The return of Soul Scholars….AGAIN???

Yes we are back again and this time for good!!!!!!!!!!!!! over the past few months or so my life has gotten a little chaotic, trying to balance work, dance, photography, art, girlfriend became a little much for me and I had to take a leave of absence from the blog. I apologize to all our readers for the inconvenience, but I bet all of you can relate when I say “life is just sometimes LIFE”

ANYWAYS!!! I’m about to buckle down and bring you new interview, video clips, news, pictures, music……ect so keep updated

The Tones

The Tones

Names: Retro & Suhn

Location: Stockton

When to you guys begin your music career?

Retro: We started The Tones in like 2000, 2001. We got real serious around 02 03 and just been making music ever since.

How did you two meet?

Suhn: Man, we met in high school, Piedmont Hills in San Jose and Ray (Retro) was one of the only dudes who showed me love. I remember getting kicked out my grandmas house and showing up at Retro’s bedroom window hella wet ’cause it was raining asking if i could stay the night. So yeah we go way back.

Retro: Yeah that was like 96. its definitely been a minute.

What was your guy’s goal when you create the group?

Retro: Pretty much at the time we just wanted to make good hip hop. Well at least i did because at the time it was pretty much my idea. I approached Suhn about it, and at the time our musical influences were different, so i think he was kinda like “where do i fit in” or “what do you want me to do?” you know? And i was like “yo, i just want to make good music that the homies or the fam could listen to.”

Suhn: Yeah man, me and Ret, we always been serious about making our music, but when we started to see the response from people, we realized that we had to be more serious about actually getting out there and pursuing it.

Who were your main inspirations as music artist?

Suhn: The Wu. I used to think Method man was like the rawest emcee ever.

Retro: Yeah Suhn definately liked him some Wu-Tang. Either them or Bone. Me myself, I like artist like Common, who we had the honor of opening up for, Mos Def, Talib, Slum Vill, you know, Tribe. Golden era rap.

How would you describe your music?

Retro: Id like to say that we have a classic hip hop style. Soulful, kinda throwback, golden era type of feel. Not to make comparisons but our music has been said, by a few critics, to be comparable to cats like Blu, Little Brother, Slum Village, and even Tribe and Digable Planets, which to me is dope.

Suhn: Id describe it as good music. No watered down, just real shit.

What motivates you to create music?

Suhn: Life… and all them damn kids.

Retro: yeah, our music always incorporates real life events or situations that we go through. Thats what makes our music so honest and true. No fabrication.

Why the name “The Tones”?

Suhn: We were called “Earthtones” at first.

Retro: Well, long story short, there was… there is another group in the Bay Area named “Earthtones.” And, at the time we were performing at the same venues on different nights and would see their name in places and on myspace and stuff, and there music was pretty decent too. So we were like, “they could have it.” “The Tones” sounds so much better anyways so it worked out.

What were your dreams as kids? And do you think they are coming true?

Suhn: The dream is coming true in a real way right now. As far as when i was a kid, I didn’t really know what i was going to do until Ret hit me up. That why i say if it wasn’t for me doing music, i don’t know where i’d be and thats real

Retro: It has always been a dream for me. Well, at least since I was sixteen. Prior to that it was basketball. But yeah, its most def dope to see things falling into place.

What are your plans or goals for 2009’?

Suhn: 09? Make money (laughing)

Retro: We plan on having some shows nation wide and hopefully Europe. Dreamtalk 2 will be done by july, so that’s definitely big. Just staying on the grind other than that.

What are your long term goals as a group?

Retro: We plan on being CEO’s of our own respective labels or companies and just… carry on tradition.

Suhn: Actually, id like to write for some r&b artist along the way.

What do you guys think of the current trends in hip-hop music and culture?

Suhn: Honestly? its been pretty whack late

Retro: I mean, there is some dope dope music out there, but for the most part, its pretty lack luster. It doesnt have the soul it used to. A&Rs and label heads have messed up the game so bad that its gonna take the true artist to bring it back. You got cats like Kanye who helped bring good hip hop back to the forefront on a major level, so we know the market is coming back. Plus i think that the election of Obama is a sign that people are becoming more aware socially, which opens the door to hopeful music. The people really are hungry right now so its a bad thing that can be turned into a good thing. We plan on being a part of that for sure.

The Tones album Dreamtalk is available at stores nationwide; you can also cop it online (Click To Buy) . The album has to be one of the best albums I have bought in a few years. The lyrics are bold and intelligent while the music creates a vibe that will make you reminisce the golden era of hip-hop and soul

We Are Back!!!!!!

Soul Scholars is finally back!!!!! We apologize for our short absence but hope to come back even stronger.  We have a lot of new things in store and hope to bring a lot more fresh content to our readers. But for now I present you with some fresh mixtapes from DJ Bles One titled Soul Shot Mixtapes part I, II, and III. These mixtapes incorporate some sick beats with the cool soulful vibe of classic R&B music. By the end of listening to these tapes Bles One will have you wanting more.

