STREET BEAT Artist Profile: Juan Zavala

The idea for this blog came from an email I recieved from underground gospel hip hop artist Juan Zavala.  
I had the pleasure of buying Zavala's album HIGH from my local record shop Play by Play Records on Grand Avenue in Waukegan, IL.  And it was so worth it.

The album was so different.  I can only describe Zavala's music as Gospel hip hop with a street sensibility.   The beats were hypnotic, and the message pulls at the heart of the listener.  Some people say christian rap can't go hard.  I say that Juan Zavala's music proves that theory wrong.

Since we last spoke, Juan has been building his repertoire.   You can now find his music, as well as a gallery of links and photos on his own website http://www.juanlzavala.com/. 

Check out the songs  "Always you are God", "No Se", and "All I Need"

Street Beat Editorial: To vote or not to vote

Back in November 2008, this nation elected its first African American President on the pretense of change and upheaval of the status quo.   Whether you think that change has come or not, one thing has always been certain:  the vote and 'the right to vote' does make a difference.

In the past, I would often be scoffed at for wanting to discuss voting and politics.  It seemed like everyone had an "I am black so it doesn't matter" attitude every November.  My attitude was that those who were ignorant of there own history were the cause if it repeating itself.  And since, people protested, marched, bled and died for my rights in this nation, I don't see the harm of bringing it up from time to time that my vote counts.

Most people don't realize that their vote counts, because they don't realize that they have choices beyond Republican and Democrat, Conservative or Liberal.  Many people vote one way or the other, because it has been ingrained in there minds that one side is for them while the other is against them.  Still, we complain when the same amount of nothing gets done by these lying politicians and our taxes are raised to support their special interests.

Well, there are other parties, and other candidates, just as qualified to do the jobs of the ones running the attack ads against each other.  Right now, in Congressional District 10, we have GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES, (learn more about that party by clicking the link)  as well as LIBERTARIAN, and Independent non partisan (stand alone) Candidates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE PARTIES

There is also the option of writing in your candidate for election into public office.   For Representative District 60 this is the case with Valerie Devost who is write in for Illinois State Representative and Micheal White who is running for Governor of the state of Illinois.  You can listen to Micheal White being interviewed by clicking the link to Lenny Palmer's podcast page.   Lenny's Podcast AM 1050 WLIP & AM 1220 WKRS and You can listen to this interview featuring write in candidate Valerie Devost by Jerry and Nick on WKRS 1220 AM Devost's Jerry and Nick Interview. 

If you have never heard of these people or these political parties, it is not a coincidence.   Ignorance drives the masses when you are playing a political numbers game.  And it is a numbers game.

This is a learning opportunity for all who read this before the November election.  But if you cannot make it out in November, please note that you still can vote early in October from the 11th to the 28th.  That means right now you can make a difference and let your voice be heard.  Right now, if you are fed up you can do something about it.

EARLY ELECTION OFFICES

The reason I vote is not only to preserve my right to complain, but it is also done by me to remember those who came before me who could not.    I have to live in this country, and by God, I am going to let my voice be heard.

Get out and vote.

Book Review: Beastmode by Marcus Hasty

In the streets, death lies around every corner.  Marcus Hasty, the author of Beastmode, knows this well and takes us on a journey through the belly of the beast.

For the author, this is more than just a work of fiction.  This is his life coming out of him and bleeding on the pages.   Welcome to the Jungle.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Marcus Hasty for my show RAC RADIO PRESENTS at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/. 

Listen here

In the book, Marcus gives us a glimpse into the darker side of street life.  Having written the story while incarcerated, the author gives us an unapologetic look at life in the hood.  The story is graphic, and clever.

The story begins with the lives of Twon and Qwon who, after discovering the lifeless body of their own mother on Christmas morning from a heroine overdose, are put on a path of discovery, power and revenge.  Their father is known as the King in their city, and the King has a plan for his progeny that involves getting back at the crooked cops that incarcerated him and making sure that his children are set for life. 

But be warned, street life is lowdown, twisted and grimy.  Some of the characters are as crazy and off the chain, as any you would find on your street corner hustling.  Just like in any tale, there are many twist and turns, but the clarity of a great story is in there. 

In Beastmode: Welcome to the Jungle, you want to cheer for the anti-hero.  You want the underdogs to get theirs.  That is the fun part of fiction.   Look for the sequel coming soon.

http://www.beastmodebook.com/
http://www.blocklife.ning.com/

 

Mixtape Review: Da Bandit and Da Bad Guy

 Smokey Da Bandit has been doing his thing for a while now, if you didn't know.

His latest mixtape/collaboration from Empty Soulz Entertainment is Da Bandit and Da Bad Guy.

With tight beats and gangster lyrics, a persistent street vibe abounds in this mixtape. 

Live at Sharky's in Round Lake, IL


The music of Empty Soulz Entertainment is heavily influenced by the early forebearers of Gangster Rap (NWA, Spice 1, Dj Quick). 

With 18 tracks for the club and for your ride, Da Bandit and Da Bad Guy mixtape is probably one of the best efforts of local independent music I have heard in a while.  This is Hardcore hip hop, with no fillers. 

The lyrical styles of this duo balance off each other well.   PC aka Da Bad Guy has a rugged in your face style you can't help but pay attention to on tracks like "WAR" and "Thirsty".  While Smokey (Da Bandit) has a more mellow approach on tracks like "Love So Strong" and "Blow".

Together on other tracks with fellow emcees Jazzy, TGO, Ric Jilla, Ledroc Smith  and with the vocal stylings of Lady C, Da Bandit and Da Bad Guy have produced a mixtape that I recommend for the lover of Hardcore hip hop and originality in you. 

Check out Smokey Da Bandit at www.myspace.com/smokeydabanditmuzik
   or
PC Da Bad Guy at www.myspace.com/problemchildese

NoGo Street Beat Intro

The music of North Chicago, IL is rough, gritty, and often depicts a less than savory side of life.  We have DJs, Singers, Rappers, Book Authors and Poets.  Producers, promoters, etc.  One thing I have learned about the entertainment business, it is often a cutthroat business.  You have to come correct with your product or don't come at all.

This blog is for all the creative hustlers and original individuals who are trying to put our little slice of the Midwest on the map.  They honestly take no short cuts and they love their craft.

Being inbetween Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI, we honestly can't afford to take shorts.   For every artists there is out there doing something, there is one doing it bigger or better.

Those are the chances that you take in the entertainment industry.

Everyone has a story to tell, and there is a drop of blood and sweat in every line of every song.

I hope those of you that enjoy underground hip hop and independent artists will enjoy this blog.