Flex Mathews here, alive, and well. Its been a while since I have posted something, but I felt this would be interesting. I did a show in Philly a couple of weeks ago with one of MY SUPER GOOD FRIENDS KOSHA DILLZ and a really amazing band SHINOBI NINJA out of New York. There I got to meet another really cool guy by thee name of “WOODY“. I wanted to blog about him because I thought he was cool beans. I sent him some question and he answered them quick fast. I hope ya enjoy
HEEEELLLLLOOOOO WOOOODDDYYYY
1. How long have you been with Shinobi Ninja and how did you meet them?
I first met the cats of Shinobi Ninja as a music journalist for RockNYC, (www.rocknycliveandrecorded.com) back in August of 2010. After witnessing one of the best live shows I had ever seen, I wanted, rather needed, to share their music with the world. I started booking them shows in NC, where I was currently finishing up school, and as organically as possible that turned into more shows, and finally this 35+ stop Rock Hood Tour.
2. What do you like about them the most?
Working/ living with Shinobi Ninja is awesome, every single member brings something unique to the table which keep life interesting, entertaining, and most of the time much easier. They are all true musicians, with a passion for spreading music to the people. They are winners, but not in the spooky music industry way, I was learned is more common than fake tits in LA. They are all super cool, which is something you can’t learn or be taught, which is a common misconception.
3. Do people every make sexual Jokes about your name?
I got dubbed “Woody Wood”, which has been inked on several posters, t-shirts, and breasts down the coast.. any “Woody” joke you could ever think of has been presented to me in one way or another. If you think you have an original one, please bring to my attention immediately if not sooner.
4. What is life on the road like for those who don’t know?
Life on the road is just as unpredictable as it repetitive. We go from hotel to venue and rock, to the next hotel to the next venue and rock. Maybe we skip a hotel and hit a venue and rock, and drive throughout the night to a hotel. Sometimes we sleep, sometimes we eat. And now for the unpredictable parts.. a melted axle while driving on the highway, crazy groupies, backstage tattoos, free booze, new friends, day on the beach, trip to the mall to rock an acoustic set, gone thrifting, cooking in hotels, sketchy strangers…
5. Do you make music or has touring with the band made you want to pursue music?
Unfortunately, I haven’t created physical music in years, I do however consider creating an atmosphere where musicians can shine, and giving them a stage to perform on “making music”. In that sense I have been making music for about two-year, with the creation of my 4TheLove Music and Arts Festival. Still, being on tour has inspired me to pick up a guitar and mess around.
6. How long have you been a road manager for the band and is what is your biggest goal as a manager/agent?
I have been road managing for Shinobi Ninja since February, this is my first stint as this. So far, so great. My biggest goal as a tour manager is to put together and lead the best possible tour I possibly can, constantly learn to insure I get better at what I’m doing, assist Shinobi Ninja, (in any form possible) in their trip to global stardom, and meet all of the most awesome people in the world. In regards to myself as an agent, I plan on starting my own talent agency, working with all of the best artists and venues world-wide.
7. What is an inside between you and the band that you can leak out?
Not for nothing, if you want to know anything “inside” about the band, come to a show. If you hit Shinobi Ninja up on facebook or twitter and keep it real, and ask nicely, I bet you can score your name on the guest list. And if you are cool, and real, and try and talk to them before or after show, I bet you can find something “inside” about the band that may interest you. Bottom line: they are real dudes, ( and dudette) keep it chill, and have a civil conversation like a normal human being.
8. Who is your favorite spice girl?
An FYI about myself- Baby Spice is by far my favorite spice girl.
9. White boys can (You finish) and white boy can’t (You finish)
White boys can DANCE, and white boys can’t JUMP ( or maybe its the other way around)
Who’s know Woody, I know white who can do both and several other guys who can’t do either. So to wrap to this up, go check out the band Shinobi Ninja, and when you are there always remember to take time out to enjoy the Woody.
Peace and Love to you all
Also be sure to vote for Flex Mathews in the “Best of DC” Contest in the category for “Best Local Rap Artist”. Just go to the link below to vote. Voting ends on March 15th people, so lets get on the ball.
