I Survived the Mexican Stepgrandfather "OCCUPIED STATE" Album Release Party

I drove to San Antonio Saturday night to specifically see the Mexican Stepgrandfather perform at club Limelight. This was the first time I had been to Limelight, located on North Saint Marys Street, and I really had a great time. I would definitely go back again although the sound system could be better. I also enjoyed the eclectic but friendly crowd and the atmosphere was electric.

All the opening artists were great but the Mexican Stepgrandfather ruled the house. He did have full band and DJ support Saturday night although the new album uses more drum beats and live music rather music samples. The message is still political and very pertinent to the current anti-immigrant sentiment, social plight and relationship issues. OCCUPIED STATE has more featured artist than the first album, ESTERE-ERE-O, and less music samples which highlights Mexican Stepgrandfather lyrical skill.

When Mexican Stepgrandfather came out for his set, the crowd was anxious and happy to see him. They were cheering, jumping and dancing. Mexican Stepgrandfather poured out his heart and soul for the crowd that night and they gladly accepted the gift. At the end of the set, the crowd still wanted more. I wanted more. I can say we all left happy and content because we all had shared the same incredible experience. I extended the euphoria by listening to the OCCUPIED STATE CD on the way home.

Check out this video of "Falling Down" at Limelight.



Also check out "The System" off OCCUPIED STATE.

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Mexican Stepgrandfather Album Release at Limelight

I first saw Mexican Stepgrandfather perform about two years ago at the Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas. I instantly liked his music, lyrics and stage presence. After his set, I purchased the then current ESTERE-ERE-O CD and started a conversation with Marco Antonio Cervantes aka Mexican Stepgrandfather (MSG). Marco is a really nice guy. Originally from Houston, Marco has been living in San Antonio for years now. I discovered that he was an Associate Professor at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA). MSG is unique in many ways. He is not your run of the mill 19 or 20-something year old rapper. Liked I said, he is a professor. A master of the English and Spanish language, MSG uses bilingualism to create lyrics that tell a fascinating story. When I listen to his music, I just get it. I've either seen it or have been around that story he is rapping about. I also like the samples of old Mexican tunes he uses and how they're mixed.

I have seen MSG perform on two other ocassions: Una Noche de la Gloria 2009 at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, Texas and at Mi Casa Cantina at Este Vato's CD Release in June 2010 in Austin.

I'm excited, MSG is having an Album Release at Limelight in San Antonio, Texas on November 20, 2010. I will be at the Limelight next Saturday because I want to see MSG perform and I want the new album, OCCUPIED STATE. I haven't asked about the album, songs or any background information because I want it to be new and fresh.

Below you'll see a great sample of MSG in an "Official" professionally produced music video.


The second is a video of an actual performance which gives you an even better sense of MSG in action.


Other artist performing at are:

Mojoe

Diego Bernal

Astex

Scuba Gooding Sr.

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Afrofreque CD Release Party at Momo's

Last night was the Afrofreque CD Release at Momo's presented by Bemba Entertainment. This is the third time I've seen Afrofreque in the last 30 days and still want more. I saw them recently at the Birthday Felabration for Fela Kuti at Red 7 and at the Funk Freak Halloween Ball at ND at Studio 501, also produced by Bemba Entertainment, and last night at Momo's. They just won me over immediately. They are Funk, Soul, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B and more. All the people at Momo's last night were definitely moved to dance, bounce or sway to the music. I purchased Afrofreque's new CD,"Jewels and Gems," so I get to hear them anytime I want.

I do have to thank Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment for continuously producing numerous themed showcases like the Birthday Felabration and the Funk Freak Halloween Ball which have been great events and experiences. Brandon has the knack of selecting the right musical talent, the right venue and the ability to create a unique experience that people want to attend and then look forward to the next event.

The musical line up last night included Dawni McCray, Adam Rodgers, Soulkitchen, Afrofrique and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. I did get to record video of Soul Kitchen, Afrofreque and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. It was an exceptional night for music.







To find out what Bemba Entertainment has planned check out the Bemba Calender.

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Ice Cube at Club Mohawk

December 14, 2008-When I found out that Ice Cube was coming to Austin, I had to go. You may be asking, “What’s a guy like you doing at an Ice Cube concert?” Well my profile states that I like ALL types of music and I really do. Anyway, I got into Rap and Gansta Rap because my kids grew up with MTV. I also found MTV interesting and entertaining not to mention this was music history in the making. Of course MTV played music videos but then introduced rap music. Many of the rappers were sampling songs from music I grew up listening to and now my kids were listening to a new version of that old song. Then “YO! MTV Raps” came out and all hell broke loose. Gansta Rap was introduced to the mainstream audience.

All this sound familiar? Whether you’re my age or grew up in the MTV generation, Rap music was here to stay.

Ice Cube or O’Shea Jackson, is on my short list of must see rappers along with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Sugarhill Gang, RunDMC and the Beastie Boys. He can be credited for getting rap from the street to mainstream USA in the late 1980s. Ice Cube was the lyrical brains behind MWA which consisted of : Dr Dre, Easy-E, MC Ren, DJ Yella and Ice Cube. In 1990 he went solo and in 1993 he teamed up with WC and Mack 10 to form Westside Connection. Ice Cube also has a successful movie career with credits in "Boys in the Hood," several "Friday" movies, "Barbershop" and "Are We There Yet" to name a few movies. If that wasn’t enough, Ice Cube established his won Lench Mob Records label.

The Mohawk hosted the show this night. In one of my previous blogs, I stated that I really like the Mohawk and its tri-level set up. The night was cool and breezy but nice for a December. The tickets for the show were $25, a little high for me, but it was Ice Cube! I positioned myself on the patio above the audience and facing the stage. The crowd really didn’t come in until Ice Cube took the stage at about 9:30 PM with an estimated 400 packed fans.

I really liked this show because Ice Cube does an excellent job of engaging the audience. He talks to the crowd and the crowd happily responds. DubC, Ice Cube’s partner, would ask Ice Cube a question and then Ice Cube would respond and ask the audience the question. The audience would respond and then Ice Cube would use the answer as an introduction to the next song. Ice Cubed sang for about two solid hours but we could all have gone all night.

Note: Personally I don't use the same language that you hear on gansta rap music but I understand the artistic value and impact it provides to song and message . If you are offended by such language, do not listen or view the videos. Thanks.

To get an idea of the sense of the actual show click on the YouTube video by bluntedviewz .

Ice Cube performed all my favorites songs and a couple of songs from his new Raw Footage CD

Gansta Nation

Today Was A Good Day

Check Yo Self

We be Clubbin’

You Can Do It

Fuck The Police

Why Me?

I Got My Locs On (Raw Footage)

The sound system was pretty good that night but Ice Cube kept asking for more volume. He frequently would use the sound of a shot gun cocking and firing throughout the concert. Plus the thumping sound of the bass in the music mesmerized the audience into mindless submission, me included.

Now there is plenty of free parking if you get to the Mohawk before the show but watch out for people who guide you to an available parking spot and then ask for a "donation." I’d stayed away from those guys and parked in another free location.

I do have a complaint about the Mohawk restroom in the inside bar area. You have approximately 300 men, most of them drinking, trying to use a restroom with two urinals and one stall. Wow!

Overall one of the best concerts/shows I’ve been to ever. I strongly recommend that you catch an Ice Cube show next time he's in your area. You will not be disappointed.