Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Me, 'A Different Interest'
Here is a leftover track that's not gonna make the final cut. The Dream State drops tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Introduction
The below videos are a documentary filmed on me while working on my new project Part 2...The Dream State. The music and this doc go hand-in-hand so i guess the project will be the soundtrack to this. My homie Dre is an up and coming film producer from NY and he came down and followed me around for a day. The footage is straight raw and unedited, just the way i intended it to be. This is sorta my 'Fade to Black'. Let the video load up first to get the full quality. Part 2...The Dream State drops Friday! August 13th..
Monday, August 9, 2010
'A Dream State' (Documentary, Part One)
Part One from Terrence Franklin on Vimeo.
A documentation of a young man tryna make it
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Until It's Perfect
Long time, no talk eh? With good reason tho ... alot of my usual blogging time has been wrapped around the production of my new project Part 2...The Dream State. Super excited about the way it's coming along. Every single day, i add something new to it, even if it's the smallest vocal edit, writing of a hook, or mapping out of a concept. Dream State is the second installation of the two-part 'Beautiful Mind' projects. Last time around, i wrote about the realities of my life in a sorta hold-nothing-back manner. This time, the music doesn't sound AS dark as it did with This Beautiful Mind due to the album's main focus, the dream state. It's sort of an exhibition of the differences between the conscious and unconscious mind. I sought out more outside production and i think i may only produce one of the album's songs. Oh, and the music is all original on this one.
I'm about 7 songs in, and what i have so far, flows incredibly well. The intro contains perhaps the most heartful and truthful verse i've ever recorded, along with a fitting clip of some of Will Smith's words in a certain one of his movies, don't wanna say which lol. It continues on which the second track and the music beautifully unfolds from there. An as-of-yet titled track features the guy who is responsible for me making music. In our verses, we speak of how we started off making music together, where our lives took off from there, and where we are now. There's also a track entitled 'Bring The Horns' produced by The Stuyvesants. The beat is ridiculous! There's this beat change at the 32 second mark that makes my heart stop. I have some other great tracks as well but i think i'll continue to keep them to myself..
Whenever i finish a new song, i'm usually so excited about it that i wanna put it out immediately! I feel like i've gotten so much better as a writer and some of the things i've been coming up with lately have me overjoyed. I've sent certain songs around to a few people and the responses that i have received let me know that this is about to be something big...i'm really trying as hard as i can to put together 14 songs that i feel completely confident in, which means i'll have to record somewhere between 25-30. This is gonna be a fun summer..
Part 2...The Dream State
Saturday, May 29, 2010
One Love
I think everybody knows that Hip Hop is coming back to the West. It's inevitable. Due to the laws of physics, it HAS to come back West lol. Here on the Left Coast, there's WAY too much talent for us not to make our mark in history this time around, sorta like the way Dre did it back in the 90's..
With any movement, there has to be Unity. Think about it...when Dre brought the West Coast to prominence in the early 90's, he had a whole movement behind him. His first album, The Chronic, introduced the world to Snoop, Daz, Karupt, Lady of Rage and Nate Dogg. I say that to say this....people aren't gonna notice a region by one popular artist creating good music, there has to be Unity.
I know so many talented musicians out here...and i think it's a shame that we don't all know each other. There's a broad range of different styles and sounds out here in the West, i think we are the most diverse sounding region in Hip-Hop. That said, we have the ability to leave an unimaginable sized impact, not just on Hip-Hop, but in music period. Nobody is ever gonna come up to us and hand us an opportunity to a larger platform, we have to do it ourselves...AND IT WOULD BE SO EASY IF PEOPLE WOULD BE WILLING TO DROP THEIR EGOS. Think about it...how hard would it be to form a team of some of the dopest talent in SoCal? I know many of them personally. It would be a win-win situation! Benefitting us individually by giving us the opportunity to extend our network with different emcees/producers, which would better us as artists. AND it's better for us as a whole because it would put the spotlight on our area and we'd gain each others' supporters.
The fact of the matter is, as artists, we don't wanna support each other because each one of us is trying to climb the ladder individually. We compete with each other instead of competing together. All it would take is one day, one gathering where all the dopest artists from this area meet up and really get to chop it up with one another...exchange contact, Twitter info or whatever...it could be at a park with a DJ and everything, a few performances...in the long haul, we'd even be able to put out a project together...that shit would be CLASSIC. This has never been done before, and i'm about positive that it would bring about success.
