MANELINE: That Dope

Here is a ManeLine interview originally conducted mid-April 2009 which in part, ran in The Metropolitan. This is the interview in its entirety.

-Lumbajack

As frontrunners of the ever growing Denver hip hop scene, L.I.F.E. crew’s own ManeLine is back with their second full length album “…& Sew It Seams”. Mane Rok, Inkline, and DJ Tense stitch together another quality album that is undoubtedly darker and more mature than their debut “Till Then”. If you need a nice dose of straight up, unadulterated hip hop, ManeLine has the cure.

LUMBAJACK: How did ManeLine form, and how many years have you been a group?

Maneline came about….well, as a fluke. ManeRok used to be part of another group who at the time was starting to get opening slots for touring acts. At one of their first major shows an old friend would pop his head thru the door-InkLine. InkLine hadn’t seen ManeRok’s show in years, and after this current show, chopped it up with Mane about working on a few songs and maybe getting some shows. In the following weeks the 2 built more and decided to do an EP all while Mane was finishing his original groups project. IN this same time frame, Mane’s ex-partner in rhyme would suddenly fall off the face of the earth getting swallowed by the black hole of “adulthood.” Mane and InkLine would decide “hell, let’s make a full length” since things were working out the way they were. They scoured the front range for a DJ-and he was found. Tense.

LU: Tell me about “…& Sew It Seams”, the time it took to complete, and how it’s being received.

MR: “…& Sew Its Seams” took about 1.5 years to complete as in actually release. The music itself probably only took 3-4 months in total…but life happens and we had a gang of shows, so recording, mixing, and mastering would take a back seat at times. This album is a continuation of not only discovering ourselves in our personal lives, but also what we are capable of as a group. Personally, I think it might be ahead of a lot of people. Not that it’s on some ‘never-done-before’ music, but it’s on some ‘never done before in Colorado’ music. I think this has lead some of our most eager critics to be at a loss…we always had this idea of not just making good hip hop…but good music period. A lot of people are taken back by the album, and I think it might be lost on some - but those that let it marinate on their dome tend to come around and reassess their first evaluations…recognizing a lot of the things we did on this.

LU: What is your favorite track on the project?

Was really a hard pick for all of us…

TE: All Alone

MR: Aint Real Aint Right

IN: Aint Real Aint Right

LU: Describe the ManeLine sound, how it evolved, and where you would like to see it go.

IN: The sound can’t really be pinpointed. Whereas we have some cuts that are straight forward boom bap, we really are just trying to make good music. Boundaries in music nowadays are so blurred, it’s unnecessary to classify in that sense anymore. I think we will always be raising the bar and figuring out something bigger and better to do in regards to song writing and structure. As for live shows we’re just building on the production aspects.

LU: Tell us a bit about the Mane Rok solo project with Es-Nine and how that is going to differ from a ManeLine Record. Is there a tentative release date for this project?

MR: Well…in all honesty the first solo project will actually share a similarity with the newest ManeLine album in that it will have an array of producers on it-from the family like Es Nine, InkLine, Yonnas (the Pirate Signal), Ichiban and Deca, to even newer family like 800 The Jewell(Jewell Tyme Music) and more. It’s just an EP, so some cuts will be made. After that-there are a few ideas that have been thrown around, but it depends on the availability of these producers all the same. The EsNine/ManeRok project would be called “En Stereo” but I am also looking at doing a solo Ep with Yonnas producing it…and possibly others. Just depends on the timing of course. The difference is that it will be 100% Mane on the verses-with the exception of the singers that will be brought in. DJ wise…well that is yet to be decided-I am gonna let the music dictate the DJ usage.

LU: Tell us a bit about your lyrics writing process, and the topics covered within your lyrics.