Vote Flex Mathews AKA: The Handsome Grandson for Best Local Hip-Hop Artist in 2011 Best of DC Poll:
Peace and love to all the Durkl fam out there, but most of all Lucas for taking a chance on a local battle freestyle rapper who barely has a name in this world called hip hop. I met Lucas sometime ago in DC and to be frank I can’t quite remember where, but that is not important. When I got fired from my JOB in 2009 and announced I was about to go on tour with Kosha Dillz (What up homie!) Lucas said come through the shop and we’ll lace you for sure. I wore the clothes they gave me all over the globe. I was even rocken Durkl clothes in Hawaii and on stage with Matisyahu a couple of times. I feel Durkl truly is about DC first and the world second. They sponsor so many DC artist with their clothing line that is increases my love for the local scene that much more. So thank you Lucas, Rufus, Hafie and to the rest of the fellas. Keep it moven. I am always in your corner. 100%
On a second note I met a wonderful person by the name of Laura who is a photographer and is new on the metro area scene. She is always looking for gigs to shoot and people to work with. You can reach her at ( lwickizer@gmail.com) Hit her up and see what magic you can make together.
That’s me people.
One love and fruit basket.
(Freestyling at Steves Bar Room. A great local spot)
(This was back stage with Questlove and Mike Posner at Sundance 2010. It was great)
Kosha Dillz and I with Mike Posner at Sundace Film Festival 2010
(A interview with Kapital Magazine on U Street)
(On stage with Kosha Dillz and Matisyahu in Long Beach California at Jewlishous 6.0…..You will love this festival)
(On Stage with the Method at Rock and Roll Hotel on H street N.E)
(Freestyle performance at The Beat Clash and it took place at Bohemian Caverns. This was the first day I got my Durkl gear. I felt like a kid on his first day of school with a new Trapper Keeper. 100%)
It has been a while, but I have been traveling a great deal, and making music. I am back in DC and chillen with my family” Ill Street Grooves” at WPFW 89.3 fm radio from 10pm to 11pm. Here is one of the many dope freestyles that goes down live on the air with some of DC’s own independent hard hitters. It was filmed by my homie Addictive Nature who reps Chapel Hill, NC (What Endless Mic). Please enjoy and I will be back soon with some new music and updates.
This was a great show and I just happened to catch some footage of me jamming with a great DMV band called “The Method” and we mos def got bizzy. I hope everyone out there enjoys.
The Heroes for Haiti tour with Flex Mathews and Kosha Dillz runs until March 1.
Feb 5th Abbey Pub w/ DJ Yoda – Chicago, IL
Feb 6th Raging Buffalo Resort w/ Slick Rick – Algonquin, IL
Feb 7th Yacht Club – Iowa Ciy, IA
Feb 8th Vaudevilles Mews – Des Moines, IA
Feb 9th Vaudevilles Mews w/ Trevor hall (early show) – Des Moines, IA
Feb 9th Peoples w/ Skee Lo – Des Moines, IA
Feb 10th Firebird – St Louis, MO
Feb 12th Nutty’s North w/ Mr Dibbs – Sioux Falls , SD
Feb 13th Reptile Palace – Oshkosh, WI
Feb 14th Schubas w/ Trevor hall – Chicago IL
Feb 15th Day Trotter – Rock Island, IL
Feb 19th Jewlicious Festival – Long Beach, CA
Feb 20th Jewlicious Festival – Long Beach, CA
Feb 21st Jewlicious Festival – Long Beach, CA
Feb 25th Pipeline Cafe w/ Matisyahu – Honolulu, HI
Feb 27th Kuhio Lounge w/ Matisyahu – Kapaa, HI
Feb 28th Lahaina Civic Center w/ Matisyahu – Lahaina, HI
Mar 1st Rockstarz w/ Matisyahu – Kailua Kona, HI
