LA Breakdown: Track 2- The Introduction

"But she is my love, my mental Ellen Page.."

Well I did promise to breakdown the idea behind every song on Late August everyday and well the days got away from me so I will just pick up where I left off.

This was actually the very last song I did for the whole thing. Matter of fact it was a last second thing that I threw together. I just needed some sort of true introduction song and as the intro prepared the listener for what they will hear this in a way did the same thing with a beat behind it. It was one of my favorite beats and decided it had a cool introduction feel to it. In the words I kind of just wanted to again give the feel of an introduction for the whole thing but as I wrote deeper and deeper into it I felt that I could take this into another direction. After I wrote the line:

"and the woman in my head, although I never see her."

I figured I could create a slight concept for the whole mixtape, use it as almost a romantic tale of my new journey with music. So all the interludes and everything were all birthed from this track. Thats why I stress for people to listen to it straight through because it has an idea behind it.


Download Late August Here if you dont have it yet.

Change we can believe in

I have always been opposed to talking politics on here and was reserving my vote until hearing a little bit more on both sides. After Obama's amazing speech and finally assuring what his change was and in the event of McCain's pick of VP I am leaning toward Obama who I believe can at least give us hope of a different regime.

LA Breakdown: Track 1-Intro

Well I said I would post a breakdown of every song, doing one a day just to give you an idea of what goes through my head when I am writing and recording. SO here is the first of many..

Well for the intro obviously there was heavy influence by The Dark Knight and Willy Wonka. I had just got done watching those movies so they were still fresh in my head. I wanted the intro to be real..different. I wanted it to be like an LCD trip to open it up and let the people be prepared for what they are going to hear. Well I decided to talk over the two most memorable songs that I remembered from Willy Wonka. They were all movie and book quotes and I would be very interested to see who knows where they are all from. If you do I will personally post a whole entry about how cool you are. So I used all sorts of quotes and played with the soundbytes I had to work for it to make it sound complete. All the quotes were from things that inspitred me to write this whole mixtape. 

On a side not I'm beginning to work for a mixtape in the winter time and I think I'm gonna go into some storytelling setting up a concept. Like I wasnt to tell an eleborate story..I can't give you too much info so you don't take it and because I haven't thought of it all..haha

So tune in tune in for tomorrows edition where I will talk about the song The Introduction.

P.S.

Download Late August

P.S.S.

Shout out to Trang who I hear actually keeps up with my blog and being the only one to admit it.haha. The internet is such a big place with many things to do so thanks for taking time out to view my words.

Late August

Click here to download
Late August

After much anticipation my debut mixtape is finally finished and up. Leave comments for any feedback on it but most importantly send this to whoever likes music and have them listen to it. Everyday I will breakdown a track and explain the concept and the idea behind it that may enhance the listening expierience. Once new posts come and this gets pushed down you can always download it at myspace.com/thisisdj0. So without further ado here is Late August.

Enjoy.

One More Day!

08/27/08

The People's Champ Hall of Fame: Stanley Kubrick

This man right here may literally be the most inspirational person ever in my life in the entertainment world. He is a true genius in every sense of the world. Easily your favorite director's favorite director. So many of my favorite movies he's filmed including..ahem.. Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and Eyes Wide Shut. His cinematography was unmatched and he set the bar for so many styles of filming. He was one of the last true directors who filmed on a vision and not because of the money. I can write so much on everyone of those individual movies but will withhold myself. He dabbled in every genre from thriller (The Shining) to sci-fi (2001:A Space Odyssey), and war movies (Full Metal Jacket) to Black Humor (Dr. Strangelove). He was a true visionary and now in my Hall of Fame.

You had to see it coming but it digusts me.

DENVER - Police have arrested three people they believe are linked to a white supremacy group in connection with a threat to possibly assassinate Sen. Barack Obama during the Democratic National Convention.

NBC News has learned that federal officials are downplaying the arrests, saying when one of the men was arrested, he made a threat against Obama, but they do not believe it was based on any kind of plan or actually intent.

"It looks like one guy just made a remark trying to act important," one federal official told NBC News.

However, other sources have told 9NEWS the three men may be connected to skinheads and that it appears they were involved in an assassination plot.

