FOUR STAR COOKBOOK

One of my favorite hip hoppers out right now . . . the prolific EXILE's Halloween set 2009!

2009-11-01T15:45:00.001-05:00

"The Gang Green LP" release party 9.26.09

2009-10-24T11:31:00.001-04:00

FRESH GUAC : THE GANG GREEN LP : NOW AVAILABLE - DTR's MySpace Blog | www.deepthinka.com

2009-10-04T16:51:00.002-04:00

Modern guacamole comes in a variety of forms and the same can be said
about Fresh Guac. Let’s not get it twisted, the 2 are completely
different. For one, you can’t eat hip-hop music, but you can dip your
hips, much like you can dip the chip. Furthermore, you can rock out to
both the edible version of Guacamole and the audible version at a
party. So, we feel the title is just and well worthy of comparison. The
Spaniards stole the recipe from the Aztecs and they stole the musical
version from NYC, but it all equates to good feelings, vibes and
relativity. As you listen to this record, think about the metaphor
between the edible and audible Guacamole…It’s made from the heart, soul
and culture from which it originated. The sound is undoubtedly fresh
and without comparison, so when you finally get the chance to indulge,
you’ll know its Fresh Guac!

Cav on the mic, Covert on the beats and Optimus Prime on the decks
supply the ingredients, but at the end of the day it’s still Fresh
Guac. Yes, the term Fresh Guac is used to describe the sound and not
the gentleman who create it. The name of the group should not only be
the emblem, but also the spine and that is what makes the group so
unique. For over 2+years the Guaconians have provided sweat to the
studio, to bring you this classic record filled with delectables. So,
without further metaphorical comparisons, we bring you “The Gang Green
LP”. Grab your Guacamole and dip your chips, cause this is that
ish..Easy!

2 YEARS OF BLOOD, SWEAT, & TEARS!!!

2009-04-30T10:34:00.001-04:00

So now that you’ve read the title, that means your reading this and we want to say thanks Buffalo! For 2 years in a row, Fresh Guac has been nominated as the best Hip-Hop group in the Queen City. The crew works hard and so we feel the praise is just, but remember kiddies, hard work only goes so far and as one Irish man said, “you need some luck ol’boy”…..Well, that Irish cat was me and my Italian half kicked in as well, “forget about it, you must be stoonatz to think we won’t win”…..Not sure if I spelled stoonatz right, but if your goomba, you know what it means.

So, you voted and noted the Guacafied resiliency stays prominent and we won’t stop until the last tostito is baked!! With the album looming, we hope we can make this a double play and bring home the proverbial bacon, on some Precinct 5 ish. Hold tight until Monday and then head out in support to the Town Ballroom with signs out front, vote Guac or get a foot in your ass…LOL…One Love amigos!!

So listen, listen good & listen great oh yeah the Guac fam with the EP hot plate!

2009-04-15T09:53:00.002-04:00

The “Hors D’ouevres” EP is out and about, but has not really
been given its official word of mouth.
This piece of Guacamole funk is guaranteed to rattle your dome piece and
fulfill those classic taste buds.
Straight up and down, we got you and if you’re looking for a little something
to get you from train station to train station, then say no more. Wait; maybe you need something to wash your soul
with? Or, you need something to cook
those rice and beans with? Ish, we know times
are hard and so we ask that you step back into the light and indulge in some
precursor, pre-dominantly, proactive and positive hip-hop.

The Gang Green team would have it no other way and this platter
features production from not only Covert, but Jae Fresh and Just Another
DJ. These two chaps are smoother then
peppermint tea and keep the neck snapping like poetry slams. We are in the process of pressing 500 trays
of this mouthwatering, monumental and mountainous range, so come on, don’t get
caught sleeping. Wake up, smell the breeze, and make sure you cop one of these guac-a-fied mixes @ a show. One!!!

M.Dot & Krumbsnatcha's "Gotta Be" video from Rebel Radio 4 & 5!!!

2009-04-14T09:57:00.004-04:00

New video from my man M.Dot, who hails out of Boston. I first met M.Dot on myspace while checking out some of his tunes. After a mutual respect developed, I asked him to be a part of DTR45's Rebel Radio 4 & 5 project, in which he sent me this exclusive gem. That's right folks . . . this song first appeared on the latest installment of Rebel Radio. If you were at the last Rebel Radio Jam, you caught his act. Definately a grinder & a lover of hip hop culture, M.Dot is poised to make his mark in hip hop. Make sure to peep out his music, videos, and drop him a line.

M.Dot's myspace: www.myspace.com/mdotems

J.Period - The [Abstract] Best

2009-04-08T09:38:00.003-04:00

After thoroughly soaking in this mix cd, it is now time to share it with those who haven't been privied to obtain, or even listen to this classic. This is by far one of the best mix cd's i've ever heard, and it should surely be a contender for best mix of 2009. J.Period really does his thing to capture the essence of the abstract emcee known as Q-Tip.

This mix features appearances from the likes of the Native Tongues, Busta, Nas, Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Blu, De La Soul, Consequence, Dres, Kid Cudi and many more…

In the mix are exclusives, rarities, interviews, collaborations and classics glued together in J’s inimitable style. Loads of people have been asking me to put this up but I thought I’d link to it and put you onto J.Period’s excellent site instead. However, the downloads have become slow due to popularity so we are hosting it on our own site for now for faster download times for your good selves.

