Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, August 15, 2008
Smoke In The City
Today was cool. I fucking love Amsterdam, and I don’t even smoke. I was going to smoke while I was out here, but honestly, I forgot. That was kind of ironic and a little stoner in and of itself.
It’s such an incredible city. Apparently today was one of the hottest days of the year, and if you’re familiar with Amsterdam, you know it stays pretty Portland-ish year round. It was so hot I think the entire population of the city was out and about. Man, I wish I could have been on one of those boats drinking with the old school homies from back home while riding around on the canals. It looked hella fun. The whole area we were at (Amstel) just smelled like weed. It’s a crazy town.
We ran a contest with Myspace out here, and my dude Clay won a shopping spree with me at Reel Gear in the Magna Mall. We both got laced up. Big up Etnies, Reel, Eurotaph, and Myspace for hooking it up. I got to admit, I slept on Etnies for the longest, because I thought they were just skate shoes, but baby, I got some cleeeeeeaaaaan ass limited edition Etnies Pluses in hella different colors. Shits is hella clean. I’m gonna be killin’ em on tour. They taped the whole event, so hopefully you’ll see it posted soon on my site.
Smart cars are huge out here. Makes sense I guess, because as expensive as gas is at home, its at least 30-40% more out here. You believe that shit? I was waiting for my sushi and saw a smart car fitted bumper to bumper with a Brabus tuning kit. Shit was ill. As a Benz owner I’m a fan of the company, but I never thought I’d see something like that. Made me want a smart car. Then again, I always got hella studio gear, shoeboxes, records, and shopping bags in my trunk. Brabus or not, that shit wont fit in that little ass car. Matter of fact, I think you could put that whole smart car in the trunk of my Cadillac. Maybe I’ll just steal one.
It was the last show of my European Tour, so I was going through a wide range of thoughts, feelings, etc, like I do at the end of every tour. It’s a mixture of sadness, relief, sense of achievement and completion, and anticipation, as I gear up for the next leg. We had the bomb time tearing up the UK and the Netherlands, and I’m already working on plans to come back. Stephanie McKay was opening for me on this leg, who I think is just a beautiful person. She’s so talented, genuine, and generous. Not too many like her in this biz. We all had a blast with Steph. Not to mention, she’s got a bangin’ new album out now, “Tell It Like It Is” that is off to an incredible start out there. I wish her the best in the world. Call me on that collab, Sis.
Final shouts to Steph, Doo-Dah, D-Sharp, Wendy, Mike, Dominic, Leon, Chantal, Carolina, Etnies, Myspace, Reel Gear, and of course JB and Team LB for holding me down while I tore it up out here. See you in Oz.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Variety Show
Chillin’ at the Hotel in Manchester today.
I was watching some music variety show out here that was fuckin’ incredible. I caught it midway, so I don’t know the title, but the theme of the show was really fuckin’ sick. They’d have various guests performing, and then at the end of the show they’d have them collab on a tune.
I caught Roots Manuva perform, and then they had him do a tune with Santogold (who’s album I fucking love). Side note: At this year’s South By Southwest my dude Diplo told me he’d just finished working on her record, and he was hella excited about it. Since then I had been checking for it, and Joy picked it up when it dropped.
Again, I fucking love this record.
I met her at BFD with my girl Hope, and she was really sweet. Sharp dresser too. She had on some Official Tourist gear from my homie Jasko, the dude that custom designed the Tee I rocked on Jimmy Kimmel.
Anyway, as Roots and Santi did a tune together (and kilt it!), I asked myself “Why we don’t have this kind of shit in America?” We have the largest selling acts in the world, damn near a monopoly on pop culture, yet not enough creative support or outlets for our artists. Somebody needs to get some shit crackin’ like this in the States, and if, no, when y’all do, just remember I gave you that idea on the house. I’d do it myself, but I got a job already. I’ll be on it for you.
I was watching some music variety show out here that was fuckin’ incredible. I caught it midway, so I don’t know the title, but the theme of the show was really fuckin’ sick. They’d have various guests performing, and then at the end of the show they’d have them collab on a tune.
