PREHENSILE TALES.

RUSTY'S IMEEM UPDATE; PLAYLISTS UPDATED! JAM ON YOUR COMPUTER!

2008-11-12T13:49:00.002-06:00

I was looking at my RUSTY RADIO stuff on IMEEM and realizing that now that there were 50 (FIFTY!) mixes up there, it was time for an upgrade. I hadn't been able to spend any time on it in a while and I wanted to do so. I've put a lotta work into my DJing of late and I'd like to make it easier for you (and myself) to listen to what I wanna listen to.

I've developed a number of new playlists and made sure to make it so that each 'sub-station' of the station is available for you, my peeps, to launch alone and just rock to or embed on your social-networking page of choice. Yes, I mix, I upload, I post, you rock...and it don't cost a thang. It's truly for the love of the Music and for the love of what I do. I'm on the wheels pretty consistently, so I might as well share what I am bumpin', right? You'll have a lotta opportunities coming up very soon to see and hear me DJ. I have a great time making these mixes, so really everybody wins...

Now, before, everything was on RUSTY RADIO, which was a catchall for all my mixes. As time has gone on, I realized that everybody might not wanna go from a straight-ahead rock mix into a hip-hop mix or whatever. I had to approach it like real radio or my real iTunes. Things are catergorized very well, so I can find what I am looking for in an easy fashion. So, to that end, I decided to develop a group of 'sub-stations' outta RUSTY RADIO, so that mixes would be grouped by genre, theme, vibe, whatever it is that made it part of a group...

For example...I have place all the 'History 101' Mixes in one playlist...so if you felt like getting your classic hip-hop on, you could do so...

Now, say you felt like getting your Rock N' Roll ya-ya's out. We can do that, too...This is my 'Rocks Off' Playlist...

Or, what if you felt like you wanted the funk, the whole funk, the grit, the soul? Man, you KNOW I have that covered.

For all you clubheads out there, your buddy Russ can do the 4 On The Floor thang as well. Let's get that heart pumpin'.

There's a few examples of some of the ways I have tried to make RUSTY RADIO a viable option for you to rock during your day online. I hope you take the time out to check out my profile on IMEEM, as well as the MUDKIDS page on IMEEM which was recently added. You will get updates and new Music frequently on both of these pages, so take the time out to explore and enjoy them. It's one way that I can share my influences, views, and loves of all kinds of Music with you. I'm only so happy to do it.

Here is the link to my IMEEM page.

RUSTY ON IMEEM (I HAVE SOME FLY PLAYLISTS!)

...and here are the mighty MUDKIDS!

MUDKIDS ON IMEEM

Hope you enjoy the new playlists. Drop me a line and lemme know if I got ya jammin'...don't forget downloadable versions of many of the mixes are available on my blog. Here's the link,

'PREHENSILE TALES'

Y'all be good and stand up for whatever you believe in. We'll see you the day before Thanksgiving at SPIN NIGHTCLUB

Respect and Grace,

Rusty

MUDKIDS - 'Shades (I'm Fly)' Beta Base Video

2008-11-10T22:38:00.002-06:00

Russ: "Alright, so you wanna get down for a bit?"

Tyler: "Yeah, sounds good."

Russ: "Grab your sunglasses outta the car."

Tyler: "huh?"

Russ: "Think I'm gonna shoot a video for 'Shades' while you're over here

Tyler: "Ah, man...I just shaved. I'd like to have a little scruff."

Russ: "I got you, man. C'mon, let's do this..."

Tyler: "Alright, then."

We did about five or six takes and here it is...the BETA BASE video for 'Shades (I'm Fly)'. I've been wanting to get ol' Elp-Mass some more facetime. I'm glad he got ready for his close-up.

Here's the new joint, y'all...

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'PROBAMA, PART 2 (VICTORY!)' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-11-10T07:17:00.003-06:00

BEEN 'bout it! Dance, y'all! 71 days...they should have me spin the inauguration!

"THINK! It ain't illegal yet!" - George Clinton (no relation to Bill)

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Probama, Part 2 (VICTORY!)' < click there and remember this is one nation under a groove!

Playlist

'One Nation Under A Groove' - Funkadelic
'Can You Feel It?' - The Jacksons
'The Future' - Prince
'Dance To The Music (Interlude)' - Sly & The Family Stone
'It's Just Begun' - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
'Feels Good' - Tony Toni Tone'
'Don't Stop The Dance' - Bohannon
'Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On' - Funkadelic
'Give It Up Or Turn It Loose' - James Brown
'Soul Makossa' - Manu Dibango
'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours' - Stevie Wonder

Rockrockon...

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'CHANGE, MOTIVATION PART 5' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-11-06T14:11:00.003-06:00

KEEP ON DANCIN'!

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Change, Motivation Part 5' < click there and get behind YOUR next president!

'Do The Push And Pull' - Rufus Thomas
'Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) - Parliament
'Pick Up The Pieces' - Average White Band
'Holy Ghost' - The Bar-Kays
'Let's Get Small' - Trouble Funk
'Trouble Funk Express' - Trouble Funk
'Pump Me Up' - Trouble Funk
'Dance Across The Floor' - Jimmy 'Bo' Horne
'Dance With Me' - Peter Brown

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'HOPE, MOTIVATION PART 4' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-11-06T13:08:00.005-06:00

Ah, yes, yes, y'all! Yes, yes, y'all!

Man, I just wanna dance for y'all...! WHOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Hope (Motivation, Part 3)' < click there and don't you dare lose any enthusiasm...

Playlist

'When The World Is Running Down...' - The Police
'Goodnight Tonight' - Paul McCartney
'Disco Nights' - GQ
'As If You Read My Mind' - Stevie Wonder
'Get On The Floor' - Michael Jackson
'Super Bad' - James Brown
'Cool' - the Time
'Partyup' - Prince
'You Got Me Floating' - Jimi Hendrix
'Fortunate Son' - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Rusty Redenbacher, Consumer Watchdog; AT&T SUCKS...THE VIDEO.

2008-11-06T12:01:00.001-06:00

MAN.....I told y'all. This is ridiculous.

Russ

Rusty Redenbacher, Consumer Watchdog; AT&T SUCKS

2008-11-05T15:40:00.004-06:00

You see that? That is my phone, close to THREE HOURS into being 'on hold' with 'Customer Service' with AT&T. THREE HOURS.

I wish I could fully explain the runaround I have had dealing with this company. After all these years as a loyal customer, I am totally feeling the shaft. And they are far from the only game in town, so they have soooooo lost my business.

My account was turned off for late payment (My fault)...less than 24 hours after that, the account was paid-in-full, zeroed out, at which point I was told by 'Customer Service' that my service would be restored. Three days later, with still no service, I called in again and was told I would hafta set up a totally new account. I explained how ridiculous I thought that was, especially after zeroing out my account. Nonetheless, I decided to re-up with them for the two months remaining on my lease...I already had the modem and before the 16th of October, I had no problem with AT&T.

Three or four days after that, I was STILL without service and had no luck getting through to 'customer help'. I was greeted with their automated system, which hung up on me twice, and after the first attempt to talk with an actual human being stalled out at 30 minutes or so, I decided that i would be patient.

Here we are, two weeks after the shut-off of my service, five days after my "service was activated" and I'm here at the Newsstand, maxing out on the Wi-Fi while I can. I have attempted to "chat online with a technician" unsuccessfully, I have checked my mail and gone to the office where I live to make sure I have not missed any packages. I have been a gentleman about this whole situation, having been misinformed by 'customer service' three times, finally giving in to what amounted to AT&T's demands for me to establish new service, and being without a service that in my profession, is absolutely necessary. I have had NO HELP from AT&T, whatsoever.

I've shot an accompanying video detailing my plight and will be editing and uploading it asap. Basically, it comes down to this; this experience with AT&T over the last two weeks has been the absolute WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE experience I have EVER HAD in my life. I have YET to talk with a real person since I established my account (which is NOT WORKING) six days ago. Absolutely tragic, shameful, and damnable.

AT&T, consider me gone. You would think with all the money you sink into advertising, you'd have enough people around to actually answer the phones. Apparently, that is not a priority within your company. I am so bundling my internet with my cable at the first opportunity. I'll send your modem or take it to wherever it needs to be. I will also post this blog and the accompanying video everywhere I can think of, including my friends, family, fanbase. On a day when I would rather do nothing than use the internet to contact my friends, family, and fanbase to talk about the wonderfully shifting political landscape of our great country, I am sitting here beefing with a major, major, major corporation that obviously has turned a deaf ear to my concerns. Anyone who asks me will be told of the drama and the absolute lack of concern shown by this company towards one of their 'valued customers'.

Y'all have gotta do better. You just lost one.

President-Elect Barack Obama!

2008-11-05T10:58:00.001-06:00

Dedicated to the memories of my grandparents and my parents. I wish y'all were here. Y'all woulda really loved this...

This is for my Uncles Bill, Lanky, Gerard, and Buddy. And OF COURSE, my AUNTIE FANNIE!

Hullo, America...congratulations.

I got up Monday and tried to vote early (at the last minute). Couldn't get it done, so I waited, just like a lotta other folks. I had never had any real problems at the polls before, so I wasn't worried about getting my vote in; I just really wanted to make SURE that I counted. This election was way too important to leave anything to chance. I bit my lip and waited 24 more hours for my chance to help make history.

Tuesday; I jumped outta bed, not because the bulldozers were in full effect or my alarm went off, but because I was so excited to get to the polls. I wanted to get it done before I had to go to the TV studio to tape the 'Rock Block'. Voting was all that was really on my mind. I refused to let this get away from me. There was nothing more important to do. Nothing.

I called my Uncle Tim, the Uncle who first made me aware of Barack Obama. Tim has been a tireless supporter of the campaign and what Obama represents. I knew he would know exactly where I was to go to vote. He was working at one of the polls, just as he does every election season, but he took a second to tell his nephew where he needed to be. I could hear promise in his voice. "Big day, Unc.", I said. "The biggest, Russ. He's gonna do it." Tim has been saying, "He's gonna do it." since Obama announced his candidacy. Uncle Tim told me that I needed to go to a church on my side of town and if I had any problems to give him a call.

I taped my shows and shot out the door. I was headed straight to the polls from work. I stopped by Northside News for one more shot of coffee, though; I wanted to make sure I was fully caffeinated and awake to cast my ballot.

When I arrived at the polls, I was greeted by a number of teens handing out handbills and flyers asking for my support on various referendums and candidates. I thanked them, took their papers and made my way to the door. I stopped to talk to a cat about the sample ballot he was holding. He showed me how to fill it out properly. It really wasn't any different than taking a standardized test in grade-school, except this time I had to use a pen instead No. 2 Pencil. The volunteer told me I made "amazing Music" and to keep it up. I thanked him and made my way inside.

I told the volunteers my name. I asked if I could use their pen and they obliged. I read over the ballot very, very, very, carefully. I didn't want to mess anything up here. This was the day. This was the choice. This was the time. I filled in the blanks cautiously. I knew dang well who I was voting for a long time ago, I just wanted the rest of the world and the people counting to be certain. I colored in the circles like a child, careful to not go outside the lines.

I waited. I watched. I wept.

I was DJing a Democratic Party function. Well, not so much DJing, as watching results come in from throughout the country. My man took a commanding lead early and never let up. As the numbers came in and I started to realize that something many people (including myself) never though possible was actually happening. The night wore on and it was evident that Barack Obama was gonna be our 44th President of The United States Of America, a feeling swelled in my chest. When it got to 205 electoral votes and the party I was at started to shut down, I broke down my gear and made my way to my home. I knew that there was a speech that I must hear coming. A victory speech.

I got home around 10:40, Indianapolis time. I turned on the news channels and flipped between them. I watched CNN for the info, MSNBC for the personalities, and Fox News for the playa-hating, (which from now on will be referred to as 'President hating'.) I waited for the results from California to come in and put my man over the top. At 11 o'clock, it happened. It truly happened. I sent out texts and called so many friends and family members. There was no way to contain my excitement and I felt no need to.

I waited for my girlfriend to get to my home and we watched our next First Family take the stage in Chicago's Grant Park. Tears ran down my face as I realized that I was watching something that many people thought would never happen was happening. The victory was decisive and there was nothing anyone could do to take it away. The people had spoken, loudly and clearly. We want a new America and we want it asap. Hundreds of thousands of people waited for hours and gathered in Chicago to hear our next President speak. I had half a mind to drive up there myself, but obviously I woulda missed the good stuff. I was quite happy to catch this at home and even happier to watch this with my companion.

The last 24 hours have been the most important, earth-shaking hours of my young, American life. I am so proud to be an American right now. Anything really is possible here, the people really do have a voice, and nobody can take that away. The events of last night are something I will cherish for the rest of my life. There has never been a day like yesterday and there will never be another one. I am beyond proud of the campaign that President-Elect Obama ran, the class displayed, the promise shown. This is the greatest country in the world and Barack Obama and his election to the highest-office in the land is proof of that. We are capable of change, we are capable of great things. We can make a better world. Anything can happen in America...

This isn't a movie, kids. America has spoken. It's real.

'President Barack Obama'

Damn, that feels good.

God bless America.

Russ

Cowboy Bob's Corral!

2008-11-02T09:49:00.001-06:00

Good Morning, Friends! I am starting my Sunday right; got my grey Peyton jersey on, wearing my 'Victory Helmet', and having coffee with friends at Northside News. Found this cliip today while talking about great old local TV shows. 'Cowboy Bob's Corral' was on right before I had to start heading out for school. If I was lucky, I MIGHT get to watch the first cartoon or two on 'Janie' before I had to hustle outside.

Here's one of my all-time favorite TV themes. Peace to Tumbleweed, Windjammer, and Sourdough, The Singing Biscuit.

s.a.i.n.t. RECON featuring Rusty Redenbacher - 'Libra' (live at Sam's Saloon - 10/31/08)

2008-11-01T16:55:00.002-05:00

I am bursting with pride after Jesse's performance last night. Really glad I could be a part of it!

Watch this joint!

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'ROCKS OFF, SPECTRUM 3' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-30T14:54:00.005-05:00

Don't stop...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Rocks Off, Spectrum 3' [zshare] < click there and rawwwwwwwwwwwwwwk.

Playlist::

'Lonely Is The Night' - Billy Squier
'Crawl' - Kings Of Leon
'Scentless Apprentice' - Nirvana
'Wolf Like Me' - TV On The Radio
'Pinhead' - The Ramones
'Fresh Tendrils' - Soundgarden
'Custard Pie' - Led Zeppelin
'The Denial Twist' - The White Stripes
'Funk #49' - James Gang
'Make It With Chu' - Queens Of The Stone Age

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'ROCKS OFF, SPECTRUM 2' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-30T13:43:00.006-05:00

I wanna rock. Not in a 'Twisted Sister' kinda way, but I want something L O U D. I NEED NOISE.

I wish my man, Chris Cornell, didn't ever leave Soundgarden. I really miss that band. They were so bad-ass, yo. I remember meeting them before I really knew who they were. They were in town to open for Skid Row or someone when 'Louder Than Love' had come out. The girlfriend I had at the time was into them, as was my friend, Mookie (he eventually sold me on them by saying they kinda sounded like Led Zeppelin. He knew that was an easy way to get me to listen. I'm glad I did.)

I never saw them play, perhaps I will get the chance one day.

Let's get these rocks off, man...I went off on some ol' 'Alley Cat' shit for this one.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Rocks Off, Spectrum 2' [zshare] < click there and don't get dizzy when you bang your head.

Playlist:

'TV Eye' - The Stooges
'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' - AC/DC
'Shake Appeal' - The Stooges
'Ace Of Spades' - Motorhead
'Stacked Actors' - Foo Fighters
'Looks That Kill' - Motley Crue
'Little T & A' - Rolling Stones
'Superunknown' - Soundgarden
'Crazy On You' - Heart
'Wang Dang Doodle' - PJ Harvey
'Celebration Day' - Led Zeppelin
'Outro' - RR

'Icarus, Part 2' Lyrics

2008-10-29T17:12:00.001-05:00

When I get too close, I burn myself
It reminds me not to fly too high
When I feel that itch, I touch my scars
Remembering the 'who's', 'when's' and 'why's'
I beat the dust off my wings; I flap myself silly
Unwrap myself, really; till you're high enough to feel me
Over the mountains and the plains, the seas and the surf
Now, you can fly on your own or you can crash back to Earth
I learned from the mistakes and the lessons of my Father
He flew high, close to the Sun, but not to the author
Me? I feel the heat and retreat.
I ain't scared of nothing, but I know when I'm beat
I'll always heed the teachings of dear ol' Dad
Never trying out my wings when I'm drunk or I'm mad
I catch updrafts; a nod, a laugh
A smile; a trained response on my behalf
I'm tryin'; flying between divine and dying
Over the jagged rocks and the canyon dividing
I'm flyin'; It gets me that much further away
Or closer. I'm finding where to land and stay
I'm flyin'; with no real destination
Just a thrill in knowing you would kill for this sensation
I'm tryin'; navigating currents, curve, and turns
Over the graveyards, acknowledging what I have learned.

(Verse 2)

It was the freedom wings provided that made me haft try it
It was the yearning that made me do that fly shit
I didn't need 'em; but I am pleased with the reminders
And the burning isn't coming as long as I glide it
That ain't me, I'm going higher, further, faster
Serving up a passion, flirting with disaster
Contact my girl, my aunt, uncle and pastor
Is this what I would've wanted; ask her.
In the case that I may disappear into the ether
Make sure you tell everyone I said to stay a believer
I'll see ya when I see ya...
I'm eight miles high, tracking the birds, and I'll leave ya
A nice tailwind and a sonic boom
A perfect launching pad in this empty room
A strange time for takeoff, but it's flight or doom
When I depart, it won't be a moment too soon
Higher and higher, hoping to wake the slumbering Moon
The Dawn aspires to fire me into the lap of Neptune
Faster; wings keeping beat, heart in time and tune
You could never understand cuz you've never seen the view
Watch me; soon enough, I'm a ghost on the horizon
Into the great unknown where nothing's surprising
And nothing's shocking; believe it, I'm not dropping
I'm flying; over your home and back without stopping.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'ALWAYS HOT MAGIC' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-27T15:52:00.005-05:00

Sittin' here with my people, having a wonderful 'Dude' sammich at the Newsstand. This is good food and great company...

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I gotta get one of these internet machines!" - CW PRUITT

Yeah, man, you do! We gotta get the Poet Laureate of Broad Ripple ONLINE! Pick up a Broad Ripple Gazette and read CW's column. Always interesting, always intriguing. The Drive To Get CW Online begins here!

This is a fun mix...I am feeling so 'pop'! All these Songs have great melodies; feel free to sing along!

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER: 'Always Hot Magic ('Pop' Is Not A Bad Word)' [zshare] < click there and get ready to hum, at the very least.

Playlist:

'Wicked Wisdom' - Of Montreal
'Follow My Ruin' - Royksopp
'Too Late For Goodbyes' - Julian Lennon
'Baby Hold On' - Eddie Money
'Special' - Mew
'Trouble' - Lindsey Buckingham
'You Make Loving Fun' - Fleetwood Mac
'Let's Call It Off' - Peter, Bjorn, and John
'Shakespeare's Sister' - The Smiths
'William, It Was Really Nothing' - The Smiths
'Girls On Film' - Duran Duran
'Real Naked Girls' - Margot And The Nuclear So And So's

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'ROCKS OFF (SPECTRUM 1)' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-23T17:40:00.005-05:00

Let's do this, man...we'll start slow and work up to speed.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Rocks Off, Spectrum 1' [zshare] < click there and get yours, yo...

