El Matador

¡Ole!



Out the frying plantain, into the bunning fire! This has been the autumn of austerity, season of stress, epoch of exertion. But all has somehow equated and likened to a labour of love. Rolling with the good people of the Red Bull Music Academy. Say what?? You mean that drink?

Indeed, they essentially are the ones who fund a prestigious music camp. A sort of retreat for the budding maestro that is run @ an allegro tempo. 60 participants are picked from a pool of 2500 applicants.

In anycase, it's been 1 week @ the RBMA and 1 year's worth of priceless experiences. Ppl from all over the world and their music in tow. This had been much more than a guiding light. I now contemplate getting back into it as my fervor for the fortissimo has been germinating seeing all these participants from varied music lineage.

But the reality is, with all the speakers that have been and are coming for this event, how could I not??



We just hosted Tadd Mullinix aka world famous Dabrye, Primo passed thru to speak wise words of wisdom. We've been in the company of Chairman Mao, Georgia Anne Muldrow w/ co-hort Dudley Perkins as well as many others. Coming up?? Well, I can't say as I am sworn to secrecy, but lovers of all things of what I qualify as verdad will be in heaven.

Make sure to come out and support some of these budding artists during the showcases. More to come. But pls be patient, jusy getting accustomed to these long hours...

H!

¡ NO CAMBIO !

That's right. NO CHANGE. I thought that I would say it in the unofficial US language, Spanish.



Sometime today or last night, the Canadian Dollar made the last little bit of way to reach the holy grail: Par w/ the US Dollar. How crazy is that? Exchange euphoria! So, what is your immediate plan??

Touch Screen Is The New Black

I recall being @ MacWorld in San Fran this past January and all were waiting for the doors to open so they could take a look @ the world's most anticipated phone - ever: The iPhone.

A few weeks ago, the 2nd biggest event took place online: The news that the iPhone had been unlocked! Well, it's now in my hands.

So I made the move during my recent trip to Las Vegas. So it's now official: Yes. Yes. Yes and Yes.

Yes, I have the iPhone baby. I was a Mac supporter when it wasn't cool and was being ridiculed. So, why stop now?



Yes, it is unlocked and was done so by my own bare hands (and BlkBook and software too). Yes that does say Rogers Wireless down below...



Yes, I have YouTube unlocked an running. Beware to those who buy from eBay: make sure that they have unlocked the YT functionality. It's not always the case or cleary detailed.

And yes,. You can see it when u see me next.

Touch screen is the new black, and who ever thinks it's not has not tried or used an iPhone yet, and is simply hating. In fact, most know that I am a Cupertino fan as much as I am a Finnish river buff. But even Nokia had to tilt their cap to the iPhone. In fact, they have a prototype of a Nokia branded iPhone-like device (some like to call that biting around these parts). Hell, they even put out a promo the phone. See below.



Coming soon near you. ;)

In any case, Apple has once again made history. They just recently sold their millionth phone in 74 days. And all that was before the unlock hack. How fast wll they sell their next million?? Be assured that with good supply, they'll do that in 1/2 the time. Friends online had commented on how the Buffalo Apple Store was a zoo. This one dude bought 10 phones in one shot. wowsers.

So, this one's for the ppl @ 1 Infinite Loop. Good look.

BTW, I've been hard @ work. Nothing posted for last month. Whip was cracking, Glad to be back.

Say wrd.

H!

Chicken & Waffles: I'm So Down

So, when I was in LA in Jan of this year, before heading down to San Diego for ASR, my man Diz, El Gigante and Nick Diamond of the Diamond Supply Co fame all hit Roscoe's Chicken n Waffles - the original location as I was told. Being West Indian, it was a concept that I could not grasp. Chicken N Waffles?? What the hell is that all about?? Anyhow, when in Rome, do as Italians. So I ordered a waffle and a piece of fried chicken. Lemme tell you that i had the sweetest sleep on the way to San Diego. Wow.

Anyhow, California consul of style, Fresh Jive have released a set of tees in honor of this American dietary staple. Most notably, the campaign promoting this collection also features a short video starring adult movie star Pinky. Not really in touch with the new school as I grew up with girl guides like Purple Passion, Vanessa Del Rio and Angel Kelly. But this Pinky chick is nuts.



