This year has kicked off with a shot-gun bang! If you have this blog bookmarked (or if you keep up with Poe's activity via social media, in-person stalking, carrier pigeon communication, or whatever), you would have seen that he's been on his shit lately! Not that you would expect any different from him, but I'm just saying. From rolling out a bunch of music videos, to posting that 3-part interview, pushing an unexpected 5-track EP with Papa J. Ruiz, and more.
Earlier this month, Fiasco shared the two music videos for "Dante's Inferno (The New Black Dante)" and "Views From The VII". However, last week, the villain himself dropped yet ANOTHER music video, this time for a song called "BANE". Over a sinister, hard-hitting, guitar-driven beat, produced by Tiz and Bentley, the anti-hero with fang grills spits grimy raps about his self-less motivation to get his people out of the projects (there are a lot of religious references in his words, which could be a reflection of his long, sometimes grueling, walk through life and expressing supreme gratitude for his blessings). "Back from the dead, like you're seeing a resurrection // I'm the revelation on a blazing chariot" In the self-directed visual, he lurks in the night, wandering through darkly-lit apartments, just really depicting what a visual threat he can be. Watch the music video below, and look out for the next (probably coming this week): "I told you all I wanted to hit you all with a video a week this year until all the tracks off TPOLAW have a video, and I mean that. See you all next week," said Von Poe VII.
"Been a little caught up on side work for the bills, but I got another visual coming soon. I also got another Papa J. Ruiz visual in the vault, just need some more footage for that one. Working hard for y'all this year, and I promise 30 videos from me before the end of Summer. Next visual from me dropping in 7 days.
Until then, enjoy the madness. Once all 30 videos are shot, you're gonna start hearing about special shows. More on that later, for now I'll focus on finishing this TPOLAW project."
Since announcing the new East Money Bless You album coming in April, he has dropped a street single and some photographic teasers to lead up to it (more on that below). First off, in case you haven't done so yet, stream the song below and download for $1.99 via Bandcamp (or via iTunes and Spotify).
As a journalist, a fan of music, and a creative individual, I'm always curious as to how musicians, especially in today's technology-driven society, write their lyrics. Do they jot them down in a preferred phone app or do they scribble them in paper the old school way. Papa J. posted a photo of his lyric notebook yesterday, of a page that's filled with his handwriting, blacked-out marker lines, and scribbles, for the "Intro" on his forthcoming album. Pretty fun to see things like that, I think, because you get a glimpse into how a person operates when they are at their most creative--getting out feelings, thoughts, and making last-minute edits when they are putting in the hard work to write a cohesive song.
He shared a cartoon picture of himself that someone drew of him (photo here), leading us to believe that something more was going to be done with that. In a Facebook status, he said: "iii use to watch Cartoons every Saturday morning on WB & wish iii was 1 - Papa J Ruiz. Big s/o to scottievibes & naturalvibeslifestyle for fucking with my vision. We have some cool things coming in the future for all of the supporters, stay tuned."
The "embed tweet" function is not working for me on Twitter today, so I just had to screen shot these photo sets of Papa J. Ruiz getting his smoke on with his neon-colored, throwback jacket. Taken by Baylee, he tagged the first set of photos with: "1. LIGHT IT, 2. HIT IT, 3. HIT THAT BITCH AGAIN, 4. WANT A HIT?" The second set of photos: "1. PASS IT BACK, 2. HIT THE ROACH, 3. TRANSITION, 4. GOODBYE"
Click here and here to see the statuses and photos in full.
Side note: If you don't already, you should follow his Twitter profile, because he occasionally posts video clips of himself and/or really random things. So, if you're a fan, get a deeper glimpse into his life this way. Not only that, but he posts a lot of inspiring messages, late-night lady photos (haha), insight into his life, and throwback links and photos from his life. For one example, he shared the DatPiff link to his Life As I Know It Mixtape, which came out in 2012. Check it out and give it a download, if it's not already in your Papa J. Ruiz collection.
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Well, that about wraps it up.
Although I wasn't able to provide some February news from some of the others in the camp,
believe that their quietness equates to hard work.
So, with that said, stay tuned for Fiasco's post in March.
