Gone Too Soon (5 Years Ago)

06/23/14 05:57:04 PM

Where were you when this news suddenly popped out of our consciousness?

I remember... It's June 26, 2009 (June 25 in US), then a Friday morning in Manila, (around 6:25 AM, in fact); as I logged in on my desk and checked out my Yahoo! Mail inbox, news about then-dying Michael Jackson was selling like hot cakes in the circulation.

But after a few minutes, every browsing netizen was surely in shock: the news was already confirmed and final—the King of Pop is dead. In the social networking sites Twitter and Facebook, his name occupied a large portion of both news feeds. Every single post about him, by some Facebook pages turned viral. And the external links regarding the news as well.

Since it was indeed a Friday, one radio station turned their playlist into an instant all-Michael Jackson tracks. For one solid hour, Dennis Poliquit (or known popularly as Big Daddy Jake) had a tribute to MJ in 3-4 pm as part of the Magic 89.9's all-day old school music program named Friday Madness. I can recall, though, that one of the songs played during the Madness was  “Pretty Young Thing (P.Y.T.),” one of the songs originally written by MJ's producer Quincy Jones and singer-songwriter James Ingram, and part of that Epic album Thriller (also, EPIC records was the publisher name).

I can't recall if other dials and even online radio outlets followed suit, though all I know is that during his mourning era, at least there's a Michael Jackson track that circulated. If not “Billie Jean,” I have no idea (though for sure: there's a lot songs than his 1984 all-time marketable track off the album Thriller).

I personally missed the chance to watch the live airing of that final goodbye to MJ (yes, it was a worldwide telecast straight from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California). And as I browse my Top Stories feed, it was all about MJ tribute.

As the investigation went on, some substance was diagnosed as the main culprit on his passing.

The bottom line, I guess is that no one really saw it coming. Perhaps, the majority of us knew is that he's up for a worldwide tour which will have their kick-start outing at the O2 Arena in London. He's scheduled to perform there by July '09.

And suddenly, it looked like everything turned out into a shit-dust. Ticket-holders may be sympathizing on his demise. But of course, one blurting question suddenly popped out of their respective minds: “What about our tickets? Can we get our money back?!”

I saw “This Is It,” a documentary-slash-musical movie intended for Michael Jackson when they premiered worldwide five months later. Perhaps, it was the very last resort to make his “concert” possible, to say the least.

Too bad, he have a very high vision on how things would want to happen should the odds pull in his favor.

And a few years since his untimely and shocking departure, and even up to present, it seems like his songs are rolling yet again. Yes, the posthumous way. Nothing bad at all considering we  need this kind of music to solidify pop music yet again. On an era where Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and even One Direction were the current culture's primetime players, it's about time to remember the people who is the real “King of Pop.” However, comparing them, especially the Canadian teenager to someone who always a “rockstar” since his childhood days, is definitely unfair.

Both were controversial? I know, I don't like the present stars, but that only proves both MJ and the youngsters were human after all either. So why the fuck should we give a shit on comparison issues?

Time flies so fast. It's been five years. And after all of those times, I still have that 2-CD King of Pop Philippine edition album in my mini-jukebox (thank goodness it survived Ondoy!), I still play them on my player on a very random, moody basis. Yet most importantly though: I still have to learn the proper act of moonwalking. LOL!

Anyway, as time goes by, I can only afford to leave a quotable line from his 1987 track Man In The Mirror.

"If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change."

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake – Love Never Felt So Good

5/18/2014 11:52:55 AM

Okay, I am not writing a lengthy post here, since I’m running out of time and reserving the other write-ups in due time.

I have been listening to FM radio lately, as my relaxing resort due to my pre-employment stage; when suddenly, this track apparently popped out of my radio set.

Yes, how about the late King of Pop and one of the pop music’s new elite icon on collaboration, aye?

Don’t be confused, folks. This track titled "Love Never Felt So Good" was first recorded in 1983 as a demo written both by Michael Jackson and a fellow singer-songwriter Paul Anka, (And in case you’re not convinced go to YouTube, and search for its solo version), so this already counts as a posthumous record off the late Jackson's album Xscape.