I have my sources, but word is that I might even buck up with she when I'm out in LV in the next few weeks. Look for some new pix to come up. In fact, the night that I am supposed to see her might be one of the best nights in LV, since I partied w/ Waajeed a few years back. Shouts to my man Ty G!

You know I couldn't chat about the video and not post it.

WARNING - I will not be held responsible for any disciplinary action taken against you when this video plays whilst your work hours. You know that you're already in hot water for spending most of your day on Facebook. So the disclaimer reads as follows:

Be Bloodclawt Careful.

Ok. Now x2 click the space below (x2 click to stop it too).



BTW, Fresh Jive is selling tees. Did you forget?? You can find them @ any of the several fine Fresh Jive boutiques near you, say like LiveStock.

Here are the tees:


Created with this.

Out.

Detroit 2 LA: House Shoes x HVW8

My man Ty G has been burning up putting out a sick podcast. He just started it recently and has had some heavyweight (pun intended) cats come thru: Daz-I-Kue, Black Spade and a few others. Most recently, vol.17 was touched by the newest LA resident but forever Detroit rider DJ House Shoes.



This Michigan magistrate has been down with the D before cats knew what was happening. Having seen the Dilla movement from it's infancy, he forever carries the torch and spreads that Detroit doctorine @ each able opportunity.

This newest HVW8 podcast was no exception.

Enough.

Pls get down w/ my man Ty G's podcast. If you got iTunes, you can subscribe to his podcast by clicking here.

You can also just download the entire podcast by right clicking here.

Tracklist is as follows:

House Shoes - Castles (CDR)*D
Guilty Simpson - For the D (CDR)*D
Jay Electronica - Victory is in My Clutches (CDR)
Pete Rock/Slum Village - Gangsta Boogie *D
Blu - No Greater Love (Sound in Color)
Kev Brown - Random Joint (LowBudget)
Waajeed - Proud (Bling 47)*D
House Shoes - Newports (CDR)*D
Dabrye feat. Guily Simpson - Special (Black Milk rmx) (CDR)*D
Quelle - Special Ingredient (CDR)*D
Qeulle w/ Denmark Vesey - Deal Widdit (CDR)*D
Snowman Jack - Street Corner Music (CDR)*D
M.O.P. - Sharks
Marv Won - Back Like I Never Left (CDR)*D
House Shoes - Dorothy's Look (CDR)*D
Marv Won - Happy Birthday (CDR)*D
14 KT - Gee Whiz (CDR)*D
Black Milk - Get Down (CDR)*D
House Shoes - It's On (CDR)*D
Phat Kat - True Story Pt.II (Look)*D
Waajeed - Dusk (Bling 47)*D
Jay Dee - Fresh for 98 (CDR)*D
Illa Jay - Me and My Brother (CDR)*D
J Dilla w/ Ta'Raach - Say It! (Operation Unknown)*D
Guilty Simpson - Get Bitches, Get Rides (Stones Throw)*D
Phat Kat - My Old Label (Look)*D
14 KT - Without Dilla (CDR)*D
Robert Glasper - J Dillalude (Blue note)
D'Angelo - Fantastic (CDR)
Erykah Badu - Didn't Cha Know

(*D reps Detroit to the fullest, as if you didn't know...)

You can also stream it down here if you're @ work. You know that had to happen. say wrd. Click Play. Enjoy.

More Beyonce, Less Britney: Kweli in Toronto, Aug 30th 2007.

More schools, Less prisons
More freestyle, Less written
More serious shit, Less kiddin
More history, Less mystery
More Beyonce, Less Britney!

More or Less - Talib Kweli

Fa sho Kweli!



SO Kweli is back in Toronto on Thursday Aug 30th 2007 @ the Phoenix. I think the last time he came to Toronto, he was scheduled to shoot his video for More Or Less. He also wanted to rawk a small show on a last second's notice. So the good ppl @ REMG whipped one up real good @ the Reverb, and it resulted in a Sept 2006 show that was phenomenal. Peep the footage below (again, shot with the Nokia N90).



This is gonna be a hot.

Kweli got a deep catalog now, and he's got some certified bangers - even though there are some that I never hear any longer (like 2000 seasons--> love that joint!). Looking fwd to this show, in fact I am trying to make it back in time from Sin City to make it (as well as get some real work done).

