Volumes: Athens Hip Hop - Vol 1 Issue 10

ATH ENS

HipHop

EVENTS

p. 3

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Curtison Jones AKA Caulfield p. 4

CULTURE

The Cypher p. 8

ALBUM REVIEW

Y.O.D.’s Unavailable p. 9

INTERVIEW

Square Up With NBlock p. 10

NETWORKING

p. 11

Vol. 1 Issue 10 • October 2017

Letter from the Editor This tenth edition of Volumes is based on perspective. It’s what makes the music so different, and it’s what draws us to certain artists or styles. Perspective controls our relationships with people in a lot of ways too. Being able to see other people’s points of view is an extremely valuable resource in business and personal life. 2017 has been full of a lot of dividing points of view, so learn how to take perspective in stride to create some unity around you.

-Scrap God

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Events November 2017

Dope KNife performing at HCHH TU SA

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RD

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AY SD UE

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Hot Corner Hip Hop Vol. X Little Kings Featuring Clip Art, Gawdlee, Dope KNife, and Luxury Vehicle

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RD

TU SA

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Volumes Presents: END OF THE YEAR YOD House Party facebook.com/volumeshiphop

World Famous Hip-Hop (First Tuesdays) Hosted by Mon2 & Chief Rocka Featuring Rocboizay, Sean C, Marco Hull, Jay Smooth, D33P, and Bizzie Made WE

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Y DA ES

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Tip Jar Comedy Hendershots Hosted by Travis Williams

ADVERTISE HERE FR

Y IDA

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Jonwayne: Rap Album Two Tour 529, Atlanta Featuring Jonwayne, Danny Watts, EMV, Lingua Franca, and Wesdaruler

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

Curtison Jones A.K.A. Caulfield

Curtison Jones AKA Caulfield has seen the ebb and flow of the Athens’ hip hop scene over the years, and he’s recently been at the forefront of its successes. Caulfield’s group with DJ Luke Highwalker and drummer Scott Sutton opened for Ugly God at the Georgia Theatre at the beginning of this month.They released an EP with elaborate visuals back in May of this year, and they’re continuing to makes waves in and around the Classic City. Volumes writer Trav Williams discussed the details of the EP “Under the Influence” with Caulfield:

Q: Who or what was the inspiration for this project?

A: Life, at least in terms of content. Early in my career I would say, “alright this is what I want to write about,” and I would write songs that revolved around that specific theme.That was cool, but it was more of a cerebral process.

I want my art to be emotive...I want you to think but more than that I want you to feel.

I didn’t write anything for this project. I sat with the beats and I vibed and everything that i recorded on that record is basically a therapy session. Now, stylistically, I’d say the influences ranges from 2pac to Migos. A lot of the cadences are drawn from popular stuff today that I listen to...Travis Scott, Kendrick, etc but Hail Mary is word for word 2pac’s hook, and the song is essentially a product of me riding around one night listening to the original and then throwing on my own beat. Hail Mary Caulfield is born.

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Q: What was it about these songs that makes “Under the Influence” the perfect title for this project?

A: Once I finished recording the E.P., I went back and listened to it several times. The theme that kept popping up on every song in one way or another was being under the influence. I had a conversation with a good friend of mine, Sara Guthrie, about some of my “self-destructive behavior,” and she basically told me I needed to figure out why...why am I doing the things that I’m doing. I thought about it and came to the realization that my depression had slowly come to control my life. I was...am in a very dark place. I was fantasizing about suicide several times a day, and my main mode of escape was getting fucked up. If I was being honest with myself, I wasn’t battling my demons, I was under their control, under their influence.

Q: Where does “Under the Influence” sit in relation to the rest of your catalog?

A: I think it’s one of my best pieces of work..right up there with Swank or Die but definitely my best solo work. Lyrically, it’s different in that I didn’t write any of it down. I feel like I was better able to really sync with the beat and be more fluid with my delivery. The combination of delivery, wordplay, and realness makes this a special project for me. https://soundcloud.com/mynameiscaulfield

LEFTY

LATEST PROJECTS

https://soundcloud.com/ laolefty/sets/true-player

MOTORHEAD

Q: Are you working on anything new, and if so, how do your new sounds compare to “Under the Influence?”

A: I am. I’m currently working on new music, and I’m still dealing with a lot of the same issues. The difference is that now I’m aware, so what I’m finding is that I’m digging more into the “why.” I’m thinking more about how these demons are affecting my personal relationships, past and present, and how I can move forward.

The new music is going to be some of my most personal and honest work I’ve ever done.

VOLUMES PICKS:

CATCH ONE BALDIE

Q: When you listen back to it now, do you hear anything that surprises you about the project?

A: Yeah, just how gone I was and didn’t even realize it.

