The Carry-On Experience

Sorry Mr. 'Sport is Gone...(c) Kanye

2009-01-18T01:37:00.000-08:00

It's official...this will be the last post on this site. My new blog is up over at The189.com, so you can follow my moves there. I'll be posting a LOT more over there. So please...don't stop checkin in w/ me...just go to the new site and bookmark it! Here you go:

http://www.the189.com/author/JansportJ

You can also keep up with me on the daily on twitter

http://www.twitter.com/jansportj

Got damn I do it all!

Before I break out, wanna leave yall with a pretty cool mixtape I came across from DiverSe called "Mind of a Lyricist Vol 2". Worth a listen, check it out here:

http://www.zshare.net/download/53524085e dc54c03/

www.myspace.com/officialdiverse

I'll see you over at The 189!

-'Sport

I'm Leeeeeeavin (c) Q-Tip ll The 2 AM Tape!

2009-01-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

I got some good news stashed inside of bad news, followed by more good news!

THE BAD NEWS: This will be my 2nd to last post over at this site...no more "The Carry-On Experience" blog....so sad...but...

THE GOOD NEWS STASHED INSIDE OF BAD NEWS: I'll have a new personal blog over at The189.com! Basically I'll be giving everybody a look into my pursuits in the music industry, as well as some random funny sh*t that I think of...and I'll be posting A LOT more over there...so be on the lookout for that! The last post on this site will give everybody the link to the new blog. Yeaaaaaa!

More Good News: My new baby was born today...I named him "The 2 AM Tape".
On January 5th, 2009, I will be releasing my latest effort called "The 2 AM Tape". This project is an instrumental concept album revolving around all of the common characters, events, and thoughts that take place in the middle of the night...2 AM. The album provides a soundtrack to these events, and takes the listener through a journey through the goings on of 2 AM. Here are the links to the project:

http://www.zshare.net/download/53240919fbcdbfc1/

http://sharebee.com/e86ced70

Be.water- "Love Languages"

2008-12-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

My partner-in-rhyme, Bench Mob partner Be.water just released his first instrumental album...

It's called "Love Languages"

I know first-hand that dude has been workin on this for over a year, to get it right, for your ears...

If you support what I'm doin, then trust me when I tell you to check for Be.water!

Oh yea...that Bench Mob album is comin in 09....its a wrap...shout out to Labcat and Water!

DOWNLOAD: LOVE LANGUAGES- BE.WATER

http://www.zshare.net/download/52949291f930d471/

www.myspace.com/aguanegro

Once Again, Back, It's the Incredible!!! (UPDATES!)

2008-12-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

Yea, I've been slackin...its not slackin when you been on various grinds tho, right?! I've been preparin' some projects for yall...

If you wanna follow my everyday moves...catch me at www.twitter.com/jansportj

The 2 AM Tape drops on 1/5/09...FREE DOWNLOAD! I love givin you quality, affordable music! It's an instrumental album...more to come on the concept in a future post.

Philthy and I will be puttin out our EP "LoveSongs For Losers, Ballads for Ballers" in February 09, God-willing. A love-based project exclusively produced by yours truly.

The buzz for "Curly Tops & Nautica Jackets" out here in LA is gettin huge! I have a beat placement on there...its a compilation album featuring EVERYBODY on the LA scene...and I mean EVERYBODY. Look for my single off that album to come soon...

Oh yea...and I got an internship at the machine...Interscope Records...but don't dare hand me a demo haha...God moves tho

Stay tuned...09 holds great things...

-'Sport

Jansport J X Jr. Varsity FREE Show on Saturday!

2008-11-20T15:11:00.001-08:00

Come and rock with us at a FREE SHOW! Jansport J Beat Showcase & Jr. Varsity Performance! 626 come out and SUPPORT!

11-22-2008 18:00 at Money Talks- Hip Hop Charity Event @ Pitzer College
1050 N Mills Ave, Claremont, California 91711
Cost: Free
Beat showcase benefiting The Legacy Project at Pitzer College in Claremont. Free Food; Free Beer; Free Music...FREE www.legacyproject.org

New Interview with Prophit!

2008-11-19T11:50:00.001-08:00

New Interview from the homie Prophit! He's the dude that dropped gems on "The Carry-On Experience" track!

"Livin with a passion for rappin/But sittin in the stockroom, prayin this can happen"

Come out and Support!

2008-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

11-19-2008 21:00 at BEAT SHOWCASE: PROJECT BLOWED IE @ AT THE VIBE
1805 University Ave, Riverside, California 92507
Cost: $5
Come out for a beat showcase featuring myself!

2 Brand New Tracks off of the upcoming instrumental album "The 2 AM Tape"!!! Available for FREE DOWNLOAD 1/5/09!!!

"The Pressure"

"The Sweet Nothings"

Add the songs to your page!

Download "The Carry-On Experience" now:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V489C3HX

www.the189.com

www.THE189.com

COME AND SUPPORT L.A. HIP HOP!!!