Don’t sleep on J.Period’s excellent website though and if you are more into the idea of having the mix as individual files rather than one enourmous MP3 then check these links but get ready to wait - they are sloooow. Please copy & paste the links.

Complete mix as an MP3
http://www.choicecuts.ie/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/j_period_the_abstract_bestof.mp3

Tracked out mix (individual MP3's)
http://www.zshare.net/download/554105576122b438

Type:Relevant wins Round 3 of the Artvoice's B.O.O.M.

2009-03-31T13:18:00.004-04:00

Four great bands played on Friday, March 27, for round three of the ARTVOICE Best of Original Music (B.O.O.M) show at Nietzsche's. The Artvoice will be putting up separate videos of all the bands, but first up is the 3rd round winners Type:Relevant. Type:Relevant joins fellow E.V.C. crew mates Fresh Guac (last year's B.O.O.M. finalists) as final reps in this years B.O.O.M. Be sure to watch the end of the video when Type:Relevant lyricist "Mad Dukes" joins the growling metal band Siege A.D. Props to one of the hardest working bands i know!!! And in the immortal adlibs of P. Diddy . . . "take that, take that, take that!"

BABYSTEPS HIP HOP turns 10 years old on April 10!!!

2009-03-30T15:05:00.006-04:00

This 10 Years of Hip Hop and Culture sprouting forth from Buffalo and then beyond has been no small thing. The years of 1999-2004 (the peak of Baby Steps as a Thursday night weekly) are oft referred to as the golden era of hip hop in Buffalo NY, and if not for the great resilience of the contributors, coordinators and long-time supporters it could just be lore by now. This 10 Year mark has reinvigorated the excitement and efforts of all involved, and therefore doesn’t aim to celebrate shows passed so much as to strike an open gaze on the horizon of what is to come.

Formed by Emcee Sick (Josh Brown), Dj Tommee and Dj LoPro, Baby Steps began as a weekly Thursday night show at Broadway Joe's in Buffalo NY in 1998, and has lasted for over a decade. The Steps has brought countless landmark shows to Buffalo, some of note are: Dj Kool Herc, Jeru the Damaja, Ghostface Killah, Black Sheep, Masta Ace, Mr. Lif, Cage, O.C., Yeshua the PoEd, El Da Sensei, Breezly Brewin of the Juggaknots, Maspyke, J-Live, Kev Brown, Subconscious, Yak Ballz, DJ Vadim, and many more... (hundreds more!)

In the spirit of musical expansion Baby Steps has dedicated itself to nurturing the growth of artistry through showcases, radio, selective bookings, and web/print commerce to connect WNY's urban arts to the rest of the world. Visit the decade of Baby Steps on the web at www.babysteps-again.com

Please join us to celebrate babysteps.again:
The Baby Steps 10 Year Anniversary Show
Friday April 10th 2009 at Broadway Joe’s
3051 Main Street (@ Lasalle), Buffalo, NY.
8pm Sharp! (space is limited), $15 pre-sale, $20 at door.
featuring: Dj Tommee, Dj LoPro, Dj Rich the Snitch ...
... Crisis, Mad Dukes, Edreys, Rabbi D (more TBA) ...
Hosted by Emcee Sick, Loki da Trixta (more TBA) ...
... and an EXTREMELY special Mystery Guest!

Yes, the album is real, so real, I feel desire does accomplish!

2009-03-23T13:18:00.001-04:00

So, on the really real, we are but weeks away from the locking this mutha-effing album down like martial law! Alot of talk, time, work and sweat, but the LP is real! Personally, I've been in this game a long time and have a few projects to show, but nothing like this masterpiece. When I say masterpiece, I mean all the way around, you know, on some 360 shit..LOL..Cav, Cove and Prime, ready to re-assert this city as a real hip-hop conclave and I ain't talking about pop tunes and bad hair dews, you feel me?

Many wait and speculate like tribal councils, talking bout, "yeah they say the album's coming, but I have yet to see it" or "alot of shows and grind, but where is the product? Sitting on the corner like Bodie from The Wire and no WMD's to sling". Yeah we hear it, loud and clear, but rightfully so! We feel desire does accomplish and when you work hard, good things come to those who wait!

Got the deal locked in with DTR45, so the money, distribution and backing is right. So what else? Oh yeah, "Desire Accomplished"...This album won't be the second coming of Black Moon or Pete and CL, but it's fortified live, like you know what time it is? Got some help from a few friends, but overall it's self-contained. So hold those proverbial horses and be on the lookout soon and I promise you it's coming! Shit, I'm sick of wrting blogs about it, the wait is over FAM!!

Finally free for download: The Fresh Guac "Hors d'ouevres" EP

2009-03-04T19:22:00.002-05:00

OK folks . . . here it is. I hate writing about us, or about our music . . . so here goes. This is our EP we recorded a few months back. It's a 26 minute mix which contains 6 songs. Mixed by the man, DJ Optimus Prime, it's done with sort of a Maxell cassestte style in mind . . . one continuous & cohesive mix. It's free & delicious. Now download it & get your GUAC on!!!

Fresh Guac - "Hors D'ouevres" EP

New music downloads from MF DOOM & Blu

2009-02-24T11:47:00.003-05:00

Indie favorite MF DOOM is back, as it was recently announced that his highly anticipated third official solo album, Born Into This, is dropping next month.

