The Eargasm

R.I.P. BAATIN OF SLUM VILLAGE

2009-08-02T05:13:00.003-05:00

Peace Fam,
I realize I haven't spoken with you in a while (long story for another time) and I'm sorry I picked such a sad occasion to reconnect with you. I found out a few hours ago that Titus "Baatin" Glover of the Detroit supergroup Slum Village has passed away. He was 35. There aren't any details as to what caused his death but my condolences and prayers are with his fam.

Baatin was a founding member of the Conant Gardens based group Slum Village along with James "J Dilla" Yancey (who also tragically passed away in 2006) and Robert "T3" Altman. He appeared on their first albums Fantastic Vol. 1 & 2, and Trinity (which spawned SV's first major hit single "Tainted". After Trinity, Baatin left the group and was replaced by Jason "Elzhi" Powers. It was recently announced that Baatin was rejoining SV for their next album. I never got to meet Baatin as he was already out of SV when I got involved with the Detroit music scene and Barak Records (SV's label home at the time) in particular. However it was clear that Baatin was a one of a kind talent and in my opinion had an ill voice that set him apart from any rapper from the D. Not only could he rap, but he was a talented singer as well. His verse on "Climax" is still one of my favorites.

I'd be crazy not to mention what I know is on everyone's mind: Is there some kind of weird omen that is haunting the musical talent in my hometown of Detroit? Dilla and D-12's Proof both met their demise at a young age. MC Breed is from Flint but Detroit still claims him. Dorian Fiddler (son of my big bro Amp Fiddler) died this year as well. Honestly I don't believe in such evil things as omens and curses. I do believe this to be the opportune time for us to create some type of open dialogue with each other and most importantly with our Creator. I wish SV continued success in the wake of this tragedy. The remaining members are extremely talented and I know they'll bounce back and continue to make great music. Rest In Peace, Brother Baatin.

Peace,

Supreme

PHIL ADE'- ONE (Produced by Supreme)

2009-07-02T22:16:00.003-05:00

Peace Fam,
Here's the first artist on Radio Rah's label 368 Music Group (http://www.368musicgroup.com/) Phil Ade'. His mixtape Starting on JV drops July 10th. Of course, when it does I'll hit you off with the fresh stuff. Here's a banger from off that joint titled "One". It's produced by yours truly so tell me what you think. We're really excited about his music and we're sure you will be too. Check it out and enjoy!

Phil Ade'- One (Produced by Supreme)

SLICK RICK LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM- FRIDAY, JULY 17th

2009-07-02T21:50:00.003-05:00

Peace Fam,
Prepare to come face to face with hip hop royalty as The Ruler Slick Rick comes to town to perform his classics for all his loyal subjects. The Highland Conference Center (2012 Magnolia Ave on the Southside) is the place to be. Door open at 8PM. Call (205)230-3082 for ticket info. This is major so don't miss out on this event. I'm hosting and CHHS will be all over the building. Check out the commercial spot if you think I'm playin'!

P.S.- Once I get him on the show to interview/promote this concert I'll post the audio right away. For more info check out www.hot1077radio.com

Slick Rick Live in Birmingham 60 sec. spot

Supreme is the Featured Producer on BeatStatus.com!

2009-06-30T04:04:00.003-05:00

Peace Fam,

I've had the absolute pleasure of being named this month's Featured Producer on BeatStatus.com. Check it out and leave some feedback. Hopefully this will get the phones ringing again (LOL).

http://www.beatstatus.com/featured-producers/

Birmingham Hip Hop Classics From The Vault- All I Ever Wanted feat. Attitude, Slave Ghost, Chase, Supreme, and Big Mal

2009-06-26T02:48:00.004-05:00

Peace Fam! I know it's been a while since I've posted. It's been an exhausting couple of weeks. So far, not only have we had to endure the disaster (and ultimate demise) of City Stages and the racism of Transformers 2, but now the deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and... wait for it... brace yourself... the King of Pop Michael Jackson. WHAT???? No I did not stutter. As of Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:26pm Pacific Coast Time, MJ is no longer with us. Sounds strange even saying it, huh? Well, the lesson learned here is that you can't take your legacy for granted. At least that's what I'm gaining from it. This has prompted me to start sharing the many gems from my vault that further solidify the legacy of Birmingham hip hop. We may not have invented it, but like my man S-Fly would say, we definitely set the standard. Most folks forget about events that set the tone for modern Birmingham music such as The Eargasm, B Moe's Last Sunday, and of course The Diamond Soul XXXperience. To borrow a phrase from the great John Coltrane: "It'll never be done like that again". Anyway, I can't sit on this stuff any longer, so consider this the first of many entries into the Birmingham Hip Hop Classics From The Vault series. In the future I'll take you on a journey with music from Joint Effort, The Eargasmatics, Metaphizx, and (for the first time ever) live audio from past Eargasm and Diamond Soul Shows. I'll also share music from my past albums Supreme's Lounge (1997), The Sting (1998 never released), and The Marlon Malone Experience. Yeah this is deep, ya'll. The past twelve hours has had a profound effect on me. So now it's time to let the world know how we started this movement in B-Ham.

