ESC Membership Drive: Jersey Edition

 

Who:  YOU,son!  And my drunken ass.  And a gang of other fools.

What:  ESC 2010 season sing up extravaganza

Where: El Pastor, 570 Market St., Newark

When:  Noon-4pm, Sat. Mar 13 (before the RBNY U-18 v USA U-17 game)

Why:  Because sitting at midfield and listening to the sound of screaming children and jinglin' mini-van keys is for suckers.

How:  If I were you (and maybe I am), I'd take the train to Newark Penn Station and foot it a couple block.  Then you can join us for our first unofficial march to the new house.

OLD SCHOOL: Milkbone - Keep It Real

Fresh from the projects of Perth Amboy.
Remember that TV channel, The Box?  The one where you called a 900 number and paid to request a video?  When this shit came out in '95, it was the OOONLY song on The Box for about a month out here.

MTV's Jersey Shore

MTV Shows

 My Lord.
There's no way I miss a single second of this.
Not just a one-off special, kids. A full-on, "The Hills" style docu-drama.

I only wish it was being shown on Animal Planet, and had a stodgy British narrator.

Bad Habitz and Raw Nature

Time for some Garden State pride!
REAL Hip-Hop exists outside the 5 Boroughs!
Purity in music.  No bullshit war stories, no flaunting, no frontin' . . .just HIP-HOP!
I've been wanting to share some music from these dudes for a long time, but they're just getting started on building their internet presence properly.

First up is the duo of Prophet and Fizix, a.k.a. Bad Habitz.  They're currently working of their first full-length, but they've updated their playlist to give everyone a piece of what they've done so far.  Check it here.

In the same way The LOX were part of the larger Ruff Ryder collective, Bad Habitz joins forces with the rest of their own family to form Raw Nature.  To introduce themselves to the world, Raw Nature has released a free sampler compilation.  Get it here.

Also, for you local folks, Raw Nature will be performing tomorrow night at a masquerade ball at Ginger & Olive in New Brunswick.  I'll be there myself...in mask...if can spot me, I will glady give you the distinct pleasure of buying me some rum.

My Beloved, Pathetic, NJ Nets...

FACT: I am the ONLY die-hard New Jersey Nets fan alive.

This promotion makes my soul cry.
The Nets are SO WHACK...that they have to give away merch for OTHER TEAMS to get people in the building. Good grief.

It might just be my inner soccer hooligan talking, but this might be the most abominable sports promotion since Disco Demolition Night in '79. Imagine the Red Bulls giving out reversible shirts with Angel on one side, and Taylor Twellman on the other (only available in medium, of course)!! Or the Jets passing out T.O. shit. There would be a riot to end all riots.

But noooooo. Nobody gives a shit about the Nets. Just me.
I won't even bother yelling about how much more successful the damn team would be if they just left the damn Meadowlands (utter shithole) and noved to Newark with the Devils. Nope . . .let's box everything up and move to Brooklyn. WTF, Jay-Z? GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

What's worse is that in 5yrs, the "Brooklyn Nets" are gonna be the St. Pauli FC of basketball. All the Williamsburg and Park Slope jackasses who have lived in BK for 20min are gonna cover themselves in Nets gear and "rep" Brooklyn like they were born there. DAMMIT!!!

Screw it. While I still can, I will continue to rock my Nets steez my way. Drunk on shitty canned beer in the upper deck $15 seats.

UPDATE: Holy hell, one of the shirts is for Kevin Garnett...of the Celtics...a fuckin' DIVISION RIVAL!!! I'm going to set something on fire.

FRIDAY: Casa Ana Fundraiser!!!

WHO: Me and You, Yo mama & yo cousin too
WHERE: 360 Grill & Lounge; 120 Albany St. New Brunswick, NJ (across from train station)
WHEN: Friday night from 9PM until we shut the building down!
WHAT: Fundraiser to support Casa Ana orphanage in Dominican Republic

Come drink, get your flirt on and jam to host of live performances this Friday (Hip-Hop heads, don't sleep. You NEED to see Raw Nature perform. Trust Me.)...all for a terrific cause.

It's gonna be a good time. A night out with some top-notch GROWN folks. No whack music blasting in your ear hole, no punk mad because you stepped on his (bootleg) kicks. And fellas...these events bring out a VERY different caliber of woman than that cornball club you were planning on going to on Friday night. These girls...pardon me...women...have jobs, son! IQs with 3 digits and tastes that go beyond Lil' Wayne records and the latest episode of Laguna Beach. Get up in the spot!! There's an 80% chance that you'll see me a little loose after I get too friendly with Mr. Bacardi.

Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
For more info on Casa Ana or the fundraiser, contact Alfonse: e.m.theories@gmail.com

Foe real, though...my silliness aside, read up:

A fundraiser For Casa Ana(OIDR)

The latest project from Orphans International in Azua, Republica Dominicana (OIDR) which is a family care center to help local orphaned and abandoned children become engaged in their community in a positive way, while excelling in a specialized curriculum.

