Trek Life 'Get In Touch'

New digital single from my brother Trek Life. B-side is called, 'That's Alright" produced by Ayiro.

Trek Life SoLA Remix Video

Check out this J. Bizness remix for Trek Life's "SoLA". Video shot by the one & only DJ Buddy.

Purchase the Trek Life remixes "Wouldn't Change Nothing" on iTunes:

Trek Life "Wouldn't Change Nothing" Remix Album

Preview & purchase these dope remixes of Trek life's "Everything Changed Nothing" for only $7.99 on iTunes. Yet another great Mello Music Group release.

Trek Life "Wouldn't Change Nothing

Who's F*cking with my brother Trek Life? Newness from He & I.

Trek Life Free Album Download

For only 4 more days, download Trek Life's "Everything Changed Nothing" for Free. This is a must have for the summer folks.

The Kilahertz - I'm A King

New song & video by my brother Trek Life. He recently formed a group with producer Speesh beats, violinist Jason Yang & DJ Buddy. Together they're the Kilahertz & the song is called "I'm King". Check it, check it out!

Nothing Changed Something [Behind The Scenes Montage]

Trek Life's got three videos all wrapped up into one from his album "Everything Changed Nothing" coming out soon, be on the look out.

Trek Life - "Back In Demand" Prod. By Oddisee [Free Download]

Trek Life & recently collaborated for a djbooth.net freestyle. The track is called "Back In Demand". Check it out at djbooth.net
In other news, Trek's album "Everything Changed Nothing" is available on vinyl over at FatBeats.com. You can also purchase the album on iTunes. If you dig the album, feel free to let Trek know. Links below to Trek online, peace.

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Trek Life - Back In Demand - Listen Now

Trek Life In The LA Times

Trek got a great write up & interview in the LA Times, check it out. Read the article below or visit the LA Times.

Trek Life is so L.A. He bleeds purple and gold, bumps Battlecat and name-drops the oft-forgotten Funkdoobiest in interviews. That’s as L.A. as you can get for someone whose formative years were split between the city itself and West Covina. Yet Trek waves the flags of both the Inland Empire and the 310/323/818 axis.

He’s of the generation that came up on both Death Row and Project Blowed. His first experience rapping came in the mid-'90s, over will.i.am’s earliest beats, back when he went by the name Will-1X. He learned how to make records firsthand by watching Atban Klann (Black Eyed Peas 1.0) and Blood of Abraham, two of Ruthless Records’ less menacing outfits. He came up attending the famous Unity nights and even attempted to battle Myka 9 as a callow teenager.

Flash forward a decade and a half and Trek’s sophomore release, “Everything Changed Nothing,” is one of this year’s finest local rap records, a thoughtful, well-crafted effort from an MC versed in regional history and his place in it. It helps when you have a slate of beats from Washington, D.C.’s Oddisee, who has rightfully asserted his place at the helm of producers working underneath whatever passes for the mainstream.

The genesis for the record came when the East Coast producer came west and sifted through Trek’s old record collection: Freestyle Fellowship, Pharcyde and old Ice Cube records, from G-funk to the subterranean thump of the L.A. underground. The result never feels like sonic tourism. Oddisee’s sojourn allowed him to soak up the vibes from the scorching sunshine, swaying palm trees and freeway funk. Meanwhile, Trek artfully uses the canvasses to spin tales of his daughter, cookouts to celebrate law school graduations, and black migration to the West Coast.

Released late last month on nascent indie hip-hop imprint Mello Music Group, “Everything Changed Nothing” is smart without being strident, and never loses its sense of place. In belated honor of its release, Trek is premiering “Due West,” and explaining to Pop & Hiss why he’s so L.A.

You went to a lot of Unity Shows as a teen, which is often regarded as one of the last great communal spots for L.A. hip-hop. Does any memory stand out most to you?

The most amazing show I saw was Mos Def at the El Hacienda. He had a glass of water, a mike and a stool, and would just go back and forth performing songs, taking sips of water, and then explaining the song like a jazz player -- right down to what the weather was like when he recorded it. Then he’d perform the next cut and completely wild out.

What happened when you tried to battle Myka 9?

I was a teenager and tried to battle him at Project Blowed. He just gave me a crazy look like ‘What are you doing?’ So it didn’t actually go as planned. It’s one of those stories that my friends laughed about back home in West Covina.

When you were growing up, was there a pretty well-established local hip-hop community in Covina or were you guys coming to L.A. every weekend?

There was a very strong local community, but it was strongly high school-based. I don’t know if this is true for subsequent generations, but for us, high schools were the main vein. You’d hear about a battle at W. Covina High or a cipher at Rowland High.

Then there were the parties and that’s how I got in. A guy named Jinx threw parties locally and he was our connection outside of the city. He was the one that put everyone on and introduced me to Project Blowed and Atban Klann, back when they were still called Grass Roots.

What was will.i.am. like back then?

Almost exactly the same as he is now. He was hungry, very much a musician and a very creative person. He was just learning how to play the Rhodes and how to produce.

How has working with Oddisee improved you as an artist?

