Crooked Straight | Trek Speaks

Bishop Lamont, Battlecat n'dem officially said that its summertime

2009-07-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

*puts on rollerskates*

The cold part about is, I can't even skate lol. This joint will make you want to though. BRING ON THE HOT WEATHER!!

Nothing Could Be Better (feat. Suga Free, Chevy Jones, Bokey & Butch Cassidy) prod by Battlecat & 1500 Or Nothin’

Link

3 things that yo' mama told you that have been lost on the ina'net

2009-06-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Since the dawn of the new age called the internet, we have all become increasingly more attached and outgoing. All of us once internal people, are now spilling out guts about what we like, who we are, who we don't like and so on for the world to see. With a WiFi signal and a click, you can share your opinion on just about anything, sometimes anonymously, most times with a nice pretty picture of yo face and a list of things that you do on the weekends right next to it.

Where I think that people that frown upon this all are really the silly ones (I mean you could easily just ignore it right? What's the point of having an opinion on something that you can simply never apply to?), there are some general principles that have been lost in all the fun. The result is often a mean look or a tough talking to, but sometimes a beatdown!

Let's explore the 3 things yo' mama told you that have been lost on the ina'net:

3. Tell the truth and shame the Devil...

This relates to the personality that some of us have created for ourselves on the world wide web. NO, you aren't 5'5 with a track runner body just because it says it on facebook. NO, you don't own 3 cars and a house with a dog just because it says it on your MySpace page. You can't twitter nor IM yourself into falsehoods. This is simple, you'd do better telling the truth in these cases, exaggerating is only going to lead to embarrassment in the long run. I'm just sayin...

2. Mind your business...

Aaahh yes, blogging has made everyone's business, everyone else's business. It's one thing to talk about things that have been put out there. It's all in good fun, share your opinion, but when private matters hit the net, sometimes, shit hits the fan. I can dig it though. I mean, who wants their beez-wax a mouse click away at all times? lol I look on the news and see that a high school girl got jumped for talking reckless on MySpace, and I think "well, that's what happens I guess (shrug)." No sadness, no, "oh my God what's this world coming to?" Actually, that leads to the next point, let's move on...

1. Don't let your mouth write checks, that you ass can't cash...(The Perez Hilton complex)

There's a very good reason why some people go through life without dealing with much mess. That reason is often that they don't generate mess to begin with. At the secure frame of 5"9 and somewhere around 145 you just wont see me out and about talking crazy to someone the size of Shaq. I mean, i'ma fight for mines, but why even put yourself in that position to begin with. That man knew he couldn't fight! He knew that he could knocked out at any time, but decided to write all sorts of ridiculous things about people. Got punched NOW YOU WANNA SUE? There should be a check systems for mouth checks with no ass collateral. I've seen it far too many times. Someone says something about someone on the net, and gets beat up that same Friday or Sat for their words. Even worse, gets their ip address figured and ends up getting a visit <--no bullshit. Use common sense folks. I'm just sayin'.

All and all I leave you with this, "Its better to be more smart than proud" You can lose a WHOLE lot of shit being proud. It aint always about getting socked, sometimes you can lose close friends, fam, or worse, get you or someone you love shot.

This has been a Trek Life PSA. I love all ya'll. Surf Safely

peace

New Money has finally hit stores Release party this Sat @ Bridges!!!

2009-05-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Without further ado the US release of New Money, Oddisee remixes of my debut album Price I've Paid have hit stores. The CD includes to exclusive NEW bonus tracks that you cannot get on iTunes (yet).

If you're in the LA area, please make it out to Bridges @ El Cid, tomorrow night for the release party. You can get on the free guestlist @ dpsound1@mail.com.

Click on either of the images for information to the release party and to purchase New Money.

Bridges @ El Cid!! Sat, May 9th!!
NEW MONEY RELEASE PARTY!!!

DIAMOND DISTRICT ALBUM "IN THE RUFF" - LIMITED FREE DOWNLOAD

2009-04-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD “IN THE RUFF” HERE!

http://www.zshare.net/download/58639724e3cf086e/
http://www.divshare.com/download/7100534-bf0

00 Intro
01 Streets Wont Let Me Chill
02 Who I Be
03 Back To Basics
04 I Mean Business
05 Get In Line
06 In The Ruff
07 The Shining (Produced by Dunc)
08 The District
09 Make It Clear
10 Off The Late Night (Produced by Slim kat 78)
11 Let Me Explain
12 First Time

DOWNLOAD “IN THE RUFF” HERE!

http://www.zshare.net/download/58639724e3cf086e/
http://www.divshare.com/download/7100534-bf0

In The Ruff is the highly anticipated debut album from new DC hip hop group “The Diamond District”, created by state veterans Oddisee, X.O. & YU. In The Ruff is the answer for any lover of hip hop who asks the question - “Where did that grimy East coast sound go?”

The group was founded by rapper/ producer Oddisee, who has a long list of production & collaboration credits with the likes of Freeway, Talib Kweli, Siagon, Little Brother, Trek Life, Charles Hamilton, Jazzy Jeff, Buck Shot, Royce the 5'9”, Nikki jean, Muhsinah, J-live, Lil Fame of MOP, Skyzoo and many more. Oddisee’s soulful, haunting samples over bass-heavy beat breaks create the perfect instrumentals for him, XO & YU to match with their street savvy, politically conscious lyrics.

“The ware wolves wear wool suits, be ware of them…”-YU

In The Ruff is a raw mid-90’s Boom-Bap themed album for the DC state of mind, destined to appeal to all lovers of hip hop’s golden era, managing to travel back in time and push the boundaries of DC Hip-Hop simultaneously.

DOWNLOAD “IN THE RUFF” HERE!
http://www.zshare.net/download/58639724e3cf086e/
http://www.divshare.com/download/7100534-bf0

Trek Life Acrylick's Featured Artist + Root Down this Thursday

2009-04-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

What up ya'll,

Hope all is well with everyone and 09' is being good to you. The Euro Tour with Oddisee went brilliant as it always does. Shout out to all the promoters, DJs, Friends, and party people that took care of us out there. We're already mapping out next year's run to places we were invited but didn't get a chance to get to.

New Money's CD release date is May 5th. That being said there are a few shows coming up. Root Down this Thursday 04/16 and Bridges Saturday May 9th. Make sure to come out and rock with us.

Freebies from Trek Life as well as Diamond District (Oddisee, XO & YU) are below. Their debut album "In The Ruff" will be released for free download today April 14th. For more information check their site diamonddistrictdmv.com

Also, I am proud to be Acyrlick's Featured artist this month on acrylick.net make sure to check out the interview below.

Til' next time ya'll.

Peace

____________________________________

Press

Interview @ Acrylick.net

____________________________________

Links/Contacts/Booking

mctreklife@gmail.com
myspace.com/treklife

oddiseetrek.com

myspace.com/mellomusicgroup

____________________________________

Freebies

Trek Life- Self Portrait prod by Lars vom Dorf (ThinkLoud)

Diamond District - Who I Be (Oddisee Music)
Diamond District - I Mean Business (Oddisee Music)
Click here to download all songs

____________________________________

Purchase

Click here to purchase Trek Life's music on iTunes

____________________________________

Upcoming Shows

Trek Life & DJ Tommy Blak live @ Root Down Thurs 04/16

Click Here for map to Show

____________________________________

Featured Quote

"Let the whole world know my name before I die." - Trek Life

--

Trek Life

Timeless Music

J.Bizness - Red Bull Big Tune L.A. Winner Releases Debut Album

2009-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

What it is good people. I would like to introduce (or re-intro) ya'll to my man J.Bizness. Hailing from the 909, he's the producer of the songs "Black Music" & "One Idea" on my debut album Price I've Paid. I have long said that this cat is a very dope actual "producer" with vision for songs that go along with the beats he creates. The press release is below. Listen to the beats and enjoy.

peace
www.myspace.com/jbizthaill
www.illregularinstrumentals.com/

The Re-emergence of the West Coast Sound

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - April 8, 2009 - J. Bizness, Los Angeles winner and national finalist of Red Bull Big Tune 2008, readies the release of his debut hip hop instrumental album. The album titled Reason: Beats & Pieces is set to release under the artist's own imprint Illregular Instrumentals,
LLC. online for digital distribution only, on Itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and Napster on June 9, 2009.

Amidst several budding artists hailing from the West Coast, with music blurring the sounds between genres, eras, and regions, a familiar yet modern sound emerges from newcomer J. Bizness. Solely using Propellerhead's Reason program, J. Bizness produces Reason: Beats & Pieces; a masterful work that displays the wide spectrum that is hip hop. With dark tracks like "PBS" to soulful samples like "Choppy", this debut album exhibits the versatility of his talent. Heavily influenced by producers like DJ Battlecat, DJ Premier, and J. Dilla, J. Bizness takes a fresh approach to creating music using unconventional sounds while marrying them to the classic West Coast flavor.

J. Bizness has worked with the lauded underground Los Angeles emcee, Trek Life and was featured on his 2006 release "The Price I've Paid" amongst notable producers as DJ Babu, Evidence and DJ Rhetmattic, in which he produced and co-wrote 2 tracks. He was also featured on the 2003 release "Heaven Cent" by Prophit P.A.N.I.C., earning a nod for the Independent Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards.

Catch J. Bizness and the [http://www.redbullbigtune.com/2/] Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle National Finals that will be televised this Saturday, April 11, 7:30 PT/ET on BET.

Download free listening copy here:

For additional information please contact:

Business Inquiries & Publicity: Leah Wilson
willeah@gmail.com
310.654.1800

Booking Agent: Tara Alphonso
taraalphonso@sbcglobal.net
925.813.1584

Proh Mic comes through with the BANGERS!!!

2009-04-04T08:05:00.001-07:00

Ain't even no need for talkin'

This is Vol 3. head over to www.myspace.com/prohmic to keep up with that Proh Mic heat

DOWNLOAD HERE: http://www.zshare.net/download/57934766584a5f6f/

Acrylick 09 Spring Release + Soul Fragment Art Exhibition Sat 04/04

2009-04-03T13:39:00.001-07:00

DJ'ing @ the Acrylick Store Sat, 04/04

"I Mean Business" by The Diamond District (Oddisee, X.O. & YU)

2009-04-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

I Mean Business is the second single from DC Hip-Hop group The Diamond District.

Their full length debut album In The Ruff will be available for download from their website www.diamonddistrictdmv.com on April 14, 2009. Check the site for the mini documentary.

I Mean Business
Listen/Download
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58047816db639aed/
http://www.divshare.com/download/6987488-bda

Also check out the first single from theDiamond District

Who I Be
Listen/Download
http://www.zshare.net/audio/57151316a4857db0
http://www.divshare.com/download/6987500-e01

The first Diamond District show is April 18th at the University of Maryland

2009 Euro Tour Wrap up!

2009-03-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

What up folks,

I've officially been back from tour for a few days. It always takes some time to for me to relax and reflect on tours and what i've learned from them. I guess what always comes to mind first is how lucky a lot of us are that we are able to travel to places we'd otherwise never have been able to see because of this music. People place a lot of negative mess on hip-hop these days, but to me it's been nothing but a blessing (well, some folks have pissed me off, so not all blessings, but close enough lol). It's been a passport, an introduction, and tool for the opportunity to learn. Whenever I catch a flight to somewhere I never even knew was on the map, I have to be thankful that Kool Herc played breaks to a crowd of young people to spark this shit. I'm amazed at what it has become when "me" of all people is rockin infront of 1000+ people in Mayrhofen, Austria with snow outside and a skate ramp in the back. "No one believed I would ever be here." Runs through my head in amazement. Hell, there were times that I didn't.

