Blue Scholars at Rock The Bells at The Gorge

Rock the Bells Festival Series 2008
Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Sat, Sep 6, 2008

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, NAS, THE PHARCYDE, MOS DEF, DE LA SOUL, MF DOOM, BLUE SCHOLARS, SAGE FRANCIS, MURS, WALE, JAY ELECTRONICA, SPANK ROCK, THE COOL KIDS, KIDZ IN THE HALL, AMANDA BLANK. HOSTED BY B-REAL, SUPERNATURAL AND SCRATCH and DJ GREEN LANTERN.

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F0040BEA30253D6?artistid=1141759&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=3

Guerilla Union Pre-Sale for The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA:
Starts Wednesday June 4th at 10AM to 10PM
Password: RIPDILLA
http://www.guerillaunion.com/rockthebells/

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Blue Scholars join Hieroglyphics for the "Freshly Dipped Tour"

Blue Scholars join The Legendary Hieroglyphics Combine Fashion & Music On 45 Date, Three Month-Long "Freshly Dipped Tour"

05.07.2008

Expo of cutting-edge music and fashion features the debut of the Hiero Jeans clothing line

(May 7, 2008 - Brooklyn, NY) In celebration of its 10th anniversary as an independent label and hip-hop collective, Hiero Imperium announced details for a massive North American tour that will span from mid-summer into fall, joining with Blue Scholars who have been lighting up the underground coming out of Seattle. As creators of classic music and trailblazers in the entertainment business and technology fields, the Hiero crew and label have grown to represent more than just hip-hop music. Since its inception in the late 70's, hip-hop culture has permeated mainstream consciousness and its influence has infiltrated fashion, sports, and entertainment on a global scale. Combining elements of fashion and music, The Freshly Dipped Tour is a nod to Hiero Imperium's prolific past ten years as indie hip-hop industry leaders as well as to the bright future of Hiero Imperium. The 3-month long tour, which runs from July through October, includes spot dates all across the US, as well as select dates in Canada.

"We are putting this tour together to thank our fans for their years of loyal support, expose them to our new projects including our brand-new lifestyle line, Hiero Jeans (www.hierojeans.com), and to celebrate the ways that hip-hop style has influenced the fashion world," explained Hiero Imperium CEO Tajai Massey.

Joining the tour and building on the trends set by The Hieroglyphics will be Seattle's Blue Scholars, who are hugely popular in the Northwest hip-hop scene and have been breaking out nationally since the release of their 2007 release "Bayani" on MassLine/ Rawkus. Both groups are known for their strong live shows, and represent the best hip-hop the West Coast has to offer. Hiero Imperium will also debut a special, limited edition Freshly Dipped Tour 7" this summer. Available exclusively at the shows, the 7" will include a Hieroglyphics remix of a Blue Scholars track and a Blue Scholars remix of a Hiero track. Also available at the shows will be a selection of Hiero Jeans denim and shirts, and special edition Blue Scholars gear.

The Lineup:

Hieroglyphics: Souls of Mischief (Tajai, A Plus, Phesto, Opio), Casual, Pep Love, and Domino. Opio's new album Vulture's Wisdom, Volume One in stores in July
Blue Scholars: MassLine/ Rawkus. New album released June 2007, new EP Butter & Gun$ out now. Video and single for "Loyalty" in rotation on MTVu
Prince Ali: Eye 5/Hiero Imperium. New album Curb Side Service in stores now. Video for "The Majors feat. Casual, Planet Asia and Keith Murray" in rotation on MTV and BET
Musab: Rhymesayers Entertainment Founder, Hiero Imperium. New album Slicks Box in stores now
Knobody: Bumpin Muzic, Hiero Imperium. Album Tha Clean-Up in stores now

Dates (first 30 dates are listed here, last 15 will be announced shortly):

