Dj Rebel Shirt Design Line Up:"THIS IS WHERE WE STAND"
The art of turntablism is beginning to be extinct. Nowadays,specially in the Philippines and the younger hip-hop generation in general. The fist thing that will come to their mind when you say the word mixtape. Is emcees rapping over other producers beat or just a bunch of emcees on one album. Don’t get me wrong. I respect those emcees for their talent, skills & dedication.
I created this mixtape for two reasons.
One: I want to make a mixtape using an what I would say "A Forgotten Art-form" Why forgotten? Because hardly any DJ do this anymore. And like I said, in my opinion. Younger generation of emcees don’t even know this turntablist mixtape art-form existed.
I’m talking about DJ/turntablist mixtape using a tracks of other artist both exclusive & album tracks. Mixing it, remixing, beat juggling, scratching and of course; just plain blending of records or tracks.
Two: I want to make a mixtape dedicated to Filipino artist around the globe. Why?Because in my opinion. Filipino Hip-Hop artist or Filipino artist in general are one of the most underrated artist in music business.
I always say that we don’t have a place in the music business here in the U.S. We’ll never be famous.
And I still believe that. And keeping that in mind is the reason why I wanted to make a mixtape and hopefully become a trademark mixtape representing Filipino artist. Representing their hard work and dedication to their art while adding and utilizing my skills to make good mixtape or project.
I was told that this mixtape has been done. But I would say no. Why? Because most DJ/turntablist nowadays.
Or Filipino DJ at least when they do a mixtape. They make beats and produce tracks for artist and put it in one album or mixtape.
And even if I’m not the first DJ/turntalbist that does this. It’s OK. All I know is that I want to be the first Filipino turntablist to really make this public. I want local Filipino artist to heard on other cities or countries.
And I’ll do anything make it happen. Anything is possible. I want the dream of Filipino artist to be heard.
And if this mixtape is what it takes to do so. Then I’ll keep doing it. I do this for the love of what I do and for the much deserved respect of all Filipino artist around the globe.
I was often asked. Why Hip-Hop? And I say why not?
I like every genre of music. I just love music in general. But the reason why a chose Hip-Hop. Is because it’s a lifestyle that brings artist and hip-hop fans together. Hip-hop represent unity, love and of course family.
It makes you proud of who you are. I mean, if you go to the Philippines. How many percent of the Philippine population do see who’s proud of being a Filipino? It said to say that it is way less. And you all know I’m right.
I came back in the Philippines rockin’ a New Era Three Stars and Sun cap and a Andres Bonifacio shirt. I went to the mall and people are looking at me weird. I bought a Philippine Flag to put in my room. But my neighbors start to make fun of me. But my neighbors back home start to make fun of me. For what? Because I’m proud of I am? Like I said, hardly any Filipino are proud anymore.
And that’s the reason why I chose Hip-Hop. Because it’s the only lifestyle that will make you proud of who you are.
It’s the only lifestyle that represent who you are. As person, as an artist and as a Filipino.
Unfortunately, back home. Corporate is messing it up. They rather have their pretty lil’ actress and actors performing on TV shows rapping "In The Club" or singing "Umbrella" or "Crazy In Love" and dancing to remixed tracks that they don’t even give recognition to the artist or the DJ that remixed the song. They’re rapping and dancing while wearing a tight pants and a tight shirt. They make them say YO!! and corporate think it’s Hip-Hop. And in my personal opinion. It’s a disrespect.
They don’t want to hire real Hip-Hop artist. Because they’re afraid of the real Hip-Hop. They want something that sells rather than booking something that comes from hard work, real skills and of course; from the heart. It’s all about the money for them.
Philippines is a third world country. But corporate and entertainment industry is making it seems like it’s not.
That’s a good thing. But the only problem is. The rich is getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.
That’s "CORPORATE TERRORISM" if you ask me.
Artist sells albums but the all profit goes to the company. The CEO get richer and the artist is still broke.
Why do you think most of the best artist in the Philippines chose to promote their music independently?
Because for most companies. It’s too real. They can’t take the heat.
Philippine All-Star won the biggest dance competition this world. But they went back to the Philippines. They didn’t get any recognition. Why? Is it because it wasn’t as famous as American Idol?
