DOWNLOAD LINK HERE

Got this mix in the gmail last week from Rhettmatic (you can follow him here www.twitter.com/rhettmatic).  

KHRYSIS ON THE BOARD WITH THE HEAT 2

All beats produced by Khrysis – Mixed by Dj Rhettmatic

1. Intro
2. King Kong (Sean Price)
3. Awesome  (The Away Team)
4. The Rap Game (Cormega ft. Little Brother)
5. Still Here (LEGACY)
6. Hearing Aid (Sean Price)
7. That N*gga (Jozee Mo)
8. Talkin Dirty (Ness)
9. Cool As A Fan  (Little Brother)
10. Back At It  (Little Brother)
11. Money On The Table  (The Away Team)
12. N*ggaz Is Commin  (Torae ft. Tash)
13. Starvation  (LIttle Brother ft. Chaundon)
14. Can I Live  (Chaundon)
15. Crazy  (Rapper Big Pooh)
16. Keep It To The Side  (Rapper Big Pooh)
17. Greedy  (The Away Team)
18. After The Party  (Little Brother)
19. Waitin On You  (Kenn Starr)
20. Sick Em  (Smif-N-Wesson)
21. One (Sean Price)
22. Something To See  (Torae)
23. Psycho Ward  (The Away Team ft. Sean Price)
24. Word Has It  (Supastition)
25. Rize  (Median)
26. Sum Of Me  (The Away Team ft. Evidence)
27. Gun Rap (Smif-N-Wesson)
28. JM Heartbreak (Jozee Mo)
29. The Weirdo Zone  (Joe Scudda)
30. Told You That  (Chaundon)
31. Real Late (Peter Rosenburg ft. Phonte)

www.myspace.com/rhettmatic
www.myspace.com/khrysisbeats

ps.  Rhett has become one of my mentors over the years, which is why he was the first person I asked to interview for my Lo Down segment on the Papa Lo Down blog.

Read the interview HERE - really great insight from a veteran in the game about management, working with your folks, and other industry topics that might help you in your own career.  READ IT, SOAK UP GAME.

Many of the artists I have partnered with have a background in working with their respective communities.  Whether it’s through mentoring, educating, performing, organizing, etc., it’s safe to say they would not be where they are now, or have such a bright future if it were not for the community.

Many of you aspiring artists just getting into the game may not know where to start, who to go to for support, advice, opportunities, etc.  I encourage you to look within your city’s organizations, your community outreach programs, find a place you feel comfortable with and go from there.  Be genuine if you are going to be part of a program or organization, this is not advice to capitalize any selfish, egotistical needs you may have.

Tip – Community/Culture specific festival’s are a great place to gain experience performing in front of large crowds, negotiating booking contracts, and promoting yourself to an audience. Most festival’s take place in the summer, so you want to reach out to organizations mid spring for a performance slot, which means you should start researching which ones you’ll hit up for next year, NOW!  (ps. you probably won’t get paid, and you need to stay on top of communication, since many times these events are produced on a volunteer basis.)

One of the organizations in Southern California that has provided a space for Filipino American artists and communitites to gather and celebrate is goin down this weekend at Pt. Fermin Park in San Pedro, CA.  The 17th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) has become a yearly highlight for the Filipino community in the Los Angeles area, a place for family and friends, and yes… great networking aka community building!

Hella folks from the Bay will be there this weekend, including Kiwi, Nomi (Power Struggle), and Ruby Veridiano-Ching blessing the stage with their energy.  Bambu and DJ Phatrick will also be performing, along with many other prominent artists with special honors like DJ Rhettmatic, DJ Babu, and DJ Kuttin Kandi.  It’s gonna be a good one!

www.filamarts.org

Jul 1, 2008

We’re halfway through 2008… shit.

I figure it’s time to recap the progress made in the past six months, as well as preview what I/we have to look forward to. From my experience, artists don’t usually take the time to look back on what goals were met, cause you just have to keep looking forward and hustle more gigs, more features, more recordings, etc. BUT – it’s just as important to recap every few months, as it is to plan for the future. You need to evaluate your progress, see what worked, what didn’t, what contacts to keep at the top of the list, etc. because these are some of the factors that need to be looked at when planning future goals.

As for me… I’ve reached clarity and feel comfortable with my role in the movement, after taking a break from the chaos, and my goal of “balance” for 08 is pretty much in place. The challenge for the last six months of the year will be maintaining the balance as I launch my PR company, and get back into full blown grind mode.

I’m still getting the foundation of my company laid out, which means all the legal and business elements, such as, trademarks, a business license, contracts, legal advice, creating a logo, solidifying partnerships, etc. fun stuff! Not really… but it is, cause that just means my goal of being self-employed is coming to fruition, which means I can spend more time working with artists and companies that need my help.  This is my passion…

I’m actually getting a taste of what it’s like to be an artist now, in a sense… don’t expect to hear me freestyle on the next DJ Phatrick mixtape, or get on stage with Ruby and bust an iLL rhyme, hahaha! BUT - writing for this blog has been a creative outlet for me.  Creating the company and brand “Papa Lo-Down” is very much like releasing an album, and getting all the promo in place for it, the materials I need, all that… has allowed me to see what it’s like for an artist.  It has definitely humbled me to realize a lot of the emotional sacrifice when putting yourself in the public’s eye, and the sensitivity required when representing someone’s career (aka life).