I caught Roots Manuva perform, and then they had him do a tune with Santogold (who’s album I fucking love). Side note: At this year’s South By Southwest my dude Diplo told me he’d just finished working on her record, and he was hella excited about it. Since then I had been checking for it, and Joy picked it up when it dropped.
Again, I fucking love this record.
I met her at BFD with my girl Hope, and she was really sweet. Sharp dresser too. She had on some Official Tourist gear from my homie Jasko, the dude that custom designed the Tee I rocked on Jimmy Kimmel.
Anyway, as Roots and Santi did a tune together (and kilt it!), I asked myself “Why we don’t have this kind of shit in America?” We have the largest selling acts in the world, damn near a monopoly on pop culture, yet not enough creative support or outlets for our artists. Somebody needs to get some shit crackin’ like this in the States, and if, no, when y’all do, just remember I gave you that idea on the house. I’d do it myself, but I got a job already. I’ll be on it for you.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Lyrics Born's European Vacation Tour
The 1st leg is over, peoples. I call that one "Lyrics Born's European Vacation Tour".
I had more days off than George W. Bush. It was hot though, I can see why he does it. Big up Galactic and crew for holding me down and bringing me out. Also big up Boots Riley, Gnarls Barkley and band, Kings of Leon and crew, The Hives, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Counting Crows, Alice Smith, Joost, Superfly, Eurotaph, and of
course JB and Team LB for tying it all together. I had a blast, we smashed the EU, now it's on to the next....
Got off stage at the Kurten festival in Switzerland at 3am on the last nite of the Galactic leg, and had a 5am lobby call. No rest for your boy. All the way to
the Zurich airport I kept seeing posters for an upcoming event called "The Blue Balls Festival", headlined by Erykah Badu. I shit you not. Google that shit if you don't believe me. Giant posters of Badu looking over her shoulder as sexy as she wanna
be, then in big bubble letters underneath.. "The Blue Balls Festival". First of all, do the Swiss know what "Blue Balls" is? I mean, are? It's not really something to celebrate. I mean they are not really something to celebrate.
Anyway, I was beat the next day. Got picked up at Heathrow, and had a show at Dingwall's in Camden, London. I was going on about 2.5 hrs of sleep, but fuck it. Shit was off the chain! I haven't done a show with D-Sharp in a while, and we killed it! I was real warm from touring the past couple weeks, and it felt good to smash for a good 90 minutes. I also love hearing Joy perform her new songs live. They sounded
as good as they did when we mixed 'em!
After the show we hit up the Turkish area in London, and it was easily one of the top ten Kebabs I've ever had. NOT the typical street meat kebabs you get in Europe, this was exceptional. Definitely going back next time.
In the dressing room right now @ Komedia in Brighton waiting to soundcheck. I can hear Joy singing "Hott 2 Deff" which means I'm up pretty soon. Oh my God, my "Everywhere At Once" T-Shirts were pressed and shipped also. They look sick! These are probably the best Tees I've ever made! In Europe 1st people, and only at the shows.
Come see about me.
LB
I had more days off than George W. Bush. It was hot though, I can see why he does it. Big up Galactic and crew for holding me down and bringing me out. Also big up Boots Riley, Gnarls Barkley and band, Kings of Leon and crew, The Hives, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Counting Crows, Alice Smith, Joost, Superfly, Eurotaph, and of
course JB and Team LB for tying it all together. I had a blast, we smashed the EU, now it's on to the next....
Got off stage at the Kurten festival in Switzerland at 3am on the last nite of the Galactic leg, and had a 5am lobby call. No rest for your boy. All the way to
the Zurich airport I kept seeing posters for an upcoming event called "The Blue Balls Festival", headlined by Erykah Badu. I shit you not. Google that shit if you don't believe me. Giant posters of Badu looking over her shoulder as sexy as she wanna
be, then in big bubble letters underneath.. "The Blue Balls Festival". First of all, do the Swiss know what "Blue Balls" is? I mean, are? It's not really something to celebrate. I mean they are not really something to celebrate.