Filipino Hip-Hop community have to make their own award because Corporate wouldn’t give them recognition they deserved.
And then corporate rather sells NOVELTY rap album rather than real hip-hop artist. Com’on, even that Marc Logan; that dude from Balitang Kyut starts rapping. WHAT WAS THAT?
I created this mixtape because I want to do my part to help out with the culture. In my own lil’ way.
I want the people to hear real Filipino Hip-Hop. Wouldn’t you wanna hear "Free Speech" from the Nomadik Messengers, Nimbusnine’s "N.Y To P.I", God’s Will’s "Himig Ng Buhay" or D-Coy’s "Wika" and "Sana" rather than "The Amir of Rap" and "Boracay Baby"?
If you got DISSED by another artist. YOU DON’T SUE THEM! you dissed them back. That’s how it work. That just show that there’s a lot of posers in the Philippines who know nothing about Hip-Hop.
They wanna do it because it’s the new trend or in tagalog "USO".
This mixtape might not be big. But I know some will appreciate. Even if it’s only 1% of the population on earth.
I’m making my stand. And I know someone will follow. I’m not doing this for the money, I’m doing it for the love.
And yet, I know corporate will not listen. But like I said, I know someone will follow my footsteps.
This is just the beginning.
This is where we start.
This is where we pursuit out dream.
THIS IS WHERE WE STAND!!!
After learning of MJ's passing Thursday night, Game got some of his famous friends ? including Diddy, Chris Brown, Polow Da Don, Mario Winans, Usher and Boyz II Men ? to help record a song giving thanks and reflecting on the King of Pop.
Titled "Better on the Other Side," the DJ Khalil-produced tribute debuted on the morning radio show "Big Boy's Neighborhood" on LA's Power 106, as well as on Game affiliate DJ Skee's satellite radio show, "Skeetox."
Skee told MTV News that the recording took place shortly after he called Game in the studio to tell him about Jackson's death. "Game was in the studio with Diddy at the time I called. He reached out to Chris Brown and Usher and also got Boyz II Men, who so happened to be recording in the same studio."
Here's how MTV.com describes the track:
The piano-accompanied soundscape starts off with Diddy testifying about M.J.'s influence. "I believed I can do anything," he says. "You made the world dance. You made the music come to life."
Then a thunderous bass drops in, led by Chris Brown's vocals on the chorus: "This the type of song that makes the angels cry/ Look up in the sky and I wonder why/ Why you had to go, go/ I know it's better on the other side."
On his verses Game reflects on the pop singer's influence on him growing up. "Who's Michael Jackson?/ You're Michael Jackson/ I'm Michael Jackson/ We all Michael Jackson/ I guess what I'm asking is/ Everybody bow their head/ For a legend, don't breathe for a second."
"Other Side" concludes with one last statement from Diddy: "People can say what they want about you. We gonna remember the miracles that you showed us. Through your music, through your dance. You were the one that made us realize that you are the world. Through us your legacy lives on, Mike Jackson."
Also on Friday, Game's former rap rival 50 Cent released two songs that give a nod to Michael Jackson.
"Where You Are," which takes its track directly from Jackson's 1972 hit "I Wanna Be Where You Are," features the lyrics:
"They say I ain't lyrical, they say I ain't a miracle/ I say some hard sh--, so they say I ain't spiritual ?They act like they know God better than me/ I know 'God Allah,' he used to pump crack up the streets."
He goes on to vent about those in the 'hood doubting him because of his over-the-top financial status. The Southside, Queens, native then gives way to the King of Pop, and we hear Jackson's timeless vocals.
"Can it be I stayed away too long?/ Did I leave your mind when I was gone?/ It's not my thing trying to get back/ But this time let me tell you where I'm at/ You don't have to worry 'cause I'm coming/ Back to where I should have always stayed/ And now I've heard the maybe to your story/ And it's enough love for me to stay."
The rapper mentions Jackson's passing at the end of his second track released Friday morning, titled "Respect It or Check It N***a."
"Rest in peace to Michael Jackson," 50 raps. "You n***as need me, man. I might have to start moonwalking. A couple of dance moves and sh**, might be some sh** called 'Billie Jean Is My Lover.' I'm back, n***a!"
