Video: Chick Hearn Interviews Chris Mullin

Chris Mullin is one of the greatest Golden State Warriors of all time, but his first couple years in the league left something to be desired. After overcoming a slow start and a bout with alcoholism however, Mullin went on to become an All-Star, a member of the gold medal winning 1992 Dream Team and a Hall-of-Famer, thus making him the NBA’s poster child of new beginnings.

This 1989 interview with legendary Lakers announcer Chick Hearn takes place during the turning point in Mullin’s career, and the year before Tim Hardaway was drafted to complete Run TMC and their subsequent string of play off appearances. His Brooklyn rogue is prominent, but it is his renewed focus, humbleness and dedication to his craft that shine through in this segment.

Props to our friends over at Warriors World for digging up this gem and naming the 6’ 7” white boy as the starting 2 guard on their all-time Golden State squad. 

Interview: The Cataracs & Dev at SXSW

The Cataracs and Dev have been making major inroads the last few months. The Cataracs have been writing and producing for Snoop and 50, and released their first single and video on a major label in "Bass Down Low." Just yesterday, it was announced that along with Dev, they will be opening for Usher on the North American leg of his OMG Tour. Needless to say, the audience they will reach on this tour will open even more doors for them. We said it three years ago, and we'll say it again, don't be surprised when you see a Grammy in their hands.

Here, the threesome sits down to talk about the origins of their collaboration and  the recording of Dev's forthcoming album, The Night The Sun Came Up. Special shout out to Campa for keeping mum the whole time. We see you!

Interview: 38thnotes Sits Down with Melanie Fiona

Last week I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing the beautiful and talented Melanie Fiona during the Bay Area stop of BET’s Music Matters Tour. Her set was  scintillating and emotional as she recounted tales of love, pain and betrayal. She dug deep into her debut album The Bridge, but also shared some amazing new records from her forthcoming sophomore LP, The MF Life. Her first single from the project is "Gone and Never Coming Back," but "Rock, Paper, Scissors" and "Change The Record" are also amazing stand out songs. 

Listening to Ms. Fiona you get the impression that you are listening to a scorned woman–a woman who has been put through the wringer by love and it's unfortunate side effects.  As those of us blessed and cursed enough to have been in love know, it is indeed a roller coaster ride of extreme highs and gut-wrenching lows. But despite the ups and downs, Ms. Fiona exudes openess. Her on-stage presence makes you feel like she's looking into your eyes the entire night, and her in-person energy is warm and engaging. 

We sat down after her set for an intimate conversation about her music, SXSW, the Music Matters tour, her most personal song, Oakland and living the MF Life. Most interesting was her connection to Oakland dance company New Style Mother Lode and her perspective behind living the MF Life.

"The MF Life is driven by humility. Finding the humilty in the moments that are the height of success, and the height of excitement,  and the height of popularity, and joy and demand. And then it's finding the humility when you're all alone and you don't feel like you have anything or anyone, and working to get back on top... Really its the yin and the yang. My message as an artist has always been letting people know that I go through the same things they go through. Just because I'm on a stage, just because I make music, that's just my vessel..." 

Watch our conversation and see this woman live if you can. Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of why I'm crushing on her so hard. Take it away Ms.

Video: Catching Up With The Based God

MTV Woodie Awards presenter Pete Wentz had just announced that Kanye West won the Left Field Award, when Stunna Man of the Pack commandeered the mic. "Yo, no offense, but Lil B had the best left field and he was the shit! Based Goddd!" What followed was a chorus of "SWAG"s as Lil B, The Cataracs and Young L stormed the platform to celebrate the award that they hijacked. Lil B then exclaimed that he was the "rawest rapper ever," as his Berkeley contingent applauded in the background. It was hilarious to see The Pack "Deebo" Kanye's victory in the same fashion that he ruined Taylor Swift's moment two years ago. But it was also fitting that The Based God take home the "Left Field" award. What accolade better describes the impact that Lil B has had on the game in the past year?

