Archive for the ‘The Zone Column’ Category

The Zone
by Origix
(May, 19th, 2010)

What’s up readers of The Zone? I have decided to take this column in another direction, I still will be writing exclusive pieces on artist’s but I also wanted to open my write up’s to Q & A Interviews.
The Column will now run every other week and on the off weeks I will be posting shows, reviews, new releases and other news.

This weeks subject is on one of the hardest working groups in Michigan; Inkster’s “Street Justice” Fresh from opening the Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek show at the Crofoot, a new video and free download project is now on the streets. Redd, Ketchphraz and Jypsy have a lot on their plate to talk about.

Origix: So what’s going on with the crew right now? What do you all have in the works?

Redd: We just dropped “Follow The Drip”. It’s not a mix tape. It’s not an album. It’s a collection of music.

Ketchphraze: We got the album “GO H.A.A.M!” coming up next! Yes, we’re finally dropping the official album, lol.

Jypsy: We’re building inspiration for the making of the project after “GO H.A.A.M!” because it has to be, if not better, just as incredible and phenomenal as the last one.

Origix: How was the Talib Kweli show for y’all? What where some of the highlights of the night?

Jypsy: To keep it 100 with you, everything happened so fast, it’s hard to remember. I remember sound check, smoking a blunt, and then literally rushing to the stage. After that, just enjoying the show.

Redd: The Talib show was awesome! I think that was one of the best performances we’ve ever had. Shouts to THEE STREET JUSTICE BAND: Sax, Amir, RJ, Big O, Jeff, Kamau, Duminie, and my sis Ideeyah!

Ketchphraze: The show went great! Despite me performing with pneumonia and the smoking law wasn’t in effect yet, it was an amazing show and good times man. I think the highlight was our homie, Duminie on the guitar solo. Killed it!!

Origix: How long have you been working on the new project? Explain, “Follow The Drip”. What’s the meaning and who is on it?

Ketchphraze: We started working on “Follow The Drip” in January. The concept behind it is simple: it’s a leak album. It’s something to keep the streets buzzing. We did ALL ORIGINAL material to silence the critics about us being mix tape crazy. It gave the people something new and refreshing to listen to ‘cause -lets be honest – it’s been a lot of BULLSHIT MUSIC in the last two years. We just make that contribution to Detroit Hip Hop and keep the movement going.

Jypsy: We’ve been trying to make an album since “Out 4 Just Us”. But, the name, the vibe, the substance of the album wasn’t there. So we did a ton of brainstorming and finally came up with the right vibe and name and went H.A.A.M! (Hard As A Muh’fucka! No homo.) Our Frat House/Varsity Club brothers are the only ones featuring.

Redd: Yep. What they said. “Follow The Drip” is available for free download at www.streetjusticehiphop.com. Shameless plug. Shameless plug.

Origix: You guys now have enough material to have an official album. Why have you not put out an album? What are you waiting on?

Redd: Waiting till the time and money is right. We gotta make sure the buzz is strong. No point in putting out a million dollar project with a thousand dollar budget.

Ketchphraze: Money. We could just throw something out here but why? We are independent as FUCK! We pay for everything out of pocket and your album has to be right. Can’t just throw some shit out there for folks to judge you on, mixing, mastering, packaging, promo, etc. The wait is well worth it! We got our shit together and people will definitely respect the way we put this record out.

Jypsy: If you don’t load your ammo properly, your gun is liable to jam. I’ll be damned if we put out an album this incredible and it does nothing. We’re taking foolproof steps to make sure it comes out the right way.

Origix: Who have y’all been doing rhymes and beats with lately? Anybody in particular you can name that might be a surprise?

Ketchphraze: Man, everybody! On the album just Saxappeal, Ideeyah, Apollo Brown, Peace Of Mind, and Nation.

Redd: I’m really digging the joints we’ve been doing with Nametag and Black Bethoven. I think we have a crazy vibe together. Got a couple joints from The Labtechs, too: 14KT and Forekast. Salute!

Jypsy: Don’t forget about 4mulaone and Oznoh from Spain.

Origix: What kind of shows you got going on?

Jypsy: Ask Redd.

Redd: LOL May 15th is the “50 for 5E” concert. It’s a fundraiser to help 5E Gallery move into their new building. May 30th is the DetroitRap.com People’s Choice Awards. (Make sure you vote for SJ at www.detroitrap.com) Lookout for your boy singing (yes, I said singing) the National Anthem June 5th at the Detroit Derby Girls game! “New Era Redd”. I wear SO many hats!

Ketchphraze: We have an unplugged style show being set up before we drop the record. That’s about all that’s set in stone.

Origix: You just released a video for “Breakin’ Rocks”. Can you explain the song?

Ketchphraze: “Breakin’ Rocks” is a song for the average American out here grinding for their family. It’s a recession; we all are feeling that shit and we are all doing what we must do to get by. It’s a motivational song for folks to get by too.