Aurora Police arrested the first man, 28-year-old Tharin Gartrell of Centennial, early Sunday morning after a routine traffic stop. During the traffic stop, officers found two rifles, boxes of ammunition, one rifle scope, a bullet proof vest, walkie-talkies and methamphetamines. Gartrell is being held in the Arapahoe County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond and has a felony criminal record.

Aurora Police say a second man, 32-year-old Nathan Johnson, was arrested at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday morning at a hotel near Interstate 25 and Belleview Avenue. He is being held by Denver Police.

A third man, 33-year-old Shawn Adolf of Greeley, was arrested at Cherry Creek Hotel in Glendale on Monday. NBC News reports that when police knocked on his hotel door, Adolf jumped out a sixth floor window. He landed on an awning and then jumped down to the ground, injuring himself. He ran into nearby bushes where officers apprehended him. Authorities say he had weapons.

He was taken to Denver Health Medical Center where he was treated.

Adolf was wanted on seven outstanding warrants totally more than $1 million.

9Wants to Know has learned the Gartrell arrest led investigators to the Rockies Inn at Evans Avenue and Interstate 25 and information learned there led them to the Cherry Creek Hotel.

"We're trying to figure out what these guys had in mind," an unnamed federal official told 9NEWS.

Sources tell NBC the two men had tattoos and jewelry popular with white supremacists.

At the Rockies Inn, investigators made contact with a number of people tied to Gartrell's arrest.

9Wants to Know spoke with the manager of the Rockies Inn and she said that the police were in the inn parking lot on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and they took down car license plate numbers.

"This is a methamphetamine and firearms case that arose from a traffic stop made by an Aurora Police officer. Firearms and methamphetamine were seized, and a number of individual are in state custody. The matter continues to be under investigation," said U.S. Attorney Troy Eid.

"We're aware of the matter discussed tonight by the Aurora Police Department. Federal law enforcement is working hand-in-glove with the Aurora Police Department. Because this matter is currently under investigation, there is little we can say right now," said Eid. "We can say this: We're absolutely confident there is no credible threat to the candidate, the Democratic National Convention, or the people of Colorado."

Federal officials plan to hold a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Officials tell 9Wants to Know the guns, ammunition and scopes were concerning because of the hour of the arrest and the suspect's previous criminal history.

"There is no reason for someone [with a criminal record] to have rifles with scopes," said an unidentified source.

People convicted of a felony are not allowed to possess guns.

Gartrell faces charges of drug possession and possession of materials to make amphetamines.

"Federal agencies are working together to do a follow up investigation after the arrest," said the official. "There may be pending firearms charges."

Those charges will likely be federal charges.

Gartrell has numerous drug-related arrests.

In December 2006, he pleaded guilty to felony possession of a controlled substance and received a deferred sentence.

When Gartrell was pulled over, an Aurora Police sergeant spotted him driving erratically in between lanes near East Hampden Avenue and South Parker Road at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. He was in a rented 2008 dark blue Dodge ram truck.

Gartrell was driving with a suspended driver's license and Aurora Police say he was on probation for previous drug charges.

Gartrell is a DJ at local clubs in Denver, including the Kazmos Lounge. His friends nicknamed him "Wheels" because he's always on the go. The owner of Kazmos Lounge says Gartrell is anything but a racist and says he can't believe Gartrell is being investigated as a possible white supremacist.

"He's just a total goofball. He's always smiling and making jokes, he's a big talker," said Victor Gomez, Kazmos Lounge owner. "He's not anti-black, absolutely not. He's not in any way shape or form a racist."

Adolf has a very lengthy criminal record. He was wanted on warrants for charges including theft, forgery, possession of a controlled substance, burglary.

