Hopsin puts the FU in Funk Volume!!

Hopsin Shows Us Why He Puts The FU in Funk Volume!! (Funk Volume Show Review 10/28/12) 

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. There is just something about the smell in the air, like delinquents and chocolate, that really get the blood pumping. Its the time of year when you can get away with adding liquor to your coffee, when you can hide under layers of clothes and eat without people seeing the weight gain, and when amazing acts like Hopsin grace the stages of the Hawthorne Theater for an amazing night like no other seen before.

When Thrasher first emailed me about the show, he asked me if I knew who Hopsin was and if I thought he would sell at all in Portland. I was so excited to get this email and I knew this would be an amazing opportunity for all of Portland to see the genius that my closest friend, Joe, has been shoving down my throat for months now. I responded to Thrasher that yes, I knew about Hopsin, that he was amazing, and that I would sell the show out and that we would love to play the show. So the deal was made and history was in the making for Portland. This would be Hopsin's first time ever here and I was going to be a part of this incredible event.

So our team began working feverishly to let everyone know that this was not a show to be missed. Many of you may not know, but Hopsin got his start on TV and is no stranger to the camera and lime light. In 2001 Hopsin had a part as an extra on the Disney movie Max Keeble's Big Move, he had a small part in 2002 on That's So Raven (which is were many people may recognize him) and he even had a guest appearance on the remake show Fame. Hopsin has always been a musician, but had a difficult time originally starting off on his career.

Eventually Hopsin did get going and started off with Ruthless Records in 2009, but Hopsin eventually left Ruthless Records due disagreements with the record label.  His debut album, Gazing at the Moonlight was dropped in 2009, but without a lot of backing it only sold 42 copies. After that Hopsin decided to do what many intelligent artists do, who see that the money is in the production, he started his own independent label, Funk Volume.

Presently Funk Volume consists of Swizz, Hopsin, Dizzy Wright, DJ Hoppa, and Jarren Benton. Together these guys heading, like a tornado, to Portland. Leaving a path of hung over partiers, broken relationship (fans), and exhausted venue owners behind. The fans of Portland counted down the days to the show, watching Funk Volume's Facebook posts about previous shows anxiously, and waited to see what they had in store for us. What we were to see would surpass my expectations by far and I would experience a moment during Hopsin's set that I had never witnessed by any other artist before him.

When I arrived at the show, there was a line practically around the block. Even in the pouring rain, fans were ready to get in and waited over and hour for the doors to open, just to get a coveted spot up front, close and person with the artists.

The first artist of the night was a local group. We sat diligently through the group waiting for the artists of the night and getting drinks and food out of the way.

Next up was Tragedy 503, a local favorite. With Tragedy tonight was fan favorite Knothead, Art Hardy (the amazing voice all over Tragedy's album), and Merax. Merax treated us to an amazing dance and some very special Halloween pop and locking, for an 8 year old he is truly an amazing talent. Tragedy had the crowd jumping and we even got to see a crazy mosh pit erupt in the middle of the venue.

As the show progressed we got amazing songs from Swizz, a very funny joke from Hoppa about Justin Beiber coming out to do a song with him, and incredible tracks by Dizzy and Jarren. I thought it was amazing for Hopsin to come out before his set and grace the stage with other artists for collaboration songs, which many artists won't do before their set.

Finally the lights went down, and Hopsin appeared on the stage. He sang out hit after hit and the crowd was jumping, singing, screaming, and girls were taking their tops off. Hopsin was having some great banter with the front row and really bringing the crowd in. Then Hopsin backed up on the stage and we could all tell what he was going to do, stage dive. One of the crowd favorites and a change for people to reach out and touch the star that they so idolize. What happened next no one would have guessed. During Hopsin's crowd surfing event, he rolled over, got the crowd to support him by the knees, slowly stood up, and finished his song..on the top of the screaming fans, in an almost super hero pose, and to everyone's excitment and enormous applause.

