Friendship’s Inconvenience
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Friends

Yeah, so, you all know that I fancy myself as a loner. It's not something I do to be all mysterious, I just prefer my own company. It's not that I don't like people. I am a social guy and I'm in a social industry. The thing is that people have always treated me differently. Being an artist people expect me to involve my selves in the wine, women and the associated debauchery that come along with being a music dude. My aims and efforts don't include those aspects so I kind of move different. This sets me apart and leaves me often in a singular position.

I've been on this continuing mission to show myself friendly. Lately I've hung out with a few acquaintances and friends. It's been cool but also challenging. I guess the challenge is that I have to make plans, give my word and stand by it. I am typically pretty non-committal when it comes to plans. You know how people will plan a lunch date for Friday on the Monday before? Well, I'm the type to call at noon on Friday and propose lunch. The reason is that I move pretty freely and my desires shift without warning.

On my continuing quest for expanding my social horizons, let this blog serve as a warning to those who might make plans with me. There's a good chance I'm going to flake but it ain't out of malice, contempt or a lack of interest. Music is one of my main focuses and inspiration hits me at the strangest times. If it hits when I'm on the way to connect with you we'll have to reschedule. Don't say I didn't warn you in advance :) .

I was diagnosed as suffering from an affliction called "musical tunnel vision." I went to the Doctor and he said he'd have to partially lobotomize me to fix the problem. I wasn't down with that so I guess I'll keep doin' me...even at the risk of burning a bridge or two.

Word up. Until next time.

9:21 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

What Now, Brown?
Category: Music

The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity. It all culminated with my triumphant return to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. I had an absolute blast and i'm glad I could take to the NOLA streets in such a big way.

So anyway, I'm kind of in a cool down period deciding what my next thing will be. I was checking my email recently and received an amazing performance opportunity in the most random place ever. I'm not going to announce it yet cause it's still up in the air, but if it works out...prepare to be shocked and amazed.

Anyway, now that I've settled back in I feel like I need to get some new music out. People have really responded to the new Bionik/Quickie mixtape.  I think I will drop the joint with Xperiment this year as well as my project with Andino. I will also be launching my website where you kids can download a bunch of previously unreleased heat. I will be in my usual world touring mode but expect some newness coming soon. Oh, yeah, look for the new DVD and the book Groupie Chronicles.

Anyway, thanks for checking in. I'm excited to be plugged in with all the real heads. I appreciate this MySpace love too and I've made an effort to write everyone back in a timely fashion. Check out the new pix, cop the album Platinum Thoughts, Aluminum Budget (CD Baby, my page, iTunes, etc.) and the Jazz Fest mixtape and keep listening.

I love y'all more everyday. Hip hop is a beautiful thing!

12:57 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Jazz Fest Week Recap
Current mood: blessed
Category: Travel and Places

Alright, so now it's all over. My time in New Orleans has come to an end and it was mega-eventful. Now that I got some sleep and detoxed from all that food I am ready to recap what went down in detail. I plan to feature both the high and lowlights of my week at home so brace yourself.

So, I landed in NOLA on April 29th and right as I exited the airport to hop in the limo...who do I see but Tommy Lee puffin' on a cig. He was a lot more skinny than I expected, heavily tatted and pretty cool. I didn't ask him to take a pic with me but I took one of him...see my album. After that I headed to Mama's house to chill. It was cool seein' Mom. My next day was pretty open. The next day I went into the studio with my dude, A. Levy and dropped a hot one. I had lunch with my lil' sis too. I can't recall what I did that night so I'll jump ahead to Lafayette.

Friday night we had a show in Lafayette, LA which is about 2.5 hours outside of NOLA. It was actually Quickie Mart and Icon's tour and he'd asked me to jump on. I was a bit reluctant to do so because it was a long drive, a late night and there would be no money made but I did it for my boy. When me and Sean C. pulled up it was pretty much a ghost town. The venue was pretty empty as was the parking lot.

By this point, I was regretting renting the car, wasting the gas and not being able to get in bed early due to the show/drive home but I put on a happy face. We chilled in the waiting room and it never really got packed. So we were told that they were probably going to shut down the show since the crowd was light. I was like "HELL NO" they can't shut this down. I took it upon myself to get on stage and start freestyling.

From there a few more people came in, it turned to a full on cipher with me and Icon and Swell spittin'. For the folks were in attendance, it was a cool little vibe. We rocked it and management decided to let us play our sets since a few heads had filed in. We all did abbreviated sets so it wasn't a total waste. That drive back home was quick and painless too...Thank God!