That right b-boys and b-girls…Table Manners. Hopefully most of us are familiar with table manners such as no elbows on the table, wash your hands before you eat, no reaching over other people plates, no talking about religion & politics at the table, and so forth. While chilling in New York I have stumbled upon a new set of table of manners that has been put together by producer team 2Hungrey Brothers featuring Deep and Ben Boogie that might change the way you consume your music. This new compilation is called (If you haven’t picked on the title already) “Table Manners” and is full of great new ways for you to “Act Right” while chewing your hip-hop around others. At the of open this CD of table manners prepare to be greeted by Fresh Daily with Nola Darling as they give you the “Intro Of The Century” with plans to take you deep. Dive! The table is soon set by Vast Aire, L.I.F.E & Mariella with the song “Table Setting”. I must admit that my favorite part of track two is Mariella’s vocal solo as 2Hungry Brothers provide a melodic break down for her voice to ride over. Fantastic. The production on Table Manners is kind of next level with the melody of their chopped samples combined with heavy baselines as shown on track four titled “Sucka Pass” with Reef The Lost Cause. I am with Reef for most of the song, until he starts complaining about nerd rap and rappers using big words. WHAT! It’s 2010 are street MC’s still complaining about that? I was hearing this when I was 16 battling rappers in the street. Ya need to get a life and step ya vocab up…for real. Geez! Fresh Daily really comes off on this project….as always. This is a crew who is no stranger to multi syllable words. Nice Vocabulary fellas. Peace to my fellow DMV rider Substantial or “Dr. Feelgood” keeping you on “Cruize Control” as SkyZoo, John Robinson, and Shabaam Shahdeeq “Keep It Honest”. I love it. Homeboy Sandman (What UP Homie!) has a stupid nice verse on “Swerve”. I’ll be honest I wasn’t feeling the rest of the song, but Mr. Sandman capped it off something nice. Where’s The Good Son? I look to the sky as finish saying that. On a side note I do feel Alias is a sleeping giant on this project, because I had never heard of him until this compilation and now I am checking for him. I am excited to see what I can find on him. To wrap this review up my favorite song BY FAR is track three by C-Rayz Wallz titled “See You Thin” I feel C-Rayz is really beasten on this track something awful. All of his food similes and metaphors had me chuckling at the china town bus station as I wrote this. Go team C-Rayz. Over all I give this project 7 out of 10 with that song C-Rayz Wallz bumping up it to a solid 8 out of 10. I like this compilation.
Soo I titled this blog entry “What…Michael Buble??? Yup” because Micheal’s music is different, but if it’s good then it’s good. If you mixed Elvis, Dean Martin, and sprinkled in some Frank Sinatra on top I feel you would come up with Michael Buble. From his new music video of “Haven’t Met You Yet” to his dazzling live performance of “Save The Last Dance For Me” one thing is for sure. Micheal Buble creates his own lane and maintains that course. To put it plain this Haagan Das Strawberry ice-cream lover can sing among the best of legends and musical unsung heros. I feel in 2010 you won’t find ANYBODY like Michael and please pull my card if I am wrong people. In a world where music is so pop or watered down with image Mr. Buble keeps his integrity. Michael is a regular down to earth dude who enjoys coke slurpee , old dutch ketchup chips, tuna helper, and New York hot dog vendors after the bar. If he ate a box of prune he couldn’t be more regular. After appearing with Jennifer Hudson on her ABC Christmas special, this year he is about to hit the road for a 20 city “Crazy Love” music tour, and you won’t to miss it. Tour dates are listed below anlong with some of my favorite Michael Buble performance clips.
