Spreading Culture

Yesterday was part one at the Hip Hop Huis in Rotterdam of my cultural lecture / discussion on Hip Hop, it's influences, growing up in the 70's and 80's and it's deep rooted connections with Kung Fu films, Blaxploitation, street games and fashion.  Had a great time discussing with everyone and also the Q & A segment, hope you guys learned something new.

Kodoja Sculpt

2013 is really looking good all around for the Hot Peas & Butta Artist Collective.  Artist Rory Smith is just about finished sculpting for our new Kodoja "toy" which hopefully will be ready for production soon and available at upcoming Comic Cons.

Original Print Art

When it comes to art and especially comic books I'm an "analog" pen & paper type of person.  New comics being drawn on digital tablets just doesn't do it for me, there's no value in it, there's no physical item and as a collector there's nothing to possess.  Recently an original page from X-Men issue #113 from 1978 with pencils by John Byrne, inks by Terry Austin and written by Chris Claremont (the 3 best guys in the biz during that time) sold on eBay for a whopping $21,667.00.  Call me old or whatever but people who spend money on art can afford to be old and probably have better 401K's and retirement plans than those who put there stock into mp3's and digital images.

Sounds From The Chamber

My brother from the Shaolin Chamber 36 has something new coming soon from the ancient scrolls, "Sounds From The Chamber" Vol. 1.

Worlds Largest Star Wars Collection

I've always been a crazy fan of Star Wars, especially the original trilogy and the same holds true with DJ's like Neil Armstrong and Cut Chemist.  I'm sure those guys would appreciate taking a tour of the worlds largest Star Wars collection at Rancho Obi-Wan.

FreeStyle Session Switzerland

I'll be DJing at Freestyle Session in Switzerland on June 1st as part of my upcoming Spring tour.

Blacklist Studios

I've been a comic reader and collector for years and over the last close to 10 years I've been slowly getting away from the two major companies and riding strictly with the independents for obvious reasons.  The art, storylines and everything else just seems to be better from the guys who actually care about their product.  I have to give big shouts to the good folks at Blacklist Studios for sending out a few of their comics for me to read while on this European tour, appreciate it fellas!

TLA Cult Awards

It's been an easy 15 years since I gave two shits about move or music awards shows but you know I down with the Grindhouse, Exploitation and Horror genres reminiscent of old 42nd Street Times Square.  TLA Video decided to do their own awards show, the Cult Awards.

Kaijucast x Kodoja at Wizard World PDX Comic Con

While I'm away in Europe the Hot Peas & Butta Artist Collective will be partnering up with Kaijucast at the upcoming Wizard World Portland Comic Con.  As part of this collaboration we will have a very limited edition Kodoja print for sale which will be exclusive to this event.  Be sure to stop by Booth #803 to check us out!

Jazzy Sensation x Ynotisms

My Rock Steady Crew fam Jazzy Jes and Ynot are collaborating on a James Brown line exclusive for Jes' "Jazzy Sensation" jewelry company.  If you've been following my blog then you know I gave her a nice feature a few months back highlighting some of her goods.  Be sure to check her out and cop something for your lady!

A view into the world of Jazzy Sensation from EZfilms on Vimeo.

South Flavor Jam

It's not often that I get to rock out in Canada but that actually seems to be slightly changing since I'm booked a few times this year.  So catch me if you can while I'm rocking the South Flavor Jam in April.

Freestyle Session Turkey

Heading out to Turkey next month as part of my European tour and DJing at Freestyle Session.

Kodoja Sculpt

Exclusive first look at the sculpt for done by artist Rory Smith for our upcoming Kodoja figure that we're producing later this year do make it's debut at one of the many Comic Cons that the Hot Peas & Butta Artist Collective will be appearing at.  Be sure to check out our Kodoja Facebook page for some really cool shit and all recent updates on new issues of our comic book, soundtrack, art and more.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kodoja/334571216637282

Jungle Fire x Beat Swap Meet

I don't know which I love more, Jungle Fire or The Beat Swap Meet.  Or the fact that Jungle Fire performed at The Beat Swap Meet and shot this cool video on a beautiful day filled with crate digging, dancing and good times.  I've been a fan of the band for a minute now and it's really great to see things like this go on especially in a time where videos of bands rarely highlight the people enjoying their music .  Shouts to my homegirl Nancy Arteaga for dropping this link on me and shouts to Jungle Fire for keeping it funky!

