Z F T P

download - Fixtape Two

2010-08-30T21:00:00.005-05:00

for those new here, welcome!
as for the rest of you all
I haven't completely abandoned this place (yet)
but if you're looking for my latest randomness (and you don't already stalk me on twitter and ~~facebook~~)
-- zftp.tumblr.com --
peace.

BTW, here's that fix...

alive and fixing

2010-06-16T16:11:00.002-05:00

a little off schedule but as promised, here are 2 Fixtape Two joints!

The Mood (Jungle Music)

Standin Too Close feat Spec Boogie

I'm hoping I don't alienate my current listeners with this mixtape, I told Von Pea I'm ready to lose a few fans lol. I've just been having fun lately recording and engineering for myself and others, learning how to use Pro Tools. With that said expect the rest of this random collection of music new(old to some) and newer soon....

there's a bunch of things thats happened since my last post (videos, songs, shows n'stuff) that i'd love to post but i'd rather go record some more songs.

Che Grand's 3rd Annual 99 Cent Party 4.20.10

2010-04-07T19:16:00.003-05:00

3rd Annual 99 Cent Party

April 20th 2010

Live Performances by
Lessondary
WrittenHouse
Broken English
And Special Invited Guests

Live visual art by
James Shields

Music by MekDot and DJ Tara

Presented by 2Dope Boyz x ZFTP Label

Hosted by Wyatt Cenac

Don Pedro's
90 Manhattan Ave.
BK NY 11212
http://www.donpedro.us/

Doors open 9pm

and now time for a song.....

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://chegrand.bandcamp.com/track/lawwd-listen"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Lawwd Listen by Che Grand&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Chateau Gold (Teaser) Dir. by Marques Green

2010-03-03T11:54:00.002-05:00

Che Grand "Chateau Gold" (Teaser) from ZFTP Label on Vimeo.

hope this is as fun to watch as it was to shoot (till i lost my BB in the snow playing drunk basketball lol)
shouts to Quefilms.com my dude Moses Djeli and TelisaD
full vid soon come!

from the "chateau gold" video shoot. pics by moses djeli

2010-03-01T00:04:00.001-05:00

!

2010-02-24T02:01:00.002-05:00

back at it. from Aeon on Vimeo.

the sooner he gets back
the sooner i'll be back
and since he back
WE BACK

aeon i need that beat btw.

B E D S T U Y - Spec Boogie (dir by Ali Santana)

2010-02-24T01:52:00.001-05:00

Spec Boogie - Bed Stuy from Boombaye' on Vimeo.

one of my fave songs about one of my fave places from one of my fave rappers!
lessondary!

Live Niggas Only - The Lessondary

2010-02-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

http://chegrand.bandcamp.com/

2010-01-31T21:58:00.001-05:00

http://chegrand.bandcamp.com/

wonderful xmas time!

2009-12-22T12:23:00.001-05:00

happy birfday jesus

coming.

2009-12-15T01:28:00.004-05:00

zftp label is coming.

fixtape two (i'm only in it for the drink ticket) w/ dj low key is coming.

airtight lp is coming.

while i'm bloggin...... late night late pass. get em all

2009-12-04T03:38:00.007-05:00

Download: Jermiside & DJ Low Key - Die Jerm Die

Lessondary!

DOWNLOAD: Spec Boogie - SpecFlix

watch all the mash-it-ups HERE!

Download: Elucid - Sub Bass Diet

BANG!

Danny! - Where is Danny? (FREE DOWNLOAD)

danny! done did it again!

Yours (Kofi Anonymous Remix) - Benny Sings

look who they spotted in public this week?!

2009-12-04T02:03:00.001-05:00

.....

2009-11-28T19:24:00.001-05:00

Walking Under Ladders (Live @ Public Assembly)

2009-09-28T10:15:00.001-05:00

shouts to ATWL & 5846!

Che Grand, Elucid & Spec Boogie -- "Walking Under Ladders" (Live @ Public Assembly) from 5846 Productions on Vimeo.

Upcoming Events.

2009-09-23T18:26:00.003-05:00

9/26 - Welcome to Bedstuy (w/ DJ Johnsville & IHMDJ) + "Celebrate We" Video Shoot @ Le Toukouleur (Corner of Bedford + Quincy)

9/27 - Zion I, Lessondary, AOK, Jon Hope & Sleepwalkas @ Public Assembly

Thurs - 10/1 A3C Festival in ATL

Thurs - 10/15 Comedy Below Canal with Wyatt Cenac and John Oliver. Musical Guest Che Grand @ 92Y Tribeca

Quick Breakdown of Everything Good Ugly (Part 3 of 3)

2009-09-22T16:55:00.005-05:00

"I Know You Still Want Me" (prod. by Aeon)
This might be my favorite beat on the album. It has a certain swing to it that never fails, I always feel good hearing it, head nodder. You could label it some easy listening late night moody music and it comes in at the perfect point for the album - "the wind down." People ask me if its a true story, yes and no..... Often when I choose to write relationship raps I take various pieces of different situations I've experienced, throw it in a bowl, mix it up and this is usually the outcome. A bunch of weird and true stories rolled into one. Everyone likes to know someone wants them. If you had a break up use the song as a renewed self esteem building anthem. 6th went in with the keys at the end! Are you diggin my singing yet?

"Life's Grand" featuring Nicky Guiland (prod. by Aeon)
Good and ugly stories of growing up, struggling and learning life's lessons. I wanted to make a feel good song about something real. As an artist I feel it's healthy to not take myself so serious. There's so much about life we'll never fully understand and my work is more about trying to survive than make sense of everything. I like my music to be therapy. I often laugh about things from the past that once may have not been so funny. So I chose a backdrop that would allow me to write about some of my early mistakes, my unique employment history (laughs) and a few silly shortcomings. This is technically the albums title track, although I never wanted an official one. Nicky Guiland (of the group Heavy) is on the chorus, she has a great voice, reminiscent of Minnie Riperton. She actually helped me realize I'd created the title track when she sent the hook back with "everyeveryeveryeverything's good ugly"

"Large Hadron Collider" (prod. by Suhburb)
This is some "Enemy of the State" meets "Jason Bourne" in "The Matrix" furturistic Dollar Bin Dream in Zimbabwe shit. I encourage folks to look up the LHC; basically it's the world's largest device created by scientists to create anti-matter (or black holes) located on the borders of France and Switzerland. I wrote this song awhile back, a stream of consciousness that had me wishing for the next black pres (before Obama) cures for cancer and an upgrade in the shit we're fed by media. It's late night ambience rap music provide by Suhburb and myself and ZFTP is now a label further details TBA.

