Release Day! Trackademicks Doubleheader!

A while back I dropped the first singles off of my upcoming project, State of the Arts, for free download.

Today, go and grab the maxi-singles available everywhere digitally, complete with new exclusive B-sides and Remixes!



FOOL ON THE HILL

01. Fool On The Hill featuring Phonte
02. Fool On The Hill (Instrumental)
03. Fool On The Hill (1-O.A.K. Remix) featuring Phonte
04. Fool On The Hill (Snippet)
05. Life Is What You Make It

FOOL ON THE HILL on itunes



STOP IT!
01. Stop It! featuring Mistah F.A.B.
02. Stop It! (Instrumental)
03. Stop It! (Snippet)
04. Kodachrome

Stop it! on itunes

Side[Track]ed: The Heavens.

I'm literally sitting here working on the liner notes for State Of Arts and got to thinking, on a tangent of course.

Our World is like the Heavens.

What am I talking about?

Well its like this. People are like stars. You can see them from far away and they leave an impact for all to see. There are all kinds of stars. Big, Small. Some are known, named. Some are part of groups, galaxies, clusters. Some are solitary, but still shine bright.

There are also "heavenly bodies" that we can't see. Some, like planets and moons, may revolve around stars, but for the most part exist with very little fanfare. They can also bring meaning to the stars the revolve around. An audience, following, fans, of sorts.

Some individuals are comets, traveling their own paths, not bound to the same immediate order that most other bodies are. They don't come around often, only just enough four you catch a glimpse.

Some people are like Meteors. Existing on the fringes, sometimes crashing into other matter for no apparent reason, other than to remind you that they do exist. And sometimes, make you realize how fragile your own existence maybe.

Just a rumination...

Production on Polyester's new album

I'm glad to have had a chance to work with Poly on his new album. He's one of those dudes that can do it all.

Technically this isn't the first time I've worked with him... He mixed one of my favorite productions, J*Davey's "Valley Of Love"

Check out my production on album opener, "Friend of Mine".


via HNRL
Polyester releases his debut album, Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, today! The project features some of his frequent collaborators including Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, Like (of Pac Div) and our very own Trackademicks behind the boards on track #1 – “Friend of Mine”. You should already know Poly from a hella fresh mixtape from a few years back, Curly Tops & Nautica Jackets (under the L.A.U.S.D. moniker with L4zy Lou), and work with L.A. heavyweights including J*DaVeY, Taz of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Blu, U-N-I and hella others folks… just get familiar and cop that album!


Get Peace, Love, Unity, Respect Now!

The Art of Re-use

Prelude to Interim (Documentary) from The Art of Re-use on Vimeo.

The homie Whiz shot me this video from The Madbury Club. This is right up my alley. Just in case you forgot, I do this too... And like them, maybe I should do it for you too...

NBA Jam Launch Party This Tuesday at True SF

This is shaping up to be a good time...

Make sure you slide through!

Saturday::Craze::J-Wow::Trackademicks::@ Public Works SF

It's going down this Saturday night at Public Works in SF!

I'll be performing new material off of my upcoming project State Of The Arts! Be sure to come out... This is going to be off the hook!

For a thorough synopsis of the evening click HERE.

Show @ 111 Minna this Wednesday

Come check out the show this wednesday!

RSVP HERE

Out Today! Lyrics Born- AS U WERE

The big homie Lyrics Born has just released his latest album, AS U WERE. I had the pleasure of contributing to a few songs as well as producing and featuring on "Block Bots".

Look out for that "Lies X 3" (Trackademicks Remix), coming soon!

AS U WERE Available Now!

Track List:
1. Kontrol Phreak
2. I Wanna B W/U (Feat. Lateef)
3. We Live By The Beat
4. Coulda Woulda Shoulda (Feat. Sam Sparro)
5. As U Were Reception (Skit)
6. I've Lost Myself (Feat. Joyo Velarde)
7. Lies X 3
8. Born-E-Oh's! (Skit)
9. Pushed Aside/Pulled Apart (Feat. Lateef)
10. Oh, Baby!
11. I'm The Best (Funky Fresh In The Flesh)
12. Block Bots (Feat. Trackademicks and Clyde Carson)
13. Pillz 'Lude (skit)
14. Pillz (Feat. The Gift of Gab of Blackalicious)
15. Something Better (Feat. Francis And The Lights)

Out Now! Fool's Gold Compilation Vol. 1

Its finally here! The compilation features cuts from the whole extended Fool's Gold fam.

