deerblog | creative director - deer god productions | recording | mixing | engineering | filming | video editing | live sound

"DEER GOD RADIO 91: NATIVE TONGUES" NOW AVAILABLE

10/18/2020

parodies by nacrowe

check out HERE this recent streaming video episode of DEER GOD RADIO focused on the influential NATIVE TONGUES movement in HIP HOP from the late 80s, early 90s.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW and CLASSICAL-ISH WITH NUTMEG are available here at the DEER GOD website.

and if you haven't done so already get the FREE PHONE APP for IOS/ANDROID and enjoy listening to MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC 24/7 at your convenience!

BOOK REVIEW | "MO' META BLUES" BY AMIR 'QUESTLOVE' THOMPSON

8/17/2020

photo by nacrowe

MO' META BLUES: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO QUESTLOVE (GRAND CENTRAL, 2013) is a cleverly structured memoir by AMIR "QUESTLOVE" THOMPSON about his experiences and opinions surrounding the music industry and his extended association with PHILADELPHIA, both as a founding member of THE ROOTS and the NEO SOUL scene that originated from their extended family of collabotors. the book gets meta in that QUESTLOVE chooses to allow his co-writer BEN GREENMAN as well as his long-time manager RICH NICHOLAS (who died of LEUKEMIA within a year of publication) to provide extensive commentary throughout the narrative; in essence his memoir is partly an extended argument about what content makes for a compelling memoir.

this dialogue also seems to parallel, in part, his ambivalence towards HIP HOP and its relationship to commerce. there is much discussion about the merits of the two poles of the genre, one being the down to earth tradition that almost serves as an empowering, consciousness-building, almost educational vibe rooted in the work of the NATIVE TONGUES movement. the other being the aspirational, glamorized world of money and power instituted by the likes of BAD BOY RECORDS and their premier artist, THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.

this fission is exemplified in QUESTLOVE's memories regarding the 1995 SOURCE AWARDS that saw the WEST COAST / EAST COAST feud boil over in public. QUESTLOVE recounts that NAS was up that year for his debut ILLMATIC, which was the epitome and high-watermark of a classic concept of HIP HOP, the idea of a skilled lyricist repping his community over beats that were engineered and labored over to perfection by skilled producers. he was up against THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. for record of the year for READY TO DIE, which showcased him in music videos with yachts, cars, jewelry and women over beats that were lazily and obviously sampled by PUFF DADDY. BIGGIE won and an era of BLING took over that largely disconnected the music from the audience.

THE ROOTS constantly felt the tug and pull of each and that struggle specific to that era (late 90s and the early 00s) perpetuated itself among them and many others until KANYE showed up and basically (somehow) combined the two. it can be argued we are still living in the KANYE era.

one aspect of this book that annoyed me was the lengths to which QUESTLOVE was preoccupied with reviews by music critics. that caught me off guard, since i always picture THE ROOTS as being the spearhead of a certain conscious subset of HIP HOP artists that occupy a creative space outside of the explicit struggles commerce. other groups like THE FUGEES, DEAD PREZ, PHARCYDE, DE LA SOUL, OUTKAST and A TRIBE CALLED QUEST come to mind that seemed more concern with message and artistry than what a middle-aged white guy a world away from the scene thinks about your album. struck me as very peculiar as it went against what i believed about their brand as fiercely independent artists. this memoir dulled that edge a bit, made me realize that they were not immune from the pressures of the industry attempting to homogenize them, as INTERSCOPE RECORDS executive JIMMY IOVINE seemingly did with their lackluster effort THE TIPPING POINT. i saw them play years ago at teh ROSELAND BALLROOM and they seemed indestructibly powerful and absolutely immutable. interesting to learn that behind the scenes they felt outside pressure to conform to be more like conventional artists like JAY-Z who don't have their cache and drive towards social justice.

i also think this book came out three years to early, as the election of DONALD TRUMP altered incalculably not only the political and cultural landscape, but also the trajectory of JIMMY FALLON's late night gig. at the time of publication FALLON did not have the reputation for being a comedic and political lightweight that he now does. THAT would have been interesting to hear QUESTLOVE speak his opinion on, given his front row seat to the proceedings. also the celebrated figure of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA is forever transformed by the election of his successor. i would also would have loved to hear QUESTLOVE speak on that topic as well, but alas this book came out in 2013.

interesting book that very effectively communicates the powerful crosscurrents jst beneath the surface in HIP HOP and how such influence artists. highly informative, expertly constructed and very readable. definitely worth reading if you have the interest or inclination.

