Volumes: Athens Hip Hop - Vol 1 Issue 7

ATH ENS

HipHop

EVENTS

p. 3

EVENT REVIEW

Controllerise p. 4

INDUSTRY PROFILE

Scott Sutton - Drummer p. 5

STREET TALK

If Your Music Was a Superhero p. 7

INDUSTRY PROFILE

Tommy Valentine Hip Hop & Politics p. 8

CULTURE SERIES

Hip Hop Don’t Stop p. 9

INTERVIEW

Square Up With Up-and-Coming p. 10

NETWORKING

p. 11

Vol. 1 Issue 7 • July 2017

Letter from the Editor This seventh edition of Volumes is based on community. We started this project because we love this community, and the love we get back keeps us going. Every artist and promoter in this city wants to walk into a room where at least one friendly or new face is there for them. Community goes hand in hand with support, but support takes one person while community takes a group willing to build something together. Athens has a great community of locals and transplants alike, but don’t forget in 2017 to keep growing and building with one another.

-Scrap God

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Events August 2017

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World Famous Hip-Hop (First Tuesdays) Hosted by Mon2 & Chief Rocka Featuring Mula Meech, Seline Haze, Eli Eternal, Troy the Rapper, and Extraordinary Music Group

Caulfield Georgia Theatre Rooftop Featuring Y.O.D. Tribute to Timothy “DJ” Garrett Caledonia Lounge Hosted by Chuck Garrett.

Featuring C-Fresh, Lil Reese, King Hill, Nonstop, Mr. Nasty, Dictator, and Tony B

100% of the door will go to the children of DJ

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Athens Popfest Georgia Theatre Featuring Superbody, Lingua Franca, noon:30, Pylon Reenactment Society, Tunabunny, ESG

Freestyle Cypher Night Go Bar

Volumes Presents Iron Factory Featuring GMoney, Pipe Pacino, Eli Eternal, Motor Head, and special guests

Volumes Presents:Y.O.D. House Party see Facebook event Featuring Georgeinna, Javae, Li Booly, and Caulfield

ADVERTISE HERE Get your business or project out there!

Take advantage of our affordable ad space in the next issue of Volumes.

Contact volumeszine@gmail.com for rates and ad specs today.

ADVERTISE HERE

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EVENT REVIEW:

Controllerise feat. Wesdaruler & Space Brother all is to set the bar high. Even if things don’t work out exactly like you planned, challenge yourself to make music that pushes you as an artist. Don’t settle for trying to satisfy anything but your actual ideas. I will always remember going forward that people do care about the art they participate in, and that it’s important to strive to do something really special every time the lights come on,” said Space Brother of his experience.

Athens producers Wesley Johnson AKA Wesdaruler and Donald Whitehead AKA Space Brother represented the Classic City in Atlanta this month at Controllerise. This event is held weekly on Thursdays at the Slice on Piedmont, featuring lo-fi beat sets, anime screenings, door prizes, and plenty of pizza. Featured artists are chosen based on submissions, but producers and rappers of all kinds come together to network and support each other.

“I learned that there is a place for me, in Georgia, where my sound is not only accepted, but understood. First time I’ve been in a room full of lo-fi/boombap/experimental producers and supporters. I feel like I’ve been adopted into a family. I still talk to most of the peeps I met that night. Nothing but support and love in the room, and everyone was putting out shit I wanna bump,” said Wesdaruler of his experience.

“I’d like to thank the entire Controllerise fam for having me. It was a game changer for me artistically; I learned a lot from my experience there. I would say my biggest lesson over-

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Even if you can’t make it out to Atlanta, you can catch every Controllerise event in real-time on their Facebook live stream. Don’t forget to check out both Wesdaruler and Space Brother’s performances on STLNDRMS Youtube channel!

- Scrap God IG scrap_goddd

Scott Sutton - Hip Hop Drummer

Hip hop is nothing without that perfect drum pattern, right? What about live drums though?

