This is Fiasco and I am typing these words on a laptop in my living room. I am typing these words so I can form sentences, cohesive and non-cohesive, to bring you the new edition of the OGT Weekly. Every OGT Weekly is designed to deliver you the latest on Organized Threat. And if you believe you were able to keep up with everything the past two weeks, this will be your test. Tiff did an amazing job with the previous OGT Weekly and I believe I can create one just as good or even better.
The following vlog from Von Poe VII will lay down the foundation for what will be typed about in this edition of the OGT Weekly.
Ever since Organized Threat had a change in logo, I have been anticipating new merchandise with that logo on it. They underwent a change a while ago so it's not like everyday up until this point I was anticipating it though, every now and then I would think about the possibility. That merchandise is here and just in time for the holiday season.
There are many ways that fans of Organized Threat can show support and purchasing and wearing one of these hoodies is a great way to do it. This is of course if it doesn't inconvenience your bank account. Having a hoodie will help spread the movement and it creates the possibility of you meeting another OGT fan just because he/she saw you wearing this hoodie. In combination with the OGT logo on the front, there is a message on the back which adds depth to the merchandise. This first batch is available until Thursday. Click here to get yours!
Von Poe VII has created his own hoodie with a special message on the back, too. This offer is available until Thursday as well. Click here to purchase!
Von Poe VII was also a special guest on Zulu Tribe Radio on Monday (11/30) so hopefully there will be a streaming of that appearence available soon.
If you have been a fan of Von Poe VII for the past year or two, then the name Overstand Basics, may sound familiar. He is a spoken word poet that has been featured on Poe's past projects and it looks like he will be making an appearance on the new The Purity Of Love And War. Von Poe VII will also be releasing a visual for "American Ultra". "America Ultra" is one of my favorite recent releases from Poe, and now that he has obtained some vital shots, he will be releasing the visual again. "American Ultra" will of course be available on #TPOLAW set to release before the end of the year.On top of that we are introduced to a new track from Poe that will be on TPOLAW. It is entitled "Enemy" and it is a tribute to Big L. Witness for yourself, below.
This tweet connects with a message that I have learned. That is, "People before profit". People before profit is one of the success principles that I have learned over the past year. Connections and moments with people are more valuable than money and can get you further than money ever can.
With Poe mentioning it in his latest vlog update and with this tweet from Papa J. Ruiz, he seems to already have a plan for 2016. If you are around successful people or read books on success principles and self-development, or have watched an inspirational movie, I'm sure you have heard or read the saying "It's not about how many times you get knocked down, it's about how many times you get back up". You do whatever it takes to succeed. Papa J. Ruiz doesn't specify what necessarily made him "fall" and all that really matters is that Papa J. Ruiz is setting the example for other OGT members and their fans, to never give up and to use failures as inspiration. A setback is an opportunity for a great comeback.
Joogy Music follows through on his promise and releases his project Out Of The Box. Out Of The Box is a project that features tracks with various rappers dropping verses over production from the talented OGT producer, Joogy. Papa J. Ruiz and Von Poe VII are two OGT MCs that are featured on the project. Out Of The Box serves many purposes and as a result it is a significant release from Joogy. It serves as a showcase of Joogy's producing talent. The project also helps the artists be exposed to Joogy's fans and it helps the fans of the artists to be exposed to Joogy's music. It's a win win situation for everybody involved, especially the listeners. Click here to download.
With the situation going on in Paris, I just want to let you know that Yarah Bravo is safe and sound. She also now has the opportunity and power to spread joy and positivity with her music. She has been doing many shows in Paris and surrounding cities so be sure to follow Yarah Bravo's Twitter page for the latest updates.
On another note, Jasson C's "747s" and "The Art Of Ignorance" tracks have been in my rotation as of late. Those two tracks can be found on his Waiting Room tape that he released back in 2013. That's crazy because it doesn't seem like too long ago when the tape was released. Click here to download.
I would also like to express my gratitude for Von Poe VII and Organized Threat for choosing me to be one of the writers to compose these OGT Weekly's. 2015 is a great year for OGT and 2016 is an even better year for OGT to shine.
All you need is one read to get the latest on OGT!
Tiff's OGT Weekly will be published a couple week from now so be sure to check that out.
As you all know, Von Poe is reworking The Purity of Love and War, with new instrumentals, some new vocals, and new deliveries, and he will be re-releasing it sometime before the year is up. That said, on November 10th, he dropped one of the new songs he's worked on. Produced by Thovo Beats and featuring Annette Robles (who Poe says is a childhood friend) on background vocals, "Perris Boulevard" finds Poe stripping away the melancholy vibe (think back to that somber piano and a saxophone sample) to instead rap over a head-nodding boom bap joint that has this whimsical, yet ghostly, sample humming in the distance. Same lyrics, but delivered with a little bit of aggression, while Annette's echoing some of his vocals and talking shit in the background. I'm a little turned off by some of her smack talk during the pauses of the song (some of it is fine, and I like when she occasionally echoes his lyrics while he's rapping), but other than that, it's a cool rework. It's always like that with song edits--whether they're remixes or someone, such as Poe, has recreated the song into something new--you're going to compare the original with the remake. Sometimes it will sound good, if not better; sometimes it will be mediocre; and sometimes it will be subpar to the first. I saw someone in the Youtube comments (of the video posted below), saying something about how they couldn't rock with this new joint as hard as they did with the original, because they got so used to the way the first creation sounded. That's not to knock the quality of this song at all (it's fresh, I swear), I'm just saying that with this recreated album dropping soon, you're probably gonna listen to it with a closer ear, particularly if you were around for the initial release. ALRIGHT, LET ME STOP TALKING ALREADY. Click play on the player, and listen! What do you think of it?
