IMpervious almost done

I have tried updating my blog several times and had no luck so here is my umpteenth attempt.

So in July I, along with DJ Peg, released "Graffiti Post Mix Tape Vol I" and it did quite well. It was free for crying out loud so of course people were gonna check it out. If you STILL have not copped this dope mixtape you can go to www.mysteriummediagroup.com or www.thanorthwest.com . So since then I have been working on my group J.P.S.'s full length album "Triangulate". We are about 7 songs in BUT there are a lot of rough spots to work out.

Another project that I have been working hard at finishing is my upcoming solo album "IMpervious". This is an album in which I have put A LOT into. Don't get me wrong, "Prawdukt" was a great album. But Prawdukt was more of a concept album, talking about my life, where I came from and where I am going to. "IMpervious" is more of an artists album. I got very creative and allowed that side of me to flourish. I wanted to create a work of art with this album. I didn't just want to put together another 'rap' album. But I wanted HIP HOP culture to shine on this album. I was privileged and blessed to work with alot of people in this local industry that I have been a colleague of as well as a fan.

The Production:

Sapient
Nickels Hawkeye
MTK
Apoulo
DJ Nphared
Nitro Fresh
Zebulon Dak
The Gigantics
Pale Soul
Vitamin D

The Guests:

Petty P
Nickels Hawkeye
Onry Ozzborn
Azrael the Silent Angel
Pale Soul
Indijinis
Unlimited MC
Ripynt

and still more to be announced

So in February I will be trekking out to SmokeM2D6's studio in Olympia Washington to Record the final songs and to put on finishing touches etc. Then its off to Momentum Studios in Portland Oregon for the one and only Zebulon Dak to Mix and Master.

For the artwork I wanted something of a "darker" feel to it. I hired a graphic novel artist named Nic Vik to illustrate the cover art of the album. I got a preliminary sketch and man, dude is good. Its gonna be monster.

Keep ya eyeballs peel't to my blog and I'll keep you posted on the happenings on "IMpervious" until then...

ARISE!!!!!

So much in the works....

Oh boy. 2010 has been a very busy year for me musically. This August will Mark two years since Prawdukt was released. It is still going pretty strong. Still new to some markets. I have been really busy working on these other projects. Here is a list of current projects and projects on the Que:

Soul the Interrogator "Impervious"*
JPS "Weaponry EP"*
Soul the Interrogator & DJ Peg "Graffiti Post Mix Tape VOL I"*
Soul the Interrogator "Prawdukt: Spare Change EP"#
Soul the Interrogator "Leviathan EP"#
JPS (Untitled full length album)0
Mysterium Media Group Compilation Album#
Soul Dog "Project Nomad EP" (1994 re-release)0
Soul the Interrogator "Beyond All Meanz: Reload"0

* Means they are actively being worked on or have been completed
# Means they are not Active but work has been done on it
0 Means there has been no work on it at all (Project Nomad was released in 94, but I have to take the A DATS to another studio for mixing and mastering.)

I also have been talking to RC tha Traqaholic about the possibility of releasing a Tribute album for One of the OG producers in Seattle (Sickity Sick) Sam Stephens, who passed a few years ago. He was the one who gave me, and allot of other rappers/producers their start in local hip hop. I feel that not enough was done to have people remember his legacy. Hopefully something good will come out of that.

I have been inviting allot of artists to be a part of the compilation album that I am putting out Via MMG. Unfortunately, Not allot of artists are biting. If it doesn't pick up then I fear it will be scrapped.

My group JPS has just "Officially" released "Weaponry EP" on itunes and a gazillion other digital stores globally. JPS has  had much favor as of late. Lot of shows. Lot of Sales. God has been good to us. Tomorrow is the ITM music awards show where we have been Nominated for "Best New Group" and "Best Hip Hop Group" Keeping fingers crossed, but even if we don't win we are performers for the night as well... It should be an excellent time. Just to be nominated is an honor.

Anyway, I'll holler later. I am going to Neemas Album release party tonight. Good times..