That’s exactly what Scott Sutton brings to the table with his local group Caulfield, creating a show like you’ve never seen around Athens.This dynamic group is composed of Curtison Jones as emcee, Brian Walker AKA DJ Luke Highwalker as DJ, and Scott Sutton on drums. However, this more recent project has been a long time in the making for Scott, and he’s conquered a lot to get here.

Learning the drums at 14 years old, Scott had an immediate knack for it and formed a Sex Pistols cover band. The group would play shows in Atlanta and open for bands such as Less than Jake, with transportation supplied by their parents of course. Growing up, he had always idolized the drummers from Primus, Anthrax, early Metallica, and other punk rock bands in the 90s. As the 2000s brought the rave scene, Scott’s talent as a DJ came into play.

“Everyone was like, Scott you should go to a drum and bass show.

I said what is a drum and bass show?

I’m a drummer, I need to know what the hell this is. I went down to the party, and I went holy shit. I wanted to do this, I was ready to get some beat machines. So then, I kind of got out of the punk rock scene. I didn’t want to spin it like a record, I wanted to make the beats,” said Scott.

Then he began playing his own drum and bass shows in Atlanta at house parties, which led to people encouraging him to try hip hop. Scott’s best friend owned a studio, Platinum Works Studio, and recorded his beats to sell. When south Atlanta started getting rough and Bloods and Crips would both show up to the studio at different times, it was getting too dangerous to run the studio out of a home. Shortly after that, Scott’s father passed

:INDUSTRY PROFILE

away, which prompted him to sell all his instruments and grieve.

In 2008, Scott moved to Athens with his girlfriend at the time.

With a new city, he got away from the drugs and bought all the musical equipment he’d need again for a fresh start. Although he was playing with some rock bands, he wasn’t getting anywhere with the groups he really wanted to join as an Athens outsider.

“I just noticed, I can’t get all my creativity out playing just rock’n’roll. I had this dance in me. Nobody was giving me a chance, so I started doing one man band drum shows around town where I would take the music I made put it through speakers and play live drums on top of it. One night we played with the Swank, and I talked to Curtison.

Some time went by, and he hit me back up. He said hey man, I’m starting a project with a Dj, do you wanna join in? We had the same idea,” said Scott.

Scott, Curtison, and Brian all met up at Nuci’s Space to test out this new project last April in 2016. The response that the rest of Athens has had since then led Scott to believe he’s in the right place at the right time doing exactly what he should be. He’s doing what represents him best and what he’s always wanted to put together. Scott’s drumming has had an influence on his 6 year old son as well, who is already trying to go as hard as dad on the drums. He says that he hasn’t taught him anything, his son just watches and does it.

“I’ve been in many many projects, and I think this project is where I need to be.With us three, I don’t think there’s a limit. We’re just gonna go for it. I don’t think we even knew,” said Scott.

- Scrap God IG scrap_goddd

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Francisco Francis

KD & SoHi

RGM

T-Rexx It’s Dad Dawg.

trvy & BYV

BYV & YOD @ Volumes Presents: Iron Factory

Javae

Scott Sutton

gawdlee

trvy & Caulfield

Dictator @ Clow

Sho Biz

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If Your Music Was a Superhero...

:STREET TALK

Volumes Hip Hop asked a few artists: If your music was a superhero, which one would it be and why? trvy, Lefty, Petey Blanco,Twinzo

YUNG’N RESTLESS: LUKE CAGE

“For the people but still willing to address the ignorant. Bulletproof. Fool proof. Cut from a different cloth.”

CHRISMIS: FLASH

“Since he’s blind but you would never know because a lot of people fail to see the realness behind the surface. It’s parallel to me.”

G-Money

The Social Engineers

DJ Luke Highwalker

wnin’ Gang Cookout

GEORGEINNA: XAVIER

“His whole purpose, at its core, is to move the world forward and help people develop the strength, peace, and confidence needed to be fearlessly authentic. Also Xavier’s greatest power is that he is able to read and control minds; he holds influence- which is really a huge, hidden aspect of being an artist, and that can easily be used for selfish intentions but he continuously uses it for good. This struggle is acknowledged a good bit as well, which I think is equally important.”