Dropping the MF moniker this go around, DOOM hasn’t put out a solo set since 2004’s critically acclaimed MM Food. The self-proclaimed “masked super villain” will be releasing the disc on March 23rd via UK-based label LEX records.

Linking with a small group of past collaborators like Ghostface Killah, Raekwon the Chef, the late J DIlla and Kurious Jorge, Born Into This sonically picks up where DOOM left off.

While the underground rapper hasn’t dropped a solo CD in the last couple of years he has put out several collaboration projects with Grammy-award-winning producer Danger Mouse as DANGERDOOM, a remix project with Madlib (MADVILLAINY 2), as well as singles with producer Jake One, Dilla and Ghostface. The rumored full-length project with Ghost has yet to be released.

MF DOOM - Born Into This Promo EP
http://rapidshare.com/files/201004073/MF_Doom_-_Born_Like_This__5_Track_Sampler_-www.champion-sounds.blogspot.com.rar

In the last 2 years, Blu has gone from “impressive young talent,” to dropping the classic LP "Below The Heavens" with Exile, to being one of my favorite rappers working. I haven’t heard the entirety of his latest mixtape, Her Favorite Colo(u)r, as it just dropped on his Myspace page last night. But what I have heard is stellar–ranking among the finest work he’s done. Listen to “Amnesia,” complete with buoyant Billie Holiday sample, and try to argue differently. It is definately a themed, mostly instrumental based mix cd. Enjoy.

Blu - Her Favorite Colo(u)r
http://www.mediafire.com/?zndc23umenm

DTR45 label mate Edreys @ Hard Rock Cafe March 5!!!

2009-02-24T11:45:00.001-05:00

Can you tell me what Fresh Guac is???

2009-02-20T01:16:00.000-05:00

Mic & Life of the E.V.C. droppin' ish!!!

2009-02-16T12:34:00.002-05:00

Mic & Life of The Essential Vitamins Crew give there first crack at making a video. Mic Excel rips first, then followed by Legal a.k.a The Lifesaver. Beat produced by cOvert a.k.a bobby fisher. Thanks to Mark Hall aka Mouse for the direction & editing. 100% fresh guac approved suckas!!!

Mic & Life - Rooftop

Mic & Life - Whiskey

World Famous DJ Cutler's Jazzman 45" Mix!!!

2009-02-04T08:00:00.005-05:00

Today's feature is on one of my favorite people i ever met . . . DJ Cutler (www.myspace.com/djcutler). I def owe this cat a whole lot of gratitude as far as musical knowledge, teaching me to have fun with music, and getting in touch with my inner funk!!! This is a mix of some of the world's rarest funk 45s (TM) as reissued by Jazzman Records(www.jazzmanrecords.co.uk), and lent by 45" collector supreme . . . Ms. Shing-a-ling. Download this esclusive mix below!!!

DJ Cutler's Jazzman 45" Mix

Don't forget to also get your hands on DJ Cutler & Scott Down's "Blue Collar Funk II," avialable at your nearest record shop, or online hip hop shop!

Fresh Guac @ University of Buffalo's SA's "Hip Hop Across The Globe"

2009-02-02T17:35:00.003-05:00

Get your Guac on!!!!

2009-01-29T18:26:00.006-05:00

Just a quick update. The new year is turning out to be a busy one for us. Locally, we got some upcoming shows & radio show appearances/interviews. The album is almost complete, and we hope to do an album release show unlike any other!!! I will be pressing up some more copies of our "Hors D'ouevres EP" to give away free, with a second installment also on the way. Also on deck, a small Canadian tour that hopefully ends with a show in Montreal. Please stay tuned for exclusive mixes, videos, recipes, and auspicious banter! Suave.

1.30.09 interview with cove of Fresh Guac on WECK AM 1230 @ 10:30 am

2.08.09 cove of Fresh Guac @ WBNY’s "Sunday Night Hip Hop Fix" 12-3AM

2.15.09 Cav Johnson of Fresh Guac @ WBNY’s "Sunday Night Hip Hop Fix" 12-3AM

2.28.09 Broadway Joe’s w/ DJ Halo, Dante, TME, C.Y.F.O.. The Freshmen & others

4.04.09 Merlin’s Pub w/ After Words (York, PA) & others

Great Guatemalan Cuisine!!!

2009-01-23T21:24:00.004-05:00

What would you consider Guatemalan cuisine? I am glad you asked. But before moving on . . . a small preface.

Guatemala is a tiny country, yet it is at the crossroads of North America (including Mexico), Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands, so it receives a lot of influences. Furthermore, Guatemala is the heart and cradle of the Maya Civilization. The country has so many different micro-weather zones that ranges from the hot and humid tropical coasts to the very cold and cloud forest peaks. Therefore, the Guatemalan diet can be extremely varied.

I set this series off with my prior post on "Great Guatemalan Guac!!!" Here, I am going to list several dishes, which will be my homework for future food series, that are considered “real food” or cuisine. Pepián, pollo en jocón, hilachas, mole, piloyada antigüeña, shepes, tamalitos de loroco y cambray, yuca y chicharrón, quesadillas, gallina en crema, frijoles blancos con espinazo, frijoles colorados con costilla, subanik de olla, pulique de costilla, jocón, tapado, tayuyos, siquinché, kasabe, rice and beans, ceviche, carne en amarillo, mariscada, revolcado, tiras de panza and kaq’ ik’, just to mention some of them. It is obvious that I will have to do several series of these "Great Guatemalan Cuisine" blogs. Until then . . . stay fresco & bon apetit!!!