There's more to rap for me than just finding albums on the internet to go to message boards and talk bad about. I get to see the people react when the beat comes on and that somehow means more than what anyone could ever type. I have places to tell my little girl to go, new friends in total different countries to introduce to old friends I used to rap with on the steps of the quad. I look forward to us all talking shit over a few brews and a game of FIFA (or Madden lol). After all, I was NEVER supposed to be there. Definitely not 3 years in a row and making money. But by the grace of God, hard work, talent and the positive character and upbringing of my fam, I made it to see a whole lot of shit. I have no choice but to appreciate the music that got me there and the people that were kind enough to open their homes, cars, cities and venues up to me.

Anyone who has ever seen me onstage knows that I put my all into giving that love right back. The people deserve it. Shout out to every place we've touched down. On behalf of myself and Oddisee, we thank you kindly and look forward to the opportunity to rock with ya'll again. But personally, you all served a very special notice to a whole lot of people that looked down on me and what I do and I thank you all putting your hands in the air, rockin side to side, responding during call and reponse, and all and all enjoying yourselves to let them know. "Trek Life deserves to be here."

Peace and see ya'll next year.

Trek Life
www.myspace.com/treklife
www.twitter.com/TrekLife
trek-life.net coming soon

New Money" on iTunes now

Last Few days in Cologne, DE + Tubingen tomorrow! + DIAMOND DISTRICT!!!!

2009-03-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

What it is ya'll,

I know I haven't blogged as much as I normally do, but this year we've been extra busy during the days off. So i'll do a tour summary once I hit the crib and an introspective wrap up on potholesinmyblog.com lol

That being said I will be live on koelncampus.com 100.0 tonight spinning, rhymin, interviewing and all of the above with my man PH7 of JR&PH7 @ 21:00 Germany, 5:00pm East Coast, 2pm West Coast. You can check out a live stream HERE or go to the site HERE and get the info.

Check out JR&PH7 on their myspace as they prepare for the release of their new album The Standard feat Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Ed OG, Kev Brown, Skyzoo and plenty more.

Tomorrow night we'll be in the beautiful city of Tubingen at Jazzkeller.

---------------------------------------------

Get prepared for some very ill shit. Oddisee, YU and XO represent Diamond District. Instead of me going on and on explaining it. I'll just direct you to their site diamonddistrictdmv.com or check the info below via rosenburgradio.com

(Swiped from rosenburgradio.com

DC Hip Hop artists Oddisee, XO & YU are “The Diamond District”. The Groups new single “Who I Be” is the first track off of the mid-90’s Boom Bap themed album. The trio’s album “In The Ruff” will be available for free download on their site April 14, 2009. Check out the first single “Who I Be” along with a mini Documentary about the new group on their site

http://www.diamonddistrictdmv.com

“Who I Be”
Listen/Download
http://www.zshare.net/audio/57151316a4857db0

VIMBY and UPONTHINGZ Present: The New Classics Mixtape

2009-02-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

VIMBY and UPONTHINGZ Present: The New Classics Mixtape

VIMBY and UPONTHINGZ Present :

The New Classics Mixtape

FYI the actual download will be on the 25th. Expect to see bonus tracks by
Diz Gibran, Fashawn, Trek Life & Oddisee, Cunninglynguist

Trek Life hosting Evidence & 2 Mex Show Thurs, Jan 29th

2009-01-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Make sure you are in the house.

Click flyer for map

Lies, Statistics and the President

2009-01-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

I watched a great man take the reigns of this country on the 20th. I thought about my grand parents. My father, who's blood is mixed with the American struggle of slavery (Black), and gentrification (Native American). *disclaimer: yes I know that Blacks and Native Americans respectively went through both slavery and gentrification OK!* My mother who told me stories of middle class life growing up and the shock of having to use a colored toilet at a train station in CA. Racial shit that myself and friends of mine black, white and all have been through and what a slap in the face this president's election was to a country that has divided itself by race with the statistics to back their reasoning for as long as anyone can remember.

"50% of white people believe this." "30% of black people do this."

You can't open the paper without reading about 5 or five people sat in a room and figured out the thoughts actions and ways of about a billion others. People take these stats, apply them to people that they CHOSE to apply them to, they spew this garbage into the world as if they know exactly what they are talking about.

Your opinions are not validated statistics. Sorry, they just aren't. You can sit all day, and write, and talk, and believe that people are a certain way, but ultimately, you would end up wrong in the end regardless. Along with wasting a bunch of time trying to describe the inner workings of people that you don't even know and most of them you don't even care about. Most of you who do this later turn around and disregard half of those people by silly things like the closed they way, the way that they talk, the music they listen to, or the fact they they don't know some obscure "artist" that you know. My point is, you don't even care enough about the people that you categorize to be running your mouth in the first place.

Before we all jump around over the "minor" details of this historic changing of the guard. Stop and think of the MAJOR things that are happening. The ideas that he has and the hope that he will be able to implement enough of those ideas to change the financial scope of this country along with the forward thinking mindset of the people in it.

All I'm saying is, before you talk THINK!

Let's GO!!! Links to Press for New Money

2009-01-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

What it is ya'll,
Rappersiknow.com, redbullmusicacademy.com, and 2dopeboyz.com.

Have posted news about New Money. Hit those spots up for free downloads and further info on the project. Be on the lookout for the Vapors interview, Vimby video and much more reviews and blog post.

09 IS OUR YEAR YA'LL, LET THE PAST PASS

Buy New Money on iTunes

Get some ankle insurance!

2009-01-15T16:18:00.001-08:00

I stopped playing basketball YEARS ago. I told myself as soon as I had to stretch for 15 minutes and do drills to play a pick up game, I was out lol. Luckily i'm from the city of the purple and gold! SO I can still enjoy the game.

Holla at em Kobe. Forreal though, why did dude say his "ankles would be able to sleep at night?" HAHAHA!

The album release party was DOPE!!!

2009-01-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all those that came through to the New Money iTunes release this past Sat 01-10-09. For those that didn't get a chance to make it out, here are a few videos for you and a little more information on what

"New Money" is.There will be much more music to come from me this year. Matter of fact, check out oddiseetrek.com for links to download joints off New Money, Video's of shows and more. "Go ahead, take it" (c) Eddie Murphy in that skit on SNL a long time ago. lol

As many of you know Oddisee remixed my first album Price I've Paid. It was released exclusively in Japan (titled All Times)with a few bonus cuts in August with a clause that we had to wait a few months before releasing it in the US

Mello Music group has picked up the album for the states (now titled-New Money there's a long story behind this) and it is now going to be available on iTunes come tomorrow (Jan 6th) and on cd March 3rd. The CD will have some exclusive tracks only on the US version just as there were exclusives on the Japan import.

So...ummm...Trek...ummm are you going to write some new raps and put out an actual NEW record? I mean, this album is 3 years old lol

The answer is yes. Late summer will mark the release of my 2nd album "Everything Changed Nothing" on Mello Music. The album will be about 70% produced and 100% overseen (music wise atleast) by Oddisee. There are already cuts from Kev Brown, Babu and Hudson Mohawke on the album.

March will also mark the 3rd year that Oddisee and I will be hitting Europe on tour, anyone with any info to help add a few dates please hit me up @ mctreklfe@gmail.com, if not, i'll be posting the dates closer to the time of the tour.

For those that would like an EP vinyl copy of the Japanese import you can go to my myspace page and cop one from paypal (I only have 6 of them left) you can cop through paypal via my myspace. btw...this part of the message will self destruct lol.

New Money can be purchased on iTunes

Release Party for New Money this Sat, Jan 10th @ The Terrace in Pasadena

2009-01-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

I know it's late nitice but we just put it together with Acrylick. Get on the guestlist and get in free before 12am.

Click on the flyer for a map to the spot, click on the link to buy the album.

NEW MONEY ALBUM RELASE PARTY!!
@Freshly Squeezed @ The Terrace

New Money Oddisee Remixes on iTunes NOW!!

Talk Strange? What the hell is that?

2009-01-09T15:05:00.001-08:00

In 2009 we can be sure of one thing. The producer is king! lol For the most part atleast. For all the names that you know concerning Hip-hop, it should be "duly noted" (whatup Crush one!! LMAO) that the beats and direction behind the scenes is what has kept this music thing going for years. Now we all know that this is common knowledge. You know when you are watching some music awards show, and there's some random dude just sitting there looking rich for no reason, all the artist know the dude and blahzay blah, well, he's likely one of 3 things; The record label owner, The producer, or a drug dealer that you have no idea moves soooo much weight lol.

Ok, i'll get to the point. I have a few people that I think remain consistently dope on the beats, but have the ability to control the sound, effort and overall mood of any song they touch. I mean, there's nothing wrong with being just dope on the beats. But a producer does much more than that. I've said for years that J.Bizness is one the few people on beats that I see clearly as having a lane to be more, but, this isn't about him lol.

This is about Dert. A producer from the star studded zone of 626!!! lol

I can go through his list of credentials (KRS One etc..) but you can go to his page for all that. I suggest you check out his latest Beat Tape titled Talk Strange_A Beat Tape inspired by Bjork (link below) and get acquainted. If you need further listening material i've also posted a link to "The West Side of the Moon" which is a beat tape that he did flipping samples from Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" album.

Enjoy,

Talk Strange

Link

West Side of the Moon

Link

Ok Common, I see you

2008-11-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

I'm always conflicted on questioning another artist about anything that they do. I mean my career isn't exactly at a point where I can question another's success or effort without always feeling like "Well, he's a lot further than you." (shrugs)

In this case though, I had a few questions for Common when Pharell produced Universal Mind Control single dropped. I just didn't completely get it. Couldn't really tell you whether the lyrics were wack to me cuz for the first time in his career, I couldn't get into the song enough to even try to understand. Now this isn't hate. Just because I happen not to care for something doesn't mean that it's hopeless, after all, this is just MY! opinion. lol

That being said, I knew all I had to do was wait for the song that would show me that Common was still, well...Common. Patience has apparently paid off. Courtesy of http://www.nalden.net//newsitem/825/ via OKP I came across this song "Gladiator." I think this song is bangin! (for a change lol) Let's hope that UMC can bring forth more bangers like this. We'll have to wait til Dec 9th

DJ Babu Duck Season 3 release party Tonight b/w SHINE on Halloween Night!

2008-10-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

(click on the flyers for maps to the events)

BABU!!!!

Not much more to say ya'll Duck Season 3 Release party is going down tonight!

You can't go wrong with the line up on the wheels. Beat Junkies!

Make sure to go out and cop Duck Season Vol 3.

----------

This will be posted again! and again!

This is where the party will be on Halloween. Go to guestlist@supremeclientelela to get on the guestlist or the "grave"list lol.

SHINE!!!! Halloween Bash!!
Halloween Night @ Blue Velvet (Downtown)

That Jay-Z sample

2008-10-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ok let's face it, some of ya'll know me forreal and others of ya'll don't know me at all. Wherever you fall on that list what you SHOULD know is that i'm very big on NEW music. Now let's be clear. "NEW"does not always mean that it came out recently. Though most times that is the case, other times it's simply something new in sound, or new to me because I hadn't heard it when it was released in it's day.

That being said, when I heard "Roc Boys - Jay-Z" for the first time I FLIPPED over not only the song, but the sample. How in the hell did this sample get passed up for years?! I mean, somebody had to sample it right. I dug (internet dug that is lol) and found the group and the sample, played it at bridges and flipped niggas wigs. Not to say that I was the only person to play it, but I sure hadn't heard it up to that point. (sidenote: even Pudge hadn't heard it before, I emailed it to him with the thought of getting a beat cd in return. He got the song, I never got the beat cd lol). Those horns man, I couldn't believe that this shit escaped my 70's hunt for dope shit.

