Travis Barker's take on Busta Rhymes

Despite the dumbfounded expression of astonishment and awe that settled over my face as I watched this video, I actually had the mental strength to form some thoughts and opinions and even ask myself a few questions. The most pressing concern in my mind was that music is missing in Hip Hop. To see this display of what seemed to be raw emotion take over the song and redefine it's strengths and weaknesses was impressive. Where is the music? The invention of samplers and sequencers was a glorious day in Hip Hop, but it also created a culture that was programmed to a fault. 16,8,16,8,16,8, and on, and on, and on. Why do I have to describe quality music production as "musical"? Why do I have to describe music as "musical"?!?! But I'll leave that at that...

I don't think I've ever been more impressed of a certain type of a musician than I have been of drummers. Their skill and intensity seems unreal to me. Not only the rhythm and timing but the physical strength it takes to accomplish perfection in their craft. I imagine that it's therapeutic. I imagine that within the confines of that drum set the world seems distant and miniscule, and that the noise of life can not overpower the thunder that extends through the air with every strike. These are just some of the random thoughts that entered my mind as I soaked in every second of this video...don't sleep...sleep is for birds. Read more!

It's the pressure of life that makes me stop..

It may seem that my focus is elsewhere...and you are probably right. Having the responsibility to report my thoughts and to try to bring a cultural experience to readers is more of a weight than I expected. It's easy to get caught up in life, and certain aspects get lost in the mix. That is the challenge. With all the other struggles that we as people face, balance is maybe the most significant and is almost unobtainable. What you take from one facet of your existence you apply to another. It sounds simple, but what is not fully realized is that you can never take or give in equal amounts. Certain areas of your life require more attention at certain times than others, and it's knowing what your priorities are that keep you in balance...or at least from tipping over. Unfortunately, my life is unbalanced.

I'm a musician, a husband, a son, a working man, and a friend to many, but I am not balanced. It's hard to hold the weight of your world in your left and right hands with your arms outstretched and still hold your strength indefinitely. Examine my words. Know who I am by reading what I just wrote. Am I wrong for choosing one over the other? I have a passion that tends to overpower everything else I do. I have a passion that has the power to force me to give up everything else, and I don't know why. Read more!

There Will Be Change

Here in the last year I have come to realize that nothing is guaranteed and everything is dependant on everything else. Although I have always known this, the idea seems more relevant with the recent occurrences in my life and in the lives of the people around me. From the loss of a good friend to the ever-changing dynamic of the music scene I'm involved in, life is unstable. Good news is often offset by developments that could not have been foreseen and it makes me question my inspiration behind the sacrifices I make. It all works out in the end. It all comes out in the wash...I'm not so sure.

Everyday I struggle, and though I thank the higher beings for being blessed with the life I have, I struggle. The adversity does bring about positive results, though. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, of that I am certain. With failure comes experience and with triumph comes confidence, and it is a mixture of the two that keep my determination and my dedication from collapsing inward upon my soul. This is not a bleak outlook. This is real life acknowledgements of fact and fiction. Don't Sleep...Sleep is for Birds... Read more!

What makes you make music?

What makes you make music? That is the question that I pose to any person out there striving to make success or just simply looking for a musical outlet. What is the drive behind the actions you choose to take regarding your artform? There are some things I don't understand, and some things I choose not to even devote the time to even try to comprehend. Whether it be ignorance on my part, or a refusal to manipulate my integrity, I don't know. But what I do know is that there are multiple motivations and motives behind all different types of music. In the world of Hip Hop (which unfortunately mainstream "rap" is intertwined with actual quality music), there are many different facets that make up the whole. What makes them work? I know why I do it. I enjoy it. I make my music to primarily make the music and any financial gain that comes secondary is not only welcome but sought after. But what is the reasoning when the motives are strictly financial? I just don't understand. Mainstream rappers, for the majority, aren't creative artists, they are recording artists. Everything is prepared for them including beat selection and lyrics. They show up with their "swagger" and an empty soul and call it music.

I don't understand how any one could go through their life and their most-likely short lived career as an empty shell and a puppet. What is the fulfilment in that? Granted it might be lucrative, but music that can't inspire isn't really music. I make music and listen to music to inspire. My word is the most powerful tool I possess. Not because it's a cliche thing to say, but because it can spread through worldly barriers. I could be dead broke, but I'd still be able to speak. I make music because the music makes me. I make music because without the rhythmic patterns and intense, inspirational content, life just ain't the same. I just don't understand. Don't Sleep...Sleep is for Birds... Read more!

This week in Dallas Hip Hop...

I've made a concious effort not to make my blog and my writings focused solely on Dallas Hip Hop. My intentions are not to close out where I come from, but to reach a wider audience and send a broader message. However, I love the city I live in and all it's flaws. We have a lot of dedicated artists that deserve success in every way. I now present...This week in Dallas Hip Hop....

(Click the "Read More" link for more detailed descriptions)

Monday May 5th, 2008: The Cool Out @ The Cavern

Tuesday May 6th, 2008: DJ Love @ Ten Sports Bar & Grill

Wednesday May 7th, 2008: SSA Magazine & Fatbeats Present...FREE Hip Hop
The Scoop @ The Fallout Lounge

Thursday May 8th, 2008: Three The Hardway @ Zubar

Friday May 9th, 2008: DJ Love @ Ten Sports Bar & Grill

Saturday May 10th, 2008: Rock The Rooftop @ The Bone
Corner's Collaborative Art Expo

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Read more!

Recognize the Grind: DJ Nemeses

CLICK ON THE "LUCHA LIVE" COVER ART TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE!!!!

DJ NEMESES MYSPACE PAGE

In a world where "mixtape" has lost it's meaning, there are always going to be musicians that stay true to the art. These are not throw-away tracks designed to keep the ever shrinking attention span of a nation drowning in complacency. This is real Hip Hop. This is DJ Nemeses. Touting such accomplishments as back-to-back two time Guitar Center Spin Off Southern Regional Champ and an impressive Pepsi commercial, DJ Nemeses knows how to manipulate vinyl and needles into a musical fury that is as incredible as it is innovative. With the recent release of "Lucha Live", a free mixtape, DJ Nemeses is set once again to make his mark on Hip Hop.

Aside from being an amazing DJ, Nemeses is a true supporter of Hip Hop Culture. Involving himself in many revolutionary events such as The Resound, a event local to Dallas, Tx that incorpates 4 DJ's and multiple turntables into one big jam session, DJ Nemeses stays connected to his fan base. Opening for the likes of ?uestlove and Pete Rock, he continuously finds himself as the go to DJ in Dallas for national and local acts. His new mixtape "Lucha Live", available for free download, reinforces the fact that DJ Nemeses has the ability to deliver his music to a mass audience all the while staying dedicated to his art form. Turntablism lives on. Don't Sleep...Sleep is for Birds... Read more!

We Blame "Them"

In one word.

Devotion.

...But maybe that isn't so accurate. Maybe it is despair or even fear that pushes me towards what I'm trying to achieve. Maybe it's the fear of being nothing. Scared to blend in with the blurred surroundings. My life is moving fast. Maybe too fast. At such high speeds...the inertia keeps me restrained. The inertia...keeps me in my place while I'm being proprelled further through an atmosphere that I do not yet understand. The invisible forces play to my weaknesses and strengths, they do not seek a solid definition. They are they cuz they have always been, and they always will be, and we can never stop them. But what is it I'm really speaking of? We blame "them" for the simple fact that we have no one to point the finger at...and they keep it that way. We blame "them" simply because we find it hard to blame ourselves. It had to be them, cuz it damn sure wasn't me... Read more!