Playlist

'New Mama' - Neil Young
'High Speed' - Coldplay
'God Only Knows' - The Beach Boys
'The Chain' - Fleetwood Mac
'Skeleton Key' - Margot And The Nuclear So-and-So's
'A Punch-Up At A Wedding' - Radiohead
'Let My Love Open The Door' - Pete Townshend
'Steppin' Out' - Joe Jackson
'How Many More Times' - Led Zeppelin
'Birth Ritual' - Soundgarden
'Supernaut' - Black Sabbath
'Gypsy Eyes' - Jimi Hendrix

Listen to all of it. Look at all of it.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'WISDOM' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-23T17:18:00.005-05:00

Play this one for someone you dig a lot...

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Wisdom, Pt. 1' [zshare] < click there and get all mushy and sh**

Playlist:

'All I Need' - Radiohead
'I Belong To You' - Lenny Kravitz
'Sweet Black Angel' - Rolling Stones
'Lover, You Should've Come Over' - Jeff Buckley
'Borrowed Tune' - Neil Young
'Wonderful' - Brian Wilson
'Province' - TV On The Radio
'Lovesong' - The Cure
'The Secret Marriage' - Sting

MATISYAHU (Live In Indianapolis - 10/22/08)

2008-10-23T17:14:00.002-05:00

He turned it out and that backdrop is silly fresh...

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A DECENT WEEKEND, TO BE SURE' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-23T13:49:00.004-05:00

Well, Hi there...didja miss me as much as I missed you?

Been a minute; we've been getting a lotta stuff together, MUDKID-wise, getting ready for a few shows and recording new material.

But, I am still in the mix...just been a while since I felt like uploading this stuff and I have been hella busy..

Aight, I got you; "Get to the Music, Russ. Make my iPod happy."

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A Decent Weekend, To Be Sure' [zshare] < click there and have a great week.

'Coldest Winter' - Kanye West
'Memories Fade' - Tears For Fears
'Dirtywhirl' - TV On The Radio
'Love Dog' - TV On The Radio
'Caterpillar Girl' - The Cure
'The Road Leads Where It's Led' - The Secret Machines
'Can't Believe A Single Word' - VHS Or Beta
'Groove Is In The Heart' - Deee-Lite
'A Girl Like You' - The Smithereens

'SIMON SAYS' featuring KINETIK

2008-10-14T11:33:00.001-05:00

Hey,

I told y'all about my dude, KINETIK, a while back. He recorded a remix of one of our Songs, 'I Believe', a while back and I was so happy with what he did with our Song, I decided that he and I should do a project together.

This is the first thing we recorded together; just spitting bars over the 'Simon Says' beat. We figured this is a good place to start...

You'll hear a bit of his version of 'I Believe', as well as 'Simon Says' in this clip. Enjoy.

10/22 - MATISYAHU/FLOBOTS/MUDKIDS - Murat Egyptian Room

10/25 - BROAD RIPPLE MUSIC FEST - Spin Nightclub (MK at 1 a.m.)

10/31 - 'FREAKS, GHOULS, AND WEIRDOS' - Sam's Saloon

11/4 - CWUW LIFEJAM - Tip Top Tavern

Come see me. I'll give you a hug.

Respect and Grace,

Rusty

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'DEATH MIX LIVE, VOL 1' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

I will talk about this one a bit.

I put together a bed of blended instrumentals; mostly loops. Then I overdubbed scratch tracks, so as to give the mix a bit of a narrative. I felt the need to work on my scratching a bit and it's a great way to work out whatever is on my mind and in my hands.

I put everything into the Music. I guess that is what this mix is about. Even when you don't see me posting mixes or talking about Songs, believe that I am working on the Music. Every day, I do something to better myself as a Artist. Every day, I am reading, writing, creating, or listening to something or someone that will make me better at what I do.

There's no playlist...the entire mix consists of breakbeats, loops, scratching, and blending; the essentials. It's my first attempt at something like this. I hope you enjoy it. I know I feel better. Some of it may be a bit profane, so I suppose I should tell you that if you are at work or there are children around, you might wanna use your headphones.

This is some other shit...

MP3;

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Death Mix Live, 1.0' [zshare] < click there and wrap your head around that.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'THE LAST MEAL' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-02T14:25:00.003-05:00

I ain't got shit to talk about...and when I do, you'll know. Here's some more Music

MP3

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'The Last Meal' [zshare] < click there and eat good.

Playlist

'Imma Get Mine' - Mannie Fresh/Show/Lil Wayne
'Paper Planes' (Remix) - M.I.A./Bun B./Rich Boy
'Above The Clouds' - Gang Starr/Inspektah Deck
'Mind Tricks' - Supernatural
'Snoopy Track' - Jay-Z
'Grace' - Mudkids
'Get 'Em Out Ya Way, Pa' - Wu-Tang Clan
'Rappers R N Danja' - KRS-One
'Talk That Shit' - Timbaland/T-Pain
'Liquid Swords' - The Genius/GZA
'Bitches 2' - Ice-T

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'BEEN A BOSS'' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-10-02T14:08:00.003-05:00

Shot callin'. Big ballin'. Never stallin'...Happy Wednesday.

MP3;

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Been A Boss' [zshare] < click there and step your game up.

Playlist:

'Like A Boss' - Slim Thug
'Leave Me Alone' - Cam'ron
'Ain't I' - Jay-Z/Timbaland
'The Breakthrough' - LL Cool J
'You Can't Fade Me' - Ice Cube
'Can't Break' - Atmosphere
'Puppets' - Atmosphere
'Supafly' - Boosie
'Get Off The Bandwagon' - EPMD
"Hot Damn' - M80/Rusty Redenbacher

MUDKIDS receive BEST HIP-HOP BAND in NUVO READERS' POLL. Dig the plaque.

2008-09-29T01:17:00.002-05:00

Here's the lovely and talented Amy Crook of NUVO Newsweekly bringing the plaque to the 'Kid for the 'Kids. Thanks to everyone who voted for Us and all of you everywhere who have supported Us all these years.

We got so much to say. Thanks for listening.

Respect and Grace, Get your MATISYAHU/FLOBOTS/MUDKIDS tickets NOW!

LIVENATION

MUDKIDS

MUDKIDS ON FACEBOOK

MUDKIDS TV

RUSTY ON IMEEM (I HAVE SOME FLY PLAYLISTS!)

Rusty

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'HIGHWAY MUSIC, Pts. 1 and 2'' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-09-23T19:37:00.005-05:00

There are just certain Songs that sound GREAT in the car to me. It isn't because of how they make the speakers vibrate or the way the instruments are panned. They just remind me of the car...specifically the passenger side of my Daddy's Maxima. Some of these are Songs I know I love because my Daddy would hum along to them in the car, which meant they HAD to be cool. Some of them are Songs that I played for him when he finally realized that he had in fact, refined my taste in Music from a distance. Tim and Marc had the Funk covered, with Tim eventually becoming the Uncle to talk to about Jazz. My Daddy was a total mixed-bag. He liked everything, as long as the shit was jammin'. (There's a couple on here, I think he woulda dug had he been around to hear them...)

He had really wild, diverse taste, as far as Music was concerned. I scooped a lotta records every time I went to Gary for the summer. Records that were sitting in the closet, records that I asked him if could take home (that he signed as if he was the Artist on the record!) records I knew he wanted to keep but would give up for the kid...heck, they had my name on 'em, too.

So here's some travelling Music, in two parts...cuz we had a buncha tapes in the whip! (and a little bit of road-rage thrown in for idiots passing on the right. GET OUTTA MY BLIND SPOT THEN, YOU EEEEEDIOT!)

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Highway Music, Pt. 1 (nighttime..there)' < click there and smell the spirit if industry in the air! Ahhhh...steel mill fresh!

Playlist:

'Roundabout' - Yes
'She Sells Sanctuary' - The Cult
'Molly's Chambers' - Kings Of Leon
'25 Or 6 To 4' - Chicago
'Coming Up' - Paul McCartney and Wings
'One Thing Leads To Another' - The Fixx
'Girl's Got Rhythm' - AC/DC
'Rio' - Duran Duran
'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress' - The Hollies
'Stop Me If You Think You Heard This One Before' - The Smiths
'Province' - TV On The Radio
'Down By The Sea' - Men At Work

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Highway Music, Pt. 2 (daytime, the ride back)' < click there and lean the seat back.

'Just A Touch Of Love' - Slave
'Give Me The Night' - George Benson
'Never Too Much' - Luther Vandross
'I'll Be Around' - The Spinners
'That Lady' - The Isley Brothers
'Do You Love What You Feel?' - Rufus and Chaka Khan
'You're The One For Me' - D-Train
'Disco Nights (Rock, Freak) - GQ
'777-9311' - The Time
'Erotic City' - Prince
'Be Your Man' - Jesse Johnson's Revue
'The Glamorous Life' - Sheila E.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'SWAGGER LIKE RUSS' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-09-23T17:59:00.004-05:00

Clerk Swagger.

Studio Swag.

Crib Swag.

Crew Swag.

Swagger for you...

MP3;

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Swagger Like Russ' [zshare] < click there and get your swagger right.

'My President' - Young Jeezy
'Wish U Would' - Ludacris/TI
'Pennies' - The Cool Kids
'Return Of The Gangsta' - Outkast
'Raising The Bar' - Hardtimes
'Shades (I'm Fly)' - Mudkids
'Shawty Say' - David Banner/Lil Wayne
'Angel' - The Game/Common
'Damo Meets Fak' - Fak Beatz featuring Damo and Leeroy Deestroy
'Get Retarded' - MC EZ and Troup
'Talk That Shit' - Timbaland/T-Pain
'Swagger Like Us' - Jay-Z/Kanye West/Lil Wayne/TI

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A HARD LESSON' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-09-23T17:39:00.004-05:00

I've had a really rough day. My emotions have gone full-circle. I'm kinda hurting right now. I just know that there is someone I can't help. I would've done anything for my friend, but I can't be a part of whatever this is anymore.

It ain't right and you and I know it. My heart is cracked. I don't know what to do other than play my Music. And what is really funny is...all the benefits of all the doubts I gave you. I feel so dumb. I know I am not. That's why it hurts.

I won't be a part pf this anymore.

Everybody's gotta learn sometime....

...killed too many people I Love. Won't kill me. Won't watch it kill nobody else.

Naivete is one of the hardest things to lose. Realizing you're not stupid makes you feel dumb. It's hurts, it burns.

A Hard Lesson, but a lesson most definitely learned.

MP3;

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A Hard Lesson' [zshare] < click there and leave that shit alone. Get it together.

'Cocaine And Reefer' - Muddy Waters
'Chinese Rock' - Ramones
'Feel Good Hit Of The Summer' - Queens Of The Stone Age
'Snowblind' - Black Sabbath
'Remedy' - The Black Crowes
'You're Gonna Miss Me' - The 13th Floor Elevators
'Tonight's The Night' - Neil Young
'The Spiderbite Song' - The Flaming Lips
'Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime' - The Korgis

...and hope always remains.

PG freestyles for MUDKIDS TV

2008-09-18T11:04:00.014-05:00

Yeah,

I ain't finna talk your ear off. I really want you to see this video.

My man, PG, came over to vibe and talk about his set. I couldn't let the opportunity to get one of Indy's illest on tape. We went into Beta Base and this is how it went down.

Dude is ill...

See us do it tomorrow at SPIN.

Respect and Grace,

Rusty

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'PROBAMA' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-09-18T11:04:00.010-05:00

These are very serious times. I know where I stand.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Lemme tell you why...with a little help from some of my heroes.

MP3

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Probama' [zshare] < click there and get it together for November. Hopefully we can bump this mix at a victory party.

Playlist

'Ali's Bicentennial Theme' - Muhammad Ali
'Damn Right, I Am Somebody' - The JB's
'Sign O' The Times' - Prince
'Runnin' Away' - Sly And The Family Stone
'Big Brother' - Stevie Wonder
'The Pride' - The Isley Brothers
'Standing On The Top' - Rick James/The Temptations
'Higher Ground' - Stevie Wonder
'Partyup' - Prince
'Think' - Aretha Franklin

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'GROWN FOLKS MUSIC' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-09-18T11:04:00.005-05:00

Hadn't made a slow-jam mix yet. I don't make 'slow-jam mixes'. These are love songs.

This one is smooooooooth...play it for someone you love.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER: 'Grown Folks Music' [zshare] < click there and make sweet love down by the fire.

Playlist

'Symphony' - Marvin Gaye
'Never Can Say Goodbye' - The Jackson 5
'Love Me In A Special Way' - Debarge
'Pink Cashmere' - Prince
'Footsteps In The Dark' - The Isley Brothers
'Cherish The Day' - Sade
'Come And Go With Me' - Teddy Pendergrass
'Send One Your Love' - Stevie Wonder

KEITH MURRAY at SPIN this FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, '08!

2008-09-17T11:00:00.003-05:00

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT SPIN!

and of course...

FRIDAY NIGHT...

and then SATURDAY...

ORANJE IS COMING!

I get in ya...

Respect and Grace,

Rusty

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'MY THEME MUSIC, PART 2' (FREE DOWNLOAD) - RR and MUDKIDS on FACEBOOK.

2008-09-16T19:58:00.009-05:00

Awww, yeah...

Y'all didn't think I had stopped mixing, did you?

Naw, man...I got a LOTTA stuff in motion...

Hit the links, then go get your new soundtrack...

MUDKIDS on MYSPACE - Two new tunes posted for your perusal; 'Shades (I'm Fly)' and '850'. Working hard on 'We Are Dynamic And People LIke Us'. Probably have a little sumthin' sumthin' for y'all in a little bit. Just stay tuned.

MUDKIDS TV - I mean, that should be obvious...it's my MUDKIDS YOUTUBE channel! New content aaaaaall the time!

RUSTY on IMEEM; this is where you can go and get the embeds for the MUDKIDS playlist, 'RUSTY RADIO', and all the othere goodies I post for your social networking pages.

Aaaaand your buddy Russ has a FACEBOOK PAGE. So do the MUDKIDS. I haven't done a whole lot to the 'KIDS page, but I'm just figuring out how thing work on that site...gimme time and I'll have it phat!

RUSTY'S FACEBOOK - just getting started over here. If you have tips on navigation, design, blahblahblah...holla at me.

MUDKIDS' FACEBOOK - Same thang, man. I need a band that has a page to get at me on that!

You got Soul. And you're Super Bad witcha bad self...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'My Theme Music, Part Two' [zshare] < click there and watch till the end credits!

Playlist:

'A Message To The Soul Sisters' - Myra Barnes (Vicki Anderson)
'If I'm In Luck, I Might Get Picked Up' - Betty Davis
'The Break-In' Marvin Gaye
'Disco Lady' - Johnnie Taylor
'I Like Girls' - The Fatback Band
'If It Don't Turn You On' - BT Express
'Coffy' - Roy Ayers
'Woman's Gotta Have It' - Bobby Womack
'Baby, My Love's All For You' - Deniece Williams
'Dance Across The Floor' - Jimmy 'Bo' Horne
'I Got My Mind Made Up' - Instant Funk
'Son Of Scorpio' - Dennis Coffey
'The Rumble' - Rudy Ray Moore and The Soul Rebellion Orchestra

Cassius Clay Shakes Up The World.

2008-09-16T17:48:00.005-05:00

About a year ago, I was talking with someone about The Greatest. She told me that she had a brother in Iraq and she had no respect for Ali because of his stance against the Vietnam War. I read her the riot act, told her to look at the situation again, and rethink some of the epithets that she was hurling about so flippantly. She was young. I wasn't that mad about it, but you will not speak badly of Muhammad Ali in front of me. I adore the man and everything he stands for. She might as well have been talking about someone in my family; my immediate family, even.

(...and he loves his country, even though he's "always getting blamed for things he didn't do!" Ya can't say the guy doesn't have a great sense of humor.)

Im The Greatest (Alis Bicentennial Theme) - Muhammad Ali

I could talk about Ali all day. I've read books about him. I study clips of him. He is the single most important athlete of this or any other generation, not just for what he did in the ring but for what he did and represented outside of the ring. I watch the old fights and imagine how incredible his first run as champion would've been had he been allowed to fight in the ring for the years he was speaking out against an unjust war. I watch his wars with Joe Frazier and am aghast at the ferocity of his will. I watch his interviews and press-conferences and see one of the Godfathers of Rap ("If you wanna lose your money, bet on Sonny.", When times are as they are now, we could use another Muhammad Ali. Unfortunately, the man is simply one-of-a-kind. We will never see another phenomenon like Muhammad Ali. His physical gifts were baffling, his wit is amazing, his strength of character is astounding...there is no one on Earth like Muhammad Ali and there never will be again. Quote me.

Some folks may see Ali clips and hear nothing but braggadocio and ranting. Nooooo, people; everything this man said had a purpose. EVERYTHING. May I define 'Grace' for you? This eloquent, intelligent, brilliant, charismatic man is now the victim of a disease that makes it so he cannot speak clearly or move with any kind of fluidity, THIS man of all people, and he still regularly travels the world as an ambassador of peace and goodwill. His mind is as sharp as ever, his body has betrayed him. Yet and still, Ali travels the world, making children laugh with magic tricks, mugging for cameras and 'slap-boxing' with reporters. He is The Greatest. I love this man, Muhammad Ali. He was a hero of my Father and that is something I am very glad picked up from My Old Man.

I'll share a clip I uploaded to Youtube a day or two ago. I have watched this clip probably a thousand times. It brings me joy every time I see it. Listen and watch The Greatest...

People, people, people! I used to watch that because I simply loved hearing the Brother flow! Awww...man! There is stuff in there I say to this day!

"I'm a baaaaad man!"

"I'm the prettiest thing that ever lived!"

"I told the world! I talk to God every day! If God is with me, can't nobody beat me!"

"I am the greatest!"

"I shook up the world and I want justice! I want justice!"

"Ohhhh, I shook all of ya up!"

"I'm through talkin'. You write the results."

Now, I watch that clip and I see something entirely different, because I have a better vision of what the world and America was like. I see a 22 year-old Blackman in 1964, who was just crowned 'Heavyweight Champion Of The World', against astounding odds. Do we even need to talk about the state of civil-rights in America in 1964? And this young man has the attention of the world, so what does he do? He gives young people about 20 new catch-phrases of self-empowerment. "I AM THE GREATEST!" When did a kid in the ghetto have a chance to see a Blackman announce that on TV before that fight? "I'm PRETTY!" I'd bet dollars to donuts that 'Black Is Beautiful' became the movement during the 60's and 70's partially because of this 'rant'. "I SHOOK UP THE WORLD!" He was just getting started; Cassius Clay announced to the world the next day that he was a Black Muslim and he would now be called 'Muhammad Ali'. WOW. That must have terrified some people. It also must have empowered a lotta people. What I see in that is 'I am not what YOU will make me. I am what I make me. And I say "I am the GREATEST!".

If you will look to Ali's right, you'll see Joe Louis, former Heavyweight Champion of The World. Please note that Ali is not trying to give him a look or a word. I believe Joe Louis represented old ways of thinking, old ways of boxing. Clay knew that he was really gonna shake up the world the next day. The non-communication between Louis, at the time thought of as, arguably, the greatest heavyweight that lived and Ali, the new way of thinking (speed, movement, SPEAK YO' MIND), the new prototype, the new Blackman speaks volumes. "This is MY time, Joe; no disrespect, but while I have everyone's attention, I am gonna make the most of it." Ain't nobody quoting Joe Louis, man. (just keeping it real. No disrespect.)

This 'rant' was as much a political statement as it was a victory celebration. Clay changed the way people felt about a lotta things in such a short time. He is to boxing what Jimi Hendrix is to the guitar. He transcends everything he is involved in by just being 'Muhammad Ali, The Greatest.' He made people more tolerant by sheer force of will. He kickstarted the 'Peace Movement'. He won the Heavyweight Title three times, kiddies. THREE. When people tell me about how we need to 'get those Muslims', I remind them that Muhammad Ali is a Muslim. What that sereves to do is (usually) get a conversation started about tolerance, acceptance, and understanding. This is what Muhammad Ali means to me.