In my 13 years of working in music and doing shows, I have honestly never seen an artist do this and I was genuinely happy to have witnessed it. I know you may say that his is not a diffficult feet, but think about it. These fans were not prepped before hand. This was completely spontanious. These people held him strong, stable, and he gave an ultimate showmanship by giving the audience something to go home and talk about for years to come. I guarentee that next time Hopsin comes to town, the show will sell out twice as fast and people trying to get on it will flood the promotors email box. Just know Hopsin, I was the first to give ya a chance and I won't be the last. Keep selling out shows and keep doing what you do best, entertaining.

Still Stomping Way Over Your Expectations!

Knothead Never Throws In The Hand Or Folds UP!

For those of you who are not familiar with Knothead, if anyone like that exists, he is one of the most determined and hard working underground artists out there. His determination has made him one of the most coveted promoters out there and has landed him a spot on Strange Music's promotion crew for the NW.  Knothead has had his hands in so many musical projects and invited to be on so many amazing shows, you would wonder why he is still underground music!

Knothead comes from a small town in Washington called Port Hadlock. A town, until I met Knothead, I didn't know even existed. With a population of approximately 3500 people, you can see why it may be less likely to be heard of then, lets say Spokane, with a population of approximately 471,000. During Knothead's darker days of drug use and life lessons, he credits his decision to becoming an artist to some "tweaker" kids he saw writing raps and songs. His first goal was to be better then they were at it. Knothead credits is recovery to music and meeting his wonderful wife. I have met her and she is definitely a rare treasure.

Knothead moved to Spokane to start pursuing music and his career. Knothead battled his inner demons and did something many people never do in their life time, he kicked the drug habit and grew from it. Becoming a person that you could trust, work with, and enjoy in your corner doing music and being a part of the event.

Knothead and his wife met up with local artist Tragedy 503 while doing shows and the friendship between them became strong. Knothead made the move closer to Portland and the area by relocating to Vancouver WA. From Vancouver Knothead can attend shows in both Portland and in Spokane, Kennewick area.

Knothead has come out with some amazing records and built a fan base that is full of ride or die fans who will drive hours to a show. Some of the albums to check out, and that can be found on his facebook, are Hadlock for Life, Knothead's Back 2.0, K.N.O.T. (the) Radio Vol. 1, and Never Fold Up. Knothead's music has grown in strength and maturity through the years. His lyrical content has gotten more in depth and his song style has shown that with age comes experience and the ability to put out quality work.

Knothead has new music videos out as well and having produced two music videos recently, that are going viral online, had boosted his credentials even more. The first release is Can't Count The Demons in which Knothead talks about dealing with addiction and recovering from those things that can hold you down and keep you from being successful in life. Next was the highly anticipated release of Never Fold UP, about dealing with life and every day struggles, staying strong, and never giving up.

I foresee much more to come from Knothead. He has a great support system in life, a great fan base, and the will power to rocket himself in to fame and fortune. If I had any advice to give you Knothead, it would be to Keep Stompin, right over the faces of anyone who tries to hold you down or talk shit. Cause we know you will NEVER FOLD UP!!

Getting The Right Education with Kutt Calhoun- Show Review Sept 6th 2012

Kutt Calhoun Teaches a new kind of education in Salem OR!

Last Thursday night was a great time to catch Kutt Calhoun in town, one night only at Moonlight Events, 4764 Portland Rd NE in Salem, OR. Kutt Calhoun passed through our small local town of Salem on Sept 6th and gave the crowd a show that was seldom seen on such a personal and intimate level.

I had never been to this venue before and on first look I thought it looked a lot like a wedding reception hall. The venue holds a maximum of 600, but after talking with the owner, would hold more like 1500 once they make some changes and upgrades. The stage had a catwalk in the middle to allow artists to get closer to their fans and the sound system was better then expected ( I believe that was brought in by Tragedy 503 Promotions though or an affiliate). They had ample security for the event, and they were easy to talk with and seemed to be enjoying being there (which is rare for security).