The Woodie Awards were in Austin this year due to SXSW, and Lil B was just beginning to mess with Texas. He headlined the FADER Fort this year and somehow Diddy ended up introducing him. It seems ridiculous that OG Puff would intro the Master Chef, but then again, he thrives on remaking his image to maintain his relevance. Still, his exclamations of "SWAG!" and his cooking dance were so cheesy and off-putting. Back to the drawing board Mr. Combs!

Afterwards Lil B talked to the most offbeat interviewer in music, Narduar the Human Serviette. It could be argued that Narduar and Lil B are cut from the same cloth, so watching this interview (below) is recommended. And if all that weren't enough, Lil B just dropped a new music video for his song "Illusions of Grandeur." Check it out after the jump!!

SXSW: DNas Reports Live from Austin: Day 2

It's St.Pattys Day!!!! The streets are overflowing with people. Mike Dash and I traveled to 1308 E.4th St to see the Audible Treats showcase featuring lots of Bay Area talent. There we get to see the DJing debut of...Beejus? Yes that's right, Brotha Beejus showed his musical diversity by being the DJ during League510's set. Next up was Davinci who rocked the crowd as well.

There were people who traveled from across the country. We even met some folks who drove from Florida, risking their job security, to get to this show. And there were some fellow Bay folks here too. When Erk walked on stage you can feel the crowd was ready. Being a huge fan of Erk's I can say that his performance was the best I've ever seen from him. SxSw brought it out, and Erk had the crowd rocking. Nio The Gift even jumped up to rock with him as a hype man for a minute. After Erk it was time for Roach Gigz who put his heart into his performance.

We decided to head back downtown a little after Roach's performance, but Mike thought we should take a bike cab. Unfortunately our cabbie was on his first day and weighed about 170 lbs. I’m carrying around 330 easy. Factor in Mike’s 165 lbs and it was a long hard 8 block haul downtown. After handing out Cd's and getting wasted, we hit a show where YelaWolf was performing. We missed him but we got to see a cat from Chi-Town. Mike Dash handed me a Hurricane annnnnnnnnnd now it's Friday morning... Lol SxSw has been dope!! More coverage later.

Here is my video footage from Day 1 featuring Droop-E, Moe Green, Los Rakas and Mike Dash E. Swag!

Video: The Jealous Guys: AllDayPlay Interview

The Jealous Guys take a trip across the bridge for an interview with All Day Play FM in Oakland, CA. The duo discusses their recently released Love Mixtape, their sound, contemporary influences and the Life Insomniac movement. If you haven't downloaded the Love Mixtape yet, do so HERE.

Remembering Mike "DREAM" Francisco

DREAM is the most iconic graffiti artist to ever come out of Oakland, and when he was murdered 11 years ago today, it left a huge whole in the Bay Area's artistic community. The Pinoy graffiti artist is a local legend, and a quick google image search will reveal exactly why. But for the uninitiated, talking to some OGs can help flesh out the particulars. Check out Estria and BAS-1 sharing their thoughts on DREAM and read this dope interview Complex Mag did with his one-time protege Marty Aranaydo last year as well. 

The throw-ups you'll see over at Complex will demonstrate his artistic ability, the piece above reveals his investment in the culture and the 1993 video interview below will show you his gregarious East Oakland personality. RIP DREAM.

Video: Paul Kim: "Hero"

San Jose's Paul Kim will be performing at Monday Soul (flier in side bar) tonight! If you're on the fence about going to see the former American Idol contestant, get a taste right now and watch a Warriors World interview with him below! It's great to see a handsome and talented Asian-American male take on the dated and marginalizing Hollywood stereotypes and step up as a leading man. Let us know what you think!

