Illogistics.net

The New age of “EMCEE”: The Common & Drake Fiasco

2012-01-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

I’ve been watching this whole Common/Drake BS and it got me thinking about how an Emcee gains and retains his respect in the world of hip hop today. First of all, I am a fan of both and think that both are out of pocket. I don’t see how it can help either person’s career, but I do see how it can hurt Commons. Common has to understand that this is a new age of hip hop. Diss records don’t hold the weight that that did in the days of “The Bitch in You” or “No Vaseline” so with that being said, the world of public opinion is going to protect their Golden boy. Common is in a lose -lose situation no matter what he does.

    Best Case Scenario: He beats up on Drake badly and wins the battle. He’s looked at as a Hater; A rapper who many of the young Drake fans either don’t know or think is past his prime (This thought is shared by many long time common fans as well) and is being a bully to a new school rapper that is successful and everyone loves. This will still be the outcome if Drake no longer responds only then Common looks like a Childish Bully.

    Worst Case Scenario: Drake retaliates and Crushes Common “Bitch in You” Style and it is possible. Drake is a good rapper and a big fan or the Battle Circuit so he knows how to write, remember he was born in the underground. If this happens Common Looses Credibility with any new fans that he was attempting to Gain and the old ones that have been supporting him though the years (Even though he did drop the UMC” record). And he is seen as the bully that just wouldn't stop picking and got his Ass handed to him. This would further solidify Drake as having Credibility as an Emcee with Common in the poster. It happens.

Point is its not worth it for Com especially. What good is it doing? None.

     See, in today’s World of hip hop Skill is not as important to the majority of music buyers as it is that you make them dance or get your song stuck in their heads. We live in a world where Hip Hop is on the POP charts regularly and on the Ipods of Grandmothers and Grandfathers. In this world the lines between what is “Real Hip Hop” is blurred. This does not mean that what makes it to the Pop charts is not good it just means that hip hop is more mainstream than ever. When the album of an underground Rap artist like Kendrick Lamar and an abstract Jazz Hip Hop group Like Shabazz Places are two of the top ten highlights in Pop Music for 2011 according to the New Yorker then it can be said that we are living in a different world. Who cares who can talk about each other’s mom the best at that point?

    The world is open and waiting for those of us with voices to say something that they can grab on to and hold close to their hearts. The Platform is too important now to be used in this way anymore. Granted, I Love a great lyrical battle just as much as the next man, but the stakes are too high for two of our champions to be at each other’s throats for something stupid. And just for the record Common has done some stuff Just as "Sweet" as Drake. I put money on it; if Common could sing he would have on “UMC” and "Electric Circus" (I.E. "Jimi Was a Rock Star"), but thats not the point. The point is that this is another example of the crabs in a bucket. Drake didn’t deserve to be called out and Common should be too smart for this at this time in his career. Let’s squash this stupidity make art and get along. Word…

East Coast Tour!!!

2011-10-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!!

I am hitting the road with Mc Homeless and Baker. Come and catch us in your town. It's been a long time since I've been on the East coast and I'm really looking forward to it. I will be doing some never before heard songs from my up and coming album "Capture The Sun" all produced by Blockhead. Hope to see you out!!!!

November 26th at The Lemon Grove in Youngstown,Ohio
November 27th at Mercury Lounge in New York City,New York
November 29th at tba in Vermont
November 30th at Cafe 9 in New Havent,Connecticut w/Ceschi
December 1st at tba
December 2nd at Western Front in Boston,Mass
December 3rd at The Boneyard in Atlantic City,New Jersey

2 fingers

Just a thought...

2011-09-04T16:27:00.001-07:00

Life always points you in the right direction...to many people go the wrong way cause they just don't pay attention..

"Clap Ya Hands" NEW!!! Year 8076 FREE DOWNLOAD!!!!

2011-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Get the second Single from The Album Year 8076 HERE. It's Called "Clap Ya Hands".Hope you enjoy!!! Year 8076 Dropping for Free Tuesday September 6, 2011!!! For those that don't know check out the history of 8076 and get the first Single "How You Want It".

Year 8076: The Lost Album

2011-07-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Free Download "How You Want it"

For those of you that have been fans of mine for a few years now, you may recall reports of an Illogic album set to be released on Rhymesayers Entertainment around 2005-2006 called, Year 8076 produced entirely by Columbus, Ohio's own Walter Rocktight. With the success and critical acclaim being received by Celestial Clockwork, it seemed the right time to take a major step with my music and career. There was never anything formally signed with Rhymesayers, but Walter Rocktight and I were in serious talks about the release of the album with the groundbreaking label. Since I was heavily touring with their artists such as Eyedea and Abilities, Soul Position, as well as doing spot dates with Atmosphere for many years, it was a logical move for both them and I.

Year 8076 came about on the heels of releasing Celestial Clockwork. With my career headed in the right direction, three really good albums available to the public, and a spot captured on Urb Magazine’s Next 100 list (Before there was a XXL Freshmen 10), I wanted to do something different. Step away from the darkness and depression of Celestial Clockwork, and make a fun record with a party vibe.

Walter Rocktight, a party Dj and great untapped resource as a producer had been a friend of mine for sometime in the Columbus hip-hop scene. He had already been making noise with his mixtape game, producing for Sa Smash's debut album ''Smashy Trashy'' on Def Jux Records, and recording songs with Copywrite for ''EC all stars 4'' released on Eastern Conference Records in early October, 2004. After a getting wind of his adept production, I asked if he wanted to do a few songs, he was down…and so it began. We became the group 8076. The meaning behind the name was that the 80 was for the year that I was born and 76 for the year that he was born.