Our independent grinds sharpen each other. He’ll say he wants to do something and if the doors are closed, he’ll find a way to open them. If a booking agent won’t book us in Europe, we’ll do it ourselves. He sharpened the way I create too -- not necessarily the way I created music, but the way I approached it. I learned that there needs to be a story built into every record. Oddisee is big on people getting to know you, and he’d be critical if he felt I didn’t give the audience enough of a perspective on who I am.

How did the song 'Due West' come about? Were you pretty well-versed in the history of black migration west or did you do research?

That came from conversations when I was on tour with Oddisee and Diamond District. Them being from the East Coast and touring with a West Coast person, we talked a lot about family history. Odd’s family is from Sudan and people often think L.A. black history starts with gang-banging. Yet we’ve been here a lot longer than Crips and Bloods. So I started asking my mother and father about how they got here, and my grandma talked to me about moving from Louisiana to California. The main point of the song was that I want to hear other cultures tell their perspective. I can speak on what it’s like as a young black male, but I want to hear 2Mex tell his story, and so on and so on.

It’s obviously a broad question, but what does being from L.A. mean to you?

L.A. is the city that’s too diverse to gentrify. There are so many cross sections of people who interact so consistently. If you and I were out of town and say I mentioned Unity, we could have a two-hour conversation about that and other things. You could be from the Valley and I could be from West Covina, but we’d probably know four or five of the same people. It’s a huge city, but it’s small as far as people knowing each other. To me, that’s the greatness of Los Angeles and why I would never want to leave. There’s just so much to learn here.

You just spoke a moment ago about getting who you are across to people. To someone who was unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe yourself?

I’m a typical Angeleno in many ways. I’m a father and a worker. I have my big schemes of success. I represent the common duality of the city -- the person who sees the bright lights of the big city, but doesn’t necessarily live in it. The individual who knows what it’s like to be underclass -- someone who’s not that well-known yet, but is capable of stepping outside the box and being the biggest thing.

How has being a father impacted your approach to music?

I really think about I write now, because I know that later on, she’s going to listen to Daddy’s records. It makes me feel that I can’t be mediocre, because I want her to look up to me as a road map and see what her dad did, and so that there’s no reason why she’d have to fear something like trigonometry. That’s why I started writing songs like “Ready to Live,” because I can’t complain because of her. No matter how hard life gets, I have my little girl and the responsibility that comes with it.

Who are your favorite L.A. rappers?

Ice Cube is my favorite MC. of all time. The Pharcyde. Freestyle Fellowship. As far as right now, I’m a big fan of Richard Wright and Skeme.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a project with DJ Babu -- tentatively titled “Fire Outside.” Since Babu produced my first official 12-inch and helped put me on, it’s high time that we did a project together. “Everything Changed Nothing” was about establishing my place and where I’m from. In the future, I think I’ll have a broader perspective factoring in my experiences traveling.

You recently had your album release party at Fat Beats, and that’s going to be one of the final ones there. What do you think the local hip-hop community is missing with the demise of the store?

It’s a huge loss in terms of the community aspect. We still have Amoeba, but the thing about Fat Beats is that it wasn’t just about records. It was a meeting place, the spot where I met DJ HouseShoes, where Kev Brown and LMNO did their in-store. It’s devastating to the actual recording community, and it’s going to be hard to see it go.

Trek Lifes "Everything Changed Nothing" Out Now

Trek Life's new album "Everything Changed Nothing" is officially out. Please give it a listen & if the spirit moves you, make a purchase!

BUY LINKS FOR "Everything Changed Nothing"

Stores:

Fat Beats LA (Map)

Fat Beats NY (Map)

UGHH Boston (Map)

Amoeba LA (Map)

Amoeba SF (Map)

Amoeba Berkley (Map)

FYE Nationwide (Store List)

Online retailers:

fatbeats.com (CD on sale for $8.99)
ughh.com (get instrumentals with CD purchase)
bestbuy.com
amazon.com

Digital Retailers:
iTunes
eMusic
Amazon

West Coast Dates

I'm heading to LA from August 12th to the 17th

You can catch Trek Life & myself at these upcoming events! Everything Changed Nothing along with Trek Life's past products will be available at all shows.

08/12 - Chief Rocka in San Diego (Map) (info)

08/13 - Fat Beats LA (Map) (info)

08/14 - Acrylick Instore (Map) (info)

Trek Life's First Visit To Washington DC

Last weekend Trek Life made his first visit to Washington DC. He came out for his release party and guest appearance at the Diamond District show. I think it's safe to say he had a great time!

Trek Life DC Release Party & Diamond District Show

This Saturday, July 31, 2010 will be a great day for Hip Hop in Washington DC. Trek Life will be coming to DC for the first time to celebrate the release of his new album "Everything Changed Nothing". Trek will also be DJ'ing and premiering songs from my next three releases. details below

Venue: Policy

Address: 1904 14th St NW
Washington DC 20009

Time: 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Free admission, open to the public



Later on that evening just down the road from Trek's release party, there will be an all star DC hip hop line up performing at the Black Cat. Featuring Diamond District, DTMD, Cornell West Theory, Damu The Fudgemunk & DJ Underdog hosted by Grap Luva. Set Times & details below.

