Rochester, Masia One & Dopey - last week of tour and still kickin' jokes!
Things move so fast these days, it’s hard for me to keep up…let alone keep the “internet world” updated on my coming and going. 411 TV HIV and AIDS education tour has wrapped up (no pun intended) and I had a great time on the tour with 2 very amazing artists; DJ Dopey & Rochester. We traveled across Canada, heading East from Toronto all the way to the Westcoast, performing and visiting schools across this wonderful country. It was eye opening to see so many different communities, yet realize that people everywhere are pretty much the same. Thank you to all the schools that hosted our show and one love to all the amazing kids that participated! Please remember you can still visit Keep a Child Alive to learn how you can help the situation of HIV / AIDS in Africa and around the world. I can’t end this tour off without saying a little something special about my co-horts on the road so here goes:
Rochester GOT NEXT on the Canadian Hiphop scene. His style is the perfect balance between having mainstream appeal, flow respectable by the streets and a message that’s actually SAYING SOMETHING! His earlier hits reminded me of a Canadian Jay-Z yet I’ve watched this artist mature over the years. Now he has established a style and versatility that is completely his own. Getting to know Ro’ on this tour was a blessing – on record and in music videos he definitely has the Rap Star swagger, but in person he is thoughtful, a LOT of fun, a great cook and full of great ideas. He reminded of that kid in class that is super mischievous but gets away with everything once he flashes his million dollar smile! LOL. I wish Rochester nothing but the best on his new album “Genreless”. Juiceeeeey! F.U.K. the haters that want to hear “the Rochester they know”. You stick to your guns, re-define your sound how you wish and grow. I’ll always be yelling PULL UPPPPP when I hear Rochester drop!
Traditionally, good DJ’s are pretty quiet and soft spoken people. To my surprise Dopey is one of the funniest and mouthiest homies in the world of turntablisms. I always recount the story years ago when I bumped into Dopey outside of a pub in Toronto. He told me he was going to go into hibernation for a while to prepare for the DMC Technics World DJ Championship and that he intended to win that year. Sure enough…he did, securing himself legendary status in Canadian Hiphop for talent, ingenuity and creativity on the decks. I think it is really special that Dopey was able to showcase his scratches and drop some science for the kids on this tour. The younger generation might know him from MTV, but they should also see first hand why he is so highly regarded as a DJ. Beyond all accomplishments, it is amazing that Dopey is such a humble cat with a great sense of humor – rappers with big egos and loud mouths have a lot to learn from his example. LOL. Keep doing your thang DJ Dopey, you make Mississauga proud…2-9-5!!!
Masia One, DJ Dopey & Rochester with new friends @ Bishop Pinkham School in Calgary
CALGARY! It’s been a blast. Shows at Peter Wisewood and Bishop Pinkham went off well to a great audience of kids that showed how much they learned – I was impressed. In between shows I ducked out to conduct a quick interview at CTV Calgary. The view from the station was stunning! I want to send a special shout out to Andrew Kesselman working at the Apple Store Market Mall. Thank you for helping me with my computer, hassle free! The peeps at the Apple store in Edmonton were a nightmare and it was such a relief to bring my baby (my 17″ Macbook Pro) to a doctor that cares and doesn’t dismiss the issues as “growing pains”. Sending positive karmic love vibes your way homie!
View from CTV Calgary
At Peter Wisewood School...Awesome audience!
Rochester posing out with his new buddy @ Peter Wisewood, Calgary
I am currently sitting in the back of the tour van, typing this blog with a mild hangover from Dopey’s gig the night before (Mental note: eat a good meal before you break out the vodka) I let my mind wander around the events of recent days. The people in Calgary are so friendly, and I met a pocket of Hiphop community here in Canada’s non-taxable province (Shouts out to DJs C-Sik and ROOFEO!)