"Chateau Gold" Interlude (prod. by Brian Brizzo)
Optix's woman really did leave him by the time we finished mixing this album (laughs.) Shout to the HouseGuests and all the family and friends that stopped by Chateau Gold.

"Soraya's Jam" featuring Benny Sings (prod. by Benny Sings)
4/1/2006 I was blessed with the greatest gift, a beautiful daughter. She changed my life. I used to give her a bath playing Benny Sing's "Below The Waterfall" and she loved it! One day I had to reach out to Benny just to tell him thanks for making dope music that I can listen to and enjoy with my daughter. He sent me a folder of beats and I decided to make a dedication to So'so with one of her and my fave artist.

"Across The Sky" (prod. by Suhburb)
Some day we will all leave here. I wanted to have a great exit song.

Crash Energy Drink!

2009-09-16T00:11:00.003-05:00

"i drank half a can last night around 7pm. i haven't slept since!"

CAUTION: Can contents are 100% Airtight.

Limited Edition (somebody tell the FDA EFF OFF)

Quick Breakdown of Everything's Good Ugly (Part 2 of 3)

2009-09-06T02:15:00.008-05:00

back with the second installment.
sorry for the delay....

"City On Fire" (prod. by Big Neeze and PB)
I moved to the United States from England in 1994 but well before I landed in the U.S. I was already writing and rapping. Around that same period ('92, '93) there was another genre of music taking over the kid's headphones in the UK. It was called Jungle music. A good friend used to give me all the latest tapes (DJ Kenny Ken was that dude) and I just remember loving the drum patterns and tempo of the music, I've always dug off/on beat shit. It had the same rawness of hip hop fused with some house, reggae and afro beats, only it was faster, bass heavier and, at the time, no one was attempting to rap at those bpm's. Fast forward a few years later you had genres like Grime and Dubstep where similar patterns over time have evolved and been meshed with lyrics. The thing about the "local music scenes" is no matter where you are in the world there is always a section trying to innovate and push new styles; music, fashion, way of thinking etc and it seems Hip Hop always serves as a good base. When I first heard Baltimore Club I related it to something I might've heard in one of those "raves" I couldnt go to in 6th grade back in the UK listening to Jungle mixes (laughs) -- I can't forget the influence of Go Go music (my Grandma has been in Prince Georges County damn near my whole life) or even Miami Bass stuff. It's good to hear some dope thoughtout words over a fast track. Big Neeze and I genuinely enjoyed many genres coming up so we've always experimented with tempos on the production side. At first Neeze didnt want me to have this beat, nigga said he had it saved for some New Relgion jeans ad campaign or some off the wall shit. I had to beg him for almost 2 months (laughs) I actually penned City On Fire's lyrics to another beat, a Grime style track Suhburb gave me, I felt it was too dark and wanted something a little more bright and punchy. The hook is your basic "the roof is on fire..." formula meets some 2012 shit. I also had the oppurtunity to do the "double time" flow which I have a guilty pleasure for, I'd like to rap like that more but its an aquired taste for most (laughs.) The main objective was to make some fun quirky music to get loose in the club to. This song allowed me to shout out a few areas I've had priviledge to live in too, feels like i've been on tour all my life.

"Restart" (Original) (prod. by PB)
Sequencing on an album is everything, i'm a nerd for this stuff. I fell in love with most of my favorite albums growing up because of the way it played thru, and most of them were albums to drive to. I also want to be a DJ someday (i'm going to be eventually) so puttin EGU together there was no better way to follow up City On Fire, than with RESTART. Had to keep the party going. RESTART was originally on the Breakfast @ Wimbledon mixtape I dropped with 2Dopeboyz last year. PB sent me the beat for Gold Chains Part Deux and this version of Restart around the same time I was gearing up to record the song the Breakfast.. version. I basically wrote the rhyme to this track and then decided to rock them over Common's UMC for the mixtape because I was gassed Pharrell or Common might hear it (laughs) This one is the original. If you notice switch of the track becomes slightly emo bout Obama maybe becoming the president. That was the energy in the air at that time Oct 2008.

"Celebrate We" (prod. by Wale Oyejide)
This is one of the last songs I recorded for Everything's Good Ugly. In the final stretch of mixing I was searching for another sound, I wanted to do something that was different but at the same time familiar but I didn't have long to make up my mind on it. On AIM one night Donwill hits me up with some random beats from my Mr. Wale Oyejide aka Science Fiction a very dope Hip Hop/Afro Beat producer ("One Day... Everything Changed" is a dope album, i'd been wanting to work with the dude since I heard it. but I heard thru Okayplayer boards he stopped making music!) Celebrate We is what I was looking for and exactly what the title says. For good health, for music, for VA, for heritage, for Hip Hop, for good babwe (not that huckabee ©kat williams) for bumping the album, for reading these liner notes and giving a damn! "this for all areas, hood and university/friend, foe and affiliate/celebrate we." Another twist at the end - I was originally going to do a song about paranoia but it got too weird (laughs) (peace of mind, now everbody want a piece of my.... peice of mind, so now I gotta grab my nine) Inspired from 3000's adlib intro on "Return Of The G"

"People Bowling" featuring Tanya Morgan (prod. by Brian Brizzo)
People Bowling is basically Von Pea, Donwill, Ilyas and myself rapping really well (like we all usually do) to a great track produced by Brizzo that I found on a beat CD he gave me back in summer 1990... There is only about 15 people that actually know the full story of where the title comes from, but it's pretty much another Lessondary "show up drunk" episode at the old movie nights at Black Soap Palace.... this one came cortesy of Donwill (laughs) I miss movie night yo (sidenote: for anyone who has not seen it we recommend you watch the movie "Killer Sheep")

"Crash" (prod. by Von Pea)
"More than one or two screws loose in my brain/It looks like Home Depot got hit by a hurricane" This is one of the first songs I recorded for the album. Pea once referred to him and I being kinda like the new Busta Rhymes and Q Tip combo for the new generation. For anyone that's true fans of them both and knows the type of energy they bring with their collabs then you can see the comparison. It's definitely how we've always approached our collaborations since '03. The Crash hook is about my laptop crashing, getting fixed, working and crashing again, I kid you not.

