Venus Dialogues: Hip Hop Diversified with DoItAll (Lords of the Underground)

Effortless flow over bodacious baselines, gritty scratches and funky rhythms defined the Lords of the Underground's sound. The perfect soundtrack to my b-girlhood and often on spin in my adulthood at a time where hip hop gems like these are rare nowadays vs. the boon of classics that real heads are accustom from the golden days. I had the pleasure of connecting with Dupre "DoitAll" Kelly to hear about his latest endeavors and what is on the horizon for LOTUG.

AbsoluteVenus: What inspires you to create?
DoItAll: Life inspires me to create. Everything about it. There are creations waiting to be created in every living moment.

AbsoluteVenus: What projects are you currently working on? 
DoItAll: Musically, I am always creating. If it's not a feature on fellow emcees projects, it's working with my group LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND. If it's not that, then it's doing underground projects like "HEARTBEAT OF THE GHETTO" with DJ Lord Jazz that features up and coming talent. Or, I am assisting Senica Da Misfit who is an emcee out of The DMV and helping THE PREZ Ky Will out with getting his Election Day album to the masses. 

Dupre "DoItAll" Kelly addressing students at a
211 Media Community Impact event.

On the acting note, I have a deal that I did with Shakim and Queen Latifah's company, Flava Unit to produce three movies. RedMan and I created the first project that we will do. 211 Media is definitely diversifying into all aspects of media and different business ventures. 

We are always full steam ahead with our nonprofit 211 Community Impact as well. We focus on impacting the company through awareness building community activities.


AbsoluteVenus: Tell the people about The Come Back Kings project.
DoItAll: The ComeBack Kings is a Pilot TV show which I had the pleasure of being cast in as well as be a producer on. We are currently talking to major TV networks about getting it into their programming.

AbsoluteVenus: Are there any upcoming collaborations that you would like to mention? 
DoItAll: Yes, I have an album that I did with one of UK's best DJs and producer Bunty Beats called "BEATS AND RHYMEs" (BARs)

AbsoluteVenus: Where can hip hop heads hear/buy your music? 
DoItAll: Hiphop heads can go to #iTunes and get American Du by moi! Or, get that LOTUG 20 Vol 1/3 by Lords of The Underground

AbsoluteVenus: Any upcoming concerts/performances with LOTUG or otherwise? 
DoItAll: We (LOTUG) just got back off a 30-day tour in Europe and we just performed at the Masters Of Ceremony in Newark, NJ. We are now gearing up for Canada, Europe and Puerto Rico.

AbsoluteVenus: Is there anything else that you have cooking that you would like to mention? 
DoItAll: My company 211 Media Group just did a venture with Hedonist Spirits company out of Bordeuax, France to bring their Hedonist Premium Cognac to America. I am also opening up a sandwich shop in Newark NJ with my brother called HipHop Soups & Subs.



AbsoluteVenus: What are your official web/social media site(s)?
DoItAll: I can be reached on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @Doitalldu and Lords can be contacted at booklotug@gmail.com

Peace and Blessings,

AbsoluteVenus
©2015

Venus Dialogues | Soul of an Artist with Ibrahim Baaith

Planet Venus is the epitome of art, life and passion. So, when I thought about what to bring visitors of my Planet next, I thought of a multifaceted, talented being who encompasses it all. I first came across Ibrahim Baaith's work in 2010 on a reality tv show called "Model City" which chronicled the careers of himself and other male models in NYC. However, I soon came to learn that modelling was just one of Ibrahim's creative endeavors and his artwork and the stories behind them were even more intriguing. I had the pleasure of connecting with Ibrahim to discuss his art as well as his growth as a fighter.

AbsoluteVenus: What inspires you to create?

Ibrahim Baaith: My inspiration for creating things is just wanting to express a thought, a feeling, a purpose, an intent. It's therapy for me actually.

AbsoluteVenus: Tell us about your latest projects?

Ibrahim Baaith: Most recently, I was asked to do a piece for author and filmmaker Ntozake Shange's 40th anniversary of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf". I was also asked to auction a piece for a fundraising event for South African Prime Minister, Desmond Tutu, in light of the politics surrounding the late Nelson Mandela, which will be in two (2) weeks here in NY.