Skip ahead to now.

I jumped on OKP tonight to find a post about this band a review on a NEW album. Turns out that the band is not from the 70's at all. That song was released only months before it was used to create Jigga's banger. WOW! I needed to have this immediately (thanks iTunes). Listening to this album is like being in Reg heaven (HAHA). I''ll let you read the OKP review for some background on the project and where the band is from. Needless to say that you should pick this joint up as soon as you can.

Their Myspace

Johnson&Jonson ask Have you seen the Red Baby?! b/w The homie ABF got the ill mix on deck

2008-10-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

Swiped from http://www.freshselects.net/theredbaby

Blu & Mainframe's Johnson&Jonson album has been widely noticed and talked about around the world as the CD with the "Red Baby" on it. Since the birth of the "Red Baby" a.k.a. "Johnny," the Johnson's have brought the iconic "Red Baby" everywhere with them including trips to the studio, multiple meetings with labels, a couple of liquor stores, and their parties to celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed album.

A couple weeks ago, Blu & the Johnson's performed at 111 Minna, a club in San Francisco, and brought "Johnny" along for additional support. There are several photos from that night that prove that the "Red Baby" truly was in attendance. He was spotted hanging out with the homies, a bunch of Filipino girls and 1 white chick dancing to early 90s hip hop. Towards the end of the show MainFrame noticed and screamed on the mic "Yo, Where's the "Red Baby" yo?" … at 1:43 a.m. the "Red Baby" was announced as a missing person.

Was the "Red Baby" a victim of a kidnapping? Did a another MC or crazed J&J fan snag the baby off stage? Or was this a conspiracy plotted by a group of young Filipino girls to black mail Blu & Mainframe for some shit?

In hoping that the "Red Baby" gets home safe Blu & MainFrame have posted this unreleased MP3 entitled "Baby Don't Leave Me Now" to help lure any information pertaining to the missing "Red Baby". If you have any info email 1_800_JOHNSON@gmail.com.

>

DOWNLOAD: Johnson&Jonson "Baby Don't Leave Me Now"

SUPPORT: Cop Johnson&Jonson available online & in stores now

---------------------------

The Homie ABF got the Love Lockdown mix on deck. DOPE!! Make sure you check his page for updates on his recently released project or just go ahead cop @ http://abf.anelect.com/

Love Lockdown ABF mix!!!

A moment of self discovery Heavenly music and Sun through the clouds

2008-10-14T22:30:00.001-07:00

In life there will always be things that will perplex us. We will sit and wonder why we are even thinking about these things at all. I mean, not to get all philosophical and all that but; really? Why the hell do we do that?

Well, I discovered this trait within many people including myself at a pretty young age and after years of fighting against it (for the most part) I've come to discover that...well...I simply don't give a fuck about a whole lot of shit. lol

Wait!? Before you call me any sort of name or what have you, hear me out. I simply don't have the extra brain power anymore lol. To sit and wonder why folks do things they do, what the next move is for such and such, who's doing what to who, or anything that's concerning things I can't fix or control with my own hands.

Some would call this selfish. I would simply shrug and say "Well, what would you like to do about it?" They would then have to make the ultimate decision to deal with the fact that there's absolutely nothing they can do.

Here's where most of your minds have taken this. "He doesn't care about other people." Not true, I care about those that I love, I read the paper and see tragedy and think, "That's fucked up." But after that, I keep it pushin' along. If I can help, I help in the best way I can, and leave it where it is. The fact of the matter is, Life is too damn short for all this questioning shit you can't do nothing about. If the sun ain't out, put a jacket on and enjoy your day, shit, you can't make the sun come out, so deal with it lol.

All that being said I have to appreciate those that are concerned about things that interest them. I'm sure if I ran off a list of things that I do think about, they would seem trivial to most everyone (i.e. The fact that we under estimate the role that the engineer played in early hip-hop records is a travesty) <---SEE?<>

All i'm saying is that I ain't really trippin off shit I can't change. We gotta leave something up to a higher power right? Something!? Anything?! Or do we just handle everybody's everything? Nope! We don't. If someone has more money than you; So the fuck what?! Get your own money and stop thinking about what other people have.

I know what they say too. If you say you don't care, that means you actually do. Ok, whatever makes you feel important lol

Anyway, I'ma let my man Tranqill from the U.K. speak on it.

Oddisee's New Release Oddisee 101 & 102 is available now on iTunes, you should go ahead and grab that.

Turns in late pass Kev Brown and Busta Rhymes

2008-10-02T09:09:00.001-07:00

Allow me to take you all through about 40 second of my life roughly 3-4 weeks ago. I was choppin it up with Tommy Blak (my DJ) and he says...

Tommy: Yo man, is that song Busta Rhymes just put out produced by Kev Brown?
Me: I don't know; what song?
Tommy: The one that's leaked recently
Me; Well, you know how Kev don't like leaks, so 'prolly' not lol
Tommy: Lol, that shit sound like Kev
Me: Well, if it is, i'ma get the instrumental to it first just to piss you off lol
Tommy: *Gives me the "I really do hate your existence look"

LOL

Fast forward to a a week or so after that on OKP and there is was. THIS SHIT IS FIRE!!!!

Ummm...Busta...Why isn't this song on the new album? I mean, Damn!!! This shit is stupid! Add in a Busta w/ Peter Rosenburg video and BANG here you go.

Enjoy

Late night drunk jargon

2008-09-27T05:42:00.001-07:00

So, I just DJ'ed a pretty dope set for my man DJ Duck's b-day. Them Jack n' Cokes sneak up on you though. lol Got everyone home safely, which is the most important part of the night always.

The debate is on right now. What the fuck are they talking about for half of this thing? I mean, I "GET" it, but when I hear commentary on it later, the shit just sounds like the whole thing is superficial. The shit sounds like sports. Who "got" who and blah. There has to be a "direct" message at some point. Running a nation can't be an easy task, and there is much more to it than the average person with their own needs can ever see or know. But the shit is becoming ridiculous at this point. We've seen this country be taken through the ringer in the last 8 years. The amount of distrust that some people (including myself) have for our government is scary. At some point there needs to be something that we can "trust." When I was younger I could care less. Even now, knowing that i'm a young black male, I know that neither candidate is really standing there concerned for my personal needs, nor the concerns of many of my peers. I just feel like no one is being "direct" and as a result, fuck a debate and who "won." At some point "we" need to "win." That's something that hasn't happened in a very long time.

Who knows? All I know is Yukimi Nagano (of Little Dragon is the shit!) and her song with "Hird" is on repeat right now (I love you my hope). As it should be. Shout out to KennyFresh @ freshselects.net i'ma get those files to you tonight, my bad on the delay.

Kanye West is becoming more of a genius everyday. He has recently posted the seperate tracks for Love Lockdown on his blog for you to remix if you'd like. Between this nigga Oddisee, Pac Div, Blu and a few others i'm so hyped about the shit that we are going to hear in the next few years I don't know what to do.

Speaking of Oddisee, I just checked my email and he's sent me a "Euro Trash Oddisee Remix" of this joint already. FIRE!! I'll link it up at the end for all you DJs that come here for dope shit. Listening to this joint makes me think "Damn, imagine what this dude could do with someone like Aloe Blacc or anyone who is creative and dope with new styles.

My little girl is walking and running shit lol. This needs to be noted cuz in a minute she's going to be telling what to do haha

Congrats to ABF and Tam Blue on the safe birth of Agala Blue Endeley (I know, I know i'm late). Happy bday to the homie Duck.

I need to get off this computer and get some sleep. Hell by the time I finished this blog with all the links n' shit I was sober. lol

"But Nah this is Pain Language" - Planet Asia

2008-09-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

There are things in this world that I never realize I miss until I get another dose of them. In psychiatric evaluation of myself, I've found that I am naturally dismissive. Once things are gone, they are just...well.....gone. I hate thinking or dealing with the past in any way, but I am somehow haunted by the memory of it and the desire to have certain things from it.

You know? This is waaay too deep for what the fuck I really wanted to talk about lol.

Taking into consideration what you just read above I bring you DJ Muggs and Planet Asia's new album "Pain Language." This shit is just raw rhymes and beats. No song for the ladies, no deep intellectual song about voting and/or the trials of the city. NOPE just DOPE rhymes and beats. Grimey, raw, gritty, bangin', head nod, screw face hip-hop (This guy would love this shit!).

Now, i'm not one of those people that says that "this is the way that all hip hop should be." Matter of fact, I sternly disagree with that notion. Diversity is the key people. You aren't always in the same mood, sometimes you need some different shit. Also, sometimes I want people to do what they are 100% best at on records. Whether that be one sided or not, I NEED to hear Planet Asia spit that super scientifical Gold chain rap. That shit has gotten the morning off on the right note for the past week lol.

Muggs creates a dark beat landscape and Planet Asia simply runs through rhymes with ease. I love when an emcee is at home over the tracks. If i can tell he/she is enjoying what they are doing, it only makes it better.

I also would like to clearly state that the live show is just that LIVE! I went to the release party last Saturday. WOW! Straight beats and rhymes done correctly.

All that being said, I leave you with the title track and to check out. This song is not at all misleading. The album stays along these lines in different variations and the fact that it's done right is what keeps your interest.

That is all, ya'll

peace

myspace.com/soulassassinsworldwide

Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning "G.O.O.D"

2008-09-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

Well, as you all know Kanye is back in effect. His new single "Love Lockdown" debuted a few weekends ago live at MTV's VMAs (the video has been removed from just about everywhere I care to search YAY ESTABLISHMENT!) and was all the talk and rave. Some are wondering if he's serious, other's are praising him for his creativity. Regardless of how you feel about it, Kanye is on his way with all that heat just like always.

There were a few versions of the single leaked, most of them incomplete but here's the final version of the first single off of his latest album "808's and Heartbreak." Yes I am a few weeks late, but there's a reason for that. Ready? Here it is....I care not about being the first to post something, I often need time to think about how I feel about some things. After all, my blog is, well, my opinion lol.

How do you feel about this song Trek?

Well, let me start by saying that I am a fan of Kanye's Music. I think that the dude is one of those rare breed of artist that is driven to be dope no matter what and never satisfied with his success. That's PERFECT for these days and times. He's also extremely sincere on the mic. Doesn't seem like he spares a thought at all (lol @ some of Kanye's thoughts though).

All that being said, this single kinda has me hyped to see where he's going to go with all this. Autotune, singing, drumless beats, electronica sounding songs...all this leads me to believe that we are going to be pleasantly surprised with what 808's and Heartbreak brings to the table, AND; Can you imagine what THIS concert is going to be like? The last one was certifiably insane! Amazon.com has the release date set @ December 16, 2008 so we still have a while to wait for the next move.

The "God Yo' Self" Movement

2008-09-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

This shit is real simple. A whole lot of folks is talking about how other folks feel about them and that other folks is holding them back and blah zay blah FUCK THAT! "God Yo' Self!"

That shit means don't wait for nobody to exalt you to the highest before feel like you can accomplish. Know you are beyond capable before anyone tries to convince you different. Make it impossible for them to convince you different.

Fact is, people spend a whole lot more time screaming about your error than they do shouting your praises. Shout your own praises cuz in the end, all you got is you.