Until next time... XOXO, TIFFOLOGY
Hey! How are you?! That's great! I'm so happy to not be able to hear that! This is Fiasco and this is your latest blog for the OGT Weekly! After the release of their collab EP 5 Tracks and The Intro, Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz continue with consistent and persistent effort. Both are working on their solo projects and within this blog you will be met with the latest information on each. All you need is one read to get the latest on OGT! So let's get started!
Through a brand new music visual, Papa J. Ruiz has officially announced the title and release date of his upcoming album East Money Bless You!
"East Money Bless You" is packed with words of leadership, "Lend your hand when a man down" and desire, "And the life that I made / It take more than a fade / It take more than a bullet / It take more than a blade". Leaders help those in need and when someone has desire NOTHING will prevent them from achieving their goals(s). "Easy Money Bless You" should be a track all can relate to.
One line that really sticks out to me is when Papa J. Ruiz relays, "I just pray to God that we don't die for nothing". That line sticks out to me because it relates to a sentence in a book that I am in the process of completing, Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Hill writes, "there is one quality which one must posses to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a buring desire to posses it". So J, hopefully this iids in the answer to your prayer. To avoid dying for nothing, find (if you haven't already) what you truly desire. Your journey towards attaining that, whether you attain it or not by the time you pass on, will prevent you from dying for nothing.
You can download "East Money Bless You" by clicking here.
Von Poe VII capitalizes on having his music featured in the Ip Man 3trailer, by releasing two visuals within a week. After being featured in the movie trailer with close to one million views, I am sure there are thousands of people trying to find that dude that is rapping in the trailer. Now when they come across his music, Poe has two outstanding visuals for the newcomers and us, to gaze upon.
Is it possible for an artist to entirely remake a previously released song with the same title and have both be amazing tracks? Yes it is! "Dante's Inferno (The New Black Dante)" is one of Poe's latest visuals. A previous version of "Dante's Inferno" was on the last version of TPOLAW. Within the verses of "Dante's Inferno" we are met with words that don't encourage for you to respect him, because it should be expected by now.
The only views we acknowledge are from the VII. When you make a promise to your listeners but, most importantly yourself, to release 30 visuals by the end of the year, creativity and courage will play a big role in that (along with the desire to do so). That's what I believe happened here as Von Poe VII lets us experience an intimate night. It's takes creativity for an artist to contemplate doing this and it takes courage to follow through (in my opinion of course). Here is "Views From The VII" by Von Poe VII. As of right now this is not set to be The Purity Of Love And War but maybe we will see a change closer to the release date. You can view the updated playlist to The Purity Of Love And War by clicking here.
TPOLAW: Disc One is officially complete, time to finish up Disc Two
Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz aren't the only ones putting in work. Here is "Blood Shot Eyes" from Xican Brown! "Whatever I say / Is about to happen or I've done it". Along with that line that I personally like becauase it has to do with setting and accomplishing goals, your ears will also come across raw rhymes and witty lines. Be sure to take advantage of the download below. "Blood Shot Eyes" will be on Xican Brown's upcoming album Live From The Ghost Room.
There is your OGT Weekly! The next couple months are going to be an exciting time for Organized Threat so be sure that you don't miss the train! Be up to date with the latest OGT Weekly's and grab a friend or two to hop on board with you! The next OGT Weekly is scheduled in about two weeks and is to be authored by Tiff.
Fuck an intro. I'm just going to jump right into it, because this is a big post as is. Take it all in at once (in one sitting), or come back several times. Alright, let's get into it!
Just in case you didn't watch the three interviews that were shared in Fiasco's previous post, I'm going to link them again: PART ONE, PART TWO, and PART THREE. After watching all of them (about 38 minutes in length total), I've learned a few things about both Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz that I wanted to share with you in little bullet points. Here is what I learned about Poe that I didn't already know and some things that I did know that maybe you didn't (Papa J's are in his section below):
1) He has a website for a reason. There, you will find music, merch, and more.
2) If you genuinely want to kick it with Poe, you can. He's open for that. However, don't try to turn it into an audition, hoping that he'll give you a Green Lantern power ring and ask you to join up. Not happening.