Check out the live version of my track, "The Best Stroke" LIVE @ SXSW



You can also pick up physical copies of FG Vol 1 at Opening Ceremony stores, and Golden Week at any record shop worth their salt.

Fool’s Gold Vol 1
- iTunes
- Amazon
- Opening Ceremony

1. Treasure Fingers f. Haley Small - Keep Up
2. Vega - No Reasons (Tensnake Remix)
3. Sammy Bananas - Move Your Body
4. Trackademicks - The Best Stroke
5. A-Trak f. CyHi Da Prynce - Ray Ban Vision
6. Kid Sister - Don’t Stop Movin
7. Lil B - Freeze
8. The Suzan - Animal
9. Flosstradamus - Cape Town Get Down
10. LA Riots - Control Your Tuba
11. Congorock - Babylon (Riton Remix)
12. Kingdom f. Tiombe Lockhart - Remember
13. Jokers Of The Scene f. vitaminsforyou - Power Slave
14. Nacho Lovers - Zero Time

VIDEO: Spank Pops- "Beautiful Noise" directed by Aris Jerome

Spank Pops - Beautiful Noise from HNRL on Vimeo.

The next visual for the title track off of the Spank Pops' EP, Beautiful Noise.

Directed by Aris Jerome... Just in case you forgot!

Fool's Gold Compilation Vol. 1 Artwork and Track List

Its going down! Check out my track, "The Best Stroke", dropping on the compilation Oct. 25!

(Via Pitchfork)
Fool's Gold, the label founded by DJs A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, will release its first compilation on October 25. Fool's Gold Vol. 1, released in partnership with Downtown, drops digitally on October 25. There's also a limited edition CD, but you'll only be able to buy it at locations of the high-fashion store Opening Ceremony.


Fool's Gold Vol. 1:

01 Treasure Fingers: "Keep Up [ft. Haley Small]"
02 Vega: "No Reasons (Tensnake Remix)"
03 Sammy Bananas: "Move Your Body"
04 Trackademicks: "The Best Stroke"
05 A-Trak: "Ray Ban Vision [ft. CyHi Da Prince]"
06 Kid Sister: "Don't Stop Movin"
07 Lil B: "Freeze"
08 The Suzan: "Animal" (Miike Snow cover)
09 Flosstradamus: "Cape Town Get Down"
10 LA Riots: "Control Your Tuba"
11 Congorock: "Babylon (Riton Remix)"
12 Kingdom: "Remember [ft. Tiombe Lockhart]"
13 Jokers of the Scene: "Power Slave [ft. vitaminsforyou]"
14 Nacho Lovers: "Zero Time"

Exclusive: Trackademicks "Stop It!" feat. Mistah F.A.B.

Trackademicks - Stop It! feat. Mistah F.A.B. by The Honor Roll

Released by: HNRL Music
Release/catalogue number: HNRL 0001

"Mr Braggadocio, why you rappin' so-so/
You used to a showboat, but nowadays it don't float..."

I'm gassed to drop the next single off of my upcoming album State Of The Arts. This one features my long time homie and collaborator Mistah F.A.B. I can honestly say I don't know anyone who loves the grind more that this dude, so it was only right to get him on the track to give his perspective about it.



Songs like this and "Fool On The Hill" are really what State Of The Arts is all about.

Artistic Integrity.
Authenticity.
Diligence.
Honor.

Download FREE now on Bandcamp.

Live from the Standard: Topsidin'

Trackademicks- "Topsidin'" LIVE at the Standard DTLA.

This is footage I found on youtube from last year of one of the shows I did in LA. It was off the hook, as you can see. The real reason I'm posting this is because, despite record highs this week, we didn't really have a summer in the Bay. Yes, I'm living vicariously through, well, myself.

"Topsidin'" available now on iTunes courtesy of Fools Gold!

Video: Mike Baker- "Food For Thought"

Mike Baker the Bike Maker - Food For Thought from HNRL on Vimeo.

Off of the Bike Maker's mixtape out now, Body of Work.

Download full mix as separated tracks: hnrl.bandcamp.com

Get That.