Video: Droop-E feat. TJ & Work Dirty: Hungry

Droop-E's BLVCK DIAMOND LIFE was a beautifully smooth ride full of smoke and soul. But there was also some stomach rumblings therein, as proven by this video entitled "Hungry." Director Aris Jerome juxtaposes the plight of homeless folks with the quest for success of Droop-E and his camp. Though they occupy different echelons of society, they are united in their desire to improve. Shout out to TJ and Work Dirty for the features, Droop-E for the creative vision and production, and Aris for using the video as an educational opportunity as well. 

At the end of the video for "Hungry" we learn that up to 3.5 million people are homeless each year in the US. My mother works with homeless senior citizens and recovering addicts, so the issue is close to my heart. Shout out to Droop-E and Aris, and of course to BLVCK SCALE and Diamond Supply for clothing the movement and endorsing the project.

Previously:

DL: BLVCK DIAMOND LIFE Mixtape
BLVCK DIAMOND LIFE Preview

Interview with THE FADER

Video: Get:Live Session #1: Netta Brielle

Last week we introduced you to the Get:Live Sessions, and this week we bring you episode 1 featuring the lovely Netta Brielle. Netta B is a Berkeley diva at the forefront of the Bay Area's local music scene and brings a vintage 80s sound and aesthetic to the game. Here she provides a live rendition of "That Boy Is Dope" (which must be about me ;) with the Get:Band behind her.

I am proud to have hosted the inaugural Get:Back Session, and am excited to share all the dope features we have coming up. Next Monday tune in to see Episode 2 featuring Richmond representer Nio Tha Gift. To find out more about the Get:Live Sessions, click here and/or read the excerpt below.

In short, dope local emcees and singers partner with the GetBack crew to bring you the Bay Area equivalent of MTV Unplugged–a live rendition of your favorite local songs in an intimate studio setting. This platform was created to promote not only the headline artists, but also the band and behind the scenes folks who execute the vision. The GetLive Sessions don't end there though. They also incorporate local blogs and brands that help flesh out and articulate the local arts scene, making the undertaking a true community effort.

38th Special: An Exclusive Interview with Netta Brielle

Netta Brielle is a multi-talented diva who was born and raised in the East Bay and has been moving crowds here since childhood. A dynamic vocalist, she was recently selected by 38thnotes and WarriorsWorld.net as one of the 3 hottest up-and-coming female singers in the Bay Area, joining Samm and Mara Hruby. Netta has a loyal following out here, and rightfully so. The 80s baby is on the cusp of breaking it big after already logging numerous radio successes here in the Bay. Her urban-pop sub-genre channels all the best of female phenoms like Janet Jackson, Tina Turner and her idol, Shiela-E (another local girl). But, there's no need for us to ramble on, we'll let Netta B-Town tell it.  

Shout out to Warriors World and Lake Chalet on the beautiful Lake Merritt, Oakland's crown jewel.

Video: Goapele & DJ Qbert Discuss The Bay's Music Scene with Lexus

As Goapele notes in this segment, the Bay Area isn't exactly a center of industry, be that music, film or otherwise. The entertainment hubs of NY, LA and ATL receive the corporate-sponsored rooftop party treatment. The Bay way has always been decidedly more independent and less glitzy by comparison. But here, Lexus squires Bay natives Goapele and DJ Qbert around San Francisco and Oakland in a new ride as a way of linking themselves to influential artists in an under tapped market. It's a good move for Lexus and a great platform for the artists.

I will say that I was a bit disappointed by the host's close-minded fear of Oakland, but I suppose The Town will always be the underdog to the romanticized, tourist-friendly, fog-coated City. The Oakland digs aside, the piece is a reminder that corporate partnerships can be valuable tools, if done right. Unfortunately artists can run the risk of being pimped for product, but this segment seems to walk that line well. 

Be on the look out for Goapele's forthcoming single "Right Here,"  her upcoming shows at Yoshis and read up on DJ Qbert if you're unfamiliar with his influence and legacy. To give you an example of his reach, I once saw Qbert (aka the Jimi Hendrix of Scratching)  kill a ridiculous sold out show in the south of Spain. The man is a pioneer, pillar and purveyor of hip-hop culture the world over, and was raised right across the water in SF's Excelsior district. Respect.