He is a hero in every sense of the word. I am so thankful that one of my Daddy's heroes is one of mine. There are not many people you can say that about. Thank you, Ali. You are truly 'THE GREATEST'.

MUDKIDS - 'Shades (I'm Fly)' - recording vocals with SPStar

2008-09-13T18:18:00.002-05:00

Here's the 'Kid getting the real vocal done. After the writing of the Song, the next logical step is to get into the studio, y'dig? Gotta hold of SPSTAR (Mudkids' main engineer/producer of my solo album, 'Lazarus') and shot over to Green Gloves' to get it done.

Here's another peek at our process...we get it done.

Peace, peace. Stay tuned to MUDKIDS TV and my blog, 'PREHENSILE TALES'. Lotsa good stuff happening over here.

...and don't forget, next Saturday...

ORANJE IS COMING!

Respect and Grace,

Rusty Redenbacher

MUDKIDS - 'Basically' lyrics..let's play 'Karaoke'!

2008-09-13T18:15:00.003-05:00

Hey,

Just had a friend request I added and he quoted this Song from 'Basementality'. I thought I would post the lyrics for you for the latest edition of 'MUDKIDS Karaoke'.

Press 'play' and rap with Russ!

'Basically...The Intro' by MUDKIDS (from 'Basementality')

(1st Verse)

I'm March Madness, you're the NIT
I'm a Masters, you're a G.E.D.
I'm the Main Source with Large Professor
You're their second LP, wack beats, your label under pressure
I'm fresher, keep it all in the family
You're 'Archie Bunker's Place'; a spinoff no one will see
I'm tantalizing and you're tearable, unbearable
It's amazing such a herb as you would dare to flow
I'm the Beatles, you're Herman's Hermits
You're Brittany Spears, gettin' props and you don't deserve it
With your limited talent. You really can't do it live
You're the Sylvers, I'm the Jackson 5
You're the Osmonds, I'm 'The Sixth Sense'
Too intense, like the stress of 7 sins within men.
You're the last of an eighth of a bag of shake
I'm 9 long pulls of chronic making your dome ache
I'm a perfect 10. You're a bucktoothed blind date
You're Hamburger Helper with no meat ready-to-bake
And somethin's missing, I'm nuclear fission, you're double A's
No power to power, just one of them days
I'm Wille Mays, say 'HEY!'. You're Willie Lump-Lump.
I'm spinnin' on my head, you're just learning to bump
And basically, I slay MC's, you're weak, I'm hot.
You's a herb, I rock, I'm Redenbach and you're not.

(Chorus)

Snap your fingers, tap your toes
Clap your hands, throw your blows
And if you wonder why we keep it hot
It's cuz we're the MUDKIDS and you are not
Snap your fingers, tap your toes
Clap your hands, throw your blows
And if you wonder why we keep it hot
It's cuz we're the MUDKIDS and you are not

(2nd Verse)

I'm Bruce Lee, you're Chuck Norris
Ranger, you're in danger like the rainforest
I'm a 6 on 22's, you gassed by funny crews
A Pinto, Escort, Yugo...You go
Peeps is like "Russ is Gucci, your style is like 'Fucci'.
Faker than Pat Boone doin' 'Tutti Frutti'"
You're booty. Your cutie would say 'I'm lovin' Rusty'.
Game so dirty, yours is merely dusty.
Clearly crusty. Clearly, Russ be...
More than your favorite MC, please believe it, trust me
Just see, I'm a mountain, you're a molehill
Feelin' you need penicillin, because I'm so ill
The flow kill anthrax. Jam-packed, stand back in awe
Russ get the cabbage, you get the cole-slaw
So raw, know all about the aspects of bustin' ass
I'm Super Cat, you're Snow. Informers get dealt with fast
I mash the gas, you hesitate, you wait
You're Ephedrine, I'm like Peruvian flake
Straight off the dock, raw, Redenbach
Is burnin' up the block and you're not.

(Chorus)

Snap your fingers, tap your toes
Clap your hands, throw your blows
And if you wonder why we keep it hot
It's cuz we're the MUDKIDS and you are not
Snap your fingers, tap your toes
Clap your hands, throw your blows
And if you wonder why we keep it hot
It's cuz we're the MUDKIDS and you are not.

Have a GREAT Saturday. See ya soon. New SONGS posted on the MUDKIDS page.

Respect and Grace,

Russ

MUDKIDS - 'Shades (I'm Fly)' and '8:50' posted @ MYSPACE.COM/MUDKIDS

2008-09-12T10:39:00.006-05:00

Yo,

You can hit the title of the post and get right to it...or you can keep reading.

Straight from the studio and here it is for you.

Tyler (Elp-Mass) gave me a really nice batch of tracks to work with, kiddies. The guy is on top of his game. We are essentially finished with what we think is 'We Are Dynamic And People Like Us', but we see no reason in stopping while we are clicking so well. These two may make it or not. We'll see...

I posted a video of me writing the original draft of the tune, 'Shades (I'm Fly)' and even went so far as to make a quick video of myself recording the demo through my mixer into my CD burner. I was well aware that the sound quality wouldn't be up to par, but I did wanna share the process of how things get done when they have to. (Peace, LT! get it done, man!)

I get a lotta emails from kids lamenting the fact that they don't have equipment or there they don't know anybody who does what they wanna do. Trust me; I am feeling you. I'm just letting you know that it doesn't take much and until you can get into a studio, record yourself by any means necessary. You don't hafta post it like I did, but those types of demos will end up being very helpful.

Anyway, if you did in fact sift through the hiss and thump to figure out where we were going, I felt like it was only right that I let you hear what we were working towards. What I am hipping you to with the whole 'Shades' experience is a how a Song goes from an idea to a concept to a Song, at least within our process.

'Shades (I'm Fly)' and '8:50 a.m.' were both recorded tonight. You are hearing them with fresh ears, just as we are. Hope you dig 'em. They're posted on the MUDKIDS page.

I hope you have enjoyed this little peek inside our world. Keep doing what you do, if it works for you.

Respect and Grace,

RR

Kanye West - 'Love Lockdown'

2008-09-11T16:56:00.004-05:00

I'm writing this as I listen to this song for the first time.

Love Lockdown - Kanye West

Initial reactions;

1) You will ALWAYS get props from the kid for stretching your creative hamstrings.

2) NO MORE AUTO TUNE, okay?

3) Is Kanye 'singing' or not? I can't explain the vocal approach. AND THE AUTO-TUNE THING IS DRIVING ME NUTS.

4) Track is interesting, though. Kinda Spanish-sounding.

5) Lyrics are lame.

6) It's catchy though; The hook will get you.

7) By the 1000th time I hear this song I will probably like it. His first singles often do that to me.

You be the judge...it's all yours.

MP3:

KANYE WEST - 'Love Lockdown' [zshare]

AngeLIca sez 'WTF'?

Lipstick, Pigs, And Political BS. "Enough Is Enough."

2008-09-11T14:33:00.001-05:00

Yo,

'Swift Boat' Politics sucks. Can we please stick to the issues? The economy sucks, we're in a war with no end in sight for no reason, there is a major energy crisis, people are losing their homes, jobs are leaving America at an alarming rate...

...and we are talking about 'pigs and lipstick'.

Really, Senator McCain? Here's what the good Senator thought about Hillary Clinton's plans for the country...

Here's your homeboy, Tricky DICK Cheney, calling it like he sees it...in 2004.

What galls me the most about this is how people will take things totally out-of-context and manipulate them for their own means. This is the EXACT SAME REFERENCE BARACK OBAMA used to talk about the McCain/Palin agenda, which is a continuation of what has this country in a complete mess right now. The reference is obviously not about Sarah Palin herself and the media, the right-wing, and the McCain campaign are gonna get as much juice and run outta this as possible. Maybe he shoulda went with, "You can gift-wrap a turd, but it's still a turd."

...and he used the reference THE EXACT SAME WAY, John McCain did when talking about Hillary Clinton and her policies. Watch for yourself.

It is clear as day that he is talking about the policies put forth by the McCain/Palin campaign as obvious as the nose on Ronald McDonald's face.

The longer they can keep Sarah Palin away from reporters asking real questions about the real issues, the better it is for McCain. The more the media is force-fed (and force-feeding) this 'Mommy For America' image, as opposed to asking real legitimate questions about the real issues that were mentioned in the first paragraph of this blog. 'People' and 'Us' Magazines don't count. This is a POLITICAL ELECTION.

Just when we thought we were gonna have a real election...dag.

You can put all the lipstick you want on a conservative Republican, but it's still an idiot that will obscure the facts, change the subject, flip-flop on their stances, and outright lie to the American public. It's your choice; if you are really happy with your life in this country, then vote for what you believe in.

Here's what I believe..."Enough Is Enough".

Obama/Biden '08.

Respect and Grace, with lipstick all in your face.

Russ

'Paul Is Dead'...? 'iamaphoney' on YOUTUBE.

2008-09-10T19:41:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the greatest conspiracy theory and/or cover-up in rock n' roll history. I had mentioned it to a few friends and they had no idea as to what I was talking about.

The Beatles pulled it off, man...maybe

Should you read this I want you to know it may alter your concept of reality and if you don't believe in it, I can provide more documentation...maybe

According to the story, it wasn't their fault...the government made them do it. The clues were placed to break the news to fans gently. The Beatles were a part of a great government plot to control and influence the youth of America and the world and it went astray when they didn't wanna stick to the script....maybe.

What I DO know is that there is no way some of this imagery wasn't planted and placed where it was by coincidence. So you hafta wonder what was going on in 1966. Hmmmmmm.....?

Officially Pronounced Dead. ('Paul Is Dead' Website)

There's a great series of videos on Youtube by a person calling themselves 'iamaphoney'. A lotta the clues are illustrated and shown to you in a really interesting style. I find them very intriguing and the anonymity of the author and his staggering knowledge of this whole 'conspiracy' gives the videos a really creepy feel.

This is the playlist for the 'Rotten Apple' Series by 'iamaphoney'. Watch at your own risk. You may be seeing things a lot differently.

'Paul Is Dead - The Rotten Apple'

Oh yeah, Paul is Dead...

maybe...

Russ

MUDKIDS - 'Shades (I'm Fly)' - Home Demo and 'Making Of' Video.

2008-09-09T15:20:00.004-05:00

Yo,

Here are the lyrics to the song I wrote last night. Yeah, I still use a pen and paper, kiddies.

While I am sure there are a lotta kids out there that think it's cool to go into the studio and 'freestyle' ("Jay don't write nothing down, man! Neither does Weezy!"), I write Songs. And do you know how much time those cats spend in the studio? I ain't got that kinda bread, man! I ain't h8n, y'all; it's an admirable talent and I'm amazed every time I watch the studio clips of Jay from 'Fade To Black'. From what I understand, Wayne's method is a little more choppy than Jay's, involving him building Songs bar-by-bar-by-Barre...heheh.

Lemme put it to you this way; If I was gonna build you a house, wouldn't you wanna know there was a blueprint (no pun intended)? I do freestyle pretty well and enjoy doing it in the live show, but the pen and the paper will always give me my strength. I really like for the whole verse to make sense from the first bar to the last. Maintaining that kinda focus would be hard for me without preparation.

Press 'play' and rap along with your buddy, Russ!

'Shades (I'm Fly)' by MUDKIDS

Every release is seminal, the victory eventual
"Mudkids Is A Army", and Redenbacher is the general
You're rockin' with the best again, Peace to TWILIGHT SENTINELS
Naptown, we break 'em down; compounds and minerals
Kick it up a notch like Emeril, I got the hot sauce
I seen a lot lost, thou shalt not floss
Or get outta pocket if thou ain't got it
Thou shalt not bear false profits or worship false prophets
It's your true idol, the new title; King Of The Freak-Flow
Super weirds, Superhero
I never say 'no', the law, the last say-so
The blow that's fatal, the coup de gras. Who we are?
True from-the-ground-up hood superstars
Literati, glitterati, we never trip on paparazzi
If ya want me, ya got me; I'm so easy to find...
Myspace.com/MUDKIDS bombin' online
Like Matthew Broderick, I 'Ferris Bueller' outta these fixes.
Keep it forward, continuous like an ellipsis
You got everything but talent like Sid Vicious
Witness, Tyler and Russ. Man, this sh*t's kismet.
Great quickness, I'm Usain Bolt on you lame dolts
Celebratin' runnin' away and hangin' with the same folks
Victory for my homeland, on and on and
Chasin' nighttime into the early mornin'

(Bridge)

Don't sleep
You might miss something good
Don't sleep
The rhymes I write you wish you could
Don't sleep
I wish you would, man, gimme a reason
Don't sleep
Cuz you never know why Rusty's cheesin'

(Ad-lib)

(Chorus)

Gimme my shades!
I'm ready for my close-up.
Gimme my shades!
I'm ready for my close-up.
Gimme my shades!
I'm ready for my close-up.
Gimme my shades!
I'm ready for my close-up.

I check myself in the mirror.
I'm fly. I'm fly.
I check myself in the mirror.
I'm fly. I'm fly.
I check myself in the mirror.
I'm fly. I'm fly.
I check myself in the mirror.
I'm fly. I'm fly.

Here is the video of me creating this demo as well as a special announcement.

TYLER KNAPP GOT THEM BEATS!

Stay in your books, kiddies. Stay on your gear, kiddies.

Respect and Grace,

Russ

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'MY THEME MUSIC' (FREE DOWNLOAD); SCRIBBLE JAM INDY FOOTAGE (PRODUCER BATTLE)

2008-09-02T20:12:00.005-05:00

Big up to J. Brookinz for reminding me how good this Music is. He went with a 'Blaxploitation' theme for the Producer Battle at Scribble Jam - Indy. Y'all know about me and them themes. I grew up on these records and films, dude. You know there is a rich history there.)

Check out the final round of the producer battle right here...

J. BROOKINZ vs. WHOISLOUIS. Somebody hit these dudes up for beats now before it gets too costly.

I've had a playlist in my iTunes called 'Pimps, Players, Private Eyes, and Hustlers' for a long time. It's kinda set up like these mixes, where the interludes would play and you can kinda set a scene. I just LOVE the way a lotta these records were recorded, too. They always sound right to me, even when they are somewhat iffy/dodgy quality-wise (I ain't mad at ya, Dolemite; I have wanted that soundtrack ever since the first time I saw that film.)

You can't hear anything funky there, but whatta GREAT CLIP, MAN. "There's nothin' in my trunk, MAN." "You gonna hafta TAKE ME!"

Here's the first edition of 'My Theme Music'. Get down with ya bad self...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER: 'My Theme Music' [zshare] < click there and get on up...

Playlist:

'Machine Gun' - The Commodores
'Shaft In Africa (Addis)' - Johnny Pate
'Dolemite' (Film Version) - D'urville Martin
'Brothers On The Slide' - Cymande
'Future Shock' - Curtis Mayfield
'Save Their Souls' - Hamilton Bohannon
'Sexy Mama' - The Moments
'Inside My Love' - Minnie Riperton
'T' Plays It Cool' - Marvin Gaye
'Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow (Theme from 'Baretta') - Sammy Davis Jr.
'Theme From 'SWAT' - Rhythm Heritage
'Son Of Shaft' - The Bar-Kays
'Theme from 'Black Belt Jones' - Dennis Coffey
'You Are What I Am All About' (Snippet) - The New Birth

Peace, Love, Power, and Soul.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'PHATFATT' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-09-02T16:00:00.005-05:00

I like big bass and I cannot lie. Not all that bass you hear coming from kids driving down the street...I mean, 'Boomp buh buh boomp buh boomp boom' bass. "Wiiiiiind me UP-ah!" bass. My Dad taught me the diffrerence between it and the guitar.

All these songs just sound 'plump' to me. They all sound like you would naturally hum the bassline/keyboard-line. Keytars and stuff. YEAH. And most of them counter that with a big ol FAT slappin' snare. 'Roller Skating Jams', man...and a little of my own idea of what 'PhatFat' is.

Dazz Band - 'Let It Whip' a.k.a. 'Bo Bohmp BAAW...BAWWW daww'

Slave - 'Slide' a.k.a. 'Doom Doomp Doom Duh Doom Doomp DOOM'

This is a backwards skate...you get the idea. Just touching on some thick funk and other goodies with that cool bottom!

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Phatfat' [zshare] < click there and drop that bottom! Boomp BOOM!

'More Bounce To The Ounce' - Zapp
'Nipple To The Bottle' - Grace Jones
'Just Be Good To Me' - S.O.S. Band
'Just An Illusion' - Imagination
'Buffalo Gals' - Malcolm McClaren
'Hobo Scratch' - Malcolm McClaren
'Hot Thing' - Prince
'You Are In My System' - The System
'Mama Used To Say' - Junior
'For Those Who Like To Groove' - Raydio
'I Wanna Be With You' - The Isley Brothers
'White Lines (Don't Do It)' -Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five
'Break 4 Love' - Raze

Are You Aware...?

2008-09-02T09:26:00.004-05:00

Are you aware that you can go into the 'SOUNDS LIKE' section of our Profile and download 'HIGHER', our classic third album for absolutely free?

...or you can get it right here...

MUDKIDS - HIGHER

Are you aware of the fact that I upload many mixes weekly that you can paste onto your Mysoace/Facebook page? Are you hip to RUSTY RADIO?

Have you checked in with MUDKIDS TV lately? We've always got something goin' on over there.

Are you aware that we are playing a really interesting show this Saturday night at SPIN? It's called 'Bridging The Gap'...I've been talking about it a lot, cuz I am legitimately excited. This is the flyer...

Here's the links to check out the Artists involved...

GRAMPALL JOOKABOX

TWILIGHT SENTINELS

CHRISTIAN TAYLOR

Did you know that S.A.I.N.T. RECON and myself remixed Q-TIP's new single? Would you like to download it? Here's the link.

Q-TIP - 'GETTIN' UP' (RUSTY RECON MIXES) EP

Are you aware that ORANJE IS COMING!? Man, get ready for that...it's the JAM OF THE YEAR!

Did you know that you are loved?

You are. Hope to see you soon.

Russ

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'VOODOO CHILD, PT 2.' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-31T21:10:00.008-05:00

I just wanted to play some good Music...

Sometimes, they just start speaking to me....sometimes, I talk back. Happy Labor Day.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER: 'Voodoo Child, Pt. 2' [zshare] < click there and don't nobody put no root on ya...

Playlist;

'Me' - Atmosphere
'The Healer' - Erykah Badu
'How Many...?' - Mudkids
'ALONGWAYTOGO' - Gang Starr
'The Moneymaker' - Rilo Kiley
'By My Side' - Mofro
'Heavy Tune' - Gong
'Frankenstein' - The Edgar Winter Group
'Theme From 'Foxy Brown' - Willie Hutch
'Falling In Love Again' - Marvin Gaye
'Lover, Come To Bed' - Rusty Redenbacher/SPStar (Lazarus)
'Don't Change Your Love' - The Five Stairsteps
'You're So Good To Me' - Curtis Mayfield

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'WEEZY DUZ IT' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-29T22:34:00.006-05:00

Watched the kid run the whole Summer...and beyond. He really does seem to be able to try anything. I do appreciate that. I ain't mad at all. Do your thang, Young Money. As I was making this mix, I was tripping off how many BANGERS this kid has put together. I am simply scratching the surface on this mix...I gotta give it up to Wayne, man. His work-ethic is inspiring.

...plus my buddy Eric has been buggin' me to do a Wayne mix for about a year and a half.

Gotta love it! Let's ride...