First up is a tune titled "All I Ever Wanted" which pretty much evolved from one of the many late night sessions over at my old crib. It had to be around '98 or '99 (from the sounds of the kit I was using I'll say '99). Featured on this cut are myself, Attitude, Slave Ghost, Chase (aka Lucky Lou) and Big Mal. The sound quality is gritty because it came off Tascam 8 track that had been through a flood. I'm thankful to even have this recording. Anyway, enjoy a piece of Birmingham hip hop history. Believe me, there's more where that came from. FYI: Attitude has gone on to be a major player in the industry, first being taken under Timbaland's wing and recording with Bubba Sparxxx, then carving his own niche as a platinum songwriter penning hits for (and appearing on) Nelly Furtado's Promiscuous album. Yeah, now that's history. Enjoy!

All I Ever Wanted feat. Attitude, Slave Ghost, Chase, Supreme, and Big Mal

I'm in the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle June 24th in Denver, Colorado

2009-06-18T14:06:00.004-05:00

Peace Fam,
I learned last night that I've been selected to participate in the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle. This is a big deal and I definitely need the exposure and the WIN! I was just watching a special on this on BET last week and decided to enter. Now I've been picked. Problem: The competition is Wednesday, June 24th and I need sponsors to get out to Denver, CO. I need your help fam. I've set up the "Send Supreme to the Beat Battle Fund". The goal is to raise $600 for the plane ticket. It doesn't matter how big or small the donation, every little bit helps. I appreciate it, fam, I really do. If you would like to donate please click the button below:

For more info about Red Bull Big Tune check out: http://www.redbullbigtune.com/

Raheem DeVaughn's "Art of Noise" Free Download Available NOW!

2009-06-14T22:59:00.004-05:00

Peace Fam,
Radio Raheem has done it again. Head on over to www.368musicgroup.com and download his new mixtape The Art of Noise for free. It's 19 brand new joints including three produced by yours truly. Props to Phil Ade and Dre the Mayor. 368 Music Group to the fullest. Let's get it, fam! Peace!

I'm WORKINONIT! (Update)

2009-06-11T22:20:00.005-05:00

Peace, fam!
I know it's been a few days since we last talked, so I decided to give you an update on what's been happening.

First off, the New Muslim Cool Screening/Hip Hop Show at GA Tech last Saturday was simply amazing. I had a wonderful time hanging out with all my brothers and sisters. Even though I was in a working capacity (I ran sound for the event) I felt it was my duty to make my brothers sound good. M-Team, Mustafa Abdul Basit, Shaheed, and Amir Sulaiman all gave great performances. Liza Garza even blessed us with a surprise performance. The film speaks for itself, and as you can tell by the trailer I posted a few days ago, it will definitely be a conversation starter (at least we hope so). Much props to all involved and everyone who attended. Check for New Muslim Cool on PBS Tuesday, June 23rd at 9pm cst.

Next up, aside from looking for a job (a brother has bills, ya'll- seriously I'm looking) I have a ton of projects coming your way in a minute. Keep your eyes open for KYLE JASON. Those who know me know I've been bragging about this project for about a year. This is not an exaggeration, his project is gonna be BIG! Google Kyle and check out his last project, but keep in mind: The new stuff will be nothing like it! It's being mixed now so we can prep for it to arrive this fall. Peace to Ty Macklin at Alpha Omega in Dallas. The mixes sound great so far, fam.

368 MUSIC GROUP
I've also been working dilligently on my collaborations with Raheem DeVaughn, to be featured on his next project The Love and War MasterPeace. I've been working closely with Rah as a staff producer for his new label 368 Music Group. One artist to watch for in particular is Phil Ade'. He's a young cat from Maryland with a serious throwback hip hop sound. A true pleasure to listen to. Don't forget to check for Raheem's latest mixtape The Art of Noise which drops on Monday, June 15th and will be available as a FREE download on www.368musicgroup.com. I have two songs on it (I think).

Also, I'd like to speak on something I read on a popular blog. It appears that some folks don't care for the remake stuff I'm doing with Raheem (in particular our version of Stevie Wonder's "Village Ghetto Land"), going as far as to say it "sucks", is "weak", and too reminiscent of Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise". Now I've been in this industry professionally for about 15 years so I've taken my fair share of bruises. I'm a big boy, so I'll sum this up as only a professional can: To compare my work to Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" as if it's a diss only shows a lack of vision. I dream to have the type of success Coolio had with that record. Believe me, I interviewed Coolio earlier this year for CHHS and he'll tell you from his own mouth that tune took him to places he never dreamed he'd go. Around the world several times and back, not to mention to have the man himself (Stevie) co-sign it with his stamp of approval. So let's not get it twisted, I've been taught by the best. The Mizell Brothers, Amp Fiddler, Dilla (R.I.P.) yeah, those are my mentors, so there are no stupid moves, only calculated ones. Keep in mind the songs I've produced with Raheem are the most played songs on his Myspace page. But hey, I'm just a brother in B'ham who has the honor of working with the talented Mr. DeVaughn (two-time Grammy nominee I might add). It should be congratulated, but it is what it is I guess. Whew! Moving on...