"God Yo' Self"
"Kind Yo' Self"
"Queen Yo' Self"

This is off an album called "Yoga at Home vol 1" by my fam Haj from Dumhi

The Benefits Of Practice feat Random and Trek Life

"Times are, we still close, I rhyme far away..away..away

2008-08-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well, Trek Life has again arrived on another shoreline. Oddisee's remixes of Price I've Paid have been released in Japan through Subcontact. The album includes 13 remixes and 2 unheard bonus cuts all produced by Oddisee.

Needless to say i'm very excited to see this happen and hope that I can one day grace stages in yet another land that i've never been.

Umm...that's about it lol

ok ok fine...

There are a few new songs posted on my myspace page. Enjoy

myspace.com/treklife

This Gnarls Barkley video is DOPE!

2008-07-28T17:55:00.001-07:00

Dope videos have made a comeback as of late. This is a perfect example of how ill things can be when you give music a clear visual aspect.

2008-07-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Needless to say i'm pretty hyped about this. I can go on rampbling about that or jusst have you click on the flyer below and get all the info you need to be there LOL.

I've been off my game lately...to make up for it...

2008-07-15T00:11:00.001-07:00

What up folks,

Life has a funny way of twisting and turning into places and space that you never dreamed of. Make the best of it all, cuz you never know when you gonna go.

That being said. I have to make atonement for not being on point with the blog as of late. So....

Here it is. The new mixtape, Broken Jewels Vol 1. BANGERS BANGERS and more BANGERS!!! Hosted by Trek Life, Mixed by Tommy Blak. Click the pic to download.

My DJ Tommy Blak has dropped yet another BANGER for ya'll. Please be sure to keep posted on this dude. Trust me on this one.

Tommy Blak's page

More on the way!

Things that suck + 1 thing that doesn't <-GRASHOPPER TONIGHT

2008-06-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Things that suck:

1) Losing your cel phone in Vegas
2) Knowing you didn't back up all the #'s and pictures you had in it
3) The person who finds the phone doesn't turn it in
4) Instead of turning it in, that person decides to download music and PORN onto the phone.
*sidenote* - PORN! Damn dude; what kinda perverted muthafucka finds a cel phone and downloads porn onto it at 4 in the morning? You really need to get you some ass soon. Like REAL soon.
5) Having to wait 3-4 days to get it back when you have all sorts of important shit to take care of.
6) Again realizing that you didn't back up all the pics and #'s. FUCK!!!

So if you haven't guessed by now, i've lost my cel phone. Most of the #'s I have backed up, more than a few I don't. I'll be back on deck on thursday.

The one thing that doesn't suck though is:

RSVP now!!!

Free with RSVP before 10:30PM...If you do not have a going. com account, fill out the Grasshopper email list on the page by 7:00PM on Wednesday, June 25TH...

DJ'ing @ Highlands Friday 6/13

2008-06-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

The Loft @ Highlands Fri, June 13th!

?uestlove, Black Thought & me? lol "Cheers @ Crash Mansion tomorrow 6/12

2008-06-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Opening for Questlove @ Crash Mansion June 12th!

Psycotic fits of Rage breifly analyzed by me

2008-06-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Office Worker Goes Absolutely Insane - Watch more free videos

Office Worker Meltdown Second Angle - Watch more free videos

So,

I'm driving this morning and thinking about certain acts of insanity. Why? Who knows? I was wondering if I was the only person who thinks of losing every little minor bit of my mind in certain situations. (watching snapped apparently isn't working lol). Between wondering if counseling is in order, and thinking of running the person driving 7 mph in the car pool lane off the road, I pondered where people get these random acts of rage from.

Some people are believe to be "pushed over the edge," (here in the states we call it postal). It is the point where the "average" person has taken their full weight and can't handle anymore. At that point it is assumed that this person "snaps" into a fit of rage that is difficult to control. These fits of rage don't give anyone super strength at all, but for the most part just put people in an out of body type mindset that leads then to react...often violently.

People often pride themselves in their ability to "get under people's skin." lol The problem is that those people aren't often on the receiving end when the ones that they choose to annoy lose it. A man flips out and goes postal, while his wife/girlfriend/kids/whomever suffers nothing, but starts the whole thing (or vice versa I suppose). Leaving the person who started it to mock that so called insane persons behavior by calling them "childish" or whatever.

Don't get me wrong, I don't agree that people should be able to flip out and straight fuck other people up. For the most part I believe in timeouts, counting breathing, and mostly prayer. These things have kept me far from prison, and many other far from...we'll just leave that part out.

Sometimes I wonder why some folks I know are even still standing, but we all have the ability to control our actions. However, I can understand why one would feel like they can lose it. I'm sure we all do.

The above video (possibly unreal) is an example of what can happen if someone completely loses all control. Was the environment the reason? Who knows? It could've been the ride to work everyday, or what was happening daily prior to that. I somehow am of the belief that all these people aren't "bad" people. Maybe people who couldn't handle a certain pressure, maybe just good people that have been pushed to the edge. I know that I myself wasn't surprised upon asking a few friends and acquaintances whether they have thought about going "buck nutty" and getting "HELL YEAHS" from all but maybe 1 of them lol.

All in all, we need to learn self control, but when pushed to the edge, who knows what instincts one will draw upon, maybe it isn't wise to find out.

Speaking of "buck nutty" Royce 5'9's verse on this Elzhi cut is exactly that.

Download here

"Be good to ya family ya'll, no matter where ya' family are, cuz everybody need family ya'll, raise your hand you understand me dog, everybody need family ya'll" - Mos Def

peace

Blacknbling.blogspot.com's "Friend of the Week"...a few weeks ago lol

2008-06-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

ACTUAL LINK

TREK LIFE

1. In one word describe to us who u are. ?

..."King"

2. What would you be doing if it wasn’t for music?

..."Besides being less stressed out, I'd likely be somewhere lost paying several thousand dollars for counseling to "find myself" lol"

3. Tell us one secret, one truth, and one lie about you.

...Secret = Hey, I don't put you biz in the streets lol

Truth = I'm about my little girl and my paper, FORREAL!

Lie = That i'm arrogant (the worst part about it is that dudes have the nerve to be the ones who chime in on that. Dudes that don't even know me! PAUSE! That's a little suspect for a dude to say about another dude. *rant over*)

4. Any guilty pleasures?

..."Yep, I enjoy watching Frazier LOL That shit is funny, DAMN THAT! I haven't watched it in a while, but if I had the time, I would".

5. Your momma always said?

...."Boy! There's something wrong with you! lol"

6. How has blacknbling changed your life?

..."I'm forever immortalized on the wheels and on the mic. People notice me on the streets now and give me praise for my awkwardly skinny look. For that, I am grateful :-)"

7. What is the one thing you want everybody to know about you?

...."That i'm pretty much a regular dude. I watch basketball games, talk shit, and shoot craps. At night my alter ego takes over and I turn into a superhero, but ya'll don't have to worry bout that...OH! and i'm Jordanesque at the Domino table, like...to the point where there's really no point in challenging me. I'm serious, you should just go get your big brother or somethin'".

8. To BLING or not to BLING?

.... BLING! Most definitely, just to "Make 'em NV"

9. Additional info you want us to blog i. e upcoming shows,cd release date etc...

DJ/Host Bridges/The Derby - Every 1st and 3rd Sat

Oddisee remixes of Trek Life's Price I've Paid releases in Japan on Subcontact - Aug 08
New album "Currently Untitled" - Oct 08

vimby.com interview (Shout to Mario)

2008-06-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

ACTUAL INTERVIEW LINK

trek life - hard work oddisee rmx
trek life - long time coming oddisee rmx

Where is Trek Life from & where do you reside.?
-Born in South Central off 110th & Hoover, but I spend my teen and adult years in the 626!!! West Covina.I still stay in the “6″ in the city of Duarte.

How was your experience working with producers such as Evidence, Babu, Dj Khalil, J Thrill & Rhett.?
-More than anything a dream come true. I was on the scene during the times that they were coming up but I was just spectating at the time. I admired the fact that they were puttin’ in work back then at Unity and tours all around Cali and the world. Shit was amazing to be accepted and be able to get down with them when things started to work for me. I learned a lot from each producer.

How did you link up with Oddisee.?
-We met at the House of Blues when he was touring with J-Live, Pigeon John, and The living Legends. Move.meant was opening for the LA show so I came through to support. He had been asking folks in LA whowas the emcee to work with and many people were saying me. My man brub introduced us and we expchanged information. We first started doing shows, a few in LA, a few in NY, then we toured the US and Europe. From there we was like brothers man. Odd is truly like family. Not everyone in this game is sincere when it comes to business. That’s when best friends all of a sudden start pointing fingers and split. Odd is one of the few people that can keep things business without bullshittin’.

Are you guys working on a project together.?
-Oddisee remixed my album Price I’ve Paid and it is being released in Japan on Subcontact in August. He’s also producing 5 songs on the next album. We’ve just started on the 5 songs. Timeless Music will be releasing the remixes in the states sometime in Oct right before the album drops.

What are you currently working on.? Any tours coming up.?
-Other than the new album (it’s not titled yet), just doing verses here and there with folks from everywhere. Trying to keep things fresh. I’ve been dj’ing a lot more than rapping lately, so you can catch me at Bridges @ The Derby in Los Feliz every first and 3rd sat. Doing shows here and there to keep in good practice and come up with a new set when the album drops.
What should we expect from trek life in 2008.?-This year I have a much better focus. My daughter was born last year and she’s healthy and growing, so i’m starting to get comfortable with making moves knowing that she’ll be ok. You can expect me to start grinding as hard as I was when you saw me everywhere in the city last year. The new album will be out in November. More fire!

Anything else you want to add.?
-Yeah man, I wanna say real quick that we have a golden opportunity to make a strong run for LA with the talent we have out here. Pac Div, Bishop Lamont, Blu, Aloe Blacc, U.N.I, Mykestro, Dvooa, Dibiase, the list could go on forever. Not to mention dope media outlets like Vimby, Vapors Magazine and other spots that are open to new shit and not closed minded or only let their little weird friends in the door. Some of these cats are younger than I and don’t remember the time not too long before this when we had this opp. Please keep them frontin’ ass egos out and let’s win. Just trust me on this one, this city is poised to blow.

Folks is upset LOL!

2008-05-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in a person's life where they have to live with no fear of judgement. You know what i'm talking about right? When you have to make some tough decisions and you know that follks are only going to get more mad about them than ever haha. I can't lie and say I haven't been on the ass end of those decisions before. They are no fun. I've actually lived my entire life trying not to make them (somebody needs to grow up a bit huh?). But alas they must be made.

Well, 3 officials on Tuesday night in San Antonio were faced with just that type of decision (HA YOU THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE A SERIOUS ONE HAHAHAHA!) Not exactly as tough as I described earlier, but tough enough. Derek Fisher jumps up and lands halfway onto Brent Barry in the final seconds of a very important home game. He actually does foul Barry, but because of an unwritten rule of the NBA (WE AIN'T CALLIN' NO BULLSHIT IN THE LAST SECONDS) no foul was called, game over, Lakers win by 2.

I turn on the radio the next morning to find folks UPSET and now shouting conspiracy. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Get the FUCK outta here with that bullshit. We wont talk about the call right before that okay? I mean, the ball did hit the rim, but, who needs a fresh 24 second clock at the end of a game to maintain a lead, right? lol

Fact of the matter is, if you get beat the whole game, you earned your loss. The Spurs were men about it, apparently the rest of you haven't gotten to that page in the ol' man book. No call! We've seen it a trillion times in the NBA at the end of games, so please spare me. It's not the refs fault that your team's management was dumb enough to mess up their team chemistry by adding "The Big 'Old Guy." It ain't our fault that Dirk is not a team leader and they had no business giving up Devin Harris (and I think J.Kidd is dope, but why gie up a young guard at this point?). So don't try to jump on the Spurs band wagon now in hopes to redeem "your" teams losses and dumb decisions. Face it, they got beat the whole game, and it ended how it should've ended anyway. Fuck a league review, protect yo' house. Just watch us win this Western Conference and relax. It'll be fun, I promise.

