ILLUS - FAMILY FIRST

My man ILLUS hit me up one weekend… He told me a bout this project he was doing that featured Emcee / Producers showcasing their talents in a collaborative fashion in dual roles as Emcee and a Producer. The Project was to be called FAMILY FIRST. I thought “hmmmm, dope concept!” He went on to ask if I’d like to be apart of it and I was with it right off the bat. “As a matter of fact” I said “Yo I was just working on this one track earlier today. I’ll bounce it and send it your way to see what you think.” Sounds like it may work with the concept.

I happened to have been tracking this beat and recording the hook the night before and earlier that morning. I hadn’t began writing verses yet but I’d recorded a hook and started mixing the track a bit to make the beat knock.  Truth be told I was really only using this track to test out some new UA plug-ins but it came together in a way that I ended up recording a hook (testing plugins even more) and then I crashed for the night. So, when my man hit me up it seemed like perfect timing. I didnt even need to give it any thought. I bounced it and sent it over to him. He dug it and next thing I know we’d both written verses.

A few weeks later, verses recorded and song structure came together and off to Johnnie Juice for touch up, mix and completion.

A couple months later ILLUS hits me up again and mentions he’ll be in Berkley for the weekend and wondered if I wanted to come up from LA and shoot a video with him for the Life song we did together. As ILLUS puts it

Phashara flew up from Los Angeles for a few hours to kick it and shoot a little video for the song we did together. Neither of us were familiar with the area so we just walked around and took in the sites, shopped for records, ate some food and shot some footage of our day.

P.S.  Shout out to my man’s daughter for letting us borrow her pink iTunes “boom box”.

So yeah with my T2i and my daughters pink Boom Box in tow I went up to Berkley and kicked it for the day. Here are the results of our little Berkley excursion / gentle gorilla shoot.

BandCamp Cover Art

I’ve launched my Bandcamp page. Its just a place holder for now but I will use this to serve up some audible goodies in the future. Stop by and check it out.

"Pathways" Album Cover

So a couple years a ago I embarked on this “new album” journey. Initially the name of it was “The Vinny Van Gogh Johnson Experience”. It was supposed to be all about the art {hence the Van Gogh reference} of the music from rather hood perspective {hence stereotypical reference to a rather common black surname “Johnson” }. All in all… I got tired of explaining that title and referring back to it to be sure that my musical creations were in-line with the concept.

So, here we are… PATHWAYS is the name of the project.  Why Pathways? Why not. I think Platform8470.com said it best “Phashara (Beatmonstas) Walks his Own Path…” That’s all that’s it!

I wanted this album to reflect whatever the day brings. One day it was a tune called “Sunshine” (produced by the UK’s Passion HiFI) because I was feeling inspired and motivated. One day it was a tune called “Dreams” (produced by ILLMIND) where I asked the homies Finale & Reefa Rei aboard to give their take on how we can achieve our dreams. Other days brought b-boy opus’ like “Langston Hughes” (featuring Noble Dru) & “Drop Bombs” where I just wanted to be lyrical and braggadocios. Still I address real issues on joints like “Economic Woes” featuring my man from Chicago’s own 80’s Babies. My guy Savant and I crafted, what I consider to be, a classic ode to our home town Chicago called “Heart Strings” were we delve into our love for the ole fair lady Chicago and how we miss her when we are away. One of the illest tunes on the project features Sadat X of Brand Nubian and it’s called “Codes” (Produced by Noble Dru). On this song we explore the code of the streets and how survival of the fittest can sometimes push one outside of his usual demeanor.

Another tune was posted on SoundCloud on Valentines Day… It’s called “Nothin Nice” check it out.

10. Phashara - Nothin Nice - Pathways by Phashara

This all plays into the concept that is project  “Pathways”. We all walk many paths and these paths may change daily. I just wanted to express myself freely without feeling boxed in. Ultimately, I took the needed time to make a great record from inception to completion, from beat-making to mastering, a lot of love for the art was put into this project.

The next phase of the project involves videos videos and more videos. I’ve already began production on one video with others in the pipeline. Time permitting (Mr. Many Hats speaking here so bare with me), I’d like to release a hand full of videos for this album but I am independent so it will take some time and effort. I welcome all helpers too But thats the plan as I enter this phase of the project. I’m looking forward to the work and the end results.