Know thyself is a phrase that I try to live by, but I’ve come to realize that in our day to day routines we can get lost and find ourselves, mentally and emotionally, in places that we never thought we would be.

https://spinrilla.com/ mixtapes/motorhead2xi-can-t-even-be-i

https://spinrilla.com/ mixtapes/catch-onebaldie-black-baby

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Kaliko, Montu, Squalle

Dictator & Squalle

Son Zoo

DK & Kaliko Brice Anthony (performing), Lefty (crowdsurfing)

DJ Lodi Dodi

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Auntie Venim

Queen.Wavey

Seline Haze

Montu

KE Turner

Son Zoo, KXNG BLANCO, Lex Callahan Bam

KXNG BLANCO Lefty

Valley Girl D

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CULTURE:

The Cypher: Words, Energy & Flows

You are walking in downtown Athens (or any city where Hip Hop lives) and you see a group of people on the sidewalk in the distance.This group is in what appears to be a Montu circle, and as you get closer you hear not talking but rhyming.You are not sure why, but you seem to be magnetized by this group. As you sit back on the outside of the circle, you see and hear this group taking turns rappin’. There is no microphone, no beat, no stage, no bright lights; just pure rappin’. You are witnessing a cypher, a gathering of Hip Hop at its root element.

A cypher is a flow of energy that uses the power of words to transmit different kinds of messages. This message can be in the form of a freestyle rhyme, an improv, or in the form of a pre-written rhyme. Some rappers/emcees believe cyphers should be strictly freestyle, while for others it is more about the exchange and does not matter if it is pre-written or freestyle.

I asked a few Athens Hip Hop artists, “Do you have to freestyle in a cypher?” and this is what they said:

“Not necessarily. It could be something that’s been on your mind all day that you’ve been dying to share, or a written that just fits the moment. It’s all about positive, genuine energy anyway.” --DK

“The word cypher has multiple definitions and so does the word freestyle, and it seems like everyone has a different definition, but in order for it to feel like a legitimate cypher, the kind that I find most fulfilling, everything has to come off the top, otherwise it’s just people sharing their rhymes with each other, and not creating.” --Son Zoo

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“No, but it’s more impressive to freestyle and I think it makes the performance more personal.” --Dexter Sims

“You do not have to freestyle in a cypher, I just do it because I’m good off the top of my dome.”

--Ant Da Ripper

“Yes, I hate the term but in a real cypher no cameras or nothing, just you, other MC’s and the crowd- must be free in that environment.

Practice under pressure, is how the word game elevates, that’s proven but unfortunately not practiced much anymore. Thus, the lyrics have suffered greatly.” --Kaliko Cyphers appear on many platforms: on sidewalks, during studio sessions, during special events, or simply high schoolers at the lunch table. These circles of flowing energy are present in all of the elements of Hip-Hop, but the lyrical cypher used by emcees is the most well known.

We cannot forget that b-boys/b-girls cypher with dance, graf writers cypher with paint, DJ’s cypher using mixing, blending, and the manipulation of music. The cypher is one of the roots of the Hip Hop culture that keeps it grounded, healthy, and alive. So the next time you see a cypher, do not pass it by or ignore it; join the flow of energy. Be a participant if you have the courage or just sit back and witness the magic that happens in these intense circles of energy.

- Wm Montu I Miller @ mon2miller

Y.O.D.’s UNAVAILABLE

: ALBUM REVIEW

https://soundcloud.com/followtheyod Disclaimer: I know these guys pretty well, sorry moment (Happy Bornday Left). While “Slight for any bias. Whatever.

Interlude” may be overlooked by the sonic magnitude of tracks like “Prayin’ For Me” and A well-known fact around “Murder House,” the “Intangible,” it offers an airy, smooth segue into storied home of Athens-based collective Y.O.D. the remainder of the tape. It acts as the perfect is that if “Lonely” is played and I am within ear- smoke break on a pretty great day. The projshot, I will immediately belt out the lyrics as if I ect’s lone solo effort comes from Dad on “Find were the one who wrote them. Not only does You”, as he flexes his ability to create a bona the standout track echo one of the truest real- fide R&B song and continue to progress as a ities of the human experience, “you know I get prolific songwriter. Trvy’s collaboration with lonely/ I know you get lonely”, Brice’s verses Goodie, “Fight the Feelings,” attempts to creare delivered with such paradoxical self assur- ate a cautionary tale with witty wordplay and ance and confidence that the song becomes an a catchy auto-tuned chorus. I would ask if they anthem rather than a somber lesson in isola- contributed a new perspective on what may be tion. I sing those lyrics with a certain amount an outdated trope. Brice holds his own through of bravado and pride. Dex’s vocal contribution the entirety of the tape whether he is shooting comes in the form of a raspy, witty bridge and rapid-fire bars on “Same Thing” or delivering an the song’s ethereal, auto-tuned climax. Though understated chorus on “Hard To Breathe.”

