My ROTC comrade Gigio recently released the “Brainshine” video off of his “It’s An Everyday Thang (EP)” produced entirely by DRMDLR’s Tahaj the 1st. The video features cameos by members of his Smooth Beast crew, including my old school folks Monolyth. This dude stays blessing microphones at our event and Hip Hop shows in the Bay on a regular basis, and more importantly, he’s a humble soul who’s a pleasure to be around.
Kensho Kuma
12/20/2015 2FS Live @ Arte y Tapas Holiday Festival
2nd Floor Samurais will be performing live at the Arte y Tapas Holiday Festival on 12/20/2015. The event is at 83 Proof (83 1st St. SF 94105) and tickets are only 5$. The festival is being headlined by La Gente, a multilingual, multi-genre band led by our comrade Raphael Sarria. This is also a wonderful opportunity to check out local artisans and food vendors..
12/06/15 ROTC x HH4C 2nd Annual Toy Drive Hosted by Pep Love
On December 6th, 2015, Return of the Cypher will be teaming up with Hip Hop for Change to bring you our 2nd annual toy drive. For those of us unfamiliar with the above terms, ROTC is a weekly Hip Hop open-mic which occurs every Sunday evening at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco; it has arguably become SF Bay Area’s most successful regular Hip Hop event, and is frequented by local legends, a platoon of hungry MC’s from literally around the world, and weekly featured performers. HH4C is a NGO dedicated to battling socioeconomic disparities, police brutality, and cancerous corporate rap, through educational outreaches, grassroots canvassing, and local Hip Hop showcases.
Our 2nd Annual Toy Drive will be hosted by Pep Love from the legendary Hieroglyphics crew, feature a ROTC x HH4C mini-showcase, and also the December ’15 ROTC MVP competition. All collected toys will be donated to City Team, which will then distribute the gifts to youth living in impoverished conditions.
12/07/15 Update: The Toy Drive a tremendous success!! We got everything from Spiderman drums to remote controlled puppies to mini jengas!! Thank you for participating!! We made an actual difference!!
XienHow “Process: the 7th Sign” Album Release Party
2FS comrade/ veteran emcee/ videographer XienHow will be celebrating the release of his “Process: the 7th Sign” album on November 20th, 2015 @the Elbo Room in San Francisco. It has been rumored for months now that the Valencia venue will close its doors, so this may be one of your last opportunities to enjoy a Hip Hop show there. The night will also serve as the release party for SF OG Aukwin, who will be presenting the “Aukthentic” album and will feature Z-Man as the master of ceremonials.
XienHow – “Toe Tagga” Music Video
Inkone “We Spit Bars” Video
Universal Zulu Nation member/ 2FS Produced Inkone just released the “We Spit Bars” video featuring Kenn Chron. Directed by OG graff writer Crayone and featuring cameo appearances by yours truly.
“We Spit Bars” Extended Version: Yours truly trading bars with the homies at 1:35.
“We Spit Bars” Short Version
HH4C Halloween Costume Party
Hip Hop for Change, a NGO dedicated to fighting socioeconomic injustice, police brutality, and the evils of corporate rap radio, through grassroots activism, educational outreach, and Hip Hop showcases, is organizing a Hip Hop Halloween party on 10/29. As you know, I proudly serve as a board member for this organization, and Halloween is the one holiday I care about, so needless to say, I will go all out.. I will be retiring the 510 Japanda Thug costume I have been developing for numerous Halloweens, and will debut something completely new. My group 2FS will be rocking with many of the usual suspects.. This party will also serve as my boy Unlearn the World’s birthday party.
Soul Food House Opens in 麻布十番, Tokyo
My long time Tokyo road dawg/ MC David Whitaker and his awesome wife Tonya have materialized their long time dream of opening up an authentic soul food restaurant. Soul Food House opened on 09/23 in Azabu Jyuban, Tokyo. Congratulations!! I met David at an open mic he was hosting in Shibuya back in ’06, and we have rocked numerous shows together in the Tokyo metropolis. I give you my word that these guys can cook and that this is without a doubt the most authentic American soul food in Japan.
2nd Floor Samurais 10/03 IBike Concert, Union City
2nd Floor Samurais will be performing at the IBike Concert in Union City on 10/03. The comrade DJ Stikky Ricardo will be holding down the tables. The 2FS flier was designed by Marcus Murray, the artist responsible for all of my album covers and panda logos.
Orukusaki Birthday Party 09/24
My brother Orukusaki will be celebrating his birthday at the Sky Lounge in San Mateo. We will be performing newer 2FS material from the upcoming album. Comrades Unlearn the World and Watzreal are also rocking with us, and the homie Mack Deezoe will act as the master of ceremonials.
2FS (Orukusaki x Kensho Kuma) -> Come rock with us..
Exotic Jewels
2nd Floor Samurais (Kensho Kuma x Orukusaki) teamed up with veteran Zulu Ink One for “Exotic Jewels.” The production was handled by Ink and the mixing and mastering was done by Just Jay @Hall of Fame studio in Oakland. It’s free for DL.. a flashy, fun banger you can rock to in the whip…
Kuma Verse:
I’m fresh dressed like a million bucks/ my charisma make the chickenheads blush/ yall need to be giving it up/ we are 2FS, competition get crushed/ Exotic Jewels, worn by the warlord/ rare-ass Adidas and Nikes in my wardrobe/ playing this game, don’t care ’bout a scoreboard/ flashing with fashion, and also mi flow form/ yeah, my grandfather’s peacoat/ I rock with some Wallabees, slaughtering your egos/ we know the vision that’s shown to the people/ don’t mean shit, unless you back it up with c-notes/ stay on the grind, work multiple jobs/ walk in God’s light amongst men full of Jihad/ we are M.O.P. fans, keep it rugged and raw/ but I’ll bang a model chick in a luxury car/