WekSos Industries is proud to host its 2ND Annual WekFest Event held at SF Japantown’s Underground Garage + we’re honored to contribute in our very small way by assisting in hosting their Pre.Party–held at Lot 46 in San Francisco. Come out early and rage w/ the Fam, then head out the next day to the actual festivities. Enjoy Fam!

mix·ture \ˈmiks-chər\ (noun) – One that consists of diverse elements. | Starting on FEB 19, a monthly destination with such a diverse array items from the Good Life, will be established at Risque Lounge inside Lot46 SF. We were blessed to receive the on-going project for this event and hope to share more of the campaign we build. Thank you to the Expressions 1985 Family + Lot 46 for having confidence in us. Come out folks and enjoy Audio + Visual Mixologist at work: Swiftrock / Digga / J.Cue. A definite sureshot! Bless Up.

Blessings Family. Thursday evening was quite an experience for us here at the shop. We truly called upon our comrades in art and put together a creative exercise that truly stimulated our efforts on many fronts, particularly putting our finger on what a true collaboration could and should be. John Agcaoili was behind the shutterbug, representing Darkside of the Moon [DSOTM] shooting C.Keys/Infamous MC who actually freestyled THROUGHOUT the entire process, while Expressions 1985 was needle dropping beats in the background. Capturing the entire event through their own lenses were Sir Kris [Socialush], iPhilms [360Video] + Pat La Rock [Fog City Nights]–who actually celebrated his 26th BornDay w/ us that evening. Happy Birthday Pat! Big Big Thanks to those who came out to support as Family always does: Pinup [Miscellaneous Crew], EaseOne [SRxMM], GRS [EXP1985], Steph [EXP1985], Bobbi Vie [Clout Magazine], Alvin [DSOTM] + of course Kuya John [EXP1985]. Jayme from Socialush slid thru after the smoke cleared [literally] & conducted interviews on C.Keys and DSOTM, so please stay tuned on coverage from Socialush, as well as a review from Bobbi on Clout Magazine’s Blog. Once again, MANY THANKS for all of those involved. Truly a magnificent adventure.

Our Brethren at Boogie Events Co. opted to call upon our design services in support of their latest venture at The Gravity Room in San Francisco titled MASS APPEAL. While sitting around after packing orders, we finally carved out some time to execute and below is the final product that we delivered to Brotha Digga. It was raining pretty hard and a series of Aaliyah tracks were in the iTunes que. Miss you Aaliyah. Try to make it out for an evening of quality music + good vibes. Partyrockers DIGGA + SWIFTROCK will guarantee the higher standard.

In celebration of their 25th Anniversary, Expressions Entertainment will be launching a slew of mixtapes available for download for FREE via Mixcrate.com | Listed below are a few of these mixes available to you now. | Enjoy!

DJ J.Cue | Hip Hop Still Lives | DJ GRS.ONE | Love Motivation | DJ Noah | R&B + Street Flavour

Greetings Family. We hope that you’re staying warm during the season. We’ve been quite busy in our lil shop + at the office. We have quickly compiled a few snapshots that may explain a few of our small journeys. Shouts to everyone that shared our experiences along the way. Take care + Enjoy.

While going through emails, one particular message caught our attention right away. One that has an urgency to be delivered to all of you. If you haven’t already, please find the time to help our human family members over in Haiti. The letter and imagery below is provided by a person that we definitely admire and with his permission, are honored to pass over his story to you. Please read + Blessings.

Haiti is on my mind and I am very sad tonight.

I was in Port-au-Prince twice in 2009.

When I arrived the first time, and walked around the streets, the people stared at me cold. It was at first glance, an unwelcoming place.