My mellow Blu on XXL Mag!!!

2009-01-23T19:41:00.001-05:00

REBEL RADIO 45: THE FREE DOUBLE MIX NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD @ MORE LOCATIONS

2009-01-18T13:28:00.003-05:00

The demand has been overwhelming, so we've got a few more places to download the free compilation from DTR: Rebel Radio 45. Orchestrated by DJ Anubus, DJ Optimus Prime and Billy Drease Williams; the free double disc feature new original music from hip hop super talents like Edreys, Styles P, Paulie Rhyme, Camp Lo, Pete Rock, Fresh Guac, Kurious Jorge, Atherton, Johnson & Jonson, El da Sensei, and many many more!

The Rebel Radio series is a groundbreaking effort by DTR to provide fans and listeners with free music, with the previous three installments having reached over 50,000 fans worldwide. Rebel Radio was designed to fight back against the corporate "nickel and dime" measures music consumers endure. DTR would like to encourage active hip hop listeners to take a radical step against these measures by supporting the free distribution of music and downloading a copy of the release.

REBEL RADIO 45: THE FREE DOUBLE MIX NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD:

http://www.zshare.net/download/53995947e879ce65/
http://www.zshare.net/download/54081724ee7333bb/
http://www.filefactory.com/file/a01bcb7/
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TOKVZW59
http://www.zshare.net/download/535992688c766ea3/

Full Credit info is available on our REBEL RADIO page

Exile (Blu & Exile, Emanon) on Vimby

2009-01-14T23:31:00.002-05:00

This cat is entirely too slept on . . . along with Jake One. Peep the skills and the ill storyline!!!

VIMBY - EXILE

Our tracks on DTR 45's Rebel Radio 4 & 5!!!

2009-01-14T22:41:00.003-05:00

Sooooo . . . the Rebel Radio Community Jam was extremely tight this year. The heads of state (Tone X & Edreys), along with a gang of others, really did a great job of promoting the event & collecting donations. Definately was glad to be a part of this, as i am for every fundraiser or cause we've ever been involved with. Since i'm not the writer that my counterpart Cav Johnson is . . . a brief list of highlights:

1. Edreys bringing back "Like Smack" in his set

2. reconnecting with some old school soccer cats who are now involved thoroughly in the NYC hip hop scene, DJ Kevlar & Rabbi D.

3. finally meeting ES, Solar-C, & M-Dot after mad texts & myspace messages

4. getting drunk before our set and kicking around mic stands like i owned the place lol!!! (please see our show footage on our myspace and/or facebook page)

Best HIP HOP of 2008 . . . he's her favorite color.

2009-01-07T23:39:00.005-05:00

i really wanted to do some sort of "top of 2008" list, but came to the conclusion that there was only one cat that i played the f#ck out! his name is blu . . . and he's one of the best & most insightful lyricists i've ever heard. we had the honor of doing a show with him last summer, and he was extremely dope live. me and the rest of the e.v.c. crew have been bumping this cat's music hard!!! below are his 3 most recent videos from his latest project, "johnson & jonson - powders and oils." do your homework on this cat cuz class is back in session. and do me a favor . . . buy this man's music. you'll love it!! you can peep him @ www.myspace.com/herfavecolor, and also on the new dtr45 rebel radio 4 & 5, which is free and availabel for download in the previous post. peace & bootygrease . . . los vemos!!!

yup . . .

cove.

FREE DOWNLOAD OF REBEL RADIO 4 & 5!!!

2009-01-02T12:31:00.002-05:00

It's finally here for consumption!!! Disc 1 is mixed by DJ Anubus and hosted by DJ Optimus Prime. Disc 2 is mixed by DJ Optimus Prime and hosted by Edreys. Big shout out to everyone involved: the artists who submitted tracks, my think tank team, the dj's & hosts, and to tone x for executing the plan!!! The link to download is below!!!

FREE DOWNLOAD OF REBEL RADIO 4 & 5

Great Guatemalan Guacamole!!!

2008-12-27T12:03:00.003-05:00

Seeing that I (Cove) am of Guatemalan descent, and that our group's name is Fresh Guac . . . I now bring to you the recipe for "Great Guatemalan Guacamole!!!" Yeah . . . this is some Col. Sanders shit, so don't go posting this everywhere. lol

Ingredients:
avocados (2)
lemon or lime juice (1 spoon)
vinegar (1 spoon)
onion (about 2 spoons, finely chopped)
tomatoes (about 2 spoons, finely chopped tomatoes)
coriander (about 1/3 cup)
mint (about 1/3 cup)
chillies
salt and pepper (or you could just use some Goya adobo)
garlic (one clove, if you don't have a date that evening)
cilantro (1/3 cup finely chopped)

Mash the avocados with a fork. Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, chillies and garlic. Chop the coriander,cilantro, and mint. Mix everything and add the lemon juice and vinegar. You may also use a blender or food processor to mince and mix the ingredients, but you'll end up with a very smooth guacamole.

A mixture of chopped coriander, onion, tomatoes, chillies, and garlic with a dressing of lemon and vinegar is called pico de gallo. Guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream are three essential ingredients for authentic tacos. New authentic recipes soon to follow. Enjoy the cuisine!!!

