Movements that don't move men, move minimally

POETIC DEATH:

Since releasing his music video for "Cowboy Bebop" 3 weeks ago, and doing other important things like the boss man that he is, Poe recently flew back to Colorado to kick it with OGT's Papa J and Joogy Music. They listened to Papa J's forthcoming project, HR-1955 ("Such a beautiful moment, this album got me tearing up no bullshit. I feel honored, and blessed on every level," said Poe). Oh yeah, and they're filming music videos, too! Here's a photo of the group on a stoop HERE. Here's a shot of Poe, Joogy, and Smokey Davisson.

You know when you listen to a song so many times, memorize every word, and spit/sing alongside the artist when it comes on? "That's my jam!" Then, occasionally, an awkward moment arises when you realize (or have been busted by a friend) that you've been singing/rapping the wrong words in a song. That might be your case for the VONPOEVII and ONLY GODZ RELATE albums. But fret not, fellow music fan, by January 1st, 2015, the lyrics for every song will be posted and made public on his website on Bandcamp (proof). Boom!

One last thing, if you are on Twitter, make sure you follow POE. He speaks on a lot of things there - drops some think-pieces, shares uplifting words, bullshits about ridiculous things, talks a lot, and other stuff. He's very active there (in comparison to Facebook), so get with it.

PAPA J. RUIZ:

Aside from mailing merch, shouting out his fans, working on his HR-1955 project, teasing his fans with the plan of new music, and a bunch of other stuff, Papa J. has been kicking it with Poe these last few days. The very first picture he posted on Facebook, shows him and the gang, standing with what resembles innards from a stuffed animal or pillow scattered in the yard "No Label just my patna's & iii." Hahaha, I'm curious to know what that was about! Want some more photo evidence of their hangouts? Find them here, here, and here.

Just in case you forgot, HR-1955 comes out in 2015. Go watch the music video for its first single, "Domestic Terrorist," if you haven't yet.

JMEGA:

JMega dropped a couple of new songs since the last time I wrote about him. First, there was "Veterans Day", produced by Phil Chronics. Over a hard-hitting, piano and string-driven beat, he raps about what it's like being a soldier in this game we call life (stream below).

Second, he supplied a verse as a guest appearance on a song called "New Word Order," by These Handz (a collaboration between Sparkii Ski and DJ Grazzhoppa). Stream and download for free. Then, True Masterz' other half MighGawd remixed that song. Stay tuned.

EMPTYSEV:

While you wait for a new Empty Sev music video, he and Jasson C dropped a new track, called "Philharmonic". Produced by OGT producer Rellim, the song catches my attention right at the start, with Jasson saying "Movements that don't move men, move minimally" just before the beat fully drops in. It's a strong line and the alliteration is hot... wheeeew, yes! Don't let that line trip you up, though, it's a grimy song about girls and grinding. "God damn, baby, I'm a muhfuckin' dog (Woof!) // Now spell it backwards, we live it backwards," spits EmptySev. The beat is real heavy and filthy, too, with intimidating kicks, sharp snares, and rapid-fire hi-hats, mixed with some mellow percussion. Overall, it's a dope track to bump on rotation. Stream and download for free!

YARAH BRAVO:

Yarah has been up to a lot, since I talked about her last. In mid-September, she shared a music video that she was featured in (and raps on), called "Strike A Pose," by producer XEWIN. Dressed in her usual funky fresh clothing, the "caramel-complexion alien" vogues like Madonna, throws up a fist like a freedom fighter, and dances like the super cool queen that she is... all while kicking positive raps about love, life, giving, and connecting with others. Hop on this spaceship with her by watching the music video below.

Yarah has been a fan of Fat Freddy's Drop since way back. I'd like to say that I heard about them through her, maybe 7 years ago... when I heard "Fat Freddy's Drop" (a OneSelf collaboration, too) on her very cool 2008 album, Good Girls Rarely Make History. Anyway, she has a folder on her Facebook page that contains several photos from their tour together in 2013, and she recently shared it as a part of #ThrowbackThursday. Go ahead and flip threw it, if you'd like. She also received a custom made hat from the band (see here).

Last week, she shared a brand new song that she was featured on. By The Unused Word, "The Kid" is a personal, somewhat emotional song about the feelings and life experiences that come with being a kid, and becoming an adult. Yarah Bravo is on the last verse, reminiscing about the kid inside of her, the hardships adulthood has, and how she refuses to let go of that fun, carefree joy that she once had as a child. From day dreaming, recording shows from the radio, playing superhero, to running naked in the rain, and so on. It's a great song, so give it a LISTEN!

"...I see my body grow old, and I feel old in my soul // I'm not a kid anymore, I got a career and so forth // But I reminisce of Lil Miss B // When everything was still a mystery // Now those things are history // Living life is like music itself, and we're the dancers // Dancing away like we know the answers // It could be complicated, or be totally fucking normal // I choose the former; a kid busting through the portal // If I could do it again, I might do different things // I would not rush the growing up so much, just let it sink in // You grow up, get obsessive, get depression, there's recession..."

Always on the move, with her feet running on the ground, Yarah collaborated with an African sneaker company called GUTTA SOULS. They use recycled materials from Ghana, and their shoes are entirely organic, ethical, and hand-made. To help promote the brand's movement, Yarah met up with the team of artists and helped them promote the shoes in a photoshoot! Check out this batch of photos, some of which feature Yarah!

She often has a lot to say on topics such as fighting for truth and justice, finding our voice and potential in life, spreading love and positivity, and more. She recently shared her thoughts on the subject of doing what we love. Without quoting everything that she said, why don't you read it below, and think about your answer to her question: If money was no object, what would you be doing?

Post by Yarah Bravo.

Lastly, before you get it twisted, Yarah is not small! She is just surrounded by big things - picture evidence! :)

VIDA KILLZ:

HEY, YOU! PAY ATTENTION TO THIS RIGHT HERE. Vida Killz has listed a bunch of free download codes for her Negative Space album, released in 2012. She posted a picture of all the download codes, so pick one (if you find one that's no longer available, seek out another code!) and own this baby in your collection.

Aside from that gift, make sure you listen to and download (name your price) the Vida x GRIEF78 collaborative album, Destruction: Rebirth of Self, released on October 14th, 2014. It's the third and final installment of the Vida Killz x GRIEF78 trilogy. It includes three songs and one instrumental.

"When beginning the writing process of this EP I pushed myself to come from a positive mind frame until I realized that who I am today is a direct creation of my lows as much as, if not equally, to my highs. Peace, anger, joy, love, disappointment and many other points on the spectrum of our human based emotions have harbored and destroyed parts of me that were needing to experience a rebirth. In this reality, to attain our desires we must carry closely strength, perseverance and courage --in face of our peaks but even more so during our lows. Much love." -- Vida

What'chu waiting for? Go get it!

Then, to celebrate her midterm season being over, she shared an unfinished song from her upcoming Daydreams & Nightmares album. The song is called "Remember". Aside from asking for your honest feedback (I greatly enjoy her on this beautiful beat, and I love her uplifting words of inner strength), she is giving you the opportunity to rock a song with her. To get that chance, download the song, lay a verse after the hook, email it to her, and she'll pick her favorite.

SOULCAT E. PHIFE:

Last, but definitely not least... we've got Soulcat! And guess what? This fly lady has reached 1,000+ Facebook fans! To celebrate her happiness, she will be releasing a BRAND NEW TRACK VERY SOON, called "Ain't No Turning Back". Tell me the cover art doesn't intrigue you! Stay tuned to her page for that update, because you won't want to miss it.

Also not too far into the future, she will be dropping a music video for a new single from her Timeless EP, produced by Phil Chronics (whom, if you remember, produced that "Veterans Day" song by JMega).

Already in progress, she began her WORD UP SOUL II European tour. Scheduled up until November 28th, hitting spots such as Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Zurich, and a final undecided location (book her by finding the email here!).

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That wraps it up! Hopefully I've done a good job at keeping you informed with what the collective has been working on lately. Stay tuned until next time, and make sure you follow their social media accounts to get that information sooner, and straight to your screen.

It's after 1:30am here, and I need some sleep.
Have a wonderful rest of the week. Good night!
XOXO, TIFFOLOGY