"Girls Talk" featuring DbM (prod. by Aeon)
My jam. I'd like to take co-production on this although Aeon did the physical work on to the beat. The original beat (before the switch ups) is the format I first had it in. This was supposed to be an R&B song for a mutual friend, but at the time (and still) I always ended up with everyone's beats on my computer (laughs) Once I found out she was'nt recording it I called Aeon hype as shit! I already had the hook lingering around for awhile. I mashed up some random Big and Pac's lines bout women to create a chorus dedicated to fast talkative females and once I heard this beat it matched perfect. It was a genius "light bulb" moment for me, I knew I was on to something... but why stop there. I wanted to push this joint as far as it could go.... I remember calling Aeon a few times that weekend working on the track, and he probably thought I was a lunatic when I described how I wanted the switch up's but when he sent it back everything was EXACTLY how I heard it in my mind! I got my boy Darrin to come thru and re-sing this Rebirth song that I was too shook to try myself and that finalized it all. Aeon's ear and range is incredible, I cant wait to start out OMGz project. Girls Talk's placement on the album actually begins the "winding down" process as far as pace/subject matter.

Gold Chains (Part Deux) x Walking Unnder Ladders LIVE

2009-08-24T11:03:00.002-05:00

here's a little footage from this past sat's release performance/party @ Southpaw
courtesy of my good homie Rich!

thank you to everyone that came out (too many friends and fam to shout)
peace to Fresh Daily Sucio Smash and Alice for putting together the event and Waajeed for spinning.

EVERYTHING'S GOOD UGLY - BUY IT FOR $8.99 HERE

A Quick Breakdown of "Everything's Good Ugly" (Part 1 of 3)

2009-08-20T12:40:00.002-05:00

I'll let the cat out of the bag.....
I'm currently working on the "Everything's Good Ugly" book which will be accompanied by the physical CD due this winter, but while you wait enjoy a quick track-by-track breakdown.

"Bless'd" featuring Jacob Soul (prod. by Big Neeze)
I wrote these intro verses for my album about 4 years ago, well before I had the beat or even a title for the album. I just knew what I wanted to open my debut with and I was going through a lot of things I mentioned at that time. Bless'd is basically a quick summary of where my life was at that point and where I wanted to go, it's a very personal song. Of course it was only right to have my brother Big Neeze kick off the album with his production. We've been making tracks together since 2000, growing together and pushing each other to get better at our craft. We've always had debates about the perfect way to start an album, taking notes from some of our own personal favorites. I just wanted to come in with a lot of good energy. Jacob Soul is a very talented vocalist based in DC that I met thru my man Vex, a real soulful cat indeed. The homie 6th Sense comes in with a ill lead solo on the MicroKorg at the end of the song, that made it that much more epic to me!

"Gift Wrap" (prod. by Brian Brizzo)
As uplifting as "Bless'd" is I wanted to make sure I wasn't alienating anyone that wanted to hear that slightly ignant Airtight Grizzy ish (laughs) I have a lot of random terms that I come up with quickly in the studio, just playing around, some end up becoming song titles. I think I recorded this in a Decemeber if that makes sense.... The album has many layers and dimensions, the braggadocio stuff is simply one side of me (and a huge part of Hip Hop music,) it's a confidence thing, no one wants an overly emo emcee, sometimes you gotta tell em why youre the shit! This was produced by Brian Brizzo, we worked a lot together on Everything's Good Ugly and will continue to in the future cause he knows what I like!

"Swing" (prod. by Brian Brizzo)
Another Brian Brizzo produced track (if you noticed I did a lot of sectioning with the in-house producers, I wanted to keep a certain vibe going) Swing is the song you play while youre pre-gaming before the club or a party on a Friday night, the hook was an ode to SV, it just sounded like something they would do (Note: I recorded this in 2006 before everyone had "swagger.")
Quick funny story bout me and Brizzo: Swing was the first track he produced for me. A mutual friend gave me a beat CD of his at a bar one night, I stumbled to the car (drunk,) skimmed thru it, put it in my back pocket and went back to the bar. Of course I end up sitting on it and breaking it, but at the time I didnt care. Fast forward a few months later I found the CD, huge crack on the side of it and all, but for some reason I decided to play it anyway and the shit WORKED! Needless to say when I really sat down and listened I quickly realized Brian's brilliance and reached out immediately. Fate?

"Walking Under Ladders" featuring Elucid and Spec Boogie (prod. by Illmind)
I've been a fan of Illmind's production since seeing him tear down a few Beat Society events at the Knitting Factory in NYC over the years, so when he asked me to be a guest on the 2nd installment of his Blaps Rhymes & Life series I was amped. He hit me with a couple joints and was also generous enough to offer a contribution to my debut. Walking Under Ladders is just H A R D! The beat reminds me of something Busta and Nottz were doing circa 1999. As for the concept, I tend to make a lot of sequels to my previous songs, this is a sequel to "Stepping Over Water" feat Ilwil from my 2004 Final Countdown mixtape. This time I had assistance from 2 other dope members of the Lessondary family Spec Boogie and Elucid to help me taunt some of the current lackluster so-called rappers - "Out of work stage actors/ set under construction/ hustling backwards" some strong raps for a strong beat.

"Gold Chains" (Part Deux) (prod. by PB)
Another sequel to a song about triumph, speaking on further triumph. Everything about this song is to be considered as encouragement. The message is to never let people put you in a box, because we can do it all, swerve on em non-stop and keep shining. This track was produced by PB a good homie of my brother Neeze, they work together a lot in the studio. They really know the meaning of making positive and provocative sounding hits.

