Veteran MC and Chicago's own Common sat down with VladTV to discuss his 10th album, "Nobody's Smiling," the meaning behind its title, and the difference between the Chicago of his youth and Chiraq today.
When it's comes to dropping his 10th album, Common says it feels good to be able to have that many albums under his belt, but that he doesn't get caught up in how many albums he's dropped because he knows you're only as good as your last cut. He's more excited about the new project than anything else.
The album in question, "Nobody's Smiling," is about Chicago's increasingly violent nature and the need for it to be addressed. When reminded of Chicago rapper and Chief Keef's cousin Big Glo's murder back in April, Common says that's the reason he made this album.
"I'm not happy, I'm from Chicago. I'm not happy we losing people over...people getting shot over things that ain't even necessary. I can't even act like i know every situation, why it happens, but some of it...it's become part of...a way of life. People don't value life as much as we can, as much as we should."
When asked about the state of Chicago today vs. Chicago of the late '80s and '90s when he was coming up, he says he feels it's worse now. Also, he quotes a statistic saying the murder rate was higher in his era, but the order and street code of the hood no longer exists, citing the fact that kids as young as 3 years old are being shot and killed as an example.
http://www.vladtv.com
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Common Compares Chicago of the '80s & '90s to Today
Veteran MC and Chicago's own Common sat down with VladTV to discuss his 10th album, "Nobody's Smiling," the meaning behind its title, and the difference between the Chicago of his youth and Chiraq today.
When it's comes to dropping his 10th album, Common says it feels good to be able to have that many albums under his belt, but that he doesn't get caught up in how many albums he's dropped because he knows you're only as good as your last cut. He's more excited about the new project than anything else.
The album in question, "Nobody's Smiling," is about Chicago's increasingly violent nature and the need for it to be addressed. When reminded of Chicago rapper and Chief Keef's cousin Big Glo's murder back in April, Common says that's the reason he made this album.
"I'm not happy, I'm from Chicago. I'm not happy we losing people over...people getting shot over things that ain't even necessary. I can't even act like i know every situation, why it happens, but some of it...it's become part of...a way of life. People don't value life as much as we can, as much as we should."
When asked about the state of Chicago today vs. Chicago of the late '80s and '90s when he was coming up, he says he feels it's worse now. Also, he quotes a statistic saying the murder rate was higher in his era, but the order and street code of the hood no longer exists, citing the fact that kids as young as 3 years old are being shot and killed as an example.
http://www.vladtv.com
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
CHI - IRAQ | Chuck Diesal | #Term #Topic
Youtube.com/ChuckDiesal312
These are the Views of ChuckDiesal. The Topic is The Term "Chi-Iraq"
These are just my views!!
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
King Louie | Chicago Gangs & Lil Mouse
Chicago rapper King Louie shares his thoughts on gangs and violence, explaining the progression that he's seen in the city over the years. Louie also discusses the controversy surrounding the teenage rapper Lil Mouse, and what part of his act he believes is just for entertainment.
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Brute Heart | Station to Station | Live
Live performance of the band Brute Heart shot in Minneapolis
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Rowe Shot Me Presents | The Reset (A FreshFlixTV Short)
A short visual about Rowe and his restart on his current lifestyle.
Direction: Rowe Shot Me
Director of Photography: Nutty
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Chicago Documentary | Chiraq "Ground Zero" | Gravity Films
Violence in Chicago
Produced by Dishawn Curry
Filmed by Idris Akins and Stevie Taylor
Edited by Stevie Taylor and Dishawn Curry
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
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