I have to say that all in all the Lafayette show was quite a disappointment. I expected big things from Lafayette and they didn't deliver. I have had a lot of support from people out there in terms of them getting at me and saying all kinds of nice things on MySpace but most of those folks didn't show up. I'm really big on being honest and truthful. If you say you're going to do something your word has to be your bond. If it ain't, it's hard for me to respect you. But, I ain't bitter!As a result, I won't go back to do another show there but I will wish them the best. I have to give mad love to the heads who did show up like Swell and Friends, Isabel, Andino, the Doorman (super cool!), the bartenders, Chris and the rest of the staff at Grant Street too.

So, now let's talk about Jazz Fest. It rained all night before Jazz Fest and even that morning the weather was super-crappy. I was depressed cause I thought it would keep raining. We were all praying and GOD heard our cry. The skies cleared up just in time for the show. I got to see my homie, Tondrae perform and then posted up in the trailer with my dudes and my family. We waited a few minutes and then it was show time. Quickie took the stage first, did a juggle and then I burst out to perform APB. It's such a rush being on a stage that size. I looked in the audience and saw so many familiar faces. It was dope. Big shout Asali, The Gapultos Brothers, Kenneth and Monica, Mom and Rach, Troy Peloquin, Ric Pardo and the rest of my peeps who made it out.

I banged through my set and me and Sean killed it. There were 3 cameras on us and it was ill seeing myself on the jumbo tron. People seemed to enjoy it a lot...I know I did. Anyway, the whole event was positive. I left the stage with a lot of love and hated to see the end of the show. Me and Sean went to get some grub and after that we watched the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and then THE ROOTS!!! The Roots were what I was waiting for and they didn't disappoint.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that I got to politic with my friends Ludacris and Questlove. I had pollied with Questo before but this was my first time getting at Luda. He asked me for a CD and I obliged. I told him I wanted to be the next Bobby Valentino (he laughed!) The Roots ripped it and Luda played 2 songs with them (Stand Up/Move Bitch). For the record, Black Thought is one of the most slept on cats in the game hands down. I had someone secretly filming footage of all this for my DVD and Luda and the Roots were being filmed for some Discovery Channel show about going green. They did some stuff for mine as well.

After that show we proceeded along out of the venue. I dropped off the team and went back home to take a nap in prep for a wild night. My wild night led me to the Hookah Cafe on Frenchmen Street. My homie had a show there and I was the designated freestyler in conjunction with Truth Universal (What Up!) and One Eyed Willie (Yeah!). It was a dope session and I was feeling it. I spit at the crowd for a long time and it was amazing.

I met a lot of new people and got to hang with my ol' friend Sunni Patterson...the illest poet I know. It was an ill time and I really enjoyed myself. I met a few young ladies and some cool guys and even drank 2 Rum and Cokes. If you know me, you know I don't drink, so that was a major thing. I didn't get full but they were strong. After that I went back home to prepare for the next day. I planned to do some shopping and decided to skip Quickie's tour stop in Baton Rouge, fearing a similar effect from Lafayette.

Sunday was time to wind down. We did a little show at the Circle Bar and that was intimate but actually really fun. I got to see Jeff and PJ from Media Darling which was nice. We had some negative history but I didn't feel any of that. It felt like love to me. I also saw the newly married Know One and got to enjoy his set. His album is great, if you haven't heard it yet, do so! It was a great time for sure. Everyone did killer sets from Mr. Green to Know One. Good times!

I left there at 2am and headed back to The Nine to Mama's crib. I hopped in bed and readied myself for Monday. Monday was my off day and I did what people that are off do. I ate, I shopped...I got tatted yet again and just hung out. I also found some property in the French Quarter that I want to buy so I met with the realtor and I'm making that happen. No more hotels for me. It's Casa de Brown from here on out. I didn't get to connect with friends but it was still a fire time. I can't wait to do it again next year.

All in all, it was an amazing and productive time. Thanks, NOLA and everyone who supported in some way shape or form. I fell in love with NOLA all over again and realized why I love my City and State so much. We have the best people for sure (but I'm biased). At any rate, if you need to validate any of the aforementioned details with photos see the album. Word up. I love all y'all...

8:17 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Catch Me at Jazz Fest
Current mood: animated
Category: Music

If you haven't heard yet, I'm coming back to Louisiana to do some shows. I'm extremely excited to be coming back home and it has little to do with the music. I'm just happy to be going back to the City that birthed me to hang out with all my loved ones and grub on the best cuisine.