People were lined up before I arrived and there was BBQ going on the side of the venue. People seemed to be having a great time talking in the parking lot and relaxing before the event. There was no bar inside, so people were starting their night in their cars and across the street at the local bar. Before the event began we all had a quick scare when a local fan, in line, fainted due to not having eaten that day. We came to her aid and then a member of her family came and picked her up. It was sad she had to miss the event, but everyone came together to get her water and make sure she was okay.

I went in for sound check and got to spend a moment hearing what the local artists and Kutt had in store for us that night. After helping make sure the set list was with the sound guy for the night, we got the artists their passes and prepared to open the door.

Fans piled in and headed straight to the front for what would be a great night of friends and excellent music.

First up was MOB. I was not familiar with this artist so I decided to stay inside and check out what he had to offer. He had a good style and I hoped his sound and lyrics would match. I was quite impressed with his music. I thought he had great talent on stage and engaged the crowd well. I wondered why he was opening a show when he seemed to have a lot of talent. It came down to fan base and who brought the most fans though. I will say that with a talent this good, people who support MOB should really come out and show support at his shows. One of the main ways that artists get good spots on shows it by pre-selling tickets and showing a substantial fan base. I hope to see MOB some where near the middle of the set next time I attend a show with him, because musically he's worth it. If you are a fan of MOB, make that happen by attending his events.

Next up was EWOK. I had not heard the band before and I don't believe I've ever seen them play until now. They were nice guys, whom we talked to before the show, and they had a fan base that seemed to enjoy their music. EWOK gave their all while on stage even when dealing with technically difficulty and some mistakes during the set.

On stage next was local favorite Beatwalkers.  This was my first time hearing this group as well. The group got a lot of love from the get go. They had a unique sound that was pleasing to the ears and that had a lot of depth. I didn't focus a lot on the lyrics as I was distracted by other items of business going on. The only critique I really had for them was that they did not move around much on stage. They seemed to just stand in a line behind the next while on the cat walk and didn't give much variety with movement, which could be why I was so easily distracted with other things while doing their set. All in all I give them a thumbs up and I would be interested in seeing them play again.

Finally, local favorite Knothead, was about to take the stage. I heard the loud speaker from outside and immediately ran in to see the set. I really enjoy Knothead's energy on stage. You can see his love for the music and his dedication in every word and every movement. I sang along with my favorite songs and snapped a few pictures. I even saw a little fan about 5 years old with her parents in the crowd. Knothead has a new CD out right now that I highly recommend you pick up called "Never Fold Up". Knothead is one of the most dedicated artists I know in the NW and no one can out shine his hustle in the music industry.

Ebonix, a long time friend of mine, was up next. Ebonix was previously a member of the group PWC and also 2Sic. His talent has definitely grown and matured over the years and I will have to say that I was very impressed with were he has gone with his sound. He has matured as an artist with practice and with dedication and has matured as a person as well. I look forward to seeing were he goes in the future and hope to see him at a show near by very soon. If you are not familiar with Ebonix, I recommend you check him out.

Next up was local legend Tragedy 503. I can always expect an entertaining show when Tragedy gets on stage. Tragedy was ready to rock the stage and came on to the cheers  of his fans chanting his name, Tragedy, Tragedy, Tragedy. The show was amazing and he played all my favorite songs. The crowd went wild and they were pumped up and ready for Kutty to come out. Check out more Tragedy news and music and even purchase his new CD at www.tragedy503.com .

Last, but definitely never least, was Kutt Calhoun. For more detailed review of Kutt Calhoun's set, see the blog "Don't Assume You Know Kutt Calhoun" on my blog. Kutt opened the show with banter from his set and himself, engaging the crowd, and getting everyone ready for 45 minutes of true lyrical genius. Kutt played favorites like "Bunk Rock Bitch" and "Colors". We even got a taste of Kutt's special "walk" that he does for the crowd on occasion. The crowd got a real treat with Kutt that Thursday evening and if you missed the show you really missed out on an event that may not come around again. The venue offered a rare one on one contact with Kutt that doesn't happen often in music, with an artist of such caliber. For those of us who made it we took notes and learned a great lesson. Kutt really "Took "EM Back to School" that night and Kutt will always be my favorite. I believe so many others may agree when they say that they are "hot for teacher".

