The eclectic assortment of musical genres reflects Kemo's mixed upbringing and the multitude of musical influences and non-musical experiences he is shaped by

I think the amalgamation of different musical genres and styles in Kemo's mix not only exemplifies the influence of music across time and space but also expresses and reveals his history, his struggles, and attempts to (re)claim visibility.

I like his interesting blend of musical styles, while he talks about his upbringing through the music. Very unique style.

At first, it was difficult to follow along with the frequent changes in the style of the music, the mixing of instruments that are not traditionally seen to be paired together. Then it becomes clear as that is the intent of the music. It embodies the mixing of different experiences, which have lead to the creation of this unique genre. "The Upside of Struggle," as there is beauty in the struggle, seen through this music.

I think this almost relates to the Johnson reading this week.  "Blaxican" as representation of the Blacks and Latinos coming together and creating a new identity through music. This soundtrack almost tells a story as the artist narrates in some part of the piece and shows that blending and mixing through the use of different genre and style of music in every song.

The introduction reminds me of a radio introduction which for me calls back to the reading on how Latino communities used the radio as a form of expression while maintaining anonymity.

The mixing done throughout the song forced me to navigate the song as Kemo perhaps has been navigating his different life experiences. We are used to a consistent flow in our music one with limited interruptions. Through this juxtaposition of music it provides a different experience for listeners.

I had to listen to this several times because the changing tracks made it hard to hold onto. It almost feels like listening to someone else's memories, some of which make sense to me because of shared experiences and some of which (particularly when it lapses into Spanish) are inaccessible.

Is this music masculine or feminine? As the gendering in Prof Kheshti's work suggests, I would say it is masculine as the singer has control of what instruments are played.

I am wondering how this music would find itself situated in different spaces because of the different identities it is claiming. It's an interesting in between.

written and produced by Balázs Zságer 
bass by Ákos Zságer-Varga 
(c) Zagarmusic 2011 
http://www.facebook.com/demonsuperior

DEMON SUPERIOR - Demon in Me (feat. Rolan Bolan)

An original and unreleased track by BEN LEE

BEN LEE "Food For The Moon"

Ripped the audio from a message I made for my PTCH video channel.  This was for one I made on my trip to NYC, from the back of a cab! Ha!  If you want to see the video go to http://ptch.com/emmanueljal  Peace!

Taxi Cab Message from JAL in NYC

EMMANUEL JAL "Nyaliny"

Lockdown mixtape week 9. WARNING. MAY CONTAIN DISCO.

Tracklist
Machine – There But For The Grace Of God.
Fatboy Slim – Where U Iz. 
Semedo – Disco Belly
His Majesty Andre – Spades
Del Gardo – Coffee Beats Vol 2
Agua Sin Gas – Nobody But Yourself
Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill   (Kevin McKay re-edit)
Jerome Robins & DJ PP – Queen Of The Disco
Funkagenda – Flauta Magica
Purple Disco Machine – Devil In Me (Fatboy Slim Remix)
Boney M - Sunny
Biddu Orchestra – Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon
Shakedown – At Night (Purple Disco Machine Remix)
Slicerboys – Glow

#FatboySlim #RaveAtHome #RaveSafeAtHome #TheWeekendStartsHere #KitchenRave #LockdownMixtape

Fatboy Slim - Lockdown Mixtape (Week 9)

Kemo The Blaxican is a former MC and lyricist for West Coast Latin hip hop pioneers, “Delinquent Habits.” Before Kemo went “solo,” he was most notable as the brainchild of Delinquent Habits (DH), who happened to also be the only Spanish-fluent MC in the group. He spent twelve years with the collective, with whom he released four albums, and took the Delinquent sound around the world.  In 1996 the group struck gold with their very first single "Tres Delinquentes,” a song that masterfully fused a traditional mariachi sound (courtesy of Herb Alpert's "Lonely Bull") with the raw hip-hop backdrop of the streets.  The sound was a breath of fresh air in a stale rap scene, and opened a new creative doorway into which many other Latin hip hop acts would follow.
The soulful style and hard-hitting beats grab you first. Then you hear the smooth-yet-powerful baritone vocals deliver with a distinctive tone. You recognize the voice as it commands attention with provocative lyrics over the flavorful track.  This MC shifts the rhyme from English to Spanish, and then back to English again seamlessly. Your head nods the whole way through and it doesn’t matter if you can’t understand the Spanish parts. Then it hits you…the voice and trademark rhyme-flow belongs to none other than “Kemo The Blaxican,” former member of urban-Latin hip hop pioneers, “Delinquent Habits,” whose highly-anticipated album, 
Upside of Struggle, released worldwide on Dead Silent Records.

	His new CD, Upside of Struggle, is series of hip hop tracks inspired by his roots; specifically southern California culture and the music that influenced his youth—from west coast funk, soul, and classic hip hop, to traditional Latin music. The album also features guest appearances by Sen Dog (Cypress Hill) and Tetsuya Weeping Willow Nakamura (formerly of War) on the track“Just What You Feelin,” as well as contributions by Sick Jacken (Psycho Realm) on the album.

	Upside of Struggle is Kemo’s third solo album on Dead Silence Records, which demonstrates his evolution as an MC and producer. This 12-track incarnation bursts with musical styles and compelling arrangements. Kemo’s lyrical skills stretch back and forth between L.A. street slang and barrio Spanish, never hesitant to show both sides of his composite. He moves the listener through moods, harmoniously encapsulating contradiction, antagonism and the co-existence of good, even during bad times, all with mind bending ease.	

KEMO THE BLAXICAN

SHOW TITLE: Upside Of Struggle Radio Show
SHOW THEME: Eclectic Musical Blend – Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Some Latin Y Mas

ARTIST QUOTE: ' Truly it’s a marathon through the rough terrain; you get a little joy and pain, a little sunshine and rain.’

CHARITY QUOTE: "Jason, not sure what is needed here? Who’s quote and what charity"?

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kemo-The-Blaxican/118272041533184
Sound Cloud: http://m.soundcloud.com/kemotheblaxican

Kemo The Blaxican 'The Upside Of Struggle' Episode 1

Jason P Rothberg

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