Hot Peas & Butta Approved!

Wally's Son!

Clarks Wallabee's have always been my shoe of choice to look fresh in (besides the non existent British Walkers).  Clarks has released a fresh new pair of Padmore II's in Marine as part of their Spring 2013 line.

The Process 7"

There's a whole lot of activity going on in the music world and most of it comes from the independent artist and producers that continuously strive to put out quality music to the people.  Unlike a lot of these (fill in blank) artists that record at home then drop their new song (because it's NOT a single) or their new downloadable mix tape (because they won't put their money behind their product) these do or die Hip Hop and Funk & Soul labels always deliver a package that's presented well and beyond just a digital format.  One group who has been on a roll lately releasing 7" gems is the producer duo of Freqnik & WDRE and they've got another banger to add to their catalog with this new Oxygen "The Process" b/w  "Guillotine 16's" featuring Dr. Becket & Emskee.

Great to see this joint arrived safely in today's post right before heading out on this European Tour and of course this will be right in the bag along for the trip.

And I'm Out Like Shout.... Ooh ahh ooh ahh!

Looking forward to being out next week on this 6 week European tour rocking parties, jams, lectures and workshops.  Should be a really great time catching up with a lot of my homies out there as I'll be doing dates in Belgium, Copenhagen, France, Turkey, Rotterdam and Switzerland.

Behind The Red Door Episode 6

If you haven't done so by now, be sure to tune into the last episode of Behind The Red Door (episode 6).  Going in extra heavy with the Soul 45's for all you good music lovers.

Django Unchained: Issue 2

Hitting comic shelves tomorrow is issue #2 of the adaption of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained.

It's In The Bag "Tucker & Bloom"

It still hasn't set in that after next week I'll be taking that long flight to embark on my 6 week European tour of rocking parties, doing workshops and lectures, eating good and of course buying records and whatever else might catch my attention.  One of the hardest parts about being away for that long (besides missing friends, fam and loved ones) is knowing how to properly pack.  Since I'll be stationed in Amsterdam but traveling around Europe for my gigs I needed a bag that would get me through a couple of days so that I wouldn't have to carry a suitcase.  The good people over at Tucker & Bloom must've got the message because they laced me with the extra official bag perfect for the 3 day weekends.  Definitely needed this because it's just the right size to fit in the overheads on planes, has enough space for the necessities and a little extra room for a few 45's that I might pick up on the way.  The bags are top quality and handmade in America so if your looking for a bag, be sure to check them out as they've got different styles for different occasions.   Once your done shopping be sure to check out an interview that they recently conducted with me on their site.

http://tucker-bloom.com/site/bag-blog-entry/interview-with-skeme-richards/

Kodoja Cometh!

Looking forward to the 2013 Comic Con season to kick off in full swing.  The Hot Peas & Butta Artist Collective in conjunction with artist Rory Smith, writer Keith Foster (of Big Pimp Jones) and The Elroy Jenkins will be releasing issues #2 & 3 in February.  If you've been following us then you'll know that issue #2 was released last October as a New York Comic Con exclusive so now the rest of the world will finally be able to get their hands on it.  Catch us at a Comic Con near you for the Comic, 45, CD, artist prints and more!

Get Kodoja Comics, Exclusive Prints by Rory Smith, and the music behind the story here: http://www.freewebstore.org/kodoja-store/index.aspx?pageid=1498474

Leaving Your Stamp

Being able to travel the globe and making an ok living being a DJ is pretty much the way I want to spend the rest of my life, yes I have other hobbies and things that I want to do later in life which hopefully will pan out as a career but for now it's DJing.  One of the things that I never take for granite is leaving my mark wherever I touch down and making sure people never forget me.  Take this image of the Hot Peas & Butta sticker and the 2one5 Creative marker for instance, yes I make sure these are with me wherever I go but these things can be removed at the drop of a dime.  But as a DJ I'm all about leaving a long lasting impression by taking people on a musical journey that they've never been on before.  Even outside of the music it's all about communicating with people and holding conversations of mutual interests and hopefully people will remember those moments for a life time.

Slice of Spice Get's It Right

I always love when the postman knocks on the door because unlike the typical bill that he slips through the mail slot, I know it's a package of goodies.  And as usual I'm right!  The good peoples from Slice of Spice were kind enough to send me the new Lord Finesse 45's for "Here I Come" remix and "Slave to My Soundwave" plus a Soundwave 2013 Japan Promo photo.  Definitely good shit in my book!

DJ Prestige Keeps it Velvet Smooth

I always have to show love to the homies that put in hard work to produce mixes that are above the norm.  My main main DJ Prestige over at Flea Market Funk has put together an all 45's Soul Valentine's mix titled, "Velvet Smooth" and it is indeed some smooth shit!  Put five on it and sit back with your lady (or mellow fellow) and enjoy the sounds of DJ Prestige.

Velvet Smooth: 45 Soul Mix by Fleamarketfunk on Mixcloud

Levis x Hot Rods

There's something really refreshing about seeing footage of youth culture from the 50's, 60's, 70's and even the 80's.  A lot of the movements happening was brand new, rebel'ish in a way but still young and fun which doesn't seem to be happening with todays youth.  Levis recently put together this video on the culture of Hot Rod'ing and Jeans culture.

I Approve This Next Message From The Man

Ryuhei The Man is one of my favorite DJ's in Japan that I always love DJing with, talking music with and enjoying a good burger with.  He's connected to all the different music scenes going on over there, from the Breakin to Jazz to Hip Hop and has mad knowledge on each.  He recently put out volume 4 of  his "Next Message From The Man" mix series this time focusing on all things that will be considered "rare groove" and "classics" in the future.  Ryuhei always comes correct so he decided to shoot a promo video at one of my favorite clubs in Tokyo, The Room and even had a lot of my Bboy fam involved.  Shouts to Anijha for the link!

The Godfather Of Disco

If you call yourself a DJ and you don't own any 12" records on the West End Records label owned by The Godfather of Disco Mel Cheren then you should just close out this page now.  But if you are in the know then you should check out this incredible documentary on Mel Cheren, this is the guy responsible for a lot!  This documentary really takes you back to how things were in the beginnings of the club scene and shows you a side that most people aren't even aware of.

Valentines Day Roller Disco

Sway away from the typical Valentines Day and join us for a night of 8 wheel action at Down & Derby  Roller Disco "Couples Skate Kick Off" instead!  Yup, I'll be pulling out all of the Disco 12" from the crates and rocking alongside the homie DJ Royale for an evening of getting your boogie on!

Kings Without Crowns

I've been fortunate and blessed to have been put in a position to where I can travel the world, eat great foods, see interesting things and meet amazing people.  And from time to time said people are entrepreneurs and business men / women who set out to create their own lanes based off of their passions and interests.  One of the great things about meeting people who are also still in the "building" stages and growing more and more everyday is the opportunity to network and grow together.  The homies from the "Kings Without Crowns" brand sent me over a nice package of t shirts, sweats and hoodies which comes at a perfect time before heading out on my European Tour.  Being able to rock their brand worldwide not only builds a connection with their supporters to myself but also people who support me to connect with them which is what I love about independent companies.  It's a mutual love and respect about ones art that finds me as a King without a crown, yet I've traveled and inspired many lands without the need to conquer them!

Major shouts to KWOC and be sure to check them out at www.killkwoc.com for fresh shit!

Rewind This!

If you know me then you know I live and die by VHS, it's the safest way to back up footage (yes safer than DVD's because they degrade and becoming unreadable, yes safer than hard drives because they crash).  And for those that don't know there is a super large network of VHS collectors just as with Vinyl collectors preserving this format.

A little over a year ago I caught wind of a documentary being made about the VHS boom of the 80's and definitely waiting patiently for it release, well the time has come and it's making it's debut at SXSW 2013.  Too bad I'm opting out of SXSW this year to head to Europe instead, but I'm looking forward to catching this on the screen soon.

DJing at Boogie Juice

Doing an all party rocking set next month in Copenhagen as part of my March European tour at Boogie Juice.  Really looking forward to linking up with these guys as I've heard so much about them and they come highly recommended by the homie DJ Static of We Funk Radio.

Human Made x BEAMS

Still one of my favorite guys in the fashion world, Nigo always brings his personal connection of American pop culture to designs and trends that he's working on.  This next being his Human Made collaboration with BEAMS.  Only in the Japanese markets can things of this nature be pulled off.

For those that don't know, vintage Coca Cola items are highly collectible, sought after and very expensive.

Conversations - NIGO® and Hiroshi Kubo - from BEAMSBROADCAST on Vimeo.


NIGO® builds Human Made logo using Coca-Cola cans in Beams' Warehouse from BEAMSBROADCAST on Vimeo.