I was put on to this duo by my good friend/fellow musician E The Real. This group consists of producer “Dr. Gonzo” and MC “Nacirema”. The two hail from Indiana and Kentucky and they put it down like no other. E The Real recently interviewed them over at kindadusty.com, so be sure to check that out HERE to find out more about them. I’ve been in constant contact with producer/engineer Dr. Gonzo so expect us to be making some music together at some point in the near future. Oh, and feel free to check out their latest video below for the track “Fade Machine” off of the album. Shout to Dr. Gonzo and Nacirema, keep up the incredible work ya’ll.

The good people over at http://www.wydublog.com/ took some time out to interview Kinda Dusty artist E The Real. You can check the interview out here.

FREE DOWNLOAD & LISTEN (CLICK HERE)

E The Real & Remix Villain Present: Headlock

“Headlock” is a five song EP which is entirely produced, mixed and arranged by Remix Villain. All the vocals were performed by myself except for “Vengeance”, which features my friend Alanna, who is the former lead singer for the Boston based group Medicated Kisses. Remix Villain and I linked up a couple years ago in Cambridge, MA and recording all these songs. RV has an electronica/ drum and bass background. This was my first time collaborating on a project with a non Hip Hop producer. Luckily it was an easy transition since the beats were on point. What I love about these songs is that they are completely different from anything I have ever recorded. It was challenging to experiment with new sounds and styles but I feel this experience made me a stronger writer and performer.

My good friend Richard Tibbetts III created the amazing collage for the front cover. The heavy political imagery was a perfect match. There is a political aspect to this project because it was conceived during the Bush era. I don’t consider myself a political person or artist, but during these sessions RV brought out a new side of me. Even though the Bush era is over, I feel some of the subjects I touched on are still relevant. War, corruption, corporate abuse, social injustices, these are all realities that we can all identify with no matter who is in office.

FREE DOWNLOAD (CLICK HERE)

The “Mixtape” is the foundation of Hip-Hop music, and the DJ is without a doubt responsible for this achievement. Over the years, mixtapes have evolved for better or for worse but the fact remains, the mixtape is still an important part of the culture. The definition of a “Mixtape” varies depending on who you ask. If you ask Spit Supreme what his definition of a mixtape is, he will tell you to listen to his new release titled “Quickstrike 2″. This project reflects the spirit of the classic 90’s mixtape era (Tony Touch, Doo Wop, Funk Flex, etc.) paired with present day ideas and techniques. Quickstrike 2 is Spit Supreme displaying his MC skills in a variety of different ways. The project is filled with brand new original songs, radio promos, skits, and a collage of samples that seamlessly guide the listener along. DJ J-Ronin, one of the hardest working DJ’s in the industry to date, provides a narration throughout the mix as the main host. It was only right that Spit Supreme invited one of the most prominent mixtape DJ’s in the game to host his release. Quickstrike 2 features an all-star line up of rappers and producers who are considered some of the top talents in the New York City and Boston underground Hip-Hop scenes. Guest appearances include Shabaam Sahdeeq, Ali Vegas, E The Real, Ness, Akir, Akrobatik, Reef The Lost Cauze, Sav Killz, Donny Goines, Bad Newz, NBS, and more. Production is handled by Young Cee, M Phazes, Paul Mighty, DJ Manipulator, Cosmo Shines, The Other Guys, Stu Bangaz, DJ Snips, Blunt & Engineer and more. Spit Supreme has strong ties to both scenes and wanted to show the world that the east coast is still very much alive and well.

Cover artwork and design courtesy of Kinda Dusty’s own Dave Grasso. www.davegrasso.com

Our fam over at hulkhatetimetravel.com is featured in the latest Worcester Magazine. They tried telling you that they are “the machine”, you probably should start listening. Shout to AV, Rev, T, Lex and the whole crew. Keep putting in that work ya’ll.

Here’s the feature by Doreen Manning taken from the Worcester Magazine website…

“Brother Menelik Ebna la-Hakim – otherwise known as Av – is a musician, writer, webmaster, promoter, producer and co founder of hulkhatetimetravel.com. This eclectic web ’zine offers Av a way to comment on his creative environs, as well as promote and support the community he lives and breathes – Worcester.

How it began was simple. Av met Reviresco at their day job, and soon a constant conversation revolving around music and pop culture flowed between them. “We connected deeply on that,” Av recalls. “It’s rare meeting someone who you can speak with on N.W.A one minute then Cat Stevens the next. One day I proposed to Rev that we start documenting these conversations online. We felt like we had something to say, so we started the magazine. It was our way to express ourselves, and we realized a lot of people wanted to hear what we have to say.”

With the other members of the HHTT Brain Trust – XXL Lex Luthor and T to name the major players – Hulk Hate Time Travel produces video segments that showcase Worcester through interviews with local movers and shakers, daily blogs, random postings and more. Plus, HHTT lends its services to 91.3 WCUW Selective Hearing each week, forming a partnership that incorporates their extensive knowledge of music and raw personality on air.