_____________________________________________________________________

Really this makes me angry. Obama isn't just a presidential candidate. He is a symbol of change for a country that still has racial boundaries to clear. Now am I turning this into a, "I'm supporting Obama because he's black", type thing? Of course not. I am still unsure on who I will be voting for in November. But 20 years ago the idea of a black man getting even this far in the race would be laughed at. Now we are on the brink of it actually coming true. The thing is there's always been this idea burned into our head that when we have a black president he will be assassinated. Yes, odds are your favorite comedian has probably used that joke. For him to be this deep into it he has to had thought of this idea at least once. For him to still go out there knowing what can happen to him and what has been perceived to happen to someone in his position is an outstanding act of courage. Sadly this is one of many threats he, like every president, will get but his may be a little more serious if they caught this guy with ammo. I may not agree with all of Obama's politics but I commend him for doing what he's doing.

What's the black pres. thinkin' on election night 

Is it how can I protect my life? 

Protect my wife? 

Protect my rights? 

Every other president was nothin' less than white 

Except Thomas Jefferson and mixed Indian blood 

and Calvin coolers 

KKK is like 'what the %$##', loadin' they guns up 

loadin' mine too, Ready to ride 

Cause im ridin with my crew 

He dies - we die too 

But on a positive side, 

I think Obama provides Hope - and challenges minds 

-Nas "Black President"

Late August!

08/27/08

Soon..

Hype::Music Videos, Da Vinci::Painting

Of all of Hype's videos this one to me is the end all to end all. Easily my favorite hip hop video ever and one of the most innovative things to ever come from hip hop in general.

Yes. We. Can.

I never really talk politics on here because well, this is neither the time nor the place I feel to express my opinions. However Obama selecting Sen. Joe Biden was one of his best decisions he could have made. Finally shutting down the experience and foreign relation/policy argument that is always used it fills in for his shortcomings. Now Biden is very outspoken and is known to say a lot of dumb things including comments about Barack earlier in the campaign but apparently they have let that go. Either way it is better then Hillary because no one really wants the Clinton's in the picture anymore and the attention she would try to muster would be harmful to Obama's campaign. Him even allowing the Clinton's to even speak at the convention isn't a good look for him. Quite frankly I dont think Obama is the best candidate in the world but to me he is the best we have to choose from and the lesser of two evils.

While I'm on the subject I really encourage anyone of age not to just vote but educate yourself about the political happenings. An interesting quote I always use about government is, "The people should never be afraid of the government, the government should always fear it's people." We need to get out here and understand what's going on because these decisions being made affect us the most. Just voting isn't enough though. There is no point in uneducated voting. Find the candidate that fits your beliefs and philosophies and support them. Show interest in how our country is run and use the power it gives us.

The proof of RTB backstage

Here is Rosenberg's flip cam from RTB when he was backstage. We make a few nice cameos scattered throughout the video.

"Give me the green liggggggghhhhhhtttttttt..."

"...Give me just one Nighhhhttttttttt"

One of the better R&B cuts on the low this year and was so forgotten. The video came just in time and it is a pretty good video.

My TV Show of the Week: Curb Your Enthusiasm

This show basically is Seinfeld with no boundaries. It follows Larry David (creator of Seinfeld) as he does everyday things. It is Larry's banter that personally makes the show and is easily one of the best comedies on television today.

Episode 3

Fake MC's

Costanza-Fake MCs

Concrete Home in Switzerland

I'm a big fan of great modern architecture. I always feel I would be an architecture if I had more of an interest in math but thats another conversation for another day. This beautiful piece is an apartment building designed by Andreas Fuhrimann and Gabrielle Hächler. One of my favorite pieces I been across in a long time. A very sleek, modern design with plenty of impressive fixtures inside.

Episode 3

The Show About Nothing Episode 3

Here is episode 3 with only me and the man Aaron holding it down but if you have seen the pictures you knew we were backstage at Rock The Bells. This episode is all about our adventure and the greatest day of our lives. 

Episode 3

Cookie Jar- GCH Video

Just checked it out and its a real cool video for the song. I see Murs has a nice little cameo in there too.

Late August, The Show About Nothing, Rock the Bells, etc..

Well I been busy finishing things up so I haven't been able to blog but the mixtape is in the final stretch and we are wrapping up and looking at next tuesday at the earliest and next friday. I'm pretty excited because I think it is coming out fine and the only song that you have heard that is making the final cut is the Roc Boys freestyle which I am was getting pretty good reviews on. The rest is all new material I think you guys will enjoy.