Fri-Jul-11 Pomona, CA Glasshous

Sat-Jul-12 Los Angeles, CA El Rey

Sun-Jul-13 San Diego, CA Belly Up

Tue-Jul-15 Tempe, AZ Clubhouse

Wed-Jul-16 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum

Thu-Jul-17 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine

Fri-Jul-18 Dallas, TX Granada

Sat-Jul-19 Austin, TX Emo's

Sun-Jul-20 New Orleans, LA Parrish

Tue-Jul-22 Orlando, FL Social-Late Show

Wed-Jul-23 Atlanta, GA Masq

Thu-Jul-24 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle

Fri-Jul-25 Charleston, SC The Music Farm

Sat-Jul-26 Wilmington, NC Soapbox

Sun-Jul-27 Virginia Beach, VA Steppin Out

Tue-Jul-29 Baltimore, MD Bedrock

Wed-Jul-30 West Chester, PA The Note

Thu-Jul-31 New York City, NY Highline

Fri-Aug-01 Providence, RI Jerky's Live

Sat-Aug-02 Boston, MA Middle East

Sun-Aug-03 Burlington, VT Higher Ground

Tue-Aug-05 Ottawa, ON Babylon

Wed-Aug-06 Toronto, ON Mod Club

Thu-Aug-07 London, ON The Salt Lounge

Fri-Aug-08 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig

Sat-Aug-09 Columbus, OH Skullys

Sun-Aug-10 Chicago, IL Abbey Pub

Tue-Aug-12 Madison, WI High Noon

Wed-Aug-13 Minneapolis First Ave-Early Show

Thu-Aug-14 Omaha Waiting Room

Fri-Aug-15 Boulder Fox

Sat-Aug-16 Salt Lake City Urban Lounge

For Tickets and more info:

www.BlueScholars.com
www.MySpace.com.BlueScholars

1:48 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

New Video, New EP!

As momentous as 2007 was for Seattle's Blue Scholars, 2008 is already looking to be even bigger for the duo as they prepare to drop their second digital EP and third music video since the release of their critically acclaimed album Bayani on Massline/Rawkus. Since Bayani hit the streets in June 2007, Geologic and Sabzi have toured relentlessly, headlining sold-out shows up and down the West Coast and most recently touring with West Coast hip-hop legends Hieroglyphics and GZA of Wu-Tang Clan.

Blue Scholars video for Loyalty WATCH IT NOW at www.MTVU.com

On April 26, 2008 Blue Scholars will release their second digital-only EP release, BUTTER$,on Massline in partnership with Rawkus Records. The EP, entirely produced by Sabzi, features four songs (and four accompanying instrumental tracks), including the previously-released "Loyalty" (from Bayani), the EP title track "BUTTER$ (Loyalty pt. 2)," and the autobiographical "27". A video for the song "Loyalty" will be released simultaneously in conjunction with the EP, directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi (who also directed the group's "Back Home" and "Joe Metro" videos).


Track Listing for Blue Scholars BUTTER$
1 - Loyalty
2 - BUTTER$ (Loyalty II)
3 - 27
4 - Loyalty - Instrumental
5 - BUTTER$ (Loyalty II) - Instrumental
6 - 27 - Instrumental

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Blue Scholars on MTVU

MTVU does some cool clips called Ahead of the Curve that run between their programming on their network – artists like Murs, Tokyo Police Club, etc – two of them up now are from Blue Scholars and Grayskul – another good look for Seattle hip hop http://www.mtvu.com/video/?id=1584681&vid=221480

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Blue Scholars :: Common Market on new Jazzmatazz Mixtape

Guru’s Jazzmatazz The Time Bomb Back To The Future Mixtape In Store’s Now! An Underground Hit!