2008-11-14T00:12:00.000-08:00

Hosted By: dvooa
When: 21 Nov 2008, 09:00 AM
Where 2nd street jazz club
366 e.2nd street
los angeles,

Description:
dvooa

Click Here To View Event

check the blogspot below!!!
www. eazeest. com

l.a. hip hop heads you need to go check it out nov.
21st :

Chris Focus:

Chris Focus LIVE (Freestyle Show Intro) from Eazee Media on Vimeo.

El Prez & DNEZ:
..

El Prez "It is what it is" ft DNEZ
by APLUSFILMZ..

Convinced:

Convinced | Miss Memory (Prod. by J-Trax) from Convinced Music on Vimeo.

T-Pain is STILL that dude

2008-11-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Once again.....Teddy Pain is killin em...

I don't care how "conscious" you are...dude is doin it...stop hatin on musicians because they don't sound like you!

"On the Road" ASN ft AZ, FT, P.A., & Keisha Shontelle (Jansport J beat)

2008-10-22T01:56:00.000-07:00

Recently Featured on Hip Hop DX! Go to the link and leave a comment:

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/audio/id.5944/title.asn-f-az-ft-p-a-keisha-shontelle-on-the-road

On The Road - ASN ft AZ, FT, P.A., Keisha Shontelle

New Interview with All Things Fresh

2008-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest interview I did with All Things Fresh Radio...

More Interviews to be posted this week!

http://www. atfradio. com/2008/10/atf-interview-with-jansport-j. html

New Music! BlakFace- "Can't Let Em Down" (prod. by Jansport J)

2008-10-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

BlakFace consists of 2 rappers (FunkLogik, The God Sincere) out of the Cov' Originals camp...

Enjoy

Cant Let Em Down.mp3 - BlakFace ft Poetik Force

SNL x Palin Rap

2008-10-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

So outside of this music stuff...I love laughin...

I'm a Will Ferrell/Steve Carrell/Dave Chappelle fanatic

I'm also a huge SNL fan...and I'm glad to see that they're on top again!

I want to be Amy Poehler's friend

New Music! Hawdwerk- "Graveyard Shift" (prod. by Jansport J

2008-10-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

1/8 of Cov' Originals...Dude is currently workin on his album "The Graveyard Shift". Be sure to check his myspace page for future tracks off the album...yours truly will have a couple beat placements on there.

Graveyard Shift - Hawdwerk

Hawdwerk Official Myspace
www.myspace.com/hawdwerk

MTV2 PREMIERE x U-N-I “SOUL HOP” VIDEO!

2008-10-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

Shout out to the homies Y-O and Thurzday! Makin’ big moves, and puttin’ this LA scene on the map!

"The Carry-On Experience" featured on RapTalk.net!

2008-10-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

We just got the album featured on RapTalk.net! Click the picture to see the article. It's a pretty dope hip hop site. PLEASE leave a comment on there, so we can show them that this is a movement! Here's a direct link:

THE CARRY-ON EXPERIENCE ON RAPTALK.NET

It's Velosity!

2008-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

He's the kid behind "Ya Dig", "Just Listen", & "Hip Hop" off of my album The Carry-On Experience...check this video out...

oh yea...and he's 16!!!!!!!

www.myspace.com/velosity

www.the189.com/carryonexperience.html

Velosity - Video Of The Week 1

Thank You....Now What?!

2008-10-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

I want to thank EVERYBODY who was apart of/supporting "The Carry-On Experience"...its an amazing feeling to watch an idea come to fruition, and it could not have been done without you all. It's only the beginning though! I'm in the process of reaching out to several blog and internet sites to feature the album, so keep your fingers crossed.

A lot of fans have showed love, asking if they can post bulletins or whatever to help this project succeed. Like I said, the goal is to get as many people as possible to listen to the album. I have confidence that the album will speak for itself! If you want to continue to help promote this album, here are some things that you can do:

1. Find and focus on 3 (or more) people that you know that love Hip Hop. Tell them to go and download the album, or even give them a burned cd, just to get the music out. However, if you give out cd's, just go to the download site afterwards and hit download for as many cd's you gave out...just so we have a ballpark figure of how many people have heard the album!

2. Post a link or do a write up in your blog....whether myspace, or official blogsite. Once you do that, send me the link so I can show it to the world!

3. Go to my Myspace Blog with links to these other blogs. Pick one (or more) of them, and leave a comment about the feature...so they will know that this is a movement!

Just an update on projects that are in the works:

-The Love Based EP with Philthy is coming around early 2009...produced by yours truly
-The Bench Mob album with myself and BE.water is on the way in 2009
-Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets Compilation Album coming soon
-Lastly, I'm in the brainstorming stages of a HUGE project for 2009...its gonna be a collaborative effort...so keep your eyes and ears open for that!

I appreciate everybody ridin' with me! I'm gonna continue to grind and give you good music.

Stay up 1love

-'Sport

T-Pain is THAT DUDE!!!!!!

2008-10-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

I don't care how Hip Hop you claim to be...

