Father's Day with Clif Soulo & Bambu

Happy Father's Day to all the daddys out there and Happy Fatherhood Awareness to all those that could be some day. I have been blessed with a great father who has been there at every turn and I have been lucky to see many close to me do the same for their children. But in a society and city like ours it's all too apparent that this isn't the norm–that there are a lot of baby daddys but not enough fathers.

I understand that being a father is scary. I know that it turns your life on its head. I know its not easy. But you have to do it. And if you stick around, chances are you will find that being a father is not just a job, but also a joy and something to take pride in.

The divide between sex and fatherhood is possibly no more evident than in hip-hop. It seems like every other record is about smashing any thick-bottomed beezie who looks your way, but there are very few that deal with the morning after or nine months later, or 18 years after when a single mother sits by herself watching her son or daughter graduate (or not).

Thankfully some do the right thing, and many of them learn that there are few greater gifts than bringing a child into the world with loving arms. One such person is Oakland emcee Clif Soulo. I had the privilege of checking out an advance copy of his forthcoming mixtape Forever Be Hip-Hop and was immediately taken with "My Best Freind," his ode to his daughter Mckayla. She even hops in the booth to talk with him at the end of the record and I haven't heard anything cuter in a loooong time.


DL: "My Best Fried"- Clif Soulo feat McKayla

I would also like to share an ode to fatherhood by 38thNotes favorite Bambu. His song "Seven Months" captures the fear, uncertainty and excitement that dominates his girl's pregnancy and his preparation for fatherhood. It is a reminder for us men that we need to do the right thing, but it's also a celebration of those who already have.


Happy Father's Day to all of you from 38thNotes and Happy Father's Day to my pops especially from Luke. Love you.

Music from BRWN BFLO's New Album

I've written about BRWN BFLO a couple times before and now it looks like others are catching on! Just recently they were featured on the SF Guardian's website and The Smoking Section. Writer & 415 representer Ms Krish begins:

Oakland-based Hip-Hop group BRWN BFLO is just as much as an anomaly as their namesake: a progressive Chicano Hip-Hop group with bottomless hyphy 808s and an immense stage presence. So while the carnales in SoCal are making you “Lean Like A Cholo”, you can find Somos One, Big Dan, Jacinto and Giant collar-poppin’ in their sets, fully decked in Dios de los Muertes face paint and scaring the beejezus out of the nearest Federal Agent lurking in their audience. You get the feeling that anything is possible when it comes to their dynamic appeal...

So read up and digest a few dope cuts from their new album.

DL: "Apeshit"- BRWN BFLO


DL: "Wheels Keep Spinnin"- BRWN BFLO feat. Zion I & Bambu


DL: "Corazon"- BRWN BFLO

BRWN BFLO Album Release Party feat. Bambu

So after you peep the Hip-Hop in the Park event in Berkeley and watch the Pacman-Hatton fight, head over to see my homie Big Dan and the rest of BRWN BFLO tear down The Uptown. Bambu will also be in the billin' and feelin' himself. Be there or be a Sponge Bob. I'm just sayin

Previously:
BRWN BFLO: ChicanOakland Pride
BRWN BFLO: "The Re-Appearance" Video

Hip-Hop in the Park in Berkeley

This line-up looks dope, yall should definitely check it out if you're in the Bay. Special shout out to Bambu. Apparently he and DJ Phatrick have a little surprise for yall. Don't know, but don't miss it.

Filipino Flow: Fredo vs. Lyraflip

I watch these Grind Time Battles on occassion, and though most of the contestants pack mean punchlines by the clip, all the gun talk gets hella old. Enter Fredo and Lyraflip, a couple of Pinoy Cali cats repping the Bay and LA respectively. Both are hilarious and creative, but of course the Bay prevails. I see you Union City! Check it out

Daps to Cali's fave Filipino Bambu

Fresh Outta Watts LA: Bambu

No this isn't Bay related, but this dude Bambu is the truth. The Pinoy educator and rapper won't be gracing the airwaves of your local radio station any time soon, because his music isn't exactly in accordance with Clear Channel's agenda, but that is one of the reasons you need to check dude out. Above is a piece vimby recently did on him. Watch it and cop his latest solo album . . . exact change. . .

Must See Hip-Hop Showcase Tuesday Night!

Click flier to zoom in on a clear high resolution version

If you are in the Bay Area tonight, then you are absolutely required to check out this concert. There is no need repeating what's on the flier, but you will be taking an L should you choose to pass on this. What better way to celebrate the Bay's activist history, present and future, than with a multi-cultural collective of rebel-rousing rappers? So sad I can't attend, but if you go, take flix and film.

"Love"- Greyboy feat. Nino Moschella

I thought love would be an appropriate counter balance to the pimpery below. I have to admit that I am new to both Greyboy and Nino Moschella, but I absolutely love this song. (and the video!) Greyboy and Nino are both signed to Ubiquity Records, a label founded in San Francisco that is dedicated to funk, groove, soul, hip-hop and jazz. Grey is a San Diego born DJ who specializes in hip-hop/ jazz fusion and founded the fresh ass Greyboy All-Stars. Nino, on the other hand, is a relatively uncultivated soulful Italian singer who lives in the Yosemite wilderness. Their origins and sounds are unique, but together they make this good good love baby.
"Love"- Greyboy feat. Nino Moschella

Check out another cut from Nino Moschella below. Also notice that dope LA rebel rapper Bambu has a starring role in the above video. Cop his recent album ...Exact Change... Shouts to Rubes and the West Coast Pinoy Network.
"The Fix"- Nino Moschella