7 Grand Records is proud to announce that our 3rd classic release "The Time Bomb Back To The Future Mixtape" is in stores now! This is not your average Mixtape as it takes the listener on a headnodding journey through Solar’s masterfully constructed jazzy flavored beats combined with a hefty list of spitters such as Aceyalone, Zion I, Blue Scholars, Common Market, K. Born and Highpower, Mr. Lif, Nature, Lord Tariq, The Diaz Bros., C. Knowledge and more. This is the "raw street" companion to Jazzmatazz Vol 4 and it is the first time that a Jazzmatazz record has been tailored for the "Underground Heads". I feel really good about the sound of this new album and they way that we have linked Hip Hop and Jazz from a whole other angle. We reinvigorate the Jazzmatazz legacy this time by bringing things on a completely non-commercial yet, still "crazy musical" level. This "joint" is dedicated to the "Underground Heads", The "Golden Era" lovers, and the supporters of "Real Lyricism". Instead of "taking it back" though, we take it "Back To The Future"! It was "mad fun" putting this record together but alot of hard work at the same time. Solar spent long hours in the lab constructing these bangers and the both of us conceptually have brought Jazzmatazz into a whole new relm. Jazzmatazz Vol 4 The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger quite obviously does not have the design or the sound of an "underground" album although many "heads" have supported the record and come out to the concerts to represent. Because of this we have created the new Timebomb Mixtape album to show our devout appreciation for the "Underground" and our dedication to the artform and culture. This is definitely a Hip Hop "joint"you can feel good about! We need your support on this one as each and every purchase of a CD or legal download is vital to the growth and success of 7 Grand Records as an independent label in the game that maintains its firm connection to the "Underground". The album is available at all of your major retailers such as Best Buy, FYE and Virgin Megastore as well as online at iTunes, Amazon, Undergroundhiphop.com, Rhapsody, etc. make sure you go and cop a new Jazzmatazz The Timebomb Back To The Future Mix CD for yourself, a family member, or a friend, it’s a modern day Hip Hop classic! To all of my "peeps holding it down", Much love. 7 Grand Yall, peace!

- Guru

7:37 PM - 3 Comments - 3 Kudos - Add Comment

BUTTER&GUN$ EP

BUTTER&GUN$

On April 26, 2008 Blue Scholars will release their second digital-only EP release, BUTTER&GUN$, on Massline in partnership with Rawkus Records. The EP features four songs (and four accompanying instrumental tracks), including the previously-released "Loyalty" (from Bayani), the EP title track "BUTTER&GUN$ (Loyalty pt. 2)," and the autobiographical "27". A video for the song "Loyalty" will be released simultaneously in conjunction with the EP, directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi (who also directed the group’s "Back Home" and "Joe Metro" videos).

Get it on iTunes, Amazon.com, Zune and other digital music outlets.

3:47 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Obama on Race, Finally

For those wondering, I am currently not, nor will I be, endorsing any of the presidential candidates in this year’s elections. And I will articulate those reasons at another time. Today, however, I feel obliged to share my thoughts on Barack Obama’s recent speech on... (drum roll) RACISM!

I can’t front. I am impressed with Barack Obama. As a performer. Under intense scrutiny and in the face of blatant and subtle racism he has remained composed, confident and is killing the game and all doubters (so far). Among all the available viable presidential candidates, he’s been the most adept at appealing to America’s growing stream of "progressives." But he’s also played it safe and said all the right (white?) things. Yes We Can. The Audacity of Hope. The Need for Change (yeah, but what kind of change? Remember, Bush campaigned for "change" too).

As much as Obama talks a good game about "change," I can’t see how any true progressive can defend his sideways comments on Fidel Castro’s resignation, his switch to a pro-Israel stance, and most of all... the fact that a presidential candidate of color has not, until now, said nary a word about racism.

Despite the obvious fact of his skin color, he’s done it all without ever truly addressing racism as a problem, much less the topic of race itself. And it’s worked to his advantage. White America loves nothing more than a person of color who doesn’t talk about race. It validates their feeling that while racism has been a problem in the past, it isn’t such a big deal now. Ultimately, the fullest realization of this new type of racism would be to have a non-threatening, race-downplaying Black president to show the world that America has finally graduated from the University of Race Relations and is ready to continue leading the free (capitalist) world!

But before committing to such a "radical" change from tradition, White America wanted to be absolutely sure Obama was their man. His relationship to black nationalist Pastor Jeremiah Wright and his church became an issue... again (mainstream media has attempted many times to derail the campaign with this story as early as last summer - i.e. New York Times). So, acting more so in defense than in action, Obama was finally forced to make a decision: keep ignoring the big-ass pink elephant in the room or finally acknowledge it. He chose the latter - and keeping in step with his campaign so far, he delivered some (relatively) real shit. He was eloquent and focused.

Whether you care about the electoral process or not, it’s undeniable - Obama’s candidacy has sparked many necessary dialogues that would be absent if we had the same Ol’ Boys running for the high office. Some people point to Obama’s successes as a sure sign that America has taken many steps forward in resolving its racial contradictions. But isn’t the fact that Obama gets singled out for his views on race a big red flag? Where do Clinton and McCain stand on this issue, and why haven’t they weighed in? Why is nobody asking them what they think about racism?