Today's song is old, but it is dedicated to all of you out there who feel the Lakers shouldn't be where they are right now.

Tears by the Force MD's

HAPPY "CLOSE OUT" DAY!!! We're gonna go ahead and put this one away at home. Peace

The Expendable people

2008-05-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6150243

By Subha Ravindhran

LONG BEACH (KABC) -- The family of a man shot and killed by police said Sunday that he was unarmed and mentally ill.

The L.A. District Attorney's office is now investigating the shooting death of 47-year-old Roketi "Rocky" Su'e. He was shot Saturday night by two police officers after a fight.

"Obviously we're all pretty upset. I really can't explain our feelings, but the best we can do is wait for the autopsy and the police report," said Laa-ull Toomalatal, the Su'e's nephew.

Police said it all started when they received several calls of a man acting erratically in a Long Beach neighborhood Saturday night. When officers arrived, they found Sue yelling and screaming in the middle of the street. They tried to arrest him, but he resisted, police said, and that's when one officer opened fire, fearing for his life.
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An angry crowd then surrounded the scene, prompting officers to call for back up.

"This man had on no shirt, he had no weapons. There was no reason to shoot him," one neighbor said.

"It could have been prevented," said Lathaniul Harris, who witnessed the shooting. "I find that that's wrong."

Sue's family believes that a fight with his girlfriend caused his erratic behavior. They also say he suffered from bipolar disorder. Now they're hoping the evidence shows that the Long Beach police officers acted appropriately.

"We don't know the whole story. So until we get all the facts, we can definitely comment then," Toomalatal said.

In addition to the District Attorney's office, which routinely investigates all officer-involved shootings, homicide detectives with the Long Beach Police Department are also investigating. Witnesses are asked to call (562) 570-7244 with more information.

(Copyright ©2008 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Read the story pasted above...

Once again, another man has been shot by a police officer. I would like start off by saying that you never know what happened. The police are given guns for a reason. However, somehow I believe this could've been resolved a different way. I couldn't imagine a tougher job. The twist is, that it's even tougher being the young black male target of the boys in blue.

Let's begin where we should...

There are a whole lot of idiots out there doing dumb shit that they need to be locked up for. Threatening the very safety of good people that are just trying to raise kids and live normal lives. Some of those people may even need to be shot. "Damn Trek, that's fucked up." Really? If a clown test the safety of my family, that WILL be the fate. There's no reason for a lot of the bullshit that goes on in some places. No excuse at all. So don't hit me with no extras. Some of these fools need to be locked up or shot. Reform is a wonderful thing, I pray for it. Hell, I ain't perfect at all. But the fact remains that fools exist, fools that look similar to me and friends of mine, fools that give the impression that my skin means trouble. The stereotype didn't begin with them, but it is carried forward by them though. Some of them are my closest friends, some even family members, but that changes nothing when I think about the people that have suffered in the wake of some of their nonsense. I've sat on that pew before and felt the hatred for the person that had me sitting there. I know it all too well and it stays in my mind whenever I leave the house. Fuck a suburb or whatever many of ya'll think. Dumb shit and bullets have no boundary and they have shown up far too often for some of us.

HOWEVER! This man did not seem like one of those people. Not at all. From the story that's coming out, this man seemed angry at a situation, a situation that the police are supposed to be trained to resolve. Fuck that! I've seen cops and other shows where people with GUNS have survived and been taken into custody. There's a whole lot of patience exhibited in many instances. Unless ofcourse...you're one of the "expendable people." People that don't matter at all. Sad when you get shot and the first thing that people shout is that "the police have a right" and blahzay blah. Fuck you! Where was there a weapon that was equal to the police officer's? They are combat trained! Why can't they take down civilians? Why did they have to come in and break cel phone cameras? Once you answer those questions, then get back to me on what kind of right someone has to just kill someone over a tussle. When your people are shot for arguing, ONLY THEN can you come to me and say anything.

Some people are saying fuck the police. I understand. I don't agree, but I understand. This type of shit is not uncommon. This shit is happening every where us "expendable people" live. The black male is a target. In so many ways. Not just police violence, but in the eyes and image of his own women and elders. We are worth killing right? After all, we rap, talk loud, drink, and womanize. That's makes us worthless right? Cuz lord knows that no other men do things similar, oh no! No other men at all.

When I was told of the verdict for the police officers who shot that brotha in NY a billions times, I wasn't shocked at all. I told my homeboy Kev (who was outraged), "Sometimes you have to understand that you are expendable." I learned it early in life and accepted it, and shit like this is only further proof that it is more than true.

Prayers to the most high for this man's family and for the soul of the officer that pulled the trigger. This one is going to haunt you til your very last day my friend. Simply because, you and everyone else knows, that this could've been handled much different.

I'll hit ya'll with some music next time around.

peace

Some people don't talk (Random thoughts)

2008-05-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

So I was watching this show Snapped. This is almost a Sunday family ritual lol. If you are not familiar with the show I can sum it up real simple: Women killing folks (mostly men) for various reasons that often lack any merit or common sense. <--there it is. These broads get to lettin' fools have it lol. They kill for everything you can imagine (well, mostly because they wanna be with or sleep with someone else and they don't wanna tell their husbands, but, yeah...)

Anyway, I shouldn't think this is funny right? I mean, I don't know if its as much as i'm desensitized to it, I think its that i'm so far distant from it. I don't ever think that will happen to me (yep niggas, I said never). I can see why someone would want to wyle out and beat someone down, hell, I can even understand why folks get shot, but, let's go deeper into the subject...Ready?...okay, let's roll.

In close relation the subject I was once told a story by a friend that he was being pulled over by a police officer for a (driving while black) ticket. He contested the ticket as some people do with the typical "Man, all these criminals running around here killin folks and such and you giving me this ticket?" the cop simply responded, "It's easier to get away with murder in Los Angeles than it is to get away with speeding." This stuck me as wild, because I actually was told the same thing by a police officer. DAMN!!!

There's a reason though. Some people don't talk. Yep, that simple. Check it, most of us are theatrical during altercations. We talk and wyle, and get upset openly and it rarely ever ends in a fight or violence. I feel the reason is because we want someone to stop us really. Either that or we want to let someone know just how upset we are, without them having the ability to respond or defend. So, we use all sorts of passive aggressive or overly aggressive ways to make sure that we get our point across, but, we don't really want it. Honestly, who wants to get shot? Not many people, I would assume no one actually.

The next thing is that most people feel like nothing is going to ever happen. So, we push buttons, because in our minds, we are safe. By law, we are supposed to be, right? I mean, its against the law to do a lot of shit, especially hurt or kill someone. We firmly believe that those laws are in place and that they police everyone but "thugs" or crazy people. The problem with that theory is, you have no clue how crazy someone is, until they...well...act crazy lol

Which leads me to my point. There are some people in this world who don't talk, they don't do rap videos with guns in them, they don't get angry in public and cool off later, they simply store it all in...and react. When you see a show like snapped, or see on the news that someone randomly got popped or beat down in a mall parking lot, usually, its because they ran into a person that was tired of talking or just didn't talk at all. Now, by law, they aren't supposed to do that right? They are supposed to be afraid of the consequences right? lol We all wish that were true, but prisons are filled with people who gave less a f&%k about those laws and I can attest to knowing that some of those people haven't made it to prison yet for the same disregard. I was told by a very wise person a while ago, what do you care if the cops come get someone if you dead? LOL Its too true! Forreal YOU GONE NIGGA!!!! I mean I would love to see the person brought to justice, but ultimately, YOU STILL GONE!!! haha

Ya'll should catch this show. Click here to find out more about it

See? This is the shit i'm talking about... PT 2

2008-04-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

(sigh)

Once again, stupidity prevails. I know I ain't perfect. I mean, all in all, i've done and said some pretty stupid shit in my life time. Like FORREAL stupid, but, you gotta believe as a parent, the stupidity atleast slows down when your child is at stake.

There are many things to argue over when it comes to kids. Often the arguments are silly and ridiculous but the bright side is that atleast you are intense in your concern for the welfare of your child. But this next shit SMH. What more can be said? Stupid people should not have kids. They are liable to later want to break into my car and steal shit. Read the article below...

http://www.examiner.com/a-1333208~Parents_fought_over_tot_s_gang_ties.html

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Map, News) - A man accused in a disturbance at a video store where his ex-girlfriend worked had argued with her before, allegedly about which gang their son would claim, police said.

Witnesses said a man knocked over a computer and a magazine stand at the store Saturday and yelled obscenities at the woman.

A police report says the man and woman have a 4-year-old son but split because they disagreed on how to raise their boy. When officer Daniel Swift asked the woman what she meant by that, she said that the two belong to different street gangs.

"They could not agree on which gang the baby would claim," Swift said.

Joseph Manzanares, 19, pleaded guilty Tuesday to disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to a year of probation.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

^^The father

^^The look on my face right now

Poor child, i'm praying for that child right now, cuz there is a LOOOONNNGGGG life ahead that poor soul.

So yeah,

Music I guess lol

Ya'll might like this...

My man Oddisee has remixed my album Price I've Paid. Should be out very soon. (Like May/June soon)
Here's a joint off it called Hold Me Down.

Enjoy!

See? This is the shit i'm talking about

2008-04-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

There are times when the ignorance just goes too far. When the bar is just raised entirely too high to be reached and we all have to look at ourselves and wonder if we are somehow at fault. Some things...are simply not funny. I'm all for being, well...a clown. But I just think that there are times when you need to make sure you check yourself before you do something that represents you and often those who raise you. (sigh)

Some things, just aren't cute.

I know that when you do things like this you are only giving more exposure to the clowns, but this should embarrass this person or her parents enough to make that change for good. WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THE FUCK THESE KIDS ARE DOING!!!!!

The video says it all.

(sigh) Some things are just SUPER RIDICULOUS!

Check out this new J-Live joint called "The Upgrade" featuring Oddisee and Posdnous of De La Soul (Produced by Oddisee) it's ridiculous in a good way. lol

Click here for the hotness

Oddisee is tryin' to win right now btw, but that's for another blog

peace

In Ethics and Basketball...STFU already!! lol

2008-03-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

So, picture the scene, i'm minding my own business trying watch a good ol' NBA ball game. A game that i've loved since before I can remember being able to pronounce the word basketball itself. I usually tune out most announcers (Stu Lance and Hubey Brown are the best in the world right now cuz they actually focus on the FUCKING GAME) but this time I decide to give these guys a chance to commentate. Here WE GO! Now I have to hear about stars in the league and what they do on their spare time and how many kids they've helped and blah, blah, blah. (sigh)

Maybe i'm a bad person and i'm going to hell, but, I could really care less how nice of person a player is off the court if they suck while they are on it. I commend everyone for their social commitments and understand that if you are going to give an MVP out, you'd better give it to a person that will make the "cough" folks happy. Reason being, "cough" folks buy more tickets to games than anyone and when they weren't happy a few years back, the league felt it and changed dress codes, took away an OBVIOUS MVP from J. Kidd (Yep he deserved that one that year, sure did, no doubt, stop acting like he didn't), made a few "image" adjustments (Did you notice how much they talked about how faithful D. Wade is too his wife during their run? lol) and presto! good clean "cough" folks love the game again.