AbsoluteVenus: Does art and modeling require a different type of discipline, aesthetics and form than pugilism? If not, what are the common components. If so, what is differs between them.

Ibrahim Baaith: There is an art to everything in life. Once mastered, one can consider themselves skilled in said artform. Techniques are by far the most essential component in developing your art. Techniques are what separates you from those with raw talent and no training. This applies to being an artist, model, or a fighter. Which I am all of these.

AbsoluteVenus: Describe your process in preparing for a match and how it may differ (if at all) from your technique when creating art or modeling.

Ibrahim Baaith: Preparing for a fight is essentially the most important aspect of winning the match. I make sure that when Im training for my fight, I am aware of my opponets strengths and weaknessess, as well as honing in on my own. Being realistic with my abilities will allow me to mentally prepare to win. However, art and modeling is almost an entirely different animal competitive wise: theres much gray area. But theres no gray in fighting..you either win or lose.

AbsoluteVenus: Are there any artists/athletes that you would like to mention in your circle?

Ibrahim Baaith: stic.man of rap group Dead Prez is an artist and a fighter that I've had undying respect for for years, and he's also a good friend. I must also mention my sifu Shi Yang Ming for being the painter, fighter, teacher he's always been...very inspirational.

AbsoluteVenus: What keeps you grounded? 

Ibrahim Baaith: My time alone keeps me grounded. It's always healthy to take mental time away from the ups and downs of life. I make sure everyday I have my own time to think about what I want, or to meditate.

AbsoluteVenus: Do you have any favorite subject/muses for your art?

Ibrahim Baaith: Muse for my art is usually music! Music paints pictures in my mind that compels me to manifest it. As well as mind blowing information. That's a big reason why I paint what I paint. And lastly, to wow my peers. I want to make an impact on the contemporary scene and I want my voice to be loud and heard...reverberating through time.

AbsoluteVenus: Do you have favorite materials/medium on which to create your works?

Ibrahim Baaith: I have no boundaries on creation. Any medium, any where, I can create my magic. This mentality allows me to stay fresh, new, and innovative!

AbsoluteVenus: What is next on the horizon?

Ibrahim Baaith: Being creative is what I think human existence is for. God is the ultimate creator, and we are his creatures who also can create. Being an artist is the height of being human!

AbsoluteVenus: Where can people find out more about your projects online (social media sites, etc.)

Ibrahim Baaith: My website coming soon. For now, @bloodbaaith on IG.

Peace and Blessings,

AbsoluteVenus
©2015

Venus Dialogues: The Mechanics of MeccaGodZilla

Photo by @tiffnysherellphotography / Tiffny Sheréll

In 2013, I became acquainted with MeccaGodZilla's music by coincidence, during my everloving thirst for great music, and have been staying tuned to all of the great things coming from his camp since the PERFECT 天 album. Read more about his journey during that time in Venus Dialogues: The Metamorphosis of MeccaGodZilla. Since then, he has undergone continued transformation that has honed his style, skill and experience, culminating in an enriched sound and spirit. Mecca shared his latest projects and how they express his current space and time.

AbsoluteVenus: In what way(s) would you say your art has transformed over the past couple of years?

MeccaGodZilla: In the last couple of years, I picked up learning how to play piano chords and seriously haven’t sampled in a while.  In the past, I sampled everything but, recently I really wanted to have freedom when it came to sound, and sound design so I started learning keys. I like to play keys and then mix the sounds that I’ve played to sound like actual samples. It’s been a lot of fun doing stuff like that, especially when I play something and the listener thinks it’s a sample.

The other thing too is, when my creative energy is high I just produce. Whether it’s a rock sound or something ambient and abstract, I just produce music.  I’m coming from a Hip-Hop arena and a Hip-Hop base but, I like to let the spirit move me into the other arenas that also have influenced me since childhood.

AbsoluteVenus: Since beginning your music career, what would you say has been your biggest lesson as you progress in the craft.