As Hulk Hate Time Travel evolves, so do the gentlemen who pull it together each week. Rev is known as the man behind the music, unearthing the latest single or underground banger for the crew. “It’s funny cause one day he will hit you with some Wu then next day Marvin Gaye,” shares Av.

Lex boasts lead editor status on the Hulk Hate Time Travel totem pole, and is Av’s co-host on 91.3 Selective Hearing along with T and another of the HHTT posse, Yohon DI. “Lex and I have a very similar journalistic approach which seems to always spark some good ol’ controversy,” says Av.

T is the owner of Da’Kitchen, HHTT’s in-house studio, handles all artist development and also contributes editorially. T is also the other half of Cocaine Robots – a Worcester-based hip-hop group that Av shares the mic with – as well as head director for HHTT.

Hulk Hate Time Travel is serious business for those involved, a true means to communicate the vibe and efforts of Worcester-area musicians and other creative types. “The goal is to be taken as a serious periodical,” explains Av. “We want to be the source for hip-hop/pop culture in this city, and I think we are establishing that.”

With anywhere from three to 6,000 hits daily and 1,500 subscribers, HHTT is on its way. “It’s funny, ’cause I remember being happy to get 30 hits a day when we started. Now it has become something bigger than we ever would imagine,” Av says.

The variety, honesty and down-home attitude of Hulk Hate Time Travel is what drives the site, and it’s gaining legions of fans. This crew tells it like it is, shares what it knows, and exposes creativity at every turn. What does that mean for you? “That means you can trust in us,” Av insists. “A lot of hip-hop sites may not do a classic review on a movie like Teen Wolf, but HHTT does. We are not afraid to say what we like. I mean, who else do you know who can speak on Public Enemy and hoverboards with such flair?”

Any DJs, producers, MCs or artists who want to have their material showcased or reviewed should contact the HHTT crew at hulkhatetimetravel@gmail.com.”

People from all across the globe have been directly affected by what has happened in Haiti in the past couple of weeks. Most of us either know someone, or know someone who knows someone that has ties to the country. For instance, our good friend and fellow Kinda Dusty artist DJ Manipulator is of Haitian decent. Thankfully, he has been in contact with most of his family, and has received good news thus far with regards to their condition. This past Sunday, a good friend of ours, Frank “The Butcher” Rivera, along with Boston area DJ “Brek.One” put in countless hours of time, effort, and dedication to put together a benefit to help the people in Haiti. The event took place at the Good Life Bar in Boston, MA and our Kinda Dusty crew was there to not only support Frank, but to give back and donate to a great cause.

Entering the bar was amazing, as the place was very busy with a lot of people coming out to support. With a $5.00 cover donation to get in, a fun group of people representing a variety of backgrounds, and so many raffle prizes, how could one not come out? Frank received an overwhelming amount of donations, ranging from books, to Ray-Ban sunglasses, New Balance sneakers, and even a Michael Jordan Mitchell and Ness jersey. The night was hosted by Frank with Brek.One on the one’s and two’s. Brek and his crew played countless classics, original samples, and some of today’s top hits. Brek definitely had the whole place jumping with a seamless, consistent vibe. Our night ended shortly after the winners of the raffles and auctions were announced. You could say we “cleaned house” as far as raffles go. Spit Supreme donated $60 and walked away with a pair of Nike SB Blue Lobsters, and a pair of Easter Edition Timberland boots. Paul Mighty and Skivi B’s father, Paul “Berger” Bergeron Sr. couldn’t make the event, but sent his sons with $160 for the cause. His generous donation enabled Skivi B to walk away with a pair of the Nike Kobe V’s (a fitting prize as Skivi and Berger are die-hard Laker fans). All and all it was an incredible night, and Frank and Brek.One did a marvelous job putting it all together (in just over a weeks time). Please check out the pictures from the event below, as seen through our eyes. Special thanks to everyone who made it to the event. Your time and hard earned money are very much appreciated! Peace ya’ll.

-Kinda Dusty

Frank the Butcher x Brek.One x GOOD WOOD x Johnny Cupcakes x Hemlock Ink packages.

Skivi B, Paul Mighty, Frank the Butcher, Dion Point, Brek.One, and Trife

PR representatives Frank the Butcher & Spit Supreme.

Skivi B, Paul Mighty, E The Real, and a giant Puma Shoe.

Skivi B & Spit Supreme mean muggin’.

Raffle donations.

Chedda, Dion, Natalie, and Frank representing for Concepts

Skivi B & Paul Mighty super mean muggin’.

Jose, Marlene, & Spit Supreme

Packages again.

Brek.One in deep concentration.

E The Real, Paul Mighty, and Skivi B

More auction/raffle donations

Some really serious items up for grabs.

Spit Supreme showed up as a winner, and left as a winner. Not bad!

Kinda Dusty!