I was awakened by the hunger of my belly from skipping dinner the night before. I knew I had to feed my ‘hanger’ (Angry hunger) and stumbled downstairs into the hotel’s breakfast room. Over some strawberry toast, I opened my book “Catch a Fire” by Timothy White, a biography of Bob Marley. The words on the newsprint pages described 9 Mile in St Anne’s parish where Robert Nesta Marley was born. The book depicting the tangled bush of sugar cane, Ackee trees, herbs and Mango trees and I longed for those familiar sights and smells as I stared at the wet snow beginning to fall outside. Shortly after, I received a long distance call from Jamaica. The excited voice on the other end was my friend Squechie Dog in Negril, telling me about a curry festival and bike show what was going down on a hot sunny Sunday in Jamaica. I told him that it was snowing in Calgary, to which he said “Oh my gawd Shaw-tee!!!” lol. He told me that his family has recently watched the RETURN OF THE BGIRL DVD I had left behind, and they couldn’t believe that “Chinee gyal was so tuff”.
Backstage @ Stampede Casino for DJ Dopey's show...everyone is addicted to their BB and iphones!
Sometimes you never know what you find backstage...
Canadian Pinoy DJs unite! Stampede Casino in Calgary AB
DJ Dopey and Rochester holding it down for Calgary!
Catch a Fire
Literally entering a snow cloud upon leaving Calgary, AB
Leaving the snow cloud and onward to Kamloops BC!
We packed all the luggage into the van, grabbed a quick meal at the Greek bar that serves excellent breakfast food and lentil soup, and got back on the road headed for Kamloops. Driving through the Rockies is always a majestic experience, with white capped monoliths raising above a thicket of ever greens, divided only by crystal clear streams. The phone rang again, this time it was a DJ Punisher from Kingston. He was excited screaming over the street bustle of Kingston town, “May-Jah! Mi a play your chunes last night at the party, DJ pull up the song many times ova” I thanked him to which he assured me that he would like to see me blow up in Jamaica. He asked that I stay at least a month in Kingston so that he could record some dubs, bring me around to meet all the artists and mainly so I could understand just how much people love music in the ghetto. I told him that the public love for music was one of the many reasons I fell in love with yard. He assured me that I should just stay focused, stay out of trouble and take good care of myself until my time comes. I appreciated the words of encouragement so much, having gotten used to a society where people rarely express supportive sentiments to one another. I hung up and watched the snow blanketed mountains whip by the window and knew everything would work out.
Cherry Blossoms & Mountains in Revelstoke, BC
I like bears
Dinner is served...this is how I use the hotel coffee maker
It always starts with a dream, an idea…a soliloquy. I grew up listening to the music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, intertwined with my growing love for rap music a la Public Enemy, Leaders of the New School and N.W.A. (Dr. Dre) thanks to the eclectic influence of my older brother. After moving to Vancouver, I discovered the existence of female Graf writers, break dancers and emcees…most notably MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill. I delved deep into Hiphop’s underground and kept Lauryn Hill, Wu Tang and Black Star on heavy rotation.
Years later, during my first visit to Jamrock, I had the opportunity to visit the home of Peter Tosh. His aunty, nephew and family still hang out on the property and help cultivate the beautiful garden that grows around his burial site in the front yard. I was so moved by the opportunity to sit down and reason with his aunt, eat a mango from Peter’s garden and fend of flirtatious advances from his nephews. I realized that this icon was also just a man that made legendary music through his message and understanding of life. It was there and then that I decided that if I was to pursue a life of art, there is no reason why I shouldn’t aspire to the heights of my heros. If I fail, I fall short only of the greatest.
Only months later I was contacted by Aftermath producer Che Vicious to work on a project together. This Grammy winning producer and veteran in the Hiphop game has made hits for everyone including Busta Rhymes (Leaders of the New School), Slick Rick, Dr. Dre and ,most notably for me, Lauryn Hill. After years of fighting for recognition in the Canadian Music industry, here was an incredible producer that believed in my talent, music and vision. (He informed me that I was just in dire need of better production!) Months of whirlwind recording sessions between Arizona and L.A. where I met, collaborated and vibed with just about all my Hiphop heros. I’m signing on the dotted line with KOPS & ROBBERS, the label spear headed by Che and releasing my first mainstream record this summer after 9 years in the business as an independent one woman show.