Unavailable is auto tune heavy, maybe a little too heavy, the collective’s songwriting abilities Unavailable is a cohesive project that exempliare clearly showcased. Unavailable is the brain- fies growth for a burgeoning collective that has child of Goodie, one of the newer members of only been doing music in Athens for a year. If the collective and also the in-house videogra- it lacks somewhat in diversity, the project also pher. Goodie curated the skits, track list, and of- achieves its goal of leaving the listener wantfered up his knack for crooning choruses with ing more, which seems to be a signature of the pop-punk, alt-rock sensibilities. If Unavailable enigma that is Goodie. To Y.O.D. I hope to see is Goodie’s brainchild, then Lefty, who appears you continue to break boundaries for the Athon the fourth track entitled “Slight Interlude” ens hip-hop community and beyond...the world is with the assist from Aye Cee, has emerged as yours my friends. the youngest son enjoying his coming of age Written by: Petey Blanco Edited by: Ellie Day @almighty_del_toro

@bubblegum.sparkle

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

SQUARE UP WITH

NBlock Ant Da Ripper Anthony Taylor, Jr. @iam_ripper FB/ Ant Da Ripper IG/ripper_rollup reverbnation.com/ antdaripper

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

I grew up in a little town called Hull. It’s kind of rural.

It helped me with my music because from the jump, since about 5, I’ve known how to build my own character because of my grandma and my parents, their goals and values they’ve instilled in me.

What excites or disappoints you the most about the new age of hip hop?

Tru Thought Aaron Thomas @truthoughtmusic FB/ Tru Thought IG/tru_thought soundcloud.com/ aaron-thomas-84 Where did you grow up, and how has that impacted your music?

I grew up primarily in Athens, Ga. I was born in Indiana, and I lived there until I was 4. I spent most of my life living in Athens, so this is my home. I would say it’s impacted my music stylistically, like the structure of choruses and cadences.

What excites or disappoints you the most about the new age of hip hop?

I’ll start positive. What excited me the most is new music coming out no matter what the state hip hop’s in. I definitely enjoy following artists in that pre-blowing up phase because it’s after that that they’re going to get complacent. As far as what disappoints me, there was a point that I could say a lot. When I first started listening to rap, what drew me in was the lyricism. I was like “F anything that’s mainstream.” It’s all relative, it’s stupid for there to be sides. If it sounds sonically good to one person, Do you think it’s easier or harder to be heard then it’s good music.To me, it’s more about challenging yourself. with things like soundcloud being so popular?

I listen to everyone. Now, some genres of music tell a bigger, broader story. Those are the artists that I respect. Mumble rap to me sucks, and it’s a burden on others in the scene because we’ll never get that exposure. Out of every type of artist there’s something you can usually respect, and the mumble rappers they aren’t good lyrically but they have an outstanding grind.

It’s definitely harder because anyone can use those platforms. Like I said, we’ve been doing this shit for years. I’ve known Cuz since 7th grade, and we used to get in trouble for making beats on the desks all the time. It was easier back then to be heard, but it’s harder to get on.

What’s next?

Right now, Cuz has me dropping a lot of singles. I am working on my first album, it’s called “And Then There Was Kuntry.” This is collective singles that I’ve done in the past that everybody knows with my new style mixed in. My favorite track right now is “Hurtin For Nun.” I bought the beat from Mack Boy, a producer from Athens. If I can’t break the floodwalls down for this scene, then I want to provide assistance to the artists that can. I don’t want any artist in Athens to be scared to contact me, I don’t care if you want to be paid for your features or if you just want to do a feature with me.

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Yung Cuz FB/ Yung Cuz IG /cuzblockwaybusiness soundcloud.com/ nblock-records

Do you think it’s easier or harder to be heard with things like soundcloud being so popular?

I think it’s easier to be heard because of technology and because of the internet. You’ve got so many things working to your advantage that weren’t there before. It’s easier to be heard, but it’s up to you how much you’re heard. It’s really just about work ethic.

What’s next?

I’m working on a mixtape, I’m pretty sure I’m going to title it “Settle the Score.” I’m also working on another EP. Music is something that I would love to one day make a career. I want to make it as much about the music as possible. Up until now, I’ve only sold my EPs, so I decided that no matter how far I get my mixtapes are always going to be free. At some point, I’m going to put out a project and people are going to come up to me and be like “is this a mixtape, an EP, and album?” And I’m gonna be like it’s none of the above, it’s just music.

“I created Nblock Records to help some of my young patnas from my hood have a voice in our city. I just ended up reaching out to others besides people in my hood that I felt needed that extra help getting studio time, shows, and etc..

Nblock means a lot to me cause it’s a way to help others in my city have a voice. #BlockWayBussiness4L”

: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 706-499-2293 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: 706-248-1835 Alt: 706-340-8071 dk.nowles.nowledge@gmail.com FB: ShmokageDK Twitter: ShmokageDK IG: ShmokageDK 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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