BILLY D. BRELL: BATMAN

“Because he bleeds like I do. Actually he’s the perfect example of dedication and discipline; he dedicated his time to match the super powers of other heroes. ‘Die a hero or live long enough to be the villain.’ ”

TONY B: HANCOCK KXNG BLANCO

“The reason why is he’s always on time when disaster strikes.And I feel like I’m always there when music sounds the same I come through with something fresh & new.”

CASSIE CHANTEL:

CATWOMAN

“Because of my own catlike, divine feminine nature. And plus Catwoman was boss.”

- Wm Montu I Miller @ mon2miller

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INDUSTRY PROFILE:

Tommy Valentine - Hip Hop & Politics 2. One thing I love about hip hop is how beautiful it can make an ugly thing; what are some ugly truths about the political system in Athens you wish to address during your campaign?

Tommy Valentine may be the future of Athens politics, but I know him best as a local hip hop pioneer. His innovative shows and introspective lyrics made him a mainstay in the local scene over a decade ago. To see his grassroots ascension in local politics marks a progression that those of us who know him best could see coming for years.

And after spending time on the campaign trail with Tommy, the aspiring County Commissioner sat down with me to discuss politics, hip hop, and everything in between.

1. You had a very strong run as not just an emcee but also as a show promoter; has any of the work you did in the world of music prepared you for politics?

KRS-One says, “Rap is something you do. HipHop is something you live.” I may not rap as much anymore, but hip-hop still defines everything I do. I learned to canvass and organize people from developing our local scene and promoting shows at places like Tastyworld, the Spot, Insomnia, and the 40 Watt. I learned the true power of ideas and words through cyphers. Most of all, hip-hop introduced me to friends that I’ll have all my life, including many people that are making this campaign possible.

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Here’s the ugly truth: Athens is the poorest college town in America.We have an incredible problem of working poverty here, with 38% poverty but only 5% unemployment. In addition, a great deal of that poverty is directly tied to a system of discrimination that is as old as our city. Our campaign is focused on addressing those issues head on through policies that will improve local economic development, education, transportation, justice reform, and poverty reduction.

3. What challenges do you see in getting the hip hop community out to vote in an off-year?

It’s going to be tough.There are a lot of people that have been hurt or ignored by the system, so they chose not to take part. Less than 5% of the people in our district vote. With that said, I think we have a chance to change things here.

We’ve developed an exciting platform that includes proposals for marijuana reform and fare free transit. We also have an exciting team, including two staff members from the hip-hop community: Campaign Manager Mariah Parker (Lingua Franca) and Volunteer Coordinator Montu Miller. Lastly, I think the best way to get people to vote is to get them involved.We plan to continue to reach out to the hip-hop community as we build and explain our campaign.

In this part of my Hip-Hop Don’t Stop series, I will be shining the light on the b-boys and b-girls of our comMontu munity. This element has enjoyed a steady stability due to the competitions that go down all around the globe.

Hip Hop community dancers, better known as breakers, serve the same purpose as the traditional African dancers. The dancers in traditional Africa served double-duty, as dancers for entertainment and as warriors that protected the community. The traditional dancers form age groups of these dancing warriors, protecting the community from animal intruders and enemies of the

4. What are some of your policy goals that you believe would most benefit the Athens hip hop community?

I think the type of improvements we are fighting for here falls directly in line with the desire for social justice that runs throughout hip-hop.

I’m certain the Hip-Hop community would join us in fighting for an Athens with protections against discrimination. Also, we want to create a city and county that is more supportive of entrepreneurs, including many of the promoters, artists, and record labels that populate our local scene.

5. If you had to give a real time assessment of Athens’ hip hop scene as it exists today, what are some opportunities for growth?

I’ve been watching the local hip-hop scene since the 90s, and I can genuinely say that things have never been more exciting than they are right now. We’ve always been lucky to have local talent, but right now there’s this amazing mixture of artistic brilliance and mutual goodwill between performers. Everyone I see is looking to help everyone else succeed. I can’t offer any advice. I just wish I had time to be a full-time part of this amazing scene.