MP3:

Playlist;

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Weezy Duz It' [zshare] < click there and go to Mars with Wayne and Rusty...

'Money On My Mind'
'Prostitute'
'You Ain't Know'
'Go DJ'
'Stuntin' Like My Daddy'
'La La La'
'Fireman'
'Gossip'
'Shooter'
'Get Out The Way' (Hot Boys)
'Bring It Back'
'We On Fire'
'Boys At War' (Hot Boys)
'Black Republican'
'Dying'

Never Never Never...

2008-08-25T10:39:00.005-05:00

I originally posted this on my Myspace blog some time ago. I dunno if it's poetry or prose or anything like that, as I have heard some amazing spoken-word Artists recently (What up, Rebelle! That 'VOCAB' thang is HOT!) A friend reminded me of this thang I wrote.

That's what friends are for...

Here we go.

"I will never never never stop being what I am.

I will never never never stop working towards my goals.

I will never never never let anyone make me feel small again.

I will never never never let anyone else make me believe that I don't have the right to capitalize the word, 'Me' or any other number of words that had me reaching for the 'shift' key while I was going insane, trying to remember what was Good about Me.

I will never never never let God see Me let this wonderful gift He gave Me languish.

I will never never never play myself for anybody's money, fame, or judgement.

I will never never never let myself forget that God Loves Me soooo much, there is no way for Me to stretch my arms wide enough to illustrate it.

I will never never never forget any of the above statements."

Good lookin', Clev...I didn't forget. I'm always working it out. I have to let some things outta me. I never lose sight of this and I do appreciate you sending it back to me, so I could share it with others.

I'll never never never lose sight of the fact that there are so many Good People around me.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'VOODOO CHILD' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-25T09:35:00.003-05:00

He had to get it out of him. He felt the heat in the fingertips of his left hand; a tingle every time he thought about it. He had to release it.

It made the calluses on his hand hand tender. He dug at the hard skin on his ring finger, just as he had many times before. He was looking for the core of the callus. He knew that if he could find that, he could get it out. His finger would be sore all day, but tomorrow the healing would start.

He looked at the previous victories. The deep dents in the creases of the insides of his fingers. The divots and pits where callus seeds had formerly taken root. "That one on the pinky hurt like hell", he thought. The palms. Ouch. He looked at both of his hands and thought it was amazing how different they were. "Balance", he said out loud to no one in particular.

This one looked like it was gonna hurt. It had been screaming at him for about two weeks. He knew he was gonna have to get at this one now, as his finger was sore every time he bent it. It had been a pest; now, it was a hinderance. It may it hard for him to get a grip on things. It may it so he appeared weak, because his hands betrayed him if he were to try to lift something. The pressure on the calluses felt like needles under his skin.

He began the process...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Voodoo Child' [zshare] < click there and don't let nothin' get under your skin.

Playlist:

'Mojo Pin' - Jeff Buckley
'Nothin' Like The Real Thing (Alternate Take) - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
'Baby, We've Got A Date' - Bob Marley
'Moments In Love' - The Art Of Noise
'Fool To Cry' - The Rolling Stones
'I Try' - Angela Bofill
'Fool For You' - The Impressions
'I Put A Spell On You' - Nina Simone
'90% Of Me (Is You)' - Gwen McRae
'Baby, Don't Cry' - Lalah Hathaway
'Cherish The Day' - Sade
'I Was Made To Love Her' - Stevie Wonder

STFU 2...My New Life

2008-08-22T21:45:00.004-05:00

Hey,

(Disclaimer; I ain't talkin' to or about you, and if you think I am...well....then, write me. I'd rather work it out, but I can cut 'em off just as quick. Welcome to The New Life. Everybody has a Nemesis. I'm finna talk to mine. The next time you hear about this; it'll rhyme and it'll be my TRUE VOICE. Enter 'Icarus')

I don't like you. You represent everything that I am against; sloth, greed, false pride, faking jacks, inability to check yourself, and an ego that is outta control. Even in my absence, I can smell the hatred coming off you, wafting over the heads from the back of the club. The stench is unbearable.

I just told you I was done STFU. I did that for the longest. I let people take credit for shit they didn't do, could never do, and never had the HeArt to do. I let people slide when I hear shit talked about me and my Group. I have turned away from it and listened intently, all while STFU. If I were to detail some of the stuff that has gotten back to me from extremely reliable sources or some of the things that have been said about me/Us in print, online and otherwise, you would understand why I am so down to hold a grudge. It don't bother me one iota to shake off haters. I am thankful that you finally decided to show your true colors. You fooled me for a long time.

I'll never again feel the need to talk to you about anything. I am letting you know this because when you see me, I don't want you to think I am gonna be politically correct. You shit on me/Us and I'm never forgetting that. No one in this group has ever been anything but supportive of anyone in our Circle (I CAN speak for the Group in this case.), so when people in that Circle or formerly in that Circle go into the world and tell outright lies about me or my Group; yeah, I take that shit pretty seriously. I have had people that have claimed to know me and love me as their brother sit directly across from me and tell me that I was 'selfish', a 'spotlight hog', "I want it to be all about me" as if I just do this for some kinda glory or something. Kiddo, if it didn't mean as much to me as it does, I wouldn't have my ass up at 8 in the morning, making mixtapes featuring local cats for free downloading, writing Songs, editing videos and uploading them, driving my neighbors crazy in the name of MUDKIDS and MUDKIDS TV . If it meant half as much to you, you would receive the recognition you so desperately long for and you wouldn't hafta hate on me/Us to get it. I have taken it on as my RESPONSIBILITY and MISSION to represent YOU and your City. You, in return, have shit on Us.

When I address issues and over-explain my case after months of STFU and I don't get responses, I am forced to believe that I am right. I am absolutely no joke when it comes to telling you what has been on my mind after a long period of STFU. No one busts outta STFU like me, man. So, when I address issues like some of the ones you see above and I don't hear back from the transgressors, it's only natural that I would think I was right. Silence speaks volumes and y'all ain't saying shit. Meanwhile, We continue to do what we have always done; make Great Music and stand behind it or get behind it and push. I ain't stopping nobody from getting what they want outta this life; if you are with Us and you have a dream, a goal, a wish, I am quick to speak for MUDKIDS and say, "We got your back." It's part of the job, at least with this crew. Which is why you don't see me around some of the people I used to be around and you won't. If it don't reciprocate, it don't work. They have played their 'f*** Russ/y'all' card, not knowing that Jokers ain't wild.

Guess what? It didn't work. In fact, all it did was make you look like the fool I told you that you were. I've long tired of gossippy, bitchy, 'rally-the-troops' mentalities. All that bitching and screaming about me/Us has only made it worse for you, because we put our heads down and grit that much harder, not to spite you, but because that is simply what...we...do. I've sent you the links, I posted the bulletins, the Music is all there and so are the images. Any beefs? Please contact me here cuz I promise you, I can explain anything I said and stand behind it. I'll extend that offer to you one more time and I will be happy to explain how and why I got whatever it is you wanna talk about done. I am feeling sooooo 'Daniel Plainview' right now;

"I told you what I was going to do, didn't I? I told you that I would continue to work as hard as I ever did, if not harder and now look...we have MUDKIDS TV, we have 'PREHENSILE TALES' and once again, for the seventh or eighth time in a decade, the people where we live have selected Us as their representatives. Name one other band that can say that. Just one...you can't, because there are no others who can stake that claim...in dang-near any of the Arts 'round these parts. Our time is coming and if it isn't, it's not because of lack of effort. I told you this would happen, didn't I? Was I wrong? I told you what would happen and you tried to play me for a fool. Now, who's laughing? Not me! To get to where I wanna go, I have had to accept the fact that there are just certain...people...that will have to fall by the wayside. I accept it, however begrudgingly, but it is accepted nonetheless. I will always, always, always find happiness or at least, solace in my work. And I will always, always, always outwork you. This has nothing to do with money or fame. This is about respect, a respect for me and mine that was completely discarded and I am only so happy to reciprocate, just as I would with 'Love'."

If I were to never play another show or write another Song, I would know that it was because of choices I made, not because of dumb shit that was said by people that would love to be in my position. Let me be brutally honest; you couldn't handle it. You haven't been willing to open your HeArt to the point where you could stand the pressure. Don't you realize that people will always have higher expectations of Us? Do you know how that feels when you are trying to create? All you have ever had to do was play the back and be cool, but you took it upon yourself to get in the middle of everybody's shit. It's your nature. You're weak-minded and weak-willed and when told so, you curl up into a ball and hide behind your glasses, be they on your face or full of beer.

You would sit there and talk shit about everyone and how 'we ain't doing nothing', you're such a 'star', man. I would STFU and listen to this dumb shit and make conversation for the sake of doing so, while taking note of the fact that you were too self-absorbed and self-obsessed to recognize that the very scene you are shitting on is supporting you. And the 'Kid you are sitting there shitting on everybody to is a part of that scene. In fact, I could make an argument that it was I who introduced you to this 'scene', oh so many years ago. My mistake for doing so because you can't sustain friendships or relationships, and manage to bring strife and drama to every group situation you are in. You'll find a way to tear apart whatever it is you are working on now...it's just a matter of time. I'm not worried about it, though. It really is all about you.

Don't get it twisted; it's all about me, too. I've proven a lotta things wrong throughout my career. We took a year off from playing shows and recording and came back as strong as ever. When we started this Group, there was NOBODY around here even attempting to play what was then called 'East Coast Hip-Hop'. I was fresh outta the BIRDMEN, doing something essentially entirely different. I am sure there are some people who thought that MUDKIDS would shrivel up and die after they left the Circle. We're here and better than ever, working harder and producing more Music. It's all about ELP-MASS, (who doesn't have a page or you would be seeing his link there), the producer, the architect, the Genius. It's all about DJ HELICON, not only the DJ for the 'Kids, but a multi-tasking maniac, holding down a weekly gig at 6 Ultra Lounge on Fridays AND being one of the co-founders of ORANJE. Oh, yeah...ORANJE IS COMING!. Think he don't know PRESSURE? There will be no less than 2500 people at his event. AND he will dealing with a buncha crazy Artists ('good crazy', though.)

We rock on...until....

"I told you what I was gonna do." I told you exactly what would happen and look now. 'Bang bang bang' - pretty much in the timeframe that I told you it would happen. Don't be shocked by anything, because we are capable of anything. You outright shat all over my trust in you, my confidence, your word, and my vision and reputation. You need waaaay more soldiers, bruh. I ain't goin' nowhere until I want to. I told y'all that Tyler and I were 'jazz cats', kindred spirits. I'm gonna rap for-effin'-ever if I feel right about it. I have never felt more right in my Life. Go for yours, cuz I am going for OURS as hard as ever, with a vengeance and fury.

"Check the stats."

MUDKIDS

MUDKIDS TV < The 'revolution' is being televised.

RUSTY ON IMEEM

'PREHENSILE TALES'

Know that as much as I loved you at one point, enough to put up with all the stuff you started, you have hurt me. I told you that and I'm not letting that go until you acknowledge it. You tried to 'kill' me and I know it.

You lost. STFU.

Respect and Grace, that's why I don't speak to chumps anymore. Doing 'Me' FEARLESSLY. Regretting NOTHING.

Russ

Rusty On The Wheels - 'Quickly Through The Breaks, pt. 3' - SHOWS, SHOWS, SHOWS!

2008-08-22T16:14:00.002-05:00

Hey,

You can't know where you are going unless you know where you came from...

Don't forget...

Our man,NATE FX, has opened his spot! We have maaaad love for NATE FX and when he hit DJ HELICON up and let us know that his club was opening and he wanted Us to come through, there was no way we could let this opportunity slide. We had the weekend open, but we gotta get back to Lexington and see our friends down there!

Please acknowledge the Love and the Hustle; big-up to NATE FX and everyone with a dream and a fierce will to see that dream through to fruition.

NATE FX's club is called LOWER 48 and if it anything like NATE FX himself, it will be a dynamite, funky, good time. Check out the links and make sure you support the brother.

LOWER 48

NATE FX

LEXINGTON, WE WILL SEE YOU SATURDAY AT LOWER 48!

AUGUST 30 - SCRIBBLE JAM PRELIMS! THE ALL-AGES HIP-HOP EVENT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

AWwwwWWWW, MAAAAAN! This show is gonna be AWESOME! An MC battle for a chance to be in the legendary SCRIBBLE JAM in Cincinnati and a Producer Battle, too!!??? MAAAAAN, I am so proud and honored to be a part of this event. As a Scribble Jam vet and a part of some battles that made me a better MC to this day, I know how great this event can be. All you battle-cats; get your stuff together and contact JOE ADAMS or SLAPFACE ENTERTAINMENT and come MAKE IT 'YOUR TIME'.

Do you see the pedigree of performers and judges? THE PHILOSOPHY, NUVO's Editor Pick for 'Best Hip-Hop Band' In Indy', and their high-powered, high-knowledge show? The aforementioned TWIN MONSTER, who is one of the best young bands I have seen here lately? The mighty TWILIGHT SENTINELS and MUDKIDS? If you ain't coming for the battle, you are still gonna see one of the best hip-hop shows you will see around here (or anywhere else). Don't miss it!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

SPIN NIGHTCLUB

'BRIDGING THE GAP' featuring MUDKIDS, GRAMPALL JOOKABOX,
TWILIGHT SENTINELSAND MORE!!!!

'BRIDGING THE GAP' at SPIN NIGHTCLUB INdy INdie Rock and INdy INdie Hip-Hop...man, I am excited for this show. I contacted Dave from GRAMPALL JOOKABOX a while back to let him know that I was appreciative of how original their sound was and how interested I was in learning more about his band (as well as the fact that he had a great quote from Rufus Thomas as his headline.) He expressed the same kind of interest in MUDKIDS They/it/he was somewhat of an enigma to me, but the more we talked, the more we realized how much we had in common and how much the struggles and victories of independent Artists across the board were pretty much the same.

We thought we'd share a victory together and that victory is 'BRIDGING THE GAP'....the flyer will be posted soon. Performers include MUDKIDS, GRAMPALL JOOKABOX, TWILIGHT SENTINELS, and another act to be announced...

This will be a DYNAMIC show to say the least!

And of course, NAPTOWN'S NIGHT OUT, THE ART/CULTURE THROWDOWN OF THE YEAR...

ORANJE IS COMING!

That's your update for now...hope to see you out soon! Hit some of those links and check out all this good noise going on here in INDIANAPOLIS!

Peace, Respect, and Grace, We're all in this together. Let's go Naptown

Rusty Redenbacher

Bulldozers, Pt. 3 - 'The King Of Kong' - MUDKIDS @ LOWER 48 in Lexington, KY, Saturday, August 23,

2008-08-21T11:06:00.004-05:00

No pics. No nothing. Just noise. I ain't mad, though. They're just doing their job

There is work going on here. Lotsa work. I counter it with noise noise, noise noise. I'll be posting some of the other mixes soon. Just been really busy.

Sat down and watched a movie last night and that was good. 'The King Of Kong'; so interesting. It was about this cat, Steve Wiebe, that got laid off from his job and decided while he was off he needed something to do. He decided to break the long-standing World Record in 'Donkey Kong'. As the story unfolds, you begin to see just what lengths some people will go to to be recognized. You also get a great look at the lengths some people will go to keep that recognition. Just a great film. In an epic case of synchronicity, the 'South Park' episode featuring Bono was on. I had never seen it and as it turned out, it was based on 'King Of Kong'.

It was a good night to do nothing for a while.

Back to the grind...

Our man,NATE FX, has opened his spot! We have maaaad love for NATE FX and when he hit DJ HELICON up and let us know that his club was opening and he wanted Us to come through, there was no way we could let this opportunity slide. We had the weekend open, but we gotta get back to Lexington and see our friends down there!

Please acknowledge the Love and the Hustle; big-up to NATE FX and everyone with a dream and a fierce will to see that dream through to fruition.

NATE FX's club is called LOWER 48 and if it anything like NATE FX himself, it will be a dynamite, funky, good time. Check out the links and make sure you support the brother.

LOWER 48

NATE FX

LEXINGTON, WE WILL SEE YOU SATURDAY AT LOWER 48!

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'LADIES LOVE COOL JAMES' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-14T22:59:00.003-05:00

Awwww, yeah!

My good friend, Chazzie came by a few days ago. We always talk music. I front like I don't like what he is talking about (it's part of my job. I'm the older one.) then three weeks later, I buy what he was talking about and act like I put him up on it. Don't get me wrong I have put that kid up on a lotta good Music, but over the two decades we have been buddies, he has started to catch up.

There is one thing we can agree on; we became friends based on our love of hip-hop. That's where it started for me and the Chazmeister. His step-dad was someone I admired (Paul Mahern) that introduced me to this cool little dude who liked rap. I think Paul wanted me to show him some other stuff, as Chaz is about 5-7 years younger than me (I dunno, he'll always be that li'l dude to me) and was in the throes of some serious gangsta-rap shit from the jump of his love-affair. Paul knew I was listening to the other side of the spectrum, Public Enemy, Beasties, De La Soul. I made Chaz some tapes and we quickly became buddies.

Anyhoo, Chazzie just moved back from a year or so in Florida. He's one of the saving graces of this formerly quiet apartment I live in. He moved in just around the way. Jett and I can go and see Chaz and his son, Preston (Young Tiger!) when we feel like taking a little walk. ( haven't fully taken advantage of that enough. Need to walk Jett around there more.) Chaz came over here the other day and we were talking about how wicked LL Cool J was when we were kids.

LL Cool J was a favorite we had in common immediately. What teenager wouldn't wanna be THIS kid? COME ON, MAN!

Yo, is he SPAZZING on them shits or WHAT!? We used to wait for that video to come on, man. Ahhh, wow! LL was the illest. He rapped haaaaaard. He sounded like what he was saying. I thought that was the way to get on, yo; you gotta walk in, have your jambox ready, and you better RIP that shit,. kid! I believed he could take the skin off a snake and split a pea from a pod.

Welp, my buddy, Chazzie, just came by, with his iPod...of course...to scoop up my LL Cool J collection and this mix I told him I would hafta make now. So, now I can claim that I put him up on LL Cool J. Another victory.

And now I can put YOU up on LL Cool J. I guess we shoulda expected the lovey-dovey stuff, but young LL will probably always be the fiercest rapper that ever touched the mic. LL's first three albums influenced me as much as anything else I have ever listened to. He set the standard for tearing the mic a new one. Run-DMC were the Kings of Rock, no question, but LL was a new kinda beast; a microphone animal, a young tiger...the living legend, a kid like us with a set of brass ones and the rhymes to back it up.

I will take credit for this (and I have put a few people up on this theory) - LL had some FAT-ASS gold dookie ropes while he was cutting the vocal to 'I'm Bad'. Listen closely and you can hear something jingling the whole time he is rapping *ding* (more on that later)...they're jingling, baby.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Ladies Love Cool James' [zshare] < click there and rock the bells with Uncle L.

Playlist::

'I Need A Beat'
'I Can't Live Without My Radio'
'The Breakthrough'
'Kanday'
'Dangerous'
'I'm Bad'
'Rock The Bells (Original Version)'
'You'll Rock'
'Jack The Ripper'
'Droppin' 'Em'
'Big Ol' Butt'
'The Bristol Hotel'
'Dear Yvette'
'Rock The Bells'

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'GUITAR HERO 3' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-13T08:04:00.005-05:00

I rock...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Guitar Hero 3' [zshare] - (click there, keep your eyes on the screen, and don't think about the notes.)

'Stacked Actors' - Foo Fighters
'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' - AC/DC
'When The Levee Breaks' - Led Zeppelin
'Mississippi Queen' - Mountain
'If 6 Was 9' - Jimi Hendrix
'Planet Telex' - Radiohead
'Mountain Song' - Jane's Addiction
'The Big Takeover' - Bad Brains
'Civilization's Dying' - Zero Boys
'Bonin' In The Boneyard' - Fishbone
'The jam' - Graham Central Station

I really do rock.

RIP: Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) - 'IKE'S MOODS (A Tribute)' (FREE DOWNLOAD

2008-08-12T18:18:00.008-05:00

Maaaan,

I have been doing this blog for such a short time, I cannot believe the number of 'RIP's I have had to do. It's quite the drag.

Isaac Hayes; welp, 'Shaft' soundtrack...if he never did anything else, that would be plenty. However, there are some other gems in the discography that are worth delving into. I remember 'Shaft' being one of my favotite records I inherited from my folks. When I first came upon it, the title track was so irresistible I knew I was onto something, even sitting there with my 'close-and-play' (I suppose as a child, I had a thing for the instrumentals; another fave from the 'Bert And Ernie' turntable days is Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein'.) By the time I was old enough to see the movie, I had already memorized the soundtrack.

I think what I dig most about Isaac Hayes and his Music is his ability to set a mood. I wanted to share some of his moods with y'all. I love this Music so much. There are songs in this mix that have been part of my life's soundtrack for years. I can't tell you how many times the hair on my arm has stood up when the first chords of 'Hung Up On My Baby' ring out. Though I came to those chords through the Geto Boys' 'Mind's Playing Tricks On Me', I have come to know theme in their original form and shape. It ALWAYS sounds good to me.

The drums on 'The Breakthrough' (*DING!* watch the blog, kiddies), the intro to 'Walk On By', the horns on 'No Name Bar', all that sultry, wicked groove and emotion; this is the work of a master arranger and producer. I can break down each one of these tunes and tell you what I like, but what it all comes down to is this; Isaac Hayes and Barry White made 'sexy' as much a feeling you had in your EARS as you did in your EYES. Neither one of them were what would've typically been known as 'sexy'; Barry being the 'Walrus Of Love' and Isaac Hayes really did look like he would whup yo' ass, if he wasn't so damn cool. He's the first dude I can recall having a shaved head and ROCKIN' that joint. (Yes, in my crib, Isaac Hayes was more prevalent than Yul Brynner). These two brothers broke the mold of the old-school 'Soul Man'. They flipped the game on its ear.

Oh, by the way, for anyone who wonders where the heck I would get off allowing myself to appear on the cover of a magazine shirtless, like some love-starved beast, take notes!

HA!

Obviously, I did all I could to keep from playing 'Chocolate Salty Balls'. I didn't think it was appropriate (although I do still laugh at that song, wiff my silly ass). That's what Youtube is for. Look it up your-dang-self!

Anyway, Isaac Hayes and his Music have been a part of my life...well, my whole life. I wanted to make sure I got this right before I uploaded it. It was quite the bugger at first, but I got what I wanted you to hear and feel...

...for Ike.

Peace, y'all...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Ike's Moods (A Tribute)' [zshare] < Click there and enjoy the many moods of Mr. Isaac Hayes, a true Soul Music Legend. Hope you enjoy it.

'Ike's Rap (intro)'
'The Look Of Love (Live at the Sahara Tahoe)'
'Walk On By'
'No Name Bar'
'Bumpy's Lament'
'The Breakthrough'
'Joy'
'Hung Up On My Baby'
'Joe Bell'
'Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedelamystic'
'Theme From 'Shaft''

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'HEROICS' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-11T22:15:00.004-05:00

Y'all, that Jay-Z record got me hyped. I had tried to do the Isaac Hayes tribute mix and I couldn't get what was in my head on tape. I left it alone for a while, checked my email and that 'Jockin' Jay-Z' record was in there. BANAAAAA-NAS...I'm gonna get the Ike joint done, though. I want that to be right.

I had to get back into the mix for y'all. Wanted to get this Grey Granite record on something, too. That shit hot...'And I feel so good tonight! I just MIGHT!!' The kid, Grey, has exploded back onto the Naptown hip-hop scene with a style and a vibe uniquely his. Listen for 'Gotsoul' in this mix...and hit up his Myspace page. He has some pretty interesting blogs. The kid is kinda weird, in a good way, like me!

Grey Granite's Myspace

Aight, let's get this thang jumpin'...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Heroics' [zshare] < click there and feel like a hero...who don't want that?

Playlist:

'Hero' - Nas
'Jockin' Jay-Z' - Jay-Z
'Gettin' Up' - Q-Tip
'Take This Job... (demo)' - Rusty Redenbacher (Mudkids)/Waxolutionists
'Let's Ride' - Wale/Daniel Merriweather
'Gaburo Girl' - Datarock
'Gotsoul' - Grey Granite
'You're The One For Me' - D-Train
'God Almighty' - Old Gold
'I'll Wait For You' - Jonathan Frost

JAY-Z - 'Jockin' Jay-Z' or 'Dope Boy Fresh' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-11T20:41:00.007-05:00

Believe it...

Best. Rapper. Alive. Still.

MP3:

JAY-Z - 'Jockin' Jay-Z (CLEAN VERSION)' [zshare]

Jockin Jay Z - Jay-Z
MP3:

This shit sick.

RIP: Bernie Mac (1957-2008)

2008-08-09T11:23:00.005-05:00

This dude was just funny, insightful, and smart.

I'll let him show you what I'm talkin' about. Some shit just can't be explained...I told my Uncle Jack that Bernie Mac was the kinda cat you would run into at the barbershop and stay long after your fade was done to listen to.

I ain't scared of you muthafuckas.

Miss ya, Mac.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Ridin' Around In My City' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-08-08T01:12:00.010-05:00

I was rappin' with my cousin, Stevie D. and we agreed that 'Onstar' by alpha. (pictured above with DJ Metrognome. They do the THANG as 'Class of '93') is one of the illest things we had heard in a while.

I have watched alpha. for a long time. His craftsmanship has grown over the years to a point where he has to be mentioned in any discussion about serious lyricists in Indianapolis. He's got an eye for detail that makes me hear new things every time I listen to one of his songs. His story-telling is top-notch, absolutely keen insights and a flair for the cinematic that puts you inside of the Song. When I listen to 'Onstar', I can actually see the road, I can feel the breeze when we roll down the window. J. Brookinz' track is absolutely perfect for this song. I would say it is about as sweet a marriage of track and narrative as I have heard.

The Brother is just as real and as cool as it gets. He has a cool that is so unforced and natural, you just can't help but listen. He's the kinda cat that could always be the 'life of the party', but understands that those cats usually go home alone and end up as the talk of the water-cooler. The flow is ridiculous, kids. The passion is obvious. Everything about this cat says 'Truth' from his 'no pressure' baritone, to his inimitable swag, to his incredibly keen insight and his willingness to share it.

alpha. (his spelling; "lowercase, with a period", typical understated cool.) has a blog a Myspace page where you can hear more of his Music. Please check him out, as he is truly a shining light in Naptown's Music scene. Here are the links to his pages...

alpha.'s blog.

alpha. on Myspace

Class Of '93 (alpha. and DJ Metrognome)

DJ Metrognome on Myspace

J. Brookinz on Myspace

Now, let's ride. It me, you and Cousin Steve.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Ridin' Around IN My City' [zshare] < click there, click your seat belt and ride with Rusty and Stevie D.!

'Onstar' - alpha.
'Choppin' Blades' - UGK
'Sittin' Sideways' - Paul Wall
'Sittin' On Chrome' - Master Ace, INC
'Born To Roll' - Master Ace, INC
'The Boomin' System' - LL Cool J
'Let Me Ride' - Dr. Dre
'Mrs. Officer' - Lil Wayne/Bobby Valentino
'Keith Turbo' - Kool Keith
'85' - Youngbloodz
'Black Mags' - The Cool Kids
'Super Clean' - Nappyville/Onrey (625 Ent.)

FREE DOWNLOAD - LIL WAYNE/RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A MILLI (Rusty On The Wheels) Remix)'. VIDEO INSIDE.

2008-08-06T12:51:00.008-05:00

Muthf***a, I'm ill not sick.

myspace graphic at Gickr

Haven't been here in a minute, but if you were to check MUDKIDS TV, you'll see why. I have been on the wheels like a madman.

I think things hit an apex yesterday. I recorded this remix, shot and edited this video and posted it for ya. I'm kinda proud of this one. I think it shows a little bit of a lotta what I do.

LIL WAYNE/RUSTY REDENBACHER (MUDKIDS) - 'A MILLI (RUSTY'S 2 DEX REMIX)'

You can download it here...

'A MILLI (Rusty On The Wheels Remix)'

Peace, y'all. Stay tuned, this is getting good.

RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'INdependent (Russtyle)' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-30T12:54:00.004-05:00

I got busy for you over Webbie's 'Independent'. Tasty little morsel for you to bump! Lemme know what you think. I am really having a great time, rhyming over tracks that you wouldn't expect me to. Man, it's ALL hip-hop.

Yes, it is...

Keep watchin'...'WADAPLU' is coming!

RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'INdependent (Russtyle)' < click there and check out the grind.

Hustle Harder.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'GUITAR HERO 2' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-30T12:42:00.005-05:00

No, seriously...

I ROCK!

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Guitar Hero 2' [zshare] < style="font-style:italic;">Playlist:

'Cretin Hop' - The Ramones
'Teenage Lobtomy' - The Ramones
'Rock N' Roll High School' - The Ramones
'Freya' - The Sword
'American Woman' - The Guess Who
'Foxy Lady' - Jimi Hendrix
'Spanish Castle Magic' - Jimi Hendrix
'Eminence Front' - The Who
'Would' - Alice In Chains
'Nearly Lost You' - Screaming Trees
'Little By Little' - Robert Plant
'So This Is Love?' - Van Halen
'Love Removal Machine' - The Cult

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'GUITAR HERO' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-30T12:25:00.004-05:00

I rock...I really do.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBAHCER - 'Guitar Hero' [zshare] < click right there and party like a rock star.

Playlist:

'Flip Mode' - Birdmen Of Alcatraz
'Thunder Kiss '65' - White Zombie
'Highway To Hell' - AC/DC
'Black Betty' - Ram Jam
'Baba O' Reilly' - The Who
'I Hate Myself For Loving You' - Joan Jett And The Blackhearts
'Dancing Days' - Led Zeppelin
'For Whom The Bell Tolls' - Metallica
'Re-Ignition' - Bad Brains
'Supernaut' - Black Sabbath
'Taper Jean Girl' - Kings Of Leon
'Radio Free Europe' - R.E.M.
'Blue Orchid' - The White Stripes
'Shake Appeal' - The Stooges

Rockrockon...

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'FUNK BY ANY OTHER NAME' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-27T20:11:00.006-05:00

I just had to do it, y'all.

I started out wanting to do a 'Zapp vs. Trouble Funk' mix (what up, Y Hate!), but as the funk began to flow, I couldn't limit it to just two groups. There's so much funky Music, yo....so many FONKAY people.

I am sure I will be doing a few more of these. I really Love this Music and have since I was a kid. Here's some of my personal faves.

Let's bump...and big-up to DAVE COMBS (PEEL MAGAZINE) who made that WICKED stenciled record of the 'Kid...(I hope that guy is getting this Music!)

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Funk By Any Other Name' [zshare] < click there and get your slap on...

'Dance Floor' - Zapp
'Pump Me Up' - Trouble Funk
'Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved' - James Brown
'Boogie On Reggae Woman' - Stevie Wonder
'Theme From 'Which Way Is Up?' - Stargard
'Nipple To The Bottle' - Grace Jones
'If You Want Me To Stay' - SLy And The Family Stone
'It's Ecstasy (When You Lay Down Next To Me)' - Barry White
'Genius Of Love' - Tom Tom Club
'Anotherloverholenyohead' - Prince
'Let's Get Small' - Trouble Funk

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'THIS IS NOT A REBEL MIX' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-27T19:48:00.005-05:00

Now THERE is a 'rock band', friends. These guys have taken it wherever they wanted and been forthright and honest the whole time, even when they screw up ('Pop', anyone?)

I was looking at my CD's and thinking about what albums to put into my iTunes. I reached for 'The Unforgettable Fire'. 'TUF' was the album that started my love-affair with this band. I owned 'War' and 'October' before 'TUF' came out, but when I heard 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)', I knew that this was gonna be my BAND for a while.

I saw them play one the best shows I have witnessed. The tour for 'The Joshua Tree' was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed. This was U2 at the peak of what is now 'The U2 sound'. Over the years that would follow, they would turn their back on that sound, as well as reinvent it.

All their songs just sound so epic to me. I had to make this. I call this my 'superhero soundtrack'. People bag on Bono for wanting to save the world, but someone has to do it. I applaud the guy for being sincere and speaking for causes that people are quick to neglect...and he fucking rocks. He is about as great a 'rock star' as you could wish for.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'This Is Not A Rebel Mix...(U2)' < click there and have some of Ireland's Finest.

Playlist:

'Bad'
'Sunday Bloody Sunday'
'I Threw A Brick Through A Window'
'Pride (In The Name Of Love)'
'Mysterious Ways'
'Summer Rain'
'Desire'
'Beautiful Day'
'Two Hearts Beat As One'
'Vertigo'
'I Will Follow'
'Gloria'
'New Year's Day'

I'm wide awake...in America.

Bulldozers, Pt. 2

2008-07-24T19:39:00.003-05:00

This looks to be a continuing story.

'Slumber Is The Price Of Progress' - at least I got a good title outta this...

Fucking bulldozers.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'THIS ROOM IS SO BIG' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-22T18:16:00.004-05:00

(I had posted this mix earlier (on July 13) but apparently there was a problem with the link. I have corrected the problem. This is a repost with a corrected link to download the mix. Enjoy, all my best. - Russ.)

Happiness is playing a bomb-ass show with a buncha great friends and talented artists, then coming home and banging out yet another mix while working in your office clad in a t-shirt, black socks, and boxer shorts.

Happiness is doing what you love to do and envisioning a room full of people loving it right along with you. Sometimes when I am making these mixes and writing these Songs, I can almost see the audience. I can almost hear them and what I hope will make them react. Happiness is playing a buncha records for the first time and feeling like you know where they will work as soon as you hear thev first 'four count'. Happiness is finally figuring out a few tricks with the 'filter' effect.

I feel good. It's hard to feel bad at 130 BPM. Dance and feel free. Thought I'd share some more 'house-cleaning' Music with you...

Dance...you're better at it than me; that's why I play the records...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'This Room Is So Big' [zshare] < Click there and get ta jammin'.

UPDATE: Coukd ya try this ^^^^link and tell me if works for ya? Worked for me and this one is SICK...

Playlist:

'Gasolina (Crookers Crunk)' - Bonde de Rolle
'Planet Rock' - Afrika Bambaataa
'Pjanoo' - Pryda
'Counting Down The Days (Axwell Remix)' - Sunfreakz
'Can't Stop Playing (Madrid Acid Mix)' - Dr. Kucho & Gregor Salto
'2 Cool 2 Dance' - John 'Cyberjive' Larner
'Get Get Down' - Paul Johnson
'Hot Music (House Mix)' - Soho
'Dbiza (Bring The Drums Back)' - Danny Tenaglia
'P.O.P' - Junior Sanchez
'Lost (D Ramirez Remix)' - Roger Sanchez
'Turn On The Music' - Roger Sanchez

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'EGO (MOTIVATION, PART 3)' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-22T14:16:00.003-05:00

Everybody needs to feel good about themselves.

You're a winner. You are number ONE. Believe it, put it into action. Don't step on no toes and do 'YOU' fearlessly with no regrets.

Do your thang...cuz I promise you, I am sure as hell doing mine. Rock with me.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Ego (Motivation, Pt 3)' [zshare]' < click there and know that you rock, man.

Playlist:

'Lazarus (The Rising), Pt 2' - Rusty Redenbacher/SPStar
'I'm Still #1' - Boogie Down Productions
'Mr. Big Stuff' - Jean Knight
'My Mic Sounds Nice' - Salt N' Pepa
'I Love You' - Mary J. Blige
'The Right Thing To Do' - Carly Simon
'Jumpin' Jack Flash' - The Rolling Stones
'Everybody Wants You' - Billy Squier
'Money For Nothing' - Dire Straits
'Livin' In The Life' - The Isley Brothers
'Freakin's Fine' - Mandre'
'Hate To Say I Told You So' - The Hives
'Won't Get Fooled Again' - The Who

Here's to the new boss. Same as the old boss, but better.....you rock.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'FOLIAGE' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-21T16:25:00.003-05:00

My friend, CW Pruitt (The Poet Laureate Of Broad Ripple) is back from ALASKA! CW is truly one of the more interesting people I know; he is a poet, columnist (read his column in the Broad Ripple Gazette), photographer, artist, and all-around Renaissance Man. And a GREAT overall dude, in general. He digs my camera, we gotta get him one of these jobbies. That dude travels!

He used to always have his poems on these laminated little cards and would hand them out to people he felt needed them. He never asked for money for them. He has given me a couple of poems that have made my day. DIg this one...I don't know if I am phrasing right, but I truly LOVE this message...

'The ground is cold, hard and insensitive,
And provides perfect footing
To spring upward'

Badass...I was happy to see my buddy made it back safely and had a good time. Alaska, ya'll...he showed me a drawing he did while he was in Alaska and told me a few stories. Whatta great brother, My Man, C Dub.

I came home, set up the Sabbath/Slim Thug mix and went from there...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Foliage' [zshare] < click there and lemme help you touch the stars. I wanna take you HIGHER...

Playlist:

'3 Kings And A Sweet Leaf' - Slim Thug vs. Black Sabbath
'Sweet Leaf' - Black Sabbath
'Hit It And Quit It' - Funkadelic
'Underground' - Lee 'Scratch' Perry
'Pass The Dutchie' - Musical Youth
'Come Around' - Collie Buddz
'Talking With God About Brown Sugar' - D'Angelo vs. Stevie Wonder
'Have A Talk With God' - Stevie Wonder
'Miss Mary' - Slim Thug
'Mary Jane' - Rick James
'Something In The Way You Make Me Feel' - Stephanie Mills
'Hold It Now, Hit It' - Beastie Boys
'Mad Izm' - Channel Live/KRS One
'Ashley's Roachclip' - Chuck Brown And The Soul Searchers
'Kaya' - Bob Marley And The Wailers

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'BELIEF (Motivation, Pt. 2)' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-17T09:07:00.005-05:00

Belief.

You hafta believe that you can pull things off you have never tried. The cover image at the top of this blog is proof-positive of that.

I have had an issue with my weight for a long time. I used to wanna take up more space, man. I have worked out, I have eaten pasta and rice. I've drank nothing but milkshakes for weeks. I just don't gain weight. I have a sloooooow metabolism; I really can go on a sammich and run all day. My body is trained for the road; eating when you can and what you can, trying to remain conscious and healthy about what I put in my body, but not really sweating it. At least, not sweating it anymore.

"AAaaaaaight, Michelle, but you better make sure I look okay. I believe you won't do me wrong."...and she didn't. It's a nice shot. My Aunties think so. I am glad I believed in Michelle.

You hafta believe. I'm rapping differently than I ever have. I approach the process of writing Songs differently. I try things. Some stuff works and some stuff doesn't. By the time you guys get to hear it, you KNOW it is something I believe in.

I am doing things in the mix that I didn't know I could do. I am playing records for the first time in some cases. I am trying new things with the technology available and my two hands that I didn't think I could do. And I believe, every time I get in the mix, that it is an opportunity to jam out for you, play you some new tunes, and maybe put something on your mind.

Believe that...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Belief (Motivation, Part 2)' [zshare] < click there and become a believer.

