Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gabriel Rowe, better know as XIII (thirteen), relocated and made his home in Chandler, Arizona. Spinning now for three years, XIII decided to become a DJ because he wanted to give back to the rave scene that inspired him. "I felt I had the music ability, and I wanted to become a part of the scene--not just be the guy who parties and gives light shows," he said.
Liquid drum & bass is his favorite genre of electronic music to play. To XIII, it is the best of both worlds. "I feel liquid drum & bass embodies two important things: dance-ability--it's music you hear and want to dance and groove to, and musicality--it's well organized and doesn't just sound like noise."
As far as influences go, Pac D, Estefex, Marky, and Nu:Tone are the four main DJs that have made a mark on XIII. "They both have the ability to always pick the right tracks and they have the perfect flow." Liquid drum & bass producers Marky and Nu:Tone are what XIII says are the best in the league and can play both jazzy, atmospheric sounds and the opposite end of the spectrum, heavy-hitting, jump-up--well. "Every drum & bass DJ should have a couple of their records in their collection," XIII said.
XIII's popularity in the Valley has increased--it's apparent in his busy schedule. He has gone from playing three shows total the year he started spinning to three to four shows a month this year.
His newest mix, "A Different Beat," which can be found on Soundcloud, was inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau and is, in his own words, easy going and lighthearted.
XIII has incorporated dubstep into his sets due to its popularity among ravers in the scene, but he hopes that he can help get more people interested in drum & bass again. Within the next few years, XIII hopes to reach a goal he has for himself--being booked out of state for shows.
When asked for a random fact about himself, he answered with his two favorite video games: Team Fortress II and Oblivion. But when XIII was asked about the most important skills for a DJ to have, he was all business. "Three things: the ability to beat match, mix, and network. Plain and simple."
Look for a new mix from him every month.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Spirit Pt. IV: Vulgar Language
We’ve all said them plenty of times. These words can be uttered due to angry thoughts, disappointment, sadness, and times of excitement.
We say them regardless of whether or not another word would fit better. We say them without thought or obligation to anyone.
My experience with these words is similar to anyone else’s experience: Vulgar.
Although I may slip myself, I don’t see the point in saying a phrase like “God Damnit.” God hasn’t damned us, ultimately it is us who damn ourselves through the decisions we make while on earth. Plus, it’s incredibly offensive to God. It’s not like He walks around saying “Jack Damnit” or “Allen Damnit” every time He gets angry with one of His children. Why should we say this of our maker?
Plus, the others….don’t really need to name them—They don’t sound intelligent, they’re pretty boring, and there are many other words that could be used to achieve even more of a desired and detailed effect, the dictionary proves this.
Wouldn’t it be more fun to instead use words that aren't usually used within the context of curse words? For example, in place of using the word "shit," use the word "stuff" or even the word "fudge." Isn't it more amusing to say someone's "full of fudge?" Plus, I think it would aid in the dispersing of anger that was felt, bringing a smile to the angered person's face. Laughter is the best medicine, so is being goofy. Replace the words that not only offend but hurt others by words that will most likely make the other person or group laugh, and more often than not, it will be easier to get over negative thoughts that were felt in the first place.
"The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips." Proverbs 18: 7
"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." Proverbs 18:27
"But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God!'" Matthew 4:4
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:4
Words are very influential and powerful. Why use words that are only meant to demean, offend, and anger friends, family, and God? To use these words and depend on them is to become a fool, to use words that are pleasing to God's ears are to attempt to live and communicate in his image.
From this blog post on, I will work on using the many other words in the English language to describe my feelings. Besides, why use four-letter words when you can use six-million dollar words and goofy words that are answered by laughter and joy felt by all involved?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Spirit Pt. III: Escapism & Fear
What is my first thought when something doesn't go right? Flight. As humans, one of our main instincts is to choose one of these two when we enter situations that are uncomfortable: fight or flight. For me, I don't fight much; I choose flight more often than not. I have not made the right decisions regarding escapism---I've had rough patches in my life in which I chose to escape the situation instead of facing it head on. I'll experience a situation that makes me uncomfortable and I get scared---not sure if it's scared of what I'll do or scared of what I'll encounter, but I disappear.
By disappearing, I felt that the pain, anger, sadness, nervousness---any uncomfortable feeling would disappear as well. I awoke each new day to find that this mentality wasn't helpful. Contrary to that belief, disappearing and taking flight from my problems only made them more of a problem in the end.
The biggest problem I have encountered these past eight years was dealing with my grandmother's death. It seemed completely unbelievable to me to understand that a woman so soaked in God's life would pass away with all of her health problems. I asked myself, "Wouldn't God heal her if He truly existed?" This made me question everything I learned growing up going to church. After her funeral I stopped attending church. After her burial I forsook God.
Attending high school, I went through the motions of life, knowing that something was missing. I figured this out as soon as a year after my grandmother's death. Frustrated with my realization of this, I was confused as to where to turn. I bought a book of World Religions and read it thoroughly to find that before I could take on something as important as religion, I needed to understand who I was as a person first. I started attending college and that is where sin found me the most. I did whatever I could to escape the feeling of not being whole. I continued doing this to the point that I convinced myself that I wasn't escaping, I was living, just being a college student, doing what all college students do.
Earlier this summer I was indulging in drinking with a friend when I realized, "this is not where I want to be." I didn't want to drink every night, I already had for the most part due to my extreme sadness over the break-up with my last ex. I went to go to sleep that night and in that dark dorm room I saw a light. It wasn't just the light outside the window--it was much more, and it deeply touched my heart. I went to sleep that night knowing that when I woke up the next day I would embark on a huge change for myself. That next morning I realized I couldn't escape anymore. I needed the light, the strength, the love of God. This is why escapism is a personality trait of mine that I wish to vanquish from myself with the word of the Lord.
