9-3-07

     Alright, so it's been a great Summer!  I've got some new tracks to share, soon.  I was featured in the Times Union's Best of Edition, and on a WMHT T.V. special.  I put together a Hip Hop night for the Lark Street Bid at Washington Park on July 30th featuring some local acts as well as J-Live!  I'll post up some pictures, links, and songs very soon.  Thanks to all of you who continue to support me!  I  had to reorder the Spread Love CDs and I have them back in stock now. I truly appreciate the support.  Keep spreading the word.

4-1-07

           No April Fools Jokes here...  It's been a long time since I've updated this website and I have some news to share.  First, let me thank those of you who have been checking the site, emailing me, helping with promotion( big shout outs to my Hawaiian friends), and supporting the shows.  The shows have been a lot of fun so far this year.  I just updated the shows page, so definitely come check them out.

       As far as press goes, it's not all up on the web yet, but I was recently given a feature story on the Sunday edition of the Times Union which appeared on the cover of the Life section.  For those of you who are not from the 518 area, the Times Union is our major newspaper.  Thank you to Kristi for making that happen and doing such a great job.  I was also recently named Best Hip Hop Artist by the Metroland Reader's Poll for the THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR!  Thank you to everyone who voted.  As a mater of fact, to thank you I am doing a free show along with Deadlift at Geppettos in Schenectady on April 14, 2007.  Bring some friends out and let's make the circle bigger!  I appreciate you guys and girls.

        As far as the Spread Love Mix CD/EP/...  It will be available at the May 11th show at the Lark Tavern which has turned into the unofficial release party for the CD.  The CD has some of your favorite mixes from the live shows including the Crazy remix and the Dark Corrupts Their Hearts remix, plus new tracks from my next album, and remixes of verses that have appeared on other people's projects.  It's been a lot of fun putting it together, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.  Stay tuned for much more frequent updates.

Peace.       

10-18-06

     I apologize for the delay in updating this.  I want to thank all of you who have been supporting the shows and keeping in touch through Myspace and email.  As many of you know the next full-length album has been pushed back a bit.  Due to an overwhelming response to some of the mixes I've been performing at shows, I'm currently recording a Mix CD that will also have promotional tracks off of the next album, unreleased tracks, and songs of mine that have appeared on other projects.  It's called "Spread Love", and a video is going to be shot for the title track in the coming weeks. 

     I've updated the shows page a bit, although I don't have updates for all of the shows on there yet.  I do, however have both pictures and videos from the Hip Hop Fest in Central Park which I encourage you to check out.  I performed a new track with a female student and the video is there for you.  Don't sleep!  I used Youtube for the videos so that you could post them on your myspace pages, or email them to your friends for me.  It all helps, and I appreciate all of the help.  As for the other shows, I've been having a blast mixing things up and keeping the sets really fresh.  I hope to see you in the crowd this Saturday at King's Tavern for the next one.  I'm doing something new...

Peace. 

7-31-06

    What's up everyone?  I hope you're staying busy and having a great summer.  I've got all kinds of things going on right now.  Those of you who made it out to the Red Square show know that I'm working on some new material.  You even got a sneak preview of a track off the next album.  So as I continue to write and record the album, I've also got my eyes on shooting a video to accompany it.  It will be for a song called, "Spread Love" and that's all I'm saying for now.

     Of course, I'm working on some stuff with some students as well.  Wait until you hear "Believe It".  It features a 12 year old student who absolutely kills HER verse.  It's very inspirational.  I'll be recording a CD featuring students this Fall so be on the lookout.  I'll also be performing with students at the Hip Hop Fest again this year.  You know how I do it.   

     I've got a few shows in August and September, and I hope to see you at them.  You know my shows are never the same.  I'm always bringing new treats for you.  Check the shows page to find out where I'll be. 

    You'll be able to check me out on a song called, "Made In America" when JB!! drops his new album.  You can also hear me on a track called "Identity" with The Link from Australia when his album drops (in Australia).  At the very least I'll leak out some previews of those tracks when their projects are ready for release.

    I've added some shirts to the store page, and have reduced the price of the CD for people who buy it directly from this website.  A package deal is available too!  If you haven't told someone about it in a while, please do.  You are a big part of my success and I appreciate it.  Until next time.

Peace.      

5-14-06

      Happy Mother's Day to Mom's everywhere.  Your job is so important, and at times underappreciated.  As a son, a grandson, and someone who works closely with parents in his daily job, I would like to thank every mother, because with out a mother's love, few of us would be where we are.  Believe that.  I would also like to take a moment to reflect on those who have passed.  We miss you.

      Three of the tracks that were recorded at Siena are now posted Here.  These tracks were recorded by a third party, and direct to CD.  I'm hoping to re-do them in the future the proper way.  Regardless, the middle-school students who created them are really dropping some knowledge confirming what I've told you before, there's talent in the youth around here.  Make sure you check the songs out at the link above.  Hit up the forum with your feedback.