Anyway, this version may be a series of mash-up dance moves from both Jacko (thru his music videos in the past) and the present talents. But the sound still remains the same; that typical groovy rhythm that Jackson and Epic Records used to market way back then.

Well, I therefore conclude listening to this track—same as love—never felt so good. I will recommend this track for the mean time (yes, you should listen instead of those... err, okay I won’t mention them at all).

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Lookback: FlipTop's Ahon

5/15/2014 6:54:18 AM

Since it’s already four years since this one was held at Guerilla Radio in Pasig City, let’s take a trip back to memory lane.

Let me guess: FlipTop’s Ahon was the biggest event (if not one of the biggest events) the Makati-based rap battle league has ever organized. They started in mid-February 2010 with the gracing event known as Grain Assault.

I was not around the venue when Ahon happened. Like every then-newbie fan of FlipTop, I only checked out their clip on YouTube out of my curiosity. To be honest, I only heard them from one of my gangster friends (and of course, most of the gangsters used to engage themselves in hip-hop music as part of their culture).

Kicking off the night were Juan Lazy (Juan Tamad) and Silencer; with the latter prevailing at the end, and in typical style. But hey, Juan Lazy was heck of the rapper. He almost conquered the battle only if he didn’t come up a bit less in the third round.

Last in schedule though were Apekz and Snatch. And let me guess, if Snatch was on his typical form, the battle should have gone a bit much hype better. Apekz just lived to his (and their) promise, pure comical poet. Wow!

But anyway, I’ll do things in random this time around. If we’re judging battles accordingly to then-standards where the hype was the name of the game, Mike Makata vs. Verb may be a lesser one, as well as Daddie Joe D versus Shehyee.

Though the latter was a bit better, but maybe it’s because there are only few people left in the venue (I think they had done it by around 3 or 4 am). Shehyee unleashed his potential right there though DJD was a badass. Bam!

Also, the English conference battles were sick; though I’ll give credit more to both Josh G and Skarm for breaking out putting a great damn fight.

But hey, the other battles were a real deal too. Check them out. 

On a shallow, mainstreamed pop-cultured perspective, some may thought that Ahon appeared the local rap battle version of WrestleMania or those big championship games when it comes to hype and impact. Weird thing to judge though maybe it was due to a lot of close battles.

Look: there are lot of battles out there which brought tremendous effect to both FlipTop and the local hip-hop culture. I mean, it could be a factor to the escalating level of popularity that both the brand and the rap battle itself made wide-spread recognition, something that others like Sunugan Royale never done so (much respect to them though).

Look: NothingElse versus Abra may be a one-sided affair in favor of the former. And if Abra did not choke, he could have won the battle. But let’s face it: this guy, aside from his charming looks which girls are really clamouring for, has this huge kind of wit and talent to back it up. Maybe the downside though is that he’s still on the developing stage then, considering he choked for the second time since entering the rap battle competition. Plus things seems to get more personal than usual.

.

Batas versus Fuego; perhaps it was the most heated battle between the people’s most-hated fella and one of the most-favored ones in Ahon. As I watched the clip on how Batas unleashed the monster in him, the fire was there; and so was Fuego’s fuel. He spits words like a dragon, where if anyone will dare to block his way deserved to earn a third-degree burn (or even fourth).

Unfortunately for Fuego, he lost. I know, it sounds like he’s a wasted potential like Karl Malone, Leonardo DiCaprio and even Drew McIntyre (but it’s fucking unfair to compare anyway).

And Mark did not deserve that win? Better dig deeper though. It may appear like one, but certainly there’s a reason why, and way back then that’s the problem the audience did not know: rap battlin’ is not just about jokes or punchlines – it’s about lyricism, mind games, music as a whole, elements (some guys may failed to address that one; but can you blame them anyway? They don’t live the same culture compared us who used to only patronize mainstream for most of the time, so it’s unfair to judge).