My dear friend Jean-Marc de Matteis, who I hope is alive and well tonight, smirked a bit and said “The thing with Haitian people is that they’ve been through a lot. It’s a hard life here and people wear it on their faces. But that’s not the true nature of Haitian people. Watch what happens if you make eye contact and simply say ‘bon jour’ to someone”

I did. 100% of the time I got a smile. Sometimes a quick flash of a smile and back to a glare, but the glare became an easier glare. Sometimes they’d smile a massive smile and say ‘bon jour’ back. I can’t stress enough the amazing feeling of getting a smile 100 times out of 100 attempts. The country, in its entirety, was a welcoming place.

I don’t exaggerate when I tell you I said ‘bon jour’ to almost everyone I made eye contact with. I went out of my way to make eye contact. Compulsively so. And Port-au-Prince is a CROWDED place. That’s A LOT of people to say ‘hello’ to. My friend and interpreter Alain Charles, who tonight I cannot find and it’s taking me enormous restraint to not cry, took notice and would often laugh whenever I said ‘bon jour’ with an almost exaggerated smile. To him, it seemed like I was kind of insane. Like I would if he tried it in LA or NYC. But I loved doing it.

Even then, before the earthquake, Port-au-Prince was an unbelievable mess. Practically no infrastructure worth talking about. In many (most?) parts of the city, there was no electricity. So as night began to fall, whole swaths of the capital became deserted for a lack of light and security. Bonfires the only way to move about without getting lost. Traveling as moths to flames.

One night, after a marketplace turned from lively to utterly apocalyptic, I decided to walk very far into the depths of the darkest, dangerous part of town rather than flee. Deeper than Alain was comfortable going, and he had lived in the city all his life. But I kept saying to him “one more bonfire, that one in the distance, then we’ll head back”.

In retrospect, it was an almost suicidal mission. It’s hard to believe I made it in as far as I did and was able to return to a safer quarter. But it’s important to say that what kept me from being fearful was my continuing to make eye contact. No one wanted to say hello and I didn’t speak either. And even though I was conspicuous, carrying two cameras out in the open, no one bothered me. I would look at them, they would look at me. Over the course of the evening, this happened maybe a hundred times. They were ghosts to me, and I was an apparition to them. I passed through a nightmarish, spectral landscape alive and they allowed me to, unharmed.

I spent a lot of time in Cite Soleil, considered by most to be the worst slum in the Western Hemisphere. The Wikipedia entry for Cite Soleil states “Armed gangs roam the streets. Murder, rape, kidnapping, looting, and shootings are common as every few blocks is controlled by one of more than 30 armed factions”.

The conditions in Cite Soleil are unimaginable, almost like a village built on top of a huge garbage heap. But one of the most striking features of this spot are the number of children. It was impossible to move without being surrounded by kids. Most didn’t have shoes, sharing the ground with pigs, waste and excrement. But they were sort of a happy bunch, considering it all. Holding up half melted robot toys or playing cards. Smiling and playing around with laughter and curiosity.

On the other hand, they were starving. Some looked at me and ran a finger across their throats. Hard to express the feeling you get when a child indicates they are going to die. Keep that image in your head. Which is why I can barely contain my sadness. These little ones had almost nothing going for them but for a sense of humor. Barely a chance for literacy, let alone any kind of education. An astoundingly high probability of falling ill and dying from bad water, let alone a job when they got older. More likely HIV/AIDS or human trafficking.

I can’t watch the news on television or listen to the radio. I can’t look at websites. I’ve been there and now I picture it in my head after a 7-point earthquake.

Nothing going for them and now the earthquake. I am praying for the best for them. They deserve it.

Please donate to both Oxfam  http://bit.ly/5iG3ap) and Doctors Without Borders  http://bit.ly/7CQtMC) and donate generously. ASAP. I promise, it will make a huge impact. Haiti is ONLY a little more than an hour from MIAMI. It’s very easy to get help there.

Attached a are few photos.

And I’ve left a number of photos from Haiti as a Flickr set to make things easy to link to. Here http://bit.ly/57u7tf

I can be followed at www.twitter.com @jeffantebi

I’m sorry if this has terrible grammar, spelling and punctuation. I’m trying to just send this out with a bit of urgency.