The event will have talented performers such as Raw Nature, Suyat, Yazmin Blair, Wahkiba, Sandra Rubio, Nikhil and more..

After the performances their will be sounds provided by Dj Irs (Hip Hop,House, Reggae,Merengue,Salsa,Bachata,etc..)
21 & over
Fee:$10.00 in advance or 12 @ the door

OIDR is accepting the following items for Casa Ana:

Children’s storybooks in English and Spanish (all ages), math workbooks, science books ,art books
photography books, notebooks, chalkboard/dry erase board, pens/pencils, Crayons/magic markers
acrylic/water color paint, small paint brushes
beads for jewelry making, popsicle sticks,
children’s glue, children’s scissors
computer programs (math, reading),
disposable cameras/gently used digital camera
instruments (keyboard, guitar, small drums, etc.)
toothbrushes/toothpaste, liquid soap, tissues/paper towels, & gently used children’s clothing

Sponsors of the Event: CleverWon Productions, NJ2 Skate Shop, LIES, Brewed Awakening, & Caring Family Community Services.

THIS FRIDAY: Casa Ana Fundraiser!!!

WHO: Me and You, Yo mama & yo cousin too
WHERE: 360 Grill & Lounge; 120 Albany St. New Brunswick, NJ (across from train station)
WHEN: Friday night from 9PM until we shut the building down!
WHAT: Fundraiser to support Casa Ana orphanage in Dominican Republic

Come drink, get your flirt on and jam to host of live performances this Friday (Hip-Hop heads, don't sleep. You NEED to see Raw Nature perform. Trust Me.)...all for a terrific cause.

It's gonna be a good time. A night out with some top-notch GROWN folks. No whack music blasting in your ear hole, no punk mad because you stepped on his (bootleg) kicks. And fellas...these events bring out a VERY different caliber of woman than that cornball club you were planning on going to on Friday night. These girls...pardon me...women...have jobs, son! IQs with 3 digits and tastes that go beyond Lil' Wayne records and the latest episode of Laguna Beach. Get up in the spot!! There's an 80% chance that you'll see me a little loose after I get too friendly with Mr. Bacardi.

Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
For more info on Casa Ana or the fundraiser, contact Alfonse: e.m.theories@gmail.com

Foe real, though...my silliness aside, read up:

A fundraiser For Casa Ana(OIDR)

The latest project from Orphans International in Azua, Republica Dominicana (OIDR) which is a family care center to help local orphaned and abandoned children become engaged in their community in a positive way, while excelling in a specialized curriculum.

The event will have talented performers such as Raw Nature, Suyat, Yazmin Blair, Wahkiba, Sandra Rubio, Nikhil and more..

After the performances their will be sounds provided by Dj Irs (Hip Hop,House, Reggae,Merengue,Salsa,Bachata,etc..)
21 & over
Fee:$10.00 in advance or 12 @ the door

OIDR is accepting the following items for Casa Ana:

Children’s storybooks in English and Spanish (all ages), math workbooks, science books ,art books
photography books, notebooks, chalkboard/dry erase board, pens/pencils, Crayons/magic markers
acrylic/water color paint, small paint brushes
beads for jewelry making, popsicle sticks,
children’s glue, children’s scissors
computer programs (math, reading),
disposable cameras/gently used digital camera
instruments (keyboard, guitar, small drums, etc.)
toothbrushes/toothpaste, liquid soap, tissues/paper towels, & gently used children’s clothing

Sponsors of the Event: CleverWon Productions, NJ2 Skate Shop, LIES, Brewed Awakening, & Caring Family Community Services.

Silent Knight - SK All Day

JERSEY!!!
For real, I think Silent Knight is being paid by the New Brunswick Board of Tourism (as if there was such a thing). 80% of the time I find myself stumbling around down there, I see him someplace.

Da Beatminerz on them beats.
Maybe I'm sleepin', but I haven't heard from them in a long while. Remember that Brace 4 Impak album?! Still dope.

Have some.

8thW1

Came across this Jersey emcee on the latest episode of Gordon Gartrelle Radio (thank you, Brainchild for putting a track listing up!!).

You should definitely head over to his page, he's got some great music that's alot more "buzzworthy" than alot of the other stuff that's being pushed on the interwebs these days. His album, lovemoneyandmusic is a gem that I imagine not too many people are aware of just yet.

Nucci Reyo - All On Me

No matter how many times I see Rahway in these videos, it always bugs me out.

Nucci Rey-O - The Only Way

What up, Jersey?!
What up, Rahway?!
Down Brennan, WHAT UP?!

Welcome to my block . . .literally.


Old friends doing BIG THINGS:

Here's Yor Famous ESC!

It's time.

If you're a soccer fan in the NJ/NY area, it's time to do your honor-bound duty and support your local club. I know you love sitting and spending your Saturday and Sunday morning watching FSC, Setanta and Gol. I don't blame you. I do it too. But let me assure you, that none of that means a thing when compared to the pride and passion of of standing and singing for the team that represents the patch of soil you call home.

The best way to do so, is to stand shoulder-to-shoulded with America's most intense band of hardcore MLS fans, the Empire Supporters' Club.

The first wave of sign-ups will be on Staurday, the 24th at Nevada Smith's, where ESC will be gathering to cheer on the US National Team in their friendly against Sweden.

"I think everybody here can agree, that a party ain't great without the ESC"
- The Rapture

Aly-Us - Follow Me

(Found @ the Mad Decent blog)

WOW!
I've never seen this before.
This is the classic of all classics! New Jersey's #1 anthem, and the crowning achievement of my hometown. Jam on that shit!

Enough With The Bullshit . . .

Music folks, allow me to switch gears for a minute . . .this is for the soccer crowd:

This Sunday afternoon my beloved New York RedBulls will be playing in the MLS Cup Final for the first time in team history, and apparently the soccerati in this country are up in arms and sick over the idea of a team with a mediocre regular season record being considered Champions. All week I've had to listen to and read spewed bile about MLS needing to change to a single-table format and eliminate the playoffs. To call it frustrating would be an understatement.

To make it clear, my opinion has ALWAYS been that the Supporters' Shield winners should be recognized as that year's Champions, with the MLS Cup being our version of the Carling Cup and US Open Cup, our FA Cup.

MLS can't go single table without promotion/relegation. The end of the regular season would have been unwatchably dull and unimportant because no one would have had anything to play for after Columbus locked the Shield up. Instead, we had great games to watch, with 6 teams fighting for 2 playoff spots, and the better teams jostling for seeding. Until the USL & MLS merge (never) and/or we have 30 teams (maybe for grandchildren), MLS CANNOT GO SINGLE TABLE.

The problem is not the current league structure. The problem is the fans. The fans continue to go along with the league mandate and give all the glory to the MLS Cup winner. If the fans gave the accolades to the Shield winner, this wouldn't be a discussion. People bitch about this non-stop...but where was all the "Congratulations Columbus Crew" talk when they took the Supporters' Shield? NOWHERE. It's bullshit. People cry about the possibility of NY being Champions, yet fail to recognize that the trophy they're begging for already exists, but they just fail to acknowledge it properly. You don't like the idea of a 10-11-9 team being Champions? Well blame yourselves because since 1996, you've all failed to celebrate the regular season's best team in a way they deserve.

I stood in Nevada Smith's last Saturday night and witnessed first-hand the greatest scene of fan passion this league has EVER produced. I saw grown men shed tears, strangers embrace and people sing and dance in the middle of a Manhattan street because they were experiencing something that they never thought possible. It's an absolute fucking shame that the rest of the country is trying their hardest to poison that feeling.

Banksgiving

Nike 6.0 BMX Banksgiving Jam in Lakewood, NJ from Will Stroud on Vimeo.

Jersey love. BMX doperation. RJD2 soundtrack. What else could you need?
Nothing, that's what. Stop being so damn greedy, jeez.

We Are Scientists + Kings of Leon

Much like the first time I tried Choconilla Rice Krispies, I am cautious...yet very much intrigued.

Hey, locals . . .
We Are Scientists and Kings of Leon (not sure who's "supporting" who) are playing The Electric Factory in Philly next Saturday night (the 15th). Sounds like a mighty fine show to me. I can imagine they draw very different crowds (with the exception of KoL newbies like me). Should be entertaining on and off stage.

Also, W-A-S are flying solo in Asbury Park (at Wonder Bar??) on the 21st, and Irving Plaza in the City on the 22nd.

What say you, good people?

Tokyo Police Club has a Secret

Alright . . .so if you were paying attention a while back, you know that Tokyo Police Club is (for whatever reason) performing in Cranford, NJ early Saturday night.

Here's an added bonus. They will also be in NYC at Mercury Lounge doing a "secret" show under the false name Mark Knight's Tropic Zone. You'd think I'm making this up, but no.
Tix are $10 and they hit the stage some time around 10:30.

. . .and while I'm talking about TPC . . .Ra Ra Riot remixed their song "Juno"

Tokyo Police Club . . .in Cranford??

(For my Jersey peeps)

Yeah . . .go figure.

Apparently Cranford hosts the Union County Musicfest. Who knew there was such a thing? The rest of the lineup is beyond crap, but for whatever completely random reason, Tokyo Police Club is performing at 7PM (hahaha) on Sat, Sept. 6 . . .for free.

Safe to say, I WILL be there

Redman is Still . . .Redman

The legend himself, Garden State Great, Redman has magically appeared again with a new jam . . .and a new ride.

"I Run My Block"


Gotta love this. Who else would drive a Smart car through Newark but Redman? [Note: It's broad daylight] That shit just screams "target" to me (as in "destination for bullets", not mid-range department store). I wish there was footage of him buying that thing at Ray Catena.



JERSEY!!!