BHF10: Live Under The Brooklyn Bridge

It wasn’t the vendors, graffiti hats, Japanese gourmet (maybe it was a little bit), and beer in tow that kept me captivated. It wasn’t the mass of volunteers, the all-access earpieces that kept the communication flowing, or the brightly colored passes that deciphered Bodega family from the onlookers either. It was the weather. A metaphor for Hip-Hop’s longevity; the sunshine standing for our initiation into the musical world, the rain for the soldiers we’ve lost and the turbulence along the way, and the light after the storm, symbolic of falling and getting back up again. All of this was overcast by a bridge leading uptown to where it all began. Every staff member was a simile, audience the stanzas, and performers the iambic pentameter. After all Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival could only be described in one word….poetry. At a Bodega affair, who else would be fitting enough to open the show? A Bodega signee and two Show & Prove Alumni. Savannah Boogie Music’s, Aquil, alongside Kalae All Day and The Crowd opened the show by storm. Although that’s exactly what was brewing, the grey clouds rolled in with Aquil’s tight verses over a compilation of classic Hip-Hop beats. “This is for the emcees, DJ’s, rap writers, beat breakers….” The Crowd, an eclectic crew repping Philly, The Bronx, and Paris, France followed up with a variation of beat box, quick spits, and a soulful voice. The trio comprised of Akil Dasan, Randy Mason, and Adeline, brought two guitars and incomparable harmony to the stage. They started with their YouTube hit “Music”, followed by “We Came to Rock” and versatile impromptu verses spit between sound difficulties and Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody”. Even with the constant adjusting, “The Crowd” kept the audience severely entertained. They truly embodied the phrase, “The Show Must Go On.” Kalae All Day—Ms. Black Dynamite—rocked out after The Crowd, literally. With a star studded jacket, fro-hawk, and SERIOUS frames shading her eyes, she entered stage right with no fear. “You couldn’t read me if I was a…..book.” A lyrical songstress, as I like to call her, embraced her sets with her rhymes over a solid drum beat, freestyle over the introduction to “The Boondocks”, and her single “OG Lyrical Bookbagger” sans Homeboy Sandman. After her performance she stated, “I feel hot, and sweaty, and dope. I’m happy for the opportunity.” Following the newcomers, another Savannah Boogie production, Those Chosen, alongside Diamond District and The Money Making Jam Boys took the stage one after the other. Emcees duo and trio style sauntered to the very tip of the stage on to the speakers near the edge to convey their messages to the attendees. While Diamond District— Oddisee, X.O., and yU — were awkwardly synchronized Temptations style during “Streets Won’t Let Me Chill”, the main emcee spitting would withdraw from the last word on each bar so the other two could emphasize for him. I’m all for working as a team but, just like on the track, each emcee should get his shine. The overt sync took away from their live performance and allowed Those Chosen and Money Making Jam Boys to shine a little bit brighter. Those Chosen — Japetto, Kornbread, and Foreshadow — brought amazing energy to BHHF and had young cats bobbing their heads and memorizing their hooks. The Money Making Jam Boys came through with their own theme music which onset a gradual “Ooooo” from the crowd. While other groups came with repetitive hooks, they decided to keep it predominately lyrical. Switching the roles of hype man—accurately fading into the background—allowed each emcee enough time on the microphone to show their capability. Celebrating fifteen years of independence, artists from DuckDown Records came through to elevate the spot. Mario, a 47-year-old from Brooklyn, stated, “Smif N Wessun, that’s all I came here to see.” The celebration also brought through Skyzoo, Buckshot, Black Moon, 5FT, DJ Evil Dee and other members of the Boot Camp Clik. Although Torae was an excellent host, these dudes needed no introduction. As each emcee took his turn to the mic, the fans spit word for word the old school and new joints performed. Emcee and producer, Black Milk also had visible fans. Spitting his lines bar for bar was Terry, a 16-year-old from Sunset Park who said, “I came to see De La Soul and Pete Rock but I didn’t know Black Milk was going to be here. I was about to leave to get something to eat and then I saw him and said, ‘What!?’” Black Milk performed songs, “So Gone” and “Welcome (Gotta Go)” as well as many others. Chain swinging low and Nike’s on serious fresh status, the emcee is a force to be reckoned with. One of my favorite emcees, Fashawn, stood backstage rhyming the words to “Kweli” before his set. Rocking a Fresno jersey with his name inscribed on his back he wasted no time telling us his life story. Ripping with songs such as, “The Ecology”, “Samsonite Man”, and “Life as a Shorty” -- he lives up to his storyteller reputation during his live performance. Coming through incredibly clear on the microphone and a master at working the stage; Fashawn left the multitude pleased. Curren$y Spitta also came through with tracks from his new LP — Pilot Talk — that dropped on his self-made label, JETS. As I’ve said before, Curren$y isn’t a rapper, he’s a mood. Setting an aura, making music mostly for the smokers, he causes his fans to zone out with usually the faint smell of smolder in the air. Having just experienced his live show at SOB’s during BIG K.R.I.T.’s Def Jam Signing Party, I can definitely say he had way more energy. Perhaps this is due to his album drop on July 13th? Yeah, indubitably. After the new school blessed the stage, the veterans came through. Masta Ace, Marley Marl, and Craig G brought “The Symphony” to BHF10, literally. “I keep just going and flowing, just like a river.” (I bet you don’t know why I chose that quote.) The crowd went wild upon hearing Masta Ace introduce his fellow comrade “Next up, it’s Craig G on the mic!” J. Period also came through with a line of special guests such as Dres, Premo, and Nice and Smooth. However soon after, something epic occurred -- Pete Rock and CL Smooth back on stage after a 6 year hiatus, performing together like they’d never left. The duo commanded attention performing classics like “Straighten Out” and “TROY.” The grand finale, headliner De La Soul took the stage with the largest crowd. The gates were gradually filling through the evening but, were almost to capacity with the entrance of the trio. Posdnuos took the lead—front and center—most of the time. The trio didn’t cease to amaze as they’ve done for decades. The three emcees—also comprised of Dave and Maseo—took BHF10 through a time machine. They performed, “Getting’ Down at the Amphitheatre”, “Potholes In My Lawn”, “Stakes is High”, “Me, Myself, and I”, “Saturday”, “BreakADawn”, “Grind Date”, “Bionix” and “Oooh, Ooh, Ooh” -- covering songs from every album except Are You In?. Between sets the “J Dilla Emsemble” from Berklee College led by faculty member Brian “Raydar” Ellis and lead Jonquel performed recomposed works by J Dilla himself. The group stated, “We just get together and play Dilla joints. We hear the original and play it by ear. This is our first real show.” The ensemble also performed at the Bodega Education Initiative panel discussions with Ma Dukes Yancey, J Dilla’s mother, and rapper Q-Tip at the Brooklyn Historical Society. There was a high after the festival—no not just after Curren$y’s set—drifting underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, lacing the promenade, lingering in the ears of old Hip-Hop heads and hipsters alike. It was over, allowing mainstream minds to descend into the underground and elevate to a euphoria that’s only possible once a year. Prodigies, philosophers, and composers met in a safe space and rose from ashes unstirred for years. The emcees—not entertainers—committed arson on microphones (thank God we were near the water) while police and volunteers guarded our treasured genre. This is that unforgettable high, leaving the ghosts of smoldering microphones somewhere in Dumbo, Brooklyn. If you’re lucky, you might just catch contact. Follow RivaFlowz on Twitter: @RivaFlowz

Brooklyn Bodega Radio: BHF Week Recap Edition with Guests Skyzoo, General Steele of Smif-N-Wessun and Those Chosen

Brooklyn Bodega Radio Friday, July 9, 2010 BHF10 Week Recap, Main Day Preview Edition Hosts Navani Otero and The Company Man recap an epic BHF10 Week - discussing the Illmatic Show And Prove Super Bowl, BEI with Ma Dukes Yancey and Q-Tip, Movie Night and Salute The DJ. Raven The Blazin Eurasian stops in the studio along with Savannah Boogie Music artists, Those Chosen. General Steele and Skyzoo call in to discuss Duck Down's upcoming 15th Anniversary performance at the 2010 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Microphone check...check...check...check Download Here

SAVANNAH BOOGIE ARTISTS, THOSE CHOSEN, AQUIL TO PERFORM AT 2010 BROOKLYN HIP-HOP FESTIVAL

[Brooklyn, NY, June 14, 2010] Brooklyn Bodega, producer of the 6th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (BHF), is proud to announce Those Chosen and Aquil will perform on the 2010 BHF stage. L.A.-based trio Those Chosen and Illadelph MC Aquil, both signed to Savannah Boogie, the digital imprint for Brooklyn Bodega, will hit the main stage for the 6th annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. “We’re truly excited about the addition these great MCs and groups to the BHF 2010 Lineup. Those Chosen and Aquil are the first artists signed to our digital distribution imprint Savannah Boogie and they will each bring their own style and flavor to the festival. This year’s BHF is sure to leave a lasting impression with fans across regions and generations.” – Wes Jackson, Executive Director, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Those Chosen and Aquil join a BHF 2010 lineup loaded with some of Hip-Hop’s best: Black Milk, Masta Ace, DJ Rhettmatic, Money Making Jam Boys, Curren$y, Fashawn, Skyzoo, the Duck Down Records 15th Anniversary celebration featuring Buckshot, 5FT, Smif N Wessun and DJ Evil Dee, and the BHF 2010 headliner, the legendary De La Soul. ------ About the Artists Those Chosen – The trio from L.A., consisting of Foreshadow, Kornbread and Japetto, is the first group signed to the Brooklyn Bodega digital imprint Savannah Boogie and are mainstays on the West Coast indie hip hop scene. They’ve had production from Grammy award-winning producer IZ Avila, THX and Sha Money XL protégé Dual Output. Their latest project, the EP 5IVE, is available right now for download on iTunes. Visit myspace.com/thosechosen for more information. Aquil – Also signed to Brooklyn Bodega’s Savannah Boogie imprint, Aquil shows his dedication and appreciation to Hip Hop music and with authenticity, honesty and lyrically fluid delivery. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. Aquil is a lifelong admirer of music and has honed his skills unafraid to mix genres such as the Blues, Jazz, Afro Beat, and Funk into his own unique blend of Hip Hop. His latest album, Blues People, is currently available for purchase online at last.fm/music/Aquil. —— For more information on the Festival week of events and to catch up on the latest BHF 2010 news check out the new site www.BKHipHopFestival.com.

 PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 2010 BHF HERE

Message Over Mayhem — Those Chosen Interview

The last few years have seen a major resurgence of west coast Hip-Hop prominence. For example, unless you’ve been living under a rock tucked away in the back of a cave covered up with a bigger rock that’s under the Pacific Ocean, you know that The Game (the rapper, not the TV show or the wrestler) has been one of the biggest names in music, in all his dramatic glory. But of course, Cali hasn’t stopped there. When has it ever? Just to throw a few names out there, you’ve got Mistah F.A.B., Pac Div, Strong Arm Steady, Nipsey Hussle, BHF Alum Blu & Exile, newcomer Fashwan (performing at the 2010 BHF) and a host of others carving out a niche for themselves in the glorious game (no pun intended) of Hip-Hop. Well, check off another name to that list: Those Chosen, a trio made up of rhymesayers Foreshadow, Japetto and Kornbread out of the great Hip-Hop metropolis of Los Angeles. Their sound has been described as “avant- garde, street-influenced, politically fueled spiritual lyricism.” Influenced individually and collectively by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, Pharcyde, Outkast, Goodie MOB and the entire Dungeon Family, TC has proven themselves to be everything they’ve been described as and more: truly reppin the West whenever and wherever they can, but with the potential to appeal to Hip-Hop heads of any and all backgrounds. When asked about their thoughts on the reawakening of west coast Hip-Hop, Kornbread, the groups’ most vocal member, sums it all up: “We’re not regional by any means, but at the same time we gotta put it down for the coast. So everybody…getting that shine and getting that respect: keep working, keep going and keep building,” he says with a supportive hand clap for his fellow Cali comrades. Those Chosen is the first group signed to the Brooklyn Bodega digital imprint, Savannah Boogie, and are mainstays on the West Coast indie Hip-Hop scene. “We came together just growing up in Rialto,” says Foreshadow on the groups’ beginnings. “We’ve always all had a common love for music. We really started getting serious after we graduated high school, and it just blossomed into a journey.” Among some of the groups accomplishments, TC has already linked up with Grammy award-winning producer IZ Avila (do Mariah Carey, Usher and Janet Jackson ring any bells?), as well as THX and Sha Money XL protégé Dual Output; performed on MTV2 for the 1 World Hip-Hop Championship and independently released both a critically acclaimed album and mixtape, Reign Food and Steamulus: The Watts Riot Effect, respectively. But taking a closer look at the MTV2 performance on Vimeo, one can’t help but notice something a little different. Something that is missing from far too many groups that claim they’re trying to get their shine in today’s rap game. That something is simply…HUNGER! You can hear it in Foreshadow’s voice when he lays down his lyrics during the performance of their thump-driven single “Soundclash”. You can see it on Kornbread’s face when he stares the camera down and strangles the life out of his verse. You even notice it in Japetto as he riles up the MTV2 crowd like a Boston Celtic at TD Garden during a Finals game. It’s refreshingly obvious that they’ve worked hard for their spot and they’re not letting go of it for anything or anyone. “Paying dues is a process that’s necessary,” says Kornbread. “We see ourselves as more than a music group. We see ourselves as a small business. [As an artist] you definitely have to invest in yourself before you can expect anything.” Upon hearing their music for the first time just a month ago, the first thing that came to mind was that Those Chosen’s sound is a combination of two of my favorite Hip-Hop trios of all time: Dilated Peoples (also Cali-bred) and Little Brother, with just a lil bit of Gang Starr sprinkled in for good measure. And yes, these are VERY big shoes to fill for this trifecta of West Coast MCs. But just take a listen to a joint like the previously mentioned “Soundclash”. Produced by IZ Avila, it’s an earth shaking, stage-rattling, true-to-form west coast banger, but it also immediately makes you reminisce on the old school boom-bap days of ’88. And there’s a whole lot more in store with these three. Just take “Sweetback Music” from Steamulus, a combination of a laid back groove and head-nodding feel good track with an irresistible Foreshadow-led hook (“Sweetback music/just flow to this/West Coast to this/now bounce…”). “The Feeling” will automatically make you feel like you’re in a barbershop chopping with all the neighborhood bruhs, with its sped up soul sample and smoothed-out lyrics (“It feels good to be the center of attention when it’s all good/have ya words publicated like in All Hood...”-Kornbread). And “Radiotron” is truly a get-up-and-move-sumthin’ track with some subtle techno/electronica inspired tendencies that won’t have anyone holding up the wall for long. It’s clear that Those Chosen has paid dues, and they don’t intend to stop doing so any time soon. Each member understands that it takes lots of hard work, dedication, determination, sacrifice and a little luck to make a name for oneself in today’s Hip-Hop industry. Case in point: linking up with Brooklyn Bodega at last years’ BHF Show and Prove. “We got the call that we could come down to Show and Prove last May, and we were just going down for the experience of being in New York and having people feel our vibe,” according to Foreshadow. “And it ended up becoming bigger than that where we gained a relationship [with Brooklyn Bodega and Savannah Boogie]. And that just came from hopping on a plane!” “New York showed us love. Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey, Philly, everybody showed us love,” says Japetto of the reception Those Chosen got at last years’ festivities. “So it was a good experience.” Kornbread takes things even further when talking about his feelings of BHF: “It’s a good environment, just from seeing videos of past performers. [It’s] a great family atmosphere with thousands of fans, food and everything. It’s the business!” Overall, the group seems primed to take their message to the next level. Closing out the interview, Kornbread gets a little philosophical, but brings it right back home: “On the music front, we want [our fans] to stand behind us. We see ourselves as the tip of the spear being shot through the madness and we’ll need a lot of prayers and support. Come on this journey with us and let’s make a difference, and put out good music in the process,” immediately followed by Foreshadow slipping in the trios’ mantra: “Message over Mayhem.” Well said, fellas. Well said indeed. Those Chosen is all over the net, with YouTube presence that can go head to head with the best of the best (all of the aforementioned videos can be seen there) and a hefty amount of music available right now for download and purchase, including their latest EP, 5IVE (which earned a 5-Star rating from URB Magazine), Steamulus: The Watts Riot Effect, and Reign Food. Those Chosen will be performing at the 2010 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival alongside the likes of Black Milk, Masta Ace, Money Making Jam Boys, Curren$y, Fashawn, DJ Rhettmatic, J. Period and BHF 2010 headliner De La Soul. Fans can catch up with them on MySpace, on Twitter, and on Facebook PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 2010 BROOKLYN HIP-HOP FESTIVAL HERE

Bodega Radio, June 11th, Rap’s Best Storytellers with Guests Those Chosen and PackFM

Friday, June 11th Hip-Hop's Best Storytellers Edition BrooklynBodega.com staff writer Navani Otero and host The Company Man discuss Hip-Hop's Best Storytellers. BHF07 Alum, PACK FM comes through and kicks it with Bodega Fam as we dig into his new album I F*cking Hate Rappers. Appropriately, he explains why he f*cking hates rappers. Also, one-Third of Savannah Boogie Music artists Those Chosen, Foreshadow, dials and the crew discuss West Coast Hip-Hop and the group's newest release 5ive. Download HERE Microphone check…check…check…check…

Those Chosen Release Debut EP, 5ive

Those Chosen left its mark on Brooklyn Bodega in a major way. Last Spring, Kornbread, Foreshadow, and Japetto trekked cross-country from Los Angeles to compete in the May Show & Prove talent competition, hoping to win the right to perform at the 2009 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. They went hard that night, showcasing a polished live show packed with ample energy, high quality lyricism over classic boom-bap production. Tracks like “All in All” and “Own Lane” off of their notable mixtape, Reign Food, rattled Williamsburg’s Public Assembly, raising the bar for all competing acts. Although they did not win that night’s competition, (Brooklyn Bodega President) Wes Jackson was impressed by their unique combination of West Coast stylings over quintessential East Coast production. So much, so that he signed the trio as the debut artists on his record label, Savannah Boogie Music and Song. Those Chosen continued to grind hard in 2009. Not only did the group release the critically praised mixtape, Steamulus (The Watts Riot Effect), hosted by Mick Boogie, but they rocked live for MTV2 as part of the 1 World Hip Hop Championships last fall, performing their raucous anthem “Soundclash” (produced by the Grammy Award Winning Iz Avila). Add that to notable appearances in URB Magazine and on 2DopeRadio, and suddenly all arrows point to another break out year on the horizon. The buzz is building. Gaining momentum. On April 13, 2010, Those Chosen is set to release their first official project, 5ive. The 5 track EP is more tangible than teaser, containing fan favorites “Soundclash” and “The Feeling”, along with more undeniable lyrical freshness. 5ive will be available for purchase on Tuesday through Itunes, Amazon, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, Zune, and Thumblay.

