[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 87: Bits & Peaces ✌

Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast recorded and broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm  from 4-6PM PST every Friday. 

Music Ninja Radio
Episode #87: Bits & Peaces ✌

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Off the heels of Outside Lands, an incredible set from Washed Out in Oakland and escalating social turmoil, I had a wide array of music to share on this week’s episode–from the left field hip-hop of ZGTO to Photay‘s infectious electronica to straight disco bliss from Folamour and Moon Boots. There’s a lot going on in the world right now and I hope this injection of diverse tunes helps you get through the week!

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Lil Debbie Talks New Album, The State Of Hip-hop & Rising Talent [TMN Interview]

Respect is earned, it’s not simply given out to anybody. Unfortunately for women, that respect is even tougher to come by in the creative world especially, but one OG boss who has been doing her own thing for years – gaining mad respect and praise from all crowds – is Lil Debbie. The rapper, model, weed connoisseur and fashion designer isn’t someone who will be going away anytime soon.

Lil Debbie has set up a foundation that is going to last. She’s come from music and that has laid the groundwork for a successful multi-faceted career. Moves will always be made, but her latest move hearkens back to the music by means of a brand new album, OG In My System. Complete with eleven tracks, including her lead single “Summer,” this LP sees Debbie taking her sound to new territories.

Stagnant isn’t a word in Lil Debbie’s vocabulary. Over the years she’s released an incredible amount of songs, each time out taking steps to offer fans something a little different. The Bay Area beast is a legend in her own right, but the tale isn’t over. We’re sure to have more music, as you’ll find out below. Lil Debbie recently stopped by the dojo for an interview, answering questions about her new album, where hip-hop is currently and what artists she has her eyes on.

TMN: Let’s start with a totally unfair question, which song is your favorite on the OG In My System?

LD: “I Get It” has to be one of my top 3.

TMN: Can you give us a rundown of what it was like putting together this LP?

LD: It was interesting, I’m always evolving, developing and progressing so it’s interesting to watch my inner self grow – going through sadness and bossyness.

TMN: What makes this album different from your previous work?

LD: Well for one I’m experimenting with Auto-tune, also I’m playing around with melodies and flow switch up. Definitely trying out new things and playing around while I still can.

TMN: Why did you choose to release the single “Summer” first? How much fun was it shooting the music video?

“Summer” represents such a lighter time of my life, I felt like it was necessary to drop that first. The video was a lot of fun, I honestly had no clue I was even going to shoot a video. Me and my girls just decided one day to play around with equipment we brought out to the islands. Most of it is just random footage of us wandering around by ourselves getting stoned and lost.

TMN: Being a stoner myself, I have to wonder… approximately how much weed went into the making of this album?

LD: POUNDS.

TMN: You’ve released an LP or mixtape every year over the past few years, looking to keep that going in the future?

LD: Yea, you know me, I’m not a quitter.

TMN: You recently did a project with the Barong Family. Looking to work with dance music producers more often?

LD: Yes, I love dance music and I love creating with all types of producers. I was sooo blessed to be able to be apart of a Barong Family project!

TMN: As someone who doesn’t stick to just music, what other ventures do you currently have going on right now?

As of right now I am working on my marijuana brand cakes, which is an edible line but I also do carry live resin and a cakes marijuana strain. I’m also working on other things for my fans but as of right now this is one of my main focuses.

TMN: Is there something you have yet to get your hands in that you would like to?

LD: Yea some Rose Dom Perignon! LOL.

TMN: Style is something you own and there’s no better, more permanent way to express style than with tattoos. What has been your latest addition and what’s next?

LD: I recently got legs in the air with panties sliding down the legs and two nails that are just filling in some space on my arm in between two other tattoos. I never know what I’m going to get tatted I just get things last minute.

TMN: Where do you think the rap game is at currently and where do you see it going?

LD: The rap game is in a dope dope dope dooopppeeee space as of right now. There’s a lot of freedom for artists to express themselves and a lot of outlets. All blessings!

TMN: Can you tell us some up and coming talent in the Bay Area that everyone should know?

Everyone should check out my girl that is super clean, her name is Aliky, check out her Instagram which has all her music info @Aliikyw. Also another girl that is dope that can also sing is Natty Kay, her Instagram info is @NattyKay7.

OG In My System was released today and is currently available on iTunes and Spotify.

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[Music Video] Ekoh feat. Almost Normal – Daudrie

Las Vegas rapper Ekoh has put out an emotional new single called “Daudrie” alongside Almost Normal. Not only do we get a song, but also a video, both based on the Netflix documentary Audrie and Daisy. Hence the name that had us confused at first.

With a topic such as sexual assault, it’s not easy to pull off something that sounds so genuine and stays true to victims involved. Ekoh does justice to the cause with a heart-dropping project that doesn’t miss a beat on any front, aural or visual. Artists are often not standing for things anymore, unless it will help their social marketing and look like they care, but Ekoh’s true intentions shine through a wonderful project. He took it as seriously as he could and it shows.

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[Hip-Hop] Dio – Arrival EP

Dio is here with his EP, Arrival. Complete with four tracks, this hip-hop EP has come hot out of the oven from the Litt Music headquarters. No, I wasn’t being cheesy and saying “THIS MUSIC IS LIT,” but in actuality, this EP is pretty lit.

Arrival is an intimate project, with short songs that pack a punch you wouldn’t expect coming from their time length. It’s not all about length, as the saying goes. Dio brings heat every time out on top of some high quality beatwork. This is just the type of fire you’d expect coming from Litt Music. They keep it real and so does Dio, which is why they are a perfect match. Dive into this one and enjoy.

’Dio – Shift Moves’
’Dio – Hate’
’Dio – Dreamer’
’Dio – Thank You’
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The Urban Renewal Project – Road To Victory (Ft. Hugh Augustine & Alex Nester) [TMN Premiere]

The “Road To Victory” has been paved by The Urban Renewal Project. A lot of bands say they are doing something different, when really they aren’t, but that’s not the case with this LA group. They’re the real deal and they’ve joined us in the dojo for an exclusive first listen to their newest single.

“Road To Victory” features Hugh Augustine and Alex Nester on top of the usual lineup of musicians. The jazzy hip-hop original is not going to be what you’ve been used to if you are a fan of rap. They cut back to some OG flavors, while implementing their own elements to create a truly special song. Musicianship always wins out with The Urban Renewal Project with the result being amazing tracks time and time again. Stream their latest exclusively here in the dojo.

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[Hip-Hop] Azad – “Enough of You” (Karnaval Blues Remix)

Azad
Enough of You (Karnaval Blues Remix)

“Enough Of You” is Sango, Atu and Dpat all producing under the smooth flow of LA-based rapper, Azad. As if that couldn’t get any better, it was just flipped brilliantly by the indie producer Karnaval Blues. With names like this on the original saying the bar is set high would be an understatement. But with Karnaval Blues’ washed-out take on the production and mixing of Azad’s rap it surpasses expectation. Thanks to this epic flip, we’ve got a new up-and-comer we’ll be certainly keeping an eye on. Give it a listen above.

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TASTEBREAKERS – Wasabi feat. JAMO! & City James [TMN Premiere]

TASTEBREAKERS
Wasabi (Feat. JAMO! & City James)

Wasabi isn’t in some people’s wheelhouse because it’s too hot. However, the “Wasabi” that TASTEBREAKERS have brought with JAMO! and City James is just the right kind of hot that people are looking for. Their collaborative single is here for you in the dojo where we’re giving you the opportunity to hear it first.

Hip-hop is in a ton of places right now, but with “Wasabi” we get something that isn’t like much else that’s out right now. It does have some similarities, but all in all it has a special quality to it that differentiates it from the general crowd. The beat itself is ill, with the rhymes on top providing the rest of the force on a hit that will knock you off your feet. We’ve got you covered with a first listen, so click that play button.

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