Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Our Blogmaster Demanded I Write This - Lucky For Her, Life Helped...
So...um... Hey, whoever actually reads these blogs (aka ramblings of the dysfunctional misfits). Let’s talk...
This year has been a small piece of hell, for like everyone in the IDC Camp. Not getting in to details, but DAMN! A whole laundry list of things have changed since my brother and I have made the move to CA. I know this is where I would normally write something about how the music is gonna blow the fuck up and blah blah blah... Bravado aside, I believe we are working harder than ever to make this next album better than the last. But I’m not really sure if that will be enough. I've never doubted success, let’s make that clear right now.
The issue is: I've considered failure but never really had the balls to embrace its existence. And not just in music - I’m talking about life here. I really want to be happy - like damn near death-grip-choke-hold-every-last-bit-I-have-right-now want it. That’s bad because I have been so “FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!!” that I forgot that pushing too hard to succeed can lead to pushing success away.
Identity Crisis is made up of four pained individuals each using music as a way to escape what ails them at that time. I think that's also called an addiction. I can’t speak for my counterparts, but I will say that I am like every other addict. When I stop focusing on music, I put all that focus on something else. It's an insanely ridiculously over-the-limit amount of focus. I listen to how every drum beat of every snare drum in every song sounds on at least 8 different speaker configurations with at least 12 different EQ settings before the rest of the crew even gets a taste of the bass drum - let alone the guitars, bass or angel choir (which is ever so carefully mixed in the background and only audible on a HD Audio 39 speaker Surround Sound system). So it might be a bit much on the focus front. Needless to say, I again went into "failure is not an option" mode. Instead of enjoying it as a part of my life, I listened to every word and analyzed every tone and infliction; every silence meant doom and every word not used to build me up had to only be said to tear me down... I mean why else say it, right? Wrong!!!
Overall, I guess it’s my nature as an addict – I drink heavily, I over exercise, I used to take vitamins like candy, I latch on to people and expect too much and I over examine all of my music to the point that I never release it to the public. But the first step to overcoming addiction is admitting you have a problem...
James
P.S. if this left you with more questions than answers... welcome to life...
This year has been a small piece of hell, for like everyone in the IDC Camp. Not getting in to details, but DAMN! A whole laundry list of things have changed since my brother and I have made the move to CA. I know this is where I would normally write something about how the music is gonna blow the fuck up and blah blah blah... Bravado aside, I believe we are working harder than ever to make this next album better than the last. But I’m not really sure if that will be enough. I've never doubted success, let’s make that clear right now.
The issue is: I've considered failure but never really had the balls to embrace its existence. And not just in music - I’m talking about life here. I really want to be happy - like damn near death-grip-choke-hold-every-last-bit-I-have-right-now want it. That’s bad because I have been so “FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!!” that I forgot that pushing too hard to succeed can lead to pushing success away.
Identity Crisis is made up of four pained individuals each using music as a way to escape what ails them at that time. I think that's also called an addiction. I can’t speak for my counterparts, but I will say that I am like every other addict. When I stop focusing on music, I put all that focus on something else. It's an insanely ridiculously over-the-limit amount of focus. I listen to how every drum beat of every snare drum in every song sounds on at least 8 different speaker configurations with at least 12 different EQ settings before the rest of the crew even gets a taste of the bass drum - let alone the guitars, bass or angel choir (which is ever so carefully mixed in the background and only audible on a HD Audio 39 speaker Surround Sound system). So it might be a bit much on the focus front. Needless to say, I again went into "failure is not an option" mode. Instead of enjoying it as a part of my life, I listened to every word and analyzed every tone and infliction; every silence meant doom and every word not used to build me up had to only be said to tear me down... I mean why else say it, right? Wrong!!!
Overall, I guess it’s my nature as an addict – I drink heavily, I over exercise, I used to take vitamins like candy, I latch on to people and expect too much and I over examine all of my music to the point that I never release it to the public. But the first step to overcoming addiction is admitting you have a problem...
James
P.S. if this left you with more questions than answers... welcome to life...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The difference between Venus de Milo & the ceramic angels you get at Home Depot
People always ask me why I say that nobody’s listening.
To break it down as quickly and as simply as I can, I will say four words: Radio. Killed. The. Music.
I’m sorry, but I refuse to believe that everyone wants to hear the same ten songs on the hour every hour every day…except Throwback Thursdays or Smooth Soul Sundays. Lame. I think that some people forget that music is an art. Art is supposed to be talked about, questioned, bother you, what have you. Look at the Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel, American Gothic. All of them make you wonder why. There are “masterpieces” like that and then there is the painting of strawberries you see at grandma’s house above the trash can or the “Mountains of No Place Particular” at your dentist. Yes they’re technically art, but no one gives a shit about them…they’re just there to look at. Both artist got paid and both can claim to be painters, but who the #^@! CARES about the latter?