6. Is there anything else you would like to let the hip hop community know at this point?

I would ask every member of our hip-hop scene to get involved. Help us develop our platform. Help us knock on doors. Help us win this race.You can help Athens become the community that our neighbors deserve. If you are ready to fight, e-mail us directly at tommyforathens@gmail.com!

- Trav Williams

blackpeopleareawesome. blogspot.com

Hip Hop Don’t Stop: Breakers

:CULTURE SERIES

community. These dancing regimens ranged from ceremonial and ritual to entertaining and informative (such as fertility dances, war dances, and council dances).

In Hip Hop, dances also come in many diverse forms. There are forms of warrior dances with roots from the Brazilian martial art form Capoeira, up-rocking (a street war dance), and popping and locking. The dancers in traditional Africa and the dancers in Hip Hop usually accentuate the orator and the drum; by combining these three elements each community transmits the story of the people on several levels at the same time. The dancers serve an important function in their cultures by protecting the community through bodily movement, always

ready to dance. Whether dancing with a fellow community member during ceremony or protecting the community from an enemy, these warriors are always prepared to sweat, bleed, and tear if needed. The dancers are the warriors, physically protecting and promoting the energy of the culture by any means necessary.

- Wm Montu I Miller @ mon2miller

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

SQUARE UP WITH

Up-and-Coming T-Rexx The Tyrant Terrell Bradshaw FB/ T-Rexx The Tyrant IG/trexx_tyrant soundcloud.com/ trexupmp

Where did you grow up, and how has that impacted your music?

I’m right here from Athens, Ga. I kinda grew up in the suburbs, but my dad made it a huge thing to not let us be like those preppy black kids that thought they were better than everybody else. I went to all the community centers, I grew up around my peers.

People I’m friends with now. His biggest thing was don’t fulfill the stereotype.

Who in the industry is your biggest inspiration right now?

I’m going to be honest, I like Big Sean man. I look at him now and it’s just like man he hasn’t switched up, he’s been the same person since day one. He’s all about lyricism, I’m trying to make a good song but I’m not going to change who I am to make this song be better. Those strong morals and holding to your roots, that’s something I can take from him and try to make it into my own.

What was performing your first show like?

Kxng Blanco @ kxngblanco FB/ KxngBlanco IG/kxngblanco soundcloud.com/ kxngblanco Where did you grow up, and how has that impacted your music?

I grew up in Athens. I spent the first six years on the east side, but I basically grew up on the west side. Most of the local artists I grew up listening to were from the west side of Athens. My dad listened to the locals a lot, so I grew up on them.

Who in the industry is your biggest inspiration right now?

Really I just have people I prefer listening to, like Kevin Gates, J Cole, Big Sean, Tyler the Creator, Big K.R.I.T. They all have their own style. They don’t mind stepping out of their comfort zone when it comes to the sound of their music.

What was performing your first show like?

My first show was World Famous in February. I loved it. Going on stage, I felt like I had something to prove. Didn’t nobody know my name. I ended up blacking out my first performance at World Famous and Clownin Gang Cookout. Adrenaline rush.

My first show, me doing my thing, I think Mariah (Parker) gave me a show at Go Bar. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous. I was so happy because I really had support from people. After you start seeing people vibe to your music the way you intended it for them, it gives you that much more energy. I tell What do you want your audience to take away my story, but I want to be able to relate to anyone from your music? else. I enjoy feeling energy from other people.

You don’t have to be a trap rapper, don’t have to cuss in every line, just be yourself. If you’re talentIn your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle ed, people are gonna like your music regardless. that hip hop artists face?

I think it’s the tone of how they put their music out.

There’s a way that you can say anything and get your point across. It’s to a point, people don’t want to put art into it anymore. It used to be, I’m going to give you this simile and that’s going to describe how I’m feeling right now. People are getting so tired of hearing things that are straight to the point. It’s a balance between the two.

What’s next?

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I’m working on recording 80 songs by December, even if I don’t put them out just have as much as I can together. I really want to put together a little five song EP, just for something that people can have.

I’m trying to get together a three part mixtape. Call one Headlights, the next one Rearview, and then call the last one Taillights. I just want to have it in a way that all these connect, even if they don’t see it in the beginning. I’m just trying to get shows really, I’m trying to get out there.

In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle that hip hop artists face?

First is getting the urban community to rock with you. Everybody do it, everybody raps. After you do that, it’s breaking off into the mainstream and getting the mainstream to vibe with your music also. It’s just getting people’s attention and keeping their attention.

What’s next?

I’m finishing my second project now, it’s titled Wave. It’s going to be a project showcasing different styles of music. It’s going to have music for the women, the fun type music, music that the hood can relate to. I’m trying to touch every part of it.

I’m trying to get the city behind me. Stay tuned, I got much more coming. This is just beginning.

:THE NETWORK

Producers Dexter Sims dextersims89@gmail.com FB: Dex Does Music IG: theblvkjesus Twitter: @Twinzodadon Snap: cruz_89 Work Money Entertainment, LLC 404-781-5308 workmoneyent@gmail.com FB: Carlos Jones Kaliko Liberty Entertainment - Owner Ear Candy Studios - Owner 706-248-9523 FB,YT, IG, Google+, & Twitter: @itskaliko Kid Foo officialkidfoo@gmail.com FB: Kid Foo IG: kidfoo Twitter: @ItsKidFoo

Engineers Trevor Wiggins 706-499-9923 trvyfeatures@gmail.com Social Media: @trvyf Imorie Curry 706-308-4190 lexcallahan@hotmail.com Social Media: @lexcally

Marketing/Promotions United Group Of Artists 678-740-3884 P.O. Box 49096 Athens, Ga. 30604

Photography KatTookIt Photography Katherine White 706-621-2822 kattookit@gmail.com

Video Production No Silver Spoon Production Jeffery Welborn & Ricky Campbell 706-224-9669 Owen Hunt owenm.hunt@gmail.com Social Media: @bootsygreenwood

Illustrator Danielle Summers danisumm@uga.edu danisumm.com FB: /danisummart IG: danisummart

Photography/Video iGoByGoodie 706-207-1345 igobygoodie@gmail.com Josh Hart Media 678-637-9927

Hip Hop Artists A. Mack Booking: 706-308-5539 amack068@gmail.com FB: Aviyon Mack IG: A.mack706 Snap: A_mizzlee Dictator 706-818-0387 tothapoint@gmail.com DK Cell: 706-920-8093 Alt.: 706-340-8071 dk.nowles.nowledge@gmail.com FB: /dedric.knowles Twitter: @DK_nowles Snap: dedric1225 Soundcloud: /dk_nowles_nowledge Kxng Blanco kiddblanco706@gmail.com Social Media: @KxngBlanco SoundCloud/Spinrilla: Kxng Blanco L.G. (HOTC) hotclg15@gmail.com FB: L.G. or @hotc15 Social Media: HOTC_LG Seline Haze 706-340-8071 iamselinehaze@gmail.com IG: @SelineHaze_ Twitter: @SelineHaze Space Brother spacebrothermusic@gmail.com FB: /spacebrothersoundsystem Soundcloud: /spacebrothersoundsystem spacebrother.bandcamp.com ZiggyRoxxx 706-621-9000 iggylocz@gmail.com IG: ziggyvoodoochild Soundcloud: /ziggyroxxx

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS: • Friends & Family • Everyone who bought our stickers!

COVER ART BY: Kairo Myth “Kairo Myth is a fusion between Art and Hip Hop. A synthesis of science, soul, and esoteric symbols. Culture enriches the depth of my creativity. Metaphysical poetry expresses complex emotions.

Creativity and visual impact drive results with sensory overload, and yet I do this subconsciously. I intentionally avoid the obvious to force awareness of the anatomy of self to ascertain higher meaning.” kairomyth@gmail.com IG: kairomyth FB:KairoMyth soundcloud.com/kairo-myth kairomyth.bandcamp.com/

For more information contact Sam Lipkin volumeszine@gmail.com