Loungin' In The Lab

NEW KRATE DIGGA WEBSITE LAUNCHES TODAY!!!

2008-04-11T09:18:00.000-04:00

Whats good family...Spring is here and it's a perfect time for me to do something Ive been talking about doing for awhile now. Im launching my own website, http://web.mac.com/kratedigga. It's a culmination of all the sites I have contributions on now, so instead of hopping around for show dates and downloads; it's all on http://web.mac.com/kratedigga.

I'll be adding different media on a continuos basis, so check in often for interviews, downloadable mixes, blogs, and new show dates. You can also subscribe to the podcasts and blogs, so you're automatically notified when there are updates.

Once again thanks for supporting DJ Krate Digga and The Mighty SoundChampz Crew...http://web.mac.com/kratedigga

One.

Ed Mabrey Farewell Event TONIGHT 4/1/08

2008-04-01T09:14:00.001-04:00

We are witnessing living history and we don't seem to understand nor
appreciate it. Maybe it's because we contemporaries to it, maybe it's
because we don't have the proper context to it, maybe it's because we
don't wanna believe it. Regardless of the reason, it is still historic.
A pioneer, an artist, a voice, a persona, and a friend are all leaving
today; all in one person. Edward Pearl Mabrey, internationally known
spoken word artist, will be leaving the city that has been his home for
many years. Ed has graced many a mic; whether in studio across the radio
airwaves or on stage at one of thousands of performances. Ed has graced
many a stage; whether introducing Eric Roberson, Dwele, or Darien
Brockington. Ed has shared many a word; whether it's freestyling w/ DJ
Krate Digga at Snaps N Taps or in monologue at Black Pearl Poetry. Ed
has won a plenty; individual championships, world championships, hearts,
minds. All being equal, the greatness of his accomplishments aren't what
he's done for he; but what he's done for we.
He brought a culture and an art from the smoky lounges of self ascribed
scholars and haute thinkers to groups in a language that spoke to them.
He transformed the cliche of spoken word from a New Line Cinema classic
to a reality of expression and mental freedom. All not for he, but for
we. That fact must be recognized and honored. While his talents and
abilities took him around the world, he always returned
home...here...Columbus. The same Columbus that many claim "has nothing
to do, no sense of self, is a wanna-be (insert city here.)" He returned
to share with those that wished to be a part; pieces of himself.
Unashamed. Unadulterated. Unabashed. Unsurpassed. Not for self. Not for
the fortune of the urban Columbus arts crowd. Reread last line with even
more sarcasm. He did it for we.
No words I write nor speak will ever do this man the justice he
deserves, but I will say thank you. Through you I am a witness to
history, which makes me part of history.

So please join me tonight April 1st 2008 at Club Ice, 40 E Long Street
to celebrate the departure of a living legend. Doors open at 730p and
the show will start promptly. It is guaranteed to be a show not to miss.
This is your chance to witness history.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Full Circle Pt.4 - The Art, Mahogany's Soul, Fresh Fridays

2008-02-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

Another phase in IN8's tiered approach was The ART. First held at the defunct Club 504 (now Bar Louie's) and also at THE Ohio State University, it found it's first home at Long Street Live (now Club Ice). Up until this point we were introducing folks to new artists and new music, The ART was the first forum in which we put faces to the music. Dwele, Eric Roberson, Fertile Ground, and The Rebirth all had their inaugural Columbus performances at The ART. The ART however was so much more than a performance event; local artists were prominently featured throughout the venue. Visual artists, culinary artists, spoken word artists, and musical artists all incorporated the concept of The ART. Soulstarr, Middlechild, The 3rd, Ed Mabrey, and many others blessed that stage. One Wednesday night out of each month, we always did what it took to make the rest of the week easier to deal with. As the run of The ART continued it eventually meshed with some Saturday nights at the Standard Lounge.

What many failed to realize was this movement wasn't just about the clubs and nightlife, it was a lifestyle. The music was real music for real life; the ups and downs, the joys and trials, the realities of urban life (not street life, but urban life.) It was a soundtrack to our lives; the working 8 hours a day at a gig where you're underpaid and under appreciated, the rough and tumble of being in a relationship (or not), the introspective nature we have as humans. This realness couldn't be found in reality shows or on the radio; but it could be found in what we were doing. It could be found in those who participated in our events. It wasn't a corporate package; it was who we were, it was innate.

September of 2004 brought the next phase of this new urban life experience, her name was Mahogany's Soul. Around this time, we were in a zone. Just when folks thought, "Yo this is it!!!", we topped ourselves with our next endeavor. To this date I think that Mahogany's Soul was the acme of our offerings. Housed in the (now closed) Brownstone On Main restaurant, Mahogany's Soul was something for everyone and everything for some. On the upper levels, Ed Mabrey held down the spoken word set. Whether you were a professional poet or just inspired to write on your drink napkin, everyone was able to speak and be heard. Blek and J Rawls held down the main floor on the 1s and 2s. Or if you wanted to catch some football, the bar area sported the big screen. But the basement is where it went down. Sean Scott on drums, B Jazz and Selah on keys, Brandon on guitar, Aaron on bass,and myself on the turntables. We just made music. No rehearsals, we just made music and most importantly; we had fun, so the people had fun. Often time we were honored to have Middlechild, Talisha Holmes, Mahogany, Eric Qualls, Cyrus Baty, and others on lead vocals. As things grew and progressed Rich Nyce and I started being featured without other performers. Our performances had become real tight through Standard Lounge days. The Basement parties at Mahognay's Soul were classics, but none topped the Memorial Day weekend of 2005...Misty Jordan and the Jordanettes standing on tables...Konata on the mic..."Freak Checks"...the fishtank got foggy...CLASSIC.

Wednesdays of The Art made the rest of the week a breeze, but the Sunday's of Mahogany's Soul made everyone yearn for the end of the weekend!!! Mahogany's Soul offered Columbus their first local performances of Raheem Devaughn, Siji, Angela Burchett (K-State fam!!!!!), Deyampert, and more. Mahogany's Soul was one of those moments in time when you just know it's special. Whether it was Isaac vs The Isleys (including an Isaac Hayes (look alike) appearance) or The Battle - Band vs DJs, the themes and the concepts kept us ahead of any and everything else that Columbus was offering. There was nothing like it before and may well never be anything to follow. There's been some attempted recreations, but those who experienced MS know it's pioneering legacy.

So by February of 2005, The ART along with Saturday's at The Standard Lounge and Sunday's at Mahogany's Soul claiming regional acclaim, what was left to do except add a Friday night jump off!!! F-R-E-S-H, Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh...and Fresh Friday's was the jawn. Opium Lounge (now closed) on High Street housed Fresh Friday's. This event was different because we tried to start bridging some of the gaps between our established fan base and some folks who weren't familiar with us. We kept weekly themes; from the REFRESH 80's night (complete with Pole Position and PacMan on the big screens) to the JUICE dj battle night with 4 djs spinning for fan determined supremacy.

It was around this time that I started building with Smiley, Donna Marbury, and eventually slid into the Cove Lounge...

Full Circle Pt.3 - Standard Lounge..The Zone...The Red Room

2008-01-23T22:14:00.000-05:00

The time now is around Dec '03/Jan '04, things are going through a transformation of sorts. Snaps is in the midst of closing its doors, I was building momentum and becoming more recognizable, Wali and Zo (IN8 Inner-Prizes) were pushing a new musical agenda; a movement that was steeped in the roots of soul music. This soul had an edgier sound, a grittier feel because it represented the social terms of its time. Some called it neo-soul, others nu-soul. Some just soul, while many could only muster the term "not that radio bullshit". Regardless of the genre stamp, the sound was definitely a groovy one. It provoked dancing...not that humpin' like dogs style of dancing but true hand in hand, partner type, makes you smile when you spin kind of dancing. I always referred to it as dancing like an adult...lol..but I digress. These Saturday nights were different; the vibe, the dress, the maturity of the patrons. 20somethings and 30somethings mixing and mingling without feeling like they were out of their respected peer settings. It became expected that dudes button down, ladies did the thing. We were setting a new STANDARD of urban nightlife.

During these times I was very excited about how things were going. I was starting to garner the larger scale recognition that I felt I rightly deserved, I was building a network of business people that I saw as keys to my progression in "la musical cosa nostra" (musical thing of ours). It was also during this time that I was able to hit the FM radio waves of Columbus (103FM). Alonzo, Wali, Ed Mabrey, myself, and some others were able to garner a weekly specialty show spot. Every Sunday at 8pm, The Movement was on. This gave the whole city an opportunity to make the musical acquaintance of people like Eric Roberson, Dwele, John Legend, Raheem Devaughn. We were even able to push local artists, like Middlechild, J Rawls, and Tavaris; all artists who had been grinding locally and nationally for years but seemed to still not be fully respected by the local community and weren't getting local radio support. Even though the show was abruptly canceled and the station was eventually sold and changed formats, I'm quite proud to have been the ONLY dj to have had a neo-soul radio show in Columbus radio history.

The ending of the FM radio show actually birthed one of the most celebrated mixtape series of my career, The Movement:Nu Soul Radio. I wasn't willing to let the things we had accomplished and the desire for this music to be stymied by the radio industry. In March of 2004, the first volume of the Movement was released and (as an homage to our radio listeners) began exactly as our first radio show did; with the intro and "Rock Wit U" by Eric Roberson (http://www.zshare.net/audio/68253288a692d5)

The Movement eventually stretched to eight volumes (including a special edition for The 1st Annual Movers & Shakers Awards) which is still available. The Standard Lounge went on to be one of the most celebrated urban forays of Columbus nightlife and was a finger on the hand of urban soul music that IN8 was in the forefront of introducing Columbus to. During these times IN8 and I collaborated on many more events...The ART, Fresh Fridays, and the historic Mahogany's Soul...yea, you know where I'm going ;)

Standard Lounge

Full Circle Pt.2 - SoulStarr

2008-01-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

Wali and I started building a working relationship, only to find out that his business partner (Alonzo) was my college roommate's brother. So they would come through to Snaps every now and then to promote and such. More on that a little later...

During this same time, I was still doing live shows with S.P.I.R.I.T. (www.myspace.com/spirit4u) and got linked up with Shakka (www.myspace.com/soul_delaphoenix) aka Brotha Soul and began doing shows with the SoulStarr Collective. Comfest 2003 was a classic performance and it was another example of what happens when great artists team up to make great music. Live band under the night lights, the aroma of sausages, fries, and elephant ears in the air, and an all star lineup of Columbus musicians: Shakka on synths, Eddie Bayard on tenor sax, Necessary on the mic, B Jazz on synth bass and keys, The Lomax twins on drums and alto sax (Mark and Steve, respectively), and Diggz on the wheels. Having never performed or rehearsed as a group before, we laid down a seamless show. The first and only time I've ever seen people rush the jazz stage...lol...I stayed with the Soulstarr Collective through 2004 for many more memorable shows. It was working with SoulStarr that I was able to link up with cousins of mine that I hadn't seen in so long that we didn't know what each other looked like anymore...lol. Divine and her sister Mo, were back-up singers for SoulStarr and we went on to do alot of work together, both on stage and in the studio. This track is a snippet of one of the last sessions that Shakka, Eddie, and I shared (YoRel and Divine laced the vocals on the final cut.) http://www.zshare.net/audio/6583716d814633/

Back to Thanksgiving 2003, I was gigging with SoulStarr, S.P.I.R.I.T. and still rocking it at Snaps N Taps. My name was becoming more of a draw and I was getting the opportunity to learn the politics of DJing in Columbus. Basically that there were a few standout DJs (DJ Phaze, BHB, J Rawls, DJ Drastic; just to name a few) and the rest were quite mediocre. As a rule of thumb, the less they were willing to network; the worse they were at being DJs. Yea, I know it's kind of harsh but thats just the truth. It's the same as with any other profession, it's not always how good you are at your job as much as who you know at times. I guess you cant fault them for trying to stymie their competition.

Anyways, Wali and Zo hit me up and asked about my availability to fill in for J Rawls at his Saturday night gig while he was on tour. I was down for it and that was my first appearance at The Red Zone, namely The Standard Lounge...

Full Circle Pt.1 - Snaps N Taps

2008-01-16T03:05:00.000-05:00

The year is 2002 and I'm slowly building a buzz for myself as a DJ here in Columbus OH. Most don't recognize the name but recall my face from my 10 plus years in the community prior to my undergrad and "birth" as a DJ. Having done local shows mainly with S.P.I.R.I.T. and having known two of the groups members since the early 90's, it was seemingly fitting that Ness hit me up one day asking if I was available to fill in at this local spot for a Thurs hip hop night. The spot come to find out was one that I had been to before, one that definitely had a buzz about itself, and one that has become a legend of Columbus' performing arts scene history.

So as I pull up to 20 S. Washington, the easily recognizable mural work of Walt Neil greeted me. I unloaded, pulling first the crates of vinyl from my '87 Dodge Caravan (perfect for my Daddy by day, DJ by night needs), followed by the pair of sawhorse legs used to raise the last of the van's contents to performance height; and finally the coffin, which on it's end was nearly equal to my physical stature, filled with 2 turntables and a Gemini mixer. It was my first time meeting owner Todd Tuney and my sister by the same birth date, Izzy. We'd all work together for years to come.

Once I was setup, the Columbus chapter of the Krate chronicles officially began... Maybe it was because there were no expectations, maybe it was because I was good, or maybe it was a combination; but ears opened, grins surfaced, excited MC's nodded, and interests peaked...Who is this cat?? Krate who? He must be from NY, local DJ's don't spin like that...

I had proven that I could do sets with artistic skill without losing the crowd in dj tricks. I had proven that I had the underestimated skill for laying a canvas on which open mic MC's could flow. I had proven that I was a true DJ...I hadn't been there for 45 minutes, yet.

45 minutes turned into 4 or 5 hours, that Thursday in March turned into many Thursdays, 2002 into 2003; and SnapsNTaps into my first local residency. By this time I had added Wednesday's famed Poetry Nights to my routine, backing some of the greats to step into that hallowed space. From the stage in the room's center to its relocation to the west end of the performance space, I looked into the lights and into eyes, open like ears, as poets fed souls.

It was in this time frame that I struck up a special relationship with Ed Mabrey (www.blackpearlpoetry.com). He was already a local celeb having been a radio personality for years previous, as well as having been a strong presence on the spoken word scene. There's just something undeniable when two people that had never officially met or worked together can step into the same space at the same time and make magic happen. Ed on the words, me on the wheels.

I wont forget the look we exchanged after he did his first piece with me accompanying him...
Ed: Yo, you made my shit sound real good...
Krate: Yo, you made my shit sound real good
...lol...We've been working together ever since.

That was also the first of many opportunities I had to work with Charles Cooper...our parents went to undergrad together so it's ironic or maybe cosmic that we were both drawn to Columbus as artists and ripped many stages together. Internationally re known saxophonist Eddie Bayard and I worked together for the first time on the stage of Snaps N Taps.
Sincere was there. Ricardo and his "vignettes" were there. Tone was there. Unique Soul was there. Is Said (who I first met circa 1986) was there. Many more were there and I was blessed to share the stage with them. Before there was The Matrix or The Nice Guy, there was Wali and he was there.

But that's the start of pt2...

---For the true historians, peep The Columbus Dispatch from 2/16/2003 (Accent, Blurring The Lines)

On this last day...