Recording session

Feel's good to jump back in the booth. I haven't been really recording in a few months. I completed the JPS EP in April/May and I recorded a verse for someone's album but that is about it. I have put 0 effort into my latest album "Impervious". I also lost my job last month so I haven't had the dough to be recording. BUT.... alas, I am here at the Mysterium Studios in Edmonds bout to lay down some tracks.

I have had some mad frustrations personally and professionally as of late, so for me this is medicinal. Time to smash on these vocalz.

206 proof aaaaannnd I'm out.

I always laughed at the motto "No. Hate. Stay. On. Your. Grind." For 206proof.com. Because everywhere I turn on that site it is nothing BUT hate. If you are not a part of the "Cool Crowd" then you get laughed at, picked on, and belittled by most people on the thread. I see people who hide behind "Aliases" or people who are scared to show them selves Throw racist slurs towards any artist with a light complexion. I have seen Anti Semitic Slurs towards "Christian Rappers" if you will simply because they don't agree with that persons faith. Or if people mock you or clown on you they expect you to just take it. Your not allowed to throw it back at them. If you do then the "Proofers" as they are called will make sure what ever career you were trying to establish ends in a fiery mess. Either that or they get more butt hurt than you do and take the snap personally and start whispering comments (Direct messages).

I have been on the Proof for about a year. I post fliers for my recent shows or start threads showcasing some music for an upcoming release. Mostly, I get ignored. But on occasion, I get clowned on pretty harshly.

I'm one who would rather work with you than against you. I will support your albums, I will go to your shows. I will try to get you on my album. But when these artists on the proof disrespects me when I did nothing to you, I will lose all respect for you. This has been the case with many on the proof.

I have seen them utterly destroy K.R.U.E. who declared all out war against Grynch (I personally thought that was the dumbest thing for K.R.U.E. to do. go N over a car song. SMH). I saw proofers welcome Sado Slim to Seattle by Showing him the door. (He said some pretty dumb stuff in his introduction and it was like blood in the water to a school of Great Whites). I have seen them try to smash Petty-P (In his instance, The Proofers tried to clown him and He was just throwing it back at them. the whole proof got on him). Most recently, I saw them go at it with Nickels. (His thing started on twitter and it carried over to the proof). I made the mistake of trying to play mediator or peace keeper. and I got burned for it. A few people (Not name dropping) really said some stuff to me that got me mad and I attacked back. I apologized but when I didn't get one back I snapped on dude again. That was such a dumb thing to do. I should have just left it alone. So I made a decision to just stay off of that site. I get angry and my wife and kids can tell that I am not in a good state of mind. Why because of what some cowardly aliases say to me?

10 years ago prior to my conversion to Christianity, I was one who would have got the goons together and went looking for the person bad mouthing me. I would have laced a hurtful dis track (I was a battle MC and I was really good at making people look dumb). Trust me, it would have gotten ugly. I am glad I am not that person anymore. I read on the proof that "Rappers who profess there Christianity, or try to spread the message run the risk of looking fake (Paraphrased)" That is the farthest thing from me that could ever be possible. I have never ever professed to be perfect. My life is better now, but I am far from perfect. I make some pretty stupid mistakes and I am not afraid or too proud to live up to and take ownership in them. My songs never make me out to be some saint. On Prawdukt I talk about still being poor, but being sober so I can watch my kids grow up. Glory to God. I talk about trying to let go of drama and give it to God. Doesn't mean it no longer hurts. It does not mean I do not get angry. I talk about being beaten down spiritually but not giving up my fight to just live a healthy lifestyle. What is so wrong with that? How does that make me "Fake"? I am transparent. Ask me about my life and I will tell you.

My album "Prawdukt" was only meant as a testament on how my relationship with God made MY life better. If you don't feel that, then fine. But if you knew me prior to Feb of 2001 you would understand what I had been through and respect  the album. But the journalists, artists, promoters etc on the proof don't know, or don't care.