Those Chosen – West Coast Shows

If you happen to be on the left coast in the next week, check Savannah Boogies's very own, Those Chosen. They have a couple live performances coming up and alwayss put on a good show. Apr 4 2010 9:00P The Common Ground @ The Vibe Riverside, California Apr 9 2010 8:00P MALONES w/ RAS KASS Santa Ana, California

Letter to Show & Prove — A Retrospective

Dear Show & Prove, Only a year old and you’ve already “put on.” A quick peruse through the ever growing list of artists that have graced your stage is all thats needed to qualify your impact on The Underground -- providing a platform for the next wave of hungry Emcees to... well... ...show and prove. You started as a three-part competition series awarding the right to rock the main stage of the 2009 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, and look at you now -- a stand alone, reoccurring Hip Hop showcase hosting enough quality talent to rival any other. Remember Children Of The Night taking home the inaugural victory last March, edging out Wordspit and Zyron Collective? Not only did Children Of The Night deliver with their solid 2nd Stage performance at last year’s BHF and drop this solid EP, but Wordspit had a big year as well -- releasing the widely praised Coolest BBoi Stance and landing a McDonalds commercial with Joya Bravo and Dollar Van Demos. Thats peace, right there. Or remember last April, when Mr. Beatz and Cymarshall Law and the now ubiquitous Brown Bag Allstars went head to head? And that moment when the beat dropped on Beatz’s chest thumping “MC on the MPC” or when Cymarshall brought those 4 ladies on stage to assist on his ill extended metaphor “A King With 4 Wives”? Or how BBAS bum rushed the audience exclaiming ““Step down, we step up / You let down, we next up / Who the best now?? / Brown Bag, GET UP!” and everyone knew they were taking the crown? Thats Fam, right there. And remember perhaps the tightest competition of them all, the May Show & Prove? Remember Sleepwalkas’s BHF flash back interlude mid set? “You should’ve been there! You should’ve been there!” Remember Brokn.Englsh’s old school dance break down at the peak of there anthemic jam “Make Some Noise”? Remember Those Chosen trekking all the way from LA to compete? Remember 8thW1, rocking as the only solo artist on the bill, ironically kicking the grittiest rhymes of the night...and those rhymes were about the high sugar content in food??? “They claim we selling crack!!! / But you be doing that!!!” Yep, stuck in the dome for weeks. Or back in August when The Crowd not only rocked right, but tossed in an unexpected marriage proposal? Or Kalae All Day snatching the first all female Show & Prove title... Or St. Joe Louis dread slanging set last December... Or Homeboy Sandman bringing up Fresh Daily during his headlining performance... Or that crazy cypher with Prezzure and FinaL OutlaW and Wordpit and P.SO and everyone else... You’ve grown nicely Show & Prove, while always staying true to your mission: providing the platform for the next generation to show their skills; to prove that they are worthy. As you venture into year your next year, as more and more hungry artists grace your stage, crafting a legacy of their own -- I look forward to witnessing your inevitable maturation. I look forward to witnessing you continue to carry the torch for The Underground. I look forward to your growth, while remaining the same. Dope. Happy Born Day, Show & Prove. "These dudes up here, these are our Stevie Wonders. These are our Marvin Gayes. These are our Teddy Pendegrasses. All that shit that yall grew up with that yall parents listen to - we are creating it right now. This is history making right now." - Wes Jackson at the May 21st Show and Prove Videos provided by NattyNight, Ka5p, Lyriq2go, Madomoisselle, and The-Quotable Youtube Channel.

THOSE CHOSEN “Soundclash Video”

Savannah Boogie artist Those Chosen frop the second video from their forthcoming 5ive EP. Check it out!

Those Chosen Video Release Party

Check out the clips from Savannah Boogie artist Those Chosen's video release party for "Soundclash"

Sound Clash Video Release Party from Those Chosen on Vimeo.

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