There will be a music video for this song soon, but Poe is thinking about dropping a video for another track first. I guess we will have to wait and see what he does.
This next video I said was gonna be the "Boulevard" joint but it might this other one I knocked out instead. Uggghhh too dope!
Papa J. has several merch options available on his Bandcamp page. Have you been paying attention? I think his two latest items are a Christmas-inspired "iii" beanie (green beanie with a red "iii" patch) for $16 and a cream-colored "iii" golf hat for $25.99. However, the Christmas beanie is limited to only ONE, so whoever swoops that up will be the only person rocking it. Get up on that ASAP (CLICK IT). Then, of course, he restocked the black "iii" beanie and the grey "iii" beanie. Get in where you fit in. Also, speaking of things to buy, there are only FOUR (4) CDs left of HR-1955. Once those are gone, they're gone and the album can only be downloaded digitally.
"A N!**@ never been as BROKE as me... iii Like that" - Notorious BIGPresent to you all the NEW iii MERCH: :Cream Color...
Based on the tweet embedded below, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Papa J. is working on new music. AND, he's open to hearing what you producers have in store, if you want to work with him on something new. Hit him up, if you're interested. If you know someone who is dying to work with the kid, tell them to get at him.
JMega has a couple new tracks out; one by his True Masterz group and one where he's a guest feature. The first is called "Civilize The Savage" and, to the best of my knowledge, it's a loosie (not on an album - but maybe it will be) that dropped yesterday. True Masterz lace boastful bars over a dusty boom bap beat that's cut with a lot of scratching and a monotonous cautionary noise that blinks in the background. It's a dope track, so give it a listen below. The second is a song called "Power", from June Marx's latest album, and JMega spits on the first verse. If you want to listen to that song, click the link right here.
Yarah Bravo is currently touring throughout France (she's OK, you guys!), so I've attached the rest of the upcoming tour dates below. If you're located in any of the cities listed, and you're a fan of Yarah (how can you not be?!), make sure you go see her perform and show your support!
Yarah Bravo and The Love Movement Band
20 Nov - Leipzig (DE) @ Conne island
22 Nov - Copenhagen (DK) @ Vega (w/ Masta Ace)
23 Nov - Berlin (DE) @ Columbiahalle (w/ Fat Freddy's Drop)
24 Nov - Berlin (DE) @ The Swag
26 Nov - Paris (FR) @ New Morning
27 Nov - Vitrolles (FR) @ Salle du roucas
29 Nov - Nimes (FR) @ tba
30 Nov - Montpellier (FR) @ Blackout Bar
02 Dec - Lyon (FR) @ La Marquise
04 Dec - Strasbourg (FR) @ Place de Zürich
05 Dec - Arbon (CH) @ Triebwerk
From Yarah Bravo:
"Sending love out to a world that is hurting... We humans need saving. At this point preferably by aliens...
I've actually played at the venue in Paris where the attack happened and I'm suppose to be returning to Paris next week for another concert...I will try my absolute best to spread Love, colors and very needed uplifting vibes for these tough times!!!
United in HOPE ....not in HATE <3
Paris, Baghdad, Beirut...Everywhere!! In my heart and in my prayers!"
A couple of years ago, Vida Killz sent out holiday cards around Christmas. She asked if anyone wanted to send her their address, she'd send them a card (I was one of those people). She is doing that again this year. Read about it in this newsletter that she wrote, where you can also find the link for the form. She listed her own address, too, should any of you want to send her anything.
Speaking of sending her things and connecting with her, Vida celebrated her birthday on November 14th, so why don't you go ahead and wish her a happy belated birthday via social media (Facebook and Instagram, for example)!
I'm finally 88. It's been a long road here. So blessed though. :) #vidakillz #absitom3n #birthdayshenanigans
While I don't have much information on it right now (other than that brief and slightly vague Q&A I did with him in this post), he IS working on his forthcoming album. Here are a couple of tweets to tease ya. Look out for the album title and cover art soon by staying tuned to his Twitter page. In the meantime, click the link to his website, where you will find a playlist that includes over 20 tracks of songs he's produced.