Pease allow us to re-introduce ourselves!!!

2008-12-21T14:17:00.003-05:00

As your reading this mini-bio, we just want to say thanks for glancing. Sure that's an inauspicious way of starting a bio, but then again, that is the Fresh Guac approach. Formed in late '06, the group consists of legendary DJ Optimus Prime, originally from the Bronx, NY, who has been on countless projects, most notably the Scion release in '06 with world famous DJ Cutler, this cat is putting in work on the decks. Also, we have Covert on the yeoman's side of production, who has the uncanny ability of mixing and matching drum samples and other obscure delights for you listening pleasure. He has countless production credits to parouse through. Rounding out the crew is Cav Johnson, a veteran emcee with a delightful tone and a relevant/subjective matter writing approach. Fresh Guac is the molding of these personalities and it is what creates the music and vibe you feel. Just in 2007 - 2008 alone, Fresh Guac touched the stage over 55 times in Western New York, with the summit being a trip to the Artvoice Boom Finals at the Tralf in Dowtown Buffalo, NY, for a chance to win $5000.00. Our diverse backgrounds, similar/different tastes, and abilities to mingle have given us the ability to perform in front of every array of music fan. Needless to say, this crew is Hungary like Budapest and continues to expand their horizons. With our recent partnering with DTR45, the Guac hopes to bless the globe with that homegrown, classic, Buffalo NY seasoned hip hop that leaves you craving for another taste. Please enjoy the many flavors on our pages, and step in the arena by visiting one of our shows if possible. Easy!!!

FOR BOOKINGS, BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS, TEA TIME, BRUNCHES, CORPORATE SHINDIGS, BAR MITZVAH'S, POLKA PARTY'S and/or SWEET 16 PARTY'S: PLEASE EMAIL PANAROR@YAHOO.COM OR MOEPRIME@HOTMAIL.COM

Dec 27: Rebel Radio Community Jam and Double CD!

2008-12-15T19:36:00.003-05:00

-Buffalo, NY

In an industry short on creative marketing and sales figures, DTR45 has once again pushed the envelope, taking the already innovative Rebel Radio compilation series and doubling down on the effort. Rebel Radio 4, announced last month, will be joined simultaneously with Rebel Radio 5, a move which pays homage to the 10 year label's recent re-brand from DeepThinka to DTR "45".

The free two disc collection continues the Rebel Radio tradition of fighting back against the corporate "nickel and dime" measures that music consumers endure and at the same time works to develop a market for hip hop
talents both large and small in recognition. The talent featured this time around is remarkable: from locally based artists like Edreys, Fresh Guac, Pseudo Intellectuals and Q-Boogie, to mainstream names like DJ Green Lantern, Prince Po, Blu, Camp Lo, Styles P, and Pete Rock.

Rebel Radio 4 and 5 will be unveiled during a weekend full of events in conjunction with grass roots activist groups like PUSH Buffalo, Buffalo First, MAP, Coalition for Economic Justice, Buffalo Re-Use, Green Options Buffalo and more. On Friday Dec 26, The Holiday Movement Dance Party will be held at Ujima Theatre on Elmwood Avenue. Featuring DJ's Cutler and Lopro and hosted by Billy Drease Williams, the evening will serve as a fundraiser for the Partnership for the Public Good.

The following night, Saturday December 27, will be the second annual "Rebel Radio Community Jam", a free event showcasing more than a dozen of the featured acts on the double-compilation. The concert will be held at Broadway Joe's, starting at 9pm and is free of charge. Attending patrons are asked to bring either a canned food donation for the Food Bank of WNY, or make a small monetary donation at the door to the aforementioned non-profit community groups. Free copies of Rebel Radio 4 and 5 will be made available at both events.

More information about Rebel Radio or either of the weekends' events is available at www.dtr45.com or by calling 716 -873-2151.

Tone X & Urban Legacy show the Guac some love!!!

2008-12-15T19:32:00.002-05:00

Hold up, hold up . . . we got signed and didn't inform y'all!!!

2008-12-15T19:22:00.002-05:00

DTR45 signs Fresh Guac; group set to play Rebel Radio 45 Community Jam December 27

Buffalo, NY

DTR45 announced on 10.30.08 the signing of Buffalo-based hip hop trio Fresh Guac to a recording agreement. A multi-cultural, high profile group, Fresh Guac consists of: DJ Optimus Prime (Mohammed Furqan), Cove (Joseph Vasquez) and Cav Johnson (Richard Panaro). They recently performed at The Art of Hip Hop 3 and earlier this year were finalists in Artvoice's Battle of Original Music contest. They were also the second hip hop group, behind label mate Edreys, to play the esteemed WBFO Wed. Night Concert Series 11.05.08. Group front-man Cav Johnson noted "This really gives us an opportunity to spread our wings and formulate a comprehensive effort". Label executives Tony Caferro and Edreys Wajed cited the group's truly original style as well as the impact these gentlemen have had on the community and art form as reasons for the roster addition.

Next up is the Rebel Radio Community Jam held @ Broadway Joe's 12.27.08, a free event showcasing more than a dozen of the featured acts on the double-compilation. The concert will be held at Broadway Joe's, starting at 9pm and is free of charge. Attending patrons are asked to bring either a canned food donation for the Food Bank of WNY, or make a small monetary donation at the door to the aforementioned non-profit community groups. Free copies of Rebel Radio 4 and 5 will be made available at both events.