Jeff Antebi
Waxploitation
Founder

Good Day Folks! Hope you’re enjoying your day so far. It’s a new decade and to start it off on the good foot, we’re proud to help host C.Keys/Infamous MC’s “Sophisticated Hood” Album Listen.In Jam. Come by Gravity Room in San Francisco on JAN. 15 | 9PM + hear his soon-to-be released tracks. Expressions 1985 DJ’s J.Cue will be cutting it up w/ blends of Classic Hip Hop and Throwback Infamous MC tracks as well. C.Keys definitely has got something to say + we think it’ll be worth your while to stop by to chime in. Hope to see all your beautiful faces there. Happy New Year + Salut.

DL C.Keys’ RECONSTRUCTION MIXTAPE for FREE here: http://bit.ly/5uKuAr

Pat La Rock never ceases to amaze us with his diligent efforts to deliver the message that BBOY/GIRLing in San Francisco is ALIVE. Please take a gander for yourself as he delivers episode upon episode of quality footage. The 360vm Academy produces nothing but the best. Illest Villains raise it up. Enjoi.

FCN | Session 7

FCN | Session 8

FCN | Session 9 Teaser

FCN | Session 9

FCN | Session 10 Teaser

Music is a defining theme when it comes to our everyday lives. It’s the basis of our entire crew’s existence. Though we’re heavily involved in Hip Hop Culture, please don’t get it twisted. Our love for music is infinite and has no barrier. Let’s face it, without all forms of music as its foundation, Hip Hop wouldn’t exist period. About a month ago, we launched a Tees For Tots campaign at the office, where partial proceeds would be donated to a local Holiday Gift Drive for the youth. On Friday, a colleague not only stepped up to offer his hard-earned cash to the children, but explained that his band Tricycle Wipeout had a show that night. He would be playing drums, and a fresh new shirt to rock to would be rad. Bigup Mark not only for the support, but also the love of music that drives you and your crew. Onward are images captured from that evening. Gritphilm on the shutterbug status. Enjoy. Follow Tricycle Wipeout on Twitter Today.

DJs ChickenSkratch + MykeOne + Genie G combine their forces and like Nino Brown taking over, San Francisco is about to transform into the New Jack City. Every 2nd Friday of the month, NJC at Poleng Lounge will be your spot to re-coop on some of that 90’s flavor. Be there to get your dose. Enjoy.

On September 19, Hip Hop Culture, The DJ Community, The World, lost one of its most incredible, yet humble–DJ legends. Anthony Williams, known to The Culture as DJ Roc Raida blessed us with his talents and amazing ability to rock the 1s and 2s like no other. He was a foundational member of the world renowned X-Men (later called The X-Ecutioners) and part of the Flimode Squad as Busta Rhymes personal DJ. Busta recently wrote in dedication to Roc:

“I never met a more humble man in the industry. So unbelievably talented and most importantly such beautiful spirit. I love you my brother. I will never let your name die DJ Roc Raida! We love you, we miss you and we’ll never stop reppin’ you!”

Grandmaster Roc Raida is survived by his wife, three beautiful daughters, a son, mother, step-father, friends and family. On OCTOBER 10, San Francisco will raise their X’s up in tribute to the legend, as world renowned DJs pay homage with an event titled FOREVER WE ROC. Join these artisans in the game, as we all remember this person who contributed selflessly and inspired kids across the globe.

Mighty 4 is celebrating it’s 11th year on OCT 10. Seems just like yesterday we were all sitting around the bedroom at Mom + Pops’ house planning TableTurns SF. 4 Elements of Hip Hop celebrated underneath the sun + Appreciation Awards going out to Northern Cali notables such as Kevvy Kev, Refa 1, The Stronghold: Northstar Universal Zulu Nation + 808’s own Katch 1. Not to mention Pharoahe Monch will be blessing the mic. Be there and get a dose of the True. Enjoy.

11 Tracks |  11 Artists | 11 Nights | An awesome collaboration of musicians, experience + vibes. Definitely anticipating it’s arrival. Please take a gander at BLAKROC.