"DEER GOD RADIO 98: RUN THE JEWELS" LIVE TONIGHT AT 8PM EST ON MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC

7/5/2020

parodies by nacrowe

tonight's new episode of DEER GOD RADIO at 8PM EST on MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC is dedicated to the music of EL-P and KILLER MIKE, a.k.a. RUN THE JEWELS! easily one of my favorite HIP HOP groups of the last decade. Gonna be a fun show.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW and CLASSICAL-ISH WITH NUTMEG are available here at the DEER GOD website.

and if you haven't done so already get the FREE PHONE APP for IOS/ANDROID and enjoy listening to MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC 24/7 at your convenience!

BOOK REVIEW | "GO AHEAD IN THE RAIN: NOTES TO A TRIBE CALLED QUEST" BY HANIF ABDURRAQIB

6/15/2020

photo & text by nacrowe

i should state first off that A TRIBE CALLED QUEST is in all likelihood my favorite HIP HOP group of all time. just wanted to inform you of where my biases lie.

as ive stated before i first really became acquainted with HIP HOP during my formative middle school years living abroad in NIGERIA in the mid 90s. though my classmates i was aware of TUPAC, CYPRESS HILL, SNOOP DOGG, THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G., N.W.A. and WU-TANG CLAN among others. it wasn't until a few years later in high school when i was attending a boarding school in MASSACHUSETTS that i was introduced to A TRIBE CALLED QUEST. for me there was a humor, an intelligence and a sense of sonic and lyrical craftsmanship that sold me not only on the group, but the genre as a whole. Q-TIP and PHIFE DOG were my gateway drug of sorts. through them i became doubly interested with new ears to the aforementioned groups as well as others like MOBB DEEP, PUBLIC ENEMY, DE LA SOUL, OUTKAST, SOULS OF MISCHIEF, NAS, BLACK SHEEP, RAKIM, GANG STARR, JAY-Z, UGK and future MCs like J COLE, EMINEM, A$AP ROCKY and EL-P.

for this reason i find HANIF ABDURRAQIB's examination of the musical and cultural legacy of 90s HIP HOP in his book GO AHEAD IN THE RAIN: NOTES TO A TRIBE CALLED QUEST (UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PRESS, 2019) through the vehicle of this seminal group particularly compelling, as they were emblematic of the higher aspirations of the greater scene. by that i mean they were sponges that celebrated their peers and black culture in general irrespective of geography.

author ABDURRAQIB makes no bones about his personal connection to the TRIBE narrative, often intertwining his lived experience as a midwestern black muslim with their music as a soundtrack. it is not a biography by any means, but more an extended appreciation for one fan's perspective of their contributions HIP HOP culture, warts and all. he definitely covers lots of aspects of their worldview and discography, but perhaps my favorite part of this books was his letter to the mother PHIFE DAWG, a fellow poet. he makes the connection that her experience as a TRINIDADIAN immigrant and the cadences of her native patois had an influence on both her use of rhythm in her poetry as well as that of her son's lyrics. seemed touching and poignant.

i can't really do this book justice as it is incredibly well-written and touches on topics like music production, pan-africanism, friendship, brotherhood, pride and family. well worth reading if you get the opportunity or share a love for this seminal EAST COAST HIP HOP group as i do.

BOOK REVIEW | "TEN WAYS NOT TO COMMIT SUICIDE" BY DARRYL MCDANIELS

2/17/2020

photo & text by nacrowe

it must be a special breed of curse to be celebrated for something that you felt little ownership of in creating. such was the case with DARRYL "DMC" MCDANIELS of the legendary NYC HIP HOP group RUN-DMC as detailed in his memoir TEN WAYS NOT TO COMMIT SUICIDE (AMISTAD, 2016) where he details how allowed a situation to foster where his voice was not respected or given attention, which led to drowning out his frustration in alcohol and long fugues of intense depression. his story is one of coming to terms with himself and establishing parameters in his life through the support of family.

speaking of family, one interesting aspect of this memoir is his coming to terms with learning that he was adopted as an adult. at first this was a cutting revelation that cut to the core of his identity, but over time he learned that he only gained a new family. with his voice in tatters due to an unusual congenital defect in his larynx and his relation with REVEREND RUN nonexistent, this new information freed him to learn about himself through advocacy and charitable work associated with orphans, adoptees and foster children.

for me what was interesting about this book was his self-expressed nerddom as a child being interested in reading and comic books and school. the RUN-DMC thing happened as a lark that turned into a career wavering to the expectations of record companies and yes-men that didn't have his interests at heart. the fact that HIP HOP stardom was something that got in the way of his original pursuits in college is beyond interesting.

ultimately he concludes that being of use to people and helping others is what he values in his life, not chasing fame or record sales or reality television. one other thing, REVEREND RUN comes off horrible in this memoir. he seems very much like someone focused on chasing money and uses those around him to that end. even his spirituality is called into question due to his association with a prosperity ministry which basically is made of televangelists using him for his clout with the urban community. makes sense but seems sad nonetheless that RUN would be so susceptible to being involved in such a cult. be apparently he is.

if you are a fan of DMC and appreciate brutally honest memoirs, the healing power of music, and the redeeming power of family, this book is certainly for you. if you like your nostalgic vision of classic RUN-DMC unscathed and untarnished, definitely look elsewhere.

DOUBLE-BILL DEER GOD RADIO TONIGHT AT 8PM EST ON MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC

1/19/2020

parodies by nacrowe

tonight starting at 8PM on MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC there will be a double-bill of two separate DEER GOD RADIO episodes showcasing both the virtuosic, psychedelic bliss that is 1970s PROG ROCK and the lyricism, grit and legacy of SHAOLIN NYC HIP HOP legends WU-TANG CLAN.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW and CLASSICAL-ISH WITH NUTMEG are available here at the DEER GOD website.

and if you haven't done so already get the FREE PHONE APP for IOS/ANDROID and enjoy listening to MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC 24/7 at your convenience!

PROG ROCK

WU-TANG CLAN

"DEER GOD RADIO 62: BEASTIE BOYS" NOW AVAILABLE

12/17/2019

parody by nacrowe

check out HERE this recent streaming video episode of DEER GOD RADIO dedicated to NYC HIP HOP legends the BEASTIE BOYS with a special appearance by DOLLTITS member THERINA BELLA.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW and CLASSICAL-ISH WITH NUTMEG are available here at the DEER GOD website.

and if you haven't done so already get the FREE PHONE APP for IOS/ANDROID and enjoy listening to MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC 24/7 at your convenience!

"DEER GOD 62: BEASTIE BOYS" LIVE TONIGHT AT 6PM EST ON MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC

12/7/2019

parody by nacrowe

tonight's episode of DEER GOD RADIO at 6PM on MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC is dedicated to the BEASTIE BOYS, from their NYHC roots to their early involvement with DEF JAM and subsequent world domination. we will be paying our respects to a true NYC HIP HOP institution.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW and CLASSICAL-ISH WITH NUTMEG are available here at the DEER GOD website.

and if you haven't done so already get the FREE PHONE APP for IOS/ANDROID and enjoy listening to MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC 24/7 at your convenience!

DEER GOD RADIO 52: NYC HIP HOP" AVAILABLE NOW

9/22/2019

art by nacrowe

click HERE for our most recent episode of DEER GOD RADIO dedicated to NYC HIP HOP.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, and THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW are available here at the DEER GOD website.