Dello versus Target; the second-most entertaining battle of the first Ahon; yet it was also the one who came in “package.” There’s typical punchlines, there’s rebuttals, there’s references, there’s freestyle, word usage, everything. And the difference is that it became more evident in layman’s term (if you only think deeper you know what I’m talking about).

It was a damn one heck-of-a-fight. For me, that was the best battle I ever saw in Ahon, and at the same time, the early stages of FT.

Loonie and Zaito was good though, but Zaito came up a bit short (just a very slim margin). I’m not saying he choked ‘coz he forgot something; but maybe because he used freestyle too much that he claimed “did not have any practice.”

And Loonie was the typical monster-masher, or a game master; like a veteran who can outpointed everyone no matter whom his opponent is. No wonder why four years later, he was successful, along with other rappers, in both worlds.

Overall, based on their uploaded videos, Ahon was the sickest evening of them all, especially in 2010 right before Down N South, Ahon 2, and other succeeding events. Damn! Much support and respect to both FlipTop, and the entire hip-hop culture as well.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: Kongos - Come With Me Now

09/05/2014 1:05:29 AM

Since everyone seems to indulged on boy bands once again like One Direction, the Vamps, and any other else… (say, does 1975 counts?) well, I’d prefer to listen to this all-boy alternative band (at least, not a very typical bullshit known as “mainstream pop”) named Kongos.

And to be frank? Yeah, WWE Extreme Rules brought me here.

Honestly, I first thought the theme wasn't perfectly fitted for this. But still, I managed to listen to them and found the track… hmmm… quite good.

Plus, Kongos’ "Come with Me Now" was once used as a theme for the Stanley Cup, as well as The Originals, NASCAR, the trailer of the film Holy Motors, and even the 2014 MTV Movie Awards.

So at least, we knew that this single has already a background in sports and entertainment events.

Four members of this South African-native band were apparently, the sons of a singer-songwriter named John Kongos.

However, I can only classify this thing as “underrated” at all, since not everyone used to be familiar with it. But believe me, folks. This one’s good.

No wonder why after 2 years (since the single was originally released in their home country), they made it big; specifically, in Canadian Hot 100 and US Billboard charts.

I think we should give these guys a break even more. Better check out their album Lunatic if you got some time.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: SYNC Music + Tech 2014

5/5/2014 8:09:30 AM

On April 27, musicians and music enthusiasts alike were treated by SPINNR indie to their event called SYNC: Music + Tech held during that hot Saturday afternoon at the Black Market in Makati City.

Yes, it was scorching hot that walking along the streets of Pasong Tamo for a second might cause you terrible sickness within the next few hours or so.

But that did not stop me anyway.

So I managed to register for the event itself, and braced myself for few hours of music and technology convergence.

Jimmy Ayson gave the welcome remarks at 4 pm, while Abby Borja tackled their brand, and Vida Sioson formally introduced the SPINNR’s independent music counterpart names SPINNR INDIE.

After the three corporate personnel took the podium and present themselves, talks from several artists and key music personnel such as Barbie Almalbis, Vin Dancel, and Francis Reyes took turns in sharing their knowledge in the music modernization thingy.

With Almalbis, a former Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle vocalist, gracing the afternoon with her sets of “stompbox,” or the gadgets which guitarists used as “pedals.”

Mr. Mony Romana, Lee Grane and similarobjects also had their share of talks to numerous attendees.

Apparently, Grane, a singer/songwriter from the TV show The Voice, launched her single “Sana” during the event.

After the talk, dinner and drinks were already served as musicians Joee and I, Sinyma and similarobjects, delivered their performance acts to cap the night away.

Overall, it was a musically-packed full of information night for us. And not to mention, a perfect chillin' booze for the weekend. Well, I just wish there are lot of similar events. I mean, things like this. 'Cause we badly need it. Much support for the local underground scene.