Anyway, I need to get back to what IS important to my life. God, Family, Music. In that order. I can't let hateful words from people on the proof get me mad. I lose focus. I am not going to shove my faith down any ones throats. No more "casting pearls before the swine". Because it doesn't matter how good my music is or what ever, because I will never fit into that crowd. SO.....

I say goodbye to 206 proof. I just want to add this suggestion. Change your motto to "All. Hate. Stay. Off. Your. Grind" (AHSOYG). Peace I'm ouuuutttt.

Oh yeah, and God Bless. LOL

RIP Don Kay Voyles

I just learned today that my boss and friend Don Voyles passed away yesterday after a short battle with Cancer. I'm pretty saddened by this.

Don found out  in January that he had colon cancer that had spread to every part of his body. It was in his bone marrow his stomach his head, everywhere. However, Don was a man of Faith. He believed that with Gods help that he could beat this. In the beginning he looked into every method of treatment possible. He went with what the doctor had recommended and in the beginning he was doing great. His blood cell count had turned positive and his energy was increasing. He began gaining weight and started exercising again. However, things turned bad really quick. He began to fatigue easily. Sometimes phone conversations made him really tired. He had a hard time walking to the bus stop. Then, a few weeks ago, as he was to begin a new, more aggressive treatment, he had a major stroke. It affected his speech. He could say one maybe two words. On occasion he was able to say a small sentence. It was very frustrating for him as he could understand everything that we said to him, he just couldn't articulate what to say back. This was not the Don I knew.

Don was a very friendly and loving person. He had a silly sense of humor but nothing vulgar. He loved to laugh. If you gave him five minutes he would tell you about the gospel. He was not afraid or ashamed of his Christianity. He Loved people. The customers who came into Don's shop in the Federal Building, for the most part loved Don. Occasionally, you would have some bitter Atheists who would complain about Don's worship music that he played in his store but it had no effect. One time a lady came in and bought something and said in a very rude and snide way "Thanks for the Sermon" Rolling her eyes. Don said "You are very welcome. God Bless you. Jesus Loves you" with a smile on his face. She turned beet red and walked out.

Don had helped me and my family on many occasions. I enjoyed his company and I will miss him very much. I consider him a friend and a brother. As I write this, I can't even believe that he is dead. What am I going to tell the regulars? I have cried several times, including now.

My family and I were going to pay him a visit in the home he was staying in for the last two weeks since his stroke. About 15 mins before we were leaving I received a call with the bad news.

I know that Don was not afraid of Death, but he was not ready to go. He planned on running his store until he was 75 and then he would retire. The second to last time I saw him he grabbed me and Timberlys hand and said "Pray". As I was praying he began to sob. I had never see him do this before. He felt so helpless. As he left he said "Thanks for coming" and shortly after that "Love you" I consider this our last conversation because the next time I saw him he was very out of it and slept most of my visit.

Don is in heaven with his heavenly father and finally got his eyesight back (He was blind on top of everything else). He has no more pain and his jumping for joy right now. In that, I am celebrating. However, I will miss his companionship, spiritual wisdom, and his humor.

God Bless you Don and Rest easy brother... 

Important Mixtape anouncement 05/21/10

Friday is finally here and I am proud to announce:

Soul the Interrogator and DJ Peg "Graffiti Post Mix Tape Vol I"

Coming THIS SUMMER!!!!

No cassettes. No Gimmicks. No sleeping DJ's. No excuses. Just good Free Music.

I will announce the actual release DATE in about two weeks. I am also going to promote a release party! Stay tuned.

So... Why Peg? Its very simple. He is hungry, he works hard, he is professional, and has never let me down. He is good people. recently, he did Petty-P's mix tape and did a great job.

So... Why the title change? Many reasons 1. I have been working on this since last JULY! that is WAY too long for a mix tape. I'm tired of this whole process and just want to get it out. 2. I had been promoting it with two other DJ's and quite frankly, I want Peg to have his own identity for this project. 3. duplicating Cassettes is stupid expensive. I don't want to spend all of that money for a free mix tape. Maybe in the future when money isn't an issue.

www.myspace.com/peg206

So there you have it.