BackTRACKin': Head Over Heels.

Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels
Uploaded by manon42. - Explore more music videos.

Both of these songs are equally appealing to me in different ways. True, they're sharing the same post because they share the same name. But you can't deny them. Both songs have strong piano based chord progressions... the thing my dreams are often made up of. There's nothing better than deeeeeeep chords. That emotional shit. So its even better when they infiltrate popular music with force. Its almost a guarantee I'll bring these up again...

Not to mention, "Head Over Heels". A feeling I've been struck with a few times... Including now.

Video: Duck Sauce- "Barbara Streisand"

This video is crazy. Full of a ridiculous amount cameos. Shout out to A-Trak!

Exclusive: F.A.M.E. x Mike Baker "Nightcap"

Peep the newness from Mike Baker.

One of the choice cuts from Mike Baker’s Body of Work mixtape can now be enjoyed as a loosie (instrumental included)! Produced by F.A.M.E. (Teeko, Max Kane, Malaguti), with additional guitar from Mugpush (On The Hill Productions).

Download here .

EXCLUSIVE: 1-O.A.K.- "Me & You"

Me & You (prod. by 1-O.A.K.) by The Honor Roll

Fellow HNRL member 1-O.A.K. blesses us today with his debut!

In a musical landscape that can sometimes feel convoluted, 1-O.A.K. is a "definite" in a land of "maybes". One of the most astute musicians I have the pleasure of knowing, he is one of the ones that "gets it". If its not for the vocals, its for the production. If its not for the production, its for the writing. If its not for the writing, its for the drumming.

I had a chance to work on "Me & You" as a co-writer. This song is a message to all those apprehensive in love.

Our advice? Take a leap of faith.

Get on Bandcamp
Purchase on iTunes

EXCLUSIVE: Trackademicks- "Fool On The Hill" featuring Phonte

Trackademicks - Fool On The Hill feat. Phonte by The Honor Roll
Released by: HNRL Music
Release/catalogue number: HNRL1226

Its the end of summer next week.
Just about time to break out that fall wardrobe.
Optimum time for some new HNRL music in your life.

Class is in Session!!!

It is my pleasure to present the first single off of my debut full length offering "State Of The Arts", dropping this Fall. This is also the debut release (HNRL 1226) for HNRL Music's single series.



I feel like this song is a good one to start with.

Perseverance.
Consistency.
Confidence.
Fulfillment.
Dedication.
Originality.
Courage.
Humility.
Purpose.
Heart.

Anything that's worth doing, worth obtaining, uses some combination of these. And along the way, sometimes people stand in the way, deliberately or otherwise. For them, all I have to give is a blank stare. Like a Fool On The Hill.

DOWNLOAD via Bandcamp: Trackademicks- "Fool On The Hill" featuring Phonte.

DeLorean's First Shipment

Its funny, Marty McFly's Car
with Brantley Foster's theme music.

I just happened upon this looking for David Foster music. He composed the theme to St Elmo's Fire and the whole score to my faaaaaaaaaaavorite movie, Secret of My Success, of which this song is from.

Michael J. fox was UNTOUCHABLE.

STATE OF THE ARTS.

Photo taken by and from Vash with LUV

Labor day was yesterday.

Does that mean I can't wear white anymore? Even on the Fresh Coast???

F*%# that. I make my own rules.

One thing about rules. I believe rules are made to be broken by those who know how to effectively break them. Its like something you have to earn.

Not sure too much is earned these days. I'm mean today, you can pretty much skip steps and instantly thrust yourself to internet stardom in with the quickness. And folks who've gotten that 15 minutes of fame have been hanging on to it for 20, 25 minutes. Like, whoever talks the loudest and fastest can stay. Not saying that I'm even mad at all of it. I mean, where else are you gonna find a hollywood daughter turned pornstar who makes beats for other rappin' pornstars???

Pure entertainment. Porno Producers. Actor Rappers. Part Time Artists. Full Time Hustlers.

What are folks standing for? $$$ and fame can't be enough.

Don't mistake this random rant as me being an idealist. I know the twist.

I just understand balance is conducive to health. And right now many of us are forced to eat at the Corner Store that only sells Flaming Hot Cheetos, Old English, and Sour Powers, not knowing there's a Whole Foods in town. Takes a little more effort to get to, but the health benefits are unmatched.