"Too Much Too Soon" feat Colin Munroe (prod. by Colin Munroe)
Honestly my favorite subject matter to tackle in my music is the complexities of relationships between man and woman. I try to take my personal experiences and be as honest as possible and I believe these type of songs are the easiest to relate to when done the right way. Too Much Too Soon can be heard as 3 stories in one: 1st verse is about the man smothering his new love interest with so much attention that she feels things are moving too fast and she wants to get away. 2nd verse - roles are reversed but this time the woman copes with losing her love in a very neurotic, emotional and fatal attraction type of manner (laughs) 3rd is about a newly married couple eventually divorcing. I met Colin Munroe last December at a show we rocked along with Wale and Kid Cudi. We had genuine respect for each others music and agreed to work on something, the end product came out dope, one of my personal fave songs to date.

Spec Boogie Mashes Walking Under Ladders/Jacob's Ladder

2009-08-20T09:35:00.002-05:00

Spec Boogie's "Summer Movie Season" is finally ready!
Expect it to be dropping next week.
And as a bonus he decided to mash up "Walking Under Ladders" (feat Elucid and Spec Boogie from my debut "Everything's Good Ugly" which dropped this past Tues COPP IT) with one of his favorite horror flicks, Jacob's Ladder.
This clip is both dope and disturbing lmao I need to see this movie....

Check it out!

the Lessondary Crew thanks you.

Walking Under Ladders from spec boogie on Vimeo.

Che Grand - Everything's Good Ugly 8.18.09

2009-08-18T21:01:00.005-05:00

thank you.

dont forget to leave a review on iTunes.

Music Addicts Only Interview

2009-08-18T03:39:00.002-05:00

The other day Ms Billie Sunshine and Potential of Music Addicts Only stopped by to kick it on the stoop and we talked a bit about Everything's Good Ugly.....(which is on iTunes RIGHT NOW!)

also here is another sneak preview/listening session thingy for "I Know You Still Want Me" (footage from Rock The Block 2009 "Chaos n Canvas" event this past Saturday which I had a chance to perform @)

EGU Listening Party Recap

2009-08-16T16:32:00.003-05:00

here's some footage of the "Everything's Good Ugly" Listening Session @ PNC Radio/Studios this past Thursday. Shouts to www.quefilms.com, DJ Patrick Chewing, A King (www.pncradio.fm), Dallas Penn and everyone who came thru to get a sneak preview....

here's some additional footage from the flip (which i'm starting to have way too much fun with)
more sneak previews coming.

Callin ALL DJ's!

2009-08-14T22:18:00.002-05:00

your set is imcomplete without this:
Gold Chains (Part Deux) (Radio Edit)

you dont believe its killin the clubs?!
take a look.

Everything's Good Ugly - Countdown to 8/18

2009-08-11T07:53:00.005-05:00

DOWNLOAD:
"everything's good ugly" promo sampler ((mixed by king most))

It's been a long and grueling but blessed journey.
One that really has no ending
But we're almost at the new chapter, new beginning!

Everything's Good Ugly - August 18th 2009!
to all the great folks who have been following my progress via zftp from day one and all the well wishers/supporters I truly appreciate all the encouraging words and genuine excitement for this album.....

i'm so amped up!

a few thing's my NYC area fam can check out in the next coming days:

- Wed 8/12 (TOMORROW NIGHT) @ BOBS! "Gold Chain's (Part Deux)" Single Release!! 235 ELDRIDGE ST. BET HOUSTON + STANTON! Shout to Alice and DJ GetLive at HOMEBASENYC!

- Thur 8/13 PNC Radio X 2DopeBoyz presents "Everything's Good Ugly" Listening Session 7pm (come thru, have a drink and listen to the album!)

- Sat 8/15 Rock The Block Festival in Dumbo -- we'll also be streaming the album on Lessondary Radio 4pm - 6pm pncradio.fm

- Tues 8/18 EVERYTHING'S GOOD UGLY Available on iTunes
- Fri 8/21 Everything's Good Ugly Release Party TBA
and a lot more stay tuned!

Also MTV Jams has added the video for my homie Donny Goines single "She Likes" feat Che Grand and Izza Kizza (momma imma be on TV!!!!!)

RIP Baatin..... Che Grand - "King ✖ Grand"

2009-08-04T15:33:00.003-05:00

Baatin you had some very prolific words to say, I wanted to meet you just as much as Jay Dee. Your presence will be missed.
I know you and Dilla are working on joints right now!

download: Che Grand - "King ✖ Grand"
- this past Friday night while in the studio I had the sudden urge to record something over King from Jay Stay Paid only to hear the sad news from my folks the next day.....

celebrate life.

Hardcore Gentleman RUGGED N SMOOVE!!!!!

2009-08-04T10:27:00.002-05:00

i need a t shirt with the realest like bruce willis logo on it lol

PHILLY! SALUTE!!!!!

2009-07-19T15:31:00.010-05:00

shout out to all my philly family
lets do it again soon.....

pictures by http://www.mikeymcfly.com/

Tanya Morgan + Che Grand + DJ Statik hosted by Phonte.

2009-07-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

PHILA TONIGHT!

LESSONDARY UPDATES x Besouro (Trailer)

2009-07-14T09:51:00.007-05:00

my whole team gets it IN.
need examples?

first off Download: Donwill "tribute to dj quik and kurupt" (prod. by my dude 6th sense)

Need more? Watch: Spec Boogie's - "akira"

Not to mention Sub Bass Diet and Pea's Gotta Have It are on the way!!!!!! Some exciting shit coming from the family.

bonus - - for some soon to be Lessondary movie night shit one day.....spotted @ the homies 2dopeboyz.com's crib.

SHE LIKES!

2009-07-10T19:21:00.003-05:00

:-)

2009-07-06T10:47:00.002-05:00

Elucid - Automatic Writing (Video) Directed by Ali "Boombaye" Santana

2009-07-02T15:29:00.004-05:00

One of my fave E Gutta tracks finally has some sick visuals to match the Aeon produced banger...

Directed by the homie Boombaye!

Elucid - Automatic Writing from Boombaye' on Vimeo.