Do yourself a solid, and make it out to this show. You'll get to see how some emcees really put it down.

More Dilla Dawg, less wack sh*t,
More Jack Davey, less fake chicks,
More multi cultural, less segregation,
More broken beat, more inspiration.
More hair picks, less colored contacts,
More indie labels, less funny contracts
More partying, less lineups,
More originals, less mash-ups
More Madlib, more Liberation EP
More James Brown, Less Elvis Presley
More Spike Lee, less minstrel shows
More College Radio, less FLOW.

Freestyle - My Man Henri.

I'll never be able to write rhymes, let alone rap. My career's a wrap though. This took me like, all day to script - and it's still not tight. LOL.

Anyhow, I thougth that you should @ least get a sight & sound of the original work of art that is the "More or Less" vid by Hi-Tek and Kweli. As I mentioned, shot in Toronto. Styled by GetJanet, and features some TBG (aka Too Black Guys), rawked by none other than Talib himself. Say wrd.

See you @ the show on the 30th, and enjoy.



H!

Memento: Cuba 2006

Thirty is the new twenty playa. So we've been made aware of by a mid to late thirty something dude who needed to validate his craving and desire to screw a twenty something chick. All good. Wouldn't have said anything anyhow Sean. Do u, and her whilst you're @ it. I just ask that you hit me w/ the juicy deets in the AM. Sh*t, I can listen all day. ;) Does she have another sister?? I'm not even that mad @ the House of Dereon rags... Lies. I am.



So, on my new twenty something-ith bday, I was treated to a last second trip to Cuba. How kind was that?? ;) Cuba is a place that I long admired for several reason, but essentially all things culturally tied: the music, the sun, the food and the dearest language that is Spanish. We arrived late one Friday night, and left the following Monday as it landed on a Thanksgiving weekend (Give thx).

As much as I stayed on the resort in Varadero, I got to ride a scooter along the Northern Coast - long side the Gulf Of Mexico.



¡Mira, Mira! What a wonderful site indeed.

I ate well, was basking in the sun, had some great fun and even bought some art in a mercado cubano. I met some Haitians there ironically, and I also met a very interesting retired Cuban teacher called Armando. Click below.



All of this came rushing back in memory as some friends of mine are off to Cuba for a week. Given the op, you should do the same. Do your best to leave the resort as much as possible. You'll be exposed to so much more. And it's not even all that hard to get around.

In any case, I tracked down the photos I took. All of them as well as the video are courtesy of the Nokia N90 imaging phone. If you ever have the chance to get your hands on one, it will replace quite a few things on your digital tool belt. And they sync well w/ Macs now as well. ;) Email me, and I'll show you more.

Enjoy the pix, and book your trip.

H! aka Enrique Pandillero


Created with this.

Sound & Color: Caribana 2007

Dear Bana

pls look @ this post as more of a kind of mea cupla, displiceo. Earlier this year, anyone who asked or cared to listen would have heard me tell them how I was looking fwd to leaving town as I thought I couldn't handle the associated commotion of Toronto's and the West Indies' pride and joy: Caribana 2007. I just thought I had seen enough, heard enough, jumped enough and ate enough. I could not be any more further from the truth.



Already, I am a fan of Sound & Color, and you had it all. So how could I not be around for this? Already, I'm more impassioned w/ the sun than Icarus himself. The sun was @ it's shiniest, the sky was clearer than the beaches in the most celebrated West Indians beaches, the JBLs and Cerwin Vegas were booming and the colors were bold.



I 1nce again speak of my ppl w/ more pride than Common's new single. ;) I had such a blast. Hope you did to. Enjoy some of these photos and videos.

I'll see you next year dear. ;) I got that spare room for you. Can't wait.

Hizzla.



How could we have Bana w/o a little slackness?



Ok. Just trying some new photo interface. Enjoy the pix.


coded with this.

Memento: Dinner w/ Jose Parla.

My thoughts and writing can be so unfocused and nebulous @ times, I started to think that I was Guy Pearce in that great piece of cinematography, Memento. I have so much that I've not shared that I have decided to create a thread dedicated to older events that I loved, and I've yet to discuss.