All this isn't new.

Art Vs. Commerce.
Talent Vs. Hustle.
Betting on Complacency.

for many...

This is the State of Hip-Hop.
This is the State of R&B.

A State of Emergency.

And even with my concern, I'm not worried. There are many who make that trip to Whole Foods and bring groceries back to those who aren't in the know.

Those who haven't lost sight that this time, this life, NOW affects the future.

This $h!t right here??? This $h!t right here??? This $h!t right here???

This IS the STATE OF THE ARTS.

Album Coming SOOOOOOOOOON.

oh and...

N!66@ DON'T ACT LIKE A B!TCH!!!!!

This has been a BASED FREE WRITE.


Track.

Mixtape: Mike Baker the Bike Maker- 'Body of Work'

Mike Baker the Bike Maker: BODY OF WORK Mixed by Capski by The Honor Roll

School is back in session. And the HNRL has all your required listening materials.

First up on the list is Mike Baker's 'Body Of Work' Mixtape.

Let's Go!

From the HNRL blog:

"“Body Of Work” is the new mixtape by HNRL member, Mike Baker the Bike Maker. Mixed by up and coming DJ/Producer Capski, this is a work that chronicles where the bespectacled MC’s head is at in this moment in time. Inspired by 90′s Hip-Hop, the female form, James Bond, the 60′s, and other cool shit. The mix features original production from the likes of F.A.M.E., Vinroc, DJ Ayres, A.D.D. *Productions, Doctor J, 1-O.A.K. and Sophomore."

Download full mix as separated tracks: hnrl.bandcamp.com

God Made Me Funky.

Aint that right.

If you missed it the first time, it's back One Mo Gin.

Little Dragon Feat. 1-O.A.K., Blinking Pigs (1-O.A.K. ‘God Made Me Funky Remix’)

Summer Topsidin': NY, SF, LA, LDN, LV

Summertime Topsidin'.
International Affairs.
Jetsetters Paradise.
Golden State of Mine.

Here's are some flicks of this summer's travels...


NYC: Subway FG Bushmills Ad


BK: Bike City, Williamsburg


SF: GG Bridge


SF: GG Bridge


SF: GG Bridge


SF Bay


Bay Area: BFD with Amp Live


DTLA Skyline


LA: Paramount


LA: Kid Sister, Paramount


LA: Paramaount


Interstate 5, Bay Bound at Dusk


Interstate 5, Bay Bound, Floating on Diamond Dust...


LA: Cowboys and Turbans, Mexi-Desi jumpoff


LDN: Ummmm...


LDN: Buckingham Palace


LDN: Fabric


LDN: Show @ The Coronet


LDN: British Lays


LV: HNRL x Kid Sister & family, "International Affairs" Video Shoot, Tao Beach.


LV: HNRL, "International Affairs" Video Shoot

Trackadeezy Down Under

Okay, Okay, super l
ate pass in order.

I got a chance to go to Australia for the first time this past Spring on tour with Kid Sister and Melo-X for Creamfields Australia.

Two Weeks. Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne.

I had a blast.


The Indian Ocean, Perth.
I've always wanted to go to Perth since I was a kid. I think it has to do with the name as well. Perth. It just seems so far from everything. I actually learned while out there that it actually is the most isolated major city in the world.

West is a 10 hour plane ride to Africa.
South is Antarctica.
East is a 1675 mile drive to Adelaide.
North is about a 2500 mile drive to Darwin.


Yes, the Aussie BK.
Sounds a bit more Mannish than Burger King.
And I'm sure Hungry Jack could beat Jack in the Box's arse.


Attention Americans. Pack underwear if you plan on going down under. At least while the Australian dollar is around 90 cents American.

Lesson. Don't Arrive to the airport late. We were the last to board. My bags didn't make it on the flight. Quantas gave me a $300 stipend. I thought "Cooool". I get to the mall to buy underwear and some show clothes.

NOT!!!

$169 Polo shirt. $159 Levi's. $35 socks. I can go on for days with this list. If you're from Australia, you'll come here and have a retail field day.

Needless to say, I figured it out.


First car I see off the plane in Canberra. Class Act, Down Under anyone? Where's Kid & Play?