Let's stop bullshittin and put this shit together. Some time this summer, this should go down. It could be like the Hip-Hop version of Nick Fury's S.H.I.E.L.D. only there would be no hiearchy. I stand here today and send out this declaration to every indie artist in the Southern California region. There's no way i'd be able to put this together alone, but if this idea can catch on, we'd have an unstoppable family of dopeness. Just give it some thought and think about the possibility..
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Strange Arrangement
This week's purchase goes to Mayer Hawthorne's A Strange Arrangement. Take me serious when i say this....this is one of the best cds i've ever purchased. EVER. This album is so great that i'm gonna buy it for every single one of my music loving friends. I've been saying that somebody should come along and bring back REAL soul music. This man has successfully done it. Clap for him. So please, if you're looking for new music, buy this album. If you love real music, there's no way you'll be disappointed.
Stevie Crooks 'Quiet Place' Produced by ME
On This Beautiful Mind i spoke about a song i produced for Stevie Crooks' Diamonds & Guns sessions that didn't make the final cut. This is it.
'Round Midnight
Many people who Create, myself included, are generally more likely to feel more inclined after hours. I believe there is a science to this tho...you see, creativity and logic are on the two opposite ends of the spectrum. Our brains function differently during different parts of the day. During the daytime, as the sun rises, the more logical parts of our brain kick in to help us cope with what we must face during daytime hours. Remember that we live by the Universe's associative laws. The part that kinda sucks is that in life, we are often bound by the principles of logic...it hinders us in a way. However, as the sun begins to set, a different part of our mind begins to kick in. That logical area of the mind begins to fade as our brain is getting our bodies prepared for the next phase, the dream state. This is why many artists create at nite...many artists will tell you that their best pieces of work have been created after hours. During these hours, our thinking process is shifted. Thoughts that have been repressed by our logic begin to surface. Here's an example you may be able to identify with. Have you ever been on the phone late at nite or early in the morning talkin to that guy or girl in your life and you find yourself saying/thinking extra simpish shit you wouldn't ordinarily say mid-day? Then the next day, during regular daylight hours, you think to yourself 'What the fuck was i saying/thinking last nite? And you snap out of it. This is no coincidence. It's because a different area of our brains are in control during that portion of the day. When your mind is 100% on the opposite end of logic, it is what is known as...a dream. A realm where logic does not reside. So if ever you feel extra creative during the nite, just know that it's because your mind is a bit closer to entering the dream state. Amazing the things and ideas that can emerge 'round midnight..
Me, 'Scarlet'
Are you busy right now? No? Good. Give me four minutes of your time. i need you to come somewhere with me...a trip inside my mind. I want you to hear music as i hear it...as you listen to this, close your eyes and take allow me to take you to the streets of Spain. If you have a pair of headphones, this works even better...this is a beat i made a while back for my next project entitled The Embassy.
Thank You!
One thing i forgot to include with this project of mine is the Thank You index! So here it goes..
Before all, i'd like to thank my Creator...really goes without saying. My brother Tony for being the super hero you've been to me for 21 years of my life. My father, even though we don't speak much, whenever we do speak you always ask 'So you got any new music?' Your support means everything to me....My brother Xavier for being there for the entirety of my music journey. Remember when we used to be at my house and i would rhyme one of my new verses and we'd get to school and you'd say in fronta everybody 'Ay spit that shit you spit to me yesterday. That ONE shit!' And when i would finish, you'd tell me to spit it again! lol. My brother Joe for being the person responsible for me even creating music...i don't give a damn what you say, The Union will return! My brother Jack for being the single person constantly on my head about putting an entire project together. My brother Kelley for making me realize the talent that i had when at times, i'd be doubtful of myself...Steven, good lookin on the artwork! Shit is classic! Monique, thanks for ALL your support! I can honestly say you've probably been behind my music more than anyone...thats love. Dauche, thank you for being one of the first people to blog my music...the ill part about it is that you'd never tell me you blogged it, i'd look up and it's just there! Marco for being one of the first people to let it be known for people not to sleep on me. Thanks to the whole RiseA07 fam in its entirety. Let's do business some time soon! Funny story real quick, i was at the DMV the other day and somebody's ticket number was A070 and when the system called the number, the lady in fronta me rose up. Get it? Rise A07! DOPE! I believe that to be some sorta sign...Gotta thank the villain Stevie Crooks for bein the lyrical bully around this bitch! You already know where you're headed...Everybody that has ever complimented me on my music, i sincerely thank you! That shit is NEVER under appreciated. Marz Lovejoy waddup?! Can't wait for people to hear what we got comin...to my dear friend Ashanti, thank you for being the only person featured on This Beautiful Mind. If you ever decide to start the band that you dream of, you already know i'm down for the cause! Strheatz, Nine30 and the whole FBC! To my sister Raquel, thank you for being one of the only people i feel comfortable talking to about ANYTHING. Ummm, who else? Can't really think right now lol. If i forgot to acknowledge you, it's not because my mind and heart has forgotten you, it's because it's 8 am and my brain isn't all the way functional yet LMAO.