2007-12-31T01:22:00.000-05:00

So the last day of 2007 is upon us and it seems as if the year were just
about to start. In retrospect this has been a great year, full of its
share of up and downs; but a great year nonetheless. New friends were
gained and old acquaintances renewed, lives begun and journeys ended,
negative energies were discarded and millions of heartbeats of knowledge
was bestowed to those that took the time to live the lessons of
life. 
As it should be the promise of 2008 is nothing short of invigorating.
The key is to be patient. Even in the face of great gifts, one must
allow them to be given in their own time. 
With that I say once again: peace, prosperity, and progress in the
coming year. Love those you love as you wish to be loved and live with
those you don't in civility. 
 
Harry Smith, Sr...ashe
Margaret Jackson...ashe
Rebekah...ashe
 
Happy New Year!
Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Blog Silence...

2007-12-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

Hello world(wide web), I've intentionally been away from the blogsphere
for awhile for so many different reasons. Not just writing blogs, but
reading them as well. It's kinda like I'm trying to catch up on a tv
series I haven't seen in months. People's lifes have changed, blogs have
disappeared, etc.

As far as my half, it's hard to explain because there's so many planes
to it all. I'm approaching 30 and feeling ready to hit the next phase of
my life. I've been spinning in the clubs/college parties for 10yrs now,
almost every weekend for the past 5; I've seen different fads, different
levels of appreciation, and different levels of business acumen. Right
about now, I'm ready to move to the next phase. I've noticed my
creativity has been stifled, I'm so uninspired to hit the venues, and
the music...the music as of late is trash. Call me a hater or whatever
else...this shit is horrible. No melodies, no creativity, no
soul...wtf?!?

Anyways, the new year is upon us and I'm feeling that there's change in
the air. I'll keep you posted and I'll try to stay up on my fave
blogs/blogger.

Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

King Of Clubz v.3

2007-10-31T09:11:00.000-04:00

Another blazer for the crib, car, or mp3 player...

1. Mr DJ - Foxy Brown ft. Barrington Levy
2. How We Get Down - Foxy Brown
3. Curtis 187 - 50 Cent
4. U Like My Swagga - Assassin ft. Akon
5. I'll Still Kill - 50 Cent ft. Akon
6. I Get Money - 50 Cent
7. Shoulda Let You Go - Keyshia Cole ft. Amina
8. Let It Go - Keyshia Cole ft. Missy Elliott
9. Follow My Lead - 50 Cent ft. Robin Thicke
10. Cool - Fly Union
11. My Hood Is Greezy - Peedy Crack ft. Swizz Beatz & Q-Tip
12. Roc Boys - Jay Z
13. My Drink N My 2 Step - Cassidy
14. Good Life - Kanye West ft. T-Pain
15. Blue Magic - Jay Z ft. Pharrell
16. Hood Nigga RMX - Gorilla Zoe ft. Big Boi, Rick Ross, & Young Jeezy
17. Didn't I Tell You - Keyshia Cole ft. Too Short
18. Pop Bottles - Birdman & Lil Wayne
19. Helicopter - Searius Add
20. Down In The Dirty - Ludacris ft. Rick Ross & Bun B
21. Freaky Gurl RMX - Gucci Mane ft. Ludacris
22. 3 AM - Young Jeezy ft. Timbaland
23. Ayo Technology - 50 Cent ft. Justin Timberlake
24. Crank That - Soulja Boy
25. Duffle Bag Boy - DTP ft. Lil Wayne
26. Love's Holiday - Earth Wind & Fire
27. Playa's Rock - Hurricane Chris & Boxie
28. Watch My Feet - Dude & Nem
29. I'm So Hood - DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, & Plies
30. Outro
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

WKR8 Vol. XIV...Im in a zone

2007-10-23T21:32:00.000-04:00

1. Step It Up - Little Brother ft. Dion
2. Hot Thing - Talib Kweli
3. Superstar - Lupe Fiasco ft. Matthew Santos
4. Do You - Kamaal The Abstract
5. It's Like That - De La Soul ft. Carl Thomas
6. More Than A Love Song - Pryslezz ft. Dwele
7. In The Mood - Talib Kweli ft. Kanye & Roy Ayers
8. Provider - Peter Hadar
9. Diamond Girl - Ryan Leslie
10. Desire - Pharoahe Monch
11. Break My Heart - Common
12. Breakin My Heart - Little Brother ft. Lil' Wayne
13. Woman - Raheem Devaughn
14. Homecoming - Kanye West
15. Insomnia - Jill Scott
16. Only You - Jill Scott
17. Chi State of Mind - GLC

One.

WORDS OVER SOUNDS - Avail Soon!!!

2007-10-16T20:21:00.000-04:00

A guaranteed dose of fresh ear!!!

10 Year DJ Anniversary Recap

2007-09-21T14:17:00.000-04:00

Krate Digga...what does it all mean?

2007-09-14T11:55:00.001-04:00

It's On The Horizon...10 Yr DJ Anniversary Party

2007-09-13T13:21:00.000-04:00

Are you ready? Time is counting down...
One.

10 Yrs In The Making...

2007-09-06T02:46:00.000-04:00

It was 10yrs ago that I learned the art of deejaying and I've been
spinning ever since. It's my way of life, it's my calling, it's me. To
commemorate the past 10yrs, I am inviting you to join me along side
friends, family, and fans. The night will feature a Mos Wanted Crew
reunion set by DJs Krate Digga & Sicari on 4 turntables!!!!

When: 10pm, Sept 14th, 2007
Where: Cove Lounge, 231 N. 5th St, Columbus, OH
How: Come dressed funky and fresh...no white tees, sports gear, or
tennis shoes. Grown, sexy, but full of flava.
(Green and gold would be so cold, but do you!!)

Thanks in advance...looking forward to seeing you all.

This is a celebration of life and music.
Peace&Love.One.

-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Movement...

2007-08-10T14:15:00.001-04:00

I received these thoughts from a very good friend of mine and I thought
it spoke to many of the things I have felt or do feel about the
landscape of the state of music.

Enjoy...

Constant movement vs. Conscious movement
---------------------------------------------------------
I am from the Midwest and I'm cool with The Slide, whether it be
Electric or one of Casper's variations. Don't let "Da' Butt" start
pumping through the speakers because I'll be one of the first on the
floor putting my backfield in motion. I was even down with the Rock Away
and would Lean Back once in a while. However, my ears and eyes have led
me to believe that, musically speaking, there is an influx of constant
movement and a lack of conscious movement.

"What?" you say. Follow me now. You can even pick your own method of
transportation. You can Two Step or 1,2 Step. You can Walk It Out or you
can Crank It and Zoom. Still not feeling me? It's cool. You can just
stand there and Watch My Feet while you Snap Ya Fingers or if you're
Ballin' (Go ahead and do the jumpshot and fadeaway move), you can do the
Superman on 'em and take (a) flight. Good people, are you still
following me or are you starting to perspire heavily? Feeling a little
dizzy? Need to stop and make a mental note to pick up some BENGAY?

Some of you may be ready for me to just (Pop, Lock, and) Drop It but
that I cannot do. I miss good music. Good, thought provoking music. I
long for music that evokes a conscious movement not just constant
movement. So, thank you KRS-One. Thank you Common. Thank you Mos Def,
Talib Kweli, and DJ Hi-Tek. Thank you Public Enemy. Thank you Jill
Scott. Thanks to The Roots. Thank you Erykah Badu. Thank you Lupe
Fiasco. Thank you...(insert your favorite and, more than likely,
underappreciated "conscious movement" artist(s) here).

Thank you Little Brother. (I know you can't see me but yes, I do indeed
have on my Good Clothes). Thank you Marvin Gaye, who, by the way, would
definitely still have to ask What's Going On. Thank you to those of you
who feel my pain whether it springs from genuine understanding or from
that twinge in your back that you got trying to follow along with
Beyonce in that Get Me Bodied video. (YES!!! I said it. Enough is
enough.)

Thank you DJ Krate Digga. Your form of constant movement I do
appreciate. Know that some of us count on you to take us higher so, as
ironic as this may sound: Don't stop. (lol!)
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Am I Paper Rock or Scissors??

2007-08-01T16:58:00.000-04:00

From the mind of one of my blog sisters (Thanks God's Child).

You Are A Rock.

Powerful and overbearing, you intimidate people with your presence.
People know they can't push you around, and they respect that.
Deep down, you are calm, confident, and unmovable.
You take everything pretty seriously, and you think deeply about all
aspects of your life.

You tend to feel smothered by paper people.

You don't mind crushing the spirit of a scissors person.

When you fight, you: Use all of your strength

If someone makes you mad: You're likely to throw something at them.

One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

J Lo - M.O.

2007-08-01T00:47:00.001-04:00

Is it just me or can J Lo only put out a project w/ someone she's
humpin??

P Diddy...Ben Affleck....Marc Antony...

Just a late night revelation.
One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Musings...it's been awhile and my chest is heavy

2007-07-26T15:54:00.001-04:00

Good people, good people. What's the flappin?!? In other words, what's
been going on?

I haven't been here in awhile...for many reasons...mainly because I've
been extremely busy. Secondly, I haven't had much to say....nice.

So instead of getting into the minutia, I'm just gonna share my thoughts
(some of them.)

Creative - I've really been in the mood or willing to break out and do
some things out of the box. Way outta the box!

Uninspired - I haven't had the inspiration or backing to put these
creative plots in motion. Most things aren't one man shows.

Focus - I've had the opportunity to refocus on some things and get a new
context on others. Refreshing...at times.

Respect - It seems that people are so sensitive to being "disrespected"
but have no sense of how they don't respect others. Not surprisng but
sense-less nonetheless.

Imitation vs. Infringement - They say imitation is the best form of
flattery but folks have gotten on the wrong side of the game. People are
out here blatantly claiming that my product is theirs. Claiming that my
performances were theirs. Claiming that my ORIGINAL ideas were theirs.
WTF?!? WTF?!? WHAT DA FUHHHH?!?

Current Events - I always keep in mind that the world around us is an
ever changing sphere. Whether it's terrorism, politics, this increasing
racist vibe guised as illegal immigration fury, or the unequalities of
our system; there's always a lot going on. Point of this one, people
have really been on some ish. Do what they want, irregardless of the
law. Wow, wish I had it like that!

More to follow soon...maybe
One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Win Tickets To See Raheem Devaughn & Eric Roberson!

2007-07-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

Win Tickets To See Raheem Devaughn & Eric Roberson This Weekend!

DJ Krate Digga & The Mighty SoundChampz are giving away two sets of
tickets to the Raheem Devaughn concert on Friday, July 20 AND two sets
of tickets for the Eric Roberson concert on Saturday, July 21. Both
shows are at Club Ice, located at 40 East Long Street.

The first four to reply with the correct answer to the trivia question
will each receive one set of tickets to one show. When replying specify
which show you would like tickets to (Fri OR Sat OR No Pref).

Question: Name the date AND location of Eric Roberson's AND Raheem
Devaughn's first Columbus performances. (Hint: They were separate shows,
so there are two parts to the complete answer.)

Email your response to soundchampz@tmail.com by noon on Friday, July 20,
including contact information.

Good luck!
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

VOTE FOR ME, please and thank you!

2007-06-14T16:17:00.001-04:00

VOTE For Krate Digga

Go to http://toppicks.snponline.com to vote DJ Krate Digga Best "Club DJ" and Foundation Fridays at Cove Best "Hip Hop Night" for a contest of Columbus' Top Picks, sponsored by The Other Paper.

Vote as often as you like! Tell your friends!

Deadline to vote in Monday, June 25

Thanks for your support!

One.

Incipient...

2007-06-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to get back to posting on a regular basis and sometimes that requires me to take it back to 8th grade and do a focused writing excercise. So today's word/topic is incipient, an adjective defined as "Beginning to exist or appear."

Alot of things are becoming incipient to me, some less surprising than others. Along with work by my publicist, business associates, and kindred creative spirits; I've been privvy to some new opportunities. Many that I can honestly say I've earned way before now and others that I think just come at times when theyre supposed to. However aside from concrete items; alot more has become apparent and most of those things deal with attitudes and personas. The lack of work ethic, the lack of integrity, and the sheer lack of foresight by alot of my contemporaries in this field. Honestly and somewhat unfortunately, I'm not surprised. My gut feelings are always right, the reasonings I draw from them may not always be right; but the gut feelings are never wrong. And the gut feelings tell me alot of what people try to hide...from themselves and or others.

But I'm quite content on letting them sink or hang themselves out to dry. Not because of any ill will but because theyre cancerous to the art form. They have little to no true appreciation and gimmicks are just that.

More to come...

King Of The Clubz: The Soundtrack To The Summer

2007-05-31T09:34:00.001-04:00

DJ Krate Digga may just be the hardest working deejay in central Ohio.
Holding down two residencies at the hottest clubs in Columbus, DJ Krate
Digga is celebrating his 10 th year as a deejay, solidifying his name of
Columbus' most diverse hip hop and R&B deejay.

Since 2002, DJ Krate Digga has been known to have residencies at
Columbus clubs and lounges at the height of their popularity. A deejay,
musician and producer, Krate Digga shows no signs of letting up on his
work ethic or creativity. Showing that the Midwest is also a place for
soul as well as hip hop, when DJ Krate Digga is behind the wheels, the
party is sure to be a hot one.

King Of The Clubz is a banging mix of all the songs that should be on
the radio. Where else are you going to hear the newest from T.I.,
remixes by T-Pain, MIMS, Rich Boy, Huey and Kanye West?? This summer,
R&B has never been hotter with new tracks by Beyonce, Amerie, Ciara and
Mario.

Since you already love Krate Digga at Foundation Fridays at Cove Lounge
and The Sapphire Room at Club Ice, bring that experience to your crib,
your car or your next BBQ!

KING OF CLUBZ playlist
1. Dear Summer - Jay Z
2. The Future - Diddy
3. Hotter This Year - Ini Kamoze
4. This Is Why I'm Hot RMX - Mims w. JR Reid
5. This Is Why I Rock RMX - Mims
6. Party Like A Rockstar - Shop Boyz
7. It's Me ... RMX - Swizz Beatz w. Lil Wayne & R Kelly
8. Money In The Bank - Swizz Beatz
9. Money In The Bank RMX - Lil Scrappy w. Young Buck
10. Buy U A Drank RMX - TPain w. Kardinall Offishal & Kanye West
11. Pop, Lock, Drop It RMX - Huey w. Bow Wow & TPain
12. Walk It Out RMX - UNK w. Outkast
13. 2 Step - UNK
14. Throw Some D's On It RMX - Rich Boy w. Kanye & Andre 3000
15. So Into You - Darien Brockington
16. Upgrade You RMX - Beyonce w. T.I.
17. Hood Boy - Fantasia w. Big Boi
18. Creole - Beyonce
19. Gotta Work - Amerie
20. That's What U R - Amerie
21. Man Up - Amerie
22. How Do I Breathe - Mario
23. When I See U - Fantasia
24. Do You - NeYo
25. Get It Shawty - Lloyd w. Yung Joc
26. C.R.U.S.H. - Ciara
27. Glamorous - Fergie w. Ludacris
28. Give It To Me - Timbaland w. Nelly Furtado
29. Because Of You RMX - NeYo w. Kanye West
30. Last Night - Diddy
31. Big Things Poppin' - T.I.
32. Go Getta RMX - Young Jeezy w. R Kelly
33. Int'l Player's Anthem - UGK w. Outkast
34. Dumb Down - FLY UNION
35. Outro

As written by Donna Marbury
Communications, Journalism & Business Writing
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

KING Magazine Recap

2007-05-31T09:03:00.001-04:00

This is how Memorial Day goes w/ Digga!!!

2007-05-25T17:12:00.001-04:00

This is a gift to all you bitin' a$$ dj's, who can't build a set if
songs came with Lego's....and for the rest of you this is the playlist
for the newest mix cd from yours truly.

It's drops tonight...there at where I'm at. So get at me...lol...

Happy and Safe Holidays...but 1st a pause for the cause:

To all those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom and to all
those who are in harms way, you are appreciated.

One.

-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

A snagged tag...

2007-05-19T18:03:00.001-04:00

I got this from another blogger who I've recently started reading. I
never thought to do a post like this but it's quite interesting.
Different stages of my life seem to have their own soundtracks.
Sometimes...well most times those soundtracks focus on one or two
artists I'm really feelin' at the time. These questions kinda put me in
an ERRO zone; ERRO as in Eric Roberson.
For those that don't know Eric is one of the most prolific songwriters
of our generation, hands down. He's penned for 112, Musiq, Vivian Green,
Carl Thomas, and so many more; not to mention works he's penned and
recorded for his own catalogue of albums.

So here's Krate Digga per the song titles of Eric Roberson:

Male or Female - Man Who Had It All
Describe myself - Pleasure Before Pain
Best advice I can give - Momma Told Me
Describe your last relationship - Hesitation
Describe your last crush - Pretty Girl
Something I'd say to a crush - What I Gotta Do
Something I'd say to an ex - Couldn't Hear Me
Something I'd say to someone I hurt - She Oughta Know
How do I feel right now - Crazy

Ditto the remarks of the previous blogger, don't read too too deep into
these responses...but they telling...lmao

One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Today's Word: library

2007-05-16T18:48:00.000-04:00

So today's the first day of my new writing practice. I drop the dictionary open and drop a penny on a word. That's the day's topic.

Library was my penny's worth...Im not sure whats happened since 2000 when I was in undergrad and in the library infrequently...but whatever happened to SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! People just do whatever at the 'brary. Cell phones RINGING!!!! People talking LOUD!!!!! Kids RUNNING around, DROOLING, and AARRRRRRRRGGHHHHH!!!!!! iPod listeners SINGING aloud, OFF KEY!!!

I try not to be judgemental but....folks that seem to make the library home. Where do these reeking, alcohol for blood, piss for toothpaste, degenerates come from? You gotta have an address and a utility bill to sign up for a library card and you gotta have a card to use the internet so.......They gotta be livin' somewhere. Sometimes I think they live at the library. The branches are no better than the main library. WTF????? So I've resigned myself to running in w/my MacBook, catching the wi-fi and getting the fruck outta dodge!

The world's changing on all levels so Im not even gonna act my age and talk about the old days...but I remember back in the day when SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Im out.
One

Steppin the game up...

2007-05-15T18:10:00.000-04:00

Ive been taking errrr.... making time recently to enjoy the weather, fresh air, and most importantly some new and old blogs that Ive made myself too busy to check in on a daily like I used to. Since February Ive intentionally done less blogging, Ive been intensely focused on getting my career up to the level that I know it should be. I never expected working for myself would be easy so Im not at all complaining. I do know that there's certain things that I need both on a personal and professional level, namely interaction with different people of different mindstates and situations in life. While I travel abit more than I used to, I need this on a daily or ongoing basis. So reading blogs and at times commenting serves this purpose.

I however havent really been holding up my part of the bargain. My posts recently have been WACK...well actually W.A.S (WACK AS HELL)!!! So Im challenging myself to step my game up. I think Im gonna start by just opening the dictionary and writing "around" the first word I catch on the page.

We'll see what happens...

Life is the foundation of fun...or vice versa ;)
One.

PS - I confess I like KING magazine...lol...

2007-05-14T12:44:00.000-04:00

A follow-up from my blog sister's post http://radioventriloquist.blogspot.com

Ten Quirks/Things 'bout Diggz -
1- I also align my cash...I guess it's a by-product of my passive OCD.
2- I am OCD but quite functional...no comment about organizing my hangers by color in the closet, plz.
3- I love sweet potatoe pie, but cant stand yams.
4- I can do ketchup, but no tomatoes.
5- I know I dont know everything, but I always seem to know what people are gonna say. I really try not to finish people's sentences. but jackers talk so slow...lol
6- Im tone deaf...The tone deaf songwriting producer...lol...I always have hired ears when I record vocals.
7- I can hear convos across the room like Im the CIA but I go deaf in close quarter convos...WTF??? maybe I need to turn my headphones down.
8- Im appallingly good at math, but I cant stand having a desk job. If accountants change up the environments they work in, I may make some looty looty afterall.
9- Im too smart for myself at times...I manage to convince myself into the wrong...lol...gut feeling is never wrong but i still manage to doubt it!
10- Im picky but so easy to please...please explain how that one works cause I still dont get it.

One.

Good Morning...

2007-05-14T10:06:00.000-04:00

OJ, Pineapple juice, Strawberries, Grapes, Crepes, and a fine young thing wrapped in the sheets with me....lol...I was having a dream breakfast moment. But Im back now...ha!

It's a Monday, no fun day...unless you love your job like I do. so it's not really a job, it's more like a way of life. ANYWHOOOOOO....the weather's lovely, Im inspired for so many reasons and Im doin laundry...lol...I got a few ideas I wanna pound out today so we'll see what happens. I have a big weekend coming KING Magazine along with Cove Lounge here in Columbus is having a big bash on Fri night so I gotta be sure theyre all ready for my sexy...lmao...whatever.

Im done for now...
One.

Coming along...Growing...Development...

2007-05-08T09:34:00.000-04:00

Good morning family...I once again apologize for the length of time in which Ive been away. Life, work, and everything else has had the kid on it and goin' through it. But Im def maintaining, as if anything else was acceptable. I just wraapped up one of my biggest contracts/projects to date, The Ohio State University AfricanAmerican Heritage Fest. It was an 8day celebration culminating in the Boost Mobile Stomping On The Yard National Step Show Tour. So I was at soundcheck at 9a and dj'ed for rehearsals, opened the show at 5p and then dj'ed for the show itself, only to slide to the club right after and knockout the fight party and reg club lineup....9a-230a on the wheels. DJ's can do it longer...lol...Shouts out to the Iota's from OSU on their win and I regretfully dont know what chapter they're reppin' but the Deltas showed up and did a show like Ive never seen. Now I admit it's been years since Ive been in the collegiate atmosphere but I know a good show when I see one. They did the damn thing. Shouts out to DJ Drama of The Aphilliates Music Group for comin through and blazin the spot on Sat night.

Im currently on the road getting more work done and will be hoppin back to the 614 in time to drop my luggage and grab my wax to head straight to the club. I work all week to get ready for the weekend so i can work..lol...this is the life Ive chosen and I love it.

One.

PS - To answer my last post: Ironically enough, I just might have to say that I'd do without my hearing. How I'd be a deaf DJ is a 2 level question; but touch, smell, taste, sight seem to be most fundamental to my awareness and how I live the majority of my life. Taste would def be a close second when it comes to the sense that Id live without if forced to.

Which would you do without??

2007-04-22T22:37:00.001-04:00

Of your senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing) which would you
live without if forced to decide?

I'm interested in your thoughts...

One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

WKR8 vol. XI

2007-04-19T15:07:00.001-04:00

What does spring remind you of? The rainy days of April bloom into the
sunny hotness of May and gets everybody excited to, once again, bathe in
the heat of the summer. And every spring needs a soundtrack!

DJ Krate Digga brings in spring with a blend of mellow soul and hottest
in hip hop and R&B. WKR8 Vol. XI comes in like a lion and goes out like
a lamb. Cuts from Little Brother, Rell and Raheem Devaughn set the mood
for a mid-tempo spring day, one where tops are down, and tank tops start
replacing winter gear. Listening to All I Know by CL Smooth Actually
makes me want to shine up my car and cruise the city!

The springtime definitely makes me feel a little sexy, a little more
ready to fall in love. Just Friends by Amy Winehouse surely details that
in-between period of awkwardness between two almost lovers. Corrine
Bailey Rae's Enchantment chronicles that wait night yearning for someone
you love. You know what I'm talking about.

And just like the springtime sunsets are cool and inviting, WKR8 closes
out on the same note. Jaguar Wright simmers through Let Me Be The One
and My Place, while a couple of songs by Jazzyfatnastees make for a
perfect evening. While you are enjoying your first BBQ of the season or
a cool batch of mojitos, you can wind down to the remix of These Words
by Natasha Bedingfield. This mix can make springtime into a time for
love and get you ready for a summer of kickin' it.

Always on the cusp of what's fresh and what's new, the WKR8 mixtape is
the most soulful radio station you can tune into!

WKR8 Vol.XI Tracklisting

1.Whatever You Want - Little Brother
2. My Soul's Not For Sale - Raheem DeVaughn
3. Electric Relaxation - Rell w/ Kanye West
4. All I Know - CL Smooth
5. You Do It For Me - Algebra Blessett
6. Confused RMX - Doni
7. I'm Beautiful - Aloe Blacc
8. Do Me Good - Amy Winehouse
9. Enchantment - Corinne Bailey Rae
10. Candy - Kelli Sae
11. Do For You - Heavy
12. These Words - Natasha Bedingfield
13. Just Friends - Amy Winehouse
14. Baby Come Over - Hill St. Soul w. Dwele
15. Let Me Be The One - Jaguar Wright
16. My Place - Jaguar Wright
17. Unconventional Ways - Jazzyfatnastees
18. Where We Goin' - Mystique
19. Let It Go - Jazzyfatnastees
20. Sweet On You - Hill St. Soul

As written by Donna Marbury of Donna Marie Publicity Group.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Not much really...

2007-04-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

Readers, listeners, family, and the rest of ya!!! Whats good?!? There's not much going on here, just catching up on some emails, contract issues, and replying to messages and making odd faces at odder spams.

The work week(end) for me is nearly over, just one more gig this evening. It has definitely been both a productive and interesting weekend, so all in all no complaints. However it's ridiculously un-April like COLD OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!! WTF?!?!? i mean really.

As my life gets abit more interesting, maybe I will as well...lol...

One.

In The Lab on 4/12/07

2007-04-11T17:42:00.000-04:00

Hey hey now!!! What's really going on? When I said Reminisce last week,
I didn't mean for the weather to roll back to the frigid temps of
January. Yo, anyways, warmth is on the horizon.

The response to In The Lab has been great. Thanks to all those that have
been downloading and welcome to the newcomers. The only problem seems to
be that folks can't keep up, imagine getting a new cd every week.
There's no way to really appreciate music like that. So here's the new
digs (pun intended), In The Lab will become a semi-gov'ment entity.
Follow me...instead of the 1st and 15th, we'll be releasing new mixes on
the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. These dates also coincide with
the release dates of my newsletter "Digging in the Krates". So now all
are able to breathe with each release. It's been a long standing feature
to hear something different each time you peep my mixes. The first time
through is usually cursory, but by the 3rd or 4th time through you're
hearing little touches that make the music mine. Whether it's ad libs,
hand claps, or muffled laughter; being In The Lab with Krate Digga is
always a blast!

So take this week off to get caught up with vols 1-9. Relisten or listen
for the first time...

Next week, we'll be back In The Lab with Krate Digga. The weather will
put us all in a better mood.

One.

Upcoming Shows
4/12 Club Ice 7p
4/13 BoMA 9p
4/14 Tea/Fashion 12p
4/14 Club Ice 10p
4/15 High Five 6p

-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Slowly Catching Up...

2007-04-06T23:36:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all the BDay well-wishers. My born day is always a bittersweet
one, it was 10yrs to the day before my birth that MLK was murdered on a
Memphis balcony. So I always take a moment out to show respect to him
and the advancements that he's allowed.

I got some new body art to commemorate the last year of my 20's...wow,
time flies but I've been having fun!!!

For those that would like to be added to the mailing list hit the
comment box and I gotcha. The new newsletter has been receiving rave
reviews, shouts out to Donna Marie Publicity Group for all the hard
work. I love ya!!!

Thursday was back to work as I hit the 1st of 3 weekly rotations...I was
pleasantly surprised by the arrival of a cake w/ my logo on it....no one
jumped out of it, but that can wait for the 3-0....lol...once again
thanks, it was a modest surprise and very much appreciated.

As there's more, you get it. Be sure to hit www.theurbanstarr.com for
this week's supply of In The Lab.

Thanks again for the support and bday love...
Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

It's Spring Again v.3.07.2

2007-03-30T18:30:00.001-04:00

I'm back on the road this weekend. I'm welcoming it, the weather's great
and the change of scenery is always good for my creative refreshing.

What's gonna hurt is the 2nd leg. 1st gig ends at 4a, I gotta be back up
and on the road by 7a. Red Bull is my co-pilot for that one; but the
"Show, Blow, and Go" theme never gets old. I don't feel a need to stick
around and bask, I'm not in this for the fame. I'm in it to foster a
great time and then to move on to the next spot. Everyone's deserves
their turn...

That way they get a chance to miss me, like I miss them. Wilberforce
Univ, it's good to be back. I missed ya!

Shouts out to LP! DJ Opeezy, what's good?!?
One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

2007-03-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

Three mix tapes and 2 InThe Lab sessions later it's Thursday. My work week is interesting in the sense that I spend basically 4 days prepping for the 3 days that I work. Sometimes 4.

Some people think that as a dj you just go and play music; nah lil' buddy, it's way deeper than that. No complaints either. So as I prepare for the visual portion of my work week, I find myself exhausted already...lol...

Im goin to sleep.

PS - I told you I'd post more often, I never said they all'd be interesting...lol...

Just a day in the life...in the lab
One.

YO!!!!! Be sure to hit www.theurbanstarr.com for this week's installment of In The Lab. It's volume 8 and it's official!!!

It's Spring Again....v.3.07.1

2007-03-26T13:17:00.001-04:00

Yes, it is officially spring again. Tops are down, bikes are out, manure
in the mulch roasts the morning breeze...lol...yea, it's spring time.
The change-over came right in time for my birthday. Shouts out to all
the Aries, them damn Rams!!!!

Along with spring comes an immediate increase on the workload which is
always welcome. This past weekend was a full fledged reminder on why I
do what I do. I chose this life for myself and I love it. I had 7 gigs
booked over 4 days, covering multiple venues, multiple cities, and
multiple demographics. There's nothing like doing a 4hr gig only to have
to pack up all the gear to hit the road (doin 70 in a 55, don't tell) to
rush to the next venue to tear another one down. Or to do a 6hr gig,
celebrating the nuptuals of a young couple and then change clothes on
the highway to get to the club to bounce, roll, kick, push with the
hottest in old school hip hop and nu soul joints...I love my job.
It's really not even a job, it's my way of life.

Still spinnin, still diggin...
One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Without you all...

2007-03-08T18:04:00.000-05:00

Whats good family. I'd like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all the folks who are steadfast in their support of DJ Krate Digga and The SoundChampz Crew. Without you all I'm not able to do what I do, the way I do it. Hopefully we can all continue to break barriers and move onward and upward; all while staying true to ourselves and to our respective crafts.

Sound Massive to all the DJs who are legit D.J.s!!! Keep bangin the ears, diggin in the crates, and meltin wax every chance you get!!!

To Donna, without your continued support I'm not sure where I'd be. We have lots of business to do!

To all those who pack the venues, bang the mix cd's, or just appreciate the art and the show that it manifests...Let's keep this thing going!

To my personal inspirations, there's no words that express my gratitude.

Here's the link to the story...
http://columbusalive.com/?sec=music&story=alive/2007/0308/m-treat.html

One.

Gettin Back At It...

2007-02-28T20:25:00.000-05:00

Whats good Family?!?! I know it's been awhile since I reached out and shared my world with you all. Blame the grind not the mind. There's def been plenty of fodder for the blogs but not all of it is your biz quite frankly...lol...
2007 has brought blessing and clarity to much of my life. Some things were new others just confirmations and reminders. So with all that, let's play catch up.
I'm still on the 1's and 2's, as if that would/could change. It's officially the full time gig now...and when I say officially I mean per Uncle Samuel...i.e. THE US of A. My day gig was just padding to the budget so I kept it, until it wasnt padding anymore. DJing always paid more with less man hours of work and greater rewards both internally and extrinsically, so the logical step was to follow my calling (because that's what spinning is to me. It's my destiny to share music with the world...to hope my interpretations of it reach your ears and touch your souls; speak to your hearts.)
At first the journey ahead was one of reservation, but I instantly understood that this is IT. It was solely up to me to spin for my survival...literally. No gigs, no food, etc.There's been no looking back since and there's been nothing but blessings since. The inspiration has come from a myriad of sources and to each of them I tell them "Thank You" as often as possible. The SoundChampz Empire is on the rise and the trek is full of fun, experiences, learning opps, and the occassional WTF's...lol...
For those that were accustom to my weekly postings, I apologize for them ceasing. They'll return at some point; in some shape, form, or fashion.It's just one of those times when I speak so much in depth through the music.
Some affiliations have come, others have gone; but at the end of the day Krate Digga is a SoundChamp. It's the vehicle behind which all my success has rode, to backseat it to anything or anyone else serves no purpose other than to lessen who am I or what I've accomplished in context to others. I cant go for that...
On that note, for those that missed it. The 80s mix is on vol.II and for those that were at The Cove for Last Chance Friday (February '07 edition), you got the advance live sampling of vol.III.
In The Lab v.5 drops in a few hours on www.theurbanstarr.com ; for those that saw there wasn't a new upload last week, dont fret. It was the opportunity for folks to catch up. Word is folks still dont know how slick the mixes are; even without the studio tricks. Yo Im a DJ. Just gimme the tables and some space...the rest is my history...working towards my legacy.
Fair warning though, the biz side of things have tightened up sevenfold. Free passes for sloppy and cheap biz expired in '06. I stay respectful because I'm a businessman, but remember I'm a business, man! The rules are changing! Equity is to be had by those who are the soul of things...A party could be past capacity but if the DJ aint rockin', it's just a fire hazard. And last Sunday was a testament to the fact that 20 people can have the time of their lives, if the DJ's on point. So you see where Im going. No ego trip, just know where you stand; Mr. Promoter, Mr Club Owner. Talib Kweli said it best in Funny Money, "My kids can't eat my love of hip hop"...think about it.
You'll be hearing more from me on many planes..so clean out your ears and free up some room on your mp3 players, in your disc changers, in your souls, in your hearts. I'm reachin out to touch folks. Let's Go!
Peace&Love.One.

-DJ Krate Digga The Mighty SoundChampion

In The Lab...but nothing to show for it...kinda

2007-02-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

Whats good people?? As some of you have become accustom to, I usually drop a new 60min mix on www.theurbanstarr.com every Thursday. While that will be continuing, tomorrow will be a little different. We're gonna take a week off and allow the world to catch up. Vols.1 - 4 will be avail for download and we'll pick back up next week with Vol.5. So feel free to still hit the site, sample the vols and download them at will.
However I havent been idle in my productivity. This Saturday at Club Ice, 40 E. Long St, Columbus OH; I'll be having a CD Release party along with IN8 Inner-Prizes. For those that are or were familiar with The Movement:NuSoul Radio mix series from 2004-2005, it's coming back. Actually it's relaunching as The Movement:FutureSoul Radio but you see where Im going. Come out and hear some new artists like Darien Brockington, as well as some old favorites like Eric Roberson...who will both be performing in Columbus this year.
Ive been involved in some other projects so def keep your ears peeled, the soundchampion is only getting warmed up....plus spring is on its way in.

Peace&Love.One.

In The Lab v dot 4...fo'sho

2007-02-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday, so by now you know that means to hit ww.theurbanstarr.com for this week's installment of In The Lab. Volume 3 last week was all about Queensbridge; Nasir Jones aka Nasty Nas aka Nas Escobar aka Nastradamus.

Diggz is pickin' it up this week with volume 4. So peep the site, www.theurbanstarr.com and grab your free download mix, In The Lab v.4.

One.

Perfection

2007-02-09T16:59:00.001-05:00

Perfection is not the absence of flaws. It is the acceptance and
noncompromise of what we are, who we are, and how we are. Once you truly
accept you, perfection is attained.
Yes, you are perfect to me.

One.
J/K/D

Nostalgic REPOST

2007-02-08T23:35:00.001-05:00

--ORINGINALLY POSTED ON 2/7/06--
The Foundations Breed Nostalgia

What's good family...I was doin some diggin and it got me thinking about
how much has happened in the last 365 days. We've lost Ossie Davis, Rosa
Parks, Coretta Scott King, Luther Vandross, Johnnie Cochran, Nipsey
Russell, Richard Pryor, and others I'm sure I've temporarily forgotten.

Considering the combined energies of these fallen and how much they
contributed to society, not just in civil rights, but to society as a
whole; I'm left wondering where things are headed. While it goes without
saying that racism is still alive and well, the new dividing line in
society is along financial boundaries. The Have's and the Have Not's.
Fallout from Hurricane Katrina and the local ice storm atest to the lack
of a concerted and honest effort to bring the lower class upwards as
opposed to raising the buffer between the Fiscal Fabulous and the Ghetto
Fabolous. There's no political or social agenda in this post, just some
thoughts spurred by the sounds of Ella, John C, and Etta. Reminds me of
a time that seems so long ago and so far from coming back.....
Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Triple Homocide...of sorts

2007-02-05T16:55:00.001-05:00

No laws were broken, no lives lost, no one actually died...but I was
still killin 'em...lol

I'm more than just a dj. I have the mind of a serial killer when it
comes to the ones and twos. When I get behind the tables that SKREECH
SKREECH kicks in and I'm called to make them dance themselves to death.
I'm called to kill all doubt about what I do, how I do, and what the
future has in store for The Mighty SoundChampion.

So this is my confession: this past weekend I was haunted by my calling
and I commited 3 separate acts of serial homicide. Many died, but all
will live on to die another death when I return to the
tables....sometimes it's even suicidal. Krate surprises himself at
times; zonin' out is so deadly!

One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-

Keepin it rollin...

2007-02-02T23:22:00.000-05:00

I do say yay and nay, so I answered as such. From The Final Hour's
spot...

I am shorter than 5' 5": nay, 5'8" and 1/2...lol
I have many scars: yay
I tan easily: nay
I wish my hair was a different color: nay
I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color: nay
I've had braces: nay
I wear glasses or contacts: nay
I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger: yay
I have freckles: nay
I've fallen asleep at work or school: yay, yay
I failed more than 1 class: yay
I've been fired: nay, I quit that ish!!
Disney movies still make me cry: nay
I've laughed so hard I've cried: yay
I've glued my hand to something: nay, but something to my hand
I've laughed til some kind of beverage came out of my nose: yay
I've had my pants rip/drop in public: yay
I've had my tonsils removed: nay
I've sat in a doctors office with a friend: yay
I've had my wisdom teeth removed: yay, some
I've had chicken pox: yay
I've gotten lost in my city: yay
I've seen a shooting star: nay
I've wished on a shooting star: nay
I've gone out in public in my pajamas: yay
I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator: nay I've been to a
casino: yay
I've been skydiving: nay
I've drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour: nay I've been in a
car crash: yay
I've caught a snowflake on my tongue: yay
I've sat on a roof top at night: uhhh can't say (recall)
I've played chicken: nay
I've played a prank on someone: yay
I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show: nay
I've eaten Sushi: nay
I've been snowboarding: nay, I missed that opp by a few hours
I've had a crush on a teacher: nay
I've hugged a stranger: yay
I own over 5 rap CDs: yay, and even more records
I own multiple designer pants and shirts, costing over $100 piece:
may-be...suggested retail, but damn if I paid that.
I own something from Hot Topic: nay
I own something from Pac Sun: yay..well nay. I broke those sunglasses
I own something from The Gap: yay
I own something from Abercrombie: nay
I can sing well: nay, like a muuhfuuh
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

"...the facts ma'am. Strictly the facts..."

2007-02-02T22:25:00.001-05:00

What's good fam?!? I'm puttin a quick wraps on The Haps...I'm fallin
back; call it zone defense if you'd like. One.

Thu 2/1/07 - In The Lab v.2 on www.theurbanstarr.com
Fri 2/2/07 - Krate Digga w/ Karmen & Rich NYCe @ Cove Lounge 231 N. 5th
St. 11p
Sat 2/3/07 - Krate Digga w/ Rich NYCe @ Club Ice 40 E. Long St. Old
School Basement Party starts at 10p
Sun 2/4/07 - Krate Digga et al @ Club Ice 40 E. Long St. African
American Unity Bowl Celebration. Doors open at 5p and it's FREE!!!

Whether you're pumpin the sounds of Redman "Let's Get Dungy!!!" or in
the Chi, "Steppin in the Name of Lovie"; I'd love to see you all out on
Sunday. It's an historic event, let's make the most of it. Surprises are
definitely in store.

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Peace&Love.One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Step into the lab...

2007-02-01T09:39:00.001-05:00

It's Thursday, all day, so you know what that means...hit

www.theurbanstarr.com for this week's installment of In The Lab. If you
missed volume 1 last week, you missed Andre 3000 and Big Boi; yea,
OutKast.

Diggz is pickin up where he left off this week with volume 2. So peep
the site, www.theurbanstarr.com and grab your free download mix, In The
Lab v.2.

One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

...I think they're ready...

2007-01-29T00:40:00.001-05:00

The Wraps huh?!? Lmao...well what can I say?? It was def a team effort.
King Sev was first on the scene; did his setup and engineering magic.
Then I slipped in and set off the new winter style...we'll get to that
later...had the opp to rest and eat my first meal of the day: poultry
and potatoes...well it was nuggets and fries, but fine dining is all in
the mind sometimes. Rich slid in and unbeknownst to me, he was already
on the new winter style as well! Daaahkness unite!!!! Lol...he rolled in
with the 1s and 2s, mixer, and (epic horn intro please.......) Serato
set up. I've messed with Serato before on diff occasions but never did a
gig with it. So why not?!?

Familiarity with the system as well as crate prep on my part pulled the
swagger out early. In comes the bar honeyflies or fly honies at the
bar...lol...and some other folks. Then a couple of bday celebs rolled
through. Then..........yea!

Next thing you know VIP is jumpin, the dance floor's packed; and
then.......yeyaaaah!!! Folks is dancin on tables!!! Check it, not even
tables; more like those little blocks in the VIP...chicks are doubled up
dancin on blocks...classic Coveness!!!

Old school to new, Rich is on the mic grind...REWIND!!!!!!! Selecta Come
down!!!! King Sev on the mic grind for the Mighty SoundChampion's
champion sound set. Crates to the Serato and back, seamless. Finally got
around to some new instant classics; Robin Thicke, Darrien Brockington,
CL Smooth (of They Reminisce?? Yes, that CL Smooth!!!) Yo!!! They were
dancin in twos on the blocks...had to have been there!!!!!

If you missed it...No symps from me. I warn you, I put it out there. If
you got better things to do, you're crazy (what's better than Diggz and
Rich NYCe on a Friday night??) Nuff said. See ya on Thursday with In The
Lab on www.theurbanstarr.com.

Even in a loss, I gotta show love to my KState fam!! Just work on those
free throws!!! Shouts out to the 219, Levittown, the 567, the 502, the
Mos Wanted Crew, and of course The U-S-C Oh!!!!!

Be on the lookout!!! NuSoul is making it's movement back to Columbus,
are you ready?!?

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Double downs on Diggz will become trifectas...I'm off to the races.
One.

-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Eyes Wide Shut...

2007-01-26T09:50:00.001-05:00

What's good fam?!?
It's about 7:47am and I just walked outta O's studio. I'm headed back to
my lab to mix and master WKR8 Vol. X for aural consumption. Looks like I
may pull a 24! Keiffer can't hold me, Jack!!!! Ha!! Tally it up and
that's 44 hrs in the past 48. Never underestimate the power of a Red
Bull...or 3. Wait til I get my hands on the 12oz cans!!!! Best believe
I'm exhausted, but it's so serious right now. This is my calling and I'm
prepared to answer. For those that peeped the first installment of IN
THE LAB on www.theurbanstarr.com, I hope you enjoyed it. For those that
didn't, go grab it. FREE!!! Yes, F-R-E-E. Free download, drop it in your
iPods, Windows Media joints, or burn it to a cd for the ride. Every
Thursday you'll get a new 60 minute mix straight from the crates. Do the
math, that's 48 free mix cds.
Only available on WWW.THEURBANSTARR.COM
Only from The Mighty SoundChamp, DJ KRATE DIGGA.
Tonight it's on at Cove Lounge...Last Fridays...Last Chance...Last
Call...Rich NYCe and Krate Digga, it's a guarantee!!!
Shouts out to Kentucky State University Men's Basketball!!! My younger
brother is Asst Coach and co-alum. This weekend we'll be defeating the
Midnite Marauders of Central State University. Dave Chappelle can't help
you on this one!!! I'm feelin' real nostalgic right now!!! We're gonna
ride out with Maze's "Before I Let Go" played by none other than the
Mighty Thorobred Pep Band...before I let go...
Green and Gold! How fresh it that!!!

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Who needs ballin' when We're playin bas-ket-balllll
One.
-Diggz (born 10years ago at KSU)

And Anotha One...

2007-01-26T05:19:00.001-05:00

I've been on the grind, really feeling the music. So who am I not to share???
In commemoration of my 10 year DJ anniversary, I've completed WKR8 Vol. X. Be on the lookout for more 10 year themes throughout the year.

It's a celebration.....lol...

WKR8 Vol. X Playlist

1. Ask Myself - Robin Thicke
2. Keep It Movin' - HiTek w/ Dion, QTip & Kurupt
3. Heaven RMX - John Legend w/ Pusha T
4. Stay With Me - PPP w/ Tiombe Lockhart
5. La La - Slum Village
6. Won't Do - J Dilla
7. Got 2 Be Down - Robin Thicke w/ Faith Evans
8. Everything I Got (Life Like Diddy)- Kanye West w/Terminology
9. Nawww - Kanye West w/ Little Brother & Consequence
10. Undeniable - Mos Def
11. Get Wild - J Dilla
12. Heart Of The City - Big Pooh
13. Call On Me - CL Smooth
14. Good Ole Days - Big Tone
15. Let It Go - HiTek w/ Dion & Talib Kweli
16. Hold On RMX - Dwele w/ Kanye & Consequence
17. Won't You Stay - Talib Kweli
18. You're All I Need (Feels Like Heaven) - Bilal
19. Slave - Steve Spacek
20. Complications - Consequence
21. Childhood Drama - Goapele
22. Music For Life - HiTek w/ Nas and Marsha Ambrosius
23. I Miss You - Darrien Brockington
24. American Me (Outro) - CL Smooth
25. I Got What You Want - Darrien Brockington
26. Testify - Styles P w/ Talib Kweli
27. Forty Days - Billy Brooks
28. Outro - Krate Digga

-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

New Release

2007-01-25T14:02:00.001-05:00

You've been askin for it, so here it is. High 5's and chopped sweatshirts...leather pants and sailors hats...