(Hurts So Bad produced by Che Vicious)
Kops & Robbers
The man with the master plan, Che Vicious rockin' Merdeka!
Madlib and Masia in California!
Chilling with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx himself, Raekwon!!!
The legendary DJ Quik
In the lull before the Hollywood storm, I realized this wave of momentum should not be taken for granted. Every dream I could imagine and others beyond my capability of conjuring is coming true. I keep myself grounded by remembering the aspirations I had promised myself while sitting in the morning sun in Peter Tosh’s garden. I had to return to the vibes in Jamaica, but this time I would return with some of my favorite producers (Stranjah, Junia T & Loqenz) that I had known for years in Toronto. Sure enough, with the help of the Ontario Arts Council, money saved up from touring with 411 TV and the ongoing support of my family I decided to initiate the first stages of a project I would like to further develop: MERDEKA SOUND. MERDEKA is the Malay word for “Independence” and this would definitely be an indie endeavor in the pursuit of art and happiness. Flights got bought, time was booked at no less than TUFF GONG STUDIOS (Bob Marley’s Studio), with only 1 missing element remaining – a live band…a DREAM band. I knew I had to contact Jubba and Dubtonic Kru.
The players in DUBTONIC KRU have helped shaped the direction of Reggae music, playing with greats like The Mighty Diamonds, Burning Spear, U-Roy – and current artists like Junior Kelly, Lutan Fyah and Richie Spice. The band features Jubba on drums, Jallanzo on guitar, Luke Dixon on keys and Kamau “The Quiet Warrior” on vocals. The original bass player, Stone had not yet made it back to JA from Westcoast touring and of course I was disappointed having watched Stone’s swagger on the bass in past rehearsal sessions. Jubba linked up an amazing bass player, Dale, who is Jimmy Cliff’s bass player. Wow. Things just keep getting better…
In spite of my disorganization, the band was phenomenal and vibed with all the producers visiting from Toronto. First batter up was my soulful likkle brother JUNIA T with a slow jam groove. Dale’s bass line would pick up the style of the song, and Luke would follow suite effortlessly over the keys. Kamau laid some beautiful vocals over the track, and I roughed out my idea as well. STRANJAH aka Swagman, who I often look up to for his genius, played an uptempo staccato beat for the band. Jubba was on, it filling in kicks and snares that would turn a drum machine green with envy. The song is a hit, I can’t wait until it’s release. The incredible LOQENZ, nick named Empress, played her musical idea in the key of Dilla, and guitarist Jallanzo riffed naturally over the vibe. 3 days of recording, we had in hand 5 solid compositions with the band. After experiencing what Tuff Gong has to offer, I hope to return soon to mix, master and press a dub out the facility.
Arriving at Tuff Gong
Dubtonic Kru working with MERDEKA crew @ Tuff Gong Studios, March 2010
Tuff Gong studios! Beautiful warm mixes out this room.
One thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain...
Junia T working hard on cooking up the next beat, rocking MERDEKA Tee!
The incredible Empress Loqenz & Masia One: All smiles @ Tuff Gong
Tuff Gong Studios
Stranjah working his magic at the boards
Stranjah working with Jubba on "Lion Dub" riddim
Swagman with his game face on @ Tuff Gong Studios
Tuff Gong Studios
The large main recording space @ Tuff Gong
Piano that "No Woman No Cry" was written on and Gavin Tuff Gong liason
Tuff Gong Manufacturing with original manual vinyl presses still kickin!
Masia One reppin' on the Tuff Gong sticker wall of fame.
Feeling so international @ Tuff Gong with Junia T, Addy & Stranjah
Tuff Gong so International! Swag man and Addy the Daddy!
The gardener at Tuff Gong picked lemon grass and fresh herbs and made us the best tea ever!