MeccaGodZilla: The biggest lesson has been...mmmm...it is great to be a part of a team.  A lot of times you can be a part of a team and grow to your full potential within that team.  On the contrary, sometimes being a part of a team will stunt you growing to your full potential.  I’ve been on teams and I’ve had to roll and push for dolo. The biggest lesson I have learned is to beware of energy vampires AND to not feel bad cutting them off early.   It’s important to have positive people and vibes around to reach full potential.  Life is too short for anything else.

AbsoluteVenus: Tell us about your latest projects?

Photo by @tiffnysherellphotography / Tiffny Sheréll

MeccaGodZilla: Right now, I am going through a reset.  I broke up with my lady of 5 years and that opened the door for me to just let out frustration, aggression, disappointment, and all negative energy. That energy came out as a lot of Light and Love energy. I ended up compiling that all and put together a brand new instrumental album titled “ERROARS 3.3.”   It’s already done. It was great to make that because, it was ridiculously emotional. I have to admit.  Taku and Bjork both have records like this as do many artists, where within heartbreak music can be so beautiful and calming. What I made with ERROARS 3.3 is possibly very different from what my followers might have heard before.  I’m excited about this record.  One thing though, I feel like my followers want to hear more bars though. So, I do have some rap records in the works.

I have a few EPs and an album with Sim-E titled “Strong Island Monstas.”  This album features (huge thanks to Sim-E for getting all these features for us!) Prince Po, Chase Infinite, Planet Asia, Rodan, Kurious, Sean Price (God bless RI’P!) and quite a few more.  I’m grateful because DJ Evil Dee is mixing some of it for us.

Possibly I will finish up this EP with Budamunky and I have an EP with DJ Tomoko already completed. So, maybe it’s time to really let that out of the bag. I’m working on clearing a music sample as we speak.  We shall see ;-)

AbsoluteVenus: Are there any artists that you would like to mention in your circle?

MeccaGodZilla: Since summer 2014, I had to re-evaluate the cipher.  Right now, in my cipher is Juro Mez Davis, Sim-E, Masia One, the talented Ronald Wimberly, Aja Asi, Nelson Caban, Divine Life Allah, DJ oMMM, the Bondfire Radio fam, Beathaus, and Tigarah.  Additionally TAP Co., Ltd., Mina Koo, 81Neutronz, J. Stylez, Cryptik Soul, Young Lucid and Mark Marvel.  Honorable mention to Green Street, Suede and Suade.

AbsoluteVenus: What advice would you give to new indie artists?

MeccaGodZilla: While you sharpen your craft, it is important to be very patient. Sometimes it seems like overnight that you can blow up!  But, then it may take some years for your end goals to come to fruition.  It requires patience.  While you may be waiting for one thing to pop off, I recommend putting a few more irons in the fire. Eventually one thing will get hot for you.  It is also great when all of the irons are hot at one time. It’s a lot more fun when having powerful options to play with.

AbsoluteVenus: How do you define wisdom/enlightenment?

MeccaGodZilla: In my life, wisdom comes from not only researching what others have done before me in the realm of “success” but also not following the rules, making my own rules, and then failing.  When I get knocked down and begin to stand, that reflection process often times is very spiritual and that is where enlightenment for me lives.  In those moments of rediscovering, humility after failing, I venture through many stages of enlightenment to regain being grounded, regain the ability to listen and regain the ability to learn. I do have mentors, big brothers that are older and also some younger brothers who have gone through tough experiences.  They share with me constantly a LOT of wisdom and that helps me along my journey.

AbsoluteVenus: Do you have a favorite element/instrument that you infuse into your beats? If yes, what is it?

MeccaGodZilla: I love strings, I love, love, love strings.  Strings remind me so much of light, sun rays, positive energy.  Strings can be sad too.  I like how they convey energy and emotion, drama and tranquility. In regards to drums. I totally have to shout out !llmind and Traumah for having really great drumkits.

AbsoluteVenus: What is on your bucket list musically? Personally?

MeccaGodZilla: Musically, I seriously wanna put out my album from 2006 titled “Syntax Erroars.”  I LOVE that album because it is very raw and slightly abstract and the lyrics really go at the “system.” Personally, I would like to venture out on another trip.  Although Asia is calling me, if I do not visit mother Africa I am slipping.  So, Africa is definitely on the bucket list.