Don't Assume you Know Kutt Calhoun-from the Green Room

Many people may think they know all there is to know about Kutt Calhoun, but don't presume you know anything about this talented artist till after you read this. Kutt Calhoun sat down with me before the Taking 'Em Back To School show in Salem, OR on 9/6/12 and gave me some insight into who he is as an artist, a man, and a performer. 

The crowd was anxious in anticipation of this event, lining up outside hours before the doors were to open. I couldn't wait to get off work and head to Salem to see what was in store for us that night. We had worked so hard on promotions and I knew the event would be worth the drive (an hour each way, by the way). I caught a ride with some good friends and we headed out to the event. When Kutt arrived, Tragedy and I whisked him away to a private room were he could relax and prepare for the nights show. But before I could let him start to prepare, I had to ask for an interview, being we all have so many questions that needed to be answered. Kutt Calhoun is an artist, that I believe, is way underestimated on Strange Music's label. The talent that Kutt Calhoun emanates from his person, his lyrics, and the mesmorizing way he brings forth his message in his songs,  makes him a talent that will not be lost in the side lines of the many other talented acts on his label. Kutt stands out in a way that demands attention and will not be left wanting. 

When I sat down with Kutt, I will admi,t I was a bit nervous. I have done one on one interviews with many members of Strange Music (Big Krizz, Big Scoob, Irv Da Phenom, Tech) while working for the Strange Music blogs, but I have never done an interview with Kutty. I wasn't sure what to expect. Kutty, being the handsome lady killer he is, just oozes a kind of sex appeal and style that could make the most hard core business women ( like me) blush and stumble on her words. I found Kutty to be very kind and easy to talk to and the interview that he gave left me feeling like there is another side of Kutty most don't get to tap into, as is true with most artists, and I hope I can give you a glimpse of that tonight. 

One of the first things I asked Kutty, was what was the inspiration for his new EP Kelvin. Its been 2 years since the last release of Raw and Unkutt and we have all been waiting to see what Kutt had to offer us next. Kutt said to me " I think I had to prove something, to myself. I (wanted to prove) I didn't have to depend on songs like "Callin My Name" to get notoriety from my fans." People were going to like him or not, so Kutt said "I'm just gonn do Kutt and to squash the rumors that I had left Strange Music or had a falling out or anything like that." Kutt said he was going to do something that was just what he wanted to do no matter what anyone else thought of it and was coming back tenfold. 

I asked Kutty, "What influenced you to do music?" Kutt got a grin on his face like most artist do when I ask this question. With most artists its something that is deep down in their being and the question was never what made them do it, but what brought it out of them at the right time. Kutt said "It just kind of happened. I was in the right place at the right time. I was hanging around people  years ago who were rapping and free styling. So I went home and I decided to write my own rap to the best of my ability and what I thought was good. I took it to them and they loved it. They said I had a lot of talent. I remember listening to artists when I was a kid like Spice 1, NWA, and Too Short and rapping along with them (on the radio)." I asked Kutt then , "Well, what made you go with Strange Music?" Kutt said, "I was again in the right place at the right time." He said that he was in the studio recording some music and the producer happen to have been in a group with Tech N9ne and that Tech recorded at that studio. The producer liked what Kutt was doing and Tech was quite the big time around the area, at that time. Everyone was really into him. "So I got him on a song on my album for free and Tech liked what he heard and it just went from there." Well I can say I am so glad he was in that studio at the right time. I think the dynamic from Tech and Kutty is one that is unmatched in many groups that are touring at this time. The energy that they give while on stage and the way they feed off each others energy brings a whole new level to their tours that pack the house night after night. 

