The Grouch.Honolulu 9/20

Sick DJs of the weekend..

PACKO- Dragonfly @ the W (sideroom status but mainroom material)
for playing "This Ain't Sex" by Usher, "That Chick" by Mariah Carey and "Baby Be Mine" by Michael Jackson. Songs I dig that no other DJ plays.

ANIT- Dragonfly @ the W (main room talent w/ the headliner future)
Showing off her wellroundness and spunky electro side and then sparking things up with groovalicious neo-Soul 90's throwback from Soul For Real "Every Little Thing I do" and Usher's "You Don't Have to Call."

MIKE D.- LEVEL 4- (certified techmaster bomb jam dropper)
for getting people stomping and stepping with reckless abandom to "Sandstorm", and that "Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh Song" and closing it out with the Common classic "The Light".

Get this mixtape by DJ Packo

hit him up at
http://www.myspace.com/djpacko

More Party Throwbacks..

SHELEEN and GOODVYBE

TECH, RAMYT and BADMOUTH

MOCHI and the B-BOYS!

Throwback Pic: Nabahe and Big Moxx

Spinzone: DJ Flykid

Super Fly
by Kalani Wilhelm / 8-20-2008

What goes on in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas. Just ask DJ Fly Kid.

A recent adventure to the 702 area code has the DJ formerly known as DJ Saput Mo on a higher plain of focus.

“It’s the party vibe, the excitement and craziness that’s what got me dreaming big,” said the Kurious Productions resident DJ.

Once relegated to spinning at Kurious Productions parties, his attention to detail and ability to party rock with a purpose has helped expand Fly Kid’s DJ resume which now includes Brew Moon and Mai Tai Bar.

Always taking notes when he’s out on the town but never one to criticize, he’s the quintessential student of the game.

“I’m like a sponge, always absorbing as much information as I can. It helps a lot especially when you are learning and an up-and-coming DJ,” he said.

Praised by his peers for his on-point song selection and mixing abilities, he never lets the compliments mess with his head.

“All I can do is just strive, work hard and keep proving to the right people that I can do the same thing. That’s what keeps me hungry.”

With a mixtape made exclusive for Japan just released and one for Hawai’i on the way, it appears the sky is the limit for this kid.

Saturday Sauce at Brew Moon and Dragonfly inside the W Hotel, 21+, Hip-Hop Sundays at Mai Tai Bar, Ala Moana Center, [myspace.com]

Honolulu Weekly: The Rise Of Hawaii Hip Hop article linkage

http://honoluluweekly.com/entertainment/2008/08/local-boys/

Official Clothin' & Slapp Symphony presents

REAL TALK: I.A "The Kamaaina Classic"

KALANI: It's no secret that as far as hip hop in Hawaii, the genre will always be in the minority. What are your thoughts on this and how have you succeeded despite it all?

I.A: In the music business in general you have to have thick skin. I love music, but Hip Hop is my passion and the culture as a whole. So no matter what, I'm going to do it because I love it and I think thats why I have gotten this far in the business as well even though its not the genre of preference here in Hawaii.

KALANI: What are the biggest hurdles you and other hawaii emcees face?

I.A: I see Hawaii embracing the local Hip Hop scene a little more these days. The problem the Hawaii hip hop scene faces in my eyes is not having a consistent movement. We're not putting out the music as much as the Jawaiian and Reggae artist here on the islands so I feel like we are being over shadowed.

KALANI: Talk about some of your biggest struggles, trials and tribulations you've had to overcome to make it?

I.A: Just staying with it and grinding business-wise. My passion for hip hop will always be there, but the challenge is trying to do it on a professional scale. All the time and money put into it have been the biggest challenge while still working and keeping the roof over my head at the same time.



KALANI: What do you think makes Hawaii such a hard market for hip hop?

I.A: To me there is no exact sound thats been established for Hawaii hip hop. I think once that sound has developed, we will be able to push that sound as a unit.

KALANI: What did you think of when you heard Creed and Emirc were also coming out with new projects around the same time as yours and what does that do for Hawaii hip hop as a whole?

I.A: I think its a good look for us. Its a movement for Hawaii hip hop. 3 Hawaii emcee's, 3 different fan bases, and 3 different styles. Now we just have to keep this momentum going.

KALANI: Some may think there is a friendly rivalry between hip hop artists, is there?

I.A: Yes, Hip Hop has always been competitive. Its about raising the bar for the next emcee to raise it further. Look at where hip hop started to where its at now.



