I don’t speak on it much, but I have a theory; that In the absence of ECONOMY, only ANARCHY rules.
This is why turmoil has:
1) Increased in direct proportion to the growing financial crisis
2) Seemingly been contained within CERTAIN areas
The prevalence of gun violence in Chicago seems to be a direct result of financial warfare against a certain group of people. The Black community has been under siege ever since the days of slavery, but economic tactics seem to be most effective. These tactics have caused the community to turn on itself.
Meanwhile in other parts of the city members of ethnic groups that have warred with one another overseas for thousands of years (Jews vs. Muslims vs. Hindus) live side by side, with few incidents, in a thriving market (Devon Area).
Chicago Crime Map (Devon Area Circled) / Click For Latest Updates
In short, a working economy gives people something else to think about besides killing one another. Take that away and you get the situation we have here today. If you were to put a thousand fish in a bowl and drain the water out slowly, how would the fish act? Would they be civil towards one another?
This explains the situation in Chicago, and any “ghetto” around the world. We MUST see to it that the people around us are empowered FINANCIALLY and EDUCATED. We must also realize that these types of social experiments by nature will NOT remain contained within their chosen areas! It is in EVERYONE’S best interest to work for the betterment of the human race overall.
As part of the FEx Events’ new LIVE series, we played host to soul music legend Clarence Reid, aka Blowfly; at Reggies Rock Room.
Also in attendance were The Velcro Lewis Group playing a raucous Rock/Blues set, and Chicago Freestyle Killer The Dirty MF with his band The Smoking Sextion.
During Blowfly’s performance of Rap Dirty it was a must that dirty and I jumped on stage. It was pretty much at my insistence… I admit it. But it was a direct connect to my childhood. Things like that don’t happen everyday
A promo vid for the new kids in town I am rolling with. I have two residencies in Chicago now. FreakEasy with the Burning Man contingent, and FEx Events. FEx is really a shortened version of “Foreign Exchange”. The music and philosophy are consistent with that as well.
We have an idea that we can build a scene around the artistic happenings in Chicago, while actually importing talent to the city at the same time.
The musical aesthetic is on a more global level. It is usually an electronic, uplifting, dance floor vibe with sounds that can hail from any and every corner of the earth. Hence the increasingly popular term Global Bass.
FEx parties are held on a monthly basis at Sub-T Lounge: 2011 W. North Avenue in Chicago
www.FExEvents.com
Hello 2012!! )
I am very thankful for another year lived well, and I would like to show you some of the highlights.
#10 Burning Man
I always say my faith in humanity is renewed when I go there. There is always something to be said for beautiful naked ladies giving hugs and saying they love you, but it is deeper than that. It is a gathering in the desert devoted to the PARTY… and although attendees seem to push their OWN limits they remain very respectful of everyone else’s.
#09 Timeless With Liquid Stranger
I am hoping that one day people will start reading lyrics. This is a song that I feel speaks to what I am about. I know the dance music market is fickle, I know promises don’t mean a thing… yet I endure. When they’re done right, the vibes and the words are timeless. Liquid Stranger – Timeless feat Mc Zulu by interchill
#8 Club Popozuda In London
This is a party in the same area that gave rise to Dubstep’s top producers, but it’s devoted to Brazilian music Club Popozuda is becoming a global brand run by The Bumps, Joao Brazil and James Hurrell.. Just watch the video to see why it made the top ten.
#7 The FreakEasy..! Our Chicago Party Collective With DJ Radiohiro
Radiohiro and his Heathen delegation is comprised of all colors, races, religions, walks of life… and YES sexual orientations; and there are NO PROBLEMS. This is a Chicago party collective that has run close to a decade without major drama. It’s also the only party where many genres of music are accepted. Freakeasy started in a loft (Radiohiro’s house), and the authorities required that we move it to a proper venue because of how it grew. This is why I wrote the song “Outlaw Speakerbox”.
#6 National Public Radio – 8:48 With Alison Cuddy
I have been listening to Alison Cuddy for quite a while… I have been listening to WBEZ for even longer. That’s why the opportunity to actually GO on the show really made me happy, and I was in Switzerland when I read the message, still all geeked..lol Anyway BIG thanks to Searchl1te, who went to DJ for me on very short notice. http://www.wbez.org/episode-segments/2011-04-08/dj-series-mc-zulu-controls-crowd-behind-mic-84916
#5 BadMan Bounce with FSTZ
Something about people in Kansas City… They do their THING and forget the rest of the world. The results are usually stunning, and leave you wondering how the HELL they did it. Tech9ne and Mac Lethal are two such examples. Well FSTZ is another. Dubstep did not just ‘happen’ in the USA like some think. It was due in part to independent DJ / Promoters pushing the sound. FSTZ’s “Kablammo” parties were THE Midwest launching pad for every Dubstep act that came from the UK during the late 2000′s. He’s not too shoddy of a producer either. He created a hybrid of Dubstep/Dance and named it “BadMan Bounce”… after the guy who he got to do the vocals for it. (who?? BadMan Zulu, Dammit) FSTZ is a BadMan as well. Bigup.
#4 No Freedom with J-Boogie’s Dubtronic Science and Afrolicious
J Boogie invited me to do his radio show in 2006, when I was REALLY REALLY underground. I guess he was that forward thinking, even back then… or maybe just considerate. Either way I did not forget and when he asked me to guest on his album I jumped at the chance. So I got this Afrobeat sounding track from Afrilocious, and had to research The Man himself… FELA. That was a musical journey in its own right which has opened my eyes to things far beyond Dancehall, Reggae and Pop influences. I have to thank J-Boog for that. I noticed tho, that the distribution is limited in the USA (as of this writing). Maybe it has to do with the message. No Freedom f. Afrolicious And MC ZULU by mczulu
#3 Higher Velocity with BIONIK for PUMA Fass / Usain Bolt Commercial
Was this song written specifically for PUMA?… I’ll never tell, but anyone who has worked with me knows I am no longer in the business of selling songs outright. Anyway Bionik has done all this work with artists like Sting, R Kelly, John Martin, Aceyalona, Far East Movement, etc. Every so often he comes thru with a great opportunity for yours truly. It usually requires me to stop what I’m doing and come up with something on the spot. So this song was written in about 10 hrs, then verses were cut out to make space for Aceyalone. There is also a version with Jah Orah. ..Soundgun Crew Bizzness…!
#2 Pitchfork Festival With Chrissy Murderbot / Impromptu Appearance Of My Youngest Kid
Here I was, minding my own business, screaming to a crowd of people and wondering if they understood anything. All of a sudden this kid comes up… Actually I don’t like going for the “cuteness factor”. Working kids into the act when they don’t belong there is kinda cheap..lol but I had my two youngest involved, throwing Murderbot’s crazy azz party favors to the crowd (so I wouldn’t have to do it.) When the 9 yr old was done, he started telling me.. only problem.. I’m workin’ here!….. Actually, this made my summer. I’d love to do a thousand more shows like this.
#1 Millenium Park Performance With DJ Radiohiro & My Daughter On Stage
The big difference between this and the previous entry is that my daughter was performing in a professional capacity. She has studied classical Indian dance for years (Under Hema Rajagopalan). Radiohiro mentioned how he would love to have someone dance during our sets, so I gave that suggestion. Chicago’s Millenium park crowds are dispersed and random, sitting on the grass, walking around the bean sculpture and not at all intimidating. Perfect place for a 13 yr old to make a professional, solo debut. It was a dream come true for me…
Great, kid. Now go be a doctor, lawyer or engineer dammit )
2011 was a great year for music. I am hoping that in 2012 I can reach out to more of you and we can make even bigger things happen together.
When I came back from the Army.. (Early-Mid 90s) Chicago’s Caribbean Music scene was huge. I could go on all day about Martin’s Intercultural Events, DJs on WNUR like MoBay 1, JahFe and Irie Princess. Max-A-Million dominated the mainstream airwaves with his mixture of Reggae/House. In addition to that, major league talent like Dennis Brown, Buju Banton, Sean Paul paid regular visits to the city. Terror Fabulous filled the Aragon..!
Enough with memory lane, although I believe life is not much more than time and memories… That’s all Chicago has though. Even The world famous Wild Hare closed down.lol..damn!