Our Akhis + Malikas of the Universal Zulu Nation always hold it down. When it comes to the West Coast of the US, Northstar Universal Zulus have been at the forefront since its inception. Check the brethren out as they take to the airwaves via internet and on the FM dial. Enjoy.

BATTLEFIELD FUNK RADIO | Hosted by MadPlanet + Drasar Monumental

GLOBAL UNDERGROUND RUNDFUNK | Hosted by: DJ Riff Raff

As you may have already been notified, a great amount of devastation has hit our homeland of The Philippines by Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy). We plan to assist with the relief efforts by donating partial proceeds of our sales toward the Philippine Red Cross’ commitment to help our people through this difficult time. Listed below are prices for the items and their donation contribution. Please, if you are interested in taking part, simply email us back with your order and we will process your request through PayPal.com. Thank you so much for taking the time to view this!

SRxMM CMYK Pack: 4 Tees w/ Mixed Sizing Option: $85 | Donation: $30
SRxMM Logo Tee: 1 Tee: $28 | Donation: $14

ORDERS SENT TO: hueman@motivatemovement.com

This Program is provided to you by:
SRxMM | Expressions Entertainment 1985 | FAHAP: Filipino American Heritage Appreciation Project

Arrived home tonight, logged on to Twitter + lo and behold the Brotha Al had a request for promotional material needs for an event that he’s heading out to in LA called Babes For A Cause: A Disaster Relief Fundraiser For Filipino Flood Victims of Typhoon Ondoy | Presented by the good folks over at Babe Blvd. So of course we had to quickly represent for our brethren. Quick + Simple. Please Support.

From 1849 until the present day, the Golden State has been the site to find jewels underground and overground. MYKE ONE + C.SKRATCH bring you Gold Rush at The Gravity Room. From Forty Niners to E40, the brethren bless you thru the evening with Golden Era Hip Hop to Top 40 Music. Be there.

Once again it’s ON! Pat La Rock used to be our intern at 360vm and in 2010, he’s showing and proving that graduates from the squad are a testament to the aesthetic, quality and creativity that is instilled to those who walked thru those doors. Enter Fog City Nights’ 6th installment> This time around Prolific, Mad The Villain and Lance La Rock of The Illest Villains take to the streets of The Mission, wrecking shop and bringing the funk. Check it out + Enjoy.

This Year Halloween Fell On a Weekend | Me + Ghetto Boys Were Trick or Treatin. Myke One + C.Skratch want you to HOLLER on Friday, OCT. 30 as a pre-celebration to The Halloween Weekend. Partake in the rage with DJs: Myke.One, Chicken Skratch + CRS.Fader. Be there.

It’s been some time since The Northstar Universal Zulu Nation could be found collectively at one place, at one time. It was a momentous occasion and though not all members were present, the representation was still at it’s fullest. LIFE IS LIVING.ORG: The Living Word Project hosted a slew of events on October 10th celebrating urban life through Hip Hop Culture, which included The Mighty 4’s 11th Anniversary + Estria’s 3rd Annual Invitational Graffiti Battle. M4 presented The Almighty Northstar UZN w/ an Appreciation Award, one which was not only well deserved, but very much earned. These Brothers and Sisters have dedicated their lives as Hip Hop Cultures’ preservers, activists and overall voice. They are honored as true West Coast representatives at Annual Universal Zulu Nation Anniversaries and functions held in NYC and across the globe; as their outreach is at a truly global level. Bigup to the Brethren.

We found a few flicks caught by BBOY Mooncricket and some provided by the Chapter. Check out more M4 images captured by Mooncricket Films. Enjoy.

A Few Closing Words: I was 17 when folks like PaulSkee, Elemenz, Surg La Rox, Mike Boogie and myself started Tri-City Phunk Zulu Nation. I later joined Northstar by the time I was 20. I turned my 31st year this last Friday. I have a loving family and another addition on the way. I am a grown ass man and still get butterflies knowing I’m part of something greater than anything there is in Hip Hop Culture…and always PROUD to represent. Z’s Up.