Meet Cardboard City member Timmy Wiggins. Timmy and I first met last year when I performed during the Cage “Depart From Me” tour in Boston. He’s one of those people who I automatically clicked with. A real cool down to earth dude, which is hard to come by in the Hip Hop world. After connecting, Timmy invited me to his hometown of Bristol, CT to perform at his CD release party for “The “90’s Joint” Mixtape (Hosted by Chauncey CC). It’s a solid collection of classic 90’s instrumentals. Timmy’s rhymes are no joke, reflecting on past experiences while giving you that raw energy that we all can appreciate. Here at Kinda Dusty, we like to chop it up with artists who we respect to give you an inside look on how we make music. I sent over some questions to Timmy and here is what he had to say.

The Hip Hop game can be very grueling. It’s no secret that the music industry has been suffering, making it extremely difficult for artists to earn a living. What motivates you to stay involved during these strange times?

(Timmy) I love Hip Hop. I hear a beat, I wanna rock. I see a stage, I wanna be on it. Politics and/or financial incentives have no effect on that feeling. I’m humbled by the fact that I can entertain audiences by doing what I love.

This is my new favorite question to ask Emcees. Do you write with a good old pad and pen, an electronic device (Blackberry, iTouch, lab top, etc.), or take the Jay-Z/ Lil Wayne approach?

(Timmy) Pad and pen. Though I do take advantage of our handheld technologies. I’ll use my Blackberry when I’m not at home.

You recently dropped a project called “The 90’s Joint” where you rocked over nothing but classic 90’s instrumentals. How did that come about and how did you narrow down the beats when there is so many dope choices from that period?

(Timmy) Me and Chauncey grew up together in the projects. We were teenagers in the 90’s and Hip Hop was far more exciting than it is now a days. He said we should do the mixtape and started sending me beats. Its impossible to fit everything we wanted into a 60 minute mixtape, so I just tried to mix it up as much as I could.

One take or punch ins?

(Timmy) I write for one take. I do however use punches to add a different tone or emotion to a certain line or two. I grew up recording on tape, so it’s second nature to write for one take. I always keep in mind how my verses are gonna come across live.

Cardboard City is an impressive collection of artists from different music scenes. How did you become involved?

(Timmy) Daryl Palumbo is GAWD!!!! I am blessed to have his light shine upon my face.

How do you feel about rappers who include their recorded backups or verses when performing their songs live?

(Timmy) During the “Depart From Me” tour I watched my brother Yak Ballz kill it every night. He took the stage alone and tore that shit up. By keeping his backups on the track he forced the crowd to focus on him alone, the artist. I back it.

Is it cheating to use a dictionary/ thesaurus when writing?

(Timmy) I don’t feel its cheating. It’s how we grow. I always look for a better way to say something.

What can we expect from Cardboard City and yourself for 2010?

(Timmy) I’m in no position to comment on what my family has planned for this year, but you can expect GREATNESS!!! As for myself, I’m working on my album “Stay Fed”. I’m also looking forward to building with the KINDA DUSTY fam!

Special Thanks to Timmy for taking the time to build. Make sure to check out his new new project “The 90’s Joint”, which is available as a Free Download (click here). Timmy and myself have been in the studio recently working on a song for a new project I’m releasing in April. All I’m going to say is Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street” is a really awesome movie. Stay tuned!

First run of Kinda Dusty t-shirts are in, and available for purchase in the store. Visit kindadusty.com/store to get yours.

Kinda Dusty and Aleda Promotions put on a jam packed show at Tammany Hall in Worcester with the second installment of the “Mass Stand Up” series. This was a ground breaking event, which brought performers and fans from all over the city and state. The crowd was attentive and energetic all in the spirit of supporting the Hip Hop scene. Paul Mighty and Skivi B hosted the show while DJ Manipulator was holding down the wheels of steel playing the best in underground and old school Hip Hop.

Blackownaz proceeded to enter the stage and set off the show followed by performances by J.K Haze and Cocaine Robots (HulkHateTimeTravel.com). All the Emcees held their own pumping up the crowd which led to a dynamic performance by the Kinda Dusty team. Paul Mighty did a memorable “sports announcer” introduction for the heavy hitter EtheReal Plains aka E The Real. E came out and brought the crowd’s energy level to new heights. His infamous song “King Shit” blew the audience away, which showcased E’s amazing lyrical ability. After a handful of dope tracks, E The Real ended his set with the classic “4, 2 1’s” with Spit Supreme who carried the torch into the show’s final stages. Spit Supreme, who was accompanied by Skivi B, tore down the stage leaving the crowd screaming for more. His unreleased track “Blow The Horns” created a mini mosh pit in front of the stage. Needless to say, the people were feeling it! Spit ended his set bringing E The Real back on stage to perform their hit “No Action (All Talk)”. Hands were in the air, fans were singing along, and vibes were good. Tammany Hall has never seen such a show for local Hip Hop.

Special thanks to all the performers and fans who made “Mass Stand Up 2″ such a special and successful evening. Shout out to Blackownaz, Grand Daddy Gutta, J.K Haze, Cocaine Robots and Hulk Hate Time Travel, Dave Grasso, the Kinda Dusty ladies, and Tammany Hall. Your support and dedication is appreciated. Peace

Special thanks to Jimmy Stevens for photographing the event.