AbsoluteVenus: In less than four (4) bars describe your fave place to create.

MeccaGodZilla:

Where the sun meets the horizon

the metaphysical is heightened

And shares with the world

A universal reminder

Formless

it’s The home of orca and dolphins

It’s simple to guess

I love writing near water

AbsoluteVenus: What are your official web/social media sites?

Homepage: http://www.meccagodzilla.com

Record Label: http://www.manafestvision.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheMeccaGodZilla
Twitter: @MeccaGodZilla

Instagram: MeccaGodZilla

Peace and Blessings,

AbsoluteVenus
©2015

Venus Dialogues : Interplanetary Flow with Camp Lo

Visitors of Planet Venus, these cats obviously need no intro. They are the emcees with the butterscotch smooth delivery that I have been vibing to for two decades and their style transcends millennia. The one, the only - Camp Lo. I had the pleasure of building with Sonny Cheeba and Geechi Suede and discussing their new album "Ragtime Hightimes" and other coolness going on in their universe.

AbsoluteVenus: When you're creating art, what inspires you?
Sonny Cheeba: Everything, to be honest. I'd say rare art!
Geechi Suede: I draw inspiration from all things. Standing on a rooftop, or looking at the ocean, or just watching a plane fly by...it differs.

AbsoluteVenus: Tell the people about your latest release "Ragtime Hightimes".
Sonny Cheeba: Ragtime Hightimes is a trip of two hiphop robots in the present future. The sound is a mixture of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s under the umbrella of hiphop soul.
Geechi Suede: We love to time travel through sound basically, lol!

Ragtime Hightimes available on iTunes

AbsoluteVenus: What is the overall message/theme for the album? How does it differ from your other works?
Geechi Suede: Keeping it 1000000000000 % Bboy Retro Futuristic Classic.
Sonny Cheeba: The theme is going from past to the future, highs and not so high, getting out of a box and enjoying.


AbsoluteVenus: Are there any collabs (lyricists, producers, etc.) you would like to mention?
Geechi Suede: Well, on this album shouts to Tyler Woods on "Gypsy Notes" and as far as down the line. I digs Ryan Leslie, Jamiroqui, and Corey Gunz.
Sonny Cheeba: Vince Staples, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, Stevie Wonder, King, the makers of Call of Duty, and Adidas.

AbsoluteVenus: How does working with Ski Beatz differ from working with other producers for your projects? What magic/style does he bring?
Sonny Cheeba: He's the third member, from square one. So, he knows what jackets to put us in.
Geechi Suede:Yeahhhh, third member to the end of it. Chemistry organic. We always picks up where we left off, then go somewhere new.

AbsoluteVenus: Does the flavor of the album reflect the usual soulful vibe of Camp Lo or are there some tracks that explore other elements/variation in your style?
Sonny Cheeba: We touch the 80s approach on some hooks, not too wordy. Live musicians add that feel only a musician can, that soul from scratch. Also, we hit a couple subjects like on "Time", "You", and "Gypsy Notes", that we usually don't hit.
Geechi Suede:Yes, some cuts are signature and then there are those other pockets that explore new sound waves.

AbsoluteVenus: Are you currently touring or doing shows?
Geechi Suede: Yup, yup, I love rocking! Exchanging energy, entertaining everyone.
Sonny Cheeba: Yeah, enjoying the people.

AbsoluteVenus: Are there other things you got cooking that you would like to mention?
Geechi Suede: Yesssss, much, much, much more music on the way as well as working with other up and coming artist and some fashion ventures as well.
Sonny Cheeba: More music! More art! For sure!

AbsoluteVenus: Where can hip hop heads buy the album?
Sonny Cheeba: iTunes, nature sounds site and in stores.
Geechi Suede: Yeah, what Chee just said, lol. 