MR: The process varies. Sometimes one of us will start with a concept and we will continue to piggy back in the studio till something solid comes out. Sometimes it’s just a conversation we have…and a beat comes along later that fits the convo (“Poor Ugly People” for example.) So that isn’t classified as one formula. As for the topics….well it ranges from retrospective songs like “Big Plans” to industry overviews like “Aint Real Aint Right.” Is that it though? Not by a long shot. We try to cover a range of topics as life is so much more than one lane. “Before I Die” is about what one would do before that moment whereas “Soul On The Line” is a conversation between a man at the pearly gates (InkLine) and St Peter (Mane-the whole verse mentions the 7deadly sins and various other Christian dogmas/beliefs.) “Why Angels Cry” is not religious based at all, but is about those people we know who are extraordinary, but get lost searching for something they don’t realize they have, thus leaving them to lose it all. “Tic Toc” is some MC shit-just using lyrics (in this case bombs and other explosive verbage to explain that we are….the bomb!) Poor Ugly People…well this is about those who are so vain that they undergo surgery…..so all in all…we cover many topics.

LU: Tell us a bit about the history of L.I.F.E. Crew and its roots, and where it is headed.

MR: L.I.F.E. Crew started as a graffiti crew with Mane Rok and DJ AWHAT!! as 2 of the original 5 members - but even then, it was about us being family. Mane and AWHAT!! along with our old musical partner accounted for those interested in music at the beginning. As time went on and we caught some cases, music became the focus. I met Deca, Ichiban, and Yonnas at a YouNight in like 2003…from there the music portion took a hold. More folks repping the crew…but on a music tip. We were all so engrained in the scene though, we even had B-Boys like Fate (GWT) in the crew. At one point, some of the graf heads dropped it because they couldn’t get along with some of the other graf heads…and the crew got recognized more and more for music. That is what has brought us to today really. The music heads kept it alive. As for the future…only tomorrow will tell.

LU: What is in the works for ManeLine? Will there be touring for “…& Sew It Seams”?

TE: Actually, we are leaving on April 24 to the Midwest for a mini-tour with 3 The Hardway to start the support for the album. We are looking to get out a lot this year…touring in general.

LU: What are your feelings on the Denver hip hop scene?

TE: It’s always getting better as far as people collaborating more than they used to and the music has definitely matured in all aspects.

MR: Well…I can’t deny it hasn’t matured and gotten better. It sure has. Recently, I was asked this question in regards to everything I am personally doing to “create” the scene. I had to explain to this writer that the scene has always been here; that I am a product of the scene, it’s just the public is oblivious to it. I am feeling that there is more quality than ever…seriously…and that the fans are catching on. I ain’t feeling the hate we get for that…but it is expected.

LU: Any future collaborations you are looking forward to? List a few dream collaborations as well.

TE: Premier/Black Milk/Revolution

MR: Pharoahe Monch would be huge for me. Locally…Karma and Haven of Jewell Tyme, Thunderstorm…and a few others that are straight doing their thing. Julox amongst them…

IN: Pharoahe, Bun B, touring w/Gnarls Barkley

LU: What is in the future for L.I.F.E.House? Tell us a bit about how that came about.

MR: LIFEhouse is the combination of LIFECrew and House Of Waxx…it’s just family. We support each other and throw shows together. It happened as we did more and more shows-no big bang theory. As for the future…again…who knows??

LU: DJ Tense, tell us a bit about your accomplishments as a DJ and your plans as a DJ for the future, as well as anyone you might be working with on top of your duties for ManeLine.

TE: a) Being able to share the stage with so many acts and dropping these 2 ManeLine albums as well as being a part of Deca and Ichiban’s albums. All the press we have received, but for in particular 02 Denver Guitar Center Champ (Beat DJ Psycho of RadioBums.)

b) A gang of mixtapes and just moving forward and upward.

c)FOE-Karma-Ichiban

LU: Outside of the House of Waxxx connection, what other Denver artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?

MR: Jewell Tyme is the new fam for real. They got our back…we got theirs. Julox…ummm…Food Chain has been bringing it..there might be some future things with them. Paradox-Dope Sex…the unheard illness! We will see…there are quite a few nowadays bringing it.

LU: Inkline, tell me how you got started producing, what equipment you use, and where you would like to go with it in the future?

