FBCD '13 & SWDay(s)

Hanging with Kenneth Rocafort at New Comic Book Day. Yeah, he came and did some signing at Legends Comics & Games. Well, I more hung out with his sister/translator/personal assistant as he was very busy DRAWING AWESOME THINGS FOR THE FIRST 10 SIGNEES & EMPLOYEES!.

 

And of course, had to get my first printing "First Look" & Issue #1 of Madame Mirage written by Paul Dini! Like a Boss

The Forth MAY not have been with me but there was revenge on the Fifth & Sixth! I wore my Star Wars Tie that Saturday and then Sunday & Monday I channeled the force and confirmed an event that will have some DEFINITE influences and I will keep you guys updated as that progresses.


Awesome, Right!?

3rd 4 t3h Nrrd: Aug. '11

A question that has been asked for decades . . .

And there is an answer . . .

Laying down phat rhymes!
What one might consider a "Second Gen" Nerdcore Artist, numerous Nerdcore Methuselah have praised him as an artist to watch.
I'm gonna be honest on this one, initially, I was very aware of Mr. Moore as a hip-hop artist, and was not impressed. Something about his works always had little syncopation or tuning issues that would just put me off the groove. However, so many names that I trusted spoke so well of him, I kept him in my proverbial periphery and would check his latest works every other year.

However, shortly after watching Nerdcore For Life, I was impressed by the short clips with Beefy and Optimus Rhyme,

so I decided to move up my yearly check in and was rewarded for my patience.
This cat has continued to put in work and evolve and push his envelope to produce MORE excellent music. Though it has taken some time, if Beefy continues to progress at this rate I would not be surprised if I heard his beats all over.

He uses a variety of beats and can cover a range of rhymes to lay down his tracks. The content is far reaching and always speaks to me as he is fairly open about his trials and obstacles, but of course, that is what art does.
If you have not heard of Beefy until now, then you must be new to my site or just don't come for the nerdcore, as this guy has friends throughout the Nerdcore world and seems to always be willing to throw a verse for his fellow artists.

Who's that next to him over there? Why that's Adam Warrock, why yes, We have covered him as well. Look at them enjoying frosty beverages together.

What else can I say? Go check him out, grab some of his free stuff, then go buy some of his "I want to make money" stuff anywhere you can purchase music online, yup, hes one of the few on itunes. DO IT! While you do, here is some mood music.

The Professional's Dilemma

I like to think I know what I'm talking about. I have used these exact words countless times. I do TRY to take in new information and if an argument is compelling I will shape my knowledge to allow it to inhabit the space of other facts about said subject. Something interesting happens though in the area of . . . . Martial Expertise. Yes, those are two adequately big words that blanket what I will cover in the next few paragraphs. Mmm, delicious vocabulary.

. . . .

I sat and thought and so on for a few hours and tried to wrap my head around what I wanted to say specifically, but your gonna get the incoherent ramblings I'm so well known for. Hold on and try to keep up.

I've been researching and interested in Martial Expertise since I was very young. No surprise considering how so many children, boys and girls, have a fascination with the spectacular sight of combat and the power inherent in weaponry, especially if your body is that weapon. I began earnest research when I was in early high school as I taught myself the differences between functional and non-functional weaponry and practical weaponry, mostly in conjunction with re-enactment and stage combat. It was then I began to see the gap between "normal" knowledge and specialized, gasp, Martial Expertise (I might give a definition later, for the quiz of course). Not just in this specific field, but in general I was learning how people became specialized and had a wealth of knowledge concerning particular areas of study.

(here is where I outline my pedigree, training, and level of expertise on various, you guessed it, Martial areas. BUT, that's best left for my Resume or another Post, I'll try to stay focused . . stop laughing.)