More information about Rebel Radio or either of the weekends' events is available at www.dtr45.com or by calling 716 -873-2151.

The Album

2008-12-12T10:33:00.001-05:00

The Album....

Good morning to all my fellow hip-hoppers!!! Fresh Guac has been hard at work for the last 3 years and the album is done. With the help of DTR45, our new label and business partner "Desired Accomplished" will be in digital stores and hitting selective store wracks sometime in mid February. The album will feature 17 cut's and 16 of those will have been produced by Covert, while the one lone un-produced Cove track will be "Avenues 2" which is produced by the young British sensation Jae Fresh...

If your looking for variety and classic sound, then this album is for you. This album will boast a wide range of sounds, the likes of which will include: Funk, Jazz, Latin, Classic Rock etc.....Fresh Guac maintains a sound throughout the LP and it's a sound they consider all their own.

The Guaconians will also be hitting the road sometime next year and are targeting the Northeast and Canada as the starting points. So if your in these areas, be on the lookout for the avocado brethren...Stay tuned for video blog's, show footage, new tracks in the player and a single/video for the release...One!!

Cav's Corner...

2008-12-12T10:30:00.001-05:00

Cav’s Corner...

Word on the street, is that Cav's getting a new video camera and he is going to start a bi-weekly video blog aptly titled "Cav's Corner" I hope to reach out and interview up and coming Western New York artists and just speak on issues of everyday life. Yeah I can write about it, but that's not much fun, you would rather see a brother live and direct right? Anywho, be on the look out, as I prowl the scene for hotness and inspiration...One!!!

Missing in Action

2008-08-26T12:23:00.005-04:00

Whew!!! Where the fuck have we been??? Well . . . fine tuning our debut LP that's what. But yo . . . we're back, and we have a slew of goodies for y'all. First up is the second installment in DJ Optimus Prime's exclusive mixes. Some oldies, some newbies . . . but definately some all around jawns. Download and enjoy!!!

Download DJ Optimus Prime's Goodies Mix

SMOOTH OPERATIN' THURSDAYS THIS SUMMER IN BUFFALO NY!!!

2008-06-01T16:11:00.003-04:00

AFTER THURSDAYS IN THE SQUARE NEAR ALLEN & ELMWOOD @ COMUZEL!!! FOOD, DRINKS, & FUNKY ASS MUSIC TO WIGGLE YOUR BOOTY TOO!!! BROUGHT TO YOU BY DJ'S CUTLER, LOPRO, & UNIVERSAL.

TUNE IN EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 6-9PM ET TO HEAR DJ UNIVERSAL'S REGGAE RADIO ON 91.3 WBNY AND ONLINE @ WWW.MYSPACE.COM/STEPPINOUTSOUND & WWW.MYSPACE.COM/WBNY.

Keepin' It Family Tree!!!

2008-05-15T13:34:00.002-04:00

"DREAMS..." TRACK ON REBEL RADIO 3 AND Pastime's "Self Interrogation" LP due later this summer '08, featuring Cav Johnson, DJ Optimus Prime, & elCovito!!!

"Black and White"

2008-05-06T09:21:00.003-04:00

Let me just say this first, I am not a racist, stereotype or red neck, but just someone with a question....Why is it, that if a guy or gal (black and white) is of mixed ethnicity, they seem to identify more with the black culture, then the white? Now maybe this is just ( as I am a city boy) my urban point of view, as I lack the affluent experience, where maybe more mixed kids sided with the white identity, but I am miffed...I have even asked white, Puerto Rican and Black alike and it seems that one thing is common. Those who experience more of a struggle, be it primarly in their environment, side with the black culture or way of looking at things, where as those who have less of a struggle side with the white culture/way of living...Now what you just read, may sound like a stereotype in itself, but as I said before, this is coming from the mouths of White, Spanish and Black alike, as I have asked for different pints of view, albeit with the resources I had available...

Does the reader agree with this? Or do you think this is horse shit? If so, please add your insight and expound on my perception. I also believe it has alot to do with sports and music, as this is a area highly dominated by the black populous. Take me for example, I am a white hip-hop artist and because I grew up in the city and tended to struggle, like alot of minorities, I was pigeoned holed, by white America, as being a wanna be or a whigger? Now is this because white people perceive hip-hop as a black thing and not a white thing? Or is it that, they are to ignorant to know, it's a global thing? I agree with the latter. So my point is that, those people of mixed ethnicity, who grew up in a urban environment, tend to side more with the black culture, as opposed to the white way of living....

Another question, do you think if Hilliary Clinton was black and a women, that we would be talking more about the fact, that she may be the first black president, or that she is the first female president? This is a very complex question and one that I believe is directly related to our perception/environment. I still say people would concentrate more on the fact, that she was black, even though women continue to be shunned, but not nearly as bad as the black man or women....I don't know if this is ever going to change, but I would appreciate positive feedback to this post and no bullshit....Easy!!

Know Your Breaks Vol. I

2008-05-01T10:55:00.004-04:00

free exclusive mix by dj optimus prime (aka 1-800-rent-a-dj) of fresh guac. if you're not familiar with him, you should be. prime, along with scion free up you mix champ dj cutler ( of pseudo intellectuals), dropped the classic scion sampler vol.16. download and stay tuned to the page for part II. just an appetizer for you hip hop cuisine enthusiasts.

