peace. love. hiphop.

I’d rather be blogging.

misschief916 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:23:06 +0000

I’d rather be blogging how I used to blog than sitting here trying to come up with an ideological analysis, or write a critical review of my training session… or study for this damn final tomorrow! So, here I am relieving some stress on this blog as I sit and take a look around this crowded computer lab at 12:08AM. Student life. All I can think about is everything I’d rather be doing… Everything that I’m going to do after I get this degree once and for all!

It’s been a never ending battle: Me vs. School. LIFE happens…
independence.
new people.
new environment.
parties.
drugs.
alcohol.
love. (maybe this falls under drugs)
losing yourself.
finding yourself.
creating yourself.
defining yourself……..
you get distracted, you take breaks, you drop out, you come back, you fail again, you give it another go… then you realize….
you’re almost done!
and you’re here… in this lab, typing away on this blog when you should be concentrating on that 15 page paper.
Where has the time gone? the minutes, the hours, the years… time is fleeting.

*PAUSE*

In the midst of writing in this blog and thinking about life… I get a call from a close family member going through some serious issues. A wave of emotions sets in as I listen to her tone of voice… a voice void of happiness and full of worry. The transference of energy from one phone reciever to the next. I had to step out of the computer lab to fully express myself in all of my emotion. So much was said, so many feelings were expressed in a 12 minute conversation.

LIFE happens.
For each and every one of us…. constantly, at every moment we are being tested. How many of us pass? How many of us take the concepts that we’ve learned from past situations and apply them to the next exam life throws at us? How many of us grow?
Accept Ourselves?
Forgive our past mistakes?
Know our worth?
Let go of the poison that holds you back?
How many of us are able to do all these things? It is a blessing to be able to take the good from the bad. To truly have the ability to evolve from tragic, devastating, and hurtful situations. Life can be shitty at times, no doubt… But it’s one’s own choice whether it stays that way or not.

Too often we’re concerned about what others think about us, what he or she said, what we heard through the grapevine, what others expect from us, all the drama, all the fuss. I’ve found that none of that shit matters. Let. it. go. Letting go is such a liberating feeling.

You’ve got to be willing to make changes and sacrifice… I promise its worth it! Everyone grows in time, sets their own pace, decides when they’re ready for what’s next. And when that epiphany comes… its the greatest feeling and failing no longer becomes an option. There is no guidebook, per se… but making certain simple choices can go a long way! Some things that have helped me:

1. give up bad habits for good ones (i.e. smoking cigarrettes for working out, fast food for fruits or veggies, etc…)
2. focus on mental and emotional wellness in order to conquer physical wellness.
3. READ… not blogs or magazines.. but actual BOOKS with pages with relevance.
3. turn off your phone, log off from the internet, and disconnect from the world every once in a while to be with yourself. reflect on where you are in life and visualize where you want to be.. what steps are you taking to get there?
4. surround yourself, associate and engage with people who inspire you… people who hold the qualities that you admire. (this includes your online social networks)
5. be selective.
6. forgive others and yourself.
7. creative expression.
8. make mistakes… we’ll learn eventually.

The list goes on, and i’m really not trying to preach… just share the goodness.

Torrey Tee: FREE DOWNLOAD & NEW VIDEO

misschief916 — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:10:07 +0000

Torrey Tee is proud to release his newest project “#TorreyTeeTuesdays” mixtape mixed by DJ Oasis, a twitter-birthed project based on a series of several tracks released this year. Special bonus tracks are included in this mixtape such as “Round and Round” featuring Nicatyne, “Let the Show begin” featuring C-Plus and produced by Billy HiLife, and “Under the Influence.” Free download now available. Click the image below to download:

Along with the release of #TorreyTeeTuesdays official mixtape, is the visual component of Torrey’s performance opening for Wale at the Sunrise Events Center on November 23, 2011. The video includes live footage of a freestyle introduction as well as performances of hit songs Under the Influence, Spend the Night and House Party. Produced and directed by Short Stack Media.

Cinematography: Short Stack Digital Media Group

Torrey Tee is currently focusing on the preparation for his debut album, “Self ExplanaTorrey” set to release in the first quarter of 2012.

More Torrey Tee:

Website: http://www.torreytee.com
Bandcamp – http://torreytee.bandcamp.com
Reverb Nation - http://www.reverbnation.com/torreytee
Facebook – http://www.youtube.com/torreytee
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/torreytee

Earth Dance 2011 Northern California

misschief916 — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:08:48 +0000

“Earthdance empowers international event producers to connect with the global movement and implement real solutions for peace, sustainability, and social justice in their local communities.”

The Earthdance Global Link-Up for Peace
The highlight of the annual multi-location Earthdance Festival is a simultaneous link up, when every event across the world plays the Prayer for Peace at the exact same moment – morning in the Australian rainforest, afternoon in California, midnight in London, and sunrise over the Himalayas – the Prayer for Peace is a profound and powerful moment that unifies our intentions for World Peace on all levels.

Prayer For Peace

“We are one global family
 All colors, All races 
One world united. 
We dance for peace and the healing of our planet Earth 
Peace for all nations. 
Peace for our communities. 
And peace within ourselves. 
As we join all dance floors across the world, 
let us connect heart to heart. 
Through our diversity we recognize Unity. 
Through our compassion we recognize Peace. 
Our love is the power to transform our world
 Let us send it out 
NOW…”
——————————————————————————–

Matisyahu performing “King without a Crown” at Jewish Festival

misschief916 — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:51:35 +0000

This is a video from last year’s Jewish Festival in Sacramento. This was the biggest acoustic concert that Matisyahu ever did. I LOVE this song… I still get chills watching this video.

Light a Candle for Troy Davis

misschief916 — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:31:14 +0000

I’ve been following this case for the last few months since I’ve signed the petition to appeal Troy Davis’ death sentence on Change.org. Yesterday at the gym I did my cardio as I tuned into MSNBC to follow the story in real time. Lots of feelings and emotions stirred up as I watched and listened to interviews from Davis’ family, MacPhail’s family, and the witnesses involved. Tears streamed down my face as I watched the nation come together and take a stand for this innocent man. There was a sign of hope as the authorities granted a temporary reprieve at the set time of his execution, but in the end justice did not prevail.

If you’ve been following my social networks, you have an idea of how deeply saddened I am by this loss. In a matter of a few days the masses came together in support and to fight injustice. As I signed onto facebook and twitter #TroyDavis was everywhere. I got into a few words with some people who were upset at the sudden concern of the public. “Tomorrow they’ll forget,” they say. While I understand their anger and frustration, I don’t believe that bitching gets us anywhere. Sadly, injustice and ignornace will always exist. I too am disgusted by the selfishness and greed in the world… But if it angers you, use the anger as fuel to make that change! This was just one case… there are millions of Troy Davis’ in the world. There is always work to be done.

Ghandi’s words have become a cliche to many but it has been my motto for a long time: “BE the change you want to see in the world.” So simple, yet so empowering. WE need to be the example instead of complaining. Bitching and complaining without a solution is foolish. I’m a firm believer that each person possesses the power to make a positive difference in this world, but not all of us realize it. I’m not saying you have to make signs, protest and get in faces… but at the very least, educate yourselves. Be grateful that you get to take your next breath, and make the most of it. Why not want better for yourselves? For your children? For the world? Where will you go from here?

“The Session” presented by 916groove.com

misschief916 — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:45:39 +0000

The Sacramento Hip Hop scene is a VERY diverse one. I’ve gotten the opportunity to check out several artists an their crews. I’m pleased to say that I’m constantly impressed, especially since I’ve surrounded myself with a community of talented individuals. You’ve probably seen me tweet about wack artists while I watch them make a fool of themselves on stage, but the dope artists I’ve come across definitely make up for it.

I have to be completely honest… I’m not that familiar with this 916 groove or its artists but for this particular show I have some friends on the bill who I’d definitely love to support.

Joel of Lost and Found music is someone I truly admire. We have worked together and produced amazing events for the Sacramento music community. Our whole team went our separate ways and continued to do our own thing while still making a positive impact in this city. His label, Elevator Music Entertainment, is much more than a label. They are constantly supporting local artists and not only attending events but fully covering them! Check out one of the events they covered in one of my earlier posts: Task1ne Album Release of District 916.