Fear is closely rooted with escapism. Fear is what is felt that entices a person to fly from the situation. I personally fear situations in which I feel weak, unprepared, angry, saddened, or new. When I say new, I mean that I've come to the conclusion that even though I've experienced many things, there are still many things, feelings, thoughts---all in all lessons I haven't learned yet. When I feel new in a situation, I'm uncertain as to how I'm going to act, and I'm scared of what the new situation will bring out of me.
I fear being lonely---completely alone in this big world. I fear being hurt again in any of my relationships, whether they be romantically involved or those with family and friends. I fear failure the most. Growing up, thanks to my father, doing something wrong was punishable by harsh words. I began to fear failure because I felt that if I did something wrong, I'd be reprimanded. I became my worst critic---making any mistake at all was debilitating to my emotional and mental health.
What I needed to understand was that we all make mistakes. We're human, and even though we are God made, we are mortal. We are sinners, we will make the wrong decisions. The important thing is to realize that we do so and learn from them. I can make mistakes, but I need to be honest with God and tell Him about them. He will always lend an ear to me, I just have to open my mouth first. Fear is not a personality trait that God wants His children to have. It's the last thing He wants His children to feel.
When I am tempted to ESCAPE from a problem, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you." Psalms 139: 7-12
"So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose." Hebrews 2:2-4
"Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!" Hebrews 12:25
When I am temped to FEAR a feeling I may have regarding a situation or an event in my life, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love." 1 John 4:18
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 7: 34
To escape from my problems is to be lead by temptation. I need to understand that I cannot escape from my problems, but instead fight them head on. It is the devil who wants to lure me away from my problems. I should not want to escape, I have no reason to escape. I am a part of God's kingdom, I am a child of God. Why escape from the Holy arms of God's embrace?
Fear is placed on this earth by the devil. He wants to make people afraid of what they can't comprehend or understand at the time. He wants God's people to be afraid of situations they are made to face in their lives so that they are lead to sin and make bad decisions, ultimately being lead away from God's grace. I need not fear evil or the unknown; I need to relinquish my fear and instead accept God's love into my heart, knowing that He will be there for me through all of my trials and tribulations. He knows I'm not perfect and that I will fail, but He will lift me up with His righteous right hand if I ask Him to.
Stay tuned for Pt. IV.
By disappearing, I felt that the pain, anger, sadness, nervousness---any uncomfortable feeling would disappear as well. I awoke each new day to find that this mentality wasn't helpful. Contrary to that belief, disappearing and taking flight from my problems only made them more of a problem in the end.
The biggest problem I have encountered these past eight years was dealing with my grandmother's death. It seemed completely unbelievable to me to understand that a woman so soaked in God's life would pass away with all of her health problems. I asked myself, "Wouldn't God heal her if He truly existed?" This made me question everything I learned growing up going to church. After her funeral I stopped attending church. After her burial I forsook God.
Attending high school, I went through the motions of life, knowing that something was missing. I figured this out as soon as a year after my grandmother's death. Frustrated with my realization of this, I was confused as to where to turn. I bought a book of World Religions and read it thoroughly to find that before I could take on something as important as religion, I needed to understand who I was as a person first. I started attending college and that is where sin found me the most. I did whatever I could to escape the feeling of not being whole. I continued doing this to the point that I convinced myself that I wasn't escaping, I was living, just being a college student, doing what all college students do.
Earlier this summer I was indulging in drinking with a friend when I realized, "this is not where I want to be." I didn't want to drink every night, I already had for the most part due to my extreme sadness over the break-up with my last ex. I went to go to sleep that night and in that dark dorm room I saw a light. It wasn't just the light outside the window--it was much more, and it deeply touched my heart. I went to sleep that night knowing that when I woke up the next day I would embark on a huge change for myself. That next morning I realized I couldn't escape anymore. I needed the light, the strength, the love of God. This is why escapism is a personality trait of mine that I wish to vanquish from myself with the word of the Lord.
Fear is closely rooted with escapism. Fear is what is felt that entices a person to fly from the situation. I personally fear situations in which I feel weak, unprepared, angry, saddened, or new. When I say new, I mean that I've come to the conclusion that even though I've experienced many things, there are still many things, feelings, thoughts---all in all lessons I haven't learned yet. When I feel new in a situation, I'm uncertain as to how I'm going to act, and I'm scared of what the new situation will bring out of me.
I fear being lonely---completely alone in this big world. I fear being hurt again in any of my relationships, whether they be romantically involved or those with family and friends. I fear failure the most. Growing up, thanks to my father, doing something wrong was punishable by harsh words. I began to fear failure because I felt that if I did something wrong, I'd be reprimanded. I became my worst critic---making any mistake at all was debilitating to my emotional and mental health.
What I needed to understand was that we all make mistakes. We're human, and even though we are God made, we are mortal. We are sinners, we will make the wrong decisions. The important thing is to realize that we do so and learn from them. I can make mistakes, but I need to be honest with God and tell Him about them. He will always lend an ear to me, I just have to open my mouth first. Fear is not a personality trait that God wants His children to have. It's the last thing He wants His children to feel.