KALANI: Personally how do you try to REP Hawaii AND hip hop to the fullest?

I.A: For me, I take the culture of Hawaii and put it into a hip hop perspective. Hawaii is where I'm from and its who I am, so I try to speak that through the music.

KALANI: How would you rank the strength and talent of Hawaii artists today in comparision to two or even three years ago?

I.A: As artist you can only continue to grow sharpening your craft. The music has definitley gotten better, though I wish that some of the OG's in the scene were still in it.

KALANI: You said you gave out hundreds of copies of your mixtape for free at the Birthday Bash, why go through all that trouble? What are other examples of you getting your grind on for your music to be heard?

I.A: I want my music to be heard, so why not distribute it to the biggest local music event on the islands. I try any possible marketing angles to get my music heard, even if I have to give out my music.

KALANI: How do you share the responsibility with other artists holdin' down the 808?

I.A: We have to rep our culture and keep the music real to ourselves. If we speak about it we should be about it.

KALANI: Nationally why do you think Hawaii is "overlooked"?

I.A: We haven't been overlooked, I feel we are undiscovered raw talent. All we need is one artist to make it, then everybody is going to be looking for our scene as well.

KALANI: What would you call your biggest breakthroughs successes to date?

I.A: The biggest success is being able to brand my music, and getting support from the fans demanding Hawaii hip hop. I'm just happy making hip hop...

KALANI: What are some of HAWAII HIP HOP'S biggest breakthroughs and successes to date?

I.A: Having it being accepted here in Hawaii, a couple years ago we couldn't say the same. So its definitley getting somewhere and the hard work is paying off.

KALANI: How do you envision hip hop to be like in the islands in five years?

I.A: It would be nice to be recognized nationally by that time. But no matter how far we get, I hope we try to keep the music true to ourselves....

Planet B Boy Footy..

KOREA


FRANCE

Throwback Pic..Halloween '07 edition

CC and Kimo James at the Living Room..

REAL TALK: Tassho Pearce talks about the state of Hawaii Hip Hop PART 1

KALANI: It's no secret that as far as hip hop in Hawaii, the genre will always be in the minority. What are your thoughts on this and how have you succeeded despite it all?

PEARCE: I' m not mad at the fact that Reggae and Hawaiianmusic reign supreme in the Islands. That's how itshould be. Island music matches the vibe out here. More and more Hip Hop fans out here are checking for local MCs as well as their favorite MCs from the mainland. That's how it begins. I've been able to work with some of the most respected Hip Hop artists in the game. People see that and wonder "What is this kid from Hawaii doing on a song with these guys?".Hopefully this creates awareness for what we're doing out here. Now, Hawaii Hip Hop artists, who always believed we could be relevant on a national scale, are finally start seeing it happen for real.

KALANI: What are the biggest hurdles hawaii MCs face?

PEARCE: Well, we are the most isolated place on the planet, sothat makes it more expensive to travel and do shows.That, and the fact that some people from outside ofH awaii still view Hawaii as just a touristy, paradise. As much beauty as there is surrounding us, we still deal with a lot of problems that all metropolitan cities do.

KALANI: Talk about some of your biggest struggles, trials and tribulations you've had to overcome to make it?

PEARCE: Back when I was first coming up, I used to battle a lot. Sometimes crews from the housing would roll through to rep. Even though we were all there on Hip Hop shit, those dudes were gangster! I saw a lot of guys get beat up. There was always a certain element of danger. You had to be able to back up what you were saying to some extent. I've had guns pulled on me in cyphers, and watched rhyming turn into straight up brawls on several occasions.

KALANI: What do you think makes Hawaii such a hard market for hip hop?

PEARCE: It's not too bad. I think Hip Hop really has a chance to blow up out here. It could be worse. We could be in Idaho (no disrespect) or something trying to convince people that potatoes are cool. Everyone in the world knows Hawaii is cool. Now, it's just a matter of getting them to listen to our music. Once they hear it they' ll be hooked!

KALANI: What did you think of when you heard Creed and I.A were also coming out with new projects around the same time as yours? What does that do for Hawaii hip hop as a whole?

PEARCE: It's great. I remember when you had only one local hip hop album released every three years. Now we got three dropping in one month. That shows how far we've come as a scene, and how hard we're all grinding these days.



KALANI: Some may think there is a friendly rivalry between hip hop artists, is there?

PEARCE: Absolutely. In Hip Hop you always want to be the best.It's just like sports. A high level of competition is always good for the game.