This is only a taste of what’s in store. You can expect new and exciting things to come in the near future, and a couple of other things you might have not have thought would happen.

Written By Dante Fernandez

Zeshen Zero

Here is a Soul Scholars first. We  got an interview the B-boy Zeshen who has to be one of the most innovative b-boys today when it comes to footwork. The video above is a called Nocturnal Emissions and is made by Zeshen take a look and see for yourself the style and soul he has.

B-boy Zeshen Zero

Name: Zeshen Wu
Bboy Name: Zeshen Zero
Location: Austin, TX
Started Bboying: 1999-2001
Favorite song to dance to: Too hard to pick this one…

How did you start dancing?
The first time I had ever tried to do a bboy move was in 1999 at a summer camp when I was eleven years old. At that point I lived in a pretty secluded area without a lot of bboys around and since I was too young to be able to drive to the nearest city, I didn’t get serious until around 2001 when I met a couple of other guys who were also interested in bboying. I remember all I had was a baby swipe and coffeegrinder for like an entire year and a half.

What crews are you currently in?
I’m not currently in any major crew although I often enter jams with KORO from Houston, TX.

Who/What has influenced your dancing/style?
A lot of things… I am more influenced by the mentality of a dancer rather than their moves alone. When I first started, it was during the last years of the ‘golden age’ as I call it, which is the time of Style Elements, HaviKORO, Skill Methodz all bringing mad originality into the game. This was around ’99-2002, before the internet forums got really big and the Korean wave took over. That helped shape my views in the dance today. I’ve always been a footwork head. Romeo Navarro from Austin influenced me to polish my foundation. I’ve also been inspired by people like Storm, Ken Swift, Jin (Jive Turkeys), Rudy Rexx, Lil John.

During your training who was your mentor if you had one?
I wouldn’t call them mentors but people who have consistently trained with me and given me advice were: Jin (Jive Turkeys), Rudy Rexx (KORO), and Romeo Navarro

What inspires you as an upcoming bboy? And what keeps you motivated?
I get most my inspirations from things in nature, geometrical shapes, and patterns, and whatever that I end up thinking of. I do a lot of thinking when I practice, not just diving in and doing moves. I’m motivated by just trying to do something that nobody’s seen before. The ability to inspire others is also a motivating factor.

Do you have any pet peeves with bboys in today’s scene?
People copying each others styles, not trying to flip moves that they take, practicing in the club/jam. The biggest thing is the presence of trends in bboying. Few people stick to their style.

What inspired you to create the Nocturnal Emissions videos?
Just some free time and a camera, haha. I did it mostly to have some video documentation of my moves. Didn’t expect it to garner so much attention but the response was mostly positive.

Do you have any plans or goals for 2009?
Just finish up my undergraduate studies, more dancing and creating. Hopefully I’ll be able to do Freestyle Session this year. I’ll be going to medical school soon so I won’t have time to dance as much in the coming years, so hopefully I make the best of this year.

Do you have any words of wisdom for other bboys?
Stick to your guns, be an originator, quit worrying about your reps, and do it for the love. Also, get an education and job. Grow as a bboy as well as a person. Peace.

Rakim on the death of hip-hop

In an interview with Jenny Boom Boom of the hot 93.7 radio station in Connecticut. Rakim attributed the lack of balance and possible death of hip-hop to his hometown of New York.

“There is a certain realm of Hip-Hop [that is missing] and you might have to blame that on New York,” Rakim said. “New York is responsible for bringing that raw, that real gritty Hip-Hop, because we originated it.”

“New York and the East Coast, we gotta represent and do our part. And it’s OK for everybody else to do what they do. Then it will be a balance and everybody’ll be happy.”

He stated that there was still hope for the region to return back to its staple sound that hit the radio in the 80′s and 90′s. Rakim remains optimistic about the future of hip-hop and believes that rap might return to the golden era through a unified movement.

“I’m feeling good [and] optimistic and I’m hoping people understand that power that Hip-Hop got. I hope everybody understands the time we in right now, and I hope everybody wanna make some good music and keep Hip-Hop alive.”

Written By Dante Fernandez

Erykah Badu & Jay Electronica welcome a new member to their family

Rapper Jay Electronica and soul singer Erykah Badu are are the parents of a baby girl that was born on Feb 1^st.

“Feb 1. 2009 my first child, my daughter was born at 1:30 pm exactly. It’s the happiest day of my life.”

Their relationship appears to be strong, but it hasn’t been without controversy. Earlier in 2008, Badu responded to critical fans that had views over the singer having another child by a rapper. The Dallas, TX native also has a child with Andre 3000 of Outkast, and another with The D.O.C., a legendary rapper closely affiliated with N.W.A. and Dr. Dre.