When I am tempted to ESCAPE from a problem, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you." Psalms 139: 7-12
"So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose." Hebrews 2:2-4
"Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!" Hebrews 12:25
When I am temped to FEAR a feeling I may have regarding a situation or an event in my life, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love." 1 John 4:18
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 7: 34
To escape from my problems is to be lead by temptation. I need to understand that I cannot escape from my problems, but instead fight them head on. It is the devil who wants to lure me away from my problems. I should not want to escape, I have no reason to escape. I am a part of God's kingdom, I am a child of God. Why escape from the Holy arms of God's embrace?
Fear is placed on this earth by the devil. He wants to make people afraid of what they can't comprehend or understand at the time. He wants God's people to be afraid of situations they are made to face in their lives so that they are lead to sin and make bad decisions, ultimately being lead away from God's grace. I need not fear evil or the unknown; I need to relinquish my fear and instead accept God's love into my heart, knowing that He will be there for me through all of my trials and tribulations. He knows I'm not perfect and that I will fail, but He will lift me up with His righteous right hand if I ask Him to.
Stay tuned for Pt. IV.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Lucky 7's NBL All-Star Battle 06/19/10
The Amen Zone in downtown Phoenix was home to a breakdancing battle last weekend.
Emcee Johnny Castro and the NBL (Nat'l Breakin' League) put together this event. Set to be included that night was an awards ceremony for those in the AZ breakdancing scene that were recognized at the 2009-2010 NBL Nationals held at The Amen Zone earlier this year. Also set to happen was an AZ All-Star Battle which included some of the best breakdancers in the state as well as a one-on-one competition whose winner was awarded a cash prize of $100.
The name Amen Zone alone goes deeper than what most people realize. "Amen" is an acronym for "A Motivation Energized Natural." Breakdancing is exactly that.
Breakdancing doesn't get the recognition and respect it deserves. It's not just guys sprawling out on the floor and kicking their legs up. It's a combination of dancing, balance, coordination, speed, strength, and soul. It's also a community--you break, you're family.
More goes into breakdancing than just the dancers themselves. Support from the breakin' community is important, it helps everything run smoothly at battles.
The DJ, for example, is very important. Who can "bless him with the beat" like Emcee Johnny Castro says without a DJ? Cell phones with music playing doesn't give the same feel as a DJ who's choosing the songs, amping the crowds, providing the whole mood for the battles. DJ's are like museums of art for their music collections. They display music in their galleries. DJ Creone does that.
"I like playing music that people can dance to, not just hump to," Creone said. Being a DJ since '97, he started out just collecting records. With inspirations like art, going to church, and music in general, Creone has been helping out the breakdancing scene by bringing his love of music to battles. He was the man chosen to be DJ for 2010's AZ State NBL Championships and 2010's National NBL Championships---a great role to play in two major battle championships back to back.
"It takes athleticism [to breakdance]," he said. It also takes a wide interest in different types of music to keep the NBL wanting him to play at battles.
Breakdancing is not only just about the individual, unique style of dance, but also the style of each bboy or bgirl's clothing. Skate clothes, breakdancing inspired clothes ("Bboyin' Ain't Easy"), sweats, jeans, Nike shoes--all are included in the various styles that are rocked at battles. Clothes help represent--they show the personality of the crew or bboy/bgirl who's competing.
Ruben Gonzales, maker of 11th Monk3y Clothing, knows how important representing yourself is. A native Arizonan and former bboy of 19 years, Gonzales grew up in the breakdancing scene.
"I felt supported by my community and had the opportunity to tour around the country and dance, and the experience has made me supportive of the breakdancing scene ever since," Gonzales said. "My basic goal for my clothing company is to give back to that same community that supported me."
Combining his Hispanic heritage and his style designs, Gonzales has been making clothing for almost two years now (July 4, 20008). His business card reads, "We are a company that is influenced by the urban-underground Hip Hop scene with a twist! We take in everyday experiences, music, life, and knowledge to bring you creative apparel designs!" He also gives the bboys and bgirls the opportunity to suggest ideas to him. That way, he helps them represent themselves through their clothing and also lives his dream at the same time. To check out more information on his clothing line, go to www.myspace.com/11th_monk3y. To chat with him via email, write to mailto:11thmonk3y@gmail.com.
Lucky 7's was similar to many other NBL promoted battles. There were three judges of the event: Bboy Herald, Lorin (bboy Dopa from the Outsiderz Krew), and Bboy Panic.
The beginning of the one-on-one battles began with a list of 16 competitors from AZ breakdancing crews. Eight battles made up the first round of the competition. They were broken down like this:
Bboy Sensai vs. Bboy Andrew
Bboy Eclipse vs. Bboy Adrien
Bboy Kid Soul vs. Bboy Ming
Bboy Case One vs. Bboy Sanyay
Bboy A.I. vs. Bboy Numb
Bboy Kloud 9 vs. Bboy Rhenez
Bboy Neo vs. Bboy Funk
Each bboy had two turns in their first round battle. During the first round of battles, two of them were decided by tiebreakers, which gave all four bboys one turn to wow the judges. From the first round of battles, these eight bboys advanced: Bboy A.I., Bboy Funk, Bboy Adrien, Bboy Alma, Bboy Kid Soul, Bboy Case One, Bboy Kloud 9, and Bboy Andrew.
The second round of the competition consisted of four battles. The battles were broken down like this:
Bboy Andrew vs. Bboy Adrien
Bboy Alma vs. Bboy Kid Soul
Bboy Case One vs. Bboy A.I.