Anyway, I was beat the next day. Got picked up at Heathrow, and had a show at Dingwall's in Camden, London. I was going on about 2.5 hrs of sleep, but fuck it. Shit was off the chain! I haven't done a show with D-Sharp in a while, and we killed it! I was real warm from touring the past couple weeks, and it felt good to smash for a good 90 minutes. I also love hearing Joy perform her new songs live. They sounded
as good as they did when we mixed 'em!
After the show we hit up the Turkish area in London, and it was easily one of the top ten Kebabs I've ever had. NOT the typical street meat kebabs you get in Europe, this was exceptional. Definitely going back next time.
In the dressing room right now @ Komedia in Brighton waiting to soundcheck. I can hear Joy singing "Hott 2 Deff" which means I'm up pretty soon. Oh my God, my "Everywhere At Once" T-Shirts were pressed and shipped also. They look sick! These are probably the best Tees I've ever made! In Europe 1st people, and only at the shows.
Come see about me.
LB
Friday, July 25, 2008
Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux Jazz festival in Switzerland….
The oldest and most famous of all festies in Europe. Definitely an honor to play. As a record collector I just remember buying live albums of a lot of my heroes that were recorded at this venerable festival. I used to stare at those black and white photos of the band and crowd on the inside sleeve for hours wondering what it must have been like. Ain’t wonderin’ no more, Fam! I’m looking forward to one day being able to tell my children that Daddy tore that shit down in the Alps.
Woke up, hopped out the bus and, BAM! There were those beautiful mountains. I walked around the town a little, and was blown away. I can definitely see why Al B. Sure! would buy a house out here. I remember hearing that in Jr. High and thought, “Damn, Al’s a Baller!” Well, guess what? Taking a look around, he must’ve been. These people are breaded. Of course, this is my ignorant American generalization, but hey, anyplace they got Benz taxis, my assumption is that economy is robust, and I’m in a super-power nation.
The weather was hella hot! I’ve been to Switzerland before but never Montreux, and I didn’t realize it got so hot out here. After I walked around, the shuttle took me to the hotel, which had an incredible view. I was so inspired I hooked up the Ipod to my speakers right away, and just started writing. Nailed a couple I’m going to record as soon as I get home……whenever that is.
Like I told you I’m going to tell Junior, we tore it down. They definitely came to party. I thought it was going to be a bunch of old farts, but it was all young people. They definitely knew how to get down. After the show, they had a DJ come in and play what I call “Cover Band Funk”. Meaning, all the shit some band your company paid $20,000 for their convention would be playing at nite. Brick House, Play That Funky Music White Boy, KC and the Sunshine Band, etc. Kinda like what the band at Will Ferrell’s wedding on “Old School” would play, but without the “F” word. A little hard to take for long periods of time. You would have thought it being Montreux and all that maybe….
I can’t lie though, I’m a sucker for Bounce, Rock, Skate and Roll. That shit will forever slap to me.
I went out in the general area and it was crackin’. Tons of food, Merchandise booths, music, etc. There was a DJ playing salsa and merengue, where I saw a few Ethiopian couples tearin’ it up on the floor. That was hot. You see all kinds of shit in Europe. I stepped into the official Montreux merchandise shop where they did have a lot of cool shit. I asked for a T-Shirt but they wanted to charge me the equivalent to $80 or something. I told them I had just played, so they offered me a 10% discount. I promptly bounced.
Only a few more days left on this leg. I gotta say, the festival circuit is the shit. D and Joy get out here in a couple days and we start my club run, which I’m really looking forward to.
Maybe one more blog to go on this leg.
See you out there
LB
The oldest and most famous of all festies in Europe. Definitely an honor to play. As a record collector I just remember buying live albums of a lot of my heroes that were recorded at this venerable festival. I used to stare at those black and white photos of the band and crowd on the inside sleeve for hours wondering what it must have been like. Ain’t wonderin’ no more, Fam! I’m looking forward to one day being able to tell my children that Daddy tore that shit down in the Alps.