      Any boxing fans reading this?  If so, come check me out at the Armory this Friday night where I'll be performing at intermission thanks to Pugnacious Promotions.  The headlining fight features local slugger Shannon Miller.  See you there fight fans! 

      I usually don't promote other people on my news page, but Saturday, May 20, is the retirement party for the local legend, DJ Toast of WRPI.  It's being held at Northern Lights, starts at 9:00 and will feature GURU of Gangstarr, Smif-n-Wessun, Ice Water, El Gant, and Doom Fist.  Toast has been putting it down for over 16 years every Friday Night.  We will miss him.  You don't want to miss this.

      Lastly, I just want to give a special shout out to my students who have been working hard all year.  There's a little over a month to go, and some of you have really accomplished a lot.  I'm very proud of you.  You've seen many of my students on television, in the newspapers, at community events, winning awards of all types, and really pushing to be great!   Let's really grind out this last month.  Don't settle!

4-13-06

    The Red Square show was a blast.  The sound was on point, the crowd was live, and everyone had a great time.  I definitely plan on hitting that venue again.  Check the shows page for more info. 

     You may have noticed on the shows page that I recently did a show with Nate da Great at the Ronald McDonald House's Family Room at Albany Med. in conjunction with Rock To Rebuild, and Raise the Barn.  It was REAL cool.  I look forward to doing something like this again.

     The Siena project has been wrapped up, and 4 tracks were recorded.  I'll have samples on the website soon.  I told you there was talent in the youth around here! 

     Lastly, feel free to check out the following stories that were done by a SUNY Albany student for their online magazine.  Thank you Kristen McKeever!       Opening Minds    Free School Show

3-24-06

    As we proceed...  This Saturday (April 1st), I'll be performing at the Red Square in Albany.  I'll be performing as a guest of Broadcast Live as they kick off their Spring Tour.  For dates and info. check them out at www.broadcastlive.org. 

    The Siena project is moving along despite the fact that there has been a change in the way the tracks are being recorded.  A change that is out of my control I might add.  Anyway, 2 tracks were recorded today.  Most of the students continue to work hard and I look forward to the finished product.  Next week is the last week, so check back to hear some of the songs.  Peace. 

3-19-06

    Last night was incredible.  The show at the Free School exceeded all expectations.  It was packed with kids and adults who were treated to free food, and a free live Hip Hop show that was organized to thank the student who helped me sell the most CD's during the Giffen fundraiser.  JB!!, Indigo, Broadcast Live, DJ Whips, and I, each performed for the lively crowd.  Thanks to all of the sponsors that donated the pizza, popcorn, soda, and sound system.  Thanks also to the Free School for letting us use their space, and to Rashid for talking to Bhawin and putting things into motion. I'll have pics on the shows page this week.

     I also wanted to announce that I'll be performing at the Red Square, on Saturday, April 1, 2006.  This show is the kick off event for Broadcast Live's Spring tour.  Save the Date!

     Lastly, I wanted to update you on the Siena project.  This week some of the students found writing their song's to be challenging.  Some had a hard time focusing and will need to step up and push past their frustration if they plan on getting their songs recorded.  Other students have their songs ready, and will begin recording next week.  I look forward to sharing the results with you.  Peace.     

3-11-06

    I just finished my second week at Siena College.  As previously mentioned, I'm working with the Urban Scholar's Project to create several conscious Hip Hop tracks with middle-school students from Albany.   The students have all picked out their beats, and many have begun writing their tracks.  I'll keep you posted.

    Also, don't forget that the listening party is this Wednesday (3/15) at the Red Square (388 Broadway) in Albany.  You can also catch me at the Free School on Saturday (3/18) for a free show.  I hope to see you out.  Peace.   

3-9-06

    Yes, Yes, Y'all...  I was just named Best Hip Hop Artist in the Metroland Reader's Picks for 2006.  That's 2-in-a-row!  Thanks to all of you who voted!  Also, a big thank you goes out to Scissor Hands for giving me some airplay on 92.7 this past Thursday.  If you're in the Glens Falls area, be sure to tune in to his radio show every Thursday from 5-7 p.m.  Peace.  

3-4-06

    I'll be featured on News Channel 13 this Monday (3/6) during the 5:30 news.  This is the segment that was originally shot for the Educator of the Week piece that I was later deemed ineligible for.  Be sure to tune in and check it out. 

    The Urban Scholars Project at Siena College started today.  I'm working with a group of middle school students in a program that will end with them writing and recording their own socially conscious music.  It got of to a great start toady and I can't wait to hear what these students create.  I'll keep you posted.  Peace.    

2-27-06 

    In an unfortunate turn of events, I  just confirmed that I will NOT be featured as "Educator of the Week" on News Channel 13 this Wednesday as was previously announced.  The issue stems from the fact that one of my family members works for the Lottery.  Elaine Houston of News Channel 13 will use the footage she shot for the Educator of the Week segment in an upcoming "Spotlight on Education".  Although I don't agree with the final decision regarding the Educator of the Week situation, I do appreciate the time that employees of News Channel 13 put  in to reevaluating my situation.  Please don't email or call the station on my behalf.  The decision is final, and I'm ok with that.  