Bboy Funk vs. Bboy Kloud 9
Two of these battles were decided by tiebreakers as well (Bboy Case One vs. Bboy A.I. and Bboy Andrew vs. Bboy Adrien). These were the winners of the second round: Bboy Case One, Bboy Kloud 9, Bboy Kid Soul, and Bboy Adrien.
Round three consisted of these battles:
Bboy Case One vs. Bboy Kid Soul
Bboy Kloud 9 vs. Bboy Adrien
While the judges were deciding the winners of the third round of battles, a breakin' cipher broke out.
Emcee Johnny Castro introduced Bboy Hurricane, a bboy who was supposed to compete but didn't get a chance to. Hurricane did his routine and all of a sudden, Bboy Gizmo jumped out into the circle and started the cipher.
Here's how the bboys were divided in the cipher:
Left side: Right side:
-Bboy Herald -Bboy Sense
-Bboy Panic -Bboy Alma
-Bboy Gizmo - Bboy Mighty Mouse
The crowd got loud and everyone stood up in the circle and craned their heads to see everything that was happening. It definitely pumped up the energy at the event and got a nod of appraisal and appreciation from Chris Coupelin, who introduced and gave out the awards from the 2009-2010 NBL Season to their recipients. The awards were given as follows:
Scene Ambassador Award: (people who do whatever they can to keep the scene pumping)
1) Ruben Gonzales, 11th Monk3y Clothing
2) Break Street Promotions Team
3) DJ Creone
Most Hard Award: (despite skill level, they go hard every time at battles)
-Bboy Mighty Mouse--"This is my destiny"
Top Rock Award:
-Bboy Kid Soul
Footwork Award: 2-Time Winner
-Bboy Keskay (Outsiderz Crew)
Freeze Award:
-Kunta (Mellow Drama/Curfew Drama Crew)
Rookie of the Year:
-Bboy Hex (Human After All Crew)
Power Kick Award:
-Bboy Sundance (Mellow Drama/Curfew Drama Crew)
MVB (Most Valuable Bboy):
-Bboy Sundance
After the awards were given out, the AZ East vs. West All-Star Battle begun. The crews were divided up like this:
East Crew:
Bboy Dopa
Bboy Godson
Bboy Keskay
Bboy Alma
Bboy Dash
Bboy Aaron
Bboy Andrew
West Crew:
Bboy Case One
Bboy Kid Soul
Bboy Neo
Bboy Numb
Bboy Shadow
Bboy Marcus
Bboy Funk
*Rhenez jumped in to do his thing.
And the winner is......................................?...West Side!!!
The final battle, the fourth round---think Mortal Combat...
Bboy Case One vs.Bboy Kid Soul
The winner walked home with $100. Case One walked away with that prize. C.R.E.A.M!!
Can I get an AMEN-ZONE? Peep this.... Check the website, http://www.amenzone.net/ for updates and more information on the next battle. Keep your ears peeled and eyes open, more information on the next battle will be posted as soon as it is known.
The AZ breakin scene needs more BGIRLS at battles.
Every 'ting be iRE. Out.
Emcee Johnny Castro and the NBL (Nat'l Breakin' League) put together this event. Set to be included that night was an awards ceremony for those in the AZ breakdancing scene that were recognized at the 2009-2010 NBL Nationals held at The Amen Zone earlier this year. Also set to happen was an AZ All-Star Battle which included some of the best breakdancers in the state as well as a one-on-one competition whose winner was awarded a cash prize of $100.
The name Amen Zone alone goes deeper than what most people realize. "Amen" is an acronym for "A Motivation Energized Natural." Breakdancing is exactly that.
Breakdancing doesn't get the recognition and respect it deserves. It's not just guys sprawling out on the floor and kicking their legs up. It's a combination of dancing, balance, coordination, speed, strength, and soul. It's also a community--you break, you're family.
More goes into breakdancing than just the dancers themselves. Support from the breakin' community is important, it helps everything run smoothly at battles.
The DJ, for example, is very important. Who can "bless him with the beat" like Emcee Johnny Castro says without a DJ? Cell phones with music playing doesn't give the same feel as a DJ who's choosing the songs, amping the crowds, providing the whole mood for the battles. DJ's are like museums of art for their music collections. They display music in their galleries. DJ Creone does that.
"I like playing music that people can dance to, not just hump to," Creone said. Being a DJ since '97, he started out just collecting records. With inspirations like art, going to church, and music in general, Creone has been helping out the breakdancing scene by bringing his love of music to battles. He was the man chosen to be DJ for 2010's AZ State NBL Championships and 2010's National NBL Championships---a great role to play in two major battle championships back to back.
"It takes athleticism [to breakdance]," he said. It also takes a wide interest in different types of music to keep the NBL wanting him to play at battles.
Breakdancing is not only just about the individual, unique style of dance, but also the style of each bboy or bgirl's clothing. Skate clothes, breakdancing inspired clothes ("Bboyin' Ain't Easy"), sweats, jeans, Nike shoes--all are included in the various styles that are rocked at battles. Clothes help represent--they show the personality of the crew or bboy/bgirl who's competing.
Ruben Gonzales, maker of 11th Monk3y Clothing, knows how important representing yourself is. A native Arizonan and former bboy of 19 years, Gonzales grew up in the breakdancing scene.
"I felt supported by my community and had the opportunity to tour around the country and dance, and the experience has made me supportive of the breakdancing scene ever since," Gonzales said. "My basic goal for my clothing company is to give back to that same community that supported me."