Woke up, hopped out the bus and, BAM! There were those beautiful mountains. I walked around the town a little, and was blown away. I can definitely see why Al B. Sure! would buy a house out here. I remember hearing that in Jr. High and thought, “Damn, Al’s a Baller!” Well, guess what? Taking a look around, he must’ve been. These people are breaded. Of course, this is my ignorant American generalization, but hey, anyplace they got Benz taxis, my assumption is that economy is robust, and I’m in a super-power nation.
The weather was hella hot! I’ve been to Switzerland before but never Montreux, and I didn’t realize it got so hot out here. After I walked around, the shuttle took me to the hotel, which had an incredible view. I was so inspired I hooked up the Ipod to my speakers right away, and just started writing. Nailed a couple I’m going to record as soon as I get home……whenever that is.
Like I told you I’m going to tell Junior, we tore it down. They definitely came to party. I thought it was going to be a bunch of old farts, but it was all young people. They definitely knew how to get down. After the show, they had a DJ come in and play what I call “Cover Band Funk”. Meaning, all the shit some band your company paid $20,000 for their convention would be playing at nite. Brick House, Play That Funky Music White Boy, KC and the Sunshine Band, etc. Kinda like what the band at Will Ferrell’s wedding on “Old School” would play, but without the “F” word. A little hard to take for long periods of time. You would have thought it being Montreux and all that maybe….
I can’t lie though, I’m a sucker for Bounce, Rock, Skate and Roll. That shit will forever slap to me.
I went out in the general area and it was crackin’. Tons of food, Merchandise booths, music, etc. There was a DJ playing salsa and merengue, where I saw a few Ethiopian couples tearin’ it up on the floor. That was hot. You see all kinds of shit in Europe. I stepped into the official Montreux merchandise shop where they did have a lot of cool shit. I asked for a T-Shirt but they wanted to charge me the equivalent to $80 or something. I told them I had just played, so they offered me a 10% discount. I promptly bounced.
Only a few more days left on this leg. I gotta say, the festival circuit is the shit. D and Joy get out here in a couple days and we start my club run, which I’m really looking forward to.
Maybe one more blog to go on this leg.
See you out there
LB
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
North Beach Jazz Festival
Not much sleep, yesterday was a little crazy. A lotta planes, trains, and automobiles to get us out of Spain and into Rotterdam for the North Beach Jazz Festival. From the moment we got in, there was a lot of buzzing from the cats in the band (I ain’t mentioning no names) about the famous Dutch decriminalization of a certain herb, known in the Bay as “That Purp”. When we finally got to the hotel, several of the guys darted off the shuttle and I ain’t seen ‘em since….
When I got up this morning I saw two of my heroes in the lobby, jazz legends Lou Donaldson and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Mr. Smith was rockin’ the turban and errythang, as he has been for the past 30 yrs. I had actually seen Lou in Japan about 15 yrs ago performing with Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, and David T. Walker, and it was inspiring to see those guys still touring. I was talking to him, and he did start to nod off on me, however.
Stanton and I had Japanese food on the street (5.5/10, but I’ll take it where I can out here), then I got ready for the gig. Caught a little bit of Naturally Seven, a seven-man vocal group from NYC, who absolutely destroyed it. Imagine 7 Rahzels who can fuckin’ sang on top of that! We went on a little after that, smashed as usual, and then I headed for catering. I’ve never played this festy, and as I walked thru the “site”, I noticed it was a tad different from other festies. It was indoors, clean, raaaaahther gourmet, and refreshingly mmm-civilized. Shit felt more like a well-run convention, as opposed to a muddy-ass drunken festival. As much as I like to party, that was kinda cool for a change.
Met up with Joost, the Godfather of Solesides.com, which is always cool. He’s always got a lot of ideas and is open to anything. Big up, Joost. He’s dedicated a tremendous amount of time and talent to turning that site and message board into what it is today. We chopped it for a good minute, had a couple mojitos, and discussed some plans for the fall. Dude is very solid, we’re linking up again in Amsterdam next week.