I have noticed, in my decade-plus of time being aware and attentive to such things, That when a person attains a point of expertise, a few levels, if I may borrow from RPG terms, they become a bit aloof, sure of their knowledge and dubious at best about other peoples opinions and ideas concerning their area of expertise. There are excellent gem, exceptions to this, who walk the talk and are honest and cool and open to discuss possibilities, but these are few and far between.
I can see how this can happen, I wont lie, I do it myself. Too often a person who thinks they know more than they do, with WRONG information, because they did not do research, they simple have hearsay, the accumulated knowledge of their father, their best friend who was in the military, kinda, from that movie they saw where the characters gave a detailed break down of an otherwise uninteresting weapon that was used in a cool way, and that one play they were in where they got to carry a sword. On top of all that, these people are usually the kind of people who don't know not to be these people and will not remedy their ignorance.
(And yes, I realize I typed those exact words at the top of this post, I find it poignant and I try to keep this in mind whenever I enter a serious discussion, as I honestly mean what I say. I THINK I know. If you know better, tell me and be precise, don't just let me think you're one of these people I just described.)
I have seen this in martial arts with the few forays I've made into true physical combat, and understandably as movies pervert their art and there are many misconceptions. I have seen it in stage combat, where an actor, or a director or a fight choreographer has a certain way of doing things or is scared because the (chose above role in a show) proclaims to know what they're doing and have the trust of (higher up role) when most of the (lower role) think he's daft. This is also fairly typical considering how preening and proud and confident entertainers have to/try to/become.
Also, of course in the area of weapon knowledge. How many metallurgist/gunsmith/blade designer/art collector/multiple cross-trained modern martial artist/multi-focused regional & era historian/ex-military people do you know that make at least an upper six figure income? Because this is really what the beast is comprised of. And not just an enthusiast of these areas, that's what I am, the above described Renaissance Man of Martial Expertise (I know, I'm sorry) must have degree's and accolades and ranks to show his legitimacy in each area. (oh, you need the income to support these habits, they are rarely inexpensive) If you don't fit that bill, you are merely a mortal amongst the rest of us.

Perhaps it is all simply being jaded, a front to a world that is full of idiocy, I know I feel that way very often. Hrmm . . .

I think I ran out of steam, I'm not sure if there is more to it. I hope you at least understand what I meant. I don't have any answers really, just felt I needed to share this. Maybe in the hopes that there will be less of this silliness and a greater understanding all around.

I'll leave you with the words I say after every fight call I run;
Good? Safe? Ready to do it again tonight? Feel comfortable with it? Excellent,
Good Fight.

2 Smart Hip Hop Shows

These last couple weeks have been "alternative Hip Hop" heavy.

Monday, Feb. 15nth T1nk & I were up in The City at Cafe Du Nord, a shwanky little place, for the MC Frontalot show (someone whom if you are at this blog you should become familiar with).

Opening act was Ken Flagg (While performing with Front his moniker is Vic20) was good. He had a shout out song called "merced" and I was disappointed to find it was not a depressing song. Flagg has a mellow alternative sound to him, very easy for everyone to listen to.

I really enjoyed Brandon Patton (Blak Lotus). Great songs, great stage presence. Excellent storyteller. When I can afford it I should buy some of his albums. " MUNCHIN THE KOOTCH!"

AND > > > >

FRONT! 2 new singles. Better at Rapping and 1st World Problem from his latest album "Zero Day."
He sang It is Pitch Dark, and a deep cut of Front the Most.
Guests included GMinor7 & MC Lars. The "Encore" was Goth Girls. A blast.

I also got to watch Frontalot have "technical difficulties" while trying to take cards. Since Du Nord is sub-level he had to stand next to the stairs in order to get a solid signal. The approximate quote was "there's a down arrow, no? damnit, work, you fucker" as he waved the phone at the stairway.

----------------------------

Later, Sunday Feb. 21st we found ourselves at The Bottom of The Hill for MC Lars, YTCracker & Kay Flay, with a special surprise guest.

Lars Senior laid down some poetry. Yeah, it was very cool, MC Lars' father was there because it was his 10nth anniversary show and read some prose as an opener.

Next up was a true space man. There was some serious YTCracker love from the central valley as myself and a handful of dudes up front sang along with every song. You could tell just from looking at him YT was a little impressed by us knowing who he was AND loving his music.

Kay flay has mad beats and a new fan in my fiance. This skinny chick just rolled up, threw it down and rocked the house with some alternative, some rap, some beats, some remixes. This girl is a musician in every sense of the word.

Lars was as good as usual, putting all he had into his performance.He was sweating his fool head off but continued to be a true player through the whole set. It was a solid night all the way through.

During his last song, which was Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock, he called for a mosh pit to form. I was impressed by the concert attendees. A very professional mosh pit formed, only the people who wanted to be in it were involved, the wall was not heavily assaulted and it reformed into crowd with no one being badly injured. Kudos to the moshers at The Bottom Of the Hill that night.

3rd 4 t3h Nrrd: Feb. '10

Kabuto the Python is a mythical beast 50 feet long covered in spiky scales. Or something like that. He might also be MC Frontalot's bad alter ego as some theories have suggested. But whether these two pieces of trivia are true, what is true is that this Guy Fawkes mask wearing, hat-core, dirty sounding, star wars referencing nerdcore artist has skills.

A member of Scrub Club Records Kabuto has been laying down steam since around '07. A constant contributor to Rhyme Torrents, I also grabbed his Parsletongue album as soon as it was available for download.