KALANI: Personally how do you try to REP Hawaii AND hip hop to the fullest?

PEARCE: All day. Everyday. Try to let'em know that we are here and we can hang with the best.

KALANI: What is the most frustrating part about being an> emcee so far from the mainland markets?

PEARCE: I can't complain. Being from Hawaii has helped mycareer more than hurt it. People are generally more open once they find out I'm from Hawaii. It's like a mystery to them. They want to know what we do, how we live. They are already interested before they've evenheard any of my music.



KALANI: How do you take the position bestowed upon your shoulders as the FLAG bearer of Hawaii hip hop?

PEARCE: Any time I am on the road, I feel like I have to represent correctly. I am one of Hawaii's ambassadors. I named my new album "The Opening Act" because I am grateful to the people of Hawaii for putting me in this position. Everything I have accomplished professionally, in one way or another, stemmed from me being The Opening Act.

KALANI: How would you rank the strength and talent of Hawaii artists today in comparision to two or even three years ago?

PEARCE: We've always had our own unique swagger out here. Now,we're in a position where a lot of artists are getting organized and actually releasing albums on a regular basis. That's the biggest difference, to me. It's great to see some of the originators like Kavet the Catalyst, Syze One, or Stone Groove Family, recording albums and getting some well deserved shine.

KALANI: How do you share the responsibility with other artists holdin' down the 808?

PEARCE: We all are just doing what comes naturally. Whether it's Angry Woebot doing paintings for art galleries,Omega Cix hosting video games for Konami, KICKS/HI designing their own Nike sneaker, In4mation releasing their G-shock, or even the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa sneaker Flip The Bird did with Russell Simmons, It's all local people being creative on a international platform. This is an awesome time to be an artist in Hawaii.


END OF PART I

Snaps from the Little Brother show at the Loft

For more pics checkout Honozooloo.com



















I CAUGHT THIS IN THE CROWD..

New Mixtapes by DJ Revise

REAL TALK: CREED CHAMELEON

KALANI: Underground hip hop, hip-pop. What's your place in Hawaii hip hop?
CREED: I guess in the same place where every hawaii hip hop head is at...in search for a better place to promote and make music where the majority of people unwillingly listen and support this independent cause.

K: What went into the album?
CC: a lot of dedication and heart.

K: Talk about the title, how did you come up with it?
CC: i was just sick of people labeling us "hawaii heads" being too laid back and that we don't work hard at all. that's why i named it siq of lazy. "SIQ" of all the lazy minded critics thinking hawaii hip hop music will never make it.

K: Specifically speaking, how does this album top your first?
CC: Well my first album was a underground burnt CD style album which was distributed in limited supply. but comparing to my second album, love potion cyanide, it's got more tracks, more featured producers and emceEs, and more topics and issues that i haven't spoke of on the first and second.

K: If the first album was put out there to introduce you to the world,
what is the purpose of the second album?
CC: I guess the second and third one is for the world to get acquainted with me.

K: Hip hop is always a hard sell in Hawaii, as an artist how do you try
to change that?
CC: By keeping that "aloha" mentality that is hardly shown nowadays, making "real" music that the local people can relate to, and being oneself while building relationships with others that will definitely have them wanting to help support.

K: Collectively do you think Hawaii hip hop artists are unified or is
everyone kind of on their own seperate grinds?
CC: Everyone is on their own grind but not really hating on one another. it used to be so bad where other crews would just bash on one another in order to reign supreme on the hustle. but lately, it's been cooled down and that's a good sign. I say, everyone get on there own grind...cause if one of us makes it, all of HAWAII makes it.

K: What are some topics that you touch on that listeners and supporters
might find interesting?
CC: I talk about certain issues that hawaii and the independent hip hop scene face on the islands. not only that, i talk about political, global and personal issues on the album too that people might find controversial.

K: How does the direction of this album differ from the first one?
CC: this is directed a lot more toward the public masses as to the hip hop listener. I wanted to branch out to different listeners and see if i could conjure up some magic with that

K: What messages can someone get from the album?
CC: Some positive and negative ones. maybe some insight and some eye-opening truths that are just hard to swallow. i wanted to have multiple messages mixed all in one.

K: What tracks are you most proud of?
CC: I'm proud of the track, "See You Again" which i had HOT 939's own Lowie Boy sing on it. It was one of my R&B/Soul experiments i've wanted to work on. also, it's a song about my father who passed away when i was 19.

K: How have you grown during the period of time between albums?
CC: Tremendously. i've changed my whole regimen. i guess i'm just getting old. but i don't see myself quitting anytime soon.