On the 20th I'm releasing the Title and the cover art for the project I hope yall enjoy and see where I'm going with this. #JoogyMusic
As Fiasco announced in his post before mine, Vic Virtuoso dropped his full-length album, titled Victor Van Gogh, on November 3rd. It's available through selected digital outlets (such as iTunes and Amazon), so go check that as soon as you can. That said, four days ago, he dropped a music video for his single "Altercation"! Directed by TOROHFILMS, we see Vic dedicating his days to training to be at his best, through running, boxing, lifting weights, and other stuff of that nature. It serves as a visual metaphor that he will do whatever it takes to achieve his dreams, that he will fight in the face of fear, and that he will continue to prove people wrong. Through the lyrics, we hear him examining his life, highlighting some pain that he's been through, in efforts to illustrate what's shaped him (from betrayal, to getting jumped, growing apart from people you love, losing friends to drugs, getting in fights, etc). We also hear about the kind of person he is (strong work ethic, determined, and passionate about his craft), and how involved he is with hip hop. Watch the video below.
"Yo, shit ain't funny where I'm from // Hope you listen none // When nobody's a somebody just 'cause he has a gun // And I ain't never been the one // That homies try to son // So, if there's altercation, you gon' never see me run // Now, let me tell you where I'm from"
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That wraps it up for this OGTWeekly post. Thank you for reading, I hope I was able to catch you up on things you might have missed out or, at least, reminded you of something you wanted to check out but forgot. Look out for Fiasco's post next month... holy shit, I just realized that the year is almost over and we'll be in 2016 in a month and a half. WELP. That's where I leave you. Have a good rest of the month, enjoy your Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it), and all that. XOXO, Tiffology
Welcome to this edition of the OGT Weekly! The OGT Weekly is designed to bring you to the latest news from the Organized Threat movement. One read of the OGT Weekly will accomplish just that.
Let's begin by acknowledging...well something worth acknowledging!
"Stolen Whip" by Papa J. Ruiz has hit 10,000 views! Watch this visual directed by Chad A. Marshall, to see why it has accumlated this many views thus far!
Clear your calenders for December 4th! Papa J. Ruiz will be performing in Colorado at the Lost Lake Lounge!
It appears the nighttime is the right time for Von Poe VII to write his rhymes. We all have a circadian ryhthm and it is important to know what it is so you can maximize your productivity. Jim Muncy wrote in his book Time Basics 1:01,
"Our bodies and our minds operate on a twenty-four hour clock. When it comes to physical energy and mental alertness, sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. These ups and downs come at about the same time every day. This regular pattern of ups and downs in our energy level is called our 'circadian rhythm" (47).
If you are more productive at night then well, you know you need to be up at that time to accomplish your task(s). If you are a morning person then go straight at it when the sun rises. If your work/school schedule does not match your circadian rhythm, then you either need to change your work/school schedule or change your circadian rhyhtm. Changing your work/school schedule may be a great challenge, but hey, success is not built on convience. If it was, everyone would be successful. As long as Von Poe VII, Papa J. Ruiz, Yarah Bravo, and the rest of Organized Threat continue or begin to work with their circadian rhyhtm, the productivity will continue to pour out.
Xican Brown
With an album on the way, Xican Brown builds anticipation for it with a new release "Dream (Look At The People)".
Xican Brown utilizes his raw and uncut sound to deliver an empowering message. It is possibly the most important message that anyone can receive. Dream and dream big! Do not let negative people take away your dreams! Look at the people that unfortunately had their dreams taken away, and know that is not the way to go! Find a way and make it happen. If Xican Brown can do it, you can do it! Make sure to take advantage of the free download of "Dream (Look At The People)".
Xican Brown will also have his own website up soon. For more on Xican Brown, watch his visual for "God's Gravedigga" by clicking here.
albumsalbumsalbumsalbumsalbums The Organized Threat members have been working hard and that statement will hold to be true in the coming weeks. There will be multiple albums released soon. One that has a known release date is an album coming from producer Joogy Music. Novemeber 27, 2015 is the release date for it. Joogy will be responsible for all production on the album. Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz are the known features at the moment.
Vic Virtuoso has released his Victor Van Gogh album and it is available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play. Click here to purchase it through iTunes. Victor Van Gogh holds within it's grasp fourteen tracks. Von Poe VII is featured on track number seven "With My Blood". Vic Virtuso will capitalize off the release of his album with an album release party. If you're in or around the area I recommend that you attend the party! Yes, you may own the digital album but it just won't compare to the experience of being there live!
Von Poe VII is "almost finished" with the full album of The Purity of Love and War. There was a previous version of the album released earlier this year. Poe believes that it can be better and so he has decided to put out a more advanced version of the album. I believe that The Purity of Love and War is a great album to begin with so if Von Poe VII believes he can do better, then I am prepared to be blown away!
Morning world, bout to record this epicness real quick. Almost finished with the project #TPOLAW: Full Album
Things don't always go as planned and that's okay. Why should they? URSUS and the announcement of an album from him has been mentioned in previous OGT Weeklys. The plans have changed and that album is no longer being worked on. He said, "It just didnt turn out how i wanted it to". From this point on he will be working to complete his Stay Still album.
There is your OGT Weekly and as you can see, all you need is one read to get the latest on OGT! This will also ring true in about 2 weeks when Tiff composes and publishes her OGT Weekly. Thank you for taking the time out to read and make sure to spread the word! And yes, you are welcome for I did just write a great OGT Weekly.