I'll let Elucid explain the vision behind this one a bit further:

If I learned one thing from the 'Automatic Writing' video experience it would be that there are only two ingredients necessary to accomplish any goal; vision and determination. Somehow the universe throws you in the path of whatever else required for the rest of your journey. This project was a true labor of love and testament to our resourcefulness. What started as late night random idea tossing via instant message (oracles, drapetomania, solar eclipses?!?) quickly morphed into a 4 page video treatment. Shot intermittently during the early months of 2009, without a penny's investment, Boombaye and I trooped through the streets and subways of New York City in true hip hop/guerrilla style shooting illegally on lo-fi equipment without a proper permit. Five months and a number of sleepless nights later, I'm ecstatic to present this piece to the world. Automatic Writing's message of self reliance and empowerment resounds even more so with the accompanying imagery.'Close your eyes, it feels different here/ Sign of the times, almost in the clear/I see spaceships on Flatbush, calling me back home/ Resetting the clock to begin again'Cuing inspiration from my personal musical trinity of Sun Ra, George Clinton, and Afrika Bambaataa, 'Automatic Writing' serves as a statement to the building of a new world. A future world. A better world. The idea of midnight trains, chariots, and even spaceships carrying oppressed people away from their suffering are common themes in American Black music. As a people robbed of their past, now living in the present as aliens in a foreign land that constantly seeks to disparage their identity, we have no choice but to embrace the future and the promise it brings.

Mic Legacy - TJ Hooker f. Journ, Che Grand & Truck North (Video)

2009-07-02T06:01:00.003-05:00

"TJ Hooker" - Mic Legacy, Journ, Che Grand, and Truck North. Produced By Nottz Raw. Video directed and written By: Monsee' from The Media Den on Vimeo.

a few weeks back I linked up with the Rebel Muzik family, my dude Mic Legacy and Truck North to shoot the video for the Nottz produced "TJ Hooker" which can be heard on the mixtape Channel Zero cop that if you haven't already!
and big up to my dude Ruck

VA Stand Up.

now a few words about the vid:
Four young men find themselves frustrated trying to make it through a normal day while a crooked police officer consistently runs interference.

R.I.P Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T22:17:00.006-05:00

Painting by Jonny Fenix

Everytime I watch him I feel like I'm 5 yrs old all over again.
Thank you for the magic and inspiration.

(From Complex Mag)

Every ’70s and ’80s baby in the world was raised on his classic music videos, but most Michael Jackson fans didn’t get a chance to see his 3D science fiction movie Captain EO, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The flick was shown exclusively at Disneyland and Epcot Center for over 10 years, but it’s never been officially released on DVD (click here to sign a petition asking Disney to release the damn thing so we can pay them money). But thanks to the internets (and a wonderful Dutch person), we can now watch the complete movie (part 1 above and part 2 below).

It’s kind of a fake Star Wars, but fuck it…did we mention that George Lucas also co-wrote and produced Captain EO? Yeah. A note to so-called “superstars”: until you have a movie airing at the biggest amusement park in the world for a decade…you’re not touching the King! Rest in peace to the greatest that ever did it.

ZFTP Family.

2009-06-24T08:14:00.004-05:00

shouts to Photo Rob and Richard Louissaint
they've been taking dope photo's of me since I really started crafting EGU! Lots of photos lol.....
(remind me to send them copies.)

well i'm alive,
wheels are turning, things are moving
still not sure where it will end up
but as far as "Everything's Good Ugly" goes, the album is complete.
as some may have noticed it's not official out there, but a few musically respected individuals have it and I feel very good about the response so far.....
the release date isn't concrete yet but its looking to be July or August digitally.

its been a busy few weeks but i like the work
big shouts to A-King and the family @ WWW.PNCRADIO.FM
tune into Lessondary Radio on pncradio.fm every Sat 4pm - 6pm

also catch me in a few videos coming (shouts to Donny Goines Izza Kizza and Court Dunn, and my folks in VA Rebel Muzik, Mic Legacy and Ruck, big up Truck North too)

and heres a few shows coming up:

6/27 - (This Saturday!) 3rd Annual DJ Low Key BDay Extravaganza LIVE in Denver
7/8 - Tanya Morgan Torae Che Grand & Brown Bag All Stars LIVE @ Southpaw BK
7/14 - Tanya Morgan Che Grand LIVE @ Silk City, Philadelphia

there will be a few dope listening parties for the album most likely at the spur of the moment, stay tuned to http://twitter.com/CheGrand lol

now some related (and non related) zftp shit:

Gold Chains (CDR Radio Rip)

2009-06-07T00:58:00.002-05:00

Che Grand - Gold Chains Part Duex (Radio Rip)

the album is NOT droppin on 6/10

Tanya Morgan - So Damn Down (Video)

2009-06-07T00:55:00.001-05:00

thick asian video jawn, trippy mouth pieces and a salute too BBD's poison vid at the end!
dont
hate
my
crew

Requiem for a Dream - Spec Boogie

2009-06-01T08:17:00.000-05:00

Spec Boogie - Summer Movie Season - Requiem for a Dream from spec boogie on Vimeo.

Vash (Violated)

2009-05-31T16:25:00.001-05:00

My Mayor Is A Billionaire - Elucid (Download)

2009-05-31T16:19:00.002-05:00

Elucid

"My Mayor Is A Billionaire"

.....

2009-05-31T16:13:00.003-05:00

gonna be a long summer now.

Spec Boogie - Edward Scissorhands (prod. by Von Pea)

2009-05-21T00:35:00.001-05:00

BOOGIE!
2nd installment of the "Summer Movie Season" coming soon!

Tanya Morgan - Brooklynatti New Album OUT NOW!

2009-05-12T12:10:00.003-05:00

please support my brothers and good hip hop shit, chances are if youre reading this blog i aint gotta preach to the choir but regardless i'm really proud of them and this album is truly amazing so copp it immediately!
copp 5!

REISSUE: Che Grand "I Love Cassie" (now with exclusive artwork)

2009-05-07T09:38:00.005-05:00

sorry, couldnt ignore this one.....

Reissue: "I Love Cassie" from Oct 2008 Breakfast @ Wimbledon

Get @ Meka n Shake for more
NWSF at all (but who has a job these days)

Spec Boogie - Warriors

2009-05-06T16:52:00.006-05:00

just in time for me to celebrate my return back to the stuy a new video from brother boogie!
this is heat.
Also lookout for Spec's "Summer Movie Season" mixtape rocking scores to his fave flicks and new video mashups til july when the whole project will be available for thee free.

paitience is wearing thin

2009-05-02T12:27:00.003-05:00

definetley mine and possibly yours

but I don't think i'm going to complain...

heres a few answers to the FAQ's (since announcing EGU's date)

- The album is done (needs to be mixed and mastered, if you know Optix call Optix)
- Everything's Good Ugly is dropping 6-9-09 on ZFTP Label
- ZFTP Label is my new company. We currently have new projects in the works including the Everything's Good Ugly Book featuring work from various photographers I personally dig and liner notes to the album (something every coffee table will need)
- ZFTP will also be presenting a few 99 Cent Shows near you this summer.

i'll be back with more on this news later

Best Box Talk Interview EVER

2009-04-28T02:28:00.001-05:00

Che Grand - Walking Under Ladders feat Elucid and Spec Boogie prod by Illmind

2009-04-23T17:22:00.006-05:00

Everything's Good Ugly
6/9/09

Walking Under Ladders ft Elucid and Spec Boogie (prod by Illmind) (1st Mix) MP3 - Che Grand

che grand - f o u r 20 (2009) Mix

2009-04-20T00:13:00.012-05:00

F O U R 20 (mix) DOWNLOAD

so i finally got around to doing another 4twenty mix
earlier i challenged myself to only make one if i could start and finish in a few hours like I used to...
in ftw.
If you know my usual ZFTP mixes then you most likely know what to expect here.....
(stay tuned for more about Lessondary Radio coming to PNC!!! meaning new zftp mixes every week!)

for all the newbies (and ZFTP heads) going hard for 4.20 please download this
I'm in a generous mood (plus I didnt make one last year lol) so i'll give a rundown of a few artists featured on this mix (in no particular order ha!)

madlib
the dream
bob dylan
snoop
bilal
funkadelic
puff daddy
some really dope madlib shit
2000 black
beavis
roy ayers
bola johnson and his easy life
pharrell williams
wayne henderson
homer
devin the dude
jeff bridges the dude
dert
mic geronimo
tom browne
thurgood
bart
georgia ann muldrow
royal flush
new look
NO CHE GRAND.
bob saget
hawaiian punch man
video game and other random/not so random noises
butthead
a law suit from comedy central
the dude "stinky" that got kicked off the real world from house party 3.
and many more.....

Che Grand - Girls Talk (Video)

2009-04-17T01:32:00.007-05:00

Big ups to Lajon S Daniels and everyone that was involved with the shoot....
I had a lot of fun doing this video! Thanks y'all.

Che Grand's 2nd Annual 99 Cent Party Directed by Ali Santana

2009-04-13T20:08:00.002-05:00

Che Grand's 2nd Annual 99 cent jammy from Boombaye' on Vimeo.

I didnt even know my dude was filming!
Check my man Ali out here

2nd Annual 99 Cent Party Pictures by Mel D Cole & Richard Louissaint

2009-04-12T22:39:00.020-05:00

shouts to my dudes Mel D Cole and Richard Louissaint for gettin some pics of the 99 Cent Party this past thurs....

Che Grand x Diplo?!

2009-04-08T23:05:00.003-05:00

zftp.

z f t p: still in this mf'er

2009-04-07T13:04:00.005-05:00

all'right then, lets begin.....
#1 - 99 Cent Party 4/9 9pm Live @ The Annex as seen HERE - (shouts to 2 Hungry Bros. Tiara Wiles ((and Mic Sean)) IllRoots.com Stephanie aka Zuri Nkiru, D. Benjamin, LaJon Daniels (((and everyone that was involved with the "Girls Talk" shoot))) and lastly Lessondary! ((((Spec came thru once again with the crazy flyer))))

#2 - Download Elucid's - Laser Days NOW!

#3 - Shouts to Mothergreen.com

#4 - me and my man's Richard Louissant are at it again. big up to him for the "EGU Conclusion" (more on this later) shoot in Red Hook

#5 - Lessondary Radio x PNC (i'm excited bout this!) stay tuned.

the big 3!

2009-04-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

Che Grand's 2nd Annual 99 Cent Party 4/9/09 9pm @ The Annex!

2009-04-02T21:26:00.001-05:00

Peter Tosh on: Bumberclot 4080 in 1986

2009-03-31T23:32:00.001-05:00

Tanya Morgan - "LIVE @ SXSW March 2009" (download)

2009-03-24T17:51:00.004-05:00

audio of tanya morgan's performance live at the smoking section / nahright 2009 showcase @ sxsw

and we get (really y'all cause i already heard the album) a sneak peak at some brooklynatti goodness!!!

Tracklisting

1 Soundcheck intro
2 Cuddlebums
3 Shes Gone interlude
4 Plan B
5 Were Fly interlude
6 Morgan Blu
7 Bang n Boogie interlude
8 So Damn Down
9 Alleye Need interlude
10 Forgot 2 Say

D O W N L O A D

. . . . .

2009-03-24T10:09:00.003-05:00

Thursday April 9th

Che Grand's 2nd Annual 99 Cent Party

Live @ The Annex LES NYC

Girls Talk Video premiere + a few special guests!

Lessondary show up drunk.....

2009-03-23T17:46:00.001-05:00

Sweet Cheeba x Lessondary @ Sole Food from 5846productions on Vimeo.

a few pictures from the Girls Talk video shoot

2009-03-17T13:33:00.009-05:00

courtesy of Von Pea's Kyte phone:

trailer soon come
i just got back from the studio btw
meaning...
album soon come too (freal this time lol)

"Girls Talk" Video Shoot Invite! x Donwill as Don Cusak - LAURA'S SONG!!!!

2009-03-12T20:16:00.007-05:00

You can always keep your eyes on this page (refresh every hour or so) and the details will magically appear!

143 Christopher Columbus Ave Jersey City, NJ 07302
(Path Train to Grove St will bring you to Jersey Ave, a block away from the loft) Come anytime btwn 6pm - 12am!

oh Lessondary got an Anthology of videos on the way...

Donwill as Don Cusak - LAURA'S SONG!!!!
I'm so amped for this album!

From the album Don Cusack in High Fidelity Music:
Donwill Starring: Jasika Nicole, Von Pea & Che Grand
For More Info: www.mcdayjob.com www.quefilms.com

if you dont see my face no more

2009-03-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

PHILA - 3/7 Flowers EP Release Party

2009-03-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

Shouts to Haj!

i think twitter is trying to kill zftp

2009-03-06T13:16:00.004-05:00

i was just about to update my twitter page with something special from Breakfast @ Wimbledon (one of those "wtf is that?" joints - and you know ZFTP rules means I never really give the names away, either you know it or you dont) but i've decided to come home to post up, ive been neglectful

y'all read this blog and i need to start bloggin my thoughts again more
lately ive been feeling like i need to censor myself because i KNOW there's readers now and thats not the type of person i am, so i'm going back IN lol

got a lot on my plate right now and of course EGU is covering most of that plate.
we're almost there though and that's all i'll say about it (i know i say this a lot but this time i really mean it)

other than that its nothin but shows videos and loathe.

oh yeah, this chris/rihanna shit disgusts me fam.

i needed to throw my 2cents in for many reasons, 1 being the fact that I saw a young couple get into a fight while waiting for the train a few nights ago and dude got amped enough to react thru punching the girl in her chest pretty damn hard. i'm not saying this type of violence didnt happen before chris brown and Rhianna's issue but the coverage its received from media - even to the extent of the alleged rumors claiming they're back together, none of that shit could possibly be having a positive influence on the youth.... *sigh*

i could go on for awhile about my feelings on that, but its really tiresome and y'all just wanna get this B@W goodie right?

(btw Philly i'm out there tomorrow with the fams, check the flyer up one post)

ok

heres the jam i wanted to post:

Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson - Tell Me What You Want

run dmc x ll cool j

2009-02-27T15:43:00.003-05:00

finding these dope imported Hip Hop interviews are my new fave distraction

first show of 2009 2/28 @ the house of yes - "better music!"

2009-02-23T19:10:00.002-05:00

its the (new improved) house of yes so you already know its going to be insane
shouts to hassan, bushwick wildlife and everyone planning to make it out.... see y'all there!

this is all i watched for a whole summer as a kid

2009-02-20T00:41:00.002-05:00

Get Your Ticket. Eat Your Ticket

i feel like i need to blog more

2009-02-17T23:57:00.001-05:00

i'll be back on schedule soon.

next leak strictly IMEEM

2009-02-16T09:16:00.002-05:00

Pitch Me to You ft. Che Grande, Donwill, Theo, and Peter Hadar (prod. Cook Classics) - Che Grand, DonWill, Theo, and Peter Hadar

Che Grand feat Colin Munroe - Too Much Too Soon

2009-02-13T22:48:00.007-05:00

Download - Che Grand "Too Much Too Soon" feat Colin Munroe (off Everything's Good Ugly)

Happy Valentines Day!
technically it's still an hour till, but like my dude Von says (via B D Kane) "Friday the 13th, imma play JASON!"

bonus DOWNLOAD: ZFTP RADIO presents the BedRockinCondomPoppin PodcastMixThing

Swing

2009-02-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

prepping to shoot Swing (my first official video) 1st week of March!
to get involved with full details
please email: swingvideoteam@gmail.com

.

2009-01-29T12:52:00.001-05:00

"Streets" !llmind x Che Grand

2009-01-28T16:49:00.004-05:00

Streets produced by !llmind

on that note i'm leaving the innanets for a bit, if you need me call me.
if you dont have the # find it.
peace

gotta finish this album, my beard is itchy now.

new Podcast! Z F T P Radio II

2009-01-27T00:00:00.003-05:00

long awaited...

download it.

HERE

enjoy.

Medicine for Melancholy (Trailer) in thee HD

2009-01-26T01:52:00.005-05:00

"For now I appreciate this moment in time. Ball players and actors be knowing my rhymes" - Common

Big shouts to Wyatt Cenac, I gotta support this (dude been rockin with me since Final Countdown! lol)
Premieres this Friday, i'll def be there.

this HAS to be a movie night pick

2009-01-26T01:22:00.004-05:00

just when i thought horror movies were dead

thanks ye!

2009-01-23T13:44:00.002-05:00

yerr!

2009-01-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

for big neeze - baatin explainin "pregnant" from fantastic vol 1

2009-01-16T16:44:00.003-05:00

hol'up hol'up

he also breaks down the meaning of his verse from another personal Mid H SV song CB4 (maddd abbreviations)

DAF3!

2009-01-13T14:56:00.001-05:00

on my Walter Sobchak shit

2009-01-13T00:55:00.000-05:00

ZFTP January Artist Spotlight - Ced Hughes, Wil May and Jared Evans

2009-01-12T00:05:00.005-05:00

Ced Hughes - What Up Tho?! Mixtape

Jared Evan - Idioteque

Wil May - IDZ 4 THE K!D$

Big up Ced Hughes my fellow Virginia brethen, the mixtape has been on replay for a few months! Be on the look out for a joint featuring me Ced and the good homie Wil May a dope producer/rapper based out in ATL, shout to Makeshift...
Shouts to Jared Evans, another really talented dude, he's a drummer (he played for my band The Grand Union) and also knocks out a few bars in his spare time, please check for his Radiohead inspired Radio In My Head mixtape dropping very soon

So why do a ZFTP Spotlight? Simple, people check my blog, respect my taste and most importantly they download shit here lol
I'm opening my doors.... If you want to have your joint featured just email me chegrand@gmail.com and every month i'll post my fave in the official ZFTP spotlight post, i mean i aint no meka or shake but err why the hell not?

Wunderful Xmas Time 2008 (Video)

2009-01-09T14:59:00.003-05:00

i cant embed it but heres the link
http://hereonholiday.com/xmas.html
Shouts to Amy and Mike!