Combining his Hispanic heritage and his style designs, Gonzales has been making clothing for almost two years now (July 4, 20008). His business card reads, "We are a company that is influenced by the urban-underground Hip Hop scene with a twist! We take in everyday experiences, music, life, and knowledge to bring you creative apparel designs!" He also gives the bboys and bgirls the opportunity to suggest ideas to him. That way, he helps them represent themselves through their clothing and also lives his dream at the same time. To check out more information on his clothing line, go to www.myspace.com/11th_monk3y. To chat with him via email, write to mailto:11thmonk3y@gmail.com.
Lucky 7's was similar to many other NBL promoted battles. There were three judges of the event: Bboy Herald, Lorin (bboy Dopa from the Outsiderz Krew), and Bboy Panic.
The beginning of the one-on-one battles began with a list of 16 competitors from AZ breakdancing crews. Eight battles made up the first round of the competition. They were broken down like this:
Bboy Sensai vs. Bboy Andrew
Bboy Eclipse vs. Bboy Adrien
Bboy Kid Soul vs. Bboy Ming
Bboy Case One vs. Bboy Sanyay
Bboy A.I. vs. Bboy Numb
Bboy Kloud 9 vs. Bboy Rhenez
Bboy Neo vs. Bboy Funk
Each bboy had two turns in their first round battle. During the first round of battles, two of them were decided by tiebreakers, which gave all four bboys one turn to wow the judges. From the first round of battles, these eight bboys advanced: Bboy A.I., Bboy Funk, Bboy Adrien, Bboy Alma, Bboy Kid Soul, Bboy Case One, Bboy Kloud 9, and Bboy Andrew.
The second round of the competition consisted of four battles. The battles were broken down like this:
Bboy Andrew vs. Bboy Adrien
Bboy Alma vs. Bboy Kid Soul
Bboy Case One vs. Bboy A.I.
Bboy Funk vs. Bboy Kloud 9
Two of these battles were decided by tiebreakers as well (Bboy Case One vs. Bboy A.I. and Bboy Andrew vs. Bboy Adrien). These were the winners of the second round: Bboy Case One, Bboy Kloud 9, Bboy Kid Soul, and Bboy Adrien.
Round three consisted of these battles:
Bboy Case One vs. Bboy Kid Soul
Bboy Kloud 9 vs. Bboy Adrien
While the judges were deciding the winners of the third round of battles, a breakin' cipher broke out.
Emcee Johnny Castro introduced Bboy Hurricane, a bboy who was supposed to compete but didn't get a chance to. Hurricane did his routine and all of a sudden, Bboy Gizmo jumped out into the circle and started the cipher.
Here's how the bboys were divided in the cipher:
Left side: Right side:
-Bboy Herald -Bboy Sense
-Bboy Panic -Bboy Alma
-Bboy Gizmo - Bboy Mighty Mouse
The crowd got loud and everyone stood up in the circle and craned their heads to see everything that was happening. It definitely pumped up the energy at the event and got a nod of appraisal and appreciation from Chris Coupelin, who introduced and gave out the awards from the 2009-2010 NBL Season to their recipients. The awards were given as follows:
Scene Ambassador Award: (people who do whatever they can to keep the scene pumping)
1) Ruben Gonzales, 11th Monk3y Clothing
2) Break Street Promotions Team
3) DJ Creone
Most Hard Award: (despite skill level, they go hard every time at battles)
-Bboy Mighty Mouse--"This is my destiny"
Top Rock Award:
-Bboy Kid Soul
Footwork Award: 2-Time Winner
-Bboy Keskay (Outsiderz Crew)
Freeze Award:
-Kunta (Mellow Drama/Curfew Drama Crew)
Rookie of the Year:
-Bboy Hex (Human After All Crew)
Power Kick Award:
-Bboy Sundance (Mellow Drama/Curfew Drama Crew)
MVB (Most Valuable Bboy):
-Bboy Sundance
After the awards were given out, the AZ East vs. West All-Star Battle begun. The crews were divided up like this:
East Crew:
Bboy Dopa
Bboy Godson
Bboy Keskay
Bboy Alma
Bboy Dash
Bboy Aaron
Bboy Andrew
West Crew:
Bboy Case One
Bboy Kid Soul
Bboy Neo
Bboy Numb
Bboy Shadow
Bboy Marcus
Bboy Funk
*Rhenez jumped in to do his thing.
And the winner is......................................?...West Side!!!
The final battle, the fourth round---think Mortal Combat...
Bboy Case One vs.Bboy Kid Soul
The winner walked home with $100. Case One walked away with that prize. C.R.E.A.M!!
Can I get an AMEN-ZONE? Peep this.... Check the website, http://www.amenzone.net/ for updates and more information on the next battle. Keep your ears peeled and eyes open, more information on the next battle will be posted as soon as it is known.
The AZ breakin scene needs more BGIRLS at battles.
Every 'ting be iRE. Out.
Monday, June 14, 2010
God has a bigger plan for me
This past month has been very hard on me. I've struggled through being poor, breaking up with a boyfriend I planned on marrying, worrying about never being able to make enough money to make ends meet, and worrying that a good friend of mine wasn't ever going to talk to me again.
I've been eating frozen meal after frozen meal and putting most of my money into gas so that I can commute to and from work. I've been thinking hard on whether or not to contact my father or a past ex whom I know is in need of support. I've been thinking that I will never find my soul mate, and that I should get used to feeling disappointment with every guy I date.
I've had all of these things weighing in on my mind. But I've noticed one thing that has helped me through all of it: God has a bigger plan for me.