Von Poe VII dropped a brand new music video early this morning, for his song "Breeze". This is the first single on the re-release of his album The Purity of Love and War, and it's also the first to receive a video (as you might remember, he erased all of his other videos to start new). Produced by ARE, the jazzy hip hop beat is really pretty and soothing in sound, which is provided by dusty drums, delicate percussion and light strings. It is broken up in some parts with voicemail messages and an interview sample that's speaking on evolving as an artist. With a cool flow, Poe raps about doing everything in his power to help his mom, his family, his friends, and those that he cares about; to wanting the best for everyone around him, because having a happy, successful life is way more than just wanting shit for yourself. In the hook, when he says, "let me feel the breeze," I interpret that as his way of waiting for the day that he can breathe a sigh of relief, when everything he's been reaching for is accomplished and he truly feels successful. I also love the line when he says: "The game ain't been the same since Papa J. and Poe been on the loose," because it speaks volumes on their solidarity, friendship, and goals with each other in hip hop. The video, shot by the man himself, is beautiful. We get more aerial shots, like those that we saw in Papa J.'s "Stolen Whip", but this time we see various locations in his hometown of Perris, California. Check it out below, and/or CLICK THIS LINK to watch it in full view HD.
Shooting videos is finally becoming fun again. It feels like forever ago, getting over all that disappointment.
So many lessons learned. 🙏
In regards to the tweet above, Von Poe VII followed it with a little rant on Twitter that was aimed at people who keep asking him about what camera he uses to shoot. He said, "I could give you the camera, lens, and editing software that I use for my video, and you still wouldn't create my imagery. So stop askin. I get frustrated because I put up mad money just to learn the basics, and y'all niggas want a free crash course into my shit. No, stop askin." He also went on to discuss perspective by giving us an example on how long it took him to grow into where he is now, saying, "Take @PapaJRuiz for an example: 22 music vids of his on the channel, 2 album trailers, and an interview. Not including vids we took down. Now I had to shoot all those fuckin videos before me and him came up with a way to shoot "Stolen Whip". And that's just @PapaJRuiz's videos. So all you first timers, I say this with love. Stop asking me what the fuck I use for my visuals. Get out there, and find what works for YOU."
That can be frustrating for anyone who has worked hard, and put the time in, to get where they are, and constantly having people wanting the 1-2-3 step guide on how to do things, for that quick come-up. Similar to people wanting in on those "get rich quick" schemes, or buying the "how to paint like so-and-so" books, or doing some ridiculous unhealthy diet for fast and immediate results. It's lazy. Poe's tweet reminded me of what we were talking over at my site CrayonBeats, with one of our QOTW questions being about imitation, and where the line is between it being a "sincere form of flattery" or just straight up disrespectful, biting someone's work/creativity to ride their wave. That's the same shit. I know most people only mean good by wanting to know the how-to of Poe's visual style, editing techniques, and what equipment/software he uses to create his videos, because they're inspired by it, but I'm sure getting approached by fans with these questions can get irritating. Just stand back and appreciate, and then go gets yours on your own terms. It means a lot more, and feels a whole hell of a lot better, to put in the time, put in the work, experience trial and error, making your own path, and finding your own creative niche. Anyway, enough of that, I hope I didn't put in a negative vibe, I just feel him on what he was saying. Haha, we're good? OK. Just make sure you watch that video!
Most of Papa J. Ruiz's merch is currently sold out, however, he does have about 8 hard copies of his HR-1955 album left and 14 "iii" banadanas. Make sure you jump into the MERCH SECTION of his Bandcamp page and grab what you can, before he runs out. On the topic of releasing HR-1955 earlier this year, Papa J. Ruiz did say that he's "working on new music until Poe and I link up for new magical videos." So, there you have it. Also, Papa J. had a mini interview with Colorado Music Buzz, which you can go read in article form over here.
They will count your successes but never count your failures.Little do they know that every failure is what is...
In regards to the tweet below, it sounds like his forthcoming project is coming along smoothly and we're bound to hear some new stuff soon. In fact, I heard that Joogy is currently working on a new music video.
Need to wrap these last couple of tracks up for this project.
Vic's 14-track album, titled Victor Van Gogh, is officially available for pre-order on iTunes, and the album will be available on November 3rd. There will also be full-color digipak CDs available when the time comes (see here). Based on the tracklist shown here, you will hear Von Poe VII, Razor, and Sev (to which I assume is Sonny Sev) on a track with Vic, called "With My Blood". He also mentioned that there will be a release party on November 6th, but has yet to divulge the details of that. Keep your eyes open.
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That wraps up my OGT Weekly. It was a little short and lacking updates this time around, because the camp hasn't really been up to much since Fiasco last posted (only about 10 days ago). That's not to say that they haven't been working their asses off, but there is just nothing to report right now. That said, look out for the next blog post, which will be from Fiasco at the start of November. I hope you all have an awesome Halloween.
Hello OGT members, listeners, and newcomers, this is Fiasco and iii welcome you to a new edition of the OGT Weekly.
Lets begin with a significant update!