The music'll opportunities will be the icing on the cake. If you're going to be around, definitely come hear me play. I'll be playing shows throughout my time in the City beginning with my show in Lafayette on May 2. May 3 I will be at Jazz Fest on the Congo Square Stage at 12:35p...just before the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Roots. That night I'll be making the move to Baton Rouge to play the Spanish Moon. Sunday night I'll be gracing the intimate Circle Bar.

When I'm not playing shows I will be attending them. If any one is around and wants to chill I will be all by my lonesome and down for whatever. I arrive in NOLA Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 6p. I walk off the plane and the car will take me to the studio. From there I'm heading to the Quarter to soak in the essence of the Mississippi River.

I look forward to seeing y'all. We got nothing but time, space and opportunity. Let's get it! See y'all there.

2:25 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

I am in Telluride!!! Part 1
Current mood: blessed

Hey, World,

Me and my team just arrived in Telluride. It was a treacherous journey with multiple weather changes but we’re here and chillin’ in the mo’ til soundcheck. Tonight is gonna be fun so if you’re around...holler at me. Also, a good friend of mine named Eric Lindell is playing at a different venue and we’ll be there after our show at the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon. So, with that said...holler at me when you get a minute. I got a show to do, ya’ dig!!!

B. Brown

5:15 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

What makes a woman beautiful: One Man’s Opinion
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Friends

Okay, since I got back from L.A., fellas have been blowing me up about some of the women’s pictures that I posted from my visit. Most of the comments and questions had to do with how sexy the ladies were, how they could get numbers on some of them (especially the twins) and what my personal exploits were. It got me to thinking about  women in general and how much they influence what men do.

Speaking as a Black male I know that many of us don’t really like to admit that we want to love and be loved. Most often we walk around claiming to be pimps, players, macks, ladies men, etc. Those of us who have been any of those things know that that gets really old, really fast. I’ve never known a pimp, player or mack who didn’t have one woman who was and will always be the main girl or the most important girl in his life. I guess that’s why all these married rappers tend to rap and act like they’re single. We have made being in "the game" more appealing than being settled down and committed. Man was not made to be alone which is why God made Eve to accompany Adam.

The life of a touring artist is very different because whether we are single, have a girlfriend or are married, we find ourselves often alone in environments full of females. To compound matters they are often there specifically to see us and are often under the influence of alcohol (and sometimes other more potent medicinals!). I played one Rave in my life and all the chics on Ecstasy damn near raped me! 

I never cease to be amazed how aggressive these females are at shows. For a lowkey cat like me, I sometimes have that "deer in headlights" look on my face. Now I know what women mean when they say they feel like pieces of meat sometimes. When someone doesn’t care what your real name is or what you are all about, and only sees you as an object, it is strangely unpleasant. It’s even iller overseas where Black American men are placed on a pedestal like no other.

Being in the music business and always around fine females I have become, for lack of a better term, numb to outer beauty. This is a fact that leads a lot of ladies that I meet to think I’m arrogant or conceited which is not at all true. I’m just not impressed by looks alone...especially where potential groupies are involved. I say potential groupies because not every woman that appreciates an artist’s work is necessarily a groupie. She may very well just be a fan who happens to be a female. There is a big difference!

It’s not that I don’t appreciate a sexy lady, but at this point, they are pretty much a dime a dozen. What I personally find sexy is the total package i.e. the outer and inner beauties combining. Let’s say you take a woman that is physically a 10 and then she’s really ignorant, negative, mean or lacking in ambition. For me, that type of woman would drop from a 10 to a 5. And I don’t mean that she wouldn’t only be internally unattractive...I mean she literally will not look as good to me on the outside. My sexy-meter responds to the holistic display of beauty. So, now take a woman who is about a 5 in the looks department. If she is intelligent, funny, warm, caring then she is like a 8 or a 9...maybe even a 10.

As for the L.A. ladies that I mentioned they were all really cool and really sexy too. The ones that I called my "new friends" were all given that label because we were able to sit and vibe on different things like politics, religion, sports, philosophy, etc. They were at the club but still had good heads on their shoulders and were able to converse. The Aftermath interns were both tops in their classes with straight A’s and plans to run their own music empire. When they scooped me from the airport they were all hoodies and sneakers but for the club they cleaned up really nice. Having those kinds of levels is so beautiful in a woman to me. 

Beyond the young ladies I met and chilled with in L.A., I will say that I’m not a big fan of the plastic vibe that some of the other women had there. I don’t really like fake anything and that goes for nails, hair, eyes, eyelashes and especially breasts, butts, etc. Being from the South, I’m used to girls being naturally sexy and often acquiring their coke bottle shapes through simple genetics. A woman’s hair is mad important too...all the Beyonce weaves down to the waist just don’t get it for me. I personally believe that if it takes you 3 hours to get ready to go out then you’re doin’ too much, Girl! 

