Tru-Paz: "For Whom the Bell Tolls" Video

Video description: To define Tru-Paz is to define what hip hop is. Hip hop today is the epitome of Pop, the style and the music. Hip hop is also the epitome of street expression. Some view this dichotomy as a paradox, Tru-Paz views it as an opportunity. Akim, Boozy, and DJ Unknown are looking to bring up-tempo, energizing music with a conscious message into the ears of the people. Blending the good feelings of club music, with the uplifting vibes of positive messages, Tru-Paz hopes to deliver a universal brand of hip hop. Tru-Paz have always made their music for the people. The group is composed of three core members: Akim, Boozy and DJ Unknown. Akim is the lead MC, delivering sharp and energizing vocals that cut to the heart of any issue that needs to be tackled. His fans have compared him to everyone from Big L to Jay Z. Boozy is the Yang to Akim's Ying. Where Akim is fierce and aggressive, Boozy is cool and smooth. His sultry blend of harmonious singing and soulful rapping gives Tru-Paz a distinct reggae feel that very few groups possess. With his powerful voice and moving verses, Boozy is the perfect compliment to Akim's raw energy. Anyone that has heard Boozy has compared him to such legends as Tupac, and Bob Marley. With two solid vocal forces, DJ Unknown provides the glue that binds Tru-Paz together. With production that ranges from choppy samples over hard drums, to soulful electronic grooves over jazzy rhythmic drum loops. Unknown weaves melodies that both move the listener, as well as compliment Akim and Boozy's flows. As a producer, DJ Unknown has been compared stylistically to DJ Premier and DJ Pete Rock. Together, these three artists represent one goal. Together, they aspire to unite the fragmented hip hop community into one unstoppable force. The Tru-Paz vision is to inspire everyone, from the backpack kids who study hip hop history, to the club kids who bang bass heavy beats in their ride. From the average pop listener, to the most intense music critic, the Tru-Paz aim to smash the boundaries that divide hip hop. To take hip hop to where it was meant to be, to be a universal voice for the positive upliftment of all people, regardless of their differences.

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Tru-Paz: "Rude Boy"

Rude Boy is the first video from State Of Emergency, the Tru-Paz' second LP. Akim, Boozy and DJ Unknown team their conscious flow with director Marc Andre Dubruyne?s feel for classic urban themes and come up with a clip that comes off as a toned down version of Menace II Society. Still sobering, though, documenting a varied cast that at times searches for jobs, plays basketball, and runs from less-than-friendly acquaintances. - MuchMusic

Zimbabwe Legit: "Doin' Damage in My Native Language"