You can't deny this man

Funny as sh*t!!!

See more T-Pain videos at Funny or Die

New Joint off of Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets: "405"

2008-09-28T20:10:00.001-07:00

Check out the newest track off of the compilation album that I'll be apart of...

"405" featuring Polyester the Saint, Diz Gibran, DNez, El Prez, L4

Produced by Hellagood Productions

405ruff 1 - L.A.U.S.D.

The Moment You've Been Waitin For...

2008-09-25T02:41:00.001-07:00

For everybody that keeps up with the Jansport J Blog...

Here is the album!!!

THE CARRY-ON EXPERIENCE ALBUM DOWNLOAD!!!

"The Carry-On Experience" Album Release Party!

2008-09-22T23:21:00.001-07:00

The Carry-On Experience Album Release Party!
September 24th
9pm

Borderline Bar & Grill
99 Rolling Oaks Dr
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

COVER
21 +: $7
18 +: $10

The Album Release Party will be held in conjunction with Cal Lutheran University's College Night! It will be packed! Get there early!

Event kicks off at 9pm with a performance by The Cov' Originals, featuring tracks off of the album!

Brown I'd Soul will be there showcasing their Winter Clothing Line as well!

Hit me up if you plan on coming through! Stay up 1love

-'Sport

MC Battle!!!

2008-09-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

Funny thing is...Eli could probably battle Cam at this point in his career...

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Free Kanye?! Really?!

2008-09-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

I hate when people get carried away with this "Free ____" movement...its like niggas don't care about taking responsibility for actions anymore! Look at this nigga moment displayed by Mr. Kanye West

Yea...I know paparazzi can be a bitch...

But really...what makes you think that you can forcefully take someone's camera, smash it, and be cool to jump on a plane? Really? I hope 'Ye wasn't processing this in his head, and just made a impulse move.

Especially when you are somebody of that caliber. On top of the music game. Like it or not, but there will be three figures that you recall 20 years from now when you talk about this early 21st century era in Hip Hop: Jay-Z, Kanye, 50 Cent. To go off and do something like this, and not even think about the consequences is baffling. I mean, he's no T.I., but damn...

So save me the "Free Kanye" stuff. That's my dude like everybody else, but he f'ed up. Call a spade a spade. He'll probably have a nice fine and a year of probation or something, so relax. Maybe he'll learn.

"Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets" Featuring Yours Truly

2008-09-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

New Compilation from L.A.U.S.D.
on the way!

"Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets" coming soon!!!

featuring production by yours truly!

Check the single "It's Not Right" by the L.A.U.S.D.

The hottest LA artists on one album! Expect Appearances from:
Pacific Division, Poly3st3r, L.IV (L4), Jansport J, Dnez, El Prez, DOM KENNEDY,
Three-1-Zero and more!!!

http://www. myspace. com/curlytopsandnauticajackets

Its So Coooooold in the D!

2008-09-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Shout out to Uzoy at Uzoy.blogspot.com for me puttin me up on this........comedy!

Dope Event! Come Out and Support West Coast Hip Hop

2008-09-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

FOR DISCOUNT TICKETS CALL 714.612.0595!!!!

2ND STREET SKILLFEST
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH @ 2ND STREET JAZZ CLUB
Presale Tix Avaliable @ Fat Beats LA
7600 Melrose Ave.
Suite J 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Ph: 323.655.
8997

............................

One of My All-Time Favorite Joints

2008-09-05T01:38:00.000-07:00

Much respect to the Fresh Prince, but in my opinion, this is the DOPEST SUMMER JAM EVER! I haven't heard a song capture a specific vibe like this in forever...

The Album Cover?

2008-09-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Let me know what you think!

I SWEAR I'm Still Here...

2008-09-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Things have been hectic in trying to line up the album release (3 weeks!), while working on a couple exciting side projects that I'll be able to fill you in on soon. I'll be hitting this blog at full force in a couple weeks, so keep checkin' in...

On another note, I spent yesterday at The Hundreds block party and The Beverly Center yesterday...met the most random list of celebrities in human history. List includes:

-Watching Jimmy Fallon drive past me in a Mini Cooper singin at the top of his lungs

-Catchin the U-N-I boys at the Block Party

-Seeing Aaron Afflalo and Cedric Bozeman at The Beverly Center (Bozeman lives!)

-Meeting Dog the Bounty Hunter at CVS in Malibu...you don't mistake that dude for ANYBODY else!

But yea...as soon as some of these recent developments become official...i'll DEFINITELY be puttin you all up on it over here!

SEND ME YOUR MUSIC!!!

2008-08-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yea…its about that time…

SEND ME YOUR MUSIC! You know you want to…You send me myspace messages all the time!
The future for the 189 brand is so bright, it’s retarded. Please get on board now and be apart of the first mixtape; because after a while, it may not be so easy to get on! Mark and I will be taking submissions and will hope to put out the first mixtape during the winter months. No matter where you’re from, how unique, how many plays you have on myspace, etc. Send your music to JansportJ@The189.com and it will at the very least be listened to. Also, as mentioned before, I am an up-and-coming Hip Hop producer, so I can try and use some of my contacts and networking to hook you up if we reeeeally like the sounds. We all want a fair shot at success, and I am more than happy to help out, since we are all in the same boat. So one more time, do what?
SEND YOUR MUSIC!!!!!! It’s that easy.

