Apartment Seventy-Eight

I'm getting tired of him, but this shit is tight.

2008-11-29T01:15:00.000-08:00

Someone should raise a glass for you...

2008-11-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

Dahlak will be celebrating the release of his Kanye West tribute album, Commencement. The party will be held at Club Avalon in Sacramento. Here are the full details for the even:

Starts at 9pm
- 9:30-10:30pm: Exclusive listening party for Dahlak's mixtape "Live From The Boondocks: Commencement" (Ultra Lounge)
- 10:30-12:30: Special Kanye West Tribute Set!! DJ Flow plays the best songs Kanye West has made, produced, or featured on.
12:30-12:45: Dahlak performs songs from his new work in the Main Room.

*Get in free before 10:30pm with tickets - available at Getta Clue (Downtown Mall) and Up Against The Wall (Arden Fair Mall)

*Drink specials until 11pm

*Bypass dress code before 11pm by wearing FULL Kanye-like apparel.

* Everyone receives a copy of Dahlak's mixtape for FREE!

Young Chris is a problem...

2008-11-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

I rarely listen to commercial rap but Young Chris is a problem... Does sound like Jay Z but he's still impressive. What happened to Neef?

Pole Dancing in the 2012 Olyimpics?!?!

2008-11-22T03:19:00.000-08:00

Now is it just me or would this seem uncomfortable to watch? How would they set this up? lol. Would this be held in an arena/stadium size place or more like Teddie Tryna-cop-a-feel's dimly lit studio he rented out month to month? Fuck it! Back in '06 we woulda held it at Apartment 78! Someone out there feels me!

-bosse

The Brain Pain

2008-11-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

This video is nuts. It comes from an artist out of the UK by the name of Blu...Its one of the most creative pieces of work ive encountered in a long while, thought id share it with you. Enjoy.
More info on the artist at blublu.org

Neighborhood Watch Movie!!!

2008-11-21T01:44:00.000-08:00

Hahaha nah I'm just kidding. But if you would like to fund a Neighborhood Watch movie, by all means contact us and our people can work something out with your people. Yee!

This is actually the trailer for the screen adaptation of the eerily popular graphic novel, The Watchmean. This movie looks like it's going to be fucking stunning. I hope to see ya'll there in line at midnight.

Life Sentence...the good kind.

2008-11-19T17:58:00.001-08:00

C-Plus and his brother NPire will be at L!FE tomorrow night at Distillery in Sacramento. They will be accompanied by an all star line up that rivals Jon Reyes' fantasy draft picks. And with a 3 dollar entree fee, not even the recession is a good excuse to miss this.

U-N-I & C-Plus @ The Black Milk Album Release Party

2008-11-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

Feel good break up music

2008-11-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

This is a new Stones Throw artist named Mayor Hawthrone. More info here.

A-Side: Just Ain't Gonna Work out

B-Side: When I said Goodbye

Dahlak - Black Genius

2008-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Right in time for the most historic event our generation has seen thus far, Dahlak releases his newest single from his upcoming Kanye West tribute mixtape entitled Commencement. The video is basically bananas.

Make sure to download his mixtape FOR FREE when it drops on November 11 on his website and the ill-literacy website.

Neighborhood Watch X Live from the Boondocks

2008-11-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

You really think Dahlak would let his studio stay empty while we're gone? That's a ridiculous thought. Almost as ridiculous as an Alien....dancing...in a bear costume...with hella kids...in a McDonalds.

It was all a dream

2008-11-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the extreme lateness. I forgot that most hotels charge for wi-fi. Anyway, It's day six, I'm in Ithaca, New York right now, were bout to play at Cornell University in about six hours, sound check is in 1 hour, yet I have lost all perception of time. It's been a wild ride and it's only half over.

DJ Flow and I have been recording the events of this experience. Make Sure to check out all the happenings he's been recounting Live at the Dojo.

Gone til November

2008-10-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

This is not only a cliche Wyclef reference, it's a true statement!

For the next 2 weeks, I'm bout be on an 11 city east coast tour with the most random group of spoken word artist: ill-Literacy. This shit is bout to be bananas, like for real. I'll be doing the best I can to update daily.

Since we're all hella broke and can't afford to buy each other presents or anything, Plus made a special going away playlist for me.

Gone Till November

I'll keep ya'll posted.

Peter Rosenberg Presents “A Rosenberg Oddisee” (Swipe)

2008-10-28T14:34:00.001-07:00

Peter Rosenberg Went In The Studio With Oddisee And 8 Other Artists.. Them Artists Are Torae, Tiara Wiles, Skyzoo, Daytona, Saigon, Lil Fame, Buckshot & Nikki Jean.. The End Result?? “A Rosenberg Oddisee”.. Straight Fire From 1-6 Check After The Jump For the Track Listing and Download Link..