Apparently, you're not supposed to walk across the street... You have to Tap Dance. Love the fashion forward street signage.


Sydney. My Porkpie Hat chillin' on the table at Spice Monkey. It was a very dark spot. Food was good. The walls showcased Asian women's faces. Nothing more, nothing less. Hmmmm


Perth. Daytime show at Creamfields Australia. Those kids realllllly love to party.


Brisbane. 6:50AM. Loved it here. We were really only there for one day but it was FUN. Nice tropical weather. The show here was AMAZING. In front of at least 20,000 folks. Met a some great people... Shout out to Mz. Boss!


Breezy Brizzy had a dope looking downtown too.


Melbourne. Okay, so I'm a BONA FIDE Californian. This means I know Mexican food. GREAT Mexican Food. And while I was out in Melbourne it was Cinco De Mayo. I highly considered going into Taco Bill for a shot of Don Julio... But for some reason I didn't think Taco BILL would ring my Taco ...

LOL.


Melbourne. Vegie Bar on Brusnwick St in Fitzroy to be exact. Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm not a vegetarian. Kinda hard for a Filipino/Black kid raised on beef, chicken, and pork. BUT that didn't stop me from demolishing this Lentil Burger. Craving it.

A week earlier in LA I was at Simply Wholesome with TeroneRoyal and Whiz. Vegetarian/Vegan paradise. Who says peer pressure has to always be negative?

Not my Stomach.


Melbourne. On the way to the show. The obligatory "In the Zone" Shot.

We spent five days in Melbourne. I had time to run all over the place. Very dope city. Reminds me of San Francisco. The street art and graffiti is SUUUUPER Fresh. Hip-Hop is definitely alive and well out there. I even got into a cab with some random folks who ended up knowing who I was, yelling "we got Fool's Gold in here!" Whoa...

On top of that, I did some dope clothes shopping... I'm an Addict, What can I say?

I must go back.


Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, en route to LA, just at dawn. The new Quantas A380 super jet has this Dope Skycam on the tail of the the aircraft. You really feel like you're doing it big. Its CRAZY during takeoff and landing.

I'll be back. Soon. Mark my words with a Sharpie.

TWITTER ---->HNRLcrew

Don't Follow us... Come along for the ride.

twitter.com/HNRLcrew

Album Out Now!!! The Count and Sinden- Mega Mega Mega

The Homies from across the pond have finally released their album Mega Mega Mega
on Domino Records! Make sure you peep the opening track "Do You Really Want It", featuring me... Yeee!!!

Tracklisting:
1. Do You Really Want It - feat. Trackademicks
02. After Dark - feat. Mystery Jets
03. Desert Rhythm
04. Hardcore Girls - feat. Rye Rye
05. Roll Out - feat. 77 Klash
06. Elephant 1234
07. Hold me - feat. Katy B
08. Mega
09. Addicted To You - feat. Bashy
10. Panther
11. Llamamé - feat. Coolio Iglesias
12. You Make Me Feel So Good

LBTV Interview

Check out my interview on LBTV as I speak about Lyrics Born's upcoming project As U Were, the most "Mobbin'" Bay songs every and a bit about my own Project, State of the Arts.

HNRL.

Exclusive Video: Mike Baker the Bike Maker- "La La La"

Mike Baker the Bike Maker - La La La from HNRL on Vimeo.

New Video off of Mike Baker's upcoming mixtape, Body of Work, dropping Sept 6th...

HNRL.

Back to Business, though I never left...

Alright.

I apologize.

Apparently I'm terrible at maintaining a relationship these days.

Just because I didn't update you doesn't mean I don't care.

I just been preoccupied with Shooting videos. Traveling. And most importantly... Getting the album DONE.

And Now, it FINALLY is.



Now I can get back to sharing allllllll the wonderful happenings in my life.

Like my album... STATE OF THE ARTS.

Over the next few weeks and months I'll make sure I get you familiar with it.

Back to Business...

HNRL.

Double Dribblin'

I am addicted to second hand shopping.

Thrift stores.

Its mostly about the chase.




Finding Diamonds in the rough.

Like a throwback Polo duffle

Or a some True Blue Jordan 3's.

Got all this at one spot in Downtown LA...

All for under $40

Instant Vintage, Second Hand Ballin'... I call it Double Dribblin'.