Sometime in 2006, I was in NY on my way to a Giant Step & Jazzanova party @ Cielo in the meat packing district. @ the start of the night, we went and saw a film about graph writers/artists. It featured many of the greats, who also happened to be in attendance, such as Haze.
That night, I also met a Cuban artist who goes by José Parlá.
We went on to party all together that same night. He was a hella cool and genuine dude - and I got to practice some Spanish.
FFWD to 2007 and my UK trip. I heard he was in London for a show that he had w/ Futura @ Elms Lesters Painting Rooms. I somehow end up on the phone w/ my girl Jazzi who then put José on the line!

¡Platanos!

We all end up hooking up w/ friends in the infamous Brick Lane in London for some great Indian food.
All in all, a great time was had and I post this only to highlight the strength and love in friendships. Nothing more true and pure. Besides, I owe you dinner JP! ;) On me next time.



Shouts to my boy José and Jazzi. If you have the op, pls feel free to check out José's work online. Below is quite possibly one of my fave pieces

click for larger image:


Hizzla.out.

Raise Your Flag! New Era Opens Toronto Flagship This Week

This something that has been in the works for a min. But it's now here.

1st came the NY New Era store @ 4th & Broadway. Got the invite from my man W. Best (forever a good look) and that was such a blast. Been a regular @ that store ever since. Shouts to my mans, Antoine, Initial H all day...

Then came the Buffalo store that opened up right as they moved offices. Did you know that this colossal cap company has it's roots in Buffalo NY??

I was then days removed for the London UK Store opening, but I made it to the store anyhow and that shop is beautiful. Shouts to Brad!

So now, here we are. Toronto, Canada. We are getting our own shop.



That's so heavy. Not claiming to have the illest hat game, but I keep a few in the chamber. ;) But I will say this: expect some surprises when you get there.





But here's the gem:

This weekend is Caribana, seen? Last year, when I was politicking with my man SD from New Era, we both knew that dope hats @ Bana would be the bomb. Like, why not do flags?? Well, they did in the US last year for Labor Day parade if I'm not mistaken. And in case you did not know, there are tons of Haitians in NY - so my joint looked a little something like this:





Sh*t... You might have seen me running with mine this weekend @ Hrbrfrnt during the Sak Pase showcase. Anyhow, not saying that they'll have Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti and the rest of the beautiful West Indies but you might wanna check ;).

Get your head right.

Toronto New Era Store Opening
202 Queen West
Friday Aug 3 2007.
1 pm sharp.

Sh*t. You might catch me there from the night before @ the private bashment. ;)

Say wrd.

Big Bloodclawt Tune

So... I just spent 2 days in NY and after a change of plans, made a b-line for Chitown instead of home. 2 reasons:

Went to catch up to my man, all beatsmith, super producer Jake One, and to also catch up to a cat that I've been building w/ for a min: Black Milk - another Monarch of the MPC.

Supersonic Jake was in Chitown as one of the heads of this traveling Beat Battle: Red Bull Big Tune. Essentially cats are facing off and go mano y mano with the beats and the crowd calls out the winner. Hmmmm.... Sounds like a god 'ol fashion clash.

As well, I wanted to take a closer look as plans are in the works to have it in Toronto. Say wrd. Shouts to JD and A$ as well as JO and H who rolled for the ride.

Shots of the event (click for larger)





The show was pretty live. The winner and runner up qualified for the finals in Seattle Oct 18th 2007. The Chicago winner ended up being this cat called Tall Black Guy who had some bangers. I mean, it's hard to get an instrumental banger out that cats can feel. A loop can't quite cut it. Felt like he had that boom and bap that's been missing out of NY. Lot of cats were running some dbl time, southern riddims. Being in the Midwest and the sign of the times would allow for that still. So they all posed for a photo @ the end. The whole show was a good look as some had been 1st timers tryingto have their joints heard




But the highlight for me had to have been to finally run into Black Milk after kicking it w/ him for months, trying to get him in Toronto (and he's here Wed July 25th).

As the special guest, he essentially rawks a quick set and played some bangerd from his beat tape. Bananas. I should have taped that. But what I did record was a joint he rawked (for those who have Sound of The City). Enjoy



And here are some more pix...






In any case, look for some of that magic Wednesday July 25th.



More photos...




See you cats Wednesday.

H!

Unconditional Love

I love this music.

I feel blessed to have grown up, seen and heard the ppl who were so influential in it's growth.

Ppl such as Large Professor aka Large Pro aka Extra P.