I went into the creation and writing of this album to have fun, lighten up my subject matter a bit, but still show off my skills as an emcee. Rocktight’s production was such a departure from Blueprint’s whose sound I had been submerged in for some many years making my first three albums. It includes quite a few radio friendly tracks showcasing Rocktight’s brilliant sampling of live instrumentation, and of course my storytelling ability weaved in with an edge of satire, always witty wordplay, and extensive vocabulary. For those fans of the dense Celestial Clockwork, Year 8076 is a lighter version of my complexity but still in some ways an anti-party party album. A beautiful and well-crafted bridge to bring the listener out of the darkness that was Celestial Clockwork. I think it makes for a balanced and fun record.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen life circumstances, Rocktight and I advised Rhymesayers that we would not be releasing the album and it has since sat on the shelf. This was the beginning of my five-year hiatus leading up to the release of Diabolical Fun in 2009. If I’m being honest, not releasing this record has always been the one thing in my musical career that I regret. At this point, I just want it to see the light of day to show people a time in my development as an Emcee which never reached fans ears.

I think that it is a great album and I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it. Before I can show you where I'm going I feel I need to show you all of the places that I have been. Year 8076

Poem Time: It's Ok

2011-06-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

The sand ran through my finger tips while whole being bathing in beaming sun

Shores showered with the smiles of my people.

We were immersed in laughter as the children played

And she told me it was ok to cry

Snatched from our homes

Villages Desolate

Stacked in Wooden coffins that ranged in hundreds of feet

Comfort not an option

Women and Children killed as a reminder of how they loved us

Fear our daily bread

Pride broken as the body of Christ

Gulping gallons of our own blood for communion

And she told me it was ok to cry

Family legacy’s lost in the shadows of the Auction block

Cattle’s hurdling for slaughter house preparation is more humane

Watching my mothers and fathers be torn away from my brothers and sisters

Field hands and handmaidens with forced grins

Cowering at their captors every whim

Lashed backs and Noosed necks

Raped daughters and castrated sons

They took our belts to try to take our self respect

A reminder that we are only 3/5 of a human being

And we’ve played right into their hands

So she told me it was ok to cry

With Raised fists in the face of oppression

And revolution as our nectar we stand

We grow, Hope and pray that one day we smile again

That one day we are immersed in laughter as our children play again

That the shores of this land can be showered with the smiles of my people

We have sacrificed too much to expect so little

We have lost too much to not want to find who we are

Yet you would never know this from what we feed ourselves and our children

Now we Place our legacies on the auction block

We tear our own families apart to the point that it’s an Art

Beautifully Framed and ironically Hung for all to see

For all of this she told me it was ok to cry

Now why aren’t you?

-J GLASS

My Music back available !!!

2011-06-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I know it's been some time but all of my music is back available allong with a few things that have been unavailable for some time. I will be getting everything back on Itues and amazon, etc soon but as of now Band camp is the place to be...So hit me up and come and Buy something. There are a few treats for free DL. I will try to Add New joints for free DL as offten as Possible. Thank you for your patience...

Buy Illogic Music

@ZeroStar82 "72 Dolphins" (Directed By @theGrmmFace)

2011-04-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Poem Time: Epiphanies

2011-04-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yestererday I drove just far enough to be out of signal range,

but was cold that Day the sun hid behind the clouds.

I wanted to put as much distance as I could between me and the stage,

but it was so hard to keep myself from dreaming out loud.

See, I always conducted my own symphony,

sequenced my own drum brakes and played my own baseline.

I made sure to only sample my epiphanies,

so while walking to my own beat I was sure to be just fine.

Somewhere between yesterday and tomorrow,

I found myself and I was pleased with the discovery.

I worked to refine my path compiled the sets of foots steps I’d follow,

to place myself in a position for you to discovery me.

There was too much time on my hands till I found my watch was broken,

and my wife needed me to be right more than twice a day

It was the decision to knock on a closed door or bust it open,

whether to lean on the crutch of my own understanding or pray

-J. Glass

(an excerpt from the My Poetry book Tomorrows Memories)

NEW The Passion =J. Rawls x Illogic x Ill Poetic x L.E. for the Uncool

2011-04-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Ohio Takeover Tour is coming to a city near you in the month of April
Come check us out if were in your area. Four of Ohio's Finest Artist.

Here's a taste of what you'll get on the road...

Download : "The Passion" J. Rawls x Illogic x Ill Poetic x L.E. for the Uncool

Help wanted — sixty-five million need not apply Via Yahoo

2011-03-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

In 2008, Johnny Magee, who is developmentally disabled, was laid off from his landscaping job in Livermore, California, thanks to government budget cuts. He applied for a new position as a garden center attendant at a nearby Lowe's Home Improvement store. Despite his prior experience, Magee wasn't hired. Why? A background check had turned up a 1999 misdemeanor conviction, stemming from an incident in which he unknowingly picked up a package for his uncle that contained drugs. Later that year, Magee's conviction was dismissed—but that was too late for him to get the job at Lowe's.

Sixty-five million Americans—or one in four adults—have a criminal record. But employers—including major companies like Bank of America, Omni Hotel, and Domino's Pizza—routinely post job ads on Craigslist that explicitly exclude such applicants, according to a new report conducted by the National Employment Law Center (NELP), a labor-affiliated advocacy group.

The practice appears in some cases to be against the law, and at a time of record long-term joblessness, advocates for the poor say it places yet another obstacle in front of people like Magee, who are working to get their life back on track. In addition, there's widespread agreement that helping those with criminal records to find stable employment is crucial for preventing recidivism and preventing future crime. Indeed, that's the reason that the government runs programs designed to make it easier for ex-offenders to find work.

Perhaps most important, effectively making more than one quarter of the American workforce unemployable may be an unsustainable policy for the economy as whole.

"Candidates must be able to pass: background check (no felonies or misdemeanors)," reads one ad placed by the bailed-out banking giant Bank of America. "Do not apply with any misdemeanors/felonies," warns another. And one study last year found that 92 percent of employers said they screen some or all applicants for criminal records.

Many employers use outside companies that specialize in background checks—a fast-growing industry—to help screen out applicants with criminal records. A 2009 investigation by the state of New York found that RadioShack, working with the background check firm ChoicePoint, created a system that asked applicants "Have you been convicted of a felony in the past 7 years?" and automatically rejected anyone who answered "yes."