Since I've accepted him into my life, He's helped me begin to get everything on track again. I'm seeing a counselor, which helps me to look back at my past and release it in a positive way. I'm working out again, so I'm feeling myself develop a stronger physical fitness. I'm being supported by incredible friends, including the one whom I was worried about losing a connection with. To top it all off, I'm strengthening my connection with God.
I've started the posts about feelings and personality traits that I want to exclude from my life. I have also been attending church and reading the Bible. Although I'm still having issues, I'm seeing things a lot clearer than I would normally.
So even though I have moments where I feel lonely, disappointed, and sad, I realize that these are all moments I have to endure. There is more out there for me. With God on my side I have many possibilities and doors that will be opened when the time is right.
I've been eating frozen meal after frozen meal and putting most of my money into gas so that I can commute to and from work. I've been thinking hard on whether or not to contact my father or a past ex whom I know is in need of support. I've been thinking that I will never find my soul mate, and that I should get used to feeling disappointment with every guy I date.
I've had all of these things weighing in on my mind. But I've noticed one thing that has helped me through all of it: God has a bigger plan for me.
Since I've accepted him into my life, He's helped me begin to get everything on track again. I'm seeing a counselor, which helps me to look back at my past and release it in a positive way. I'm working out again, so I'm feeling myself develop a stronger physical fitness. I'm being supported by incredible friends, including the one whom I was worried about losing a connection with. To top it all off, I'm strengthening my connection with God.
I've started the posts about feelings and personality traits that I want to exclude from my life. I have also been attending church and reading the Bible. Although I'm still having issues, I'm seeing things a lot clearer than I would normally.
So even though I have moments where I feel lonely, disappointed, and sad, I realize that these are all moments I have to endure. There is more out there for me. With God on my side I have many possibilities and doors that will be opened when the time is right.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Spirit Pt. II: Doubt & Guilt
Doubtful and guilty. I was doubtful in myself due to low self-confidence battles I have had within myself while growing up. I felt guilty for making bad decisions with relationships I've had in my life and for hurting others in the process.
That little voice in my head has said time and time again: "Are you sure you can do this? I don't think so. I think you'll fail!" I've heard my little voice before and it's made me clam up and feel like I was trapped in a corner of my own anxiety. I was worried about not succeeding, and because of the worry itself, it made it more difficult to succeed.
I know that from being rash and headstrong I've done things to my friends and loved ones that, in retrospect, I've felt guilty for doing. I'm the type of person who can't stand to know that my loved ones were hurt due to my own actions. This guilt can hit me hard and serve as a temporary criticism lodged in my head for a long amount of time until I have the confidence or means to re-connect with the loved one I hurt, explain to them my fault, and apologize.
That little voice in my head has said time and time again: "Are you sure you can do this? I don't think so. I think you'll fail!" I've heard my little voice before and it's made me clam up and feel like I was trapped in a corner of my own anxiety. I was worried about not succeeding, and because of the worry itself, it made it more difficult to succeed.
I know that from being rash and headstrong I've done things to my friends and loved ones that, in retrospect, I've felt guilty for doing. I'm the type of person who can't stand to know that my loved ones were hurt due to my own actions. This guilt can hit me hard and serve as a temporary criticism lodged in my head for a long amount of time until I have the confidence or means to re-connect with the loved one I hurt, explain to them my fault, and apologize.
From now on, when I have feelings of Doubt, I will look back to these verses:
II Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Matthew 21:21
Jesus replied, "I will tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to the mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."
These three verses tell me that God is on my side. God made me and in doing so He gave me some of His strength. Because I believe in Him I am confident, courageous, and sure in decisions because I have His support. All decision I do are done because they are in His master plan.
Plus, I should never forget. If I do feel doubtful, I could always pray and ask God for help.
If, while growing in God's light, I feel as though I made the wrong decision and feel Guilt because of it, I can find these verses:
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit."
Romans 10:13
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
I John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I Timothy 2:4
"Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
I am not perfect in any sense of the word. I have sinned. I'm sure that I will need to repent time and time again for sins against the Lord. Prior to accepting God into my life, I sinned constantly in order to attempt to fill the void that I had without Him. I have repented for my sins, and each time I attend church, I apologize for them and ask for forgiveness. Each time I feel I trespass against my friends or loved ones, I apologize and ask for forgiveness. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all my family, all my loved ones. Shouldn't I apologize to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and ask them for their forgiveness?
I pray to God that Doubt and Guilt will cease being problems in my life. As I continue to grow spiritually and in God's light, I hope that these two negative feelings will not hold power over me any longer. I leave these problems for those in the dark.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Matthew 21:21
Jesus replied, "I will tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to the mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."
These three verses tell me that God is on my side. God made me and in doing so He gave me some of His strength. Because I believe in Him I am confident, courageous, and sure in decisions because I have His support. All decision I do are done because they are in His master plan.
Plus, I should never forget. If I do feel doubtful, I could always pray and ask God for help.
If, while growing in God's light, I feel as though I made the wrong decision and feel Guilt because of it, I can find these verses:
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit."
Romans 10:13
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
I John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I Timothy 2:4
"Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
I am not perfect in any sense of the word. I have sinned. I'm sure that I will need to repent time and time again for sins against the Lord. Prior to accepting God into my life, I sinned constantly in order to attempt to fill the void that I had without Him. I have repented for my sins, and each time I attend church, I apologize for them and ask for forgiveness. Each time I feel I trespass against my friends or loved ones, I apologize and ask for forgiveness. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all my family, all my loved ones. Shouldn't I apologize to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and ask them for their forgiveness?