Then there is the actual release. Pathways will have an official digital release this summer along with a physical release of CDs and, get this, cassette tapes. Yeah that’s right cassette tapes, it’s for the hipster in you. I haven’t decided if it will be an instrumental cassette tape release or if it will be the actual Pathways album with a couple of bonus songs. Either way this is gonna be dope.

Finally, I plan to  launch a Kick Starter project. This project will be for a limited edition vinyl release. Why not?! Vinyl is a like a piece of art and I know many many DJs that would love to see the continued production of vinyl. The cool thing about the kick Starter element is that it may happen and it may not. Some contributors will receive cool stuff like my previous ablum and a t shirt while the larger contributors will be listed as Executive Producers. I will create the project  (already created it but its not live just yet) and if it gets the needed funding then all systems go. If we don’t meet the funding everyone gets their donated money back and we call it a day.

So there it is… This is pathways. Here we come!!!

Phashara (Beatmonstas) Walks his Own Path ‘We talk about how bad some so-called hip-hop is, but we don’t contribute to a solution. We don’t give those that come after us anything to aspire to anymore.’ And so Phashara, one third and founding member of the Beatmonstaz crew, does just that. Bring a solution, an alternative to the ‘corporate’ game, where ‘the only code respected is big money’. How? With ‘good ole’ boombap beats -think Buckwild or Beatminerz- and heart-felt lyrics. On his second solo album ‘Pathways’, Phashara, residing in L.A. but originally from Chicago, connects with Sadat X, Finale and Illmind, a.o….

Sadat X is featured on your new album. How did it feel to rap with Sadat X about the honour of emceeing?

It certainly was an honor. This was a great moment for me to be able to collab with a cat like Sadat X of the legendary Brand Nubian. He’s probably one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop in my opinion. When I heard that classic Sadat X verse over that Noble Dru track, I knew it would be a stand-out joint. It was spot on to the concept we discussed. See, actually the ‘code’ we are speaking of is the code of the streets in contrast to being an otherwise peaceful dude. The code of the streets will have you locked in on survival. No telling what you might do when pushed. Like Sadat says ‘I aint hard, I’ll harden’…classic. But the cuts on the hook sort of spun the concept to have a twist on the code of emceeing. There is a real parallel there. It’s cool that you got that.

Maybe there should actually be a rap code, or an industry code at least, some rules where rappers or labels should stick to. Agree?

Yeah, there should be a code to everything we do. Whatever happened to honor? Even if it’s amongst thieves. I think hip-hop is the code. Simple rules have long been established like ‘don’t bite!’ What ever happened to originality? What ever happened to taking pride in the art of rhyme and the culture of hip-hop? Yeah I think we know the code but the game is corporate now and the only code they respect is big money.

‘I’m not thinking Orange County when I say I’m OC.’ It’s funny because before I heard that line, we linked your flow, voice with Omar Credle’s, although you probably meant something else… (laughs)

Well knowing the skill and legend that is O.C., it’s an honor to think that I could conjure the comparison. In context, what I was referring to when I said ‘I’m not thinking Orange County when I say I’m OC. From Chicago we don’t know bout OG’s, I’m from land of hustlers, pimps and gang bang…’, I was attempting to address the contrast between slang terminologies in the two cities where I dwell. I’m from Chicago but I live in L.A. ‘OC’ where I’m from means ‘out of control’ but where I live it refers to Orange County.

Similarly OG aka original gangster was not a thing we said coming up in the Chi. We grew up around hustlers, pimps and gang bangers. Same dudes in L.A. are referred to as OG’s. Just in the fit of rhyme, I drew a few comparisons in my way of word play. Although at this point hip-hop and pop culture has made the whole world a small community. So an ‘OG’ is an ‘OG’ wherever you go.

So you now live in L.A. But are you still keeping your ear to the Chicago scene? Underground rappers are often displeased with the lack of media attention. How’s the situation in the city of Common and Kanye West?

