Current Events...

Been a while... But while the blog has been quiet, the same can't be said for the team... So here's a little update on what's crackin'...

Makin' the most noise is, by far, our man Sha... after completing his debut album, Sha's been on his grind full time... with a few shows under his belt and a handful of radio spots, Sha's startin' to see the fruits of his labor... a dedicated manager, who also happens to be his adoring love interest, Miss Jequetta Hampton, is by his side 'round the clock to help guide his career and inspire his music... now workin' on both a mixtape and a second album simultaneously, while also helpin' to spearhead GrittyLyf South, there is surely no slowin' down or stoppin' Young Sha...

As always, Lear is still busy wearin' out pencils and notepads and shinin' on tracks... his latest efforts have included work with a close group of his Columbus, GA fam with whom he will be releasin' a mixtape in the near future... an eclectic combination of talent, he's likened their style to an updated Digable Planets... with positive buzz surroundin' their first few tracks, there's no doubt their mixtape will be well received... never one to sit still though, Lear has kept busy in between workin' with his group by featurin' on every track available, as well as continuing to focus his efforts on our upcoming mixtape K.O.'D.: Kingpins Of D.O.P.E., due later this Summer...

Yours truly, Big Keeb, has been the least productive member of the family... while continuing to put the latest "finishing" touches on Brick Oven Studios, several roadblocks have been encountered... unfortunately the music has been back-burnered while technical issues have taken center stage... that's not to say that I've been totally M.I.A., as I did manage to finish up the last few tracks on K.O.'D. before all Hell broke loose in the studio... other collaborative opportunities, however, have had to take a place in line while priorities have been rearranged... I've also been workin' with a local emcee that shows potential, but is a bit raw... hopefully this provides me the chance to hone my skills as a producer, and eventually a manager and promoter...

Logik has been hard at work developing a new style and sound to add to his already impressive repertoire... an adventure into trip-hop has him fully occupied, and we wait anxiously to hear his latest creations...

L.T. continues to impress, with his first mixtape havin' dropped recently... reviews have been thoroughly positive, and point to a promising future for our boy Wordz... while he continues to proudly serve our country in the military, his passion clearly lies in hip hop...

Jim D. continues his growth at Full Sail University, while also throwin' down a track or two here and there...

Checka Fred recently was crowned champion of an online battle league he participated in, no small feat in the 16-week season... he mowed down competitors left and right and asserted his punchline dominance... he's been on his creative grind lately, writin' and recordin' regularly...

Paradox is entering his second season as a radio host for Radio Monash, in Australia... he's taken quite naturally to the airwaves, and has used the experience to further his professional networking... he's maintained consultation with several sources, helping him to further define and refine his unique style...

Aside from those listed, the rest of the fam has been fairly quiet... as with every artistic expression, this isn't uncommon... inspiration can come and go, and the rigors of daily life can get in the way of production... but, never worry, D.O.P.E. lives and breathes hip hop, and it's only a matter of time before the music takes over again...