I pray to God that Doubt and Guilt will cease being problems in my life. As I continue to grow spiritually and in God's light, I hope that these two negative feelings will not hold power over me any longer. I leave these problems for those in the dark.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Spirit Pt.1: The Beginning
This is my first post on this blog that will not concern the entertainment realm of journalism.
Recently, about two weeks ago, I accepted God into my life and became a Christian. I am very pleased to say that the void I felt in my life was filled with the light of God, a first for me in 8 years.
I have been reading the Bible diligently since my acceptance of Christ and I've been realizing many personality traits in myself that I wish to alter. I am beginning to understand the importance of some things in my life over others. I am being welcomed into a greater community of people who truly understand what I'm feeling and have known the Path before me but have no qualms in helping me with any questions I have.
I see now that this journey will take many things into consideration and will drastically change my life in a good way. Everything seems brighter now, a lot less murky and cloudy, and for that, I thank God.
These are the things I'm going to go in depth with for this series of blog posts--They will center around feelings I've had and personality traits I wish to cycle out of my system and my life:
1. Doubt & Guilt
2. Escapism & Fear
3. Vulgar language use
4. Procrastination & Laziness
5. Revenge & Grudges
6. Jealousy
7. Unfair Judgment & Tactlessness
With each of these I will go in depth and discuss the connections I have personally had to these feelings and personality traits. I will then look to the Bible and find verses which tie into each and expound on them a little more afterward.
I hope that with this blog series I will bring about more self-understanding.
To all of you who have been so influential in my life, your friendships are golden and I appreciate your presence.
God Bless
Recently, about two weeks ago, I accepted God into my life and became a Christian. I am very pleased to say that the void I felt in my life was filled with the light of God, a first for me in 8 years.
I have been reading the Bible diligently since my acceptance of Christ and I've been realizing many personality traits in myself that I wish to alter. I am beginning to understand the importance of some things in my life over others. I am being welcomed into a greater community of people who truly understand what I'm feeling and have known the Path before me but have no qualms in helping me with any questions I have.
I see now that this journey will take many things into consideration and will drastically change my life in a good way. Everything seems brighter now, a lot less murky and cloudy, and for that, I thank God.
These are the things I'm going to go in depth with for this series of blog posts--They will center around feelings I've had and personality traits I wish to cycle out of my system and my life:
1. Doubt & Guilt
2. Escapism & Fear
3. Vulgar language use
4. Procrastination & Laziness
5. Revenge & Grudges
6. Jealousy
7. Unfair Judgment & Tactlessness
With each of these I will go in depth and discuss the connections I have personally had to these feelings and personality traits. I will then look to the Bible and find verses which tie into each and expound on them a little more afterward.
I hope that with this blog series I will bring about more self-understanding.
To all of you who have been so influential in my life, your friendships are golden and I appreciate your presence.
God Bless
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Chuck Amuck: A Legacy of Laughter
Tempe Center for the Arts has an exhibit on Chuck Jones, the cartoonist who worked with Warner Bros. to create characters that were developed on Looney Tunes from the beginning of April to June 18th.
This gallery spans not only Jones' career, but his lifetime. Starting at the left side of the gallery, his career is chronicled in decades, from the time he was in college pursuing a degree in art to the nineties, when he completed his last drawings of Buggs Bunny and the crew.
Jones started out sketching and painting portraits, but became interested in drawing cartoons. He helped design and create many characters, including Bugs Bunny, Sylvester the Cat, Gossamer, and Marvin the Martian.
The back of the gallery displayed his art desk with sketches on it as well as two of the twelve bookcases he owned. Two lists were beside the display, listing every book in order that were placed on those bookcases. The book selections were varied, ranging from books on chivalry and cooking to artist books to Mark Twain journals. A screen is hung above his desk that plays a documentary on Jones in great detail about his life, family, love, and career.
There are cartoon drawings and paintings as well as a list of characters that Chuck Jones had helped create. There is a little viewing theater designed for the kids who visit the exhibit with their parents where they can sit and watch cartoons while their parents walk through it.
If anyone becomes inspired by the paintings and sketches around the gallery, they can draw a cartoon on a sticky note and put it up on the wall: many people have done so and have created their own works of art or draw replicas of Jones' or other famed cartoonist's works.
Those working at the exhibit are in great spirits; each person has an interesting tidbit or two about the exhibit itself that enhances the experience. Go check it out before it ends on the 18th of June.
This gallery spans not only Jones' career, but his lifetime. Starting at the left side of the gallery, his career is chronicled in decades, from the time he was in college pursuing a degree in art to the nineties, when he completed his last drawings of Buggs Bunny and the crew.
Jones started out sketching and painting portraits, but became interested in drawing cartoons. He helped design and create many characters, including Bugs Bunny, Sylvester the Cat, Gossamer, and Marvin the Martian.
The back of the gallery displayed his art desk with sketches on it as well as two of the twelve bookcases he owned. Two lists were beside the display, listing every book in order that were placed on those bookcases. The book selections were varied, ranging from books on chivalry and cooking to artist books to Mark Twain journals. A screen is hung above his desk that plays a documentary on Jones in great detail about his life, family, love, and career.
There are cartoon drawings and paintings as well as a list of characters that Chuck Jones had helped create. There is a little viewing theater designed for the kids who visit the exhibit with their parents where they can sit and watch cartoons while their parents walk through it.
If anyone becomes inspired by the paintings and sketches around the gallery, they can draw a cartoon on a sticky note and put it up on the wall: many people have done so and have created their own works of art or draw replicas of Jones' or other famed cartoonist's works.
