Getting back into the groove in regards to writing regularly again. As I write more, I meet more interesting people who have great stories I can write about. It's a great cycle to be in.
My latest article is on a veteran of the Tampa hip-hop scene, an MC named Paradox. Formerly known as Spike La Rock, Paradox is attempting to unify Tampa's hip-hop under the Zulu Nation banner. He has been around hip-hop since the early days in New York City and it was great spending time with him and hearing his story and his future plans.
Tampa rapper aiming to launch Zulu Nation chapter - Tampa Bay Times, 18 July 2013
Now a few music items I didn't write:
1) Sad news: Bluesman T-Model Ford passed away this week. Although not as well known as bluesmen with more lengthy and distinguished careers, T-Model Ford was a Mississippi Delta blues performer whose sound echoed that of the Robert Johnson, Son House, and other blues legends. I saw T-Model Ford play an acoustic set in Clarksdale, Mississippi in what remains as one of the best music trips I have ever taken. He was a great performer and a great musician.
2) Disturbing news: Varg Vikernes, former leadman of the Norwegian Black Metal band Burzum, was arrested in France this week for "plotting a massacre". One, I didn't know Vikernes was a free man - he was found guilty of murdering a fellow musician, Mayhem guitarist Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth. According to the almighty Wikipedia, he was released in 2009. Second, who let Vikernes correspond with the guy in Norway who killed 77 people and blamed it on hip hop and video games? According to reports, that correspondence led French authorities to arrest him and his wife when Mrs. Vikernes (he is married?) bought four rifles.
(Update: Vikernes and his wife were released due to lack of evidence. Makes sense, as correspondence with a homicidal extremist, writing racist blogs, and arming yourself does not actually make you a threat. But I am sure the French authorities will continue to monitor him.)
3) On the subject of anti-authority, albeit far less violent, Rebel Frequencies wrote an interesting piece on Woody Guthrie, American protest folk singer. Although best known for singing "This Land Is Our Land", Guthrie was a staunch anti-capitalist. (This was written back in October, but I just found it among my bookmarks. Still worth the read.)
4) In other Tampa Bay-based news, sports injury writer Will Carroll wrote a blog post dissecting the mechanics of singer Carly Rae Jepsen's ill attempt at a first pitch during last week's Tampa Bay Rays game. Very interesting as Carroll breaks down Jepsen's body motion and figures out exactly where she went horribly wrong.
5) Last, but not least, here is a page where you can download Tampa MC and hip-hop writer Slick Worthington's latest album. Support local music. Maybe I should write about him soon.