(Post-script: shout outs to my blogger friends Clarenz Nixon, Axl Guinto, Sailor Star Catcher, Ron Mia and special thanks to Faudible for inviting me here.)

(Photo credits (All): SPINNR PH's Facebook album "SYNC: Music + Tech")

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: Kid Rock - "Celebrate"

4/29/2014 5:59:26 PM

Honestly speaking, as much as I want to post something new today (which includes a series of current issues tirade, a set of WrestleMania posts, and an NBA Playoff second round predictions since I failed to make one in the first round), I’ll end up doing this: how about a post about this WrestleMania theme?

Honestly speaking, my ears have been hooked up to this one for already a long time. It’s Celebrate by the American rock musician called Kid Rock.

The Atlantic Records talent produced his ninth studio album in 2012 titled Rebel Soul, with  the majority of his tracks used for sporting and entertainment events such as NASCAR and the WWE’s Tribute to the Troops 2012.

But, let’s go more over to Celebrate. The four-minuter track was placed eighth of the 14-track, 65 ½ minute record.

According to Wikipedia, the beat’s samples, particularly the organ intro, came from “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man by Bob Sefer.

The track served as the main theme for the 30^th annual edition of WrestleMania held April 6 at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Aside from Celebrate, Eminem’s “Legacy,” Mark Collie’s “In Time” and even Imagine Dragon’s “Monster,” were also used for the WWE’s flagship event.

And as much as I want to continue my saga of takes for the past WM30, nah, I’d better make it quick. Things are getting stale. But meantime, just enjoy the music.

Sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebel_Soul_(Kid_Rock_album)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Rock

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WrestleMania_XXX

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Throwback: Tribute To Francis Magalona

3/6/2014 2:04:04 PM

It’s been six years when his untimely death shocked us. Mainstream fans, hip-hoppers, real artists, whoever you are. At least for once you appreciated his KALEIDOSCOPE WORLD under those THREE STARS AND A SUN; when he, a MAN FROM MANILA, wanted a GIRL like you to BE MINE (or should I say, “Be with him”). He really has a WHOLE LOTTA LOVIN' to warm those COLD SUMMER NIGHTS.

Yeah, talk about some kind of ‘reference bars,’ eh?

Here’s the thing. I can’t help but to watch this tribute clip for over and over again. And it’s really good.

Gloc-9 showed his passion right there. What a fitting tribute. Forget the bad-ass move that Andrew E made there. Hip-hop may have that ‘rap battle’ thing to outwit the others; but it doesn’t mean that the culture is meant to be violent.

I’m not a hip-hopper but I do believe in music, that it can bind every human being with love and respect.

Let’s set the shit aside for a while. Here’s Gloc-9, Andrew E, Hi-C, and Ron Henley on this Eat Bulaga special dated March 7, 2009 (Yes, it was a Saturday).

Rest in Peace, Master Rapper. Long live the rap music!

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: 7Lions - Born 2 Run

1/19/2014 2:00:00 PM

Since late 2013, I suffered another sign of an eargasmic person after listening to this track. Well, this time around, I just want to feature this on my blog for now since I have been a fan of rap-and-rock mixture. Talk about the single "Born 2 Run" from the band called 7Lions.

At first, I only heard this thing on World Wrestling Entertainment’s top weekend offering Friday Night Smackdown as part of their opening billboard. Until I do my research on the popular video streaming site YouTube.

Well, their music video version actually sounded better than their original recording eh? The live version seemed suck though. 

And... yeah, deeper but kinda uplifting lyrics.

It may be one of those “so 2012” tracks, but hey, this actually makes sense more than anything that the industry had then.

Indeed a classy shit! 

The lesson here is that: make sure next time you tune in to your favorite programs (regardless if it's sports, entertainment or a mixed content), try to dig deeper on their soundtracks. 

Believe me, you will appreciate that more, especially if you are more of a fanboy or fangirl than I do.

And at the depressing times like I had been undergoing through right now, I barely need some kind of music like this.

I just imagine though, looping the track on my playlist should I hit any running event. Seriously.

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions