City Limits: Ottawa’s Hip-Hop Story

 We went to see a documentary about Ottawa's hip-hop scene, made by Ben Telford Visuals, and it was really well done. Several old school heads and a lot of new artists made up the various people involved in the project. Looked great and flowed very well. Ben Telford Visuals has stated he would keep me in the loop on it's widespread public release.

 Definitely a class act... I was fortunate enough to see Classified perform a few times and even met him at the radio station once. He was pleasant, interesting, and interested. My memory of Classified is nothing but positive. His stage show, one of the tightest I've ever seen IMO. Massive shout to Classified, Gray (who promoted him for years in Ottawa), and DJ IV. Salute!

Truth (feat. AL Skratch & Kurious) - Spit It (prod. by Da Beatminerz)

 Ran this one on the show last week. Entire album is produced by Da Beatminerz.

This Year...

 This year I'm going to try a bunch of things differently... need a touch up first. Rap is outta control.

REKS X Melks - Buss Shots (OFFICIAL VIDEO) ft. Ghost Of The Machine

Going on two decades, Reks is still so dope.

240120

 I had a friend or acquantance that used to say, "wishing is for suckers". I'm not sure how else to put it, but I wish I'd blogged consistently nearly 20 years ago when it... became. A gift or possibly a curse is my brain easily calculating numbers. Like how old I am and what year my parents were the same age. Which then leads to, where was I and what was I doing around that time.

I suppose I say this because I'm pushing 50 years old now and question where I wanted to be in life, what I wanted to be doing versus my present scenario. I'm happy, for the most part, but continue to strive for more. More equipment, more money, more vacations, more, more, more. However, also a little less, less, less. Less alcohol consumption, less drama, less bullshit, etc. etc. etc.

I'm hungry though... I'll be back after these messages...

Yesus

I've been following the Kanye thing a little bit lately, following the Drink Champs episode released (and then removed) a few days ago. I kept reading people's comments and most, if not all, of them are pro-Kanye. He's a truth teller, the best, etc. seemed to be the popular beliefs. I nearly posted my thoughts a few times, but was reluctant as I could see nothing but backlash, because I don't feel the same way. I don't think Kanye is a genius, nor do I think he's highly intelligent. I think he might have slightly above average or average intelligence, but he certainly doesn't deserve the credit he gets or for that matter gives himself repeatedly.

By no means am I trying to attack Ye, I think he's certainly an artistic and outspoken human. I don't agree with everything he says and personally wish he'd exercise more discretion before spewing his thoughts out on the public. He almost carelessly says whatever comes to mind, rather than pause and think before making statements. I'd say this is evident when he answers questions sometimes, like when DJ EFN asked him "how" he would solve world issues and eliminate the likelihood of a third world war.

Now granted they were drinking and smoking, but certainly not to the point that they were belligerent or unintelligible. Although to the latter... I found Ye a few screws short of speaking in tongues. I didn't think he made a lot of sense at times, to which I think will play against him should he actually run for president. His dad is right and he needs to articulate himself better. I'm sure with practice and such he will, but America would be foolish to elect another Trump. Just my opinion. America would be much better off with another Clinton or Obama.

Love him or like him, Ye certainly has attained a solid fanbase making him one of the most streamed artists out in 2022. I still think his first album, "College Dropout", was his best but I'm a hip-hop head from the old school and prefer boom bap.

Nixe, "King"

Leaving for the radio station soon. Newsince is stopping by tonight and the whole gang should be there... except Rookie (I think). Crashed on my friend's couch last night and feeling a bit tired from work too. Just checking out Nine's new album produced entirely by the Snowgoons... fucking dope.

Video: Classified, "Damn Right"

Off Classified's new EP "Tomorrow Could Be..." https://classified.lnk.to/tomorrowcouldbe. DJ IV on the one's and two's.

Psybo, "Wherewithal" Album

This morning I received an email from Hand'Solo Records with links to Psybo's, "Wherewithal". Apparently, it was recorded about ten years ago, but in terms of boom bap, it stands solidly today. I've been listening to it as I write today's post.

Psybo is a founding member of London, ON rap trio Toolshed, along with Timbuktu and Chokeules (currently of Swamp Thing), and they had three official albums before Psybo began recording his solo debut prior to relocating to Vancouver, BC to start a family. Production was provided by Fresh Kils and Timbuktu, while Uncle Fester and DJ Dubble contributed cuts.

Psybo finished the album in 2006, but his focus on his family forced him to relegate its release to the back burner, a fitting place considering his membership in the cross-Canada Backburner crew, but unfortunate nonetheless. There it languished from laziness, a legend among those few who heard about it. Until now. Welcome to Wherewithal! Finally available as either a FREE download or pre-order the red hot old school cassette with a brand new bonus track.

Twitter: @psybo004
Bandcamp: https://handsolorecords.bandcamp.com/album/wherewithal