01. Gratitude (Feat. Torae & Tiara Wiles)
02. So Mafuckin’ Soulful (Feat. Skyzoo)
03. Jealous Niggas (Feat. Daytona)
04. World War IV (Feat. Saigon & Lil Fame)
05. Where I Be At (Feat. Buckshot)
06. Tell The Truth (Feat. Nikki Jean)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

OFFICIAL "NOTORIUS" MOVIE TRAILER

2008-10-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

ALSO...

"Where is State Cap. Mixtapes Available if you haven't heard it yet! Click the paypal button below and We'll ship one ASAP....or go cop one from one of these stores!

They have arrived...

2008-08-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

If you ain't ready....get ready.

It's fun to dream...

2008-08-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

J Dilla and Big L - Put it on (Remix)

The Stuff Legenda Are Made From (Swipe)

2008-08-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

There was recently an article published about J Dilla and the state of his estate and material after his death. This is a follow up interview that Maureen Yancey, J Dilla's mother, recently did. In it she gives us more insight as to what's really going on.

Read it here.

"The more dedicated, the more medicated"

2008-06-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

I gotta give praises to Snoop. He has never once had to make a comeback, he continues to evolve with his music and he doesn't stop proving himself. When Sensual Seduction first came out, fools were trippin out. "Why is Snoop doing that T-pain shit, that ni@@as weak for that." Blah Blah and so on and so on. You know why? Cause ain't none of this new and he knows it and he wants us to realize. AND Sensual Seduction was better than T-Pain's entire catalog. Plus, weren't you seen later that night dancin to it at the club playa?

Anyway, the short story is, when Snoop does shit like Sensual Seduction or this new nugget of joy that is called "Medicine", he is simply proving that A) Hip Hop is limitless and should be explored in any possible avenue, and B) He can (and will) do any damn thing he wants, and he'll do it more than well. And you know what? You're going to love it.

My man is brilliant. For real.

Do you want to be a Ni@@er?

2008-06-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hanlin' and I are halfway through Nas and Green Lantern's new mixtape: The Nigger Tape. The shit is bananas. I had heard a few tracks of what was supposed to be songs from Nas' album that quite frankly let me down. I have to say, this mixtape changes my mind and has me hopeful for an amazing album. Find out for yourself, download below.

Negro Spiritual.

Jazz (Juan's got it)

2008-04-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a pretty big day for the Cap. We opened up for Lukcyiam of the Living Legends Crew. Needless to say, the day was been spent in serious mediation and mental preparation. Which in State Cap. terms means Hanlin and A.v. wake up and meet Bosse for all you can eat pizza at Mountain Mikes then go to the library to suck up the wi-fi. It's tough work but these are the sacrafices we make to provide you with quality music. If you were there to see us rock it is much appreciated. Thank you for supporting quality music, hip hop specifically. You're the shit.

Our treat for you today is a special jazzed out playlist from our good friend and fan, Juan. I suggest putting this playlist on, calling your cutest honey dip, purcahsing the finest beverage you can find and watch the magic happen.

Off to SF.

Stay Black.

A.v. would definitely be the one to do this...

2008-04-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hahaha. Man this had me so weak. Ask any member of State Cap. which member would pull this move, they would for surely say A.v. One of the funniest parts (besides Sisqo being the same height sitting as he is standing) is when homeboy sincerely exclaims to the fleeing Sisqo: "You ain't even supposed to be driving man!" Comedy.

Either way, I really can't see Dru Hill's reunion as the saving grace of R&B music. I think the last thing we need now is more platinum fades anyway.

In other news: Homer Simpson and Mario have been humanized.

Thank me for your nightmares later.

Fit For Urban

2008-03-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

Termanology is dope...nd his crew is spittin too! This is how a hiphop video should look...What you think??

Also...

Catch State Cap. along with Illecism and fellow Watch Members "Rogue Scholars" for an in-store live performance at Urban Outfitters @ Arden Fair Mall!!

I'm weak.

2008-03-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Charlie Murphy explaining backpack rap...Oh and Buckshot (lookin slightly like T.I.) with the new video from the upcoming 9th Wonder and Buckshot project that's out in April. Holla.

March Madness

2008-03-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

C - Plus Freestyle

"...Just when you thought it was safe...". C Plus couldn't have said it better! Listen and let us know what you think!

