent, D.O., Garrett @ North Starr, Alex @ Ruby Hornet, Raekwon, Karim/Nightclubber Lang, Keelay & Zaire, Fortilive, the Myx Music fam, Theo, Asher Roth, Tanya Morgan, I Self Divine, Doomtree, Chris London, CurT@!n$, Odyssey, El Prez, Donny Goines, Dae One, Noni Spitz, Clint @ MVD, Bryan @ Paper Garden, Yvette @ Mint, Bambu, DJ Phatrick, Eskay @ Nah Right, TC @ Smoking Section, DJ Low Key, TJ @ TJ’s DJ’s, B-Rich, Playboy Tre, B.o.B., Hi-Tek, Daniel Glogower, Dow Jones of Tha Bizness, Shad, G, Classified, Cook Classics, GregTheDude, Charles Hamilton, Kid Cudi, Plain Pat, Emile, Big Sean, GLC, Mr. Hudson, Consequence, Janelle Monae, Ian and Jason @ Black Box, Hey Ocean, Adam @ Feldman & Associates, 88 Keys, Crew54, Yak Ballz, Connie @ Filter, Kidz In The Hall, D-Solo, Mickey Factz, P. Casso, Kosha Dillz, Matt @ Coalmine, Staci @ Interscope, Hanif of Animal Fam, Henri, Donnis, The Knux, Hip-Hop Official, the Cool Kids, Pac Div, Grace & Glenn @ Columbia, Tom Windish, Green Lantern, Balance, Curren$y, Steve Aoki, A-Trak, Mistah F.A.B., Talib Kweli, Corey Smyth, Strong Arm Steady, Amanda Diva, Eli Paperboy Reed and the True Loves, Davey D, Zion I, BK One, Camp Lo, Hollywood Holt, Proton, K’Naan, Lady Sov, Rye Rye, N.A.S.A., Truth Universal, Hollyweerd, Izza Kizza, Grip Plyaz, Tami @ Epitaph, and many, many more that I can’t remember right now…my apologies! That almost felt like making liner note thank you’s…wow, I don’t envy that.

Anyway, a lot of the talent out at SXSW was represented on this week’s SNSS playlist.  Shout to Asher and the SRC/Universal Motown fam for calling in to help debut his “Lark On My Go Kart” track.  I’ll post up that full interview shortly, but in the meantime, enjoy the music!

Show #199 (3-22-09)

1. 88 Keys ft. Kid Cudi – “Ho Is Short For Honey”
2. B.o.B. – “Mr. Bobby”
3. Wale ft. Lady GaGa – “Chillin’”
4. Rhymefest ft. Queen Latifah – “Goin’ In”
5. Pacific Division – “O.P.P. Freestyle”
6. **INTERVIEW WITH RIPYNT**
7. Ripynt ft. Jazz Digga – “Can’t Take It” (Local Artist)
8. Blu & Miss Jack Davey – “iFeel”
9. GLC ft. Kanye West & T-Pain – “Flight School”
10. **INTERVIEW WITH ASHER ROTH (SNIPPET)**
11. Asher Roth – “Lark In My Go Kart”
12. Kidz In The Hall – “I Got It Made (Reebok Classic ’09)”
13. Zion I ft. K. Flay – “Coastin’”
14. J. Pinder ft. Shawn Starr – “Havin’ Problems” (Local Artist)
15. U-N-I & Ro Blvd ft. Kes Kaos – “My Life”
16. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out”
17. Braille & S1 ft. Strange Fruit Project, Thesis, & Ragen Fykes – “Broken Heart” (Local Artist)
18. Shad – “I Heard You Had The Voice Of An Angel”
19. Tanya Morgan – “So Damn Down”
20. Keelay & Zaire ft. Prophit – “Nurf To The Turf”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?kowtrojwezz
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/57521853875b9324/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

(shout to Geo for the cam time…)

Sure, a full blown SXSW ’09 recap would be nice, but I’m sure there will be footage of every single performance all over the net soon, if not already.  Truthfully, there are no words that can describe what a crazy and fun networking experience the conference provided, but I hope you were following along with the Twitter feed the last few days.  I’m sure I’ll share a few stories on tonight’s Sound Session and throughout the week, but if you’ll excuse me…I need to board this plane and get ready for an insanely busy week of catching up on work.  Shout to everyone I met in Austin.  As Diddy would say, “LET’S WORK!!!!!!!!!”

What up, what up?  I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted anything up, but your boy has been mad busy.  After heading down to Oregon last weekend for a basketball tournament with my 6th grade select team that I coach, I promptly caught a crazy cold that has me stuck in bed.  I fought it all last week and seemed to be doing pretty well, but when you have a nagging cold and don’t eat or sleep well all week, it usually catches up to you.  Running around from 9am – midnight every day for weeks at a time definitely got to me.  And someone please tell me why it’s still snowing in March in Seattle…wtfffff.

Anyway, I hope to be blogging more again soon.  Here’s this week’s Sound Session to get things started.  Darn good show if I say so myself…

Show #197 (3-8-09)

1. Buggs Tha Rocka ft. Little Brother – “Get Away”
2. Reflection Eternal ft. Bootsy Collins – “Internet Connection”
3. Focus ft. Big Pooh, Sha Stimuli, & Kurupt – “Homage To Pete Rock”
4. DJ Babu ft. MF Doom & Sean Price – “The Unexpected”
5. **INTERVIEW WITH MACKLEMORE & CASSIUS**
6. Blame One ft. Sean Price – “Disturbed”
7. Nottz ft. Kardinal Offishall & Cory Gunz – “Can’t Hide The Truth”
8. Braille & S1 – “For Life” (Local Artist)
9. John Legend – “Lay Your Head Down”
10. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out”
11. Zion I ft. K. Flay – “Coastin’”
12. LaRue – “Rise Up” (Local Artist)
13. Kid Cudi – “Sky Might Fall”
14. TiRon ft. Ayomari – “3 Drink Minimum”
15. Ms. One ft. Black Milk & Big Pooh – “2 MC’s”
16. Drake – “Lust For Life”
17. Saigon & Statik Selektah – “The Rules”
18. Ripynt ft. Jazz Digga – “Can’t Take It” (Local Artist)
19. Pacific Division – “Mayor”
20. Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce The 5’9”, & Crooked I) – “Fight Club”
21. Method Man & Redman – “A Yo”

Link to download the mp3 – http://www.mediafire.com/?ododhcoedzi
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/56841816dcd6056c/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.