19KR80's Vol.II Playlist

1. Bad Boy/Havin A Party - Luther Vandross
2. I Didn't Mean To Turn You On - Cherrelle
3. Nasty Girl - Vanity 6
4. Jungle Love - The Time
5. When Doves Cry - Prince & The Revolution
6. Word Up - Cameo
7. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
8. P.Y.T. - Michael Jackson
9. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' - Michael Jackson
10. Raspberry Beret - Prince & The Revolution
11. You Are In My System - The System
12. Groove Me - Guy
12. Feels So Real - Patrice Rushen
14. C'est La Vie - Robbie Nevel
15. Nightshift - Commodores
16. All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
17. Sign Your Name - Terence Trent D'Arby
18. Smooth Operator - Sade
19. Angel - Angela Winbush
20. Don't Disturb This Groove - The System
21. Two Occasions - The Deele
22. Superstar/Until You... (That's What I'm Gonna Do) - Luther Vandross

-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

In The Lab Launch

2007-01-25T02:58:00.001-05:00

I told you that some would understand sooner than later, well it's time...see how soon that was!!!
www.theurbanstarr.com is host to DJ Krate Digga and his In The Lab mixseries. Every Thursday, the site will feature a new 60min mix by yours truly.

Understand the process and concept. You are basically a fly on the wall during my many studio rehearsal sessions...yes, rehearsals. Most of the mixes are impromptu ideas and blends, not charted nor planned; just based on a predetermined theme. There's no studio tracking, no Pro
Tool-ing, no punch ins, no corrections of mistakes; it's a truly live recording. Just as if I were performing in the club. Me and the 1s and 2s.

So please feel free to hit www.theurbanstarr.com and grab ur weekly dose of Diggz; a perfect way to start the weekend. While you're at the site, peep the what's what in Columbus. New mixes EVERY Thursday.

Peace&Love.One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

In The Lab

2007-01-22T10:38:00.001-05:00

Yerr, what's good fam?!? I can't stay long, I'm actually still working.

This past weekend had me on my grind, but it's only the beginning. I'M FOCUSED MAN!!! Friday at Cove, I did dat!! Saturday at Ice, I did dat too!! Sunday at Club 1386, I did dat three!!! Ha!!

It's Monday, but I'm back In The Lab...it'll all makes sense sooner than later. See you on Friday, it's the Haps baby!!! But be sure to hit up The Urbanstarr site (www.theurbanstarr.com) on Thursday for the new dose of Diggz....

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

...and it goes a little something like this....
One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Imma rock this muuhfuuh like 3 the hard way...

2007-01-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

I took a weekend off and got my chi right, my feng shui is tight, u know
the mojo stays on blacklight...so what better to do on the 1st weekend
back than to hit 'em all weekend. Yes ALL weekend.

1. Friday night at Cove, 231 N.5th St., Krate Digga w/ my man Rich NYCe.
The Daaahkness Duo is back!!!

2. Saturday night at Club Ice, 40 E. Long St., finally figured it out
and called in Krate to do it like only he can...old school, nu soul,
classic soul...Now here's the deal; real talk. All you folks who
complained that Cove doesn't have enough room for you to actually dance
when I spin; roll with me on Sat. To all those who say Club Ice is for
the kiddies; vibe with me on Sat. I'm spinnin for me and my peoples;
Standard Lounge nostalgia. To all those that just wanna complain because
they're happy being unhappy; keep your ass home.

3. Sunday night, yes Sunday. When I said all weekend did you not
understand???!??? Sunday night at Club 1386, 560 S. High St., I'll be
linking back up with my wax poetic partner Ed Mabrey.

I've given you all 3 chances on 3 nights for 3 different vibes at 3
different venues; now it that aint 3 the hard way, I don't know what
is...

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

3.2.One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Are you back at work??

2007-01-16T11:05:00.001-05:00

I'm not!!! Lol...

...And now that the skiing's over, the snow's falling. 5 - 8 inches are
expected to fall today. I'm happy to finally see snow, it's only 8 weeks
til the Ides of March. Just couldn't have come at a worse time, we're
back on the road and progress will be slow. For those that are hoping
for a recap, peep the links and get your fix. For those that hit Cove on
Friday or Mahogany's Soul on Sunday, I hope you enjoyed my crewmates in
my absence. Sometimes a brotha's gotta get some fresh air. Rest up this
week, double doses of Digga are coming soon....real soon....may even
slide in a trifecta too.

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Breathe easy, breathe deeply. Smells good, feels better.
One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Road Trippin' Pt4......

2007-01-15T03:04:00.000-05:00

Whoosh.....then silence....shhhhhhhhh.

That's the sound of taking the black diamond Chute run. 1st 50yds is
downas in a drop, then it curls to a serene cruise control type
experience. The adrenaline level of the first drop borders on fear. The
key is to stay calm and keep the knees together and push the heels out
to form that infamous ski wedge, an inverted V. As it levels off and
your body hits cruise control, the quiet is deafening.

So yea!!! We finally hit the slopes. Only after I woke up and threw down
as Chef K-R-8. I do my thing behind the tables as well as in the
kitchen, best believe. French toast, eggs, bacon, and hash browns.;
that's the way to feed the body before feeding the need for speed. A
couple of refresher runs on the bunny hill, added to a couple of tumbles
(there were an abundance of them, not just me. Plus, I didn't have
anything to prove; some folks can't even walk without tripping...lol)
and I was ready. Run #1 down The Chute, well run #1.5...the first
attempt ended somewhere after 75 yards of off-balance speed and a couple
of powder tossing barrell rolls...for the record I rose to my feet
missing a ski....lmao. After ski recovery, I finished the run; ending it
with a textbook shave stop sans the shower of snow dusting the audience
a la Winter X Games and Olympics!!!
Run #2 Imma professional, Imma Imma professional. I test out a few other
runs, some better than others. The lack of snow made for some icy
patches but considering the weather in the midwest as a whole, I can't
complain.

After some runs and a much needed nap, I had to relax the muscles. So I
hit the hot tub...outdoor hot tub. Yea, u read right. Snow's lightly
falling, dust from the snow machines is floating on the wind and I am
outside in the hot tub. I know most of you are like WTF?? Krate's took
it too f'in far...yea, I even said that myself. However I thought about
it all and just stuck to some basic wintertime principles. I kept my
head covered, so as to retain some body heat. I kept the rest of me
under the water. So with the temp of the water being what it was, all
was good. Still not convinced, it's cool. I'm not sweatin' it. Just more
room in there for me to unwind. I don't do this for ya'll!!!
After an hour of relaxing in the Sun Bubble...lol...old school shout to
my 614 folks, I head back for some socializing with the squad. Some Mad
Gab and Taboo styled games, it was a wrap on the day. Not to mention I
got stuck with a couple shots of some quality vodka as penalties for my
team's lack of mental acuteness...but as a light drinker, I still held
my own. Sunday's in the books, I had a ball. Doin the damn thang only to
wake up tomorrow and do more.

Not missin' the everyday hustle and bustle...
One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Road Trippin Pt3.....

2007-01-14T01:39:00.001-05:00

The power of a dj is quite often...QUITE OFTEN....underestimated. We hit
this spot called Marley's. A Caribbean themed restaurant and club. We
step in to Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved"...5pts. As we make it
through the spot (mainly Caucasians, just for context) and find a table
for the 12 of us to lay coats and drinks, we're treated to a slick,
although obviously cd cued mix of Missy, Justin Timberlake, Fat Man
Scoop, Chubb Rock, and Rob Base...spot is jumpin...then he cuts the
music to make a shout out...not a quick one either. Ouch!!! Then to
follow, he forgets to press play on the cd player...fukka!!! Only to
KILL the vibe and empty ...literally... the dancefloor with a superwack
98.9 WNCI 80's rock mixx....wow!!!! Not bad meaning good, but bad
meaning bad.

Moral of the story: anybody can play music. Cd, mp3, records; doesn't
matter. That DOESN'T...DOES NOT....DON'T... make you a DJ. The playlist
set him up and he hung himself, quicker than Saddam Hussein. Fuck the
playlist!!!! If the crowd is vibin', understand what they're feelin' and
KEEP GOIN FREE!!!

A lesson to all you WANNA BE Spinnas and WACK ASSES...leave the musical
magic to us who have earned the right to be called DJs. The ones who
have labored with crates, cases, sound systems, hot ass basement
parties, and the like.

The playlist will get you everytime!!!!! Where's a Suspect when you need
one??

Due to some plain old Mo Fukkery, we didn't ski today; but it's on
tomorrow. Plus it snowed a tad after it was all said and done AND the
Chicago Bears play at noon (CST) so the energy is high up this way.

One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Road Trippin' Pt.2.....

2007-01-13T15:04:00.001-05:00

Random Thought: When is it too early to smoke a cigarette? Is
before/during breakfast a bit early to get ur black lung rollin?? I'm a
non-smoker, so I don't know the protocal.

Anyway...As we all meet up with the rest of the gang, we head out to the
Wisconsin Dells for the slpoes. It's about a 3 hr trip so between NuSoul
vols 2,4, and 6 along with Bilal's new LP; the trip is nothing. I'm
however takin it back to 1987...Are we there yet?!? I have to potty. Why
the hell didn't I go before we left?? Of, course because I didn't have
to go then (or so I thought)...back to 2007, I'll hold it. I gotta.

Tales from the slopes to follow. 20 black folks on skis, bound to be
some good blogging...lol

One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

Road Trippin' Pt.1....

2007-01-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

What's good family....I'm fresh off touch down at Chicago's Midway
Airport. For those that haven't been to Midway before, it's easy to
describe. Think of our (Columbus, OH) Greyhound station...now add 737s
and livery service...lol... I'll give'em credit, they've remodeled so
it's not quite Town and 4th.

Now I'm eastbound on the Ryan Expressway... Gotttt Daaaaayuuuuuum!!! 670
traffic aint nothin!! What's worse (or funnier, depending on your
perspective) is that there's full size billboards on the side of the
highway that feature wanted felons...i.e. WANTED FOR DEALING IN COCAINE.
(Picture here) (NAME HERE)...wow...

So it's on to IHOP, I'm starving and when in the Chi I hit the
I...lol...eggs and french toast...maybe I'll see R. Kelly and
Sparkle...lmfao

Tune in for more later...
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

More responses to Hip Hop Is Dead Pt.1

2007-01-12T02:08:00.003-05:00

Autumn says...
First, hip hop is not dead but less popular, or less noticeable and
misunderstood.
Second hip hop is NOT what you hear playing on the radio. It is not pop
music or the paul wall or jeezy you hear everywhere you go. Hip hop is
different from rap. Hip hop is still the same as it ever was an
awareness. A cause. To me, (since this is all opinion mostly anyway) we
have some people who have & will always be the musical form of hip
hop...Lupe, Common, Talib, Roots, Mos...and so on...but the culture of
hip hop is still alive, maybe fleeting but you just have to look harder
to find it. DJs keep it alive, breakers are still out there, there are
new hip hop groups everyday that are the pure form of hip hop. True
beats & rhymes, dress & act. We all know there is still graffiti also,
all these aspects of hip hop & many more are alive still. Every time you
see a blog or bulletin that is to make people aware of a cause or wrong
doing...to me is part of hip hop, it's an awareness...some people just
aren't so aware of it any more. Some people never knew what it really
was, confused by any mofo calling themselves a hip hop artist.
Anyway, just an opinion...but keep hope alive! :)
Another comment absolutely everything changes through time...therefore
we cannot expect hip hop to stay as it was in the 80s or 90s...
Of course mainstream rap has taken over & there is alot less quality hip
hop music out there but still it is out there & it really hasn't changed
too much...i believe it has grown with age...there is nothing wrong with
quality over quantity...let me say that again..i prefer quality over
quantity...musically...anyway :)
The true backbone of hip hop has not changed that much...you still know
it when you hear it...it still moves you...well it moves me...it's a
neglected artform...but i'm glad it's not mainstream...then who knows
what it would turn into...I think if we were located in a spot like
Cali, philly, NY or something you would see more of hip hop & it's
culture...but Ohio?...it's slim pickins here.

Hip Hop Is Dead...some responses to Pt.1

2007-01-12T02:08:00.001-05:00

For those that can recall, last issue I dove into the topic of Hip Hop's
vitality as a culture. I set out two paths along which I'll lead you all
based on my opinions and on facts alike. There were several responses to
Pt.1, here's a few.:

Donna says...
Well, I want to answer the question, fresh from writing my Dispatch
review of the Nas CD about five minutes ago.
No, hip hop is not dead. Hip Hop is different. Hip Hop is Pop music.
There are good and bad things about this. However, it is what it is.
Rappers have always deserved mainstream and critical acclaim. And they
are finally getting it. Just like Pop acts have been able to release
dribble, rappers are able to do the same and get paid. Rap is getting
the credit it deserves, but at a price.
Hip Hop has been conservative, and slow to change. But with Jay-Z in the
headline, it will be possible for older rappers to move into a mature
stage, and stop compete in the Pop music realm of the artform.
Do young people respect where the music came from? No. But young people
don't really respect where any music has come from. Hence the reason
artists like James Brown were pissed during the Golden Age for not
getting his props.
Hip hop ain't dead, it's just different. The conservative East coasters
need to get off their high horse and learn how to compete again. I don't
want to hear LL Cool J talking about kiddie shit anymore. If you gonna
be 38 and still rapping, rap to 38 year olds...

DJ Karmen SpinDiego says...
There that word is again....Different! :-) I agree. Hip-Hop music has
changed from the form in which I know it. The way the music made me feel
when I was a little girl or even through high school in an era where
hip-hop music was going through a sense of maturity. It delivered a
message. It spoke truth and discussed issues that was going on in
everyday life. Topics that we all can relate to. NOWADAYS the music is
different. It's what the kids know as hip-hop music. Its made for TV
music. It's what kids can appreciate as hip-hop, and because we were
raised on a different version, we can honestly evaluate how it has grown
or in some instances where it has forked into a whole different genre of
music. Dead or alive; hip-hop music has been around longer than what
alot of critics gave the music credit for. Hip-hop emerged from music
and developed into a culture, a way of life that has been saving lives
for years and years to come. Lets ask the question again. Is Hip-Hop
music dead? NOIs Hip-Hop culture dead? NOHas Hip-Hop music/culture
changed? YESIs Hip-Hop music dead from what I was raised on? YESOverall
is Hip-Hop on life support? ABSOLUTLEYShould we consider calling the
music something else because its not "hip-hop music" from which we were
raised on? If it is to be considered dead then why are we still calling
it something that no longer exist in its true form?If that's the case
should we change what we consider R&B because it different from what our
parents knew?The essence of the hip hip game has changed, but all music
goes through some sort of transformation. For me the challenge is
accepting the change. I either grow with it, or grow on without it. Just
my thoughts..

Horizons...Are they your boundaries or your target?