Roseville Heads look out for us this friday 03/07/08!!

Bay Area Stand Up!!
This Saturday 03/08/08 State Cap. Live @ Mission Rock, San Fransisco!

Been to a Press Release show yet? If you didnt attend last months....this one might be just as crazy! Celebrating "The Cap's" very own A.v. and Bosse's B-Day! DJ Flow wiil be in the house spinning the finest in Hip Hop all night. Live acts include Dahlak (Illiteracy, and Def Poetry Jam), Uptown Swuite (fairfield, CA), Matt Cali (aka Fiasco), The Covenant (Rock & Bosse), 2-4-1, and Amen. 03/12/08

Communication Breakdown...

2008-02-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

What up Ya'll.

Sorry for the no shows on the blog scene. I don't have much of an ability to get to the internet right now and when I do get a chance to get on, it's somewhere random where I can't do much. Vicious cycle. So, just be a lil patient and I promise good things.

And just as a little update, March 12 at Press Club (P & 21st, downtown Sacramento), Covenant album release/Bosse's birthday/A.v.'s birthday show. Be there, be square, be whatever, just get there or there will be reprocutions...

Thanks for the pizza Billy.

PLR.

A not so NY state of mind...

2008-02-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

What up ya'll!

I made it to New York, very comfortably and pretty quickly actually. The flights were easy and the commutes were long but enjoyable. But the transportation is not the most exciting part of this trip. Basically we just got done opening for the Blue Scholars at Cornell University to a sold out, 1329 person capacity theater. By far one of the most amazing performances of my life.

But for some reason, even after 10+ hours of flying and driving, the reality of being three thousand-some odd miles away from home hasn't hit me yet. Perhaps it is the fact that the people I am with are people that I see on a regular basis in my hometown, or perhaps because I am in another city doing what I love to do. I was talking to Dahlak about it and his response was very enlightening. He said, " You know man I think the older you get the more you realize, no matter where you are, you're always going to be in your body."

So, Sacramento, New York, Omaha, Kyoto, Zimbabwe...it doesn't so much matter where you are, but how you choose to experience it. I am choosing to experience this as myself being alive in some location in the universe, being thankful for that, and enjoying it the best I can with people that mean the world to me. All while missing and gaing appreciation for those whom I miss in the city that I call home.

Thank you New York.
Thank you Sacramento.
Thank you...

Peace, Love, and Rhythm.

Hi-Literacy

2008-02-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

For those who weren't able to make it to the open rehearsal with the Hi-lifes and Ill-Literacy, I've got a treat for you. Here's video of one of the last songs we played there that night with the roles switched. Yours truly on drums, Nikki Hi-life on bass, Dahlak on keys, and Adriel on the freak out tip.

Also, for anyone who wasn't able to make it to the Ill-literacy website, here is audio from one of the Hi-literacy rehearsals. Nina Simone's "Don't let me be misunderstood, Hi-Life style.

And just for the Simone of it, here is the original version as well.

Peace, Love, Rhythm...in no specific order.

Big Applewicious Vanguard, Living Legendary, and The Consequence of Complications

2008-02-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the short hiatus (such a dramatic word huh? Hiatus?). Anyway, I got some good stuff for you today. First order of business...

3 Days til' A.v. takes off to New York!

That's right. The most dreaded member of State Cap. is off the East to perform with the spoken word collective, Ill-literacy and the 4th demensional 4 piece band, The Hi-lifes. For any of those who might be in the New York area, dates are posted on the Ill-literacy website, where you can also hear the rehearsals of the shows to be performed in New York. Thanks to the rest of the Cap. and the fans for the support!

Next...

I went to see the Living Legends this past Saturday and it pretty much blew my mind. The show was much more packed than the Nas show that occurred at the same venue about a year ago. They put on one of the best shows I have seen in quite some time. I didn't even mind being kicked in the head by Sunspot Jonz ( who must have jumped in the crowd a total of 8 times). But the greatest part of my night was sneaking (more like casually walking) backstage, right before the legends went on stage, to meet one of my all-time favorite MC's, Murs. I'll leave my fanboy ranting out of this entry, but I just have to post this small interview with Murs (along with the article on the Living Legends and the aformentioned show.) It's a very short interview, but each answer is a gem of great knowledge. Especially the last question.

Thanks to Alex Benson at the SN&R for this interview.

As both a member of the Living Legends and a solo artist, Murs has (whether he likes it or not) become something of a spokesman for underground hip-hop. It’s a good year for the emcee; his new album Murs for President will be released on Warner Bros. records soon enough, and as it turns out, intern Alex Benson has a serious man-crush on the poor fellow. Tee-hee.