At the time, Badu stated:

“How date you disrespect the queendom…and my children and my intelligence. I’ve never been so disgusted in all of my life. I am a great mother and caregiver to my two children, and to this world. My children are two of the kindest and happiest people I have met … I am their doctor and their nurse, and even sometimes their mother and their father. I am an excellent mother and resent all of the negative comments and insults on my character.”

Written By Dante Fernandez

The Soul Scholars team would like to congratulate Erykah and Jay on the birth of their daughter. We wish you the best for the years to come.

Gorilla Tactics

At the end of the night, Portland’s own Moon Patrol Crew goes home as the champions from the second bboy jam in Portland, OR, hosted by Hardwood Heroes own, Rob Moore aka Robocop. As the second official jam in Portland, OR, it was quite amazing at the turn out. There were 27 crews that entered that night and judging these 27 crews were Fumi from Battle Reflex, Fish Boogie from 17.42, Impulse from Moon Patrol Crew, and Rybonix from Misguided Steps/20th Century Boyz. With these 27 crews, they had to face to face in showcase battles in order to proceed and try to get into the top 16. After seeing all the bboys, everybody was thoroughly impressed by some of the talent that had been shown that night. One of the most notable talents was that of Bboy Rocket of Morning of Owl crew from South, Korea. His spectacular power moves and intricate footwork and freezes sent the audience into a trance as he moved flawlessly from one corner of the floor to the other. Rocket was surely testing what the Portland Bboy Scene had to offer that night.

As far as my crew did, we made it to the top 8 and lost against Crisis Crew. During the showcase battle, my crew and I had to go up against Solo Axe, a rival crew made up of our friends. Although, just a showcase battle, we all went hard when we hit the floor. There was no holding back in order to make it through. Surely enough, both our crews advanced to top 16. The judging of the battles were pretty on point, not very many conflicts between dancer and judge. Our second battle of the night was pitted against Misguided Pho Bangers (video above). Although, there was a female on the opposing side, we did not take them lightly as we went to war against the other crew. In a heart pounding moment after the battle ended, we were the victors once again as we exchanged handshakes and words of encouragement with the other side. And as stated earlier, we were eliminated by Crisis Crew in an intense battle for advancement into the semi finals. Word up to all the Portland bboys and see you soon at the next jam!

Written By Christopher Moua

Man Woman Boogie

Q-Tip came out with a music video for his song Man Woman Boogie from his album The Renaissance. The song itself is lyrically creative and thought provoking. The song talks about how men and women need each other in order to succeed, how one minute we can be far apart but in next min together we stand. But what also makes this song simply amazing is the beat. It’s a simple beat with only 2-3 layers at any given time. The vibe I get from it is so old school which makes it’s a great song to dance to!

As for the video, I think it was creatively and tastefully done. The fact that the video took place on a train car was genius, the small setting made it easier to connect with the characters. Also when each character changed their outfit to correspond with the lyrics it made it easier to understand the lyrics. I loved the concept, but you can decide for yourself.

Written By Dante Fernandez

Top Albums of 08’

So People have been asking me what I think the top albums of 2008 are. So after thinking about it for about a week I have come up with a list of my favorite albums of this year and some disappointing albums. I’m only going to post a few because my list is pretty big.  Feel free to make your own list and post it up we would like to know.

THE BEST

• The Renaissance – Q-Tip
• Fight With Tools- Flobots
• Murs for President- Murs
• Dreamtalk- The Tones
• Pro Tools- Gza the Genius
• Bedtime Lullabies- Tokimonsta
• The Way I See It- Raphael Saadiq
• Santogold- Santogold
• Tronic- Black Milk
• Oracular Spectacular- MGMT
• The Million Dollar Backpack- Skills

THE WORST

• 808s & Heartbreak- Kanye West
• LAX- The Game
• Jukebox- Cat Power
• Three Rings- T-Pain
• Soulja Boy Tell Em’- Soulja Boy *should be labeled under something harsher than the worst*
• All the other crap that uses audio tune!
• All the shitty mixtapes people put out to keep up with Lil Wayne

Seoul Music

Last night while browsing Myspace I received a friend request from a musician named T he Seoul Avenger. At first I was like “ugh more spam” but after I began to listen to his beats and was amazed.  This is relaxing, thoughtful music that will stimulate the mind. After listening to the song “Mr. Jelly’s Fantastic Dream” I sat back and thought about the time and dedication it took to create something so surreal. This was a great find and I’m glad I took a chance and checked out his music.

The Seoul Avenger is based in the bay area has worked and performed with many local artist whose sounds range from hip-hop, flamenco, jazz, and funk. He has had featured productions on  Revolution of the mind’s first album entitled “Rebel Rap” , the first solo effort from Literates member Kahlee called “Man of Many Hats”, as well as Milk Dipper’s Space Travelers Album which consist of The Seoul Avenger’s official remix of Kero One’s Inner visions (visions from seouL).

You can download his albums by clicking the pictures above and you can visit his Myspace by clicking the link

www.myspace.com/theseoulavenger

Written By Dante Fernandez