Super Cypher @Stacks Record Shop 04/13/2024

Wow.. it’s been a minute.. and I think it’s just what I need.. to be in the jungle with a thousand other MC’s. On 04/13/2024, we’re having a mega-super-cypher at my man DJ Delroks’ Stacks Record Shop in Hayward. Salutations to the rellies Know Expressions and Sonny Souf for organizing this. Yeah, it’s a free event, so make sure you spend $ at the venue and buy merch! Oh yeah, and I’ll be doing a featured performance too..

Back to School Drip Fest 09/30/23

I will be rocking at the Back to School Drip Fest, organized by Khafre Jay’s Hip Hop for the Future org, on 09/30/2023, with DJ Lex and headliners La Russell and Stunnaman 02.

About the event

At Hip Hop For The Future SPC. and Freedom Forward, we see philanthropy as more than just a name on a banner. It’s about fostering real, tangible change in our community. The Back 2 School Drip Fest, our upcoming event, aims to empower San Francisco’s marginalized youth.

We believe that authentic philanthropy is not about levels of giving or the names on banners. True philanthropy is about fostering real change, driving impactful initiatives, and engaging with the community at the grassroots level. It is about stepping up to ensure that those who need the most support are given every opportunity to thrive. It’s about the belief that by investing in our youth, we are investing in our future.

We are seeking partners and sponsors – for the Back 2 School Drip Fest. Companies who are ready to stand with us, to stand with our youth, and to stand with our community. Partners who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and contribute meaningfully to an event far beyond a single day. Let’s move beyond conventional sponsorship. Let’s blaze a trail for transformative change together. Join us and participate in this journey toward a brighter future.

Featuring free clothing and footwear, free barbering, haircuts, and styling (because when you look good, you feel good), community resources, health & wellness services, food trucks, and local Hip Hop artists showcasing live music, art & dancing.

JOIN US IN ELEVATING SF YOUTH! HYPE Center & Hip Hop for the Future are seeking support in the following ways:

Health & wellness activities

  • CPR Classes
  • Chair Massages Clinic Appointments (Bookings & Referrals)
  • Mental Health & Alternative Healing Modalities

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

  • Barbers & Hair Stylists (Cuts, Braids)
  • Financial Literacy and Mobility Employment & Workforce Development College,
  • Trade Schools and Unions

DONATIONS REQUESTED IN 250+ QUANTITIES

  • Clothing (Jeans/Pants, Hoodies/Sweatshirts, Shirts/Polos, Skirts/Dresses)
  • Shoes (Athletic, Sneakers, Skate, Boots, Flats)
  • Accessories (Belts, Hats, Beanies, Purses, Sunglasses, Wallets, Scarfs/Head)

Community-based Organizations – Table at the event for free! Bring your own table, chairs, and shade covers Bring materials, resources, and incentives Promote the BACK 2 SCHOOL DRIP FEST to your community Bring your young people!

Misadventures in Asia Summer 2023 Tour Dates (Updated)

Misadventures in Asia Summer 2023 Tour Confirmed Dates.. Additional dates will be added to this blog as they’re confirmed. If you’re interested in having Kensho Kuma perform at your event, please write kensho.kuma@gmail.com

06/23/2023- Nakano, Tokyo- @Heavy Sick Zero

06/29/2023- Azabujuban, Tokyo- @Legacy Lounge

07/01/2023- Osaka- Absolute Lounge @Marusa with DJ $HIN

07/02/2023- Osaka- Ado 12th Anniversary Party @Club Noon

07/08/2023- Takatsuki, Osaka- Proceed @Duke Bar

07/09/2023- Nagoya- Infinity Funk @Club Buddha

07/16/2023- Yokohama- @Mr. Brooklyn

07/28/2023- Bangkok- Kinetic Poetic- @Jam Cafe BKK

07/29/2023- Bangkok- Teacher’s Lounge @Fatty’s Bar and Diner

08/04/2023- Bangkok- @Fatty’s Bar and Diner

08/12/2023- Bangkok- @Jam Cafe BKK with Bangsue Electric

R.O.T.C. @Drop What You Got Block Party 11/27/21

Wow.. it’s been a while.. My Return of the Cypher crew will be holding down a one hour slot at the Drop What You Got block party on November 27th in the Fillmore. Kevvy Kev will be spinning break beats for B-Boys and B-Girls, familiar faces will be performing short sets, and of course we’re gonna facilitate some top-tier open mic freestyle cyphers that our brand has become synonymous with. Event page here. It’ll be awesome to see our supporters come through!!

Methadone (Hip Hop Against Drug Abuse)

If you know me from real life, you know that I am a product of sobriety/recovery.. Although I was able to celebrate 8 years of continuous sobriety this past August, I remain extremely concerned about the normalization, satirization, and promotion of AUD/alcoholism, substance abuse, mental disorders, and dual diagnoses, prevalent in our culture. I have known certain artists for over a decade whom I have never seen sober. There are numerous men huddled by a bathroom stall sniffing lines at any given venue. Young people are conditioned to sing lyrics about pills and codeine without even knowing it. I am that one MC who’s gonna tell you that this is NOT cool.

This one is dedicated to anyone who has suffered from alcoholism, addiction, and/or dual diagnosis.. you are welcome to holler at me anytime..

Return of the Cypher

If you know me from real life, you already know that I am one of the directors for the weekly Return of the Cypher party @the Boom Boom Room in the historic Fillmore district in San Francisco. I am proud to report that our event recently celebrated our 5 year anniversary!!

R.O.T.C. is an open-mic cypher accompanied by our in-house Get Down Band and legendary DJ Kevvy Kev. All emcees and vocalists are welcome to rock with us.. as long as they read the rules, acquire a wristband, and of course adhere to the guidelines stated in the rules. It is the most accurate representation of Hip Hop culture in the SF Bay Area.. and if you were raised by this culture, you will surely agree. Many of our patrons consider R.O.T.C. to be their temple/ mosques/ church , and religiously attend. Iconic legends that are in your iTunes right now regularly are in attendance. Large Professor, MC Akil of Jurassic 5, RZA, Killah Priest, Rappin’ 4-Tay, and Lyrics Born, have all stopped by and/or performed at R.O.T.C.!!

Our event features a special performer doing a set every week. We have had touring acts from every imaginable region of the U.S., as well as international artists that ventured from Japan, Mongolia, Bali, Vietnam, U.K., and Sweden. We also feature the monthly M.V.P (Most Valuable Poet) contest, where competitors go after the coveted R.O.T.C. dog tags, a beatsmith live production set known as the Boom Boom Bap Session, and guest hosts with varying flavors.

If you are a newbie emcee still mastering elementary skills, there doesn’t exist an environment more supportive than R.O.T.C. If you are a mid-tier flame spitter or veteran, our platform is the perfect place to try out new material, keep your bars sharp, and be reminded why you love rapping in the first place. If you are a veteran, please help us carry on tradition!! The essence of rap camaraderie is extremely powerful in our community; cats routinely cypher outside the venue after the party has ended.

 

R.O.T.C. Wednesday Weekly

Return of the Cypher is teaming up with the Legionnaire Saloon in Oakland to bring you the East Bay’s rawest Hip Hop weekly. Every Wednesday, starting 02/06/2019, we will be facilitating the top-tier, organic MC cyphers our brand has become synonymous with. Myself and R.O.T.C. Director Unlearn the World will serve as host MC’s and DJ Kevvy Kev will be on the decks. We plan to regularly schedule guest artists to make appearances in the near future.. if you’re interested, please write hiphoprotc@gmail.com and send your pertinent EPK, links, and videos.

Hip Hop 4 Change 5 Year Anniversary

As you hopefully know by now, Hip Hop for Change is a non-profit which combats socioeconomic inequalities and societal prejudices through the implementations of educational outreach with Hip Hop-based curriculum, grassroots canvassing, and local music showcases. I am extremely proud of Khafre Jay, the entire HH4C staff, and the educators, for reaching their 5 Year Anniversary. Yours truly has had the privilege of serving on the board of directors for the past several years, and it’s always been humbling to have my name associated with the organization. On 05/04/2018, HH4C will be celebrating its anniversary at Elbo Room in Oakland.. yours truly will be rocking alongside comrades Khafre Jay, Unlearn the World (who is HH4C’s education director, and it makes sense because he’s smart as hell), Watzreal, and Breathless. Bay Area OG turntablist Ren the Vinyl Archeologist will be the DJ for the evening.  Get your tickets here.