Ok fine, I get it, I will deal with the MVP getting his #1 team bounced out of the playoffs by a #8 and NO ONE in the media putting any accountability on him as a "team leader." I will also stomach the countless amounts of times that the "nice guy" gets talked about as if it makes his game any better. Well, atleast from the announcers I will, but NOT from regular ol' fans!

WTF is wrong with ya'll? LOL Ya'll don't know these fools on this court from a random left footed shoe in footlocker. How do you "judge" whether a player is a leader, or good team mate, or anything else for that matter? Swearing to God you have insider information on the actual "personalities" of the players. STFU! The only grown man's personality you should really worry about is your own. There are no "personal" ethics on the court. All walks of life are there. Good ol' mama's boys and bad kids that used ball as a way out. Makes perfect sense for the league to give MVPs out based on how good of a person a player is. They have to sell tickets! I don't agree, but hell, I ain't in position to make a billion dollars of a jumpshot, all I get to do is enjoy the game, or not.

I know, I know, he's really friendly, or he really seems to be genuine at heart (sigh), What a great guy! *pause*

Bottom line is, just watch the game, yep, the actual game! Whether my squad wins or loses, I don't sit around and waste time and effort creating Youtube videos of my least favorite players and all that jazz, I watch the game occasionally debate or discuss and continue to live my life, eat food, walk, talk, and be regular ol' me. I got shit to do man lol

I'm very happy for the players and folks who receive and give efforts to rebuild communities and make life better, but when you ain't got no banners in your arena, no rings on your fingers, no championship trophies in the case and you are a "Star" well then, maybe you should spend more time shooting jumpshots and less time trying to "campaign" for MVP.

That being said, Garnett will likely get MVP this year. The big difference between this year and last year though, is that the MVP will "deserve" it, he will prove it in the playoffs, and the "cough" folks will still be happy.

As far as music goes...

New Kev Brown and LMNO Selective Hearing is out NOW...go get it. Bonus joint James Brown is up for free download Here.

DJ Tommy Blak's "Exact Science" mixtape vol #1

2008-03-20T18:06:00.001-07:00

Dope is too simple of a word to describe this.

My man Tommy Blak comes with some bangers that you need to make sure that you need to know about.

Featuring joints from Blu & Exile, Pacific Division and many other dope artist, this is vol 1 of pure fire.

Check this shit out!

Download here

Some of ya'll so called "heads" are annoying

2008-03-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Venting time...

I'm tired of you elitist knowitall muthafuckas who make things out to be faaaaarrr more than they are. You make an album more than music, a peice of art some ridiculously hard to understand statement, and think because you have on "exclusive" something that you are wise intelligent person on the earth. A SONG IS A FUCKING SONG!!!! That's all it is. You can interpret things however they make you feel. There are certain accuracies that artist way convey, but in the grand scheme, if the names of the streets, people, state, or whatever can be changed in your mind to get the message more clear, then by all means change them shits.

The Erykah badu album has sparked this renewed movement of "oh this record is esoteric and only certain people can understand it" folks. (sigh) You guys are idiots. Albums are meant to be heard and enjoyed. Not to seperate the "chosen" from everyone else. Each person will gather their own meaning from a lot of things on that and any other album. I wish you all would stop there, but nooooo, you have to take it to everything from music, to movies, to tennis shoes, to everything you can possibly do to seperate yo' below average self from the rest of the world. lol

Just listen to the shit and leave it at that. Good/bad criticism is fine, but the whole "this album is so deep" thing that ya'll are doing is just ridiculous. The record is great, I can't even listen to that shit anymmore cuz of all the damn extras.

Forreal ya'll, stop the bullshit PLEASE!! Just stop.

Last stop, Cologne, DE, then home and all that

2008-03-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well...

Last stop on the tour is today. Had a great time and we are on the train headed to Cologne, Germany. We performed here last year and had a DOPE show, so we're hoping for the same thing tonight.

We got up and packed everything. (My backpack is officially MISSING!!! Someone got that shit last night at the club!) Then we headed out the door to the train station for what was said to be a 5 hour ride. Ummm...more like 7! lol All is well though, I slept, got interviewed by Oddisee, played FIFA (and lost), watched Family Guy, and sulked over my favorite little 5gig hard drive that is now gone (tears). As well as typed this part of the blog and the last blog. So, as you can see I kept busy.

We were met at the station by Jannis (pronounced Ya'nnis) of Jakarta records and PH7. Very good people. We walked out of the station just happy to be off the train and "tetris'd" into DJ Butterfinger's car to head to Oddisee's studio session with PH7. Dude got beats!!!

We kicked it and talked for a while and talked about music back home, basketball (FINALLY!) and everything inbetween. Session took about 2:30 hours. Jannis went to get some groceries to cook later on. I got some sleep while Oddisee did his verse and we had to rush to get to DJ Amigo's crib eat and get to the venue for soundcheck. Ummm, Jannis forgot the groceries at the studio LOL! So we hit the venue for soundcheck and I had a Kebab and a brew YES!!!

That bar was soooo dope!!! Shout out to Ben btw. We were performing for the release party of Jakarta Records 12" release of Oddisee's single (You can check their myspace page for more info). I pretty much stayed on the tables and kept the party live while Oddisee hopped on the mic and hosted and performed a few joints. I rocked some joints as well. We killed it! I LOVE that place. (The place is called the Stecken btw). After the club it was back to the crib to get ready for the longest travel situation ever! lol

A 2 hour bus ride to a 2 hour layover to a 2 hour flight with the craziest people on earth on the plane. You would've sworn that the plane was a high school hallway. they were out of their seats, FADED and yelling loudly, as well as singing! Shit was insane! On to a 10 hour layover at Dublin airport where they have no place for you to chill during an overnight layover. They moved us from one side of the airport to the next. Shit was insane. Then a 9:30 hour flight home. (sigh) Mom, remember the young boy who hated flying like it was torture? He's still here. He's grown and deals with it, but he STILL hates it. lol

Going through US customs is actually wild as hell in Dublin. There are restaurants, bars and stores, but downstairs after you go through customs, the shit is near like prison LOL. There's nothing down there at all but a vending machine and mean looks. LOL!

To wrap the tour up is simple. Shit was DOPE! there's a reason why Hip Hop is still alive out there. We'll see if home can hold up as well. Origination this Wednesday, and BRIDGES! this saturday.

I'M HOME!!!!
Check out this video: Leipzig 02

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Check out this video: Cologne, Germany 2008

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Live from Leipzig, Germany!

2008-03-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

What more can I say?

Another lazy day. We kicked it TOUGH today before the show. The only time we went out was to get a Kebab from up the street (THE BEST KEBAB EVER!!!!!! Also, the only time I really took pictures, but Conikt got some of the show) and even that was done in pjs lol. Good rest and good food. This tour we've been running pretty hard, so unlike last time there wasn't very much fire to go sight seeing. Though I must say that Leipzig is a very well developed city, with a good amount of graff and a very progressive feel to it, from what I saw atleast.

After hours of chillin we got ready for soundcheck and the show. The trend has been that the better the sound, the less people LOL. Nah but seriously, this venue was a trip to walk up to at first. Very dark back alley entrance with a factory type thing next to it.

[More videos from mctreklife]

[More videos from mctreklife]

Soundcheck went well, we hit the crib and ate with a bunch of now new friends, as well as talked about politics and globalization (yep we did that lol). On to the show!

DOPE!!!

This cat named Lars opened for us and killed it. Small crowd, but they stayed rockin at what I would say was my most energetic performance this tour. We set up shop and O bounced from the club early. I should've followed suit cuz somehow my backpack was stolen or lost and all the shit that was in it. Fortunately everything in the bag was replaceable, but the bag was a gift and it sucks that someone would grab it and not just return it. (sigh) That's going to piss me off for a while.

I hit the crib, reported home and fell asleep as soon as my eyes shut. I think i've lost more shit on this tour than i've ever lost in my entire life!

Anyway, on to the last stop on this tour before home. Cologne, Germany.

On to Dresden!!!

2008-03-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

Almost home...

I made a call home and got some hilarious pictures of my daughter. She's going to look completely different by the time I get home. LOL

I didn't really fall asleep til about 7am out here. Not for any other reason than the fact that it was cold than a muthafucka! Damn! Please turn up the heat! I'm skinny, I need HEAT!!! lol Regardless sleep happened and the next morning was lazy and chill. It was cold and muggy outside and we had to hit Dresden in the evening, so chillin' was the gameplan.

We hit the road for an hour long ride to Dresden, DE and to perform at a bar that Awol One and Aloe had performed at in the last few weeks or so. DOPE PLACE!!! The theme of many of these bars and venues out here really puts some places back home to shame. So lets see...

Soundsystem dope? (Check)
Venue dope? (Check)
Beer? (Check)
People? (not so much LOL)

Only a handful of people showed, so I hit the tables and played our music only while hosting and letting the people know what they were listening to (Ya'll better learn the many ways to sell a cd). All was well in my opinion. Some folks bought some records and we had a good time.

The city had a look sort of like Brooklyn and the Donor Kebab was DELICIOUS!! I don't think i've ever tasted better. Unlike Vienna, the people just vibed out and chilled to the music. Showing reaction but not wylin.

Hey! Did I mention that in the car that we are traveling in we only have a cassette player? YEP!!! That shit is classic. We are listening to Emanon's waiting room on cassette as i'm typing this in the car. Everywhere I go people are talking about someone from the city (Blu, Aloe, Exile, Lotus, Stones Throw). The city is doing really well overseas! I'm proud. Events with folks that I used to run with have me not really into the scene back home, just to simply be around people I trust and KNOW, is much better than to question the intentions of those around me all the time. But it is great to know that my peers have come even further than I had thought. I knew we were doing well, but DAMN!!

So yeah, I hear Lebron went for 50, 10 and 8 in the Garden last night. If the Knicks don't get rid of Isaih soon there's going to be a riot. No disrespect to Lebron, but he schooled a bunch of 8th graders and Jamal Crawford. Enough with the BBall talk, there are a few pics of the venue in here, no video or anything like that cuz Conikt worked the door and Oddisee is a super star LOL. But I don't ya'll to hear how terrible the first 10 minutes of my set was anyway.

Back to Liepzig for a show tomorrow, damn time is flying!

Party People in Jena

2008-03-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

You know who should run for president? Anyone who"s ever swept and mopped the floor at McDonalds anywhere in the world. I mean, they don"t give a damn if you standing there or what, the are mopping the floor and you either get with the program or get out the way LOL. This lady in McDonalds was SERIOUS about mopping the floor. I actually had to admire her passion for keeping the floor so clean. Nevermind that i'm an actually a customer, nah, fuck that THE FLOOR COMES FIRST!! lol I ain"t buy nothing but a soda anyway, while Oddisee ended getting the opposite of what he ordered. There you have it. McDonald's is the same everywhere lol.

The drive was about 6 hours or so. We stopped by Conikt's house to pick Serato vinyl up and go to the club wiht time to eat a very well cooked meal by the promoter and relax beofer soundscheck.

This may have been the single worst show we've done out here though. Don't get me wrong. The people rocked with us and all. But they really just wanted to dance. That being said, there's really not much news. We were working HARD though LOL. The soundsystem was BANGIN!!!!! Every song sounded perfect. The club was very dope too. There was graff all over the place. They had light signs for us and everything lol.

Since we weren't there during the day it was hard to really get pics of all the graff and stuff, but I owe this city a return visit, just to really get a chance to get down the right way.

We left there at about 4:30am and head to DJ Conikt's flat in Leipzig which is about an hour away.

On to Dresden after some sleep.

.