I guess what I’m saying is, “Music TV” sucks. The “Station Where Hip Hop Lives” sucks. And, yeah, Miley Cyrus is nice to see while you read the newest issue of Dentist Office Waiting Room Weekly, but no one’s gonna plan a trip to Italy or France to see her…
As Always…Thanks for listening…
X
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Blog
People often say that I don't speak about real things...I offer you this...
Tuesday evening, as I was walking into a Jack in the Box, an assumingly homeless woman asked me for food. She did not ask for spare change or tell me some sad story with the goal of sympathy or guilt, just simply asked if I could get her a bite to eat. I replied, “I'll do my best”, as I try to never make promises I cannot keep. As I stood in line debating what I was going to order, I was also figuring out the best way to leave the building without her seeing me...I know, right?!? I ordered my food and waited for them to slide it through the gated door...As I watched them through bulletproof glass and thought "My, Aren't we humans clever...or maybe we could just stop trying to rob each other?!?"...
It was then I realized that I was in a "no win-lose/lose" situation. I could sneak out, eat my two tacos and Jr. Bacon, leave this woman hungry, be full and feel like a complete and utter douche bag sandwich or I could walk out, eat my taco and Jr. Bacon, give this woman a taco, not be full and feel like a douche for various other reasons...either way I lose/supposedly "gain" something...
I tell you that to say this. I recently made a decision...honestly, I made it less than 20hrs before this damn near picture perfect example was given to me...Without any details, let's just say that either way I was going to get hurt. Either I hurt internally, hurt others indefinitely, try to live with unanswered questions and keep or I hurt internally, hurt others momentarily, try to live with more answers than I might want and let go...either way I suffer, but in one scenario...others get the help they need...
I cannot give you details now...and I might not be able to give you details later...We will all just have to wait and see...but it is hard for me to breathe...it is hard for me to think...and this is a lot harder than I thought it would be and I knew it was gonna be hard...so I apologize...
I gave the lady my taco...
X
Tuesday evening, as I was walking into a Jack in the Box, an assumingly homeless woman asked me for food. She did not ask for spare change or tell me some sad story with the goal of sympathy or guilt, just simply asked if I could get her a bite to eat. I replied, “I'll do my best”, as I try to never make promises I cannot keep. As I stood in line debating what I was going to order, I was also figuring out the best way to leave the building without her seeing me...I know, right?!? I ordered my food and waited for them to slide it through the gated door...As I watched them through bulletproof glass and thought "My, Aren't we humans clever...or maybe we could just stop trying to rob each other?!?"...
- I was still figuring out my escape.
It was then I realized that I was in a "no win-lose/lose" situation. I could sneak out, eat my two tacos and Jr. Bacon, leave this woman hungry, be full and feel like a complete and utter douche bag sandwich or I could walk out, eat my taco and Jr. Bacon, give this woman a taco, not be full and feel like a douche for various other reasons...either way I lose/supposedly "gain" something...
I tell you that to say this. I recently made a decision...honestly, I made it less than 20hrs before this damn near picture perfect example was given to me...Without any details, let's just say that either way I was going to get hurt. Either I hurt internally, hurt others indefinitely, try to live with unanswered questions and keep or I hurt internally, hurt others momentarily, try to live with more answers than I might want and let go...either way I suffer, but in one scenario...others get the help they need...
I cannot give you details now...and I might not be able to give you details later...We will all just have to wait and see...but it is hard for me to breathe...it is hard for me to think...and this is a lot harder than I thought it would be and I knew it was gonna be hard...so I apologize...
I gave the lady my taco...
X
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
New Post from Sumatyme
http://sumatyme.blogspot.com
Before I get into my weekend adventure, I will share a couple of thoughts I have about Arizona:
1. If it weren't for family, friends, and music I would never go back there.
2. There has never been a time that I have visited and not gotten myself into some sort of trouble.
Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of fond memories of the roadrunner state. I learned amazing things about music. I forged bonds with unique people. I made horrific mistakes. However, I swear that AZ is competing with Texas for the top slot on the list of ass-backwards states.
So I started the weekend the way everyone should; good company and an alcoholic beverage. In my circle, "drinks with friends" usually means binge drinking while playing stupid games - then mercilessly ridiculing those who can't hold their liquor. I mean, what kind of friend invites you over, pays for the beer, then draws a penis on your face? Ain't love grand!
But the REAL reason for my trip to AZ was to pick up some beats and hear the greatest lyricist of the west coast: Crooked I. This brotha is extremely dope. He also scares the shit out of me. He came to the venue, ten deep with some vicious dudes. Now I have seen my fair share of shit, but these guys looked like they ate it for breakfast. I started thinking about my crew and had to laugh. Sumatyme, master wordsmith and avid comic collector. Damn, I'm fearsome.
