Random Blogs!

Mega Ran and K-Murdock - "Forever" (Official Video)

2011-02-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Random and Lost Perception: Black Materia

2011-02-02T23:38:00.001-07:00

Get it here!

click the images to purchase! Black Materia is now in the top 30 for hip-hop releases, let's keep it there!

For the collectors: there are under 100 copies of the hard copy in DVD case, hurry!

INFO:

The album features artists such as:
Brentalfloss, Ilyas of Tanya Morgan, Maja, Dale Chase, Storyville and MORE!

not sure? download the 8 track free version here!

then go get the album!

Got iTunes money? then get it here:
Black Materia iTunes Purchase Link

download and enjoy.

Love it? Please, share with a friend or 2, or 20...leave a review, and spread the Black Materia!

as usual, thanks for listening.

-Random

'I dont play that' by Ohene

2011-01-11T23:57:00.001-07:00

the one @dn30001 beat that got away... a track I've always wanted to rock: 'I dont play that' by @ohenemusic #happybirthdayDN3

http://bln.kr/XQM/

'Hate is a Thing Of the Present' by dn3

2011-01-11T23:50:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday @dn30001 - This is your life! 1) "Hate is a Thing of the Present'

http://bln.kr/XQK/

Mega Ran's wishlist

2010-12-23T09:29:00.005-07:00

*I don't NEED anything on this list, but these are some things that I really want, and I wish I could get... yaknow.

listed in order of price, not preference.
*if its deleted, it's because it's been taken care of.. <3 my peeps.

1.

2. Book: Decoded by Jay - Z
(18.88 @ Amazon)
The excerpts I've read are amazing and I've heard nothing by good reviews.

3a. Swatch Mens Watch GN230
($49.99 or less @ Amazon)
my mom always gets me a watch every year, but just once I'd like to get one I'd actually wear... and it's blue..perfect.

3b. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - Xbox 360
(49.99 used, 59.99 new @ Gamestop)
I've played a little of the AC games and I've enjoyed them a lot.

4. Jordan 11 Cool Grey size 14
(174.99 wherever you can find them)
These shoes first dropped in 2001, and were a big hit... I had just graduated from college then and couldnt get them. I'm nowhere near the sneaker head I was back then, but these are dope.

5. Native Instruments Maschine
(599.99 @ Amazon)
The ultimate beatmaking device. This thing could make me throw away a lot of junk in my studio and still make good stuff. it's an all-in-one, and a beast of a machine.

and there it is....

oh and of course if you want to help out.. :-)

Tour Time and the Donate Button.

2010-11-06T17:44:00.003-07:00

here we go...ready to blast off on the BITS and RHYMES tour!

Click here for more info on that

Remember, although we don't seem like it, Ran and K are mere mortals, working feverishly on a 2 to 3 man operation to get you guys the music you love.

So, as we set out on our loooooooooong journey, we would like to offer you the opportunity to donate towards our road snack fund... Beef Jerky, Doritos and Red Bulls aren't cheap, in addition to hotels and other various expenses that come up on the road.

So thank you in advance for your well wishes... but for those who want to do more.. please feel free to donate HERE.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

every dollar counts. ALSO, everyone who donates $5 or more will get a FREE exclusive, never before heard song by Ran and K.... Thank you for listening.

donate!

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RK8LAM2QR69Y2

See ya on the road!

Random

Mega Ran's Splash Woman on TNA Impact!

2010-10-22T18:57:00.001-07:00

did you catch TNA Impact this Thursday on Spike?

if not, you missed a treat...

SPLASH WOMAN was played during a promo!!

i needed proof, so here it is.

whoa.

Raheem's Master plan

2010-10-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

WOW. incredibly humbled. thank you to the Philadelphia Daily News!

This ran this past Tuesday out there... wow.

Thanks to James Johnson, Laurie Conrad and The Associated Press...and Seth for the amazing quotes!

and to Mel "DN3" Raymond and Giovanni "G" Turner. Your quotes are missing but your influence and impact has been felt. Thank you.

if you can't read it, click for links.

and Thank you for Listening.

Heroes, Volume One

2010-09-06T19:56:00.002-07:00

PHOENIX, AZ - You might remember Philly-born Teacher/Rapper/Producer Random (aka Mega Ran) released his last album, the gamer throwback Forever Famicom with producer K-Murdock of Panacea in June 2010. The album was praised for its nostalgic beats and heartfelt lyrics.

One week ago, the duo decided to involve the fans in the next evolution of the highly popular project, by developing a DVD movie and vinyl version of the album. They asked the fans to donate through Kickstarter, and the fans answered…big time.

In just 5 days, the project has reached its $2500 goal, and is now over $3000 with over 20 days remaining on the campaign.

In response to the overwhelming fan support, Ran decided to release a special album for free, entitled Heroes, Volume One. The 10-track album features production by DN3, EOM, CJ and Ran himself, sampling records from music icons like James Brown, Marvin Gaye, The Jacksons, Stevie Wonder and more.

click to download.

Enjoy, and if you’d like to donate, there's still time. visit the Kickstarter Page:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/megaran/forever-famicom-the-nes-talgia-continues-in-a-dvd

Thank you for supporting Random and Team Forever Famicom.

Mega Ran Zero.

2010-07-27T18:05:00.004-07:00

well not exactly. I'm almost ashamed to say that I've never played the Zero series, but I created this song, using the MMZ theme, called "The Resistance.

check it out, like it, even download it right here for free.

big ups to Derrick Canton on the beat.

also, I'm holding a remix video contest, work on something cool and I'll give you Random's entire catalog!!

can't beat it.

That also includes the new and fabulous FOREVER FAMICOM!

FOREVER FAMICOM - Released June 1, 2010
Special ode to the Nintendo and Super NES systems. Produced entirely by K-Murdock of Panacea.

Includes the favorites "Dream Master," "Epoch" and "Forever"

Order and stream via Bandcamp

Kunaki

UndergroundHipHop.com (with FREE Features Mix CD!)

RIP MJ.

2010-06-25T10:20:00.002-07:00

I don’t think I’ll forget that day.
When Michael Jackson passed on June 25, 2009, I was in Nashville, on tour, and I saw the rumors coming across Twitter at an alarming rate... I ran to the closest place with a TV, which was a Burger King of all places.. with a major spelling faux pas on the sign outside.

... and sat there glued to the TV until I heard the news.

I didn't even want to perform that night... in fact the show itself is pretty much a blur. Worst was I had to drive from Nashville to Philly that next day, all alone. I played "Man In The Mirror" about 75 times on repeat, no joke.

It's a shame, because as great as MJ was... we took his talent and influence for granted. There will never ever be another Michael Jackson, and we were blessed to be able to see you at your peak.

When MJ won all those Grammys in 1985, I remember begging my mom to stay up later, to see how many he would win. Up until the credits rolled on the show, I was sure he would win 15 or 20.

I felt like I lost an uncle, a family member that day. Words really can't express MJ's influence on my childhood, my culture, my life. I still have a pic of myself in the Thriller jacket dancing to some MJ (I won't upload that, don't ask). There's no way I can ever repay him for all the memories, but I figured I'd try the best way I knew how. I created a tribute song to one of my favorite MJ tunes, "Off The Wall."

Here's my song with DN3, collectively known as The RandomBeagle - "Enjoy Yourself"

Random and DN3 (The RandomBeagle) - "Enjoy Yourself"
DOWNLOAD NOW!

Thanks.

Forever Famicom hits LA for E3.

2010-06-13T22:23:00.003-07:00

This week should be incredible, with E3 and a ton of shows! catch me at a spot near you, here's a look at my schedule for this week, plenty of opportunities to catch the Forever Famicom Experience!

June 15-17, 2010 – Special Appearance @ E3 Expo, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA – 10am – 6pm (must register to attend)

June 15, 2010 – Live Performance @ West Coast Wigout 2! @ Gallery Nucleus, Alhambra, CA w/A_Rival, The Megas and more. 7PM -11PM (Random set time TBA) $10.

June 16, 2010 – Live Performance w/K-Murdock in Digital Drinks by Digital LA and GamerGirl
@ The Conga Room, Los Angeles, CA 7PM to 10PM (Random’s set time TBA) $10 ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
(E3 attendees FREE, no RSVP required) RSVP HERE

June 17, 2010 – Live Performance/Appearance @ Mindshare LA
, @ the 740 Club, 753 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA

anyone interested in coming to any of these events, hit me up about guest lists, discount rates, etc. I gotcha!

-Mega Ran

PS

Order Forever Famicom NOW! and get a free bonus CD!

Forever Famicom and June show dates

2010-06-06T14:59:00.004-07:00

Well here we are! it's been a long time coming, but we're here! Forever Famicom Day!

FOREVER FAMICOM is the much talked about collaboration album by Random and K-Murdock, celebrating the old school and new school.

Check out 1UP.com's excellent interview.

Reviews, Reviews, and More Reviews are beginning to pour in, keep em coming!

if you're on Twitter, today is the day to hit up hashtag #ForeverFamicom to let people know about the project!

Once per day, I'll pick a random tweeter (that's what they're called, right? ) who uses the hashtag #foreverfamicom to get a FREE T-Shirt or Forever Famicom magnet! you can't beat free..

Next question is... what do you think? What song should we shoot a video for? anything stand out to you? let us know. we've got some ideas up the sleeve.

WHAT IS FOREVER FAMICOM?? (refresher course by Random and K-Murdock)

also as a reward for being a super supporter, save 45% on any Random music purchase at http://random.bandcamp.com with the code "megaranrocks" (no quotes)

Still like picking up CDs at stores? Forever Famicom is now in these stores:

Fat Beats Records (with free T-Shirt!)

7600 Melrose Avenue,

Los Angeles, CA‎ - (323) 655-8997

Fat Beats Records

406 Avenue of the Americas,

New York, NY‎ - (212) 673-3883

LA Underground

2000 Central Avenue Southeast,

Albuquerque, NM‎ - (505) 246-9455

‎more locations being added, like as I type!‎

Not in your local store? Okay, do one of two things:

* email me your local store's info
* get yours with rush shipping by clicking the link here...

or at Underground Hip-Hop.com:

Mega Ran (aka Random) & K-Murdock feat. Ariano, In80, Jermiside, Schaffer The Darklord - Forever Famicom (Audio CD)

don't forget, those who preordered should be on the lookout for a Bonus Beats pak THIS WEEK containing instrumentals and unreleased tracks!

but there's MORE!

my brother from another Haj of DUMHI is dropping a super dope project this month, called The Jungle.

his 1st single, "Philly Cousins" with Reef The Lost Cauze, is burning up right now, and I'm on the 2nd single, "Dumhi Cannons" with Ethel Cee.. A video for this song will premiere TODAY on the Dumhi website, so check it out!

DUMHI Cannons w/ Random & Ethel Cee from dumhi on Vimeo.

So to recap:

* Get Forever Famicom, either at a record store, or at this link.
* on Twitter? tag #foreverfamicom and win free stuff.
* Also support the new Dumhi project, at dumhi.com
* Let me know of any record stores in your area.
* Have a great day.

Peace and blessings.

one Sick Video (Mega Ran)

2010-05-18T18:39:00.002-07:00

Thought he was done? Not yet! Random, aka Mega Ran releases a video his second Mega Man 10 remix track, and the results are.. well... sick! The track is available on Random's Bandcamp site as well as on iTunes, for just a buck... he says that once the song receives 10 downloads and 10 iTunes comments (get it, for Mega Man 10), he'll begin working on the next track. The song samples the "Go Together" Theme by Inti Creates on the Mega Man 10 game.Video work by Random and Griff Morivan.

Download and donate:

random.bandcamp.com/track/sick-2

itunes.apple.com/us/album/sick-single/id371596327

Mega Man 10: Here We Go Again.

2010-02-23T22:59:00.003-07:00

what up gang... I know it's been a minute since you heard some new Random music (yeah, like a whole month since "306"), but I wanted you to know that Mega Ran has also been hard at work. Between The Forever Famicom project with K-Murdock, and the Language Arts project with DN3 and EOM, I may or may not be working on a something special based on the return of an 8-bit icon to the gaming world.

MEGA MAN 10 is supposed to be dropping next month on Wii, Ps3 and Xbox Live, and I only get asked about 17 times a day if I'm gonna work on something related to this game release.

So....Here's the short answer.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SINGLE "HERE WE GO AGAIN" on iTunes!

your 99 cents will go a loooooooooooooooong way towards motivating me to do a whole Mega Ran 10 album....maybe. yeah.

TEXAS - if you're in San Antonio this weekend, I'll be out there at Our Lady of the Lake University droppin' a full set plus panel discussion. I'll be sure to bring my cowboy hat.

Peace out.

Random

306 - Random's MLK Tribute.

2010-01-15T14:08:00.001-07:00

peace, peeps. Every year, I look forward to this time... not because of the day off on Monday, but because I get to talk to my students about one of my personal heroes and an inspiration to all, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King's movement and message is especially meaningful to me in these days that we live in, and in tribute I created a track, entitled "306."

Click to hear "306," produced by EOM.

The number refers to the room in the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King often stayed when he visited Memphis, TN, and where he spent the final minutes of his life. I had a chance to stop in Memphis on tour this summer, and the first place I went was to the Lorraine, which is now a Civil Rights Museum..and it was truly moving.

It was then and there that I took out a pen and paper and started writing "306." Honestly it was one of the hardest songs for me to write, as it got me a little emotional.

I planned to write an entire album based on MLK's life, and this wouldve been the final song... but it was just too big of a task to undertake. a great man like King deserved more time and effort than I could give them.. but thanks so much for the feedback.. tell a friend. ;D

The Year in Random.

2010-01-02T22:52:00.006-07:00

2009 was a year of ups and downs for me personally and musically. So here we go on a long ride through twenty oh nine.

JANUARY 2009 - I spent New Years of 2009 at a great party hosted by Haj of Dumhi. had a great time, then hopped a plane that morning back to Phoenix.

also in January, I debuted my 2nd music video, one of my favorite songs, PUSH.

The video was directed by John Colombo, who has also gone on to make some huge moves this year!

The vid got me some much appreciated love from a site that i've always frequented, among others.

The Year was only just beginning.

FEBRUARY 2009 In February, I dropped the free version of Mega Ran 9 to a hungry video game and hip hop audience, and the response was astounding. My peeps at Capcom showed love as well, and when the full version dropped in March, a dope video was available for Splash Woman.

many thanks to Music Video Mayhem!

also in Feb, Street Fighter 4 released and sapped a lot of my creativity and memory. Moving on...

MARCH 2009 - I officially released Mega Ran 9 for sale, and people bought it! thanks guys. (plug--- go cop that.)

March was pretty big for a few reasons: I took my yearly trip to Florida for a gig at Anime Express, and the adventure became a song. Also, I signed my first Japanese record label contract with River City Records to release Randomonium, an import-only release.

APRIL 2009- I learned that Scribble Jam and Blender, 2 media outlets who were very instrumental in supporting Random in 2008, were no more :-( This was only the beginning of the bad news.

MAY 2009 - I experienced ups and downs at the same time. While I was set to release my first mixtape, TeacherRapperHero, more love came my way, but the biggest bombshell of my life was on the way.

Random got fired.
a week after teacher appreciation day.

JUNE 2009 - Never down for long, I went on with the plan to tour the country with my man 50 grand Mr. Miranda, for the Back to the Future Tour.

had great times, met some great people....

June 25, Nashville, TN. Cafe Coco. I got the news of Michael Jackson's passing and didn't want to believe it, let along perform that night. crazy crazy moment.

JULY 2009 - I got to Rochester New York to find my face in the paper! what a scary thought.

After that it was Comic Con time, and I had the opportunity of a lifetime when myself , Blaze Rock and Storyville's tune "Remainder is One" got put on the Marvel vs Capcom 2 Mixtape.

and its on the Playstation Network!

AUGUST 2009 - I'm back in the teaching world as I get offered and accept a new position teaching 7th/8th graders.

SEPTEMBER 2009 - I started writing a bunch of new music but had no place to put it, so on my birthday (the 3rd, put it on your calendars), I released a short online-only project to get those songs out there. included was this little ditty:

OCTOBER 2009 - I got myself a full page article in the Phoenix New Times, that was exciting. I also traveled to Battle Creek Michigan for a show, home of Kellog's.

NOVEMBER 2009 - I don't remember much happening in November, I guess I was just ready for the holidays.

DECEMBER 2009 I went home to visit the fam and was greeted by 23 inches of snow. and they wonder why I say I wont move back tot he east coast. there, I got a crazy idea about the new Mega Man 10 game... crazy. Sign the Petition!
I spent the last week of 2009 visiting Atlanta as an unexpected stop on the way back to Philly.
Also, I just found out I ended the year as the #1 ranked hip-hop artist on Reverbnation in Phoenix, AZ. whoo!
so that was my year, now I'll end it off with some photos.. enjoy and Happy New Year!

Mega Ran aims arm cannon at Mega Man 10.

2009-12-20T16:53:00.001-07:00

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=125874

PHOENIX, AZ - Hip Hopper and teacher Random, also known as Mega Ran, has offered another challenge to his loyal fans.

Random (Raheem Jarbo), best known for his video game tribute albums "Mega Ran" (2007) and "Mega Ran 9" (2009), has started an online petition to get his music and/or character put into the new Capcom retro-styled release "Mega Man 10."

"Ever since the game has released, I've gotten plenty of emails and tweets telling me how cool it would be if I was in the game somehow, and I started thinking, it WOULD be cool. Capcom has been so supportive and generous so far; so I figured it's worth a try."

Random is no stranger to offering challenges, as in 2008, he asked his fans to vote for him in an Online Hip-Hop Award balloting, and they did so in droves. This led to the release of "Mega Ran 9" in March 2009. It has gone on to be downloaded over 6,000 times and was named in "Album of the Year" lists by several blogs and news sources.

Interested fans can read or sign the petition here.

http://www.petitiononline.com/mm10char/petition.html

Random's upcoming show dates:

12/23/09 - The Fire, Philadelphia PA
1/9/09 - Anime Los Angeles, LAX Marriott - Los Angeles, CA
2/10/09 - Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Mega Ran live in LA

2009-12-07T21:14:00.003-07:00

thanks to Jeriaska for the great footage!

Worst I Ever Heard:

Mega Ran in LA - (Drake Remix) Worst I Ever Heard from Jeriaska on Vimeo.

and of course, the freestyle:

Mega Ran in LA - Freestyle from Jeriaska on Vimeo.

DJ DN3, Random, Dual Core, Jermicide - DJ Hero.

2009-11-20T17:14:00.001-07:00

Philly. Boyeeee.

2009-10-27T18:19:00.003-07:00

I live in Phoenix now, but I'm still Philly all day.. and with the Phils about to take on the Yanks, this track here made me feel really good to be an Illadelphiatic.

enjoy.

Neeko feat. Deena Marie - Ill State of Mind.

Thanks For Supporting Random! Vol.2

2009-09-08T21:44:00.004-07:00

What is it??

Just my way of saying happy birthday..to me.

a few unreleased joints I found under my couch.

HOW MUCH??

Free.

What's on it??

Tracklist:

1. RandomBeagle Prologue feat DN3

2. Joyful Noise

3. Worst I Ever Heard (Drake Remix)

4. Remainder Is One feat. Blaze Rock And Storyville

5. Played a Fool

6. Random Got Paid feat. Epic 1 And Masurao

7. Blackout (Small Pro Remix)

8. Paramount feat. Reef the Lost Cauze

9. Caster

BONUS: New and Improved(prod by DN3)

HOW DO I COP??

there's a few ways.

1. get it from Kevin Nottingham's blog.

2. Get it from my Bandcamp Site *with the bonus cut*

3. Get it from my messageboard (and sign up too, why don't cha?!?!)

SXSW, motherlovers.

2009-08-26T18:55:00.002-07:00

Cast a vote and put me in SXSW as a panel presenter next spring...

if you're not familiar with SXSW, it's only the BIGGEST music/film fest in America....

Take a look at my idea and then vote for it.. :)

i'd appreciate it.. and i think its a pretty dope idea.

http://bit.ly/3uysOb

Video Games and Hip-Hop: Making the Connection

Questions this panel will help answer:

1. How can I get my music into video games?

2. Can I make money with my music in games?

3. Why should I try to get my music into games?

4. How will musicians be able to make income in the future?

5. How do I get into the gaming industry?

6. How much money can I make submitting music to the gaming industry?

7. What are the pros/cons of licensing my music into the gaming industry?

8. When did hip-hop first find its way into video games?

9. Why is hip hop everywhere in the entertainment industry?

10. How do I get my music into the gaming industry?

Description:

This panel will discuss and chronicle the past, present and future of the union of video games and hip-hop, and explain how YOU can get your music into video games through discussions led by individuals who have secured licensing deals with top game developers.

VOTE HERE!!

http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ideas/view/4937?return=%2Fideas%2Findex%2Fmusic%2Fq%3Avideo+games

seems like I'm always trying to get you to vote... but before you throw me in your spam list, I have something for you guys.

so...

FREE DOWNLOADs!

1. Random "Blackout (Small Pro Remix) feat. G."

an oldie but goodie... Small Pro is doing some big things these days... I'm glad I can say I worked with him when...

www.zshare.net/download/64278966b78538e1/

2. Random, Blaze Rock, Storyville: "The Remainder is One"

from the MARVEL VS CAPCOM mixtape... available very soon on Playstation Network!!

www.zshare.net/audio/635919850aa5e2fb/

3. DN3 "Jumpin"

one of my faves from my favorite DJ/Producer/MC.

www.zshare.net/audio/642793018b595273/

3 for free... just for opening an email.. cant beat it. NOW GO VOTE and send Mega Ran to SXSW! :)

panelpicker.sxsw.com/ideas/view/4937

peace,

Random

oh, get the whole Marvel Vs Capcom Mixtape here!

:)

Marvel vs Capcom 2 tracks...

2009-08-06T00:05:00.002-07:00

First.. in case you're not following me on twitter, I got a new teaching job. YAY!

best part about this job is the kids only go to school Mon-Thurs! YAY YAY!

anyway, Had a few Capcom-related news bits, and here they are.

1. MARVEL VS CAPCOM Mixtape-- its out.

well sorta, you only have a copy of the vinyl if you went to Comic Con and got lucky.

you can get it on Playstation Network sometime this month.

here's the tracklist: WOW.

1. "Superheroes" by Planet Asia and DJ Toure
2. "Number One" by Havoc and Nyce
3. "Terrorize" by Raekwon and Ohno
4. "The Remainder is One" by Random, Blaze Rock and Storyville
5. "Reinforcements" by DJ Qbert
6. "Take U 4 A Ryde" by Talib Kweli and Ohno
7. "Battle Drum" by Hieroglyphics
8. "Fight the Good Fight" by The Grouch and Eligh
9. "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To" by E40 and DroopE
10. "Power Up" by MC Supernatural

GOOD NEWS for those of you who don't have the vinyl-- you can hear my track on the mixtape

RIGHT HERE! CLICK TO PLAY "THE REMAINDER IS ONE"

download is FREE (128kb), and name your price for a HQ link! (min .99)

2. NEW INTERVIEW ON CAPCOM-UNITY

my man Seth got some words with me on the mixtape and some other stuff, check that out.

Unity: What excited you about the project in the first place?

Random: Mainly
the fact that it was based on the great Marvel Vs. Capcom franchise. I
spent many nights getting destroyed on the game; I was never any good
at it, but I'd always come back. So to be able to make a song that
would serve as a backdrop to the game was something I just had to get
involved with.

Unity: What do you think of the final product?

Random: The final product is incredible. Awesome artwork, a
killer lineup of many of my all-time faves, a sweet blue vinyl, what
more can you ask for? I'm really hoping a downloadable version comes
out soon, because I don't want to open my vinyl, I'm a collector. It's
an honor to even have my name that close to these folks.

Unity: What's your favorite track (apart from your own)?

Random: I
know this might seem crazy, but I haven't heard it yet.. that's why I'm
hoping for a downloadable version! but I really like The Grouch and
Eligh's track that I heard.

CLICK TO READ THE REST of RANDOM's INTERVIEW

Got a lot of work done this weekend, but also played hard.. peep my latest freestyle jam session.

part 1

part 2

Ran's Comic Con 2009 Plans

2009-07-22T20:18:00.002-07:00

THIS WEEKEND:

after a 1 year absence, Mega Ran will be BACK at Comic Con!

all of you congoers have 3 chances to catch Random:

Friday July 24 12-1pm @ Capcom's booth (signing stuff and jamming to Mega Ran 9)

I'll also be somewhere near their Fighting Games Panel (2:30-3:30 in Room 5AB)
where they'll be giving out these bad boys:

oooooooooooh!

and yes, Random is on it.

Saturday July 25, 12-1pm @ Capcom's booth, the same thing
3-5PM @ The OC Remix booth

and more...stay tuned.

Sunday night, 7-10pm - Nerdcoricon
featuring live sets by Random, Zealous1, Maja, Dr. Awkward and more!
@ Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd, SD, CA
$5 cover.

RSVP (for a limited time) at contact@megaran.com for reduced admission! lol.

The Back To the Future Tour Blog, Part 1

2009-07-22T19:11:00.003-07:00

So the show started with the first gig,

date 1: 6-17 at Burts Tiki Lounge in Albuquerque. We were joined on the first leg of the tour by Big Ox, Major Problems and DJ Bonus of Tucson, who held us down nicely at the spot. Mr Miranda and I ripped it, and after the show we all celebrated with some mystery drinks...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsbPcUagdxM

afterwards, Dave had a Green Chile shot... He says it was good.

Big ups to: Flux and Serif, and the team at Burts.

date 2: 6-18: El Patio, Las Cruces, NM
So Dave and I bounce to the venue but weren't informed that the venue had changed. We got to the spot late, but it was well worth the wait. this time Dave and I play headlining role, performing after several acts, and going on after 1am. no worries! The crowd is still there and still supportive. Best part was when I invited a cat from the crowd up on stage to freestyle, and the dude started RAPPING... Lol. Big fun.

Big ups to: Henry G of Underground Kingz Radio, The 8-Bit Cynics (who unfortunately don't make 8-bit music, but it's dope).

Date 3 got a little fuzzy.. We were supposed to have a date in El Paso, but that fell through. So we decided to get an early start toward Dallas. Along the way, I get an email from Shadix (who helped produce the acoustic remix of "Splash Woman") offering us a show opportunity the next day in Austin. I was down. I had told Dave a thousand stories about how dope and unbelievable Austin is.... So who would pass up a show out there? So we set a course for Austin.

Along the way we hit Noah's Ark-like floods and rains, and almost hit a freakin' deer on the road. Scariest drive ever for sure.

date 3: (just added: Hutto, Tx)

as you can see, Hutto is NOT Austin. Hutto is a small town about 45 minutes away. On top of that, the show was a rock show, and we were the only hip hop on the bill. We get there, we have sound issues... so, we decide to freestyle and rock over the band. Furthest From The Star, a dope band who had never done an impromptu set before, rocked with us and we had a ball.

Also while in Austin, we met with ChopSteak and chopped it up (pun intended) with him, and he showed us around town. Ate a spectacular Sunday brunch at Threadgill's (sweet potato pancakes ftw) and got on the road to Dallas.

Big ups to: Chop Steak, Shadix (and all of ocremix.org)

Show 4: The Cavern, Dallas TX
Dallas is HOT. I mean, like Really hot. And I live in Phoenix, so for me to call something else hot, it must be. It's like a big skillet out there.

I had to do something in Dallas I always wanted to do, so we took care of that.

I hadn't been to Dallas before, but I had great tour guides, DJ Rob Viktum and Kristi of The Young Agent.

We had some great grub out there, including a spectacular lunch at Cuba Libre, and what seemed like unlimited Mojitos. That night, we rocked a set at The Cavern, which prior to that night, hadn't had a live performance, ever. But it went smoothly. Dave busted out one of my fave joints from his mixtape, "Cool," and I rocked a memorable freestyle over "A Milli." which means, officially, EVERY rapper has now rapped on that beat. :)

Big Ups to: Markus of Big Red Rooster, all of the tweeps I met at the event for the first time: @guerillamilk @misscarey @lovejones83 @summa_reign and Big J of the Clever Monkeys.

from here on out, I was on my own for the rest of the tour, as Mr. Miranda had to bounce. So I got on the road, and headed for Nashville.

Show 5: 6-25-09, Cafe Coco, Nashville, TN

I always have fun in Nashville, the most recent time before this was at the Mid Tennessee Anime Con

But this was much different... I got the news of Michael Jackson's passing on that day, and the rest of the show was a blur. in fact, lets not even dwell on this show.

Show 6: 6-26-09 @ Tacony Billiards, Phila, PA

Finally back in the hometown, the city of brotherly Thugs, Killadelphia, you name it. No place like home. I did the show with my man Storyville, who always has my back when I come into town, and the show was great. Super Big Ups to Big O and DJ Akshun for holding me down... felt like '06 all over again out there.

We shot video but it was waaaaaay too long to post. :-(

Finally got some time off, so I got to visit family and friends, but mostly what I did was sleep. driving across country is HARD work.

Show 7: 7-3-09 @ Dubland Underground, Rochester, NY

I never really felt like a big star until this show. I got in town and met my liason who informed me that I was in the City Paper and they were really expecting a dope crowd. I had fun, we ripped it, and made some really good friends and fans.

I have to shout out Ray (Fumaofthelake), who I met on my Message Board, for coming through, but also for telling friends and offering a place to crash!

more to come later.... i'm tired.

The Back to the Future Tour!

2009-06-15T10:22:00.002-07:00

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=120627

The “Back to the Future Tour” will kick off June 17 in Albuquerque, NM and ends July 25 at the granddaddy of them all, Comic Con.

Tour Dates and Locations:
June 17, 2009 @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Albuquerque, NM
June 18, 2009 @ Code Red, Las Cruces, NM
June 20, 2009 @ TBA, El Paso, TX
June 22, 2009 @ The Cavern, Dallas, TX
June 25, 2009 @ Café Coco, Nashville, TN
June 26, 2009 @ Tacony Billiards Club, Philadelphia, PA
June 30, 2009 @ Pure Lounge, Washington, DC
July 3, 2009 @ Dubland Underground, Rochester, NY
July 9, 2009 @ Midtown Tavern, Harrisburg, PA
July 11-12 2009 @ Nerdapalooza 2009 (Holiday Inn Orlando), Orlando, FL
July 17-18, 2009 @ Otakon (Baltimore Conv Center), Baltimore, MD
July 24, 2009 @ Goodbye Blue Monday, Brooklyn, NY
July 25, 2009 @ Comic-Con (San Diego Conv Center), SD, CA
July 31, 2009 @ TuCon, Tucson, AZ
August 15, 2009 @ San-Japan, San Antonio, TX

Jay-Z - D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)

2009-06-07T16:04:00.003-07:00

wow.

Jiggaman returns and fires shots at the hip hop game.

I love it.

Just watching Flex and Mister Cee go ape over the premiere gave me some goosebumps and took me back to those late nights in Philly listening to RadioActive.

lyrics

“Only rapper to rewrite history without a pen,
No ID on the track let the story begin, begin, begin” (chorus)

This is anti autotune, death of the ringtone, this ain’t for itunes, this ain’t for sing alongs,
this is Sinatra at the opera, bring a blonde, preferably with a fat ass who can sing a song, wrong,
this aint politcally correct, this might offend my political connects,
my raps don’t have melodies, this should make jackers wanna go and commit felonies, ahh
get your chain tooken, I may do it myself - I’m so Brooklyn.
I know we facing a recession, but the music y’all making going make it the great depression.
All y’all lack aggression put your skirt back down, grow a set man.
Yeah this just violent, this is the death of autotune, moment of silence.

(Chorus)

This ain’t a number one record, this is practically assault with a deadly weapon,
I made it just for flex and Mister CEE I want people to feel threatened
stop your bloodclot crying, the kid, the dog everybody dying, no lying,
you boys jeans too tight, you colors too bright, your voice too light
I might wear black for a year straight, I might bring back Versace shades
this ain’t for z100, Ye told me to kill y’all to keep it 1 hundred,
this is for hot 97, for Khaled we the best’n,
yeah this is just violent, this is death of autotune, moment of silence.

(Chorus)

This might need a verse from Jeezy, I might send this to the mixtape weezy,
get somebody from BMF to talk on this, give this to a blood let a crip walk on it,
50 thou to style on this, I just don’t need nobody to smile on this,
you rappers singing too much, get back to rap you t-paining too much.
I’m a multi-millionaire so how is it I’m still the hardest here,
I don’t be in the project hallway talking about how I be in the project all day
that sound stupid to me, if you a gangsta this is how you prove it to me.
Yeah just get violent, this is death of auto-tune moment of silence.

CDQ: http://www.mediafire.com/?zdmzzjenyyz

enjoy.

the Ex-TeacherRapperHero blog.

2009-05-18T23:41:00.001-07:00

good news first.

<a href="http://random.bandcamp.com/album/teacherrapperhero-the-random-mixtape-vol-1-mixed-by-dj-dn3">TeacherRapperIntro (produced by DN3) by Random (Mega Ran)</a>

and now, bad news.

ex-teacherrapperhero.

Random interviews Saigon. "I'm Still On Atlantic Records."

2009-05-13T20:51:00.002-07:00

lot of real talk in this interview.... between all the other stuff.

Random is Wired with Capcom (interviews)

2009-04-16T23:42:00.004-07:00

Mega Ran 9 seems to be picking up a new steam; it's sold out at a few online retailers and people seem to be content with spending money for it...go figure.

a few new interviews have surfaced this week, including a Q&A with S-Kill of Capcom Unity... a great read.

excerpt:

Unity: Who are you collaborating with these days? What do you feel they bring to the table creatively?

I draw so much inspiration from so many things and people, so I've been working with a few awesome producers and musicians. K-Murdock, of the group Panacea, and I are working on a project called Forever Famicom, where he'll make the beats off of plenty of the classic NES games, and I'll lay the vocals.

I've recently signed a deal with a Japanese label, River City Records, to release an album called Randomonium' this year; it'll contain some of my biggest "hits" if you can call them that, along with some new stuff. Collaborators on there include DN3; my DJ, Samik, Young B, DJ Prolifik, Wordsworth, 88-Keys, Naledge of Kidz in the Hall and more.

There's more, as the good folks at Wired Magazine's blog put me up on the front page for a spell

and then asked me some great questions. Click to read.

Random Blogs: The Game in Concert, Phoenix

2009-03-07T10:31:00.002-07:00

I tell ppl all the time that Game is one of my favorite rappers today... its sort of a guilty pleasure. I mean, he can spit but we all know what's gonna come out of his mouth... and yet its STILL entertaining.

anyway I saw him live a few weeks ago and he pulled THIS stunt:

i say they just carry an empty bottle around to each show and fill it with spring water... thoughts?

Get Mega Ran 9. Now.

2009-02-11T01:02:00.002-07:00

okay this isn't really a demand, but a call for you to stop by my new site: www.megaran.com and grab the Mega Ran 9 album... I mean, it's free!

DOWNLOAD RANDOM's MEGA RAN 9 album.

My Interview with J-Live

2009-02-02T23:22:00.004-07:00

the 'Random Interviews' continue with a short chat with one of my favorites, fellow Teacher/MC J-Live. I thought I stayed busy...he wears a few more hats than I do, as a DJ and producer, and family man as well.

I remember seeing him live in like 2004 opening for GZA, and he blew me away by rapping and spinning at the same time.

We went on to do a show together in Philly when he lived out there, and now he's in Atlanta.

so here are the questions...
(part 1)

[b]Which artist has you whipped? (meaning you'll buy whatever they put out)[/b]

The Roots. Whether I like it or not. I always look forward to their
albums. Closest thing left for me to anticipating walking home from
The Wiz with a cassette in the walkman.

[b] how do you measure success in music?[/b]

For me. When enough people know love and support my music that I can support my children's children, build great things in my community,
and impact the planet not just with inspiring and enlightening
thoughts and sounds, but with endeavors that empower the so called third world.

[b] is Obama the answer?[/b]

No. There's too many questions. He is our President. OUR President.
The first time in MY lifetime I actually feel well represented in the
Executive Branch. And not just because he's black. He was the best man
for the job. He's the anti Bush. And its great having black love in
the White House and such a beautiful historic First Family. Makes me
proud.

[b] when did you realize that music was your calling...if it is :)[/b]

Tokyo Japan in the late 90s doing Club Yellow and being told it was
the illest show since Tribe Called Quest.

here's an mp3 for ya...one of my favorite J-Live jams..

Splash Mountain

2009-01-14T20:29:00.003-07:00

Here it is, finally...

finally!

Random - Splash Woman
Produced by Samik
mixed and mastered by Storyville @ Deepscene Studios

hear here:
Myspace

own here:

My message Board (exclusive section)

enjoy everywhere ;D

pass on!

but bring them here first...lol

splash.

Happy Blue Year.

2009-01-02T00:11:00.003-07:00

I just landed in Phoenix and was very happy to see and feel 70 degree weather. I got a lot of work done on Mega Ran 9, in fact about 65% of it is done. I have a few last minute entries on the beat side of things that are making me rethink a few songs.

one that is definitely done is Megalude 9. if you remember on the first Mega Ran, there was an instrumental interlude... so this one will also have that.

here it is; sampled from Wily Stage 3 and played by Vince "The Rocket Scientist."

Get a writer's credit for Mega Ran 9.

2008-12-26T00:09:00.002-07:00

I used to love those 'choose your own adventure' storybooks when i was young...

so I'm offering you guys a chance to help out and make this Mega Ran 9 album extra special.

join the discussion here: The Random Hip Hop Board

and read the current story so far. then, add your 2 cents.

no matter how silly or crazy, i'll consider it... just dont say he meets Mario or something ridiculous.

My Capcom-Unity blog isnt letting me log in, so the good news is that this place will be updated more often.
I'm out in Philly with the peeps, freezing...

got a show tomorrow with Chief Kamachi, havent seen him rock in at least 2 years.

so, join me at the forum so we can make Mega Ran 9 THE BEST RANDOM ALBUM YET.

Peace.

join the discussion here: The Random Hip Hop Board

Aki Con FTW.

2008-11-11T15:57:00.004-07:00

first year con.

an hour away from the city.

crappy weather...

a recipe for disaster, right?

BZZZT! WRONG!

I had a BLAST at Aki-Con. great staff, friendly con-goers.. and I felt like a celebrity there.

but it started off a little worrisome...

I arrived in Seattle at the airport with no clue on my travel arrangements to the hotel...we just hadn't discussed it. I thought about renting a car until I saw a shuttle service that would get me to the Hotel for $30.

so I did it.
little did I know, the con chair's family was waiting for me at the exit, but with nothing to go on, we missed each other...

problem was fixed when I got back, because they were nice enough to reimburse me for the shuttle.
I get there and there's a full itinerary for me.. so for the weekend I:

judged a dance contest
judged a karaoke contest
judged a swimsuit contest (I volunteered for that one)

in addition to performing and stuff.

So on Saturday, I was determined to do some sightseeing... and did.

traveled to the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle and other things are. took a ride up the Needle and took some pics.

got back to Everett and rested up before the performance.

RIGHT before the performance, I got a hold of Mr. Marriott, aka DJ PM3, a dope DJ who stays in Seattle. He volunteered to come out and DJ my set, which went well. his friend got some great pics.

Overall, a great time... rainy, but it was a calming rain..plus coming from Phoenix, it's good to see some wet stuff sometime.

highlights
-a plush room to myself
-a full itinerary = no boredom
- Derek: my biggest fan that I never met.

great story: I was talking to Karl Olson, another tatented artist, and a guy came up and asked me 'excuse me, are you Random?' when I said yes, he went ballistic and said I was his hero, and that he plays my music all time for his friends. all I could do is blush. Not sure how superstars can get tired of that...

anyway, during the show, when I got to the grand finale, a little tune called "Grow Up" and I invited Derek onstage to sing along..and it was epic.

Great times. Looking forward to getting back to the North West soon... Sakuracon and PAX, are you listening!?!? :)

Mega Man 9 + Random = Mega Ran 9? Maybe.

2008-10-11T13:21:00.003-07:00

Okay, I have an announcement to make.

At first it was funny, even cute to know I was nominated for an award.

But now,

I can't lie, I want to win this Online Hip Hop Award-- and I need the
peoples' help.

I'm about 60 votes out with 5 days to go.

I get asked a lot everyday if I'm gonna make a new Mega Ran album.

So, I'll make a deal with you guys.

IF I WIN...

I promise to record a NEW Mega Ran EP (tentatively it'll be titled
"Mega Ran 9") using only the music from Mega Man 9.

I've been playing Mega Man 9 a lot.. and dying a lot.

but the ideas are already swimming in my head....

Best of all-- it'll be FREE to anyone in the Capcom Music group, the Yahoo! Mega Ran group or members
of my forum:

http://randomhiphop.proboards.com/index. cgi

FREE!!

So, all you have to do is vote for the next 4 days, right here:

http://onlinehiphopawards.com/index.php?page=nominee&nomination_id=1761

And help Mega Ran get into office, and I'll show the love right back.

I haven't even announced this to the world yet, and not sure if I will.

BUT-- You're the first to know.

what are you gonna do with the knowledge? and the power?

let MC guns-hoes-and- drugs win the award?

NO!

you need substance...style..Mega Ran.

you're gonna make the right choice....right?

http://onlinehiphop awards.com/ index.php? page=nominee& nomination_ id=1761

There were some weird issues preventing me from getting the votes I
needed yesterday (dimpled chads or something), but they seem to be resolved.

60 votes, 4 days... lets do this.

remember-- I win, you win.. WE Win.

now tell someone!!

I'm Random and I approve this message.

thanks!!!

again:

get on Board.

2008-09-29T22:03:00.003-07:00

Why join the Random hip hop board??

you'll get:

exclusive links to unreleased Random and Mega Ran tracks:

news and updates on Ran and RAHM Nation first

to rant and rave about your favorite and least favorite stuff

to chat with me! whenever!!

get on board.

http://randomhiphop.proboards.com/index.cgi

This week's bonuses

- a never before heard Random track
- new exclusive beats from DN3
- Scribble Jam battle footage
- video footage from Zia Las Vegas

yeah!

so get in there.

http://randomhiphop.proboards.com/index.cgi

Big Ran at Scribble Jam

2008-09-22T18:46:00.003-07:00

What up... wild weekend in RanLand:

I entered the Scribble Jam preliminaries in Phoenix this weekend, just for the heck of it... and WOW! I won!

best part about that is that my homie Storyville won the NY Prelims so we'll be meeting up in OH at the end of the month.

but I knew there was a reason why I had never entered an MC Battle before...

rappers have egos..but at the same time they get super sensitive when they lose.

So I had a problem arise out of one of the non-winners of the contest asking me for a rematch in the parking lot, and me not being interested.

This leads to some internet thuggery, of course.

So do I have my first rap beef? let's hope not.

Common Sense meets Random Thought. In a Blender.

2008-09-10T22:36:00.002-07:00

This Saturday.

On newsstands now!

:-)

This time, I'M asking the questions....

2008-08-13T00:42:00.002-07:00

In my quest to make "the 8th day" album an experience, I needed good music, so I got with good producers and emcees. Then, I needed great artwork, so I got with Kasey.
so for everyone who has complimented the artwork, thank you...but you have this
man to thank. So I decided to interview the man himself responsible for it,
Kasey Moore. In addition to being an incredibly talented graphic designer, he
also is a huge hip-hop head, with quite an impressive list of clientele.

so if you're looking for some great work, check him out...

and now... the interview...

1. how long have you been doing graphic design?

I've been designing for about 8 years... or
at least what I like to think of as design. I've been
professionally designing for a little over two (I
don't know if college counts)

2. any big projects?

I don't know if you have heard of Random's
new album, The 8th Day, but I did that... ha. I have
also done some big projects for Miller Lite (they are
the main client I work on), but have dabbled into
Samsung, Sara Lee and Pur Water Filters.

3. What inspired you to come up with "The 8th Day"
artwork?

When Random told me his idea it kind made a
spark. I didn't follow what exactly he was asking for,
but I understood the theme and feel that he was
looking for. I started thinking about the idea of new
beginnings and the whole idea of starting over. To me
a good way of representing that was with a kind of
dystopian feel where this new life was emerging from
the destruction (aka the flower).

4. have you heard the album? what's your favorite
track?

Why yes I have heard the album and I am
absolutely proud to be even a little part of it.
Obviously there is more than one song that I'm really
feeling, I can't decide which I like the best... I can
narrow it down to two. Placebo is amazing. The theme
of the song in general is what really does it for me.
I think it really talks to an issue that's going on in
this country that needs to be confronted, not to
mention the hook that caught my attention immediately.
I am also really into Fastlane. I just love the flow
of the song and the way Random can sound so one with
the beat. The man knows what he is doing.

5. have you done album covers before? if so,who?

I have never done an album cover for an actual artist,
but in college I did my senior thesis on hip-hip cover
design where I created 10 different album covers for
some of my favorite artists. The whole thing was
directed towards independent artists and reasoning for
having well designed albums, but that's for another
interview.

6. What made you take on this job?

Well, I first heard of Random from the Megaran album
(which blew my mind) and then from there on I listened
to whatever I could from him. Album design has always
been my passion, so when Random presented me with the
opportunity I took it. I'm always willing to do what I
can for somebody that is actually making intelligent
music that doesn't have to do with nursery worthy
rhymes and bling.

7. How was it working with Random? (feel free to be
honest!)

It was great. Random was very receptive to
my ideas and understood what I was trying to do. I
appreciate that he allowed me to have creative freedom
on his album.

8. what do you do when you're not doing graphic
design? any family?

I have the normal family stuff. Parents and siblings,
no wife or kids... I need to stay young for a little
while longer. When I'm not doing graphic design, and
well even when I'm doing design I'm buying and
listening to music as much as possible... it's kind of
a problem. My girlfriend would probably tell you that
I'm playing 360 too much, but can you really play too
many video games?

9. Who are you listening to these days?
Hmmmmm.
Great question. Well, not to kiss too much ass
but Random's up there on my list. I'm really feeling
Murs and all the Living Legends for that matter. Let's
see I love M.F. Doom even though he has been a hiatus
as of late. One.Be.Lo is amazing (I'm originally from
Michigan so I'm a little partial). Ok I'm taking too
long so Chromeo, Ed O.G. (old and new), J Dilla (RIP),
Eyedea and Abilities, and Hanger 18... I want to name
more but that would be annoying.

10. How can people who are interested get in touch
with you?

Drop me an email at lyricalholix@yahoo.com. Working on
a website, but it's not fully functional yet (I hope
someone gets that reference).

Thanks!

08.08.08.08.08.08.08.08....

2008-08-07T23:42:00.002-07:00

well, happy new year to you. August 8, 2008 is an important date for
many reasons, one being the Olympics starting today, and another that 9000 couples are getting married...

but also because
my new album "The 8th Day" is now available. Some of you might have
gotten it early, and I appreciate your feedback on it. The Special
Editions are not quite sold out yet, (70 sold, so 18 more of those are
available!) after that you'll have to get the standard edition, which
is actually FAR from standard...because it includes:

-different liner notes

-an added bonus track "New and Improved" produced by DN3

-a lower price....just $8.88!

now can ya beat that?? nah, you can't.

and of course with both, you get a free download link to DN3's jazz
album.

Enjoy the music and take care.

take a look at 'em:

Deluxe Version:
http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00ZRH9QY

Standard Version:
http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00ZOK554

info here:

Press:

http://i-newswire.com/pr191479.html

(I-Newswire) - Mega Ran blasts toward "The 8th Day" on 08.08.08

Philly-born, Phoenix resident emcee and teacher Random ( aka Random
Beats, Mega Ran ) is prepared to release his newest album, the
conceptual project "The 8th Day" on August 8, 2008.

"The number 8 is the number of new beginnings; therefore I wanted to
release a special project on that day, talking about new beginnings.
Also, turning an 8 sideways will make the symbol for infinity, so I
feel this album will also make a statement that hip-hop will live
forever, in some form or fashion."

The album includes guest appearances by LMNO of the Visionaries,
Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, nerdcore hero MC Frontalot and more.
Production will be handled by Samik ( "Raze The Bar," G-Unit, Ruff
Ryders projects ), DN3 ( executive producer of "The Call" and "Mega
Ran" ), Storyville and more.

Singles "Exhale" feat. Naledge and "On the Wall" are currently in
rotation.

In a move that can only be described as Random, "The 8th Day" will
contain 8 tracks, which are actually 16 songs. Each track will include
2 songs in one, containing two different takes on one concept.

Random's past albums "The Call" and "Mega Ran" continue to rack up
huge accolades, garnering rave reviews from press outlets and leading
to feature articles in Wired Magazine, Complex Magazine, Exclaim! and
Blender Magazine. He has recently wrapped up a national tour, hitting
cities up and down both coasts.

The 8th Day will hit stores and digital retailers on August 8th, 2008.

Pre-Orders are now being taken at Random's myspace site,
www.myspace.com/random215, and at the email address given. Those who
pre-order will get a free copy of co-executive producer DN3's
experimental jazz album.
###

RAHM Nation, LLC
Philadelphia, PA 19104
thecall@rahmnation.org

let the games begin!!

exhale...

2008-07-25T18:50:00.003-07:00

shoop, shoop....

nah, but really,

Random feat. Naledge - Exhale - Produced by Young B and Doug Funny
Scratches by DJ Akshun

http://www.zshare.net/audio/1597202316b1b70a

the story:

This song transformed right before my eyes. It started out as a favor to a very good friend of mine. Doug Funny is a dope producer out of Ann Arbor, MI, who hit me up one day and asked me about us collaborating in the future. I agreed, so we started working. Doug asked me which artists I liked, and made an effort to track them down. He asked me about working with Naledge, and I was all for it, as a big fan of the Kidz in the Hall album. Now, fast forward, and they're bigger than ever, touring the world, performing at Rock the Bells, getting on Madden 09, and more…well deserved, IMO.

A few tracks in, the idea for the Mega Ran album hit me, so I had to abandon ship on Mr. Funny's collaboration plans. Anyway, the song was just 2 verses, me and Na just spittin', no real concept. I wanted to get Reef on it as well, but I think he was out of town...But when I called DF to get a mix of the beat for me to use it on The 8th Day, he didn't have it.
So, the beat had to change...as it did, the song got smoother, and smoother....Enter DN3, who found a track that he had been sitting on forever (he always keeps stuff from me for situations like this), and he formatted it to fit the song. I liked it..but truthfully I didn't love it. I kept looking, deadlines looming...

Enter Young B, a talented cat from Australia that I met through DJ Speek Greene, DJ for Jaz-O, and NYOil's executive producer. It fit like a glove. I got DJ Akshun, my Philly homie, to lay down some scratching, and the rest is history. Funny story is that Naledge went to Penn, and I went to Penn State…it's like it was kinda destined to be...well not really. And trust, the project with Doug Funny (no title yet, I'm thinking about "Funny, in a Random Kinda Way") will happen one day.
The song is toward the end of the album, expressing the joy at hip-hop's new beginning, while stressing creativity and lyricism...ironically, it's the same sample as "Hip Hop Hooray," and that wasn't all that coincidental when you think about it.

enjoy, and gimme your thoughts.

The 8th Day. The Song.

2008-07-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

The song that explains the entire premise of the record...

The 8th Day (produced by Samik)

http://www.zshare.net/audio/157869195a46e734/

The Story:

Samik is a guy that always brings good music and ideas out of me. I have plans to one day do an entire project with him, I think that'll be really awesome. Many of you might remember the story of how we created "Raze the Bar" back in 2006 (it involved me, him, some Wendy's nuggets and pouring rain), but this one was a lot different. This time, he sent me a beat that was already completed, in hopes that I'd have something for it. I sat and pondered on the beat for a long time... and eventually it became the song that would set off this entire project. No intros, no speeches, let's just get right to the music. This song is pretty self-explanatory, but in case no one listens to lyrics anymore, it's about me having a dream that fake hip-hop artists are exposed and run out of the business. It works well at the beginning, but it gets way out of hand, when the powers that be start coming after any rapper who exaggerates in any way… and eventually they come after me. Another strange concept record that I may be beginning to be known for… and that's a good thing, I suppose. I can't explain how this stuff comes to me, but it's all about a strong desire to do something different. Definitely one of my favorites.

__
Quick Review.

The album:

-releases on 8/8/08.
-will be released in a special edition DVD packaging for physical copies, only 88 of those will be sold.
-features LMNO, Naledge, Rashid Hadee, DN3 (The3rdOne), CJ, Storyville on the beats and rhymes
-is bangin'

thanks for listening...feedback appreciated.

8th Day, Rhyme Torrents, etc

2008-07-20T12:37:00.002-07:00

sorry I haven't been updating this place much... with so much going on these days, it's difficult. to recap, I'm:

-blogging for a videogame site www.thatvideogameblog.com
-working on a new album "The 8th Day"
-producing (my latest credit is Zealous1 (www.zealous1.com)'s joint "Til We Die" which is featured on THIS free compilation from rhymetorrents.com:

http://www.rhymetorrents.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=260&f=2

RHYME TORRENTS VOLUME 7

CD 1
Kabuto the Python - RHYME TORRENTS 7 INTRO
MC RSI - Remember the Geek
MagiTek - Gold Teef (For Err Body)
Don Vito - Welcome Back to the Web (ft The Ranger, T.Y.T. & MC Gigahertz)
funky49 - Starblazer
Shinigami - It's Gone
Antisoc - Guitar Hero
Random - Inbox (Remix V3.0 ft The Ranger & Jermicide)
Desmond Fox - Lady Indie
Ham-STAR - Dump Stat
IllGill - Poser (D20 Mix)
ZeaLouS1 - Til We Die (ft RandomBeats)
Kabuto the Python - Da Ill Shit (ft Poopyhands)
2Thirteen - The Anthem (What Should Have Been ft High C, Ham-STAR & T.Y.T.)

CD 2
Id Obelus - Gangster?
Able-X - What If
Interstellar Dwellars - No Others
MAD DPS - Juggernaut
Whoremoans - Operation British
MC_Loki - Hymn of the Ahroun
D-Form - Nerdastedicz (ft Polkcounty Killa & Projekt Zero)
Reverend Badger - The Rage
nYgel - Rap Fanatic (ft The Ranger, Jesse Dangerously & Logic One)
MC COOL WHIP - Party at the Cawdor Castle
Geek Funk Records - Bumpin These Geeksta Rhymes (ft T.Y.T., MC_Loki & Mfk)
Teh_Rhymerer - Girl Named Nerdcore (D-Form Remix)
The Ranger - The Rhyme Spit (ft Whoremoans, T.Y.T. & Kabuto)
PoP Stick - The Hamster Song

BONUS TRACKS
The Ranger & Grandmaster Pink - We Alright
Tres Walsh - Thank You

if you'll notice, I have 2 credits there. check out the inbox remix too!

Um... I guess that's it. take care.

smh.

2008-07-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

this is sad.

इन्तेर्विएव इन विरेड मग.

2008-06-11T10:56:00.002-07:00

http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/06/straight-outta.html

:)

along with the extra questions:

> 3) Why the move to Arizona? Teaching gig?

Well, that was just part of it. I was also teaching in Philly, and I
loved it, and could have stayed there and probably earned more money,
but I felt like I was drawn here for some reason. I applied to schools
in 7 different states but got the most calls from Arizona. I found out
that AZ is ranked 50th among the states in quality of
education....50th. That's like, dead last. I heard that 3 out of 10
students in middle school right now out here will drop out of high
school. I think I need to help change that.

I also felt like as a person, and as a musician, I had to make a move
to grow. I told another interviewer a while back, I think I'm kinda
like Ryu at the end of the Street Fighter II video game... he won the
tournament, but didn't even stay for the ceremony; he was leaving to
find the next challenge. I didn't necessarily 'win' anything in
Philly, but I was ready to move on to a new challenge. I can't say
that this is the last stop, or that one place is better than another,
because I'll always be a Philly native, but being out here has offered
some different opportunities, and different inspirations...not better,
not worse, just different... but the 110 degree days have me really
missing the East Coast...

> 4) What are your thoughts on hip-hop's new century? Is
> the underground
> more vital than ever, now that the overground has almost
> been tapped
> out?

I'd say so. I'm working on a new project, 'The 8th Day,' and it's all
about new beginnings, because I feel that all of our lives are heading
towards a new start... the music business, and hip-hop especially, is
no different. Nowadays, independent is the way to go. This is the
generation of DIY. No more do you need a record label, a major
artist's cosign, or a bunch of start-up money to make a name for
yourself, all you need is your imagination and a video camera.
Creativity in mainstream music has hit a wall, and now those bigwigs
have to look at US, the people, to determine what's 'hot,' instead of
the days where they could just tell us what to like and we'd accept
it. I love the change. I welcome it with open arms...but make no
mistake; if everyone started doing what I do right now, I'd move on to
something else...something Random...yeah.

bad news, good news, bad news, good news.

2008-06-04T15:53:00.005-07:00

BAD NEWS: My XBOX broke last week..got the RED RING OF DEATH.

GOOD NEWS: Microsoft extended the warranty.....so they'll fix it for free

BAD NEWS: for the time being, I'm stuck w/o an XBOX and nothing else to do since I'm out of work.

GOOD NEWS: I fixed the XBOX, thanks to the Towel Trick

BAD NEWS: as I kept reading more sites about the Towel Trick, that apparently voids your warranty.

GOOD NEWS: I can play GTA 4 again!

BAD NEWS: If the RED RING doesn't come back, I can't send it back to Microsoft for the free fix.

GOOD NEWS: School is over! yay!

BAD NEWS: I didnt turn in all of my paperwork, so now I have to find it....

I guess I should get on that now.

In the meantime, go read this older Random interview, one of my faves.

shout out to Z. of Hipster, Please.

http://www.hipsterplease.com/2007/11/free-to-be-random.html

Random Thoughts, 5.30

2008-05-29T23:11:00.004-07:00

School is out!! yesss! summer break here I come.

LOST's finale was pretty awesome...wow.

I'm addicted to twitter. get on there and follow me: twitter.com/megaran

just found an app on the iPhone for it....sweetness...

and now, here's some important info.

my new album "Patches and Glue" will only be available in physical form for a short time. this is a limited album, that I hope and pray will be worth something one day..see, i think about you guys... I want you to have something that you can put on eBay someday...

so, if you order P&G here for $7,

http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00HJ126P

I'll personally send you a nice FREE gift to hold you over while you wait for the CD.

in addition to a shout out here.

act fast.

Love ya.

-Ran

all the Marvin Gaye tracks

2008-04-30T12:21:00.002-07:00

for a limited time:

SO Sorry, but the free download time is UP. hope you got em!! 4 more coming soon.

MarvinGaye, the 3rd.

2008-04-18T18:18:00.002-07:00

"Work It Out," Produced by RandomBeats:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/1076463434f0cde1/

sample: "Funk Me."

enjoy!!

oh yeah, and cop that PATCHES AND GLUE! remember, I'll send you a FREE gift!!! MANY MANY thanks to those of you who have copped.

and read below for the breakdown :)

The Breakdown.

2008-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

“Like we always do at this time.”

I’ve always wanted to start an album off with these words, since I heard “The Chronic” for the first time.

But I didn’t do that with Patches and Glue…maybe next time. “Patches and Glue” is a name that refers to what I would ask for at the corner store if my bike tire went flat. That $2.00 kit would get me up and rolling in a matter of minutes, depending on how well my patching skills were.

So for this EP (which actually isn’t an EP), I decided to take it back to the block, so to speak. So that means I enlisted help from some of the homies from the ‘Stock, our affectionate name for Woodstock Street in the West Oak Lane section of Northwest Philadelphia… like Chris Bantum, who did the artwork, and JonBap, who’s on the vocals, but more on that later. So, let’s break it downnnnnn:

1. Words from the Beagle produced by Storyville

Another thing I wanted to do on this album, that I actually got a chance to do was get someone else to rap on the intro. So, I asked my man DN3 to say a few words to set it off, and he didn’t disappoint. DN3 (Mel) wears many hats; he’s my show DJ, primary producer and engineer, and co-host on the weekly podcast we record. On top of all that, he’s a dope MC. I think his voice and style are amazing, and better than 95% of full-time rappers who think they’re the next big thing. I always try to get him to work on a solo album, but I don’t think he’s interested in a true solo rap career.
Anyway, he killed this joint! I had to chuckle at the “Ran’s a hefty dude” line.
Producer Notes: Produced by my man Storyville, who constantly raises the bar with his production.

2. Fly produced by Raze Brooks

“This is it right here.” When I said that at the beginning of the song, I really knew this it. The song that captured the entire album and feel… The single. The inspiration for this song was pretty simple; life. As a school teacher by day, I see so many kids at school who just don’t have any inspiration to push harder. I’m hoping this song can do that for them. It’s almost like a “Raze the Bar/Push/Salvation” mash-up sequel. This time, a cool young kid, Syl Dubenion, hooked up a smooth sax sample we used over the hook. We just shot a video for this one, a teaser and full video should be available soon.

Producer Notes: Produced by Raze Brooks of the United Kingdom, dude’s a sample head like me. He produced a joint with me and Doctor Oscify for the “Remixtape,” I think I met him through Storyville, Raze had heard our stuff and almost demanded that he get a beat on a project…so he sent me some joints and this one jumped out at me.

3. Til The Horns Blow produced by DN3

Again, they say that somewhere near the beginning of the album, you gotta have a track letting the haters know that you’re not the one to mess with…so enter “Til The Horns Blow.” When I wrote this, I had Pharoahe Monch’s “Let’s Go” on repeat constantly, trying to get back into that battle rapper mode. I really haven’t been on that kick for a long time, as I kinda lost the zeal for those “I’m calling out the rapper with no name and face” rhymes for a long time. I hate to call attention to it, but it’s the first time I ever cussed on a record. True, it’s only ‘ass,’ but still… anyone who knows me knows that’s like a big deal. Sometimes the rhyme scheme just calls for the right word, and it just works. Ohene and I used to have long debates about foul language in hip-hop, and he’d say that words are just like colors are to a painter… If the World Painters Association said “from now on, painters can’t use orange,” then how would you paint an orange tree? It’s very limiting. I’ve only chosen not to use foul language because of the many places I’ve taken my music, from the church to elementary schools to universities…but hey, it’s not like they’ve never heard it. Art is art…is art.

4. The Beatdown produced by K-Murdock

The way I met K-Murdock was very strange. I sent some materials to XM Radio hoping to get some airplay, and sent them c/o a Kyle Murdock, and hadn’t heard anything for a few weeks until I got a myspace message from K-Murdock (of Panacea) saying “yo! I just heard that Mega Ran joint! It’s crazy! Thanks for sending it to the station!” I’m like whoa…trying to put 2 and 2 together… turns out that K works for XM Radio, in addition to producing for Panacea, Raheem DeVaughn and many others…
So, K pitched me some ideas for future projects that he was working on, and I was down. He sent me a slew of beats, and one became “The Beatdown.” I’d say that if “Fly” is this album’s “Raze The Bar,” Then “Beatdown” could be this album’s “Push,” except that the sax is on “Fly.” Got that? Subject wise, Drew Thomas’ chorus sums it all up:

“When life keeps beatin ya dowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn,
Six feet under the grounnnnnnnnnnnnd.
I am always arouuuuuuuuuuund,
To lift you with that healin’ sound.”

Producer Note: Look out for a future (TOP SECRET) producer/MC project with myself and K-Murdock in the near (or distant) future.

5. Twice Over produced by DN3 and Ohene

The thing about this album is that every song was recorded at a different time, some 2 months ago, and some 2 years ago… so it really takes me back to what mindstate I was in at the time. By now you may know the story of the beat (short version—it was jacked from Ohene’s “Without Words” album—but we’re labelmates, we can do that), but the lyrics came to me very easily… in fact it kinda scared me. This is me telling the story of how I got to Phoenix, why I rhyme, and why I have no regrets.
*steps on soapbox* you know, there comes a time in every man’s life where he just sits back and does some introspection, and asks himself: “am I doing all I could be doing?” not just for myself, but for my family, for my dream…
*steps off of soapbox*
Or maybe it was my midlife crisis in digital form… who knows.

6. Inbox produced by Random
Ahh…looking for love in all the wrong places. This could’ve been called “Tainted Love” 2.5.1 or something like that. I don’t know about you, but a LOT of people I know have dated online, and most of them has ended pretty badly. I still remember my first… ah, Jamie from Chicago… man… Oh, yeah…well, anyway, the story’s not true, but easily could’ve been. Mega Ran shows up on this one, mainly because a) it’s funny, and b) I rap and produce on the cut. Seems to be an early crowd favorite.

7. Grandma's Boys featuring JonBap produced by DN3
My man JonBap and I go back like…recliners… like dyslexics…like Marty Mc Fly. I think I knew Chuck since we were both like 7. Bap was there when I wrote my first rhyme, so it’s only fitting that he’s on this project. I recorded this one almost a year and a half ago in Philly, for a short-lived group album that Bap and I wanted to complete in a week. We got like 4 tracks in, and then things kinda stalled. We had quite a few gems that I swore wouldn’t go unheard… Maybe we can save one of the others for JonBap’s album…coming…um… hopefully before Jesus.

8. The GetDown produced by Storyville
Remember that episode of Chappelles show where the girl’s boob pops out during the skit, and Dave was staring at it the whole time? He said “I felt like I did that with my mind or something!” I may have done some similar Jedi mind trick to get this beat from Storyville.
The story was: he was working on his album and wanted me to feature on this beat for a track called “Blue Collar.” I dropped my verse, all the while uber-envious of the beat, then I get a call 2 weeks later, and he asks me do I want the beat for myself!! I jumped for joy on the inside, while coolly responding, “Ok, sure.” So, a few months later, “Blue Collar” had changed into “The Getdown.” Big shout out to one of my students, Israel, who gave me the pregnant essay joke I used on there. He’s since been expelled, so I hope he’s okay.

Producer’s note: I’ve learned to trust Storyville, but this track changed a bit from my first recording until the final mix. One new part was the guitar stylings of Vince “The Rocket Scientist,” who would’ve been mentioned in the credits had he not been an 11th hour addition.

9. I Pray produced by DN3 and Ohene
I got to accomplish a few things on this EP that I dreamed about but hadn’t done before; and another was to have the final song go over 6 minutes, with some clapping, stomping and beatboxing, or ‘taking it to church’ as we call it.
This track was another Ohene-rip (maybe I should just refer to them as such), but it was mine to begin with. Let me explain…
Well, on “The Call,” I had an interlude called “The Prayer,” and Ohene played some keys over it. So, in order to keep a piece of the old projects alive in the new, we sampled that piano loop and created “I Pray.” If you’re keeping score, these are the connections:

2006- 3 part love song (Tainted Love)
2007- 2 part love song (Aqua Soul & The Continuation)

2006- Sax solo on Push (Frank Machos)
2007- Sax solo on “Megalude” (Kid Overdrive—well not totally live)
2008- Sax solos on “Fly” (Syl Dubenion)

bonus track:

Wings Produced by DN3

I don’t know. This is what I say to everyone who asks me “What were you thinking to put this kind of spin on the whole 9-11 thing?” I really don’t know. I watched “Crash” and I really liked it. I wanted to make a scenario where people crossed paths and were interrelated and have 3 sides to the same story, and then I wanted to base it around a real event… then “Wings” was born. I remember writing this on a plane, ironically. I’ve been told that this song has managed to touch a lot of people, and I’m glad, I guess. 9-11-01 was an extremely tragic event, but tragedy often creates triumph. I mean, it’s great to look at events from other peoples’ shoes and try to understand them better, so that’s what I did. Maybe if we all did that, this world would be less judgmental…whoops. *steps on and off soapbox*

Inbox (Remix) feat. DN3 and 88-Keys

I liked Inbox so much, we decided to remix it… but not just any remix, this is the “electric remixation,” as I’ve dubbed it. I reached out to 88-Keys, impressive producer who’s worked with people that I’D like to be working with-- people like Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Musiq Soulchild, and Kanye West, who’s the godfather to his baby…crazy, huh?—and he was down to work. We decided to rework A Tribe Called Quest’s classic “Electric Relaxation” and put a cyber-spin on it. Something for the nerds, something for the backpackers…something for everybody 

And there you have it, folks…Patches and Glue. Hope you enjoyed this little walkthrough, it’s not only difficult, but it took a danged long time to do! But I’ve enjoyed bringing it to you.

If you copped “Patches,” Thank you!! If not, then go do that, dude!

http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00HJ126P

Then tell me your favorite song.

Peace, love and Patches,

Random

Taxes and Patches.

2008-04-14T17:38:00.002-07:00

order the EP NOW!!

Patches and Glue

music and vocals by:
DN3
Ohene
Storyville
88-Keys
K-Murdock of Panacea
Raze Brooks

and more!!

get it now for a special price!

then see me about a FREE Gift! :)

so go ahead, order now!

Thanks, Marvin.

2008-04-11T19:24:00.002-07:00

the month of April belongs to Marvin, so on every Friday, I'll drop a new track every week.

this week:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/10407567ced6d55d/

a little joint off "Cleo's Apartment."

produced by DJ Prolifik.

so I got a letter from Capcom...

2008-03-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

and it said that Mega Ran is now OFFICIALLY LICENSED by the Big C!

this is pretty amazing news to me, I mean, the company responsible for Chun Li, has not only heard my stuff, but has approved.

So what does this mean? Hmmm... I don't have to worry about my myspace page being deleted :) Maybe we can see that Japanese tour with backing. Who knows?...but, knowing you are not gonna get sued has to be the best feeling in the world.

Some of yall heard the album already - purchased or downloaded. so if you haven't, do yourself a favor and help me celebrate!

Check sampler at:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/36387456abd630/

Purchase album at:

http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00T4AIJB

or

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/random07

or iTunes at:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=264591059

oh yeah, and KEEP VOTING on the Grow Up Remix!! so far Jonato 7's is in the lead.

The Grow Up Remix Blog.

2008-03-21T22:26:00.001-07:00

A while back, I had a little search for the perfect "Grow Up" remix.

I got some good submissions.
I got some great submissions.
I got some submissions that should've probably stayed unsubmitted. :)

just kidding, I love all you guys.

So what I'll do is get my Simon Cowell on, and rate these bad boys and tell you why it is or isn't the one.

I'll put the best one on my player, so I need you guys' help!

The San Remix

Link: http://www.zshare.net/audio/7705075b6c1e2f

What I liked: that he probably never listened to the original.

What I didn't like: that he sampled...no drums..um.... everything. This just doesn't work. Thanks for playing, San.

The Ascension Music Remix feat/ Dan Poh

Link: http://www.zshare.net/audio/9313810963351b/

What I liked: Dan's verse. cool idea, I liked it.

What I didn't like: I can't shake the feeling that this one is off beat a little. I can't catch it.

The Fingaz Remix.

Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/g3jlsx

what I liked: Those drums!! very nice!

What i didn't like: the same as most of them: the chorus just didn't work. but with some re-working, this could be it.

The AntiSoc Remix.

Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/nbhguv

What I liked: Everything...very very nice.

What I didn't like: it was the chorus, but he fixed it... great stuff.

The Storyville Remix.

Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oe7srb

What I liked: very musical, really cool

What I didn't like: well, I don't know. I like this a lot.

The Jonato7 Remix.

Link: http://www.zshare.net/audio/931367324df605/

A very late submission, but well worth the wait.

What I liked: Awesome, kept the 8 bit feel intact.

What I didn't like: nothing. Down to the hook, he nailed it. nice job IMO.

American Gamer.

2008-02-24T21:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.caeious.com/americangameralbum/americangamerDLcenter.html

American Gamer.

2008-02-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.caeious.com/americangameralbum/americangamerDLcenter.html

Grow Up...Again.

2008-02-14T01:48:00.003-07:00

There is a Remix to Grow Up out there, you just have to find it. here's a hint:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/megaran

you have to join to get it. :)

you won't regret it; Antisoc tore it up...

One Two Free Four.

2008-02-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

In the midst of tragedy, there's always a triumph. So this is what's going on with me for 2008.

Hollywood Ran, 2.0- you might remember way back in the days when I mentioned my music being in an indie film...well, Ran's back..spreadin' like anthrax. A new indie film, called "Second Skin," chronicling the life of gamers, has tapped Mega Ran and his hit song "Grow Up."

here is a trailer of the flick:

It's being pitched to HBO and some other big names as we speak, so cross your fingers.

I am looking to release 4 projects this year. in order:

Patches and Glue-

late Feb, 08

an EP of 9 tracks, to include such joints as "Inbox" and "Twice Over." Production by DN3, Ohene, Storyville , K-Murdock of Panacea (Rawkus) and more.

read up on it in this nice write up on ThaHipHop.com:

http://www.thahiphop.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=806&Itemid=140

RandomBeats presents AMERICAN GAMER-

so here's the deal... after I did this little "Mega Ran" album, mad folks have been sending me videogame beats, hoping I'll do some sorta sequel album....and I really don't think I'll do that....but i learned to never say never......

but that gave me an idea...I figured I'd put these beats to use.. myself and a few dope cats, K-Murdock and Pac0naut from Phoenix are working on a Jay-Z remix project called "American Gamer."

in what we all hope will be the final American Gangster remix project, we'll be sampling from popular and not so popular games on the mixtape, which will include about 9 of the album cuts.

This is one of my favorites, K-Murdock's Streets of Rage Remix of Jay-Z's "Say Hello"

take it and spread it...

http://www.zshare.net/audio/71339501fc1330

This'll be free for everyone...coming soon.
another preview is on Paco's page....
myspace.com/latenighthustle

they're EVERYWHERE!!

Marvin Gaye Tribute Album

if I had to pick just one musical influence, I'd hands down say Marvin Gaye. so, as a tribute to Marvin, I'll be recording and releasing a free album in which all of the tracks are sampled from Marvin Gaye compositions (sorry, no 'Sexual Healing'... I don't think). This'll be done just in time for Marvin's birthday in April.

The 8th Day

on August 8, 2008, or 08/08/08, the hip-hop world will begin anew. I'll be releasing a theme album based around the premise that on the day of new beginnings (the 8th day), everyone and everything must start fresh. I'm well into the recording process, and producers include http://www.myspace.com/samikg"> Samik, DN3, and MP Fiend of Baseline Ent.

and don't forget about
MEGA RAN!!

So, all in all, I got a lot of big stuff planned for this year... so stay tuned....

RIP Mr. Sunny

2008-01-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

none of you probably knew Mr. Sunny, but he lived directly across from me on my mom's block.

He was my homeboy Art's dad.

ya know, out of all the homies from the block, Art was the only one who lived with a mom and a dad.

Art's moved on, he's got a wife and family in Florida, and Mr. Sunny was still on the block...

Till This past Thursday.

Mr. Sunny lost his battle with the big C.

Mr. Sunny and I used to have a lot of conversations, when I ran into him fixing his van, or watering his garden.

I'm gonna miss him... I'm gonna miss the way he always called me by my nickname, in a growling kinda way... "Raaah RAHH!"

Mr. Sunny hated hip-hop. He thought it was just a bunch of rascals yellin and cussin'.

I remember a great story, my homie bought a CD of young lady by the name of BOSS. she made an album, Born Gangstaz, which my then next-door neighbor bought and blasted on the steps of the crib.

now Boss had a nice little diddy on her album called "I Don't Give a F&%" which contained these quotable lyrics...

CHORUS-

I don't give a f, not a single f***
not a single solitary f&&& I don't give a fuck motherf***!

[Bo$$]
I don't give a f*** about none of y'all!
Big ballin' a** BO$$ takin' two to
Ya head with a sawed off shotgun
Give it up cuz I'm one crazed b****!
Rollin' thick, gang full of lunatics bailin
Runnin' through the mud
Escaped from the cell block searchin' for the g** d*mn judge
Cuz its simple to get revenge on a punk
Pop the trunk, grab the pump and pull the trigger my n***a!

now that's some indubitable sh*t, son (c) Thugnificent.

Now, Mr. Sunny, like anyone who heard this, immediately wrote hip-hop off as some stupid nonsense.

So ever since then, we'd have chats about hip-hop and what it was, and what it wasn't... and I don't think I ever convinced him that hip-hop was good, but he always was willing to listen, unlike most adults at that time.

No matter what was going on, "Pops," as the fellas called him, was always around...always cracking a joke, always smiling..with his signature cigar in his mouth. I never remember him being in a bad mood.

Imma miss you, Mr. Sunny.... Thanks for enlightening us young brothers. May God bless you and your family.

My Day off

2008-01-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

since everyone wasn't off work today (i was, yay!) DN3 and myself decided to do some volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity over the weekend, so we helped to build a house.

now in that 6 hours of time, we did a lot, including helping to construct the 4 walls and put them in place.

I got to meet the woman who was going to be moving into the home, and she was ecstatic..

really felt good to do some good.

I highly recommend checking out www.makeadifference.org and finding something you can do in your community, it's very fulfilling.

So, what did you guys do on your 3-day weekend?

and don't feel bad if you didnt do anything, or if you didnt get a day off, you have every other day of your life to do something good for people.

Also, peep our special MLK day edition of RAHM Radio West at

http://rahmradio.mypodcast.com

with special joints by Common, Ohene, Freeway, Maja and more, and an interview w/ Haj of Dumhi.

Peace.

Crazy Eddie

2007-12-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

DO you guys (particularly on the East Coast) remember Crazy Eddie?

well he was a dude who got on TV, selling electronics for cheap, yelling at you the whole time, and saying that if you didn't buy from him, you were..

INNN-SAAAANE!
so the story goes, Eddie and his company were doing some shady stuff, and the owner fled, and the feds brought the company down.
you can read the rest here.
but that brings me to my next point..

Have they gone craaaaaaazy?!?!

from RAHM Nation's newest Newsletter...>>
Peace RAHMs,As we set to close 2007, we'd like to offer our loyal fans a chance to take advantage special year-end savings. For a LIMITED TIME, all '07 RAHM Nation albums
(including Mega Ran)will be only $3.99.

2006 Releases (including The Call )are only $2.99.

As we look to clear some inventory and end the fiscal year on a strong note, this is a great opportunity to pick up a project you may have missed or make a gift of your favorite RAHM album. Click the links below to order. But do so soon. these projects will either be shelved or revert to their retail prices.
Thanks and look out for the 2008 albums!

1L

me.

visit our distributor for details on multiple orders....
http://kunaki.com/msales.asp?PublisherId=109585

so......... if you haven't got "One of the top 10 Albums of 2006" yet, or "One of the most creative releases this year" , Then there's no better time than the present.

Peace,

Ran

2 years later, still PUSHing.

2007-11-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

today's 2 years to the day that I wrote PUSH... just found an old rhyme book, dated and all.

One of my more popular songs...hopefully you liked it... one of my favorite cuts.

for the next hour or so, it's free.

enjoy!

http://download.yousendit.com/9C00E3C64C96850E

Background on Push:

Produced by Storyville
myspace.com/deepscene

Saxophone by Frank Machos
myspace.com/frankmachos

I wrote this sitting in my '89 Blazer,with gloves on (because I had no heat) about to go to work at Toys R Us for the holiday season. The lyrics were flowing so well, I was 15 minutes late clocking in. Again, Storyville came through with a smash. This is probably my second favorite cut, and probably could've been the 2nd single. I heard it and wrote instantly. SV is such a perfectionist, he sent me 10000 remixes for the track when I told him I wanted to use it. But I'm stuck in my ways when it comes to music, and I wanted it as is. He even sent me a version with a verse in it, trying to weasel his way onto the album nah, I'm just kidding, but I had to stick with the original. I had a funky idea for the 3rd verse, something that hadn't been done before: to use a saxophone solo AS the 3rd verse. I met Frank Machos on myspace, and he was down for the cause. Strangely enough, I had met him before at my Fundamentals release party, but didn't know it. There were a lot of strange coincidences that made this album come together, that's what makes it so special. Samik (prod of "Raze The Bar") says this is the best beat on the album, it just might be.

RAHM Radio Episode #2

2007-11-18T19:37:00.001-07:00

http://www.zshare.net/audio/5001854892d98d/

Peace and blessings...

It's about that time again!  Special thanks to all who
listened to our first show.  The feedback and response
was great! If you didn't feel it, trust me, we
wouldn't come back to embarrass ourselves a second
time. 

This week's show features a special guest interview
with Kev Brown.  Kev has produced for acts such as DJ
Jazzy Jeff, De La Soul, Raheem Devaughn, and various
other dope acts.  Also we threw in some other joints
from Ghostface, Ohmega Watts, and Freeway Featuring 50
Cent.  We even thew in a few old school classics that
will make you show your age!

Click here to check out the show!

http://www.zshare.net/audio/5001854892d98d/


If you missed the first show, check it out at this
link:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/4849428c220b7d/

Thank you for supporting the true Hip-Hop and have a
great week!

Our Mission:

The Reform and Healing Movement West Coast Radio Show
hosted by Random and DN³ - as the west coast
counterpart to RAHM Radio hosted by G, The Chancellor
at Virginia Tech University. RAHM Radio West (The
RandomBeagle Show) is produced entirely out of the
Phoenix, Arizona residence of Random and DN³. The show
is formatted to showcase current quality Hip-Hop music
by influential artists, classic joints, as well as
music by RAHM Nation affiliates. Current events,
movies, other entertainment, as well as community
uplifting issues will be discussed. The show will air
weekly with occasional special guest, varying themes,
and Hip-Hop junkies such as the RandomBeagle acting a
fool and having a great time spinning the hottest
Hip-Hop joints from all over the country. Be sure to
check out each show!

my students made a PSA (link)

2007-11-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

I am a teacher.

have been for a few years now.

and I like my kids a lot.... maybe even love them.

when they're not giving me headaches, whining about assignments, making excuses or mistreating each other,

I love my students.

Well, heck, even when they are acting a fool,

I love my students.

So last week was Drug Free Week, and we had several activities involving the theme "I've Got Better Things to Do Than Drugs!"
we all wore these attractive buttons.

some did essays, some drew posters.

But two of my most....um, expressive 8th grade students, Tyrone and Travis, decided to record a Public Service Announcement about all of the things they could do instead of drugs.

It's way too hilarious to transcribe here, you just gotta hear it.

so, here it is:

Travis and Tyrone's PSA.

It's times like these where I forget about all the stress, and remember why I became a teacher.

just shows what these guys can accomplish with a little motivation.

Big ups to Mr. Lernor for editing and putting this to some great, mood-fitting music.

I had a feeling this week was gonna be good, just look at this pizza box I had over the weekend:

see the smiley face?

oh, dont forget if you havent heard the radio show,
Click to Hear RAHM Radio West

next week's show will feature an exclusive interview with:

Kev Brown.

so be here...or there...well, just get it.

Say What You Want about Soulja Boy...

2007-10-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

but the kid is aight with me.

now, bear with me.

Check it, right, I was online one day after work, and I don't know how, or why, but I found my way to Soulja Boy's myspace page.

edit: one of his boys added me or something.

So, I was browsing and noticed 2 things..

a) that he was gonna be in Phoenix on the VERY SAME DAY that I was looking at the page, and in like 2 hours, at a school that was literally a mile from my house, where I was already going to watch one of my students from last year play football.

b) that he leaves his Sidekick 2 way address right on the page for his fans to email him.

Now, me being super curious, I 2way the kid..I figure it won't cost me a thing, and I was gonna be there anyway. so what the heck.

this is the conversation:

r*********s@tmail.com: what up. see you over at the school. Making any other stops in AZ?

Now, I didn't expect anything, I mean, the guy's page has 17 MILLION (yes, MILLION) hits on it, so he's gotta get sidekick messages like every..3 seconds at least.

but 10 minutes later...my sidekick alert goes off....new message!
souljaboytellem@tmail.com: pheonix (sic) college.

now granted, a few more trips to Geography class wouldn't hurt.... but hey, anyone can mess up on the spelling of Phoenix! right?

But the fact of the matter is, he took the time to type that message.

and if i was a little younger and more impressionable, I would've been on my way to BesT Buy, coppin that Soulja Boy Tellem.

dude is the epitome of the 21st century version of the American Dream... you MAKE yourself what you want to become.

you might know the story, might not...

dude makes beats at home on Fruity Loops , posts them on SoundClick. creates a catchy song that youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu mightve heard a few hundred times TODAY, and creates a video with dance moves and posts it to the 'net. a few hundred thousand hits later, record exec chases him down and signs him....sells a million ringtones before an album drops, and here we are.

He personally reaches out to his fans, giving them a personal connection that's never been seen on the mainstream level.
Record sales are down, and he knows it, so he goes the extra mile to reach out, I ain't mad at him.

hes even got a contest..the fan who buys the MOST copies of his album earns a spot on his top friends list FOREVER!!!!

so get your pictures in :)
man, I wish I worked at Best Buy so I could just pose with the whole shipment of CDs.

love it or hate it: This is the next level of music marketing.

now only time will tell if Soulja Boy becomes today's MC Hammer, or "Crank Dat" becomes the next Macarena,

(voted 1 one-hit wonder of all-time) or the guy that we'll always mention when it comes to DIY musicians...

But for right now, DeAndre Cortez Way is A-OK with me. He's having fun...don't take him seriously and you'll be OK too.

I'd rather hear a 17 year-old super-soakin' than much worse things, that's for sure.

and he doesn't seem to be a total doofus like the song lyrics may suggest, as he knows a lot about what the people want.

so, for the time being... Crank Dat... responsibly.

and enjoy some show footage from last night.

peep the 'shortest mic cord ever'

*sigh*

The Making of Mega Ran

2007-10-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is a great read...enjoy!

http://www.hiphoplinguistics.com/reviews/albums/2007/megaran.php

oh, and order Mega Ran on iTunes..like, today.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=264591059

9-11. 6 years later.

2007-09-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

are we OVER 9-11?

don't know about you, but I'm not.

so while you're at the record store trying to figure out what to buy, don't forget about the folks who lost their lives.

This is a song, "Wings," that I recorded quite some time ago. it puts a different spin on that fateful day, through the eyes of 3 different people who are connected and don't know it... think "Crash," or more recently, my newest addiction, "Lost."

Wings (produced by DN3)
(click for free download)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/34671321760376/

well GET IN! join the blog here.

back from Florida

2007-08-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

back from FLA..the love and hate blog.

I saw the things I love and hate about the south all in one short trip.

man oh man... where do I begin?

I guess at the beginning.

We stayed at the plush Grosvenor (if anyone knows how to pronounce that, let me know) Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, and the place was lovely...pools, karaoke, basketball courts a Wii..yup, a Wii... and a $10 a night activity fee to pay for it.

But we were right down the street from Downtown Disney, so we went there first. Had a great time, and saw a spectacular improv comedy show which gave me some great ideas... I'll get to those later.

first of all, the love was there. I played at Tim and Terry's for Nerdapalooza SE in Gainesville, FL (go Gators!)

and it was totally amazing. That campus is really impressive.
great crowd, great atmosphere (a little hot), and great times.

This was when the improv ideas came back. Back in the day, when me and Ohene were rhyme partners, during every one of our sets, O would end it off with a crazy freestyle session..all impromptu, off the head rhymes. He'd ask everyone in the crowd to pull something out of their
, and he'd incorporate it in his rhymes. So, after seeing the un-sketched sketch comedy show, I decided to alter my set at the last minute and take a page from the book of O.

This was the first time I had done it, and it worked very well..got a great reaction, and it was huge fun. We got it on tape, hopefully it'll get upped soon.
More improv fun--at the end of the night, myself, Zealous1 and Shinobi kicked a few freestyles over some sick beats, even creating an on the fly song with hook. I hope somebody got that on film!

Next day we hit up Disney World thanks to the free tickets from the timeshare presentation we went to the day before (These folks just don't know how to take NO for an answer!!) little piece of advice--if they say its a 2 hr presentation, expect 3.5.
pretty good time at Disney, I only wanted to go on one ride.

Space Mountain.

a ride that I'd heard sooooo much about since I was a kid...but had never gotten on.

Wait time.... 60 minutes.

but what the heck, right, this is the ride I've been waiting for!

20 minutes into the wait, something happened.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, please bear with us, we're having some technical difficulties...we apologize to those of you on the ride at this time, please remain seated...

..on the ride??? stuck?? Awwwww Nawww! so eventually they shut the ride down and got everyone out of there. We came back 2 hours later and it was still down.

Oh well..maybe next time.

Who am I kidding, I ain't going back there again...unless I have kids.

And now.....for the hate. As I was coming back from an errand on Sunday night, I got pulled over by a police officer who SAID I ran a stop sign. Did I? I don't think so... we all do those California stops* every once in a while, right? right???

*FYI: ..>..>

a.	california stop
	AKA the california rolling stop The act of not completely stopping at a stop sign or a right hand turn, but rather 'rolling' through it by slowing down some. sees stop sign looks for cops sees none makes a california stop hears sirens says 'D'oh!'

well let me set the scene...smalltown area, after midnight, on a small road, not even a 4 way stop...totally secluded area.

or so I thought.

"Gotcha!" -Dave Chappelle

Anyway, the scene couldve been much worse, because I was driving a rental car...and when she asked for the papers, I checked the glove box....

they weren't there.

I checked the floor, the back...

nothing.

uh-oh.

I Texted Ida (sidebar--is it 'texted' or text'd?), and she tells me she doesn't have them either...

this could be bad.

now I have to convince this small-town beat cop who's dying to make her quota who just pulled over a young man with an out of state license that I didn't steal this car.

Well, luckily it worked, due to the Mega-Charm (c)* I managed to get out of this little jam with only a ticket....

for $122.50!

I almost cussed, and I don't cuss.

Again, I hate to pull the race card, but us brothers know of something called DWB: and that doesn't mean Doctors with Businesses or Donuts with Black Coffee...

it means Driving While Black.

Now DWB might be a myth, or a fabric of the vivid imagination of African American conspiracy theorists all over the world, but this is what the 'experts' say:

DWB: a word play on the name of a real U.S. crime, driving while intoxicated. The phrase implies that a motorist may be pulled over by a police officer simply because he or she is black, and then questioned, searched, and/or charged with a trivial offense. This concept stems from a long history of racism in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries. The term refers to racial profiling, which is said to be used by police and other law enforcement officials.

see also: "walking while Black," "learning while Brown," Flying while Muslim," and "Speaking while Blonde." (I didn't make these up...well I did make up the last one.)

Anyway, the rest of the trip went very well, I auctioned the only existing Mega Ran shirt off this weekend (so if you see it on eBay, don't buy it! ), which was symbolic, because it's the last show on the specified Mega Ran Tour. I don't plan to do any specific Mega Ran dates after this, as I'm ready to grow up get to work on the next project.

What is the next project?

Stay tuned....

The pros and cons go like this:

Pros:
1- The Grosvenor, especially the jacuzzi
2- The Tim and Terry's crowd
3- The comedy show @ Downtown Disney
4- Quality time

Cons:
1- cops
2- cops
3- cops
4- humidity

have a spectacular evening. pics coming soon....

*Mega-Charm is a registered trademark of RandomBeats. any unauthorized use is prohibited.

What are folks saying about "Mega Ran?"

2007-08-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

anyway, here are a few opinions about Random's Mega Ran album that are floating around the 'Net and media these days...all in one place for the lazy folks...

Above all, Random rises to the occasion by making an album that is both clever and effortless. Despite its lofty ambitions, the album's intent never overshadows the simple fact that the music is dope...anyone who ever kept a log of their continue codes is sure to geek out to what amounts to one of the most creative releases this year.
-Okayplayer.com, Aug 2007 (4/5)

Not only an interesting concept, Mega Ran is also an enjoyable trip down memory lane for many.
-Exclaim Magazine, July 2007

The bottom line is that Random manages to keep his hip-hop credentials in tact even while marrying underground battle raps to video game tracks.
-Rap Reviews, July 2007 (7/10)

In the past 20 years, Mega Man never sounded this good.
-Game Music 4 All, June 2007

Old school Blue Bomber fans are gonna hear these classic themes and flip.
-Scarlett (Capcom USA), July 2007

I guess the only question to ask now is..

Why don't you have it???

Oh...you didn't know how to get it?

Okay, I gotcha.

Or

choose your adventure!!

Cop that soon.. we are VERY CLOSE to my 'limited quantities' number, so I suspect these won't be around very long. get 2, and leave one in the plastic.

soon, you'll wake up, and the whole Mega Ran thing will have been a dream.

now if you'll excuse me, Madden is calling. I just got my first win, and that was luck. I need some practice........

PS- and don't worry, I plan on working on the Biggie video...I'm serious! soon as SOMEONE brings the videocamera over...lol

I'll post that footage fo'sho.

'Til next time, keep shining.

-Ran

PPS--this is hilarious! if you get a moment...peep it.
gives new meaning to "Karate Kid." Dude should get an Oscar.

Part 1.
http://www.b3ta.com/links/Child_Beater

Part 2.
http://www.break.com/rushhour3/man-vs-kids-part2.html

Back from Cali

2007-08-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

What up everybody. Ya boy Ran is back from his California leg of the Mega Ran tour with some STORIIIIIIIES to tell! Where do I begin??

(disclaimer--this is a long blog. grab something to eat or drink, get a comfortable seat, and read.)

Well first I'd like to say that the pictures from this little excursion will be posted very soon. theres a lot of them...

Okay, so last week I was saying this would be the longest weekend of my life..so here's why.

I had to go to school for orientation/teacher traning..Then after that, drive to San Diego for my first show at the House Of Blues.

This show was with The Megas , who guest with me on the "Boss Battle: Metalman" song on "MEGA RAN."

also on the bill was Quarter-Circle Jab (yeah, a slow fireball if you're into Street Fighter), and they rocked it as well.

The Megas also called me back up to perform "MetalMan" with them live, and that was awesome (don't worry, we got video).

I got into San Diego with about 30 minutes before showtime.

and no matter where we went, parking was always a major issue, so I don't need to mention that anymore.

The show went well at the HOB, until a gentleman that worked there decided to speak to me on the side and ask me to 'tone down the language,'

because I was 'offending some of the guests.'

Well as we all know, I'm a pottymouth, so I wasn't having that!

no, not really. I tried to tell him as matter-of-factly as I could that they obviously weren't listening if they thought they heard inappropriate language from me.

and he's like "not even the N-word?" he said it as if he pulled the Trump card on me.

"no, not even the N-word, buddy."

"oh...Okay."

Now I'm not one to throw the race card around *reaches in pocket* but I know how these cats think...he sees a brother up there rappin...and assumes he's gonna hear those words.

anyway.. I was gonna leave after my set, but I'm glad I didn't, because I would've missed QCJ, and a lot of fans who wound up buying CDs and signing the mailing list.

So, after that, we run right over to the San Diego Sports Club for another show.

This show was more of an opportunity to meet and build with so many of the folks I've chatted with online for so long....Maja, IllGill, Zealous1,

and the man, YTCracker.

I'm not ashamed to admit that if I had never heard YTCracker's NERDRAP ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM in 2005, then Mega Ran wouldn't exist.

So I feel like he fathered that album and didn't even know it..it was a real pleasure to meet and build with him...and he even knew my Gov't name.. he does his research. That's the 1 difference between nerdcore fans and 'underground hip hop' fans and showgoers;

Nerdcore cats actually do some research.. folks were asking me about being a teacher, and about "Fundamentals," and RAHM Nation, and all types of stuff.

I usually have to introduce other crowds to who I am at other shows.

Anyway, I got there late (my bad fellas), but I still got on and had to cut my set short.

it was the first time I had performed "BubbleMan," a song I was afraid to do without a hypeman, because of the ridiculous breath control needed for it.

I heard someone say a while ago that you shouldn't record a song that you can't perform live the same way....

well I didn't listen.

But it went well. after a lot of practice, I learned how and when to breathe, and it worked.

That night, after performing twice in a night, I also made history.

DN3 had the audacity to challenge me in Street Fighter II, and I had to do him in in a 3 round battle. I had Ken, he had Guile. after repeated attempts to cheese me,

The Spin Kick prevailed.

So, i decided to take my undefeated record and retire...

forever.

DN3 tries to blame it on the Xbox controller (how come losers can't just lose?)
so I'm 1-0, unbeaten.

End of the longest day of my recent memory.

Wake up time: 7:00AM
Bedtime: 3:30AM

Saturday begins with a trip to a local Thai food spot... great great food!

Then we made the trek to Comic Con, at the San Diego Convention Center.

It was like Halloween and Christmas at the same time in there...

people in costumes and toys...everywhere you could see.

However, in a huge place like that, there's bound to be confusion.

See, Seth, who works for Capcom, and has been such a great sport with all the Mega Ran stuff,

sent me an email with his phone number on it, and told me to contact him when I got there and he'd bring the ID badges out.

He sent this email to my GMAIL account.

Before I left..I checked my email...my Yahoo account.

Whoops.

So DN3 (who was also a good sport in all this) lugs his turntable setup down a good few blocks to the Con,

and the guards send us to the wrong gate to check in...

not once, not twice... fee times a mady (if you remember old SNL, you'll get that)

so at this point, everyone's pissed off, and we just wanna get in. I found out that the buzzword around the Con was

"Exhibitor" (noun) a person who provides an exhibit for a display etc
Example: He is one of the exhibitors at the flower show.

once I learned that, they let me go wherever I wanted to...

I get my passes..and DN3's pass isn't in his name, but another name...

Rich Flyer.

you really couldn't make up a funnier name than that. so for the remainder of the trip, DN3 was Rich Flyer.

I still think he should use that as one of those AKA's.

But anyway....

when we finally get into the spot, it's crazy.. Capcom's booth is set up like a big wrestling ring...

Great time at the Con, once we finally got settled...saw some celebrities there;

-Andre 3000,
-Kevin Bacon (a fellow Philly-ite)
-Sgt. Slaughter
-LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow, Roots...Star Trek!!!!)

um...and I'm sure I saw some others, just don't remember.

what sucked for me was that I didn't get a whole lot of time to actually walk around and see the booths

because I made a promise to myself that I wasn't gonna leave the autograph table until I signed and sold them all...or got kicked out for the next guy :)

so I did finally get to sell them all and explore, so I got some great pictures..again..will be uploaded ASAP.

Thanks to everyone who attended Comic Con and copped a CD!

OH-- and if you were there and have one of the flyers of all the daily events (yellow), I need a copy of one for my scrapbook!!! it's got my name on it :-P

seriously, mail it to me..contact me.

the rest of that day we just chilled out and recovered..hit up a nice Mediteranean spot, the Med Grill, and I had some great salmon.
Sidebar- San Diego is a BEAUTIFUL city! oh man... it's gorgeous. I really want to move there. ok, getting back--

DN3 rolled out the next day, which meant for the next 2 shows, in LA, I was on my own.

Before we left San Diego, we went to Imperial Beach (the most Southwesterly City in the US--literally a stones throw from Mey-hee-co) for a sandcastle competition. That was really interesting to see. they had some really cool sandcastles. there I had a funnel cake for the first time in almost a decade, and this thing was HUGE. (got pics)

We hit the road towards Tinseltown, and learned something about Mapquest and Los Angeles County:

Never pay attention to the estimated travel time.

you can almost always either a) triple it, or add an hour to it, which ever is greater.

example.. 22mins Mapquest= 66 mins real time.

I hear people talk about LA traffic, but seriously, it's no joke. I did some LA driving last year, but I really didnt remember it being this bad..

I mean, it doesn't matter what time of day, there's guaranteed to be some point of your drive which you're sitting still.

So that night, I had an event at Room 5, Elevation West with special guest DJ, DJ Houseshoes. if you don't know Shoes, all you need to know is that he was the DJ for the late great J Dilla.

Shoes is mad cool..a cocky dude...but he got skills...hey. It ain't braggin if you can back it up.

After the show, he was a little more concerned with a little Elevation of his own if ya know what I mean...

but I'll leave that alone..

but we chatted and he definitely was a nice dude.

I did my thang on stage, of course I had to do something for Dilla, so I broke out my rendition of "Shoomp" and that got the place going (again, we got video).

I also ran in to veteran MC and Stones Throw recording artist Percee P at the show, who was really supportive as well, we chatted for a good half hour about the business, and LA Hip-Hop culture...my grind, his grind...everything.
I gave him a few tickets to my show on Tuesday, and he came through and showed love.

Oh yeah and a quick plug, his album "Perseverance" drops in September.

After the show I spent a lot of time afterwards speaking to the event goers, mainly getting information on how to travel in LA without getting caught in traffic.

no dice on that. But, I did get directions to Roscoe's.

so the next day, Monday, we hit up Roscoe's for lunch, and we had (you guessed it) Chicken and Waffles.
Delicious.

So we drove around the Hollywood Hills next, just to see how the locals were living. We ran into some new houses they were building on the hills, and talked to a realtor who let us walk around inside the crib. Sick, Sick SICK! it was a 3 story built into the hill, only selling for 2.15 mil...not bad..

after that we hit Hollywood Blvd and decided to go on one of those stars' homes' tours. and that was actually fun! we saw Paris's crib (complete with paparazzi outside), Halle's crib (and the liquor store she hit), Babyface (who lives next door to Al Pacino)...um....Keanu Reeves, Tobey Maguire, Dr. Phil and some other folks's spots... most impressive was the dude who founded Guess, whose front yard is loaded with about 15 Ferarri's that he never drives.

man if i had that much money.... I don't really know what I'd have in my front yard..maybe an alligator pit.

Also that same day, the Rush Hour 3 premiere was going on, and although I didn't see anyone, I'm sure Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan were inside the Chinese Theater, right across from where we were.
..ucket.com/albums/i261/random2g/rushhour.jpg">

While we were waiting we got tickets to attend a taping of "Deal or No Deal" the next day, so I thought that would be pretty cool, so the next day's activities were planned.

Tuesday morning, we hit Culver City for the taping... and we picked the right show! This was a special NFL edition (its gonna air Sept 19th, I think I got some good camera time LOL), and it featured some retired players..some of the GREATEST players to ever play (Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk) some very very good players (Eric Dickerson, Rod Woodson, Terrell Davis) and a few guys who started in the league (Kordell Stewart and Wayne Chrebet)

no Eagles, but it was all good. sorry NO PHOTOS of that.

don't know if you guys have ever been a part of a TV taping, but it's the most tedious thing ever. they make you applaud on cue, they make you laugh on cue, say "aww" on cue and if you don't do it right, they make you do it all over again.
so that was fun, but after 4 hours, it was really annoying.

some lucky schmoe (not me obviously) in the audience won a 2008 Denali! can you believe it?

I won't give away what happens in the show, but I can say that this was the most exciting episode of the show I've ever seen..then again its the only time I've ever seen it from beginning to end.... but when you watch it....you tell me.... cause I think there was something fishy about the whole show....

now with half the day gone, there wasnt much else to do...so we decided to visit Universal Studios' CityWalk, and that was nice... Man, one thing I really will miss about being in Southern California is the weather..it was sooooo perfect!

Next was the Knitting Factory event, which was pretty...interesting. Much love to the artists who came through, because there were a few no-shows. I got rid of all my Mega Ran CDs, and that to me always constitutes a successful night. Of course, Percee was up in the spot, along with folks from all over the country who I got a chance to build with.

We left early this morning to avoid traffic (yeah right), and got back to Phoenix sometime this afternoon, wrapping up the Summer portion of the Mega Ran Tour.

whew...that was a mouthful.. and yet I'm certain I forgot something.

So to anyone I met this weekend, thanks so much for your support! YOU made this possible :)

I get calls from the homies back home and they're like "You did it, man!"

Nah, I haven't done anything.....yet.

oh yeah:

Highlights:
rocking with The Megas at the HOB
Comic Con--wow
selling out of CDs
the crowd at the Sports Club singing along to "Grow Up"
Meeting Marcus Allen and Terrell Davis
Percee P showing up at the 2nd show
2 words...Rich Flyer.

Lowlights:
the runaround @ the Comic Con gates
weirdos on Hollywood Blvd...
traffic, traffic, traffic
DN3 leaving early (missed all the fun!)
clapping on cue..constantly

Oh and real quick, I'd like to say a prayer for the families of those injured or killed in the Minneapolis bridge collapse today... take a moment out of your busy day and say a word or two...cause you never know.

-Ran out.

The longest weekend of my life

2007-07-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

first...the video.

This Friday, San Diego, CA.

8:00pm

House of Blues, San Diego:

The Megas, Random and Quarter Circle Jab

FREE!

Also at the same time..

Bossfight and NerdyMag's "The Next Level" at the SD sports club...

YTC, Zealous1, Super Barrio Bros, Maja, IllGill and a bunch more..

and Random.

so while I'm at The HOB, my clone will be at the SDSC...or maybe the other way around.

nah, not really. I go on first (8:15) at the HOB, and I'll be at the Sports Club right afterwards...hopefully I can stick around to perform "Metalman" with The Megas, but I don't know...

one things for sure, should be a great night in San Diego.

Double dipping has never been this fun.
But the madness doesnt end there...cause then it's off to Comic-Con, for a 1-hour (!) set on Saturday.

Then an interview Saturday night, then off to LA.
in LA- Shows on Sunday, and Tuesday.

This will mark the single most times I've performed in a 4 day span in my life..I'm used to 1, maybe 2 shows in a week...but this is wild! but I welcome the challenge.

Hey...it's the grind.

gotta love it.
_________________

Random presents
"Mega Ran."
http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00T4AIJB

Join the Club.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/megaran

Interview with Capcom

2007-07-22T14:38:00.001-07:00

I usually don't blog this much, but what can I say, there are some good things happening these days.

1st- peep the Mega Ran Intro Vid:

Hot on the heels of my last interview comes a great new interview with Scarlett of Capcom USA. if you don't know who Capcom is, they're the great folks responsible for some of the most memorable games of all time...

Street Fighter (Ha-dou-ken!)

Resident Evil...remember the big ol' Playstation game boxes, sheesh!

and my favorite...

Mega Man.

well, here it is!!

Hey Everyone it's almost time for Comic Con! And that being said, I HAVE to tell you about one of the coolest things we're going to have at the Capcom booth: a celebration of Mega Man's 20th Anniversary with a live performance by rapper Random (aka: Random Beats) performing his latest creation, Mega Ran!

"So what's Mega Ran?" I hear you ask. And I answer: only the coolest Mega Man music you've ever heard! Seriously, no joke. He took classic Mega Man themes and turned them into kick-butt tracks, complete with lyrics following Mega Man's adventures or in the words of someone like Mega Man. Old school Blue Bomber fans are gonna hear these classic themes and flip.

I was able to interview Random (or as the kids that he teaches know him, Raheem Jarbo), so you'll get a chance to meet the man before you see the magic live at Comic Con.

Scarlett: Where are you from?

Random: I'm from Philadelphia, born and raised. cue the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" music Just under a year ago, I decided to uproot and move to Phoenix for a teaching position, so here I am.

S:What made you decide to do this album?

R:As a huge videogame fan, and being a "random" guy, I one day was reading a website about Mega Man, and realized that 2007 made the 20th year anniversary of Mega Man's release, and went online searching for some of the old theme songs to hear them. Somewhere along the way I got a crazy idea to sample a tune and do one song about Mega Man. Then I had such a hard time picking a song, so "Mega Ran" was born!

S:When did you first play Mega Man and which game was it? 5th grade?

R:I don't want to show my age, but I may have to (laughs). Yeah, I believe it was the 4th or 5th grade when I played Mega Man for the first time. I had a subscription to Nintendo Power magazine, and Mega Man 2 was a cover story one issue, and it made me so excited about the game, that I went back and begged my mom to buy the first Mega Man. That was the most challenging game that I remember playing in those days, and so I was hooked. I even made up and drew my own Mega Man bosses in my sketch books in those days.....

read the rest here....and you know the drill, come on back and comment

Back West.

2007-07-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

I had a GREAT time back east last week, and thanks to all of you who called, kept me company, or emailed me suggestions of stuff to do.

I'm a little jetlagged so I can't go into all of the high and lowlights of the trip, but here are a few:

I visited Yale University's campus (New Haven, CT) and I was blown away. a lot of history there...great food, nice people, and a lot of Hip-Hop fans....who are also broke college kids. Say what you want about the Ivy League, but they know how to get down.

I also met a lot of great folks, students, professors and teachers, who i hope to stay in contact with.

I took a trip to New York City and saw Raheem Devaughn at BB King's. Dude works hard...for the ladies. I could do without all the de-shirting, but I gotta admit, he's a great performer.

I came back last night and went right back to work.. dig it, got off the plane at 11:30 and performed at the Hidden House (great crowd BTW!) and sold a bunch of CDs and met more good peoples. Great to know that Hip-Hop lives, even out here in the desert.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.

Oh yeah, I haven't given out any free music in a while, so here goes,
Random- "Never Be The Same" Get it Here.
produced by DN3
foreword by Craig G (if you don't know, then you REALLY should do some research).

Get it Here.

enjoy it.

And if you've heard MEGA RAN , tell me your favorite cut so I can put it up on the player.

One last thing:

Are you going on a summer vacation? Did you go anywhere? I'm curious, so do share.

holla.

iThink iWon't get an iPhone

2007-07-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Why I'm not getting an iPhone.
Current mood: curious
Category: Web, HTML, Tech

its slick.
its sleek.
it's black.
its sexy.

NO, not me! the iPhone.

As the biggest techno-geek I know, I for one salivated when I saw the first video demos of the spiffy new iPhone. However, as an iPod and Sidekick owner, why on earth would I need this phone???

Here are just a few reasons I found.

At a glance, the device looks fantastic, features sound fun, and there's no doubt this phone is the "it" phone this year. But realistically, would you pay $500-$600 for any other phone? Like many of you, I'm still debating whether to buy an iPhone or not, so I found a list of reasons, and I'll give you my take on each.

* Price/Storage: Probably the biggest reason to wait is the price.The iPhone will retail in stores for $500 (4GB) and $600 (8GB) — AND you still have to sign a new two-year agreement. Don't expect this phone to replace your iPod either. The top-of-the-line $600, 8GB iPhone only holds 2,000 songs, and only a handful of videos and full-length movies. I also don't understand why you have to buy the iPhone at full price, and still sign a two-year contract. You could easily get a comparable phone actually running on a 3G network like a Treo 750 for $199 with a two-year contract, or an 80GB video iPod for almost half the price.

*iThink........right!!! in a year it'll be 1/2 the price. and what are the monthly charges? plus fees?? only 2000 songs? I live and breathe music! Nah. keep reading...

* Plans: What's really bothering me about this is AT&T is playing into all this hype too, forgetting about its customers. I called AT&T today to find out more details about switching carriers, and the rep was clueless. Come on guys, we needed pricing details about a month before the phone went on sale so we could estimate costs. Why is the company being so secretive? We know the phone is launching on Friday, and we know what it does. So why did it wait so long to reveal service plans? At least now we know getting an iPhone isn't going to be cheap. Chris Null outlined the cost of each service plan, the cheapest plan being $60/mo for 450 minutes. He says that in two years, you'll end up paying close to $2,000 for service alone. Plus there is that $36 activation fee, and a two-year contract on top of that. Those who already have an AT&T account can expect to pay an additional $20-$30 for the "iPhone plan" which includes Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, and unlimited data since there is no voice-only plan. And if you think you can get the iPhone to use without service, think again. Apple's web site says a two-year agreement is required for iPhone activation including iPod features.

*iThink........I already get unlimited text, internet and data on the Sidekick.. who cares about watching a dog on a skateboard on youtube on my phone??

* Network: Surprisingly, the iPhone does not run on a third-generation (3G) network, instead it runs on the slower EDGE network. Forbes thinks Apple opted for the slower network because AT&T's EDGE coverage spans across 13,000 cities and towns nationwide, compared with only 165 major U.S metro areas that have 3G coverage. It also brings up another excellent point. Since 3G devices are interchangeable between faster and slower networks, why did Apple still choose EDGE? Other AT&T smartphones like Samsung's BlackJack and Treo 750 run on 3G, and for what I understand AT&T is slowing moving away from EDGE. So perhaps a second- or third-generation iPhone will have 3G capability. And while the iPhone may have Wi-Fi capabilities, realistically, looking for a hotspot when you're out can be a challenge, unless you pay an extra $10 for T-Mobile access at Starbucks.

**iThink........this is the hardest one, because out here in AZ, my network sucks with T-Mobile. I don't know if I'm on the 3G, or the ZeroG out here, cause my signal sucks.

* First Generation: A geek's rule of thumb is to never get a first generation gadget. Apple is one of the few companies that revamps its products at such a quick pace, that in this case, they actually make it quite bearable to wait for the second revision. Look at all the improvements they've made on iPods and MacBooks. It may seem like waiting for a new iPhone will be an eternity, but I bet it'll be a matter of months before we see a better, faster version.

**iThink........ absolutely. the line to get it will be just as long as the line to return it. glitches are an absolute given.

* Long Lines: I love technology as much as the next guy, but no gadget is worth standing in line days in advance for, not even the iPhone. People have already started to line up, and some are even betting real money that someone will get trampled. I would add getting shot at, beaten, mugged, and possibly being hospitalized to the list.

**iThink........ I aint tryin to get shot over a phone!! and if i got robbed for my shiny new $600 phone, I think i'd sit right on the curb outside of the mall and cry.

On top of all the above reasons, there's still some doubts about about the lack of keyboard, inability to sync with corporate internal email systems, and battery life. So lets get this straight. We're expected to pay for an overpriced phone, an expensive service plan, sign a new two-year contract, and still wait in line hoping to get one? No thanks.

**iThink........ i've grown so accustomed to the QWERTY keyboard on the Sidekick, I dont think I can go back to texting the old way. Granted, it makes from better road-texting (which I DON'T DO...um yeah..and neither should you...shame on you), but still....you might be looking at the next ..

N-Gage. Remember that? exactly.

iThink iPods and Phones are meant to be separate. what happens when the phone rings, does the music just shut off? then resume when the call stops? too many questions.

Bottom line is, you don't need the iPhone...

But I think you knew that.

so in closing...if you get one, let me know so i can come over and play with it.

-Ran

PS:

Cop that Mega Ran, and help Ran get to L.A.!
iThink that's a good move. peace.

Mega Ran's Blog, 6.26

2007-06-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

well, I gotta say, I didnt think it would happen

700 downloads in just a week's time. Thanks so much for the support!

and now its over...

but don't worry folks, you can STILL get the Mega Ran album if you missed it.

Just not from me.

I know its out there, so now it's time for you fans to show your faces and let someone hear it if they don't have it yet.

Don't forget if you have the bootleg version....then you're missing 3 songs, and exclusive artwork! and you're lame! :) well not really.

order it here while you can.
I'm only selling 100 of them, then that's it.

in other news..

just got the details from Capcom about my role in this year's COMIC CON event, and I'll be rocking for a solid hour, on the afternoon of Saturday, July 28th in San Diego.

Now if you know the album, The Mega Ran album itself isnt even an hour long, but don't worry, I'll rock some of my faves from "The Call," and even some surprises.

I've never been to SD before, so I'm looking forward to catching up with Shamu at SeaWorld, among other things.

California Here I come!

Mega Ran available NOW.

2007-06-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

Here ya go guys and dolls... enjoy.

this is the DOWNLOAD VERSION, missing 3 tracks that can be found on the full length, with add'l artwork.

do me a favor and please read the 'please read' inside........

http://www.zshare.net/download/23333994e1a065/

Rate the album at IGN!
http://readerreviews.ign.com/rrobj/music/index/906079

holler!

RANDOM
"Mega Ran"
RandomBeats Music/ RAHM Nation Recordings, LLC
June 19, 2007
http://www.rahmnation.org
http://www.myspace.com/random215

AUDIO: "Grow Up" and "Final Battle" feat. Loose can be found in the Mega Ran Yahoo! Group.

Hip-Hop artist, producer and educator Random is set to release his newest project, the much talked-about "Mega Ran" on June 19. The humorous album is more of a side project, and a vast departure from Random's previous effort, the critically acclaimed "The Call," released in February 2006.

The "Mega Ran" concept is simple: Take the unforgettable 8-bit tunes of the classic video game series "Mega Man," sample them, and lay original rhymes on top, interweaving the Mega Man storyline and characters. With today's cutting edge hip-hop production techniques, Random and producers DN3, Samik, Domingo (Big Pun, KRS-ONE) turn these tunes into completely new headnod-inducing creations. The album has garnered attention from various media outlets, including IGN Music, Rawkus Records, Underground Hip-Hop.com, and even CBS News.

On "Mega Ran," the talented wordsmith brings his production skills to the forefront, producing 8 of the 15 tracks. Although Random is quick to point out that this is not his next studio album, "Mega Ran" continues to uphold the tradition of recent RAHM Nation releases, with slick production and sequencing by RAHM Nation in house producer and engineer DN3 behind the boards.

"Mega Ran" can best be compared to the work of MF Doom and Danger Mouse on their 2005 "Danger Doom" album, which went gold and was considered a huge underground and commercial success. "I even thought about wearing a big blue helmet at shows, but that'd be a little too much...plus my head's too big," Random says.

The first single, "Grow Up," has become a huge hit for Random, achieving close to 2000 plays and 300 downloads in just two weeks time. Fans were surprised by its alternative-rock feel, but impressed by its sharp, witty lyricism and undeniably catchy chorus.

Since his debut release "Fundamentals" in 2005, Random has burst to the top of Philadelphia's crowded underground hip-hop scene to become a fan favorite. His distinctive delivery, everyman persona and constant hard work has earned him credibility and respect from the city's toughest critics. OkayPlayer stated "This is an emcee who immediately proves his credibility with a nice voice and nicer flow." Gian Fiero, of the Muse's Muse, said of "The Call," "Over the years I've reviewed some good and some great Rap projects, but none have been as significant as this one."

As a teacher, Random prides himself on music that can be understood and related to by all walks of life, and that can be proudly introduced in a classroom setting. In addition to public schools all over America, "The Call" is being utilized in college coursework at Penn State, Temple, Virginia Tech and several other universities.

Random recently announced The Mega Ran Tour, on which he will hit cities from coast to coast, including a stop at this year's Comic-Con Festival in San Diego, CA before returning to Phoenix to begin the fall semester teaching at an area middle school.

Notes:

2007 marks the 20-year anniversary of the birth of the Mega Man franchise. The first Mega Man game released in December 1987 on the NES, and was praised for its colorful graphics and intuitive gameplay mechanics. more info is at www.capcom.com

Collaborators on the project include RAHM Nation producer DN3 (The Call, Rapademics), Domingo (Big Pun, KRS-ONE), videogame rock band The Megas, nerdrap sensation YTCracker, Problem Child, Samik (G-Unit and Ruff Ryders producer), and many more.
“Mega Ran” will release on June 19th, 2007 and will be a free download at www.randomsblogs.blogspot.com, www.myspace.com/random215, and www.rahmnation.org.

A CD version of the album with 3 bonus tracks and additional artwork will be available for purchase at midnight Eastern on June 19. Members of the Yahoo! Group get access to purchase links and free downloads days earlier.

Mega Ran Album releases Tuesday 6.19.07

2007-06-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

RANDOM
"Mega Ran"
RandomBeats Music/ RAHM Nation Recordings, LLC
June 19, 2007
http://www.rahmnation.org
http://www.myspace.com/random215

AUDIO: "Grow Up" and "Final Battle" feat. Loose can be found in the Mega Ran Yahoo! Group.

Hip-Hop artist, producer and educator Random is set to release his newest project, the much talked-about "Mega Ran" on June 19. The humorous album is more of a side project, and a vast departure from Random's previous effort, the critically acclaimed "The Call," released in February 2006.

The "Mega Ran" concept is simple: Take the unforgettable 8-bit tunes of the classic video game series "Mega Man," sample them, and lay original rhymes on top, interweaving the Mega Man storyline and characters. With today's cutting edge hip-hop production techniques, Random and producers DN3, Samik, Domingo (Big Pun, KRS-ONE) turn these tunes into completely new headnod-inducing creations. The album has garnered attention from various media outlets, including IGN Music, Rawkus Records, Underground Hip-Hop.com, and even CBS News.

On "Mega Ran," the talented wordsmith brings his production skills to the forefront, producing 8 of the 15 tracks. Although Random is quick to point out that this is not his next studio album, "Mega Ran" continues to uphold the tradition of recent RAHM Nation releases, with slick production and sequencing by RAHM Nation in house producer and engineer DN3 behind the boards.

"Mega Ran" can best be compared to the work of MF Doom and Danger Mouse on their 2005 "Danger Doom" album, which went gold and was considered a huge underground and commercial success. "I even thought about wearing a big blue helmet at shows, but that'd be a little too much...plus my head's too big," Random says.

The first single, "Grow Up," has become a huge hit for Random, achieving close to 2000 plays and 300 downloads in just two weeks time. Fans were surprised by its alternative-rock feel, but impressed by its sharp, witty lyricism and undeniably catchy chorus.

Since his debut release "Fundamentals" in 2005, Random has burst to the top of Philadelphia's crowded underground hip-hop scene to become a fan favorite. His distinctive delivery, everyman persona and constant hard work has earned him credibility and respect from the city's toughest critics. OkayPlayer stated "This is an emcee who immediately proves his credibility with a nice voice and nicer flow." Gian Fiero, of the Muse's Muse, said of "The Call," "Over the years I've reviewed some good and some great Rap projects, but none have been as significant as this one."

As a teacher, Random prides himself on music that can be understood and related to by all walks of life, and that can be proudly introduced in a classroom setting. In addition to public schools all over America, "The Call" is being utilized in college coursework at Penn State, Temple, Virginia Tech and several other universities.

Random recently announced The Mega Ran Tour, on which he will hit cities from coast to coast, including a stop at this year's Comic-Con Festival in San Diego, CA before returning to Phoenix to begin the fall semester teaching at an area middle school.

Notes:

2007 marks the 20-year anniversary of the birth of the Mega Man franchise. The first Mega Man game released in December 1987 on the NES, and was praised for its colorful graphics and intuitive gameplay mechanics. more info is at www.capcom.com

Collaborators on the project include RAHM Nation producer DN3 (The Call, Rapademics), Domingo (Big Pun, KRS-ONE), videogame rock band The Megas, nerdrap sensation YTCracker, Problem Child, Samik (G-Unit and Ruff Ryders producer), and many more.

“Mega Ran” will release on June 19^th, 2007 and will be a free download at www.randomsblogs.blogspot.com, www.myspace.com/random215, and www.rahmnation.org.

A CD version of the album with 3 bonus tracks and additional artwork will be available for purchase at midnight Eastern on June 19. Members of the Yahoo! Group get access to purchase links and free downloads days earlier.

Random Beats' Fast Break

2007-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

*the title is derived from an old NES game, "Magic Johnson's Fast Break.*

tomorrow comes the time to Break the Fast.

I was really missing my eggs.

but yeah, thanks to all of you who offered your words of encouragement, and all of you who said "couldn't be me, you got that, dog!"

I think I needed it, and its really helped me to get my head, heart and soul in place.

Meanwhile, in other news, I noticed that the news of my new release is traveling quite quickly..ah, the internet...one minute it can totally make you lose faith in all humankind , next minute, its a blessing. but if you're keeping score, they've profiled it on Complex Magazine's site, IGN Music and many more... let's keep it coming!

I've done a couple of interviews about the project that should be surfacing soon, be on the lookout. I'm not gonna blog about an interview, I save these for REAL news, like this...

This weekend, with me all in Mega Man mode, I decided to try to find the Mega Man Anniversary Collection for Xbox, cause I really wanted to play it. eBay had a ton, but I'm on punishment from using eBay (I got a little addicted and cancelled my account)...plus I didnt wanna wait for it. So I decide to search on GameStop's site. They say that there's one store in a 30 mile radius with the game. so I race to the place, cause they close at 9 (it's 8:25 when I found out).

I get to the door at 9:01, and I call, and plead and beg, like a crackhead who just needs that free hit...

to no avail. "I'm sorry, we open at 10AM."

"Man, I need Mega Man NOW! you expect me to drive all the way back here at 10AM with gas being over $3.00 a gallon?

I must be a fool!"

So, at 10AM, I drive all the way back there with gas being over $3.00 a gallon.

I must be a fool.

But, I got my Mega Man.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a date with Dr. Wily.

oh, I haven't given out a free track in a while, so here goes....
in the spirit of crackhead-like feenin:'

Ultimate High (2007 exclusive) Produced by Markus
check him out, he got heat. myspace.com/markusmusick

this is monumental, because its the first and last time I'll ever mention MySpace in a song.

Have a great week.
-Ran

and the MEGA RAN tour is booking now!!!! get at myself or info@rahmnation.org to book the man.

Mega Ran, it's official.

2007-05-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hip-Hop artist, producer and educator Random is preparing his latest release, the theme project “Mega Ran.” This album will contain samples of music from the Capcom Mega Man video games from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console, and is the first project of its kind from a Hip-Hop artist.

“I just wanted to do something different, so far away from what I had done in the past. Mega Man was my favorite game series ever, and I’ve always loved the music, I still hum it to this day. I decided to step into the Mega Man character. It’s pretty funny, silly, and entertaining, but it’s good music. Fans of the videogame series will enjoy it.”

“It’s gonna be a wild ride...The music on it is really diverse. Fans of every musical genre will be able to vibe with it...Hip-Hop, Rock, Reggae, you name it.” Collaborators on the project include RAHM Nation producer DN3 (The Call, Rapademics), Domingo (Big Pun, KRS-ONE), videogame rock band The Megas, nerdrap sensation YTCracker, Problem Child, Samik (G-Unit and Ruff Ryders producer), and many more.

“Mega Ran” will release on June 19^th, 2007 and will be a free download at www.randomsblogs.blogspot.com, www.myspace.com/bigran215, and www.rahmnation.org. Thinking outside the box isn’t new to Random, who is also an innovative middle school teacher in Phoenix. He released his last album, “The Call,” on RAHM Nation Recordings in 2006 to critical acclaim, selling over 8000 copies and being named one of the best of the year by several sources. It was followed up by “The Call: The ReMixTape,” featuring remixes and new tracks. More info can be found at www.rahmnation.org.

The MEGA RAN tour is also shaping up, this is what it's looking like so far...

Jun 1 2007 Studeo Tad Phoenix, Arizona

Jun 8 2007 LIVE Interview w/theawfulshow.com

Jun 19 2007 Release date

Jun 23 2007 The Underground Phila, PA

Jun 28 2007 Swifts Mesa, Arizona

Jun 29 2007 Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona

Jul 26 2007 SD Sports Club San Diego, California

Jul 31 2007 Knitting Factory Los Angeles, California

Aug 25 2007 Tim and Terry's Gainesville, Florida

Sep 22 2007 Humboldt State University Arcata, California

Sep 23 2007 Humboldt State University Arcata, California

I'm fasting this week.

2007-05-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Fresh off "the crossroads," I've now decided that it's best for me to fast this week to clear my head. I don't know if its a midlife crisis or what, but I'm at the point where I really need to clear my head, as well as cleanse my soul. I have some very important decisions to make in the coming weeks, and I think I need to be right mentally and spiritually before I make them. so, the fast begins....

I really could use your thoughts and prayers right now to help me through this, cause if there's one thing I love, it's food

I'm approximately 7 hours in, so far so good..just been drinking water and running to the bathroom between classes.

so Imma be strong, but I can't do it alone.

I leave you with some words on why folks fast. Peace!

In a spiritual setting the emphasis is often on the denial of the self and the carnal desires to allow us to become more sensitive to God. Food is man's greatest carnal impulse. Many believe that sex is the strongest fleshly drive, but it is not. We may think ego is the strongest of the fleshly impulses, but it is not. From the day we are born, the desire for food reigns dominant.

As newborn infants we first seek the love, comfort and warmth of our mothers, then we cry for food. The sex drive does not develop until the onset of puberty, our teenage years. Sex is the last drive to arrive and the first one to leave. The food drive is present from the beginning to the end, it never leaves, it never disappears. The latest U.S. government study shows that over 60% of all Americans are overweight.

We eat too much. Gluttony, the lack of discipline of the appetite, causes us to look old prematurely, to feel old before we get old and to suffer many different diseases.

All the major killer diseases of today, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, prematurely kill the majority of Americans and their sources are traceable to our lifestyles and diets. Science has found that it's just as important that we don't overeat, as it is that we eat properly.

Let me repeat that - studies have found that it's as important that we not eat to excess, as it is that we eat properly.

Fasting allows us to gain control of the appetite. When you can develop the discipline to fast, you automatically develop the discipline not to overeat. When you can control your strongest carnal appetite (the desire for food), you can then gain control of the other carnal appetites.

There are many different spiritual reasons why people or groups fast. Sometimes it is to show unity for a cause such as a fast against war, or injustice, or a host of other social ills. Fasting in a group allows you to achieve something that you would never achieve on your own. You can draw on the strength, the determination, the support, and the prayers of the group. Some fast at preset intervals, once per week, once per month, one month per year, etc. Some fast when the social or spiritual need arises. Some fast because the minister said so.

There are many different reasons to fast.

It is important to remember when you fast for spiritual reasons:

FASTING DOES NOT CHANGE GOD!
FASTING CHANGES YOU!

numb3rs, by Ran

2007-04-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

some numbers for you to digest...

10 more weeks until the release of my next album. (there is a clue included in this blog somewhere)

8 more weeks of school.

8 days until the end of the NBA Season.

7 days until the release of Year Zero by Nine Inch Nails.

also, 7 days til April 17, the last day to file your taxes.

6 days until 145 years to the day that Abraham Lincoln signed an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia.

5 number of spam comments I get on average per day. I DON'T CARE who's spying on me, I DON'T want your free iPhone, and I DON'T CARE about your show that's 1000000000000000000000000000000 miles away, and you're darn right SIZE MATTERS!

4 albums in my rotation right now: Che Grand's Fixtape, K-Os' Atlantis, Redman's Red Gone Wild, and some cuts from my new jawn.

3 GB. the size of my iPod Nano. What was I thinking?? this can't even hold 1/4 of the songs I have on my computer... selling on Craigslist as we speak.

2 weeks suspension recieved by Don Imus after racist and sexist comments on Rutgers' female basketball team. (about a lifetime short if you ask me)

1 day since a new mode was added to online play in GEARS OF WAR-- Annex!! (Halo Players--it's like Crazy King of the Hill.). sweet!

0- Executions in AZ since 2000, until next week:
Now 50, Robert Comer was convicted in 1988 of killing a fellow Apache Lake camper during a 1987 crime spree during which he also raped another camper after tying up her boyfriend. Besides the first-degree murder and armed robbery conviction for the shooting death of Larry Pritchard, Comer also was convicted in Maricopa County Superior Court of sexual assault, armed robbery, kidnapping and aggravated assault for the attacks on the female camper and her boyfriend.

and in the spirit of numbers, here's an oldie but goodie for you to digest while you wait for the newness...

Numbers Game- Random featuring JonBap (2005)

Thanks for playing!!

What is SNOCAP??

2007-04-05T20:35:00.001-07:00

I'm not even 100% sure, but now my tracks from "The Call" are on it. check the link out:

bear in mind though, that there's some other band named Random out there... and right now, their music is in my Snocap player... you'll know which ones arent me, cause they stink! ha.. joke... love you guys.

peace.

The life of a teacher/MC

2007-04-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

well, I must say I'm about at the peak of frustration with my job, but the only thing holding me together is music. I'm working on this new project, pretty dope I might add, meeting some great folks out here in Phoenix, but the job, as I feared, is not quite all its cracked up to be. I know I came here for a reason, and now I'm realizing that it might not be to teach. But who knows...still early in the game (I've been here 7 mos now), but I didnt think it'd be this rough still.

I miss Philly...except when I read about the 100+ murders going on out there. I'll be back in June.

Back to writing.

My new album

2007-03-22T23:39:00.001-07:00

I got it! my next album! for a long time I had no clue what my next project would be, and I didn't want to rush or force anything. It had to feel right. It had to BE right.

Well, it's right.

I'm pretty tightlipped about my next project for a few reasons, mainly because I just want it to be a surprise. I'll probably drop a few clues here and there in future blogs. but what I CAN share is:

a) it's going to release in June.

b) it's a theme project, dedicated to a HUGELY influential event that occured exactly 20 years ago that changed my life.

and c) it's going to be a FREE Download. free for all!!

so, sit tight and bear with me!

more details to come........

Ran, the Rapping....Coach?

2006-10-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

The fun just doesn't stop. I don't know how, but I managed to convince my school's athletic coordinator to let me coach 8th grade basketball. This should be fun! now I KNOW they make a "Coaching for Dummies" book, don't they? All I remember from my last coach was "Shut up! I Run this!" and that was middle school. This will be the experience to top em all. Watch out now!!

but seriously, if anyone's got any tips on coaching to offer me, I'm all ears. I don't want y'all reading about me going Bobby Knight on anybody's kid.

(look him up on wikipedia.org, they got everything)

One of my students...shot.

2006-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I heard that one of my students was shot over the break.

a 12-year old boy. Shot. While PLAYING SOCCER.

in PHOENIX, not Philly.

As much as we talk about kids not doing right and being worse than ever, this kid was doing the right thing, and his father was there watching him.

Some fool decided to ride by the soccer field and let off a few shots.

They hit a 12-year old boy in the shoulder and jaw.

Thank God he's recovering well.

This is kinda crazy to me, because I'm thinking I escaped all the crime and madness of Philly out here. Just goes to show, stuff happens EVERYWHERE. I know y'all aren't as naive as me, and don't need something like this to wake y'all up...

but just in case.

This stuff has got to stop.

"The Making of THE CALL" parts 1 and 2. (from myspace 10-10)

2006-10-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Making of "The Call"
Current mood: pleased
Category: Music

one of my favorite sections in The Source (When I used to read it) was the part where they'd get an artist to break down their album, track by track, and explain the concept, a cute story behind it, or whatever. So I always said I would do that. This'll take a while because there's 20 tracks on "The Call," so I'll do 3 or 4 each time I have the time to do it... so here we go!

Introduction prod by Random and DN3
I wanted an intro with a rap in it. I knew that from the beginning. I was thinking about Common's intro for "One Day It'll All Make Sense" (was that the intro or track 2?), so I wanted to sum up the album in one shot. First time I recorded it, I recorded it on a totally different track, much slower. Then one day, DN3 played me a joint called "Satisfaction," and I needed that. My only gripe was that it didn't have a bassline. a reviewer said it was worthy of being a full song, it was so hot (so for the remixtape, it'll have a bassline and an additional verse, pleasing him and myself at the same time...that's "Satisfaction"). The beginning 8 bars are from a beat I made in like 2003, the sample is from "Travelin' Man," and it says "Just Call," so I thought it would fit. I found a poem online called "Heed The Call," written by a guy (so sorry I forgot your name!!) and I contacted him about reciting it on the album and he was excited. I thought Oh!Mega had the perfect voice to get across the message of the poem, heeding the call.

The Opening Movement (Focused) prod. DN3
They always say (and I dont know who "they" are) that somewhere near the beginning of the album, you should have a track that hits the listener, makes them want to bob their head..a track stating who you are... all of the greats, from KRS to Rakim to Redman to Jay-Z do it. This was that track for me. Everytime I go to DN3's house I say "So wassup?" and he knows what that means: break out the beats. So he said, "I just finished this joint." and WOW! I was on it instantly. I had 1 1/2 verses written to a 'skill joint' as we call them (a rap not really about anything, just braggadocio), but didn't have a beat in mind. I spit them over that track and it was a match made in heaven. This was recorded about mid-'05, and I say in the song "'05, RAHM Nation brought the thirst back," and planned on updating it....Unfortunately, not long after recording this track, DN3 suffered what we refer to as "The Great Crash of '05." He lost a most of his files on his hard drive, including beats, and about 55% of "The Call." The Opening Movement's master files were gone. DN3 was considering quitting music altogether.
I wasn't having that!
All we had was an MP3 of it, and that's what went on the album. DN3 put it in some mastering software program, jazzed it up... and voila!

Raze The Bar prod Samik
This is my favorite story to tell. I met Samik when I was engineering at a studio outside of Philly, his studio was right across the way. this was about in 2002 or so. we heard eachother's beats, and a mutual respect was formed. I didn't know it then, but Samik's a pretty well connected cat. I didn't see him again till about 2004 at a club, and he passed me a demo cd of some of his artists. Nice stuff. So when 2005 hit and I began working on "The Call" I knew that I would call Samik for a banger. luckily his phone number was on the CD. I didn't know how to begin the conversation, I mean, "Hey, you probably don't remember me, but I'd like a beat" might not have worked well. I don't remember what was said to be honest, but I remember him asking me to come out to his crib to listen to some tracks. Let me set the scene.
It was a SUPER rainy day. his house is literally an hour from me, and I even had to get on the highway to get there. (come to think of it, it always rains when I go to his house....sign?) It's pouring, my old '89 Blazer (RIP) is struggling. I get lost. I get lost again. Finally we meet at a mutual location and I follow him for what seems like 30 more minutes. we get to the crib, and not long after, it stops raining. figures. I'm totally soaked. We get in and exchange ideas. he makes a drumbeat, I'm feeling it. I get hungry, so I make a run to Wendy's. I get some nuggets. I come back, and the track that we now know as "Raze The Bar" is done! amazed, I sit down and the lyrics just fly out of me. bam, 3 verses and a hook done in what seemed like 20 minutes. Still amazed, we lay the track down.
Then when I left Samik's crib, it started pouring again. I got lost, and my car runs out of gas right next to a gas station. What a day. What a song! The "Sick and Tireds" I do on the 3rd verse was an old idea from a song I had in about '99 called (surprise) "Sick and Tired." unfortunately, some of the things I said back then were still true today so I didnt have to change too much. and no, I wasn't dissing 50 Cent.

Still Ain't Good Enough prod Fingaz

Fingaz has been a good friend to me for quite some time. We kept each other focused with the music thing, through thick and thin. We'd encourage each other. I'd play him my newest beat CD, and he'd say "I gotta step my game up!" I'd do the same. He showed me how to use the MPC, so when I got my own, a few things came back to me from those lessons. Fingaz had been giving me CD's for weeks, and I had almost had the entire album mapped out, and there was no Fingaz beat on the itinerary. Then he gave me a CD with not one, but 2 heat rocks that I HAD to have. They were both supposed to make the album, one being "Still Ain't Good Enough" and the other being an early version of "Luminesence" that was to feature Baron of Red Clay (Baron, we gonna release that one day!) Anyway, the concept came to me immediately. The beat hit so hard, and had a bit of a bounce to it, so cats would be bobbin their head, and not even realize I was telling them something serious. I started the verse off super-fast, to grab the listener as well. I was pretty much speaking my mind on political affairs, and this wasn't long after Katrina, so they weren't gonna be positive. I mentioned Kanye's remark (the line goes "I ain't mad about Kanye's comments, I'm more mad they call Kanye conscious"). The reviewer at hiphoplinguistics.com made that verse a Quote of the Month, so I'm proud of that. I've heard it's ruffled some feathers, but it's cool. It's all true to me. The last verse is especially personal to me, as an educator. I spoke from the mind of the child that I'm trying to reach, who could care less about school, because he knew at a young age that the system is screwed up. ironically, this is my students' favorite song. When we play Uno, they'll say "You Still Ain't Good Enough" as their way of talking trash. and a remix is coming....

Tainted Love Part 1
I decided on the concept for this song while at Jury Duty. I was sitting in the waiting room, just waiting. I remember clearly, because I never write in pencil, and the super-tight security took everything from me before I came in to serve. so I had a pad with no pen, but they gave us these tiny, nubby pencils with no eraser. so it's the only song in my notebook that isn't written in pen. Every relationship has its ups and downs, so I look at them in stages. This is stage one, the honeymoon stage, aka the "First Month Front." I think we all know it well. This song is pretty lovey dovey, and most of my 'hard' homies skip this one on the album, even though it's only 1:30 long. The original was lost in "The Great Crash," but it was a cinch to rerecord, and we switched the beat at the last moment.

Motivate prod by me, add'l vocals Hope McDowell
This was the first and last song we recorded for the album. I took it for granted because I had recorded it earlier that year as soon as I finished "Fundamentals." However, the sound quality wasn't great, but Hope's vocals blew me away. Hope and I had recorded stuff together on the low level, but this was her first time in a major studio and she didn't dissapoint. 3 days before our deadline, I brought Hope into the new studio and we rerecorded the joint. Hope was sick with the flu, and drank tea inbetween recordings (Thanks Shorty!), but got it done like a soldier. I still think the original (bad quality) version is better, but the world will never know. Hope is extremely talented, with an amazing vocal range. I hope (no pun intended) to work with her again, but it may be tough on the long distance tip. To me, this song isn't a love song, but most think it is. It's more of a letter to those who keep me going in life, who stick by me. one of the few RandomBeats you'll hear on The Call.

The Art of War feat Ohene, prod Def Entertainment
I say it so much, that I get tired of hearing it. Ohene is the tightest lyricist and greatest mind in Hip-Hop. Its because of him that I even attempted this song. The beat is done in a different time signature than the normal song, it's a 3:4 time instead of a 4:4 time (think waltz). If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't feel bad...most producers or emcees have no clue what this is, and look puzzled when they hear of this being done in Hip Hop. Ohene was the first emcee I'd ever heard do this, so I had to have him on the track. The track is just so mean, and O commands your attention from the first 2 words. "What's Good?" it's crazy. His flow on the track is IN-SANE. I think I did OK, but honestly I rewind the track after his verse a lot. Part of the reason I made it so short was to hit em and be out. Its become a bit of an unofficial RAHM Nation trademark to rhyme in 3:4 time, started by Rapademics. I had plans to make an Art Of War series, with each part discussing another chapter of the book, but the Tainted Love series was already underway, I thought it might be confusing to have 2-3-part series' on 1 album. maybe the next one will...sidebar: We've tried to remix this one, and no producer knows how to do it!! Def Entertainment, where are thou??

If I Wait featuring Hasan Salaam and Majesty prod DN3
This is another one that I knew what I was gonna do and how, before I laid it down. I met Hasan and Majesty during a New York trip with the Grassroots Artist MovEment (GAME). I also met Immortal Technique, Red Clay, Ravage, and a bunch of other super creative, positive minds. We all met up and rode a bus to Albany for a show, freestyling and listening to eachothers beats the whole way. This trip changed my outlook on music FOREVER. Seeing this many revolutionary minds on one bus let me know that Hip-Hop wasn't dead. I was totally inspired and came back to Philly and got working on "Archetype", and all the while laying the foundation for "The Call." Prior to this I was recording music that wasn't me: it was watered down, it was commercial, it was forced. It was on this trip that I found my identity as an MC. No one around me at that time was doing revolutionary music, so I found myself doing "What They Do" as the Roots put it. But to be surrounded by 30-40 people who were all about the music, that affected me.
Anyway, the song is saying that I can't wait another minute to fight for change, to speak up, because it might be too late. Ohene told me he reverts to the last bar of my verse "You can't say nobody ever told you the truth" all the time when referring to his music. When it's all said and done, everybody will be able to look back to some point in their lives, when they heard the truth...did they choose to accept it or reject it? The beat is another banger by DN3, and many folks say this is the best song on the album.

On The Grind prod Ohene, add'l vocals Nasheda Shockley
This is my soul right here, probably my favorite track. 2 years back, I was working on a song for a mixtape I never released, and one of the bars of that, "Momma told me I was wastin' my time, all that did was make me stay on the grind," became the hook of this song. It's the truest thing I ever said. My mom doesn't support me doing music AT ALL, I don't even think she's listened to my album. She's always encouraged education, because its one thing that can't be taken away from you. It's hard to convince her that I don't make music to be rich and famous, that I'm not chasing some unrealistic dream, I'm just doing it because I love it, and people have told me I'm pretty good at it. I have a message in the music that I think needs to be heard. I go off on a few tangents, but bring it right back home by the end. Its about the constant hustle of an indie artist: the love, the hate, the phonyness, the struggle. I'm still on the grind.

Tainted Love part 2
2Faced Beats is a producer from the UK. He's from the 9th Wonder school of beatmaking, which is cool. He makes real soulful pieces with big drums. This was totally perfect for TL2, in fact, I think I wrote part 2 before any other part..this is my favorite stage of the relationship, where things are in full swing, but something's not right.. she's got some bad habits that are starting to annoy you, this is getting out of control, we better fall back and evaluate this before it gets worse. Another beat that a lot of folks tell me is the highlight of the album.

Don't Let Me Die feat Hezekiah, prod Problem Child
This was PC's first production that I had ever rapped on. The original beat that I (and Hez) wrote to was also Problem Child's, but he lost the files for that beat, plus he thought the sample could get us in some trouble, so he didn't feel comfortable with using it on the project. I met Hez in kind of a weird way, Lefty and I were recording with Mike Lowe (did most of OC's "Smoke and Mirrors" and some work with CL Smooth) and Hez was there before we got there, listening to my beat that was blasting out of the stereo, bobbing his head. "That's you?" he asked. He had introduced himself, but honestly, I hadn't put 2 and 2 together that he was THAT Hezekiah, that had worked with The Roots, Jaguar, Musiq...pretty much any Neo Soul that came out of Philly. Anyway, I gave him a beat cd with all of my final beats on them, and he heard PC's track and called me with a hook the same day. It was hot, so we got to work. Honestly, I like the original track better on it, but PC worked really hard and made a lot of things happen to make that track fit the song well. He put a weird effect on it, which made the song sound like it was live in a smoky jazz club...different, but I liked it. He even got a real bass and harmonica player to lay down riffs on the track. I think Problem Child has the skills to be the future of Hip-Hop. His beats are really on another level.

Prayer prod by me, keys by Ohene
They (and again, I don't know who they are) say that the producer is the person who lays the idea down, so that's why I get production credit for this one. I just asked O to give me something to speak my piece on. This prayer was adapted from one that I read and recited, so I thought that it would fit well. Plus I needed something slow to lead into the next cut....

Blackout prod by Peru
I met Peru through my lil' homie Chizz, and he had some heat. He apparently is in some litigation war trying to prove that some cat who produced a track for Marques Houston stole his beat, so I wish him luck with that. He let me hear some tracks and he had a good 2 or 3 that I really liked. He was cool enough to pass them off, and he was particularly excited about the beat for "Blackout." I think he named it "Luda." Probably like me he names the track based on who he could hear on it. It was straight club, uptempo. I usually think of either the hook or the first few bars to a beat as soon as I hear it if I like it. I thought of both. I had the hook and the first 4 bars in my head from that moment. I laid that track down for "Archetype" in about '03. I was almost done "The Call" and Ohene asked me, "What's up with that 'BlackOut jawn?? You gotta put it on there!" Now looking back, he probably only said that cause I shouted him out on it ("I ain't heard nothin hot since Rapademics dropped"). everyone that hears it says "I could hear that on the radio today," and that was the point. I wanted something that would catch the ear of the ClearChannel generation, and still allow me to keep my identity. I still end off every set with it, and it still gets the club hype.

Push prod by Problem Child
Again, PC came through with a smash. This is probably my second favorite cut, and probably should've been the 2nd single. I heard it and wrote instantly. PC is such a perfectionist, he sent me 10000 remixes for the track when I told him I wanted to use it. But I'm stuck in my ways when it comes to music, and I wanted it as is. He even sent me a version with a verse in it, trying to weasel his way onto the album :) nah, I'm just kidding, but I had to stick with the original. I had a funky idea for the 3rd verse, something that hadn't been done before: to use a saxophone AS the 3rd verse. I met Frank Machos on myspace, and he was down for the cause. Strangely enough, I had met him before at my Fundamentals release party, but didn't know it. There were a lot of strange coincidences that made this album come together, that's what makes it so special. Samik (prod of "Raze The Bar") says this is the best beat on the album, it just might be.

Salvation feat Wordsworth, prod DN3
This was the absolute hardest song I've ever recorded. The song took about 2 months to complete. DN3 flipped the Commodores "Zoom" track, one of my favorite songs of all time. once I heard it, I was sure I wanted to use it. I also was sure that I wanted Wordsworth on the song. I had just gotten finished listening to his Mirror Music album and I was so impressed, it was so honest, so vivid, pretty much something like what I wanted to create. i decided to call up his management and get it in motion, and this was way before the song was created. all I had was a 1:30 snippet of the beat. I sent it to Words and he wrote his verse, recorded and sent it back the very next day. Dude's about his business. I didn't have verse, or hook the 1st at that time. I knew I needed a male singer for the track, so I auditioned about 5 singers for the hook, and none worked out, till I came across 2 guys, Nadir from Detroit, and Ron Damian from Havertown, PA. I liked what they both did so I used parts of both of their vocals to create the hook, then I wrote the verses. I rewrote my verses about 3 times, real rap. I was kinda shook sharing track space with Words, he's a super-tight lyricist. Neither Words, myself, Nadir or Ron were in the same room when anything was recorded, so it was up to DN3 to mix everything and make it sound good, not an easy task.He must've told me 50 times, "This ain't gonna work, man." It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Then we finished it, and it sounds darn good, I think. This is another of my favorites, mainly because of the effort it took to make it happen. My man JonBap told me that the verses on "Salvation" were my best on the album, and I respect his opinion a lot.

I'm here, ninjas!

2006-10-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

what up. I've just decided to build my own blog, so I can say whatever the heck I want withough worrying about the feeback from anyone who could shut me down (I'm talkin to YOU! Who?). This will be update every few days and will tell my story from my perspective. My days are usually pretty interesting. so here we go!