Next was the afterparty at the Hilton, which was kind of a snoozer. Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson were the headliners for the night, both of whom I’m a huge fan of. “Teenage Love Ah-ffair-aa –a air, aa –ah-ah ah-air.” I love that shit. I would have kept that old-school dialogue going in the break a little longer, but that is my shit! Being that George Benson showed up at the afterparty the nite before, people were hoping they’d show up tonite. No such luck. Instead it was some lady who looked like my 10th grade English teacher singing standards.
At least I got to see my dude Thomas Pridgeon, former drummer for the Coup, who now plays for The Mars Volta. Also bumped into Ryan Shaw and band. We kicked for a second, but the party was in slow motion, so I went back to the hotel, texted my lady “Goodnite” and wrote this bloggie. It’s 3am and I got a 3:30 lobby call for a 6 am flite. In a minute.
LB
When I got up this morning I saw two of my heroes in the lobby, jazz legends Lou Donaldson and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Mr. Smith was rockin’ the turban and errythang, as he has been for the past 30 yrs. I had actually seen Lou in Japan about 15 yrs ago performing with Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, and David T. Walker, and it was inspiring to see those guys still touring. I was talking to him, and he did start to nod off on me, however.
Stanton and I had Japanese food on the street (5.5/10, but I’ll take it where I can out here), then I got ready for the gig. Caught a little bit of Naturally Seven, a seven-man vocal group from NYC, who absolutely destroyed it. Imagine 7 Rahzels who can fuckin’ sang on top of that! We went on a little after that, smashed as usual, and then I headed for catering. I’ve never played this festy, and as I walked thru the “site”, I noticed it was a tad different from other festies. It was indoors, clean, raaaaahther gourmet, and refreshingly mmm-civilized. Shit felt more like a well-run convention, as opposed to a muddy-ass drunken festival. As much as I like to party, that was kinda cool for a change.
Met up with Joost, the Godfather of Solesides.com, which is always cool. He’s always got a lot of ideas and is open to anything. Big up, Joost. He’s dedicated a tremendous amount of time and talent to turning that site and message board into what it is today. We chopped it for a good minute, had a couple mojitos, and discussed some plans for the fall. Dude is very solid, we’re linking up again in Amsterdam next week.
Next was the afterparty at the Hilton, which was kind of a snoozer. Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson were the headliners for the night, both of whom I’m a huge fan of. “Teenage Love Ah-ffair-aa –a air, aa –ah-ah ah-air.” I love that shit. I would have kept that old-school dialogue going in the break a little longer, but that is my shit! Being that George Benson showed up at the afterparty the nite before, people were hoping they’d show up tonite. No such luck. Instead it was some lady who looked like my 10th grade English teacher singing standards.
At least I got to see my dude Thomas Pridgeon, former drummer for the Coup, who now plays for The Mars Volta. Also bumped into Ryan Shaw and band. We kicked for a second, but the party was in slow motion, so I went back to the hotel, texted my lady “Goodnite” and wrote this bloggie. It’s 3am and I got a 3:30 lobby call for a 6 am flite. In a minute.
LB
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Beach Strollin'
<--- Boots Riley (The Coup) and Jeff Raines from GalacticHands down, San Sebastian in Spain is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. The beach is absolutely amazing. It reminded me of Bondi in Sydney a little bit, but about twice as wide. The water is deep blueish-green, crystal clear, & jacuzzi warm. There were tourists, but not like I expected, in fact, I don't remember seeing any Americans at all. I think I saw some Italians, some Brits, but mostly a lot of white people speaking Spanish (is it grammatically incorrect to not capitalize the "W" in white people? Someone respond). Coming from California, that always trips me out when I'm here. I liken the experience to the first time I saw Asians with Australian accents (a Berkeley public school education doesn't prepare you for Asians in other countries).
They speak Spanish differently too, with that lisp, where as back home I always hear it being "sung". Again, coming from Cali, my first instinct was, "They speakin' it wrong". What do I know, tho.