Don’t get me twisted though...I am not anti-enhancement. Makeup is a wonderful and necessary invention in my opinion. I wish more women would use it! There is however such a thing as being overdone. I find women the most beautiful when they don’t need a bunch of stuff to be fine. Fellas, picture your lady first thing in the morning (Hopefully that’s a pretty picture)...if so, you know what kind of simple beauty I am speaking of. Some ladies just don’t need any...maybe just a little lip gloss.

So, I’m bout to bounce but let me close with the following thoughts: Ladies, I know society puts a lot of pressure on y’all to be thin and glamorous. What they don’t emphasize is how sexy it is to have a brilliant, keen mind, a warm heart, an acknowledgement of God’s existence, an active spiritual life, an ability to cook and ambitions as a professional/career-oriented person and a mother (A little thickness don’t hurt either!). Finding the right balance of these things makes you beautiful. If you have a few extra pounds don’t despair because there are plenty of men that are into that. If you think your hair and nails are too short or your eyes are the wrong color...learn to love that and then consult with someone you find beautiful if you need pointers.

In closing, I apologize for the negative and/or unrealistic images that my partners in rhyme have promoted that may have contributed to you feeling that you are never fine enough. Believe me when I say that the majority of men are riding with you and enjoying you just as you are! Men are simple creatures and if you can provide us just a few basic qualities we will love you for life...even if it’s hard for us to admit it. 

Well, I gotta get back to living. I love all y’all. Word. 

9:26 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Where you can get my album digitally!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Music

Now that we're living in the digital age, everyone wants to access their music digitally. For those who have been wondering where they can score my latest opus, Platinum Thoughts, Aluminum Budget, please accept the following direction. You have a million options. Choose one!

 

B. Brown

 

GroupieTunes

http://www.groupietunes.com/artists/BionikBrown

MusicIsHere

http://musicishere.com/artists/Bionik_Brown/Platinum_Thoughts%2C_Aluminum_Budget

Nexhit

http://www.nexhit.com/album.asp?id=4271

PayPlay

http://payplay.fm/bionik

PassAlong

http://www.passalong.com/Music/AlbumDetails.aspx?AlbumId=217671

Tradebit

http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/1283222

Chondo

http://chondo.net/cnd/viewArtists.do?artistId=11987

Chondo

http://chondo.net/cnd/viewAlbums.do?albumId=14235

10:20 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

2 Nights in L.A.: Ghostwriter Chronicles
Current mood: artistic
Category: Travel and Places

Greetings, People,

I had an amazing weekend. People frequently ask me what it's like not only being an artist but being a ghostwriter. It's a really unique work situation because you can be called at any moment to write for someone. Sometimes that involves them sending you a track and you writing to it at home and sending it back via email or fax. Other times they actually fly you down to contribute product. In this case it was the latter option.

On Friday I got a call to fly to L.A. to contribute some verses for potential inclusion in Dr. Dre's upcoming Detox project. Now, before you get impressed by that, keep in mind that the stuff I write is in competition with verses from several other ill cats like Lil' Wayne, Devin the Dude, Jay-Z and others. My stuff may or may not make the cut but of course the opportunity and exposure is wonderful. God's will be done, right!

So, I hopped on the plane and flew into LAX Friday night. I checked into the beautiful Mondrian Hotel on Sunset and then two interns came through to scoop me. The car zoomed me to the studio. My room at the Mondrian was off the chain but I wasn't there long enough to enjoy it. When I got to the studio my connect already had the tracks going. I didn't hesitate whatsoever...I dove right in. They were Dre tracks so I made sure to absolutely murder what I heard. It was crazy!

I was in the studio until 6 in the morning, went and got some chicken and waffles and then went to sleep for several hours. I wrote about 20 complete songs. Chances are a few of my verses will be used but not any complete songs. They may also wind up on other artists' records. It doesn't matter to me....

I woke up, went back to the studio and kept grindin' it out. The guys were super-hospitable and offered to take me out. I told them I wasn't big on the club but they insisted so I went to get dressed and we headed out on the town. We stopped at 2 different spots with the night culminating in the VIP section at a spot which I think was called Vanguard.

I personally hate the VIP section because the real fun is out on the floor, not behind the velvet rope. I was with some dudes who preferred to shine though so I had to ride with them. I did sneak away and shake a leg with a few new friends I made. For pics, see the photo album! You'll notice all my new friends are female. Don't trip off that though...I was well behaved. I can appreciate beauty without "partaking!" I basically just hung out and had a great time with all my new friends.