IN: MPC and more MPC’s. That’s where it’s at…future, past, and present.

LU: What artists are your biggest inspirations? What keeps you motivated as a group and as solo artists in hip hop?

TE: Qbert and all scratch Picklz, Revolution, Beat Junkies, Premier, Xcutioners, Allies.

MR: Pharoahe, Common and Elzhi on some MC shit, but there are so many, it’s hard to even pinpoint anymore.

IN: Radiohead/Outkast/Dr Dre/Deca

LU: Where do you see hip hop headed in the next few years? Do you see yourselves updating your sound to keep up with the ever-changing face of hip hop, and how do you see your sound evolving?

TE: I think things are coming back full circle to the “true skool”era-esque. Less bling and more substance.

MR: I agree with Tense…gotta admit, Kanye really did usher in this resurgence in my eyes-but who knows where it will go? As far as updating the sound…if you love music and continue to make it, its natural to evolve, just like this album was for us.

LU: What has been the biggest honor or achievement so far for ManeLine?

MR: For me…working with the folks we have and having met so many great people from press to fans to artists. Technically…being recognized in Spin Magazine…the SoCo Music fest…there’s been a few….but the biggest is yet to be seen.

IL: Urb’s Next 1000 Recognition…the first Hip Hop group on a Westword cover is a given.

Pick up “…& Sew It Seams” at Twist and Shout Records or find them online at:

www.myspace.com/maneline

Karma & FOE - Tic Toc Video

directed by Angel A. Rosado of Glow Digital Video Studios for Jewell Tyme Entertainment.

3 The Hardway - Class Is In Session

Here is a 3 The Hardway interview originally conducted mid-April 2009 which in part, ran in The Metropolitan. This is the interview in its entirety. Enjoy.

-Lumbajack

LU: Tell me a bit about “Set In Stone”.

Es Nine: The album took just under a year and a half to complete. But it was basically all of our hard work and dedication to music put into one basket. We wanted to prove that we belong in the scene, not only on a local level but on a national spectrum as well. We wanted to bring back that classic sound of heavy drums, dope samples, excellent cuts, and meaningful lyrics. We wanted this album to be “Set In Stone” with some of the classic albums we grew up bumping. Since the album was released, "Set In Stone" was chosen as the “Hip Hop Album Of The Year” by Westword, and 3 The Hardway was selected to perform the “Bands You Need To Know” presented by 101.5 FM and Soda Jerk Presents.

Cysko Rockwell: This album has been in the works since the naming of the group. The reason the wait took so long is because of personal issues and also me breaking equipment, so the cuts took a little longer than expected. The album is being received very well and it is of no surprise to me. I knew Es-Nine and A.V.I.U.S. would do their part and hopefully I did mine.

LU: For those who don’t know yet, describe your sound and the vibe of the record.

A.V.I.U.S.: The sound of the album is very West Coast underground oriented: a very positive vibe, with that boom bap feel.

CR: Official Boom Bap Hip Hop

LU: What is the difference between an A.V.I.U.S. record and a 3 The Hardway record?

CY: More of a collab feeling as far as the dj element, meaning a lot more scratching. And also everyone grew as artists.

AV: The A.V.I.U.S. “Patience” album was a very aggressive album, almost angry, where as the 3 The Hardway "Set In Stone” album has more of an up-tempo good-vibe feel. It still has the “classic” A.V.I.U.S. rugged delivery, and has cuts on every track giving it a totally different feel than “Patience.” As a whole it showcased how much we have each grown as artists and proved that we work well together in our own aspects of the group

.

LU: Es-Nine, who would you most love to work with as a producer?

ES: I gotta say Rakim, Nas, and Jay-Z are at the top of my list.

LU: What are your feelings on the Denver hip hop scene? Who would you like to collaborate with? Would you leave Denver to “make it” on a larger scale?

AV: We love the Denver hip hop scene and the music scene in general. It has opened the door for us and given us a home and opportunity to make our mark on the industry. Honestly we would love to make it from here, but should the opportunity present itself yes we would, but only to open the door for ourselves and the rest of the scene here in Colorado.