    I'll update the news when I find out when the new segment will air.  In the meantime, all of us at Giffen will be hard at work making sure that the children of the South End are getting the best education possible.  On Saturdays in March, you can catch me at Siena College working on a recording project with middle-school students.  You know how I like to stay busy!   Peace.

2-25-06 

    As we keep things moving you can check out Origin at a listening party for This Is Me at the Red Square on Broadway in downtown Albany on Wednesday March 15, 2006 from 8-10p.m.  Teachers and prospective teachers are encouraged to attend.  Lesson ideas that use Hip Hop will be available along with other freebies.  Not a teacher?  You should still come out, listen to the album, and meet some different people.  It will be a good time and you won't have to be out too late.  For those that want to stay out, DJ Magic and W. Steele will be holding down the 1's and 2's for the rest of the night.  If you can't make that, then I hope to see you at the Free School in Albany on the 18th for a free Hip Hop Show.  We're hooking this show up to thank the student who sold the most CD's for the fundraiser we held in December.  Thanks to his and everyone else's efforts along with a generous donation, we WILL HAVE A RECORDING STUDIO IN GIFFEN THIS YEAR!  Come and be a part of this celebration!  More details to come...  Many people have emailed me regarding the Educator of the Week situation and I thank you for your support.  Stay positive, and I'll keep you posted.

2-07-06 

    The new year is off to a great start!  The turnout for First Night was great and all of the artists really represented 518 hip hop to the fullest.  The show at the Hudson Duster on the 6th of January was a lot of fun too!  On January 31, we packed up and went down to NYC for a listening party for This Is ME at the M-bar on the Lower East Side.  Tah Phrum Duh Bush and Conscious were great hosts, and we got to meet a lot of cool people.  We'll be doing more with these guys (and girls) in the future.  For now, check out the pictures and comments about each of these events off a link on the "Shows" page.  Stay busy!

12-12-05 

    It's December, and This Is Me is being used as a fundraiser for Giffen Elementary School.  $5.00 of every CD that is sold by the students is being donated to the school for the purchase of a recording station for the school.  We hope to raise our goal of  $750.  In other news, I appeared again on The Main Event with DJ Toast on 91.5 WRPI this past Friday night before going down to Franklin's Tower in Albany to perform at a new venue.  The radio was great because DJ Toast allowed me to choose the music that was played for the entire hour that I was up there.  Of course, I took it back to the sounds of the early 90's.  The show at Franklin's Tower was a lot of fun, and I hope to get back there again some time in '06.  This year First Night is going to be great!  We've got a bill with 10 Hip Hop acts that will run non-stop from 5-10p.m.  This is definitely one that you don't want to miss.  See you there! 

10-25-05 

    It's been a great month!  I was featured in a story in New York teacher which came out days before the release party and can be viewed at a link from the media page.  The release party itself was a great experience.  Every act completely represented, and a special thanks goes out to JB!!, Tah Phrum Duh Bush, Ameer, Ace the Grappler, The Supafriendz, Shyste, Dez, Rick Whispers, Sev Statik, and everyone who came out and partied with us.  I'm already looking towards First Night, and this year we're going to have an ALL HIP HOP VENUE, so make sure you support it!  In the meantime I've got another interview to do, and a few reviews to push for.  Stay positive, and stay busy.  Peace. 

9-19-05: 

    NEW VIDEOS!  Check out the Media page to download some recent performance footage including the exclusive one-time performance of "Feel Good Music", featuring a Giffen student.  The Hip Hop Meets the Labor Festival was a huge success, and all who attended enjoyed a full day of conscious Hip Hop.  I also had the pleasure of performing at Giffen Elementary School, and at Lark Fest on Saturday, September 17th.  Both crowds were lively and I'll be posting up some show pictures soon.  A big thank you goes out to Dezmatic for hooking up the Lark Fest show.  Make sure you register to the forum, and while you're there check out some recent show pictures.  Check me out in Gloversville on October 1st at the Upper Deck, and make sure you don't miss the release party for This Is Me on Friday October 7, at the Lark Tavern.  It's going to be a great show, see you there!  

8-10-05:

    This Is Me is now available at a variety of locations so make sure you get your copy. Check out the Metroland's readers poll where Origin was named Best Hip Hop Artist 2005. If you haven't registered for the forum yet make sure that you do so you can participate in the discussions and polls.

7-15-05:

    The CD's are back from press and they should soon be available in a variety of locations. Make sure to listen for songs off of the album on DJ Bake's Tuesday night session
on WCDB.

6-18-05:

    The website's almost complete, the CD's have been shipped, and school gets out on Friday. It's going to be a busy and productive Summer. Check back for an update, and make sure you check out the forum.