As youngsters, Akim and Dumi's exposure to hip-hop came via their oldest brother. Nicknamed Fu Man Chu, he was the leader of a pioneering DJ crew and his extensive record collection of early rap and classic funk provided a window into the realm of Hip Hop music. Many of his records were acquired through friends that traveled out of the country and picked up wax that wasn't available locally. Getting access to Hip Hop in Zimbabwe was extremely difficult and the only chance to hear rap on the radio was a weekly 30-minute show that played a few hits. Akim and Dumi soon began popping and breaking. After a while they got into rhyming, using instrumentals by the likes of Eric B and Rakim, Kool Moe Dee, Mantronix and UTFO. They used two radios, one to play the instrumental and the other to make low-quality recordings. Eventually, they connected with friends who had more advanced equipment, and at one point Akim even got the opportunity to rhyme on the weekly Hip Hop radio show. As Hip Hop entered its Afrocentric era, the two identified with it more than ever. They got serious about pursuing their dream to become like artists they were listening to and reading about in magazines such as Hip-Hop Connection, Word Up and The Source. The Source Magazine featured a monthly column called Gangsta Limpin' written by Dave Funkenklein. At the time, he was also working at Red Alert Productions, which was closely affiliated with the Native Tongues. Dumi wrote Funkenklein a letter, letting him know that in an era when it was so popular to rap about Africa and rock dashikis, medallions, beads and Kente cloth, there were some emcees in Zimbabwe that were making Hip Hop music of their own. Funkenklein wrote back and said he thought it was cool to hear that there were heads in Africa rapping, and casually mentioned that if Dumi was ever to come to the U.S. to give him a call. Dumi was actually about to move to America to join Akim at college. Shortly after Dumi arrived in New York in the summer of 1990, the brothers began working on a demo to send to Funkenklein. They aimed to stand out by highlighting their unique perspective as emcees coming out of Africa. Funkenklein was initially uncertain of how rappers from Africa might sound, but upon hearing the demo, he was impressed and set up a meeting with Dumi and Akim at the sparse 29th street offices of Red Alert Productions. When they met, Funkenklein said that he was feeling the rhymes, but wanted to hear what they could do with some dope American producers. He had one such producer in mind for the job, Mr. Lawnge from the group Black Sheep, newly signed to Mercury Records. They met up with Mr. Lawnge and Dres, as well as some Mercury execs, and Akim and Dumi kicked some impromptu rhymes that had everyone buggin'. Fast forward some months later and Funkenklein was out in Hollywood, heading up a newly established rap label. He pitched the idea of a record from the Brothers from Africa, and the label was down to cut studio demos and see what kind of response they got. Akim and Dumi took on the name Zimbabwe Legit and hopped into the studio to record a 4-track demo. The label liked the demo enough to sign the duo to a contract, and before long, the group was laying down tracks at the renowned Calliope studios where artists like the Jungle Brothers and De La Soul also recorded. Once the project was completed, the 4-song Zimbabwe Legit EP dropped to a flurry of press, mostly glowing and positive. Despite all the attention, several missteps hampered the success of the project and caused the dream to be derailed, or at least deferred. People reported not being able to find the record in stores, and some radio DJs said that they never received promo service. There was a severe lack of budget for marketing and promotion, and the label even balked at doing a video. Eventually, thanks to some of Funkenklein's connections, the group was able to do a no budget video using a camera crew that worked for free. The dilemma of Zimbabwe Legit was this: even though the group was signed to a subsidiary of a major entertainment conglomerate and the man at the forefront was a Hip Hop visionary, the suits in the back setting the budgets and cutting the checks were straight clueless. Funkenklein even said that they kept asking him to bring them a group like Kris Kross. Zimbabwe Legit was not your typical run-of-the-mill rap group and they required careful marketing and promotion that the label was not 100% willing to supply. On Organized Konfusion?s "Stress", Prince Po raps "I'm spreading like leprosy throughout the record labels, cause mines put me and Monch's career in jeopardy." Organized Konfusion was signed to the same label, and experienced some of the same frustrations. Meanwhile, Dave Funkenklein was enduring a battle with Cancer. Once his health declined, other people were assigned to run the label. Things worsened, and after a while, Zimbabwe Legit ceased to be a priority. It was not long before it all unraveled and eventually the label that had also been home to Organized Konfusion, The Lifers Group, Raw Fusion, Charizma and Peanut Butter Wolf, and The Boo Yaa T.R.I.B.E. closed its doors. Sadly, Funkenklein, a true Hip Hop purist and visionary, passed away in 1994. Undaunted, Zimbabwe Legit never stopped recording. This album is from that era, when talent and promise never got their due shine. Nowadays rappers are everywhere, from St. Louis to New Orleans to France and Japan. Enjoy listening to a ground-breaking group that helped open the door for international Hip Hop.