3) Poe has a slick vintage record player / radio sitting right behind him, in his house (I think that's his house and, at least, I think that plays records). This has nothing to do with "info about Poe", but I couldn't not notice it.
4) Poe's main drive for making music are for therapeutic reasons, to find peace of mind, and to spread a message.
5) He's aiming to release The Purity of Love and War sometime this Spring. Although, with the way Poe operates, it could change at any given moment (and, if you look at the description box of his newest music video [more on that below], it says that the project will be coming before the year is up--ahhhh! Let's just hope for Spring, haha). Just stay on your toes. You know what, though? He has that foreplay game on lock. By that, I mean that he's really good at teasing a muhfucka, getting someone real ready for the big move (this re-release), and just when you think he's gonna hit you with it... BOOM. "NAAAAH, GIRL. YA BETTA WAIT SOME MO'." I was anticipating that album re-release at the end of 2015 and just when that climatic moment was around the corner, he pushes it back to Spring 2016. BUT, like the hungry birds that we are, we will wait with open mouths for that good-good... music, that is. Haha! It's alright, though, I understand the (tedious) process and wanting to perfect everything before unleashing it to the world.
6) He lists the following non-musical people as inspirations: Edgar Allen Poe, Lars Von Trier, and Willem Dafoe.
7) He thinks Seinfeld (the show) is cool, but he doesn't think Jerry Seinfeld is funny person. Papa J. wholeheartedly disagrees.
8) The hardest song for him to let go of was "Phlegmatic". He said, "I really like Phlegmatic for what it represented in terms of, I guess, my version of Illmatic. Know what I'm sayin'? Or, Stillmatic. Up until that point, ever since Nas did his thing, there's been a lot of Matics in a boom bap hip hop sound. Then I came with Phlegmatic, and I felt like it did justice to who I am as an artist; or my overall sound as an artist. I can't say that's my favorite track, because I like a lot of my bars. I'm egotistical when it comes to some of the shit I write. I feel like I'm dope as shit, so I can't give you a favorite. So, Phlegmatic and the Seventh Palace were definitely dope pieces."
Also mentioned in Fiasco's post was the Von Poe VII x Papa J. Ruiz collabo EP that was dropped on us earlier this month as a surprise. I don't want to reiterate anything that he might have said, so I've just embedded the album in this post for your listening pleasure. If you don't want to click play here, make sure you go to Bandcamp link below and stream + download the project for $5 (support these dudes)!
A few days ago, he dropped the new music video for the "Basquiat". In this self-directed video, there's a tight frame shot, that slowly creeps up closer, where we see a pensive Poe sitting in a low-lit room, by himself, seemingly unwinding from the day and writing raps beside a bright, burning lamp. It's minimally edited in a black-and-white color treatment, with the exception of the flames coming from the light bulb, and a few special effects. In combination with his powerful lyrical message that conveys pain, hope and self-awareness, the video also adds a lot of emotional depth. The song was produced by Ryuichi Sakamoto, and also features Saeed and LaTanya Givens (the vocalist from Jay Electronica's version of the song). See it below.
Based on Poe's latest music-related tweets, he's going to present us with a new song, or a new music video, or a new something. Stay tuned for Fiasco's next post, as well as all of Von Poe VII's social media.
Yall gettin visuals for "The Seventh Palace" or this new joint called "Burner" real soon, tryin to hit yall with 30 vids by December 2016.
Lastly, I want to share with you all some INCREDIBLY AWESOME news that Von Poe just unveiled today--moments ago--that has me all kinds of excited and proud. He/his music is featured in the OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER to the new (and third) martial arts movie, Ip Man 3. When I read his tweet, I legit did a double-take, like "SAY WHATTT?!", and got all sorts of hype. You know, the type of hype you get when M.O.P.'s "Ante Up" comes on. GET HIM, GET HIM, GET HIM! I am a big fan of Donnie Yen and the Ip Man movie franchise (I've even been following Donnie Yen on Instagram, and have been ultra ready for this third installment, based on all the pictures, behind the scenes shots, and stuff that he posts). I am also a big fan of Von Poe VII as a music artist and as a person (I mean, all that should be apparent, since I write for this blog), so I think that it's very dope that he got a big feature spot like that. What an accomplishment. So cool! *Salutes* Without further explanation, watch the trailer below, if you haven't already seen it:
From Von Poe VII:
"This trailer, cut by my good friend David Schenk, is very special to me due to the fact that I'm in it. This has been something that we've both been keeping under wraps for a couple of months now, but now that the trailer is released I can speak on this huge personal accomplishment. I'm honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to have music heard over (not just) an amazing film, but as a piece of the great Donnie Yen's legacy. It's also an amazing feeling knowing that the legendary Mike Tyson is a part of this film as well.