Junia T saying peace out to Kamau on the last day
Kamau & Masia One: vibin' off the love standard set by BOB
We rented a house in Kingston, and returned exhausted each night after studio. Even so, the crew stayed up all hours, driven by music and creating the next big chune. My great friends Ninja, Squechie and Maaji came along for the project and helped to keep things running smoothly. Squechie made the most delicious food for us including Ackee Saltfish in the morning (I helped peel the Ackee!) and spicy soup with dumpling at the end of a long day. At night, we managed to hit some Kingston nightlife and saw the stars come out including Beenie Man chillin’ at the club. The days passed so inspired, and the family operated like a well oiled machine. Things always result best when the movements are natural and Jah blessed.
Our Kingston family home (Special thanks to Michael Morris for lining this up!)
Love it when the fam works together!
Computer addictions in Yard with Addy and Junia T!
2 of my favorite ladies, in my favorite place on earth! Loqenz & Maaji chillin' with some peppermint chocolate milo in the morning.
Fresh from the market with some cold Red Stripe.
Breakfast is served! Thank you Squechie!
Maaji with Movado's bike on the Gully side
Feelin' bashy before hitting the dancehall.
Kingston Jammin' with the fabulous Maaji Isobe!
Rude gyal Loqenz
In the remaining days, I wanted the crew to kick back from the relentless hustle of Kingston. We dropped Loqenz off at the airport in Mobay (where she was off NYC!) and made our way back to the blue skies and ocean of Negril. Even between sand and surf, the crew continued building on music and the vibe at Tuff Gong carried us through to the end of our time in JA. I want to give a great big thank you to all the wonderful staff at Tuff Gong that made our sessions so memorable and seamless. One Love to Jubba & The Dubtonic Kru. With most of the musicians driving a great distance everyday to reach the studio in time to share their most amazing talents I will do my very best for the world to hear the positive energy and message of peace you all embody. Finally, to my MERDEKA SOUND family, Stranjah aka Swagman, Junia T the Maga Lion, Empress Loqenz, Maaji “Jap Jam” Isobe, Ninjah, Squechie Dog, and Addy the Daddy…thank you for coming through and doing what you all do best. I know this was a very long winded way to tell a simple story – but I believe everything is important from the root to the fruit. This is only the beginning, and the beginning is just a dream, a thought….a soliloquy. I can’t wait for the world to hear this project, along with my release with Kops & Robbers. As I sit here in a Saskatoon hotel recounting this story to the internet universe, I hope that whatever you choose to pursue in life, you keep your aspirations at the heights of your heros. One Love. – Masia One.
True story...we drove 5 hours on a flat tire, Jah guide.
Loqenz getting ready to leave the island...Addy get off your Blackberry!
Catching free internet at the now defunct 23/7
Sunsets and beat making...
Junia T & Stranjah @ Alfreds, Negril
Loqenz a week earlier...get off the computer!
Still recording with my mobile set up (Thanks Rayna & Che!)
Welcome to Jamrock by Mr. Morris with his lovely sense of humour
The crew has touched down in KINGSTON TOWN. We were greeted by a caravan of army fatigued police as we pulled out of our KFC parking lot conference. My stand in Jamaica manager, Mr. Morris met us for this episode. A group of young artists in a KFC parking lot with AK-47 armed flirtatious police. What a conundrum.
Besides that slight alarming hitch, we made our ways to the foot of the hills in Kingston town, where we currently reside as Kingston’s middle class. There is a swing in the front lawn, and the bedrooms are decorated in intentionally clashing colors.
Day 2 at Tuff Gong studios, 6 songs deep and everyone in the crew seems happy. It’s so good when chill and talented people come together to create. Music is a living thing, and witnessing Bob’s Legacy at Tuff Gong studios, humbles me that we borrow his space for our inspiration and endeavors.
This is truly a dream come true. Please forgive the stall in emails and all things administrative for the days that I’m at Tuff Gong. My heart overflows daily, and the motivation for online is slim to none. I hope for everyone fulfillment of thoughts and dreams.
Peace to DUBTONIC KRU for the livest sessions. Stranjah, Junia T, Loqenz collaborating with the band has been wonderful to witness.
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