Speaking of Task1ne, he’s on the bill for this event too! If you don’t know Task1ne, you clearly know nothing about Sacramento Hip Hop. Please check out his debut album District 916.

Speaking of District 916… the album was mixed and mastered at the infamous Soundcap Audio Recording Studios. The man behind the studio is none other than Pete Space of HGL who will also be rockin “The Session” on Sunday.

These are some multi-talented, genuinely good dudes who definiely put in work! MC Q Ball seems to be the main organizer of the event.. I’m interested to check him out as well as the rest of the artists rockin that night. We shall see!

Click the flyer for a link to the Facebook invite:

DLRN – “Reset” (feat. Prometheus Brown & Illecism) Official Music Video

misschief916 — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:59:58 +0000

DLRN proudly presents the visual accompaniment for the track “Reset” off their second EP The Bridge. The track features the Blue Scholars’ Prometheus Brown and Illecism of Fly High. Filmed for several days underneath the sweltering Mojave Desert sun, the video was directed by Sami Abdou of Faux Real Productions and filmed by Tim Jenkins. Conceptualized and written by Abdou, the music video gives a modern take on the old spaghetti Westerns of the 60′s.

DLRN is currently hard at work preparing the third installment of their EP trilogy to be released next year. Until then, The Bridge & No More Heroes is still available for download at http://dlrn.bandcamp.com.

“Reset” Music Video

 
Faux Real Productions
 
Director: Sami Abdou 
Cinematographer: Tim Jenkins
Editor/Graphic & Visual Effects: Doug Herman
Producer: Cynthia Quiles 
Special Thanks to: Jerome Palencia

“Reset” 
Performed by DLRN featuring Prometheus Brown & Illecism
Vocals by 5th Ave, Prometheus Brown, & Illecism
Produced by Jon Reyes

T.A.I.S. – Truth Arises In Search..

misschief916 — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:24:04 +0000

If you’re free for lunch tomorrow (today) join me at Sac State as T.A.I.S. performs at the Union Serna Plaza. This is a FREE event brought to you by Sac State UNIQUE.

Check out the Facebook Event

AC3 Festival 2011 Atlanta, GA

misschief916 — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:11:45 +0000

From Friday October 7th – Sunday October 9th the AC3 Hip Hop Festival is taking over ATL! Sacramento’s own Chuuwee is performing alongside many dope Hip Hop artists… LEGENDS and legends in the making. I’m really trying to make my way out there… Crossing my fingers! Click the image below to check out the website…

BORN DAY CELEBRATION!

misschief916 — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:29:34 +0000

If you know me, you may know some of the BS I had to deal with this year. It’s been crazy, not just for me but for everyone! 2011 has been full of ups and downs… but the ups are pretty damn amazing and for that I’m grateful. There’s nothing like pulling yourself up and rising above! Needless to say, I’ve grown tremendously through every single f*cked up experience and it feels GREAT! Last year was definitely challenging for me… I didn’t feel the need to celebrate, so I didn’t. But it’s a new year, new energy and I have SO much to be thankful for. I’m celebrating everything good in my life, and if that includes you.. then please join me!

Next month I celebrate another year of LIFE. October 13th to be exact. But mark your calendars for Friday, October 7th… The homie A.R.A.B. of First Dirt Republic invited me to celebrate with all the awesome 916 Libras… I hope y’all can make it to live it up with us. Check out the flyer below and click it to RSVP on facebook.

WHEN: Friday, October 7th 2011
WHERE: Harlow’s Restaurant & Night Club (27th & J)
PERFORMANCES: Turnitup DJ’s, Grey Space, Some Fear None, Timothy Rhyme, M.I. Geezus

I’ll be celebrating all month… In addition to this party, I’ll be in Los Angeles to the Bay Area celebrating with those I love in many ways — Food. Live Music. Dancing. Lumpia…. all the good stuff

HAPPY BORN DAY TO ME & ALL THE FLY LIBRAS!