K: When its all said and done what will make this project a success?
CC: The support of my super crew (SIQ Records) and the people that have inspired me to write these songs...HAWAII.

Hawaii DJ Top Five

1. Mike D. -Level 4
2. Zack Morse -Stone Groove 10-Year Party at the Living Room
3. Compose -Chinatown Getdown at Indigo, Do'kyo at Harbor Court
4. Anit -Dragonfly Room at the W Hotel
5. K Smooth- Do'kyo at Harbor Court

DJ ROCKY ROCK Spinzone

Like a Rock
by Kalani Wilhelm / 8-13-2008
To celebrate five years of consistent upscale excellence, the promoters at Dragonfly Room inside the W Hotel are flying in one of the Bay Area’s fly-est.

For the naysayers that believe a turntablist can’t move a crowd, its time to get your mind right because DJ Rocky Rock of Jeepney Music is more than just your average one dimensional scratch rabbit.

Down with the Black Eyed Peas as [Apl.de.ap]’s personal DJ, double-r earned his international DJ stripes cutting and scratching his way to championship status at battles put on by the legendary International Turntable Federation and the DJ Mixing Competition.

Along with performing with Snoop, Korn and Linkin Park and making music with his band Dirty Heads, one of Rock’s crowning achievements is opening the door for U.S. hip-hop talent to perform in his home country of the Philippines.

The fundamentally ill, party rockin’ Filipino is usually holding it down at the most “down” nightspots in L.A. Their loss is Hawai’i’s gain this weekend.

Dragonfly Room, inside the W Hotel, 2885 Kalakaua Ave., Sat 8/16, 9pm–2pm, 21+ [rockyrockproject.com], [myspace.com]


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

"...the city with the golden sound"

Hawaii Hip hop fire

(in random order)

RUN'EM HARD by IA featuring KRYSTILEZ
PEARL HARBOR by EMIRC featuring Rakaa Iriscience
PERRY AND PRICE by CREED CHAMELEON
THE OPENING ACT by EMIRC
WMD by EMIRC featuring OMEGA CIX AND MUSHMOUF
RADIO KILL by CREED CHAMELEON featuring JOE DUB, RISUP AND DJ REVISE
ASIAN BLADE by CREED CHAMELEON featuring MEISO AND PARLOUS
BREAK IT DOWN featuring Osna, J Wiz, J Crooks
SHAKA by IA
ROOM SERVICE by EMIRC featuring DJ Q-bert

Throwback

Shouts

Dan, Charlie, Mike, Compose, Lava, Chris, G, Taharba, Killowattz, Tassho, Rakaa, Ikon, Laurie, Anit,James, Kavet, Kama, Zack Morse, Aaron, Bryan, Alvin, Goldenchild, Akela, Roobi, Alaine, Mixmaster B., Tiffany, Kamakoa, Nikki, Phat Joe, Cyn, Diana, Marko Ho, Ryan, Dave, Delve, Lofa, Creed, Krystilez, I.A, Mike G., Ryan, Paul Brandon, Eric, Kels, Jason, Asia, Kristen, Kimo James, Donovan, Jrama, Sub, Sean D. Jelly, Honozooloo, Taco and on and on and on.

Get up a get, get, getdown!

DJ Rocky Rock hits the W

Kutmaster Spaz Interview

- As far as leaving your mark on Hawaii, what do you want your "legacy" to be?
That people remember me as the innovator and elevator of the DJ scene in Hawaii.

- What are a few of your proudest achievements?
Being the first DJ in Hawaii to win the national Hit Makers award by Hit Makers Magazine (a music industry magazine), the only DJ/Entertainer in Hawaii to win the HMSA Ola Pono Award for living right, Starting Hawaii's first fully equipment DJ School in 2000 and the worlds first DJ Scratch school for Turntables.

- What are some of your fonder memories of your days on radio and spinning at the clubs?
Being notice for my work "in the mix" on radio back in the day on HOT I-94 (now Hot 93.9) . It's always good when be appreciate your work. I love working at Cilly's Night in Waikiki back in the day because it gave me freedom to express myself and experiment with my mix styles. Where as now its a little harder to experiment when people expect a certain style and sound from you, I always got to deleiver.

- How has Hawaii nightlife changed? for the good? and for the bad?
Oh it has change in many ways. For one, night clubs didn't have promoters and the DJ's were the draw. Where as now, people go for the promoters and the DJ's are a second thought or sometimes not even mentioned or given their props. A good thing that has come from promoters is that they are always trying to step up their game and think of new ways to elevate the party scene.