His involvement with some of the music's best is well documented.

I shot this outside a Polyrhythm Addict record release in March 07, in BK.

We exchanged just a few words. He then calmly walked home. Saw him again a few weeks ago @ the BK Bodega. But never kicked it.

I've always wondered what his views were on this current state of the Art. I didn't have the chance to ask.

Despite today being Friday the 13th, my luck may have just turned for ths best.... Stay tuned.

Black Wednesday

Well, almost 9months to the day I've been trying to make this happen, it's here.



I wanna thank JD and all the ppl @ Red Bull for having that listening ear. It's going to be a great show! $ayer in the building!

RedBull Muic Academy is proud to present:

BLACK MILK w/ special guest TBA

Wednesday, July 25th @ Revival
783 College St
Doors @ 10pm, show @ 11pm.

$10 Adv tix available @:

Play De Record (357A Yonge Street, Toronto)
Rotate This (620 Queen Street West, Toronto,)
Slinky Music (442 Queen Street West, Toronto)
Ticketweb.ca (search for Black Milk)

Set up the Facebook group as well.

If you've not heard of Black Milk, you've been robbed of some good music.

As such, for some of the 1st timers or neophytes, I'm posting some music for y'all to peep.

Click Play and enjoy.

Estoy De Vuelta

... meaning I'm back.

I missed you YYZ.

You and The Spaniard.

Busy weekend.

See you cats soon.

Top Shoppaz!

[Brap!] [Brap!]

BLOODCLAWT!

I've been trying to avoid doing too much shoppin just cuz the £ is just set to take me to the cleaners! Pls refer to the table below for the exchange rate:



So essentially, every 1£=$2 CAD. As such, if my meal is £8 which might be regarded as a deal, I am paying $16 for it. Which is so not a deal. Henceforth, the brits are laughing all the way to the bank when they vacation in North America.

QED: you see why the shopping is literally lethal. But oh well...



I was drawn in to the infamous Top Shop (click the above for a bigger view). Wowsers. Bought some dnm. There's a good chance I rawk 'em the day I come back as I need to break them in desperately. These are the skinniest that I have ever bought so when you see me... look out!

In any case, I'll add to the shopping exp today, yea.

Hizzla aka Top Shoppaz.

BBB

Barcelona esta platanos!

Necissito a regresar - real quick.



I miss my scooter!

Your boy...

holla!

+011447943572057

H!

Mike Jooooones, yea?

So, here I am in this affluent part of London (West Hampstead ni99a, throw 'em up!), and I'm about to pull a move more ghetto than sugar sandwiches.

I love traveling, but this has been one of my rarer lenghty trips. I still have 1 week to go and I've been here since the top of the week. I miss home! So here we go...

Mike Jones!!!!



+011447943572057

that's my cell # here in London, yea?.

Would love to hear from you. Make it simple, say like.... casual txt, yea?. ;)

But for real. holla. It's been fun but man, the weather flips more than winnipeg and the boro combined, yea?.

click below...


I've been hanging tons around this area. Top Shop, Regent St. Apple Store, Foot Patrol and so many more... yea?



As well, I'm glad to announce that my sobriety sentence was temporarily commuted last night by Judge L. Keaton...



I was @ this bday party, Under Di Bridge yea?(<---- that's the name of the spot, for real. Guess where it is??)

In any case, today I am off to Barcelona, FINALLY! So, time to get moving as I have a long ride to Luton Airport in London.



So.. Holla @ ur man if you have a hot minute.

+011447943572057 (can you hear the Swisha House beat in the back?)

I'll be sure to shout you out, yea?

I'm so hood... haha.

Hizzla.

New Era London, yea?

i totally forgot about this. I had heard rumblings that this was blasting off.

Nice.

I'll offer more deets when I get more shots. The security guard reminded me of a photo ban. Say what??

I will say this: it's BY FAR the nicest between all the others: that includes Buffalo as well as the 4th & Broadway NY, NY store.

In anycase, this is the only shot that i could offer you cats. Working on more... stay tuned, yea?

Shouts to my Sid who is grinding. He's got another surprise soon... Hold tight. Sid, I need some dates, yea?

click for bigger...



** BTW **

To all my US muchachos and guapasitas. Happy 4th of July. It does not get more American than New Era, yea?

Hizzla.