Here is the more complete list of the dates for Michael’s Crazy Love Tour – presented by Nordstrom (tickets already on sale):
3/10/10 Orlando, FL- Amway Arena
3/12/10 Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Bank Atlantic Center
3/13/10 Tampa, FL- St. Pete Times Forum
3/14/10 Atlanta, GA- Gwinnett Civic Center
3/16/10 Philadelphia, PA- Wachovia Center
3/17/10 Pittsburgh, PA- Petersen Events Center
3/19/10 Worcester, MA- DCU Center
3/20/10 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
3/23/10 Cleveland, OH- Wolstein Center
3/24/10 Cincinnati, OH- U.S. Bank Arena
3/25/10 Detroit, MI – Palace of Auburn Hills
3/27/10 Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
3/28/10 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
3/30/10 Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
3/31/10 Salt Lake City, UT – The E Center
4/2/10 Portland, OR – Rose Garden
4/3/10 Seattle, WA – Key Arena
4/6/10 Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
4/8/10 Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center
4/9/10 Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
Sooo who wants that ” New Gold”? Well you can find that new gold in Fort Knox Five’s new LP “The New Gold Standard 2” and yes a new standard has been set. This compilation is the sequel to their last project “The Gold Standard” and has proven to me to shine just as hard as most 2009 projects. So what I am saying is F.K.F has not lost a step. I first heard of Fort Knox Five when I (Flex Mathews) was voted one of Urb Magazines Next 100 in 2005. Before I got my write-up in the mag, there they were with a very healthy article being awarded the same honours, and the first words that came out of my mouth were “Who is this?” Now I know. The New Gold Standard 2 has moved F.K.F to the platform of world music and once you listen to this project you will understand why. You will discover funk, salsa, roots rock reggae, hip-hop, smooth instrumentals marinated with saxophones, and all while repping the DMV. That’s right. Fort Knox Five is really big on working with artist from the metro area as you discover this on the song “Homegrown” by the 18th Street Lounge Wednesday night allstar band See-I. If you find yourself in the DC area on Wednesday night it is a must you go past 18th Street Lounge to catch a performance from one of DC’s most original roots band “See-I“. You will not be disappointed. For all those See-I lovers out there they also make a appearance on “How Could You” which is track 7. Currently I am listening to “Sundown” as I write this blog entry which is track 10. Sundown is by “International Velvet” and features “Mustafa Akbar”. Now I admit I have never heard of either International Velvet or Mustafa Akbar, but they do a great job of creating a song which I can only describe as Sammy John over a well strummed Indian sitar. You gotta love it unless your currently in a relationship and are the cheating party. Then Sundown may not be the song for you. Hmm “relationship” that is a great way to describe how well all this songs compliment each other allowing this project to flow beautifully. Last but mos def not the least is “Nappy Riddem” with the song “One World Sovereignty” featuring “Asheru” (A DC legend Asheru is). This song takes time to recognize the political and economical screw ups in our the world. While spilling out rhymes Asheru lets our listeners know “If you scared let me know, but if not then tell pharaoh to let my people go”. I like it and agree with it. Overall my gripes with project are very few. With that being said I would have suggested The New Gold Standard 2 for stocking stuffer. Though after listening to the complete LP I am sure it will be around for the next few Christmas’s to come. You find Fort Knox Five music and everything new that is going on with them at their website http://www.fortknoxrecordings.com/
If your in DC then you might be aware of a DJ torching everything in sight and giving you mixed tapes that are just as hot. This DMV 12 inch warrior goes by the name of DJ Jav pronounced “DJ Hav“. His latest mix tape titled “El Mix O Primero” that is for free download at www.DJjav.com. El Mix Primero is better than whale music for pregnant women…for real. It’s something nice for the whole anatomy. You can find DJ Jav spinning music at the Bohemian Caverns happy hours every Tuesday night and right after that at the Up and Up open mic that is also at Bohemian Caverns. Oh and the Up and Up open mic is super dope as well. Have you ever been to Tyrone Norris’s Cakes and Kisses Party at Asylum in Adams Morgan of Uptown DC? Well DJ Jav was the one knocken your socks off when the MC’s were taking at break. Staying true his Latin roots he spin salsa music on Wednesdays at the Ozio restaurant in Maryland…Silver Spring…I think. PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE ME ON THAT. Just google it on your tumor giving Iphone. Your body will thank you. So if you see DJ Jav spinning anywhere do your feet a favor, get your back off the wall, and dance to the rhythm of night…El Debarge style. That’s for all my 80′s babys.
Catch Matisyahu, Travis McCoy of Gym Glass Heros, Kosha Dillz, and Flex Mathews in Brooklyn, NY at Music Hall Williamsburg. See Kosha Dillz new video “Celluar Phone” below.