Oh, one last one....the little man that's graced the cover of this project. My little dude, my nephew Tyler. I love you more than anything in this world. My music is dedicated to you. This is my first project, my inception....my own 'Illmatic'. Thank you for saving my life..
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Welcome to The Gallery
It's funny...whenever people find out that i make music, the first thing they ask me is 'What's your rap name?' I always seem to laugh/cringe at that question. The strange part about what i do is that, even though i'm on my songs rapping, i don't consider myself a rapper....AT ALL. For a few reasons..i don't carry myself in that manner. If you know me, you'd know that i almost never mention the fact that i even make music at all. It's something that i do, not who i am. So why should i go by a separate moniker other than the name given to me at birth?
I always hate to talk about myself, but i guess i'm doing this because my music IS something that i love whole-heartedly so i guess i should take the time to explain myself as an artist. ARTIST. Root word: Art. That's the approach i take to my craft. And in art, there is no right or wrong way to create. With my last project 'This Beautiful Mind', it literally took me three years to create. Not as far as writing the material, but as far as CREATION. That project is a document of everything my life has consisted of in the past three years of my life. Every song has it's own feel as i constructed the songs to serve as different emotions. If i could have things my way, i'd wish for everyone to listen to it in a very dark room with headphones on lol. If you want to hear the type of music blasts out your speakers and makes you nod your head real hard, then my music may not be the music for you. And that's totally ok. I've been creating for about four years now and i wanted to challenge myself and push the envelope as far as the things that are expected of me.
I feel like it's way too easy and typical to just rhyme over beats and put a clever scheme of words together. The competitive side of me wants to do that at times because i don't think there are many people around here that can hang with me lyrically. (And yes, that's the cocky side of me talking lol). But EVERYBODY is doing that! Remember that MUSIC IS ART. Originality means everything to me. Everybody can rhyme, but how many people can paint pictures so vivid that you can close your eyes and SEE the things you hear? I believe my abilities as a producer allow me to paint those same pictures without any words at all. Actually, i enjoy producing more than rhyming. I feel as though raw instrumentals at times tell more of a story. Sometimes the best way to say something is to say nothing at all..
So i guess that explains it....if you decide to listen to my music, listen to the project in its entirety...it's the way i intended it to be heard. Approach it not as a listener of music, but as one who appreciates art. Those are the people i try to reach..
Listen to 'This Beautiful Mind' HERE
I'm Excited.
A lil while ago, i shot a cheap visual to one of my favorite songs of mine, 'Casual'. That emerged out of me being bored in my room and wanting to do somethin real quick...BUT...i am pleased to say i will be shooting an official version for the song very very soon...like in a month soon...i already wrote the treatment for it and everything. My boy Philmatic will be filming and if you've ever seen any of his work, you'll know that his work is never anything less than epic. That's all i wanna say about it for now....i can show you things better than i can tell you..
Here's the song:
Drake's 'Thank Me Later' Track List
1. Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys) (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib)
2. Karaoke (Produced by Francis and the Lights)
3. The Resistance (Produced by 40)
4. Over (Produced by Boi-1da & Al-Khaaliq)
5. Show Me A Good Time (Produced by Kanye West)
6. Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj) (Produced by Boi-1da)
7. Fancy (feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz) (Produced by Swizz Beatz)
8. Shut It Down (feat. The Dream) (Produced by 40 & Omen)
9. Unforgettable (feat. Young Jeezy) (Produced by 40 & Boi-1da)
10. Light Up (feat. Jay-Z) (Produced by 40 & Tone Mason)
11. Miss Me (feat. Lil Wayne) (Produced by Boi-1da & 40)
12. Cece’s Interlude (Produced by 40)
13. Find Your Love (Produced by Kanye West)
14. Thank Me Now (Produced by Timbaland)
2. Karaoke (Produced by Francis and the Lights)
3. The Resistance (Produced by 40)
4. Over (Produced by Boi-1da & Al-Khaaliq)
5. Show Me A Good Time (Produced by Kanye West)
6. Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj) (Produced by Boi-1da)
7. Fancy (feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz) (Produced by Swizz Beatz)
8. Shut It Down (feat. The Dream) (Produced by 40 & Omen)
9. Unforgettable (feat. Young Jeezy) (Produced by 40 & Boi-1da)
10. Light Up (feat. Jay-Z) (Produced by 40 & Tone Mason)
11. Miss Me (feat. Lil Wayne) (Produced by Boi-1da & 40)
12. Cece’s Interlude (Produced by 40)
13. Find Your Love (Produced by Kanye West)
14. Thank Me Now (Produced by Timbaland)
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Birthday gift to a dear friend..