In the video above, Von Poe VII touches on the "Stolen Whip" visual by Papa J. Ruiz, being back on Youtube, Poe's Soundcloud, and the importance of the OGT Weekly. You definitely need to check it out if you do not have the latest information on those topics!
When a person can't live up to the word friend, they become the homie. I got a lot of homies, can't say the same about friends. On them tho.
What qualifies someone to be a friend? Does living within walking distance qualify you to be friends with someone? Is playing basketball on the weekend qualify you to be friends with someone? Is it having each other's back no matter the circumstance? Whatever your perception is of how to qualify two people engaged in a friendship, I highly recommend you do your best to follow the friendship of Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz. It may be difficult to follow because we are obvisouly not with them 24/7 and I'm sure they don't put everything out on social media about what they talk about each and everyday. I recommend that you do follow their friendship because it seems to be very strong. Von Poe VII lives in California while Papa J. Ruiz lives in Colorado. On top of that, just by listening to each of their music, you can tell that they have different opinions and beliefs. Yet, neither of those two things hault their friendship. And of cours there is not reason why it should end any friendship. If Poe releases new music, Papa J. Ruiz promotes it like it's his and vice versa. Even in the update above, Papa J. Ruiz just happens to call during the shooting of the video and Poe even admits that they talk on a daily basis. Even Poe making the update video above it had very little to do with himself and more to do with Papa J. Ruiz. They are both committed to help each other achieve their dreams. I mention this to get you ready for Poe's new track "Breeze".
"Friendships are beyond the minor faults and see the bigger dream" - unknown
"Breeze" is a new track from Von Poe VII and will appear on a new version of The Purity Of Love and War. From the photo of Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz to represent "Breeze", to the opening voicemail audio clip, to the opening of the first verse, Poe continues to put his friendship with Papa J. Ruiz on display. If you imagine the act of "feeling the breeze", I'm going to take a shot in the dark here and say it can symbolize enjoying life, living in the moment, or allowing the breeze to take away all the negativity and hardships one has endured. Maybe even an act of cleansing. Although there is mentioning of Papa J. Ruiz in the track, Poe does allude to other friends as well. Keeping the friendship theme intact.
Don't keep all the knowledge you have to yourself or else it might as well be considered a waste. Each 1 Teach 1
A big congratulations to Papa J. Ruiz for being featured on colomusicbuzz.com! It's a great quick read and it will be of much use to both current and new Papa J. Ruiz listeners. For the current listeners we can an affirmation on who Papa J. Ruiz is as a person as well as maybe learn some new facts on his life as well. For the new listeners, they are presented with an article that will prep them for the journey they are about to embark on with Papa J. Ruiz. You can read the article by clicking here.
As mentioned in Von Poe VII's update video, Papa J. Ruiz does have bandanas on sale. Just click here to obtain yours.
I took a really important class in college and I am finally able to use the skills I accumalated in the class and apply them here in this OGT Weekly. That class was "Copy and Paste 101". It was the basic "Copy and Paste" class so I didn't learn the advanced techniques but, I did learn the basics and that's good enough here. I ask URSUS through Twitter DM if he has any update on his upcoming album Resurrection. I have copied and pasted his exact response below.
"Umm yea. It's gonna be produced entirely by myself. The beats will be more subdued and understated than those on the Prologue and Stay Still. It's not a direct pickup of the story that Stay Still will tell but more so a glimpse of where URSUS sits as a character some years after the events. I'm looking to get anywhere from 5-7 tracks on there".
Resurrection is schedule to be released later this month.
"Chubby Nigga On The Scene" is the newest track from Razor. Razor utilizes "Chubby Nigga On The Scene" as another creative and lyrical way to tell his own story. "Chubby Nigga On The Scene" will be featured on Razor's upcoming album Oblivious To Nonsense. I can definitely see this as the intro to that album. If this track is your type of music, then why wouldn't it be someone else's? If you like "Chubby Nigga On The Scene", be sure to show support and share!
There is your OGT Weekly! Of course you enjoyed this OGT Weekly so spread the joy and share it with a friend or two. If you don't have any friends then just read this blog again but, on a different device. It's practically the same thing. And if you're afraid to talk to that girl/boy in your class tomorrow, a recent survey shows that sharing an OGT Weekly is a great way to break the ice!
At least OGT don't sound like none of you niggas. And that's a Fact.
Good evening, OGTWeekly readers. I was supposed to write and post this entry on or before the 15th, but seeing as how my family welcomed a new baby this past Friday (it's my cousin's baby boy and he's incredibly cute), it kind of got put on the back burner for a little bit. Until now, that is. I know you were all dying to read my post yesterday (insert a little sarcasm), but a day later isn't too bad for being "late". Anyway, we have some big news and changes in this post, so read carefully!