I met a lot of cool people there too. It was an amazing time really. I even wrote some bangers at the club 'cause it got me inspired. Now I'm finding it hard to read the verses I scribbled on the napkins now but I can still get the essence of the lines nonetheless. Not being a club guy, being in that environment put me in the right mindstate to write a few party records.

As far as wack parts of the night, the bouncers were kinda sketchy but when they heard I was working on Dre's stuff they totally flipped a script. We were offered several free bottles. I, of course, declined but took a pineapple juice to the head...then chased that with a Red Bull. I don't mess with alcohol as a rule and it's hard to explain that to people. Well, it's not hard...it's just annoying trying to explain that. People think rap dudes have to indulge in all the typical stuff that people are into, ya' dig. I'm a diff'rent type dude but y'all know that.

All in all, my time in L.A. was cool. I didn't get to connect with my homeboys or any of my family but it was nice nonetheless. They liked what I did and it looks like they'll be bringing me back down to do some more work. I didn't meet Dre but I'm sure that'll happen in time. As the situation develops I hope y'all will check back in. This ride is getting more interesting everyday. I'm doin' it all for my family, the City of NOLA and most importantly God.

Lastly, take a look at my photo albums. I put an album up with some interesting pictures from my L.A. Trip and the subsequent night club adventures. I'll keep y'all posted on developments.

Be good and keep it positive. Thanks, West Coast! You were good to me...

9:25 PM - 9 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Hip Hop Lives: B-Boys, B-Girls and B. Brown!!!
Current mood: quiet
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Last night I had the privilege of attending and performing at a B-Boy Battle at the Falcon in Englewood, CO.

I was running on about 4 hours sleep from the night before so the whole drive there I was dreading the night. I dragged myself out of the car and entered the venue with my hoodie up and my hat low. The spot was pretty dope...like half venue/half bowling alley. They had a great bar with a cool wait staff. I bought a nice spinach salad and a Coke and began to get energized. I met up with my DJ, Kinetik, who was pleasant as always. In the front, near the stage, they were taping linoleum pieces to the floor...how hip hop is that!

This kid, Thomas, who had put the night together did an amazing job of organizing a stellar event. There was a nice amount of heads in the place to be and it was super cool to see the love in the room. I miss the feeling of friendly competition. Kids were doing there thing but it was no drama or beef. I'm used to rap battles where cats wanna fight you after you smash on them. I had to leave that stuff alone cause I made to many enemies. It was just jokes, Fellas!

In retrospect, some of the coolest people I have made have been b-boys and b-girls. They just have this carefree vibe about them that I love and envy. B-girls are sexy too! I guess it's the flexibility, the strength and the love for hip hop music that make them the ideal females. All those factors added in together is amazing. Last night's highlights were these 2 Asian b-girls named Visa and Layla who did it in a big way...a big sexy way.

Anyway, As a rap artist I tend to be a little amped most of the time...always thinking about my next verse or flitting around trying to get to the next show. This night wasn't about me so I got to just kick back and take pictures of the contest. I did do my thing but this post isn't about that. I just want to thank all the people that attended the event for reminding me that hip hop lives. Big shout to Improv, Fluxx, DJ Squirt and all the cats I got to build with.

By the way, in terms of those pictures I mentioned...I'm gonna get those posted sometime tonight. They should be pretty decent. Well, thanks for bein' patience.

Love y'all!!!

3:07 PM - 6 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

My First Major Video Shoot
Current mood: artistic
Category: Music

Today I'm shooting a video and I'm super excited at the opportunity. I've been here on set since early in the a.m. and I'm still at it but it's goin' well so far. Everybody from the Director to the sound guy are working hard at making this my first major video a success so I thank them in advance.

As is the case with everything I do, this video will be coming out overseas first and in the U.S. whenever I get around to leaking it. For all my international heads, get prepared cause It's comin'! It was a rough end of the week last week so I need this creative release. Music therapy...gotta love it. 

This video is dope cause it's a 2 part video featuring 2 different songs. I'm not offering anymore specifics cause I want y'all to be surprised. The concept is ill and I also have a few features from some people you might recognize who happen to be working on the movie that I start shooting tomorrow.

The thing I hate about shooting a video is the waiting. It's much easier to do shoots in the club with a few girls shaking it...but I had to go and get all creative. There's no Cris' poppin', booty clappin' or 26 inch rims in this one. It's art for art's sake with a message laced in it. Y'all know how I do it.

Well, that's all on that. I'm tired and they need me back on set. Thanks for hollerin' at me. Love y'all.

Brown

5:25 PM - 6 Comments - 3 Kudos - Add Comment