Set order:

DTMD: 9:30-9:45

Damu The Fudgemunk: 10:00-10:30
Cornell West Theory: 10:45-11:30
Diamond District: 11:45-12:30

Venue: The Black Cat
Address: 1811 14th st. NW
Washington DC
20009
Doors at 9:00pm
18+
Tickets $12.00

Both events are taking place this Saturday July 31st, 2010

New Free Beat-Tape: West Coast Beats -Hosted By Trek Life

In preparation for Trek Life's new album "Everything Changed Nothing" available July 27th, I put together a "West Coast" beat-tape.
Coming from the city of Go-Go, I've always loved production inspired by funk. when it comes to funk inspired hip hop, no body does it like the west. While I was on the west producing Trek Life's album that inspiration went further than being a fan. I don't know if it was the palm trees, beaches, or burgers but this is what I was making in LA. Listen, Download, Enjoy & purchase "Everything Changed Nothing"

XXL Says Trek Life Single Is A Banger

The first single off Trek Life's new album "Everything Changed Nothing" was on the front page of xxlmag.com yesterday under BANGERS!

Trek Life's New Single "So Supreme" On iTunes

You may have heard this while watching the NBA finals on ESPN. "So Supreme" the first single off Trek life's new album "Everything Changed Nothing" is now available on iTunes. I release free music so that when something is for sale you all support it. Put your money where your ears are folks! I produced Trek's entire album during one of my stays on the west coast and I promise you it will be on of the best albums of 2010. links to buy the single and pre-order the album are below.

Purchase "So Supreme" on ---> iTunes

Pre-order "Everything Changed Nothing" on ---> UGHH.COM

BONUS: Trek cruises LA while listening to his album. Check it out!

Video: Trek Life - "So Supreme" On ESPN

As many of you may or may not know, I produced Trek Life's next album "Everything Changed Nothing". Trek is like a brother to me & when he agreed to let me produce his next album, I felt it was only right to pack my bags & head out to LA to produced. I'm such a fan of regional rap, I wanted the challenge of creating a "California" Hip Hop record after crafting such a rugged, east coast sound for Diamond District. Trek is a veteran in what I see as a new wave of Cali Hip Hop. Trust me when I say this will be one of the better releases of 2010 and of west coast Hip Hop in recent years.

Trek Life's - "So Supreme" Available On iTunes July 13th
The Album - "Everything Changed Nothing" Available July 24th

ESPN is now using Trek Life's single "So Supreme" as the theme music to their NBA & NHL finals montages.




Bonus: Trek & I Cruise While Listening To His New Album "Everything Changed Nothing"

Trek Life's "Everything Changed Nothing" 7/27/10

So we I made the beats, he wrote the rhymes, we recorded the album, I mixed the album, the album was mastered, we did a photo shoot, a cover was selected, no not this one, but this one is dope, we picked a released date, here it is!

Trek Life's Everything Changed Nothing drops July 27th, 2010.
Listen to this and get ready.

Cruising Cali W/ Trek Life Lsitening To His New Album "Everything Changed Nothing"

So I'm back on the west coast for a few weeks doing a bunch of shows. If you don't already know, I produced an entire album for Trek Life (with the exception of one song) titled, "Everything Changed Nothing". The album was entirely made in California and will be available on Mello music group/Oddisee Music July 27th, 2010.
here's a little video of us listening to several songs off his new album while on the way back to his studio. First glimpse, check it out!!!!

Oddisee, Diamond District, Trek Life & DJ Quartermaine West Coast Dates

What... You thought was wasn't coming out west!

4/30 - Los Angeles, California - Oddisee @ Airliner
5/1 - Los Angeles, California - Oddisee @ Boom Box
5/6 - Portland, Oregon - Diamond District & DJ Quartermaine @ Someday Lounge (The Fix PDX)
5/8 - Seattle, Washington Oddisee @ Secret Location (not to be advertised until a week out)
5/9 - Seattle, Washington - Diamond District in-studio performance at 90.3FM KEXP 8:00 PM
5/9 - Seattle, Washington Diamond District @ Chop Suey
5/10 - Seattle, Washington - DJ Quartermaine @ Jetset
5/13 - Pomona, California: Diamond District, Trek Life & DJ Quartermaine @ Cal Poly
5/14 - Los Angeles, California Diamond District & DJ Quartermaine @ Self Help Graphics & Art Center
5/15 - Los Angeles, California Diamond District & DJ Quartermaine @ Fat Beats (In Store)

Oddisee & Trek Life @ University Of New Mexico Las Cruces

From Pittsburgh to New Mexico, There are many times that I stop and say... I love what I do. Trek Life and I headed down to the University of New Mexico, Las Cruces to Headline an outdoor festival. Thank you so much to everyone involved , Trek and I had a wonderful time and you all are amazing people! Before we went home we got Fish tacos and stopped at the Mexican border. Photos & video below.