He's got a gritty sound, hes got great flow, his lyrical style has just enough twists and turns that I cant come up with what his next rhyme is gonna be, but still enough cussing to keep that smack talking vibe that not only comes from the street but chat rooms, Ventrillo, and X-Box Live.
I get the feeling Nerdcore is what Kabuto is living. Some people flame and bitch about his mask, his style, his unsolicited grudges with other recognized geeks. I think they need to lighten up. Maybe its that plastic grin painted onto his mask but I get the feeling its all good to The Python. He gets down in the trenches of forums and V-blogs on youtube BACK! And He fully embraces his persona as a big bad mutha-fuckin rap snake machine thing. I may be an RP sucker, but I respect someone who sticks to character. On top of that, all that I've seen of him has been . . . real. If you can ever apply that to a Nerdcore Rapper who wears a mask and wont give his "mortal" identity. I mean, he's not cruel, yet he wont think twice about coming down on you if you talk shit, and hes not malicious even though he will carry a grudge until he finishes it. Maybe I'm not totally explaining this correctly, but hopefully you get an idea. This speaks to me as loud as a good mix and some fast words.



I will keep my eye on Kabuto The Python, even if it's only to keep from being swallowed whole!

3rd 4 t3h nrrd, Dec. '09

I know, it's not the 3rd. Get over it. moving on . . . .

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you, the King of Nerdcore, an innovator in NerdRap, YTCracker!

This pale poet is among the most hard of the nerdcore element. Actually prosecuted for hacking crimes, he is a true Digital Gangster.

For detailed accounts you can go here, heyer, and NYAH!

Musically, YT is a rapper extraordinaire. A very -true- rapper, his content is always straight forward and practical. The subjects are just as telling about his life and times as mainstream artists, they just happen to be from a very nerdy G. While more well known performers will speak about tough times on the streets and their illicit activities, YTCracker has just as many songs about his hacking days, his struggles as a musician and is a prolific member of SpamTec Crew.

His samples and beats are excellently crafted. Whether producing original loops, borrowing from police station sound files, or Pirating from well known entertainment (turn this one up LOUD, i roll to this ALL the time) houses, the sounds slam you hard, and keep thumping till you can't take anymore.

As a wordsmith, he holds it down with a practiced and confident flow. I don't often hear anything overly complicated or lighting fast, but I don't think he needs to spaz through a song to keep it going. I believe he has an excellent sense of timing, pitch, and tune, and the songs are sick every time.

Currently he has been touring nationwide with MC Lars and Kay Flay, and is always producing more content.

Here's to YTCracker, stay l337, please don't hack me!

Fake Bands

(Hatter & The Lost Boys: Yours truly -in the H47-, Mario -guitar & back up vocals-, ferret -token starving Asian-, Gilliam -grizzled mayor of Drunktown-, & Moose -wetback in Black[not me]-. If we talked it out I'm sure we would have a different name. These shots straight from S.G.I.S.Con 2.5)

Rock Band & Guitar Hero have inspired innumerable made up "living room" bands, but what about the good old Fake bands we know and love?

In order of my preference:

1: Spinal Tap - If you don't know who this band is go educate thyself, heathen! They're my #1 because they're classic, the loudest band in England (they really turn it up -a notch-), and they have a long and distinguished career. (mostly based off others)

2: Dethklok - So very metal! From the Adult Swim show Metalocalypse, this most hard core of hard core bands has actually toured and released albums that really do rock.

3: Gorillaz - They only rate 3 because they are a"legitamite" band that happens to be fake, but otherwise, great music.

4: LvL 80 Elite Tauren Chieftain - previously known as Lvl70 Elite Tauren Chieftain, previously, Lvl60 Tauren Chieftain, prev. Tenth Level Tauren Chieftain!(on their "on and on south of northrend world tour" T from Blizzcon 08 the "Chieftain" is crossed out and it says "Death Knight" above it.). They make my top 5 because I do enjoy their music, their content AND I've attended their concerts IRL & in Virtual Life! win!

5: IS A TIE OF!

DR. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem - Muppets FTW! and any time they're amalgamated tributes, it gets better. AND because the muppets are very musically oriented, the music is rockin!

&

"The Crescendolls" or "Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem" - The band from the Daft Punk movie of the same name, I'm a succker for house/techno/rave music and this movie is a great film for what it is.


Those are more or less my top 5/6, but I do recall some other great -fake- Bands, like the band from the old cartoon JabberJaw "The Neptunes", a shark version of Scooby-doo, as well as Josie & The Pussycats who were developed by the same guy.

Would you count Sgt. Pepper's Loneley Hearts Club Band? Or, in a similar vein F.V.B. (Future Villain Band)?