Mixtape update

Okay, As you may or may not know, I have been working on a mixtape for close to a year now. I have hired and fired two DJ's for various reasons. I'm not really going to get into details, but all I will say is that this project has been serious for me. I take everything I do very serious! 110%.  If your not on board for at least 90% then its time to move on. I don't think these other two DJ's I had were on board for 50%! So with that being said I had to regroup.

I was originally going to call this "Return of... The mixTAPE" I was going to have hard copies on cassette with a download code on the insert for those who don't have a Cassette player. However, I am nearing the end of my rope with this whole thing. I really want to get this thing out. So I am renaming it, putting hard copies on CD and getting a new DJ

Stay tuned. On Friday June 21st, I will announce the New Title of the mix tape and who the new DJ is. I will say this. He has been doing things for the town for quite some time and he is not going to sleep. He recently did a mix tape for two prominent Seattle Artists and does a very good job. Start using your motors.

Stay Tuned!

Petty-P self titled album "Petty-P" album review by: Sean Danaher

I would normally set aside something like this for Mysterium Media Group artists but this album review is different. I really wanted to this for several reasons. I will speak on them in no particular order.

I have known Petty-P since he was a kid. I have seen him grow in many stages in his life, and have seen his music continuously grow, develop and get better over the years. I have heard him during his "Demo" stage of his career when Petty, along with his partners Double O, and Little D were Green, hungry and eager young rappers. Recording with Isaac Meek at Undercaste Studios. There was still a lot of room for growth. His Beef at the time with Mak 1 lead to his song "You not Gangsta" being removed from the Popular Seattle Compilation Reign Craft vol 2, leaving only his instrumental (for the Seattle Heads who have that particular volume, it is the freestyle beat.). Feeling under appreciated and held down, Petty-P decided it was time to go solo.

The first time I saw Petty-P perform live was in 2005 at The Tsunami relief fundraiser show at the Kirkland Teen Center in which I, along with another new local artist named Grynch was performing. I had known Petty personally, but I hadn't seen him in years so I didn't recognize him at first. He had just hired The fast talking Mike Kelley as his manager and was recording with Sonny Bonoho. In walks Petty, very cocky and confident, flanked with a very attractive young girl on his arm (His wife Anna), I was immediately skeptical of this kid. The night went on, I performed with my crew and we were raising alot of money. Devin the Dude was supposed to be the headliner but no showed. Petty-P was finally given his shot. He was put into the headliner spot and to my surprise, KILLED IT! I was sold. This cat was the truth (He had a HUGE following also). I later found out from alot of my old Ballard Homies who were there that he was Pierre Guinchard. My Homie Beau's brother whom I knew when he was a kid. I was tripping. I came up to him and we talked. I told him how impressed I was with him. This guy had mad potential.

Eventually, Petty and Mike Kelley parted ways and he released his first album "Young Caucasian". 15 tracks mostly produced by Sonny Bonoho (He was featured on two tracks), with a few songs produced by Isaac Meek, Odeezie, and Jus the MC. It was a very solid album. But very raw. (It wasn't even properly mastered.) His loyal following got behind the album, but for whatever reason, Many of the more "Prominent" or well known artists did not. But as well, Petty-P was lacking resources to really push "Young Caucasian" where it needed to be. Since then he has released "Young Caucasian: The Mix Tape" (Yours truly was featured on several tracks), and "Petty-P: The Mix Tape" (I am featured on this one as well). each release getting better and better. Finally, we have his second full length self titled album "Petty-P" (I know alot of you were probably wondering if I was ever going to get to that.)

The 19 track album has sick production by Garbs Infinite, Sonny Bonoho, 206 A$$A$$IN, Jey Jey Kim, Nitro Fresh, Odeezie, and Doctor Wax who scratches on a track as well.