Those working at the exhibit are in great spirits; each person has an interesting tidbit or two about the exhibit itself that enhances the experience. Go check it out before it ends on the 18th of June.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Lady Gaga-ville
Lady Gaga is a force to be reckoned with. She can write, sing, dance, and she is a classically-trained pianist.
She's performed on American Idol. Her songs have been used as performance music to break dancing crews on MTV's Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew. Miss Gaga has sold over 5 million albums, inspired fashion worldwide, and has put the art back in artist.
Gaga has become so influential that she made Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People issue in May 2010. She's only 23 years old.
Gaga is not just a musician. She's got an eye for fashion and art and it's exciting to see a woman who has no qualms about laying all her feelings on the table.
Upon seeing her album, Fame Monster at Zia Records, I stared at both sides intently and didn't quite understand what made her so special.
Then I became curious. Why is it that makes her so unique?
Fuse TV aired a special on Lady Gaga last year that was stripped down and high profile on the songstress. The questions Toure asked her were controversial and personal, and she carried herself with poise and genuine honesty.
In this interview she stated what her obsessions are (monsters, death), how the support of her father means a lot to her, and how she doesn't ever separate her life into two parts: regular person and artist---they are both equally intertwined in her being.
She discussed feeling uncomfortable and freakish growing up and the fact that she loves to write and create new music while on tour because the tour itself (fans included) inspire her to do so.
Once listening to this interview, I felt like I had more of an understanding of Lady Gaga as a person. As an extra treat, Fuse showed an hour of her music videos directly following the interview. While watching the videos, I thought more about what she was trying to communicate through her lyrics.
Each music video is a work of art. The costumes are definitely out there, but they're interesting and some of them are absolutely stunning.
I don't feel that her singles, "Just Dance" and "Love Game" show the amount of talent, creativity, and inner strength that she has as an artist. I like the fact that she's become more of an abstract performance artist.
Gaga described her fans as "little monsters." She compared herself and some of her strongly felt emotions to "monsters" and said that she relates well to her fans because she can see herself in them. We are all willingly becoming her "little monsters."
Her website has posted more dates for her upcoming Monster Ball II Tour. I might buy a ticket if she stops in Arizona. I'm already learning "Paparazzi" on guitar.
Lady Gaga stands out from the rest of the woman artists of this time---Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Rhianna, because she is willing to take things to the extreme, and not extreme in a slutty way---but a respectable, smart, and an avante guard way. May she continue to keep pushing boundaries. The sky isn't the limit anymore, and she's already proven that.
She's performed on American Idol. Her songs have been used as performance music to break dancing crews on MTV's Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew. Miss Gaga has sold over 5 million albums, inspired fashion worldwide, and has put the art back in artist.
Gaga has become so influential that she made Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People issue in May 2010. She's only 23 years old.
Gaga is not just a musician. She's got an eye for fashion and art and it's exciting to see a woman who has no qualms about laying all her feelings on the table.
Upon seeing her album, Fame Monster at Zia Records, I stared at both sides intently and didn't quite understand what made her so special.
Then I became curious. Why is it that makes her so unique?
Fuse TV aired a special on Lady Gaga last year that was stripped down and high profile on the songstress. The questions Toure asked her were controversial and personal, and she carried herself with poise and genuine honesty.
In this interview she stated what her obsessions are (monsters, death), how the support of her father means a lot to her, and how she doesn't ever separate her life into two parts: regular person and artist---they are both equally intertwined in her being.
She discussed feeling uncomfortable and freakish growing up and the fact that she loves to write and create new music while on tour because the tour itself (fans included) inspire her to do so.
Once listening to this interview, I felt like I had more of an understanding of Lady Gaga as a person. As an extra treat, Fuse showed an hour of her music videos directly following the interview. While watching the videos, I thought more about what she was trying to communicate through her lyrics.
Each music video is a work of art. The costumes are definitely out there, but they're interesting and some of them are absolutely stunning.
I don't feel that her singles, "Just Dance" and "Love Game" show the amount of talent, creativity, and inner strength that she has as an artist. I like the fact that she's become more of an abstract performance artist.
Gaga described her fans as "little monsters." She compared herself and some of her strongly felt emotions to "monsters" and said that she relates well to her fans because she can see herself in them. We are all willingly becoming her "little monsters."
Her website has posted more dates for her upcoming Monster Ball II Tour. I might buy a ticket if she stops in Arizona. I'm already learning "Paparazzi" on guitar.
Lady Gaga stands out from the rest of the woman artists of this time---Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Rhianna, because she is willing to take things to the extreme, and not extreme in a slutty way---but a respectable, smart, and an avante guard way. May she continue to keep pushing boundaries. The sky isn't the limit anymore, and she's already proven that.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Beginning...
Hello all who might begin to read this...
Greetings and salutations!
I'm quite excited to embark on the world of blogging. My interests are varied: music, art, food, sports, TV, and movies---and I will make sure to represent each of them with fervor and tenacious writing on my part.
I hope you will enjoy my posts--it's not neccesary to always agree with me--I just want my blog posts to make you think. If that is the main result, I've done my job well.
Read--and rock---on...
TicTac Fruit Snack (TTFS)
Greetings and salutations!
I'm quite excited to embark on the world of blogging. My interests are varied: music, art, food, sports, TV, and movies---and I will make sure to represent each of them with fervor and tenacious writing on my part.
I hope you will enjoy my posts--it's not neccesary to always agree with me--I just want my blog posts to make you think. If that is the main result, I've done my job well.
Read--and rock---on...
TicTac Fruit Snack (TTFS)
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