Redd: The song is all about your hustle. It’s about whatever you do to make sure you and yours eat.

Jypsy: It’s the soundtrack to getting money. Check it out on www.youtube.com/SJHipHop.

Redd: Street Justice is your favorite group…ever!

www.streetjusticehiphop.com.

The Zone
by Origix
(May, 5th, 2010)

This week’s crew has one of the best spins on a group name that I have heard in a while; “Cold Men Young” yes, they are using the ex mayor of Detroit’s name and giving it a hip-hop feel. Mic Write, Blak Smith, Young Phenom and Kopelli came together and unlike many other groups, their background comes from the spoken word, slam poets scene giving them a different out look on rhyming. Kopelli says, “We all had a mutual respect for each others individual skills, all thought each other were dope and just started doing stuff together, informally at first just as friends or emcees doing work together”.

Just over one year ago they set out to create their own brand of music and from the sounds of their tracks you would think they have been together for years. Mic Write explains, “We’re all about having fun and still displaying legit emcee skill. We all are real emcees with different styles. Kopelli is a little more melodic, I kind of come with the bars and the patterns and the cadence variations. Blaksmith has the bars and the “you better listen” and “rewind that” metaphors…Phenom is the aggressive beast with the punch lines”. On their freshmen effort project and album “Champagne Nights/Red Stripe Budget” they definitely bring something different to the table as far as emcees are concerned. While working with producers Jay Norm, Sheefy McFly, Jay Fab from The Olympicks and others, they have laid a solid foundation for Cold Men Young to build on. Down load “Champagne Nights/Red Stripe Budget” for free at www.coldmenyoung.com

The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Mondays 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 89.3 FM, stream at whfr.fm Listen to 2 Raw 4 Fm every last Thursday 11am-1am @ www.wfuckoffradio.com Visit 2raw4fm.com

The Zone
by Origix
(April,28, 2010)

Live every last Thursday 11pm-1am (est) For over 8 years, radio veterans Origix & D.C have broadcasted The Zone Radio over the air waves of Detroit; bringing the freshest underground hip-hop to your ears. Now joining forces with Psychopathic, Origix & D.C bring their online show 2 RAW 4 FM to Wfuckoff. The program consists of exclusive interviews, uncensored music, give-a-way’s and theme shows. Listen in for the industries hottest independent artists on 2 RAW 4 FM as they drop knowledge about the history and future of the music game!

First Show Thursday April 29th 11pm-1am (est)

www.wfuckoffradio.com

The Zone
by Origix
(April,21, 2010)

If you have been out to a real hip-hop show around Detroit or took notice of the promotional flyer’s, chances are you have seen the name JAYDUN on the bill. This West Side Detroit Emcee has been hard at work in 2010 with his team at Aviator Entertainment; playing as many shows as they can to push his album Aviator that he dropped in 2009. JAYDUN explains, “Its all about networking and building relationships with like-minded people…people who I can help and people who can help me reach my dreams!”

He keeps a positive attitude along with positive music to shine a bright light on this dark city. His ambition keeps him humble and hungry to make an impact on the music game, he is already back in the studio working with Grammy Award winning engineer Todd Fairall. The Album features new cuts such as Rep My Name and The Truth, showing he has grown even more as a well rounded artist. For more info on him, visit www.JAYDUN.com and get ready, buckle your seat belt and prepare to take flight with the Aviator on Saturday, April 24Th as JAYDUN performs at The Zone Radio’s 8 Year Anniversary Party at PJ’s Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI along with Artfull Dodgers, Ikkurruz, Rising Sunz, B.l.a.k.e. Eerie with Dirtee Curt, Prophecy 313 and P-Dog The Turntable Bully. www.myspace.com/lagerhouse

R-I-P- Guru of Gang Starr. The Hip-Hop Legend died on April 19, 2010, after a long battle with multiple myeloma, he will be missed!

The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Mondays 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 89.3 FM, stream at whfr.fm Visit 2raw4fm.com

The Zone
by Origix

(April 14,2010)

This weekend we have many reason to get out the house and have a blast, From Downriver to the east side to the west side Burbs this Friday there are many hip-hop events going on. The weather nice baseball back in season and for the smoking crowd get out to the bar and Fire it up before the big smoking band goes in place this May.