2007-01-12T02:06:00.001-05:00

I've never been to France, but I'm going; plus I already speak French.
I've been to Africa, but that was 12 years ago; I'm due for a return
trip. Toronto, 16 years. Florida, 10 years. Vegas, Cali, Seattle, Texas;
never. Well let's amend that to not yet. Add Brazil, Germany, Tokyo, and
many more. Hopefully you get my point. I know folks who don't leave
their side of town unless it's on a trip to 341 S. High. I went to
undergrad with people who had never left their respective cities before.
For some it's a financial or opportunity issue; for others it's plain
fear. The unknown, the different, the gaul...lol...The year is young,
let's each look in ourselves and to each other to broaden our horizons;
to expand our perspectives. Whether on minor or major levels. Try new
foods, read some non-fiction, flip that FM channel to an AM one, travel
to a new city or to a different country. How about things you haven't
done in awhile. Try them again. I remember ski club in MS and haven't
been since; well not anymore. I've played soccer, basketball,
volleyball, track, cross country, softball; I'm sure I can still rock
the twin blades like Gillette. Or how bout I try something new and check
out the snowboard. I rocked a bodyboard in Virginia Beach...wemp wemp
what it do what it do!!! I'm sure I can figure it out. It doesn't take a
congressman to know to just stay away from the trees (some of you will
get that one, if not google "congressman" + "skiing accident".)
Anywhoot, I guarantee that as you branch out; you'll see farther, you'll
hear deeper, feel smarter, and be just that much sexier. That's my
secret...lmao. I'm kidding, not really.
So while I'm off gaining perspective and being the Tiger Woods of the
slopes; my man The Brooklyn Butcha is gonna hold it down at Cove on
Friday. O Sharp is gonna hold me down at Mahogany's Soul on Sunday.
Different DJs, different styles. Broaden your horizons...plus my whole
crew is sick up in this muuh#%$*a...

http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/kratedigga

The Snowman sees his Snow Angel...
One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual mSuspects Crew affiliate-

Hip Hop Is Dead Pt.1

2007-01-08T00:50:00.001-05:00

Yes, I said it. How I meant it though, that's the real discussion. Over
the next few issues, I'm gonna delve into a series of discussions (or
perhaps due to format more applicably described as essays) over the
question of Is Hip Hop Dead and more specifically over the statement of
Hip Hip IS Dead. Many may wonder and openly question "Why discuss the
question AND discuss the statement as if they're not the same
discussion?" Well, because they aren't.

These essays will be both of research and of personal testimony. Some
statements will be of fact and some of opinion; I will tell you up front
that I plan to discern and advise you of when each is each. I have no
hidden agenda nor do I have any interest in making my opinion yours. The
discussion is one that's overdue and the extinction of a culture is at
stake. Literally.

As an opening, I'll begin with the parameters within which I'd like us
to consider the arguments as they're presented. Hip Hop to some is a
musical genre; akin to R&B, Pop, Rock, and Country. To a vast many of us
Hip Hop is a culture, a way of life. It is within that spectrum I'll
speak of Hip Hop; as a culture. Secondly, unfortunately I must redefine
the word dead (to a degree.). I use the term "dead" in the same sense as
"over", "no longer present", or "without life". However that's not to
say that it can't return or be brought back. So now that we're all
thoroughly confused...lol...the question: Is Hip Hop Dead?....

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Let's widen our perspectives together.
One.

-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

10 years and just gettin started...

2007-01-05T01:38:00.000-05:00

This is one of the few times I'll put out a big to do about the 1st
friday of any month. But because it's the 1st friday of the first month
of a fresh new year, it's only right to usher it in properly; to set the
tone, so to speak. Ahem ahem (clearing my throat...), here we go.

Yo what's good family?? It's the Mighty SoundChampion here, DJ Krate
Digga. If you were present for the New Year's Bash at Cove then you know
how 2007 is gonna roll. Mind you, all that went down without my main
man, Rich NYCe. I manned the mic and the music. I gotta do that every
now and then, but you know it's so much more official when the dark
skinned duo join forces. Reunited and it feels so good...well, something
like that!!! Well now that they've upgraded the software and the
hardware's passed inspection, it's time to roll out Krate version
.07....Featuring a new kill switch activated automatically when the
turntables come on! He comes synchronized with the Go Hard or Go Home
templates, as well as the gold plated USC seal of approval. Also to
commemorate the 10 Year Anniversary of his unveiling, Krate will have
some tricks and treats for those in attendance. Yes, 10 years strong in
the game. Some of you will say that's nothing, but ask yourself "What
have you done for 10 years straight?" Not including working on that
Associate's Degree from ______ (insert community college or
correspondence school of your choice). Yea, perfect example of what's in
store. He's bringing in to you hard, head on, straight no chaser; but it
takes someone who really wants to party to be able to handle it. Are you
ready for what Diggz does? Be prepared. Cove Lounge, Friday nights,
2007.

GO HARD OR GO HOME!

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

And by the way, don't come to the spot late askin' me to play joints
I've already played. If you want reruns, watch Nick At Nite!!! Yea, ask
for Wally and The Beav' or see if Dr. Huxtable will play it. Here's the
record, he's got a turntable in the basement, jerks!!

Shouts out to Dawn Dickson and Joe Sheez...The team is just that much
stronger baby!!!

...call me sick for the way I make the people throw up their
hands...One.

Krate Digga - SoundChampion Crew, Usual Suspects Crew, Mos Wanted Crew
founding member.

Happy Crew Year

2007-01-02T13:43:00.001-05:00

First off, thank you to all who came through to bring in the new year
with me. I had a blast and I'm hoping you all did also. You guys got to
witness the unveiling of the new operating system known as Krate version
07.
Go hard or go home is the new battle cry. The killer instinct is alive
and starving to consume the competition and party goer's ears alike.
Be warned...
Happy BDay to D1's own Dawn D. Lets make this the year!!!!!

http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/kratedigga

One.
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

New Release: WKR8 Vol. IX

2006-12-30T09:29:00.001-05:00

1. Intro/Boogie Man - Mos Def
2. Hollywood Divorce - OutKast w/ Lil Wayne & Snoop
3. Listen - Talib Kweli
4. Mathematics RMX - Mos Def
5. There Is A Way - Mos Def
6. Between The Lines - Big Pooh
7. Waiting On You - Consequence w/ John Legend and Miri Ben-Ari
8. Whatever - Jill Scott
9. Eternally Yours - Strange Fruit Project
10. Remember My Face - Strange Fruit Project
11. Try Again - Carmen Rodgers
12. Another Again - John Legend
13. Way (I Want To Touch You) - Carmen Rodgers
14. I Need You - Darrien Brockington

New Release: The Blacklight Volume IV

2006-12-30T09:28:00.001-05:00

1. Between The Sheets - The Isley Bros.
2. Bonita Applebum RMX - Tribe Called Quest
3. Big Poppa - The Notorious B.I.G.
4. (Interlude) - The Isley Bros.
5. Beauty In The Dark - Mos Def
6. Come Go With Me - Teddy Pendergrass
7. Let's Wait Awhile - Janet Jackson
8. Oohhh This Love Is So - Al B Sure
9. Come & Talk To Me - Jodeci
10. It Never Rains (In Southern California) - 3T
11. I Wanna Be Your Man - Roger
12. How Deep Is Your Love - Keith Sweat
13. Roni - Bobby Brown
14. Moments in Love Pt. II - Art of Noise
15. Your Body's Callin RMX - R. Kelly
16. A Warm Summer Night - Chic
17. Slow Wind - R. Kelly
18. My Love - Justin Timberlake
19. Promise - Ciarra
20. Take Care - Janet Jackson
21. Love 2 Love - Janet Jackson

Year End Upd8 w/ KR8

2006-12-29T11:20:00.001-05:00

For the past few weeks, I've been diligently preparing myself to offer
an epic yet insightful year end review. Much to my dismay and possibly
some of yours, I won't be doing so. My anticipation for this opportunity
has been shanked. Besides being human, I'm an Aries and an artist;
meaning that sometimes I just get that mood to where I either pull back
and offer nothing or I go for the throat. Yea, that all or nothing type
ish. And because I understand and articulate the mindstate that I'm in
during those times, it leads me to feel no guilt nor any disappointment
with my behavior. Rather shitty right?!? Yes. I know. Go 2 lines back so
we can move forward.
In a 11th hour attempt to find moderation, I'm going to give you both my
current position on 2006 and a brief synopsis of what I intended to
delve into ad nauseum. So I now present to you The YEAR END UPD8 with
KR8 DGA.

Thoughts on 2006: It's over. It's gone and it's not coming back. The
great times. The past. The not so great times. Past also. Lessons were
learned, tenets were taught; but it's 2007 so why not celebrate the
future as opposed to doggling over unchangeables and uncontrollables.

Thoughts for 2007: Watch ya face!! Not your back. Your Face. To
understand the tattoo is to understand me. "Dweninimu aben" meaning the
ram's horns. The ram's horns represent a proverb that states, "The ram
while slow to anger, is unstoppable when riled up." Too many people got
passes in 2006, too many of the wrong people. So I'm gonna fix that in
2007. Many folks won't like it. I'll get over it. Whoa!! Looky here, I'm
over it.

Moments/People Worthy of Mention in 2006:

1. The Transitioned: Ossie Davis, J Dilla, James Brown, LaTanya Lemon,
Coretta Scott King, Gerald LeVert, Lou Rawls, Curt Gowdy.

2. My Fave Movers and Shakers: Suga Ray, Nicki, Donna Marbury, Toy V.,
LP Clothing, D1 Consulting, Eric Roberson, and The U.S.C.

3. Best Experiences of '06: Virginia Beach (Pt. 1), NYC (Pts 1&2), The
Meeting of the Masters, The Listening Parties (Pts 1&2), Kid Capri @
Cove, Daddy Duty.

4. Music That Defined Me in '06:
John Legend's Once Again LP
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor LP
Krate Digga's WKR8 Vol. VIII Mixtape

5. Best Advice/Lesson from 2006
Troy Smith v. Maurice Clarett. Products of the same program. Different
results. Find the variables.

As I close the calendar on 2006, the least I can do is go out with a
bang. So we're Covin' out! Friday night w/ Krate Digga. We're gonna
start at 10 and end at 11. No, not PM; get it together!!! New Year's
Eve, I'm back at Cove. No Cover, just the end and the beginning. Don't
come on that uppity bullshit either, just be grown!!!!

Sexual Chocolate (insert feedback here.......)
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

2006 InnerVisions from Diggz

2006-12-29T11:16:00.001-05:00

....from a blog sister's posting. I had to chime in....

1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? Go to Virginia
Beach (twice).

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? I didn't really make any
this year, but I did some of the things I was looking to do in 06.

3. Did anyone you know give birth? Not off the top of my head.

4. Did anyone you know die? Yes.

5. What countries did you visit? Didn't leave the continental, but in
07...yea, I'm on it.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? More
time for me.

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory? 3/15, 4/12,
7/3, 11/11, 11/17, 11/24...just to name a few.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? The series of
professional developments that were made.

9. What was your biggest failure? Didn't take advantage of all the
opportunities that presented themselves.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes, allergies kicked my ass this
summer!!!

11. What was the best thing you bought? Can't really say....as in, I'm
not sure.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Can't say...it's like awarding
folks for doing what they're supposed to do.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? A few folks that
don't deserve the merit of being named.

14. Where did most of your money go? My kids...rent...lol...

15. What did you get really really really excited about? Me and the
infinite creative exploits I rolled out in '06.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2006?John Legend - Once
Again LP

17. What do you wish you'd done more of? No comment...lol...

18. What do you wish you'd done less of? Same thing...kinda

19. Did you fall in love in 2006? Many times with different things.

20. How many one night stands in this last year? 0

21. What was your favorite TV program? The 1st 48 Hours

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate? Nah.

23. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more
satisfying? Uhhh a million bucks.

24. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006. I learned too many
to list. I think the most important is "Those with options can make
choices."

25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year? "...invest 3/4 of it
all/so your kid's kids kid's kids kids can have a ball..." - Andre 3000,
Hollywood Divorce
-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

The clock is ticking...

2006-12-22T05:01:00.001-05:00

1st things 1st, I dj so don't touch the tables/ Neva eva?? Foreva
neva!!!!
That's my BIG/OutKast remix. Now hopefully that's settled..whew!!!
I gotta keep it short and sweet this week, I'll make up for it next
week. I'm goin into transformer mode...from 06 to 07...but before the
calendar gets flipped, the crowd must be ripped. So I need time to
prepare, time to be an artist, time to have multiple epiphanies. I gots
ideas; but bringing them to life, to ear, isn't always an easy task.
That's how I know the idea is quality. *Life Hint*

Cove is still rollin in my absence this week, Da Butcha is bringin prime
cuts so tote your apetite and a bib!!! I'll be sending off
TheUrbanStarr.com's own Akilah Wallace. If you're supposed to be at the
bash, you already know where it is. I gotta go into my Jammy Davis Jr.
mode (Yea Rawls!!!!) for the night's theme. Cause I'm not tryin to catch
an uppercut from any chicks!!! (If you're supposed to get it, you did.)

Happy Bday to Nilo and Sirah!!! My little sisters are all grown
up...watch out now!!!

Get out on the town this weekend, it's pre-game for the year's
close-out!!!

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

One.

-Diggz of The Mighty SoundChampz, a The Usual Suspects Crew affiliate-

My Goodbye is Someone's Hello...

2006-12-21T21:54:00.001-05:00

As the year moves closer to its demise, I feel the ever surging energy
of 2007 sliding from the rear. So with the musings of 06 come the
recollections of many years passed. So it's with that in mind that I
take you back to 1994. It was when I was blessed to make the acquaitance
of a supa soul sistah, Akilah Wallace. Our friendship was forged through
the road work of our cross country teams. Many years, many miles, and
many good times later; Ms. Wallace is heading on to the next page, the
next stage, the next race in her life. While it's going to be hard for
her friends and family to see her go, we release her with the knowledge
that she is beyond capable to handle anything that the Lone Star state
can dish out...is Texas ready for her?? That's the real question. So as
we meet tonight to show love and share love, let it be said here that
I'm gonna miss my friend, my teammate, and my favorite urban star.
Love ya sis. Show'em how it's done.
Jesse (IHS Cross Country MVP 93, 94)

The Inner Prize of the Enterprise

2006-12-15T09:34:00.001-05:00

Note: The following has nothing to do with IN8 or Captain Kirk. However,
Lt. Uhuru would've... nevermind.

The following is really for the fellas, but is applicable across the
board.
Those that know me (or the personalities therein) know that I'm a very
opinionated person. Along with that comes the self-acceptance that I'm
not always right and there's an everpresent and conscience effort to not
be judgemental in my opinions. With all that said, I must ask before I
make my final conclusions: Are young men still being taught about pride
in self and pride in work?
The inner prize of the enterprise.
As a young man I was taught different principles that made a man, A Man.
Appearance, work ethic, etc. If something is to be done, it's not done
until it's done right. As an addendum to the former; if you're gonna do
something, might as well do it right the first time.
Rarely do we as humans feel that we get what we believe we deserve as
compensation for our toils. It's accepted and understood, that there are
times that we do things solely for the compensation involved (money,
hubris, fame, etc.) However, whether you're a CEO or a HGB (Head Grocery
Bagger) isn't there any pride in the fact that our work reflects on us?
The products of us define us (to an extent). You don't have to be the
best at what you do, nor do you have to be the most lawded. I was taught
though that from the major to the menial, Take Pride In Your Work. Take
Pride In Your Appearance. Take Pride In Yourself.
I know that it's not in everyone's natural motivation to excel. If you
choose to do juuuuust enough to get by, cool; but be prepared to be
treated as someone's who doing juuuuuust enough to be considered a man.
That may be harsh, but I get that way at times. It's not meant to be
self-righteous either. I'm my own harshest critic; because excellence
isn't above me, beyond me, or unattainable. It's in my genes, it's in my
lineage, it's the foundation of my people. So as we move into 2007;
let's move upward, onward. If you strive to be the best that you can be,
you'll definitey be the best.