The album starts off with a skit called "Red Neck Promoter" (who is voiced by reclusive comedian and voice impersonator The Dry Drunk) And immediately you get to see some of Petty's humor. basically it is a guy who claims to be a promoter from "Po Dunk" who is trying to get Petty to perform at a show but can't get a hold of him so he gives him a piece of his mind on the voice mail. A bunch of farm animals and a banjo playing in the back ground make it even more funny. The very next track called "Lets Party Again" features Indijinis and it goes hard! Petty and Indi trade bars on the chorus and it is non stop killerism. Its almost as if the party goers were on speed because the tempo is fast and very intense. Indijinis along with this one rapper named Soul the Interrogator is featured on "What it feel like". A song dedicated to The haters in Seattle hip hop. "I could care less, about your stats and crowds/ I see you at a show you be talkin loud/ the truth is your local, you'll never leave town/ You snitch and get shot and get brought down/". Willie Will jumps on board with "Give it up". "Back up little man, this materials hazardous/ I got more kix and tricks than your cereal cabinets". Petty and Will compliment each other well. "I jump up on the stage, grab the microphone,/ check it one two, make sure the volume on./". The beat makes you want to put your hand in the air and make it bounce up and down. It has that underground feel good vibe to it. The album also features Too Good aka Stefo and New Comer Zee Gee (Who sounds A LOT like Brother Lynch Hung), Abidyah, 206 A$$A$$IN, Petty's young son Ace, Jonnie Storm of Saturday Morning Cartoon (Formerly Jon Doe of Blak Swan) Sport N Life's Fatal Lucciauno, and Suntonio Bandanaz aka Asun from 206 Zulu Nation.

From listening you get the feeling that the two singles are "So Sexxxy" featuring Jazz Digga. and "I Luv My City". Seattle's answer to Jay Z's "New York State of Mind". The album features two versions. The original with Petty-P and vocalist Abidyah, and the Remix version featuring Seattle All Stars Fatal Lucciauno, Jonnie Storm, Suntonio Bandanaz, Soul the Interrogator (Yours truly), Indijinis, and Abidyah. For obvious reasons I tend to lean on the remix version more than the original but hey, who am I?

The album is very eclectic. Profiling P's different styles from underground (Give it up, What it feel like) top 40 (So Sexxxy, I Luv My City, Lets Party Again), West Coast (Dumb Out, W*** Smoke, Hog named Petty, Runnin Game), Positive/Political (Govdotcom, Alwayz There, Here for You) and "Deep" (Imagine, My Last Wordz)

A few of the songs although good, tend to disrupt the flow of the album. "Weed Smoke" (Dope Production, however, seems to go a little too long. and the concept has been a well beaten dead horse) "Hustla Muzik" (The beat seemed very tedious and had this claustrophobic feeling to it) "Hog Named Petty" (Super Dope production. It just didn't seem to fit in the right spot on the album).


All in all, this album is MILES above "Young Caucasian". Petty-P has grown into a solid artist. When he began recording Petty had said that this would be his last album. He has since changed his mind. I am truly glad. Recently, on the local hip hop forum site 206proof.com Petty went to verbal war with many people who took pot shots at him but claimed the bridge was burned when he fired shots back. I think alot of those same people did not give him a chance as an artist. For Petty to quit would give his naysayers a victory. Say what you want about him but Petty-P has alot to offer this town. "Petty-P" is a very good album. Cop it. GO!

FOUR STARS out of FIVE
A-

www.myspace.com/pettyp

Venue Politics... SMH

Okay, so here is the thing. My crew JPS is setting to release our EP "Weaponry" very very soon. So There is a place in Magnolia, I won't say their name because of what I'm about to say may damage them... BUT that may change. LOL. ANYWAY, I hit them up about booking a date for the release party. They promtly hit me back and said "We don't do Saturday shows. Good luck. So I asked for the following Friday (I'm looking on there event page and there is one show booked for May... AND THATS IT), and they promtly hit me back and said "May is booked solid! Good luck with your tour!" SOOOOO. I hit them back and said "Could you please tell me what open dates you DO have? because I would like to book a show at your venue"....