Stay up! 1Love
-Jansport J
www.myspace.com/jansportj

What is the concept behind "The Carry-On Experience"?

2008-08-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

I get this question alot...and its one thats special to me...

In life, we've always been told that baggage is a bad thing. It holds you back in relationships and progression, or so we've been told. However, when you succeed in whatever you do at life, or "take flight", it's important to bring that baggage with you. That baggage made you who you are and prepared you for the successes to come...hence the concept of "the carry-on" baggage.

On this album, you'll be hearing rappers from all over America rappin' about their present situations and perspectives on life. Everything that the common man goes through is on this album. I encourage you all to take a part in this movement and download the album for free on September 23rd, 2008!

Stay up! 1Love
-'Sport

Classic Sh*t: Ready to Die

2008-08-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

I promised to put yall up on good music; whether that’s new or old. I thought it’d be dope to do a segment every couple blogs on a classic Hip Hop album to school some of the young ones on the history of this Hip Hop Culture. So I’m going to say something real crazy here…in my humble opinion, the greatest Hip Hop album of all time does not start with Ill or end with Matic. It’s Ready to Die.
Being a West Coast kid, I could’ve said The Chronic, or Me Against the World, or Doggystyle…but that would be lying. Ready to Die gives me chills to this day. I first listened to this album in its entirety during my Junior Year of High School, on my quest to hear all of the so-called “classic” albums. Nothing is touching this album.
From the jump, Ready to Die establishes the component that is needed in every classic album (*take note rappers). It establishes an eerie vibe/setting. The album sounds like impending death. The LP has every kind of track you need as well: story-telling(Juciy), drug raps (10 Crack Commandments), a song for the hood (Everyday Struggle), and club tracks (Big Poppa). No slight to Illmatic, which is definitely top 3, but it did not have all of these ingredients.
Not to mention, Biggie dropped one of the craziest lines ever without having the homo card pulled on him:
When I met you I admit, my first thoughts was to trick/
You look so good, huh, I’d suck on ya daddy’s dick

Biggie Smalls being the illest is debatable…but in my book, he created the best Hip Hop LP…period.
Here is my favorite track off the album:

*Note: Yea...I f*cked up....10 Crack Commandments wasn't on Ready to Die...I always mix up my Primo tracks...for some reason I think that Unbelievable was on Life After Death...probably because 10 Crack Commandments is one of the dopest songs ever, so why not be on the dopest album ever!

Do You Like Beats?

2008-08-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

I promise to put you up on beats other than my own...

Check this cat out. He goes by "I Hate Trumaine". Just released his instrumental album "G.R.A.P.E.S." on August 16th for free download. Think a mesh of Kanye meets 9th Wonder meets Black Milk....dope, right?

Heres the download link: http://www.zshare.net/download/1711123807c04422/

And the myspace link: http://www.myspace.com/mpcakai2007

I Know I've Been Absent...

2008-08-15T09:45:00.001-07:00

But I'm still bloggin'!!

I was offered the opportunity to write for a clothing line/blog site based out of the UK called "The189.com". Once you see the site and the vision, then you'll KNOW why I had to link up with them. Dope gear over there...you will catch me sporting the threads within the coming months.

I'm going to be running the "Music Scene" blog over there...giving you links and stuff to artists with dope music...plain and simple. I'll also be in charge of compiling The189.com mixtape. If you want to get in early and start submitting tracks, send them over to me at JansportJ@The189.com. I WILL listen to your tracks.

Keep checking in on this blog as well, I have some events coming up that I want everybody who supports me to be apart of. This blog will provide more personal music updates. "The Carry-On Experience" coming September 23rd, 2008!

www.THE189.com

Throwbacks!- Jansport J Catalogue

2008-08-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

So "The Carry-On Experience" will be my first official album. A year ago, I put a couple projects out, and had the nerve to call them albums. With the patience and detail I've given to Carry-On, it would be blasphemous to call these former projects actual albums. If you need something to hold you over until the album releases, check out these projects. Just think, if my career ever goes anywhere, these will be the most limited of editions, because I'll delete all traces of the links from my own promotion activities!ha So download them, because this will be the only place you'll be able to find these projects...unless you supported from the beginning and downloaded them :).

The Check-In

This is a project I did in May of 07. First ever. Pretty interesting joints/beats that I ended up re-doing. A remix project.

Extra Baggage

Project released in June of 07. A lot better than the first. Some tracks are even enjoyable! A remix project.

The Reagan Baby Mixtape

Probably the funnest project...I put it out in July 2007 (you can see how much effort I put into these projects). All beats contain samples from TV shows I watched growin up. A remix project.