Whatever. I suppose I'm just marveling how we treat those closest to us. I have a friend going through a rough divorce. How do I offer solace and show solidarity? By making fun of her for not getting any booty. "A true friend stabs you in the front." To all of mine near, far, lost, found, drunk, or sober... I love you all. Now fuck off.
Sumatyme
Before I get into my weekend adventure, I will share a couple of thoughts I have about Arizona:
1. If it weren't for family, friends, and music I would never go back there.
2. There has never been a time that I have visited and not gotten myself into some sort of trouble.
Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of fond memories of the roadrunner state. I learned amazing things about music. I forged bonds with unique people. I made horrific mistakes. However, I swear that AZ is competing with Texas for the top slot on the list of ass-backwards states.
So I started the weekend the way everyone should; good company and an alcoholic beverage. In my circle, "drinks with friends" usually means binge drinking while playing stupid games - then mercilessly ridiculing those who can't hold their liquor. I mean, what kind of friend invites you over, pays for the beer, then draws a penis on your face? Ain't love grand!
But the REAL reason for my trip to AZ was to pick up some beats and hear the greatest lyricist of the west coast: Crooked I. This brotha is extremely dope. He also scares the shit out of me. He came to the venue, ten deep with some vicious dudes. Now I have seen my fair share of shit, but these guys looked like they ate it for breakfast. I started thinking about my crew and had to laugh. Sumatyme, master wordsmith and avid comic collector. Damn, I'm fearsome.
Whatever. I suppose I'm just marveling how we treat those closest to us. I have a friend going through a rough divorce. How do I offer solace and show solidarity? By making fun of her for not getting any booty. "A true friend stabs you in the front." To all of mine near, far, lost, found, drunk, or sober... I love you all. Now fuck off.
Sumatyme
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Chronicles of a Broke Rapper - Allow me to re-introduce myself
In the spirit of change that this country of ours is desperately trying to hold onto, your favorite MC is also looking to revamp the way I do blogging.
With that in mind, may I present: the Chronicles of a Broke Rapper. This will be a weekly account of my life and travels as an MC. I hope that by painting a picture of my world, I be able to share my insights and also use the thoughts I share with you to make me a better artist. So, let's get started...
Allow me to re-introduce myself. I go by Sumatyme. I'm one-third of the super-charged group Identity Crisis. (Yes, the Identity Crisis) I hail from the Southside of Chicago, the suburbs of Arizona, and most recently downtown LA. I spent my whole life studying jazz and classical music and the first chance I got, I walked away from it to be a part of a movement that America doesn't fully embrace, yet has no problem exploiting. I'm no thug, but I still managed to land in jail for being stupid (and black). I don't fit the category of a "normal MC." Lyrically I'm on another planet anyway. I'm scared of success, but can't stop pushing myself. I've been called overly cheerful, difficult, and brooding. I've been considered caring to a fault and self-absorbed. (Aren't all artists?) Oh yeah, and I drink too much. I am Identity Crisis.
You will be hard-pressed to find another crew to match our passion during shows. Identity Crisis obessses with growth and mastery of the art form. Becoming one of the ranks of the dopest MCs is not a dream. For us, it is inevitable. Now, if I could only translate all that to dollar signs, life would be perfect.
So now that the "get-to-know-you" stage is over, I invite you all to come with us as we journey into sound. Hip-hop is easy, listening to the music of life is a whole lot harder.
Peace,
Sumatyme
You can find Sumatyme's weekly blog HERE
With that in mind, may I present: the Chronicles of a Broke Rapper. This will be a weekly account of my life and travels as an MC. I hope that by painting a picture of my world, I be able to share my insights and also use the thoughts I share with you to make me a better artist. So, let's get started...
Allow me to re-introduce myself. I go by Sumatyme. I'm one-third of the super-charged group Identity Crisis. (Yes, the Identity Crisis) I hail from the Southside of Chicago, the suburbs of Arizona, and most recently downtown LA. I spent my whole life studying jazz and classical music and the first chance I got, I walked away from it to be a part of a movement that America doesn't fully embrace, yet has no problem exploiting. I'm no thug, but I still managed to land in jail for being stupid (and black). I don't fit the category of a "normal MC." Lyrically I'm on another planet anyway. I'm scared of success, but can't stop pushing myself. I've been called overly cheerful, difficult, and brooding. I've been considered caring to a fault and self-absorbed. (Aren't all artists?) Oh yeah, and I drink too much. I am Identity Crisis.
You will be hard-pressed to find another crew to match our passion during shows. Identity Crisis obessses with growth and mastery of the art form. Becoming one of the ranks of the dopest MCs is not a dream. For us, it is inevitable. Now, if I could only translate all that to dollar signs, life would be perfect.
So now that the "get-to-know-you" stage is over, I invite you all to come with us as we journey into sound. Hip-hop is easy, listening to the music of life is a whole lot harder.
Peace,
Sumatyme
You can find Sumatyme's weekly blog HERE
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