The situation as I know it in Chicago is like a bubble. It’s its own microcosm probably like anywhere else. If you aren’t careful you can find yourself with skewed perspective. Cats like Kanye and Common found themselves finding success outside of the city before feeling real support from the crib. But part of the issue is that Chi is so far removed from where decisions are made. You know… too far removed from the entertainment capitals and the so-called real shot callers. The long and short of it is that people get shine when taste makers take notice and take interest. They just so happen to be elsewhere. Also I don’t think we have the same sense of support and sense of community that other places have for our own until one of our own is accepted elsewhere. It’s a weird situation. But it’s home, man. I rep Chicago relentlessly. And I have great respect for cats like Savant, Dee Jackson, Rashid Hadee, Thaione Davis, Contriband, All Natural and on and on. The cool thing is that I think we have some of the best untapped talent in the world. Like Little Brother said ‘as long as we don’t blow we’ll always be the next big thing’.

There’s a lot of things you’re not happy about, as you mention on the track ‘Nobody Move’, if you look at the world right now what are, straight at the spot, the three things that make you ‘unhappy’?

Well, I don’t know. I just felt the need to express what I was feeling in the moment. It’s not that I’m actually an unhappy or depressive cat. But I think all in all we have some particular things that we overlook and let slide that we should probably be more critical of.

First, I think we talk about how bad some so-called hip-hop is, but we don’t contribute to a solution. We don’t give those that come after us anything to aspire to anymore.

Secondly, it makes me particularly unhappy to see my young brothers and sisters killing each other. It’s like psychological warfare. I can’t imagine why we would be so hell bent on killing our own reflections beside a deeply rooted self-hate.

Thirdly, there’s institutional racism. Where do we start with that one? This is the type of racism that allows a 17-year old kid to be murdered by some so called Neighborhood Watch Captain. This is the type of racism that allows that guy to go free without a slither of a charge against him for 45 days. Then you find out his dad is a judge and his record has been expunged several times over, and on, and on, and on,… and he would’ve otherwise walked free for good had people not stood up about it. These occurrences -with some variance- are not so uncommon. Most of these things go on unchallenged. That’s due to institutional racism. The silent, yet deeply, embedded cultural racism. Overall, these are huge issues and I’m just one man with a few thoughts and the gift of rhyme. So I speak.

On ‘Sunshine’, you still sound critical, but a lot more positive, hopeful and willing to fight…

I write how I’m feeling at the moment when I feel inspired. ‘Sunshine’ was inspired by that Passion HiFi track. When I heard it, I was on my morning commute and dreaming big. So right there on the train I started writing ‘Sunshine’. It’s like my own self-prescribed motivation. I envision the contrast between the hood and the good life and how enriched one’s life would be for having experience both. That’s what I strive for. They say it ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at. But I believe it’s both like yin and yang. That balance is important. Your past gives relevance to you future. So yeah, on ‘Sunshine’ -you are right- I was rather critical but I was dreaming and feeling inspired to do better and get better things out of life. I hope that came across in the song.

‘Pathways’ is the title of the record. How difficult do you find it to take a path, a direction, a choice in life?

I’ve never found it hard at all to walk my own path. I’m not the follower type. I live by that. I don’t try to fit where I can’t. Even in music. Back in the day, there was a lot more individuality in the game. Now, popular artists are one of a million widgets pumped from the same machine. My preference is to be happy being me. If I walk my own path and people don’t like me, I’m cool with that. Love me or leave me alone. I’m good either way. I’ll still be me.

Finale, who’s also featured on your record, said in an interview with us: ‘I’d advise you to think and plan carefully before you make that leap of faith and quit your day job to start rapping’. Are you planning a lot? And what are your plans for your rap career?

My plan is always to plan my work and work my plan. That said, I only want to make good music. If people begin to pick up on it and it leads to bigger and better things then that’s dope. No doubt. But ultimately I just want to make dope, meaningful music that people can enjoy. As for my plans for my rap career, if I can sustain and eventually elevate my lifestyle by way of doing music full-time while having total control and ownership of my work and my content, I’m all in. I have demands that go against everything that ‘Big Brother Music Industry’ requires before investing in your career. You know what I mean? I’m a grown ass man with responsibilities first and foremost. I’m not big on dependence and gambling. So I won’t hold my breath. (laughs) None the less, I plan to continue to make music as I always have…by my own rules. I am not wishing on a star and chasing the shine. I’m more interested in sharpening my craft and growing as an artist. The rest will find me if it’s all meant to be.