AbsoluteVenus: What are your official web/social media sites?
Geechi Suede: OfficialCamplo.com, GeechiSuede.com, Twitter: @OfficialCampLo, IG: @GaravaniGold, FB: Geechi Suede
Sonny Cheeba: Twitter: @Camplo, IG: @SomuchCheeba, FB: Sonny Cheeba




Peace and Blessings,

AbsoluteVenus
©2015

Venus Dialogues | Tuning Into Consciousness with Moe Ager

I had the pleasure of connecting with Grammy nominated producer, former NBA player, and rap artist Moe Ager on his latest project #Zonin, and find out more about his inspiration for creation. Upon listening to #Zonin, the melodic production had an aura of tranquility, overlaid with Moe's rhythmic delivery. Songs like #CherryBlossom and #GraceLA have somewhat of a whimsical feel, taking you on a journey through his life and times. An interesting mix throughout, ending in a powerful affirmational song with #ZoninMeditation. You'll enjoy the cruise through his lyrics and musicality to reach a peaceful, yet energizing zone.

AbsoluteVenus: Let the people know about your latest release, #Zonin, and any other projects that you are currently working on.

Moe: #Zonin is an album that has been created to support my "In The Zone With Moe Ager" campaign. I wanted to put out a body of work that displayed my progress musically. It's a great overall album and I'm now shooting videos for the songs. 

AbsoluteVenus: Are there any collabos with other artists (lyricists, producers, etc.) that you would like to mention? 
Moe: Boi-1da is someone I'm looking forward to working with. I have always respected him as a person and producer.

AbsoluteVenus: Being a Motown native, music must be in your DNA, who are your musical influences? 

Moe: My Mom and Dad, Motown, Marvin Gaye, Eminem, Big Sean, etc. 

AbsoluteVenus: When you’re creating art, what inspires you? 

Moe: Just living my life. I think I make the best music, when I'm just experiencing. I love when I come across new sounds. For any Artist/Producer new sounds make us happy. 

AbsoluteVenus: In what ways (if any) has the rise of digital music/technologies transformed your creative process? 

Moe: It's a gift and curse. It's giving me more opportunities to get my content out. On the other hand, it over saturates the market, making it less appreciated from the masses. It is what it is. 

AbsoluteVenus: Who are your favorite artists out right now (in any genre)? 

Moe: J. Cole, Kendrick, and Big Sean 

AbsoluteVenus: Where can real heads find your music (i.e. MP3, CD, vinyl)? 

Moe: All of my music is online in MP3 and wav formats. Although, I would like to create a vinyl edition. You can find #Zonin on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/zonin-deluxe-lp/id1017413162

AbsoluteVenus: Outside of music, tell us about your other creative/professional/philanthropic endeavors that you would like to mention? 
Moe: Business marketing seminars for artist, former athletes, and entrepreneurs. Also, serving the youth through the Moe Ager Hoop School.

AbsoluteVenus: What are your official web/social media sites? 
ITzwithMoeAger.com 
MauriceAger.com 
Twitter: @MoeAger

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/Moeager13

Thank you for the interview, Moe! I look forward to bringing more soon to the visitors of Planet Venus.

Peace and Blessings,

AbsoluteVenus
©2015

Venus Remembers | Sean Price

Sean P lived up to his name for always bringing the Ruckus on the mic. Spanning his 22+ year career, each and every song on which Sean flowed was classic "P". Ruck's lyrics were hard, laced with comedic puns and bust-ya-mouth realism. An eternal member of the Boot Camp Clik, Heltah Skeltah, The Fab 5 and Random Axe, P's verses added the perfect element to a track, whether a banger like "Let Me Tell You" or a melodious rhythm like "Chewbacca". I felt the dedication he had for his craft in his lyrics which expressed passion for the sake of artistry and his livelihood. Simply, real hip hop.

To complement his witty delivery, he also was a funny dude...from his impersonation of Nardwuar the Human Serviette to Sean P's Rap Clinic, to his parody of Tyrese's Coca Cola commercial, Sean P had great comedic timing that solified him as a gentle giant for me, as a fan of the artists in the Duckdown family. A great talent and from what I can gather, an all around genuine person. Thank you for setting, raising and lyrically beating inferior emcees with the bar! May your hereafter be glorious and full of laughter! P!








Peace and Blessings,

AbsoluteVenus
©2015