Hard Work in Vienna

2008-03-05T01:27:00.000-08:00

Word from home is that my little girl is rolling over and trying to crawl. *tear* Her level of importance is so critical to me. Daddy will be home in a minute! One day she'll be able to breakdance like daddy in the Vienna train station on the way to the studio.

Trek Breakdances for Sarai

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This is an extremely busy day on the way. We hit the studio to record a joint that Un did for Foxxy's album. As usual the verse took seconds lol. We got some flicks though. The homey Daniel was on the boards. Shout out to Unknown. For some reason they had a scary ass Santa Claus out side haha. The session was pretty ill though. But no time to relax. We had to get back to do a radio show called "Tribe Vibes" on FM4 and then do another radio show with DJ Caustic @ PlayFM and then get to the show. Let's move!

Studio in Vienna

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Daniel drove us half way and we walked to the crib to meet up with Oddisee and be on our way to the show. Back to the place where yesterday we were left out in the cold. To be greeted professionally and walked straight into the building. PERFECT! Wireless internet PERFECT! lol

I went ahead and made sure that I did the worst possible mixing in the history of ever putting a hand on a record LOL. Oddisee did most of the talking (go figure LOL j/k) and we wrapped it up no biggie. They already had serato at the radio station, so everything was all good. Now Play FM? that was a different story. We got there and there really is no interview. You just spin for a time slot and all of Vienna is listening. No biggie right? NO SERATO!! Damn. We walk back to the crib and get the serato while Caustic and Conikt hold it down. Got the serato, went back and I spun for all of 15 minutes LOL. But, Caustic and Conikt spin dope shit and they had a fridge full of free beer so YEAH!!!!

Aight, done with that. Now on to what we came here for. Cafe' Leopold! I was told that it was a lounge environment and folks just chilled. Cool. Hell Nah! I"ma make these people dance LOL. Foxxy didn"t believe me haha

By 12:30am folks was groovin to the sounds of the one and only Trek Life. Shit was FUN! Just to see people enjoy themselves makes the trip worth it (well, that and the euros, I love them euros!) Oddisee hosted, and I rhymed. Caustic and Conikt held it down and every had a great time. BEER! and more Beer! lol

By the end of the night (which was about 4am) we were headed home and I was laughing at them for having to carry these heavy ass records while I walked comfortably with my backpack on (SHUT UP!). Caustic had all sorts of purist jokes until a wheel on his record box broke. SMH No big deal right? He just staked his record box onto the Dolly that Conikt had borrowed from Foxxy to help carry his crate. Ummm......The wheel on that soon broke too LOL!!!!! HILARIOUS!!!! I ended up having to carry folks records anyway HAHAHA!!

No internet when we got to Foxxy's (shrugs) I was dead tired though.

This was hands down the most fun i've had in a while at a club. Aside from Bridges, Pause, Soundlessons, and now Fresh Beats, I don"t know what its like to go to a club without egos and extras. This spot was down to earth and DOPE!!! I MUST come here again.

Next up Jena, Austria

(Shout out to my man Trish of "Tribe Vibes" congrats on your lil boy and thank you for the congrats on my lil girl)

Vienna Day 2 :-/

2008-03-05T01:15:00.000-08:00

I actually slept this time LOL (Stadium type cheers). Its raining outside....and....i'm from LA...so the rain...ummmm...I ain't fuckin with it.

So everytime I opened my eyes no matter what everyone else was doing. I closed them and went right back to sleep. I think it was time to wake up lol

Note to all those who go on tour in Europe:

Non Smokers: Bring some febreeze, Ricola (drop that in some hot tea and clears you right up), and ofcourse some Airborne (That shit works Brian!).

Smokers: Your dreams have now been fulfilled (c) Redman before the De La's Ooh Song and an old school rapper that I can't seem to think of right now.

We went to FM4 to get back with my man Jo Jo on Digital Confusion radio and ummm...no one was there to let us in (unprofessional is everywhere on the earth I guess). We got the run around all day! I mean all day! This was little to no fun at all. I mean, I don't mind folks being late, but to envite us somewhere and not show up is kinda wack. One show cancelled and the other moved to the next day. There wasn"t much to do but sit there and chill for a while and sleep. We rolled to this restaurant while I was very upset that I was missing the Dallas vs. Lakers game. OVERTIME!!! ARRRGGG!! lol. I really need some basketball in my life right now haha.

Me and Odd grabbed some bomb food, the ittis set in and tomorrow is on the way.

Not very interesting at all.

The return to the brilliant city of Vienna, Austria

2008-03-03T22:51:00.002-08:00

Damn! I just found out the Lakers lost to Portland LOL There's no one to talk about basketball with here. WTF?! Granted Dirk is from Germany. So that makes the WNBA a whole lot stronger (OOOOOOHHHHH!), but seriously, someone has to know something about the game. I've had to rely on ESPN, shit is sad. I'm convinced that Sportwriters get paid to piss people who know about the game the fuck off!So yeah, today's word is "death." LOL

The drive to Vienna was way out. We drove through a storm and the little car slid a few lanes every once in a while. If not for the courage of the fearless crew...you know the words. We went on about several different things starting with Erykah Badu sewing Common's outfits (HELL NAW!!!), and because of the storm a dirve that was supposed to take an hour or so took about 2 hours. We later found out that there was a REAL storm. Thank God we missed that.

VIENNA!!

The street that we enter Vienna on is dope. The architecture and history in this city is amazing. We pulled up to the homey Foxxy's apt and parked infront a small record store that DJ Chris Fader (Austria's IDF champion in 2007). We said what up, dropped these bags off and hit the city to find Serato Vinyl since I decided to be an idiot and left them shits in Tuebingen. Ummm 25 euros per vinyl. NO!!!!! Hell to the Nah. That's like $35-$40. NOPE! Foxxy made some phone calls so I could borrow some LOL.

We have few days in this city and 2 shows. One tonight (Mar 1st) and one on sunday (Mar 3rd), plus radio show on Sat, and one before the show tonight. (whew) I'm tryin to see the city. We go to the Cathedral. Damn, just damn. The detail that it took to build suck a thing in the times that it was build is insane. It is made of sandstone so it has to constantly be upkept, and during the war the Bell on the tower was destroyed. It didn't take very many pictures of the inside maybe tomorrow though. There are no more words to describe how dope this city really is.

Computer, sleep, Family Guy then off to work.

Shout out to The Loud Minority crew for having us out here. We did a short performance at "Club U" where legendary DJ Zuzi, Louis Figueroa, DJ Chris Fader and DJ Wisdom were on the decks blessin the crowd. We got there at midnight and there were not too many people. But the club really jumps off at about 1:30am, which is when we hit the stage. No stage, 1 mic, and a short time to rock = Still a dope show. Vienna is like Linz in the respect that they know their shit. We really booked this at the very last minute so it was a pleasure to get such a good response. I dj'ed a little bit after the show and then we chilled for a while and hit the road. KEBAB!! lol The dude selling the Kebab rapped for us and asked if I was a gangsta cuz i'm from LA. I told him that i've only murdered 5 people and in order to be a gangsta you needed atleast 7 murders under your belt, lest you kill an old person, then you move straight to the top. He looked sad for me LOL I'm kidding, my reply was a simple "nah."It rained as we were walking home, but all was well.

Family Guy, Family at home, then sleep somewhere around 6am.

Hit ya'll tomorrow

An honor to perform in the city of Linz, Austria

2008-03-03T22:51:00.001-08:00

I miss my little girl

After breakfast in the morning with my people in Tubingen the 6 hour drive to Linz, Austria began. 6 hours in really nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it's still 6 hours lol. There's something about being in good company that makes time fly by though and after a DOPE conversation about Production, sound, Paul C, and all around life in general we were pulling up infront of Kapu.

Little Brother had performed here a week ago and a host of family from back home had performed there from years past. Emanon, Myka Nine, Blu, Hezekiah and so many more have left writings on the wall in the upper room they have set up for artist to sleep. It was an HONOR to be at this place! I've been thinking very heavily about this being my last year or so doing this music, but to be in a place where my peers and people I looked up to have rocked makes me question that decision.

WIRELESS INTERNET!!! Good deal. I had to throw some early blogs up and skype back home. We got a chance to sit down for a while and chill it seems like time flew and we hit the stage. The difference between this crowd and others is that a LOT of hip hop shows have come through here. You can't bullshit these people. If you ain't rockin', they ain't fuckin wit you! Those were perfect odds for us, since we made a serious effort to keep the show as high energy as possible. Linz is a hip hop artist dream to perform at. A crowd that "gets it" but is not stuck up because they do. They stayed with us the whole time, and did the Maintain Excellence parts PERFECTLY!

After the show we sold some product and went upstairs to rest. Ofcourse I could barely sleep lol. But we had to leave in a few hours as is.Linz is a rugged city, industrial, sorta like Detroit or Spokane, WA. The people are savvy though, they follow hip hop and know their shit. It was an honor to rock with ya'll. Hopefully i'll make it back there in the near future.

Time for Vienna

What city are we in TUBINGEN, DE!!!!

2008-02-29T20:05:00.001-08:00

Why in God's name can't I sleep on the DAMN PLANE!?!?! AAAARRGGGGG Oddisee was knocked out for the whole flight. I tried everything, reading, listening to slow music, counting sheep, NOTHING WORKED. Whatever, we headed to one of the dopest cities that we went to last year. TUBINGEN, Germany!!!

We caught the flight from London to Stuttgart and met up with DJ Conikt (UNCLE CORN!!!) then took a 1-2 hour drive to Tubingen. Got to DJ Caustic's house, (*sigh* the damn steps again LOL) and hit this restaurant where Ariginal works for some very good food. I started to fall asleep at the table (Blackdenamugg!) so we headed back for some much needed rest.

Sound check was simple, and the spot was packed. Oddise RIPPED! that shit! I wanted to not rap and let him just do his thing. He was forreal killin' it song for song. I hit the stage and did my thing as well. We sold some CDs talked to some drunk folks LOL, and headed to get some MORE food (we actually chilled and ate in the gas station, yes IN the gas station) and rest.

Words can't describe how inspiring this city is. The vibe of the city is perfect for me. There's something about the people and the town in general that speaks directly to me.

There are even a project building for pigeons LOL. Don't believe me?

Shout out to Ariginal, DJ Caustic (CrowdKrushers!), DJ Maytee,Keller Fever, Mishoo and the whole Tubingen crew. It always feels like home when i'm there.

GRIMEY PIGEON Projects! Lol Basically they have a little building set up for Pigeons to go kick it and sleep in the park, but, since it's been tagged on, I think its the projects.

Broadcastin' Live from London, UK

2008-02-29T19:27:00.000-08:00

Well folks,

Once again I am across the waters rockin stages with my man Oddisee and the homey Conikt. Honestly this is a much needed trip for a whole lot of reasons, most importantly to get to see old friends and new family that I haven't seen in a while and secondly to reflect on decisions and thangs at home.

But enough of the extras, let us get into London.

Ummm...10:30 HOUR FLIGHT!! lol So apparently ya'll have no clue how airplanes are Trek Life's arch nemesis. I'm hyper, restless, can barely sleep, and have a short attention span when it comes to reading, everything that makes sitting on a plane for more than an hour the worst thing EVER! I don't know about you, but I ain't the one to be able to sit on a plane for ever and a day thinking about shit. I ain't scared, but damn. Props to United for not overbooking the flight and letting me have my own 2 seats. I mean, I wasn't like DJ Haul (of Haul & Mason fame, yes he was on the plane) in first class LOL, but I was good.

Finally I hit the airport, slide through customs and wait 2 hours for Oddisee :-/ (yeah muthaf*&ka, I told on yo ass HAHA). All good though, I was just happy to have my first show ever in Germany! Forreal!