I'm at a loss of words, truly. I just wanted to express how grateful I am, such an amazing way to start off the new year. Enjoy!"
Here are ten things that I learned, or that you should know, about Papa J. after watching the 3-part interview series that he did with Von Poe VII (links to those are listed above).
1) He has a website for a reason, go visit it to quench all of your Papa J. Ruiz needs.
2) In explaining what the "iii" means to him, he said: "The iii means everything. It's just another form of peace--world peace. Unity. Grind. Hustle. Sacrifice. That what the iii means, it means everything to me. Cause when I found it, it represented me. I just came across it in my life; never forced nothing. It should mean everything to everybody."
3) Papa J says if you respect women, they'll flock to you. He isn't lying--respect, no matter who it's directed at, is a big deal and it will take you further in life.
4) Papa J doesn't seem to dip his curly fries in anything. This might seem like a dumb thing to bring up, but I'm the type of person that has to have a dip for my fries, haha.
5) Papa J and Von Poe met at talent shows. Before they knew each other, they went to a couple of the same talent shows, kept noticing each other (both losing), they exchanged phone numbers afterwards because they liked each other's music, and parted ways. They didn't really expect much to come out of it... until, a year later (or, if you ask Poe, it was only a few months, haha), Papa J went back to California, kicked it with Poe, did a song, kept building and linking up several times... and the rest is history.
6) He wants his art to reach millions, to be everlasting, to touch souls, to inspire, and to captivate the world.
7) The number 55 isn't as deep as people think it is. It is not his favorite number, and he is not obsessed with it, despite having a handful of projects and songs with the number involved. In short, he describes it as an extension of a story that he was delivering to the people through different pieces of work that meant something to him.
8) Of the few Jack In The Box sandwiches that Papa J. eats, he only tears the crust off of one of them. Again, not important information, but I did notice it. Hahaha, after writing that, I feel like this is one of those "pop up video" random-ass facts.
9) He lists the following non-musical people as inspirations: Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., John Leguizamo, Jerry Seinfeld, The Ninja Turtles, Superheroes, his mother, his father, and his son.
10) His 2016 objectives include: Grinding, hustling, learning, new music, new videos, and doing a lot more shows.
Again, if you haven't downloaded the 5 TRACKS AND THE INTRO EP that he and Von Poe VII released on ---, make sure you do that as soon as possible. Following that grand-slam project surprise, Papa J. announced that there will be more big news on the way. Keep your eyes open for that.
REAL QUICK: All my supporters & listeners iii appreciate you guys cause without your downloads or purchase my dream is just a dream. Thx u🙏
Yesterday was Sev's birthday. Even though it's over, you should go flood his timeline with "happy belated birthday" wishes. He's been neglecting social media lately, so give him something to look at when he signs on. For good measure, let's throw it back to a couple of his older music videos and go show him some love by downloading (whether you pay or not, but paying him is nice too) his 2014 album, titled Seven Empty.
Vic Virtuoso dropped a brand new music video, from his Victor Van Gogh album, for the song "Gloom". Cut entirely to some personal home footage of his uncle who passed away (RIP), Vic Virtuoso spits deep, reflective lyrics about life, hope for race equality, trust, love, and being protective of his family, all over a mellow beat led by warm guitar chords, delicate keys, and a head-nodding drum pattern. Watch and listen below. Grab that album, too.
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That wraps it up, guys and girls.
Thanks for reading and I hope the new year is starting off well for you.
Look out for Fiasco's next post at the beginning of February.
Until next time... XOXO, TIFFOLOGY
How's it going everyone? This is Fiasco and my brain is typing these letters to form words that result in sentences that make sense and some sentences that don't make sense. I was born with five but I can use a few more. And I am just experiencing this through my eyes. It's marvelous. All you need is one read to get the latest on OGT, so here we go!
Papa J. Ruiz visited California recently. That's probably because Von Poe VII resides there. What happened as a result of this visit has excellerated the careers of each individual artist and Organized Threat as a movement.
Papa J. Ruiz and Von Poe VII Interview:
The three videos below contain a three part interview between Papa J. Ruiz and Von Poe VII and the fans that submitted questions. If you watch one part per day, you'll be able to complete the interiew in three days. Thank you to my first grade teacher that taught me math. If you can watch all three parts right now that'll help you out even more because you will end this OGT Weekly as one of the listeners with the cutting edge information.
After watching the interview I have this opinion in my mind that no matter who they interview with after this, the best interviews are going to be with these two alone in a room with some food answering questions from the fans. It's going to be great to see other interviews from other outlets but I believe the best ones are going to be the ones Poe and J. do themselves. Of course I don't have any real evidence to support that but hey, the moon wasn't built overnight.
Twelve Hours Later:
The EP you didn't expect. The EP that Papa J. Ruiz and Von Poe VII were able to keep under wraps even after been asked a couple times by fans in the interiew. (It actually makes those parts in the interview much more funny because you know that they know that they were already working on an EP). Along with their visual for "5:55 PM" here is their collaborative project 5 Tracks and The Intro.
If there was ever an ideal time to be an Organized Threat fan, it is right now. Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz have just delivered to you an outstanding EP that I am very enthusiastic to share with those around me. If they weren't OGT fans before, they will be now! The "5:55PM" visual (it's so good that I didn't even realize it was 7 minutes) definitley gets everyone intrigued to dive into the EP and the tracks that are found will keep them swimming around. Actually if you've been an OGT fan for a while you may recognize the footage in the visual. I believe that one of the most important messages that you will come across in 5 Tracks and The Intro is in "5:55PM" where Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz make it clear that it is very important to be a person of your word. Have your word be your worth. Along with that message from that particular track, there is another message that I obtained from the entire EP. That is that although Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz understand the significance of money and how it can help themselves and those around them, they are not willing to compromise who they are as an artist to obtain that currency in a quicker fashion. They believe that as long as they stay true who they are as a human and an artist, an abudance of money will eventually flow their way. The release of 5 Tracks and The Intro has definitely sped up that process. Remember, leave a comment below letting us know what you think of 5 Tracks and The Intro.
New TPOLAW Audio: "Loyalty" is the newest release to be added to the tracklist of The Purity of Love and War. TPOLAW is an upcoming album that is being constructed by Von Poe VII. This version of "Loyalty" is labeled as a posse cut because of the additions of Papi Dollaz, Blacky Montana, Vic Virtuoso, and Papa J. Ruiz. "Loyalty" was originally released under the first TPOLAW with just words from Poe, as a second track combination with "Dante's Inferno",
OGT x VII x iii Merch:
There is little time left to purchase merchandise from Organized Threat, Von Poe VII, and Papa J. Ruiz! Poe actually only needs two more orders to qualify his campaign to print the merchandise! If the release of 5 Tracks and The Intro doesn't get you excited to purchase merchandise, I don't know what will!
From the time I started following Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz, I have come to the realization that not only are they superb music artists, but they deliver the message of a leader. Now it's not one specific message. There are plenty of them if you take the time to sift (the first time I am utilizing the word "sift". History as been made) through their Twitter pages and music. The messages and lessons are there. You just have to pay attention to where the leadership comes in. You also have to be open minded to change and willing to accept new information. I'm sorry to break the news to you but, you aren't the best human being you can be right now. You can be better but, that's entirely up to you. My advice to you is to find someone in life who is where you want to be and learn from them. And now I'm sure you're thinking well "Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz aren't where I want to be right now". And you're probably right. They are two underground artists who are still finding their way BUT, they have the mindset of a leader. The following tweets are just two examples of why I just manifested this paragraph.
I know you enjoyed your read of the OGT Weekly. Remember to leave a comment below (opinion, questions, etc.) and share with your neighbor! Tiff will be publishing her OGT Weekly in about two weeks.