This is my baby...closest thing to an album I've done. Baby-making music. Instrumental album

New Jansport J Interview!!

2008-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Click the image to read the Jansport J interview with ToyBox!!!

Public Service Announcement: Stuntin' is a Haaaabit

2008-08-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

I try to remain Hater-Free at all times...its worked pretty well in my opinion. Here's a little something I wanna throw out there though...it's all in love :)

If you have money stacks all over your page from Pimp My Profile...

If you have pictures of money stacks in your photo album, but its all small and shit, meaning you obviously copy and pasted...

If you rappin' about a glock under the seat of your phantom and various top notch liquors, and you a 15 year old without a license...

Then PLEASE don't ask for free beats...you got paper right?!

Nevermind that you don't have/do any of these things...that's not the point. Rap what you want to rap about...Hip Hop is expression. I don't agree with it, but I'm not gonna knock it.

But if you are talkin' somethin' on the microphone, then be about it! Jeezy is about that...Rick Ross is about that...I love those dudes.

But don't front like you have stacks, and ask for free stuff...that is just oxymoronic (yea i made that up).

I'm grindin' just like you. It makes no sense for me to give a free beat when you are gonna put it on an album that you're plannin' to hustle. There are very few I mess w/ on that level (the most inner of circles), and there is an understanding between us.

And 99% of the time, I'm gonna work with you on a budget or payment...as long as you aren't wack....because I am wacktose intolerant (*Kanye) and that doesn't look good for my sound to mix with wack rappers.

I'm a broke student/producer. That is my present....I embrace it, but I am not satisfied with it. Whatever you do, I challenge you to embrace, but strive for more!

Yea, I watched this video in my hormone-crazed adolescence...but if you sound like this, keep movin!

No AARP for Rap

2008-08-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

I don't blame you Hov...u put out 8 platinum albums. 2 certified classics (Reasonable Doubt, Blueprint). You watched your once independent Roc-A-Fella Records create a dynasty within the Hip Hop scene. Clothing lines, endorsements, sold-out Madison Square...I don't blame you for thinking that there was nothing left to conquer...I don't blame you for thinking it was time to pull the MJ and put your jersey up in the rafters.

But you should've known......there is no AARP for Hip Hop.

Ask Russell, Rakim, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Reverend Run....these guys are still putting out product...regardless of the demand. Wanna know why?

Because you can't retire from expression.

Rap is the musical artform of Hip Hop, and probably the most powerful form of communication to the masses. Stating that you are done rapping forever is just about saying that you are done giving an opinion.

Oh for real? We'll check for you at the Forest Lawn then!

There is no need to formally retire from the game...step back. This isn't the NBA...you are not on somebody's salary cap and being forced to fill out retirement paperwork (unless you're under contract to put out more albums...smh at Tru3 Magic by Mos Def). Don't have the drive to make music anymore? Cool. Stop. Don't make a declaration. Just stop. Because I guarantee that something will happen in pop culture or in the game that will spark something in you. Word to Public Enemy.

So when you hear a rapper say that they are retiring...give em that old Hov quote ("We don't believe you, you need more people!)

Yea, I know the second half doesn't apply.

The Game- "I Love Dre" coming in 4th qtr 2009
Lupe Fiasco- "Yall Know I'm Better than 'Ye, Right?" coming in 1st qtr 2010

A Hip Hop Legend Has NEVER Died...

2008-07-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Yep...I know I'm already startin' some sh*t just with the title of this blog...allow me to explain...walk wit' a nigga man...(*Jay-Z)

Hip Hop has never lost a relevant Icon/Legend. That is not to say that we do not have deceased legends. What I am saying is that we have not lost a Hip Hop artist while they were considered a Legend...and in the rare case that I can remember off hand, they were not perceived as a relevant player in the game. Don't believe me? Let's get that one rare case out the way first...

Jam Master Jay: We all know that Jam Master Jay is a legend forever...not only as a DJ, but in Hip Hop period. He provided the scratches for the early commercial success of Hip Hop. And yes, he is mostly responsible for bringin' some rapper named 50 Cent into the game. Besides that, tell me what JMJ was doin between '94 and '02 (pause for wikipedia search)...exactly. The news of his murder struck a chord in us all, but it did not have the same impact as even debatable legends 2pac and Biggie

Okay...so that last line was contraversial huh...let's get these 2 giants out of the way as well.

2pac: Arguably the greatest musical writer of our era. 'Pac connected with the struggle. The day that 'Pac died was my Kennedy Assassination moment (as well as 9/11). I remember everything about that day (blue nike shirt, came in from playin football, channel 7, 430 pm news, hal greene reporting). However, people forget how 2pac was viewed on September 12, 1996. 'Pac received very little love back east due to the fabricated East-West War of the mid 90's. Everybody was takin' shots at him...Nas, Mobb Deep, BIG, Jay, Puff...legends command more respect than that. Is 2pac a legend? Undoubtedly. Was he considered a legend in 1996? No.