"DEER GOD RADIO 52: NYC HIP HOP" LIVE TONIGHT AT 8PM EST ON MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC

9/15/2019

art by nacrowe

tonight's episode of DEER GOD RADIO at 8PM on MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC is all about NYC HIP HOP. gonna be a fun show.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST and THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW are available here at the DEER GOD website.

SPOTLIGHT | ADAM YAUCH

6/22/2019

art by nacrowe

i think for the public it can be difficult to witness public figures evolve over time, partly because their celebrity is some much a function of our collective mass projection. we see in them what we attribute to our better selves. if they change, what does that say about what we saw in them and by extension, what does that say about ourselves?

ADAM YAUCH of THE BEASTIE BOYS, much like ALDOUS HUXLEY, was a western public figure that explored eastern philosophies, namely MAHAYANA BUDDHISM. this fascination turned into a lifelong passion that redirected his life's trajectory in terms of his personal moral code, philanthropy, advocacy work and even his personal life.

his life is still interesting to me years after his death in 2012 from parotid cancer. this is in part because he seemed effortlessly authentic. you can listen to both the sexist attention-grabbing brat in "brass monkey" (licensed to ill, 1986) and the more thoughtful, reflective global musings on "bodhisattva vow" (ill communication, 1994) and come away with the full moral trajectory of a man and his evolution as a human being.

and i think that took courage. courage to counter your public image through action.

in our modern insatiably-manic digital click-bait culture where everyone has quick opinions and every discernible action seems to be part of a wider premeditated strategy with a future payoff in mind, it is hard to recognize humanity when we see it. it is hard to get past our jadedness. especially with public figures.

i dont see the life of ADAM YAUCH as something distinct and sanctified, this isnt a hagiography. i see him as a flawed human (like all of us are) that followed his path and used his platform to promote good will as he saw it and did what he could.

my hope is that i can see the same in others and not be so quick to question their motives, as i do whenever i hear of angelina jolie's UNICEF work or kanye giving his gaudy shoes to kids in uganda.

its a struggle. im working on it.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | HOLY MOE ON OPEN AIRWAVES

5/16/2019

artwork by nicholas crowe

check out this interview and performance of "Where I'm From" by local STATEN ISLAND rapper HOLY MOE that was created as part of MAKERPARKRADIO's OPEN AIRWAVES grant initiative to promote upcoming local hip hop talent.

we were lucky enough to spend some time with HOLY MOE and his crew recently at our last DEER GOD RADIO show this past sunday and he is definitely on the move. some announcements will be forthcoming regarding future activities with the man. until then enjoy this performance.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | TOKYO DIAMONDZ ON OPEN AIRWAVES

3/7/2019

check out this interview and performance of "bloody jacket" from bronx rapper TOKYO DIAMONDZ that was created as part of MAKERPARKRADIO's OPEN AIRWAVES grant initiative to promote upcoming local hip hop talent in NYC.

if you are interested in digging deeper into TOKYO's catalog, we highly recommend you seek out his soundcloud which has his most recent mixtape. dude is a force of nature.

"DEER GOD RADIO 27: LJ BEATS HIP HOP SELECTIONS" AVAILABLE NOW

2/18/2019

art by nacrowe

Watch as LJBEATS and PLAINTAIN SUPERNOVA talk shop about modern NYC Hip Hop heavyweights like A$AP ROCKY, MAX B and FRENCH MONTANA as well as the influence of past MCs like BIG L, MOBB DEEP, DIPSET and DMX on the current scene.

This as well as all past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO are available here.

"DEER GOD RADIO 27: LJ BEATS HIP HOP SELECTIONS" TONIGHT on MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC

2/17/2019

artwork by nicholas crowe

make sure to check out HERE house engineer LJ AVALOS and his friend JOSEPH ALEGRIA (a.k.a. PLAINTAIN SUPERNOVA) tonight as they take over DEER RADIO tonight at 8PM over at MAKERPARKRADIO.

They will dish on the current state of NYC HIP HOP.

past episodes of DEER GOD RADIO as well as other MAKERPARKRADIO.NYC shows like MAKE HER SPACE, NOWHERE FAST, and THE SYNTHESIZER SHOW are available here at the DEER GOD website.