Finale also mentioned: ‘I’m still on the road to what I consider success’. So what exactly is your definition of ’success’?

It’s similar to what I just described. Having creative control over my music and becoming known for quality work. Everything else is gravy. If I was viewed as a puppet with no control and people knew me and loved me for it, I would feel trapped and super unhappy. At the end of the day I gotta be free to be me. You know what? Maybe I will feel successful when I can make songs that reflect some level of intelligence and the masses lock in.

Are you still rappin for the same reasons as when you started rappin?

I still rap because I enjoy it. But I started out wanted to be the illest dude in the room. I started out aspiring to become a star. Today, it’s more therapeutic and focused. I write about my experiences or I’ll write from an editorial sort of perspective rather than from a place where there is some tale of cool that I think others will respect.

As far as production: the snares on your record are straight solid and all present. It’s a good vessel for your delivery. Is it coincidence or do you keep an eye on the fact that there’s a slapping snare in your beats?

Wow thanks. That’s funny that you mention that. My guy Savant -from the ‘Heart Strings’ collab- mentioned that on Twitter the other day. I don’t know, it wasn’t a conscious decision to make all the snares crack and pop like that. I just go with what I like at the moment when making beats. It’s interesting to realize that there seems to be an apparent sound. This is the album where I got much deeper into sound design and mixing my own songs. I’ve learned a lot about what I like and how to make it happen consistently. I like that old boom bap where the kicks bump and the snares crack. So yeah I guess I do aim for that.

What’s some of your fav instruments from your studio gear?

Without a doubt my Akai MPC 5000. I guess this could be part of the reason the snares bang like they do. I love the 5k so much that I customized it and blogged about it. I painted it yellow and black. It was inspired -in my mind- by Bumble Bee from the Transformers but some cats see it and think RZA’s MV. I’m a MPC 5000 advocate in a way. To tell you the truth; in a time when there is so many people using software I think the sound of real hardware is why the album thumps the way it does.

If somebody would put you for a dilemma and you’d had to choose: making albums solo or in group…what would it be?

If it were with regards to the creative control, I’d say solo. But if it were with regards to less work while remaining productive, I’d say group. Being in a group forces you to compromise but it also allows you to share the load. I love both situations for different reasons.

What’s your fav brand of coffee?

There is an organic breakfast blend and a New Orleans chicory blend both from Trader Joe’s. Oh… can I say Trader Joe’s? I hope so because I just said it twice.

Sure…

With those and a couple of other ingredients I’ve perfected the best white chocolate latte with a touch of Mexican vanilla. One of my favorite things to do on a weekend morning is brew a fresh pot and make beats. Next time you are around my way, coffee is on me. You’ll love it.

Deal.

So what music do you have with that?

‘Pathways’ by some cat named Phashara of course. I haven’t stopped listening since it was mastered. Also, since I use iCloud, every single album I ever downloaded both legally and otherwise is available on my iPhone. What I’ve been rocking lately is a lot of beat albums like 24 hour-beat tape, Boonie Mayfield’s ‘Black Koolade’ and Betamonstas’ yet unreleased beat album entitled ‘Make Beats Not War’.

What’s next for Phashara?

Well, when is Platform 8470 going to hook up a show for me and mines to come through Belgium and rock? That’s what’s next… (laughs) But for real… I have been making some sample-heavy soulful beats for my next album called ‘Chic Flick’. We - Beatmonstas- have started trading beats amongst one another for the next Beatmonstas album too. We have a collab with Craig G coming up on the Beatmonstas project. But my next frontier is to produce for other cats. I’ve been so into beatmaking and there is so much more I want to do with that aspect of the game. I’ll have a joint that I produced on Noble Dru’s upcoming album as well. I’m also about to launch a Kick starter project for the preservation of vinyl. I will raise money to print up the ‘Pathways’ album on vinyl in exchange for executive producer credit to the larger backers. But in the immediate future I’m all in and focused on promoting and making more video’s for the new ‘Pathways’ album.

Phashara.com
POSTED 04|13|2012
conducted by cpf

The Storybook Adventure (2008)

In preparation for the forthcoming release of my new solo project “Pathways” we pulled out some old footage of the release party performance for The Storybook Adventure (my Debut solo project in 2008).