The Zone
by Origix
(April ,7, 2010)

Non-commercial radio is a dying breed for many different reasons; one major reason being lack of funds. That is why WHFR. FM asks listeners one week out of the entire year to donate to our pledge drive Radiothon to help continue our mission of exposing independent music. “The college (Henry Ford Community) provides us with a small annual budget to cover some of our costs, but the amount of money it takes to run a radio station, even in the no-frills way that we do, is not cheap. Over 60 percent of our operating budget comes from donors,” says General Manager Susan McGraw. It’s important to reach out to our listeners in order to keep hip-hop on-air at a station that believes in what we do. “WHFR is so proud to support the hip-hop music community here in Detroit. We made a conscious choice to provide a forum for this creative, urban style of music years ago when we realized that no one else was playing it,” McGraw says. Radiothon runs April 11-17th. Please call in 313-845-9676 or pledge online at www.whfr.fm . The Zone will be taking donations on air on April 12th . | MCB

The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Mondays 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 89.3 FM, stream at whfr.fm Visit 2raw4fm.com

The Zone
by Origix
(March 31, 2010)

In today’s music game, sometimes I wonder if new formats will be created; such as the days of when hip-hop was a new genre to our ears. The only way we can evolve is to have new blood pumped into the scene and this week’s subject is just that. From the city to the suburbs, twenty two year old “Stir Crazy” has been busy daily, producing bangers. In the day and age of most production being created on computers, Stir Crazy still keeps it old school by using hands-on hardware sequencing. One recent project he produced “Dood Computer” was first released only on cassette tape with a free digital download card. Stir crazy Explains, “Once I had a keyboard/piano in front of me it took up my life” he ad’s “I would say I do hip hop with metal and rock influences with a splash of wicked and darkness at times.” In 2003, Stir Crazy was created and influenced by his dad’s friend and mentor DJ Rec who was a part of Eminem’s crew in the 90’s. Rec produced beats and did DJ work on many of Eminem’s older work.

Now with a catalog and endless hours of studio time Stir crazy’s music has appeared on Bizarre, Project Pat, Tech N9ne, ICP, Twzitid, and many others releases. His long relationship with Shaggy 2 Dope’s younger brother Tre Pound got him placement on a couple of Psychopathic records. “Some people just click and I really love and respect their whole family as they all have helped me out a lot. With out them I would not even be close to where I am now. No one else could give you the type of motivation and work ethics like they can.” Stir crazy states. Check out his other CD’s with Ikkurruz ,T.O.N.E-z as well as his new absolutely free “InSTIRmentals” project at www.StirCrazy.BandCamp.com

The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Mondays 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 89.3 FM, stream at whfr.fm Visit 2raw4fm.com

The Zone
by Origix
(March 23, 2010)

The D.U.B. Camp is a group that consists of Bluman, Byza, Killa Ru and Fats from Romulus, MI. a city known more for Metro Airport then hip-hop but Camp Life Entertainment‘s D.U.B. Camp are trying to change the view that Rom-Town is more than just air planes. Each crew member brings a different perspective to the track. With four members, their tracks are like one song blended together so its sounds like four tracks in one. Fats Explains, “I’m the most inspired when I’m around my crew, I think God put us on the same team because we’re all really competitive people.”

Over the years, they have put out many solo releases; together they have put out “Da Camp Is Here” and “The Thrill of Victory Mix tape”. On the 16th of March Fats just dropped his album “The Network” then on April 20th Bluman will release “The New Beginning”. The Camp has no intentions of slowing down with more releases to follow this year. Production duties are handled by Fats and KIDD (BG/Tone Tone) has done production work with them in the past. “Locally, I would say everybody out here is really grinding and putting out quality music, we’re here to contribute in making Detroit music” Bluman. concludes. Visit www.camplifeent.com

The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Mondays 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 89.3 FM, stream at whfr.fm Visit 2raw4fm.com

Their Will be NO Zone Column by Origix this week at Motocityblog.net, due to the Birth of My Son & Third Child

The Zone
by Origix
(March 10, 2010)

Black Bethoven comes from a musically inclined family.  His younger Brother “Nametag” has laced rhymes over many of Bethoven’s beats, or maybe you have heard the production of his younger cousin “Black Milk”; I think it is safe to say that being a producer runs in the family.  “I can remember so many times when a barbecue would turn into a show with my mom and dad singing with my aunties and uncles harmonizing to a tee!  From the Temptations, Dramatics, The Stylistics, singing word for word, it bounded all of us and kept us together,” Black Beethoven explains. At an early age he would sing in the choir learning music notes, playing in a Jazz Band gave him the foundation that would lead him to making hip-hop.  Now doing production work on the computer, Software Reason has opened his ear up to endless possibilities.  With beat placement on all of Nametags releases, Jigsaw, Moe Dirdee, 5 Ela, Street Justice and many others, this husband and father of five has his hands full.

Black Bethoven say’s “Detroit influences me, I love the energy.  From the shows we channel art, its amazing what the world is missing in Detroit.”  Now, with the proper tools and knowledge of the old school he is proving he is the future of the mo-town sound.  Download free; Nametag’s “Soul System E.P,” where he produced every track and visit him on face book MCB.

The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Mondays 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 89.3 FM, stream at whfr.fm Visit 2raw4fm.com