Now with The Show About Nothing. We would love to hear your guys thoughts about it and what you like and don't like or would like to hear more of. We should be doing an episode soon (hopefully with a special guest) and you should get something by the end of the week.

Now with Rock The Bells..well it was the greatest day of my life and you will see pictures of it in a post tomorrow. Just continue to keep checking the blog and enjoy the music.

Peace

Madden 2009

You already know what it is. PSN:ThePeoplesChamp0 I'm online when I got time but once I get used to the controls its a wrap. The online leagues are a good look and the gameplay is improved drastically. 

New Complex Covers

One of my favorite magazines have two seperate covers. One with the beautiful, young Cassie and the other with N*E*R*D and Lupe. Both covers are very creative and it's finally good to see N*E*R*D getting some publicity.

Another classic Hype video

As you can see I'm a huge fan of music videos and spend hours on in at times searching them. Here is another classic Hype video that is one of my favoirites of all time.

The People's Champ Hall of Fame: Robert Downey Jr.

Man this is another one of those guys I have watched growing up and I just consider family. To see where he was and then see him now on the cover of Rolling Stone is amazing. He really went off the deep end and now just had one of the biggest movies of the summer on top of Tropic Thunder that comes out tomorrow. One of the most talented actors in the game right now and easily one of the most engaging.  It's finally good to see him enjoying himself and loving life. Here's to you Robert.

"Did you realize..."

"..that you were a champion in their eyes."

Kanye West "Champion Video" Official Directed by NEON from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Raider/Niner Preseason Game

I went and tailgated at the Raider/Niner preseason game and it was a cool atmosphere. Nice fun banter before the game and a pretty good game itself where I got to see what looks like a good young squad. But I will just explain the day in pictures.



Unloading the trunk to get the day started.



The grill and the cooler that will be the instruments for success for this afternoon.



Flags from fellow Raider fans.



My uncle holding down the grill.



All the fellow tailgaters in our row.



Some mascot getting harassed by some little kid but still posing for a picture.



About to go inside the stadium.



Hard to make out but that is Raider Elvis.



And finally one shot of the game before my phone died on me.

The Raiders ended up winning 18-6 but it was a cool day out to the coliseum in all.

The Show About Nothing Episode 2

After some technical difficulties we got episode two of the podcast so you can listen or download it here put it on your ipod and listen to it on your way to work or while your doing nothing. check a description of this episode on the Music Page or enjoy it here.

Episode 2

Edit.

Now a stream for everyone on the computer doing nothing.

You can have whatever you liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike

I'm not the biggest T.I. fan but this is a pretty good video and it made the song grow on me.

Against All Odds: Jack Youngblood

Jack Youngblood was a Defensive End for the LA Rams that one back to back Defensive Player of The Year award in 1975 and 1976. Right before the 1979-1980 playoffs Jack broke his fibula and was said to be out for the postseason. He ended up playing the whole postseason on the leg even when doctors told him it was dangerous and even went on to play in the Pro Bowl that year.

Jack Youngblood

Against All Odds.

My TV Show of the Week: The Wire

As you can see I watch alot of TV and out of all the shows I watch very few stick out as genuine good writing. There are some that deceive you but are still good shows but there are always those shows that you feel are bigger then just being a TV show. That speak of a generation or cause. The Wire is certainly one of them.

Set in current times in Baltimore, Maryland The Wire follows every aspect of the inner city. The streets, the blue collar workers, the political side, the schools and the newspaper. WIth such brilliantly prepared plots and great casting The Wire really becomes a world of its own. Although it didn't recieve the ratings of The Sopranos or have the appeal of Entourage anyone who has watched it will tell you it is truly something special.

Beijing 2008 Olympics

With easily the greatest opening ceremony in Olympic history Beijing really left nothing for the imagination. After spending over $48 Billion on renovating the city and creating the beautiful stadium and swimming facility they made they did not disappoint. China really has everyone beat in terms of how far along they are with technology and this opening ceremony was really one of the best technilogical displays of all time.



















Although I think we do a bad job of highlighting Olympic qualifiers to bring us athletes to watch out for and instead just flood it with our NBA players and the best sprinter there are still people to look out for from the USA. Here are 3 USA Olympic athletes to be on the lookout for during the next few weeks.