I'm stepping my game up in all areas of my life, I support you all to do
the same. Let us all (women, too) understand it's not an overnight
process. It's a life's toil; for everyday we live we learn but we leave
room for improvement. Peep the Wrap Up, O laid it out there; you don't
live to be over 116 years old by half-assin'. Can You DIGG It!!!!!

Special shouts this week to my fair (looking) weather friends, my
(all)seasonal peeps, and my "calendar" girls...lol...I'm so witty!!!
Summer, December, May(a), Autumn, and April...What's Good!!!

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Even in the dead of winter, I'm growing.
Let the seeds sprout, take the weeds out.
One.

What'cha want me to say??

2006-12-08T11:20:00.001-05:00

Last week I was on a much more somber note, and while things aren't as
deep this week; the spirit's still damp. It's cold out!!! There's snow
out!!! People are driving WORSE than before!!! So excuse me if I'm not
in my April optimist's chair! What'cha want me to say? 2006 is coming to
a productive close, I'm working towards 2007 picking up where 06 will
leave off. 2007 is guaranteed to bring some surprises. Some from the
Crew and others from you know who... So no sleep til Brooklyn is now
just don't sleep!!! What'cha want me to say?? I could babble on about
the inspirational talking points and lessons I've learned over the past
year, but most is ish I already knew, just was slippin on. I'm a man,
I'm human. What'cha want me to say??? Suffice it to know that perception
is damn near everything. How I see things, determines how I hear
things...and right now, I'm hearing a lot of things I wasn't hearing
before. Some sounds not so sweet as others, but just as we can turn
tragedy to triumph....u figure out the rest. What'cha want me to
say????

Shouts out: CoJac, LP Fam, DJ Sicari, the 313, the 707, Luvz Muse,
Fergie Sammy and Louie...lol..., my lil Diggas, fresh air, KSU fam,
MixMaster ICE, my Twin, the laughs, BHB, Needlz, S&W, Denham jeanz, Aw
Damn, the h8rs and imit8rs, happy bday to the old man in the club MC
Rich NYCe... Special thanks to the 219 - Thanks for the new ears. I can
hear so clearly now.

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

If I missed u...what'cha want me to say!!!

Music is what we make it.Music makes me what I am.

I Thank You

2006-12-01T09:18:00.001-05:00

I returned to Columbus in 2000 with 3 years of experience as a dj under
my belt. I spent the next 3 years doing various gigs with the likes of
BHB, S.P.I.R.I.T., Soulstarr, Eddie Bayard, Ed Mabrey, Charles Cooper,
and many more. Along with my performance appearances, I had my first
residency at Snaps'n'Taps with Wednesday poetry nights and Thursday hip
hop nights. It was mainly through these residency nights that I re-met
Alonzo of IN8 Inner-Prizes. We first met back in 96. He promoted a few
gigs while I was at undergrad (Kentucky State Univ) and as happenstance
would have it; his younger brother, Larry, would later become my college
roommate. In late 2003, Alonzo approached me and asked if I was able to
fill in for International J at The Standard Lounge while he was off on
tour. Those sporadic fill ins led to me holding a residency there until
late 2005. Along with The Standard Lounge and IN8 Inner-prizes, I became
the resident dj for Fresh Fridays at Opium Lounge, The Movement: NuSoul
Radio on 103.1 FM, Mahogany's Soul at The Brownstone Restaurant, and The
ART; opening for Dwele, Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, and many more.
It would be disengenuous of me to not give the proper thanks and credit
to IN8 Inner-Prizes for giving me opportunities to be heard by the
masses, as well as the chance for the people to hear what I brought to
the tables as an artist. While Zo and Wali were the "faces" of IN8, the
person behind the scenes was Ms. LaTanya Lemon. She was THE fuel that
kept IN8 moving when others thought the road was at its end. She served
the Columbus community in various capacities both directly and
indirectly, too many ways to even try and enumerate. Ms. Lemon passed on
Thanksgiving morning; too early in life, but fitting for a matriarch to
whom I owe much thanks.

So it is with deep sorrow I say goodbye to the physical being and with
great joy I raise to the heavens to be smiled upon by her inner-prizes
radiating down upon many of us until we are called. As we each pay our
respects, be thankful for the blessings we hold. Let your light shine as
I let mine. It is in us all; it is innate. It is IN8.

You will be missed.

Peace&Love.One.
-DJ Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz, The Usual Suspects Crew, and
a proud member of IN8 Inner-Prizes' extended family.

Thank you

2006-11-27T19:06:00.001-05:00

To everyone who prayed for me today, Thank you. You saved my life and
possible the life of another.

Just Be...

2006-11-27T00:26:00.001-05:00

The Meeting of 2 Masters went down, if you missed it you just missed it.
Definitely took me back to my roots as a dj.

Shouts to Mo Robinson, Vizionary Productions, Tone Capone, Bassline
Ent., D Crockett, B Fergie!!!, Charity, Mos Wanted Crew, Konata, DJ
Sic-One aka Sicari the DJ Assassin aka Osama SpinLaden, j.a.g., Kelley,
the 313, K. Lloyd, Mo Hall, CAHS alumni...
www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Stay tuned.2006strong.2007stronger.
Peace&Love.One.

On Notice - Blogger Beta is Wack!!!

2006-11-23T22:19:00.001-05:00

I'm hoping they get their ish together because I can't blog from my
Sidekick. I'll clarify, I can't log in and comment. I can still post
through email, but it's not what I am keen on.

...sucks monkey balls...leave that to Ms. Goodall...
One.

Krate's Soundtrack to Thanksgiving:

2006-11-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

Kingdom Come - Jay Z: A mature offering by Jigga that will hold you for any road trip to your dinner destination. One listen is surely not enough; lyrics, double entendres, and new production require
multiple passes.
Once Again - John Legend: For the family time. A different musical sound than his first offering but same great quality and songwriting. Grandma, Uncle Joe, and that special one who's meeting the fam for the first time will all vibe to this one.
Future...Sounds - Justin Timberlake: This is the prep rally for the club on Fri night. You gotta shed what you're fed!!!
The BlackLight Vol. III - Krate Digga: For the after-club experience. Whether it's cold turkey leg sandwiches and leftover
cranberry sauce or Waffle House, it'll lead you to the second stage of shed what you're fed.
One.

Stay Thankful

2006-11-21T23:10:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here at a Jay-Z Listening Party peepin' the new offering from Hov. All the while I have a plethora of thoughts running through my head. I still have work to do but '06 is basically over. 2007 is gonna
bring a "new" attitude to the forefront. Quotation marks are meant to imply that it's not new as in not used before, but new as in no longer will be repressed by my conservative side. Too many folks seem to
misunderstand how some things work. Clarity needs to reign in 07 until...

With it being Thanksgiving weekend, I'm doing my usual introspection. I have lots to be thankful for on any given day of any given year; but 2006 has been...yea...it's been like that. So here's SOME of what I'm
thankful for:
Note: This list won't be padded by usual Thanks list items
1. The ability to make people move. Music is so powerful and is so emancipating when in the right hands and ears.
2. In the face of stolen equip, stolenmixes, stolen ideas, attempts to steal glory and more; the strength to continue on. Not just to continue on but to continue upward.
3. The cast of personalities, perspectives, artistic-ly inspired, serial mistake-makers, nay-sayers, and supporters that help me stay aware of where I stand in this thing.
4. All those nouns (people, places, and things) that keep me inspired and energized.
There's more, but you never can name everyone or everything.

Music feeds the soul, leave room on your plate.
One.

I was in a 2-3

2006-11-20T11:25:00.000-05:00

There's times when you can't explain certain events. You know the different factors that played into the culmination of things, but the intangibles are just that. I knew the weekend would be big, but even I had no idea how big it would be. Friday night, Karmen set it off...point blank. The role of an opener often gets lost in the egotism of being a headliner, but it's imperative that the proper tone be set early. And that it was.Keep goin' Free!!The rest was...well it was what it was. I had an idea on how I wanted the night to start, but in all honesty: I zoned out.Keep goin' Free!!! The artistry and creativity took hold. I was just along for the ride.Keep goin' Free!!!

Saturday night was no different. They say 30 is the new 20, well we'll see. The Red Light Special went down for sure. Maria's B'Day jam was a "This Is Your Life" of sorts. We started all out with the hottest joint of 2006 and rolled back into time. We got it on the floor and took it back to 96, the days of Maria and OSU. Back to 93 and 94, days spent in the halls of Euclid HS. Back to 77, when she was taking her 1st steps. We closed the night by going back to the 1st day she blessed this world with Stevie's "Isn't She Lovely" and "Happy Birthday" then rolled back to '06 to bring sexy back; and sexy was definitely in the house that night. It had a brotha seein' spots!!!

It's the eve of Kingdom Come and tomorrow you'll have your opportunity to receive gifts from we 3 kings: Jigga, Digga, and O. We'll be celebrating the past, present, and future hits of Jay Z. Featuring foundations sets by Krate Digga, bangas by O Sharp, and a full listening session of Jay's release Kingdom Come. Join us at Cove Lounge, 231 N. 5th St. The castle gates open at 8p.

Shouts to all the models, musicians, artists, and entreprenuers that did it with us this weekend...LP fam, WU folks, Battlecat, Caramello, The Breakfast Club, The Ladies in Red...until next time

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Lead by example. Live by karma. Learn from both.
One.

I'm back...

2006-11-17T04:30:00.000-05:00

Cove Lounge, 231 N. 5th St. You're gonna hear about it afterwards, you might as well be a part of it.
www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Music: It feels good with no guilt.
One.

...a question...

2006-11-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

Between Krate, myself, and Diggz; different people know different parts. Some know more than one, others didn't know there was more than one.

Which one(s) do you know?

¿One.?

11/24/06 The Meeting of Two Masters

2006-11-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Almost 10 years ago they were teacher and student, now they reunite as two masters in their own rights. Founding members of The Mos Wanted Crew, DJs Sicari and Krate Digga team up again to bring twice the skill, creativity, and experience of one dj to Cove Lounge. On this special night you will have the chance to work off the feast to the vibes of 2 DJs, 4 turntables, one sound. This is a rare opportunity, to say the least. Both resident DJ's, lovers of real music, and creative artists; Sicari and Krate will not disappoint. Turntablism, foundations, exclusive live remixes, and showmanship will come together to keep you moving from entrance to exit, regardless of your music preference, age, or pedigree.

The Meeting of Two Masters goes down at Cove Lounge 231 N. 5th St on Friday Nov. 24th starting at 10p.

Movin and Shakin!!!

2006-11-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

While I'm not sure how interesting a full recap of the weekend would be, I still gotta touch on the critical sections.

2nd Annual Movers and Shakers Awards - I was awarded in 2005 and again this year, along w/ Rich NYCe and The Suspects Crew as a whole. While it's cool to be recognized for what you do, I've never been one to work for the accolades; my professional pride and love of my art is my quality control. If you were there, you peeped the airbrush exhibition by my man Suga Ray. Two words: Fuggin' Genius. Look out for the custom kicks!!! Ya'll aint ready!! Nicki did her thing on the fashion tip; bamboo handles, bright colors, and abstract shapes. What more do you need to keep the summer feel in the wintertime?!? Then Erro hit the stage. Guaranteed crimson and cream: the fellas get red cause their girl started... Ok, anyway. If you didn't get it, don't worry about it. Once the gremlins got worked out of the sound system, the show was fire (as if anything less was expected.) Between the band and Eric, the real music cats in the room kept it MOVIN. Shouts out to the VIP/Sidestage Posse, we repped from beginning to end. Change For Me included folks rushin the stage!!! WTF?!?

FYI: ALWAYS have FRESH, NEW batteries for your featured artist when they will be using cordless mics; especially if those cordless mics will be used by the other artists and hosts ALL NIGHT.

So after Erro show shuts it down; encore and all. The after-party is SHAKIN down courtesy of Au Naturale Entertainment's own, Smiley. Down 2 books to none, my partner and I manage to MOVE two straight hands only to lose the 5th and decisive hand by one book!! SHAKE it off! It's time to head for the airport. MOVE through check-in but even I can't SHAKE the TSA...(I remember the last time!!!)
6am Columbus; 7am Pittsburgh; 9am NYC. MOVE through Queens, SHAKE down an omelete and potatoes at this little spot off Roosevelt and 111th. All the while this trio at the next table is throwing back Coronas...at 10am...rinse...repeat...so by the time I finish my breakfast and soda...they've manged to roll through 4 rounds...they're MOVIN and SHAKIN a little too hard...I'm tired, I NEED A NAP!!!

2 hours later, it's time to MOVE by way of the 7 line. SHAKE through Times Square to Rock and Soul record store. Reuben looks out, hips me to some new sounds and some old ones too. He's got an order coming from me real soon!!! MOVE a burger as the Bucks tame the Wildcats and it's time to SHAKE back to Queens...
A power nap and a hot shower later it's time to hit the city again. My NYC blog sis had plans so it's off to check in with DJ Center at SOB's, throw in some Brazilian flava...Aye mami!!! The subway...man aww man, the subway!!! You see the oddest, hear the funniest, and experience the most bizarre ish on the planet. Most of it is that "you had to have been there"-type humor; like listening to 3 Swedes have a convo in Dutch (I'd assume) but mixing in US movie jargon like "dutch dutch blah blah I need a medic blah blah dutch blah. Blah blah blah dutch Mr President we have a situation"...lol...had to have been there. And you thought The Swedish Chef was on some other stuff.

Even in NYC, there's time when there's nothing open, so the 6th floor vending machine at the Ramada is the after hours snack bar. Yo where's Smiley when you need him??? Nap time again...not enough sleep later, it's back to LaGuardia. It's funny how things come full circle: in to NYC @ 10a Saturday, back out at 10a Sunday...drunk hispanics at breakfast, drunk caucasians on the shuttle to LGA...I was tired this time on Sat, I'm tired right now.

Now this is just a day in the life of an official MOVER AND SHAKER. Award or not, I gotta keep keep on, keep keep keep on...Now wave, wave, wave, wave...
One.

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

Hibernation Preparation

2006-11-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

Checklist: Nag Champa, No.8, and No.12 incenses, Red Bull, Rum and Coke, Green Tea, composition book, pens, the studio.

I'd like to assume that all of you understand that I'm a Black male. While I was born, raised, and reside in Ohio; never have I been fond of the cold. So when it drops below 45 degrees or so, I start to batten down the hatches. Unless I'm going to work or some other function that requires me to exit the crib, I don't. I hole up and follow a routine somewhat like this: light a few sticks around the crib, turn out the lights, light some candles, pour a drink or two (drink of choice depends on the project at hand), hop in the shower, throw on one of my various sweat suits, and hit the lab. Sometimes I have a mixtape to complete, sometimes it's a production project that I want to begin, sometimes it's undetermined. Nevertheless, something is spawned. Sometimes poetic, sometimes a masterpiece, other times not so much; but it's always development. Time invested is shelf life extended. Krate Digga, still reinventing.

www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

One.

what now??

2006-11-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

So here in Ohio, we have a new governor and I have a new senator. There's new state cabinet heads and the smoking ban is still in place, state-wide now.

I'm optimistic for change but best believe I'm not holding my breath.

To make change, you have to be part of change.
One.

November 7th, 2006

2006-11-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

I fulfilled my civic responsibility today. I voted. I cast my ballot. I let my voice be heard.

Now we'll see what happens.

PS - I flat-out mistrust Diebold.
One man. One vote.
One.