38th Special: Exclusive Interview with Mara Hruby

 

Mara Hruby is a budding new singer on the Bay Area scene that has captured people's ears and imaginations with her acoustic soul sound and vintage style. Her presentation epitomizes classic '40s and '50s sophistication and her music smolders with a shy sensuality. This shyness is partially explained by the fact that she has been singing in public for less than a year, but it also creates a bit of a mystique that enshrouds her.

Though she is relatively new to the scene, 38th Notes and Warriors World have chosen to recognize her as one of three premier up-and-coming females singers in the Bay. She is joined on this list with Netta Brielle and Samm. Check out Mara Hruby's interview at Oakland's picturesque Lake Chalet above and enjoi some of her music below. There is certainly no one quite like her around these parts, and is another reminder that Oakland music is a lot broader and more interesting than many acknowledge.

We for one raise our glasses and toast to the assent of Mara Hruby!

Previously: 38th Special: Exclusive Interview with Samm

Thursday Throwback: E-40, 2Pac & Boots Riley: "Practice Looking Hard"

Enjoy the old school funk as Tupac and Boots Riley join the ballatician for the "Practice Lookin Hard" music video. The site of 40, Boots and Pac pulling out little princess mirrors to mug in is awesome, but of course, 40 also lends his sicwitit mouthpiece to the proceedings.

More contemporaneously, we also have the official concert edition of "Bitch" featuring Too $hort and an interview he did with DC and Big Von of KMEL back stage at this year's summer jam– an event he is said to have destroyed with a bevy of current hits and throwbacks, kinda like the videos in this post. Oh Bwah! See them after the jump.

Video: R.O.D. & Freeway: "I Can't Stand You"

R.O.D. has had a good year and an even better few weeks. "I Can't Stand You," his ode to intolerable girlfriends, propelled him to the local airwaves earlier this year, making the song a local anthem and winning him a slot at KMEL's House of Soul. More recently, he rocked Summer Jam, released the Bay Area remix of "I Can't Stand You" and yesterday, debuted the video to another remix of his hit single featuring Freeway on BET's 106 & Park. To say that this year has been a blessing for ROD would be an understatement.

BONUS: In addition to the many successes he has enjoyed thanks to "I Can't Stand You," he has also followed up with the infectious, if vulgar, "Beat The Pussy." The title doesn't help it's cause, but the song itself is catchy and dope. Enjoi

DL: R.O.D: "Beat The P***y"

38th Special: Exclusive Interview with Samm

Samm is a bundle of joy in person, an insightful song writer in the studio and a beast on stage. As a result of all the work she's been doing and the success of her single "Rider" with Erk Tha Jerk, 38thNotes and Warriors World teamed up to talk with her at the scenic Lake Chalet in Oakland, CA.

This is Part 1 of a 3 part interview series highlighting three up-and-coming female R&Bay divas. They are Samm, Mara Hruby and Netta Brielle. We have also collaborated with Warriors World to interview three local up-and-coming emcees. So be sure to stay plugged in to 38th Notes to see our next superstars blossom before our eyes. ACTION!



Here is a teaser of our forthcoming emcee interview series–a segment called "90 Seconds" with Warriors World correspondent Lauren Talbot. Here she shoots the shit with IAMSU! and Jay Ant, asking them a series of random questions as they respond with equally random and hilarious answers.

New Music: R.O.D.: "Can't Stand You Remix" + OL Profile

R.O.D. just released a batch of new tracks via twitter, giving audiences a little something before his big Summer Jam performance this weekend. One of the songs he just dropped is a remix to his Bay Area anthem "I Can't Stand You," featuring Erk Tha Jerk, Yukmouth, Nio Tha Gift, E-40 and Too $hort . "Can't Stand You" is pretty much the male equivalent of the angry woman's anthem that gets played in the club. Everyone sings it really loud and tries to dance their saltiness away. The ladies have Keyshia and the men have R.O.D. 