We hit the streets of London, head straight to the venue and drop heavy ass bag off, grab something to eat (FISH & CHIPS NIGGA!!), head back to the venue sound check, get on the internet, bag on each other, watch some funny shit on youtube and hit the stage.

This night was DOPE. Olivier Day Soul and Tranqill joined us on stage and we mixed our sets together. The homey Ty showed up (one of the top 5 performing hip hop artist in my opinion) and hopped on stage with us. SHIT WAS LIVE! Anyone who goes to London NEEDS to go to Lookout, trust me.

After we did some sales, I hit the mic once again to host for DJ Alexander Nut (HE KILLED IT!) and we shut the place down.

No rest. On to TUBINGEN!!!

Tranqill, Olivier Day Soul, Oddisee, DJ Haul, Ty = CLASSIC!

Party people at the Lookout in LONDON, UK!

2008-02-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

What it is ya'll....

I was told by upper management here at crookedstraight.com that I have to up my blog game lol. Shit has been hella hectic though, trying to get things together for Europe and all, plus all the regular things that go along with life in the big city.

With all that in mind, this is what we're going to do. For all you young folks, roughly 25 years ago Micheal Jackson released the smash hit album Thriller. Some of you weren't even born (damn i'm old) and some of you, like me, had some sort of Micheal Jackson jacket complete with buckles, zippers and a lifetime of embarrassing pictures (don't forget the glove, there's nothing more flossy than a diamond studded glove) LOL.

Anyway, MC extraordinaire Rhymefest has come up with a dope concept mixtape to pay homage to MJ and further and show off his near flawless rhyme skills. The name of the mixtape is Man in the Mirror. Rhymefest, with the help of Mark Ronson, Wale, Mary J, Ghostface, the man Micheal Jackson himself and others pretty much kills this whole project. My boy B put me on to this and roughly 40 minutes later my brother called and told me a bout it as well, so I had to give this a serious listen. I've listened to a good portion of it so far and I have to agree, THIS SHIT IS BANGIN!

You can download the mixtape here via a link provided by the man Rhymefest himself.

All hope is that this leads to even more dope projects, we shall see, for now, I think you all will be thoroughly entertained by this creative project that is soon to have those hoping to gain mixtape fame need to step their game all the way up. (kinda like my blog game LOL)

UNI!! One of the next up and coming dope groups from LA

2008-02-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

There area a number of reasons to like a hip-hop duo. Two people (we assume are best friends for some reason LOL), going for broke verse after verse. Two different perspectives on a subject. Two different choice of styles on a beat. But if done correctly, they both blend to gether to make the perfect mix. Just seems like the persfect thing in rap music for 2 dope emcees to come together and click as duo. Fact is, duos are very important in hip-hop, think about it, EPMD, Das EFX, Run DMC (I know about JMJ NIGGA LOL, but i'm talking about rappers), Outkast, Salt n' Pepa, I mean, the list can continue forever.

In a time where we focus more on what's bad in our music, I present to you a very DOPE up and coming rap duo. U.N.I! With their recent release Chicken and Watermelon, a number of postive reviews online and in mags, featured video on myspace and notably energetic shows, U.N.I has set themselves up as a group that needs to be paid close attention to over the next couple of years. There is no drop off in talents between the this duo of Y.O. and Thurzday from Inglewood, CA, not one drop of at all. You aren't sitting there waiting for "the dope one" to get his verse in. There are both on an equal level and that level is serious whether on a subject or just straight flowin'

Most impressive is the review on their live show. Everyone I know that has seen them grace the stage in LA has pegged them as veterans already. That's a big deal in a city where performance is what seperates the "meh" from the "dope."

I urge ya'll to check these cats out. I feel confident that they will be on the rise in the next few years. They've yet to lock themselves into any particular brand or style, so they have a good amount of room to grow as artist. Judging from the hype they've accumilated so far, there's no limit to where they can end up.

You can check them out @ myspace.com/unimusik.

Also, Check out the videos:

Beautiful Day

Add to My Profile More Videos

K.R.E.A.M.

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Good people I present to you, "The Trek Files"

2008-01-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

Yes ya'll this has to be done.

Have you ever wished you had a camera with you when some crazy shit happens? Well, you are not alone. We all do. Fortunately for some of us, there is a wonderful phone company called Helio that came up with the best phone ever on the planet the "Ocean." Yes, it is better than you. I mean seriously, my phone is better than you as an actual person LOL. Anyway, this phone has the ability to take video, and throw it right up on youtube in 2 clicks. That being said. I will now every so often, either throw up some funny, dope or thought provoking shit and title it, the Trek Files, and occasional "drop" from a few of the homies will be on there as well.

3 things to note:

1) The "Trek Files" are not an everyday thing...
2) They may not always be from my camera, they could just be some funny shit I was put on to. In those cases, I will credit the source... (so feel free to send me some shit that you think is funny).

With regards to #2, let's get started. My boy B put me onto the most hilarious thing i've seen on youtube since the dude tried to do the Karate backflip and fell on his face. All Marvel comics fans should love this! I probably need a late pass, but, I'M THE JUGGERNAUT BITCH!!!! lol

So, this is how i've spent 9 minutes a day, everyday for the last 3 weeks haha

OH SHIT!

My bad, this blog is supposed to be music related...ummmm...ummmm.....

(thinking)....

(still thinking)

OH YEAH, I'VE BEEN MEANING TO TELL YA'LL THIS.

You've all criminally slept on Pharaoh Monche's latest album and should be punished. SEVERLY punished!! The sound quality alone on that album is ridiculous. I mean...seriously...what do you want from him? He ripped the whole album and made us all wish that he and Black Milk would go ahead and do a whole album together. GO BUY THIS SHIT ALREADY!! or however you get your music these days.

peace

Can we all agree that Ghostface can be considered one of the G.O.A.T.s

2008-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

I'm serious!

Here's the challenge. Put ghost whole catalogue in your ipod, or in whatever media player you have on your computer. Then put that bitch on shuffle and listen to how ill that nigga is.

What? What you want story tellin'? "Yolanda's House" (Ghostface's Big Doe Rehab track 3) or "Shakey Dog" (which is one the most entertaining stories ever told in hip-hop ever lol) (Ghostface's Fishscale track 1).

What? What you want straight up flows? I ain't even gotta talk about the countless tracks that this nigga done murdered. Beat the Clock for example.

What? Did you say you wanted songs about the ladies? Well you already know that Wildflower (Ghostface's Spreme Clientele track 2) is the best song for fellas to end relationships with LOL. Plus he actually got some club hits on deck (please excuse Tush, if you can excuse Nas for Oochie Wallie then you can excuse Tush).

All i'm sayin is. This dude has been on point for a minute and we've basically overlooked him. Take the challenge, bet he ends up in your top 10.

Von Pea of Tanya Morgan remixes American Gangster

2007-12-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

So, I was conversing with my homeboy about what I was bumpin' this year. This fool didn't know none of the records I was talking about! lol That's when it hit me. I'll just post up some artist and music that i'm interested in! So with that, expect a couple of remix albums, new groups and so on. I ain't 'bout to get into rating anything that I post, nor will I ever post something I don't like. (Why waste my time talking about music I don't like? LOL). The purpose of this is to introdue you to what I enjoy, not what I don't.

Let us begin.

2 years ago (I think) I logged onto okayplayer.com for the first time. I never knew what the hell people were talking about, or what them shirts the Roots had on meant, nor mothered to find out until them. Now, I'm glad I did. I've met so many dope cats and heard so much dope shit through that site that it's hard to imagine what my music library would be like without it. The first cat I was put onto was this cat named Von Pea (1/3 of the critically acclaimed crew Tanya Morgan). I didn't know what the hell them lil' (oks) by people's names meant at the time, so when I saw one by his name I figured since he had one, he must be affiliated and I should check his music out.I ended up telling my boy Kev Sakoda that this dude was someone to watch in a few years, not just an emcee, but a producer as well (first joint I ever heard was Shuttupanlisten). From there he ripped a very dope verse on the opening track of Foreign Exchange's album (Phonte and Nicolay). Taking it even further, him and his partners from Tanya Morgan set it off last year with their debut album Moonlighting, receiving a shit load of praise and placing themselves in position to be a force to be reconned with in the near future.

So here we are, my man Von Pea has now remixed Jay-Z's "American Gangster" (retitled: American Angst-er). Now I know, the many horrid remixes of "The Black Album" may make it hard to trust me on this. But THIS SHIT IS FIRE!!! I feel like he made it more of a concept record than Jay lol. Using clips from the movie to move from track to track with ease Von has reworked an already dope record and gave it a different feel. He flipped the shit out of the Roc Boys joint, murdered Ignorant Shit and even shared rhymes with Jigga on a flawless remix of Hello Brooklyn (Von Pea is also from Brooklyn unlike Lil' Weezy haha).

Now let me be clear, just like any other time you listen to a remix album, you may find songs that you may like better as the original (I will put dough on "Ignorant shit" though). That being said, this is a very good listen, and it is up for free download below. Check it out, feedback right here in this blog if you'd like.

(rar version)

(zip version)

Crooked Straight | Trek Speaks

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3 things that yo' mama told you that have been lost on the ina'net

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DIAMOND DISTRICT ALBUM "IN THE RUFF" - LIMITED FREE DOWNLOAD

Trek Life Acrylick's Featured Artist + Root Down this Thursday

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Lies, Statistics and the President

Let's GO!!! Links to Press for New Money

Get some ankle insurance!

The album release party was DOPE!!!

Release Party for New Money this Sat, Jan 10th @ The Terrace in Pasadena

Talk Strange? What the hell is that?

Ok Common, I see you

DJ Babu Duck Season 3 release party Tonight b/w SHINE on Halloween Night!

That Jay-Z sample

Johnson&Jonson ask Have you seen the Red Baby?! b/w The homie ABF got the ill mix on deck

DOWNLOAD: Johnson&Jonson "Baby Don't Leave Me Now"

SUPPORT: Cop Johnson&Jonson available online & in stores now

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Late night drunk jargon

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Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning "G.O.O.D"

The "God Yo' Self" Movement

"Times are, we still close, I rhyme far away..away..away

This Gnarls Barkley video is DOPE!

I've been off my game lately...to make up for it...

Things that suck + 1 thing that doesn't <-GRASHOPPER TONIGHT

DJ'ing @ Highlands Friday 6/13

?uestlove, Black Thought & me? lol "Cheers @ Crash Mansion tomorrow 6/12

Psycotic fits of Rage breifly analyzed by me

Blacknbling.blogspot.com's "Friend of the Week"...a few weeks ago lol

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Folks is upset LOL!

The Expendable people

Some people don't talk (Random thoughts)

See? This is the shit i'm talking about... PT 2

See? This is the shit i'm talking about

In Ethics and Basketball...STFU already!! lol

DJ Tommy Blak's "Exact Science" mixtape vol #1

Some of ya'll so called "heads" are annoying

Last stop, Cologne, DE, then home and all that

Live from Leipzig, Germany!

On to Dresden!!!

Party People in Jena

Hard Work in Vienna

Vienna Day 2 :-/

The return to the brilliant city of Vienna, Austria

An honor to perform in the city of Linz, Austria

What city are we in TUBINGEN, DE!!!!

Broadcastin' Live from London, UK

UNI!! One of the next up and coming dope groups from LA

Good people I present to you, "The Trek Files"

Can we all agree that Ghostface can be considered one of the G.O.A.T.s

Von Pea of Tanya Morgan remixes American Gangster

A moment of self discovery Heavenly music and Sun through the clouds

Turns in late pass Kev Brown and Busta Rhymes