 I ran into jazz legend Herbie Hancock and had a long talk with him about The Internet, The digital divide and Hip Hop music. Herbie along with some brothers from The Conduit [ http://www.theconduit.com] are in the process of setting up a computer center in San Francisco's Hunters Point Bayview district. The project is designed to teach people the full potential use of computers and The Internet. It will also tap into their artistic and creative skillz and talents. It seems like an incredible program. Herbie gave me a lot of insight and game with regards to the Internet. He also offered a global perspective on things on the Internet which was both encouraging and sobering. It was encouraging that to know that there is so much out there for us to embrace and explore. At the same time there is a lot of catching up that needs to happen in numerous 'third world' countries. What he broke down is way too much to include in this column, but it certainly validated some of my thoughts and definitely made my day.. As for Hip Hop, Herbie noted that he doesn't like to stay confined to one genre of music. His most recent efforts have been more or less straight ahead jazz, but some of his future endeavors will move him back toward the Hip hop arena. He also noted that he wished Hip Hop had evolved more musically. He was hoping that the melodic components within the genre would've been more advanced. He saw a certain leveling out..and feels that there are still a few more levels Hip Hop music can obtain.. I forgot to ask him about his old DJ Grandmixer DST and whether or not he knew what he was up to...I caught up with Stic and M-1 of Dead Prez who ripped a nice set during one of the Juke Box jury panel discussion. They performed some new songs off what his looking to be a dope album entitled 'Get Free'. The question on everyone's mind is will they be able to sell well especially when so many people seem to have their thoughts elsewhere. I think so.. Dad Prez definitely have street appeal. That was evidence by the reaction to their songs.. The brothas are coming deep. Their set included a slide presentation of photos of African American leaders ranging from slain Chicago Black Panther Fred Hampton to Huey Newton to Malcolm X and others. They talked about everything from police brutality to Asaata Shakur and Prop 21. It was refreshing and to say the least stimulating. The evenings showcases were far too many to take in.. I was left having to choose between seeing E-40 and Kurupt at one venue in San Francisco's Mission District. Across town at the DNA Lounge, Kool Keith, DJ Revolution, Juice, Rasco, Zion I and numerous others were throwing down.. In another part of the city, Dilated peoples, Hieroglyphics and Living Legends were on a bill.. The Poetess was hosting an unsigned artist showcase, while right around the corner Special K and Teddy Ted of the Awesome Two were holding it down for people like Fatlip formerly of the Pharcyde. Ghostface Killer was doing his thing elsewhere. Wyclef was in town hosting an event. It's great to have choices but this was too much..I tired to do it all..
 I caught up with Fatlip but never got to see him perform..some of the earlier sets kept dragging on.. However, we did have an interesting conversation..He told me about his upcoming solo project entitled 'Revenge of The Nerd'. I asked him if anyone else would be on it and he emphatically told me this will be his SOLO project where listeners will get to understand the full complexities of Fatlip. I asked him if he and The Pharcyde would ever get back together. he told me 'yes... in the year 2010'. He also told me he wasn't feeling his first single 'Goldmine' and What Up Fatlip?. He said it didn't wasn't as good as the material on the album. He also said he wrote a movie but couldn't divulge all the details.
I also caught up with the group Channel Live. They told me that they are currently finishing up an album called 'Arm-A-Ghetto'. They also said that they are still down with KRS-one. In fact they have done quite a bit of work helping him out with some of the new acts he has been signing for Warner Brothers /Reprise Records.They also noted that in the new Millennium, Hip Hop will will eliminate its wackness...
 The showcase featuring Kool Keith was packed to the point no one could get in after 11:30 pm.. E-40's function was also packed but fortunately he had a much bigger venue. Everyone and their grandmother came out to see the performance. D-Shot who is E-40's brother set it off with some new material that was knocking..His performance was energetic.. Kurupt followed and got wreck. The man definitely has skillz. He tore down the house when he did his hit song 'We can Freak It'. E-40 and The Click came through and did his thing. One thing about E-40 is he does have a string of hits that'll keep you going for a while..He can also deliver his music. My only complaint was he packed the stage with way too many people. It took away from him and his performance.Nevertheless folks seemed to enjoy themselves as this Yah [Bay] Area favorite threw down... and did his 'thugthisel' . |