Throughout this past week, if you went looking for some Von Poe VII / Poetic Death music videos to watch, you probably came up empty. Von Poe took it upon himself to take down all of his SOLO music videos, because he feels like he's a better director and editor, and wants to revamp them with his evolved skills. "Nothing "Happened" to them, I just took them down to make them better. Nobody panic, haha," he reassured his fans. As a blogger, I'm just like, "Damn, all my Von Poe posts will look funny without the visuals that I'm talking about, but that's ok." And as a fan, I'm kind of frustrated that I can't return to all those videos that I hit favorite on (note: I don't doubt that he will make better visuals for those songs) to watch them when the moment strikes me, because they're gone... and now I have to wait for the new ones. But, honestly, it's OK, because he's a real artist, and I trust that he's going to put out some truly amazing work. He knows what he's doing. Plus, he's free to do what he wants and if he wasn't satisfied with them now, after having stepped up his techniques and equipment as a director and editor, then who am I/who are we to stomp our feet and say no? I can understand those actions as an artist myself, too, because there have been times where I've completely scrapped finished products, because I didn't like how they looked anymore. So I understand that.
In the same vein, he is also going to be reworking The Purity of Love And War. You should've seen that one coming, though, because I think I've talked about Poe being wellllll known for being the only musician, that I know of, that constantly edits his previously-released albums by adding and removing songs. This is no different. So, you currently cannot listen to or download it from his Bandcamp page, because he's making some big changes. There will be 15 (FIFTEEN) brand new songs added to the tracklist (see it here), and the album will be RE-RELEASED on New Years, both digitally and with accompanying CDs. He filmed a video update about the matter, so to get a better idea and reasoning why he's doing what he's doing, click play on the video below (or, you know, go directly to Youtube). But, in the spirit of what I just said, maybe the video update will get deleted so he can revamp that, too, so watch it with the quickness. Hahahaha!
Did anybody else laugh, while simultaneously shaking their head, at his Mr. Rogers-like intro? Haha, what a dork! Also, did you pay attention to the part of the video where he briefly mentioned that he'll be dropping a music video before this month is up? Yeeeeah, so you can look forward to that. Then, sometime next year, he'll be starting on a new project. That boy is working!
As quick as as the music video for "Stolen Whip" went up on Youtube, former Organized Threat member Rellim (the producer of the song) filed a false copyright claim through Youtube to have it immediately taken down. Say what?! Yeah, if you weren't around for all the "discussions" that went down via Twitter, on Poe's end along with Papa J. Ruiz, Poe filmed a video update letting you all know what went down. Basically, he reminds everyone that Rellim gave Papa J. Ruiz the beat for that song, Papa J. dropped the album earlier this year, and all was cool. It wasn't until Rellim and Poe had a fallout over creative differences, when Rellim decided to stick it to them by flagging the "Stolen Whip" video. I won't get too into it, so watch the video below for more information.
In the spirit of putting music out there for THE PEOPLE, both Papa J. Ruiz and and Poe decided to take action to do just that. They didn't let that stop their movement, so they went to social media and asked their fans to provide their personal email addresses, so they could send the video to the people directly. They told them that they're free to do whatever they want with the video--keep it for themselves, or share and upload it anywhere. And you are / the fan is still able to get that music video for free by downloading it from Papa's website. Pretty cool response tactic to the situation, if you ask me! Since then, the music video can be seen in the player below, on Vimeo, on DailyMotion, or directly on Papa J. Ruiz' website.
If you didn't catch it in the "Stolen Whip" video update by Von Poe, or in Papa J. Ruiz' social media updates, Papa J. has decided to not press up any more hardcopies of his HR-1955 album after the final 25 have been sold (they might have been sold by now, but if not, go check out the Merch section of Bandcamp). After those sell out, you can only get it digitally, and EXCLUSIVELY on Bandcamp. Yep, he will be REMOVING that album and the NO R3COLL3CTION album from iTunes and Spotify, and they will then be replaced with a special Papa J. Ruiz compilation. Follow this link to go get HR-1955 on CD, before it's gone. So, get on it!
ATTENTION SUPPORTERS:25 Hard Copies of #HR1955 Left.After all are sold this product will no LONGER be reproduced as...
We haven't been hearing much from Yarah Bravo, because she's hanging out in the jungle--South America, I believe. She did, however, post a couple of pictures that she took in flight, showing the lush greenery that awaits her, coupled with some poetic words. See that below. Also, make sure you follow her Instagram, because you'll see photos there that you won't see on any of her other social media spots. Safe travels, Yarah B!
Sending you love from the Jungle. Majestic lungs of our planet. I bow down to this beautiful masterpiece <3Where all...
After spending months collecting photos for the self-directed (along with Sol Fern) music video to her touching and deeply personal song "Untitled", Vida Killz officially released the video on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th). "With this new video, I aim to raise awareness about depression and suicide. Both of which have been facets in my life from a young age. I've felt the impacts of depression and experienced loved ones take their lives. As I'm sure a lot of you have. With this new video, I intend that this song and video touch the souls who need it most right now," she said about the video.