Ying Yang Twins featuring Pitbull: "Shake"

In an industry dead-set on replicating instead of originating, the Ying Yang Twins (D-Roc and Kaine) have managed to stick to a formula that's helped them harvest a new audience with every song and secure their position not only in southern hip-hop history, but also as hip-hop royalty. U.S.A. (United States of Atlanta), their second TVT album, features production from Ying Yang Twins co-creator Mr. Collipark. Guest artists range from Anthony Hamilton, Teedra Moses, Pitbull, Jacki-O, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Mike Jones, Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes. The album is all about showing everybody that Atlanta and the Ying Yang Twins are bigger than the strip club, says D-Roc. We're just trying to put the love back in the music and let people know that there are still people who really make music from the soul. About Pitbull: This Cuban-American MC is proving himself to be one of Miami's most prominent rhyme-spitters. Source Magazine's Unsigned Hype Column (Nov. 03) stated - "let it be known that Pitbull is as viscous as the pedigree he's named after." Recently signed to TVT Records, Pitbull is sure to make his name known.

Ying Yang Twins: "Wait (The Whisper Song)"

In an industry dead-set on replicating instead of originating, the Ying Yang Twins (D-Roc and Kaine) have managed to stick to a formula that's helped them harvest a new audience with every song and secure their position not only in southern hip-hop history, but also as hip-hop royalty. U.S.A. (United States of Atlanta), their second TVT album, features production from Ying Yang Twins co-creator Mr. Collipark. Guest artists range from Anthony Hamilton, Teedra Moses, Pitbull, Jacki-O, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Mike Jones, Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes. The album is all about showing everybody that Atlanta and the Ying Yang Twins are bigger than the strip club, says D-Roc. We're just trying to put the love back in the music and let people know that there are still people who really make music from the soul.

Ying Yang Twins featuring Mike Jones & Mr. Collipark: "Badd"

In an industry dead-set on replicating instead of originating, the Ying Yang Twins (D-Roc and Kaine) have managed to stick to a formula that's helped them harvest a new audience with every song and secure their position not only in southern hip-hop history, but also as hip-hop royalty. U.S.A. (United States of Atlanta), their second TVT album, features production from Ying Yang Twins co-creator Mr. Collipark. Guest artists range from Anthony Hamilton, Teedra Moses, Pitbull, Jacki-O, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Mike Jones, Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes. The album is all about showing everybody that Atlanta and the Ying Yang Twins are bigger than the strip club, says D-Roc. We're just trying to put the love back in the music and let people know that there are still people who really make music from the soul.

Jaga Jazzist: "Day"

Cut-and-paste animations make the video for this up-tempo tune.

Jack DeJohnette: "Ocean Wave"

The longer versions of these tracks, featuring Jack DeJohnette and Foday Musa Suso will be available on the album by "The Ripple Effect" :"Hybrids" released October 4th 2005 on Jack's label "Golden Beams Productions".

The Project: The Ripple Effect was conceived of as a project to blend some of the elements of modern electronica/dance music with previously recorded music by Jack DeJohnette and some of his collaborators. All of the music on this album was taken from multitrack recordings. Some elements were added, sometimes overdubbed and edited, while other parts were omitted. The structure and composition were altered, but the musicality was retained. While staying true to the original?s feel, a new piece of music was created.

We believe this hybridization of styles is a part of the natural developmental flow of music. Enjoy.

The Artists: As a leader, composer and drummer, Jack DeJohnette has supported some of the most important and innovative musicians of our time, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Carlos Santana, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny. Widely regarded as one of jazz music?s greatest drummers, DeJohnette?s playing has long drawn on sources beyond "jazz." Never willing to sit still long enough to be categorized, he was already describing his work as "multi-directional music" thirty years ago. See http://www.jackdejohnette.com for more information.

Foday Musa Suso is an internationally recognized kora (West African 21-stringed harp lute) virtuoso and a Mandingo griot.Born in The Gambia, Suso grew up in a society where griots function as walking libraries, singing their stories for the community while providing history, wisdom and entertainment. Suso has performed and recorded worldwide with many prominent musicians including Herbie Hancock, Philip Glass, Pharoah Sanders, Ginger Baker and Bill Laswell. See http://www.fmsuso.com for more information

Composer/multi-instrumentalist John Surman is one of the key figures in a generation of European musicians who have crucially expanded the international horizons of jazz. He is acknowledged as an improvisor of world class, and composer of a body of work which extends far beyond the normal range of the jazz repertoire. He has performed and recorded with musicians including Elvin Jones, Gil Evans, Karin Krog, John Taylor and Dave Holland. See http://www.johnsurman.com for more information.