Anyway, I strolled along the beach with my Ipod which was at least a good mile & a half long. I was knockin' that Grace Jones, Lil' Wayne, some Bob, and a new song I'd did w/Lateef just before I left for tour. Don't tell my wife, but there were some topless ladies out there. It was ill, little kids running around while their Moms' bore it all. Some of 'em really needed to put they shirts back on in a major way.
By the time I hit old town, siesta was over (I don't know how they get anything done shutting down 3 hrs a day), & the Tapas was out. I met up w/the crew, & we just went from bar to bar eating the most incredible food in the birthplace of Tapas. My favorite was the baguette with a giant sun dried tomato & a hunk of blue cheese on top. I'm droolin' rite now, fam. After a bottle & a half of sparkling white wine, & more Tapas then any man can endure, I stumbled my ass back along that whole beach, returning to the hotel.
My mother emailed me along the way, & when responded (with hella typos) that we were in San Sebastian, she said she went there with my father in the 70's before I was born. She told me they hit the beach and ate Tapas like champs as well. I didn't ask, but I really hope she kept her shirt on.
LB
Love and Understanding
Day off in Salamanca
Another day off, this time in Salamanca. The weather was beautiful. I’m missing home a little bit today. Mid-July in the Bay is simply exquisite, and right about now I’d be pulling the cover off the ‘Lac, and Joy and I would be riding thru the town with the top down on the ‘68, not doing anything much. Even with the price of gas and the size of that tank, those moments are priceless. Old-school owners feel me. Specifically Cadillac owners, stand up.
She (meaning Joy) is not on this leg of the tour, and I miss her. I’ll see her in about a week when she comes out with D-Sharp for the second leg, and I can’t wait. It sucks for me personally, but to remain positive, I tell myself it’s good for my art (I guess). Inspired by those feelings, I stayed in the hotel most of the day and worked on a few new songs for my next album. In between, for inspiration I’ve been listening to her album, just so I can hear her voice. “Love And Understanding” is bangin’, btw! It’s been such a part of our lives for the past couple years that I needed some distance from it, but for the past couple days I’ve been totally immersed in it again. I can’t wait for people to hear it. Love and Understanding, 10/21 on Quannum Projects, peoples. Sorry, I just had that promo-graphic urge.
Later on that evening we celebrated Stanton’s B-day in town. We went from restaurant to restaurant eating Tapas all over again. Although it wasn’t as good as San Sebastian, it was still off the chain. With all these off days, and good food around, I know I’m bulking up. This ain’t good. I mean it is, but it ain’t.
LB
Another day off, this time in Salamanca. The weather was beautiful. I’m missing home a little bit today. Mid-July in the Bay is simply exquisite, and right about now I’d be pulling the cover off the ‘Lac, and Joy and I would be riding thru the town with the top down on the ‘68, not doing anything much. Even with the price of gas and the size of that tank, those moments are priceless. Old-school owners feel me. Specifically Cadillac owners, stand up.
She (meaning Joy) is not on this leg of the tour, and I miss her. I’ll see her in about a week when she comes out with D-Sharp for the second leg, and I can’t wait. It sucks for me personally, but to remain positive, I tell myself it’s good for my art (I guess). Inspired by those feelings, I stayed in the hotel most of the day and worked on a few new songs for my next album. In between, for inspiration I’ve been listening to her album, just so I can hear her voice. “Love And Understanding” is bangin’, btw! It’s been such a part of our lives for the past couple years that I needed some distance from it, but for the past couple days I’ve been totally immersed in it again. I can’t wait for people to hear it. Love and Understanding, 10/21 on Quannum Projects, peoples. Sorry, I just had that promo-graphic urge.
Later on that evening we celebrated Stanton’s B-day in town. We went from restaurant to restaurant eating Tapas all over again. Although it wasn’t as good as San Sebastian, it was still off the chain. With all these off days, and good food around, I know I’m bulking up. This ain’t good. I mean it is, but it ain’t.
LB
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