The very first thing that I really liked about the video is the retro computer screen with the 8-bit font, dial-up and typing sounds, and the heartfelt explanation behind the song and video. Such a little thing, but such a cool impact--No frills. The video was shot with an iPhone 6 and a MPOW Smartphone Wide Angle Lens, and I really like the DIY, intimate feel of it, as I watch Vida holding up the various photos (all of which are meaningful to those who shared them, and also find a way to touch those of us who need to see the messages), in many locations. Paired with her emotional and poetic songwriting about a loved one (lyrics), the video is wonderful, inspiring, uplifting, and full of love. It's an emotional song for me, too; I get teary-eyed listening to it and seeing the powerful message that the video holds, because I've been in those dark places, have had friends that beat suicide and those that have chosen to exit the world in search of peace. Very, very good song and video. Well done, Vida. To those of you who submitted a photo for this project, Vida will also be creating a poster with all of the photos, so look out for that!
She made a few announcements, saying that the next music video will be for her unofficial remix of "Welcome To Hell Zone" (I shared the song in my last post here). She also said that Daydreams & Nightmares will be out in 2016, ad that there will be more Absit Om3n content, along with a program launch.
Nothing new has been going on with URSUS lately (other than all of the precious photos that he's been sharing of his kid), except that he made a mistake in telling Fiasco The God that his Resurrection EP will come out on September 22nd. It's actually OCTOBER 22nd, so mark that on your calendars.
Did you all know that Vic is also a visual artist?! I didn't, until after looking at his Instagram. He posts all his new pieces there, so make sure you follow him and check it out. Maybe commission a piece, if you're into what he's doing. He sometimes gives them away for free, too, so look out for that (for example, this Tupac drawing was given away over a week ago). That said, I think that his artistic capabilities, as well as his lyrical talents, really suits the title of his forthcoming project, called Victor Van Gogh. You can find some additional details about the album in Fiasco The God's previous post. And, based on his Twitter timeline (and shared on this Instagram post), Vic's been in the studio working on new music!
A photo posted by Victor Morales|Victor Van Gogh (@vic_virtuoso) on
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While I am referencing Vida Killz' "Untitled" song in the title of this post, I think the phrase can encompass all of what was talked about in this post. Everything that these people do, in both their daily lives and their music, they move and act with love. They are dedicated to what they do and they are wholly in it for the LOVE of it. They create because it is who they are and what they're meant to do; it's not for the money or for the popularity, but for the purity, for the message, for the integrity, for the creativity, and for the people. Whether it be Von Poe, who edits all of his albums, reworking the songs until they are just right, or deleting every single solo music video because he wants to make them better; Or if it's Papa J. Ruiz, who didn't let false claims and negativity get him down, and decided to give away the music video for free download, for the people to do what they want with it; Or if it's Vida Killz, who reached out to the people, inviting them to participate in her music video, asking them to share special moments and uplifting words to create one big thoughtful, inspiring visual that will be important to those who need it; Or if it's Vic Virtuoso, who pours hours into drawing new designs in his spare time, and finding the desire to give some of them away to his fans, just because... all of that--that's LOVE. I respect what they do and I am forever a fan. Everyone who is apart of Organized Threat right now are such righteous, cool people who make great art.
Anyway, I hope you absorbed all of what was in this post.
Click the links, watch the videos, buy their music and merch, and support these artists.
Until next time... XOXO, Tiffology
This is Fiasco and I am here to present to you the latest news from Organized Threat! We receive a great surprise from Papa J. Ruiz, exclusive information on an upcoming project from URSUS, as well as details on Vic Virtuoso's album, and more will fill up this OGT Weekly.
Why is the OGT Weekly important?
The OGT Weekly is important for many reasons! We can't all be online 24/7. Some of us work full-time, go to school full-time, or a mixture of the two. On top of that we all have friends and family that we like to see as well as activies we like to take part in. It would be irrational to believe that someone can be behind a screen waiting for their favorite artists to relase some new content. Every two weeks the OGT Weekly has you covered from EVERYTHING that Organized Threat released and announced into ONE blog.
On top of being busy, and I know all of you are busy being productive because you're Organized Threat listeners, as humans (some of us) we just miss things. Maybe you missed that tweet or that IG post or maybe you just don't have the proper social media platform that the news was announced on. No matter if you have Twitter, FB, or an IG, Tiff (another OGT Weekly contributor) and I have you covered!
Lastly, from time to time the Organized Threat members prefer to release exclusive news or music through the OGT Weekly. The OGT Weekly has the power of supplying you with the cutting edge news as soon as it's released. Now that is why the OGT Weekly is important!
OGT WEEKLY (blog #666, take 7, round 8) If you don't believe in yourself, then why do you expect to see results? Believing in yourself is the self-talk that you need to commence your journey to accomplishing your goal. Telling yourself "I know I can do this", "(insert task here) is easy", you are programming your brain for success! Papa J. Ruiz would agree...
Papa J. Ruiz has released his first project since dropping his HR 1955 album. Here is HR1955 (LOST FILES) and it contains in it's grasp, 8 tracks that did not make the tracklist for HR 1955. While playing HR1955 (LOST FILES) you may come across tracks that you have heard before and some new tracks as well. During your experience you may wonder why certain tracks didn't make the album. Specifically, "La Sistema / The System", did not make the album even though it did receive the music visual treatment. Leave a comment below, stating a track (or two) that you believe should have made the official album.
In combination with new music, we recieve the option to purchase new merchandise as well! The first edition all black snapback from Papa J. Ruiz is now available! All you need to do is click here.
And now, here is Papa J. Ruiz's new visual!
Papa J. Ruiz - Stolen Whip [Official Music Video] from VON POE VII on Vimeo.
With director Chad A. Marshall, Papa J. Ruiz presents to you a cohesive visual for "Stolen Whip"! There are several thoughts racing through my mind right now that I want to say about this visual. Just to start off, I do believe that this visual sets a brand new standard for Organized Threat visuals moving forward. "Stolen Whip" really had everything in balance and not one shot was more important than the other. Chad A. Marshall and Papa J. Ruiz were still able to tell a story that related to the track, while making sure to capture scenes of Papa J. Ruiz performing his raps. Along with that, they were still able to fit scenes in of elements that you typically see in todays music videos but, OGT did it on their terms. The scenes I'm talking about are the dancing scene and the scene with the woman. Typically in a music video today you would see over the top or unncessary dancing and a woman showing off "a lot". Not in this visual! The dance didn't take away from the visual and a beautiful woman was not the highlight (nor does it make it the only reason to watch the visual multiple times)! In a previous OGT Weekly that obtained Papa J. Ruiz's visual for "Rap Records / LA Resident" there was a transistion in scenes and there was a scene that was served to transistion into the second part of the track. I commented by saying "I'm not not sure how I feel about the setup. I believe if Organized Threat continues to play around with that approach it can only get better". And guess what? It is better this time around! This transition is vital to the "Stolen Whip" visual and has the potential to change your perception. Have I wrote enough about this visual? And it seems that OGT has finally agreed to their deal with Arizone Iced Tea. If you want to focus more on the track itself, "Stolen Whip" can be located on Papa J. Ruiz's album HR 1955.
Well I don't know if you knew but Von Poe VII appears to have a plan to release a vinyl for The Purity Of Love And War. Now, I haven't owned a vinyl before so I'll have to make this my first one.
Might not even press up CD copies of TPOLAW. Might just make mad flyers, tell niggas to download it to their phones and wait for the vinyl.
Via the Twitter social media platform, Von Poe VII and Papa J. Ruiz entertain the possibility of collaboration merch in 2016. If they do go through with this, it may inspire other OGT members to "buddy up" and do the same. This has the possibility of doing very well. It is still 2015 so while we wait for 2016 to approach, what are ideas/designs come to mind for Von Poe VII x Papa J. Ruiz collab merch? Leave a comment below!
"I Am His-Panic" is the newest track from Xican Brown. Xican Brown comes straight at you with a relentless delivery and hard hitting lines. "I Am His-Panic" serves as a track that makes sure Xican Brown and his Hispanic heritage is heard.
Somehow, some way the thought of accomplishing things on our own became the example of true hard work. I would love to meet the person who actually did EVERY single thing on his/her own. When it comes down to it we need a support system, mentorship, and unity to reach our goals. Sonny Sev would agree...
Unity is important. Knowing you cant unite with everyone might be most important
With Vic Virtuoso's album Victor Van Gogh on the way, he has provided me with the latest information on his album! In total there will be thirteen tracks and seven of those will be produced by himself. He has confirmed with me the following features; Sticky Ricky, Derrick Oliver, Von Poe VII, Razor, and Sonny Sev. Victor Van Gogh is coming soon!
Another Organized Threat member that has an EP on the way is URSUS. Entitled Resurrection, this project will actually be an introduction to the URSUS character. It is important to note that although it will be the second project released it is actually the third part to a journey. The journey actually began with URSUS' Prologue EPand that project set up the environment. According to URSUS, "Stay Still is going to the be the story and events that lead the URSUS character to be the type of person he is. So its like introducing the environment. Then the character. Then doing an origin story".
When characters arise in literature and music, we often wonder if that character carries attributes of the author. I asked URSUS if the URSUS character has anything in common with who he is as a person. URSUS replied, "I mean there are real things and feelings in there that come from my experience, but it's all hidden in metaphor. So I draw from real experiences, but at the end of the day it's a character". Ressurrection will be here on September 22nd.
In case you missed it (see how important the OGT Weekly is now?), I have placed the visuals for Organized Threat's BARS sessions. In this BARS series, Organized Threat places the focus on the lyrical skills of their MCs. I believe that this is one of the greatest ideas to arise and I hope that we continue to see more. I have embeded the Youtube player so that it plays each one right after the other. You're welcome.
Individually each member of OGT has their own personal Bandcamp account where they release music and merchandise. Now Organized Threat as a whole has their own bandcamp. The OGT Bandcamp links you to each member's Bandcamp. Von Poe VII told me that it "will be used as hub for all music / merch related to OGT".
There is your OGT Weekly! Make sure to feed your dog right after reading this. Some side effects include; binge watching OGT videos on their Youtube channel, tweeting your favorite Vida Killz lines, or flying to Colorado to kidnap Papa J. Ruiz. If you believe there are others that will find interest in reading this OGT Weekly, go ahead and send him/her/it/dog/fish/god this link! Also, make sure to answer the questions in the OGT Weekly by leaving a comment below! drones.