She's a big Kanye fan so i gave made her this piece and wrote some of the names of her favorite tracks from 'Ye....i gave up my autographed copy of The College Dropout. It wasn't an easy thing to do but i'm sure she'd appreciate it more than i ever would...Happy 20th Raquel!
JOURNAL ENTRY #2 April 29th, 2010
Waddup tho?! Alrite, so tell me why i went to a Nas concert last Saturday?! Shit was very very epic. Oh, Little Brother and Murs were there as well. They kilt that shit too....but it was so crazy to see Nas perform some of my favorite songs of ALL TIME RIGHT IN FRONTA MY FACE. He did most of Illmatic. To be honest, i wasn't even that hyped up physically. I just stood there and watched in amazement....true inspiration. But besides that? Hmmm...what else has been goin on? Work is work i guess....although i do like the hours because it leaves me with the whole day to do whatever it is i need to do. The people there are cool too...lets see....after many months of not being able to see ANYTHING, i finally got 3 new sets of contacts! As dumb as it sounds, being able to once again see makes me appreciate life much more. It really does...everything looks as though it's in high definition. Crazy right? But that's all i have for now, see you on Journal Entry #3.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
This Week: Enter The Wu-Tang/36 Chambers
Alrite, this week's album purchase goes to Wu-Tang's 36 Chambers. RZA's production on this album is amazing. He's probably one of my biggest influences as far as production. He purposely creates his drums to sound gritty and grimy, and at times, i sorta do the same thing. This is the album that introduced the world to the Wu-Tang Clan and contains hits such as 'Protect Ya Neck' 'Method Man' and 'C.R.E.A.M.'. Released in 1993, it still remains to be one of Hip-Hop's most important and revered albums.
Think, Period.
The following videos are a recording of me choppin it up wit my homie Steven about a buncha random stuff....interesting tho. LMFAO @ how i started the conversation on the second video.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Stevie Crooks '48'
Stevie Crooks - 48 by Stevie Crooks
Speakin of Stevie, i just sent him this text:
'I just crafted the most retarded beat for you! This shit is mentally challenged! Contact me ASAP!!!'
#MOMF!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Associative Laws of the Universe
Growing up, i've always heard people say 'You are who you hang around..'. For years, i dismissed it as bullshit, but as i grow older and wiser, i've come to realize that there is a science behind that statement.
You see...that statement is valid due to the associative laws of this universe. The associative laws serve to help us survive. EVERYTHING THAT IS DONE NATURALLY ON THIS PLANET IS FOR THE AID OF OUR SURVIVAL. THATS THE BEAUTY OF THE UNIVERSE! But anyway...survival. You are what/who you surround yourself with, for better or for worse. Examples. When we are exposed to the sun, we become tanned. In that tanning process, our bodies create melanin, a pigment used to protect us from harmful UV rays. If you surround yourself with 10 people who are all similar, you'll slowly adapt their ways. Not because you think they're cool, but because thats the way association works. It's science. The universe is designed to equip you with whatever elements you need to survive in that particular environment. It's why we get goosebumps...they serve as insulation for the skin to protect against the cold. On the flip, sweat serves as coolant for the body. I've even read that if you put a group females in an environment, then over time, they'll all begin to menstruate at the same time. Us humans alter ourselves to our surroundings.
I've noticed something VERY interesting. See, i grew up in LA but moved out to the I.E. when i was thirteen. The Inland Empire and Los Angeles contain TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT STYLES OF LIVING. Life seems to be quicker out in Los Angeles...you're kinda forced to grow up faster. The interesting thing is that if you take a 16 year old male that's grown up in the inner city and a 16 year old male that has lived in the suburbs his whole life, they look completely different. I've noticed that people in the inner cities look WAY more mature...this is due to the environment. When i was in middle school out in LA, there were 7th graders with full-grown beards. Out here, you hardly see that. Perfect example of the associative laws in action. Knowing this, begin to surround yourself with positivity, love and success....you'll have no choice but to begin to adapt and assimilate. Trust.
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