Where’s your favorite place to play a show?

In the world?

Yeah, just anywhere you have played.

That’s kind of a loaded question; I guess I have to say Sacramento. I like Australia. Honestly, the best show on my last tour was Sacramento, hands down. I didn’t know I had so much love there. It was real dope.

The new album is being released on Warner Bros. Why the switch from Definitive Jux to a major label?

It was just time. I had done all I could do when it comes to Def Jux … I made music to be heard by everyone … I wasn’t getting that chance on Def Jux … Everyone in our independent scene complains about mainstream hip-hop and a lot of our fans trash it, but no one is doing anything to change it.

This is a hypothetical question: If you were elected president of the hip-hop nation, who would be your vice president? Who would be your cabinet mates?

Um, wow. I would go with Shock-G … and Humpty Hump as my vice presidents. In my cabinet, my secretary of defense would have to be Dub C or Spider Loc. I definitely have to have KRS-One, Sage Francis, Chuck D, Queen Latifah. and Will Smith to round it out.

Would you add any bills or any laws to the hip-hop nation to stir in some change?

First law I would have to pass would be [is] never post anything on the Internet that you aren’t willing to say to a person’s face … [and] I think that gangsta rap should be aptly-titled “fantasy rap.”

Is hip-hop dead?

I definitely take offense to that … I think Nas’ latest album Hip Hop is Dead was one of his greatest albums. People have been saying that forever. It’s like people saying that we are living in the last days of time. It’s ignorant, I guess. It’s a hyperbolic statement really. Of course it’s not dead. You’re speaking figuratively. I am still doing original hip-hop. Dead is such a finite term. Hip-hop is alive. There is some kid doing it right now. I meet kids at shows all the time. Everybody is rapping. I don’t understand how hip-hop could be dead.

Yes. Thank you Murs.

And while we're on the subject of great MC's: Consequence. Yes, it's the Cons fool! I have been bumpin the Terry Urban, Mick Boogie, Kanye West, 9th Wonder mixtape called The Graduate. I like it more than the actual Graduation album to be honest. Here is one of the reasons:

I love Cons' ability to take a concept and run with it through the whole song. Another awesome example of this can be heard on "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" with Kanye. I can definitely see why some people would think that Consequence was behind some of Kanye's lyrics.

Hope I made up for neglecting you darlings.

PLR.

A Promise Kept

2008-02-06T18:37:00.001-08:00

As before promised, here is a preview of things to come off Plus's newest project, Third Letter Classicks. Doom heads will recognize the beat, It's not a whole doom project though so don't go wetting your pants. Let us know what you think.

PLR...

Dumb rappers need teachin...

2008-02-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

I've been encountering a pretty peculiar situation a lot lately. It's almost always an awkward occurance. Now I'm down for hugs as much as the next dreadhead, but I reserve those embraces for a pretty young thang or for someone atleast I know well enough to hug. But see lately I'll see someone that I know and greet them with some sort of hand greeting and they just take that next step and pull you in for the handshake-hug combo. But by the time they're pulling in, I've already begun to let go and we get caught in the awkward pull-in/pull-away. At which point I am forced to re-initiate the whole thing just to avoid any further awkwardness. This is all assuming that whoever your greeting doesn't decide to just go for the gold and skip the handshake all together. In extreme cases where your greeter is just doing way too much, it could end up looking like this:

I feel you Tim.

Anyway, on to today's lesson. This is a Stonesthrow interview I found quite some time ago. It was for some show in Canada. It's a good watch if you want to know more about one of the best Hip Hop labels of our time, but the most intriguing part is when he talks to MF Doom in the record store. Anyway, I'll let the video do the talking.

Off to class.

Peace, Love, Rhythm...in no specific order.

Clasickness, Hot Dogs & Honey...with a little stubble.

2008-02-05T03:19:00.000-08:00

Something classic this way comes. To say that Plus is hard at work on his new project, "Third Letter Classicks", is an understatement. I wish I could tell you when it's going to drop, but then I would have to slash your tires now wouldn't I? But since I appreciate you guys so much I will see what I can do about a preview. Stay posted.

Plus and I often have disagreements. Noting new to any of the Cap. It's quite healthy. Today's opposition: The categorizing of a hot dog. I say it has all of the proper requirements to qualify as a sandwich, Plus simply says it's a relative of the 'wich. I forget what Seinfeld thought.

And just because I haven't been able to shut up about this video, I thought I would share it. It involves Erykah Badu and Honey. Need I say more?

Peace, Love, and Rhythm.