REMIXES
In order to keep my skills sharp I've been doing a few remixes here and there. A few months ago I remixed Brandy's "Long Distance", even though she was a no show in Montevallo in April. I still got love for ya, Mo'! I also did a remix of Jill Scott's "Slowly Surely". An a&r guy fronted on me, but hey, everyone else who heard it liked it. So THERE! LOL! I'll let you be the judge. Check it out after the jump. I'm currently reworking a tune for Iman Williams for her re-release. Don't worry, boo. I got you, 'K?

Last but not least, I recently read online that Willie ("I live by the sword") D of the Geto Boys has been indicted for running an I-Phone scam on Ebay and is facing 20 years. What? Say it ain't so. Last I heard Willie was living good in Dubai (or something like that) and rolling in real estate out there. I guess times are really that hard on the boulevard. Speaking of which, I reiterate: I'M LOOKING FOR A JOB... HIRE ME PLEEEEAAAAASE! Thank you.

Now enjoy these treats. Peace!

Raheem DeVaughn- Bonita Applebum

For the naysayers:
Raheem DeVaughn- Village Ghetto Land

Raheem DeVaughn feat. Squeeze on Guitar- Piece of Clay (Marvin Gaye Remake)

Brandy- Long Distance (Supreme Remix)

Jill Scott- Slowly Surely (Supreme Remix)

EXCLUSIVE! New Muslim Cool Movie Screening/Hip Hop Show in Atlanta Today!

2009-06-06T02:47:00.006-05:00

An exciting new film will be screening today in Atlanta at Georgia Tech. The movie is New Muslim Cool and it chronicles the daily routine of Hamza Perez (of the group M-Team). Also, there will be a spoken word/hip hop show featuring performances by M-Team, Def Poet Amir Sulaiman, and Shaheed. I'm gonna be holding down the turntable duties. This event is a fundraiser for the Risala Institute. If you're in the A or you're planning to come that way, please fall through. Peep the trailer below. The movie will be broadcast on PBS Tuesday, June 23rd. Peace

New Music From SHAHEED

2009-06-02T22:27:00.005-05:00

Shaheed and I go back (waaay back). Our history began when the namesake of this blog was actually Birmingham's number one hip hop event (shout out to Sam and the High Note Lounge). The year was 2000 (or 2001) and a couple of brothers (Shaheed and Rasul) who called themselves the Unseen Ummah from the Precise Elements crew (peace to Heron Sparks) would emerge from that scene as the local group with the most promising future. Nine years later, Rasul is back in his native Buffalo, New York, and Shaheed and I produced quite possibly one of the best albums I've ever worked on Health Wealth and Knowledge of Self. Our bond goes beyond mere beats and studio time. It's a spiritual one. When I took Shahadah in '07 he was right there helping me out along the way.

Currently, we are tracking a remix EP which will include these two songs. First up is "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salam". If you can't say that, just call it "A Song for the Prophet". The song is special in that it chronicles the life and importance of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). It has a serious '90's G-Funk feel to it, just updated a bit. Next up is "Glorious Day", which is a remix of a joint taken from his '07 debut Scholar Warrior. Enjoy... Peace!

Shaheed- Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salam (A Song for the Prophet) Produced by Supreme

Shaheed- Glorious Day (Remix) Produced by Supreme

W. Ellington Felton- It Didn't Occur To Me (VIDEO)

2009-06-02T21:53:00.005-05:00

W. Ellington Felton is what I consider a true friend in an industry where partnerships go sour in a heartbeat. We first hooked up a few years back and realized that not only was there a musical connection, but our fathers were cool with each other and actually gigged together back when I was a shorty living in D.C. The end result was the international banger "Funky Feeling (You So Funky)". I clearly remember sending him the beat and he turned it around in like a day or two. That's what I love about this brother: his turnaround time is impeccable. I know I've been promising the Travel Music album (trust me, it's coming) but we've got some new stuff coming this year. I wanted to post this one just in case you haven't seen it. Actually I just stumbled upon this live version so I'm posting them both. Enjoy... Peace!

W. Ellington Felton- It Didn't Occur To Me (Produced by Supreme)

W. Ellington Felton- It Didn't Occur To Me (Live at Bohemian Caverns Wash DC)

Welcome

2009-06-02T04:00:00.003-05:00

Peace, Fam!

Welcome to The Eargasm blogspot. This will serve as command central for all things Supreme: the music and artists I'm working on/with, the technical side of the music biz, upcoming shows, rants, raves, reviews and of course the Classic Hip Hop Show on Hot 107.7! Along with that, I've decided to change the overall scope of this page in order to profile all forms of entertainment, news, and views from a wide range of artists, listeners, fans, etc. Feel free to chime in on anything you wish to. This is your blogspot, too (especially if you love music and beats).

Coming soon I'll be posting some brand new beats, plus you'll be able to check out past and current episodes of the Classic Hip Hop Show, plus lost episodes of the legendary Diamond Soul XXXperience with me and my ace, DJ Rahdu. For now, just vibe to this: I call it Supreme's 12 Minute Beatdown. Enjoy...