The Notorious B.I.G.: Same deal...common complaint about this guy prior to his death? He's only put out one dope album. And let's not pretend that Big was always considered the King of New York...I'm pretty sure Nas was comin' at him for the same crown, and had just about same following. If Nas dies on March 9th, 1997 with 2 good albums under his belt, maybe he's considered the greatest out of NY. Yes, Biggie is the greatest rapper of all time in my opinion. Ready to Die is my favorite album...ever. But he was not considered a legend when he died...so we still have never felt that impact.

Just to get the others out the way that some may try to argue...

Big L: 90% of his following hadn't heard of him until his death.
Big Pun: Questionable if he is now, but definitely wasn't when he died.

So who would have to die within the next couple years for my theory to be de-bunked?

Jay-Z: Love him or hate him...consensus says he is a Hip Hop Legend...and he's still relevant
Nas: Ditto
Eminem: Ditto
Dr. Dre: Ditto
Diddy: Hate all you want...this dude is a boss/history book. There will not be another.

This is no disrespect to all of the fallen soldiers...just somethin' I really thought about one day...what would it be like to lose a legend...but the majority of Hip Hop actually sees them as a relevant Legend?!

Discuss

Artist Spotlight: The Cove Originals

2008-07-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

So you may/may not have noticed that I've been pluggin' this crew a lot lately. Coming out of Covina, CA (like yours truly), they are bringing that old school hip hop back. Think of the chemistry from groups of the Native Tongues era, mixed with the individual talents of a Wu Tang, with a knack for crafting kickback joints like The Pharcyde. Combine all of these, and you have The Cove Originals. Here's my lil' breakdown of the members and my opinion of their style:

Avi The Most Ill: This dude is quite simply a beast. From beats to rhymes. Production-wise, he goes from boom bap, cruisin' music, to the club. Lyrically, reminds me of AZ.

Hawdwerk: This dude SOUNDS like '94! Alot of cats tried to mimic that sound of the golden era...Hawdwerk naturally has it. Lyrically complex, craziest flow. Sounds like he lives in the cyphers.

Lykewyze: Wyze can go from a commercial to underground sound effortlessly. His cadence commands your attention, and he usually backs it with dope rhymes and expression of his own life. A dope producer as well...Dilla type samples with 9th drums.

Black Saint:Underground/Spoken Word vibe...possibly the most complex...I find myself catchin' something new in his rhymes every listen. He rhymes for dudes in the cypher, as well as scoopin' up the females.

FunkLogik:Must've failed Chemistry...He's constantly droppin' science. Hard for emcees to do this without sounding condescending...but Logik masters the art. Consistently speaks about the complexities of life in a way that everyone relates to.

Poetik Force:It's rare to see rappers spit without droppin' wordplay all over the place, and still sound dope. Poetik Force details the struggles and joys of life through straight rhymin'...no filter. Reminscent of 2pac in that he's effective without being overbearing with metaphors.

Sincere:Every crew needs a Sincere; a producer that is genuinely in love with the music that the crew makes, wantin' to see EVERYBODY win. Not only does he have dope beats, but fulfills the other roles of a producer, directin' everybody on how to spit on the track.

Dulu:Knows his music...Knows his equipment...crate digger...a producer's producer.

Beats That Changed My Life

2008-07-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

These are tracks from a few of my favorite producers that I listen to/study on the regular....Plenty of revisions will be made, and I am anxious to hear your personal feedback! This is based solely on the musical composition, not lyrical content:

Timbaland:
Up Jumps Da Boogie
Love 2 Love U
Indian Flute
Clock Strikes Rmx
Intro on "Welcome to Our World"

Pete Rock:
T.R.O.Y.
The World is Yours- Nas
Juicy- Notorious BIG

DJ Premier:
Do It Again- Jay-Z
Mathematics- Mos Def
You Know My Steez
Nas is Like- Nas
10 Crack Commandments- Notorious BIG
Kick in the Door- Notorious BIG

J-Dilla:
Find My Way- Tribe Called Quest
Time: Donuts of the Heart
Two Can Win
Bye (aka So Far to Go; im convinced you hear this on the way to heaven)
CrushinWildWon't Do
9th Wonder:
Stop Fooling Yourself- Skyzoo
For You- Little Brother
Beautiful Morning- Little Brother
Silly Girl- Murs
Yesterday & Today- Murs
LA- MursDark Skin White Girl- Murs
Sweetest Language

Neptunes:
Allure- Jay-Z
Excuse me Miss- Jay-Z
Come Close- Common
I Really Like You- Pharrell
Run to the Sun- NERD
Grindin- Clipse
Gangsta Lean- Clipse
I Gotcha- Lupe Fiasco
Good Girl- Vanessa Marquez
U Started It- Gwen Stefani
Sugar Honey Iced Tea- Kelis
Just Wanna Love U- Jay-Z