ES: We have a new motto this year that we created with L.I.F.E.House (L.I.F.E. Crew, House of Waxx) 2009 is a new year and we need to come together with everyone. Give everyone a shot, and see what happens.

AV: We love the Denver hip hop scene and the music scene in general. It has opened the door for us and given us a home and opportunity to make our mark on the music industry. Honestly we would love to make it from here, but, should the opportunity present itself: yes we would, but only to open the door four ourselves and the rest of the scene here in Colorado.

CY: The scene is growing rapidly and I am impressed with the older cats in the scene growing into their own sound and things will only get bigger and better in CO.

LU: DJ Cysko Rockwell, tell us about your accomplishments as a DJ, a bit about the Crunk Bros., and your plans as a DJ for the future.

CY: I have won plenty of little titles along the way as well as some big ones!

2002 Barts Champion

2002 Guitar Center Colorado Blvd. District Champion

2002 Guitar Center Phoenix Regional Finalist

2003 Barts Runner Up(2nd)

2003 Next Level TV show Champion

2004 Guitar Center District Champion (Vegas, Phoenix, Utah, Colorado)

2004 Guitar Center LA Regional Finalist

2004 DMC Boulder Runner Up (2nd)

2006 DMC Boulder Champion

2006 DMC USA Finalist

2006 DMC Battle For Supremacy USA top 8

2006 Guitar Center Colorado District Champion

2006 Guitar Center San Francisco West Coast Regional Champion

2006 Guitar Center USA top 6

2007 DMC USA Runner Up (2nd place)

The Crunk Brothers are still working(somewhat) Thought, Shake, and Mier are busy with their new ventures and I wish them well, I am just happy to see them spin here and there. Tense and Discord are staying busy doing their thing with their groups (Maneline, and Boom Box Saints) as well as playing out when they can. Es-Nine and myself are trying to work on some new 2 by 4 routines and we spin the Tooeys night every first Saturday of the month and i am spinning Tooeys on another night i am starting as well as the loft every wed. I will e doing more underground and club nights in the future as well as shows. So be on the lookout for those nights. On another note I will be releasing at least 4 to 5 mix cds this year as well as working on my solo production/collabo project. On top of that you will see my name in all of the major dj battles this year (The Gong, Scribble Jam, DMC showcase and head to head, and maybe a few others) so keep your fingers crossed for your big CO homie and hopefully we will bring home a US title for our square state!

LU: Es Nine, how did you get started producing, what equipment do you use, and where did you go to school?

ES: I actually started as a DJ and from there I wanted to do much more than just play records I loved. I wanted to make them. The first piece of equipment I did anything with was on my mentor’s (El Sun) MPC 2000. But, my first exposure to production equipment was the EPS which later became the ASR10. I received my engineering degree at the conservatory of recording arts and sciences in Arizona. The best investment I made in my career.

LU: What artists are your biggest inspirations?

CR: Good music is what fuels me. I just love good hip hop and the shit is not dead. I think there is more good hip hop out there than ever before. But with that said there is twice as much bullshit you have to drudge through to find it. I am going to keep myself making mix cds, battle routines and now beats because that is what I love to do.

LU: Where do you see hip hop headed in the next few years? Do you see yourselves updating your sound to keep up with the ever-changing face of hip hop, or is the plan to stick with the true school sound 100%?

CR: I personally will keep doing what I have done in the past and maybe branching out to new avenues on my own path(as far a s my djing) but as for the group, we will keep making that authentic hip hop sound and not try to be scenesters but still keep up with the hot sounds.

AV: Don’t know where it is going…But as long as we do what we do, that is all that we can do. We don’t try to change ourselves with the newest trends of music. It hasn’t gotten us to where we are, and it sure won’t get us to where we are going.

LU: What keeps you motivated as a group and as solo artists in hip hop?