This was a great show. We played to a full house at the Dark Room in Chicago. Also on the bill that night was the 80’s Babies (Dee Jackson & Tall Black Guy), Beatmonstas, beats and rare grooves by Tall Black Guy & Radius.

In retrospect, I think this album contains some of my greatest writings. However, I’d like to one day remix and master the entire album to improve the execution of these great tales put to music. My men Noble Dru, Tall Black Guy & Radius provided some beats, my former group mate Bosa (Sac Fly) provided a couple memorable verses, Beatmonstas collective is on there.

If you feel so inclined, click the image link and head overt to Amazon.com/mp3 and cop the album. Its still a pretty good listen.

Here are a few compiled clips of the release party in Chicago.

RapMusic.com Interviews Phashara

In preparation for the release of my new album “Pathways” I did this interview with my people over at Rapmusic.com. If you ever wanted to know where the name Phashara comes from or what Pathways is about or How the Beatmonstas came about…. this is the interview to read.

Many years ago, I was introduced to Phashara, both the man and his music, through a mutual friend of ours. While he turned out to be a fantastic person to know he was also a very talented hip-hop performer. Through his work with Beatmonstas, I saw a talent that was definitely on the rise, and when he released his first solo album, The Storybook Adventure, in 2008 it was solidified, in my mind, that he was someone to watch. Now, Phashara is planning to release his next solo project, Pathways.

Phashara was kind enough to answer a few questions, from me, about Pathways, as well as his influences and balancing between going for your dreams in hip-hop while having a family to take care of.

1. Tell us about the new project. Does it have a central theme?
The new project is called Pathways. I came across this title when I began to feel boxed in by a previous concept for the album. I found that the previous concept for the album made me feel as if I had to refer back to the concept every time I made a song or else it wouldn’t fit within the parameters of the concept. So I wrote the song “Pathways” and I had fun with writing the verses. Then the hook came to me… “Just another bird in the flock that wont fly, just another kid on the block that wont try. Choose your own road sometimes you pay a toll but every path aint paved for you.” When I wrote the hook I began to think more like I don’t want to be boxed in while making this album. I want to be positive but I want to curse when I want to curse and I want to harmonize my hooks and I want to produce how I want to and  I want to smash cats with the lyrics and emcee mannerisms too.  That’s how the Pathways album was born. The theme is just like the hook “Choose your own road sometimes you pay a toll but every path aint paved for you” my path may be a bit uncommon sometimes but I have to be free to create according to whatever the day brings. Different day and /or emotion begot different pathways.

As for the nuts and bolts of the new project… I’ve produced 10 of the 13 tracks. The other 3 were produced by the Illmind, Noble Dru (of the Beatmonstas) & Passion HiFi. The Illmind joint features a verse from my young Beatmonstas affiliate Reefa Rei and my Detroit homeboy Finale (A Pipe Dream and a Promise) with cuts by Chicago DJ Rice The Sound Transmitter. The Noble Dru joint features a verse from Sadat X (Brand Nubian) with cuts from another infamous Chicago DJ, DJ 3rd Rail. The Passion HiFi song is the original version of “Sunshine” which you may have heard the remix produced by myself a while back. Other joints feature a couple of emcees from Chicago that I respect, Dee Jackson of 80′s Babies, Savant and my brethren Noble Dru.

2. You’ve done extensive work with the BeatMonstas. How did that group come together?
Yeah I am one third and co-founding member of the Beatmonstas. We’ve all known each other forever. Noble Dru and The Fat Kid Therapy have known one another since elementary school. They were a group when I met them both much later in College. At the time I was in a group called Sac Fly. We were all signed to a production / management company in Chicago. When that all imploded, a lot of the artist were left without a creative home so some of us took hiatus while others started on a journey to become self-sufficient in every aspect of our music/art. Fast forward to 2003 or so and we became Beatmonstas the group and started our indie label which we release all of our projects thru. We’ve been family ever since. Those are my brothers.

3. Tell us about your moniker, Phashara. Where did the name come from? Who are some of your influences in hip-hop.
I love a hiphop that doesn’t seem to exist anymore. My name Phashara is a product of a certain Afrocentric hip-hop era. Its’ derived from a few names that I’ve gone by at one time or another. If you take the first letters of each (Pharaoh Shaquell Raschid) you get PhaShaRa.

I love and was influenced by the Native Tongues (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, etc.). I’ve always been a huge fan of KRS-One and Run-DMC  too. Those two acts in particular changed my life. It’s like when I heard Run, DMC & KRS’ styles of slick lines of poetry with that hard edge it kind of reminded me of “Chicago Ave” where I grew up. It was the soundtrack to my environment. They influenced me to want to rap. Literally when I heard BDP’s “My Philosophy” life changed and I’ve been rhyming ever since. Overall, there is an entire era that influenced me in hip-hop. There is more than just the emcee or the group. It was what we did and how we lived and our thought process in that era that influenced me. The pride, the bravado, the fun, the lyricism and so on and so forth all had a hand in molding me into the Phashara that you hear today.

4. How did you get started in the hip-hop game?
I’m the youngest of four and I spent a lot alone. I would record the new joints from college radio in Chicago and watch yo MTV raps or rap city. I used to transcribe the lyrics to songs. One thing led to another and before long I was writing my own rhymes. it kept me occupied. In my old neighborhood I used to carry a notebook around (kind of corny i guess). It was full of rhymes. most of which were neatly typed out like literally a book of rhymes. I would go a few blocks down to where my friends lived and spit my rhymes. I couldn’t freestyle back then. But I was the first dude within my group of friends that knew how to rap. its all i did. Cats came to know that I either spit my own or knew what ever was the latest hot song verbatim. Eventually, in high school and college I found that i was suddenly around like minded talented people. So many cyphers and freestyle sessions later i was in a group that was signed to a local production deal. We started performing around town recording songs. I haven’t stopped since.

5. Is hip-hop your primary day-to-day activity? If not, how do you keep that balance between “hobby” and “day job”?
Well I don’t make my living with hip-hop. At least not enough to make it my full time gig. To tell you the truth I don’t know that it would suit me and my life style as a husband and a father. To do this full time I would have to redefine what it means to be a full time rap artist. For shows I’d prefer an art gallery over the club. I’d prefer ownership and creative control over being enslaved by a major label. I’d prefer panel discussions over club dates. I don’t know man… my dreams are not the typical desires of a modern rap artist. I love the art of hip-hop. On the title track to my new album “Pathways” i said “no longer searching for fame, Realizing I’m the sun, being a star aint the same.”

As for keeping a balance between hobby and day job… Wow… this is a great question… Well, I’ve never considered rapping and making beats a hobby. To do so would minimize its importance in my life, in my opinion. Not to mention I’m an owner in the indie label that releases mine and Beatmonstas’ music. That said… I pay taxes on this thing. If it were a hobby I don’t think I would be willing to do that. My label has licensed records for distribution in the UK and Ireland. So although it’s not my primary source of income I still don’t consider it a hobby. The balance between work life and rap life happens as organically as morning time. I make music. That’s who I am. I go to work. That’s how I eat. If I didn’t work would I make more music? Sure. If I worked more would I not make music? Not likely.

6. What advice would you have for an up and coming rapper?
Beyond learning the business of music and not trusting everyone to do everything for you, I think I’d advise one to find your own voice. Be careful not to become a carbon copy of what inspires you. Stay focused on what inspires you to create the things that truly resonate with you regardless of whatever the popular opinion is. My point is… Kanye West is great at what he does because he was the first Kanye West as opposed to the next Jay Z. I would also say, forget about the lights, the cameras and the action. Its all fiction. None of that really exists. The reality is your mastery of the music and the art. That’s your foundation and it’s only as strong as you allow it to be. Focus on sharpening your skill and honing your craft. Because when you get in your zone the lights, the cameras and the action will find you.

7. Is there a particular hip-hop artist you’d love to do a rap battle with? Why?
I honestly cant think of anyone I’d like to battle. Maybe thats my inner artistic peace speaking. Or on second thought… maybe I’d like to battle my 1995 self LOL. I mean, battling is for cats that can actually spit. Most popular rappers cant do either LOL.

Author: Marques Lyons
March 19, 2012

10. Phashara - Nothin Nice - Pathways by Phashara

Phashara_LostLOVES by Phashara

Episode One… MPC 5000, Moog Animoog, Moog Slim Phatty, & Roland XV 3080.

Episode Two… MPC 5000 & DSI Mopho