Beyond the undeniable social and economic privileges that whites possess in this country is perhaps the most powerful privilege of all: denial. That if racism is a problem, it’s ours, not theirs. It reminds me of the many mostly-white classrooms I’ve sat in - when its time to discuss race, I or another person of color would get singled out and asked to share our views for the rest of the class to digest. But racism isn’t just "our" problem, it’s everyone’s problem - and while I can not lend my support to Obama (or any presidential candidate), I applaud him for finally bringing this issue to the forefront and forcing people to reassess their own views on the subject and take a break from the bullshit to engage in real talk.

But let’s be really real - change can only occur from the bottom, up. Not from the top, down. Ever. And while Obama delivered a memorable speech, let’s not forget that it was not until it became an issue in the media that could no longer be ignored (and could possibly derail his campaign) that he finally addressed it. AND that he made every point to distance himself from his dude. As manong Philip Vera Cruz said: a movement must go beyond its leaders. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have Obama lend his charisma and leadership to a revolutionary cause instead of a reformist one. I’ll be watching closely between now and the Democratic National Convention in August. If Obama is America’s great (black) hope, he may very well be it’s last.

originally posted by Geologic at prometheusbrown.wordpress.com

Currently listening : Ballot Or The Bullet Complete Speech

8:39 PM - 10 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

More on the Joe Metro EP - Out Nov 6, 2007

TRACKLISTING

1 Joe Metro
2 Joe Metro (Remix)
3 Southbound
4 Town Talk (Part 1) The Physics & Blue Scholars featuring Khingz
5 North By Northwest (Jake One Remix)
6 Joe Metro - Instrumental
7 Joe Metro (Remix) - Instrumental
8 Southbound - Instrumental
9 Town Talk (Part 1) - Instrumental
10 North By Northwest (Jake One Remix) - Instrumental

Available Nov 6, 2007 at:

o iTunes
o Napster
o Liquid/Wal-mart.com
o Real Networks/Rhapsody
o Sony Connect
o Zune
o fye.com
o Yahoo
o Buy.com
o ECast
o Helio
o Mix 'N' Burn
o Moontaxi/Puretracks: Univision
o Neurotic Media
o NextRadio
o Ruckus
o Rowe
o SoundBuzz
o Starbucks/HearMusic
o Virtual Music Stores
o Wurldmedia

Additionally downloads of full tracks will be available via Sprint, Verizon, and Helio.

12:42 AM - 7 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

New EP, US Tour Dates

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BLUE SCHOLARS present THE PROGRAM

"The Program" brings together the most exciting Hip Hop artists in the Northwest over 5 nights at Neumo's December 18 - 22 for the filthiest celebration of Northwest Hip Hop Seattle has seen. Each night will also feature sets by the Northwest's leading DJ's, gallery art by some of the scene's best visual artists, booths from local labels and community activist groups, online interviews with the show's producers and instructional demonstrations from local producers and mc's. And there you have it: The Program.

The Program
December 18 - 22, 2007

Tue Dec 18 - Blue Scholars, Surprise Special Guest (really!), Unexpected Arrival, Siren's Echo :: DJ DV One

Wed Dec 19 - Blue Scholars. Common Market, D. Black, Sleep of Old Dominion, Can-U :: DJ Vitamin D

Thur Dec 20 - Blue Scholars, Saturday Knights , Khingz, Grynch :: DJ B-Mello

Fri Dec 21 - Blue Scholars, Dyme Def, J. Pinder, GMK :: DJ Jake One

Sat Dec 22 - Blue Scholars, Cancer Rising, The Physics :: DJ blesOne *

Neumo's :: 925 E Pike, Seattle WA :: 8:00 pm Doors :: Advance Tickets $15; $18 DOS. Tickets at TicketsWest.com :: General public onsale starts October 12th at 10:00 a.m

* All Shows ALL AGES except Saturday December 22 (21 +)

Limited Presale with the password of "STRANGER" or "KEXP" starting October 8th. General public onsale starts October 12th at 10:00 a.m

http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/evenue/ev68/se/DisplayPromoList.d2w/report?linkID=twspok&RSRC=&RDAT=&caller=PR

12:34 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment