Words From the Bandit

This Saturday, alongside fellow Theory Events/Drum Attix partner 100dBs, I’ll be DJing at 205 Chrystie on…205 Chrystie St. We will be supplying the public with Reggae and Dancehall upstairs while Voidstar and our guest artist Cex keep you dancing downstairs. Guys make sure to RSVP for $5 entry. Ladies, you already know you’re free.

Hey folks, I thought I’d use this forum to bitch, moan and whine about the current state of hip hop music. I’ve always been one to quickly jump to the defense of hip hop whenever someone criticized it. If one said “hip hop is filled with nothing but misogyny and glorification of violence” I would cite more “conscious” rappers like Mos Def or Common. If anyone purported that hip hop was doing more harm than good to the population of young African Americans, I would always defend it saying that, hip hop gives young children a means of expression as well as role models in more successful artists who have “made it out.” I still hold all of that to be true, however, artistically, I’m DONE with hip hop.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m pretty damn good at rapping, I would’ve quit a long time ago. That also has to do with my inability to write a melody that I’m completely happy with. I can’t even listen to hip hop anymore. The artists like Slick Rick and Eminem who used to capture my imagination with their stories, now I barely check for them when browsing through my Itunes. I’ve recently bought albums from former Beatle Paul McCartney, Indie bands like Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes, and old favorites like Sam Cooke. The most recent rapper whose album I purchased was Mos Def’s The Ecstatic. I must say I bought this more out of an obligation to one of my favorite rappers than as a genuine interest in any new music he’s creating. Lucky for me Mos Def is the type of rapper that mixes it up enough on his album to keep me interested.

The point that I’m poorly trying to make is, I’m bored with hip hop. The industry is still spitting out rappers who can’t…spit. Underground heads think they’re WAAAAY better than they really are. And the plain economics of it doesn’t make sense either. The majority of hip hop fans are…hip hop artists!!! How are we supposed to eat if we’re the only ones buying our own shit!?!? It’s just really frustrating, everyone I meet who digs hip hop is a fuckin rapper. Here’s some advice from a “real” musician to all my rapper peoples out there…shut the fuck up, go back to school and get a real fuckin job. Hell, I might even take my own advice. Don’t be surprised if you see me singing folk music with a bunch of dudes in flannel shirts and hefty beards, I’m sick of this rap shit.

bandit out!

Today marked the highest of Holidays (pun, most definitely intended), as a treat I’ve decided to release one of the tracks off my up-coming untitled EP. “smokin” was written a few years back but never saw the light of day, here’s its chance to help put a nice end to a glorious day.
Ryan-O’Neil “Smokin’ feat. Tense”.mp3

Enjoy!

The Drum Attix family is heading south (kinda) to The Hexagon in Baltimore, MD. Headed by the HJIC (Head Jew In Charge) 100dBs, yours truly, Hicoup, DJ Scallywag and a few others will be wrecking shit NYC style. So save up $6, cop a 6 pack or a bottle of Jack (it’s BYOB) and be prepared to sweat out that weave.

-bandit

It’s been a while since I’ve graced the stage (a little over 2 months) and I think it’s time for my return. I’ve just landed a spot on the Astronautalus bill for May 1st at Europa. Big shouts to my man brokeMC! For $8 it’s guaranteed to be an ass shaking good time.

-bandit

My man Super King Armor is releasing his new album Werewolf Lullabies on Friday the 13th (be scared). Yours Truly will be opening the night with a 30 minute set, that will be filled with head boppin, ass shakin tunes. There’s a $10 cover and I will be on at 7pm. There’s a rumor that some fine ladies will be joining me on stage for a few numbers.

Hope to see you there.

peace

what’s good people? I was just informed that I’ll be performing with Kats and Domer tonight January 4th at The Annex at 8pm. Thats 152 Orchard St. in the LES. It’s $10 to get in. I hope I see y’all there.

bandido out.

My boys Kats and Domer have been busy with the launch of FreeIceCream. net, the website where you can download a trailer load of free albums and mixtapes featuring their AlmostFameless mixtape series. 

My deepest and most sincere apologies people of Planet Bandit. I realize I’ve been gone for an entire year with no updates or news on what’s going on in the life of the Bandit, but thats about to change. Stay tuned for new music, videos and posts. 100dbs is getting ready to launch his record label DrumAttix. Tense and P. Murray are in the final stages of releasing Tense’s debut ep “Don’t Be Mad” and yours truly has just started recording songs for his new project. It’s been nonstop over the last few months and you’ll be the first to know when it’s all ready.