Today R.O.D. was featured by our media partner Oakland Local for Music Monday. Check out the article below and download alternate version of his hit single "Can't Stand You."


Music Mondays: Oakland Artist R.O.D. proves to be 'Reality Over Dreams.' By My DeVerteuil 

The hottest male R & B voice of Bay right now is hands down R.O.D. His beautiful soul artistry has been crafted since age 6 and has definitely developed into a style music lovers can appreciate. 

Born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, R.O.D. - Reality Over Dreams - has been on the grind to make his mark in the music industry. His smooth voice over hard beats will finesse your eardrums and his single "Can't Stand You" is a definite crowd favorite. Though R.O.D. is no stranger to the Bay Area music scene, he now is beginning to experience the limelight of the local nightlife with the success of his debut single. 

If you've ever had the opportunity to see him perform then you know he can really rock the mic. His energy and stage presence are vibrant and exciting, and his bursting personality is... more

DL: Can't Stand You (Remix) by R.O.D. feat. Erk Tha Jerk, Yukmouth, Nio Tha Gift, E40, Too $hort

And a little something extra. A fun guerilla interview Coolhand did with R.O.D. a few months back. Enjoi

Celebrating Michael Jackson's Birthday The Bay Way!

Michael Jackson is not just a pop star, he defines the term in all its glory and ghastliness. Under the spotlight from a young age, he was the original pop culture lab rat and a favorite paparazzi punching bag. While trying to break out of the societal maze that confined him, he ate away at himself, but not without changing the world with his music.

38th Notes would like to offer a hearty Happy Birthday to the King of Pop and Circumstance with a few Bay Area treats. First off we have DJ D-Sharp's Missing Michael Mixtape full of old classics, blends and mash-ups that illustrate the reach MJ's music had. Sharp spins all over the Bay and also has a respectable career as an emcee, but here he shows off his crate game and musical appreciation as he offers his interpretation of Michael's legacy.

DL: DJ D-Sharp: Missing Michael Mixtape

We also have a folksy but dope remix of "Beat It" from the West Bay band Pomplamoose. The duo has a large following thanks to their multi-instrumental savvy, signature sound and split screen video songs that highlight their adept musicianship. If you don't know, check them out!
 

And finally we have a rare video interview that MJ did with Oakland's Soul Beat TV in 1979 as he promoted his Off The Wall album. Happy Birthday Michael!

38th Special: An Interview with Marshawn Lynch & Josh Johnson Pt. 1

A few weeks ago I got a chance to sit down with Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills and Josh Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at their 4^th annual Fam First football camp at Oakland Tech high school. The former Bulldogs have moved on to the NFL but return to their roots each year to help mentor and invest in the next generation of local athletes coming out of the Bay Area.

In part 1 of our interview they share thoughts on giving back to the community and the state of their careers going into this coming season. Their words are wise as they reflect on the importance of community uplift– something that Oakland is known for, but that our athletes rarely engage in. 

Granted, some pro athletes who end up with our local teams do little team-sponsored clinics or clean-ups, but it’s clear that Josh and Marshawn are invested in a much more personal and passionate way. This year, they brought out a variety of pro and college athletes to coach the 600 youth that assembled at their alma mater to learn and have fun. Shout out to Josh and Marshawn for giving back to The Town.

Interview: Producer 9th Wonder Introduces GQ

In the past we've mentioned that local emcee GQ works with 9th Wonder. GQ has even mentioned the producer in a few lines. But with this video you get to hear what 9th has to say about the Oakland native, straight from his own mouth.

GQ also goes on record to discuss his love for music, his sports career and his upcoming EP Who Got the Juice Now? If you haven't heard GQ before, download one of his mixtapes, you won't be disappointed.

DL: Blended
DL: Blended 2
DL: E-Team Presents Smooth Ghetto Jazz Vol. 1

Ok, now watch:



Props to Street Logik for the video.