I am always curious to know what songs and albums are the artists favorite. I usually know what ones are the fans favorites by reaction when the song plays at the show, at a party, or buzz online, but what do the artists think about their own songs? Which ones do they like the best? So I asked Kutty, "What was your favorite album to make?" He seemed excited to hear that question and maybe no one has ever asked him. He thought for a moment and said, " B.L.E.V.E. would have to be my favorite album. It was my first and I was so excited to be doing it. It was like the being a virgin. You never forget your first or the best sex you have ever had, you just don't forget it. B.L.E.V.E. was like my de-virginizing." I believe all Kutty's albums have there own reason for being great, and I have my fan favorite of course (Feature Presentation), but nothing will ever replace the feeling an artist gets with their first. The ability to finally put their thoughts and their ideas from their paper to the CD and share it with everyone. It's gotta be like having your first child and watching it grow up and mature into an amazing musical career. 

So then I asked Kutty, "What are your favorite songs to perform live?" Kutty smiled and thought again for a moment. If anyone has a million dollar smile, it would have to be that man. You can see such happiness in his face and realize that he really enjoys what he does and that each song must have a place in his heart for different reasons. Kutty said, " Well it would have to be a three way tie between Bunk Rock Bitch, Smiling Faces, and Colors." I was happy to hear that because those are two of my own favorite songs. Bunk Rock Bitch was one song I really enjoyed after years of seeing girls back stage do just what the song describes. I love smiling faces, like most of America does, because the song really gets to the heart of how people treat each other anymore. How people will smile at you while the rob you blind, stab you in the back, and sign your death certificate. I think today that most people know you can't trust anyone anymore, not even your family or your friends. We all have to watch our backs and the world has become very much, " I gotta get mine no matter what it does to you." I feel that song, as I listen to it now, really explains how no one really knows what is underneath that person's smile except that person. 

Well Kutty, what do you have planned for the future for us? We are all fans and feel that you have so far to go. What does the future hold? Kutty said, " Well I plan to put out more albums. I want to reach a success level to MY standards and I want to be the CEO of my own label. I want to A&R other talent and help them to be successful and grow in the industry." We all look forward to more albums, as Kutty gets better with each release and shows a level of lyrical genius that is hard to top. With so many songs out there that talk about nothing in general, its a breath of fresh air to hear Kutty slip in so much music that speaks to much more then just money and sex, but also to how we should view the world and open our eyes. 

Soon after, Kutty hit the stage and put on a show that was amazing, full of new music, and lyrically superior to  many acts I have seen in the last few months. He was decked out in a lot of blue. Tragedy asked Kutty, " How can you get away with wearing so much blue?" Kutty replied, " It's okay to wear blue, if you outline it in all red."  We all shared a good laugh. 

Kutty presented many new songs from his upcoming EP, he wooed the chicks and even gave everyone a show that will never be forgotten, but if you weren't there, then you will never know. Kutt even performed my favorite, Colors, while dancing to the Michael Jackson beat in the background. That is always my favorite part of the show. Few artists are quite as talented in the art of dancing as Kutty.  Kutt Calhoun even gave us a snip-it of information on the new EP. Contrary to popular belief, Kelvin is not short for Kutt  + Melvin, but is a gauge of temperature. The night ended on a good note and fans were able to get pictures and autographs from Kutty. Then off they went to Spokane to rock another great show for an amazing crowd.  Kutty, thank you for the interview and I hope you enjoy reading this some day. We at Bullette Music will always be a fan and our readers feel the same, K U T T Y ain't nothing to fuck with. 

Hopsin Re-Invents Halloween on Oct 28th 2012 Portland OR

Hopsin live @ Hawthorne Theater Oct 28th 2012
Tickets $15 adv VIP $35/meet and greet
Tickets avail thru Cascadia tickets or save $ service charge through local artists @ 503-753-8737

Halloween is a time of year when things that hide in the dark come into the light and this is no exception for up and coming artist Hopsin.  Hopsin is a man of many trades who is re-inventing himself many times over and is showing the world that he is a talent to be reckoned with. Hopsin is a MC, producer, director, actor, and editor just to name a few. He has swept the nation recently with heart stopping videos and amazing lyrics that are hard to beat. His talent and showmanship are not for the faint of heart and his lyrics do not hold back a truth that Hopsin needs to share with his fans and with nay-sayers alike.