RZA:
C.R.E.A.M.
Triumph

Khrysis:
Watch Me- Little Brother
Like You- Sean Price

Hi-Tek:
Ryder Music- 50 Cent
The Blast- Talib Kweli

Just Blaze:
Why You Hate The Game- The Game
PSA- Jay-Z
December 4th- Jay-Z
U Don't Know- Jay-Z
Show Me What You Got- Jay-Z

Dr. Dre:
Xxplosive
Westside Story- The Game
Nothin But a G Thang- Snoop
Dre Day

MadLib:
Pyramids (Change)
The Comeup (Come Down)
Soon the New Day- Talib Kweli
Funny Money- Talib Kweli

Kanye:
BE Intro- Common
The Corner- Common
The Food- Common
Izzo (H.O.V.A.)- Jay-Z
This Can't Be Life- Jay-Z
Through the Wire
Last Call
Southside- Common
The People- Common
Higher- Do or Die
I Wonder
Flashing Lights
Addiction
We Major
Get By- Talib Kweli

Weezy F. Baaaaaaabay...Plee Say Da Baaaabay (Repost)

2008-07-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

To all tha mainstream white kids in Suburbia USA ridin in a SUV that pops bought, bumpin Weezy all day and swear he's the second coming of Christ himself, quote him like scriptures in myspace profiles....stop it.

To all tha underground/backpack heads bumpin MC Firefly Disaster Strike (a typical underground name i thought), who may turn to salt if they ever hear mainstream music again, who curse tha name of Lil Wayne and believe that he's not lyrically gifted in any sense of tha word....stop it.

To all tha "backpack" enthusiasts who listen to good music period, from all genre's, "mainstream" and "underground", who will bump The Doors after bumpin Ready to Die, and believe that Lil Wayne is nice with it, but not prepared to give him classic status until he puts out more good albums instead of mixtapes, and are willing to give him that opportunity to prove himself...keep it movin, we got a lot in common.

They slept on Big L when he waz here...yet they annointed Craig Mack...letz walk that line, let it play out.

Signin out like Momz pickin me up from YMCA.

-'Sport

Hip Hop Won't Die (Repost)

2008-07-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

"Hip Hop is Dead" is the most overused, exaggerated phrase in our culture today...its become a fad to say....let me put you up on why the phrase is far from true...excuse me as I turn from ignorant IM typing to my Pepperdine Liberal Arts Education...A. NAS USED IT AS A MARKETING PLOY! Yes, Nas is not dumb. He knows how to sell records and create a buzz. Its not meant for literal purposes. I know its a shock to believe God's Son is business savvy, but respect his gangsta. B. I should start off my second point by explaining what 'Hip Hop' is. There is no such thing as Hip Hop vs. Rap...Hip Hop is not the positive/pure version of rap. Hip Hop is a culture founded on the 4 Elements: Emcee, DJ, Breaker, and Graffitti. Rap is the musical expression of Hip Hop. So to say that 'Hip Hop is Dead' is an ill-conceived notion in my opinion; as long as their is a Breakdancer in the Bronx, or somebody taggin in Watts, or a DJ in the UK scratchin records, Hip Hop is very much alive. In that case, it'll never die.C. I love Backpack Music. I refrain from the term 'Underground' because it has turned into an elitist perspective in my opinion. I listen to good music, regardless. If its Murs' "L.A." or 50's few ill verse on "Hate It or Love It"....i bump good music that moves me. Believing that 'Underground' or 'Backpack' music is "Real Hip Hop" isn't a fair assessment. The problem that lies within Hip Hop today is what leads me to my 4th point...D. There is a lack of balance in Hip Hop. Crunk and Snap are not the problems; the problem is that all the media offers you is Crunk and Snap. There would be the same drought if all BET and MTV ever gave us was Little Brother and Common (although I would be in lyrical heaven). People often refer to the Golden Era of 88-94, when dudes like BIG, Pac, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Jay-Z, EPMD, The whole Native Tongues Movement, KRS-One, and LL rocked the mic. However just as important were the Lukes, 2 Live Crews, 69 Boyz, Ice T's, NWA's, Too Shorts, and so on. These latter artists raised issues against censorship and provided graphic depictions of street life that have influenced the Hip Hop Culture for the better. Growing up with my sister, I was able to hear the EPMD "Crossover", NWA "Gangsta", and 2 Live Crews "Me So Horny" in succession on the radio. And guess what: we would rock out to all of em. I'm okay with the radio playing T-Pain's "Bartender" or any Lil' Wayne track...just give me some Bishop Lamont and Skyzoo in between. All this is to say that the current cliche of 'Hip Hop is Dead' is bogus. Unless you have reasons that support the opposite, I'd be happy to entertain them. But PLEASE get your argument game up, because I'm pretty set on this position.
Hip Hop Forever
-'Sport

We Don't Believe You, You Need More People Paul and Michael!!!

2008-07-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

So in preparation for some beat-making, I was diggin' in the crates (or browsing through my external drive with music I downloaded my freshman year of college) and I came across a forgotten classic....pre-Brandy and Monica...a collaboration for all time...

Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson...."The Girl is Mine".

