The Musik Lounge

Last Fall I was honored to receive the opportunity to contribute to the fantastic publication issued quarterly by We Jazz Records , easily referred to as We Jazz Magazine. This was a full circle moment of sorts for me as I hadn’t thought about returning to music journalism since getting sober . But when presented with the chance to submit a review for the Nate Mercereau, Josh Johnson & Carlos Niño Blue Note release Openness Trio I had to go for it and I’m so glad I did! Here we are ~7 months later and I’ve just submitted my fifth and sixth “record essays” for the forthcoming Summer issue and while at work on them it struck me that I need to get into a more consistent writing practice rather than just diving into it when I have an assignment. What better place to practice than right here on The Musik Lounge blog where it all began for me 20 years ago while in college, full of hopes and dreams of what a career in music writing could be. I don’t know what it will look like. I have so...

The topography of the rap landscape is one I don’t have the energy, or desire, to stay on top of any longer. That said I still try to keep my ears piqued for things, often late, but aware. I’ve forgone much of the regional youthful movements - leave those to the ones who care and are more hip . I’m enjoying my sonic journeys these days. And yet I can’t ever get away from rap entirely. If you dig into the archives of this blog or know me you know that hiphop is at the root going back to the first CD I ever got. Backwoodz Studioz has been bubbling and it feels as though they may finally be reaching broader appeal, following in the footsteps of Stones Throw , Rhymesayers and Def Jux . The latter of which they are most sonically aligned, presenting a modern take on the dark and amorphous New York underground sound so pristinely captured by El and company at the turn of the century.  This lineage is supported by Backwoodz founder billy woods connection with the Jukies, specifically V...