DOWNLOAD "KNOW YOUR BREAKS VOL. I" BY DJ OPTIMUS PRIME OF FRESH GUAC

Reppin' Buffalo Radio: WBFO & WBNY!!!

2008-04-27T17:53:00.005-04:00

WBFO 88.7 FM is a public radio station operated as a major public service of the University at Buffalo to inform, educate, and entertain listeners throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region. Repeater stations in Jamestown at 88.1FM and Olean at 91.3FM extend WBFO's reach to the rest of Western New York.

WBFO practices the art of radio in ways that take advantage of its compelling characteristics by using sound, voice, words, and music to appeal to the ear, engage the imagination, and stimulate the mind.

WBFO is committed to maintaining a diverse funding base in order to secure its viability and integrity as a noncommercial radio service. Support for the station comes from the University at Buffalo, federal and state government, listener contributions, business underwriting, and foundations.

WBFO has been voted "the best radio station in Buffalo" by area arts publications.

Tune in and hear why.

Station Overview
WBNY-91.3FM is located in Campbell Student Union 220. From the board of directors to the DJs, WBNY is completely student-run (with occasional guidance administered by our staff advisor). WBNY has been Buffalo's best source for original music for the past 25 years. Our 100-watt antenna, located on Porter Hall, allows us to broadcast to Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs.

Programming
Our 60-member staff determines our programming, which allows WBNY to maintain a musically diverse format. We have a passion for music--and we want to share that passion with you. In addition to our music-based shows, we broadcast homegrown talk shows, artist interviews, special on-campus events, local music showcases, and all Buffalo State football, basketball, and hockey games.

Funding
WBNY is funded by Buffalo State's mandatory student activity fee and United Students Government (USG).

LISTEN LIVE NOW!!!

Free Download of Rebel Radio 3

2008-04-24T10:06:00.000-04:00

Buffalo-based Hip Hop record label DeepThinka Records (DTR) released the 3rd installment of the original compilation series Rebel Radio in late December of '07. The widely acclaimed mixes—the previous two editions having reached over 25,000 fans worldwide—is a free-to-the-public release and has boasted a wide variety of musical talents as well as chart topping radio singles.

MIXED BY DJ OPTIMUS PRIME OF fresh guac. AND HOSTED BY PROFESSOR KUSH B.

36 TRACKS FEATURING THE FRESHEST IN TRUE WORLDWIDE HIP HOP, INCLUDING EDREYS, SPUTNIK BROWN, EL DA SENSEI, PUBLIC RADIO, THIRD, FRESH GUAC, SEV STATIK, TABLEEK, HANGAR 18, CONSTANT CLIMAX, NOMADIC MASSIVE, TAH PHRUM DA BUSH, PSEUDO INTELLECTUALS, KANSER, THE AZTEXT, ASKEW ARTISTRY, THE BROOKLYN PSYCLONEZ AND MANY MANY MORE!

DOWNLOAD REBEL RADIO 3 MIXED BY FRESH GUAC'S DJ OPTIMUS PRIME FOR FREE!!!

TRACK LISTING
1. intro : dj optimus prime
2. u havin fun yet? : sputnik brown
3. d.u.i. : edreys
4 what u know about that? : el da sensei
5. gotta go thru it : constant climax
6. armageddon : public radio
7. sad but true : nomadic massive
8. the riot act : [one] nation
9. altitude : sev statik
10. it goes on : third
11. build a dream : abyss f/ masia one
12. cav johnson : fresh guac
13. dreamin' : pastime
14. legacy : kanser
15. this is radio reb : the brooklyn psyclonez
16. the editor's note : sketch tha cataclysm
17. autumn leaves : pseudo intellectuals
18. diabolic compositions : it smells like laundry
19. ruff : tableek
20. shhshh : keith concept
21. time to go : phathom
22. the day after : anime
23. we back : the aztext
24. 1987z : milkfat
25. last stop : hangar 18
26. volume 7 : askew artistry
27. u rap 2 much : gol live grizzlies f/ iyan anomalie + garbs inifinite
28. buffalo mercenary : debug
29. this hip hop sh*t : eimaj
30. dope on the brain : inno + jayquest
31. legendary graf artist : vision ad
32. hol' up : tut
33. beautiful : gr& phee and rhyson hall
34. cmon : zon da northstar
35. lif & death dichotomy : tah phrum duh bush
36. around the world : dj anubus

Live Hip Hop 101

2008-04-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

don't remember where i stumbled upon this . . . but found this chilling on my PC notepad dating back over a year ago. thought it was super dope, and vey self explanitory. props due to the author of this text.

The obvious needs to be repeated. This is aimed at the inexperienced, but I firmly believe it's useful for anyone and everyone in the business:

1. No matter what, be nice, be polite. Everyone has a bad day, and you can choose to either let it blow over you, or make it worse. Even if you're technically, logically and factually 100% right, still: don't argue with the management, the promoters, the bouncer or the sound guy. A great way to get noticed and start up an effective word of mouth campaign is to be a smug dickhead at the venue. Sure enough, you'll make an impression and people will be talking about you. That's only a good thing if you're Axl Rose or Jim Morrison. Both of whom are dead.