Remixer/Musician Ben Surman is involved with electronica projects including Third Zomby and Mind over Rhythm. He is also currently working on remixes for Karin Krog, Colin Walcott and various other artists. As an engineer he has worked with many artists including Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Holland, Hermeto Pascoal and Jim Hall.

Marlui Miranda is the most acclaimed and recognized performer and researcher on music from the Brazilian Indians. She has interpreted and adapted traditional chants and songs from many Brazilian Indian nations. Miranda worked with Hector Babenco in the film At Play in the Fields of the Lord. She is a recipient of several grants including a Guggenheim and the Cultural Merit Medal and has recorded and performed with leading Brazilian musicians including Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Egberto Gismonti and Nana Vasconcelos.

Producer/Engineer Big Al is best known for his work with various projects including Mind Over Rhythm, Clone Theory and Clip. His recording studio "The Sonic Kitchen" is responsible for some of the highest quality electronica and dance music to come out of the UK in the past 15 years including work with Plaid, The Black Dog, John Holt, Youth, Dennis Bovell and Zomba Records.

"Ancient Techno" and "Ocean Wave" appear in their original form on Jack's previous release on "Golden Beams Productions": "Music From the Hearts of the Masters."

For more information please visit http://www.jackdejohnette.com

The week in a minute: 4/21/06

A collection of the past week's best brings together Brazilian rap, the Thundercats, and a brillant mistake.

1.) Tru-Paz: "Rude Boy"

2.) "Hoot" trailer

3.) Braza: "Welcome to Brasil"

4.) MC Deux: "Caro Diario"

5.) "Thundercats: Season Two, Volume One" DVD clip: "Epic Horn"

6.) Jerry Hawkins: "Dancin' With This Ol' Cowboy"

7.) "The Promise" trailer

8.) Cemoy Clarke: "Me and J at the Studio"

9.) "Stop Smoking: Break the Chains"

10.) "Thundercats: Season Two, Volume One" DVD clip: "Rembrandts"



Click here for the Week in a Minute archive.

E-40: "The Making of the 'Tell Me When To Go' Video"

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the video shoot for the first single from My Ghetto Report Card, E-40's soon-to-be released 12th album. "Tell Me When To Go" features Keak Da Sneak, and was recently shot by Lil' Jon and Director, Bernard Gourley (Lyfe Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, Beanie Siegle). The video introduces the world to the Hyphy movement in the Bay. "Hyphy music is like Crunk, but in a more up-tempo way. The culture is a way of life for Bay kids. We got the side shows, the muscle cars, we ghost ride the whip, we got the invisible driving, the music, the go dumb get stupid dances, we just actin' a fool expressing ourselves," explains E-40. Thousands of people showed up at the shoot including just about every rapper in the bay, members of the Hieroglyphics crew, and members of The BME Click including Lil' Jon, Lil' Scrappy, and Bohagon. "We were smokin' up the block, turning donuts and figure 8's. We had the hyphy train crackin'. Just imagine 300 cars riding back to back after a party with every car, van, camper or truck with all they doors open, shakin' their dreads, showing their grill, sporting stunna shade glasses, dancing on top of the roofs and hoods of the whip, campaigning like the president, like a big parade. It's just a whole bunch of super energy. You gotta see it," explains E-40.

Ying Yang Twins featuring Bun B: "Git It"

In an industry dead-set on replicating instead of originating, the Ying Yang Twins (D-Roc and Kaine) have managed to stick to a formula that's helped them harvest a new audience with every song and secure their position not only in southern hip-hop history, but also as hip-hop royalty. Named after the Chinese symbol for light and dark (Yin and Yang), the Atlanta duo established themselves as urban music's most dominant twosome thanks to their ability to crank out hit after hit.