Because discriminating against those with criminal records disproportionately hurts African Americans, the practice may violate the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race-based hiring discrimination. Indeed, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has said that although considering an applicant's criminal record may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis, an "absolute bar to employment" for such people is illegal.

Last year, plaintiffs brought at least five major civil rights lawsuits against large employers on the issue, but the National Employment Law Project wants the EEOC to enforce the law more vigorously. A spokeswoman for the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Lookout.

Still, the practice looks likely to grow only more common: Thanks to the tight labor market—there are currently five unemployed workers for every job opening—employers can be especially choosy about who they hire. Indeed, as we've reported, the EEOC is currently looking into another problem with similar roots: hiring discrimination against the unemployed.

(AP Photo/Ed Zurga: Lamar Brooks, right, scans the help wanted ads in the newspaper for a job while friend Harold Hagans looks on May , 2006, in Kansas City, Mo. Brooks, released in April 2006 after serving five years in a federal prison on drug charges, said that most people, when they hear he's a felon don't give him a chance.)

By Zachary Roth zachary Roth – Wed Mar 23, 1:17 pm ET

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110323/ts_yblog_thelookout/help-wanted-sixty-five-million-need-not-apply

GZA x Bro Ali xFreddie Gibs x Illogic w/ill poetic Fri MArch 25th

2011-03-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

On March 25, I’ll be headed out to Earlham College with Ill Poetic and the amazing Don Carlos of Ill Atmospherics.

If you’re in the area head out.

WHO:

Gza

Brother Ali

Freddie Gibbs

Illogic W/Ill Poetic And Don Carlos (Ill Atmopherics)

WHERE:
Shuckman Court, Athletics and Wellness Center

Earlham College

Richmond, IN

March 25th, 2011

WHEN:

7:30 PM

COST:

$15, $10 with valid student ID

One free ticket with Earlham I.D. available at Runyan Center Desk.

For Credit Card Purchases and Reservations call (765).983-1373

"Never Gone Make it" (Lyrics)

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

I laminated emotion to shield it from the storm,

you fabricated devotion in smiley face packaging.

I always noticed the insanity you wore under your jacket,

so I shouldn’t be surprised this is happening.

Friendships a burning bush, Faith a parted sea,

blindfolded ocean bottom so the wave crash swallowed me.

Sacrifice is a double edged sword to embrace.

I never understood it till I understood my sons followed me.

Every word spoke every move I make into existence,

now this throne of independence shakes till the levies break.

Isn’t it amazing that drowning in serenity’s only penalty

is free falling into the arms of divinity?

I’m no longer grazing in pesticide soaked valleys,

now I answer the snow capped mountain peaks call.

No longer do I question the investment of who surrounds me.

My biggest problem is deciding which masterpiece to draw.

Order Electric Purgatory Parts 1 and 2

Two Fingers...

Where do we go from here....

2011-02-25T05:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered "How in the world did I end up here?" Well that's what I was asking my self on my 31st birthday, but I am learning to get back to where I am supposed to be. Life deals you a hand and you have to play the cards your dealt, but you don't have to play alone. I am learning that with God on my side there is no way that I can loose. I have allowed my self to dive into a sea iniquity and hardship and swim a lifetimes worth of laps, just because I didn't want to let God help me play my hand.

I've wallowed in self pity and danced with the devil on many occasions, but this was all by choice. God gives us choices and he gives us the tools to make the right choice, but its up to us to utilize what he has given us. If we choose not to use those tools then we will never truly fulfill our purpose. I see that more then ever now because I am making the choice to live with the mind set of feast or famine. I am giving it all up to him and actually letting him guide me on my path in order to be the Man, husband, Father, and artist that I am meant to be. He created me and wants me to succeed so I know that he won't steer me wrong.

As Many of you have notice I put my morning scriptures up after I fellowship with God before I go to work. This is to share with you what I am learning and where my heart is going. I have been sharing my life with the world through my music since I was 13 years old so I figure I will take you on this journey with me also. Read along with me. I encourage it. Even if you are not a christian and don't believe in all that God stuff that works too, but as a fan and friend I want you to share in my new found commitment of getting me together and living as just a life as I can. I will make mistakes because I am still human, but I have the desire to make this change.

So Where do I go from here? No where But up....
Thanks for reading.

Two Fingers....

Greenhouse "Hello World" (deconstructed) Video

2010-11-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

A few months back when we released Electric Purgatory Part Two Blueprint went on facebook and asked if anybody would be interested in us putting together some videos where we talk about the creative process and the making of the project. Pretty much everybody was in favor of it, so Bluprint and I started shooting. Now that Print is home from tour He finally was able to put the first video together. BOOM!

Our goal is to do one for each song on the EP assuming people like it or find it informative and/or entertaining. If you haven’t checked out the EP yet, listen here:

EYEDEA BENIFIT SHOW Feat Illogic and many more

2010-10-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Due to the untimely passing of our beloved friend Eyedea, Kristof Krane will not be able to come for the show originally scheduled for Oct 24. We have made this a benefit show for Eyedas family and to remember his beautiful amazing legacy through his and the music of his peers. Come and Celebrate the Life of Michael "Eyedea" Larson with us.

If the world ended today...

2010-10-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

what would you regret not doing?

(Please leave comments...)

The Rhythem Room Sat Oct 9th

2010-10-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Come and Check it out A night of Hip hop, Spoken word and Soul...You don't want to Miss this.
P.S. I will be doing a few new songs from My up coming album with Blockhead "Capture the Sun"
Be there!!!!!

Speaking of poetry (Live Talk Radio)

2010-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Show: Speaking of Poetry
Time: LIVE 6-7pm (eastern time)
Listen at: www.talktainmentradio.com
Call-in #: 1-877-932-9766 (everyone is welcome to call the show and give you a shout-out, ask questions, or join in the conversation)

Big Boi -Aint no Dj video

2010-09-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

This is one of the illest songs of the year from one of the illest albums of the year. The video is not to shabby either. Enjoy!!!