If my ballot was a mixtape, I'd welcome a recount...

2006-11-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Music is secondary this week. I'm off the radar until Wednesday, I'm doin' my final voter research. For me this year's election is much more personal than who my senator or representative is. The new secretary of state and our new governor is important, but none of those issues address my health as directly as Issues 4 and 5. Both address the smoking ban in Columbus. Issue 4 is an amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would allow smoking in certain public places. Issue 5 would continue the current smoking ban in public places. However Issue 5 isn't a constitutional amendment, so if both were to pass; Issue 4 would override Issue 5, along with becoming permament (hence an amendment to the constitution.) Even though I'm not a fan of smoking that's not my deal; if that's your thing, enjoy it. My problem is that when you smoke it affects me. When I develop a smoker's cough from going to work because of you chimney folks, that's a problem for me. When I can't enjoy my dinner because I can't breathe...anyways. So I'm making sure I'm on top of that issue. Then we got to deal with our gubernatorial candidates. No comment on these guys, they both make me cringe. The senator's race is abit different. As far as I'm concerned the US Senate hasn't done much in the past 6 years, so the incummbent isn't in great favor with me, plus he's a crony...but that's just my opinion.
Once I drop my ballot, I only can hope it gets counted correctly; but the music will return soon, possibly along with some surprises. We'll see. Keep moving and shaking...it'll make sense sooner than later.
www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com
One.

School Daze Pt. 2

2006-11-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Founded prior to the end of slavery in 1856, Wilberforce University is the nation's oldest, private African-American university. For 147 years WU has, through sheer force of will, provided young African-American students with a solid educational experience.
Wilberforce University can trace its origin to a period of history before the Civil War, when the Ohio Underground Railroad was established as a means of escape for all those blacks who sought their freedom in the North from the yoke of slavery, one of the destination points of this railroad became Wilberforce University. As the Underground Railroad provided a route from physical bondage, the University was formed to provide an intellectual Mecca and refuge from slavery's first rule: ignorance.
And with that legacy and hundreds of past, present and future WU students; we return. After ripping their 150th anniversary in the spring, I'm back along with some other Suspects to rip the roof of their annual Homecoming celebration. Peep the lineup: Rich NYCe and Krate Digga rocking the alumni set, back by request. O Sharp in the Hip Hop tent, J Rawls and King 7even bringing the hot and cold to you in tent 2: Rawls with the cool, mellow vibes of nusoul; 7even hittin with the 45 fire of dancehall and reggae!! My man Charles Cooper... Charles Coop?? Yea, sax man Charlie Chop himself brings his boys out to keep it inspirational in the Gospel Tent. 4 venues, complete with food and drinks. Friday night at Ohio's oldest HBCU, that's how Crew do.
Come Saturday, there's no telling what's gonna happen; but it's guaranteed to be Green and Gold. My youngEST brother plays basketball for WU. My youngER brother is assistant coach for Kentucky State University; which happens to also be my old stomping grounds, the place I became an official DJ. WU and KSU will be going head to head in a hardwood grudge match for the Green and Gold banner. So you know who I'm rooting for!!
And lastly, O Sharp usually hits y'all off with the lists and such; but I gotta get some ish of my chest. I'm so tired of seeing craziness. Where's the people in our lives to say, hey that's not a good look?!? Where's the life advisors??? Or good old common sense?
So here we go....
Stuff Krate's tired of seeing:
1. Old crotchety folks with bangin' original addidas sweatsuits...if you're gonna bang the brand with 3 stripes, drop the orthos and get some shelltoes!!! Fat laces and Dr. Scholls insoles will hold u down!!! Either that or pass the gear on to the next generation. Addidas sweatsuits can be considered family heirlooms. If I ever get married, guess what wifey may be rockin under the gown...lol
2. Wigs...well actually, bad wigs. Who are you fooling?? I mean really?? Not me! You have enough trouble getting to your cell phone to answer it, so I know you couldn't have managed to do a head full of bumper curls. Yea, yea; it coulda been done by your stylist, but I doubt she woulda laid the curls crooked on your head. Hint: if you look like you're wearing a football helmet that now has the ear hole over your eye like you were in between Ray Lewis and his lunch, your wig needs an alignment. Many women can put a wig on straight in their sleep. You have a mirror so what's your excuse?? Harsh? Yea maybe...but eh!
3. People who can't speak english. I don't mean folks whose second or third language is English, but people born and raised in the US. Come on, I don't expect you to speak the Queen's English; but don't use the wrong word in the wrong place the wrong way and then get mad at me because I don't understand you. English is based on the context clues of its use, mess up the context and I have no clue. 2 words: Pocket Dictionary or Shut Up...take your pick.
4. Bad drivers. Simple rule of the road (especially the highway): Drive on the right and pass on the left. 55 on the highway in the fast lane is NOT ok. Amish buggiess can do better. You're pushin 135 horse power, they're maxing out at two...not two hundred, but 2 horses..........Come on, dawg!!!
That's enough for now. I'm having a good day, so don't let the rant fool ya.

myspace.com/kratedigga
loungininthelab.blogspot.com
One.

The Pledge, The Turn, The Prestige...

2006-10-30T17:40:00.000-05:00

Any successful trick has to have 3 parts; the pledge, the turn, and the prestige. The pledge is the set up. The turn is the performance of the trick. The prestige is the effect of the trick itself. While there's infinite ways to go about these stages, one thing is tantamount: the trick while unbelievable on its face must be believed, even if only for a second. People must believe that one man travelled 50 ft in 2 seconds (in one door, out of another) or that the bird and the cage actually vanished with the bird reappearing behind the magician's back. People must believe the impossible, they must believe the unbelievable. That is called hope. Find your source of hope, I find mine in the music.

I'm more than a dj. I'm an artist. One.

Grown Man's Music...

2006-10-27T01:30:00.000-04:00

When it comes to my weekly pre and post weekend postings, I try to speak on and about things that are going on in my life. All without putting others involved in any social, emotional, or legal turmoil. Keeping those constraints in mind, there's a certain level of vagueness that becomes involved. Different people have different ways of dealing; some write, some sing, some build. I make cd's. My most productive times, artistically, come during times when my life is dealing. Whether positive or not, life's action is my greatest muse.

Music has always been a part of my life. From when I was in kindergarten and saw my first drumline; Mom was forced to buy me my first snare. Or when I first started drumming and performing professionally in first grade. Listening to Marvin Gaye or Cameo, Bob Marley or Quincy Jones in the ride with my folks. It's always been a part of me. I have pics of me in my walker with my Pops' stereophonic circa 1978 headphones on. I am music. Music is me.

So it's only natural that music is part of my healing process, part of my growing process, part of my communication process.

Music can heal, educate, and speak when our words and actions seem unable to do the job.
I share my music only because I share myself.

Keep listening, there's more of me to hear.
One.

WKR8 Vol. 8 or should I call it Volume KR8...

2006-10-26T22:35:00.000-04:00

1. On & On - Erykah Badu (Sol Searcher RMX)
2. Intro - DJ Krate Digga
3. Clock With No Hands - The Roots
4. Hurt Me Soul - Lupe Fiasco
5. Intimacy - Big Tone w/ Dwele
6. So Far To Go - J Dilla feat. Common and D'Angelo
7. A.N.G.E.L (RMX) - Dwele w/ Slum Village
8. I Want You - Floetry
9. Say - Method Man
10. All For You - Little Brother
11. Tribute To Dilla - J Rawls and the Liquid Crystal Project
12. Sacrifice - Darien Brockington
13. Albany - Kev Brown
14. Ms. Jones - Rizz
15. Because - Georgia Anne Muldrow
16. Act Too (The Love of My Life) - The Roots w/ Common
17. Can We (Fall in Love) - Darien Brockington
18. Ready Forum - Strange Fruit Project
19. Melanin - Georgia Anne Muldrow
20. Get To Know You - Hungry Season
21. Outro - DJ Krate Digga

Yo, Warm up the car!!!

2006-10-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

It's real cold outside. I mean REAL cold. So for those of you who know me know I'm going into hibernation mode. I reupped the fridge so I got snacks. I'm in my comfy sweatsuit! Heat is quite right and some Number 8 is burnin' in the studio. I got some things on the burner so it won't be cold for long...
www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com
Until then...
One.

Motion, Motivation, and Music

2006-10-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

For those of you that peeped the Weekend Wrap-up on Monday; you're aware that this past weekend, while educational and insightful, was exhausting. So what better way to instant re-up than to hang out with Buckeye Distributing. WTF? Who's Buckeye Distributing?? Calm down...calm down. You know when you hit the club and see the Red Bull fridge stocked with the blue and grey cans?? That's Buckeye Distributing. When you walk into Krogers or WalMart or any store in Ohio for that matter and see Red Bull on the shelf or in the coolers; that's Buckeye Distributing. They are the Red Bull distributer for all of Ohio/Western PA and were co-sponsors of this years' Buckeye Bar Expo this past Monday. 6 hours of Red Bull and Krate Digga on the wheels, that's how you start a work week!!! So as some of you were reading the catch up from the weekend, I was working towards the week's end. "Play whatever you want, man. Just have fun! It's cool." Those are the only 10 words I needed to hear that day and I followed them to the "T". Dancehall, 80's soul and rock, hip hop, and rap; A little something for everybody. There's something universal about music. From the rural and small city bar-owners to the capital city club managers; the vinyl spoke and they listened. Now they want to hear more. Be on the lookout, Diggz is gonna be touching some new ears soon.
Shouts to DJ Sicari, who's about to get his Liquid Crystal LP (we want some 313 time, lol)...Shouts to my favorite G.I. resident, enjoy the bubble wrap and all that comes in between...Shouts to my big sis and my nieces and nephews...Last but not least; Shouts out to Yogi aka YoYo (I'm givin' mad 313 love this week), it only took 8 months, lol, but they're finally yours with more to come!!!

Friday looks to be a reunion of sorts, my blog sisters are talking about coming through. We'll see.

"I'm real easy to find now"
www.myspace.com/kratedigga
http://loungininthelab.blogspot.com

One.

But I'm not superstitious...

2006-10-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

Maybe I should be, because I went through hell on Friday the 13th and I'm back to talk about it. While going through every tidbit o' $h!t that I dealt with over the weekend isn't reasonable, know 3 things:

(1) Business is business, treating it any other way leaves you in a position that you probably won't like.
(2) When people don't know what they want, it doesn't matter what you do; they'll still be unsatisfied.
(3) You have to talk to people in a manner that they understand, even if it means stooping to their level.

What's the story you may ask...lol...believe me, you don't want any part of it. Just know that I survived, unscathed, and learned some valuable lessons in the process. Shouts out to DJs International J and The Brooklyn Butcha for holdin it down on Friday night in my absence. You'll be hearing and seeing more of them, so you've been warned.

SUPPORT!!!SUPPORT!!!SUPPORT!!!
Buy The Liquid Crystal Project. Buy WKR8 Vol. VII. Buy some gear from the e-store.

Investing in us is an investment in yourself.

Those with options can make choices.One.

O.W.U.-Tang and more...

2006-10-13T12:57:00.000-04:00

Bring sexy back?? Where have youuu been???
1st off, sexy never went anywhere; people were looking in the wrong places. I'm out and about at different times, in different capacities and I see sexy all the time. What's sexy you ask? Peep the previous post to the crew blog about sexy vs. not so sexy (http://unrestedentertainment.blogspot.com). It's a new season which means it's time for new/different stylings. Shivering outside the club in line w/o a jacket isn't sexy and neither is pneumonia. YO, it's cold outside. Dayumm Gina, I'm not feelin' it. Looks like early hibernation for the SoundChamp. Maybe spring will come earlier next year. Prolly not. Where's global warming when you need it??

"Tang is a poular drink and it still is" - Guru "Dwyck"
First a little history: The Usual Suspects are akin to the WuTang Clan. We're 7 different people with 7 different personalities. Each for real on their own and as a unit, we're dangerous. Back to now, instead of Raekwon the Chef and IronMan aka Ghostface Killa; we have Stan the Butcha and International J aka J Rawls. They'll be teaming up with our RZA, Rich NYCe, to take Cove Lounge to the days of C.R.E.A.M: CrewRevolvesEverythingAroundMusic.
You'll get the ecclectic from J (beware Nicole, he may hit u with the Jamiri) and the Butcha will bring the NYC vibe for sure. So you'll all be in good hands. I'll be on the road in Deleware with my OWU peoples (Shouts out 2 SanFran, wish you were here!). From a seminar with the president of the Hip Hop Action Summit to the crowning of Miss Black&Gold (Shouts to T Anderson, T White, J Rawls, R Hadden, all my non-fraternal brothas reppin' A Phi A); even Bad Boy of Comedy, Marcus Combs will be performing. We gets down up in the Delly!!!!
I'll be back soon...maybe. Whenever I do return, WKR8 Vol. VIII will be with me. Cop the new joints (WKR8 vols 7&8 and Foundations vol 3), before you find yourself falling behind!

Lastly, "I'm biggin up my brotha, cause I'm big enough to do it"...BUY THE LIQUID CRYSTAL PROJECT, out of the mind of my man J Rawls. If you snooze, I guarantee you'll lose.

Usual Suspects Crew aint nuthin to %$@* wit!!!
One.

Scattered, Smothered, Covered...

2006-10-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

It was a 1st Friday night so most folks expectations were low. I knew better. I didn't know how it was gonna go down, but I knew it was gonna happen. Rich NYCe started the night out, leaving me some chill time to cop the new Scorsese flick, The Departed. It's Scorsese, what more do I have to say?
Anyhow, they trickled in slowly but there was no rush. When it hit, it hit though. My crew, the Latinas, and New York hip hop. AV8 break out!!! Mobb Deep, Biggie, LL, Tony Yayo, JayZ... We just took it the mecca and where better to go from there?? Down to the islands!!! Beenie, Cham, Sean P, Dawn Penn, Bob Marley, Damion Marley...whine ya body 4 real!!!!
Those who knew what was up knew they had to get their fix while they could. Digga's out of the building for awhile. I'll be back, but until then....let see how much they love me when I no longer exist.

Shouts out to Megan and Kiara, the shirts were looking good!!! WKR8 Vol 7 is available. Foundations Vol III - JayZ is out too. Peep the blog for the playlists. Pics out soon. Waffle House divas are classic!!!!

Gone.
One.

Volume 7 drops on the 7th...

2006-10-06T23:25:00.000-04:00

WKR8 Vol. VII

1. Styles & Rashad - Favorite One
2. T.I. feat. Rashad - Why You Wanna
3. Pharrell feat. Snoop - That Girl
4. NeYo - Sexy Love
5. B.I.G. - One More Chance
6. Mario - Let Me Love You RMX
7. Sean Paul - Never Be The Same
8. Yung Joc - Goin Down RMX
9. Outkast - Mighty O
10. Ludacris - Money Maker
11. Kelis - Bossy
12. Hector Bambino w/ Jay Z - Here We Go Yo
13. Beyonce - Ring The Alarm
14. Cham feat. Alicia Keys - Ghetto Story Pts 1&2
15. DMX - We In Here
16. Mobb Deep - Put Em In Their Place
17. The Game - Face of LA
18. Lupe Fiasco - I Gotcha
19. Clipse - Mr. Me Too RMX
20. Rizz - C.O. Ish
21. Busta Rhymes - New York Ish
22. Cheri Dennis - I Love You
23. Cassie - Me & U RMX
24. Diddy - Come To Me
25. Justin Timberlake - SexyBack
26. Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous