The first week of the year has been filled with action for me. I plan on returning to the “scene” full force this year, covering as many events and reporting on all things worthwhile for you. I have been involved with promotions for years now, off and on. That’s one of the reasons this blog your reading now even exist. In the past few years, I have fallen back a bit, letting my beloved blogs, podcasts and independent music company idle by as I pursued other things. That is slowly starting to change and this year looks to see a return to the stage for me.

I started the year in style a bit early, co-hosting Chinky EyedLA’s last show of 2011. Held at The Terrace in Pasadea, CA on Friday December 23th, Blu, Copywite, TiRon and Ayomari all performed to the crowds delight. This was my second time hosting a show with Blu, the first being another ChinkyEyedLA event in Los Angeles. Blu brings the ladies out in full, and this show was no exception. It took about 15 minutes for him to start his set, as he let his fans on stage for pictures and autographs. The place was packed and the vibe was nice the whole night.

TiRon and Ayomari ripped a tight albeit short set, performing songs off their “Sucker For Pumps” release. I had to feel a little bit bad for TiRon at one point. As he finished one of his songs, he looked down to one of the ladies in the crowd who was looking at him, smiling big! He asked her something to the effect of “Did you like that song?” and she looked up and screamed “BLU!” He took in well, and I did notice how drunk she was, later on when the lights came on. They cut their set short to let the headliner come onstage. They would both later return and perform with Blu. Copywrite made my night and gave us a great Christmas present when he invited me onstage to sign a holiday song to the crowd. I thought it was only right that we sing Feliz Navidad, and he agreed. Definitely a Hip-Hop highlight of the year, for me!

A few days of rest and family time followed during Christmas, and it was back on again for New Years Eve. I was invited to play a short DJ set by my DJ Chico at Funky Sole, the long running Saturday night party held at The EchoPlex. No better way to work on that resolution than that, I thought, and the night was great. Breakestra played in the main room, and I showed the patio party people how I do it on the turntables. It was a good workout for me, and I hope to do it again there soon.

Continuing on the mission of going for it, I answered the call to go to the 9th Wonder, Phonte show at Key Club! My partner in crime DJ B-Original, is one of the DJs on call with SHP out here in Los Angeles. Every promoter has their own particular way of hosting events, and Sean Healy shows are known for being top notch. I look forward to working with them more soon this year, and was glad to stop by and see the show. I arrived somewhat early and was in around 10:30. I walked toward the backstage area where I caught a quick glimpse of 9th and Median waiting in the wings to go onstage. I was right on time! Less than five minutes later he was on the turntables, and the crowd was going crazy!

One of the biggest perks to promoting/writing these types of events, in my opinion, is the access to the shows. Some of the best seats in the house are stage right or left, and watching shows this way has spoiled me! Median ripped his set, to be followed by Rhapsody . Phonte hit the stage shortly after that, rocking the crowd with list of hits! Montage One joined him onstage as well as Evidence, his rhyme partner on “The Life Of Kings”. The crowd was not disappointed in the least, as Phonte went to church on them several times in the night and brought Jill Scott to the stage to say hello at the end of the night. Still standing stage left, I proceeded to thank the crowd for rocking and goofing off on the mic as 9th Wonder signed autographs and DJ B-Original played some old school Hip-Hop . The crowd mingled out into Hollywood and went their separate ways, to re converge in Pasadena the following night.

As big as that show was, I have to say it was eclipsed by the Gangrene/Big Twinz show at The Terrace in Pasadena. I could talk about that show all night, but I ‘ll just give you a run down of who was in the building!

The Alchemist, Big Twins, Big Noyd, Oh No, Rhyme Addicts, XP, I Suppose, DJ Mishaps, Tri-State, Evidence, Fashawn, Action Bronson, ZooLay, Seven Day, DJ B-Original , and several opening local artist were on hand for a Hip-Hop celebration to match the December 24th show! I had the pleasure of hosting that one as well, and was blown away by the amount of underground Hip-Hop star power that was on stage. The folks at The Terrace have something great going on with their Hip-Hop nights, and I look forward to bringing you more from them this year.

Take a look at some of the videos and links below. Follow me on Twitter to stay up to date with all events! When you see a link go up for one of the events I am working…don’t even think twice about it, just go for it! Go!

DJ B. Original “Block Beaters” Radio Show Starts at 3pm Sundays est. on 107.3 WKCR Online Tune In!!

Planet B-Boy

Directed by Benson Lee, produced by Amy Lo

Elephant Eye Films

This film covers the continuing evolution of break dancing, with its focus being on bboy culture, and how it has gain popularity worldwide.  With great clips of power moves and floor rocking greatness from masters like Rock Steady Crew, to name a few.

While “Planet B-Boy” chronicles the international breakdance scene, the film’s characters and their stories draw the viewer in.  Dance crews from Japan, Korea, Korea, US, and France are caught on film, representing. The way that Hip-Hop culture impacts the film’s main players is brought to light, and all are brought together by the massive B-Boy Battle Of The Year Finals.  they fight their personal demons and overcome hardships, with break dancing guiding them along, providing them with hope and a mission!  Contestants from across the globe are present, and the dance routines are not to be missed. The battle scene in the Buddhist temple is like some Hip-Hop/Kung Fu video mashup!

http://www.planetbboy.com/

http://www.hulu.com/embed/nSt7sceF279kGMUJLe9hZQ

Guess who has a few weeks of free time on his hands?  That’s right, your favorite B-Boy blogger El Q!  The holidays are the greatest gift a freelance writer could ever ask for, nothing but me time for a couple of days.  So consider this my first step in keeping my 2012 Resolution! Write more often, possible ever freaking day, just like a real writer!

More random post are on the way! Enjoy and welcome back!

=====Random Picture of the Day=========

Ten Random Music Related Email sitting in my inbox right now…..

1. Oslo returns with “High Mountain Sessions, Volume One”! The new ep  is featured on Spinner.com and The Vinyl District is offering a free download of  ”Fever” remix to help promote the new tour and project. Check them both out and visit the group’s website and social profiles  for tour date info.

2. Ok, I’m going to say this, with the full knowledge that I will be hit with all sorts of comments after I do say it.  But here it goes.  While I know who she is, I really have been living under a rock lately.  I  have not been following the Amanda Knox case.  That stops today, as I am catching up on the story.  There are way too many links, articles and various web sites that need discussing and sharing.  I will keep it short and focus on the latest in depth Rolling Stone (thus the music tie in)  article on the case. I might have to go in depth and post a full review later, but for now, read RS article here.

3.Words from Missy Elliot
Official Statement from Missy Elliott:

“There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Grave’s Disease, so I wanted to clear things up. I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease about three years ago but it really hasn’t slowed me down at all. I rocked my performance on VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ tribute to Timbaland last year. I’ve written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan. I toured the UK , Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia . And on top of all that, I’m working on my new album. I feel great. Under my doctor’s supervision, I’ve been off medication for about a year and I’m completely managing the condition through diet and exercise.”

– Missy Elliott

4. The Globes “Stay Awake” Live At The Shadowbox

http://globes.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/theglobes
http://www.purevolume.com/new/theglobes
http://twitter.com/_GLOBES
http://www.myspace.com/theglobes

5. Verdine White(Earth Wind & Fire) is going to summer camp with Bootsy Collins! That’s going to be one funky field trip!! The EWF bassist legend
White is a natural fit for Funk U virtual music school. For more info on the upcoming classes, visit www.thefunkuniversity.com.

6.Sergent Garcia “Una y Otra Vez” EPK

7. The Milky Way – “Black Magic” feat. Airon Azure & Chris Clarke

8. Vesa-Matti Loiri – 4+20

9. Where My Girls At: her-story n hip hop “Monie Love” Ep # 4

10.Freddie Gibbs – “Rock Bottom”

A short list of The Cyber Mix Tape Show’s past guest include, in no particular order:

Note:The air times listed on the flyer are regrettably out of date.  Our shows are now very sporadic at best.  We are working on that too!

The Grouch (Living Legends)

Non Human Intelligence

Diana Dooley, President and CEO of the California Children’s Hospital Association

Margaret Dooley, Southern California deputy state director of Drug Policy Alliance Network (www.drugpolicy.org)

DJ Lord Ron

Jose Beltran

Judee Fernandez

K-Beats

El Amin

Malkovich

Sum Majere

Marvin Perkins

DJ Numark

Richard Holober, Consumer Federation of California/Stop Prop 10

Bruce Margolin, Esq.

Andrew Lojero

DJ Shiro

DJ J Period

Kate Pendle (No on 8 Campaign)

David Pettit,  Natural Resources Defense Council

DJ 3rdi

Saba Saba-Krazy Native

Bataka Squad

Oaki

Emmanual Jal

Tantra-Zawadi

Da Negus

Ablaze

Landy Shores (RAMP)

Michael Greco

Dekastro/OG Ron

Shirt King Phade

ZooLAy

LaWanda Hawkins,  CEO of Justice for Murdered Children

Prince Fatty aka Mike Pelanconi

R-Swift

Bobby Borg

J Rawls

…and the list goes on and on.  This is a very short list, believe me..stay tuned for new shows in 2011 and thank you for stopping by and saying hello!