The Poets Lounge 09/02/10

2010-08-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Poets Lounge

Featuring Illogic (Mc/Poet) and Javier Sanchez (Author)

Cup O Joe in Easton Town Center

Sept 2, 8pm-11pm

$5

Two Awesome Writers, Two Awesome Words Smiths! Illogic will be displaying his artistic Craft on the Microphone while Javier Sanchez will be the Featured Author of the Month with his Book, Look In My Mirror. destined to be a night to remember, join us for an event you wont forget!

Afterthought

2010-08-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Someone once said that love was an afterthought

So after I thought about it for a time I told her I loved her

Hearts are only stole never bought or sold

So the beauty that I behold holds more then her weight in gold

Her face is timeless

The creator’s paintbrush at it’s finest

A masterpiece with a piece of the master in each part of her speech

when she’s seen my mouth stays quiet but my heart speaks

in whispers that only seashells can understand

but I can hardly stand

my knees go weak

a small smile or a wink from her

drives me to be a stronger man

Driven insane at ninety miles an hour

Because she knows not my name

But if I don’t slow down my brain my start to hydroplane

How else will I her attention?

Stand at attention?

But if she pays no attention

I’ll be broke with no hope or honorable mention

Not to mention I’m honorable,

A little eccentric but extremely tolerable

Smile.

I hope your smiling and I hope I’m not bothering you

But you’ve awakened something in me that can’t be tranquilized

Enough of the tranquil lies and underwhelming complements

I’m past the time of my youth

My favorite past time

Because truth has opened my eyes

And inspiration is the consequence

Now with eyes open, yet hidden

These words written are a small token

Of a spirit broken in a promise land where it being rewoven is forbidden…

But wanted...

Somehow the gift that we’ve been given has been tainted and now I’m haunted by futures history

each memory is undaunted so my progression is cautious

each step is taken with confidence, but it’s obvious I’m nauseous

yearning to pay the price no matter what the cost is

Be it arm or leg

Heart or head

Words or tears

I’ll work for days to pay the bounty

if I have to save for years

When you talk I’ll listen

But please don’t talk with your hands

Because all I see and understand is what you heart is missing

Someone once told met that love was an afterthought

So after I thought about it for a time

I told her I loved her

Hearts are only stolen

Never bought or sold

But I know I have to recover

Because her heart has been stolen by another

-jglass

What would you send to space?

2010-08-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ever thought of sending a time capsule into space for other races or being to discover? what have you done or someone you know has done that could be a representation of this age? Here is your chance to possibly be part of future history. I'm not sure if it is real or not, but it's worth a shot. It's an interesting concept any way you slice it.
Click below to add to the stock pile of whats being sent...

What would you send to space?

Ghea...

Photos From Electric Purgatory Release...

2010-07-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

All photos by Anna Dickson

Enjoy...

2010-07-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

waiting to see the stage is a constant waiting for tomorrow. what do you do? waiting to see her face a face i just left. shining brilliant she is. talking to my self to enjoy the conversation laughing with friends in the meantime. talk to me and tell me you love me. tell me i am enough because i'm scared of you. you frighten me. i've never been here before but hear i am sacred. feeling like all i've done is not enough. just love me. thats all i ask. just truly love me and we will be ok. i love life like i love you. lets live. together.

Greenhouse Electric purgatory Pt 2

2010-07-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

The wait is over. Electric Purgatory Part Two is here. All rhymes by Blueprint & Illogic, with guest appearances from Aesop Rock, Toki Wright, and Angelica Lee. All tracks produced by Blueprint. Download the promo version here:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://greenhousecrew.bandcamp.com/album/electric-purgatory-part-two-promo-version"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Hello World by Greenhouse (Blueprint &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Illogic)&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

All we ask is that if you like it, PLEASE share it. Post it on your facebook page, retweet it, post it on your myspace, etc. If you have a blog, please post the download link there. We would like the music to reach as many people as possible, and for that we need your help, even if it’s just one person. You can copy & past the following link anywhere:

http://greenhousecrew.bandcamp.com/album/electric-purgatory-part-two-promo-version
If you live in Columbus or the surrounding areas, we hope to see you out this Saturday night @ skullys for the Electric Purgatory PT 2 CD Release Party. Performances by Greenhouse (Blueprint & Illogic), Toki Wright, Zero Star, and Stonecraft. 18+ event. 9pm doors.
To purchase a retail version of Electric Purgatory Part Two, please visit http://weightlessmerchandise.com. It ships with a free 11×17 poster and a bonus cd with the instrumentals for $7.99. We also have a deal going where you can order the CD + poster + instrumentals + a Greenhouse T-shirt for just $20. All orders will ship this Friday the 23rd.
Also, before i forget. I’ve been getting asked about whether “Greenhouse 102″ will appear on the EP. It will not be available on the promo-version that we’re releasing right now, but it will be a bonus track on the retail digital version, which should be available tomorrow.

That’s all for now. Thank you for your support.

Enjoy!

Capture the sun....

2010-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey People of the world,

I wanted to Let you guys know what i'm up to. I'm here to announce that I am working on A record With Blockhead (Long time collaborator with Aesop Rock) called "Capture the Sun". We are now in pre-production just getting a feel for where we can take the record as far as sounds. I am recording upwards of 25-30 Songs, (22 of which I have rough versions of already). Then friends closest to me will assist in selecting the best Songs that create the greatest experience. I am approaching the album unlike any album I have ever done in the past by focusing more on song writing and creating a cohesive movement of music filled with narratives of triumph, despair and all emotions in between allowing you room to dance or cry.

The concept of the record is reaching for the stars and living out your dreams no matter the circumstances. It navigates through the processes and stumbling blocks that may occur in life and can be distractions, but revealing that there is light at the end of the tunnel where Legacies of good can be left. I have not been more excited about a record in my entire career. I Look forward to sharing it with you....

"I'm Raisn the bar, Reaching for stars till one's captive in each hand"

2 Fingers...

2010-03-30T23:31:00.001-07:00

I fell in love and the clouds broke my fall. So much for a rough landing.