Shouts to Nino and MadPlanet who put me down since day one. To Meca for keeping a brother’s head afloat. To Paul-that fateful day you asked me to get this shit crackin. We hopped on and never stopped. All of ya’ll changed my life.

Often times, when you turn on your television, the news is riddled with practically all negative coverage when it comes to Oakland, CA. Well, on OCT 10th, Life Is Living: The Living Word Project assisted in presenting Estria’s 3rd Annual Invitational Graffiti Battle and brought back the oneness of people’s love for Hip Hop Culture and Art to the streets of The Town. Kings from across the globe gathered to pay tribute as well as partake in the battle. The likes of The Almighty TDK Crew, TWS, TNS, ICP, were in full effect along with 808’s pride: Kings Katch 1 + Thnk were representing to the fullest. Definitely a beautiful day and one that captured the essence of what the artform was, is and always will be about. One Love to: Vogue, Kuya Gyro, Estria, Refa1, Spie and all of the participants. Ya’ll are our heroes no question. One can’t help but believe that Mike Dream was smiling down on everyone that day.

What do you get when a formula includes: Estria x Living Word Project x Adidas x ShoeBiz SF x 1AM Gallery SF x Bay Area Graf Kings x DefDiggs w/ a camera? Outcome = This quite extensive photo blog-post on a day w/ such heavy hitters. Hands down, no one can bring out the true, unless they themselves hail from the Trueschool, so much props to Estria + his camp for making it possible for real writers to shine with their Adidas x ShoeBiz SF venture. Custom Sneakers were auctioned in support of helping Oakland youth and orphans in Africa. Proceeds donated by ShoeBiz SF to Youth Speaks + Youth Against Poverty. Love to 1AM Gallery for bringing such a beautiful place to exist, and to all the writers out there…keep inspiring us. We know that you’re the most slept-on part of the culture–but hey, there’s a reason why kats like you exist. You are the true essence of what it’s all about–fame in pushing art into new dimensions while risking your lives, not fame in platinum chains, jewels and bullshit hype. One love.

Artists included in the show were: Estria / Eukarezt / Katch / Bam [HI] Chucho / Melon / Rome Won / Tsel / Like DC5 / Gloe [CHI] Cekis / Queen Andrea / Cern / Wane [NY] Max Ehrman Eon75 / Vogue / Vyal One / Twick / Chez [CA]

Arriving in March 2010, San Jose will be blessed with such a fashion shopping experience. Stay tuned.

Our Brethren at Expressions 1985 will be celebrating this Thanksgiving Holiday over at Gravity Room SF. Come by and unwind after a long day of shopping. Give Thanks to the crew for providing us 25 years of foundation + it’s an inspiration to see that it has always been business as usual since day one. As L.L. would say, “Don’t Call It a Comeback. {We’ve} Been Here For Years…” Be There Fam!

Blessings + Peace. We hope that you’re enjoying the season and that life is treating you well. We’re proud to be a part of a special musical release that involves a good friend of our’s. For about 16 years now, we have watched the growth of this MC, from performing at local Bay Area shows + cyphers to releasing his debut album with the renowned OhNo! of Stones Throw fame. It has been a long time coming that he positioned himself to release material on his own, and during such trying times, it is quite suitable that he show the independence that a strong Father can–to fulfill his DREAM, regardless of what the odds may be. Be a part of his journey and please follow this link to download C.Keys / Infamous MC’s “Reconstruction Mixtape” for FREE as a Prelude to his forthcoming album “Sophisticated Hood”. Wishing you the best in 2010 w/ Fresh Beats + Rhymes from The Bay Area. One Love.

Mixtape:  http://bit.ly/4RB0uK
Socialush Feature: http://bit.ly/6zZdi1

Production Intelligence by G Rocka
Label: Touch Keys Records
Marketing: Expressions 1985 |  john at expressionsmarketing.com