AV: My biggest inspiration is my kids, they keep me going and give me a reason to succeed. Music as a whole is an inspiration, it allows me to let go and tell my story and hopefully touch other people. Motivation is never needed. The will to succeed and belief in myself and my group is all we got.

The new album “Set In Stone” is available at Twist and Shout Records, or online at:

www.mysonictonic.com/3thehardway

www.myspace.com/03thehardway

LUMBAJACK

We have a new author @ The Report, his name is Lumbajack.

Lumbajack is a veteran journalist, who started at the age of 15 by publishing his own nationally distributed music zine called Going Nowhere and later a web-zine called Final Chapter about music, art, film, and subculture.

He currently operates With The Hat to Match, a website which features a ton of dope compilations (like the Christmas 2X he put out last December), as well as archived interviews and material from years ago that he has unearthed from his portfolio.

Stay tuned for some interviews, album reviews, and other material from Lumba, our brand new author @ The Colorado Rap Report.

EGG NOG PIMPIN

DOWNLOAD EGG NOG PIMPIN

DOWNLOAD THREE HO'S LIKE SANTA

The homie Lumbajack (Denver,CO) is one of my favorite bloggers, and this is why. Song selection. This dude really knows his Rap.

Things I learned while listening to EGG NOG PIMPIN/THREE HO'S LIKE SANTA:

1. DIPSET has made far more Christmas Music than Bing Crosby.

2. That song I really like off that old Screw Tape is I WISH by THA DOGG POUND. I still like it better chopped and screwed though.

3. For some reason, DIPSET has made a ton of Christmas Music.

Seriously though, check out the play list, this is the pinnacle compilation of Christmas Rap. And i'm pretty sure this dude uploads all this music from his own personal CD collection. (What?!)

MERRY MUTHAFUCKIN CHRISTMAS MIX:

VOLUME 1: EGG NOG PIMPIN’

1 - Reverend Run and the Christmas All Stars - Santa Baby
2 - Run DMC - Christmas in Hollis
3 - Jim Jones - Bad Santa Intro
4 - Outkast - Players Ball
5 - De La Soul - Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa
6 - Ludacris - Ludacrismas
7 - Eazy-E - Merry Muthafuckin’ Christmas
8 - Dipset - Dipset X-Mas Time
9 - Snoop Dogg - Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto
10 - David Banner - It’s Christmas Time
11 - Mel Matrix, Riz, and Shoota - Christmas Like This
12 - Killer Mike - A Christmas Grind
13 - Busta Rhymes ft. Jim Carrey - The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
14 - Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg - The Night Before Christmas
15 - Ying Yang Twins - Ho! Ho! Ho!
16 - Jim Jones - Christmas Eve
17 - Run DMC - Christmas Is
18 - Dirty Boyz - All I Want For Christmas
19 - OFTB - Christmas In The Ghetto
20 - Ras Kass - Jack Frost
21- Ghostface – Ghostface X-Mas

VOLUME 2: THREE HO’S LIKE SANTA

1 - Rudy Ray Moore - Merry Christmas Baby
2 - Kurtis Blow - X-Mas Rappin’
3 - Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie - XXX-Mas
4 - Jim Jones - Have a Happy X-Mas
5 - Master P - X-Mas in the Ghetto
6 - Dana Dane - Dana Dane is Coming to Town
7 - Juelz Santana - X-Mas Song
8 - Spyder-D - Ghetto Santa
9 - The Dogg Pound - I Wish
10 - King Sun - Christmas in the City
11 - Jim Jones - Ballin’ On X-Mas
12 - Starr ft. Juelz Santana - Jingle Bellz
13 - Treacherous Three - Christmas Rap
14 - Jim Jones - If Every Day Was X Mas
15 - Disco 4 - He’s Santa Claus
16 - Sweet Tee - Let the Jingle Bells Rock
17 - Three Six Mafia ft. UGK - On Some Chrome
18 - Jim Jones - Wish List
19 - Princess Superstar - I Hope I Sell A Lot of Records This Christmas

(Sadly, Lumba has discontinued his blog, too bad)