Greenhouse (Illogic + Blueprint) Spring Tour!!!

2010-03-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

For those wondering if/when would Greenhouse (Blueprint & Illogic w/ Dj Rare Groove) would be touring this spring, here’s the update. Yes, we will be touring, opening up for Killah Priest of the Wu-Tang Clan. Below are the first half of the tour dates. More dates will be announced shortly.

Saturday March 20th @ Ruta Maya3601 S. Congress – Austin, TX 78701 12am-4am / All Ages

Sunday March 21 @ Highland Lake’s Marina (End of SXSW Boat Party)16120 Wharf Cove – Volente, TX 78641 2pm-8pm / Ages 21+

Monday March 22 @ Limelight 2718 North Saint Marys St. San Antonio, TX 78212 9pm-1am / Ages 21+

Tuesday March 23 @ Jet Lounge 1515 Pease St. – Houston, TX 77002 9pm-2am / Ages 18+

Wednesday March 24 @ Triple Crown205 N. Edward Gary – San Marcos, TX 78666 9pm-1:30am / Ages 18+

Friday March 26 @ Martini Glass Grill 106 South A. St. – Midland, TX

Sunday March 28th @ Main Street 8640 E. Broadway Blvd. – Tucson, AZ 8:30pm – 1:30am / All Ages

Monday March 29th @ Club Red 2155 East University Drive – Tempe, AZ 85281

Tuesday March 30th @ Boomers 3200 W. Sirius – Las Vegas, NV 9pm-2am / Ages 21+

Friday April 2nd @ The Terrace 443 E. Colorado Blvd. – Pasadena, CA 91101 9pm-2am / Ages 18+

Wed April 7th @ Urban Lounge 241 South 500 East – Salt lake City, UT 84102 9pm-2am / Ages 18+

short but sweet

2010-02-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

Tickle me confident.
I talk with my hands cause some times my mouth falls short.

As the skyfalls...

2010-02-02T17:43:00.001-08:00

Dear world,

I sitting here at work wondering if I will ever have each 8 hr day that I spend here back

I know the answer is no, but I wonder and ask anyway.

Theses are the times that I realize that art can die, because I sit at a desk

everyday and this clock in clock out cycle is trying to kill my art.

I write verses at work in order to guard my sanity.

This is the only time that I have when I fill like am close to going postal.

There has never been a day like today and never will be again and what have i done with it?

2 and a half hours of sleep just to get school done and invest in my for a change.

When was the last time your boss said thank you for helping to buy his/her big house.

his/her nice car. Never.

It so easy to fell under appreciated and so is easy to fall into underachieving, don't give it that power.

I look forward to the day when I can walk out of here with my head held high

and wave with freedom.

No more sirs and ma'am unless addressing my elders.

No more random strangers calling me out of my name.

No one else dictation what time wake up and go to bed.

No more Business casual unless by choice

Tomorrow will be a new day. A different day.

A day when i can wake to see my wife and sons smile.

Watch them get on the bus. Tell them i love them.

Yeah....

Tomorrow will be different. I'll smile from ear to ear

But today I'm just sitting here writing as the sky falls around me and...

I've
never

felt

so much

joy....

2 fingers....

30 years

2010-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Dear World,

How do you sum up three decades? It's very difficult but I do want the world to know that I have been blessed to be a part of you for these 30 years and I will continue to work and learn from all that you have and will continue to teach me. This is a time of reflection for me because it is only by the grace of God that I am still a part of you. I have had a difficult life that many will never understand, at times I don't even understand it, but I have been taught many lessons from my accomplishments and my failures. This I know is all that you ask of me, is to be a productive member of your family and i hope that I have done a good job so far.

In this time of celebration I can not help but think of the Haitian people that have lost everything that they have, many with no hope of finding family members or ever living a "normal" life again. It makes me proud to see how you have put your own needs aside and have gone to their aid. This shows that no matter how it looks on an everyday basis, we are kind and selfless when we are needed and it is good to see. I am proud to be a part of you. It really hits home for me because these are people that look like me and my family and friends. That could be where my ancestors were dropped off 400 years ago so that could be mother, my brothers, my cousins, etc...It pains me to hear some in this world look down on them as second class citizens and have the nerve to say that we need to help our own and forget about them, but they are our own. They are a part of the human family. If they suffer we all suffer so lets help them get back on their feet.

Again I thank you. You have shown me how to love and that I, myself am worthy of it. You have shown me how to be a father and a husband and I am eternally grateful. You allowed me to work hard to get to 30 and I will work even harder in the days to come. Thank you for loving me and embracing me. I will not let you down...

Sincerely,
Jawhar

Thoughts on 2009...

2009-12-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, Now this is not going to be your typical list of everything that we all were witness to i.e. our first black president, Michael Jackson Dying, etc... I want to share my thoughts on the year; The things that I learned and experienced...

In this past year I have learned a lot about my self and the people that I have around me. I have learned who i can depend on in my life and who i needed to eject from my life. There is never a guide to how to be successful and live a drama free life or how to pick your friends, we just hope that we have people around us that we can trust; that are worth believing in and that believe that we are worth believing in. I have found that the word "Friend' should never be taken lightly. I have made a few new ones and lost some old ones. I know now that there are people in my life that RIDE for me and my family; that really care about my well being and prosperity and that means a lot. Most of them have been in my life for years, but just this year showed me who i could depend on. Some of you know that This summer was one of the hardest summers any of us ever had to go through. Being broke. Not knowing when this bill or that bill would be paid. Barley making rent, etc... We all held in there and when I was going through there were a few people i could vent to, that gave me advice, that made me laugh, that gave me shit to do and songs to wright to take my mind off of the weight, ect... I love all of you and you have shown me that you also love me and i don't know if know what that means to me but it means a lot. Thank You.

Another thing that i discovered is that I am a blessed man to have the woman in my life that i do. With all of the bullshit that we have put each other through in the early part of our marriage to now eight years later really enjoying life and each other is amazing. The journey that we have been on these years has been the greatest experience in my life and I wouldn't change any of it for anything. You showed me this year that you trust and believe in me to be the man that God has called me to be. You have faith in me and that gives me the drive and determination to continue to make you as proud of me as I am of you. I love you and you are my best friend. I look forward to our sons growing up and eating all of my food it's going to be great because we are working to be great.

Now For 2010, There is a lot to look forward to. I'll be 30 years old on Jan 18th and I couldn't be more excited. There will be a lot more music and moves made. I can't wait to live and love Life another year. See ya'll next year or as Bluprint would say see you in 2000-and-win...

2 fingers....

"Graveyard" Lost Diabolical Fun Joint

2009-12-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hey, hope everyone is having a nice holiday experience.Just wanted to round out the end of the year with a lost Illogic song from the "Diabolica Fun" sessions: "Graveyard" (prod. by ill poetic) is an unreleased song that didn't make the final version of Illogic's "Diabolical Fun" (released earlier this year). The song originally closed out the album, but was cut because it just seemed a little too dark for the overall feel of the record (the song sounds like it looks outside). We figured we'd give something away for free for the holidays to remind people of Illogic's comeback LP as well as his current Greenhouse EP with Blueprint. Also attatched are some "Diabolical Fun" snippets for anyone who hasn't checked for it yet. On the Ill Po side of releases, be prepped for a 2010 full of projects/odd ideas (inluding the official follow-up to "The World Is Ours").

"Diabolical Fun" can be purchased for 20% off right now @ http://www.weightlessmerchandise.com/

Graveyard www.zshare.net/audio/70225301c3ce693c

Graveyard instrumental www.zshare.net/audio/702253134fa3b9b5

Diabolical Fun Snippets www.zshare.net/audio/7022530894cbe918

Thanks

Greenhouse "Electric Purgatory" Availible Now!!!

2009-11-24T17:27:00.000-08:00

Greenhouse (Illogic + Blueprint) CD release Nov 28th!!!!

2009-10-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse 101 (Illogic and blueprint)

2009-10-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Click the banner above to preorder!!!

Here are the details:

- pre-orders for the first EP will begin on monday oct. 26th
- cd sells for $4.99 and comes with instrumentals and free 11x17 poster
- orders will SHIP out on tuesday november 24th (unless you live in Ohio, they might be off a day or so but you will have them by the 28th at the latest.

Reason for this is that the downloadable version will be available on tuesday the 24th. if you're buying the CD you don't have to worry about what you're buying being available before you even get to buy it, you know? the street date for actual stores is Tuesday Dec 1st.

Special note:

- we are also going to have Greenhouse hoodies (with the logo seen in the youtube clip) available. These hoodies are $25 by themselves, but there will be a deal where you can get the hoody and the CD for $25 + shipping (which includes the poster). the hoodies will be in three styles: black hoodie w/ white print, green hoodie w/ white print, and grey hoodie w/ black print. sizes are large, xlarge, 2xl, and 3xl. Its gettin cold, people need hoodies. word.

All of this will be posted on the front-page and on the store on Monday.

Details on the cd release party will be announced next week as well.

Thanks for the support

The ups and downs...

2009-04-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

This goes to to all of the people who are on some "Oh you tour that sweet. you must be living the life" shit... It's real out here. You have your good nights and you have your bad nights. Until your selling 20, 000 records your not going to have all good shows. Hell, even when you get to that point you still have the ups and downs. Sometimes you perform in front of 2000 people. Sometimes 2 people, you just have to roll with the punches. It can be a roler coaster ride, but in the long term this shits is worth it if it is what you are called to do. For example, on this tour we've had a show where only 4 people came (Bloomington, IN), but tonight (Minneapolis, MN) about 250was out to see US. I put infacis on US because we played in Souix Falls, SD and played infront of about 200 people, 5 of which was there to see us. We moved 1 CD. It's real out here in the field. Don't get it twisted.

You have to really be called to do this to do this. It ain't all sweet.

Talk to Ya soon..

2 Fingers...

Tour Life vs Family Life

2009-04-20T12:22:00.001-07:00

Now Usually cats out on tour give you the play by play of each show, let you know what the sales are like, etc. Let me wrap that up real quick...

Athens, oh...Not a big crowd, but you can't buy the energy they gave us. It was a good show and we got merch off.

Traverse city, Mi...Really good crowd. Again not huge, but the energy was great. Killed it on merch. Manwell got em moving at the end of the night...Dope!

Bloomington, In...Now this was a tough one. We were up against Kool Keith down the street and an annul free festival in the city. Needless to say, not a good look. Made some connects though and the promoter knew what we were up against so it was all good.

Now to the real shit...As many of you know, I haven't been on the road for real in about 3-4 years so I was really excited about getting back out and meeting and greeting the fans, Rocking in different cities, etc... that's what I missed. I missed going out and doing what I feel God has put me on this earth to do.

Before I was leaving home I had to explain to my children what was going on and why daddy would be gone for so long. They know dad raps and does shows, but the last time I went on the road I only had 2 kids with one on the way and my oldest son was was only 3 so he really didn't understand what was going on. This time they have a better understand of what dad being a rapper comes with; Dad has to leave and be gone for a long time. Now granted, I love the fact that they have a better understanding of what I do, but I makes it so much harder because they have a better understanding of what I do. They are fans of my music and are really proud to tell their friends that "my dad is on tour" with my tour poster in hand, but when they get home they are constantly asking mommy when dad is coming home. Following this path that I know that God has me on has it's ups and downs, it's Highs and lows, but at the end of the day I know God never gives us anything that we cant handle. That goes for my Wife ,My children and myself. I didn't realize how hard it would be to be away for my lovely wife and my beautiful kids, but the shit ain't easy. I guess that why it's the road less traveled.

Dj Manwell and I were speaking the other night and the foundation of the conversation was "Many are called, but few are chosen". It's not easy to be "chosen" and walk in that calling as a "chosen" person. The fact that you as an individual is "chosen" means that your family is chosen to walk that path with you...Your TRUE friends are chosen to walk that path with you, the list goes on. You are not alone in this world. Everything you do in life affects more then just you , most of the time inadvertently, so you have to be sure that you contemplate the consequences and benefits of the choices you make because many will be affected no matter the outcome.

To my family, I love and miss you all. Thank you for supporting me all these years. It will not be in vein.

To my boys, Be good! Daddy will be home soon.

To My beautiful wife I love and appreciate all that you do for me. Thank you for choosing me. I'm a much better man for it.

To the fans, I'll see you in the next city...

"I heard that life is what you make it so I made it song,
for the world to hear and hopefully you'll sing along"
- Illogic "The Missing Pieces"

2 fingers...

The Diabolical Fun Tour

2009-04-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/audio/id.728...bolical-fun-rmx
Columbus, OH — Upon the official release of his Diabolical Fun album on March 24, Illogic set his sights on lining up a tour that would reach the fans who have supported him on the journey of creating his fifth full-length project. The Diabolical Fun Tour will kick off on April 16 in Athens, Ohio, and will commence through May 17 as Illogic hits cities throughout Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona.Graciously received by critics, Diabolical Fun is Illogic’s first full body of work in nearly five years. The songs showcase his range of songwriting, from harder lyrical tracks like “Let’s Go” to more sentimental poetry like “I Know You.” To celebrate the tour, Illogic went back into the studio to record the remix for the title track “Diabolical Fun” with Slug of Atmosphere, Aesop Rock of Definitive Jux and Zerostar of Weightless Recordings.

Zerostar and DJ Manwell will perform alongside Illogic throughout The Diabolical Fun Tour. Meanwhile, producer/emcee Ill Poetic, who also produced the entire Diabolical Fun album, will be off on his own Re:Definition Tour with Zone and DJ Rare Groove. The Diabolical Fun Tour and Re:Definition Tour will meet up for one dynamic night on May 1 at Red’s Bar in Sioux City, Iowa.

As the Diabolical Fun Tour progresses, more dates in new cities may be added. For now, Illogic is preparing for the exciting weeks ahead. “I’ve never been more excited to go on tour then I am for this one,” he says. “I look forward to getting face to face with the fans once again. It’s been way too long! The making of Diabolical Fun as an album was an amazing experience, and I excited to bring the music to life on stage.”

Diabolical Fun Tour Dates:

4/16 - Athens, OH @ Casa Cantina (6 W State St, 45701)4/17 -

Traverse City, MI @ The Loading Dock (205 Lake Ave, 49684)4/18 - Bloomington, IN @

Rhinos (325 S Walnut St, 47401)4/20 - Lawrence, KS @ The Jackpot Saloon (943

Massachusetts St, 66044)4/22 - Lincoln, NE @ The Box Awesome (815 O St, 68508)4/23 -

Sioux Falls, ND @ Nuttys (3400 W 49th St, 57106)4/25 - Minneapolis, MN @ Dinkytowner

(412 14th Ave Se, 55414)4/26 - Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar (1020 Westport Rd, 64111)

4/28 - Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews (212 4th Street, 50309)4/30 - St Louis, MO @

Atomic Cowboy (4140 Manchester Ave, 63110)5/1 - Sioux City, IA @ Reds Bar (1919 Pierce

Street, 51104)5/2 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Highberry (2322 S Kinnickinnic Ave, 53207)5/7 -

Austin, TX @ Karma Lounge (119 W 8th St, 78701)5/8 - San Antonio, TX - venue TBA5/9 - San

Marcos, TX @ Triple Crown Live (206 N Edward Gary, 78666)5/10 - Las Cruces, NM @ Code

Red Café (1160 El Paseo Rd, 88001)5/11 - Pueblo, CO @ Zippers (326 S Union Ave, 81003)

5/12 - Denver, CO @ Bases Loaded (3109 Federal Blvd, 80211)5/13 - Ft. Collins, CO @ The

Cork (313 W. Drake Rd, 80526)5/14 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Bar Deluxe (668 S State St, 84111)

5/15 - Tempe, AZ @ The Sets (93 East Southern Ave, 85282)5/16 - Flagstaff, AZ @ The Joint

(110 S San Francisco St, 86001)5/17 - Tucson, AZ @ November Bar & Cabaret (4001 N Romero

Rd, 85705)

See you when we see you...

2 Fingers...

Just to catch you up...

2009-03-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't Dropped any Jewels in about two weeks Heres why...

For those that Don't know I dropped new album "Diabolical Fun", Available here:

"DIABOLICAL FUN" CD

After a long hiatus the wait is finally over! Columbus emcee Illogic returns with his fourth full-length album Diabolical Fun, produced entirely by Ohio producer on the rise Ill Poetic. Guest vocal appearance from Ill Poetic as well. CD ships with FREE Instrumental CD!

CD $7.99

if you want to purchase it and support the movement otherwise I know it's all ready up for free download all over the net, I've checked.

We had the Album release Party's last week. The First one was in Dayton on March 24Th, Release DAY!(Forborne)@ One Eyed Jacks. It was a good Time Catalyst and Zerostar Opened. It was a good Night. We killed. My Wife and her Sister came down with me. Before the Show I had some bars to drop at studio that you will hear shortly. You know what it is...

On March 25Th I went to work And Finished up my old Poetry Books "Living my Mind Away". Got those printed up and Assembled When I got Home. As I was Putting those togather I Watch A Documentary on the Poet Allen Ginsberg. It was Very good. Took me a few Hours to get those books assembled, but I Got them ready for Fri.

On the 26Th again went to work and printed off the new Book "Tomorrow's Memories". After work had my Wife drop me off at Kinko's so I could Assemble those as well. Had to print off the covers and Get em Stapled up.

Now the Big Day...The Columbus Release party. Had the Article in The Alive popin. Flyer's passed out over the Last few months. A good Bill. I was ready and Excited. Got the Fly gear. Went to the Thrift Store to get the fly jacket to go with the Fly Old Navy button up from Plato's closet. Topped off by the Nice Dockers Fedora. I was set.

Got to the Venue About 7:30. Sound man Arrived about 8. Sounchecked and Sat at the Merch table. For others that Do this the hardest Time to relax is between 9, which is usually doors and around 11 when the First act hits. This is when the crowd either Swells up or you see that you have no fans. Fortunately I have Fans, friends and Family.

My mom and dad came out as well as some Aunts and Cousins. Mad co-workers. I felt really supported.

Bottom brick Opened up and did their thing. J Rawls and Middlechild did well. I don't think that the Crowd was ready for what Middle was doing. I enjoyed it.
Then It was my turn. My Set Felt good I flubbed in one place, but over all Killed. Had my man Possum do the lights for me. Camera Crew was there. You'll see the footage soon. Sold Mad merch, it was an over all great night until...

The Wife and I go out to the Durango on a High...Driver side rear window is Busted out. This immediately Kills my mood. Glass all over the car and ground out side the car. Got me for my Cordless Mic, My wife's purse and out digital camera, which had many great pic from the night.

I think I know who did it too. Over all the night was awesome and I thank all who came out And all that support me who didn't come out.

2 Fingers...

Now is the Time

2009-03-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

So I'm close to thirty and I know that the a lot of people are like "I'm almost thirty. I'm old". I look at it like, Thank God I made it this far and I hope that I'm blessed to live another thirty. When I hear people complaining about getting older I don't get it. As I have gotten older I have become smarter and I seem to enjoy life more the when I was younger. I don't focus on a lot of the crap that young people focuse on. My life has gotten better with time, because i've learned how to make it better.

I had a coversation with my wife the other day about doing music full time and getting my education and her going after her dreams. Her first reply was, "We're almost thirty. It's time for us to get settled...etc" My reply was thats a boring exitance. I told her that we are in our prime. We have had a lot of life experience and we have finally found exactly what we want to do with our lives and are both completely focussed on it. We can't alow the stigma of what a thirty year-old married couples life is supposed to be make us miseralble or we can Live and become what God has intend us to become. There is no better time then now for us to go after what we want.

I always use the example of my grandmother who had 9 kids and got her batchelors degree with out finishing Highschool. There is no better time like the present. You can look at you situation and look at the negitives of it or you can focus on the positive and what you will create your situation to be..

I have not always been one to focus on my destination instead of my situation, but I have learned to do that and it has made me a much happier and fulfilled person. I look forward to getting older because I know my best years are ahead of me and I think I got my wife to understand that her best years are ahead of her to.

"Running from destiny only delays happiness,
but those things delayed are not denied."
-Mable Holt
(my Grand Mother)

2 fingers...

Cup of tea

2009-03-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

"I left her standing there holding a cup of tea
The sun was on its way down as I walked down the street
I listened to her silent screams of “Come back Home”,
But I couldn’t come back home till the cup of tea was gone
The sky was a yellowish-blue splashed with purple smiles
Happiness was locked in the pit of her stomach gagged and bound
I was only about a mile away when I saw Her face drowning in tears
Reflected in the market window
There was a subconscious fear of walking away, but I never looked back
Even though I was grateful for what’s behind me
My cup of tea seems to have a decrescendo
You can hear it slowly dying
I cried a little, but the were no oceans created
She failed to realize that Her eyes lost the sun
The end was near and it was only a matter time
Until one of us realized that out time had come"

Breaking up is always hard, Especially when it's one sided. It's harded enough to love, let alone tring to love again after your heart has been broken. Sometimes love doesn't seem like it's worth it, but i can say that when i look into the eyes of my children they remind me that it's priceless. There is nothing that can be traded for love. So, Keep living and Keep loving no matter how much it hurts. The Joy will out way the pain in the end...

2 fingers...

Integrity is the fingerprint of you legacy...
-Illogic

"Diabolical fun" Album release

2009-03-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

What up people? Got a new album droping march 24th. Come Check me out at Skully's for the release!

two fingers...

Just A Thought...

2009-03-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

It's interesting that people work for most of their lives doing a job that they hate in order to chase a dream. I know a lot of cats that do it. I do it with the belief that I will one day live out my dreams. I've been in the position to live out my dreams, but my reality had to be my priority. Now my dreams are again coming into focus and I have learned Balance. In order to reach that goal and live out that dream balance is a necessity. I have God in his place at the head of my life. I am taking each step like it's my last, being lead to the light by the light and I'm loving every minute of it. If you have a dream, chase it to the ends of the earth, but if you are not called in that area then you will not have good success.

"There's good success and bad success
We'll soon see if your empire was built wrong,
the beautiful city may crumble at you feet
Because a foundation is only as strong
as the backs it's built on"

Make sure you live right and treat people fair. If you build you dreams with a foundation of being schisty and untrustworthy then you success will reflect that and it won't last. Look a Suge Knight. He had a good run, but his foundation was built on the backs of people who feared him not loved him so his empire crashed. Live life cautious with love and respect for the people around you. Your rewards will come and you won't have to work the job you hate for too long....

two fingers...

Integrity is the finger print of your legacy
-illogic

Introduction

2009-03-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

Hey! It's Illogic here to share some of my thoughts, short stories and poems. Hope you guys like it. Leave some comments and feed back. I'm going to start with a little piece called "Dignity of a Rebel". Let me know what you think. Don't forget "Diabolical Fun" drops march 24th on weightless recordings along with the new book of poems and short stories "Tomorrow's Memories". BOOM!

Dignity of a Rebel

It seems the stars are in perfect alignment
for the emergence of those whose forefathers
had the assignment of building this country
that holds your freedom in the balance.

We've never been closer to a global alliance
and the end of the individual then we are right now.
So excuse me if sometimes I want to escape reality
and bathe in the clouds somehow,
completely captivated by the tomorrow's
today foreshadows
and standing firm on the broken and scarred backs
that yesterday recalls.

It's up to you to embrace the dignity of the rebel.
Be bold in what history's canvas inspires you to draw.

Intergrity is the fingerprint of your Legacy

-Illogic