Some of my friends have started a small but dedicated party scene on Chicago’s North side. Their intention is to bring back that vibe. Tomorrow I will host one of their parties. I would love to contribute to the growth of this scene in particular. It is a VARIETY of people from all walks of life, who are descendants or aficionados of Caribbean Culture.
Caribbean Connection United
Infusion Cafe
6120 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Saturday, Sept 24
$10 / 10p-3a (21+)
Can we do this? In a NON-VIOLENT way… Where the community thrives…?
It is my hope that many people begin to find alternate means of income through these get-togethers and the various related industries.(cooking, attire, accessories, security, etc.) Incidentally, I’ve been on this vibe from ever since. Catch Up.
Killing off this way of life with incentives, like extra taxes, restrictive licensing, and sending the police to break up every festive situation has definitely put a DENT in the once thriving local economy; just like when the film industry fled Chicago for a few years, because of heavy taxation.
I have to say, every party of mine which was ever raided.. the cops were RELUCTANT, saying they should be out catching criminals, but the order came down. Let’s do this right, Chicago!
Hey World. This song is from 2007…
I posted it just to let you know your new-found love affair with Chicago is LATE. This was one of my favorite tracks when it came out, so I was overjoyed as hell to find it on YouTube.
When it comes to talent Chicago has always been kickin’ in the door. The PROBLEM has always been with the BUSINESS aspect of things. Let’s face it. The thing that draws a crowd here is traditionally SPORTS. That’s because sports events are over pretty early. People here have to be at WORK in the A.M., and they barely make enough to cover expenses.
Regarding BUSINESS… I found a website of someone who seems determined to make a difference here in the CHI. Richard Veoba www.veoba.com ..oh wait. Kick Rocks if you think this is some sort of advertisement. (I will have them, but this isn’t one of them) I really haven’t even hit Veoba up yet officially, but judging from what they have to offer it looks promising.
One more track which was recorded in Chicago to let you know who’s Boss..
You know Electro Reggae is murdering SOUND all over the world these days? Check THESE guys out.
Radiohiro & MC ZULU at 2011 Burning Man
Check The Frequency / Produced By Top Billin.
(You can call THIS an advertisement.. lol)
I have taken most of the summer to finish recording albums and features, but I am starting to feel “Roadsick” if you will.
So I will be playing a string of away-dates which roll through Madison, Boston, New York and culminate at Pitchfork’s music festival back in Chicago. Wherever I go I will make your crowds lose it, and leave behind memories of light, love and happiness :o)
I know what you’re thinking, but this is footage from my last tour.
Night: Club Popozuda
Venue: Favela Chic, London
With: The Bumps and Joao Brazil
Actually for the next month or so, I will be doing shows strictly in Chicago. During this time I will finish as much recording as possible, so check the “Music” tab for frequent updates.
It has also just been made official that Chrissy Murderbot will be playing the Pitchfork Music Festival. Thankfully he’s asked me to appear with him on the bill. Of course I wasted no time sending everyone involved very nice e-mails, asking that my name be included everywhere…. What do you think? Maybe I should relax a little?
Nah… fk that.
Anyway, tonight will be somewhat of a re acquaintance, as we have not worked LIVE together since 2009. Looking Forward!
Race at your pace means WALK, as far as I am concerned (maybe even TRUDGE). This coming Sunday (Mother’s Day 2011) I am looking to beat my personal record (Longest Time To Finish 3 Miles), so I appreciate any and all contributions…!!
I have seen this listed around the net as Quadratic’s Unofficial Remix. Let’s clear all that up right now. Everything Quadratic does is OFFICIAL BIZZNESS…!
please post and distribute via your online publications.
chris widman + colin harris of QUADRATIC (and chicago’s ABSTRACT SCIENCE) turn in a hyped up remix of CHRISSY MURDERBOT + MC ZULU’s “vibe is so right”, the single off CHRISSY’s forthcoming “women’s studies” album on planet mu. channeling the sounds uk hardcore + early rephlex records, QUADRATIC turn “the vibe is to right” into a 2 BAD MICE worthy dj tool for 2011. perfect for DJs looking to transition
smoothly between dubstep/house/funky/electro and footwork/jungle/glitch hop, the remix starts at 135 bpm and ends at 161 bpm.
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