ZFTP Clip of The Week: Colin Munroe - Piano Lessons (Video)

2009-01-08T15:28:00.004-05:00

Shout to the homie Colin!
We got some heat on the way for y'all soon....

and yes i'm back on my ZFTP ish.
The break is over.

Keeping the focus on where I am.....

2009-01-06T11:39:00.004-05:00

Feeling good, Championshipish I guess.
Everyone keeps asking me "what's next, what are you going to do now?"
Its not really clear whats going on right now
All I know is I'm gettin ready to do something i've never done before.....

but I mean as for right NOW?
if you happen to be around the Bedstuy BK area stop by the T Cup Cafe! Throop and Fulton
(C Train to Kingston Throop)

also all the fit women in BK stop by Collecther Franklin ave @ Lafayette
Tell em airtight sent ya.

HAPPY 2009

2009-01-01T13:59:00.003-05:00

i love you all
2008 was the best and worst year of my life
but i made it thru and im ready to take on what ever the new year has to offer

with that said....

im
on
hiatus.

but, WHEN I RETURN.....

2008 recap
ZFTP vol. 8 - 9
ZFTP Radio
oh and probably Everything's Good Ugly lol

peace.

Highline Ballroom Pics + Vids + Stay Hostin Radio!

2008-12-12T09:56:00.006-05:00

Update: Check the interview I did with my man Dee Dot on Stay Hostin Radio last night: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stayhostin

so by now you heard a bit of how it all went down.

they actually turned my music on this time lol

it was a great show, peace to everyone that came out.
special thanks to the homie Matt, Jesse and all the performers
cant wait to do it again, and again!

heres some pics(click on them to enlarge and see in full) and video footage...i'll post more as i get it.
gotta go, im working law suits, breakfast and next weeks big events all at the same time hahaha

Airtight, 88 Keys, Wale, Colin Munroe and Blaqstarr

Grand x Munroe coming soon...

Big shouts to Nick Catchdubs, he DJ'd for me during my set!

10 Deep Holiday Bailout

2008-12-10T13:10:00.001-05:00

Shouts to Meka, Josh and all the dope folks @ 10 Deep
thanks for the fly garments I got to rock at the show last night...

Tonight is gonna be like the official "after party" to last night!

I hit the stage 8PM Sharp! Hope to see you all....

2008-12-08T11:38:00.001-05:00

Z Share Records!!! lmao Che Grand & Spec Boogie CDR Freestyle

2008-12-01T16:21:00.005-05:00

Lessondary.
And when we freestyle its of epic proportions.
Peace to Shine and Chance @ CDR - www.crackdistributors.com
Btw, I just found out Christina Milian is my labelmate, I shouldnt have to explain why that info wins on so many levels.

here's a Thanksgiving exclusive.

2008-11-27T21:11:00.004-05:00

"Bless'd" feat Jacob Soul from the upcoming EGU debut.

I'm feeling very thankful.....

Appreciative of family, friends, you (whoever may be taking time to check my work out)
Yesterday I signed a dope new artist development deal with Myspace Records.
Special thanks to my folks Matt and Lindsey!
I'll have more on that stuff later

I couldn't find a Pecan Pie anywhere today but not even that could kill my mood.....

Gotta roll, Mum is sending me to WalMart to replace the cheese grater I lost (yeaaaars ago lol)

Peace y'all

they say it takes ten years.....

2008-11-25T16:05:00.002-05:00

1999 was the year I first went into a "real" studio with a booth and recorded my first real song with an original beat. I remember the track it was called "Not Yet Rated"
lol shout to my brother Big Neeze who still makes fun of me bout the outtakes from that session.

With 2009 around the corner + Everything's Good Ugly 95% complete I cant help but feel great about where this is all going.

To everyone riding with me, buckle up.....
Love y'all mofos!

a new batch with the lee scratch

2008-11-24T20:42:00.011-05:00

let me celebrate me and my folks real quick
sure i can hit up gutta whenever i want to chop it up
or call dave (we got em in a frenzy) when i got a crazy idea bout a track over one of his beats.....

but i'm still FAN of niggas! i get just as hype for new stuff from them as I do for the other new, dope *2008 non-heartbreaking hip hop "you can play in your house" shit that's dropped.

*and that's the only time i'll mention yer mans here for this new ish, snark not included.

Eluicd
Download: June to June
Download: Feed The Machine

Aeon
Download: Got Beats! Vol 1

City On Fire (w/ The Grand Union) LIVE @ Knitting Factory 11/19/08

2008-11-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

11/19 I performed my first live set with my band The Grand Union on the legendary and soon to closed (next month) Knitting Factory's main stage.....
The Grand Union line up features Hassan (of Sankofa) on guitar, Big Reg (also of afro-punk rock group Sankofa) on bass, Jared Siegel on Drums and 6th Sense on keys (oh cant forget additional vocals from my dude Von Pea lol!)

I've had a lot of great memories @ Knitting rocking Sucio Smash's Lunchroom events, to drinking a 40oz with J Ro from Tha Liks, and almost getting beat up by Jean Grae for knowing words to an unreleased song of her's.
Can't forget the time Just Blaze came out for a beat society and damn near deafened the crowd with what would later be Saigon's "Come On Baby"

I have KF stories for days!
I'm going to miss that venue.....

Shout to DJ Booth Net

2008-11-21T11:40:00.002-05:00

Check out what they had to say about Chateau Gold (using my govt real excessivly btw hahaha)

Sometimes I forget that I have a blog, and that mofo's actually read this shit
So when the vice pres of the DJ Booth site, Brian Z, hit me up to post up the link, I was a bit confused.....

But as traffic grows on ZFTP I guess posting links to links of a link is a good look LOL
Big up to every site out there posting my music and if any of y'all would like me to post the link of the link of the links n'shit just shoot me an email. I got y'all!

ClapCowards.Com Interview!

2008-11-18T12:07:00.003-05:00

Check out this interview "Let Me Learn You Something" with Philly based Blogger Zilla Rocca @ Clap Cowards!

Shouts to my Phila fam!