Before Mike had the nerve to buy the Beatles catalogue ("Stolen!" *NBA Jam)
these 2 legendary artists combined on a track. So what would they talk about?! Peace on Earth?! A musical revolution?! Pull a Hov and Kells and proclaim to be the Best of Both Worlds?!

No.

They wanted to talk about hollerin' at the same chick. Naw, I'm for real.

At this point in time, I'm very confident Mike had seen one pair of breasts his entire life, and it was when he was teething.

The part that kills me is the last 40 seconds of the song, where Paul and Mike go at it over the girl. There are a couple things wrong with this:

A. If your paper is that long, and she's messing with another dude, move to the next (This applies to Michael and Paul...royalty checks forever).

B. If you are talking to the dude that is messing with your chick, something needs to happen. Michael should've called his goons (Jackson 5 assemble!) and handled it.

C. If you are fighting over a chick, and your voice is higher than hers...you lost her.

I'm declaring Paul the winner

She should've hollered at Tito...he's the realest nigga in the Jacksons. My boy said he lives next to him and his wife in apartments in Calabasas.

God Moves...You Gotta Move Too!!

2008-07-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

I often get messages and comments complimenting on the music...

Nothing feels better...the only thing that compares is the feeling of creating music that will resonate with people...

But there are alot of cats out there with crazy talent that are barely on the radar. The difference? THE GRIND!

Now I know it may seem blasphemous, but I guarantee that there is a producer on this planet that is better than Dilla; a lyricist deeper than Lupe; a singer better than Alicia Keys; a chick badder than Kim Kardashian (wait...scratch that).

What separates them is the amount of outside work they do in advancing their own music. The countless phone calls made, numerous demos sent, multitude of bills stacked because they had to invest in photoshoots, press packages, etc.

If you have the talent, work ethic, and faith...God will move.

There are potentially some big opportunities on the table here for myself at the moment, and I ALWAYS have to remind myself to GRIND...

Sorry to take yall to Church...the next post WILL be random!

stay up! 1love

-Sport

I Put Ooooooooonnnnnnnn

2008-07-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

The following is my response to an issue posed by Elements Magazine:

Is an artist or group attempting to break into the music scene capable of creating a "mainstream track" and producing the rest of an album a pretty well-rounded album that sticks to the artists own genuine material-to say the least a Cop Out?

I think it is very much possible and important for up and coming artists to provide a "mainstream track" that meshes with the rest of their album...

Whether its Underground MC FireflyDragonDisasterStrike 77 (typical underground emcee name) or its Yung Jingle Jangle, there are constants in the industry...

You MUST know your market/core audience. If you keep this in mind when crafting your so-called "mainstream track", you can gear your song towards their liking. If you create a great song that resonates with your market, you WILL have a successful single. Don't believe me? Ask Lupe ("Kick, Push", "Dumb it Down"), Common (The Corner), U-N-I (gaining huuuge buzz off of "Beautiful Day"), or Jay-Z (American Gangster album....maybe 1.5 official singles on the album). Just look at all the independent rappers gettin snatched up by major labels, because they stayed true to their style and showed the higher ups that they could get cheese without them! (Shouts to Little Brother, Murs, Pacific Division, Boot Camp Clikk...)

Moral of the story? Study the game! There are too many lazy emcees (talented and wack) who complain about not getting their shine in the game without being a sellout. It's possible. Know your audience. Cater to them. Create that buzz. And create something special...the masses will be forced to take a listen.

Stay up! 1love
-Sport

The Beginning (THIS Nigga Again?!)

2008-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

I gave in...Jansport J is making his entrance into the blogging game!!!

Why?

1. Exposure. Using all different types of media can only help getting my name and sound out...right?
2. Comedy. You won't know this unless you know me.....but I'm a random, funny dude....think a combination of Dave Chapelle, Phonte, Will Ferrell, and that nigga from the "Unforgivable" youtube series.
3. Boredom. I work, eat, beats, talk with my girlfriend, beats, sleep. That in-between time can be filled with something. I'll be talking about a bunch of raaaandom stuff that interests me.
4. Outlet to Showcase my Grammar Skills. Contrary to my AIM/Myspace dialogue, I am an educated dude. This is to make Pepperdine feel like they've done something positive for me...

And now for the updates:
-"The Carry-On Experience" is slated to be released September 9th, because at this point, I am my own label. I'll try not to Atlantic/Interscope myself and push it back 30 times (smh Lupe, Game, Nas, and the infamous Pharell album, that seemed to get pushed back for 2 years!!!) It's going to be something special. Expect appearances from:
Blackwater
The Bench Mob
The Cove Originals
Prophit
P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.
Velosity

and more!

-Currently working on The Bench Mob project as well as The Love Ep with the homie P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.. Be on the lookout for that as well in early '09!

-Download the Digital Undaground Mixtape featuring The Bench Mob here!!!

I promise I won't plug as much in the future...

That's a lie.

But it'll be dope sauce with a side of Fresh Fries!

stay up everybody. 1love

-'Sport