I had young Rhode Island rapper, K.i.T, on my show last week. He attends my school, Northeastern University, and is preparing to drop his project, The Quest for Equilibrium sometime in the near future. You can download my sit-down with him below that includes an interview and two exclusives from his new project.

I’m not going to lie, I’m most excited about posting this because of the artwork you see above. It’s meant to emulate the neon call-signs seen at radio stations and display windows. A collabo between myself and close friend Michael Toney, this is a prototype of what the full S.A.B. Radio promotional artwork will look like. We’ve been working together for over a year on my upcoming site project.

DOWNLOAD: K.i.T on S.A.B. Radio (3.21.2011)

I know I said the last post would probably be my last on Mr. Martins, but I feel so strongly about this record, I couldn’t resist. And yes, I have a radio show that serves as a musical outlet—where I have plenty of freedom to play whatever—but I felt like posting this regardless. Yes, Frank Ocean’s nostalgia/ultra is the better of the two (overly) hyped projects, but this is my favorite joint off The Weeknd’s House of Balloons (oh, and the term “PBR&B” is lame and unnecessary, two releases haven’t advanced the genre that far…). Blame it on a recent flame extinguishing, and being caught in nothing but flings the past few years, but this is record is what I need (what I need… what I need) right now.

This may be one of the last Mr. Martins posts ever. I feel it’s one of the most well-written and overall best—how fitting. It was perfect that my last post contained the song “Growing Apart” by Kendrick Lamar. The words captured in the song have been the internal struggle I’ve had since that post (almost continuously). The tug between growing closer to my craft—more specifically what I want to work on—and the pull of the rest of the world. My responsibilities, obligations, and other things I’m doing that advance my position and skills, but are not directly related to my personal passion and work.

I haven’t had those golden moments associated with working on your own passion projects—the rush of invigoration from progress and new ideas—as of late. It’s all felt like a lot of grey, stress and days blending into one another. In order to advance, I need to keep everything else on my plate moving accordingly (while attempting to make advances of my own), but it all feels like auto-pilot at times.

To be fair, nothing you do that’s a step in the right direction is a waste. But sometimes it can feel that way (i.e. “Forgetting the big picture and making it wallet-sized” (c) K. Lamar). I’m just realizing that I’m in a transition period. Of course that’s what your early 20s are about, making yourself, and setting a foundation for the rest of your adult life and future. 

Before I grow out of this stage—specifically this current rut that I’m in— I may have to sacrifice even more. There’s folks I’ve let grow close to me that I may have to cut off, in order to have more time to handle what I need to. My work is truly my life. My wife. You need to truly embrace something, and let it wash over you, before you own it and it’s the guiding force in your life—before you become truly one with it. I’ve accepted this.

There’s no denying it hurts to have to sacrifice so much. Especially while your peers have a different reality. But fuck it, they’re in the league, you’re not. Everyone has their own path. Learning to be content and at peace with yourself regardless of circumstance, is a big part of learning to love yourself (unconditionally).

It just hurts to have to sacrifice so much for this, y’know? I’ve literally given this my life and all my energy. But if that’s what it takes? So be it. I’m game. Let’s play Russian Roulette, Universe. I see you. Got to lay it all on the line before you can gain. You have to be willing to do so without looking back, if you truly believe in yourself and what you’re doing. Faith.

Originally this post  was going to be titled, “Workinonit!” (all respect to Jay Dee). I was going to outline all the things I’ve been working on since I last posted. I’ve been doing a lot of work (A LOT). I’ve been watching a lot of Mad Men (you can say I’m addicted, currently halfway through almost done with Season 2), and I’ve had some dates and some nightcaps. Workwise, I’ve done some rather impressive things like being published in a magazine for the first time, receiving my first ever freelance check, and some interviews and writing that I’m proud of. However, I’ve been using my accomplishments as a clutch, to defend my complacency when it comes to working on my project. Best believe I’m proud of all the work I’ve done for others, and appreciative for the opportunities I’ve been given. There’s grown men and veterans who can’t do everything I’m doing right now. But I’m capable of more, and that’s not my full potential. So I’m working towards it. No clutches. No clutching onto things for comfort. I need to be fuckin’ uncomfortable, and take some risks to put myself in the position I need to be in.

If this is the last post on this site, so be it. This was a great learning experience, and outlet for some very exciting and tumultuous times. Thank you if you’ve ever enjoyed any of the stories shared here. I’ve done little to promote, but have received eyes and encouragement from people from all walks of life (some who I’ve never met, which is the best feeling). Cheers, and the new project is on it’s way. (I’m workinonit.)