Playlist:

'I Believe' - Tears For Fears
'I Believe In You' - Neil Young
'How Can You Believe' - Stevie Wonder
'I'm A Believer' - Monkees
'I Don't Believe You' - Kool Keith
'I Don't Believe In You' - Talk Talk
'I Believe' - Mudkids
'I Believe (ADK Remix)' - Mudkids feat. Kinetik
'I Believe To My Soul' - Donny Hathaway
'I Can't Believe You Love Me' - Tammi Terrell
'Don't Believe The Hype' - Public Enemy
'What A Fool Believes' - Doobie Brothers
'I Believe (When I Fall In Love, It Will Be Forever' - Stevie Wonder

Here's a link to the Indy.com article profiling myself, The Parker Brothers, Radamez, and Dovinci. We'll be appearing at IBE Summer Celebration's Music Lounge this Saturday afternoon. Come support some great original, local Music.

One more time...

http://www.indy.com/posts/9934

Thanks for believing in me.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'FOOTWORK' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-15T19:55:00.004-05:00

Work...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Footwork' [zshare] < click there and get ta STEPPIN'!

Playlist:

'Fancy Footwork' - Chromeo
'Shrine (Crookers Remix)' - Tocadisco
'The Salmon Dance (Crookers Remix) - Chemical Brothers
'Waters Of Nazareth' - Justice
'Stamp Your Feet (Big Room Mix) - Donna Summer
'Feel The Elements (Steve Lawler & Robby Rivera Mix) - Danny Tenaglia
'Plastic Dreams' - Jaydee
'Higher State Of Consciousness' - Josh Wink
'Perculator' - Cajmere
'French Kiss (Outro)' - Li'l Louis

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '$$$' a.k.a. 'MONEY' (Motivation Pt. 1) - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-15T16:30:00.004-05:00

Yeah, man. I like to put together these theme-based mixes. Got that bread on my mind, y'all. Hustling harder.

I typed in 'money' as the keyword on my Serato search and went from there. I actually think there is waaaaaay more than enough for a part 2. Man, lots of people got that money on their mind.

Dig this one, kinda fun...and please note that all of these mixes I have been doing are also on my IMEEM page. If you have an IMEEM profile, please feel free to add me and bang out the mixes in the playlist I have established there.

THIS IS RUSTY RADIO ONLINE! (MUDKIDS LOVE U)

That's RUSTY RADIO, babay! Ain't NOTHIN' like it! It's online and at your disposal if you ever wanna jam with me, aight. You can embed that player and just rock along with Russ. Big fun, I like IMEEM.

Having a great time sharing this Music with you and I sincerely hope that you've had as much fun as I have. Here's some more...!

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '$$$' a.k.a. 'Money' (Motivation, Pt. 1)' [zshare] < click right there and don't sweat the price, baby. It's on me...and this one has a bit of cussin' on it - That 50 Cent sure can cuss. Boy.

Playlist:

'Money Money Money (Rusty's Extended Intro)' - Mudkids
'Ignorant Shit (Massive Mudkids Mix)' - Jay-Z/Elp-Mass (Mudkids)
'For The Love Of Money' - The O'Jays
'Baby, You're A Rich Man' -Beatles
'Money (Dollar Bill, Y'all)' - Jimmy Spicer
'Got Your Money (Rusty's Dollar Bill Blend) - Ol' Dirty Bastard/Kelis
'We Need Some Money' - Chuck Brown And The Soul Searchers
'Gotta Get My Hands On Some (Money) - The Fatback Band
'Dead Presidents' - Little Walter
'Dead Presidents' - Jay-Z
'Poor Li'l Rich' - 50 Cent
'Get Money' - Junior M.A.F.I.A.
'Money Don't Matter Tonight' - Prince

Yo, I gotta Schnauzer to feed. Lemme get back to work.

RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A Milli' (Russtyle)' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-15T16:05:00.004-05:00

Did a little 'Russtyle' on the 'Milli' Beat...

...sh**, everybody else was having so much fun with it, I had to get in on it.

Here it is...download it and have a good one.

MP3:

RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'A MILLI (Russtyle)' [zshare]

AmilliAmilliAmilliAmilli...we're gonna talk more about that later.

Rusty

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '...TO THE BONE' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-15T01:41:00.006-05:00

These are the types of mixes I dig the most, I think; where I just set up and freestyle.

I recorded two Songs today (the 'A Milli (Russtyle)', and a new song over one of his tracks called 'Mama's on 65'; good stuff) with s.a.i.n.t. RECON and we had such a good time, I felt like coming home and jamming some more...

I'm-a sit here and eat this sammich and type out this playlist for you. I hope you dig it and I hope I don't get any mayo on my keyboard.

MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER -'To The Bone' [zshare] < Click right there and ride with me...

'Stripped' - Depeche Mode
'Can't Break' - Atmosphere
'New Years' Prayer' - Jeff Buckley
'Misdemeanor' - Foster Sylvers
'Clean Up Woman' - Betty Wright
'I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun' - Rotary Connection
'Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic' - Isaac Hayes
'Hey Love' - Stevie Wonder
'Golden Years' - David Bowie
'Family Affair' - Sly And The Family Stone
'Voices Inside My Head' - The Police
'Trampled Under Foot' - Led Zeppelin

Man, I had some FUN and put WORK in. Yeeeeeeah....

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'AWKWARD 80'S' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-13T23:44:00.004-05:00

I would consider this a companion piece to the 'Overlooked 80's' mix that appeared earlier in this blog.

All of these are Songs that I would be caught singing way too loud and way too enthusiastically. Hope you get caught out there, too.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Awkward 80's' [zshare] < Click there and go back to The Breakfast Club...

Playlist:

'Wouldn't It Be Good' - Nik Kershaw
'Head Over Heels' - Tears For Fears
'The Captain Of Her Heart' - Double
'True' - Spandau Ballet
'Unlovable' - The Smiths
'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?' - Culture Club
'Goodbye Is Forever' - Arcadia
'Dance Hall Days' - Wang Chung
'What About Love' - 'til Tuesday
'Something About You' - Level 42
'Too Late For Goodbyes' - Julian Lennon
'Thorn In My Side' - Eurhythmics
'AEIOU Sometimes Y' - EBN-OZN
'Change' - Tears For Fears
'Red Skies (Outro)' - The Fixx

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'BIG ROOM STATUS' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-13T17:50:00.004-05:00

I got up this morning and put a first draft of this together and there were some transitions I didn't care for. This is one of the rare second drafts you'll ever hear me do. Usually when I do a mix, I press record and go...two hands, two wheels and a CD Burner. I had so much fun putting this mix together that I couldn't let the bogus transitions go. I reworked the playlist a bit and this is what I came up with.

At the very least, it's gonna make you wanna clean the house...

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Big Room Status' [zshare] < click the title and check out how I would do it in the BIG ROOM. Let's stomp!

'I Got This Feeling vs. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough' - Baby Bumps vs. Michael Jackson

'Rock With You (White Label Mix)' - Michael Jackson

'Summer Magic' - Chocolate Magic

'I Want Your Soul (Crookers Crunk Remix)' - Armand Van Helden

'House Of God (Ericke Remix)' - DHS

'I Feel Love (Danny Howells Mix)' - Timo Maas

'Hallelujah' - Dr. Kuchol

'Call On Me' - Eric Prydz

'I Don't Want Nobody, Baby' - Tom Novy

'Je Suis Music' - Armand Van Helden/Cerrone

Stamp yo' feet!

Q-Tip - 'Gettin' Up'

2008-07-12T13:32:00.003-05:00

Nobody does it like Q-Tip, kids. The Abstract is back...

I'm feeling this one..

Q-TIP - 'Gettin' Up'

Gettin Up - Q-Tip

Have a Great Saturday.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'SINCE I'M UP' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-10T15:18:00.004-05:00

Damn bulldozers....

Did this one this morning. My loss (of sleep), your gain. I wanted to play some of this newer stuff I have been waiting to jam with anyway.

Stay in touch. Enjoy the Music.

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Since I'm Up' [zshare] <<< It takes more than a bulldozer to stop this party. Click there to see what was poppin' this morning.

Playlist:

'Time To Pretend' - MGMT
'Hercules And Love Affair Theme' - Hercules And Love Affair
'Down Is The New Up' - Radiohead
'Never Let Me Down Again' - Depeche Mode
'Shut Up And Let Me Go' - The Ting Tings
'Musique Non-Stop' - Kraftwerk
'Kim And Jessie' - M83
'I'll Wait For You' - Jonathan Frost
'Sound Of Silver' - LCD Soundsystem
'Touch Me, I'm Going To Scream (Part 2)' - My Morning Jacket

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'ROAMING THE HALLS' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-10T15:07:00.003-05:00

Are ya keeping up? I hope you are enjoying these mixes. I am just enjoying the shit outta making them; sharing them is a no-brainer...keep rocking with me.

MP3;

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Roaming The Halls' [zshare] <<< Just click the title and make sure to bring your hall-pass.

Playlist:

'Milking The Demon' - Helmet vs. Screaming Jay Hawkins
'Milktoast' - Helmet
'Rock N' Roll High School' - The Ramones
'Good Times, Bad Times' - Led Zeppelin
'Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)' - Jorge Ben
'The Breakdown' - Rufus Thomas
'Magnificent Sanctuary Band' - Donny Hathaway
'Rats' - Pearl Jam
'Tempted' - Squeeze
'Labyrinthian Pomp' - Of Montreal
'Fame' - David Bowie
'Never Gonna Stop' - Linda Clifford
'Until You Come Back To Me' - Aretha Franklin
'Close To Me' - The Cure
'Life's What You Make It' - Talk Talk

MPOZI's Mural; A Tribute To Our Brother

2008-07-10T10:56:00.003-05:00

There are not enough words to describe the impact MPOZI had on our lives. There are so many people who aren't in this video who's lives he touched in so many positive ways. I can't begin to explain how deeply losing him affected me, as well as the communities of Indianapolis and Philadelphia. Though he claimed those two cities as his home, he was truly a 'World Citizen'; the type of person that wouldn't hesitate to share his only money and meal with someone less fortunate than him, someone who honestly and truly cared abut every person he came in contact with.

I learned so much just being around him. I didn't realize just how much until he was gone. I'll miss him forever.

This is a mural that was painted on the side of SPIN Nightclub. It was completed July 6, 2008, just two years after Mpozi passed. This is a look at just some of the people who helped to get the mural completed. It is absolutely beautiful and if you knew MPOZI in any way, shape, form, or fashion, you should DEFINITELY take a trip to Broad Ripple and take a picture with your friend, MPOZI.

Peace, Respect, and Mpoziness,

Rusty

Bulldozers

2008-07-10T06:38:00.005-05:00

Bulldozer - Datarock

Three mornings this week I have been awakened by heavy machinery. It's Thursday. That ain't cool.

Bulldozers. I work nights and I am wide awake. It's 7:48 a.m.

They are building an apartment complex right behind where I live. When I signed my lease, I had no idea that this was going on. In fact, my rent was raised. This is complete bullshit. I went to the office to beef, but they aren't even open yet. That's how early these effing bulldozers get to workin'....

*Beep beep beep beep*

*CHUG CHUG CHUG CRUNCH CRUNCH*

*Beep beep beep beep*

I am pretty upset about this. The sightline behind my house officially sucks now. Where there were trees, there is just a dirt road...and soon the paving trucks will come. It stinks of mulch and fertilizer on a regular basis. All of this is going on, RIGHT BY MY BEDROOM. I am in the living room now and can STILL hear trucks. Then, once they get this place erected and complete, there will be people...lots of people...people everywhere, where there were trees, trees, trees. This sucks. And the idea that they RAISED my rent is REALLY irritating me. I pay more to be awakened by bulldozers, smell manure, and await the coming of MORE heavy machinery? Uh-uh.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. I am not one to complain about shit, but this is too much. I am feeling like I was duped, because had I known that Thomas The Tank Engine and Bob The Builder were gonna be here this summer, I probably wouldn't have signed up for another year here. At least, the people in the office are cool. I hate having to complain to them, but I'll be damned if I am gonna let these bulldozers jack up my sleeping schedule and not say anything about it. SOMEbody knew that they were about to build that complex directly behind me and they got their little extra money outta me long enough. I do know that once this lease is up, I am getting outta here. I can't deal with the fact that there is gonna be an apartment complex where there were trees, trees, trees. Now, I get noise, noise, noise...and soon enough more people and more noise.

*CHUG CHUG CHUG CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH*

*Beep Beep Beep BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Good morning to you, too.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '100' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-08T20:41:00.004-05:00

Alright, thunderstorms in full effect. That is more than enough mixing for the day. Time to max out!

But, can I leave you with a little more THUNDER of my own? That makes 5 for the day. We cool?

MP3:

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER: '100' [zshare] < Just click that beautiful, round hunny bun and get hip to some new tricks and tracks

Playlist:

'I Get Lifted' - George McRae
'Sweet Emotion' - Aerosmith
'Easy Winners (Pts. 1 and 2) - Cornershop
'Jam For The Ladies' - Moby
'The Boxer (DFA Remix) - Chemical Brothers
'Paradise' - Sade
'Brave And Strong' - Sly And The Family Stone
'Funkiest Man Alive' - Rufus Thomas
'Theme From 'Which Way Is Up?' - Stargard
'Too High' - Stevie Wonder
'A Message From The Soul Sisters' - Myra Barnes
'Bruce Lee' - Underworld
'Analyse' - Thom Yorke
'Sheila, Take A Bow' - The Smiths

Lounge....listening to the rain, now.

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '99' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-08T14:51:00.005-05:00

I'm trying to keep you fresh for the ride home...

Now, looka here; I have posted FOUR mixes today, alone. Holla at your buddy, Russ!

I put it down for you, my friend and your friends. Tell them to come through and tell them about the MUDKIDS. The rhythm of my life, rockin' and rollin with you. I thank all those that have been reading and reaching out to me. I told ya before; all I got is this Music. I don't even own it and I am happy to share it with you...

Let's bounce or somethin', man...right through math class.

MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '99' [zshare] < You know the drill. Click the number and get some. One away from a Benji, dag.

Playlist:

'Get Stupid Fresh, Part 2' - Mantronix
'Broken Wings' - Mr. Mister
'Sardines' - The Junkyard Band
'Money (Dollar Bill, Y'all)' - Jimmy Spicer
'The Bird' - Jimmy Mcgriff
'Smiling Faces Sometimes' - Bobbi Humphrey
'You've Made Me So Very Happy' - Blood, Sweat, And Tears
'That's The Way It Goes!' - Black Merda
'You Left The Water Running' - Maurice And Mac
'(You Can't Blame It On) Anybody' - Phoenix
'Sign O' The Times' - Prince
'Kiss Them For Me' - Siouxsie And The Banshees
'The Fez' - Steely Dan

Rockrockon...

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '91' - (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-08T14:37:00.006-05:00

I'm really feeling it today. Having a lotta fun. I had to get my tire plugged. I ran over a piece of plastic that got into the tread and caused a slow leak that had a flat tire greeting me when I left the house.

...I was in good shape though. God keeps Good People around me.

Thought I'd share a little more love...and math.

MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER -'91' [zshare] < It's as simple as clicking on that number right there and it's all yours. Mwah!

Playlist:

'The Smile' - David Axelrod
'Music For My Mother' - Funkadelic
'I Ain't Superstitious' - Howlin' Wolf
'Woman To Woman' - Joe Cocker
'Papa Was Too' - Joe Tex
'The Stroke' - Billy Squier
'Custard Pie' - Led Zeppelin
'Handclapping Song' - The Meters
'Shake Your Hips' - Rolling Stones
'The Denial Twist' - The White Stripes
'Cholly' - Fishbone
'Falling In Love Again' - Marvin Gaye
'Make The Road By Walking' - Menahan Street Band
'Missing' - Beck
'Planet Caravan' - Black Sabbath

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '124' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-08T08:22:00.005-05:00

More...Do the science. This is like math to me.

There is a whole world of Music out there...listen to everything.

MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '124' [zshare] < Click there and get your numbers together.

'Goodnight Tonight' - Paul McCartney and Wings
'Erase You' - DJ Shadow
'There There' - Radiohead
'Rose' - Who Made Who
'When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around' - The Police
'Thrill Me (Erick Morillo Mix)' - Junior Jack
'Time To Get Away' - LCD Soundsystem
'The Chase' - Giorgio Moroder
'Get Off My Cloud' - Rolling Stones
'What About You In The World Today?' - Co Real Artists
'Super Bad' - James Brown
'New Position' - Prince

DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'MAS AMORE' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

2008-07-08T08:06:00.004-05:00

I had a good time with this one. Dance and feel free...

MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'MAS AMORE' [zshare] < style="font-weight:bold;">LOVE...

Playlist:

'I Will Be Your Friend (Dance Mix)' - Sade
'My Words' - Testament Of House
'All I Do (Hed Kandi Mix) - Hed Kandi
'Big Love' - Pete Heller
'Music Sounds Better With You' vs. 'I'll Find You' - White Label
'Fizzyfunk' (Antoine Claraman Mix) - Fizz
'Unidos (Para La Musica)' - David Vendetta
'Just A Little More Love (Funky House Mix)' - David Guetta

Gear Up...So, You Wanna Be A DJ?

2008-07-08T05:46:00.006-05:00

Hey, been a minute. I got some goodies coming for you.

pimp your myspace at Gickr.com

I actually was awakened by a nightmare. I had a dream involving my equipment. I swear to God. I have been DJing a lot lately and I think it is just bleeding through.

To be honest, I have had a great week since my last post; I had a family reunion in town, I picked up some extra work (which I definitely needed. Big-up, DJ Limelight) and I booked a buncha gigs. I will be in the mix quite a bit over the next few months. I'll probably be in the mix long after that.

I was talking with a friend online and she informed me that she always felt like she wanted to learn to DJ. I told her if she could count to '4', she could do it. It just takes time and practice. You just hafta start doing it and part of starting is investing in gear. When I started DJing, I had no gear, no records, nothing but the desire to DJ. I started out by talking my way into a gig. I can honestly tell you that if the Patio didn't have their own set of wheels back when I was prompted to start, I might not have ever become a DJ.

Since then, I have collected three separate sets of wheels. I bought my first used set of turntables when I rediscovered the love of the mix around 1998 or 1999. I had been outta the mix for a few years, leaving DJing alone until further notice.My buddy, Noah The Arkitect, had bought a set of wheels and a record collection. He was nice enough to let me come over and mix when he wasn't on his decks. I made as many tapes as possible, listening to myself and relearning the art of the blend and the scratch. I was also roommates with DJ Paul Bunyon at the time. He also allowed me to get on his wheels when he wasn't working. Once I felt comfortable enough with mixing again I put the word out that I was in need of a set of wheels while I was working at Rockin' Billy's. I had started to assemble my wax collection already and catching up was relatively easy, as I worked in a record-store. I was bumping into DJ's all day every day, so it was just a matter of time. There were always guys coming in there to flip gear and I knew there was no way I could afford a brand-new set of decks. Finally, someone had a set of Technics 1200's that they were getting rid of. I think I paid $500 for the pair, which I took to Top Speed immediately for checking out, tuning up, and retooling. He let me know they were in great shape. I took them home and set them up downstairs in the kitchen. I made the first and second mixtapes that I sold at Noah's house. I made my third mixtape that I sold right in the kitchen. I made 'em all with the two crates of records that I had at the time.

Once I realized that I was fully in it to win it with the wheels again, I really got serious about my record collection. I collected all the current stuff (gotta have the stuff people are listening to NOW), everything that I remembered as funky or rockin' as a child, breaks, old-school...I bought it all. I was in the record-store all day, so I would spend any down time digging for wax. On my off days, I hit the other record stores and practiced or made tapes to sell. When the hustle was good, I was making more money off mixtapes than I was at my job, but it was all going back into the work. I needed to augment the hustle with club gigs. DJ Indiana Jones and I started a Wednesday night party at The Patio called TASTE where we mixed live with 4 turntables. It was a big success for that summer. No party was like it in this citry and there hasn't been a party like it since. People were actually tuned in to hear what we would throw on the wheels, not their 'jam'. We were fearless, playing any and everything. It was as much fun as I have ever had DJing. It's still one of my fondest 'work-related' memories. We jammed. The skills I learned DJing next to DJ Indiana Jones made me feel comfortable enough to go and work in other clubs. I picked up a lotta hustle during the year or so that we had TASTE at The Patio poppin'.

At this point, my life was changing immensely. My living situation changed and I had way more financial, household and job responsibilities. I was working on the radio now, as one of the first four mixers to be on-air. We did a mixshow weekend that led to the formation of a 'mix-squad' at the station. I was playing a lotta Music in the house that I didn't want to, but I was so in the game that there was no turning back now. The practice was paying off.

I began pumping out tapes as fast as possible. I had to focus on what was hot and get that into the street as soon as possible. There were more DJ's than ever competing for counter-space and gigs. I had to stay ahead of the game, so working at the radio station helped. I was receiving records in the mail every day, which I would immediately open and time. If it was hot it went into one of my four 'working' bags, the four bags that went to every gig. I was also booked more in clubs, so I was taking my wheels everywhere. Realizing that if something were to happen to one of my wheels, I started thinking about a second set for safety. I would've been so assed-out if something had happened to just one of my decks. DJ Kenny Kixx came into the radio-station and said he had a set of wheels to get rid of. I asked him what he wanted, got the money together, and had him bring the decks to my house. Now, I needed to have two sets; one for club gigs, one for making tapes at home...and if something did ever happen to one of the decks, I now had back-ups. I still use those decks on the road.

I came into work at the radio station and saw Paul looking weird. He didn't have his record-bag. He just had this little computer. I watched him set-up his little computer and this little box into the mixer. He set everything up and turned on his computer. I had no idea as to what he was doing. I watched as he pulled up a program called Serato SCRATCHLive. He looked through the library and pulled up 'records'. I couldn't believe what he was showing me and talking to me about. With this program, you could mix with MP3's, meaning that you could have all those four 'working bags' and then some with you at all times. You could mix as fast as you could think. This SCRATCHLive was gonna change EVERYTHING and I knew it as soon as I saw him do the mix that day. Dag. I had no less than 7000 records; all of that stuff was gonna be sitting in the crib soon. I needed a computer. I bought my first computer (and SCRATCHLive) ever ever ever later in the year and immediately began the process of getting all that Music I needed into MP3 format. Quite simply, that is one of the best investments I have ever made; it made it so that we could play ANY Mudkids songs, as long as we had the instrumentals and THAT in and of itself, was reason enough to have it for me.

At this point, I had been DJing for about ten years, most of that time professionally. I had never had a brand-new set of wheels. I had always worked with what I could afford and made it happen, but I had never had a new set. I don't even think I had ever DJed on a new set of wheels. When I finally did have enough money to reasonably afford a set, I invested in the 'Black Beauties'. Ohhhh, they are gorgeous; black finish, blue LED displays, pitch control that goes to plus or minus 16 (I never use that function, but it's nice to know it is there). They're gorgeous. I set these decks up at home for studio work and bring them out for special gigs. I really love this set of wheels. They bring me a joy that I can't explain; when I am on these decks, I am on the nicest decks that I have ever owned, decks that I paid for with money that decks earned me. Nobody was on these before me, they're mine and they're immaculate. I treat them like babies. I keep the dust-covers on them, I have invested in serious road-cases for them (and they don't travel much), I take care of them. That's six decks; a road set, spares, and the 'Black Beauties'. Now, if anything goes wrong with anything I am ready.

There was a while when I didn't really wanna DJ anymore. The Beauties sat in the room, chilling. I was focused on other things and my spirit was getting kinda crushed in the clubs. But, the fact is I will always find a way to love to spin records. It is something I have invested a lotta time and money into and I believe I always get it back. I love it so much that I upload mixes to share with y'all on the regular, on the free-free. I love it so much that I have back-up wheels so I can continue to spin if anything were to happen to my wheels. I get ideas in my head and immediately run home to mix them and share them with you. I started out just wanting to do it and I have had to invest that time and money to keep up with it. I've had to sell other things to keep up with gear, because this is what I do. I am a DJ, so I hafta be able to at least provide the gear to do my job. DJing takes sacrifice and dedication, because while you are in the crib, brainstorming and working on your weak hand, someone else is booking gigs and digging for records...and listening to you. There is always a kid that wishes he was in the booth, doing what you are doing. ALWAYS.

You hafta stay in touch with your sound and you hafta stay on top of your gear. You ever been at the club and the Music skips or stops completely? What did everybody do? I never wanna be that cat. The DJ is really the most important person in the club; he gets you to pay cover, he makes you wanna go see the bartender, he makes it so you can talk to that girl over there when the 'jam' comes on. The DJ is truly the foundation of most good nights out, whether you acknowledge it or not. I get so many folks who want me to teach them to DJ. No one ever taught me; I watched, I listened, I jumped on it and stayed in the mix. I can happily invite someone to watch and listen. I don't know how well I would do at 'teaching', per se. What I do tell them is that if they can count to '4', they can mix...now, it's a question of keeping your gear up, practicing like crazy, being wiling to work damn-near for free on many levels, and learning something whenever you get in the 'mix'. I have had my times when I have wished I did something else, but who hasn't hated their job for a minute or two?

(This joint won't be on 'We Are Dynamic And People Like Us'. It don't fit the concept of the album, but it's fun...wiff my grumpy ass...)

The DJ (2-Track) - Mudkids

When I realize that I actually get paid to play and reinterpret Music, I know there are soooo many worse ways to make a little bread.

Hope you guys are enjoying the mixes and get a chance to hear me spin live some time. I just wanted to give you a little history on some of what it has taken to get there. I love what I do and that is more than a lotta people get outta this life.

Independents' Day Blues

2008-07-01T12:03:00.008-05:00

This one is personal.

Yuh know, people will take your loyalty and kindness for weakness. There are so many parasitic entities in the Music Business. They will jump on your team when they think there is something in it for them. But, as soon as shit gets real, they are the first ones to bail, all the while smiling in your face and telling you how much they 'support' you. I don't need that kinda 'support'. I don't need fake 'friends'. I don't need phony businessmen and shysters around me, and I sure as hell don't need for anyone to tell me, 'Well, that's just the Game'. Bullshit, the Game ain't got nothing to do with somebody being fake.

I am here to let you know that all that shit is dead and has been dead with me for a long time.

I do not deal with a lotta people from my past; people that swore they were my friends, but when I HAVE TO make REAL MOVES to keep my future in focus and my band on the road, they can't seem to muster up that 'support'. I don't deal with people that have shown me that they are self-serving, lazy, lackadaisical con-artists and sycophants, suckling at the teat of whoever they think is 'hot' that month. I don't hang around people that are gonna take my words, twist them to make me look like a jerk and broadcast their bullshit interpretations of what they think I am about to their 'friends'. I don't deal with 'yes-men' and talentless hacks that wish they could be as eloquent as I am in expressing their emotions and views on situations, but think it would be a smart move to fuck with me, knowing damn-well that they have NO CHANCE of debating, battling, or outthinking me. (Trust me, kids; I will not be so gracious when it is time for war. I protect my team like a mother lion. And I protect myself like Daddy Lion). I cut all those bastards off for my own sanity. They're simply of no value to me anymore, because they have shown me that my friendship ain't really about shit to them. They would rather do other things with other people and that is perfectly fine.

Where there is unfinished business to attend to, though, I am trying to 'zero out' all accounts, so I can go on with my life. The Mudkids' merchandising is all fucked-up and I am doing all I can to get it right. All I want is my gosh-darn merch booth to be in order, so that when we go play shows, we can leave our 'footprint' on your city. There are entities within this business that are so outta control, so fly-by-night, so full of themselves, that their arrogance makes it so they must lord over what they were supposed to be controlling YEARS ago. And NOW they wanna be lazy about getting Us INFORMATION, not even money, man; INFORMATION. I would think that is the most basic thing in the world, but apparently that was just another case of me thinking with my heart and not my head. When you do business with a friend you think you can trust, think twice or find an outside party to keep your head straight because your 'friends' are the first ones to fuck you over, intentionally or because they are too 'friendly' to take you seriously. It's a fact.

You may have noticed some changes in the Mudkids and the way We present ourselves. There are people that promised Us things, be it dedication, effort, time, money or whatever that they couldn't hold up to. We do not have the time for that anymore. This band is in the midst of recording another classic album, full of heart and soul. I can't begin to tell you how many hours I have spent in the studio, making sure that I have done things right. I cannot begin to tell you how many hours I have spent writing Songs, practicing flows, and rewriting Songs. I can't tell you how many times I have had to sit here and listen to the same beat, over and over again, writing down my bars so that when it is time to rap, there ain't no bullshit on there. I don't slack and I make a lotta shit happen by my lonesome. I'll say it; yeah, I push...even when ain't nobody looking. Prove me wrong, I want you to.

Some people see that 'pushing' as threatening. It could be because when you are around someone who works their ass off, you either hafta work as hard as them or you hafta acknowledge your own laziness and ineptitude. I hold no punches anymore when it comes to letting someone know that they ain't doing what they said they would do or what they were asked to do. I know when I am slacking and I do what I can to stop that shit. I guess now, I am trying to stop it in others. I don't allow that energy around me because it is infectious. I need to be around people who are willing to work at least half as hard as me. The last things I need are excuses.

I have tried to lead my team by example. I try to live up to the things I talk about in Songs.I have planted seeds of thought in Songs for years. Well, now I am about to start planting some seeds that may grow into poison oak. I am sure there are factions of people that will feel some kinda SOMEthing about what I have been writing lately. I am gonna make it impossible for some people to ignore Us/Me. I have kept from screaming on a lotta people that have screamed on me; runnning back to 'friends' and talking about how I am 'outta control' and my 'ego is outrageous'. Really? Hmmmm....if I haven't talked to you and I haven't spoken to you, where do you get that idea from? My absence? The fact that I don't kick it with fake, back-stabbing, unfocused, do-whatever-it-takes-to-make-myself-look-good dudes anymore? Did you really think I could continue to let that shit slide? I am not with the 'kee-kee-ing' and smiling in my face when I know for a fact that you have been talking extremely stupidly and recklessly about me, my projects, my life, or my Music.

That said, if you are reading this and you feel like you have unfinished business with me, feel free to call or write, so we can settle it. It's al about respect and such a lack of respect has been shown to Me, my values, and my team that I can't believe I am even being as cool about the shit as I am now. I am so easy to get in touch with, it's not funny. I'm online every day. I'll leave it up to the transgressors for now, the ones who are feeling the sting of having the 'Great Rusty' prepare to tear them new ones.

I don't need no negative nothing, man. 'Triple Negative', I am moving on. The least one could do is let me do so and not make it any more difficult than it has already been. I have been more than cool with more than a few people and look...I am still here. My shit rings bells, yo, and you know it. I am setting myself up to be in control of my own destiny and my own dream, by my own means. We let a lotta people ride with Us and when it was time to really get down to business, we were met with indifference, laziness, and eventually (for me, especially) a general sense of 'Fuck you'. You cannot just say something to me and expect me to just believe it anymore. I wasted a lotta time believing in the power of 'friendship' and 'togetherness' with selfish individuals and companies that really only care about themselves.

No. No more. Get your shit together, cuz I am trying so hard to do that...and it ain't even for just me. My team rolls with me, man...if my team is only three or four people, ALL of Us will always be on the same page. I am so shitty with myself for believing in the BS that 'friends' will sell you. If you believed is Us then, you should still believe in Us now, because the GROUP and the MUSIC hasn't changed, except for the better. A cursory glance at the four albums we have released and the new Songs on our Myspace page (and mine) would make that obvious. We are STILL the grindingest, nastiest, realest, coolest, down-to-Earth cats you will meet...but We ain't no punks and we ain't 'kids' no more. We play nice, but when you shit on Us, that goes out the door. And I know when I have been shit on; I turned the other cheek for years until I couldn't do it anymore.

You can choose to ignore me, but I will be using my talent to get some kinda satisfaction and retribution for Myself. I'm just letting it be known so that when you hear some slick stuff fly outta my grill and you think, 'Is Russ talking about me?', you might be thinking correctly. If you even have an inkling that I might be talking about you, I probably and that is your own damn fault. All I have is this Music and NO ONE can tell me what I can address when I wanna address it. That's my power, yo; it's all I really have to show for the years of work I have put into this; a talent that God gave me in the first place and you could never truly understand. I'll make it simple for you. Believe that.

...and I won't let it go. Ever. Get it right and keep it that way.

Common featuring Pharrell - 'Announcement'

2008-06-25T15:19:00.004-05:00

Common is still nassssss-teee...please note the B.I.G references. He's silly. Yeah, he has his bohemian, artsy-fartsy side, but he will STILL SERVE YOU. I've seen it in action. He's one of the coldest.

I have liked pretty much every record that he has done with Pharrell and the Neptunes. I have a great appreciation for the early Neptunes' productions and I always thought that Com clicked well within their sound. Here's another knocker from Big Comstradamus...

Listen, man....COMMON featuring PHARRELL - 'Announcement'

Announcement (LP) - Common

alpha. - 'Obama '08 (Do The Knowledge)'

2008-06-25T13:27:00.005-05:00

Naptown's alpha. drops much knowledge about our next president. I like his approach on this; a lotta cats have taken the 'Change' and 'Hope' concepts and worked offa those, but alpha.'s song is kinda like a history lesson...I digs. None of that would mean anything without his ridiculous flow, of course. It's great to see talented brothers using their gift for good things.

J. Brookinz provides the track, the dude has gotten crazier and crazier with the sounds. I'm loving this!

Informative, entertaining, and necessary.

Obama 08 (Do The Knowledge) - alpha.

Monday.

2008-06-23T14:39:00.007-05:00

I had a wicked sleep. It wasn't great. Not as deep as I needed

I got up and checked my emails. I logged onto my Myspace and wrote people back. I watched 'Jerry Springer', which I believe is one of the most life-affirming shows on television. (There's no way my life could be that twisted.) I dried off and reached into the dresser-drawer for one of my favorite t-shirts, a light brown t-shirt with a iron-on of Chewbacca that reads 'WWCD?' underneath his picture. Looked in my closet and instinctively reached for my 'Mudkids' custom Air-Max '95's, the pair that started my collection. I slid my shoes on and packed up my computer. I kissed my buddy, Jett, goodbye and made my way to the door. I am looking at my place, and while it is 'home', I don't like it as much as I should. I am thinking about a lotta things. I am moving and swimming, working through an ocean of insecurities and doubts.

I started my car. I waited to hear what I was listening to the day before yesterday. The radio doesn't work and the tape deck is out, which means 'No iPod in the whip'. I have been forced to go back to my CD collection, but it has been a happy accident. It has made it so I am listening to stuff that I had either listened to once and put away or CD's that I absolutely love and haven't listened to in a while. The truck starts, thank God because I sure haven't brought my battery charger in the house in a while, and my voice comes outta the speakers, imploring me to 'Don't stop, don't quit...' I chuckle, back out of my space and make my way to the gate. The gate opens and I am off into the streets of Indianapolis, destination ; Northside News.

I say 'what's up.' to everyone. I know every single person here. The Dude is behind the counter, holding court with Timbo Too. JJ is cooking. Uncle Miiiiike is getting his coffee...and I always ask if he needs a refill before I get mine. Karen is in the corner, learning lines for a play. Buddy just came in and re-upped on his two 'ultra-weenie' American Spirits. Jared, who had dreadlocks thicker than mine is here with his girl. I haven't seen him since the CAC moved its office downtown. He's cut his hair and they are having a baby. The kid looks like a million bucks. He tells me he has moved to Florida. Makes me think real hard.

Seems like everyone I know is doing good in the Sunshine. Chaz. I am so proud of Chaz. I am proud of Jared.

When I see my friends doing well, it makes me feel better.

I am sitting at a table with Heidi, who has one of the best smiles in the world and an attitude to match. She's just a great spirit. She is working on something for some kinda wellness retreat in the mountains of Montana, seemingly a kajillion miles away from everything and everybody. Karen comes over and sits with us and Heidi begins to speak. Heidi always begins to speak; the lady can talk, okay? She's really easy to get to know, because she gives of herself very freely. She saw the funk all over me when I came in and gave me a big ol' hug and shook me by my shoulders. Then she cheesed at me and I cheesed back. I'm feeling better, but I still have so much to think about...

I was ready to sit in the corner and blahblahblah about the rivers and oceans of uncertainty that I have been trying to swim through lately. I just go through this. It's just me now. Things can be great, but contrary to some opinions, I DO worry about my future and I DO somewhat of a plan.

(these joints ain't finished, but they fonkay enough for now...I live this shit)

The Plan - Mudkids

Home Sweet Home (2-Track) - Mudkids

It's easy for me to lose sight of how good things are and can be. I just do that sometimes and there are a bazillion people like me. I am never alone, when I feel 'alone' and that can be a good thing. And when I wanna be 'alone', I have to make it happen and that can be a good thing, as well. I am truly loved and I know it. This is where I belong and has been for some time...but I am starting to wonder about the rest of the world. I have seen so many little parts of it, one night, one show, one drive-home at a time. As much as I love my Home, I know I can come back to it, should I go. Some of my better instincts are telling me to go. Go somewhere, even if it's only for a while. Test the waters. Follow the Sun.

Where will I go? What will I do? I don't really know the answers to those questions and that may be what has had me in a half-funk for the past two weeks. I just know that my heart is longing to be gone for a while. I can't say that a tour would get it done. I'm really thinking about changes in a big way. I have so many ideas, but I am not certain as to how to implement them in the most effective way. I can make any type of music that I set my mind to make, I rock crowds, I get my point across and I know it by the smiles and the responses and reactions when I do my thang with my team(s). By the end of the summer, I will have two records wrapped, ready to go and will be headlong into creating the next one, whatever it is. This I DO know. Now, what am I gonna do with all this work that I have put in? The hours and hours of writing and re-writing, the nights in the studio with SPStar, the rides around town listening to this stuff over and over again, the video shooting, the nights spent editing, the communicating with two-three teams of musicians, the emailing...all of this shit, man. Damn.

Sometimes, I wonder why God picked me to be this rapper. I'm so thankful for my gift, but it's a double-edged sword. I've sworn to 'keep it real' and the reality is I think too damn much. I worry and worry. I sweat shit and internalize it. I still think like the kid that was beating on tables at lunch to serve you in front of your boys and your girl, but I also know that that kid is a lot older now and needs to talk about other shit. I'm hoping the message is still getting across; it seems to be. I suppose it's working, I believe in Us.

I've never thought about my future as much as I have the last two weeks. Everyone has to do it at some point. You just have to make sure you are moving forward in the present. I'm trying to push the pace some, I guess.

tick tick tick tick...

ticktick, ticktick...

ticktickticktick...

Time don't stop, so why would you?

Here's the Mayor. I love that dude. He's got some pics of me that I really want...and Heidi is back. Jared and his girl are headed out, as is Karen...I'm here with Heidi, tapping away, working my way towards SOMEthing and 'happy'. Again.

Cuz that's just what you do...

There is a Wikipedia page for EVERYTHING.

2008-06-23T12:29:00.001-05:00

WTF?

Yup...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuck

George would appreciate this.

RIP: George Carlin (1937-2008)

2008-06-23T11:18:00.005-05:00

Just heard that George Carlin passed away. Wow.