So now that I have linked the hell out of a post and hopefully either rekindled or educated you on some awesome faux-phunk, GET DOWN! *dances*

3rd 4 t3h NRRD! Monthly music.

I found it eerie and fortuitous that the last time I really spoke of nerdcore was last 3rd (of June) mayhaps I can maintain a monthly set schedule for blathering about beatmasters and lyricwrights? (probably not, so don't get your hopes up.)
This months Nerdcore Artist is the band Optimus Rhyme. Their site is over NYAH! and you can buy some of their music hierNYAH.
Based out of the wet north (hehe, wet . . ) of Seattle, Washington, the Autobeats (yes, they embrace their theme) seek to destroy all Wackacons. With tight guitar tickling, steady bass rhythms with some phunky skank on em, steady crashes from the drums, all give a garage band feel to set Wheelie Cyberman's rapid-fire clean and clear lyrics against.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite artists. Wheelie has a wicked flow, can keep the words pounding and bouncing like a cheap . . . well, and he keeps his voice running the scale like high school bleachers.
If there's one thing that will start to turn me off about most nerdcore rappers is the monotone, one note, speaking fast, bull. Yes rapping is heavily comprised of dense verbage, but its also a MUSIC style, which means, unless you're as good as Cake (which in my opinion, still matches the little variation he has to the overall songs) get some music theory in your spit, j0!
aright, back on to Optimus Rhyme . . . I'm also a bit of a sucker for things that stick to a theme and do it well. O.R. does this. The pseudonyms the band uses when they're performing are amusing, as well as a greater portion of the catalog uses the transformers theme as song content. Another selling point is that although they embrace the theme, they dont nessecarily beat you over the head with it. Not every song is literally "we autobots, hur, hur, wackacons esplode when we play, yay!" well, one or two are like that, but by and large the songs accept that they exist in this reality and don't beleaguer the point. At least for me.
As mentioned before, I love the guitar. Powerthighs lays it down by keeping a steady back drop, but definitely keeps the strings taught and tickles them mercilessly. He can drop down and meld with the group to create a harmonious sound, but brings it right back up for fast fingered audio filigree.
Stumblebee, the bassist, do what a bass do. Sets a steady line that the rest of the band may walk, but when you walk, you gotta have a swagger if you're as bad ass as an autobot. When not keeping it steady he throws down and rumbles the speakers, dancing the chords with an ease and skill that would make the fleetest of fingered lesb . . . what? Music is sensual. well, actually, the bass, its so phunky. I'm shaking my own head typing this at how this doesn't even begin to describe it.
As for Grimrock, honestly, he does what any good drummer needs to do. Plays so well you don't realize he's there. Honestly! A lot of nerdcore is geek rap, right? Most of it is back beats and samples with an MC in front of it. For someone to be a live beat machine, and stay in sync with a live band, AND stay steady with a repetitive beat setup, is a challenge. Its a mix of paying attention, staying IN the music and keeping tempo. Not a task for the flippant and lame. Serious kudos to the kicker/thumper of Optimus Rhyme.
Choice songs include -Anxiety- off the album "TransF0Rmed" - Powder Blue Egg Hatch- & -JZ75- off their self titled EP, "Optimus Rhyme" (in case you didint realize) and also -AUTOBEAT AIRBUS- off "School The Indie Rockers"
All of those are very high energy songs, but that's one of the reasons I enjoy them so. That should wrap it up for now. Nerdcore 4 life, microsoft-WERD!

The Traveler

How 'bout some of my work?
I am an artist of words.. lessee?


The Traveler

A vacant heart that doesnt twitch
Revealed behind a dark gray mist
A time 'afore history was writ
I give to you an elven myth

(chorus)
He danced around a great stone ring
He did dance and he did sing
Into the frigid cold of night
Beneath the moons silvery light

Through a weirding forest I did walk
And only the owl my path did mock
Then into a clearing I saw through my hair lock
An odd man with a great hat who skipped among many a rock

(chorus)

he stopped a moment and then sighed
to my unspoken question he replied
this is where I jig for this is where I died.
I was smote here by mine own spirit and most trusted guide

(chorus)

so here I dance but also wait
for this very single date
when I shall find one to mate
my hat to themselves and my spirit take.

So please take to your heart my desperate matter
Its not just stylish, oh, but rather
Will give you powers that can bind and tatter
So place this upon your crown and be ever known as a hatter

(chorus)

I then accepted this mantle from his head
And even though he was very dead
it was alive. black and white and tall and red
And the hat has lived up to everything he said

Also, as you can see
Since the day he gave this thing to me
His spirit has lived and does agree
That the true hatter for now is me

(chorus)