- You seem to have alot of things going on. How busy are you really lol?
OMG, I would have to write on two pages to explain how busy I am and what I do. A lot people think once you make it in the business you can sit back and relax, oh how wrong they are. You actually have to work hard to keep your status and remain successful in the industry. I always say "you are only successful as your last project", that's why I currently have 5 going on. I will just list them and titles so I don't take up your time.

*Music and Marketing Director for CW's Night Club on Lewers
*Executive Producer and Host for DIS-N-DAT TV
*Founder and Publisher for DISfunkshion Magazine
*President/CEO of DIS-N-DAT Media Group (DIS-N-DAT Music, Studios and Entertainment)
*Talent for Kutmaster Spaz Kreations (DJ different events and concerts)

In all those titles I have many responsibilities and projects.

- Talk about your new responsibilities at Coconut Willy's? Why should peeps check it out? What's the vibe like?
Coconut Willy's a.k.a. CW's Night Club is a cool ultra-lounge/nightclub with island decor that attracts locals as well as out of town guest. We draw a strong laid back 21 - 25 old crowd. We are open in 11:00 am (in the day) - 4:00 am, everyday. The club holds about 200 people and has a big restaurant and industry following. When the bar and restaurant people get off work about 11:30 pm they all come and hang out at CW's to 4:00 am. It might be becuase all yellow and blue card holders get in for free (like VIP) and get $1.00 off all their drinks. The locals like to come because they can hear great music spun by yours truly, come dressed party casual, free cover before 11:00 pm and the best part is they can bring their own food (pupus) or order and have their food delivered from on of the many restaurants in the area.


- Many younger fans, know you as the host of Dis N Dat and are not familar with your credentials as a dj, producer etc. How important is it to you that people know you came up as a deejay?
How true that is, when I show up at an event to DJ I have had some people say what are you going to do tonight...host. I tell them no, I am going to DJ and they say... "you DJ"? I doesn't bother me, however I personally never forget what opened upped doors for me to do what I do today. DJing gave me an outlet to keep me off the streets and from doing bad things, it also gave me opportunities to travel the world and meet cool people. Don't get me wrong I like to host DIS-N-DAT and event, but I love to DJ and that will always be my passion.

- What do you credit most for your drive and successes?
Their are many people but first I thank God for giving me the talent and everything I have. I thank the people who told me I couldn't do it, that push me to try harder. I thank my Mom and Dad for letting chase my dream, my friend Jimmy Da Geek for believing in me, Alan Arato for giving me a chance (getting me my first club gig) and my wife Patti for supporting my dreams (no matter how crazy they sound), believing in me and putting up with my crazy schedule.

- Are you spinning more on a regular basis these days? If so what do you like most about doing it more often?
Now that I am at CW's Tuesday - Saturday nights, I am spinning on a regular basis again, which I love. It's giving me my outlet again and allowing me to get back to my creative roots. I still do concerts and tours, I just came back from Maui where I hosted and DJIng the Summer Melee featuring the Jabbawockeez and Kaba Modern (America's Best Dance Crew Winners and finalist).

- Your contributions to Hawaii youth are well respected and well documented. Why and how do you think the youth has become a major part of what you do?
I have and continue to do drug-free programs with the youth. I also do career building programs with schools in hopes to encourage the youth to find their passion as I have in DJing. I feel when I am around the youth it keeps me young in the fact that I takes me back to my days of coming up in the business. It gets me motivated when I see the passion in a young persons heart to make it in any filed they choose. So it keeps my passion for music burning as well.

What upcoming plans and projects will you be working on for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009?
Well I am revamping DIS-N-DAT TV with a new look and feel. I am also producing the TV special for The Miss Hawaii Young International Pageant Competition, I just singed a endorsement deal with a new national energy drink called Pit Bull, so I will be working on some TV commercials and performances for that. I just started my new record label (DIS-N-DAT Music) and we are putting out our artist Justice Moon's project (Moonshine) this Fall (look for the music videos on DIS-N-DAT), I also have a talent management company which we are pushing I.A's new project (Another Day In The HI) this fall as well. This I will be releasing my DIS-N-DAT Mixtape CD featuring artist for all over Hawaii and abroad. Finally, I am in the works of producing a new urban Hip Hop TV Show for OC16 that will should be out at the end of this year. Oh, I am also working to lose 100 pounds so I can take care of my health (which is very important to me).