UPDATE (1/31): Looks like the Kendrick Lamar appearance scheduled to go down in Boston on February 2nd has been cancelled. Well, at least according to his manager, with whom I contacted to get an interview.

Shout out to the young and super-talented Kristina Thomas for directing and putting together this great video. She’s from the Bay Area, but stays in L.A.; we’ve spoke multiple times through the interwebs, and I’m sure I’ll end up working with her in some sort of capacity one day. Her visual interpretation of Kendrick Lamar’s “Growing Apart” dropped last October, but I played the record on my radio show last night, so I decided to post it here.

Kendrick Lamar gained a lot of buzz and garnered much acclaim in 2010, from the mass online hype over his Overly Dedicated project, to influential co-signs from everyone from J. Cole (whom he’s collaborated with, but the track has yet to surface) to the legendary Dr. Dre. I’ll admit, I was dragging my feet about listening to his stuff, mainly because there’s so much hyped-up music circulating. I’m just starting to get into OD now, and I’m hoping to interview him when he comes to the Middle East on February 2nd (you can find the flyer for the show after the jump.) I almost downloaded the chopped and screwed version of OD before the regular one, because I’ve been enjoying the screwed version of Drake’s Thank Me Later so much. I’ll admit, I haven’t fully gone through Overly Dedicated, but I’m adding it to my iPod tonight, and I look forward to giving it a thorough, front-to-back listen within the next few days.

BONUS: Kendrick Lamar- Overly Dedicated

I tend to keep it squeaky clean in certain respects, but if that’s all you know of me, you don’t know enough. I tip the scale towards positive and keep it heavily in that direction, because I’ve seen and known some of the dangers of when things are kept dark. I’m just trying to create a fuller image of who I really am. Hopefully it was vivid enough that you’ll feel a picture wasn’t necessary with this post, and that the words sufficed.

I haven’t been updating, I know, but it’s not out of my lack of love for you and/or this blog. The new project is on the horizon, so I’ve been focusing on that. Unfortunately, I haven’t had as much time to work on it this month as I would of liked, but I’m happy with the strides that have been made in January. My schedule should open up, I can wrap up the development stages, and finally begin working from the new project once it’s ready.

The above video from J. Cole sort of states where I’m at mentally; it’s the soundtrack for when you wake up at 5am on brisk and snowy mornings to walk to your part-time job in order to keep the lights on (or come up with your share of the rent), yet you still have weeks where your bank account is in the red. As you look down over your iPod, cueing up the song, the breath you just exhaled slightly distorts the image on screen, then, as you walk, you wipe away any sleep that may remain in your eyes. Y’know, the soundtrack for times like that.

I’m really in a good place though overall, a lot better than the last time I posted with a J. Cole song as the soundtrack. No work that you do results in a net zero, every step you take forward—no matter how small—is still a step forward. If you keep it going you build momentum, if you give up a healthy routine you experience regression.

BONUS: Two of my favorite songs with the words love in them; they both (coincidentally) happen to be produced by Jay Dee.
LISTEN: J Dilla- “U-Love (Youtube) & Slum Village- “Fall N Love (Youtube)”

This short, but wildly informative and inspirational video says it all. So many people, my age especially, are so worried about this exact thing Jesse speaks about in the video. College is a time of grand experimentation, but some people go through the motions, and end up losing sight of their passions along the way. Jesse is one of my favorite follows on Twitter, is from Toronto by ways of the West Indies, and is a positive and driven man. Keep up with everything U-ology at their site.

I randomly texted Katrina Bello in early 2010, saying she should cover Cole’s song. She’s about a year late, but once you hear it, you won’t be mad that it took this long. A little on the short side, but it’s short and sweet.

DOWNLOAD: Katrina Bello- “Lights Please (J. Cole Cover)”

You need to full-screen this, and, if you’re pressed for time and can’t watch it all, check what’s at the 6 minute mark, and let your jaw drop. Big shouts to local Boston film company Beyond Measure, great guys who are putting out good work. Also shouts to Society Original Products who were involved as well, #followthebike.

I’ve been bringing a steady flow of podcasts as of late, but have been slow with the interviews. My last one was with a singer (Jesse Boykins III), and I continue the trend with this one. I spoke to R&B singer Josh Xantus about working with rap legends like Ghostface and AZ, hanging with rappers like Jadakiss and Styles P rather than singers, his education from Five Towns College and more. Enjoy.