As a kid, I would go to my 'cousin' Kris Cerola's house a lot. We'd spend days doing all sorts of creative stuff; burning army men with rubber cement ("NAAAA-PALM STRIIIIKE!!"), torturing his bulldog, Rocky, with the call of "Where's your freds? Where's your freds, Rocky?" (that dog would lose his MIND when you said that. I still don't know what 'freds' are.), you know...typical preteen mayhem, but nothing too bad. Nobody got hurt.

We also look through Ms. Cerola's (now Mrs. Gilfoy's) records and art magazines and stuff. She was a graphic designer. There are all sorts of images I can never get out of my head that are uniquely 'Cerola'. There are records that I know I saw and heard for the first time at their house. Mrs. Cerola had Jean-Michael Jarre's 'Oxygene' record and the cover would have one think it was some rockin' shit or maybe it would sound like Yes. It was actually some of the first truly 'electronic music' I had ever heard. (I'm actually gonna go back and listen to his stuff some more. I am sure I will find the roots of a lotta stuff I dig now in it.)

Oxygene, Pt. 2 - Jean Michel Jarre

Sounded like bleep and bloops then...now, I think I hear what Mama Sue heard. Kinda bad-ass, huh?

Also at the Cerola House, I discovered George Carlin. We KNEW we weren't supposed to listen to that album, same way we weren't supposed to listen to the Richard Pryor records I'd sneak outta my Uncles' collection, and that made it that much funnier. Now, a lotta the concepts may have gone over our head, but man, was this hippie funny. We could just look at the covers and know there was something good in there. We felt like we were in on something great. Two goofy kids listening to the 'Seven Words You Can't Say On Television'; we didn't understand that George Carlin was making a statement about censorship and morals. We just heard this cat doing these voices and cussing up a storm. We knew we could get in big trouble just listening to it., but we had no idea as to how much trouble Carlin had gotten in for performing it. It's landmark, culture-shaping stuff.

Here is the original 'Seven Words You Can't Say On Television'. Just listen to his FLOOOOW....the dude is absolutely incredible...

ummm NSFW, of course

Comedy will never be as dangerous and so well-thought out. It's too easy now. You got the Youtube, you got the cable tv; kids don't hafta search hard and they are easily impressed. Now, you can film yourself getting hit in the balls and become famous.

Kris and I thought started out listening to bad words, we had no idea we were getting a lesson in the ridiculousness of the idea of 'bad words'. As I grew up, I continued to watch and listen to George Carlin. I love words and I am sure I developed some of that love listening to his work, especially his HBO specials in the 80's. He just had a way of playing with words that has definitely informed my rapping.

I would be remiss to forget that I read his book 'Brain Droppings' while I was in Gary helping to plan my Father's funeral. Helped me way more than 'The Celestine Prophecy' or 'Chicken Soup For The Soul' woulda. Me and George, we click.

You know, I don't cuss much on my records and in my writing, but this blog is for George...and the dude went to the wall for the freedom for all of us to say what we want...

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, tits.

Peace out, George.

Li'l Wayne - 'A Milli (Remix)'

2008-06-19T11:15:00.005-05:00

I guess Weezy realized that some of the random stupid shit he was saying wasn't doing as much good for him as the Music. The kid can rap, aight? Let's stick to that for now, cuz he is really good at it.

This is the OFFICIAL remix of 'A Milli'; just got this joint a second ago...

A Mille (Remix) Clean - Lil Wayne

...and I am not a hater, but I cannot stand to see anyone front at playing guitar. Lauryn Hill pulled that crap with that 'Unplugged' piece-of-crap she did, knowing damn-well she had a mastery of MAYBE three chords. Nine minute song, maybe two chord changes.

Weezy's guitar-playing has always made me cringe. It's as if he doesn't listen to the key of the song and plays the lead riff to 'Leather So Soft' on EVERYTHING. Somebody has to let him know, man. You mean to tell me there is NO ONE around this dude that can tell him he is off-key?

Jokes That Stuck; '250 Big Ones'

2008-06-18T07:56:00.004-05:00

...just trying to get back ta laughin'...

'The Jerk' is one of my favorite movies. I'm quick to quote this movie at length;

"It was never easy for me. I was born a poor Black child."

"He hates these CANS!"

"You mean I'm gonna stay this color?"

"I'm gonna name you 'Lifesaver'."

"There are SNAILS on her plate."

...and one day, I hope to have this problem at the bank.

Hum V. featuring B-Swayzie - 'Back In The Day' (Video)

2008-06-17T16:18:00.005-05:00

Here's the new joint from my man, Hum. V from the Cleptoz. Nice li'l video, y'all. You can see that they took some time with this one and the little versions of those dudes are too cool. I ran into Hummer at MoJo's when they were storyboarding this joint. Looks good!

Peep it...

The dude is going for it...but I have told him about these long-ass fade-outs!

My Father's Child.

2008-06-15T15:36:00.014-05:00

I'm tryin'...

Today is Father's Day. My Dad has been gone for a long time now; you'd think I would be over it or would deal with it better. I ain't. I trick myself all the time, saying that I can deal with the fact that he's gone, but there were a lotta questions left unanswered and a lotta issues unresolved.

I get so fucking mad when I think about how my Dad died.

Alone. Stupidly. Needlessly.

I've been spending a lotta time alone lately, but not for the same kindsa reasons my Dad did. I am very seriously looking at my Life and trying to see some kinda future. I don't believe my Daddy was able to do that. I think he felt like everything good was behind him, but I was right here praying and waiting for some kinda miracle, some kinda hope to jump into his chest to make him see that I was right fucking here. We were all right fucking here and we all loved him. Shit.

He didn't have to go.

Decisions my Father made and things my Father taught me in the '70's have been affecting me my whole life and will continue to affect me my whole life. I don't know if he realized how much power he had or how impressionable I was; I really thought he was Superman. I believed in Superman until I was in my teens. My Dad would risk his life to save strangers, so the fact that he didn't have the same kinda love for himself will always bother me. He still has some of that superhero aura to me, however I am old enough now to know that there ain't no Superman and if there was, he STILL has to stay away from Kryptonite. Superman woulda been smart enough to know that.

From a distance, it was so easy for me to fill in the holes with tales of how good he was doing. The last visual memory I have of my Daddy ain't great. Firstly, it was on a day that shoulda been absolutely beautiful and the sight of my Dad shocked me. While I was glad to see him, he looked like shit. His hair was unkempt, his clothes were ruffled, he looked swollen. He didn't look like my Daddy at all, but I knew it was him. I hadn't seen him in a bout two years at that point. I didn't even know if he was coming, so I was genuinely surprised to see him. I was just as surprised by his appearance. My Dad was always sharp; a good dresser, awesome frames for his glasses, great haircut. This dude who looked like he hadn't seen a barber in months (and didn't seem to be worried about it) couldn't have been my Daddy. I saw that cool-ass walk though and I knew damn well who that was.

"THAT'S MY DADDY!" I didn't give a damn how he looked. He made it. I was overjoyed.

I was in a room upstairs, staring outta the window at my Old Man when he was strolling in to take his seat. I tapped on the pane with my keys. He looked up and I saw my Daddy's beautiful hazel/grey/green eyes, the eyes I was always mad that I didn't inherit from him and my Grandpa Doats. I waved like the little boy that used to wait by the door and listen for his car to pull up to take me away to 'wonderful, magical, Gary, Indiana' when I was a kid. He didn't have on his glasses. My Dad always had some playa-playa glasses, dark-tinted lenses, great taste in frames. I believe he did that on purpose cuz when he took his glasses off, he could look you in the eye and take your breath away.

I think it was the element of surprise when he removed his glasses that he dug, at least I woulda dug that.

That day was supposed to be the start of the rest of my Life, my next phase of this beautiful Life. Everything was in place. Everybody was there to see it happen. My Mama and Daddy were together in the same place for the first time in years. I have two pictures of them together from that day, the last day I saw my Father alive. The last time I saw my Father's eyes.

She loved him like she loved no one else in her life, I know that. She told me. She also told me that the best thing to happen to her was me and he was obviously a part of that. We were always so thankful to have each other. She always knew how much I loved her back. I went outta my way to make sure she knew that. We were each other's 'rock'. I would do anything for my Mama. ANYthing.

Three weeks after that day, my Father was dead. Dead in the crib, alone. Stupidly. Carelessly.

I love the shit outta my Daddy, but distance, time, and some really bad decisions he made, made it so I couldn't show that same love for him that I could show my Mama. I couldn't offer everything that I wanted to willingly. And I sooooooo wanted to, dammit. DAMMIT.

I don't like Father's Day, because I never had a chance to show that love, especially on this day. And I never will get a chance. My Dad is gone, man. We never had a real 'Father's Day breakfast' or nothing like that. I think of my Uncle Bebe and remember all the driving back-and-forth he did from Atlanta to Gary, checking in on his Daddy and eventually moving him to Georgia when it was necessary. I think of how highly he spoke of his Daddy and how highly I speak of my Daddy, still, even when I feel like I feel today. Even when I feel like he really fucked-up big-time and Father's Day is gonna bug me forever.

I am so my Mother's Child, because while I am mad as hell at that man, I love him so much that I can't let go of some things. It's the accepting that is killing me right now. I accepted the fact that he and I were always gonna have differences. I have accepted the fact that he came with a lotta baggage and problems. I am having a hard time accepting the fact that we'll never ever ever ever get to work on them. This is the one day a year where I am gonna sit here and be hurt because I earned it. I worked for every tear. It's my own fault; I sold myself the dream that I was gonna, at some point in my adult life, get to spend incredible quality-time with my Daddy, like Bebe did.

It was gonna be good, I knew that in my heart. It never happened and now it can't.

7 years of this shit, man, every Father's Day. I wake up with nobody to call, no card to buy, no tie to match with a shirt. Uncles count, though. I got mad friends with kids. I stumble my way through the holiday, but the sting of his absence is omnipresent. My memories of the last time I saw him bounce around my head. I am grateful for all the Great Men that have been in my life; I've had a excellent support-system, from Great-Grandfathers to Uncles, that have filled in so many gaps over the years. I'm so thankful, truly.

But, I ain't named after them, I don't look exactly like them, I don't have their mannerisms and quirks. My Dad's blood courses through my veins, fiercely. I am constantly reminded how much I remind people of him. I sound like him, I laugh like him. That's my Daddy and I will never get a chance to let him know exactly how much I loved him.

I am so my Father's Child and there is nothing that can ever take that from me. I'm hurt as hell, because I love my Daddy and he ain't here. I am reminded of that every time I look in the mirror and see my Mother's eyes missing him, but today is the day that it hurts the most.

Slug and Ant, thank you so much for this album and this song...there's millions of Us out here.

Yesterday - Atmosphere

I really miss you, Daddy. I love you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day.

Li'l Russell

Beta Male - 'Husband's Girlfriend'

2008-06-13T15:09:00.005-05:00

Beta Male is one of the most exciting new bands I've seen in a while. P. David Hazel is a phenomenal songwriter with a stone-cold sense of melody and structure. He's also a nice as hell dude. I was trippin' when I saw their stage set-up; Dave sets up in the front with his drums, the guitar and bass play the back and these two badass rockin' chicks man the keys on his side. I knew when I saw them that they were on their own thang.

Beta Male also employs the talents of his lovely wife, Allison, as well as the legendary Vess Ruhtenberg, Tyler Bowman, and Jess Hack. I hate to write that they sound like 'this-meets-this-band'; that style of rock journalism is so tired to me. They don't look like NOBODY, they sound like 'BETA MALE'.

Beta Male has an good-size 80's influence, but what they do is wholly modern and wholly their own. Allison brings showmanship to the stage as well as anyone I have seen before. She rocks the whole time, talks some good shit between songs, and is behind a lotta the way that the ladies in the group are represented visually, as well as sonically and socially. She's a strong lady, yo. I've told her that she has a 'Bowie-esque' quality; very chameleonic and charismatic, but she is also quite the provocateur. Jess is like her quiet, stoic counterpart, bookending cool Dave. It's an awesome look and sound, to be sure.

Really feeling this jammie-jam here. I had to wait to get the okay on it before I posted it. I had a previous mix of this record, but I had to wait to get the final version. I told P. David that I wanted to feature them here and I would be using IMEEM to post their joint. The next day, my man had an IMEEM account too...and here's that good shit I was talking about.

I have always said that any group with two or more family members in it is worth listening to. Here's further proof. Their full EP is available online at iTunes, get that shit NOW.

BETA MALE - 'Husband's Girlfriend'

Husbands Girlfriend - Beta Male

...and I owe these guys a video appearance...fucking pneumonia, man. I WILL make the next one, yo!

'HIGHER' - THE THIRD MUDKIDS ALBUM (FREE DOWNLOAD)/'Pressure Busts Pipes'

2008-06-12T20:31:00.016-05:00

I am not a happy boy.

Pressure - Mudkids

Usually, you can depend on a pretty good mood from me. I try to keep the cup 'half-full'. Lately, the cup has been empty. And it seems to wanna stay that way.

I am so sick of working my ass off just to pay bills. I am really tired of it. I thank God every day that I have no children, because there is no way I could be 'Me' and take care of a child right now. I would love to have a baby one day, but I don't know when that day is. I don't realistically see my life slowing down anytime soon and I don't know if my 'Big Break' is ever coming, so I am not in any position to bring a child into this world. I've committed myself to this Life, this career; I am doing everything I can to live it out. I'm getting to a point where the belief I have in myself is starting to wane. I know it'll come back, but it is what it is right now.

I'm keeping it so real with you right now, it hurts.

I have never been the one to want anything I haven't earned. I don't want anyone's hand-outs, I don't want anyone's pity, and I damn sure don't want anybody to give me anything that I haven't earned. I want to be accepted, respected, appreciated, and loved for who I am. I think those are the most basic of human needs, right there with 'food, water, shelter'.

"There's gotta be a better way, Russ."

What more can I do? Am I to just say, 'Fuck this', cut my hair and get a 'real job'? I KEEP real jobs all the time...and it STILL ain't enough. I can't even rationalize putting the group(s) on the road right now, because the cost of traveling (gas, food, lodging) is so outrageous. We do alright wherever we go, but this recession (yeah, just go ahead and call it what it is) is kicking my/our ass. We've had to scale back so many plans. It's really fucking frustrating. We're trying to get back into markets that we know where we KNOW we kick ass and even THAT has to be considered seriously.

...and this is what I am thinking about before THREE shows, in town. I am always a month ahead. I am already figuring out Forecastle (which will be TOTALLY worth it...them Spank Rock cats, Tortoise, Z-Trip, Margot, "M-E-T-H-O-D Maaaaan!" AND Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is speaking? Hecky yeah...click that link and get yo' shit together for July 25-27 cuz Louisville is gonna be RED-HOT!)

I've done my thing independently for all this time. Am I spinning my wheels? Jeez, I mean, the MUDKIDS are recognized as truly upper-eschelon shit; why are we talking about this? Shouldn't I be talking to you about release-dates, shows, and plans that we have to take Indy with Us whenever this thing finally jumps off? Shouldn't I be telling you how excited I am that we are almost finished with this album? Shouldn't I let you know that, including 'Lazarus' (the album) and LAZARUS (the Band), I could possibly have THREE full albums ready to go by year's end, not counting the collaborations I have been doing with s.a.i.n.t. RECON and anyone that wanted to send me a track.

When have you paid enough dues?

I have no idea. I wish I could say that I knew, but I don't. I try to lead by example; I go to as many shows as I can, even when I am flat-broke. I clap my hands and dap the bands when they come offstage. I started this blog with the specific intention of NOT just talking about myself, but spreading light and shine to some of the incredibly talented people I know. I have been this close for a long time. "'This close' to what?" is what I am trying to figure out.

I remember a friend of mine asking me why I stayed in Indy and didn't try to 'make it'. It truly pissed me off, because I have been trying to 'make it' for as long as I can remember. I'm still trying to 'make it', which is what kinda pissed me off. Here we are at a show, you just paid money to get in and hear me and all these wonderful Artists and you are asking why I haven't left, as if I haven't been trying this whole time from here? Look, I love this City. I love the people. My family is here. I love my Hometown. The reality is; My Mama was a big part of why I wasn't leaving and now that she is gone, I almost feel as if I owe it to her to get out there, wherever 'there' is. I can have hard-times anywhere, yuh know? There might as well be constant sunshine, wherever 'there' is. And maybe when I get 'there', I'll 'make it'. Maybe I'll never get 'there' and maybe I'll never 'make it'. Maybe I have 'made it' and this is as good as it's gonna get and I should accept it. There were so many things that she wanted to do, yet never had the chance to. I let her Spirit live in Me, happily. I try to take her joy into the World. My Mama was so talented and charismatic; she'd simply light up a room with her laughter and her smile. I swear, I try to carry that with me every day, even on super shitty days, like the ones that have been so frequent lately. My Mama told me never to stop. I'm making good on that. (I tell people that we're 'jazz cats', I don't see myself stopping...ever.)

...but, I want more. Lots more...and eventually, I will NEED more...

More - Mudkids

I guess I have been trained to be thankful for everything I do have. I am. I am happy for my truck with the battery that needs to be replaced, I am happy for my little home and my little dog. I am so thankful for my friends and family. Sometimes, I am just thankful that I can sit here and bleed this shit outta me. At least I have a creative outlet; I don't know how many people read this and download the music I put up, but it does feel good to tap away at this keyboard and try to figure things out.

Here's the facts; I am as driven as anyone I know, and when I feel like something/anything is slowing me down, I push that much harder. I simply will not give. I ain't no quitter. I am dying to show the world all I know and have learned, all the stuff I have worked on for years, from MCing to DJing (look at all these dang mixes in this blog!), from working in television and radio to shooting and editing videos, from writing (duh.) to ringing up your merchandise. We have made all this noise for all these years by our-damn-selves. We could probably stand a little help. There are people that I miss, but we're moving forward. It's wearing on me today. I know that help is on the way. "I Believe, I Believe, I Believe, I Belieeeee-eve (Ikeepremindinmyself"...WADAPLU IS COMING!)

What's that cliche'? "Pressure busts pipes or makes diamonds"? I'm trying to make these diamonds, man; but the pressure is in the pipes right now.

Don't bury me, I ain't dead yet.

(PS - 'HIGHER', our third album, is recognized by a lotta people as our finest work ('Upward' is still my favorite). The three songs inside of this blog are from that album. It was released by a (now we know) crappy, shitty, 'didn't-even-try' independent outta the Bay Area called 'Stray Records' that promptly folded within months of its release. Check the stats on what sealed copies are going for online...and guess how much of that money we see...or have ever seen. I have been watching this shit like the price of gas; 'The Wolf' is at the ready.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00005K9UB/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1213324572&sr=8-1

Could be the rarity of the record, could be that it's considered an 'underground classic' in some circles. I just know this; I can't sit by and continue to watch these people profit from our work and NOT give you the option of paying absolutely NOTHING if you want that album, because that has been our compensation for it. I've had it up on another site for a while, but I am gonna hook you up right here, right now. Send your friends...)

Album:

MUDKIDS - 'HIGHER' (FREE DOWNLOAD) [zshare] - Click it and GET IT FOR FREE!

1) The Return

2) Feel That?

3) Cerebral Fluid

4) No Hate

5) Pulp Diction

6) B+

7) Ghost Before You Know It

8) 32/'Until'

9) Pressure

10) Climb

11) Downstairs

12) Catalogue

13) More

That's all you, baby, from your buddies, the Mudkids. If anyone asks you where you got it, you send 'em right here or to our Myspace page cuz it will be up there too...

Here I am bitching about bread and the cost of living while I am giving away our best album...Irony, anyone? At least I feel better than I did when I started writing. I guess that was the whole point.

Take the power back. Diamonds, bitches. We rock on...until.

32/Until - Mudkids