With songs like "Sag My Pants" Hopsin pushes the envelope and lets people know he is not afraid to call people out in his line of work. Hopsin collaborates with a Bullette Music favorite, Tech N9ne, on the song  "Am I A Psycho?". 

Hopsin pushed through with little support from others and a drive that pushed him through the sea of no's into a world of yes's on the music scene. When Portland promoter Mike Thrasher hit me up about booking Hopsin in Portland, I gave a big Hell Yes to the idea. Hopsin is a national secret that needs to be brought out into the light. Portland will never be the same once he is released into our streets. I foresee Hopsin's fan base growing with leaps and bounds in the coming years and his talent growing with it.

Local favorite Tragedy 503 will join Hopsin on his Portland debut and I hope the end result is a collaboration and friendship between Funk Volume and Tragedy 503 Promotions that will result in success for both parties. We look forward to seeing all the Funk Volume artists and seeing what this dark Halloween has in store for us, so hide your kids and check your candy, cause I foresee something wicked waiting for us.

Take 'Em To School with Kutt Calhoun of Strange Music

Kutt Calhoun Takes over Salem OR

Salem, OR has a true Hip Hop talent hitting their area next month on Sept 6th. None other then Bloody Kutty from Strange Music. Kutt is doing a one time show at Moonlight Events on 4764 Portland Rd NE in Salem OR. This will be the only stop in the Portland/Eugene are for Kutt Calhoun, so you do not want to miss out on this amazing event. Tickets are $20 in advance or 2 for $30. The event has limited space so hurry and grab your tickets before they are gone. You can purchase tickets from local artists playing the show: Tragedy 503, KNOTHEAD, Beatwalkers, Ebonix, Strophik, and S!lent or by texting booking and promotions at 503-753-8737.

Kutt Calhoun is working on releasing a new EP later this year that will be completely produced by Seven. This will be a work that we should all be on the look out this year. Kutt talks about his new EP on the Strange blog site. Here is a little piece straight from the rappers mouth,

 "I’m in the midst of doing music right now. I got mixtapes in the making and I’ll be doing another studio album here soon. I’ll be getting these mixtapes out of the way and EP, then I’m going to focus on another studio album that’s going to blow everybody’s top. I strive to get better and better. If people thought Raw And Un-Kutt was my best shit or a lot of people thought Feature Presentation was a classic, I’m going to keep getting better and better. There’s more to come. Kutt Calhoun ain’t about to die down anytime soon. "-taken from Kutt's blog

Strange fans alike will have a new EP to anticipate and more amazing songs from an artist who continues to push the bar with his music. Kutt is not afraid to say what everyone is thinking with songs like "Smiling Faces" from Kutt's cd Featured Presentation put out in 2008.

Kutt is a fan favorite at Tech N9ne shows as well. The crowd goes wild with anticipation as we hear Michael Jackson come over the loud speaker and know that Kutt and Tech are about to bring back a blast from the past with hip hop moves and moon walk elegance. Kutt is a favorite with the ladies as well, as heard in his song "Bunk Rock Bitch" from Featured Presentation (2008). Kutt will be a fan favorite along with some other artists at this main event.

Also featured at this main event is local legends Tragedy 503 and Knothead. Tragdy 503 comes from Portland OR and has a long history of working with members of Strange music going back as far as 2003. Tragedy and Strange music are much like family, as heard in their collaboration songs like "Snuff You" and "Fatal Attraction".
Knothead is also no stranger to the Strange Music scene. He has worked with and collaborated with the artists for many years, holding down the Washington area with a stance few others can compete with. Knothead is also playing on Kutt Calhoun's second stop on this tour in Townsend WA on his Calling My Name Tour Sept 7th 2012.

Special guests also featured at this event are Beatwalkers, Ebonix, Strophik, and S!lent.

Feel free to bring your geek out for this back to school event. Girls in glasses and school girl shorts and guys in suspenders and bow ties will in the streets in anticipation for this amazing events, and pay attention because yes, there will be a test later!!