Michael Phelps:

After a 6 gold medal year in Athens he is up for 8 this year after already winning one as we speak mattter of fact.


Tyson Gay:

Our true Track and Field hero this year has done things the clean way but will only be competing in the 100m race due to falling injured in the qualifications for the 200m.


Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor:

The suprise olympic heroes of the 2004 games this duo has been domination the beach volleyball circuit these past 4 years and should come home with another gold.


Enjoy the Olympics because it's the one time when we get to look past the problems of the world for 3 weeks and root for our country and its athletes. It's a time of peace and happiness as we watch everyone from our respected country represent us and give us something to be proud of.

RIP Mr. Mac

Its very rare that a celebrity death really hits me. Alot of them I just feel no real personal connection to be affected by it. But when I heard Bernie Mac died I was hit. When I was texted this morning that he passed I didn't believe it. It was one of those things you couldn't believe without seeing proof. I went to the NY Times on my phone and sure enough there it was. I stared at it for a good 5 minutes to even believe it.

Bernie wasn't just another comedian. To me he was like family. His standup on Def Comedy Jam and on the Kings of Comedy is what I grew up on. There are very few celebrities I can say that about. I always wanted to be famous to be able to meet the man. He was so humble and just to sit and talk with him would be a dream come true. He was a true innovator of stand up comedy and will be looked in history as one of the greats of our era. I really have been going about my day thinking about this and it really hurts. He has always struggled with sicknesses but he was supposed to get through this one.

I was supposed to meet him.
One day I will.
R.I.P Bernie Mac.
I aint scared of you M'Fers.

Living Legend, Christian Dior himself!

Right now Christian is on top of Louis Vuitton holding things down but this is just an appreciation of one of the best designers in the history of fashion.

Instant Classic

BLUEPRINT 3 from kwest on Vimeo.

Kanye came back to NYC for the Glow In The Dark Tour and said he was working on beats for Jay in the studio. And what came out was a ridiculous beat followed by an appearance by Hov himself dropping a verse. The beat is just...eghk..disgusting

My TV Show of the Week: Seinfeld

One of the greatest shows of all time yet so many people sleep on it. To me there will never be another sitcom as innovative and captivating as Seinfeld was. The writing and cast was absolutely perfect and to me George Costanza may be in the running for best TV character of all time. Anyone who has never given it a chance needs to watch a few episodes and get back to me. The genius of Larry david and Jerry Seinfeld is amazing.

Plus Jerry Seinfelds swag is crazy

Put on Freestyle

Now that were in the final stretch of the mixtape were gonna get alot of songs on the cutting room floor that didn't make it and I will leak those on here for anyone that just wants some new stuff. So here is one over the Put On instrumental where I took the concept of the chorus and sort of ran with it. It's not a diss song to anyone just speaking my mind and putting on for my city I always been in. Not San Jose or Fremont but the city I have been in my whole life. My ode to Milpitas..haha

Put On Freestyle

Classic Hype Video

One of my favorite music video directors and one of my favorite rap groups equals a classic video.

The People's Champ Hall of Fame: James Dean

One of my favorite actors of all time in one of my favorite movies of all time (Rebel Without a Cause), is always such an inspiration to me. Truly one of the best talents of all time, even with such a short catalog he left quite a legacy. Although he died a such a young age he left a mark on cinema and on me personally. 

Attention Graphic Designers and Creative Thinkers!

I am looking for someone who is talented in the designing department to assist me on the cover art of my new project coming out soon. Anyone interested can leave a comment with an email I can reach you at or message me on my music myspace page so we can knock this out ASAP.

Salvador Dali: Alice In Wonderland Collection

Salvador Dali is one of my favorite surreal artists and has made many clasisic pieces you have probably seen somewhere but never knew who did it. Here with one of my favorite collections is 2 out of 12 of the complete Alice In Wonderland paintings he painted in honor of his favorite book. Seeing how it is one of my favorite books it is a collection that is special to me and being how he was one of the most brilliant minds during the surreal era it was fitting he did this particular book.

To view the remaining 12 of the paintings click here.