Yeah, Its been days now and nothing. So judging by the short emails and the lack of a response to my last inquiry I have come to the conclusion that they are NOT interested in booking a hip hop act at there facility. Normally, most people would say that it is normal because "hip hop is negative" yada yada yada. You know the drill. But here is the thing. JPS is a Christian group with a positve message and this venue is a Christian venue. I made this VERY clear to the person I was attempting to book the show with. Looking on the venues web site, they have NEVER booked a hip hop act there and this is a fact. It is Sad...

The thing that has always irritated me about the Church is the ammount of prejudice that they have towards the music. I know people who used to be in Breaking Crews, and were totally into hip hop, but now that they are Christians they want nothing to do with it. I have even heard the old "That is Satan's Music" line. And the churches that do utilize Hip Hop tend to not take it as serious as say a contemporary band. Most wont pay to have Hip Hop Groups come out, but will fund raise like CRAZY to get a Christian contemporary, or Rock Band out. We are looked at as a cute side show... Awwwwwww...

So I just got really frustrated at this venue because I feel they were being prejudiced towards us for being hip hop.. It's dumb. I could go to a secular (Non Christian) Spot like Chop Suey, High Dive, or Nectar and get booked in a heart beat. (Shout out to them! I love and have performed at all three) but I can't get a gig in a "Christian" music venue? Wow... Way to take one for the team guys.... I tell you what.... They want to kill their business over stupid stuff then that is there loss. They probably lost a sea of potential customers AND future music acts who could bring business in.... POW...

The Three Stooges

I find it kind of strange that I am sitting here typing my first blog on here at 8:20 in the morning about the Three Stooges... Oh, I want to welcome you to my Blog spot and hope you get some ounce of enjoyment at my ranting. LOL.

So My favorite old school, black and white comedy trio is NOT the Marx Brothers. It is the Three Stooges. I am particularly fond of anything with Larry, Moe and Curly, or Larry, Moe, and Shemp. Beyond that it is no good (After Shemp died, they replaced him with Joe, who was not funny and then Curly Joe who tried too hard to be curly and it didn't work. The magic was just gone). For years, anytime I was sick, or depressed the stooges could make me laugh until I cried or until my stomach hurt. I always feel that a good laugh is better than staying angry or being sad. It's great medicine.

It so happened that when Nickels came to pick me up. I was watching a three stooges short, "Disorder in the Court" along with my son Ryan, who is another Stooge fan. Him and I were cracking up while Nickels and my wife were talking. But even my wife Timberly shared in a laugh or two with us. It was great.

Recently, I copped their whole filmography and have been watching them in chronological order on youtube. Some of them that I have never seen before. Also, some where funnier than others. As much as a fan that I am, I have to admit that they had some really bad ones too. But hey, you have to understand that they filmed a years worth of shorts in a 40 hour work week. Its gonna happen.

Again, I don't know why I chose to blog about the Three Stooges. Maybe it is because I want to show my lighter side. My music tends to be so serious, and dark, and not really showing my funny side. It should be noted that I have the most insane sense of humor in the world! I love practical jokes (Not on me.) and "Snapping", which is the art of insulting. (Kind of strange, because those two seem to be contradictory to my Christian walk.) My dude Ripynt, who is another local Rapper out of Everett is someone that I consider a friend. However, him and I can really get goin on twitter where we can snap on each other for an hour straight, and I always find myself Laughing till it hoits again. LOL (Laugh our Loud) or LMAO (Laughing my Arse off) is another thing I am constantly texting to people if I am in a humorous mood or I am joking around with someone. I think some people nervously or out of habbit text LOL and they may not neccisarily think something is funny. But if I am constantly LOLing you. I AM..

Anyway, It is 8:41 am and I think I want to go back to bed. I have to work today, which to me is quite depressing. I guess I can post some Stooge flicks after I figure out how to post them so you can see where I am...

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