In other news – You can expect more changes on my site in the coming months, and more info about new projects i’m working on ( remember these titles- Miss Universe, …exact change… , Church Musick, The People’s Pistol).  I also wanted to highlight that I’ve added two new sections to the site:

So there it is! Done and Done! Thank you to everyone (you know who you are), for the support, inspiration, love, and blessings…

Welcome to the first installment of the “lo-down”! A monthly segment featuring conversations with the music industries finest. DJ Rhettmatic (Beat Junkies /Visionaries), was kind enough to spend some time with me on gchat and let me pick his brain on his experiences and lessons learned as a DJ/Producer. Rhettmatic’s industry experience, talent, and success is recognized worldwide, and his contribution to the evolution and history of Hip Hop is undeniable… His advice on topics such as what to look for in a manager, and guidelines when doing business with friends, is valuable information to keep in mind. I’m still learning, and definitely appreciate the words of wisdom…

Thanks Rhett

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

rhettmatic: hey…just got your text

me: yooo! how was your day?

rhettmatic: um…it was long…. how was yours?

me: cool… nothing stressful

rhettmatic: word…..well, I’m down for the interview

me: cool… so i hope to shed some light for independent artists on the business side of the industry from someone who’s been in the game and is successfull, what has your experience been overall as a DJ/producer? i know that’s really broad, but if you were to sum it up…

rhettmatic: uh…yeah it is….lol…well….hmmmm, in terms of my career?

me: yeah

rhettmatic: overall…my experience as being a DJ/producer have been pretty rewarding personally. i get to do something i love to do as a career…. but make no mistake, it’s not all fun and games…..

me: right, i feel you…but, at the end of the day it’s worth it…?

rhettmatic: yes…… because when it really comes down to it… it all comes down to being happy with yourself….. and not having regrets and doing it on your own merits….regardless what life throws at you

me: so how many times did you want to give it all up for a “regular” job…?

rhettmatic: hmmmm……in all honesty…..maybe just once…and that was recent….

me: pretty good run

rhettmatic: other than that…..i can’t see myself doing anything else especially doing it for such a long time…. but at the same time….i didn’t expect to do this as a career….

me: really? that’s interesting… i never thought i would be doing this either…

rhettmatic: originally, i was studying to be a graphic artist

rhettmatic: yeah…..believe it or not…my first love was art…..i used to draw a lot. i was drawing since i was a little kid…..it even spilled thru into hip hop……because before i was a dj, i was a graffiti artist…..and a popper… so when i really got into hip hop…..i was djing and drawing at the same time… i learned how to deal with people on a professional level thru being a DJ…..a mobile DJ that is…during my Jr. high school and high school days….besides djing house parties, i was also djing weddings, high school dances, company parties…

me: so you learned about booking early on…

rhettmatic: basically…..and learning how to conduct yourself in professional manner especially as i got older….

me: what is a “professional” manner?

rhettmatic: hmmmm….well, its the way you conduct yourself when speaking with a “prospective client”… you want to be courteous, always do your best to be on time….try your best to fulfill your obligations to the best your ability….

me: for reals, and make sure you communicate!

rhettmatic: exactly…be honest and fair….but be firm at the same time…be up front with everything, and don’t make promises you can’t make…

me: word

rhettmatic: its all about common courtesy and common sense

me: yeah, some people learn that the hard way, ok… so I’m sure you’ve worked with friends, maybe family too? i started out working with family…and have made really great friends along the way…what has your experience been with mixing business and friendship?

rhettmatic: like everyone else…bad and good…

me: for reals! any guidelines to keep in mind?

rhettmatic: but that’s a lesson that everyone should learn and experience….yes….same thing….be honest and be upfront….learn how to separate friendship and business……set guidelines in the beginning…

rhettmatic: ummmm, and you have to be honorable, like you said…communication….and trust

rhettmatic: trust your instincts….your homeboy/girl might have good intentions, but if you know that it might be dangerous to go into business with them…..you have to know how to say no with respect….

me: yeah…i agree, so when did you make the transition of djing as a hobby into a full time career, and what led to that moment of transition?

rhettmatic: LOL….you’re going to laugh at this….well….the decision was made when i was finishing up my stint at a community college… and what made me go full time….

me: *drum roll

rhettmatic: when i got into the music industry officially by accident….my first crash course in learning about the music industry was being the dj for a rap group that was signed to MCA Records….

me: uhhh…what rap group?

rhettmatic: you ever heard that song “Helluva”?

me: “she’s so fine… helluva helluva…”

rhettmatic: the group was named Brotherhood Creed

me: “blows my mind…”

rhettmatic: LOL….yes…that’s it….

me: WOW! haha!

rhettmatic: yup

me: I’m leaving that song as a comment on your page!

rhettmatic: BOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

me: hahaha! ok, how was it an accident?

rhettmatic: well…..i was doing some scratches for this producer who was doing some hip house material….i was just doing it for experience…. he would also pick my brain about hip hop….then he asked me if i knew any rappers…and i knew one personally who happens to be a local cat who i went to high school with…..i didn’t know how to get in contact with him, but my best friend did….so with his help….i got a hold of him…introduced him to the producer and then they started to do some work…and for some reason, they were able to get a deal with MCA Records…..and “Helluva” was one of the songs on the demo, when he got signed, he didn’t want to go at it as a solo artist….he wanted a group….so he got me to be the DJ of the group and got my best friend to join as well to be the hype man…

me: wait, was there a video? are you in it?

rhettmatic: and the saying goes….the rest in history…yes and yes…but you really had to look for me to see me in the video….LOL….i was wearing a beanie in the video….

me: I’m finding it on youtube!

rhettmatic: oh boy….

rhettmatic: but yeah…. that whole experience was a real learning one

rhettmatic: it showed me that all that is glitter isn’t gold….or whatever the saying goes…LOL, it taught me that the business is no joke and can chew you out if you get caught up….i had some great moments….but it made me bitter at one point….especially towards the end. and from that experience, i learned if i want to be in this business, i had to learn the ins and outs of it….and take control of my career….industry rule #4080 – record industry is shady…

me: HA! let’s talk more about “taking control of your career”, what are the basics artists should learn about the business?

rhettmatic: first of all…..do some research. read, read, read…..i forgot the name of the book, but there’s a book that gives you the whole basic shit on music business 101….you can find it in Barnes and Nobles, Borders, even your library…learn about contracts, deals, publishing’s….your rights, etc…

rhettmatic: if you meet any professionals in the business….ask questions…don’t be afraid to ask questions….

rhettmatic: another thing, don’t be afraid to put in work….

me: so how much work do you still do?

rhettmatic: in terms of what?

me: have you been able to focus on producing and DJ’ing, and do less of the business side? or do you still book your own gigs, promote, etc

rhettmatic: uh….yes and no…unfortunately, in today’s climate, it’s imperative that you know the business….and that you’re hands on…. i just recently got a personal manager/booking agent to help me out…but i still must overlook everything…

me: yeah…I agree, you are your business, so you have to be involved

rhettmatic: basically, yes…..when you first start out in the business, you really don’t need a manager…. you should do it for yourself….its only when you get to a certain situation or level that you decide if you need a manager or not….the Junkies used to manage ourselves when we first started out…then we got a manager when we got to a certain level…about 3 years ago, our longtime manager and us went our separate ways and we had to manage ourselves again….

rhettmatic: and its kinda hard to be an artist and manage yourself at the same time when you’re at a “certain level”…

me: yes…the extra help is necessary to stay sane, and not let your art suffer. what should you look for in a manager?

rhettmatic: for sure….well….it depends what you’re looking for in a manager…and it all depends where you’re at in your career….you definitely want someone that’s in your corner, that believes in you, and is willing to put in some work…..

me: so how do you find a manager?

rhettmatic: well…..he could be your friend….

me: or SHE

rhettmatic: or she…

rhettmatic: and that they’re willing to go all out for you…..even though they’re not experienced…. they got to be willing to learn and grow….and put their client’s need first instead of their own….

rhettmatic: and in some point….be willing to babysit even though it’s not part of the criteria…and they need to be aggressive also

me: yes…phatty always says that about me

rhettmatic: whats that?

me: i need to be more aggressive

rhettmatic: unfortunately, yes, you have to be….i had to learn to be aggressive in this business….

me: (I’m workin on it)

rhettmatic: by nature, I’m a quiet, private person…but i had to learn the hard way to speak up for myself….if you don’t speak up and be aggressive….the business will run you over…..

me: amen! well…with that said…any last words for folks gettin in the game right now?

rhettmatic: on the real….you really gotta love doing what you’re doing…and you gotta do it for the right reason….and that’s passion… if you’re doing it to make money and be famous, you’re in for a real shocker….of course, everyone wants to be recognized and respected… but when it really comes down to it….you gotta have the love and passion for this…..once it becomes work, get the fuck out and find something else to do….all the money, props, fame, etc….all that will come to you in due time…..don’t get caught up unless you want to….don’t quit your day job…..unless you are prepared to STRUGGLE!!! follow your dreams but at the same time, take care of business….. this business is not the most steadiest of careers…..you really have to have heart and love for this……and willing to pay your dues and not take the shortcut…..it’s all about balance also….keep your integrity, be true to yourself but at the same time….THIS IS THE MUSIC BUSINESS…you’re in the business of making and selling music…

me: hmmm…maybe YOU should write a book on the music business…?!

rhettmatic: HELL NO!!!

Visionaries “In The Good” Music Video