2. Honor the details. Show up on time. Have new batteries in all your equipment. Be tuned up before sound check. Bring your own adapters and cables, even if they never get used. Have contact information, on your person, for anyone you might need to reach. Be clear about all expectations and obligations before you leave home. Despite all this preparation, there will still be unwelcome surprises and occasional disasters. Hopefully it goes without saying, but still: stay calm when that happens. There's never any reason to freak out or get angry, that's counter-productive and it also, you know...makes you look like a little kid.

3. Connect with your audience. You're all there in a room, staring at one another. If you can't find an angle to make that entertaining and interesting, that's about to be a very uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. You need to project yourself, you need to fill the stage, you need to maintain the highest level of energy you can during your set. It's not an exaggeration to say that unless you get that down, you will not progress beyond your local scene. You're not smoking blunts and rapping with your boys, and you're definitely not reciting your rhymes in your room, you are onstage and expected to deliver an entertaining performance for an audience.

4. Embrace Your Failures. No, really. Listen: your failures are your sole creation, and your sole responsibility. If you find yourself blaming the sound guy, or the crowd, stop. Be honest. Recognize that you're making up a story to feel better. You will never evolve or improve if you keep trying to lay blame on others. You failed because you failed, and the only important thing is finding out why. So embrace your failures. Memorize every detail of them, close your eyes and relive them again and again until you find out exactly where you went wrong. Success is great -- it's a huge endorphin boost, it's a great handjob for your primate ego, but you don't learn shit from success. Failure is the most valuable opportunity for growth you could possibly have, if you use it.

5. Constantly Test the Product. If you do hip hop, odds are you're not writing your verses while you're onstage in front of a crowd. You're riding the bus, you're in your room, you're listening to beats and getting high. Not surprisingly, a great deal of the material you come up with will be of limited interest to other people. Nothing wrong with that, but when you're doing live shows, you want to emphasize -- almost exclusively -- the material that connects and resonates with strangers in the crowd. There is a very real and large boundary between pandering and catering. When you cater to the audience, it's still your food, but you're only serving the food you know they want. This leads to my next point:

6. You're Not Big Enough to Be Scarce. I see the same advice repeated everywhere: don't over-expose yourself. Play one show a month to increase demand. Don't oversaturate your market. I would suggest that's only true if everyone already knows who you are, what you do, and how you do it. The fact of the matter is, every single gig you play, you will be reaching new people. Even within the same city. Every venue has a shifting cast of regulars, and every venue has different regulars on different nights. When I play venues I've been in dozens of times, I will still wind up reaching dozens of new people every single show.

7. Keep a Journal. After every show, sit down and think over your experience. Take notes on what went well, take notes on what needs to be worked on. This might sound pointless, but I assure that after a few shows you will see your style, presence and delivery evolving in a more effective direction. If you're not changing up your set on a regular basis, you're lying to yourself and you're boring your audience. Stay flexible and stay honest with yourself.

And finally:

8. YOUR AUDIENCE OWES YOU NOTHING. Not a single damn thing. They are under no obligation to clap for you, to come up to the front of the stage, to throw their hands in the air, or to "get hype." At any given show, more than half the audience is there to hang out and drink with their friends. The small portion of the audience who's there to listen to music is probably not there to see you. This leaves your friends and family who showed up to the gig especially for you, and there's no sense in being rude to them -- they're already doing you a big favor. There is nothing more embarrasing than watching someone lecture the crowd. Focus on your show. You're there to perform and wether you're in front of 10,000 screaming fans or 12 people with their backs to you, hunched over the bar, you need to give it everything. Because being onstage with a microphone doesn't happen often, and you need to make the most of it every chance you get.

word . . .

el cove

El Primero . . .

2008-04-23T00:15:00.000-04:00

check out the new spot online that will be the official site for all things 100% FRESH GUAC approved!!! also peep the page to stay updated with buffalo hip hop culture, buffalo urban culture, opinionated essays from cav, diggin' in the crates with prime,grafflix with the s.o.s., and some additional outside commentary!!! exclusive mp3's, videos, and merchandise reppin' the ESSENTIAL VITAMIN FAM will also be available on the page. please take some time and scope out the menu. dinner will be served appropriately. enjoy!!!

www.freshguac.blogspot.com

Best of Buffalo Nomination!!!

2008-04-13T13:34:00.000-04:00

This year’s edition of the annual celebration for the winners of our poll promises to be the best yet. Monday marks the fourth year of the Best of Buffalo Bash at the venerable Town Ballroom (one of the nominees for Best Live Music Venue). The event will feature performances by gypsy jazz band Babik and sketch comedy/burlesque act the Stripteasers, DJ L’il Joe and DJ Atram, and hosts/emcees Anthony Chase and Lisa Ludwig. Also—and if you’ve been to one of these shindigs before, you might remember—there’s lots and lots of food. One of the biggest highlights of the evening (and possibly the biggest attraction for partygoers), many of our nominees for “Best of” in the food categories have agreed to donate dishes for the party, providing samples of the nosh they are nominated for as well as some surprise delicacies the general public might not know they have. Think of it as a free, indoor Taste of Buffalo if you will, without the influx of “tourists” (though we’d be glad to have them) and the punishing mid-summer heat—but not without the spirit of healthy competition. Come out to support your favorite nominee, or just for the food, music, and entertainment. And if you need to rationalize a night out on a Monday, chalk it up to civic duty.

Mon. April 14 6-9pm. Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900/townballroom.com). FREE

ARTVOICE'S BEST OF BUFFALO!!!